Chapter 35
After Dinner with Dad
Author’s Note:
To be entirely clear, this chapter is fictional. I was obviously not sitting at the Rivera family dinner table that Tuesday night. However, after the raw honesty of the conversation I had with Alec in my classroom, I couldn’t bear to leave his story hanging in the air. This chapter I would sometimes replay in my mind over the last thirty years.
“Alec, you may be excused from the table if you wish.”
Alec licked his lips. “Tonight, I would like to remain. I need a private conversation with my father.”
This got Mr. Rivera’s attention. His eyes went straight to Alec’s. The boy looked like the same Alec. He did not sound like the Alec his father knew. Then he cut his eyes to his wife, indicating the door.
Mrs. Rivera picked up her grandson and headed out. “Then, I shall leave you two men to your conversation. Come, James.” She collected her grandson into her arms. “Shall we go look for a dessert in the kitchen?” The two exited to the talk of ice cream and sherbet.
“Father, I have need to speak to you of the future.”
“There seem to be several people in my life right now anxious for the future. What is your concern?”
“There was an incident at school today. I was involved in a fight.”
The warmth left his father’s eyes.
“It was my fault, Sir. I was running my mouth like you have told me many times not to.
I was bragging and a friend got upset with me.”
“This is about a girl… correct?”
“Yes, sir. But that is all settled.”
“My question is about the future. The others in the class were saying that I was going to grow up to be a drug lord. My teacher suggested that I should speak with you about how I feel.”
“You told her your feelings?”
“No, Sir. I didn’t say anything to her. She did suggest I speak to you about the possibility of choices for my future.”
“The future is full of choices, Alec.”
That was the sentence that sparked an open-hearted conversation between Alec and his father.
Alec walked into the room a boy. His father watched as a man left the room. He picked up a memo pad.
Things to do:
More Spicy Peanuts.
Contact Technology about the hub.
Procure present for my man-son.
Possibly add Lee Ann Jackson to the protection list.