Deception Creek by Terry Persun Page B

Jack grew quiet and seemed uncomfortable. He took a long drink from his water jar. “I thought I had paid my debt and that things would be different when I got out. Instead I’m treated worse. No one really trusts me. So I question my own trustworthiness.”
    A while passed. Billy’s thoughts wandered until they stopped dead at his dream. “You knew my father.”
    â€œYes, I did. If that was a question.” Jack finished his water and wrapped the jar in his bag.
    â€œDo you know about the car accident?” Billy asked.
    â€œIs that what Alice told you? A car accident?”
    â€œAh, well, I don’t know what happened. Not really. She doesn’t like to think about it, so I don’t force the issue.”
    Jack shook his head. “No. I can’t discuss it then. Talk to Alice. She should be the one to explain things. But if she doesn’t choose to, it’s still not up to me. At least that’s how I feel right now.”
    Billy looked at his watch. “Lunch is almost over.”
    â€œTell me,” Jack’s voice trembled, “how do your grandparents treat you?”
    â€œFine,” Billy said. “Too well, sometimes.”
    â€œHow do you mean that?”
    â€œWell, maybe they don’t treat me too well.” Billy paused. “Maybe Mom expects too much from them.” He thought again. “Come to think of it, Mom expects a lot, but they deliver, too.”
    â€œWell,” Jack interrupted, “which is it? You’ve gone back and forth now several times.”
    â€œYou see, Mom, in my opinion, takes advantage of them. Nobody knows this, but Grandpa Maynard pays her — well, our — mortgage. He sold me the truck, but only when I insisted on paying him. Even then, he sold the thing at half its worth. Mom was pissed that I paid for the truck at all.” Billy scratched his palm and then folded his hands. “There’s this tension between them. Mom takes advantage and they seem to hate her for it. Grandpa tries to hide his feelings by being grossly civil, but I can tell how he feels. He goes overboard to embarrass Mom, make her feel guilty — which works by the way. Every month when Mom pays the household bills, I notice she gets pensive, then she gets angry at Grandpa, and at herself I suppose.”
    Billy stared into the distance.
    â€œGrandma, on the other hand, cares less and less about me. She used to fawn all over me. The older I get, the less interest she shows. Her hatred toward Mom shows through like an open sore though. I think she’s transferred some of those feelings to me. Know what I mean?” Billy said, looking up.
    Jack appeared to focus on Billy’s movements, his facial expressions.
    â€œI feel like I have to keep the truck because Grandpa was so generous, yet I’d love to trade it in for a car. I never haul anything but my friends anyhow. There’s not much room in the cab for a bunch of guys. As far as Grandma goes, I always feel like I did something wrong to her without knowing it.”
    â€œSounds pretty rough growing up like that.” Jack put his hand on Billy’s shoulder.
    Billy jerked in surprise, but let Jack’s hand rest there. “I don’t know who to side with sometimes.”
    â€œThen don’t. Side with yourself.”
    â€œI wish we’d all get along like when I was little. Me and Grandpa were a lot closer then. I wonder sometimes if I’m not just a sad reminder of my dad. When I passed the age when he died, they lost touch with me a little, especially Grandma.” Billy scratched his head and fell quiet.
    Jack squeezed Billy’s shoulder. “I’d like to help. If you need someone to talk with, that is.”
    Billy felt uncomfortable under Jack’s grip, so he shifted and shrugged the hand off. “I’ve probably talked too much. I shouldn’t have.” He jumped down from the tailgate. “Just forget I