The Weary Kind (Read 16,809 times)

[Kpatch]

Author's Note: This story is a character study which is not necessarily connected to any other kpatch story, but could be construed as a continuation of kpatch's most recent stories, if the reader so chooses.


Readers, please listen to the theme song at your convenience:

www.cmt.com/videos/ryan-bingham/469211/the-weary-kind.jhtml

[Kpatch]

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 2011

He was hesitant about coming to the high school reunion. Too many memories. The memories themselves weren’t unpleasant, but even after all these years, thinking about his high school days still stung and he didn’t like the way those memories made him feel. Second best.

But he was back in Salem on business and thought, “What the heck. This could be fun. At the very least, I can find someone to make fun of.” He knew he wouldn’t see Shawn and Belle because they were sailing around the globe and that was a very good thing. Belle was happier being Shawn’s wife than she had ever been when she was married to him. Even though Philip would have liked to see Claire again, he certainly didn’t want to have to deal with her parents.

The Diva, as Dad called her, was in Vienna with Philip’s nephew. Jan Spears was in a coma. He had lost track of Jason. The only person he didn’t dread seeing was Mimi. And in spite of, or maybe because of all her idiosyncrasies, he found Mimi entertaining.

Balloons, music from the 90s, and a banner proclaiming "Welcome Class of 2001" filled the gym. When Philip arrived, he was greeted by a couple of his teachers -- Mr. Fox, his old basketball coach, Mr. Woods, his history teacher, and Mr. Holland, his music teacher, the man who taught Philip how to play guitar. (Even though Mr. Holland had retired, he came back every year for the reunion.) There was a sea of faces Philip vaguely remembered but whose names he had long since forgotten.

He made his way over to the makeshift bar and ordered a gin and tonic. It seemed funny to be drinking openly with the high school crowd, and he had to remind himself that he had been of age for years now.

He found safety behind his highball and was able to watch the goings on from his barstool like he was watching a movie. He watched the crowd casually and, as the crowd parted, he saw her. An involuntary smile came to his lips momentarily and just as quickly vanished.


To be continued weekdays...


______________________________________
Copyright ©2011 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[MrsM]

Love this!! I forgot that the last blast kids are supposed to be a year younger than me. I went to my 10 year and there was nobody as hot as Philip there. Lol.

[sportsgirl]

Who is the Diva in Vienna with his nephew? I am going blank....It's not Chloe.

[DancingDays]

Brady is his nephew, so it would be Chloe. Right?

And if this is their 10 year reunion, and he'd been "of age for 10 years", did Philip graduate when he was 21? Poor guy, did he fail a few years?

Oh, and I LOVE the teacher's names. Mr. Holland's Opus is still one of my top 5 movies and makes me cry every single time I watch it.

[MrsM]

I love that movie. May have to see if it is on Netflix...

[Kpatch]

Author's Note 2: The Last Blast teens graduated high school when they were 18, making them 28 now.
I guess I confused drinking and voting. I have corrected the error. Thanks DD.
As far as Philip knows, Chloe is in Vienna with Brady.

[sportsgirl]

Rick Fox was a basketball player, but Mr Woods-history? All I can think of is D.A. Woods....

So if it's not Chloe he sees, who is it? Hmmmmm..

[gapeach]

I am thinking he saw Belle. He would be real happy to see HER, but then he would remember if she was there, than Shawn-D probably was as well.

Can't wait to read more on Monday.

[djm]

I am wondering if the person Philip sees is Mimi. He was thinking that he wouldn't mind seeing her. I thought they would make a good pair. Thanks for the chapter Kpatch. Previews please I have the Almond Joys

[fluffysmom]

Mr Woods was the only Salem High teacher that I remember. Great beginning Kpatch! I can't wait to read more. Come on over to my house Kpatch, I have Malibu Coconut Rum. Previews please!

[sportsgirl]

Hey, I have some Victor's Pizza straight from Teaneck! ;D Looking forward to those previews!

[MrsM]

I will make you a nice big drink with some coconut rum to go with the pizza and almond joy!!!

[gapeach]

I will buy you your own bottle of Malibu (or anything else your little heart desires).

[Kpatch]

Wow, you guys really really really want previews, don't you? They may not make a whole lot of sense since this story has only just begun, but I will pull something together for you while drinking my coconut rum cocktail, scarfing down my Original Victor's pizza (thanks SG!) and chasing it with almond joys. Mmmm.

I will actually be working ALL weekend long, so I will need the fortification! Thanks for being so excited by this new story. You guys are the Absolut best. LOL.