Little Lies

Chapter 4: Duck Hunting

The sky was still dark when I heard the floorboards creak. I slid down the bannister. "Where are you going?"

Uncle Phil and Papa were bundled up in jackets, scarves, and hats, and carrying rifles and bags. Papa put his finger to his lips. "We're going duck hunting."

"Can I go?"

The men smiled.

"Maybe when you're bigger," Uncle Phil whispered.

They waved goodbye to me as they closed the door quietly behind them. I ran back upstairs and watched them walk through the garden, then past the trees in front of our house, towards the river.

I strained to see any bushes move, but the men were used to the moving through the undergrowth, and the moon didn't cast enough light. I finally fell asleep with my cheek on the window sill.

A gunshot woke me up. I thought I heard Papa’s voice, so I ran downstairs.

Mama and Aunt Fran were already running out the front door.

"Stay here," Mama said to me, so I sat down on the bottom step of the staircase.

A moment later, Mama and Uncle Phil came through the door, supporting Papa between them. Papa bled from his cheek.

"I apologize, Michael," Uncle Phil said. "I was trying to shoot the duck that landed near you. Awful accident."

Mama frowned. She shook her head at Uncle Phil.

=

Alice and I sat at the top of the landing, waiting for Uncle Phil and Mama to meet in the hallway. We didn't have to wait long.

Mama ran to Uncle Phil and embraced him. "I only have a minute or two. I told Michael I was going to get more bandages for his cheek."

Uncle Phil held Mama close. "I'm sorry, Jo. I botched that duck-hunting accident today."

Alice stuck her tongue out at Uncle Phil.

"You don't like Uncle Phil, do you?" I whispered to Alice.

Alice shook her head. "He's a cheater.”

Mama stroked Uncle Phil's cheek. "You'll have to try something else."

"No. At least, not yet," Uncle Phil said.

"What? Why not?”

Uncle Phil scuffed the floor with his shoes.

"Change of heart?" Mama's eyes narrowed.

"Remember that Michael is my best friend." Uncle Phil studied the design of the carpet. "I can't just…. "He snapped his fingers.

"And remember what I've given you." She shook her head and stared at the ceiling. I knew that meant she wasn't getting her way and was about to try something else. She sighed. "I wish I could be with you now." She looked into Uncle Phil's eyes.

"You don't know how much I want you." Uncle Phil kissed Mama.

Alice and I rolled our eyes.

Mama's eyes glinted in the light as she held Uncle Phil's face in her hands. She bit his chin.

I stuck my tongue out and made a face.

Another quick embrace, and Mama and Uncle Phil went their separate ways.

Alice frowned. "There's those snake eyes again."

"What do you think she means, Alice?"

"I don't know, Clara."

"Do you think I should tell Papa and Aunt Fran about Mama and Uncle Phil?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because they wouldn't believe you. They'd think you were a liar."

"What do you think I should do?"

"Nothing." The corners of Alice's mouth turned down. "There's nothing you can do, Clara.”"