A Soldier's Song

by Irene Onorato

  Aria smiled. It was easy to see how much Dex adored his sister.

  Annie’s joyous laugh filled the air. She pressed a loud smacker on Dex’s cheek as her feet touched down. “How’s my baby brother?”

  “I’m good. Hey, Mike.” Dex let go of Annie and gave his brother a brief, manly hug. “Guys, I’d like you to meet Aria.”

  Aria rose. “Hi.”

  Warm and friendly, much like her mother, Annie smiled broadly and pulled Aria into a hug. “I was surprised when Mom told me Jason was not only coming but bringing a girlfriend. This is a real treat, and I’m glad you came.”

  “Thank you. It’s nice to be here.”

  Mike shook Aria’s hand. “Hello, I’m Michael. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Same here.”

  “Since when did you start going by Michael?” Dex flipped his palms face-up. “What’s wrong with Mike?”

  “Why shouldn’t your brother and sister be addressed by their given names?” Mr. Dexter stepped forward, a scowl knitting the edges of his eyebrows over his nose.

  Dex turned to his sister. “You want me to call you Annabelle? Seriously?”

  Annie lowered her gaze. “Just roll with it while you’re here, Jason,” she whispered as she moved to the sofa and sat.

  Tension shrouded the room. Aria’s palms moistened. She looped an arm around Dex’s elbow and faked a smile. “I heard on the weather report that it’s going to snow overnight. Six to eight inches, they say. There’s something magical about waking up to freshly fallen snow on Christmas morning, don’t you think?”

  Mrs. Dexter nodded. “I agree wholeheartedly, Aria. Snow on Christmas Day always makes me happy. Say, we’ve got a few minutes before dinner is ready, so why don’t we take some pictures?”

  Dex’s smile returned. “Great idea, Ma. Would you mind taking a few of Aria and me?” He thumbed the photo icon and handed his mother his smartphone.

  “I’d love to. Come over here and stand in front of the bookcase. The leather-bound books make a nice backdrop.”

  A smile came naturally as Aria stood with Dex’s arms wrapped around her. She could envision a framed five by seven picture of them standing on her bedside table, a little something pleasant to look at before falling asleep at night.

  Mike and Annie whipped out their phones. Shutters clicked as they and Mrs. Dexter snapped photos of Aria and Dex.

  “I’ve got some nice shots here,” Mrs. Dexter said, flipping through the screens with an index finger. “Now let’s take some of Jason, Annabelle, and Michael together.”

  Aria held out her hand as Annie passed by. “Here, give me your phone and I’ll take some for you if you’d like.”

  “Thanks, that would be great.”

  Aria laughed as Dex hammed it up with his sister and brother, each of them going from serious to clownish in a matter of seconds. Finally, Dex seemed relaxed and able to enjoy being with the siblings he’d grown up with. Even Michael, who had struck her as somewhat stiff and proper, played the buffoon, crossed his eyes, and stuck out his tongue for a few pics.

  Mrs. Dexter looked at her wristwatch. “Why doesn’t everyone mosey into the dining room for dinner? Annabelle, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen?”

  “I’d be glad to.” Annie left the room with her mother.

  Dex offered Aria his arm and a winning smile. “Shall we?”

  She walked with Dex and followed Michael and Mr. Dexter to the dining room.

  * * * *

  Dex avoided eye contact with his father who sat at the head of the table to his left. The fewer words exchanged between them, the better.

  “Everything’s delicious, Mom. You always were a good cook.” Dex took a dinner roll from the breadbasket and held it toward Aria. “I wish I could make these as light and fluffy as Mom does, but she holds the secret recipe close to her chest like a winning poker hand.”

  Aria laughed. “They are good. I’m going to guess that you took them straight from the oven and brushed them with honey butter. It’s like biting into a cloud with just a hint of sweetness. Slap my hand if you catch me reaching for another one.”

  “Eat as many as you like, Aria.” Mom beamed a proud smile. “And yes, you’re right, I do brush the tops with honey butter while they’re piping hot. Jason has been after me for years to tell him how to make them, but I’ll never tell.”

  Dad gave a mirthless laugh. “Maybe Jason would like to make yeast rolls for the troops next time he’s assigned to KP.”

  Ignoring Dad’s little dig took some effort. Dex shoved the remaining three-fourths of his roll into his mouth and pushed it from cheek to cheek. He downed half a glass of water to swallow it, then caught Annie’s knowing look from across the table. “So, Annie. Annabelle. You still going out with that pediatrician you met awhile back?” Somebody had to get a decent conversation rolling.

  “No, we broke up. Amicably. We still get together occasionally, as friends.” Annie looked at Aria. “I’m an RN at a pediatric group. The doctor and I agreed that romance wasn’t in our stars. No biggie. We’re both happy with the arrangement.”

  Aria smiled. “That’s good that you’re still able to be friends.”

  Dex watched Mike, who sat quietly nodding and smiling at all the right times. No use asking where his wife, Sasha, was tonight. He would undoubtedly pull the same old she’s-not-feeling-well routine, as usual. Either the woman hated coming to family dinners as much as Dex, or she was the sickest puppy on earth. He assumed the former. As far as he could remember, Sasha hadn’t been to a family function since she and Mike married four years ago.

  With the side of her fork, Aria cut two asparagus tips and threaded them onto the tines. “Mr. Dexter, Jason tells me you’re an attorney. A very good and successful one at that.”

  Dad paused with a forkful of mashed potatoes halfway to his mouth and glanced at Jason as if surprised by the secondhand compliment. “Yes, that’s right. I am an attorney, and our firm has been blessed with success over the years. Michael is an up-and-coming attorney in the firm as well. If Jason would’ve continued his education at Harvard—well, that’s neither here nor there.” He ate his potatoes and licked his lips.

  Dex had wondered how long it would take for the insults or innuendos to start in earnest. “Neither here nor there, huh? What my father is trying to say is—”

  “Don’t presume to read my mind and speak on my behalf, Jason.” Dad whipped his napkin from his lap and quickly dabbed his mouth. “I simply meant that if you’d stayed the course, you would have already graduated Harvard Law. As brilliant a young man as you are, I’ve no doubt you would have aced the bar exam.”

  “You just don’t get it, do you, Dad? That was your plan for my life, not mine. And if you hadn’t sabotaged my chance to get into West Point, I would be a commissioned officer right now. That was my dream, but you didn’t give a damn about that, did you?”

  “Don’t speak to me with that tone of voice.” Dad wagged his fork in Dex’s direction. “West Point would have prepared you for nothing worthwhile in the real world. Useless education if you ask me. I tried my best to push you into making something of yourself, but you would have none of it.”

  “I have made something of myself. Now, do me a favor, and get that fork out of my face before I—”

  Mom slapped the table, rattling the silverware. “Stop it, both of you! It’s Christmas Eve, for God’s sake, one of the holiest nights of the year. Can we please eat a meal in peace without arguing amongst ourselves?”

  “Fine.” Dad lowered his fork and took a deep breath before scooping another mound of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

  Tears brimmed close to the surface in Mom’s eyes. It wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge.

  “Sorry, Mom.”

  Aria patted Dex’s forearm as if approving his apology, or maybe sendin
g a message for him to calm down. He couldn’t tell. Either way, her gentle touch was always welcome.

  “So, Aria.” Across the table, Annie’s buoyant smile shined bright through the gloomy atmosphere. “Since Jason has been tightlipped, why don’t you tell us something about yourself, where you live, what you do for a living. All that good stuff.”

  “Sure. I’m the oldest of three girls, still live at my parents’ house about twenty minutes from here, and I work at my uncle’s music shop. My sisters attend an out-of-state college on full scholarships but are home for the holidays.”

  “Nice. I’m sure your parents appreciate them having scholarships. The cost for an education is outrageous.” Annie nodded. “Go on, tell us more. I’m sure we’d all love to get to know you better.”

  “I come from a military family. Army. My father is a major, and my maternal grandfather is a colonel, soon to be brigadier general. Both are graduates of West Point. Our family is very proud of them.”

  “See that, Charles.” Mom sat straight and puffed out her chest. “You and all your negative talk about The Academy probably hurt not only Jason, but Aria’s feelings as well.”

  “No, no, please. Don’t worry on my account. I’m not offended at all.” Aria cut a small piece of meat and lifted it with her fork. “Mrs. Dexter, I don’t think I’ve ever had prime rib this tender or tasty.” She popped it into her mouth. “Mmm. So good.”

  Dex sat back and draped an arm over Aria’s chair back. “Aria’s father is my commanding officer.”

  Mike chuckled. “Watch your step, bro, or you’ll be doing a lot of extra pushups.”

  “I’ll try to remember that.” Dex rubbed Aria’s shoulder. “Aria’s too modest to bring it up, but she has a degree in music, and she’s a fantastic pianist. I was floored the first time I heard her play.”

  Dad cleared his throat and sipped his water. “What sort of music are you interested in, Aria?”

  A breath of relief filled Dex’s lungs. His father’s attempt at cordiality gave hope that the evening wouldn’t be a total bust.

  “My passion is classical, but I enjoy lots of different styles of music.” Aria tore a dinner roll and dipped half in the prime rib au jus.

  Dad tapped Dex’s arm and leaned slightly toward him. “A musician? At least that’s a step up from the stripper you brought home last time.” His loudish whisper may as well have been shouted through a bullhorn.

  “That’s it!” Dex bolted to his feet. “You crossed the line this time, Dad. It’s one thing when you insult me. I can take it. But to turn your venom on Aria, a person with more integrity in her little finger than you have in your entire body, shows what a self-inflated dirtbag you really are. Aria, let’s go.”

  Aria folded and placed her napkin on the table then rose and pushed in her chair. “Mrs. Dexter, thank you for a lovely dinner. Mr. Dexter, Annabelle, Michael, it was a pleasure meeting all of you. Good night.”

  “Good night.” Mom sobbed, and Annie rushed over to comfort her.

  “Aria, come on. Let’s get out of here.” Dex took her by the hand and led her from the dining room.

  The dinner scene gnawed at Dex as he went through the motions of helping Aria into her coat, and then into the truck. He drove to the end of the drive and stopped. The house stood cold and lifeless in the rearview mirror, the epitome of wealth, but nothing remotely close to being a cozy home.

  He’d never go back. Ever.

  Chapter 20

  Dex pulled onto the road and glanced at Aria. “I’m sorry about what happened tonight.”

  “You should be. That was terrible behavior.”

  “I know. My father isn’t a very likeable person.” He reached for her hand.

  Aria pulled away. “I wasn’t talking about your father’s behavior. I was talking about yours.”

  “What! You’re siding with him? You can’t be serious.” Had she completely lost her mind? “He belittled your father and grandfather’s accomplishments, and implied that you weren’t much better than a stripper. But, I’m the one who behaved badly?”

  “You goaded your father the moment you introduced him to me as Charlie instead of Charles, knowing knew full well that would irritate him.”

  Dex gripped the steering wheel tighter. “So, I’m the bad guy all of a sudden?”

  “I didn’t say you were a bad guy, and I’m not saying your dad was blameless. His remarks were hurtful, but I was willing to overlook all of them for your mother’s sake. This Christmas Eve was extra special for her. She waited a long time to have all her kids sitting at the same table, and I hated for it to end with her in tears.”

  “I hated that too. Still, my father had no right to go after you the way he did. That was despicable.” He stopped at a red light.

  Aria turned toward him, her expression softening. “I appreciate the fact that you wanted to protect me. I really do. I just wish you’d handled it differently instead of yelling and calling him names.”

  “You have no idea of what I’ve had to put up with all these years.”

  “Dex.” She reached over and touched his arm. “I’m not saying he’s innocent. But don’t you think it’s time to let it go and forgive him once and for all?”

  A horn beeped behind them. Green light. Dex drove on. “That’s easy for you to say when your father is an honorable man who never stabbed you in the back.”

  “No matter what, he’s still your father and you need to honor him. I think you should go back and apologize.”

  “Ain’t happening.” He wasn’t about to apologize. Not after all the years he’d put up with his father’s snide, cutting remarks. Aria couldn’t possibly understand what he’d been through.

  Dex had nothing left to say. He drove without another word and pulled into the Greco driveway. He opened Aria’s door and helped her slide out and to her feet. “I’m sorry the evening turned out this way, Ari.”

  “And I’m sorry I came down on you so hard. After fifteen minutes of silent miles, I realized that I’d judged your situation with your father based on the relationship I have with mine. You’re a good man, Dex. I’m sure you’ll find a way to get through this thing with your dad.”

  “That doesn’t seem likely.” Every attempt he’d made met with abysmal failure. There was no point in pursuing it any further.

  “Don’t give up. With God, all things are possible. Ask Him what you should do.”

  “I’m not sure God wants to hear from me. We haven’t exactly been on close speaking terms lately.” For more years than he cared to count.

  “Well, the invitation still stands if you want to come to church with us in the morning. Service is at eight, and the church is on the corner of Abrams and Dalton Streets. If you don’t want to come, we’ll be home nine thirtyish. You can come over any time you’d like. Of course, if you show up early, we’ll probably put you to work in the kitchen.” Aria’s sweet laugh dispelled any remaining tension.

  Dex stepped in and hugged her tight. “I don’t want what happened between my father and me to come between us.”

  “Never.”

  Aria’s honey-sweet kiss convinced him of her sincerity.

  * * * *

  Morning light flooded Aria’s room as she twisted the blinds open. Snow fell softly like miniature parachutes taking their time to reach the ground. A perfect Christmas morning. She turned from the window to answer a knock on the door. “Hi, Mom. Come on in. We’re just about ready for church, except Kayla can’t find one of her boots.”

  Kay popped up from the far side of the bed where she’d knelt to look underneath. “Found it.” She raised the boot as if it were a trophy.

  “Where’s Lauren?” Mom’s gaze swept across the room.

  “Bathroom, putting on mascara. Says the lighting’s better in there.” Aria tossed her hairbrush in the top dresser drawer and pushed it closed with
her hip.

  “Your dad, grandma, grandpa, and I are leaving a little early. I have a few gifts to hand out to the church staff. We’ll save your seats.”

  “I hope the girls and I didn’t wake you guys with our talking and laughing last night.” The gaiety had been a welcome respite after the tense evening at Dex’s parents’ house. Aria didn’t feel bad about telling her family that all went well, or that Mr. and Mrs. Dexter were nice people. Half of it was true, and the other half was none of their business.

  Mom smiled big. “Your grandfather did say one of you laughs like a hyena.”

  “Hey! I do not laugh like a hyena.” Hands on hips, Kayla shook her head. Her initial smirk dissolved into a small laugh.

  “Your grandparents didn’t mind. Neither did your father and I. We’re all too glad to have you here together under one roof.” Mom stepped out of the room and turned to look back. “Don’t dilly-dally and end up late for church. It’ll be a short service as it is, and you don’t want to miss any of it. Ari, put a fire under your sisters and herd them into the car as soon as you can.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll nip at their heels like a sheepdog until their seatbelts are fastened.”

  Mom chuckled. “Sic ’em, girl. See you at church.”

  * * * *

  Aria put on her blinker and slowed behind two other cars turning into the church parking lot. “The lot looks pretty well cleared of snow, but there’s no use in all of us trudging through the slush left behind by the plows. I’ll drop you two off at the front door then go park.”

  Lauren and Kayla hurried from the car, up the steps, and into the vestibule.

  Aria parked and sat for a minute with the wipers and engine off. Smartphone in hand, she typed a message with her thumbs. Merry Christmas, Dex! At church. See u later. She locked the car and went inside.

  Small clusters of people stood here and there in the sanctuary, quietly chatting, everyone smiling. Mom waved from a pew toward the front left side of the auditorium. Kayla and Lauren left the group of girls they’d been talking with and followed Aria.