(no subject)
Ed and Hank, 4th Update, (part 1)
Sunshine… on a cloudy day…
Note: This is the first of three or four parts that will eventually make up the 4th update. (The 2nd part should be posted in just a few days, hopefully. The other(s) might take a little longer.) Disclaimer: Hank told their story to Annie Proulx. Jack and Ennis are all hers. Ed and Hank belong only to each other. $$: Yes, please, Hank would like to retire. (Ed, not so much.) Comments: Always appreciated.
Everything else is here:
http://myeyesaintblue.livejournal.com/10082.html
Sunshine... on a cloudy day...
“C’mon, Hank… let’s go inta town ‘n get some lunch ‘n pick up some stuff ta turn tha’ truck inta a big ol’ flower pot.”
“I dunno… we should prob’bly eat them leftovers fer lunch ‘fore they go bad.”
“We can freeze them leftovers. Or Bill can eat ‘em if’n he don’ wanna come with us. Or we can eat ‘em fer supper.”
“Mighty cloudy… looks like it migh’ rain… Don’ wanna be loadin’ the truck up in the rain.”
“Ya know damn well them ain’t rain clouds.”
“If’n ya don’ think it’s gonna rain I got some work I wanna get done… ‘n I need yer help.”
“Whatever work ya got in mind can wait.”
“Don’ think ‘m hearin’ ya righ’, Ed. Work can wait? Ya sure yer feelin’ okay?”
“Yeah. Prob’bly jus’ got me a touch a spring fever is all.”
“Think maybe we should figure out where we wanna put tha’ truck first. Tha’ way we can go inta town tomorrow ‘n get everythin’ ‘n jus’ start workin’ on it first thing when we get back.”
“Won’ take long ta figure tha’ out… C’mon, Hank… feel like gettin’ outta here ta day ‘n I wan’ some company. ‘Sides tha’ ranch store is havin’ their annual Peanut Day Sale… They give ya free peanuts jus’ fer goin’ in. ‘N I’ll buy ya an ice cream cone after lunch if’n ya want.”
“Two whole ounces a free peanuts… Guess tha’ ‘xplains it. 'Course if'n ya figure in the cost a gas them end up bein’ purty ‘xpensive free peanuts.”
“Ain’t goin’ jus’ fer the peanuts. Goin’ fer the sale too.”
“Usually ya don’ never feel like gettin’ outta here.”
“Well I do ta day. Wha’ the hell’s wrong with ya, Hank? You don’ never wanna stay put if’n ya got the chance ta go somewheres…”
“Nothin’s wrong with me. Jus’ don’ feel like goin’. Cain’t a fella not feel like goin’ ta town withou’ gettin’ the third degree?”
“Ain’t hardly givin’ ya the third degree… Jus’ wonderin’ why fer the first time ever ya don’ wanna go ta town with me.”
“Jus’ don’ feel like goin’ ta day. Wanna get some work done.”
“Fine. Guess I’ll jus’ go by ma self then.”
“But I do wanna help pick out the stuff fer the truck. Just don’ wanna do it ta day.”
“Fine. Suit yerself. I got plenty a other errands I can run on m’ own…”
“Wait… Ed…”
“Wha’?”
“Think I do wanna go. Jus’ give me a few minutes ta get ready.”
“Wha’ the hell do ya gotta do ta get ready?”
“Jus’ wanna change outta these clothes I been workin’ in… maybe wash up some. I’ll be back down in a few minutes. Jus’ wait fer me.”
“Ain’t like I seen ya break a sweat ta day.”
“Did more ‘n ya think. Jus’ give me a minute.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hank! It’s been almos’ half an hour. What the hell are ya doin’ up there?!?”
“Decided ta take a shower. Almos’ ready. ‘Lessen a course ya’d rather come up? Seein’ as I ain’t dressed yet…”
“This mornin’ weren’t ‘nough fer ya?”
“Like ya said ‘fore… Ain’t nothin’ never ‘nough fer me.”
“Swear yer gonna be the death a me.”
“Tha’ mean ‘yes’?”
“No. Tha’ means get yer ass down here ‘n let’s go ta town.”
“Guess ya jus’ don’ love me no more, do ya?”
“#$%@…”
“Be righ’ down.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hank!”
“Jus’ be ‘nother minute or two. Figured since I showered I migh’ as well shave.”
“Ya jus’ shaved this mornin’. Saw ya with m’ own eyes.”
“Jus’ wanna look nice is all...”
“Far as I know we ain’t goin’ ta no goddamn prom…”
“Way ya been dancin’ with me lately maybe we should crash tha’ high school prom. Show them kids a thing or two ‘bout dancin’.”
“Yeah… think tha’d go over real well. ‘Specially them slow songs.”
“Them are my favorites.”
“C’mon, Hank… ‘m gonna leave withou’ ya.”
“Don’ go withou’ me. I’ll be righ’ down. Jus’ gotta find ma boots.”
“Ya jus’ had ‘em on!”
“Not them. Lookin’ fer my other ones. My goin’ ta town boots.”
“Ain't tha' big a house Hank. They’re either upstairs in the closet or down here by the back door.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hank!”
“Yeah?”
“Got my pocket watch out… If’n ya don’ get down here in two minutes ‘m goin’ with Bill instead.”
“Didya ask Bill?”
“Ain’t seen Bill.”
“Well we better go find him ‘n ask him ‘fore we go.”
“Fine. We’ll go ask Bill. Jus’ get yer ass down here.”
“Did I tell ya I asked Bill ‘bout this summer?”
“We can talk ‘bout it in the truck. On the way ta town.”
“He said his sister’s two boys migh’ be interested. Or at least she migh’ be interested on their behalf. Says she’s been talkin’ ‘bout them gettin’ a taste a wha’ workin’ hard fer a livin’ is all ‘bout. She figures tha’ migh’ light a fire under ‘em fer goin’ off ta college.”
“Been thinkin’ ‘bout it… Don’ know if’n havin’ high school boys on the ranch is a real good idea. Way folks talk…”
“Ya worry too much, Ed.”
“Prob’bly be a lot better if’n we talked ‘bout this when we ain’t yellin’ up ‘n down the stairs.”
“Comin’ down righ’ now…”
“’Bout damn time.”
“Hey, Ed… Think I saw someone pullin’ up ta the house. Looks like it migh’ be them neighbors again. Maybe Iris didn’ get ‘em the righ’ kinda plastic light-up baby lamb or somethin’...”
“Shit! Dammit, Hank… if’n we had jus’ left when I wanted ta…” Ed strode crossly across the room and threw open the front door.
“Hiya dad!!”
“…Iris?!? Wha’ the…”
“Close your mouth dad or a bee might fly in and sting you.” Iris threw her arms around her dad and pulled him close, giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Iris…?”
Iris laughed, “Yeah dad, it’s me Iris.”
“Wha’…? How…?”
“Lemme say hello to Hank first. Hey, dumbass, c’mere!”
“Hey yer self, dumbass!” Hank stepped forward and gave Iris a big hug.
“C’mon in, Iris… Lemme get tha’ bag fer ya."
“Thanks, Hank.”
“…Iris…?”
“C’mon, dad…” Iris grabbed Ed’s arm and pulled him towards the kitchen, “I’d like a cup of your infamous coffee. How 'bout you Hank?”
"Hasn't killed me yet."
“’S in the same spot, Iris. How…? Wha’ are ya doin’ here?”
“Found a new job. Quit that other one and I got some time off before the new one starts. Thought I’d come and spend some of it with my two favorite fellas. But don’t think this lets you off the hook for visiting me.”
“Why didn’ ya call? Woulda picked ya up at the airport. Wouldna had ta rent no car…”
“Wanted it to be a surprise. Hank and I have been plotting it for a couple of weeks now, ever since I gave notice. Hank offered to pick me up himself or send Bill, but I like having a car while I’m here. Might take a drive one day and visit a friend from college who lives a couple of hours from here. I haven’t seen her in a long time. Maybe go and see Aunt Ruth too.”
“Yer fella stay in Chicago?”
“His name is Alex, dad. And, yeah, he stayed in Chicago. I wanted you and Hank all to myself this trip.”
“Sure is good ta see ya Iris. Ya look real good. A real sight for sore eyes.”
“Thanks dad. So do you.”
“Hey… wha’ ‘bout me?”
Iris laughed, “You look good too, Hank.”
“Guess tha’ explains why ya been actin’ so peculiar this mornin’.” Ed turned to Iris, “Couldn’ fer the life a me figure out wha’ were wrong with him… Not wantin’ ta go ta town… ‘n then takin’ forever ‘n a day ta get ready...”
“Yeah… of all the days yer dad coulda picked, this was the day he decides he’s jus’ gotta go ta town.”
Ed ignored Hank, “So wha’s yer new job, Iris?”
Iris smiled, “I’ll tell you what my new job is if you can tell me what my old job was.”
“…Uh… Somethin’ workin’ with… Ya worked fer… oh hell… tha’ ain’t fair Iris. I know they weren’t treatin’ ya good though, ain’t tha’ ‘nough?”
“It ain’t nice ta tease yer dad like tha’ Iris… He’s already righ’ worried tha’ he’s gettin’ old ‘n senile.”
“I ain’t old. Or senile.”
“Tha’s wha’ I been tryin’ ta tell ya.”
"Hey… where are those dogs I keep hearing so much about? I wanna meet them. See for myself if they’re as ugly as you said, Hank.”
“Jeez, Hank… Ya shouldna prejudiced Iris ‘gainst the dogs ‘fore she got here ‘n met ‘em fer herself.”
“Jus’ wanted her ta be prepared. Kinda a shock if’n ya ain’t expectin’ it. Think they must be out with Bill… otherwise they woulda been here the minute ya pulled up.”
“Ya tired from yer flight, Iris? Ya wanna rest or ya wanna go inta town ‘n get some lunch?”
“See what I mean? Man’s jus’ got a bee in his bonnet ‘bout goin’ ta town ta day. Somethin’ ‘bout peanuts…” Hank turned from Iris to Ed, “She jus’ got here Ed… ‘n ya wanna hustle her righ’ out the door? Leave her be fer a minute.”
“No… I’m fine. I’m not tired. I’d love to go to town for lunch. I get a kick out of going to that Market Grill and that ranch store. And I want to stop at the grocery store… Did that package I sent get here, Hank?”
“Yep.”
“Wha’ package?”
“Just some stuff I didn’t think I could get here. Thought you two might like some Thai food one night and maybe some Indian food another.”
“Ain’t gonna make ya cook when yer here fer a visit, Iris.”
“It’s more like I’m going to make us all cook. Know how much you love that kind of food… so I picked out three dishes for each meal. That way we can each make one.”
“Don’ think I can cook like tha’.”
“Of course you can cook like that, dad… It’s the same as any other cooking… you just throw a bunch of stuff in a pan and you cook it.”
Hank laughed, “Sometimes ya sound jus’ like yer dad, Iris.”
“Well… guess ‘m willin’ ta give it a try. Ya ready ta go or ya wanna get settled in some first?”
“Just let me go upstairs and change. I feel kind of grungy from the flight. Don’t worry… I promise not to take forever.”
"Let me carry tha' bag up fer ya."
"That's okay Hank, I can get it."
“Take as long as ya wan’, Iris.”
“Oh… sure… when it’s Iris, it’s ‘take as long as ya wan’…”
“Yer damn right it is.” Ed crossed the kitchen as Iris headed up the stairs, he pulled Hank into his arms, kissing him thoroughly.
“Thanks, dumbass. Love ya.”
“Didn’ do nothin’… 'sides keep it a secret tha’ she were comin’ ‘n try ‘n clean the place up some, but not so much so’s ya’d get suspicious.”
“Cain't hardly believe ya kept it a secret fer tha' long."
"Me neither. Weren't easy. Iris didn' think I'd be able ta do it. 'N I know ya don’ gen’rally like s’prises so I weren’t sure if’n ya were gonna thank me fer it or get all annoyed with me fer not tellin’ ya.” Hank laughed and shook his head, “Hell… don’ know wha’ more I coulda done ta stall ya if’n she hadn’ showed up when she did.”
“It were a real nice s’prise.”
“Ya shoulda seen yer face. Well… actually ya can… I took pictures.”
“Hope ya mostly got Iris."
"Tried ta get ya both."
"Jeez... Hank..."
"Wha'?"
"Wha' if'n I woulda taken ya up on tha' offer a yers a l'il while ago? When Iris got here we'd a been..."
"Don' worry... knew you were too irritated ta say 'yes' or I wouldna asked."
"Yeah... but wha' if I woulda?"
"Ya wouldna. 'N if'n you woulda, I wouldna."
"Hey, Hank?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you know wha’ her ol’ job was?”
“Nope.”
“Shit. Maybe Bill knows?”
“Why the hell would Bill know?”
“I dunno… Jus’ wishful thinkin’ I guess. I’d better go find him anyways… Tell him Iris is here ‘n ask him if he wants ta come. Know him ‘n Iris always got 'long real good.”
“I’ll wait here fer Iris.”
“Okay. Meet you at the truck. Oh wait… if’n Bill comes we should prob’bly take the rental. I’ll jus’ come back here… with or withou’ Bill.”
“Okay.”
^^^^^^^
“Wha’ the hell didya say this stuff is?”
“Tofu. It’s bean curd. Made from soy milk. It’s going in the pad thai… the noodle dish.”
“We really gonna eat this stuff? Sure is righ’ peculiar lookin’.”
“Stop poking it, dad.”
“It’s kinda fun ta poke.”
“Okay… keep poking it… guess it won’t hurt it any.”
“Don’ smell like much.”
“Don’t worry. It doesn’t taste like much and I’ll stir fry it with some garlic.”
“Wha’s the point a eatin’ it if’n it don’ taste like much?”
“Use it instead of meat. Better for you.”
“Guess I can eat prit’ near anythin’ if’n it’s fried. But… we’re gonna have meat in somethin’… ain’t we?”
“Don’t worry dad, there’ll be chicken in the curry for you and Hank. One of you is going to have to cook that though. I’ll make the pad thai.”
“Surrounded by cattle ‘n the girl is gonna feed us chicken…”
“Yep.”
“So ya still ain’t eatin’ meat, Iris?”
“Been twenty-some years now, dad.”
“I thought tha’ curry were Indian?”
“Thai food has a lotta curries too. Red, green, yellow, panang, musaman… They taste a lot different from the Indian curries…. ”
“’S’all Greek ta me.”
“Funny. Maybe we’ll make Greek food next time. Brought you a couple of different curry pastes. Thought you might want to keep making it after I left. It’s really easy to make if you use the ready-made ones. Not as good as fresh-made of course, but still pretty tasty. After I open one I measure it out in tablespoons and freeze it. Keeps pretty well that way.”
“Ugh… this stuff smells awful.”
“It’s fish sauce. You only use a little bit of it.”
“Don’ think we should use it at all. Don’ much like fish. ‘Sides… think maybe it’s gone bad.”
“That’s how it’s supposed to smell. And we have to use it. It’s what makes Thai food taste like Thai food. And you like Thai food, don’t you?”
“Yeah…”
“Okay, then.”
“Wha’s this?”
“It’s a rice cooker.”
“Know how ta cook rice. Don’ need no fancy special cooker.”
“It ain’t fancy. It just makes it a lot easier. 'Specially if we’re going to have three people trying to cook three different dishes on the same stove. You just dump the rice and water in and turn it on and it does the rest. Shuts off automatically when it’s done.”
“Well… the rice sounds fancy… Ain’t never had no ‘jasmine’ rice. Looks just like regular rice…”
“Open the package and take a whiff of it.”
“Smells real good.”
“Smells even better when it’s cooking. Tastes real good too.”
“Oyster sauce? Fish sauce ain’t bad ‘nough?”
“That’s for the broccoli… It’s used a lot more in Chinese food than Thai though.”
“Smells a lot better than tha’ fish sauce. Cain’t we jus’ use tha’ fer everythin’?”
Iris turned to Hank who was leaning against the refrigerator with his arms crossed, smiling, watching her and Ed, “Hey Hank, would you get me a beer?”
Hank laughed, “Think turnin’ ta drink will help, huh?”
“Sure can’t hurt.”
“Better pace yerself… gonna be a long week fer ya. ‘N speakin’ from ‘xperience… drinkin’ don’ help all tha’ much.”
“I’m willing to give it a try.”
“How many times did he call ya a ‘girl’ so far ta day?”
“Twice. Just now and once in the grocery store.”
“Tha’s better ‘n usual, ain’t it?”
“Sure is.”
“'N how many times has he called ya ‘Sunshine’?”
“Just once.”
“Hey… Sunshine ‘n Dumbass… you two do know I’m standin’ righ’ here, dontcha?”
“Yep.” “Yep.”
“Hey, Ed… Where’d tha’ ‘Sunshine’ nickname fer Iris come from?
Iris laughed, “I always thought it was like how some people would call a tall guy Shorty. Didn’t really seem to suit me too well.”
“Tha’ weren’t it. ‘N it suits ya jus’ fine. ‘S from tha’ song. You musta been no more ‘n two or three when I first heard it.”
“Which song?”
“'My Girl'. Tha' first line… ‘I got sunshine on a cloudy day’. Way it were with you. Ya always made me smile, no matter wha’. Still do. ‘N ’m sorry if’n it bothers you when I slip up ‘n call ya a girl or call ya Sunshine… I know yer a grown woman livin’ yer own life ‘n makin’ yer own way in the world… but ta me you’ll always be my li’l girl…”
“……”
“Speechless, huh Iris? Here we are… havin’ a real good time makin’ fun a him ‘n all, ‘n then he jus’ blindsides ya with somethin’ like tha’. He’s been doin’ tha’ ta me a lot lately.”
“I think I’d better sit down for a minute.”
“If’n ya wanna switch ta the hard liquor it’s in the cabinet next ta the stove.”
“Hey, dad?”
“Yeah, Iris?”
“I think maybe it’s okay for you to call me ‘Sunshine’ whenever you feel like it.”
“Okay, then. Thanks, Sunshine.”
^^^^^^^
“Ya think we should wake dad and send him up to bed?”
“I dunno… he looks so peaceful sleepin’ there... hate ta disturb him.”
“Guess we wore him out today.”
“Think maybe he jus’ ate too much ‘n passed out. Thanks again, Iris. Tha’ were a real fine dinner.”
“You both helped make it.”
“It were a lot easier than I thought it’d be. Lotta fun too.”
“It was. I'm just sorry Bill couldn’t stay. I told him to have Betty come over here, but they already had other plans they couldn’t break. Maybe we can have them over another night? And I'll feed him some of the leftovers tomorrow.”
“Migh’ be ‘nough left fer a mid-mornin’ snack. You wanna go sit on the porch? It don’ seem too cold… ‘n we can grab a couple a jackets… ‘n then we don’ have ta worry ‘bout wakin’ yer dad.”
“Sounds good.”
“Ya wan’ somethin’ else ta drink? Maybe a shot a somethin’?”
“Sure… whatever you’re having is fine with me.”
“On the rocks?”
“Nah… straight-up is fine.”
“Straight, huh?”
“Sorry…” Iris grinned, “Let’s just say ‘neat’ instead.”
“Okay. Meet ya out there.”
^^^^^
“Beautiful night. So peaceful. Sure is good to be here Hank.”
“Sure is good to have you here. Been too long.”
Iris reached down to pet Edthedog who was lying at her feet, “Nice dogs. I gotta admit though… you weren’t exaggerating…”
“Yep. Don’ tell them though. Don’ think they know it. Way yer dad fusses over ‘em think they think they’re righ’ handsome.”
“I won’t say a word. It’ll be our secret.”
“Thanks. ‘M sure they’ll appreciate it.”
“Hey… do you know what time it is, Hank?”
“Not late… ‘Bout 10:30.”
“You sure?”
“Tha’s wha’ the kitchen clock said when I were jus’ in there. Somethin’ ya wanna watch on TV?”
“Nah… I was just hoping to get a look at that watch of yours. Wanna see that inscription for myself.”
“Wha’?”
“Your pocket watch. Do you mind if I take a look at it?”
“No… not at all…” Hank slowly pulled the watch out of his pocket and handed it to Iris, “Guess yer dad told ya ‘bout our watches, huh?”
“Nope.”
“Nope?”
“Nope.”
“Then how didya know 'bout…? …Shit…”
Part 2, Okay then... is here:
http://myeyesaintblue.livejournal.com/26119.html