TWENTY

Note: This is a past-day event, (continuation of even-numbered chapters time span: 2,4,6, etc.)

My mouth was hanging open when I saw how well my father and Gregory get along during the holidays. By now Gregory probably thinks I'm exaggerating when I say what a thunderer my father could be. But maybe Gregory is just taking extra care of him. Like an Indian snake charmer who hypnotizes his snakes with his flute.

Gregory and my father talk and think for a long time the night before we leave for the holiday home in Cape Point. My father laughs at his jokes! Maybe he is just more relaxed because the holidays are coming up for him too. My father sat back on his chair at the dining room table. "Sarah," he called to the housekeeper, "bring us that bottle of GS Cabernet Sauvignon '66, please."

We drink and eat the night away. My father tells Gregory about the Gemstone corporation he owns. Gregory chats together. Ask questions and seem interested. Curse the snake.

I only listen to their convers