In My Father's Eyes (12 page)

“Lead on,” Colin smiled back. He followed Emily through the hall and into the den where Tom sat in front of the television; the Cowboys and Redskins pregame show in full swing.

“Tom, this is Colin. Colin…my stepfather, Tom,” Emily said. Tom rose and shook the young man’s hand.

“Colin,” Tom welcomed, giving the young man the once over and nodding slightly with apparent approval. “Have to say we’re glad you could make it…not often Emily invites her boyfriend’s over to the house. And you must be Sam?” Tom said, bending down to pet the golden retriever who wagged his tail happily.

Emily shot Tom a nasty look. “He’s not my boyfriend.” Emily interrupted before Tom could embarrass her more. “Just a friend.”

“Yep.” Tom answered. “That’s how it starts.” He smiled crookedly at Colin. “I’m just teasing her,” he directed at Colin.

“Oh. Hello.” Carol said entering the den. “You must be Colin.” She cooed, sliding up to the young man. “I’m Carol, Emily’s mother. Oh, my…you’re a tall one, aren’t you?” She grasped Colin’s wide shoulders turning him to take a closer look.

“Mother!” Emily flushed, “stop that.”

“What?” Carol said innocently, “I’m just saying…that’s all.” Colin smothered a chuckle. “Emily, get Colin something to drink. He must be thirsty.”

Emily hesitated.

“Shoo, now,” Carol waved at her, taking Colin by the arm, “We’ll be fine…won’t we young man?”

“I imagine we will,” Colin answered, giving Emily a commiserating look over Carol’s shoulder as Carol led him around to the couch. Sam thumping along beside him.

Emily’s shoulders slumped. She should have known better, she thought. And dodged into the kitchen, returning a minute later to find her mother had arranged Colin on the couch; placing him between her and Tom in his recliner.

“And you met at the cemetery?” She heard Tom ask questioningly.

“Here,” Emily handed a glass of iced tea to Colin, leaning against Tom’s chair. “Yes…we met at the cemetery.” Emily answered before Colin could reply. “He’s new in town and didn’t have any plans, so I invited him. I told you before. Now…if you two have had your fun, do you mind if I show Colin around?”

Leaving her mother and Tom, Emily led Colin through the den and out the back door onto the wide wooden deck that spanned the length of the house. Steps led down to the lawn recently raked clean by Tom. Sam, pleased to be outside, took off across the lawn as Colin released him from his leash, his nose immediately tracking the faint scent of squirrels and other urban wild life common this late in the year.

Colin paused at the railing watching Sam, making sure he didn’t run away.

“It’s fenced in,” Emily stood beside him. “He’ll be okay.” She added. “I’m sorry about that,” she waved back at the house.

“They’re sweet,” Colin answered, facing Emily. “They care about you.”

“Yeah…well…sometimes it’s a bit much.”

“Don’t take it for granted, Emily.” Colin advised. “Having people who worry about you; who look out for you…not everyone has that. It’s the people in your life, the ones who love you, the ones you love that mean the most.”

“That’s what my boss says.”Emily answered. “He should be here by now.” She turned back toward the house. Colin reached out brushing her dark hair away from her bruised eye, his fingers touching her softly.

“I’m glad you asked me to come.”

“Me too,” Emily ducked her chin, a streak of flame across her cheek where Colin’s fingers had lingered. She shivered, cradling her arms across her chest.

“Dinner’s ready,” Carol called from the back door interrupting them.

“What about Harold? Aren’t we going to wait for him?” Emily asked, walking into the house with Colin and Sam close behind.

“He can’t make it.” Carol informed from the kitchen. “Said he’s not feeling well.”

“Oh,” Emily said disappointed, taking her place across from Colin. “I hope he’s okay.”

“I’ll fix him a plate.” Carol answered. “You can take it over later.” Carol set the steaming roast turkey down on the table.

“Okay. That’s a good idea.” Emily looked across the table at Colin. “Would you mind driving me over later? The busses aren’t running today…and well, uh...”

“I’d be happy to,” Colin agreed. “Wow. That’s a lot of food.” He grinned at Carol. “I’ve been eating frozen dinners for the last two weeks.”

“Oh, that’s horrid. You poor boy.” Carol beamed. “Here, let me fix you up.” Grabbing Colin’s plate she began heaping mounds of potatoes and green beans while Tom carved hunks of moist white meat from the large bird.

Carol set the plate in front of Colin. Emily spooned out vegetables for herself and was reaching for the rolls as Colin spoke.

“Would you folks mind if I said a blessing?”

The table fell silent. Emily and Tom looked at Carol.

“That…” Carol cleared her throat. “That would be nice.”

“We’re not particularly religious,” Emily explained. “Not anymore, anyway.”

“I didn’t mean…” Colin began.

“No. No.” Carol interrupted. “It’s fine. We should give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for this year. Please,” she folded her hands in her lap. “Go ahead.”

Colin looked at them all for a second before bowing his head. Reaching out he clasped hands with a hesitant Tom and Carol. A moment later, Tom and Carol sought Emily’s hands and they joined together in a circle. Emily’s face was hot. She cast her eyes down.

“Heavenly Father,” Colin said, his voice low and quiet. “Thank you for the meal you have provided. Thank you for the blessing of new friends and family. Thank you for new beginnings and the love of those around us. Thank you for your compassion and forgiveness. Thank you for your protection and the lasting shelter of your merciful hands. Please watch over us. Safeguard us from the trials and dangers that confront us. Guide us to become mindful of your spirit in the world. Teach us to see beyond our human failings and find your spirit of grace and acceptance as we make our way through life. In His name, we pray, Amen.”

Colin looked up just as Emily sobbed sharply and jerked her hands away from Tom and Carol. Shoving back her chair, the girl bolted from the table, covering her face and the tears streaking down her cheeks.

“Emily,” Colin called, half-rising. Tom touched his arm, motioning for him to sit.

“Don’t.” Tom advised. “She’ll be fine.”

Taking his napkin from his lap and placing it on the table, his eyes going to Carol who remained still and silent on his left, her eyes on her folded hands.

“With all due respect,” Colin rose, “I’ll just check for myself, if you don’t mind.” Colin followed the sounds of Emily’s sobs down the hallway to her bedroom door.

“Emily,” he called through the door, knocking lightly. “Emily, may I come in.” When she failed to answer, Colin eased open the door and found the girl lying on the bed, arms covering her face as her body shook.

Approaching slowly, he called her name again and sat on the bed next to her. His hand stroked her hair.

“I’m sorry, Emily,” Colin said contritely. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s….” Emily shuddered a heavy intake of breath, “It’s….not…you…” she answered around quiet sobs.

“I…don’t understand.”

Emily sat up, her face a mess of tears and mascara, her nose reddened and moist. Colin’s arm naturally circled her shoulders holding her under his arm, pressed to his side.

“My….” Emily breathed, “It…you just reminded me…it’s been so long…he would say grace like that.” She loosed in a jumbled confusion.

“My Dad.” Emily shifted away from Colin, looking up at him, explaining. “He…he said the blessing every…every night,” she stuttered. “Before…before Emma died.”

“Oh,” Colin replied, pulling her closer again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

Emily shook her head against his shoulder.

“You didn’t.” She leaned back looking at the young man’s soft brown eyes. “You brought up a good memory.” Wiping her eyes on the back of her hand she explained. “I’m just a big baby. You made me think of my father and I…well…it’s been a long time since I remembered what he was like before Emma died.”

Like a damn bursting Emily told Colin about her father, about Emma. Through it all Colin sat holding her, comforting her, accepting what she related with a quiet kindness until she slowed and fell silent.

Colin rose, crossed to her dresser and returned with a box of tissue.

“Ugh,” Emily said, blowing her nose. “I must look horrible.”

“You’re lovely,” Colin assured, brushing at her bangs, squatting down before her. “You’ve been through so much.”

“I’m sorry to unload all this on you.” Emily moaned. “I don’t even know you…not really.”

Colin smiled up at her. “This is how people get to know each other, Emily. They share things. Good and bad, happiness and sorrow, failures and triumphs. Connections, people need to make, to grow.”

“Yes, Master Yoda.” Emily grinned.

Colin laughed with her. “I’m more of an Obi-wan Kenobi.” He stood, his hands on her shoulders pulling her up from the bed with him.

“Are you okay?”

Emily nodded.

“Good.” Colin stated. “Do you think we can go eat now? I’m starving.”

Emily barked a laugh and slapped him on the chest.

When they returned to the dining room they found Tom and Carol had vanished into the kitchen. Carol emerged hesitantly, looking around the corner of the doorway; fully emerging when she saw Emily smiling next to Colin.

“Sorry, Mom,” Emily said. Carol took the girl in her arms, hugging and rubbing her back. “Never you mind, honey. Never you mind.” Calling back over her shoulder she asked Tom to return with the plates.

“Sit. Sit.” Carol ordered. “I put your plates in the oven to keep warm. I’ll just help Tom get them.”

“Go ahead. Sit” She waved Emily and Colin into their places before ducking back into the kitchen. With a rattle of plates, Tom and Carol returned.

Plates clattered and utensils clinked as they fell on the feast with gusto. “So…Colin.” Tom said between bites. “Emily tells me you work at the University.”

Colin nodded, swallowing. “Yes. Well…sort of. I’m actually in grad school. I’m teaching a few undergrad courses while I work on my thesis.”

“How exciting.” Carol chimed in.

“And you are from here?” Tom asked.

“Originally.” Colin said taking a sip of water. “I moved away shortly after I was adopted. This turkey is amazing.” He complimented Carol.

Carol beamed. Tom grinned. Emily, emotionally drained, found herself famished as if she hadn’t eaten in a week. With companionable chatter, the two couples enjoyed their holiday dinner.

“Sweet potato,” Colin answered when asked his pie preference. Carol served, placing the slice before him with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

The kitchen phone rang.

“I’ll get it,” Tom said. “You guys finish up.” Patting his stomach, Tom disappeared into the kitchen as Emily picked at the remains of her pecan pie.

“Emily,” Tom called. “It’s for you.”

Emily excused herself, passing Tom in the doorway.

“Hello,” Emily picked up the phone.