The Send-Off Party Part 1

Today is the last day Paulus stays at home before leaving for the academy. We have a party this afternoon with family and friends. Tension between Dad and Paulus has been building up. I’m a little worried about tonight. Dad still acts around Paulus as if nothing happened. Mom, on the other hand, I see her growing increasingly annoyed at Paulus, but she hasn’t confronted him. Paulus and I don’t talk much either. I know he is looking down on Dad. And I hate it. However, some part of me thinks that it may be my fault. What is it that at this age, children change?

In the old world, I used to get along well with my little sister and brother. My sister and I used to play with dolls and watch TV together. After school and before our parents got home, we had free time to relax. However, I was six years older than her, and as I grew older and my responsibilities increased, I didn’t have time for her. I had to train and study more to accomplish my parents' wishes while also taking care of my siblings. In the meantime, my sister's grades were declining, and she was struggling in all sports. Our parents lost all hope with her pretty quickly, stopping to expect anything from her and leaving more responsibilities in my hands.

My little brother came out of nowhere. I was fourteen years older than him. My parents were not expecting to have more kids, but he was a new hope for them to accomplish their wishes. As he grew older, his grades were satisfactory, but our parents struggled to discipline him. Because he was loved. For the first time, my sister and I saw how gentle and loving my parents could be. My mom's eyes followed him wherever he went. My Dad was patient and caring, and would often talk with him. Both my parents would take days off to attend his games, parent-teacher meetings, and other activities. It didn’t take too long for my sister and me to stop talking to him. We all grew up hating each other.

Paulus, Mom, and Eugina have been working all day to prepare for this afternoon. At the same time, Marcus and I are taking care of Camillus. Dad will come early from work to start the BBQ, and people will begin arriving at 5 pm.

“I heard Paulus is pretty strong.” Said Marcus. 

“It looks like it,” I said, disinterested.

“He and Sappho beat up three sophomores from the academy. And Paulus knocked down 2 of them by himself.” His eyes were shining with excitement. 

“Yep”

“Sappho even recognized that Paulus is stronger than him.”

“Yeah, yeah. He is awesome and at the same time hates his Dad.”

“Okay, Cato, you can't blame him. He must feel ashamed of being so strong and at the same time having a weak father, almost the worst of the world.”

“You are such an idiot,” I said, pushing him.

“What did I do?”

Marcus was clueless as ever. Everyone admires Paulus. However, people don’t understand the way he treats Dad. Everyone thinks Dad is weak, but he is not. I know that.

People will start arriving soon. All the neighbors are invited, and they bring money and gifts to Paulus as a show of appreciation. The firstborn of a free family has the responsibility to become a soldier. Soldiers have mandatory service for fifteen years. They cannot get married before they complete their service. They can still have a slave, a partner, or go to a brothel. However, any child born before the end of the service will not be recognized as the firstborn by the state, which means that the child of the soldier will not be eligible for any government benefits. After completing the mandatory service, soldiers can officially get married, run for public office, continue working in the army, or apply for any government position. You are almost set for life. Thus, people are interested in gaining the favor of soldiers, especially if they see potential. That is why there are so many people coming to Paulus’s send-off party.

I guess that’s the tradition. I’m pretty sure Dad and Mom will give him enough to survive at the academy. Even people from Dad’s guild are coming and offering a generous amount of money to Paulus.

Paulus is at the entrance, welcoming and thanking every guest and showing them the way. He is growing up. My older brother is handsome. With his dark purple hair, lean and toned physique, and broad shoulders, he resembles a younger male version of His Mother. He is very polite and well-mannered. That’s because people don’t know how cheeky he is.

Before eating, Paulus said a few words to thank everyone for their presence. Then, the tradition is to make a toast and for Paulus to chug a large mug of beer. In this world, “adulthood” typically begins at the age of twelve. However, you are still under the guardianship of your parents until you are sixteen, and if you are a soldier, under the guidance of your captain until around thirty-two.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here today. Tomorrow, I start my path to becoming a soldier. I will make each of you proud, and I will remember your help when you need me to be there. Please, take care of my family while I’m gone. By the gods!” Then he started chugging the beer.

“To the gods! Chug! Chug! Chug!” everyone was screaming while encouraging Paulus, and once he was done, everyone had a drink and started eating.

“Khak khak, this is so bitter, yuck! Why do people drink this?” 

Chugging a beer at this age will probably traumatize him for a while.

Everyone seems to be having fun. It’s a beautiful scene to remember. There is a group playing music with a guitar, a large drum, and a small flute-like instrument. People are clapping and laughing, sharing stories about their families, discussing ridiculous encounters at work. Wives are laughing about their husbands, husbands are laughing about themselves, and kids are running around, having a great time.

All this drinking is making me thirsty. I haven’t had a beer in years. I wonder how a beer tastes in this world. I didn’t drink often on Earth, but sometimes on weekends in mid-summer when there was nothing to do, I would grab a cold beer and add some orange soda to it with ice; it made me feel like I was in paradise. I’m gonna grab a cup now that no one is paying attention—just a sip. I was about to put one in my mouth when Dad took it from me.

“Baby, what are you doing? This is for adults only. Here, have some juice. HA HA HA!” said dad. “One day we will throw a party for you, and you will be allowed to decide on what to eat or drink on your own, but for now, you do as your parents say.”

“Tsk.” Where did Dad come from? I guess I’ll take the juice then. Paulus seems tipsy after that beer. His face is all red, but he is having a good time; he is enjoying the company of everyone.