Rollercoaster (The Circle Series - Part 3)

Chapter 3

"Oh. Right. Well," Julie sighed to herself, debating how much information to give him, "kiddo, your parents have a way of coping with stress that is a little different to how most people do. What works for them, doesn't always work for others. I guess your dad was feeling a little stressed last night, huh? Why was that, Ethan?"

"He...copes by calling mom 'Mistress'?" Ethan furrowed his brows. "Well...yeah...a little stress...ok well...no...he kinda blew his top. He kinda scared me, Auntie J. How does mom control him like that?"

"Oh honey, I've seen your dad when he's angry. Many, many years ago and yeah, he can get scary when he's in that frame of mind. Do you remember Tico, honey?" Julie asked. Ethan nodded, so she continued, "Well he figured out a way to help your dad, long before your parents got together, so he taught your mom how to do that as well. You don't need to know the technicalities of it just yet, suffice to say everything they do, they do it with the greatest love and respect for each other despite what it looks like. Your dad would not deliberately hurt you or any of the family. Just don't get near his elbows in a fight. Does that help, Ethan?"

"Does....Mom doesn't hurt Dad, does she? Or vice versa?" Ethan was unable to hold the question back.

"Well..hell, how do I answer that one?" Julie looked at the child who was becoming a man before their very eyes, "Kinda, but they know what they're doing, it's with consent and not done out of anger. Let's just put it that way. One day, all too soon no doubt, if you've still got more questions I'll get Uncle Jon to explain more to you." She caressed his cheek with love and kissed it gently.

Ethan smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Auntie J. Please don't bring this up to mom and dad." He grabbed some of the candy bags and glass bowls. "Here...I'll help you."

"Thanks, kiddo," Julie smiled as he walked off then yelled after him, her Australian accent becoming broad, "Don't eat too much of that, mate, or your guts'll be garters."

"Aussie Aussie Aussie!" Ethan called back and disappeared into the party room.

"Oi Oi Oi!" she chuckled, "Brat!"

Leesha's giggle could be heard coming down the stairs and through the foyer. "Old habits do die hard," she said. "Finally wrestled my daughter into the shower. Hopefully don't have to do the same for my husband. The ceremony is from 3-4. Caterer and cake should be here by 5. David! David!!"

"WHAT!"

"I need you to go get Ellie's dress and shoes!!"

"Yes, Dear!"

Leesha looked at Julie's confused expression. "Sorry. Yelling is basically the BCS aka Bryan Communication System."

"I've got the caterer and cake covered hon," Julie tried to soothe her friend a little, "Do you want to sit for a bit and have a coffee? Or maybe a wine would be better?"

"Wine...please. I've been running around like a headless chicken all morning," Leesha said, dropping into the chair Ethan had been in earlier.

Julie opened their fridge and pulled out an open bottle of wine, holding it up in a silent question and reached for two glasses. "So remind me how many are coming today? Just in case, oh I don't know, you've invited more people than the last time I checked?" she asked as she poured them both a wine.

"150 including our family and yours," Leesha replied, smiling when David came in and kissed her. He planted a big kiss on Julie's lips before running from the house laughing. "Goddamn Joker. That's never changed."

"He's in a good mood," Julie laughed and swiped at her mouth.

Leesha smirked to herself. "It's an exciting day. Ellie's becoming a Bat Mitzvah, he and Ethan apologized to each other and to me. Plus business is booming with us picking up Bay Head Yacht Club and Bella Vista Country Club as exclusive clients."