Character Clash (Hamilton and Queenie)

Hamilton stood with his son waiting in line for check out at the grocery store. His son held a candy bar the size of his own hand, and his eyes were glue to the brown wrapping. Hamilton’s son turned to him and asked him,

“Would your dad let you get candy when you were younger?”

“I don’t know, Roger. Why are you asking so many questions about your grandfather?” Hamilton inquired, instinctively reaching his hand into his left coat pocket that normally held his cigarettes.

“Hey, Dad, look at those girls!” Roger exclaimed. Hamilton lifted his gaze to three girls in bathing suits strutting through the store. “That’s funny,” Roger smiled at himself.

“Those girls should get some clothes on,” Hamilton remarked, causing Roger’s face to brighten up with a red hue. Out of the three of them one seemed to be leading. She walked up in line behind Hamilton and Roger and whispered something to the two behind her. All that Hamilton could make out was said by the one with a slightly large, pale belly,

“I hope this isn’t like A and P all over again,” she whispered, a nervous smile across her face. The leader laughed and walked up to Roger.

“What candy is that?” she asked him. Roger looked towards his father and then back at the girl.

“Oh, um it’s a chocolate bar,” he spluttered. Hamilton looked at the three girls.

“Girls, you might want to put some clothes on. The manager probably won’t be too happy with your appearance.” The leader didn’t flinch.

“Been there, done that,” she spoke softly, but aggressive. Then she walked off followed by her two friends.

“Dad!”

“What, Roger?” Hamilton looked away from the three girls and addressed his son.

“Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Why did you say that to those girls? That was so embarrassing!” By now Roger and Hamilton were at the front of the line.

“Sir,” the cashier said to Hamilton.

“Oh, umm, here you go,” as Hamilton handed the groceries to him, Roger walked off into the corner.

Once they were back at the car, Roger opened the door and slammed it shut.

“Roger, I don’t understand why you are so mad,” Hamilton said.

“Nevermind,” Roger muttered. Hamilton shut his door and began to drive, surprised at the behavior of his son.