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Show Peppermint Florida: I wasn't showing disrespect for Russ, I was just avoiding the tears as long as possible. Noticing things like gym shoes helped me avoid wet cheeks. Jake was about the last one to come in the church. The organ music was still going, but I knew the song the organist was playing and it was almost over. It was two minutes to one also. My tears couldn't be avoided much longer. Jake walked clear up to the front and sat next to Uncle William. I noticed Barton wiggling on the other side of his father. He must have got a good look at Jake for the first time. If Barton was uncomfortable with Jake now, what would he have been if he ever got a good look at him before? Jake was dressed in patched pants, but they were clean. He had a white shirt on, complete with a tie. He must have borrowed the tie somewhere, because I knew he didn't own one. A tie was usually not necessary for Jake's daily living. He had the same old boots, but they were polished today and the holes weren't noticable. His hair was combed back from his square forehead and he had shaved. I wondered if Russ would recognize him if he could see him now. I wondered if Jake had ever been in the church before. Some of the people in the audience were whispering. I guess they had seen Jake too. Jake didn't get along with many of the town's people and I guess some of them were surprised he'd come to a funeral, especially if he had to clean up. Most people probably knew he had been a good friend of Russ', but I doubt Uncle William did. I wondered if he knew he was sitting by a genuine hillbilly. He probably could tell. A better question would be directed at Jake. I wondered if he had any idea he was sitting by a future senator. I doubted he would be impressed. |
