It's Just That Crazy

Chapter 6- Seal it with a Kiss

Chapter 6- Seal it with a Kiss

There are a number of ways to tell if someone is nervous or hiding something just by simply watching their body language. A few of the most common signs are excessive sweating, shaky hands, fidgety behavior, etc. But for my dad it is much simpler to identify nervousness and it all comes down to one very simple motion.

Adjusting his tie.

I know it seems crazy, but it's something I have picked up from him over the years and on many occasions it has proven it to be true.

Let me give you an example.

December 26- 2 Years Ago

"Kids, sit down with us. We have something to tell you," mom said to Connor and I from the kitchen table.

Connor and I shared the same bored look we always did when they forced us all into a room together. We'd just shared a meal together and I thought that was enough time spent with our family for one night.

Connor and I immediately returned to our chairs at the family table and stared at our parents. Mom looked over at my dad waiting for him to do something; I don't know what, so I focused all my attention on the mahogany table under my elbows. It seemed much more interesting than the current situation by far.

After a few beats passed by mom cleared her throat and dad adjusted his red and blue stripped tie and smoothed it out. Not that it had any wrinkles in the first place. They both exchanged another glance at each other and then dad reached up to his collar and loosened the tie he had only just tightened.

The silence was deafening and I could hardly stand the wait. My patience was wearing thin by that point.

"What?" I asked them. "Matt is waiting for me to call him."

Mom sighed and I noted how tired she looked today and my eyebrow rose.

"Summer. Connor. Your dad and I have something we need to tell you."

I nodded. I think we'd established that much already.

My eyes shifted to my dad again and to no surprise he was tightening his stupid tie once more. He didn't make any eye contact with anyone as he did it.

"We've been talking about it for a while and well, we've finally come to a decision about something very important," mom continued. She paused for only a second then opened her mouth to add to her words but dad quickly beat her too it.

"We're getting a divorce." It was so quick I can't believe I heard him right. Or maybe I did and refused to believe it.

"D-divorce?" I asked.

They both simply nodded and mom reached across the table to take my hand in hers. Her voice came out soft and smooth when she spoke again.  "I know it's hard to understand right now, but your dad and I have been having some problems for a while." She rubbed the back of my hands soothingly and then reached for Connors to do the same.

My mind flashed back to the first time I realized something was wrong between our parents. It was for months prior, when my dad moved into the guest bedroom down the hall.

I guess I should have seen this day coming now that I looked back on it.  I just hoped it was only temporary.

My dad loosened his tie again and the motion caught my attention. He'd been doing that a lot.

"It's obvious one of us has to move out and your mom decided it should be her since she is the one that asked for the divorce," he said.

At his words, mom gasped and narrowed her eyes at him. I gathered that piece of information was never supposed to reach us.