by Kris Jacen
“Siah found this when he got to the area.” Carter slapped Randolph and Tank on the shoulders as they walked through the door. “Where’s Buster?”
“His girlfriend wasn’t ready yet he said when he texted, so he’ll be late,” Tank said while rolling his eyes.
“They get here or they don’t. I invited him, that’s all I can do.” Carter shrugged and followed the guys to the kitchen. When he got there, there was a silence over the room. No one seemed to know what to do. Carter stepped up to Siah and slid his arm around Siah’s waist. “Wells, Randolph, Tank? This is Siah. That’s Jack, Bree and Barbie who are friends of his from the academy where he teaches and studies jiu-jitsu, so I’d watch it,” Carter finished teasing the four of them.
Wells looked at Randolph and Tank then said, “Hey, you can call me Wells or Neil. I’ll answer to either.”
“Tank. Don’t really go by my name these days but I’d answer to it, I guess. Rich Martin,” Tank said with a wave.
“Process of elimination, I’m Randolph. I so don’t ever use my first name so…” Randolph blushed.
“I’ve got to know what your first name is then,” Siah crowed.
“Nope, it’s a family name and yeah.” Randolph was shaking his head.
“I’ll find out somehow. Anyway, make yourselves comfortable. No formality today. Drinks are over there in the cooler, food here, and Carter will fire up the grill soon. Bathroom is down the hall to the left, back deck right there and—”
“Siah! Breathe!” Carter cut him off.
“Didn’t we decide there was a better way to ground me?” Siah looked pointedly at Carter.
“Maybe? But not the time.” Carter turned to Jack and asked, “Want to help with the grill?” He figured he’d ask one of Siah’s friends. Get to know them. Make friends with each other’s.
“I’ll help,” Bree offered. “Last time we let Jack near anything edible it wasn’t a good thing.”
“May! Your boyfriend is awesome. Look at the spread.” Randolph moved toward the table, looking at all the options.
“Why yes, he does have an awesome boyfriend but I have to tell you, it’s me that has the culinary expert. Carter did the antipasto and the barbeque sauce.”
Everyone started laughing and the tension broke. People started moving around and talking. Maybe this was a good idea.
§ § § §
Maybe he was worried for no reason. The two groups were mixing well. Siah looked over and saw Bree and Wells talking; Randolph was sitting with Barbie and Jack; Tank and Carter were out on the deck grilling.
Siah reached for a piece of the antipasto when he heard Carter and Tank yelling from the deck.
“Shit! Grab the platter with the burgers!” Carter commanded. “I’ve got the other one.”
Tank and Carter came through the sliding door and just stood there. Everyone stopped talking and just looked at them. They were both soaking wet. Apparently the sky decided to open up. Had rain been in the forecast?
It took Siah a minute to engage his brain but then he was on the move. “Let me get some towels. Think you’ve got a change or two of clothes here, Carter. Maybe something will fit Tank? Sweats?”
All Siah heard as he went down the hall was hysterical laughter then shrieking. The guys must have started flinging water at the others.
“Well, at least dinner got grilled,” Carter said just as the doorbell rang. “Ummm, can someone answer the door?”
“I’ve got it,” Barbie said walking toward the door.
“’bout time you showed up, Buster,” Wells said in greeting.
“We didn’t think it would take that long to get here from Maria’s,” Buster responded.
Siah got back to the living room and handed towels to Tank and Carter. He leaned in and gave Carter a short kiss. “I put some clothes on the bed for you and a pair of your sweats in the bathroom for Tank. They should fit.”
“What the fuck!” a female voice screamed.
Siah, along with everyone else, turned and looked at the woman. She came up to Buster’s shoulder and had on a short skirt with a tight tank top. The scream must have come from her.
“Excuse me?” Siah said patiently.
“You didn’t tell me there were a bunch of homos. You like that kinda thing.” She smacked Buster on the chest. “I can’t fucking believe it. You’re in the Army. That shit ain’t allowed.”
Carter moved around Siah, handing him his towel. He walked over to the woman and then turned to Buster. “You are welcome to stay. She needs to leave. I will not have that…” he paused, obviously trying to find a polite word. “…brought into Siah’s home. You’ve never shown you have issues with gays but she apparently does. Leave, stay? I don’t care.” Carter walked back to Siah and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, babe. I’ll be right back,” he said as he took his towel and walked down the hallway.
Siah just stood there. He didn’t know what to do or say. Looking around, it didn’t look like anyone else knew what to do either. Then the harpy spoke again.
“Well, you going to let some homo tell you what to do?” she sneered at Buster. Buster stood there. “Guess you’re as ball-less as they are. You fucking suck in bed. I should’ve—”
“E-fucking-nough!” Randolph yelled. “Take your trashy ass out of here.” He turned to Buster and said, “I don’t know if you’re fucking stupid or were thinking with your dick bringing her here. Fucking man up!”
Buster snapped out of his stupor. He grabbed the woman’s arm and said, “Let’s go.”
“Take your hands off me. I’ll fucking tell the cops you abused me.” She yanked her arm out of Buster’s grasp and stormed to the door. “Well? Let’s go. You owe me a dinner.”
“Not fucking likely,” Buster murmured before he turned to the group. “I’m sorry this happened. Let May know I didn’t know. I’m just going to drop her off somewhere and go home.”
Buster had a look of devastation on his face. Siah glanced between Randolph and Wells before saying, “Drop her off and come back. It’s obvious you were clueless. Now, where’s the meat?”
They all started snickering before pointing to Jack who sat with both platters on his lap. Siah shook his head and walked down the hallway. “Put those in the kitchen and everyone make themselves a plate.”
Siah could hear the group start to move. Maybe there was a marathon of something on? When Siah got to the bedroom, Carter was just standing there with his dry shirt in his hands. He looked up and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t—” Siah cut him off with a kiss.
“I know you didn’t. It’s been taken care of. Your friend was upset but I told him to drop her off wherever and come back. Now, let’s go have some food and maybe watch something with our friends.”
“I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve you, and I still don’t think I’m good enough, but…” Carter grabbed Siah and just held him. He placed a kiss against his neck — it seemed to be Carter’s favorite thing to do, and Siah wasn’t going to stop him — and then said, “I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
It took a minute before Siah could follow him. Not good enough? The man must’ve lost some brain cells somewhere. He just might be too good for Siah.
Chapter Fourteen
If this class didn’t kill him, maybe he can do this. Carter was sitting on the floor leaning against the couch at Siah’s. Taking the English class by itself was a good idea. The reading alone was time consuming. Right now, reading Dante’s Inferno was daunting. Granted he only had to read a short passage but then he had to write something about the underlying themes. Um, okay, he could do this.
Siah was sitting on the couch reading some book on military traditions. Seemed his interest in all things military had been stirred up taking those classes Debbie had arranged for him. He kept mumbling to himself and making notes. Guess the sixth graders were going to learn something new next year.
Carter turned his focus back to the text. He pulled the cap off his highlighter and made a
note near the second paragraph. Before he could do more, Siah interrupted.
“Did you know the folding of the flag thirteen times isn’t for the original colonies?” he asked.
Not even looking up, Carter said, “Yes. First, the symbol of life. Second, the belief in eternal life. Third, in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. Fourth, represents the weaker nature. Fifth, a tribute to the country. Sixth, is for where people’s hearts lie. Seventh, a tribute to its Armed Forces. Eighth, a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. Ninth, a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. Tenth, to the Fathers. Eleventh, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon. Twelfth, fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. And thirteenth, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, ‘In God We Trust.’”
“Carter? Are you paying attention?”
“Huh?” Carter answered, absently.
“Carter?” Siah pushed against his shoulder with his toes. Apparently, Siah wanted his attention.
He put down his highlighter and book. “What’s up?”
“You just rattled that off without any thought. How did you know it?”
“Know what? I’m trying to figure out Dante.”
“You just rattled off what the symbolism of the folds of a flag without even paying attention.” Siah seemed surprised he knew something.
“I’m not stupid, you know.” Carter could feel his insecurities taking hold of him.
“You know I’m not saying that. You are far from stupid. I meant it’s not really common knowledge each fold has a separate meaning. Most assume it’s because of the colonies.”
Carter took a few breaths to bring himself back from the edge. He wasn’t sure he believed Siah about him being far from stupid but… yeah. Siah just sat there waiting for him to say something.
“I wanted to be a Tomb Guard. The commitment they make to guarding over the Tomb is admirable. I wanted to be part of that.” Carter shrugged. “Wrong MOS so the battery. But before I realized it I had studied a lot of the facts and knowledge the guards are required to know. Some of it stayed with me.”
“So I could ask you just about anything about Arlington and you’d know?”
“Possibly. I didn’t get through everything before I found out that I wasn’t qualified. Still doesn’t make sense to me that Artillerymen can’t be guards, but not my call.”
“I think you’re amazing.” Siah was smiling at him with a look on his face.
“I’m not getting any more studying in tonight, am I?”
“Well, if you really need to work on your assignment I can wait,” Siah teased.
Carter closed his book and tossed it on his backpack before crawling up onto the couch and Siah. “I think I can be persuaded to work on it later.”
Siah reached up and pulled Carter fully onto him. “Let me see what I can do.”
§ § § §
This time Siah was staring at the kitchen table at Carter’s. Instead of salad and sides, the table was covered with finger foods and munchies. Since the cookout, they’d gotten together in small groups a few times but this was the first time the whole group was coming together. It was so fricking hot right now, a movie night seemed the right choice — with the A/C blasting. He was standing there tapping his chin with his finger — chicken wing dip, pretzels with beer cheese sauce, jalapeno poppers, nachos and chips. Bree and Barbie were bringing sweets. Yeah, they had it all covered.
He turned and walked into the living area. Carter was just finishing pushing the coffee table to the side, making room to sprawl on the floor. Siah wasn’t sure if Buster was coming; Carter said he was still with that woman and she was controlling him hard. Just as Siah was going to say something, he heard a knock at the door. He changed directions and opened the door.
“Bertrand! How are you?” Siah said to Randolph in greeting.
Randolph was chuckling as he moved by Siah. “Nice try but nope. Not it. Why don’t you give up?” It had become a game between Siah and Randolph. Siah was still determined to learn his first name and Randolph still wasn’t telling.
“Maybe I’ll just call you… Randy until you give.”
“Still better than my real name.”
“Move it, these dishes are heavy,” Bree said as she hip-checked Randolph out of the way.
“Here let me take something,” Tank offered to Barbie. Her hands were full too.
“I’m balanced but shove him out of my way and that would be great.” Barbie nodded at Randolph.
“Oh come on. You know you girls love me.” Randolph preened.
A big groan that could be heard from miles away came from the group. Everyone was used to Randolph’s ego but just sometimes… It seemed the more the group got together, the easier it was for them all to be themselves.
“Everyone in! Close the door. You’re letting the heat in,” Carter called out.
“Time to decide what we’re binging on tonight. New or old-ish?” Siah asked.
“Don’t know about everyone else, but I’m in the mood for entertaining without needing to think,” Jack said before grabbing a plate and loading up.
“Make yourself at home there, Jack,” Wells teased.
“I’m hungry. Taught an extra class this afternoon at the academy and didn’t get lunch,” Jack countered.
“I think Jack’s got the right idea.” Tank joined him at the table.
“Mindless entertaining?” Carter looked at everyone for their votes. Everyone liked the idea it seemed since no one objected. “Okay, Harry Potter or Star Wars?”
A few voices chimed in, “Harry” and none for Star Wars. “Harry Potter it is. Get your snacks and grab a seat.”
Once the group was settled, Carter queued up the Sorcerer’s Stone. Barbie was the last to come into the living room, she looked around and then plopped next to Tank on the floor and leaned back into him.
“Ummm…” Tank looked like he didn’t know what to do.
“Oh hush, I know. I’m using you as a body pillow. Now get comfortable and watch the movie,” Barbie instructed.
Everyone focused on the movie and just relaxed. It was a needed evening for them all.
Chapter Fifteen
How was it summer went so fast? Siah would swear school just let out. But here he was in his classroom preparing for the new school year. Putting together the supply list for the year was the hardest for him. How was he supposed to know how much to order? Sitting there staring at his order form, a throat cleared at the door.
Looking up, Siah saw the principal standing there. “Mister Flowers. How was your summer?”
“Fine, fine. I hear you spent some time in the classroom?” Mr. Flowers said as he entered the room.
“I did. Mrs. Luna arranged for me to get some additional training in working with military children. We have so many in the area, chances of me having more in my classes are high. I realized toward the end of last year when we visited Arlington I didn’t know half of what was expected of them. It was an eye-opening experience.”
“Excellent. All of the teachers here take continuing education but not too many have looked into that specialty. I was wondering if you’d be willing to share some during an in-service day.”
“If you think it would be worthwhile, I’m happy to. I’m still on the newer end of the experience spectrum though. I hope it wouldn’t offend any of the more experienced teachers?” Siah knew his stuff; he wasn’t worried about that.
“Honestly? If it does, it’s their problem. They’ve all had the time to obtain the training but didn’t. We’re right outside the nation’s capital. I’m sure there are other locations that offer training in military children and their experiences other than where you went. Granted, I
’m not sure they would have gotten invited to the specialized training you did, but they could have pursued something.”
“The Lunas have been extremely helpful in getting me the training. Mrs. Luna is involved in educating other spouses about military life. She’s been instrumental in getting me access.” Siah’s leg started bouncing. Oh great, fidgeting. He hadn’t done anything wrong but his nervous energy was showing up.
“They seemed like a nice couple the one time I got to meet them.” Mr. Flowers leaned against one of the desks. Lovely, looked like he was getting comfortable. “She teaches? I didn’t realize that.”
“I don’t think she’s a teacher by trade but more by necessity. From what I learned over the summer, there’s an Army program spouses can take part in that is all about empowering families so the soldiers can worry less when they’re deployed. There’s similar programs for the other branches too. Mrs. Luna participates in those classes and also with her husband’s unit in making sure there are self-sufficient spouses.”
“Just amazing how the Army takes care of their own.” Mr. Flowers was nodding his head.
“They do the best they can. Now they need to do more for the veterans that get out.”
“That’s another whole ball of wax. And from what I understand the need for qualified counselors is greater than the supply.”
“Probably,” Siah agreed. He glanced down at his desk then back up to the principal.
“I’ll let you get back to your prep. Are you going to incorporate more into the history curriculum this year?”
“I’m planning on it. Little things I’ve learned in the last few months are interesting. Traditions the military has kept for the nation. What our founding fathers empowered the documents with that are our laws these days. How they are defending the structure they developed. Did you know there are eighty-five essays defending the Constitution? And—”
The principal held up his hand, cutting Siah off. Seemed like that was a natural gesture for those around him after a few months knowing him.
“I can see the area has gotten its teeth into you. I look forward to seeing how you weave that all into your syllabus this year.” Mr. Flowers turned and left the room.
