Sam McDougle

BOME, Mr. Meyers, H-band

Spring 2004

A Father’s Opinion

 

Chapter 1

 

Anna’s neurasthenia had been troubling Josef for weeks. He grew tired of his futile attempts at making conciliatory comments following her fearful hints at the coming of the apocalypse. The new millennium bore down on Anna’s psyche with surprising force, and it soon became an interference in her motherhood and an amplification of the pains of her pregnancy. However, Josef’s short bursts of frustration with his wife would last only until he looked into her face and rerecognized her gleaming beauty. Anna was a curvy and slender figure whose rhythmic and upright walk magnified the sheer attractiveness of her body, albeit it a pregnant one. Her face was soft and bright. Her lips were caramelized and her large blue eyes never cowered under her long, black eyelashes.

Josef Hayner’s figure was not a strong contrast to that of his wife. His shoulders were small, his waist was thin, and his legs would not be easily discerned from canes if it were not for his rather wide choice of pants. The most prominent part of Josef’s portrait was his thick, black beard. He wore it with surprising confidence compared to his unthreatening figure, and the profound expressions he could create with his face helped even more to strengthen his appearance.

The Hayner’s only child, Lukas, was a handsome and striking young man. He had the same tenderness in his face as his mother, but also the same ability to compellingly share his feelings with only small facial gestures like his father. He was well raised and well taught, using his deep factual knowledge in as many aspects of a given conversation as he could. He was eighteen years of age, though he played the part of twenty-five rather convincingly. Lukas spoke with his father frequently, and trusted him with all the advice he ever sought.

The Hayner’s flat was well furnished and cleaned, their maid, Mary, took very good care of the place, though she was the lone servant of the household. Mary was silently cooking breakfast as Josef sat at the table reading the Neue Freie Presse, with his eyeglasses at his nose.

“Oh my Lord!” yelled Josef as he read the front page.

“Mr. Hayner…are you alright!?” exclaimed Mary as she turned around from the stove in exasperation.

“This article- it…a young girl was murdered by her parents last week! It says… ‘A young girl, named Anna Hummel, was found beaten, unfed, and unclean after being maliciously neglected and violently beaten by her parents…’”

“Oh my,” said Mary as she put her hand on her chest, “That is horrible!”

“It is frightful, such cruelty in a family, It is hard even to comprehend… the child’s parents, two laundry workers.”

As Josef turned the page in the paper, Anna slowly sauntered into the room, clutching her inflated stomach. She looked as tired and weary as ever, and being a seven-month-pregnant women meant the hint of paleness and slight degree of bags under the eyes of a normal person were far beyond noticeable in Anna, rather they became the most prominent aspects of her entire portrait, surpassed only by her protruding stomach. Josef decided it would only increase her dispirited disposition if he relayed the current headline to her, only adding more unease to an already perturbed individual.

“Well…good morning my love!” exclaimed Josef in a rather obligatory manner.

“Oh, love, I am ever so tired this morning,” said Anna as she melodramatically placed her hand on her forehead. “I am limping on such meager amounts of rest. Mary, make me two cups of tea this morning, I need it more then I ever did!” Anna forcefully sighed as she sat at the table. “Is Lukas off to school yet?” asked Anna.

“Oh yes,” said Mary, “I sent him out at seven o’ clock. As we left, Mrs. Hayner, we noticed that the new neighbors in the flat upstairs have just arrived. They seem like very nice people, the Fleischers I believe. They also have a girl, Lukas’ age.”

“Well, we shall get acquainted with them this evening, when Lukas returns from school. We will have them for dinner tonight.” Said Josef.

“Oh… must we,” said Anna as she suddenly became more distressed “I am in no mood for guests.”

“Yes, we will. They just moved in and we will meet them right away. I have to go to work now. Mary, please have my nicest eveningwear ready for me when I return, and Anna, give the invitation to the new neighbors.”

Josef put on his top hat and left the house. He had a case that day, one about a fraudulent tax scam. Josef was a powerful lawyer, his convincing attitude and forceful manners allowed him to control cases however he pleased. He left for work every day with an intense vigilance in his eyes and with a sturdy ego.

Chapter 2

 

Lukas returned home from school in the afternoon to find Mary frantically cooking and baking, and his mother sleeping.

“Mary, why have you started preparing dinner, it is only four in the afternoon,” said Lukas.

“Well Lukas, The Fleischers’ are joining us for dinner tonight.”

When Anna awoke she began frantically searching for her favorite white dress and red shoes. Mary had finished preparing the meal and the guests were due in a matter of minutes. Josef attempted to give Anna help in finding her dress, though she would just answer his questions with “of course it’s not there!” and “Josef, you are not helping!” However, even in the face of his mother’s charged attempts at looking her best, Lukas seemed to be more focused on his appearance then ever before. He made sure to even his collar perfectly, and he wore his newly bought hat that he had bought with his mother the previous week.

The Fleischers’ arrived on time, and were greeted by Mary at the door. Mary opened the door and gave a small bow as Josef, Anna and Lukas came to greet them.

“Good evening to you all, our new neighbors!” said Josef enthusiastically, “I am Josef Hayner, this is my wife Anna, and this is our son Lukas.

The next to speak was Simon Fleischer, the father and husband. He was a small, though rather rotund man. His did not fit him to perfection, though he carried himself with confidence. He spoke very sharp and fast, sometimes needing his wife to give him a small nudge to slow him down.

“Well, Mr. Hayner, it is an absolute pleasure to be welcomed so elegantly by you and your family,” Josef nodded as Simon continued, “I am Simon Fleischer, this is my wife Wendla, and my daughter Sophie.

Wendla was a bright and pretty woman. She generously smiled as she was introduced and gave a uneedigly large bow. Her smile and bow were sincere, and her choice of dress was modest.

The families sat down to eat Mary’s stew. After a short time of speaking about the food and the neighborhood, Josef began asking questions.

“Well, Mr. Fleischer, if I may ask, what is it that you do?”

“I am a manager, Mr. Hayner, my factory is about three miles out from here in the Ringstrasse. And what is it that you do Mr. Hayner”

“I am a man of the law, a lawyer.”

While the men spoke, and Anna occasionally gave her nervous word to the conversation, “Oh, how dangerous, “ or, “I hope there is assurance of that,” Lukas and Sophie looked playfully at each other. They only diverted form their game of eye chasing when Josef brought up the article he had read in the Neue Freie Presse concerning the murdered child. The men spoke of how shocking the article was. Anna seemed as though she was on the brink of fainting when she heard the specifics of the murder, the grisly punishments and negligence.

When Josef and Simon had had their fill of such topics, they each made looks at the empty plates on the table. The families stood up.

Simon spoke as his wife gave a pleased glance towards each Hayner,

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Hayner, that was a delightful meal. Thank you for much for the invitation, and we will no doubt speak very soon.”

Josef rose to shake Simon’s hand, “It was a pleasant evening Mr. Fleischer, we hope to see your home one day.”

“Well, Mr. Hayner, yours is very nice, humbling in fact…but we would be unable to refuse a favor of hospitality as this, thank you.”

As the Fleischer’ left, Sophie turned back and elegantly bowed at Josef, Anna, and Lukas, giving a bashful smile to Lukas as she left. Josef turned to Lukas, seeing his vain attempts at concealing his obvious blush.

Chapter Three

 

Lukas decided he would speak with his father about his fondness of Sophie. He thought of his father as the perfect one to ask about such feelings, a knowledgeable man. Lukas was bashful though; he knew not how to phrase his questions. He knew his father was rather candid about his views on many matters, and he had talked with him of women before. But this was different; never had Lukas thought of asking his father of any kind of permission, but he felt it was now that his maturity was being put to its hardest test. He approached his father at his desk one evening.

“Father…”

“I am working Lukas, please do not bother me.”

“Father, it is important, I- I have to ask you something.”

“About…”

“About Sophie father, the Fleischer girl next door.”

Now that Lukas had taken hold of his father’s interest, Josef turned his chair around and packed his pipe. He put his hand on his son’s shoulder, and lit his pipe with the other.

“You are attracted to this woman, son?”

“Yes father, very much so.”

Josef then reached his hand in his pocket, pulled out several coins and placed them in Lukas’ hand. Josef then turned his chair back around, put his pipe on his desk, and picked up his heavy pen to continued writing.

“Lukas, I trust you know what ‘contraception’ is, a ‘condom’, its-”

“Yes father…I am aware.”

“You are a handsome young man Lukas. I do not hesitate in advising you to seek what I know you are very intent on seeking.”

With that Lukas stood up and briskly left the room. He put the coins in his pocket and left the room. Josef quietly snickered to himself as his son closed the door.

 

Chapter 4

           

            On the next afternoon, Mary answered a knock on the door to find Simon nervously standing outside.

            “Afternoon Miss,” said Simon tipping his hat,” can I inquire to speak to Mr. Hayner please?”

            “Good afternoon Mr. Fleischer, please come in.”

            Simon stepped into the flat and waited rather impatiently as Mary went to fetch Josef. Simon wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and quickly put it in his jacket pocket as Josef entered.

            “Mr. Fleischer, it is a pleasure to see you. How are you?”

            “Greetings Mr. Hayner. I am well, and you?”

            “Rather overworked actually, I have been imprisoned at my desk for several hours now.”

            “Well, Mr. Hayner, I’ve come here to invite you and your family to our flat for dinner this evening, if you can join us.”

            “Absolutely Mr. Fleischer, we will join you this evening, is six-”

            “Six! Excellent,” interrupted Simon, “Absolutely…it will be a pleasure.”

            “Thank you Mr. Fleischer, I look forward to seeing your home.”

            Simon then flamboyantly tipped his hat, smiled at Josef, and left the house. Josef then told Lukas and Anna about their plans for the evening, winking at Lukas in the process.

            When the evening came, Lukas prepared himself to look as handsome as he could. His temperament was a mixture of anxiety and pleasure. He was pleased to be able to see Sophie, whom he had just recently written a letter for which he planned to give to her during the meal, and because his father had allowed him to pursue her as well. He was anxious as well though; he was worried about how Sophie would receive his note.

            After climbing a long flight of stairs, the Hayners arrived at the Fleischer’s door. The Hayner’s were received by Simon, who tipped his hat as he let them in. The Fleischer’s flat was much smaller then the Hayner’s. It was well groomed and neat, though in pure elegance it was behind. The Fleischer’s had not one servant, though there home looked as though they had many. The families sat down for their meal and began to eat.

            The meal consisted mostly of, besides eating, Josef deeply questioning Simon and his family’s history. Simon would speak of his parent’s lives as farmers, his education, and his strong desire as a young man to move into Vienna and find good work. He managed a rather small carpet factory, though his stability and competence reflected to Josef a sign of success. Simon had lost most of his anxiety about how his neighbor would perceive his comparably more humble home, though he would still get slightly nervous every time Josef seemed to scrutinize parts of the home with wandering eyes.

            Lukas and Sophie, however, had been having their own conversation via a pen and a small scrap of paper. The meal ended when Anna began to say that she was in severe need of rest and wanted to return home. The Hayner’s left soon after, and after getting home Lukas quickly retired to his room.

            Lukas woke up early the next morning so he could go and see Sophie. He met her on the sidewalk out side of their building. The morning bustle of carriages and businessmen was already underway. Sophie appeared out of the elegant entrance to the building, and embraced Lukas on the street. The two began walking hand in hand.

“Lukas, why are you blushing?” said Sophie playfully.

“Blushing? I’m not blush-”

“Lukas, do I make you uneasy?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Sophie laughed as they walked, and Lukas gradually stopped nervously adjusting his hat.

 

 

 

Chapter 5

            Lukas’ mind amplified Sophie’s footsteps later that night. The subtle creaks of the wooden floor seemed more like a series of thunderous crashes to Lukas, causing his sigh to be even more animated upon her entering into his bedroom. She tried hard to suppress her giggles as she quickly removed her nightgown and went into Lukas’ bed.

* * *

That next morning, when Lukas told his father of his conquest, Josef put his hand on his shoulder and told him “you’re a man now,” and, “I am a proud father.” Josef laughed and smiled about it but Lukas could not smile in return. Every conversation his father would attempt to poke at with him about his triumph would result in Lukas changing the subject as fast he possibly could.

            The Hayner’s plans to attend the opera that night were Anna’s plans. She decided she was in need of a leisurely activity to rid her mind of all her many worries, primarily her pregnancy as well as the end of the world.

            Josef and Lukas shared an umbrella and Anna carried her own. Josef called for a carriage as the rain continued to pick up. Anna jumped every time thunder struck, while her husband just laughed and gave his opinion on the distance of the lightning. Lukas was in no mood to laugh, he only looked out of the carriage at the street, sometimes feigning sleep, though jumping like his mother at every crash.

            The show was Verdi’s version of Macbeth, one of Josef’s favorites. He had seen it before, but he loved going to the opera so much that he refused to refuse it.

            The Hayners left their carriage and reopened their black umbrellas. Josef never grew tired of the spectacle of the elegant rows of trees and lampposts, and the painted crowd waiting to enter outside of the entrance to the Hofoper. The rained poured harder, and Lukas’ anxiety remained until the opening of the curtains.

 

 

Chapter 6

 

            At the denouement of the play, the eerie sound of distant thunder still bellowed outside of the opera house. When Anna left to use the washroom before the family would be on their way home, Lukas turned to his father.

            “Father”

            “Yes Lukas.”

            “Father I have to tell you something.”

            “I am listening Lukas.”

            “Father…I—I want to ask Sophie to marry me.”

            Josef’s brow lowered and he immediately put both of his hands upon his beard and rubbed the sides of his face. Both men were red, one with anger and one with shame.

            “Lukas, it takes a tremendous amount of audaciousness to tell me this at the end of my favorite opera, but because I am a generous man I will answer you with honesty, and…in honesty, Lukas, there is not a doubt in my mind that marrying that woman will not be a decision I can allow you to make.”

            “Father, I—”

            “Am I to force you to climb that flight of stairs again and look into the domain of that family? They may not be vagrants, but I have worked so hard for you Lukas, and that is not a future I see you with.”

            “I will not—”

            “And that is only half of it Lukas. Even if this woman lived up to the other standards that you deserve, I will not let my son marry a deflowered woman.”

            “Father, I do love her—”

            “No you don’t. You are fooling yourself Lukas, no decent man like yourself would love a girls like this. I could not resent your news more.”

            As Lukas tried to speak to his father yet again, Anna returned from the washroom. Lukas looked at her; she was smiling and holding her stomach. With this, Lukas began to cry. He knew not how to stop himself, let alone utter to her the reason for his wails, and with that Josef grabbed them both by the arms and briskly led them out of the opera house and fetched a carriage as swiftly as he could.

 

           

Chapter 7

           

            Josef awoke on the morning of January first 1900. The world had not ended (which would definitely please his wife), though Mary was not cooking breakfast as she usually was. Instead, she sat at the table, weeping.

“Mary, why are you crying?” asked Josef.

“Its Lukas…he left this note-” Josef violently grabbed the piece of paper from Mary’s hands.

            Josef read quietly as he slowly sat down, never taking his eyes off of the paper. He sat stunned as he slouched in his chair. His beard was lowered and his eyebrows pointed downward. Just at that moment, there was a knock at the door. Mary jumped up to get it, though she sighed when Simon turned out to be the knocker.

“I must talk to Mr. Hayner immediately!” demanded Simon.

“What is it, sir?” replied Josef indignantly.

“I will not even begin to think of the goings on in your mind right now Mr. Hayner. Your son…my daughter…gone. All your excuses, your blame, your resent. All swirling around in that head of yours. You are lost Mr. Hayner. And now our children are lost. I will not point a finger, but all I know is that I have never mistreated Sophie once, but she has left me. Wendla is crying now, Josef, louder than the crash of the trains. All because you could not let go of your ego for one minute and allow your son to do as he pleased. Now we’re both in a hole, Mr. Hayner, and I do not doubt that your ego is as tight in your hand as ever before. So…I will not even attempt to confront you any longer. Instead, I will now leave and look for my daughter. Good morning.”

            Simon tipped his hat, the same as when he met Josef, and quickly left the house. Mary sat for a moment, and then followed Simon out the door. Josef lit his pipe.

            When Josef told Anna that Lukas had left, she cried as loud as Josef had imagined Wendla had cried—like the trains. He attempted to comfort her, but she would not alter her disposition. Josef smoked his pipe and scratched his beard, and for the first time, he felt confused.