This Time(4)

Chapter Two





In the driveway of the ramshackle farm house, juxtaposed in its shadow, sat a new sports car convertible, burgundy with a black top and tinted windows. The sleek car seemed to mock the peeling paint and sagging front porch of the old homestead.

Yet, to Burke Benning, the house was his true treasure. He unlocked the front door, absently tucked his keys in his pocket and wondrously stepped into the past.

Grandpa Benning's old place made him feel like a kid again and instantly connected him to all the good that came from growing up in small Mid-western town of Haskell, Oklahoma.

Not much had changed in the house since he'd inherited it from his grandfather several years ago. The old furniture and fixtures remained the same, only now covered with dusty sheets.

Faded wallpaper peeled away from the wall, and the pea green shag carpet that covered most of the downstairs was a flashback to the '70's.

In the kitchen, Burke stuck his head inside the pantry and drew a deep breath. How could it be that after all these years it still smelled of baked ham and pumpkin pie?

The family room stretched along the southern side of the house. Large windows, opposite the stone fireplace, let in the mid-day light. Burke stepped into the room, and for a brief moment, stepped into the past. So many of his boyhood memories were made right here as he celebrated holidays and birthdays with the family.

He closed his eyes trying to remember the smell of spring air blowing through open windows, perfumed with the sweet scent of new mown grass.

"Takes you back, doesn't it?" A hand clapped solidly on his shoulder.

Burke whirled around. "Dean," he said, embracing his older brother. "I still miss them."

"Me, too."

"I suppose we never outgrow wanting our grandparents."

"It's home, Burke. It's home."

A young, deep voice interrupted. "Hey, Uncle Burke." A bright face appeared around Dean.

"Jack?"

Jack smiled sheepishly. "Yeah."

"You've grown a foot since I saw you last summer!" Burke stepped back and surveyed his only nephew. He sported the wide, mischievous Benning smile and strong chin. He looked more a like a grown man than Burke wanted to admit.

"He's sixteen, Burke," Dean said, then boasted. "Starting quarterback for the Haymakers this fall."

Burke congratulated his nephew, proud that he continued the Benning legacy at Haskell High.

"Your dad and I had a lot of fun times in this old place," Burke said. "Remember the attic, Dean?"

Dean nodded. "Granddad had old model trains up there with the track and town all laid out. That thing kept us out of trouble for hours."

"Let's check it out," Burke suggested, starting for the attic.

When they reached the hot and dusty third floor, they found the treasure they'd hoped to find. Under a waterproof tarp sat Granddad's trains, still waiting to pull away from the station.

"Hello! Anybody home? Hello?" Muffled calls resounded up the stairwell.

Jack glanced out the attic window. "Granddad and grandma are here."

Burke left the attic and met his parents in the front foyer, grabbing his mother in a big swirling hug. "Hello, Mother."

Laughing, Elaine Benning slapped her son on the shoulder. "Now, put me down before I get dizzy."

"Hello, son." Reese Benning stepped up and gave his youngest son a manly, yet loving hug.

"Dad, good to see you," Burke said. Dean and Jack joined them as they moved into the family room.

"This place hasn't changed in fifty years," Elaine said, glancing around, hands on her petite waist. She seemed like a delicate rose blooming in the shadow of towering trees standing next to the broad, tall Benning men. The top of her brown head barely squared off with Reese's shoulders. "Reese, that mantle picture was there the first time you brought me to meet your parents."

"The folks didn't go in much for change," Reese commented, a far away look in his dark, deep eyes as he walked around the room. "You going to fix this place up Burke? It'd be worth your money. It's got a sound construction. You could rent it out for a nice price."

"I plan on fixing it up," Burke said, rubbing his hands together, an edgy, nervous feeling creeping over him. He had news to share with the family and wanted to get it out in the open. "Why don't we all sit in the family room? I want to talk to you about something."

Elaine and Reese took a seat on the couch. Dean pulled a sheet off of an old rocking chair that squeaked when he sat down. Jack flopped down next to his grandpa and scrubbed Reese's thick gray head with his knuckles then tried to arm-wrestle him. They tussled and grunted for a few seconds before Reese won.

"Not bad for a fifty-seven year old grandpa," Reese said, patting his forearm, muscular and powerful from years of working the ranch and roping cattle.

Meanwhile, Burke paced the floor in front of them, his mind rehearsing what he wanted to say. When he had their attention, he said in one tight breath, "I'm retiring from football."

All smiles faded.

"Why?" Reese asked, serious and concerned.

"Now? At the height of your career?" Dean trailed his father's question with one of his own.