Trouble

            Chance Bell knew he was in over his head.  The situation had escalated so high though he didn’t think there was any way out.  But that was life for him.  Just a series of falling in at the wrong place or wrong time and being overcome with consequences.  If there was a different way to live life he would love to live it.  Every day seemed to bring him a new obstacle to figure out how to out maneuver.  Why would tonight be any different?

            The late August moon had risen and thankfully was full.  That provided some light for him to make his way down the dark alley.  He would have preferred a bit more light to see by.  Of course there were no street lamps above.  In this part of town, they had all been broken any time they were replaced.  Eventually, they stopped being replaced.

Chapter V: Dad

             Out of everyone’s hands I didn’t see in the air when I asked my question earlier, I was most surprised to not see dad’s.  My mild-mannered, quiet dad.  I was always told I was just like him so I expected out of everyone in this room, his hand would have been raised in solidarity with mine. I was wrong.

            Dad looked around at all of us and seemed a little nervous at the attention.  He cleared his throat and nodded at mom.  “First of all, I was the one that gave your grandma the elephant to begin with.”

            It wasn’t that surprising but somehow, we all gasped like it was some revealing piece of information.

Chapter III: Sam

            To be clear, using all three syllables of my sister’s name is akin to mom using multiple punctuation.  It meant serious business.  Even though I was her older brother, my ‘little’ sister out-massed me by about 10 pounds of muscle.  It’s been that way since she turned 15 and I was in my early 20’s.  Which is about the last time I dared call her by her full first name.  Not only that, she fights dirty.  But this was serious business.

            Sam came around the corner slowly glaring at me.  Mom’s curiosity was piqued so she stood behind Sam.  All I could see was her eyes peeking over Sam’s shoulder.  “What?” Sam said in a monotone that was surprisingly threatening.

            I didn’t care how tough she was at the moment.  “You broke the Elegant Elephant?” I asked pointing to the shelf where it should have been.  No more being covert about my mission today.  I noticed mom quickly retreat back into the kitchen.