Chapter 11: Saturday Afternoon

At 11:30, all six of them were around the table, having peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches. Andrew asked for their attention.

“I’ve gone through the sofa cushions and found enough cash so we can all go to the movies today. What would you like to see? One at a time! Leah?”

“I’m good with anything. Ted?”

Ted named an NC-17 import, hoping nobody would recognize the name or the content.

“Ted, I don’t want to disturb the other patrons while I’m explaining everything up on the screen to you.”

Leah’s answer stung him, but he kept his cool, hoping none of the others would catch on.

Next up was Val, who surprised Leah and Andrew by picking a drama set in 19th century Europe.

“It’s rated 93% at Rotten Tomatoes.”

Tim and Nia, who were 10 and 9 respectively, voted for a “Minions” movie. They tried to explain the Minions to Andrew; this made him more confused. Leah mouthed “animated” to him, and he said, “OK, you two are going with me.”

Leah gave him a grateful smile. “Val and I will go for the drama. Ted, you’ve got just those two choices, I’m afraid.”

Andrew realized the 15-year-old was unenthusiastic, and had an idea—a third option.

“Tell you what, Ted. I’m going to give you the ticket price, $9, in cash, and you can blow the whole thing on the arcade machines. Is that OK?”

Ted smiled happily. “Perfect. Thanks!”

They piled into the old minivan and headed for the multiplex. Afterwards, they splurged on dinner out at a so-called “casual dining” restaurant. They skipped dessert, though. Because their last stop was at the ice cream parlor!

In spite of their youth, Tim and Nia would remember this Saturday for a long time. Their smiles seemed to be permanent parts of their little faces. Revved up on rich food and sugar, they didn’t wind down until about 9:30. But then, they crashed and weaved off to their beds to sleep it all off.

Ted boasted he had the high score on one of the arcade machines, although he wouldn’t admit how much money he had fed into it before reaching that distinguished level.

Val and Leah were still talking about the drama they watched.

“I don’t get it, Leah, where is ‘Prussia’? They sounded like Germans, not Russians.”

“We need to get on the computer and do research, I guess. I THINK that Prussia is in Germany, but Germany wasn’t a country then. Or something. That blonde 20-year-old guy sure looked and sounded like a German.”

“A CUTE German, Leah. I’m going on-line now to ‘research.’ What was that actor’s name again?”

“You naughty girl.”

Andrew was tired, but happy. The whole family had enjoyed a fine day, and he was taking credit. Even Val was smiling instead of moody. Leah came over and sat on the armrest of the big reclining chair.

“You’re looking smug, Drew. What’s up?”

“My family is happy today, and I think I deserve some credit.”

“I like to tease you, but yes. It’s your fault. When we started, you were worried sick that you weren’t up to leading the family. You were telling me about Janice Rhodes! Today, you showed you were the man I knew you could be. Leading our family.”

Leah lowered her voice so only Drew could hear.

“Every day, I love you more. In an hour, we’re all going to be in bed, and I’m going to be all over you. Unless you’re too tired.”

He favored her with a crooked smile. No verbal response was needed.