Icing by Ashley Stanton Page A

I’ll peak in.”
    “No Kyle.  If I’m correct I would say she’s with her boyfriend.”
    “No!”
    “Oh yes Kyle.  He’s a freshman in community college.  Love is in the air for you little sister.  It’s very serious. Go easy on her.”
    “Dad, I turn my back and little Juliet is dating a guy my age….too much.” He just shook his head.
    “Oh, honey, I forgot to tell you she is traveling to Pennsylvania with the Gorski’s to the family Thanksgiving.  She was invited by Mrs. Gorski, who called me to confirm and I said yes.  It’s all set.  They are staying the night and Juliet will share a bed with Brian’s sister.”
    “Wow, things sure have changed around here.”
    “Dad do you want to start the fire or should I?
    “I’ve got it handled son.”
    Kyle got the Afghan off the couch and claimed his spot on the carpet.  It was strategically located so he could rest and still watch sports on T.V.  They had an old red dog named Boom-Boom.  She was a fixture in the Caldwell home.  She was not the svelte Golden Retriever you saw in magazines.  She was old, red and fat.  She would offer extra warmth as Kyle recovered from hockey, his night out, and school in general.  It provided the safety he was missing.
    “Keith over here.”  Kyle was picking up his older brother at the bus station.  It was quiet as most travelers had completed their journey, and dirty – no surprise there.
    “Kyle.  You look great.  Hockey suits you as always.  You’re in excellent shape and you still have your teeth unless you have really good fake ones.”
    Keith and Kyle were brothers of a different color.  Choice of athletics, academics, music, food and women differed.  They still remained close.  Lifestyles differed but they had respect for one another which would only grow as the years passed.
    “Yeah it’s still hockey, my thing you know.  My grades are fair and I have no girlfriend but I’m still betting on my skates to be my future.  The other stuff will fall into place.” Kyle had a brief flashback to the red head.  Best to keep that one to himself.
    “I’m still focused on dentistry.  Sounds bizarre, but I love it.  Looking at schools, mainly in the southeast. I’m thinking North Carolina but we will see how I do on my DAT’s.  My girlfriend Sharon is planning on Penn, she’s a smarty pants.”
    “Serious with Sharon are you?”
    “Yeah, I’ll probably marry her.  She’s the only girlfriend I’ve ever had and we have so much in common.  School first though, you never know.”
    “Dr. Caldwell.  You must have Mom and Dad bursting with pride on that one.  Good job man.”
    “What time do we eat?”
    “Whenever, I think five . Mom looks great. Don’t forget to notice.”
    “Always Kyle, thanks for the heads up.”
    The brothers talked freely about random topics they shared in common.  They were raised well by adoring parents that was something all the Caldwell kids agreed upon. Neither could believe Juliet’s boyfriend status.  They had a good laugh about that surprise.
    The table was set and the home smelled other worldly to the hungry boys and little Bree.  From the cranberry to the pumpkin pies it was all flawless.  Mrs. Caldwell was teary on a couple of occasions.  All the kids were healthy and accounted for and the love of her life was present – the architect of this beautiful perfect family. Every mothers dream come true.
    Kyle’s phone chimed a lot and calls were usually ignored.  Mark called and he would return the call in the morning.
    After a pleasant long sleep and a hot shower he was ready to face the world again.  Kyle had a couple of over-medium eggs and a sesame bagel and a poppy-seed bagel and coffee.  A few hours passed in the kitchen that morning. Mom was out doing her thing.  They could only guess.  It was most likely an altruistic pursuit she had picked up.  Surely it was something she did quietly.  She never sought praise. Mrs. Gayle Caldwell was