Johnny's Drive Home

Johnny’s Drive Home

Johnny was always being told that he was too anal and he did not know how to react to that. These were the thoughts in Johnny’s head as he was driving home on a Friday night.

What does that mean when some calls you that? I mean what is that?

He pondered the times when people had said it. Barbara his wife had said it a few times and he just thought he was being too stubborn. That was not being anal, that was being stubborn. He better get one last cigarette in before he gets home. He lights his fag and opens the window. He will have to have one of his cough lozenges before he gets there.

I think too much he told himself. Maybe that is being anal.

He was driving on his was from work. He had had a shit day, he hated his job. He hated the 9 to 5 rat race. He had a mortgage to pay and he had two kids now so he had to do the right thing.

So much.

Just so much going on in his brain. He did not know how to make it stop.

It’s Ok. He would be turning off soon and he is closer to home. He can have a beer when he gets home. He will not have quiet though. Bloody kids, they drive me mad sometimes, he thoughts wondered as he puffed it all in and maneuvered the freeway. It was getting dark.

He had to work late. Barry his boss was an arsehole. He always said something and then did something different. He just learnt not to expect.

Maybe that was being anal. He turned off the freeway, at least he was getting out of the rat race now. Johnny lived on the fridges of Melbourne CBD and was heading home to Peacedale.

He loved his house though he never got time to do any work there. Barry always was running late on letting him go. Work, Kids, being a taxi. How is a man supposed to cope with all this stress.

The light was dimming. He turned off his turn on the roundabout and as he was about accelerate he saw on the side of the round a youngish dark haired boy with a red back pack. He looked a little young to be there he thought. He started to slow down.

The boy held his thumb with a huge smile and shining eyes.

Johnny pulled over.

Where are you heading too? He asked.

Just down the round to meet my dad. The young boy said with his big warm smile. It’s not far he said.

Ok Jump in said Johnny.

The boy jumped in and put his red bag down between his legs.

Johnny felt a funny feeling as he pulled out onto the road.

The boy smiled and thanked him for the lift and then proceeded to talk about the weather and his dad and how great he was. He was not an arsehole, Johnny thought.

He spoke of his dad waiting for him down the road and that he would let him know when you get closer to the end of his road. He seemed very comfortable and chatty.

Are you from these parts? Asked Johnny.

Yes he replied, I like it here.

I have not seen you around continued Johnny.

I am always here he said. Maybe you have not noticed me before. I have seen you many times. He chatted away saying he had seen him at kid’s sports.

Johnny had never seen him before and his head was starting to spin with his incessant chatter.

How old are you asked Johnny

Thirteen he replied and then he continued to rattle on and on about his birthday and what he did and he even told Johnny that he had seen him on that day.

The funny feeling in Johnny was becoming an eerie feeling. Johnny did not know what to say.

What’s your name he eventually came out with when there was a silence.

Jack, jack said.

Hi Jack, I am Johnny. Said Johnny.

I know, said Jack.

Silence prevailed.

Johnny did not know what to think right now. He did not want to freak the kid out. He was freaked out.

Silence.

They had got 10 km down the road and they had another 10km to go until he reaches his last turn till home.

Oh Well thought Johnny he will want me to pull over soon.

Is it much further is was prompted to ask.

No not far, just down the road. Jack said.

Is your dad expecting you? He asked.

No it’s a surprise said jack with a giggle and a big smile.

Johnny was a little confused.

He kept driving, it was getting darker.

And you mum He finally asked? Does she live here?

No he said. She lives in Melbourne. Jack Said

Silence

Oh Johnny said

Does she know that you are here?

Silence

I thought you said that you lived here?

No and yes said Jack.

Silence

Johnny did not know what to make of that.

What’s your mum’s name? Johnny asked

Juliette said Johnny

And then he started up again about his mum and what she does and how she talks to him every day and how she tells me that she loves me and how she loves feeling me around her. It is a very warm and drawing feeling he said as he continued to go on about what his mum does for a living and how she is a nurse and how she looks after people and has even helped them over.

Johnny was stuck on Juliette.

He had only ever known one woman who was called Juliette, after all is it not a common name. It was years ago in Melbourne.

His memories of those times came flooding in as Jack chatted and chatted.

He remembered the break up as it was not long since she had lost her baby. His baby. Gulp.

They were young and free and they had been together about 18 months, though Johnny loved Juliette. He felt the hurt in his heart. Juliette fell pregnant and they both agreed to a termination and she went off and had one with her best friend Judith.

After the termination she got hugely depressed and they ended up separating about 4 months later.

He remembered her dark black hair and he looked at Jack. It was getting dark and it was hard to see.

He was not far from his turnoff now.

I have to turn soon he said as he got distracted with indicators as his turn was coming up.

That’s fine said jack and he reached down for his bag. This is the road my dad lives on.

He turned into his road. There were about a dozen houses on this road. He slowed down.

There are not many houses up here he said, let me drop you off.

Ok said jack and put his bag down.

I must know your dad then. I have lived here for a number of years now. Johnny said

You do said jack

Who is he asked Johnny?

It’s You. Hi Dad Surprise. He laughed.

Johnny stopped the car.

Jack put his hands on his arm and the eerie feeling just disappeared. In was entranced just for a moment. He was touched.

But wait a moment.

A realization, a lie, a betrayal, a truth, a what now?

Johnny’s brain was reeling.

Jack laughed. Its OK dad. I didn’t mean to shock you. I thought you were ready.

I thought you were terminated. Johnny said. I did not know. I am so sorry son.

Jack hugged him.

Johnny was gobsmacked. What the fuuuck.

They sat hugging for a moment on the side of the road.

Jack sat up and said. I love you dad, more than you will ever know. In fact a love stronger than you will ever know.

I did not know said Johnny, tears in his eyes.

Now you do said Jack in such an excited and merrily motivating way. A calm feeling came over Johnny. He had this feeling that everything was just going to be alright.

What about Barbara and the kids and what was he going to say circled around him mind.

You better come home and meet my wife Barbara and the kids as he got ready to head up his driveway.

I already know Barbara and Darcy and Teneal. Said jack

Johnny was astonished, he did not know what to say

He stopped in his usual parking spot and turned the car off. He opens the doors and got his work bag from the back of the car.

You don’t have much luggage then said Johnny.

No dad I have learned to travel lightly.

Jack opened the door and got out and shut the door behind him.

Johnny walked round and put his arm around Jack and they started to slowly walk up the stair together towards the house. Jack pushed Johnny in and embraced him and laughed.

I love you Dad and I am so joyous to have met you. I am thankful for your creation. You are not anal dad. Jack said

What? said Johnny

Ha Ha said Jack and he ran up the path towards the front of the house.

Johnny followed pondering at a slower pace. They met at the foot of the final steps to the door. They hugged again.

Oh No said jack. I left my bag in the car. He ran off and headed down the steps, saying I’ve got it. I won’t be long.

Johnny stood there stunned thinking to himself.

Juliette why didn’t you tell me?

Why did you lie to me?

Is this really my son?

He would have to talk with her now. There were so many unanswered questions and conversations to have.

He waited.

Jack he called out. He walked to the top of the stairs. Jack!

No reply

He put down his bag and walked down the stairs. Jack.

He opened the car door. No bag. No jack