Chapter 4: The Real World
545 Words
Chapter 4: The Real World
Chapter 4
The Real World
Lonny pulled into the driveway. Before entering the house, he washed his hands and arms at the outside spigot, then brushed the cement from his clothes. His back ached, and his fingers were split and cut, but Lucia didn’t tolerate cement dust in her house. He mustered optimism from somewhere and wore it like a mask when he opened the door.
“How are my favorite girls tonight?”
Jada ran to him, hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Whoa! Something’s going on. I don’t get this kind of greeting unless someone needs something, and badly.”
“Daddy, I got asked to prom today by the cutest boy in the whole school. Maybe the whole world.”
“That’s great.” He hugged her and patted her back. “I’m tickled for you. Who’s the lucky boy?”
Lucia walked over. “I hate to interrupt this moment of joy, but what your daughter isn’t telling you is that she needs a prom dress.”
Lonny had used all of his willpower on the fake smile. Nothing but frustration remained. “Jada, you know we don’t have money.”
“Sorry, Dad. I didn’t know if—”
“You didn’t know, or you didn’t think? Or maybe you just didn’t care.”
She cowered. “Dad—”
“‘Dad’ my ass. Did you bother to think how it makes me feel not being able to afford a dress for my only daughter? Your brother would never do that, he—” Lonny stopped. He went to his chair, where he sat, head buried in his hands. When Jada came to him, he got up and almost ran to the bedroom.
***
Jada tried following but stopped short of going in. She backed up and went to her mother, falling into her arms. “I think Dad’s crying.”
Her mother hugged her back. “Men cry too, dear. They just try not to let others know.”
“What’s going on? Why is Dad crying?”
Lucia led Jada to the kitchen. “Your father’s a proud man. Proud men have a lot further to fall when something goes wrong.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know yet.”
***
Lonny sat on the on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. For years, he’d taken care of his family—but now he couldn’t. He didn’t know how he would feed them, let alone pay the mortgage or electric bills. He was already one month late on the mortgage. Now, with no work…I can’t lose this house. I won’t lose this house.
Then he remembered a conversation with a guy named Willard who arranged jobs for people. The problem with his work was that if Lonny got caught, he’d spend time in jail. Still, he had to feed his family.
What the hell am I gonna do?
He thought about his old truck, with dents in the back quarter panel and front fender, an engine that sputtered. How long could it last with 155,000 miles on it? Willard drove a two-year-old Mercedes, which got cleaned and waxed every week, at least from what Lonny heard.
He was about to say no when he thought of Jada and how excited she was about that prom. His little girl all grown up. Then he thought about how Jada and Mars would feel if he lost the house. Where would they live?
A big battle raged inside of him, and when it was over, Lonny had his decision. No matter what happened, his little girl was going to the prom, and she’d be picked up at this house.
I’m keeping this house if I have to kill someone to do it.
- Writer
