Against the Tide

by Meredith Taylor

  Billy looked up, noticing Darryn’s presence for the first time. “I just felt bad again. I don’t know why I feel so bad sometimes. There were just so many people at school.”

  “It’s not your fault, buddy. You don’t have to worry about a thing.” Darryn walked towards Billy and knelt down next to him, putting his hand on his brother’s. He gave a gently smile. “How are you feeling right now?”

  Billy remained quiet. Since he was diagnosed with mood and developmental disorders, he had only regressed. Darryn was able to stabilize him most times, but his episodes had become worse in recent months.

  “Guess what,” Darryn said, trying to force a wider smile. “I won the race this morning.”

  Billy’s eyes lit up, and he gave a look of excitement. “You won? Can I see the medal?”

  “I still have to pick it up. I didn’t have a chance to stick around for the prize giving ceremony. But when I get it, we can add it to the collection, okay.”

  “That’s great, Darryn. I wish I could’ve watched you instead of going to school. I don’t like school.”

  “I know, buddy, but the doctor thinks it’s good for you to be there.”

  Billy was quiet again. He noticed his books in the bookcase. “I’m reading a great book right now. Do you want me to tell you about it?”

  “Definitely,” Darryn smiled. They sat on the floor together, Billy seeming more peaceful as he spoke about the fantasy book that he was reading. Darryn was happy that he could be there for his brother. He was happy that they could finally afford to get his brother better care since he had received the swimming scholarship, and he was also giving most of the money that he earned at his extra job at a local fast-food place to his father. But he knew that it was not enough yet. If he made the national team, he could get a sponsorship deal that would really help them. He could afford to get Billy the best care that the country could offer.

  After half an hour of sharing the details of his book with Darryn, Billy gave a big yawn and stretched his arms above his head. “I think I need a nap,” Billy said.

  “You’ve had a lot of excitement. I think a nap will be good for you. I’ll put on your music.” Darryn went to the stereo in the corner of the bedroom and played the calming music that Billy enjoyed. The boy closed his eyes and said, “Good job on winning today. Next time I’m definitely coming to watch you, okay?”

  “Absolutely. Rest well, kid.” Darryn walked out of the room and saw his father sitting on the couch in the living room, looking depleted.

  Angelo took a sip of the glass of water he was holding, staring at the table in front of him. “It’s so hard seeing him like that. I just don’t know what to do. We can’t afford the nurse more than once a week. I have to be at work; I can’t stay home with him. What are we going to do?”

  Darryn sat down next to his father. “I’m gonna do everything I can to help. Are the new meds not working? Should we see if we can find a better psychiatrist for him?”

  “I think it’s the school. I don’t think he’s getting everything he needs at the public school. They have too many children, and they’re under resourced. I’ve been looking into other options, but they’re so expensive. There is a school in town, a very good special school where he can get everything he needs. They have a team of good therapists on staff. But it’s private and expensive. I just don’t think he’ll be able to do well at the public school. He’s getting worse.”

  Darryn sat in thought, observing his father’s desperation. He knew that Angelo had been doing everything he could to help their family. He had given his all to make sure that Darryn could get into Ridgemont University, and he was working long hours to try and provide for Billy’s needs now. “I’ll do more to help. I know that the fast food job isn’t cutting it. I’ll try and find something else.”

  “Darryn, you need to focus on your studies. It’s not your job to look after us. It’s my job, I’m the father here.”

  “You did everything for me. You sacrificed so much. Let me do what I can to help now. I love Billy too and I want him to have the best life he can have. We both have to do everything we can.”

  Angelo turned to Darryn and hugged him them, sighing heavily. “You’ve always been a good son. The best son I could wish for. Your mother would have been so proud if she could see you now.” Angelo looked up suddenly with concern written on his face: “But what happened at the race? How did it go?”

  “I won,” Darryn smiled. “Made it to the semi-finals. Now the hard work begins.”

  “I’m so proud of you son! I knew you’d make it.” His father’s eyes were suddenly alive again, and Darryn could see the pride emanating from them. “But shouldn’t you be celebrating with your team today? Don’t you usually have braais after racing days?”

  “They’re at the club house right now, but I want to be here with the two of you. I should be here for Billy.”

  “Nonsense!” his father protested. “We can’t steal you away from them for the whole day. Billy is okay now, and I’m okay. You’ve helped us a lot today. Go be with your friends.”

  Darryn didn’t say that most of them were not really his friends. “There are scouts there today that Coach Tyson wanted me to meet, so maybe if I can just go for an hour I can meet them and be back before dinner.”

  “Stay as long as you like. You do so much for us, and when you’re not here you’re practising your swimming. When do you ever find time to have fun?”

  “It’s fun for me to hang out with the two of you,” Darryn smiled. “Besides, there will be time for fun when I’ve made the national team and finished my studies.”

  “You’re way too serious for an eighteen-year-old, Darryn. Go, be with people your own age, and be a bit irresponsible for a change.” His father punched him playfully on his shoulder. “And I don’t want to see you home before eight. Nothing serious for the rest of the day, okay? Celebrate your victory, swimming champion!”

  Darryn laughed at his father’s silliness. “Okay, I’ll go for a bit. Just to get you off my back.” He sent Mario a message to ask for a lift to the braai, and walked over to his house. He knew that it was important to meet the scouts, and that he would have to work even harder to make sure that he could look after his family like they needed him to.

  Chapter 3

  The gathering in the swimming team’s clubhouse had turned from a more formal celebration into a raucous party. Coach Tyson and the national recruiters had left after a few hours of meeting the players and congratulating the semifinalists, and the team had taken the opportunity to invite many other students to join in their first blowout party of the year. The swim team’s parties were legendary on campus, and the team members themselves were notorious for how raucous they became during these parties. Music was blaring from a sound system in the lounge area, and the lavish interior and expensive furniture gave the clubhouse a distinctive Ridgemont flair of pomp and prestige. On the walls around the main hall were pictures of the swim teams of previous years, and a trophy case displayed all of the successes which the team had achieved in their illustrious history.

  JP sat on a couch in the lounge area next to the reception desk that was being used as a bar, his leg over the side and his arms stretched out. A first-year student, Emma, sat cuddled against him and looked around the room with a disaffected stare. JP wore a tight blue striped shirt, light jeans that showed off his swimmer’s legs, and a pair of expensive boots. His tanned neck and face contrasted with his intense blue eyes. He bobbed his head along to the song that filled the room, watching the antics of some of the other swimmers as they played drinking games.

  Emma tapped JP on his arm, throwing her long dark hair over her shoulder as she moved to his ear and said, “You’re so hot.” JP kissed her wildly, and he saw some of the other guys on the team watching him. He knew they were jealous that a girl like Emma was spending time with him. JP had never had trouble finding a girl to keep him company for a night, but he was always bored at how vapid most of them we
re and how much some of them would fawn over him. He got up and grabbed a beer from the bar, and downed it in three big gulps.

  His best friend on the team, Peet, came over to him then, and slapped him hard on his shoulder: “Having fun, I see, JP.”

  JP took another beer and raised it at Peet: “Always,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

  He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket and checked it. He saw that the call was from his grandfather, and he felt the frustration building in him. What did the old man want now? He knew that he had no choice but to answer. His grandfather was the one paying for JP’s flat and giving him an allowance. His parents had said that they would not pay for the luxuries that JP wanted, but his grandfather gave him enough money to maintain his lifestyle. “A Terreblanche man shouldn’t live like a commoner. He should have everything he needs and wants,” the old man had said at the time. JP sometimes regretted taking the money from the old man, because he knew that it came with expectations. JP would have to take over the family business one day, a business that his father and grandfather had already spent their entire lives to build into a leading international investment firm. JP would inherit all of their wealth and status, but he had to follow his grandfather’s rules in order to be seen as good enough.

  JP went outside to the clubhouse’s pool area, where the music was not as loud, and answered his grandfather’s call. “Oupa, how are you?” he said.

  “JP, why is there so much music in the background? What are you doing?”

  “I’m with the swim team, Oupa. We just had a prize giving and we are celebrating.”

  The old man’s voice was stern and commanding: “Do you really think you have the time to be partying like a common hooligan, JP? Is that what we are sending you to Ridgemont for?”

  JP tried to control his frustration, and reminded himself that he had to stay in the old man’s good graces. “It’s just a small get together, Oupa. Nothing to worry about.”

  “Well it looks like there is a lot to worry about. I just received your term report. It looks like your studies are suffering. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  JP felt blood rushing to his face. He hated it when he had to explain himself to his grandfather. He felt like a small child trying to find excuses. “It’s just a small hiccup, Oupa. First term adjustment. I am working hard and I will pass everything.”

  “I’m not paying so much for you to be there and live in a nice flat just so that you can have hiccups. This is not time for fun and games, JP. In a few years you need to be ready to shadow me at work every day. Your father will never be good enough to run this company. You need to be a real Terreblanche man and take your responsibilities seriously.”

  “I take it all very seriously, Oupa. There’s no need to talk to me like that.” JP was ready to say much worse, and it took everything in him to restrain himself.

  “Don’t try and tell me how I can talk. I’ll talk to you exactly like I want to. You are starting to act like a spoiled, lazy child, and if your grades aren’t better, I expect you to cut out frivolous things like parties and swimming and get more serious. Do you understand me, boy?”

  JP was biting his lower lip. His eyes were tearing with fury. “Yes, Oupa,” he managed to say. “I have to go now. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  JP heard a click in his ear before he received an answer. He was just about ready to throw his phone against a wall, but he simply walked inside to the lounge area of the clubhouse and gulped down another beer.

  Peet saw him then, and came over to him laughing: “What’s wrong, JP? Why do you look so pissed? It’s a party man, don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

  “It’s nothing,” JP said, seething. “Just some unnecessary nonsense I needed to deal with. Let’s have another drink.”

  JP’s eyes went to the door of the clubhouse then, and he saw Darryn Fredericks enter the party. Some of the other guys on the team went up to him to congratulate him on winning his race. JP saw that he was with his friend, Mario, the other coloured guy on the swim team. He immediately felt a smile cross his lips, and some of his anger dissipated. He knew that Darryn didn’t like him, and for some reason, taunting Darryn was very satisfying for JP. Darryn had an arrogant, aloof attitude to the rest of the swim team, and hardly ever came to the parties that they hosted. JP thought that Darryn’s attitude must have meant that he felt superior to them, and he couldn’t stand Darryn’s constant detached glances. Why did he even come to the party if he didn’t like anyone on the team?

  Peet was smiling too at spotting Darryn. “Looks like our best friend is here, hey,” he laughed indulgently. “Maybe I should go and say hello.”

  “You go ahead, Peet. I don’t have time for such uptight people tonight,” JP said. He went back to sit next to Emma, who was still patiently waiting for him to return to the couch.

  JP was close enough to hear what Peet was saying to Darryn: “There he is, the champion swimmer. Coach’s pet, hey? Congratulations on your win today, mate.” Peet played a childish prank on Darryn where he pretended to want to shake his hand and pulled away as Darryn put his hand out. JP laughed at how silly his friend was being.

  “Listen, I only came here because coach said that there would be recruiters. But it looks like everyone important has left already, so I guess we will be leaving too,” Darryn said. Mario stood by his side, seeming uncomfortable. JP was amazed at Darryn’s arrogance.

  Peet spoke again, louder than the music, which had been turned down so that the rest of the party could focus on the exchange. “Listen here, mister, you have a chip on your shoulder, don’t you. You are so entitled that you think you can just come in here and say whatever you want. Everyone knows you are on a free ride, so don’t act like we owe you anything.”

  Darryn was being obstinate and standing his ground, even though Mario was trying to pull him away. JP decided to get up and intervene before things got ugly. Even though Darryn annoyed him, he didn’t want Coach to find out that they had gotten into a drunken brawl with their teammate.

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” JP said as he reached them. “Let’s not get too heated. Why don’t you come and have a drink with us, Darryn? We should celebrate our victories today. Next time, hey, Mario,” JP said.

  “I don’t want to have a drink with people like you,” Darryn burst out.

  JP was getting annoyed. He said, “Look, I’m trying here. There’s no need to keep being so difficult with all of us. How do you expect us to treat you when you keep talking to us like this?” JP suddenly felt all of the eyes in the room on him, and he began to feel self-conscious. He knew that he would be embarrassed if Darryn continued to be difficult with him in front of everyone. “Why don’t we just go outside and cool off a bit?”

  Peet grabbed Darryn’s arm and started dragging him outside, “Yeah, let’s go cool off a bit.” He was laughing as he continued to drag Darryn, who tried to fight him off. JP looked on, horrified.

  “Let him go, Peet. There’s no need for that, man,” JP said as Peet and some other guys on the team laughed and dragged Darryn outside. He followed them to the pool area.

  “No, he’s the swimming champion, isn’t he? Let’s see how he swims tonight.”

  JP saw the situation deteriorating, and walked ahead of Peet and the other guys who had left Darryn standing at the edge of the pool. “Let him go, guys. Rather just let him leave here so this doesn’t escalate.”

  Darryn’s face was red and filled with anger. He was clearly hurt by what the other guys were doing to him. “I knew I shouldn’t have come here,” he shouted at them. “You all think the world revolves around you, that you can treat the rest of us any way you want.”

  JP felt sorry for him. He knew that Peet could be relentless, and he didn’t want Darryn to be a victim of his childish games any longer. “Darryn, why don’t you just go? Let him get past you, guys,” JP said, trying to diffuse the tensions which were building.

  Darryn lashed out: “You don’t talk to
me. I saw the way you were looking at me before my race today. I know what you think of me. I’m sorry I don’t have a perfect life like you do,” Darryn shouted at JP.

  “Perfect life? Don’t talk about things that you know nothing about, okay? I’m trying to help you here.”

  “Help me? I don’t need your help. Why don’t you just go back to your little cushy life where mommy and daddy pay to make everything right?”

  JP couldn’t control himself then. He saw red, and before he even made a conscious decision, he shoved hard on Darryn’s chest, and Darryn flew back into the pool. He shouted, “Don’t bring my family into this!”

  Darryn landed in the pool with a loud splash. The music came to a sudden stop and JP heard a voice yelling behind him, “What’s going on here?” Coach Tyson stood there, looking at the scene with shock.

  Chapter 4

  JP stood frozen staring at Coach Tyson, whose eyes shot between Darryn standing in the pool and the guilty faces of the other guys who had carried him outside. Everyone else was quiet, waiting to see how Coach would react. Many of the students who were not supposed to be there were scurrying towards the exit. “What’s going on here? Why are you in the pool fully clothed, Fredericks?”

  Darryn began to move to the edge of the pool and got out, not saying a word. JP looked around nervously to see if anyone else would say something. “I’m waiting. What’s going on here? Terreblanche, why is Fredericks in the pool?”

  “It was… nothing Coach. Just an accident.” JP seemed as though he was trying to remain confident as he spoke, but his lie was transparent. He walked over to where Darryn was standing in a show of helping him, but Darryn shrugged him off.

  “Is that true, Fredericks? Was this just all an accident?” Coach Tyson was becoming increasingly upset. Darryn could tell that he would take some sort of disciplinary action against JP and the others if Darryn told the truth. For a moment he considered doing this. It would serve those arrogant jerks right to be suspended from the team.