Free The Night the Sky Fell by Stephen Levy

Banks, you’ll no longer be a virgin.” She chuckled.  
    As Marilyn and Carol packed the pickup truck, Chief marched over to Banks, “You need to live here.”  
    Banks hugged his uncle, “I need to live life.”  
    These parting words to his Uncle Dan resulted in the Chief’s held back tears that would be released once he was in the privacy of his room.
    Banks smiled to his uncle and left the compound. During his ride to ‘the top of the world,’ Banks thought about his belongings in the car. He had amassed many books once his eyesight improved but still, Gatsby was at the top of the pile. He thought about a non-fiction book he read on how to become successful. One of the key components was to create an aura of indispensability. Banks thought if he could become indispensable with Peyton through his caring/mentoring Peyton, then Julie would become happy thus insuring his long stay with the family. Banks could see that Julie was unhappy and he intuited correctly that it was because of some guilt she had regarding Peyton’s blindness. Banks also knew that Peyton never had sight and therefore he didn’t realize what he was missing. Acknowledging that fact left Peyton a very happy child. Julie could only interpret his condition as if it happened to her and how much he was missing in life.  
    To continue Banks’ line of thought was to conclude if Julie were to be happier, more vibrant and creative, then he supposed that this new condition would create more harmony between Julie and Stan and also Julie and Tricia. Yes Banks’ care for Peyton would result in a win/win scenario. He would become indispensable.
    Then there was Ann Abrams. He could not quite define his feelings for her since these feeling were new. What he did know is that he liked the way she took his hand. He liked the way she looked at him. He liked being in her company. And he really liked the way she kissed him on the cheek. This was a bonus to his initial goal and he wanted to explore it further. He decided he would not be calculating with Ann. She would see right through it. He would be open and honest with her as long as it did not jeopardize his standing in the Powers’ family.

    At the Powers’ house, Banks began to unload. Peyton wanted to help and carry something. Banks gave Peyton a small box of toiletries. “Here you go, Sport.”  
      “What color is the box, Banks?”  
      “Brown.”  
    “What’s brown, Banks?” And the drill and grill continued all the way up to Banks’ room.
    Banks unpacked as Peyton grilled. And then in an appreciated moment of silence, Banks looked out his window and saw Ann waving at him.  
    Peyton beamed, “I’m so happy that you’re here, Banks.”  
    Banks smiled to Ann and continued to lock eyes with her, “Me too, Sport.  
    Me, too.”

    Thanksgiving

      Banks and Peyton held hands as they strolled down Skyline Boulevard. Banks learned some of the neighbors’ names as they sauntered over to greet Peyton and wish him the best for Thanksgiving. Peyton informed Banks, “That’s Mrs. Bundy. She’s real smart. And the man yelling is Mr. Kadet.”  
    Suddenly, Peyton caught a whiff and announced, “Oh, hello Mrs. McGruder. You’ve been eating yams and cranberries. Did your daughter enjoy Jerusalem?”
    Mrs. McGruder was taken aback and simply said, “Happy
Thanksgiving, boys.”
    Peyton giggled and told Banks that he was a boy; and that she put Banks in the same classification as he.
    In the Power’s kitchen, Julie and Tricia prepared traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Recently, Tricia had given up gum and Julie had given up gin. “What time did you tell Johnny, Trish? Two?”  
    Tricia responded, “Yes, mom, but how did you know?” You just answered me as I asked…didn’t you?” Tricia scratched her head with a confused look as Julie peered in the oven with a turkey thermometer. “The turkey is doing well…all—”
    Interrupting her mom, “All twenty two pounds.”  
    Julie