A Man Called Smith by Tanya E Williams

Author:Tanya E Williams [Williams, Tanya E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rippling Effects

Chapter 27

March 7, 1964

Ferngrove, Washington

* * *

Calla

* * *

“Jamie Jesus, don’t do that.” Mother’s shriek echoes down the hallway, filling my room beyond its closed door with her latest rant.

I wait for the skirmish somewhere beyond the walls of the hallway to subside. Jamie Jesus, I think, stifling an uprising of irritation. Not that it isn’t a suitable nickname, given Jamie’s heavenly status in the hierarchy of our family, where he sits at Mark’s right side. But still, the nickname makes me cringe. The thought of other people, neighbors, or even Mother’s friend Miriam learning of such a nickname embarrasses me further. Jamie’s nickname was born out of Mother’s constant repetition while scolding him, as well as her sadistic sense of humor. “Jamie Jesus” are Mother’s favorite words to start any sentence pretending to admonish her middle and, certainly in her eyes, nearly perfect son.

Jamie’s devilish behavior took hold early in his life. He came home from the hospital ripe with piss and vinegar, never feeling the need to conform to other people’s expectations. School brought frequent scuffles and even more frequent notes from the principal’s office. If there was any sort of trouble brewing on the playground, Jamie was sure to be somewhere in the middle of it.

As a toddler, his misguided belief that he knew right from wrong made him an easy target for Mother’s words. Those words often began with “Jamie, Jesus, don’t do that.” The words, though, were often the end of Mother’s parenting. With no further action to correct Jamie’s behavior, he grew up believing his daily antics and disruptions were funny and entertaining.

It is easy to think of my brothers in a gentle light when I consider the ways in which survival has molded and shaped them. Though Mother does favor her own sons, none of us in this house are unscathed by her reckless and violent nature. We each do what we must to get through the day.

Everyone, that is, except Daniel. He remains sweet, gentle, and kind despite our volatile home life. I can only imagine how out of place he feels here with us, like an angel forced to walk among the rubbles of humanity. He seldom argues. Daniel is quick to do what is asked of him. And no matter who is hurting, he gravitates toward them and offers comfort. He is one of the most forgiving people I know. I will miss him dearly.

I realize there is little I can do to protect the others. Mother has made certain that each of us stands alone when we face her. A good strategy, I suppose, as it is surely much easier for her to rule when dealing with one child at a time. She was clever, too, in pitting us against one another often enough that our jealousy festered.

Daniel seems to avoid that particular trap, which makes me wonder what turns over in his mind behind those big, inquisitive eyes. Quiet and unassuming, I suspect the others haven’t yet begun to question how life actually is for him.

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