The Oak

Part V

            A week or so later, as Sam, Raymond, and Tom sat huddled under the oak on a cloudy and bitter Tuesday, Frank approached the farm’s fence, about thirty yards away. He placed his arms on the rusted railing and did not speak a word; yet, he maintained eye contact with the three boys to make sure that his presence was not only known, but respected.

            “What does he want?” Raymond questioned Tom and his older brother. “And how did he find us here?”

            “Who knows?” Tom said. “That guy’s crazy though. You saw how he snapped in class. I wouldn’t go over there,” he added as Sam stood up with the intention of walking over to greet him.

            “I feel his behavior was justified though,” Sam commented. “Miss Carol is a good teacher, I’ll give her that. But don’t you feel that she’s too controlling at times? Somebody had to do something.”

            “Maybe,” Tom said. “It’s not my place to say. All I know is that school’s been a lot less disruptive without him.”

            “I wonder what he wants, though,” Raymond questioned again.

            “Just leave him be – both of you,” Tom said. “If he needed to talk with us that badly, he’d come over here.”

          But Frank did not approach the three boys. He remained just beyond the fence for the better part of an hour, and as the majestic clouds parted overhead to give way to the first drops of misty rain, he shivered slightly beyond the fence and took out a cigarette. He never took his eyes off the boys.

            “Maybe we should talk to him,” Sam said. “He’s starting to creep me out. Why’s he just standing there? Let’s see what he wants and hope that he leaves after.”

            “You know what?” Tom said. “Fine. Go and see what he wants, but leave me the hell out of it.”

            “I’ll go with you,” said Raymond.

            Sam and Raymond stood up from the tree and began walking towards Frank in the gentle rain, taking small and light steps to avoid splashing in the puddles; when Frank saw them approaching, he flashed a great smile at them and took a long, final puff from his cigarette before tossing it on the ground and putting it out with his foot.

            “Ah, boys! It’s about time. I was just beginning to think that I had passed away and became a ghost. I’m glad that’s not the case.”

            “What do you want?” Sam asked.

            “No need to be rude. I came here to thank you actually, Sam.”

            “Thank me for what?”

            “For standing up for me against Miss Carol about a week ago or so. Granted, it wasn’t much, but you’re the only student that’s ever sided with me against that bitch.”

            “Well, you’re welcome I guess. She was getting a bit out of control and wouldn’t let me speak my mind. I figured somebody had to do something – and I’m glad you did.”

            “I’ll be damned. Somebody else finally agrees with me.”

            “How’d you find my dad’s farm?”

            “I followed you back from school a few days ago. I figured I’d come over one day and give my thanks – today just happened to be the day.”

            “Did you really wait in the rain for about an hour just to thank me? Why didn’t you come over to us?”

            “It’s rude to trespass without being invited,” Frank said.

            “But you didn’t think it was rude to talk to Miss Carol the way you did?” Raymond asked.

            Frank laughed. “So, the young one speaks!” he said, winking at Raymond. “Well, I guess the difference is that Miss Carol’s a woman, and you’re, well – men.”

            “I guess,” Sam said.

            “Now – are you going to invite me onto your farm and let me dry out under that big-ass tree of yours? Or are you just going to hog it all to yourselves?” Sam and Raymond turned to each other, and then glanced back at Tom, thirty yards away, who was still eyeing Frank with disapproval.

            “Sure,” Sam said. “Come on over that fence.”

            “Thanks, friends,” Frank said. Frank hopped over the fence and the three men shook hands as the rain poured steadily around them.