Two American Kids Doin the Best that they Can
Two American Kids Doin the Best that they CanThis is a ditty,
bout Jack and Diane, two American kids doin the best that they
canOh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of livin is
gone-John MellencampAt precisely 7:25, Jack Jacksons alarm went
off. The soothing nature sounds of his alarm clock were
scientifically proven to help him start the day relaxed. He savored
the warmth of his bed, wishing he could stay idle today.
Reluctantly, he rolled over to kiss his wife, Diane, a good
morning, only to remember she was already out walking for exercise.
Her doctor had told her she had high cholesterol.
Why does the woman even bother trying? Jack mused with a yawn.
He knew his wife quite well. Ever since high school she had been
the same way. Within a week, she would give up on her diet and
exercise and instead focus on begging her doctor to prescribe her
cholesterol pills. Diannes average trial period for anything
requiring effort was 8.4 days. Then she would seek an easier way to
achieve the same goal. Knitting a sweater for her niece had lasted
until noon on the fourth day, then she found something at Baby Gap
in 20 minutes. For weight loss, Dianne kept up jogging for an
astounding 2 weeks and 5 days before buying the scientifically
proven infomercial miracle pill. Jack predicted Dianes online
course would soon expire, and she only had the first chapter
completed. But who needed to become an art historian in Kenesaw,
Nebraska anyway? Thats what The Google was for.After a quick
shower, Jack shaved and brushed his teeth. He had to look good for
work. Then, when he could avoid it no longer, he surveyed himself
in the mirror. The once-ruggedly handsome linebacker was now 30
pounds overweight from the irresistible combination of red meat and
beer. His receding hairline aged him 5 years at least. Oh hell,
everyone looks like this, he assured himself as he hobbled to his
room.Jacks knee felt especially sore today, as he was reminded
while donning dress pants. Though he wouldnt admit it to anyone, he
dearly wished he had gone to see a doctor all those years ago.
Playing injured through the fourth quarter of the state playoff
game had cost him a football scholarship. Now, instead, he was
working hard at a job he despised, with sufficient college and
retirement funds a pipe-dream. Ze la vie or something like that, he
muttered, quietly consoling himself.Jack dressed in his best suit,
a gray Ralph Lauren that he could barely button around his
midsection. After a deep sigh, Jack Jackson picked out his best
tie. He had to look good. Today was especially important; layoffs
were coming to the regional branch, a fourth of the department was
being outsourced to India. But Jack was confident the guys at
corporate wouldnt screw him over. He was by no stretch of
imagination the sharpest tool in the shed, but he had put in 14
good years for the company. He deserved a job. He even believed he
deserved to be regional executive. Just a matter of time, right?On
the way out, he couldnt help but admire his beautiful home. The
black marble countertops contrasted the stainless steel appliances,
creating the illusion of futuristic affluence in the kitchen. The
piano (furniture in this case, not an instrument) framed by an
imposing bookshelf (inherited from Dianes parents and filled with
stacks of Home Improvement and Sports Illustrated issues) at first
glance conveyed an intellectual aura in the household. There was
even a piece of art above the (electric) fireplace. Some French
cubist or something. Hell, Jack never could tell if it was
right-side-up or not, but he was supremely satisfied with its
effect.Soon, however, Jack was glancing longingly at his piece de
resistance: his man cave. It complemented the living room
perfectly- what one lacked in use, the other lacked in refinement.
Jacks pride and joy, the 72 plasma by some Japanese maker, was the
immediate center of attention, almost as if saying Show me yours,
well see whose is bigger. I-pods, I-pads, and all manner of I-
things cluttered the coffee table. A small refrigerator held an
assortment of beer Jack had to be proud of: Bud Light and Miller
Light, with one or two Heinekens for whenever they had
sophisticated company. Despite a week full of major Congressional
decisions and near-revolutions abroad, it was understandable that
the most important event in Jack and his buddies minds was the
upcoming NFC Championship Game. Who cares about Pakistan when the
Packers are playing?Ah yes, Jack thought, completely convinced,
this $500,000 home was definitely worth every penny of the mortgage
payments. The compliments they received on it were more than enough
to make up for the high interest rate. Right? Reluctantly, Jack
stepped into the four-car garage. He marveled at how he could open
the garage door with one button and start his leased Mercedes with
another. Life was so convenient, Jack thought. No need to brave the
elements for more than a minute a day.
His thoughts wavered when he saw the 08 SUV. It would soon be
his son Tylers. A car could really help a teen mature and become
more independent. Also, Jack grinned, it wouldnt hurt Tylers
popularity. After all, thats what high school is really about, he
recalled, now widely smiling. Tyler is a smart kid too, he proudly
thought, remembering the wonderful essay with a large B- hanging on
the fridge. He might end up even better than his old man.Jack
Jackson thought for a second. He opened up the garage refrigerator
and took a straight shot of his Jack Daniels reserve. Running low,
he realized, shaking the hollow, empty bottle. Nothing left, its
substance all used up. The empty shell was all he had.
Jack Johnson took his keys from his pocket, paused, and turned
on the engine to the Mercedes. He then walked to Tylers SUV and
also turned the key. Catching himself, Jack Jackson took his phone
from his pocket and sent Tyler a text message.
Have a great game tonight bud! he managed, before pressing
Send.
Then, Jack Jackson sat down on the cement floor, his back
leaning against the closed garage door. He could hear the engines
of the two cars running, smell the harsh exhaust. Allowing himself
a little smile, Jack closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and
inhaled. Unclear whose college funds.
Suggest you change this so the reader learns of the magazines
after you tell her/him that it seemed intellectual.
Despite? The phrasing doesnt show that you are referring to the
upcoming week.
Around here Im wondering whether the wife is going to
reappear.
that would be fully paid off in just 21 years.
