The Education of Sebastian by Jane Harvey-Berrick Read Free Book Online Page B

couldn’t overhear him.
    “He’d be on the list,” he said shortly.
    I knew better than to pursue that line of questioning.
    I glanced at my watch and realized with horror that it was already 6 PM . I couldn’t believe how the time had flown. David would be on his way home; he wouldn’t be pleased to find an empty house. With a sinking feeling I realized that he’d also loathe the fact that I’d been spending time with a non-commissioned officer. He felt it reflected badly on him in some way.
    “You okay, Caroline?” said Mitch. “You look kinda worried.”
    He was too observant.
    “Oh, not really. I just realized how late it had gotten. Enjoying myself too much.” I gave him a weak smile. He understood me instantly.
    “We’ll get you home, on the double,” he said good-naturedly.
    He yelled towards the ocean, parade-ground loud, and gave the time-honored time-out signal.
    Ches was the last to surf in, complaining bitterly that he just wanted to catch one more wave.
    “We’ve got to get Mrs. Wilson home,” said Mitch, looking pointedly at his son.
    The look and his tone was enough.
    We walked back towards the van together, Sebastian unnaturally quiet, while the rest analyzed the afternoon’s surf, talking about tubes, green rooms and wipe outs. Then I turned my back while they peeled off their surf-shorts and dried themselves with old beach towels, pulling on T-shirts and jeans for the drive back.
    I could barely listen to their cheerful banter, tension filling me up like an overflowing drain. I did manage to pull myself together enough to ask Mitch if he would read through my article once I’d written it.
    “Oh no!” he shook his head laughing. “I don’t do words, Caroline, not reading and writing words. You should ask one of the boys – that’s more their thing.”
    “Sebastian will do it,” said Ches, throwing a teasing look at his friend.
    Fido snickered quietly while Sebastian scowled.
    “Ok with you, Seb?” asked Mitch, restoring order swiftly.
    “Sure,” said Sebastian quietly. “Whenever you like, Caroline.”
    I felt bad, he looked so miserable; but better like this than… I couldn’t bring myself to think of the alternative.
    Twenty minutes later Mitch dropped me off. I sketched a wave and sprinted to the house. The small burst of speed didn’t make any difference because David’s Camaro was already parked in the drive.
    I fished in my beach purse for the key and tentatively unlocked the door.
    “Caroline?”
    Who else?
    “Hello, David. Sorry I’m late home.”
    He was waiting for me at the kitchen table. He didn’t look happy: irritation rolled off him in waves.
    “Where have you been? Your car was parked out front.”
    “Sergeant Peters gave me a ride; he was helping me out with an article I’m writing for City Beat.”
    “Peters? Which one is he?”
    “Um, he lives out on Murray Ridge. He’s a Staff Sergeant. His wife is Shirley.”
    “You know I don’t like you mixing with the non-coms, Caroline,” he said, with finality. “When will you understand that it undermines my authority if my wife hobnobs with the enlisted men – and their wives?”
    “I’m sorry, David, but he really was very helpful. He…”
    “I’m not interested in your excuses, Caroline.”
    I felt the control on my temper starting to slip.
    “I’m not making excuses. I’m very grateful for Staff Sergeant Peters’ help today.”
    A chilly silence descended.
    “I’ll go make supper,” I muttered.
    “Don’t bother,” he said sharply. “While you were absent, I made other arrangements. I’m meeting one of my colleagues in the mess. Don’t wait up.”
    He strode out of the house and I heard the Camaro screech down the road.
    I knew what this meant: David was going on one of his rare drinking binges. He’d probably be falling out of a taxi at two in the morning, breathing his beery fumes in my face.
    I was glad when he went, but I knew I’d have to face his wrath at some point.
    I