Chapter Eleven

	“ Hang  my fucking body over his doorway and he’d barely know it...”
AJ muttered as he let himself in the house, straining to hear if anyone was
home.
“  Alex?  Is that you?” Denise called from upstairs.
“ Yeah,”  He went up the stairs and found her in Lori’s room, or more
importantly, his old room, sitting and talking with one of Ken’s sisters.
“ Hi,” He greeted, glancing around.
“ What have you been up to today?” Denise asked cheerfully, choosing not
to acknowledge his sullen demeanor.
“ Aah, nothing  much...Hung around...Visited an old acquantaince,”
“ I’m glad you had a good time...I need to talk to you a little later, ok,
honey?”    
“ Allright,” He nodded, exiting the room and going down to the den, only to
find it filled with all of the little kids.  They all looked up when he walked in,
their attention averted from the Disney cartoon on the TV.
“ Hi,” There was a chorus of hello’s and some of them turned back to
Cinderella.  AJ went towards the back of the room where he had left his
bag.  Rifling through it, he dug out the unopened package of cigarettes and
retreated to the patio and sat down, out of view from the kids.  The sun
was just starting to set as he looked out at the blazen sky.  He fished his
Zippo out of his pocket and lit up a cigarette, inhaling deeply and hoping
the nicotine would take away the words of his dad but knowing it wouldn’t. 
He licked his lips subconciously, an old habit from his “drinking days” and
sighed.  He had too much time on his hands, he needed something to
occupy his mind, not waiting around his Mom’s house, wasting his time
smoking.  He racked his brain, trying to think of who would want to go out
and do something with him tonight.  The guys were probably sick of each
other, seeing as how they just got off tour...Except maybe Nick...Or Alyssa,
he could give her a call.  It was Monday  night, a worknight, she might say
no...or might not.  He was just picking up his cell to call her when the glass
doors opened behind him.  Denise stepped out, rubbing her arms against
the breeze.
“ Hey, Ma...” He looked at her expectantly as she took the opposite seat
from him.
“ Chilly tonight, isn’t it?” She commented, looking around.
“ Yeah...” He waited for her to get to what she had come out here for.  She
finally turned to face him.
“...Do you always smoke this much?” She asked, looking in distaste at the
cigarette perched in his hand.  He shrugged and let out another sigh.
“ Please tell me that this isn’t what the talk is about,” He asked, stubbing
out the Marlboro.
“ No...Alex...What has the purpose of this trip been? I mean, it’s been great
having you back but...You don’t seem any happier here,”  
“ The purpose?...The reason why I came back is to see if Florida is
suitable enough for me to live...And to pick things back up with
everyone...But that hasn’t been happening,” He added as an afterthought.
“ So you were serious about not staying here for long?” He nodded and
she paused.
“ Well?  What do you think?  Are you considering moving back?” AJ
rubbed his neck thoughtfully.
“ Honestly?  I’m not sure but I doubt it...” 
“ Why?” 
“ I don’t know, Ma,” He answered, his tone slightly sarcastic but not
enough for her to notice.
“ Everyday back has been a constant argument with everyone and no one. 
And I hate the fact that I’ve gotten to know the city’s taxi drivers better than
you,”  Denise remained silent and he paused.
“...I talked to Dad today...”
“ And?” 
“ All the more reason to stay the Hell away from Florida...” He said bitterly,
drumming his fingers on the table. 
“ Is it fair for me to not see you just because of the way your father acts?”
She said, irate.   
“ Well, it’s not like I ever do see you, Mom...” He pointed out, wanting to
avoid an argument but not wanting to keep that quiet.
“ You chose to come on a bad weekend, Alex.  If you came when you said
you were and had accepted responsibilty for once, it would have been
better.” Denise replied, an edge to her voice.
“ Oh, Okay, so it’s my fault for coming back on a day that wasn’t good for
 you -”
“ You need to realize-” Her voice rose and she steadily stared at him
before continuing;
“ That yes, it has been a very long time since I have seen you but Alex, I
cannot do what you want me to do, when  you want me to.  You’re placing
the blame on me, not yourself.  You would have some time with me if you
came when I was expecting you.  You shouldn’t await anything just
because you haven’t been here for two yours of which was your choice. 
And I don’t appreciate the tone of voice you’re using.  Whatever I may be, I
still am you mother and you are to treat me with respect.  I’ve already let
you get away with a lot,” She stated firmly before sliding back in her chair
and standing up.   
“ We are eating at exactly 6:30, and I will  be setting your place also; show
up on time,” And with that, he was left alone on the patio...






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