FORGOTTEN SON

Forgotten ?? Son 4

Never!

I'll never live to see that happen!

Dad's thunderous voice could be heard.

"Please daddy. Brother might have done something bad, but I can vouch that he's a changed person now."

"A changed person?" He chuckled. "What about the bad name and shame he brought upon this family?"

"All you ever think about is reputation, honey. Jones is your son too! Are you going to give him to society like an orphan?"

"Yes woman! My reputation matters a lot! I'm doing all this to save this family from disgrace."

" By rejecting your son? Same society that will be against you if anything bad happens to him!"

"Enough woman!" He stood up, eyeing Mum. "Or do you want to join him?"

"Honey!"

I shut my eyes tightly. I opened them to meet the dark eyes of Jones. He was just standing in the dining hall mute, observing the scene. I glanced through the sitting room. I sighed. Thank God Mabel wasn't at home. She may have gone to play with the neighbor's kids.

"You have Daniel and Mabel to take care of woman. They should be your priority."

I watched Jones and saw his expression turn sour.

"They are the only children to make us proud. Why not stop wasting your time with that good for nothing son of yours?"

Mum couldn't bear it any longer. She went straight to the door. "No one is living in this house!"

Dad walked slowly towards Jones. " You ingrate! Haven't I warned you never to step a foot here again? How you came out of jail is none of my business, but you're not staying here another second. Now I want you out of my house!"

Jones took out a pack of cigarettes and lit it, puffed the smoke right into dad's face, making him cough furiously.

"What the hell...

Mum frowned. Jones?

Jones grinned. "Why are you denying the fact that I'm your son? Why don't you think I need a second chance? Another chance is all I'm asking for...I know I've wronged you all, but I can still be that boy you've always wanted me to..." His voice almost in a whisper.

"There is no second chance for you, Jones. I've gotten all I want already. I don't need you around anymore!"

"But I'm not the worst kid..." Jones started.

I lowered my head, wishing I could just end it all.

"Dad, Jones isn't bad after all.... He's my older brother and I've really missed him. We could start all over again."

"Stay out of this Daniel!" I could feel the anger in his voice. He raised his brow. "I don't think I know who Jones is anymore."

Jones sighed deeply. He coughed slightly. " You're doing this because of Daniel, right? He's your favorite now because he won the state scholarship, right? You think I'm no good?" I watched as he spoke with deep hatred in his voice. "I bet you don't know what's awaiting you." Jones turned and landed his eyes on mum. "You see right?" He pointed at dad. "You'll regret this." He smiled, puffed at his cigeratte and stormed out.

He smiled? There was something about that smile...

Mum collapsed on the floor weeping. I went to console her. Dad was rooted at a spot panting heavily. I looked up at him, saying nothing.

This was really taking another turn. So dad wasn't joking after all? What would be Mabel's reaction? Mum coughed.

"Mum," I held her tightly to my broad chest.

"Water"

I went in search of my brother, searching every corner I suspected he could be.

He can't just disappear like that. Where has he gone too? I saw a small restaurant at the entrance of a street. I stood for a long time looking at the restaurant. It was really busy as people pushed their way in and out of the tiny glass door. I guessed there wasn't space inside anymore as people were also sitting outside, placing their various orders. The waiters and waitresses were not left out in the rush as they pushed their way in and out to give the best service to their customers. The loud music blaring from the restaurant was really something else as I wondered how they were all coping chatting and laughing with such loud music in the background.

I shook my head.

Buzz

It was Mom calling.

"Mum?"

"Where are you, Dan? Don't you know it's past 8pm and your dad will be worried if you're not back by that time?"

"Mum I'm alright. I'll be home in a jiffy."

"And where is that noise coming from? It's too noisy over there."

"I'll be fine Mum."

"You're at the bar?"

I sighed. "Mum,"

"It's alright son. Please just be careful and come home."

"Thanks Mum." I hung up. I guess it's time to go. I turned to leave.

"What do you care for, buddy?"

I heard a voice from my back.

"Nothing," I replied sharply, without looking back and made to cross to the other side of the busy street.

"Not even Coca-Cola and roasted chicken?"

Yummy! That was my favorite! But wait.

I turned to meet the devil I'd been searching for.

Jones.

Shhh! "Come let me treat you right." He held my hands and dragged me to the restaurant. Since there wasn't any more space inside the restaurant, he ordered two seats and a table outside just beneath an oak tree to be able to have more private time to ourselves. I was happy to see him again.

"I thought you'd disappeared."

"Nah! Everyone keeps thinking I will disappear. No one wants to look for me nor see me, so that has always been their excuse."

I smiled, pulling my seat closer to the table. "How are you doing big bro?"

A waitress walked to our table. "Please, gentlemen, what do you care for?"

I let Jones do the talking, besides he knew what I liked best.

"A bottle of Coca-Cola and a bottle of wine alongside two plates of roasted chicken with sauce."

I watched her write down on a little book with her. She was gorgeous, I observed.

"Few minutes, sir." And she was gone. But I noticed my brother's eyes on her. In fact, he was seeing through her clothes as he licked his lower lip. I clapped, jolting him back to reality, away from his imaginary world.

"Well, you asked how I'm doing right? And as you can see, I'm doing great!" He replied, avoiding my stare.

"And what were you staring at?"

"Come on man! Stop acting naive. You're bigger than this, Dan."

I shook my head.

The lady came back with a tray. She placed what we ordered on the table.

"Please enjoy your meal." She bowed and walked away.

"I know you've always loved this meal, so I felt you'd still want to eat some here with me. Besides, you'll love their meal here. One in millions."

I nodded, already munching at the chicken. Wow! Yummy!