I walk into the kitchen, mid morning light floods the room.
"Hey there Tonto, how are you feeling? I see you've found some cereal, the coffee smells good."
"Rob, my stomach was growling so loud I thought it would wake the dead. Coffee's still in the pot on the burner, help yourself, would you top mine off too? Can't get up and down so easily yeah know."
Looking down at Tag's heavily bandaged ankle causes pangs of guilt. Turning on my heals, head, into the galley area of the kitchen. Fingers wrap around the black handle of the Bun coffee pot, steam rises, aroma of fresh brewed java.
Exhale, liquid gurgles, cups full to the rim. Right, then left index fingers placed inside the opening of two full mugs. Feet shuffle toward the scrub wood table. One mug is placed in front of Tag, lowering myself, sore backside, onto the long flat bench seat.
The word inside my head is so loud, I pray it doesn't become audible; "Ouch!"
"Hey Rob, I have an idea, would you mind staying over my house today, helping me out with things so I don't have to get up and down too much? We both have the same classes this week pretty much, can kill two birds with one stone going through our own notes together. Whatcha think?"
Not sure if Dad is going to be as receptive to my suggesting I stay out tonight at Tag's, especially after the whole lying, belting situation last night.
I really should just bite the bullet, take the chance that he might be still angry with me even after what we just did. Owing it to Tag to help him out, after-all he would not be in this predicament if it were not for my stupidity.
"I'll go ask him right now, see what he thinks but don't get angry with me if he says no. He might have his own reasons not to allow me. I've given him some grief recently, might come round to bite me in the butt."
Shit, what the hell did I just say, sometimes I am such a jack-ass. Gotta learn to keep my mouth under control, heck I'm lucky Tag didn't hear last nights punishment session let alone what Dad and I just did in his bedroom. Just have to be a whole hell of a lot more careful.
Lips pressed lightly to the ceramic cup, hot coffee fills my mouth, runs down my throat, soothes the beast within me.
"Ah."
Standing up, place the mug on the table, a light thunk.
"I'll be right back, cross your fingers."
Left leg swings over the bench, stands up, walks with determination across the kitchen, down the hallway. Right lower arm raises, hand balled into a nervous fist, knocks gently against the master bedroom wooden door.
"Yeah, who is it?"
"Me Dad, can I come in and ask you a favor?"
"Come on in kiddo."
Fist relaxes, lowers to the brass knob, turns slowly, "Click" light pressure pushes forward, crisply laid sheets reflect bright light, the room is filled with ethereal brightness.
Dad's hulking silhouette stands in the doorway of the master bedroom. Right arm rises above his shoulder level, leans against its flattened, outstretched paw. Left arm bent outward at an angle, hand firmly planted on a Terrie Cloth covered hip. Thick white fluffy fabric drapes down below his knees.
My gaze lowers to where the bright white towel ends, dark, hairy, sun-kissed muscular shins, calves begin. His left foot crosses over the right, barely up on it's toes. God damn, sexy, just can't be any more sexy could he be?
"Close the door behind you, OK Robbie? Bit of a draft in here."
"Oh yeah, sorry about that."
