Sometimes It Goes the Other Way

[glaenconer]

Jack Twist shook hands with Alma’s ailing daddy and was drawn in to a new life like a man dragged into a whirlpool.  By dinnertime, Riverton’s newest pump jockey had the keys to the cash register and all the doors and had filled his first two tanks.  Ennis went directly to the garage to tinker and it was easy to see how smooth it could go with

Comments

[judy_blue_cat]

Oh, this is good. Mrs. Beers wants them to move out to the little trailer so there will be no repeat of the trouble that Laura had.

And this:
He had been to a far shore and could no longer see the way home.

Well, he could no longer see the way to that home, because he has another home. But why is Ennis still going to second base? Keeping up appearances?

This story is moving so fast. Push will be coming to shove soon. I'm conflicted. Slow down to make it last or hurtle along the road toward J&E striking out on their own path? I guess the OS moved pretty fast, too. They got through 20 years in a short story. If you can keep writing about the next 20 years in which they attempt to make a life together, I won't regret the fast pace.

[gnashsang]

oh guh, slay me with the descriptions again! "shadows with long legs, jack o lantern grins, joyous little spasms"! such a treat to read.

and aside from that, the notion of the trailer, and ennis's waning love, well, it all makes for great reading. so much for a one shot, i guess, and i'm glad this is continuing.

alma and her crossed legs -- this reminds me of something my father had in his keepsake drawer at home. a wooden nickel, from wisconsin i think, stamped with ink that said "birth control device -- instructions: place on knee, hold in place with other leg" or something like that. from the 40's or 50's, i bet. thanks for reminding me of that little thing.

[glaenconer]

Many many thanks for your kind comment on the descriptive phrases. I am so enamored and envious of the way Ms. Proulx made each word of her tale do double and even triple duty sometimes.

Thank you for sharing the story of the birth control device. When I was younger I overheard an adult tell another that paracetamol was a birth control pill when held firmly between the knees. It stayed with me all this time.

[maria47]

Read chap 1 and 2, and your style is fascinating. But the plot, holy cow, the both living and loving right in front of family beers... makes me wonder how it will go on. Ennis doesn't have any ideas yet, does he? That makes him so canon like, willing to take everything that is popping up for destiniy, no own choices, he doesn't live he lets himself be lived.
Well, I'm bbm -heartbroke and that's why I always hope for a happy end - I'll see...

thanks so much
Maria

[glaenconer]

That is exactly how I see the character of Ennis del Mar. At some point, probably after seeing the mutilated body of the dead homosexual, Ennis stopped living and just existed. He only came to life a few times in the year, and even then, could not wholly be 'himself'. It is my premise that with Jack in his life on a daily basis, he will have a chance to choose action rather than reaction. It is my plan to give them the happiest ending possible in their situation.

Thank you for saying my 'style' is fascinating.