not errol, just flint (viander) wrote in invol_rpg, @ 2013-01-11 22:27:00 |
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Entry tags: | ! narrative, errol flint |
WHO: Errol Flint's friends and family
WHAT: Gifts for his birthday!
WHEN: Thursday, Jan 11
WHERE: Sydney?? Around??
WARNINGS: None
STATUS: Completed narrative-ish.
January 11, two separate packages arrive for Flint. Both are inspected and one is passed on to him, the other is returned to sender. Package #1, sent back: a bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila and a small salt shaker (limes would've gone bad during transit), a note wishing Flint a happy birthday and signed by the three friends who sent it. "I don't think he'd be much of a tequila drinker." "Well, it's the best way to get drunk." "You mean the best way to get a hangover." "There's probably Vols at that school who can get rid of hangovers." "It tastes awful, though." "Come on, it's mandatory for 18ths. He'll like it." "Oh really? Because I remember someone puking all over their mum's tomato plants and swearing never again the next day." "… exactly, if I suffered, other people have to too. You and Rob, when you turn 18, you're both gonna have to do it." "Oh god." "TEQUILA OR BUST." Package #2: - a street smart utility bag (from Vinnie) - Two Asian Kitchens by Adam Liaw (from Liz) - A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (from Liz) - a keychain alcohol breath tester (from Greta) - a voting enrolment form (from Greta) - a change of name form (from Greta) It didn't seem like there'd be enough time, but Flint's parents had planned a surprise for his 18th birthday, a week-long trip in Cairns, around the Reef (yes, they realised how ridiculous it was for a December/January trip to Far North Queensland. They just had to work with what they were given). Now the dates were long past and the plane tickets invalid, the last the family saw of Flint was him being escorted away by IVF soldiers, with that look on his face- not fear exactly, but it was close. When Radika talked to her son later, keeping a steady voice even though she had to use both hands to hold onto the phone, she asked if he was okay and he asked if she was okay, and nothing else really came up other than the subject of safety and keeping safe. At the time nothing else seemed appropriate to discuss, failed birthday plans least of all. There was nothing they could add to the box, other than a birthday card with a very cheerful YOU'RE 18 :) :) on the front, and some joke about beer, which was silly, and not really very Flint, but it was just what you did. "Not exactly the ideal birthday," Liz said as she tried to fit everything in the box, eyeing what Greta had contributed to it. "Change of name, really?" "He always used to talk about it." Greta made a face, and added, "It's a joke." "If you say so." "Do you know if mum and dad are going to do anything else?" Liz thought for a moment as she finished sealing up the package with one last bit of tape. "Maybe when they let him home over the winter." "Yeah, maybe." Greta deflated. "Well, happy birthday, little bro." |