"The most important thing to remember about living as me is..." Jack Withers paused to make sure that Mikey was listening, "that you don't let any of those stupid brats give you any flack. Trus' me, you give jes' a little and they'll eat you alive."
Jack's breath was strong with the smell of cheap whiskey. Mikey was glad that Mr. Withers didn't have to drive the bus anymore that day, since he was obviously drunk. Seeing that it was so soon after supper, he must have gotten an early start at it. Being a young boy, just in grade six, Mikey worried that he might not do so well if he can't keep up with Jack Wither's hard lifestyle.
He didn't have time to worry, however, as Jack had poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Mikey. "A little hair o' the dog," Jack mumbled, as he took a swig.
Mikey, having never tasted whiskey before, sipped it and instantly started coughing. When he'd caught his breath, he looked down and saw that he had spilled some of the firey drink down the front of the blue work-shirt that Jack had given him to wear.
Jack laughed. "Don't worry, son, you'll get the hang o' that soon enough." He staggered out of the bedroom and made his way into the living room, where he had a hockey game on. The couch made a 'whooshing' sound as his big middle-aged body flopped down into it. Mikey attempted to copy the movement, but only ended up spilling more of the drink, causing more laughter from Jack.
"Now don't let my kids catch you drinking around them if you know what's good for ya, especially Janice, the oldest. She goes on and on about alcoholics and whatever. They're not around much, but watch yourself when they are."
Mikey was beginning to realize how much more involved this week would be. He had originally just been excited about driving the schoolbus, but now Jack's life seemed overwhelming. Having to act like a drunk, be divorced, have kids, keep a steady job, all this was a lot for a boy to handle. He hoped he could pull it off.
Jack grabbed the remote, clicked off the game, and looked very seriously at Mikey. "Listen, kid, I've gotta head out soon, so if you have any more questions, now's the time to ask."
He thought for a minute, then asked...
