Part 4
The morning after, as each of the guys made their way down to the kitchen, they each stopped at the study staring at the door and wondering what had happened after they’d turned in. They had heard Kevin a couple times, pain and anguish in his words but thankfully, that was all. They were all still struggling to make sense of Tyler’s death and seeing Kevin like this made it even harder.
Each man was greeted by Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Dorough who were fixing breakfast for the family. They fixed themselves a cup of coffee before taking a seat at the table to wait for breakfast.
“How did you boys sleep?” asked Mrs. Richardson.
Shrugging his shoulders, AJ answered, “Not that great.”
”Are Kevin and Howard still in the study?” asked Mrs. Dorough.
“I guess,” answered Nick sullenly.
Brian explained, “The door is closed and locked so they probably are.”
Nick shook his head. “I still expect Tyler to come dancing in wearing one of Kevin’s T-shirts.”
Taking a sip of his coffee, AJ said, “You’re kidding, right? At THIS hour of the morning, the BEST you’d have gotten out of her would have been a low snarl.”
Everyone gave a soft chuckle. Tyler had once loved the early mornings, before Scotty had been born, but afterwards, it had changed. It was all Kevin could do some mornings to get her up and he was notoriously grouchy in the mornings.
A tear descended slowly, finding it’s path down the side of Nick’s nose, and he didn’t make an attempt to hide it or wipe it away. No one said anything either knowing exactly how he felt. Conversation ceased and the only sounds to be heard were those of breakfast being made. Everyone was lost in their memories of Tyler, each having a special one that they’d played over and over again since that fateful day.
The next to join the group in were Kryss and Sonja. Sonja gave Brian a kiss as she sat down beside him while Kryss got herself a cup of coffee. It was clear that she hadn’t since Howie since the night before because she kept looking towards the door.
Scott and Jerald weren’t far behind Kryss and Sonja. Both were fully dressed and had their backpacks for school.
“Scotty, what are you two doing?” asked Mrs. Richardson.
“We’re going to school. Could you fix us a lunch?”
Looks were exchanged before Mrs. Richardson said, “Sweetheart, you two don’t have to go to school. The teachers will understand.”
“But Mama wouldn’t,” replied Scott with a glistening in his eyes. “She would want us to go on like we always do.”
The look in Scott’s eyes, the strength and courage he was displaying and had displayed, touched everyone in the room.
Speaking up, Mrs. Dorough said, “You’re right, Scott. Your mom would want you to get back to a normal routine as soon as possible. I’ll fix your lunches while you boys eat some breakfast.”
“I’ll take you to school,” offered Brian.
“No, we want Daddy to take us,” stated Scott.
“Scotty, your dad had a rough night and he’s still asleep,” reasoned Kryss. “Let Brian take you and your dad will be here when you get home.”
Scott looked at his younger brother who nodded his approval. “Okay.”
Room was made for the boys at the table and Mrs. Richardson brought them each a plate of breakfast. Everyone did their best to keep the conversation light but the two boys remained quiet. Every once in a while, someone would glace at them and catch a tear escaping or a tremble of their tightly clenched jaws.
With their breakfast done, Scott and Jerald said their good-bye to everyone and followed Brian, Sonja, and Kryss out of the house.
