Right (61) By Littlewing1957
Mrs. Twist walked down the steps to her kitchen, all ready to prepare the morning meal. She was feeling a bit stiff, but knew she would feel better after being treated to one of Jack’s mega watt smiles. And that Ennis Del Mar! What a charming young man! Roberta Twist realized that those two handsome faces kept her going. She loved her husband in her own way, but he could be a trial. Ennis and Jack made her feel young and vital. Mrs. Twist looked around her living room. It was 9:00 in the morning, and she expected to see three men milling about, waiting for breakfast. But the house was as quiet as the grave. Roberta Twist shrugged and walked into the kitchen. Perhaps her three guys were out inspecting the wood Ennis and Jack brought back to build the barn. Of course, that was it! They were out on the grounds getting ready to erect a new barn.
Mr. Twist walked into the kitchen just as his wife was mixing the pancake batter. He had just come from the basement looking for Ennis and Jack. He knocked on the basement door first before using his key to gain entry. Mr. Twist became concerned when he didn’t get an answer from Ennis when he called him, or when he knocked on the door. Old Man Twist was not one to jump to conclusions, but all sorts of dire thoughts ran through his mind when Ennis failed to answer. What if Jack and Ennis were holed up in there, doing God knows what? Alan Sims may have returned and there was a fight. “Naw,” thought Mr. Twist. He would have certainly heard a fight ruckus. But why didn’t Ennis answer when he was called? Mr. Twist used his key to open the basement door. He felt no guilt – he owned the property. The basement was empty. No Ennis, no Jack! John Twist took a cursory look around the basement apartment. Ennis didn’t arrive with much, but what he did have was gone. John Twist ran back into the house and took the stairs two at a time. Jack’s door was closed, but he didn’t hesitate to barge right in. No Jack. John looked through his son’s meager belongings. Most of Jack’s stuff was there, but some of it was missing. Mr. Twist felt ill. Jack and Ennis ran off together? He sat down on his son’s bed and placed his head between his knees. He wondered what he would tell his wife!
“Mornin', John!” Mrs. Twist sang as her husband took a seat at the kitchen table. Mr. Twist was pale as a ghost and said nothing. Roberta Twist didn’t notice her husband’s chalky pallor at first. “I said good morning, John,” she persisted. Still no answer from her husband! Roberta placed the bowl of batter on the drain board and walked over to her kitchen table. She sat opposite her husband and took a good look at him. Her man was as pale as a sheet. “What is it, John?” She asked. “You look like you just had a fright. What’s goin’ on? Where are the boys?” John Twist flinched visibly when Roberta mentioned the boys. “I asked you a question,” Mrs. Twist said softly as she held her husband’s hand. Mr. Twist sighed and pulled his hand away. He reached for a napkin from the holder and wiped his damp brow. “I don’t know where they are, ma!” He croaked. “I went down to the basement and I didn’t see Ennis.” Mr. Twist blew air out of his lungs. “Jack is not in his room.” Mrs. Twist was silent as she digested her husband’s words. “Now, let’s not get excited, pa,” She began. “For all we know they went into town for something. Did you check the grounds? Maybe they’re over looking at the wood for the barn.” “No,” John stated emphatically. “I was just over there, and I checked the entire property. The boys are just not here, Roberta.” He refused to tell her about Alan Sims, or that Ennis' things were missing. Mrs. Twist refused to worry. “Look, Pa, the boys are grown men, and can take care of themselves.” She rose from her seat and picked up the pancake batter. “I’m sure they just went out into town, or they may be visiting a friend. No need to get all riled up. They’ll be back directly.” Roberta Twist stirred the batter. “I hope you’re right, ma,” Mr. Twist remarked, obviously reassured. “Of course I’m right," Roberta stated. Now, go get washed up for breakfast.” John Twist nodded and headed for the bathroom.
Mrs. Twist poured a puddle of batter into a cast iron skillet. She kept moving to run away from her own terror. She tried to convince her husband that the boys were okay, but she didn’t really believe it herself. Mrs. Twist had a bad feeling. Worrying was silly, but Roberta couldn't help it. She didn’t for once believe that Ennis and Jack went into town for something or other. She didn’t want to think that her son would leave without telling her. What if something happened to the both of them? Roberta Twist almost burned pancakes for the first time in her life. “Ennis and Jack, where are you? How could you leave without telling me?”