The Broken Mirror

by Tshombe

  They shared a light-hearted chuckle. It felt good to hear his mother wrapped in the happiness of laughter, her smile a timeless image etched into his mind. It was the perfect time to ask,

  “Mom, will you be free the Friday after next? We’re playing the Knights and they have this free safety that’s like a shark! He had my only interception of the season in our last game with them. I’m going to need all the support I can get. Will you be there?”

  His mom’s smile vanished, leaving only a somber expression. She averted her eyes as she would always do before delivering heartbreaking news to her little boy. “Isn’t your father going to be there?” She asked moving toward the door.

  Like a little boy afraid to let his mommy out of his sight, Ethan cried out, “Mom, don’t be like that! Don’t put me between you and Dad! We’re a family. You’re my mother and he’s my father. Why can’t I have you both there?”

  Her eyes frantically searched the room but could find no escape from the reality of the moment. Tears welling in her eyes, she quickened her pace for the door. “You don’t understand Ethan! This is not my fault. Now get ready for your jog. I’ve got to get back to the kitchen.” Ethan thought to give chase but decided against it.

  “Mom, I’m going out for my jog now. Do you want anything while I’m out?”

  “No, honey. I have everything I need. Breakfast will be ready when you get back.”

  “Alright, I’ll have my phone on me in case you think of something. I love you Mom.”

  “I love you too, honey.”

  Ethan’s heart ached with thoughts of his mother’s pain. He had to solve this problem.

  “Dude, my head feels like someone is beating it with a hammer,” Barry said as Ethan stepped out onto the porch. It was a beautiful day. The air was fresh, the birds in their morning song, and the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky.

  “You shouldn’t drink so much if you don’t want your head to beat like that!” Ethan snorted in a nasty tone. “You don’t know when enough is enough, Bear. That’s stupid, man. You have the chance to be a great football player, but you take it as a joke.”

  Ethan took off running. Barry followed, wanting to respond to Ethan’s comment but what could he say? He changed the conversation.

  “Man, E, that chick you left with was hot. Where did you meet her at?”

  For the first time that day Ethan thought about Rio; his new inspiration in the operation of a kingdom.

  “She goes to our school, Barry! I can’t believe you haven’t noticed her, man. You are not paying very good attention to your surroundings. You should be aware of the things involved in your life. She’s probably seen you a helluva lot of times, knows who you are, and where you live, but you know absolutely nothing about her. How does that sound?”

  “Damn, E, you’re biting my head off this morning. I can’t do nothing right in your eyes, dude. What’s wrong? If you don’t want to hang with me, then just say it. You don’t have to slowly push me out. No matter what, I can take it if that’s what you want but just let me know bro. What’s up?”

  Ethan was fully aware he’d been too hard on his friend, but in that moment, he didn’t care. A dilemma that constantly perplexed him.

  “Man, Bear, I just want you to do what’s right. I see so much in you that’s good, yet you do some stuff that’s beneath your character. I watch you sometimes and get really upset because I know you’re capable of so much more. I wish you would start living up to your potential. If I snap at you like I don’t enjoy your company, then man I’m sorry for giving you that impression, that’s not what it is. I just see a whole lot more in you than you’re putting out. Do you feel me?”

  Barry was touched by his friend’s kind words. It was a rare occasion for Ethan to pass out concern.

  “Yeah, I feel you man. I’m going to try and stop drinking all together. I’ve wanted to do it and I just haven’t been able to commit to it. If you could, I’d really like your help with it.”

  “Man, you got it, Bear! Don’t even give that a second thought. I got you one hundred percent.”

  “Thanks, man. Thanks.”

  The two ran in silence the rest of the way, each in their own world, headed in different directions on these twisted roads of life.

  Ethan’s phone startled him with a buzz and a curious text message, ‘Meet me tonight at the lake, eight o’clock.’ He didn’t recognize the number and there wasn’t any identifying reference. He texted back, ‘Who’s this?’ but received no response.

  Breakfast and the rest of the day went by in a blur. He was so excited by the possibility of meeting Rio that everything else was unimportant.

  Night consumed the day in an exchange so smooth Ethan hadn’t even noticed. He grabbed his keys and made his way out the front door with the excitement and anticipation of an unknown encounter. He reached the lake at almost seven o’clock and chose a different tree to perch from, surveying the landscape. His heart pounded with excitement over the anticipation of possibly seeing her. Lustful thoughts of gratification consumed him. Why else would she choose to meet him at the lake tonight?

  Finally, her silhouette cast its shadow over the path. It was almost 7:30, which thoroughly impressed him. She was early. He couldn’t wait any more and prematurely jumped down from the tree and into the pathway of… Denise? Her face showed fury while he couldn’t hide his surprise.

  “Ethan, you’re a fucking jerk! You used me to get yourself another girlfriend. Why couldn’t you just be honest with me? Why, Ethan? What did I do to you?”

  She broke down in sobs. Ethan paused wondering what happened. He quickly regained himself without Denise being the wiser.

  “Niecey, why do you think I used you?” He moved to comfort the trembling girl.

  “You don’t think I saw you two leave Barry’s party? I have feelings, Ethan, and that was not right!” She screamed out like a hurt little girl. He embraced her tightly, wrapping his arms like a python around prey, smooth and easy. She began to relax.

  “Niecey, do you think I could ever stop loving you?” His question pierced her thoughts, erasing her insecurities and leaving only his mark. Her defenses had been lowered.

  “You know that I could never do that. Why would you even say it, or think it Niecey? You helped me build this! How many people have a connection like us? We shouldn’t even have to speak to understand each other. If you want me to go away so you can be happy, then I will, but only if you want me to. What’s up Niecey?”

  He knew she didn’t want him to go away. Her heart was hurt. She didn’t know how to respond, she blurted out, “Well, what were you doing with her when you left the party? Why did you guys leave like that?”

  Ethan looked at her, puzzled. “Why didn’t you ask her before you came to me?”

  “I’m not talking to that backstabbing bitch! I can’t believe she left with you like that. She knows how I feel about you.”

  Ethan’s face shifted from soft to stern revealing a look of bad taste in his mouth. He broke their embrace, leaving the cold night air in his place.

  “How are you gonna tell a perfect stranger our personal business? You can tell her what you want about you, but don’t tell her about me! That’s hella weak Niecey. Hella weak! I don’t want anything weak around me!”

  Ethan turned his back and walked off, knowing she would follow.

  “Ethan! I’m sorry! I didn’t tell her what we do I just told her that I liked you before we went to the party, and then she left with you. That’s it! I’m sorry.” Crying without tears, her arms folded in a defiant defense, she could feel her heart reaching to him, subconsciously calling him back to her.

  His anger grew with every second. She wasn’t crying. There’s were no signs of tears. She was acting. He slowly moved towards her. Her sobs getting louder as if to pull him in faster. Tired of her performance, he chose to end it. “You’re gonna sit here and try to lie to me as if I’m a fool?” His voice was
a low growl, “I told you that I can feel you, Niecey, why are you trying to play me?”

  Persisting, she pleaded, “Ethan, I didn’t mean to do anything against you. I really didn’t.”

  “I know you didn’t mean it, Niecey,” Ethan’s tone was soft again, pulling her back in from the cold of his rejection, “That’s all you had to say, but don’t try and play on my emotions. Don’t ever try and do that! Come here.”

  She walked slowly toward him like a scolded child. His arms slinked back around her, pulling her into his warmth.

  Inside the Castle

  On Sunday morning Ethan was up before the sun. He dressed in the calm of dawn thinking about the night before with Denise. Her foolishness could have ruined everything. He did have a strong love for her, but not in the way she wanted. He viewed the affection he bestowed on her a type of duty and preservation, it was not born of lust. When he made love to her it was to satisfy her craving for him and quiet her rapacious teenage mind. It was his way of protecting her from those who would do them harm. She was smart, but not ready to enter the world alone. When she was ready, he would let her fly free, but for now she needed to be under his wing.

  The Mustang roared to life in the quiet morning streets. With no one else on the road, he let the white horse flex its muscles and become one with the road. It felt good to be in control of such a powerful machine. The scenery became a blur as Ethan’s eye focused on the horizon and all that existed was him and the road. With his speeds pushing a hundred miles an hour, Ethan’s solitude was interrupted by a siren behind him. His heart pounded in his chest as his foot moved to press the pedal harder, knowing he could take the cop on the wildest chase he’d ever seen. The fantasy was fleeting, and Ethan slowed to a stop, chuckling as the familiar slender-framed officer approached.

  “Damn it, Ethan! How many times do I have to tell you to slow down?” The officer said approaching the driver’s side window.

  “Officer Sheets, I’m sorry. I was just blowing off some steam. I’m a little tense about next week’s game.”

  The officer’s expression settled into a familiar look of support and sympathy.

  “Look, Ethan,” the officer said in a warm tone, “there are more constructive ways to blow off steam than racing through the streets. You’re a smart kid. What happens if you lose control? What happens if Mrs. Fletcher forgets to take her medication and lies down in the street again? You must think like that, Ethan. This thing is not a toy. It can hurt somebody.”

  Ethan looked up at the officer with well-worn puppy dog eyes, silently pleading his ignorance to any wrong doing, a familiar tactic he’d used with others in authority “I’m sorry, Officer Sheets. If you want, I’ll park my car right here and call my mother for a ride home.”

  “Oh no, Ethan, you don’t have to bother your mother right now. You just slow down and use your head.” The officer said backing away from the car. “Tell your folks I said, hello. I’ll see you at the game, son. Drive safe.”

  “All right, Officer Sheets. I’ll drive safer.” With that, Ethan put the car in gear and pulled off, enjoying his celebrity status.

  Ethan pulled into the hotel’s parking lot a little earlier than expected; he was just in time to see his father walking out with his secretary, a woman Ethan had known all his life. Standing in front of a parked car, they did not notice the solo figure coming toward them as they fully embraced in a kiss. Ethan’s heart felt wrenched in pain and disappointment. The feeling made its way down to his stomach, and he felt like all his insides were writhing in agony. He could not believe what he was seeing.

  “How could you do this, Dad? How could you do this to your family?” His voice quivered in anguish.

  The culpable couple turned to see the angry young man walking toward them.

  “Son, you don’t understand. This is a complicated – “

  “Complicated? You don’t know what complicated is, dad. Complicated is how your wife and son feel. Your whore is not complicated!”

  Enraged, Ethan was oblivious to the small gathering of onlookers.

  “You keep this slut and leave me and Mom alone. I don’t ever want to see you again!”

  Ethan ran back to his car, trying to block out his dad’s voice pleading with him to stop. He burned rubber as he sped away from the couple and onlookers. He hoped his plan would work.

  “Ethan!” A sensuous voice called out. “Ethan, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  It was Rio. Ethan stopped the procession of his entourage in the school hallway. The group fell silent. All eyes turned to the beautiful young woman.

  “What’s up, Rio?” Ethan separated himself from the crowd.

  “It’s nothing really, but I’d like to talk to you alone.”

  “Fellas,” Ethan shouted, “I’ll catch up with you at lunch.” He turned around without waiting for a response. The group began to disperse. “Is that better?” He asked, making sure she understood his power more than the question.

  “Yeah, that’s a little better. What I have to say might take a little while. Can we go somewhere?”

  “It’s cool with me. Let’s go.”

  The two walked alone, capturing the attention of everyone they passed. Even teachers seemed interested in the star quarterback parading the new girl in school.

  “Ethan, I really like you. You’re a cool guy, but I don’t think it’s good for us to hang out.”

  The victorious smile faded from his lips. In his mind he cursed Denise. “Why isn’t it cool for us to hang out?”

  “Well, you’re just too consumed by aesthetic ideas that are never going to give you completion. It’s a bad direction and one I don’t want to go in.”

  Ethan felt offended by her superficial judgement. “What are you talking about?”

  She shook her head knowing she had struck a nerve in his vanity. The ugliness of his true face was showing. “Ethan, I’m not trying to attack you. I just can’t be around somebody who is so absorbed in their own world, someone who looks for things outside themselves to give them meaning. You’re caught in this rut fashioned out of your fears. The only people who form set routines are those afraid of change. You fear the unknown and you’re letting that fear keep you from experiencing something new.”

  “Hold on just one minute, sweetheart! You don’t even know me! You don’t know what I do other than what I show you or you assume.”

  “That’s exactly my point, Ethan! That’s all anyone knows about you. What do you do for yourself when the crowd isn’t looking?”

  The school bell sounded, alerting students that passing period was over. Rio looked down the hall and said, “Cut school with me! Prove me wrong and let’s leave together right now.”

  Ethan found himself at a loss, uncertain of his next move. He had never cut school before. His father used to always tell him, ‘People who cut school are the losers in this society. You can’t count on them for anything but abandonment.’ Abandonment! His father must have cut a lot of school.

  “Yeah, let’s cut school. I don’t feel like being here anyway.”

  Her face lit up. “You won’t be disappointed. We have to hurry. Come on.”

  The two made their break like convicts escaping prison. Rio moved like a skilled professional. She knew where to go; through the halls to a side door, outside to a parking lot through a hole in a fence and then outside school. Ethan felt uneasy; he looked over his shoulder and almost tripped as he followed Rio. Out of his element, the star athlete’s heart raced. He had walked this street countless times, but not during school. He was stepping into a new world where familiar things took on a whole new hue.

  Rio squeezed his hand. “We have to catch that bus.”

  “We should have taken my car, Rio. Why are we getting on a bus?”

  “Where is your car right now Ethan? Do you want to go back through all we just went through and delay where we could go right now? It’s up to you, just let me know what it’s g
onna be, backwards or forward?”

  She was right. Going back for his car would be a waste of time. After all, his car was locked up tight on school grounds. They’d take the bus, something else he had never done before.

  “All right, let’s get on the bus. But I gotta be back for football practice.”

  She laughed. “You think I want the whole school after me for making their star quarterback miss practice? You’ll be back on time.”

  The bus seemed crowded for the middle of the day. Ethan cringed as a strong musky odor stung his nose. Rio did not appear to be affected by the scent. Ethan tried to avoid the eyes of a homeless man who was holding tight to a trash bag that had seen better days and averted his gaze from the woman breastfeeding her child. As Ethan cringed by all the noticeable things around him, Rio seemed excited to be on the bus.

  “Where are we going?” Ethan inquired, taking a seat.

  Rio smiling, “It’s a surprise. Are you okay with surprises?”

  Ethan smirked and said nothing. The bus lurched forward. A little over an hour passed dropping off people and picking people up. Ethan slipped off into a light sleep.

  “It’s the end of the line. Bus terminal!” The driver shouted.

  Ethan woke finding himself in the city. This was where his father worked when he wasn’t away on business. Where, as a boy, the man would bring his little prince and parade him around for the world to see.

  “I really don’t like the city that much. Why are we here?”

  Rio gazed at him quizzically, as if to see where his troubles lay. She took his hand, gently guiding him. “We won’t be here long, Ethan. I only want to show you one thing. If it’s too much for you, we can get back on the bus and go back.”

  Go back, he thought. No going back. Rio’s innocence penetrated his reflections. How could he refuse her harmless request? “All right, let’s go and see this one thing you want to show me in the city.”

  In the joy of their newfound agreement Ethan and Rio exited the bus smiling. Everyone they passed seemed to be touched by their energy. The spirit of the young couple showed the world around them how something old can be rediscovered and reborn. A living definition of trust, Ethan held Rio’s hand as she wove them through the current of moving people downtown. Ethan relaxed in her wake, a huge grin spread across his face, appreciating Rio’s fluid movements through the crowd.