Chapter XIV
September 23, 2006
William answered the knock on the door of his father’s house. His friend David
stood outside, holding a case of beer.
“Are you ready?” David asked.
“Ready for what?” William asked, confused as to why his friend stood outside his
father’s front door.
“You’re getting married next week, man,” David said. “And what kind of best man
would I be if I didn’t throw you a bachelor party?”
“It really isn’t necessary,” William told him. “I only know you and my dad.”
“BOO!”
William jumped back as Eric popped up from behind the bushes. He hadn’t seen him
since before Eric left for the army. Eric had come back a few times but never let
him know until he was already in town and William was working.
“Eric!” William said. “You weren’t supposed to be back until Wednesday.”
“Ha ha,” Eric responded. “David and me had this planned out.”
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” David added.
Eric tried to climb over the bush but got his foot stuck, losing his shoe in the
process. He tried again, gave up, and walked around the path.
“Well, come on in, guys,” William said. “So just hanging out? Drinking beers?”