Serial: "Hawkins County Chapter 2 - 1970's Americana Nostalgia

CONTINUED CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF JACK JOHNSON

Esther approached her youngest and stood before him, admiringly. She brushed his gown with her hands and stepped back. "Let's get a look at you, Jackie." Jack stood straight and tall, which meant he was looking at the top of Ester's head as she put her hands on either side of his face. "I was so proud of you in there. My little boy is now a man." She hugged Jack tightly and began to cry. Jack hugged back, but because he was so self-conscious with the spectacle his mom was making, he backed away from her. Geez Louise, mom, why do you always show off in public like this?

"It's nothing to cry about, mom."

"It was a beautiful ceremony, Jack." Marianne intervened and took Jack's hand. "Congratulations."

"Thanks, babe," he replied as he kissed her, chastely.

"Where's the camera, Esther?" Senior asked, anxious to get this show on the road.

By now, Esther had composed herself and wiped her eyes on an ever-present Kleenex. "It's right here in my purse, father." She removed the 35-millimeter camera and handed it to her husband.

"The Johnsons," Father Donovan said, appearing out of the crowd. He approached Jack and put his hands on the new graduate's shoulders. "Congratulations, Jack."

"Thanks. Say, that was an unusual invocation you did in there, Father."

Father Donovan looked at Jack. "Unusual invocation...what about it?"

"Well, 'Ree, Rah, Ree, gimme my degree, yea, God,' is awful brief. It sounds more like a cheer."

"Oh, Jack, you did it to me again, didn't you?" Father Donovan brought his hands up, wrapped his fingers around Jack's neck, and began shaking him, gently. His voice strained to a high pitch. "You make me crazy!" Jack took this opportunity to let his tongue hang out and make a choking sound.

"Father Donovan, would you mind posing for a few snapshots with us?" Esther said, hoping this ploy would dissuade the priest from murdering her youngest son. (to be continued)

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