Meetings: Part Deux
Picking up where things have been left off is a tricky task for many to achieve. The “Previously on…” device that is so familiar to those who watch soap operas is usually either too long, going over every single meticulous detail, or too short, or done in such a confusing manner that one is left at a loss as to what is going on. In the case of, say, playing a game, the motivation to win could be absent. In the case of relationships, however, it is somewhat common to see people who’ve not been in contact for years be able to pick up exactly where they left off, as if they had not been absent for more than five minutes. For Riley and his father, this did not hold true at all.
“I didn’t expect to see you here so soon,” Riley continued, his expression neutral. “You’ve certainly changed since the last time. Black helicopter’s a nice touch.”
“Well, one has to keep up with the times, you know,” his father replied, a slight grin on his grizzled features. “And I usually show up unexpectedly, it goes with the job.”
“This is true,” Riley conceded, still keeping his features neutral. “So what’s the reason for this little visit?” There was a tinge of suspicion in his voice.
“Is a father not allowed to check up on his son every once in a while?” Riley’s father replied, raising his eyebrow. “Why are you so suspicious?”
“Oh, no reason,” Riley responded, his voice growing slightly harsh, “Just that my father rides off on a black horse nearly ten years ago and never even bothers to tell me where he’s going, or why, or when he’ll be back. Hell,” he grated, suddenly aware that he was shaking with anger, “you wouldn’t even tell me where you got the horse, and now you show up on my roof in a helicopter and just expect me to believe that you just suddenly decided to finally pay a visit?”
“Now, now,” his father said, holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. “You forget that I left you something.” He looked somewhat concerned. “You do still have it, don’t you?”
Riley stared, thinking, then laughed bitterly. “Oh yes! How could I forget? You gave me a chest that looms. Do you have any idea,” he growled, “how hard it is for a ten year old to get to sleep with a looming chest in his room?”
“Bah,” Riley’s father said, dismissing the question with a wave of his hand. “You had Scotty. He counteracts the effect, if I remember correctly.”
“Yes, he does actually.” Riley conceded, momentarily losing his anger. It came back, however, as he remembered something else. “You could have told me that when you gave it to me. I had to figure it out for myself. That was a rough week, let me tell you.”
Riley’s father’s face fell. Things weren’t exactly going the way he had hoped. He sighed. “Look, son, I know that things have been rough for you, especially since your mother died-“
“How did you know she was dead?” Riley looked at his father curiously. “You’ve not been in contact with either of us since you left.”
His father’s face took on a pained expression for a moment. “Believe me, I was fully aware that she died.” The pain vanished, replaced by a somewhat forced-looking smile. “So, have you opened the chest?” he asked, shamelessly changing the subject.
Riley shook his head. “No. I’ve never been inclined to find out what’s in there.”
Riley’s father smiled again, this one somewhat more genuine—and slightly relieved. “Ah, that’s good. No sense in rushing things, goodness no. But you’ll have to open it sooner or later, you know.” His face turned serious. “You can’t avoid it forever.”
“What?” Riley asked, nonplussed. “Avoid what? Opening the chest?”
“No,” his father said, the grin returning, “Avoid the hopelessly contrived plot device that awaits you when you do open it.”
Riley looked puzzled. “Beg pardon?” He was about to pursue the matter when a tiny electronic beep sounded. Riley’s father reached into his suit and withdrew a small PDA. He frowned at it, annoyed.
“Blast, is it time already?” he muttered to himself. Turning to Riley, he shrugged apologetically. “No time to talk about it now, Robert.” He pocketed the device and headed toward the chopper, whose blades had begun to spin up to full speed again. “I have to get back to work.”
“Wait!” Riley called, trying to make himself heard over the whine of the rotors. “When will I see you again?”
His father looked back at him, his expression unreadable. “Hopefully not for a while, son.” He climbed into the chopper and it rose off the roof, gaining altitude until it was lost in the clouds. Riley stood on the roof until he could no longer hear the sound of the motor, staring out at the city. Finally he turned and looked at Scotty, who was wagging his tail and staring back at him.
“Come on boy,” Riley said, “Let’s get inside.”
Whoo!
Can you feel the drama in the air? Intrigue, eh? Mystery, I
shouldn't wonder! Just bloody amazing, isn't it? Okay, so
it's not very funny, I'll admit, but hey, they can't all be comedic
gold, now can they? So, was it worth the wait? Why not tell me? Either way, tune
in next time, where I am sure some sort of exploit will ensue, possibly
with hijinks! Everybody loves hijinks!