Broken Road (12 page)

“I know you’re a conniving, lying bitch. I know my brother is too good for you, and the best thing that could have happened to him is you breaking up with him. I know someday you’re going to regret the choices you’ve made, and I’ll be celebrating with a bottle of the finest, most expensive champagne money can buy when you do.” He moved to the side, allowing her to leave. “Just get out of our lives, Morgan. I don’t want my brother or anyone else I care about poisoned with your venom.”

Without saying another word in her own defense, she walked past him and headed toward her car. She got in, drove away, and never looked back.

As Alec turned and walked back into the house, he never realized Jarrod had been standing directly above him and Morgan the entire time, listening through the open window of his bedroom. Strangely, he wasn’t absurdly troubled by what he had just heard. Rather, he felt a strong sense of amazement mixed with respect stemming from Alec’s fervid defense of him. It suddenly dawned on him that he did have somebody he could turn to when he needed to talk or share his thoughts. He smiled as he became conscious of the fact that for the past sixteen years, Alec had been his truest friend-in-training.

Chapter Eleven

G
raduation day arrived and Jarrod was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. Although he was feeling stronger every day, his energy level diminished greatly after short periods of activity. He was able to attend doctor’s appointments, as well as engage in his physical therapy sessions, but usually after those commitments, he would be physically drained and needed to rest.

Brendon and Joey had returned to school two weeks prior and were able to don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas with the rest of the graduating class of 2012. Fortunately, Jarrod had completed the necessary school requirements to graduate while being tutored at home; therefore, he would be able to receive his diploma as well. Mr. Ortiz, the high school principal, had called the family the week before and suggested Alec be Jarrod’s proxy during the ceremony. The family discussed it over dinner that night, and Alec agreed to do it when Jarrod conveyed to him that it would mean a lot if he did. In reality Alec was not too pleased to play the role of a stand-in, but he felt Jarrod had already been through enough and it was the least he could do for him. Although nothing had been mentioned, he knew his brother was feeling a little bummed over missing the senior prom and now graduation.

Commencement was being held on the football field directly behind the high school. Seating arrangements were set up so that family and friends would assemble on the metal bleachers that faced out toward the makeshift stage that included a podium centered on it. Wooden folding chairs were set up in seven horizontal rows to the left and to the right of the stage. This is where the students would sit while awaiting the announcement of their names and where they would return to as graduates of Cliffside Park High School.

The day was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. By late afternoon the sun had already begun its move toward settling in the west, leaving behind a cool penumbra over the field.

The graduating students made their processional entrance onto the field while the school band coarsely played the “Pomp and Circumstance March.” The boys wore black caps and gowns, while the girls all wore red. The ceremony began with a welcome introduction given by Mr. Ortiz. The national anthem played while everyone stood in silence. After everyone was seated, Mr. Ortiz stood at the podium and paused a moment before speaking.

“As many of you already know, our town and school were recently devastated by the tragic loss of one of our most endeared students, Dante Malone. Dante would have been a member of today’s graduating class and was a bright, well-liked student and a good friend to many. He was taken from us much too young, and we will forever mourn his loss. His life should be celebrated, and we should be thankful for the special moments he left us. He will not be forgotten, for he was an amazing young man who touched us all and will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.”

“What is it that we remember the most when we think of Dante? I think we would all agree it was his sense of humor. He always knew how to make us laugh. I would like to take this moment to reiterate to his family how very sorry and saddened we are for their loss. His passing was a great loss to many and our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

He took a small sip of water from a glass that was hidden on a shelf within the podium and continued, “I would also like to take this opportunity to make a special announcement. Starting today this field will no longer be known as Cliffside Park High School Field, but rather will now be recognized by its new official name, the Dante Malone Memorial Field.”

Cheers were heard throughout the field, while a huge white tarp that was covering the scoreboard at the back of the field was being removed by the maintenance crew. There, written in large black lettering, was “Dante Malone Memorial Field.”

There wasn’t a dry eye to be found. Students embraced, while family and friends held and comforted one another. The Wentworths were seated beside the Malone’s as they held hands tightly. Janice and Mike had originally not planned on attending the ceremony, but Mr. Ortiz had called them the night before and requested they be there for a special announcement. He hadn’t indicated what it was, only saying he believed they would be pleased. Both women were dabbing their eyes with tissues while the men fought back tears.

As the ceremony progressed, names of the students were called out in alphabetical order. Applause and cheers were heard as each student walked onto the stage, shook hands with the principal and the superintendent of schools, collected his or her diploma, and finally, as indication that they were now graduates and no longer students, flipped the tassel hanging from their cap to the other side.

There was much applause and shouts of “God bless you!” and “Congratulations!” and “Be strong!” as Brendon and Joey received their diplomas. As Brendon collected his, he quickly turned toward the microphone set up at the podium, raised his diploma up high, and said loudly, “Dante, we love…you.” The tears began to flow once again, commencing with his own as he faltered and choked on a sob before continuing on and adding, “Party on.”

Mr. Ortiz continued calling out names and shaking hands. “Lauren Wang…Christopher Waylons…Sofia Webster…Jarrod Wentworth. On behalf of his brother who sadly was not well enough to attend the ceremony today, Alec Wentworth will be accepting his diploma. Susan Wilson…Michael Womac…”

After further speeches by the valedictorian and the superintendent of schools, songs were sung by the chorale group and lastly, a final benediction was given by Father Anton of St. John the Baptist Church. Mr. Ortiz took to the podium one last time and said, “Thank you one and all for joining us today here at the Dante Malone Memorial Field to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2012. We wish our former students much success as they embark on a new journey in this we call life. Good luck and God bless. Congratulations!” As he said these last words, a mass of black and red caps were flung into the air like confetti on New Year’s Eve.

When the Wentworths returned home, Alec walked in still wearing the black cap and gown, holding the diploma in his hand and humming the tune to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Jarrod, who was lying on the sofa watching MTV, turned to look at Alec.

“It appears that congratulations are in order,” said Jarrod as he slowly lifted himself into a sitting position.

“Congratulations,” replied Alec.

“Thank you. Now where’s my diploma?”

“Here you go,” Alec said as he passed the diploma to his brother.

“Wait! Let me get a picture of this,” said Janet as she rummaged through her handbag and pulled out her camera.

Jarrod looked at her as if she had two heads and said dryly, “Ma, you’re kidding, right?”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?”

“Ahhh, c’mon, Mom,” Jarrod responded.

“Oh, stop your bellyaching. I understand why you weren’t able to attend the ceremony today, but it’s still your graduation day, and it’s a big deal, so I want a picture of you holding your diploma.” She gave him a fierce, unswerving glare that would have turned a cow into sour milk.

“I’d do it if I were you,” chimed in Jim. “Otherwise, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Fine, fine.” Jarrod stood up slowly with some help from Jim, and a picture was taken of Alec handing the diploma over to Jarrod, while shaking his hand. It turned out to be a lovely picture with both boys smiling widely. Only one thing was wrong. Alec still wore the cap and gown.

Jarrod continued going to his physical therapy sessions and seeing his doctors on a regular basis. Physically, he was feeling much better and with all casts finally removed, he was able to move about easily and get things done without feeling hampered in any way.

Before the accident occurred, he had applied to various colleges and was accepted by all. He decided, after discussing it with his parents, that he would attend the University of Florida in Gainesville. His plan was to major in physical education and minor in business. Hopefully, if everything worked out as he planned, he would be well enough to try out, and God willing, make the baseball team.

Jarrod was not afraid of hard work, and he knew what was in store for him. His parents had instilled excellent work ethics in him since he was a child, and he was planning on utilizing those skills to the max.

He got into a routine of visiting the cemetery every Sunday, and then he would go to the Malones for a typical Italian dinner, which was usually eaten at three o’clock. Alec usually tagged along for the dinner portion of the day. Mrs. Malone would make a big meal consisting of antipasto salad, stuffed mushrooms or shrimp cocktail, pasta, meatballs, bracciole, vegetables, and dessert. They would stay for hours after dinner just talking and catching up. Sometimes they would bring over a DVD and they would watch a movie together. The Malones loved their weekly visits and looked forward to them with great eagerness. For Jarrod, it was a way to hold on to the memory of and still feel a connection to his deeply missed best friend.

One night after leaving their house, Jarrod and Alec were walking home when they bumped into their friend Billy, who was driving down the same block.

“Hey, what’s up? Haven’t seen you guys in awhile. How are you feeling?” asked Billy, addressing both brothers.

Both boys said, “Fine,” with Jarrod adding, “How ‘bout you?”

“Good. I’m heading over to Evan’s house. There’s a party going on. Why don’t you guys come? Everyone will go crazy when they see you. You two are like those weird, furry animals that look like rats…y’know…the ones that hide in their holes and rarely come out.”

“Prairie dogs,” chimed in Alec.

“Yeah, that’s it. C’mon, guys. Poke those little heads out and come join us for some fun.”

Both Jarrod and Alec looked at each other and Jarrod said, “I’m game. Beats watching C-SPAN with Dad again. What about you?”

“Yeah, sure. Let me call Mom first and let her know so that she doesn’t worry.” Alec pulled out his cell phone.