Episode 3.04, The Outing, Part 1 -------------------------------- Dark ominous clouds layer the sky as bolts of lightning strike the ground far and near. An evil creature is approaching; dressed in reflective armor, deflecting every photon bolt that is lunged at him. His eyes glow, pulsating from red to purple and back again. Saliva drips from his rimless lips, causing puffs of green smoke to rise from the ground as it pulverizes matter back to its basic elements. All that is holy curses him, but no one has been able to defeat him. He is a phantom, elusive to every kind of attack. The people, the lowly peasants across the land, have given him the name, Phantom Warrior. Other creatures, perhaps innocent bystanders, run to save their pathetic lives. The attack continues to stop this demon from reaching Grom City. For this is where Phaylor has made his last stand, and you know he must be saved. For he, along with Duchess Maron, are the only hope, the last chance to stave off a universe of darkness. The soldier fires continuously from his photon cannon, and his comrade is firing his as well, but nothing seems to affect this creature. Do we have other weapons? Yes, but they are in the armory, and to get there, you must cross the river of molten zornite. This no human has succeeded in doing without losing his life. But you have to try, it’s our only hope. Use the force, Luke. What… what force? Then a korsite bomb explodes nearby, temporarily blinding them both. As the fog clears from their eyes, they see the most terrifying image flashing before them… Game Over. Luke – “That was really cool! Where did you get this game?” Friedman – “I hacked it off the Microgames website. The released version will be out in a few months.” Luke – “I really want to play this again, but we should get to doing what we came here for. Do you really think you can do it?” Friedman – “Piece of cake!No matter what security is in place, there is always a way around it. I have been doing this as a hobby for a couple of years now. Remember Angela’s diary?” Luke – “Yeah and that didn’t work out so well, did it?” Friedman – “How was I to know? I just saw her talking about her breasts and thought, ‘Cool!’ I didn’t read the whole thing either.” He pauses for a moment. “But I have done some good things. I kept Judith from failing trig. Every time she would fail something, which was almost always, I would boost it up to a C. No one knew, not even Judith. She just thought she faked her way through it. Always guessing c or c on an exam really doesn’t work.” Luke – “Have you done that for other people… yourself?” Friedman – “Judith’s grades are the only ones I’ve changed. I have been tempted to change some of mine, but it didn’t seem right.” Luke – “I really liked Judith, too. We all miss her. But, I know you and Joan miss her most of all.” Friedman – “Yeah, my luck with women can be a testament to mankind of what shouldn’t happen. Maybe I’m destined to become a lonely computer geek.” Luke – “No, you have to stay in the game. Things will turn around, you’ll see.” Friedman – “It’s a game? Well, it hasn’t been a game for me.” Luke – “Maybe ‘game’ isn’t the best word. How about love is a never-ending pop quiz? You never get all of the answers right, but even the wrong ones prepare you for the final exam. The next time it will be better. You’ll see.” Friedman – “A pop quiz?That’s funny. You’ll have a good career in the fortune cookie business. But hey, I can only go up from here, right?” Luke – “Trust me, I’m right on this, but back to the task at hand. Can you do this?” Friedman – “Sure, let’s just start with their website. What are we looking for?” Luke – “Anything and everything. Grab whatever you can and we’ll sort it out later. Knowledge is power, but don’t worry about what’s publicly available. That is what Ryan wants us to see. We need to find out what he is really up to.” Friedman – “Wow, they have some heavy security in place. How can a volunteer organization afford security like this?” Luke – “Joan says Ryan is really rich. He probably paid for it himself. Are we finished?” Friedman – “No, let me bring up Whisker and see what we can learn.” Mumbling to himself, “Windows XP, Dell Dimension 4700, Whoa!” Luke – “What happened?” Friedman – “It kicked me out! I’ve never had that happen before. This is going to be more work than I thought. I know some hacker sites where I can get some more ideas, but it will take time. You wanna play the game again?” Luke – “No, I told you that I couldn’t stay long. I have to help Joan with a project. I’ll call you later.” At Home Joan wanted to tell Kevin last night, but he was out with Lilly when she got home. The hours dragged on and on. Finally, she just couldn’t stay awake any longer, and she had to go to sleep. It’s a good thing because he spent the night at Lilly’s. Kevin called this morning and said he would be home for lunch. That’s why when Friedman asked Luke to come over, he told him that he couldn’t stay long. Joan has been in her room most of the morning trying to figure out the best way to tell Kevin. She is happy that the other night went well, but she feels she should tell Kevin in private. He’s her big brother, and although she loves Luke too, Kevin has always had a special place in her heart. However, she can’t decide how to do it. Should she just blurt it out or should she work her way into it? This is so important to her that she is even wondering if she should not tell him at all. At least with a blue pill, there is no chance of his feelings for her changing. What to do is tormenting her. She hears Kevin come in the front door and can hear him talking to the others downstairs. Then she hears the hum of the chair lift bringing him upstairs. The bathroom door closes. She walks into his bedroom, sits and waits. Kevin comes in and sees Joan, “Joan! What are you doing here?” Joan – “I have to tell you something.” Kevin – “Sure, shoot!” Kevin has the cocky, cavalier attitude he gets sometimes. Joan – “This is hard. There is something about me that you should know.” Kevin – “I already know you’re a sub-defective.” Joan – “It’s not that. Well, maybe it is. I don’t know, but something has been happening to me for a long time.” Kevin – “Like what?” Joan – “I have dreams.” Kevin – “So do I.” Joan – “No, mine are different. Mine come true.” Kevin – “Oh, I see where you’re going. This is a joke.” Joan – “No, really, I see things, and then they come true.” Kevin – “Right! You know, I believed that psychic for the longest time. Now, I’m seriously thinking about asking Lilly to marry me. Do you really think there is a chance in hell I’ll be dancing at my wedding?” He slaps his legs. Joan – “No, Kevin, I’m trying to tell you something.” Kevin – “Come on, April fools is already past and this isn’t funny.” Joan – “No, Kevin, please.” She now realizes she has failed. She runs into her bedroom, locks the door, and begins to cry on her bed. Kevin has no clue what just happened, but it still breaks his heart to see his sister cry. He knocks on her door, “Joan, I’m sorry, come out.” She doesn’t respond. “Joan, I’m sorry I didn’t laugh at your joke, come on out.” Of course, this just causes Joan to sob even more. Kevin gives up and goes back down stairs, “What’s with Joan? I didn’t laugh at her joke and now she all crying. I don’t get it.” Helen – “Oh God, what did you say to her?” She doesn’t wait for an answer. She runs upstairs and begins knocking on Joan’s door. Luke – “Hey, big bro. You have really stepped in it now.” Kevin gives Luke and Will that puzzled look. He still doesn’t realize what just happened. Will recounts the story of the other night, and Luke supplements parts that he misses. Between the two of them, they reproduce the conversation pretty well. Helen comes back down. She is furious, “She won’t come out of her room.” Kevin – “I’m sorry, I assumed she was joking.” Helen – “Do you know who your grandmother is?” Kevin – “Ah, yeah, Catherine Brodie.” Helen – “Well, you’re right, and you’re wrong. She has been a wonderful mother to me, but she didn’t become my mother until I was nine. My other mother, the one who gave birth to me, had dreams too, only they locked her away in an insane asylum until the day she died. I was so afraid that I never told anyone about my dreams. It was years before I was even willing to tell your father. Now, your sister is having them. You had better get used to the idea if you ever plan to have a daughter.” Kevin – “Wait a minute! If you knew about this, why did you let them send Joan away to Gentle Acres?” Helen – “Oh, you better believe I thought about it, but that was different. She was sick and we could all see that. We decided to let the doctors try to help her. However, even if they hadn’t been able too, Joan was coming home no matter what.” Kevin considers her response and agrees with her argument, “Well, Dad and Luke already told me what happened last Tuesday.” Helen – “Well, there’s something else we need to talk about. It’s Lilly.” Kevin – “What does she have to do with this?” Will – “You can’t tell her.” Kevin – “Why not?She’ll keep it a secret.” Helen – “It’s not that. What do you suppose Lilly will do when she learns it was Ryan Hunter who trashed her church?” Kevin – “She’ll probably go beat the crap out of him.” Will – “That’s why you can’t tell her. We’ll find a way to get Ryan Hunter, but none of us want Lilly ending up in jail or worse doing it.” Kevin considers Will’s argument for a moment, “Yeah, I guess you’re right, but I have never lied to her, and I don’t want to start now.” Helen – “You won’t have to. As long as she doesn’t know, there will be no reason for her to ask.” Kevin looks at Helen, and without saying it, she can see that he agrees. Helen – “Now, you’re going back upstairs, and you are going to talk your sister out of her room.” It took awhile, but Joan finally let Kevin in. He apologized again and allowed her to explain what she has been going through, “So, do you think I’m crazy?” Kevin – “Earlier today, I would have thought yes, but now, I’m not so sure. You certainly have been able to convince the others.” Joan – “Do you still love me?” Kevin – “Of course I do. Why would you even think otherwise?” This is what she wanted to hear. She sits on his lap and gives him a hug. Kevin – “Come on downstairs. We still haven’t had lunch, and I’m starved.” They go downstairs where the others have also been waiting for Joan’s arrival. Helen fixes soup and sandwiches. Kevin – “So Joan, you look like you need a nap. Is there any chance of getting next Wednesday’s lotto number?” She gives him a smirk, “It doesn’t work that way.” Kevin – “Don’t get mad. So, you have these dreams about different places, but you don’t know why.” Joan – “I just know it is someplace that I want to be, someplace that I will be.” Kevin – “So, how do you connect the dots?” Joan – “I haven’t figured that out yet.” Helen decides to change the subject, “Why don’t you wear your blue dress to the Goetzmann’s tonight?” Joan – “Mom, no, I want to wear normal clothes. Elizabeth won’t be dressing up.” Helen – “This will be the first time your father and I have met them. I want to be sure to make a good first impression.” Joan – “You and Dad can dress for the prom if you want, but I’m wearing jeans.” Helen – “Well, at least wear your new red pair. I washed them and they’re in the laundry room.” Kevin – “So, how did this come about, because of Elizabeth?” Will – “Wayne Goetzmann called me last Monday and invited us over. He wants to thank me for helping Elizabeth at the theater.” Kevin – “For saving his daughter’s life?” Will – “Yes, but all of this hero stuff is too much. There were two other men who helped out too. They were barely mentioned by the Herald. A simple thank you was enough and Elizabeth has already done that.” Kevin – “Then you might not like what Lilly and I made for you.” He motions for Will to look in the pouch on the back of his wheelchair. Will pulls out a brightly wrapped package with bows and ribbons. There is a little card. It reads, ‘To my Dad.’ Kevin – “Open it.” He opens the package and pulls out a large varnished plaque with the newspaper article from the Herald decoupaged to the front. It has the picture of him carrying Elizabeth out of the theater followed by the entire article. Will – “I don’t know what to say. This is wonderful.” He holds it up for the others to see, “Thank you, Kevin.” Kevin – “Well, Lilly did the decoupage. I enlarged the picture and reformatted the article so it would fit nicely on the plaque.” Helen – “It’s so beautiful. It almost looks like a painting. I have decoupaged before, but I have never gotten results like this! Lilly and I will be having a talk.” Joan leaves and in a few minutes, they hear pounding. She comes back and takes the plaque from her father, “I know just where to put this, come on.” They all go into the living room and Joan places the plaque on the nail. It is prominently centered above the bookcase, “There.” She steps back to look at it with the others. She gives her father a kiss on the cheek and says, “You will always be my hero.” Later, they have all gotten ready to leave. Joan has on her jeans, but they are actually burgundy in color. She chose a dark blue knit top that has ‘Breathe’ in white decal across the chest. Helen – “Well, you look nice, even though it’s toned down a bit. I saw that when you bought it. What does it mean?” She turns around to show Helen the back of the shirt. It also has a white decal that says ‘2 AM’. “It’s a song by Anna Nalick. I love her music.” Will has chosen black dress pants with a light gray dress shirt, matching belt and shoes, but no tie. Helen is wearing a summer dress similar to what Sarah bought, except Helen chose it in brown tones. She also bought the matching bonnet, but will not be wearing it this evening. Kevin and Luke are ready to go as well, but not to the Goetzmann’s. For them, this will be a boys’ night out. They haven’t done this in a long time, and this is the perfect opportunity. Luke – “So, when are you going to tell me what we are doing tonight?” Kevin – “It’s a surprise. Trust me, you’ll like it.” At the Goetzmann’s Will is driving again. His burn is not completely healed, but well enough to permit the use of his hand. He still wears a bandage, but just to keep it from being bumped. They ring the bell and June answers the door. Wayne and Elizabeth are also there. She invites them in, “Hi, I’m June. This is my husband Wayne, and of course, you know Elizabeth.” They exchange greetings. Helen offers the lime and carrot Jell-O she has made for dessert. June excuses herself to put it in the fridge. Wayne begins to offer his hand, but retracts it. He then offers his left hand, “I am really glad to finally meet you. I hope to be able to do this the right way soon.” Will – “It’s nice to meet you too. The hand is almost healed.” Will turns and Elizabeth is there. She gives him a big hug, “I just needed to do that. Thank you, Mr. Girardi, for saving my life.” Will – “It was my pleasure. I’m glad to see you are looking well. It is certainly a change from the last time I saw you.” Elizabeth – “Well, it’s all because of you.” She looks at Joan, “Come on, let’s go up to my room.” At the Restaurant Kevin has decided to take Luke to Lin’s Family Restaurant. He has eaten there on several occasions and enjoys the food. It has always been for lunch, but the dinner menu is the same. Actually, it is buffet style with a bounteous selection of Chinese food. He has never had a problem with finding something good to eat. When they arrive, Chun Chen, known by all as Cee-Cee, escorts them to their table. She is an exquisitely beautiful young woman and would be enough to cause the men to come visit, even if the food was lousy. She welcomes them and takes their drink order. Kevin and Luke both order sweet tea. Kevin and Luke go and fill up their plates with a variety of foods. Kevin suggests that Luke try the sweet and sour chicken. When they return to their table, Kevin begins to speak, “Let me tell you something about Cee-Cee. It’s a story the Herald was going to run, but pulled at her request. You’ve heard about the bombing in Atlanta during the Olympics in 1996?” Luke – “Yeah, Eric Rudolph, everyone knows about that.” Kevin – “Well, here is something you don’t know. Cee-Cee was an athlete for the Chinese team that summer. She was only one of the alternates and never actually performed. She and some of her teammates were in the park when the bomb went off. They all ran along with their burly escorts, you know, their protectors, although everyone knows their job was to make sure they didn’t get away. However, when everyone ran, Cee-Cee kept running. You see, she was an alternate for Women’s 100-meter event. She took advantage of the confusion and escaped. This was an embarrassment for the Chinese government and there was a deal made to keep the story from the press. That’s why Cee-Cee didn’t want us to run the story. Her family is still in China and she fears for them. The owner here, Mr. Lin, is a distant cousin, and he took her in. Luke – “How did you find out about it?” Kevin – “One of her younger cousins blabbed the story and somehow Andy Reese found out about it. I just think it is awe-inspiring. When you look at her, you would never imagine that is her story.” At the Goetzmann’s Elizabeth – “I like your shirt.” She puts in a CD and Anna Nalick begins to play. She turns the volume down low so they can talk, “Do you like my hair?” Joan – “Yeah, it looks fine, but I heard some of it got burned off.” Elizabeth – “It did, this is a wig. I’m glad you couldn’t tell. This wig is a little more blond than how I usually wear my hair. It’ll be months before my real hair grows back long enough. Will you keep my secret?” Joan – “Sure, I’m good at keeping secrets.” Elizabeth – “So, whatchabeen doing since you got kidnapped?” Joan gives her a look, because she can see she is smiling, “Housework, mostly. I got grounded for three weeks, but I spent this last week at Lake Nashman. I had a wonderful time.” Elizabeth – “You had everyone worried for awhile. Mom was watching the news when I got home. I’ve never gotten a hug like she gave me when I walked in the door.” She reconsiders for a few seconds, “Well, except for last Sunday. That was a biggest ever.” After the girls went upstairs, Wayne asked if anyone would like a drink. He and Will have a Sam Adams, and June and Helen drink homemade lemon-limeade. Helen has gone into the kitchen with June while she tends the stove. Wayne and Will are still in the living room. Wayne – “I already know a lot about you. I’ve seen you on the news a few times. Let me tell you about myself. We are originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana. We moved here about 10 years ago. I own a small business on South Clinton Street. We sell mobile homes and, more recently, modular homes. As you probably know, Arcadia doesn’t allow mobile homes within the city limits, so I built a mobile home park just east of town. It’s called Sandalwood Estates. Have you heard of it?” Will – “Yes, I’ve driven by it a few times.” Wayne – “Good, well, here is the part of the story that I assume you will like.” He pauses for a brief moment, “About two years ago, they annexed us into the city limits. Then I started receiving notices that I was in violation of this and didn’t have a permit for that and just everything you can imagine. I had all of my permits. They were registered with the county, but the City of Arcadia didn’t seem to care about that. The fines kept accumulating, and I refused to pay. It went on and on until finally, I reached the point where I was about to give up. I couldn’t afford to pay my lawyer anymore. Then guess what happened?” Will – “I don’t know, what?” Wayne – “You toppled the Arcadia City government, and the whole problem just went away. I thought about calling you then, but I put it off and never got around to it. I wish I had called. But at least you know the story now.” Will smiles. “Well, it is my honor to protect and serve.” Wayne – “Well, you sure did. I have two other parks, but they are far enough outside of the city limits that I shouldn’t have any trouble for years.” He pauses while he takes a drink of his beer, “Now, about me. Well, there’s June and Elizabeth. I know that sounds boring, but that’s all I care about. I play a little golf occasionally, and I enjoy playing Euchre, but that’s about it.” Will – “My son and I play golf occasionally. Maybe we could get together sometime.” Wayne – “That would be great! Elizabeth mentioned Joan had a brother after we talked. Luke is it? It will be fun.” Will – “I have another son. His name is Kevin. He’s the one who plays golf.” Wayne – “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know about him. Do you have any other children?” Will – “No, just Kevin, Joan, and Luke. What is Euchre?” Wayne – “It’s a card game my family has played for years. I was going to ask if you would like to play later, but it just kind of popped out now.” Will – “Yeah, sure. It has been quite a few years since Helen and I have played cards with friends, but you’ll have to teach us the game.” Wayne – “It’s not hard. It is sort of like Bridge.” June calls from the kitchen, “Wayne, it’s time to finish the steaks.” Wayne – “We are having porterhouses. I’ve cooked them all to medium-rare. They have been keeping warm in a warmer-steamer next to the grill. How would you like yours done?” Will – “Medium, with just a little pink in the middle.” Wayne excuses himself to finish the steaks. Helen and June have been talking in the kitchen, mostly about the meal that is being prepared. June mentioned that she works part-time helping with the administrative tasks of Wayne’s business. Just after she calls Wayne, she mentions she has another part-time job, “Go take a look at the painting in the living room.” Helen had noticed the painting before, but is now getting her first close look. She studies the painting and absorbs its beauty. Then she begins to look closer, examining the technique, the strokes, the use of blending, and other characteristics. She realizes and exclaims, “This is by Thomas Gainsborough!” She calls out to June, “Is this an original?” June enters the living room, “No, it’s a reproduction. It’s titled ‘\ \ `Rocky Landscape with Hagar and Ishmael `__\ .’ That’s my other part-time job. I do contract work repairing and reconditioning paintings through the Arcadia Museum of Art. This one was damaged at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Tennessee in 2000. When I finished the repair, I painted this copy.” Helen – “You do such marvelous work! Why haven’t I heard of you?” June – “Oh, I don’t get to put my name on them. The paintings still belong to the original artist. There is a sticker on the back with my name and the date restored, but that’s it.” Helen – “But you are so good, why don’t you do your own work?” June – “I get to duplicate the masters. I am happy doing that.” . At the Restaurant Luke and Kevin are on their last serving of food. Kevin continues, “When Joan told me about her dreams, it reminded me of Cee-Cee. Both Cee-Cee and Joan have secrets that if revealed, would radically change their lives. In Cee-Cee’s case, maybe, maybe not, but she believes it. Cee-Cee just wanted to be free; and Joan, she just wants everyone to think she’s normal. They both just want an opportunity to live a normal life. So they carry their secrets. Now we have to carry their secrets, and I haven’t even mentioned Mom. All of those years of being afraid to tell anyone about her dreams. I just wonder how many other people there are like Mom, Joan, and Cee-Cee.” Kevin really wasn’t looking for Luke to answer. He was more thinking out loud. Kevin hands Luke a page from the newspaper, “Hey, here’s what we are doing next.” Luke unfolds it and Kevin points, “Read that article.” Luke reads the headline, “Local Inventor Sells Patent to Sealy Corp.” He reads on, “Dietrich Steinholz, a resident of Arcadia, recently sold his patent for a newly designed mattress coil system. A representative for Sealy Corporation stated ‘It will revolutionize the industry’. Dietrich Steinholz will be one of the featured speakers at the Arcadia College Science and Industry Fair on Saturday night. He will discuss his recent work, and also update his thoughts on String Theory since the 1975 publication of his book Positing The String Theory\ …” He looks at Kevin, “This is so cool! Is this where we’re going?” Kevin – “Yeah, I remembered you telling me that you had met him at the bookstore. Let’s head over to the college. I will probably be bored out of my mind, but I’m sure you will enjoy it.” Luke – “Thanks, Kevin.” At the Goetzmann’s Joan and Elizabeth are still talking. They have gone through quite a few subjects, from school last year to boys. The latter was a sore subject for Joan. Elizabeth had heard about Joan and Adam’s breakup with Bonnie as the other woman. Information like that always spreads like wildfire through a high school. She offered her condolences. Joan – “Adam and I are still friends, but it’s hard.” Elizabeth – “I really don’t know what to say. I feel bad for you. When Jim and I broke up, it was hard, but it was because he was a jerk and not because of someone else. I’ve been so busy studying for the play that I haven’t even tried to find a new boyfriend. Maybe when school starts we’ll both meet someone new?” Joan – “Yeah, maybe, but I’m just not ready for anyone yet.” Elizabeth – “I hear you. You need to find something else to occupy your time. What do you like to do?” Joan ponders her question for a moment, “I recently started to learn yoga. I like it.” Elizabeth – “Then go for it. If you like it, then learn everything you can about it. It will give you something positive to pursue and keep your mind off the bad things.” Joan – “What would you like to do, other than sing and act?” Elizabeth – “I have started taking dance lessons. I’m not a bad dancer, but I’ve never had formal training. It’s just something that I want to learn because the day is coming when I’ll have to sing and dance, and I want to be ready.” Joan – “You really do love to perform.” Elizabeth – “That’s my passion. Isn’t it obvious?” Joan – “Yeah and you are good. Sometimes, I wish I had your ability.” Elizabeth – “You did good when you were in the chorus, and when you sang your song, it was beautiful. You have it. It’s there if you want it. You just need to tune it up.” Anna Nalick is on her second run through, so Elizabeth ejects it to change to something else, “Do you like country western?” Joan – “Not really. I like White Stripes, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson.” She pauses to think, “I have actually been listening to a lot of old music lately. My Dad found a record/cassette/CD player and bought it. He has a lot of records that he hasn’t listened to in years. Anyway, I’ve been listening, too. Most of them are really awful, but some of them I like. He has an album by Bette Midler. I love her song, The Rose.” Elizabeth – “Sing it for me.” Joan – “No, I can’t.” Elizabeth – “Come on, it’s just you and me, I want to hear it.” Joan begins to sing. ----- Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed. Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need. I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed. *It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It’s the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance. It’s the one who won’t be taken, who cannot seem to give, and the soul afraid of dyin’ that never learns to live.* *When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long, and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong, just remember in the winter far beneath the winter snows lies the seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes the rose.* Elizabeth – “That was really beautiful. See, I told you you could sing. I like the song too. My Dad has the album.” Joan – “Then why did you ask me to sing it?” Elizabeth giggles, “Because I wanted to hear you sing.” June calls up the stairs, “Time for dinner.” They all gather around the table. June – “Would you mind if we say a prayer before we begin?” Everyone gives their approval, “God is great, God is good, and we thank him for this food. By his hand we all are fed. Give us Lord, our daily bread. Bless our home with peace and love, and grant in Christ a home above. Amen.” Helen – “That was nice, do you belong to a church?” June – “Arcadia United Methodist.” Will – “Oh, I remember Reverend Yardley. That was so terrible. How is he doing?” June pauses before she responds, “Reverend Yardley never fully recovered from his injuries. He went to be with God last summer. We miss him a lot, but before he died, he found us a new minister. His name is Reverend Sharpton. He’s young, but we like him a lot.” Will – “I’m sorry to hear about Reverend Yardley.” June, wishing to change the subject, directs her question to either Elizabeth or Joan, “What have you two been doing?” Elizabeth – “Oh, just talking, listening to music. Joan sang me a song.” Helen – “What song?” Joan is totally embarrassed, “\ The Rose. I didn’t want to have to admit it, but I like some of Dad’s music.” Will smiles, “There’s nothing wrong with that. It just shows you have good taste.” Joan gives him half a smile, “ Well Elizabeth, you had better not let it get around school. I’m already a sub-defective. That’s your secret to keep.” Elizabeth – “I was about to tell you upstairs that I like all kinds of music. Well, except Rap. I just like real singing.” She pauses for a moment. “I listen to some of the old stuff too. I really like the Supremes, the Chilites, oh, and Lesley Gore, the Carpenters, Patsy Cline, the Everly Brothers, Peter Paul & Mary. I could go on and on. I’m not ashamed of it, but I’ll keep your secret if you want.” Joan – “Thank you.” Wayne has been sitting quietly, soaking it all in. He does that sometimes. He’s the kind of man who prefers to keep his mouth shut until he feels he has something worthwhile to say. “I don’t know what album you have, but I have Bette Midler’s Greatest Hits. There are other songs like From a Distance and Wind Beneath My Wings that I think you might enjoy as well. You are welcome to borrow it.” Joan – “No, I don’t think I should.” Wayne – “That sounds like a yes to me. I’ll get it for you after dinner.” Joan – “Thank you, Mr. Goetzmann.” At the College Kevin and Luke arrive at the auditorium. There are not as many people there as they had expected. They are able to find seats near the front. A woman is speaking, but neither of them recognize her. Luke looks at the program. She is Susan Jordan. She is an ER technician at University Medical Center. She is explaining about the new medical equipment they have received and how it has improved medical treatment. Dietrich Steinholz is the next scheduled speaker. At the Goetzmann’s When dinner is over, Elizabeth and Joan help June and Helen with the dishes. Once they are nearly finished, June asks Elizabeth and Joan to finish up, “Come on, Helen. I have one more painting to show you.” She takes Helen up to her bedroom, “I like to see this one just before I go to sleep and the first thing when I wake up.” Helen – “You don’t have to tell me about this one. It is ‘\ \ `The Madonna and Child `__\ \ ’ by Andrea del Sarto. How did you ever get the chance to restore this one?” June – “A buyer purchased it at Sotheby’s in January 2000. He kept it for a while, but then decided to have it restored. I bid on the contract, and I won! I really wasn’t expecting to win this one. Of course, this is another reproduction.” Helen – “It is just amazing! You have done such a wonderful job. I am so impressed.” June – “Thank you, Helen. Let’s go downstairs and play cards.” Helen is totally flabbergasted by June’s lackluster recognition of her own talent. She has only done one painting close to hers, and she turned that into ashes, “June, have you ever thought about teaching?” June – “I’ve tried, but I just can’t explain how I do it. Doing something and teaching others how to do it are two different things. Besides, I really enjoy the freedom to work when I want. That allows me to spend time with Wayne and Elizabeth.” Helen – “Well, the next time you decide it’s time to paint, let me know. I would love to watch over your shoulder. Maybe I can learn and pass it on to my students.” June – “I would enjoy that. Maybe you can put into words what I can’t.” At the College Dietrich Steinholz begins to speak, “I was asked to speak to you tonight about science and invention. Science is all around us. It is in everything we see and touch. Invention is just the application of science to create something new. Both are sometimes difficult concepts to understand and achieve. I am proud of my achievement with the new mattress design. Millions of people will now sleep better because of my invention. I know I have slept better since I started sleeping on my own mattress. However, there is also the practical side of the equation. In industry, for people to listen, there must be a practical application for your ideas. That is a hard reality that you must understand. There have been many times when I felt that I had a brilliant idea and nobody listened. That is the lesson I would like you to take away from here tonight. Never give up. Keep those ideas coming. Someday, somebody will listen. And when they do, then you will also have an opportunity to represent those ideas that were once ignored. I really do believe it all works out for the best in the end. The program says that I will also speak about string theory. The only new idea I have been pondering lately has been one presented by a young man I see in the audience tonight. We have a small group here tonight. For those of you who are interested, I will be in room 21b for a discussion of the subject after I leave the stage. Thank you.” After Mr. Steinholz leaves the stage, Luke and Kevin proceed to room 21b. On the door they see stenciled, Professor Steinholz. Professor Steinholz – “Luke, it is great to see you again. Come have a seat.” Luke – “It’s good to see you again, too.” He ponders for a moment, “How did you know my name?” Professor Steinholz – “I will explain that in a minute. Who is your friend?” Luke – “This is my brother, Kevin.” Professor Steinholz offers a greeting, and they gather around a table, “After our meeting at the bookstore, I began to wonder about what you had proposed in your submission for the Hawking Award. I know a member of the panel, so I was able to get a copy of your submission. This is how I learned your name. Your hypothesis is brilliant, but I believe some of the assumptions used in your formula may need to be adjusted. I would like to discuss them with you.” Luke – “Great, which assumptions?” Professor Steinholz – “I don’t have my notes with me tonight. Perhaps we could get together tomorrow and discuss it. Are you free?” Luke – “Free as a bird.” Professor Steinholz – “Here is what I propose. We get together tomorrow afternoon and discuss your hypothesis and my concerns about some of the variables. Then we follow it up with dinner at Don Thornberry’s, my treat. You deserve it.” Luke – “That sounds great, but I’ll have to get my parents’ permission.” Professor Steinholz – “I certainly expected that. Would you like me to call them or for them to call me?” Luke – “Why don’t I talk to them and have them call you.” Professor Steinholz – “Good.” He writes his home phone number on his business card. “I will be home tomorrow morning waiting for their call.” At the Goetzmann’s They started the card game by explaining the rules followed by a few hands played with everyone’s cards showing. That way, they could explain the different strategies available to them. Of course, Wayne and June were playing quite well, but Will and Helen quickly caught on to the game. It wasn’t long before they won their first set. Joan and Elizabeth are in the living room. Elizabeth found the Bette Midler album and Joan is especially enjoying the songs she hasn’t heard before. Elizabeth begins to do a warm up routine she learned at dance class. Joan observes that it is different, yet similar, to the exercises she does for yoga. She begins to mimic Elizabeth’s moves. Soon, they begin to chortle as they actually anticipate each other’s moves. Wind Beneath My Wings begins to play on the stereo. The living room becomes like a chorus of swans readying for a ballet. Outside, a man walks by the window with a herd of dogs. He stops and smiles for a moment. Then the tempo changes as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy begins to play. They breakout into a makeshift swing dance. The laughing continues until the album reaches its end. Helen – “Well, it’s getting late, and I have to go to church in the morning.” June – “I’ve enjoyed our evening, but we have church in the morning, too.” They gather their things and collect by the door. Wayne – “I enjoyed our visit. Let’s do it again sometime soon.” Will – “I had a good time, too.” Elizabeth – “Oh, Joan, don’t forget the album.” Joan – “Thanks Elizabeth and Mr. Goetzmann, but I’ll be okay. I think I will have the music in my head for a long time to come.” They depart and the evening comes to a close. At Home Everyone is up early, even though only Helen and Kevin will be leaving. Kevin will be attending Mass with Helen and Lilly. He has decided to make this concession to take a look, but also because he knows that Lilly probably had an exciting evening last night watching reruns of T. J. Hooker or something. Kevin has been reading the newspaper, but also listening to the conversations. The weekend newspapers are the only ones Kevin bothers to read anymore. For all other days of the week, he has already read most of the stories. Luke has been begging to be able to go over to Professor Steinholz’s to spend the afternoon and dinner. Both Helen and Will are concerned because they know nothing about this man. Luke – “I really want to go. It’s a great opportunity to talk to a real scientist.” Kevin – “I met him, too. He seems like a real nice guy, and he is a professor.” Helen – “Well, Professor Rader seemed like a real nice guy too, until they found out he was the BTK killer. Luke, you can’t go.” Lilly has just arrived and she, Helen, and Kevin prepare to leave for the church. Before they leave, Kevin informs Joan of an article he just read, “Take a look at the Milton Library story in the Arts and Culture section.” They depart for the church. This seemed to put an end to Luke’s desires to meet with Professor Steinholz. Will can see the disappointment on his face and decides upon a compromise, “Why don’t you see if he can come over here? Let us meet him and if we think he’s okay, we’ll let you know about dinner.” Luke is thrilled. He is also looking forward to dinner, but being able to discuss string theory with Professor Steinholz is what he is looking forward to the most. Joan begins to read the article Kevin that alluded to, ‘Milton Library Selects Sculpture.’ She reads on, ‘Earlier this summer, the library staff solicited submissions for a new sculpture to be place outside of the entrance to the library. The theme was required to be in regard to reading. Adam Rove of Arcadia made the winning submission. Adam is a student at Arcadia High School. The piece is entitled, Mother and Child. Further details of the sculpture will remain secret until its unveiling in a few months’. Joan is happy for Adam, but she is also left to wonder, ‘Why hadn’t he mentioned his submission to her?’ This is something he would have told her in the past. Once again, the confused feelings of her broken heart versus the longing for the closeness they once shared begin to torment her. Should she call him or should she wait until she sees him again, whenever that is? Confusion reigns. She decides to practice her yoga. That always seems to ease her mind. Luke has been on the phone with Professor Steinholz. He has agreed to come there and will arrive about one o’clock. Luke gives Will the good news. Will – “Well, that gives me some time to listen to music.” He puts a record on the phonograph and a\ `song `__\ begins to play. *There rides the rainbow demon *On* his horse of crimson fire. Black shadows are following closely *On* the heels of his desire…* Joan – “God, what is that?” Will – “Uriah Heep, great, huh? The whole album is mystical.” Joan – “Well, get rid of it! I’m practicing my yoga, and I was here first.” Will – “Why can’t you do that upstairs?” Joan – “I need to watch the tape. Put on something else or turn it off.” Will grumbles to himself, “Can’t even listen to music in my own home.” He leafs through the albums, finds another one, and another\ `song `__\ begins to play. *We’ve only just begun to live, White lace and promises A kiss for luck and we’re on our way. And yes, we’ve just begun.* *Before the rising sun we fly, So many roads to choose We start our walking and learn to run…* Joan – “Okay, I can live with that.” She continues her routine. The yoga is having its usual calming effect, but the music is doing just the opposite. It’s making her sad. She decides it’s time to get cleaned up before Mr. Scientist arrives. Unfortunately, she finds Luke has beaten her to it, “Save me some hot water, Squidboy.” She sits on her bed and stares at the phone. Minutes seem like hours. She makes the call. Carl Rove – “Rove residence.” Joan – “Hello, Mr. Rove, this is Joan Girardi. May I speak to Adam?” Carl Rove – “Sure, it’ll be just a minute; I have to go get him.” He lays down the phone and in a few minutes, Adam picks up, “Hi, Joan, what’s up?” Joan – “I read in the paper this morning about you doing the sculpture for the library. Congratulations.” Adam – “ Thank, you. I was surprised that I won.” Joan – “Why didn’t you tell me about it?” He pauses before he responds, “I was going to, but…” He trails off. Joan – “But what?” Adam – “The Jane thing.That was the last thing we had that was just ours. It really hurt. I still…” Joan interrupts, “Wait a minute, you’re hurt? Hey, it wasn’t me who dipped the donkey with Bonnie. I spent all last week trying to ignore it, but it’s still there. How could you do that to me?!!! You are not the victim here! I’m sorry I called.” She hangs up the phone. Now she’s mad at Adam and even madder at herself, because she didn’t want it to go this way. The conflict within her is making her an emotional wreck. To the rescue, Luke finally exits the bathroom. Joan rushes in to hide her tears in the shower. ‘Olay your troubles away!’ If only it worked. Helen, Lilly, and Kevin return home. Helen is surprised to see Luke dusting the living room furniture, “What’s the occasion?” Luke – “Ah, Dad has something to tell you.” He scurries toward the kitchen with the cleaning supplies to put them away. He passes Will, who is walking toward the living room, “Did you have a nice service?” Helen – “Yes, it was good. What do you have to tell me?” Will – “Why don’t we go up to our room? We can talk while you change.” Helen takes the hint and knows that she is not likely to like what he is about to tell her. They head upstairs. Kevin and Lilly are curious, but know this is an occasion to keep their mouth shut. They sit on the couch and Kevin picks up the newspaper, “There are some movies we could go see, but I’m not sure there are any we would both like. There’s War of the Worlds. Looks like a lot of action and visual effects. Tom Cruise stars.” Lilly – “I don’t know about that one. I don’t like scary movies.” Kevin – “Okay, there’s…” Joan comes downstairs, “Hi Kevin, Lilly, whatcha doing?” Kevin – “Figuring out something to do today.” Joan – “Well, have fun. I have to work.” She begins to leave, but turns around and comes back, “Lilly, I need to talk to Kevin, and it’s kind of personal. Can I borrow him for a few minutes?” Lilly – “Sure, I need something to drink anyway.” She departs for the kitchen. Joan – “Kevin, I need some advice… help really. I’m all mixed up and I don’t know what to do.” Kevin – “Well, you’re going to have to be more specific than that. Let me guess… Adam?” Joan – “How did you know?” Kevin – “It was just a guess. I expected there might be trouble when I learned he would be there with the Polonsky’s.” Joan – “I thought I was over it, but it’s all come back now. I just hurt so bad. How did you make it through it after Beth?” Kevin – “I did what you suggested. I stayed in the game.” Joan – “I know I said that, but… I still love him, but when I think about what he did… it just tears me apart. I’m all mixed up, and don’t know what to do.” Kevin – “I can’t tell you what to do, but you have to find a way to get past this. It has to be your choice. I don’t know what else to say.” He takes her in his arms to try to comfort her. “Think about it. When you decide what you want to do, come back and we’ll talk some more.” Upstairs, Helen is changing, “What is it that I don’t want to know about?” Will – “I’ve invited Professor Steinholz to come here to meet with Luke.” Helen – “I thought we already decided Luke wasn’t going?” Will – “That’s because we don’t know him. Luke thinks he’s okay and so does Kevin. We’ll have him here and we can both talk to him. If we still don’t trust him, then dinner is off.” Helen is not happy. She almost always wins the arguments when it comes to the children, “Okay, but you are wearing your gun today.” Will almost laughs, but limits himself to a smile, “Okay, if it will make you happy.” When Lilly enters the kitchen, she finds Luke adding sugar to a gallon of tea, “Hey, can I have some?” Luke – “Sure, I have two more gallons in the works in the backyard.” Lilly – “Sun tea is the best kind. So what’s the occasion?” Luke – “Well, Dad let me invite Professor Steinholz over.” Lilly – “Yeah, I think I caught the tail end of that conversation. The BTK killer?” Luke – “No, he’s a real nice guy. They’ll see.” Joan comes into the kitchen, “He’s all yours, thanks.” Lilly – “Hey, if you ever want to talk about something, I’m here. Just want you to know that.” Joan – “Thanks, Lilly. Did you bring Mom home with you?” Lilly – “Yeah, Helen and your father are talking upstairs. Ask Luke.” Joan – “Never mind, I know what they are talking about.” Lilly rejoins Kevin on the couch, “So, are there any other movies you would like to see?” Kevin – “Well, not really, but I have found something else. The Hogan County Fair opened yesterday. There are a lot of things to see and do. It’s been a long time since I’ve had funnel cake. You wanna go?” Lilly – “Sure, it sounds like fun.” Will and Helen return downstairs. Helen invites them all to lunch. Will put a deli ham in the oven earlier to heat for sandwiches. They all gather around the table. Helen – “Luke, your father and I have decided to talk to Mr. Steinholz, and if he seems okay, we’ll let you go to dinner.” Luke – “Thanks, you’ll see he’s a really nice guy.” Kevin – “Lilly and I are going to the county fair. We probably won’t be back for dinner.” Helen – “Will and I are going to the school board meeting, Joan is working, and if Luke has dinner with Mr. Steinholz, no one will be here anyway. There will be ham and other leftovers if anyone is hungry when they come home.” After lunch, Kevin and Lilly leave for the fair. When Professor Steinholz arrives, Luke introduces him to Will, Helen, and Joan. Joan almost immediately excuses herself, “I have to catch the bus. It was nice meeting you.” Will and Helen sit down and have a chat with Dietrich. They learn he has been an assistant professor at Arcadia College for many years. He has just received his full-time appointment. Until recently, he also worked part-time selling mattresses at Mattress World. He is a widower whose wife died in 1981. He spends most of his time with his work. He does have a longtime girlfriend. She is Susan Jordan, the one who was speaking before him last night. At the Bookstore Joan has been busy doing the inventory, boxing up the remainders, and unloading stock. There were quite a few customers when she first started, but there is no longer anyone else in the store. She is reading by the cash register, waiting for 7 o’clock to roll around so she can go home. The door chimes as a customer walks in, “Hi Joanie!” He continues walking back into the store. Joan drops her head into her hands, “Oh God!” She gets up to find out where he has gone. God – “I’ve been meaning to brush up on my Shakespeare. So many things to choose, so many words of wisdom, take this one for example. *Love is a smoke made with the fumes of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears; What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.* Isn’t that just so beautiful?” Joan – “Yeah, just what I needed. So, are you going to lecture me now?” God – “That spiritual spinach has come back, Joanie. You need to clean it up.” Joan – “God, I’ve tried, but I just can’t get past it.” God – “What about your dreams?” Joan – “What about them? I haven’t had one, not one about Adam.” God – “That’s my point. Why do you think that is?” Joan wonders for a moment, “I don’t know.” God – “Your dreams are a result of choices you have made. You haven’t yet made one about Adam.” Joan – “What’s the hurry? I’m only seventeen. Am I supposed to be choosing a husband already?” God – “It’s not about marriage or even dating. I am talking about your feelings. You are letting your pain control your actions. It’s clouding your judgment. You need to learn to deal with pain. It affects a lot more than just you and Adam.” Joan ponders what God has said. She almost wishes he would make the decision for her, because it is torturing her so. God – “Changing the subject here, so don’t get confused. Do you remember our discussion after you first started AP Chemistry?” Joan – “Sort of, I won’t always know why you ask me to do things.” God – “And what else?” Joan considers God’s question, “I don’t remember.” God – “The smallest catalyst can set off the most mind-boggling chain reactions. This is not for now, it’s for later.” He hands her the copy of Romeo and Juliet, “Can you gift wrap this for me?”