This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.
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Cards In the Deck - Adam and Ben 7B
Before I extol the Thanksgiving adventure, I wanted to make you aware of a present day conversation I had with Adam's father. His trial and sentencing are over now. He just recently found out about Adam's accident in the Gulf and I owed him a personal visit. I have been quite exhausted working around the clock. Kent insisted on driving me out here and I'm rather glad he did.
After checking in to the state penitentiary, I was seated at a small table. He came in with the guards who allowed him to sit.
He started gruffly. "What the hell have you done to my son now?"
"Adam was bitten by a small baby shark, probably didn't know what it was doing."
"How is he?"
"He is doing ok. Lost some blood which they transfused. Had some tissue damage, got a skinny graft. He has a small pin in his ankle joint."
"What about his football?"
"He won't play again, at least, seriously."
"He's ruined then."
"No he's not. He has a strong head for business and he will do fine in college."
"What does he know about business?"
"You are aware of his progress in the internship. He runs his process at the plant like a boss. His supervisor has granted him two bonuses for saving expenses. My own father granted him a small bonus for recommending we support musical instruments thereby tightening up the tax hole we had. He is going to be extraordinary in the business world."
"But he loves football."
"Our loves don't always pay the bills."
"What about school, what about his scholarship?"
"Ole Miss is granting him a year of extension. Since he won't play, they are cutting his scholarship by 50%."
"How is he supposed to come up with the rest?"
"We will handle it."
"Oh you can handle it Mr. Moneybags. Mr. Ben Brevard, hot shot? You're gonna take care of it for him?"
"My family chairs the largest Trust in Alabama! I think there are means to take care of what he needs. I am sure your opinions mean a lot here, however, I will not allot him a penny more than he requests. He is not obligated. It is there if he needs it." I was snapping now and the tension was conspicuous.
He leaned over and whispered to me, "all of this shit is your fault, dragging him into your privileged world and ruining everything. He was just a good boy now he's a damn mess with no foot." I whispered back, "he was special long before I met him and if you had treated him better, perhaps he would not have reached out to a stranger..." he tried to interrupt me but I raised a finger to hush him. "I got him now, but thanks anyway."
"You don't know fuck about him being special."
"Oh I do and the real shame is that I have to tell you."
"You don't have to tell me anything and I have confessed my wrongs to him, he knows my regret. I don't owe YOU anything."
"I am not asking for anything."
"My point for visiting you today was to show respect in updating you on his condition. There is a press gathering at my front gates and they will want to interview the shark victim at some point. He is down because of the football thing and he decided, on his own, to postpone college. I am a little worried but I think he will come through it. The message to you, is you better be damn nice if and when he comes around to see you. I do not want one iota of stress put on him. Got it? He is working and will continue to do so and he will make plenty of money and anything he needs will be taken care of. I promised you that before and I meant it."
"You think I need parenting lessons. You don't know a thing." He sat back in his chair like he scored a point."
"I'm not going down that rabbit hole with you. The fact I have to remind you how remarkable he is is suggestive."
Backing down slightly, he replied, "You don't have to tell me. I don't want to suffer anymore. Fuck I hate being in here and away from him. If you think I didn't care about him you are wrong. Damn wrong."
"All the leniency and grace you and your friends have been shown is because I know that. You made terrible judgements in error because you were out of control. I hope it's better. I'm sure its better but you still have an attitude. I don't want Adam to lose his only parent. Not at all."
I got up to leave and he stopped me. With a bit of a tearful look, obviously worn out, he asked me, dirent, point blank, " You love him don't you?"
So I was caught off guard. It should be apparent but the acknowledgement, the admission, the confession of a man's love for another man's son, to that man...that is a foreign, a difficult place to be. A place that is your hardest and softest part in your soul. I was shaken.
"Like today was my last day on Earth," was all I could respond. Took everything I had to say it to him.
"Please tell Adam to come see me. I really want to see my boy. Understand?"
"Yes, and he will."
I turned and walked out of the hall. Collected my belongings at the front desk and exited out to the car. I am so glad Kent drove me. I am not sure I could have handled a vehicle myself after that last bit.
A friend of mine has a story to tell that he will share with Adam at Thanksgiving. It's a bit hilarious despite the terrible events that are involved. It's been many years since that story unfolded and for the first time, I can relate to it. You will see why in my next chapter.