As Shinji enters Jimmy’s room, which is filled with football trophies and pendants, Jimmy goes behind Shinji and closes the door. Shinji instinctively lowers his body and takes a stance to withstand Jimmy’s tackle. To his surprise Jimmy smiles, gives Shinji a chair, shakes his hand and starts talking to him.
I heard from Christine. So, you ran into her downtown, yeah? You told Christine many good things about me, didn’t you? That’s a man’s friendship. You are a good guy!
Shinji is clueless, but he guesses Christine said something to Jimmy to please him. Shinji is relieved that Jimmy isn’t angry but feels gloomy at the same time since he feels like he has created another secret.
That night, Christine and Jimmy’s face pop up repeatedly in Shinji’s head until he can finally get to sleep, after 3:00 am.
Shinji is woken by knocks on the door and Dorothy’s voice.
Shinji, you will be late for school if you don’t get up now. Are you feeling sick? Are you OK?
Shinji realizes he forgot to set the alarm. He washes his face in a hurry. As he is about to leave the house, he is stopped by Michael’s voice coming from behind.
Shinji, I am leaving now too. I will give you a ride to the school.
Michael drives both a black Mercedes and a Buick SUV. He is driving the Mercedes today. Michael is wearing a dark grey suit and cream coloured tie today. He appears to be in a good mood.
I heard you and Jimmy had a good time talking yesterday. Jimmy told me. I know Jimmy is difficult sometimes, I feel like I have two sons. By the way, how is school?
Shinji takes this opportunity to explain his situation to Michael. He feels it will give him an excuse for Jimmy if he speaks not only to Christine but to Michael as well.
Michael gives agreeable responses as Shinji speaks but he doesn’t ask questions and doesn’t speak after Shinji finishes.
They drive over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, passed a forest in Stanley Park and enter downtown. When Michael stops at the front of the school building and lets Shinji out of the car, he suddenly speaks. Shinji can’t figure out if he is speaking to Shinji or to himself.
Your father’s company manufactures sake, doesn’t it?
(To be continued)
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