60. Forgive Me If I Don't Understand
While Mikey listened to Tiffany torture the tuba, Devin tried to patch things up with Lori. “I love you. I love having sex with you. We’ve been having sex. What’s so wrong about asking if we’re still gonna have sex?”
“You truly don’t understand?” Lori asked with a sigh.
“I don’t.”
Lori felt the frustration overtake her. She wanted to scream at him, drive over to his house and kick him. She took a deep breath, put the phone back to her ear and said, “You put your needs ahead of my feelings at a time when my feelings should have been your number one concern.”
Devin thought, here we go again, her endless fascination with everything she feels. She’s like a nervous pilot on her first solo flight, rattled by the slightest turbulence . “I’m sorry,” he said, feeling sorry for himself.
“It’s OK,” she said, thinking ‘he really doesn’t understand.’
Today I will remember true forgiveness often rests on understanding.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
59. It Better Get Better
When Mikey got home, Tiffany was practicing the tuba. “You know the story of Jericho?” he asked Repulsive as the cat curled up in his lap. “The Israelites should’ve played tubas. The people would have torn the stones from their walls to throw at the tuba players. The wall would’ve fallen the first day.”
A few minutes later he recognized the tune she was playing - Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. “She’s gotten better at playing or I’ve gotten better at picking out the tune,” he said to the cat. “Either way, it’s better.”
Today I will remember most often things will get better, and/or I will get better.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
When Mikey got home, Tiffany was practicing the tuba. “You know the story of Jericho?” he asked Repulsive as the cat curled up in his lap. “The Israelites should’ve played tubas. The people would have torn the stones from their walls to throw at the tuba players. The wall would’ve fallen the first day.”
A few minutes later he recognized the tune she was playing - Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. “She’s gotten better at playing or I’ve gotten better at picking out the tune,” he said to the cat. “Either way, it’s better.”
Today I will remember most often things will get better, and/or I will get better.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
58.
How Embarrassing
While he
was sitting on the side of the road, Mikey saw the farmer walking along the new
fence. He got out of his car, wanting to
apologize. After they shook hands and
Mikey apologized, Mikey said, “A school principal is supposed to set a good
example. I couldn’t be more
embarrassed.”
The farmer
said, “When I was a young man I got it into my head I was gonna let the air out
of the school bus tires. The buses were
kept behind a high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire next to a trucking
company. When I went over the top, my belt
caught and I fell. I was hanging by my feet, naked from the waist down, for the
better part of four hours. Fire trucks came. Do you remember the old Polaroid
cameras? Somebody took pictures and passed them around school.” He chuckled,
and added, “Everybody does something embarrassing.”
Today
I will remember I'm not the only one who's done something embarrassing.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Monday, June 27, 2016
57. What Rolls Downhill?
Mikey hung up the phone and stared at the wall. Derrick was delusional, but was he right about Mikey not being at fault? Mikey decided to drive back to the accident scene.
When he got there, he had a flashback of the groundhog standing in the other lane. He hadn’t needed to swerve at all. The shoulder was wide. The electric fence was six inches closer to the blacktop than law allowed, but it was also ten feet from the shoulder. Why hadn’t he gotten back on course before hitting the wire?
“I was more drunk than I thought,” he said out loud. And like a snowball rolling downhill, his insight into his problems grew. Why was his marriage strained? Why were his children so concerned about him? Why did he get into trouble from drinking, but his golf buddies did not? “Because I do have a problem with booze.”
Today I will be grateful insight rolls downhill as well.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Mikey hung up the phone and stared at the wall. Derrick was delusional, but was he right about Mikey not being at fault? Mikey decided to drive back to the accident scene.
When he got there, he had a flashback of the groundhog standing in the other lane. He hadn’t needed to swerve at all. The shoulder was wide. The electric fence was six inches closer to the blacktop than law allowed, but it was also ten feet from the shoulder. Why hadn’t he gotten back on course before hitting the wire?
“I was more drunk than I thought,” he said out loud. And like a snowball rolling downhill, his insight into his problems grew. Why was his marriage strained? Why were his children so concerned about him? Why did he get into trouble from drinking, but his golf buddies did not? “Because I do have a problem with booze.”
Today I will be grateful insight rolls downhill as well.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Sunday, June 26, 2016
56. Gratitude First
While Mikey was on the phone with his friend and lawyer, Tiffany said to her mother, "Can we make an exception just this once? I'm leaving for Florida in a week. I want some spending money."
"You know the rules, you can't have your birthday money until you write thank you notes."
"I will, when I get back. I promise. First day I'm back."
Sheila thought for a minute, then said, "No, that's a bad precedent. Write the notes first. Be grateful for the gift before you get wrapped up in spending it."
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
' Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
While Mikey was on the phone with his friend and lawyer, Tiffany said to her mother, "Can we make an exception just this once? I'm leaving for Florida in a week. I want some spending money."
"You know the rules, you can't have your birthday money until you write thank you notes."
"I will, when I get back. I promise. First day I'm back."
Sheila thought for a minute, then said, "No, that's a bad precedent. Write the notes first. Be grateful for the gift before you get wrapped up in spending it."
Today I will put gratitude first.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
' Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Thursday, June 23, 2016
55. Lessons Learned
When Mikey got home, he called Derrick. “Did you almost lose your law license?” he asked.
“Complete misunderstanding,” Derrick said. “This judge – he’s known for having a bug up his butt - got mad about some dates on court documents. Minor stuff blown way out of proportion.”
“Did you do something you weren’t allowed to?”
“Technically, yes. But it didn’t really matter, except to that judge.”
As Derrick explained, Mikey thought ‘He hasn’t learned his lesson yet.’ He listened to Derrick blame the judge, remembering how he’d blamed the groundhog, and thought, “Neither have I.”
Today I will learn a lesson from people who haven’t learned theirs.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
When Mikey got home, he called Derrick. “Did you almost lose your law license?” he asked.
“Complete misunderstanding,” Derrick said. “This judge – he’s known for having a bug up his butt - got mad about some dates on court documents. Minor stuff blown way out of proportion.”
“Did you do something you weren’t allowed to?”
“Technically, yes. But it didn’t really matter, except to that judge.”
As Derrick explained, Mikey thought ‘He hasn’t learned his lesson yet.’ He listened to Derrick blame the judge, remembering how he’d blamed the groundhog, and thought, “Neither have I.”
Today I will learn a lesson from people who haven’t learned theirs.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
54. Cutting Corners
Mikey went golfing that night but didn't drink afterward. Jerome drove Mikey home, which was as unusual as the sour look on Jerome's face.
"Derrick says he's gonna fix this for you," Jerome said out of the blue. "Cut some corners, make it easy for you." Mikey was surprised by his friend's tone and didn't know what to say.
Jerome went on. "You know why your daughter is such a great soccer player? She never cuts corners. I mean that literally. When they run laps, all the other girls cut out the corners. Not Tiffany. She makes a point of going around the cones. Every drill, every practice, she does things right. It's like she knows failure and nasty surprises live in those cut corners."
"I admire her for that, but it doesn't have anything to do with my situation," Mikey said.
"No? Ask Derrick how he almost lost his law license."
Today I won't cut corners.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Mikey went golfing that night but didn't drink afterward. Jerome drove Mikey home, which was as unusual as the sour look on Jerome's face.
"Derrick says he's gonna fix this for you," Jerome said out of the blue. "Cut some corners, make it easy for you." Mikey was surprised by his friend's tone and didn't know what to say.
Jerome went on. "You know why your daughter is such a great soccer player? She never cuts corners. I mean that literally. When they run laps, all the other girls cut out the corners. Not Tiffany. She makes a point of going around the cones. Every drill, every practice, she does things right. It's like she knows failure and nasty surprises live in those cut corners."
"I admire her for that, but it doesn't have anything to do with my situation," Mikey said.
"No? Ask Derrick how he almost lost his law license."
Today I won't cut corners.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
53. Getting Over, Being Buried Under
Mikey called the first rehab again. They gave him an appointment, but warned him they had a waiting list. He called Derrick to tell him he couldn't get into treatment right away.
“Perfect!” Derrick said. “Call them tomorrow and reschedule it for a week later. The day before that appointment, cancel and push it back another week. I'll get your hearing moved to the day after your assessment. You can show the judge the paperwork from the assessment. You'll get a lighter sentence without ever having to go to treatment.”
"That'll work?" Mikey asked, more than a little skeptical he could get over on the system that easily. Had he trusted his misgivings, he might not have gotten buried under it.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Mikey called the first rehab again. They gave him an appointment, but warned him they had a waiting list. He called Derrick to tell him he couldn't get into treatment right away.
“Perfect!” Derrick said. “Call them tomorrow and reschedule it for a week later. The day before that appointment, cancel and push it back another week. I'll get your hearing moved to the day after your assessment. You can show the judge the paperwork from the assessment. You'll get a lighter sentence without ever having to go to treatment.”
"That'll work?" Mikey asked, more than a little skeptical he could get over on the system that easily. Had he trusted his misgivings, he might not have gotten buried under it.
Today I'll remember getting over can lead to being buried under.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Monday, June 20, 2016
52. Accepting Help
A week later school let out for the summer. Mikey called the nearest rehab. He expected to sign up for outpatient treatment, stay just long enough for them to realize he had no problem, and leave with discharge papers he could show the judge. Instead he was told an evaluator would meet with him, take a thorough history, and discuss how much care he needed. Mikey called another rehab.
The second rehab told him the same thing, as did a third. Mikey was convinced he had no problem with alcohol. He saw no point in discussing anything with an evaluator. He called a fourth rehab, spoke to their evaluator, and got the same answer.
Losing his temper, Mikey said, "You're all whacked, all you rehabs! Do you know who I am?"
The evaluator said, "Aren't you the guy on the video, stumbling out of his car drunk, stepping into a cow patty, and getting arrested? "
Mikey ended the call and tossed his phone to the floor in disgust. "I guess I gotta do it their way, Repugnant."
Today I will accept the help I need won't always be on my terms.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
A week later school let out for the summer. Mikey called the nearest rehab. He expected to sign up for outpatient treatment, stay just long enough for them to realize he had no problem, and leave with discharge papers he could show the judge. Instead he was told an evaluator would meet with him, take a thorough history, and discuss how much care he needed. Mikey called another rehab.
The second rehab told him the same thing, as did a third. Mikey was convinced he had no problem with alcohol. He saw no point in discussing anything with an evaluator. He called a fourth rehab, spoke to their evaluator, and got the same answer.
Losing his temper, Mikey said, "You're all whacked, all you rehabs! Do you know who I am?"
The evaluator said, "Aren't you the guy on the video, stumbling out of his car drunk, stepping into a cow patty, and getting arrested? "
Mikey ended the call and tossed his phone to the floor in disgust. "I guess I gotta do it their way, Repugnant."
Today I will accept the help I need won't always be on my terms.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Sunday, June 19, 2016
51. Always There for Me
"No matter what happens," Devin said, "I'll always be your brother." Tiffany threw her arm around her brother, burying her head in his chest. "Your smarter, better looking, nicer, more loved, brother," he said laughing.
Tiffany punched his shoulder.
Devin said,"Your funnier, braver, more charming, kinder, ..." Tiffany laughed and tried to put a hand over his mouth. "...wittier, brother. Your ..."
Tiffany grabbed a pillow and tried to cover Devin's face. When they stopped laughing, Devin said, "It'll be OK, you little villian. I'll always be there for you."
Today I will be grateful for people who are always there for me.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
"No matter what happens," Devin said, "I'll always be your brother." Tiffany threw her arm around her brother, burying her head in his chest. "Your smarter, better looking, nicer, more loved, brother," he said laughing.
Tiffany punched his shoulder.
Devin said,"Your funnier, braver, more charming, kinder, ..." Tiffany laughed and tried to put a hand over his mouth. "...wittier, brother. Your ..."
Tiffany grabbed a pillow and tried to cover Devin's face. When they stopped laughing, Devin said, "It'll be OK, you little villian. I'll always be there for you."
Today I will be grateful for people who are always there for me.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Thursday, June 16, 2016
50.
Parking Tickets for Non-Drivers
“Are they
gonna get a divorce?” Tiffany asked, drawing her knees up into her chest.
“Not today,”
Devin said. “Not any time soon.”
“But they
might.”
“Listen
Villain, suppose you make yourself miserable today because of something that
might happen a year from now. If they never get divorced, you’ve suffered for what
you only thought might happen. That’s like paying a parking ticket you never
got before you could even drive.”
Today
I will deal with today’s problems.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
49. Duck Identification Skills
“Please stop arguing,” Tiffany said to her shoes in a voice that wouldn’t have been heard if not for the chilly silence of the living room.
“We’re not arguing,” her mother said, staring at her father. Sheila made a gesture Tiffany caught out of the corner of her eye.
“We’re not arguing, honey,” he said, “In fact we’re going to make dinner together.”
Tiffany watched them march off to the kitchen, to continue not arguing out of earshot of their children. Tiffany wriggled closer to her older brother and said, “I’m not crazy, they were arguing.”
“You’re not crazy,” Devin said. “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.” He laughed. “Don’t doubt yourself, or your duck identification skills, because someone else can’t admit it’s a duck. That would drive you crazy.”
Today I will trust my duck identification skills.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
48. Don't Feed the 'Gator
When Devin got home, he plopped down onto the couch next to Tiffany. Mikey was sitting in an easy chair, Sheila sat on the other side of Tiffany. Tiffany was staring at her laptop. “I can’t wait to go to Florida, but I just found out you’re not supposed to feed the alligators,” Tiffany said. “That sucks.” She showed him an article about a twenty foot monster that lived on a golf course.
“Here’s a good rule of thumb, you little villain,” Devin said as he hugged his sister, “don’t feed anything that might kill you, like bears and alligators.”
“Like anger and resentment,” Mikey said, looking at Sheila.
“Or an addiction,” Sheila shot back.
Tiffany thought she’d rather pet the alligator than deal with the tension between her parents.
Today I won’t feed anything that might kill me.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
ADDENDUM:
I wanted to apologize for the timing of this post. I wasn't aware of the tragedy at Disney when I posted it. My heart goes out to the family.
When Devin got home, he plopped down onto the couch next to Tiffany. Mikey was sitting in an easy chair, Sheila sat on the other side of Tiffany. Tiffany was staring at her laptop. “I can’t wait to go to Florida, but I just found out you’re not supposed to feed the alligators,” Tiffany said. “That sucks.” She showed him an article about a twenty foot monster that lived on a golf course.
“Here’s a good rule of thumb, you little villain,” Devin said as he hugged his sister, “don’t feed anything that might kill you, like bears and alligators.”
“Like anger and resentment,” Mikey said, looking at Sheila.
“Or an addiction,” Sheila shot back.
Tiffany thought she’d rather pet the alligator than deal with the tension between her parents.
Today I won’t feed anything that might kill me.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
ADDENDUM:
I wanted to apologize for the timing of this post. I wasn't aware of the tragedy at Disney when I posted it. My heart goes out to the family.
Monday, June 13, 2016
47. Do I have to?
While Devin was driving home, Derrick called Mikey. Derrick advised his client to go to rehab. "The day after school lets out for the summer, you go sign yourself in," Derrick said.
"But I don't have a drinking problem," Mikey said, "I just had the one accident. What am I supposed to do at rehab?"
"You're supposed to win points with the judge by completing treatment before you're tried and sentenced."
Mikey reluctantly agreed to go, even though he thought there was no good reason for him to do so.
Today I will find a reason to do the right thing.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Sunday, June 12, 2016
45.
Dodging a Bullet
Lori wasn’t
pregnant. “Things can back to the way they were,” Devin said as he hugged her
at her front door.
“Things
cannot go back to the way they were,” Lori said. “I’m never going through this again.”
“OK. We’ll
be a little more careful.”
“No, Devin.
Things have to change a lot. We have to
change. If you dodge a bullet, you don’t
keep walking, but just a little faster.
You change directions, you run, you get to safety. We have to change.”
“OK, but we’ll
still do it, right?”
“Go home
Devin.”
If
I dodge a bullet today, I will move out of the line of fire.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Thursday, June 9, 2016
44. Is it Contagious?
From an
upstairs bedroom came a loud “Yes!” followed by a long silence. Devin came
bounding into the living room, jacket in hand.
“I’m going
to Lori’s,” he said. “Love you, Dad.”
“That’s
twice in ten minutes I heard someone say they loved me,” Mikey said to
Repulsive and Repugnant. Repugnant
scratched under his collar. Repulsive
meowed and Mikey said, “I count that as a third time ‘Pulse.” He scratched the
cat’s ears and smiled. Mikey didn’t know
what Devin was so happy about, he only knew his good mood was contagious.
Today
I will be grateful happiness can be contagious.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
43. What’s Good
About Bad Times
When Mikey
got home he saw he had a message from his father. He winced.
His father hadn’t called since the accident. Mikey pushed the ‘play’
button on the answering machine, bracing himself for the old man’s ranting and
raving. Instead, in a halting and soft voice, his father said he was glad Mikey
was OK. He offered to help pay the lawyer’s fees and court costs.
A muffled
last sentence followed a pause in the message. At first Mikey wasn’t sure if the old man had said
‘let’s get this done,’ or ‘love you son.’ Mikey played the message over and
over until he was certain his father had said he loved him.
Today
I will be glad bad times often bring out the good in people.
Mikey, Repulsive,
and Repugnant (c) 2016
by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
42.
The Whole Truth
Since the
accident Mikey had been a getting a ride from Corey, a golf buddy who taught
history at the middle school. Corey’s
brother Derrick – another golf buddy – was representing Mikey.
“Derrick
thinks he can get the charges reduced,” Mikey said as Corey pulled out of the
school lot. “He says the road wasn’t well marked. The county hadn’t properly
cleared the shoulder of gravel they put down during the last snowstorm. The farmer’s fence was six inches closer to
the road than law allows. Turns out it
wasn’t my fault and Derrick thinks he may even get my case dismissed.”
Mikey
thought Corey would be happy for him.
Corey sat silently for a long moment before he spoke.
“Derrick wasn’t
lying. He told you what was legally
true, but not the truth,” Corey
said. “Truth is you were responsible for
that accident. You could have killed
someone. You have a serious drinking problem.”
Mikey shook
his head. Derrick had warned him Corey
wouldn’t understand.
Today
I will be grateful for friends who tell me the truth.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Monday, June 6, 2016
41. An Ebb Tide Lowers All Boats
‘She’s still Mikey’s little girl,’ Sheila thought. She’d been the same way when she was Tiffany’s age. But as the years passed, her father’s drinking had gotten worse. She remembered being ten and strolling through the middle of the living room, kissing his cheek as she passed him sitting in his favorite chair. By the time she’d turned fifteen, she’d hug the far wall, eyes on him, trying not to breathe or make a sound, waiting to see how drunk he was, what his mood might be, hoping to slip into her room unnoticed.
‘She’s still Mikey’s little girl,’ Sheila thought. She’d been the same way when she was Tiffany’s age. But as the years passed, her father’s drinking had gotten worse. She remembered being ten and strolling through the middle of the living room, kissing his cheek as she passed him sitting in his favorite chair. By the time she’d turned fifteen, she’d hug the far wall, eyes on him, trying not to breathe or make a sound, waiting to see how drunk he was, what his mood might be, hoping to slip into her room unnoticed.
Today I will remember addictions get progressively worse, for everyone concerned.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Sunday, June 5, 2016
40. Life Goes On
Two weeks after Mikey's accident, Tiffany's soccer coach pulled her aside to say she had been picked for an all-star team. The all-star coach would be contacting her parents about a trip to Florida to play in an elite tournament. Tiffany was shocked, thrilled, then worried.
When Tiffany got home, she told her mother. "That's great!" her mother said. "Wait, why don't you look happier about this?"
"I feel bad about telling dad how good things are going for me when his life sucks. It's like I'm rubbing it in."
Sheila pulled her close and said, "You are going to Florida. I grew up with an alcoholic. You can't live your life around their ups and downs. Life is too short not to enjoy the good things you've earned. Besides, your father has nobody but himself to blame. Don't sacrifice your joy because of his mistakes."
Today I'll enjoy life's rewards.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Two weeks after Mikey's accident, Tiffany's soccer coach pulled her aside to say she had been picked for an all-star team. The all-star coach would be contacting her parents about a trip to Florida to play in an elite tournament. Tiffany was shocked, thrilled, then worried.
When Tiffany got home, she told her mother. "That's great!" her mother said. "Wait, why don't you look happier about this?"
"I feel bad about telling dad how good things are going for me when his life sucks. It's like I'm rubbing it in."
Sheila pulled her close and said, "You are going to Florida. I grew up with an alcoholic. You can't live your life around their ups and downs. Life is too short not to enjoy the good things you've earned. Besides, your father has nobody but himself to blame. Don't sacrifice your joy because of his mistakes."
Today I'll enjoy life's rewards.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Thursday, June 2, 2016
39. The Dewey Decimation System
The next few weeks were a nightmare for Tiffany. There had been advantages and disadvantages to her father being principal of her school. After the video went viral, the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages.
Kids began calling her dad “Dewey” for DUI. They would moo when his voice came over the loud speakers, or make engine noises and pretend to crash into their lockers. Vandals removed the “Reserved for Principal” sign from her dad’s parking space and attached it to the bike rack.
The assistant principal announced disrespect of administrators, teachers, support staff, and students would not be tolerated. This only spurred the kids on. Tiffany hated her father being the butt of every joke, but deep down thought he might have earned their disrespect.
Today I will remember that like respect, disrespect can be earned.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
The next few weeks were a nightmare for Tiffany. There had been advantages and disadvantages to her father being principal of her school. After the video went viral, the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages.
Kids began calling her dad “Dewey” for DUI. They would moo when his voice came over the loud speakers, or make engine noises and pretend to crash into their lockers. Vandals removed the “Reserved for Principal” sign from her dad’s parking space and attached it to the bike rack.
The assistant principal announced disrespect of administrators, teachers, support staff, and students would not be tolerated. This only spurred the kids on. Tiffany hated her father being the butt of every joke, but deep down thought he might have earned their disrespect.
Today I will remember that like respect, disrespect can be earned.
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.
Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
38. The
Calm Before the Storm
While Mikey
was making his film debut, Sheila and Tiffany moved their party from the living
room into the kitchen. “Want some cookie
dough?” Sheila asked Tiffany as she pulled the tub from the refrigerator.
Tiffany’s eyes
widened. “I thought you said raw dough was bad for us, and we weren’t allowed
to eat it.”
“It’s bad
for your chubby father. Your brother
would eat the whole tub if I let him.
You and I can bake a few cookies and eat a little dough. Want to put it on ice cream?”
While they
ate their ice cream and cookie dough, mother and daughter talked about soccer,
school, science, Repugnant, and Repulsive’s latest catch, which he had left half
alive on Tiffany’s pillow. They had no idea of the storm about to blow through
their lives.
Today
I will cherish quiet moments with loved ones.
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose
Mikey,
Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any
resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely
coincidental.
Other works by Ken
Montrose are available at:
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