Chapter 1: Keith-1
Chapter 1: Keith
After high school, I took a couple of years off and worked part time jobs to pay my board at home. I tried to catch up on all kinds of new adventures. Like travel and reading—well, that was the plan. Parties and hangovers were more the reality. But the novelty of that wore off, and I lucked into what may have been the very best summer job on the planet. I was going to start on Monday as a commercial diver with a company that was the first of its kind in Halifax. How sweet was that? I’d been a recreational diver for the last six years. I had lots of experience, which was why they hired me.
“Is this going to be dangerous?” Mom asked, when I told her about the job.
“No more than anything else if you aren’t careful, I guess.” I watched as she prepared supper. It looked like she was talking to the vegetables, with only half her mind on our conversation.
Mom had always been distant with me. I wondered if it was because I couldn’t get into going to church, the way Grandma and my brothers had. Even though I hadn’t formally come out as gay, I wondered if maybe that was her issue. I tried to discuss things with her a few times, but the conversation always went round to religion, and how much better things would be if I embraced it.
“Will you be going out to sea, or is it just around the harbour, Keith?” Dad seemed more interested. “What does the work entail?”
“Very physical, Dad; things like construction, demolition, salvage work, even welding and repairs.”
I threw that in, because my father came from a long line of welders and metal workers. He regretted that, unlike my brothers, I didn’t take up the trade and join the family business. I saw, from the small tic at the corner of his mouth, that he was pleased. It took me a long time to learn Dad’s facial expressions. I knew from early on the look that had us kids scatter like flies. The affectionate ones were much more subtle, and harder to read.
I always felt closer to Dad, but he was very busy, at first while he tried to build his business, then later when it took off, he was always pursuing one contract or another. Sunday brunch was the only time when we got a chance to talk, but being one of five, and the youngest, I don’t think I was heard that often.
“I start on Monday, and after I get my feet wet, so to speak, I’ll be taking my turn at on-call evenings, and the occasional weekends. I figure if I work until the end of the year, I’ll have my tuition covered for the term.”
“Keith, you know we’ll pay for that, right? Plus, the board you pay isn’t necessary either. It will all go to help with your studies.”
“Thanks Dad, but I like to pay my way along. It can’t be cheap, having all us grown kids here. I know your business is successful, but I feel better knowing I’m not a drain on your resources.”
