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"Oh, Leader." (Short Story)

  • Writer: Jules Robinson
    Jules Robinson
  • Oct 4, 2018
  • 5 min read


Derek held his clammy hand sideways as he tried to remember which way to turn the handle to make it unlock. “This way.” He concluded as he gripped the metal and slipped through the heavy door letting it kah-lunk behind him. He tutted and rolled his eyes upon seeing the mess. Bending at the waist, he picked up nightgowns as he walked and threw them over the crook of his elbow. He let out an “Ah dear,” as he stacked the used bowls one on top of the other and “Porridge.” He noted as he wondered how long they’d need to soak in the sink for. The room was empty of people and that at least, thought Derek, meant that everyone had gotten up on time. Derek carried on his journey, past the beds and out through another door. A well-parked trolley in the corridor allowed Derek to offload the dirty clothes and dishes onto it. He wiped his hands on his trousers and looked back, pleased at the completion of this small task.


The main hall was bustling by the time Derek got there. Eyes and smiles greeted him as he entered. A little girl with tightly formed ringlets ran towards him and grasped at his knees in an embrace. Her brown smock dress lifted slightly, it’s material unforgiving and starchy.

“Oh, how lovely.” Derek patted her head and she giggled. He attempted to move away but she had him pinned. “Yes…” He looked down at her grinning face. A few other children, older, also spotted Derek and called out, a few of them coming over to embrace him. “My...” Derek was getting flustered at all the attention. A beautiful woman in her own brown smock dress beckoned at Derek from near the foot of the stairs. However, on seeing how swarmed with children he was, she left her post to tell them all to take their seats. Adults and children alike continued their conversations as Derek neared the stage. The wooden steps creaked beneath him. He didn’t take to the stage too often and so was not expecting the final step to jut out as it did. The toe of his shoe caught it. It wasn’t a harsh fall, merely a sharp fly to the knees, arms flailing. But it was enough to send the crowd into roaring hysterics. Derek held up a hand and smiled, both in recognition of his clumsiness and as a small plea for them to stop. He got to the podium and gripped the stained wood. He had no speech written out to prop up before him, instead he thought he would ‘freestyle’ considering how today was such a special occasion. He waited for calm amongst his listeners but when the quiet didn’t come he stammered out a, “W-w-when we’re ready to ah… begin.” It was only due to harsh shushes from older audience members that a silence eventually grew.


“Okay. Thank you everyone. I know it was a little early so I’m very grateful that you all managed to get out of bed!” There were small laughs from pockets in the crowd. “But I needed you all to gather like this because today isn’t just a normal day. Oh no.” Derek held a subdued smile on his lips. Some members of the group, older ones, matched it with smirks. “Today is the day all of our hard work finally pays off. I’m sure you’re all aware- I’ve been banging on about it for long enough!” Derek couldn’t help but chuckle. He cleared his throat and gained composure. “That today we are going to be receiving an extremely important visit. Now, I won’t ramble on for too long, I’ll just be repeating myself, so I’ll leave you all with this,” Derek nudged his glasses further up his nose, hoping the pause would add dramatic effect, “He is pleased.” The people before him erupted into applause. Derek made for the edge of the stage but got surrounded by the crowd, all eager to clap a hand on his back, shake him eagerly by his clammy palm.


Later, when the seats were dispensed with, the orange carpet laid bare, the group stood around and chatted whilst the children played. The room had a party atmosphere, food was passed around on plates. An hour or so passed. The record player in the corner was switched on and gravelly, textured disco music played; perhaps too lively-sounding for the relaxed disposition of the party attendees. Dancing commenced regardless. One adolescent in brown, hessian trousers brought out a crocheted scarf and doubled it over to tie onto another’s head, covering their eyes. A handful of rounds of the blind chasing game ensued, Derek laughing as he spun the subject to make them wobble just before they set off and grasped at air. Derek finished the game himself, taking the blindfold off sharply when almost trampling a child and declaring, ruddy-faced that he needed a sit down.


The others would watch, in almost whimsical glee as Derek did the most mundane of tasks. A young couple elbowed each other at the sight of Derek retrieving his pipe from his inner pocket, the spill of ash onto his knee, the push of his thinly wired glasses further up his nose, the lick of his fingertips to help better manipulate the tobacco. And, at last, the joyous release of smiles at seeing Derek, pipe now lit, coughing out great bellows of smoke. Completely lost in thought, Derek stared off as he hunched over, appearing small in the stiff-backed leather chair.


Once the amber light of sunset began to cast through the narrow window panes high up at the ceiling, the merriment hushed again to a low hum. Derek spoke with an older gentleman and nodded sincerely along with what he was saying. The same little girl with the curls met Derek’s legs again. She looked up at him as she hugged. “Oh, there won’t be porridge in the morning little one.” Derek answered her question. “We have the visit, remember?” Derek looked over to his companion and rolled his eyes in a cartoonish way, the man stood opposite chuckled.


“I think it’s about time for the wine now, don’t you think?” Derek offered. His companion nodded and drifted away. The little girl was still at his knees. “Yes, even the children get a sip, it is a special occasion after all.”


Once the wine had been handed out, Derek took his own glass and smiled at everyone. He held up his drink, “To our Leader, who we cannot wait to meet!” The people before drank from plastic cups and offered it to others and to the children, not savouring the taste but ensuring everyone had had some. The cushions were brought forward and, in groups, they began to lay down. “To our Leader.” Derek concluded as he swirled the liquid in his glass and sighed through dry lips.

 

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