Chapter II
December 11, 1999
William and David arrived at the Old Township Hall for Eric’s going-away party.
David had lost at rock-paper-scissors and was stuck as designated driver. William
was thankful that he won the game. He didn’t like driving on the road the hall was
on. It had sharp turns, no streetlights, and people usually drove at least fifteen
over the limit.
The sky had begun to get dark. They arrived an hour early to help set up, though
William was relieved to see Eric’s family had already taken care of everything. He
wasn’t in the mood to do much.
The hall was draped in red, white, and blue. Tables were covered in American flag
tablecloths. William felt like he'd walked into a political campaign event.
“Boys!” Mrs. Smith, Eric’s mother, greeted them with hugs. “Thanks for coming.”
“We wouldn’t be anywhere else,” David said.
“Yeah,” William added, stopping short of saying more.
“Eric's around here somewhere,” she said. “You might want to grab seats now.
There’s like fifty cousins coming.”
“Good idea,” William replied.
“Let us know if you need help with anything,” David said.
They picked a table in the far corner, away from the DJ booth. William hadn’t