Still Waters by JENNIFER LAUCK

Still Waters by JENNIFER LAUCK

Author:JENNIFER LAUCK
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2001-07-15T00:00:00+00:00


Dad lost his job at Sears.

Mom says he was screwed by the corporate system.

Dad says it was a layoff.

Grandma and Grandpa say he was fired only they whisper it so the sound is like the hiss of snakes.

We sit in their basement and since the big fight, that’s the way it is now. I’m either down here, in my room, or at my new job. I stay away from Mom and Dad, and they stay away from me.

I could care less about Dad losing his job, fired, laid off, whatever. I’m trying to figure out where to apply to school and what my major should be. My aptitude tests from school have my talent boiled down to two categories: art—dance, painting, drawing; and writing: creative, nonfiction, journalism.

I thought I could make a good interior decorator but there’s nothing about that on the test. There’s no way I’m going to be a dancer—too late for that now—so I guess I could think about writing. I love to read. Why not?

For about a year now, Dad and Mom have been saying I should go into the military. Mom says I could see the world. Dad says that after four years, I get my college for free.

“Well, you are going to college,” Grandma says, “of course.”

“Absolutely,” I say, “but where? Washington or California? And then, what should I study?”

They are set up with vodka martinis and a plate of crackers and cheese. I am on the green plaid sofa, closest to Grandma and I sit forward, elbows on my knees. On the television is Wheel of Fortune and some guy just won a boat. On top of the television is a new photo of Bryan in a black turtleneck sweater and a tan blazer. He’s majoring in philosophy now, but from that photo, he looks like he’s always looked, smug and smart and perfect.

“In state will be cheaper,” Grandma says.

“And closer,” Grandpa says, “so we can see you.”

“You could even live at home,” Grandma says.

I look at them. How do I say, There is no way I’m living here any longer than I have to? It’s already too long to stay until next June, when I graduate.

“Money shouldn’t be a problem,” I say. “Mom has been saving-money for school for years but maybe I should apply to just Washington schools, like WSU and UW.”

Grandpa sips his drink and listens to me talk, eyes over his glasses and on my face. “Are you sure about that?” he says.

“About what?” I say.

“About the money for school,” he says. “Are you sure you’re all taken care of?”

There’s such a strange feeling to the room as if he knows something that I do not want to even think about.

“Mom promised to save money for my school,” I say.

Grandma picks up her cigarette that is almost burned to the end and takes a deep inhale, looking across the table at Grandpa. “Ed?” Grandma says then.

I roll my lips together and sit back in the sofa.

Grandpa puts his martini on the table, turning the glass around and around, eyes down at the ice cubes there.



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