Today was the big day. It was the Monday before Thanksgiving. Anat jumped into her BMW to pick up Jerry. She figured it’d be easier than walking him to his new home. He had a few things at the children’s center that he would want to take. He knew he was going to go somewhere. But didn’t know when.
Anat also felt the car offered better security. If Jay came after them, she’d hit the gas and drive away. If he stood in front of the auto she would have no problem running him down.
She asked Alana to trail her in her Infiniti. Marc secured the grounds on the streets. He was first in the line of fire. He remained outside in front of the center as the women parked. Alana stayed in the car. She cranked the Sisters of Mercy.
Dan was on patrol in another neighborhood. He would be spending Thanksgiving with Anat and Jerry. He wanted her to meet his parents. She said yes. But had reservations about that. Mostly because of her relationship with hers. The other two would be with each other.
Anat exited her vehicle and was humming “Walking down Madison,” by the late Kirsty MacColl, written by her and Jonny Marr of Smiths fame. His first piece of work after the Smiths disbanded. A sorry time. But today should not be sorry.
Anat checked in with Ann. She had tears in her eyes.
Jerry was dressed in one of the outfits she bought him. She picked him and said it was time for him to leave this place. She packed his belongings in a small black valise.
She filled out some paperwork. Jerry smiled. But he saw some of his friends. He started to cry, as did they. Ann came over and gave him some tissues. She told him it was ok. He looked at his friends. They looked back. He walked over to Anat and jumped in her arms. He said, “Time to go.” He promised his friends one day they’d see each other again.
Ann hugged him. He walked out of the building and never looked back. Anat opened the car. He jumped in. She put his seat belt on and drove off.
As she was driving glass was flying into the car. She knew this would happen. She saw Jay flying by on a motorcycle. Jerry was shaking.
This was not a great beginning to motherhood. She kept driving. She saw Alana cut Jay off. He started to lose control of his bike. She kept going and got onto the FDR Drive. Marc shot honey at Jay. He responded with a sneer and glass. Figs and barley were lodged into the bike’s wheels. Anat seemed to be in the clear. Jay fell off the bike. Marc jumped onto of him and fired pomegranates into his eyes. Both were wearing masks. Several landed in his ears. Alana broke off from trailing Anat. She parked by Jay. She saw Marc beating him. She shot wine out of her eyes into Jay’s. She then hit his bike with it.
Anat pulled up to her building. Jerry calmed down. She pulled into the garage and the attendant parked her car. She took his valise and they went upstairs.
His eyes opened wider than they ever had when he saw his new bedroom. He was overwhelmed by the size of his new home.
She held him tight and cried. He asked why. She just said, “because.”
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