Champagne Guy

Perfect Home

It’s difficult being a Hamilton.

If you became a part of the family, you would ask to opt out after a month. I don’t mind holding a pen for you all through so you could easily sign-out. Not that I don’t want you in my family, I just wouldn’t want you going through all I go through.

If Hamilton is your last name, then you’re definitely a Guru at living with rules. I've been taught to act English even if we lived seas away from home, to keep one or no friends, to obey every instructions given to me at every checkpoint and act like a princess even though I was not. Father was a business man, Brother assisted in the company. The ladies- we just basically created a conducive environment to help their work and sustain their health.

We remained in the house most of our lifetimes except there was need to go to school, there was a special family dinner, or Father was made chairman at an important event. Anything other than that was done indoors, except any decided to be an exception. As a result, the table was always neat, Bach Suite always played softly from the music box, and dinner was always waiting on the giant table Grandma had sent from Scotland, and of course, there was silence when everyone ate. No one dare spoke a word at dinner except for “The food was great”. It vexed me whenever I remember that was the only thing I could say at dinner. Courtesy of Father, we had built a standard Hamilton home.

Everything was “Perfect”.

Sometimes, I wondered why we really had to live boring lives, like why did we just choose to encage ourselves with such rules and traditions? Soon, I realized that these numerous rules weren't that important. Father dropped some restrictions and even responsibilities that seemed like our lives depended on due to a sickness he came down with. I shouldn't be happy about that, but you see, Father has been home with us most of the times, and we get to hear most of his jokes at the table! That’s a real growth towards happiness in the family. What’s the excuse? The blonde-haired doctor who came some stars away had prescribed “laughter at every interval” for Father. Lucky for me, I could get little chances to talk with him over meals. Even if I could only say one or two sentences, I was happy, it slowly cleared the distance between us. The grudge I had was coupled with a strong desire to get closer to Father.

No one could really tell who I was. I was really good at keeping to myself. Buying fairytale books for me every day kept me from peeping out the door, but helped me plan an adventure of my own in my journal. I was going to explore the world to the fullest, and I was going to give it all I had. I was tired of being among the indoor generation. Imagine a Twenty-two year old not knowing where the Statue of liberty was erected. That was the inexperienced me. I had dreams and hobbies one of which was photography. I didn't actually know where to head my life anymore. The restrictions were too much and I didn't know how to break loose.

Last night, I decided I would start to get some liberty from Father. I had planned a photo-shoot with a Church member who was eager to have her face on my project. She wasn't as humble as I would have loved her to be, but I accepted her offer. After all, she was the only one offering to be my model. I realized I would have to find a way to get outside without them knowing the actual reason. Dad's annual Wine Auction was getting closer, and its arrival was a good thing because it made Father happier. I figured I had to tell Mom whatever I had to say first before telling Father.

Mom raised the huge cover from the plate and I envisioned a full roasted chicken before me. I licked my lips, but I did it secretly. I had to exhibit all the Elizabethan etiquettes I knew to impress Father. Father was like Grandma sometimes; manners and orderliness impressed them.

Mother took a big cut and placed it on Father’s plate. Clyde followed taking a very big cut as well. If I wanted Dad’s attention, I had to be different. I took my knife and cut the chicken lap then forked some onions and vegetables into my plate. Father cleared his throat and looked at Mom. I smirked on the inside of me.

"McKenzie, isn't that too little?"

"No Ma. I’m very okay with this, I’m on a diet. I read Aunt’s book on Good body stature, I’m taking serious lessons from it." I spoke with so much innocence like a girl who had started to really think about her life. Father smiled looking into his plate. My heart leaped for joy.

"She's been looking at available sites for the new arm Clyde is working on. She found one down town and wants to check it out today" Mom presented the lie I had told her with all sincerity and good will. Father took his glass of water up and drank really slowly. Everyone patiently waited for his response.

"She’s searching for sites? She doesn't know anything about Breweries. And it isn't safe”

My head went ablaze. Even if it was a lie, couldn't he let me take a try? I wasn't going to die indoors, was I?

"She'll be back whenever you ask her to, Ailbeart. Let’s let her make an effort”

"I can't afford it" He looked at me "Tell Clyde where it is and he'll got check it out himself"

Clyde raised his head from his food and decided to speak "Yeah, tell me. Is it close to the Company?” he asked and I gave him a deadly stare. He obviously didn't see my face, his brunette hair fell above his eyes as he tried drilling the knife into the meat.

"It isn't close. I’ll be in the best position to check it out, I've been working on this for a while now" I looked back at my food and put a lot of parsley in my mouth to avoid speaking too much and blowing my cover.

"Khm-khm!" Father cleared his throat again and moved his chair backward. He cleaned his mouth with a tiny cloth "The meal was great" He said to Mom and walked slowly into his bedroom. I looked at Mom and she shrugged. Clyde stood up almost immediately and carried his suitcase.

"Thanks Ma, The meal was great."

"You're welcome Sweetheart. Don’t over-work, hun? Make time to rest"

"Yes, ma" he replied, gave her a kiss and walked down the little stairs disappearing into the misty world behind our windows.

I stood up and cleared my plates "Thanks mom, the meal was great" I said the same rhyme we said after meals and went into my room.

I snatched my phone from the bed and dialed Olivia's number. This was bad… real bad. I had plans that couldn't be canceled. How would I reschedule the hotel arrangement, or the photo shoot?

"Olive"

"Hey baby girl. How you doing?"

"Not good. I don’t think it can be today anymore" I looked down at my bed sheet.

"For Christ's sake Kenzie!" Olivia lowered her voice immediately. "Did you suddenly get a cold feet? We can still pull through with our plans..." She tried encouraging me.

"No, even if my feet got cold, I would still match down to the venue. The problem is I couldn't get Dad to say yes."

"Oh......" her voice drowned out. I remained silent hoping she would come with an idea to help things when someone's knuckle punched my door.

"Are you in, Dear?" Mom's voice came in.

"Yes Mom, please come in"

She walked inside and tramped up to my bed.

"We spoke. Twas a really hard decision to make"

Hard? Was it that hard just to let me spend few hours outdoors? Oh my God…

"It's hard letting you spend some hours outdoors. But, we chose to take the risk. We're trusting you Kenzie"

“Really? Mom?” I opened my mouth in amazement. She looked at me smiling a little.

“Thanks Mom, you’re the best!” I almost yelled.

Olivia who was still on the other end of the phone Yayed into my ears.

"But we have rules.”

Yeah sure rules. I almost rolled my eyes

“You're to ring the doorbell by six” Mom continued and I paused.

I thought of getting someone to ring the bell, at least, she didn't say to be home, she only said to ring the bell.

"I mean, you're to be home by six"

"Mom…" I called out lowly almost disappointed.

"Just kidding girl, you can stay till eight, but you must come home with a proof of your achievement." Perfect! This was great news. The rules weren't too tedious.

“Thank you mom, I won’t let you down” It was already sounding like I was assigned to a huge mission called ‘going out’.

"Okay then, I have to go now, your Father will need me with him. I’m so happy I get to spend time with your father now.” There truly was happiness in her eyes.

“Jump into your clothes real quick and be on your way. Stop by the room when you’re leaving"

"Yes Sire!" I raised my hand up to my head and chuckled

She smiled and walked out of my classic bedroom. She was back almost immediately.

“Uhm, I don’t know why, but I have a feeling, something’s fishy. Do you really plan to do as you’ve said?” she whispered “I’m just asking to be sure”

I froze, and at that moment I included checking out a site in my plans for the day.

"Yes mom, that's the truth"

"Kenzie......"

"I swear mom, that's the truth" and with that statement, Mom's widened her eyes. Oops, I shouldn't have sworn.

"Since when did you begin to swear?" she came in fully into my room.

"...I- I mean... yes, I’m sure” I stammered and tried putting a little smile on my face.

"You're going with me to Sunday school class next week, you need some revival..." she nodded her head repeatedly still looking at me suspiciously and slowly disappeared out my door.

I blew air out of my mouth as I sighed.

Olivia chuckled on the other end

“What did you tell them, Kenzie? Don’t tell me you lied”

“I was left with no other choice” I rolled my eyes “To neutralize the lie, we’ll need to find a land for sale somewhere in town. Suitable for a beverage company”

“Oh Kenz, you really need that revival. I’ll search for it right now. I’ll get back to you as soon as I find one” Olivia said, and that eased the little worry I had.

“Thanks, friend. See you soon”

“Anytime, Soon…” she replied.