Episode 56: Scene Five
Zach popped his bubble of gum before letting out a ringing laugh. Mel had just taken a fall head first in the dunking booth, and the surprised, dumbfounded look on his face had sent the growd roaring. Looking at the shortened line behind the booth, however, reminded Zach that his turn was only a few minutes away. He shook his head and continued smiling as he began finding his way out of the crowd.
Spotting Sloane on the other side of the beach, Zach waved his hand wildly at him. Since Matt's departure, Sloane had become Zach's roommate, and the two had been bonding as of late. The two both shared this rather "lone ranger" attitude, though in Zach's case, he was hardly alone.
"Hey, man. I've been lookin' for you, but I guess you were getting ready to get yourself drowned in that booth," Sloane guffawed as he slapped his friend on the back. "Just remember, hold your nose and close your eyes."
Zach put his hand to his forehead as if Sloane had just discovered the wheel. "Please, I can't take this all in. It's just too much."
The two shared a laugh before Sloane suddenly became quiet and rather solemn. He pointed behind Zach and said, "It looks like someone's looking for you, and it ain't to pass on a fruitcake, I can tell you."
Zach's eyes made question marks before he turned around, but when he did, he understood what Sloane meant. Standing there with her arms folded and one foot stuck out angrily was Marie Dermont, Kate's mother. His eyes quickly darkened and took on an irritated glare.
"Is there some way I can help you, Mrs. Dermont?" Zach asked politely, fighting himself to keep the condescension out of his voice.
"There are plenty of things you can do, Zach, but I'm here to talk about what you will do. The best thing you could do to help me is to stay away from my daughter."
Zach clucked his tongue and shook his head ruefully. "Oh, I'm sorry. I just don't think I can do that. You see, Kate and I really like each other, and we're not going to be separated."
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Marie snapped forcefully, beginning her advance towards Zach.
"Look, lady," Sloane stepped between Zach and the angry mother.
Zach put a gentle yet firm hand on Sloane's shoulder. "I've got this," he whispered. To Mrs. Dermont, he said, "I understand that you have some issues regarding your daughter and me. She told me it had something to do that went on in the past, but that's just it: it was the past, Mrs. Dermont. With all do respect, I think it would be wise to keep your spat with my parents from interfering with my relationship with Kate."
"Listen little boy," Marie's eyes narrowed as she leaned forwards to just a couple of inches from Zach's face, "you don't tell me what to do. I am going to protect my daughter from dogs like you, don't you understand?"
"I'm not a dog," Zach strained his voice to say, trying his hardest not to lash out at the woman.
"Dogs come from dogs, Zach. Your father was one, and you're his spawn."
"Don't you talk about my father!" Zach yelled, his fists balled and his teeth clenched. "You can berate me all you want, but you leave my father out of this. This about your problem with me."
"They're one in the same, son. I'm not going to let my daughter get caught up with a Carter, not like..." Marie's voice trailed off, her eyes taking on a glassy look to them.
"Like what, Mrs. Dermont? What has you so upset with my family?"
"That's none of your business. Just stay away from my daughter, you hear?" Marie's tone turned shrill and nervous. Her hands began wringing each other. Perspiration was now beginning to bead her silky white forehead.
"No, what happened to you that had to do with my father and you being angry with him so much to call him a dog? Most of the time, the only time people call someone else a dog is if they," Zach's eyes widened as he began to realize what had gone on between his father and Kate's mother. He looked up in shock. "Mrs. Dermont, did you go out with my father?"
Marie stared at Zach as if she had seen the Headless Horseman. Without another word, she wheeled around and began walking speedily in the other direction.
There was no doubt about it. Zach had his answer.