The Life of Buddy

Chapter XIX

      

              "Excuse me for a minute."  Brandon said as Brian finished off the rest of his country fried steak.

             "Okay."  Brian said as he savored ever last bite of the steak.   He swallowed the last bite and found himself longing for one more.  He was tempted to order another but realized that they would not have time.  School started in twenty minutes and he did not want to be late.  He then drained the rest of his coffee as he wondered if he could talk his parents into letting them coming back tomorrow.

              Doubtful he thought.  Being allowed to go out for breakfast was a rare treat and there was no way that it was going to happen two days in a row.  There was a greater chance of pigs growing wings or snakes growing feet he thought somberly.  No tomorrow we will be at the table having breakfast with our parents.  Even if they are hungover and casting hateful looks at each other. 

               He then eyed a piece of bacon that sat on his brother's plate.  His mouth began to water at the sight of it.  He did a quick scan of the restaurant and saw that no one was looking and quickly popped into his mouth.   A smile crossed his face at the heavenly taste that his taste buds were now enjoying.

                His enjoyment soon evaporated when he saw the man who was walking towards him.  Fear quickly rose inside of him and he sat up straight in the booth.  "Hey Mister Winters."  His voice cracked with nervousness as he spoke.

               "Brian."  He said giving the boy a look of pure contempt.  "Mind if I join you for a few moments."

             "Certainly sir."  He said as a pit began to open in the hole of his stomach. 

             Aaron Winters the father of his girlfriend Kelly slid into the seat across from him and stared coldly at Brian.  Brian could feel himself begin to shrink under his intimidating gaze.  "Is something wrong sir?"

              "Yes something is wrong boy."  He snarled.  "My daughter was very upset last night."

            Guilt began to gnaw at him.  "Yes, I know sir." 

            "You made a promise to her, you told her that you would meet her at the mall last night and spend time with her and you broke that promise.  And because of you she was in her room crying last night."  He gritted his teeth in anger as he spoke.

             "I know and I am so sorry that it happened."

            "Don't apologize to me you little maggot."  He said raising his voice.  "You apologize to my little girl that you disappointed."

             "I did sir."  He said as his heart began to race.   He was sure that any moment the burly man would reach across the table and throttle him.  "I told her that I was sorry last night."

             He gave him a look that said your apologies mean nothing to me.  "You remember the list of rules that I gave you when you started my daughter."

            "Yes sir."  He would not allow him to leave on his date until he had them memorized and could repeat them verbatim.

           "Do you remember what the second rule said?"  He asked.

          "Understand that I don't like you."

          An annoyed look crossed his face.  "Excuse me boy.  Are you trying to be funny?"   His fist then clenched and unclenched.