Chapter 2: The Birthday Boy
In March we celebrated Brad’s birthday with the family. Brad asked if he could have a few friends over on the weekend for a party as well and we agreed.
The few friends turned out to be half his class. We didn’t really mind. Brad’s friends were a pretty nice group of kids. Besides, many of them had been in my classes and in my afterschool weight-training club. They knew I knew where they lived.
There was lots of laughter and loud music. Andy and I played bartender and waiter, keeping them well-supplied with pop and pizza. We tried to stay out of their way as much as possible.
At some point I noticed Brad was gone. I asked Andy about it.
“I haven’t seen him for about an hour, or Jenny either,” Andy said, handing a Pepsi and almost an entire pizza to a guy who was as big as both Andy and I put together.
Just then a very disgruntled Jenny came downstairs looking disheveled. She seemed about to cry. Brad followed her down the stairs.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…Jenny, please.”
“Mr. Bennett, would you take me home, please?”
I looked at Brad; he appeared to be on the verge of tears. Andy gave me a look that said, Go ahead, I’ll take care of this.
“Sure, Jenny.”
We left. I didn’t probe Jenny for an explanation as I drove to her house and she offered none.
The party went on for a couple more hours after I returned. Brad seemed less enthusiastic than earlier, but he still functioned as a good birthday boy and host.
After bidding his last guest goodnight, he started for the stairs.
“Brad?” I asked.
He stopped, turned and said, “I’m okay.”
“If you want to talk about it—”
“Nothing to talk about. Goodnight.”