I remained in the front yard of Oliver’s parents’ house for another twenty minutes or so not doing much more than crunching on the fallen leaves of the large tree in the yard. I started to feel a little chilled, but not bad enough to go back inside. It surprise me how no one but me was outside. In my cynical mind, I assumed everyone was at the Tommy Kincaid movie.

I walked to the side of the house and saw a gate that led to the backyard. I reached up and flipped the latch to open the gate. I was surprised to see a small gazebo-like structure. I sat down on the built-in bench seat and looked around the yard. I smiled as I thought how nice it’d be to come out here to read or relax in the spring or summer when all the flowers were in bloom.

There were stones arranged on the yard that made a path from the back door to the back gate. Naturally, I felt inclined to step on each stone until I reached the gate. I frowned at the latch as it had a padlock on it. I rattled the gate and stopped when it seemed to start a dog across the alley barking.

The dog ruining the peaceful setting, I walked back through the side gate and latched it closed. I again looked up and down the street, disappointed at not seeing anyone else my age or close to it that I could talk to or play with.

I suddenly felt chilled and decided I should probably go back inside. As I opened the door, I was enveloped in a blanket of warm air. I took my jacket off and tossed it on the couch instead of hanging it up. Everyone was still in the kitchen and were sitting at the kitchen table.

Mom looked up as I entered the kitchen. “Hey Bunky. Did you have fun playing outside? Wasn’t it a little cold?”

“Yeah. I was just messing around. And it wasn’t that cold.” I sat at the kitchen table taking the last empty seat.

Me-Maw was looking out the kitchen window into the backyard. “What the devil got that dog across the alley-way barking?” She turned to look at me and smiled, “I see you met the neighbor’s boy, Lee-something.”

Looking at my hands, I just said, “Liam.”

Me-Maw nodded. “That’s right. He’s a good boy. Always polite.”

Mom grinned at me. “Oh. You met a boy? Did you like him?”

I frowned at Mom. “He’s a boy. With boy cooties. He’s also in middle school. And worst of all, he went to see that Tommy Kincaid movie. I’ll be an old lady with blue hair and tennis shoes before I get to see it.”

Me-Maw lifted her leg and wiggled her foot. “Do you like my tennis shoes?” She chuckled as she turned to take a look at the oven.

Mom shook her head at me. “Be nice.”

“Well it’s true!” I exclaimed, allowing myself to get melodramatic.

Mom rolled her eyes at me. “I’m sure you’ll get to see it before you get blue hair.”

I folded my arms on the table and laid my chin on my arms and scowled at the world.

Molly looked over at me. “You must have a really big crush on Tommy Kincaid.”

I sat bolt upright and exclaimed, “I do not!” Molly and Mom both giggled at me. I took a deep breath and looked over at Mom. “Can I be excused?”

Looking up, Mom said, “Check with Me-Maw first.”

I walked up to Me-Maw and asked, “Do you have anything for me?”

She smiled. “I think we’re good for now.”

Grinning, I bolted from the kitchen and ran towards the spare bedroom where Mom and I were sleeping. Mom shouted, “No running!”

I jumped up on the bed and found Mom’s laptop and turned it on. I brought up YouTube, logged in with my own personal password and opened my channel. I only managed to digitize about twenty home movies before Mom locked them all way. The powers-that-be had decided that preventing people like me from viewing my past would help me deal with the future. Well, I know that’s bullshit. I picked a memory at random and started watching.

I couldn’t help but giggle watching me as a fifteen year old boy helping Dad set up our tent when we camped on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I laughed hysterically when I watched that teenage me bounce a pinecone off Dede’s head.

And then I watched as Dad and a twelve year old me prepare an Estes Saturn V model rocket by placing the large C rocket engine into the engine holder at the bottom of the rocket. Dad helped mount the rocket to launching base and Dad placed the electric squib inside the engine. I watched the boy me not much older than my current age jump up and down as the rocket took off. It didn’t just zip up into the air. It went slower than I was expecting with a realistic rotation.

And then I relived the agony of watching my poor rocket when the charge fired that was supposed to pop the capsule and eject the parachutes. Instead, I’d used the wrong glue and the engine compartment shot out the bottom. My beautiful Saturn V rocket arched over and nose-dived into the dirt. I didn’t cry. But I was clearly not happy. I remembered building a second Saturn V, but my career as a rocketeer was over. It never flew. I sighed.

And then the front door opened and Oliver and the rest noisily entered the house. I heard Mom shout, “Chrystal! Get ready for dinner!” I quickly X’d out of YouTube and closed the display on the laptop.

I ran to the bathroom and quickly washed my hands. I met Oliver on my way out. He grinned at me and as he ruffled my hair he said, “Hey Sport.”

As I entered the kitchen, my aunt from hell was telling Me-Maw, “That was an awesome movie! So much action!”

Cousin George added, “I was surprised they used so much practical effects. And Tony Kincaid has so many quick one-liners!” Do you mean “Tommy” I said to myself as I rolled my eyes at him.

Aunt Catherine giggled, “Oh yeah. He’s hilarious. And gorgeous!” She pointed at me and said, “You would have loved it.” I scowled at her.

Oliver said, "I was surprised that Japanese girl band Moxie performed that much music."

Butch shrugged. “I fell asleep.”

Pe-Paw chuckled. “I did too.”

Me-Maw said, “Ollie, you want to help me with the turkey?” I thought, “which one?”

To be continued…