Perspectives from the Food Court IV:
Table for One, Tea for Four
by Jason "BoneparteOzaki" Bertovich
©1999 by Jason Bertovich and Matthew Atanian
Boy Scouts ½ created by Matthew Atanian
Table for One, Tea for Four
by Jason "BoneparteOzaki" Bertovich
©1999 by Jason Bertovich and Matthew Atanian
Boy Scouts ½ created by Matthew Atanian
Author's Notes
Well, it’s time for us to delve ourselves into this little universe and by that, I mean it’s time for Perspectives from the Food Court Part IV. (Yay…)
It this edition of Author notes I thought I would examine our three main characters and their Real Life influences…
Jason Bertovich -- Based on the author who, much like Atanian, has deemed it necessary to self-insert himself into this little world. He, like the author, is an employee of the Electronics Boutique chain of software outlets and experiences the daily joys of selling software to complete morons. Jason has recently moved to Holyoke from a about half a year prior and is enrolled in a local university. He lives alone and mainly lets his smart-assed nature get the best of him.
Fenny -- Based off the Bouncy one known as Fenny Lin. The character Fenny Lin is in fact an otherworldly Goddess called Fenira, and is part of a large network of Deities. She is “Incognito” in Holyoke as a department store sales clerk due to the intense emotional “Love Energy” that runs rampant in this little town.
John Hoelscher -- based off the real life John Hoelscher. The character of John works at the shoe Department of the same department store as Fenny, i.e. Filenes. Still rather underdeveloped in terms of character, ergo that is why he is the focus of this episode.
Let it be known now, though this story takes place in New England (Western Massachusetts to be exact) none of these people are actually from the area. Fenny is from the Baltimore region of Maryland, John lives in Western Ohio, and the author lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania (also known as “The Cultural Wasteland.”)
I guess I’ve yacked long enough and you people actually wanna read a story. (Otherwise why would you be here?) So here it goes…
It this edition of Author notes I thought I would examine our three main characters and their Real Life influences…
Jason Bertovich -- Based on the author who, much like Atanian, has deemed it necessary to self-insert himself into this little world. He, like the author, is an employee of the Electronics Boutique chain of software outlets and experiences the daily joys of selling software to complete morons. Jason has recently moved to Holyoke from a about half a year prior and is enrolled in a local university. He lives alone and mainly lets his smart-assed nature get the best of him.
Fenny -- Based off the Bouncy one known as Fenny Lin. The character Fenny Lin is in fact an otherworldly Goddess called Fenira, and is part of a large network of Deities. She is “Incognito” in Holyoke as a department store sales clerk due to the intense emotional “Love Energy” that runs rampant in this little town.
John Hoelscher -- based off the real life John Hoelscher. The character of John works at the shoe Department of the same department store as Fenny, i.e. Filenes. Still rather underdeveloped in terms of character, ergo that is why he is the focus of this episode.
Let it be known now, though this story takes place in New England (Western Massachusetts to be exact) none of these people are actually from the area. Fenny is from the Baltimore region of Maryland, John lives in Western Ohio, and the author lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania (also known as “The Cultural Wasteland.”)
I guess I’ve yacked long enough and you people actually wanna read a story. (Otherwise why would you be here?) So here it goes…
Early Tuesday Morning…
John sat on the folding chair in the empty white room. He folded his hands and waited for what was to come next. He had been here enough times.
The first figure walked into the empty white room. John looked up, but his hands remained folded. The figure was the same height and build as John. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a red “power tie” His hair was meticulously groomed and his shoes brightly polished. He gave a smirk and looked straight at John.
“You there!” he barked as he sharply pointed to John. “You’re in my chair!”
“I was sitting here first. Get another chair,” John answered back quietly.
“You dare to address me like that?!?!” the figure shrieked. “How dare you! Do you have any idea who I am?!?!”
“Someone who wants my chair,” John answered back quietly.
The figure’s eyes began to twitch. His lips formed into a dark smirk. He walked straight up to John and pushed him off the chair. John tumbled to the floor. He simply sat up, folded his legs and sat Indian-style on the floor.
“That’s right! Know your place! The floor is all that’s good enough for you.” The figure began to cackle and then sat on the chair with a self satisfied grin.
John waited in the empty white room. Another figure soon walked in. This one was different from the first. His height and build were still similar to John, but his dress was quite unusual. A white suit, very militaristic in nature, complete with shoulder decorations and a sword by his side. His hair was long and also meticulously groomed. He looked down contemptuously at John contently sitting on the floor.
“Don’t you have any pride?” the new person asked.
John pondered this for a moment. He simply shrugged his shoulders.
The stranger sighed. “How do you expect people to respect you when you settle for the floor?” The stranger grabbed John by his collar and hoisted him up. “You should be giving the orders, not following them! Take the chair back!”
John looked at the first person sitting on the chair with his sardonic grin. John straightened himself and prepared to march over, when a new voice stopped him. “Why bother? Even if you take the chair back, someone else will take it.” John looked for the source of the commentary. In the darkened corner of the unfurnished white room stood a third person. Height and build similar to John, but he was dressed very plain. Simple navy blue slacks, a white short sleeved dress shirt with the top three buttons open and a turquoise t-shirt underneath. His black hair obscured his face because his head was bowed.
“Eh?” John queried the stranger.
“If you take the chair back, someone stronger will take it from you. And if you take it back again, then someone stronger than that will take it from you again.”
“Well, then should I do nothing?” John asked.
“If you do nothing, someone will tell you what to do. And if you refuse, someone else will tell you to do something else.”
“So am I damned if I do, Damned if I don’t?” John scratched his head.
“Exactly,” the third person said. He lifted his head and looked straight at John with a pair of cold dark piercing eyes. John looked straight into his face. It was exactly as the first two, which was exactly like his. They all shared his face. The third one smirked and outstretched his arms and extended his hands toward John. “The solution to your problem is simple. Non-existence. You can’t be bothered by decisions if you’re not here.” He wrapped his hands around John’s throat and began to squeeze.
The first jumped from his chair. “Oh no you don’t! He’s mine!” John felt the hands wrapped tighter and tighter. The first folded the chair and charged the pair.
“I tend to disagree as well. On both points. He’s mine!” The second added and drew his sword. He charged the pair as well.
John stood there with a pair hands wrapped around his throat throttling him, while a psychotic was about to bash him with a chair and another was going to run him through. The three converged on him….
John sat up gasping and clutching his chest. His eyes bulged and he frenziedly looked around him.
He was in his apartment. His bedroom to be exact The sheets of his bed had been kicked into a pile on the floor. John felt a drop of perspiration fall from his forehead. He brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his knees. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Another night. Another night and the same dream. How many more nights? How many more until they finally succeed and kill me? Who will actually do the job? One? Or all three?
John opened his eyes and looked to his clock. It blinked back ‘5:30 AM.’ John knew that getting back to sleep would be futile. Besides, he knew that they would be waiting for him.
A light thump on his door drew his heightened awareness. He realized that the paperboy must of dropped on his paper in the hall. John threw on a robe and walked out into the hall. He found his paper sitting next to his door. He grabbed it and reentered his apartment. He walked into his kitchen and threw a kettle on the stove to heat the water he filled the kettle with.
He sat at his small table and unrolled the newspaper. A shrill whistle sounded and he took the kettle from the stove and poured some hot water into a tea cup. He dipped in a teabag and let the leaves turn the hot water into hot tea. He brought the cup back with him to the table and he sat down to read the paper and try to regain some sense of normalcy.
John looked at the first headline. Something or other about some political scandal or something. John didn’t even bother to skim anything that had the word scandal in it. That meant it took him about 8 minutes to read the entire paper.
On the bottom right corner on the front page however, something did catch his eye. The headline read ‘Resident of Holyoke attacked at local shopping mall’ John didn’t hear anything about an attack at the mall the day prior. He began to read the article.
“Yesterday afternoon, Jason Bertovich, a resident of the city of Holyoke, was attacked by two assailants. A witness alerted police to the assault and the two suspects fled when mall security personnel were alerted to the incident. The police are currently looking for information regarding a description of two suspects. (Continued on Page B-4)”
John frantically pulled out the Local section of the paper and flipped to the appropriate page. He scanned the page for the continuation of the article.
“Resident attacked(Cont. from page A-1) While police do not have a description of the two suspects as of this writing, they do have a description of the witness who alerted the authorities to the attack (See Picture) If you have any information regarding this person please contact local authorities. The Victim, Bertovich, was taken to a local medical facility for treatment.”
John looked further down for the picture. It was a police composite sketch. John studied it for a moment. It was a women with short red hair. He searched his memory for a moment. Where had he seen that face before? The it hit him. It was one of the maybe-lesbians from Saturday afternoon. He had sold her a pair of shoes. He looked at the caption below the picture: “Police composite of witness to assault as given by security officer who alerted police.”
John sipped his hot tea. He couldn’t believe Jason had been attacked at mall. He hadn’t been in this area very long, but John never believed that there could be a brutal crime in these calm parts.
John got up from the table. He had to make sure Jason was ok, he was his friend. One of the few he had in these parts. He walked into the bathroom and turned the water spigot…
A few hours later in the morning in Springfield, a whispered swear crossed Matt Atanian’s lips. He was reading the local paper and he continued to stare at the picture on page B-4.
“Terrific. I do a good deed and I get a picture of my female half plastered in the paper.”
Matt stirred his ice tea (Ice tea this early in the morn? Why ask why?) and pondered the situation for a moment. He thought back to the day prior and how he/she became entangled in this mess…
Monday Afternoon…
Matt Atanian walked along the shops in the Holyoke mall. He walked past the various clothing, record, and other merchandise stores and walked right into the local Walden’s Books.
Matt made his way to the counter and waited for service. A short woman with glasses noticed him and asked “Is there something I can help you with today?”
Matt scratched behind his head. “Um yeah, I was wondering if you guys got in any Urusei Yatsura mangas in?”
The women looked under the counter for a moment, and then her head popped back into view. “Sorry, no. We should be getting more items from the warehouse later this week.”
“Oh, OK. Thanks,” Matt replied and turned to leave. As he exited the store however, he was unfortunately sideswiped by three kids running like bats out of hell, causing him to spin around and stumble blindly. Fortunately, something broke his fall. Unfortunately, it was a mall fountain.
After a moment of clumsy splashing, Matty felt a hundred eyes all focused on her trench-coat clad body. A hand reached out in front of her.
“Do you need a hand out miss?” The hand belonged to a tall, scraggly haired teen. His dark blonde hair extended over his eyes and the stubble was quite evident. Matty took the hand and stepped out of the fountain. She felt her hair and reached back into the fountain for her fedora which was floating on the surface.
“Um…thanks,” Matty answered.
“No prob, ya gotta be careful.” He smiled at her. Matty began to feel very uncomfortable. The way he was smiling at her reminded her of someone else.
“Hey! Get your hands off her!” another voice shouted from across the mall. Then Matty knew who that smile reminded her of. He was currently exiting Filenes’s Department Store very rapidly. Taylor Kuntz.
“Excuse me?” The blonde boy queried.
Taylor didn’t give much debate however as he tackled the blonde and the pair both fell into the fountain. Matty blinked a couple times as Taylor began to throw wild punches and splash around with a complete stranger. She then realized that the crowd had no longer placed their attention on her, but rather on the pair now fighting in the fountain. Matty quietly slipped out from the ruckus as mall security came in to break it up.
Matty paced quickly to the nearest exit. She could walk to the nearest bus stop and then get home to get much needed hot water. The major downside of this curse was that not only did you change with cold water, but you became a natural magnet of cold water.
Matty stepped out into the parking lot. For a moment, she thought she had seen someone familiar. Hey, wasn’t that Nicole Porter? Matty thought to herself. She shrugged her shoulders as it wasn’t very important. Then as she walked through the parking lot to get to the nearest bus stop, something else caught her attention. She overheard someone talking…
“Now, guys…can’t we talk this out?” the first voice said nervously.
“Talk it out? I believe you’ll have a hard time talking, cause we’re gonna break that smart ass mouth of yours,” the second, more angry, voice answered.
Matty turned her attention toward the conversation. She saw two large gentlemen pounce on a much smaller man. The first with a very unkempt beard and large hairy arms, while the second with a receding hairline and a very large squashed nose.
Matty realized that she was in no way able to take these guys on, so she did the next best thing. She ran….toward the mall.
Matty flew through the front entrance. Fortunately, there was a security guard near the entrance. Matty ran up to him and grabbed his arm.
“Excuse me miss! Is something wrong?” the security guard asked.
Well duh, why else would I grab you? Matty thought angrily. “You have to come quick, two guys are attacking this other guy in the parking lot!”
“What?!?” the guard shouted. “Quick show me the way!” the guard barked. After that, everything else happened rather quickly. The security called for other guards on the walkie-talkie and Matty managed to slip away from the crowd that had gathered soon after. She made it home and thought that everything had been settled.
Matt realized that he was wrong. This was far from settled. Now he pondered what to do next. He knew that he had to do the right thing, if there was anything Scouts had taught him, it was that. Matt grabbed a glass of cold water and several paper towels and poured the contents over him/her. Drying off with the towels, Matty grabbed her trench-coat and fedora and was out the door. Lucky that Mom and Dad leave early, otherwise I would have a tough time explaining this.
Matty knew where she needed to go. A half hour later, Matty walked into the local police station. She walked up to the clerk and knocked on the glass window.
“Can I help you?”
Matty swallowed. “Yes, I was a witness to a crime yesterday, and I discovered that I was needed for questioning.”
The clerk made a quick call…
Late Tuesday Morning…
“Hey kid, you’re on next!” someone shouted in a dark stupor.
“Wha…?” Jason opened his eyes and looked around him. This place was not familiar at all, though it reminded him of when he toured the backstage area of a concert. Many people were hustling to attend to various duties.
“Ready to defend the title tonight?” a cute blonde with wire frame glasses smirked. She was dressed in a conservative dress, with matching heels, and her hair was tied up in a neat bun.
“Title?” Jason queried.
“Well, you are the WDF Champion silly…did your last match knock that out of your ears?” The blonde giggled.
Jason felt very confused. WDF? Champion? What the hell was going on here? He turned and found himself facing a mirror. He stepped back in startled surprise.
“Jumpy aren’t we? Puh-leeze, it’s a simple handicap match, no biggie for a guy like you,” the blonde chided.
“Oh right, the handicap match. Yeah, I guess I’m being silly.” Jason feigned a smile. Just play along until you figure out what the hell is going on. He returned his attention to the mirror and studied himself with detailed interest.
The outfit he had on seemed normal enough. Though he did find it odd. Light blue denim jeans, white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark red dress vest, and red tie to complete the ensemble. Wrapped around his waist was a belt with a buckle that would put any southerner to shame. A giant gold plate with a black leather strap, the belt confirmed that he was in fact the “WDF Heavyweight Champion” whatever the hell that meant in the grand scheme of things.
“My what an ego we have. If you’re done adoring yourself Narcissus, we have to get ready,” the blonde chided again with a bemused smile.
Jason turned his attention from the mirror and nodded in agreement, still not understanding what was going on.
“Three minutes till the main event!” a stagehand shouted from somewhere. The blonde grabbed Jason’s hand and dragged him to what seemed to be an entrance of some kind with a curtain door. The blonde began to straighten up her skirt and checked her hair.
“How do I look?” the blonde asked.
“Um…you look…nice.” Jason stammered.
“Humph! Pretty open with the compliments aren’t we?” the blonde pouted. “Well, keep an eye on the monitor so we can get our cue.”
“Monitor?” Jason mumbled out loud.
“Are you sure you’re OK? The monitor right there,” the blonde said while pointing to a small TV set.
“Um.. yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired that’s all,” Jason replied.
“Well, you better shake that off, cuz you need to be on your toes.”
“Because I’m the WDF Champion?” Jason asked.
“Damn straight!” The blonde smirked.
Jason turned his attention to the small TV set. It was currently playing a commercial, but it was ending. However the next thing on the screen caught his attention to the fullest.
“Hi there, fight fans! I’m Guy Makihashi!”
“And I’m Toro Watanabe! Welcome to another installment of the WORLD DEATHMATCH FEDERATION’S “MONDAY NIGHT MADNESS!”
“And it sure does look to be one hell of a match tonight,” the first man, identified as Makihashi said.
“You bet Guy, as our WDF Champion, The man who has a Ph.D. on Pain and Punishment, the Professor himself, Jason Robertson, will defend his title and his record of an incredible 18 kills in a handicap match tonight!” the second man, identified as Watanabe answered.
Jason took a step back. DEATHMATCH?!?! WHAT THE FUCK HAVE I GOTTON INTO?!? AND WHO IS THIS “JASON ROBERTSON?!?” AM I SUPPOSED TO BE HIM?!? Jason thought in a panic-stricken haze.
The TV continued unabated. “So Toro, Who’s lined up for Jason in this handicap match?” Guy asked his partner.
“Well, we searched long and hard for two opponents tough enough and mean enough to offer up a challenge to our champion. So tonight we have straight from the hills of the Appalachian mountains, two of the meanest mountain-folk we could find.” Toro answered.
“Do we have names?” Guy asked.
“Well actually, they wouldn’t give us their names, so we just call them Bob and Bob #2,” Toro replied.
“Very original. Well, it’s time to bring em out!” Guy said enthusiastically.
“That’s the cue, get ready Jay.” The blonde grabbed his arm and brought him to the curtain. Jason dared to peek and saw past the curtain, a long ramp which led to a standard size boxing ring. On the opposite side of the ring was another ramp which led to another curtain entrance. In the center of the ring stood a well groomed man in a tuxedo.
“Here you go, can’t forget your lucky gloves. Give me your hands,” the blonde commanded Jason. He instinctively gave his hands over to her. She fitted and strapped a pair of black fingerless fighting gloves. Jason studied them for a moment and realized that they reeked of a copper smell, just like blood.
Jason, whatever the hell you’ve gotten yourself into, let’s just hope we can live to tell about it. Jason began to sweat nervously.
The man in the center of the ring grabbed a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to tonight’s main event! It is scheduled for to the death, and it is for the WDF Heavyweight championship! Ladies and gentlemen…are you ready?” the man in the center asked.
The crowded roared in approval. TO THE DEATH?!? OH ^%#$%^$#%#%#!!!! Jason felt like he was ready to pass out. He did not like the prospect of fighting two angry mountain people, but to the death was even worse.
Meanwhile, the man continued. “I said…are you rrrrrrready?” The crowd again roared, even louder than before.
“Then ladies and gentlemen…for the thousands in attendance, for the millions watching at home…Ladies and gentlemen, Let’s get ready to rumbbbbbbbblllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” The crowd exploded into a fury of cheers and shouting while various pyrotechnics exploded. The man in the center continued, “Coming to the ring first, they hail from the deepest part of the Appalachian Mountains, they weigh in at a combined weight of 578 lb. Let’s give it up for Bob and…er…Bob #2!!!"
Jason gasped at the two brutes who entered the arena from the other ramp. Jason couldn’t make out much detail, but he could tell that they were huge. The blonde excitedly grabbed Jason’s hands.
“We’re up!” She smiled. Jason didn’t feel very obliged to return the smile.
The man in the center turned his attention to his ramp. “And their opponent: He hails from the “School of Hard Knocks” where he earned his Ph.D. in Punishment, he weighs in at 187 lb. And he is accompanied by his manager Miss Manners, he is the current WDF Champion of the World, this is Jason “The Professor” Robertson!”
The blonde grabbed his arm and pulled him with her down the ramp. As he began walking down the ramp he noticed how the crowd noise grew even louder. He kinda liked it. He couldn’t believe it, but he was actually beginning to like the fact that the crowd was cheering for him. Thought the reason why they were cheering for him was slightly disturbing to him. Jason walked down the ramp slowly and when he reach the bottom, he held the ropes for the blonde to enter the ring, she slipped in and he followed.
The pair of brutes were in the corner huddled discussing something. A referee walked up to Jason and pointed to his waist, Jason unfastened the oversize belt and handed it over. The ref held the belt over his head much to the approval of the crowd. The blonde exited the ring and took her place in his corner. Jason breathed deeply.
Finally the two opponents turned from their corner to face him very slowly. Jason took a step back in horror. It was them! Those bastards that almost killed him in the parking lot yesterday. Then something in Jason’s mind snapped.
“Wait a minute…wasn’t I in an ambulance or something a few hours ago? How the hell can I be here if I was brutally attacked yesterday, this doesn’t make any sense!” Jason shouted out loud.
A spectator stood up. “Yeah, that means that this entire scene doesn’t make any sense at all!” The four men sitting next to him all smacked him in the back of the head.
“SHUT UP BILL!!!!” The four said in unison and returned to their seats.
Jason smiled. He smiled a very EVIL smile. “I get it now. This is just a dream.”
The two brutes returned the evil grin. “So what, we can still pummel you here.”
“Oh, you could…if it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve studied lucid sleep.” Jason smirked back.
The brutes furrowed their brows. “Lucid sleep?”
“To put it in plain terms for idiots like you, it means I can control my dreams…” Jason raised his fist with the index and middle fingers extended. “It means I can do whatever I want here…” Jason narrowed his eyes and a spark of blue energy sizzled at the ends of his fingers. “LIKE THIS!!!” Jason screamed as he pointed his fingers toward the giants. A flash of blue energy flew from his hand and ignited the pair.
“FUCK!!!” They screamed as they were set ablaze. The melted into a pile of bone and ash. Jason screamed in primal triumph. Then someone tapped him on the shoulder.
Jason turned around defensively, and took another step back. Jason felt his jaw drop as he beheld the new sight. He smiled very broadly. “Nicole!”
And it was Nicole, though she was quite different. She screamed radiance. She wore a flowing white gown and her green eyes sparkled beautifully. A pair of elegant doves wings extended from her back. “You want someone to take you away from here?” She smiled.
“You have no idea.” Jason smirked.
She extended her pale hand. Jason gladly accepted it. She began to lift from the ground and Jason rose with her. The pair glided up toward the open sky.
“Hey!” Screamed a man from the crowd. “How can she carry a guy that’s almost 200 lb. With only one hand?”
Jason smiled and simply shouted back “SHUT UP BILL!!!”
Jason turned his attention upward at Nicole smiling back at him. Jason suddenly felt very groggy. He could feel his grip loosen from Nicole’s hands. Everything began to fade to a very bright light…
The white light faded to a beige light which in turn faded to a blue light. The blue light eventually faded to a face. A face that Jason was quite sure he didn’t recognize but was certain that he seen it before. “I see that you finally decided to wake up lazy,” the face said. The image began to become a lot clearer. Is was definitely a woman’s face. She wore a pair of wire frame glasses and her hair was blonde and tied in a neat bun.
Jason gulped in fear. He thought he stopped dreaming, but obviously this was still a dream otherwise how else could this woman show up again?
Jason went to touch his face and immediately winced in pain. “You might not want to do that, your face is pretty bruised,” the blonde chided.
“If I ask where I am, will I regret it?” Jason ventured out the question.
“Well, you’re in room 1042 of Baystate Medical Center. Does that fill you with regret?” the blonde asked.
“Well I guess it makes sense with what I last remember,” Jason answered. “Who are you?”
“Me? I’m a nurse here. My names is Angela Manors,” the blonde answered while adjusting some dials on a machine Jason had no idea what it did, but was sure that it was important.
“Nice to meet you Ms. Manors,” Jason pause for a moment after he said that. Now where have I heard that before? Jason thought to himself, but he shrugged it off and continued, “Pardon me for not extending a hand but there appears to be tubes and wires coming from it.”
“Oh those will be removed pretty soon. And you can just call me Angela,” the blonde said with a smile.
“So, how long have I been here?” Jason asked.
“Well, I can tell you that it’s 11:30 AM now on Tuesday,” Angela replied while continuing to fix things in his little room.
“Tuesday Morning? Shit! I’ve been unconscious since yesterday afternoon?!?” Jason shouted.
“Well it doesn’t surprise me, we put you on a IV of some painkillers and one of the side effects is sleep, so it shouldn’t bother you so much,” Angela replied reassuringly. With that said, Angela finished up the last of whatever she had been doing. She turned to Jason and gave a last smile and opened the door. “Well It was nice meeting you Jason, but I’ve got other duties to attend to. A doctor will be in shortly to talk to you. Oh, and before I go, I have some good news.”
“Good news?” Jason asked.
“You have visitors. Shall I see them in?” Angela asked.
“By all means,” Jason replied eagerly.
Angela walked out the door and a few moments later John walked in. “John!” Jason shouted.
“Jason, what the hell happened? And if you say ‘something wonderful’ again I’ll make sure you stay here longer for psychiatric help.”
“All these questions and you don’t even bring flowers?” Jason said in a feigned hurt voice. “Um…well…where to start?”
“Start with what put you in the hospital. With…” John picked up his chart, “a mild concussion, three broken ribs, a broken finger and multiple contusions,” John finished.
“You’re not a doctor but you play one in America’s hospitals?” Jason smirked. “Basically, it comes down to the fact that women will lead you to nothing but trouble.”
“Women?” John had a perplexed look on his face.
“That was a joke John. Basically, remember how I told you about Sunday?”
John nodded.
“Well, that guy who punched me on Sunday saw me in the parking lot yesterday and decided to grab his friend and beat the hell out of me.”
“Ahhhhhh.” John said nodding in understanding. “Still surprises me though. I mean I haven’t been living here that long, but I didn’t think the locals were that unfriendly.”
“Nah, I’m not gonna judge the whole population because of this incident. I’m just gonna chalk it up to some genetically challenged angry mountain people.” Jason smiled.
“Genetically challenged?” John asked.
“Inbred.” Jason answered.
John nodded in understanding again.
“Though, if I ever see these genetically challenged angry mountain people again, I’m gonna have to kill them,” Jason said in a much more serious voice.
“Well, don’t stress yourself yet. The police seem to be working on it,” John reassured.
“Yeah I know, it still pisses me off though,” Jason replied.
“Don’t blame ya, but try to chill a little.” John looked at his watch. “I have to get to my shift, but are you gonna be discharged today?”
“I hope so,” Jason answered.
“Then call me after the mall closes at home, ok?” John asked.
“Sure. Will do, I don’t think I’ll be running a marathon or anything soon,” Jason smirked.
“Cool.” John walked to the door and opened it. “Hey Jason, you appear to have a couple more visitors…a couple of female visitors. Should I let them in?” John asked.
“By all means!” Jason eagerly replied.
John gave a final wave and stepped out the door. A few moment later, Nicole Porter and another women walked in. The second women was slightly taller, looked slightly older and had red hair. She carried a small vase of flowers and placed them on the table near the window.
“Hi Nicole! Excuse me for not jumping in joy, but it really hurts to move,” Jason said with a sly grin.
“Jason, I’m so sorry for what happened to you, I feel this partly my fault,” Nicole said with a really anguished expression.
“Nonsense! This is not your fault in any way possible!” He reached for Nicole’s hand. He took her hand into his bandaged one, “This was the fault of two inbred yahoos who feel that violence can solve any situation. They are the only people to blame and no one else, and I believe that fate will find a way to punish them. OK?”
Nicole nodded her head and smiled a little which in turn made Jason smile. She then raised her eyebrows “Oh dear, I forgot to introduce you to my sister Sarah.” She gestured toward the other girl who simply nodded. She appeared to be giving Jason a scrutinizing look.
Jason gave a hacking cough. “Nicole, can you do me a favor?”
“Hmmm?” Nicole answered with an arched eyebrow.
“In my jeans pocket over there,” he pointed to his clothes hanging over a chair, “there is some change. Can you please get me a ginger ale or a Sprite or something?”
“Sure, it will be my treat.” She looked over to Sarah. “Do you want anything?”
Sarah simply shook her head.
“Ok, then I’ll be right back. Sarah, can you keep Jason company?”
Sarah nodded. Nicole walked out of the room and the door closed behind her. A few moments later Jason decided to speak. “From the look on your face, I can tell that you wanted to speak to me. Well, we’re alone now, do you have something on your mind?”
The red-head narrowed her eyes. “You’re very perceptive.”
“I pride myself on it. Unfortunately it didn’t help keep out of here,” Jason replied.
“So you’re the guy my little sister is apparently very keen on,” Sarah asked.
“Well, I wouldn’t know how ‘keen’ she is on me, but I did ask her out if that’s what you’re asking,” Jason answered.
“Well, I know you’re in college and that you have a job at the mall,” Sarah stated.
“Correct on both accounts. You’ve been doing your research.” Jason smirked.
“Not really, it’s what my sister told me about you. You do know that I’m my sisters’ legal guardian?” Sarah asked.
“She told me that you and her twin were the only family she had, so I assumed as much,” Jason answered.
“I want to protect my sister from things and people that can hurt her.”
“No doubt you do. I can see that you’re very protective of your sisters,” Jason replied.
“Then you can understand why I don’t want you seeing my sister on a personal basis,” Sarah said blankly.
“No, to be frank with you, I don’t.” Jason answered back.
“She is a 16 year old girl. I don’t feel comfortable with her seeing older boys yet. Maybe if you were still in high school…but…”
“If I was still in high school, I’d be a hell of a lot more immature. That’s what I really like about your sister. She has a maturity and a mind beyond her age of 16. I really enjoy her company, it’s been a rare thing since I’ve moved here,” Jason stated.
“Oh? Is that so?” Sarah asked.
“Can I answer your question with a question?”
Sarah nodded.
“Do you trust your sister?”
"That is a strange question,” Sarah replied.
“All I’m saying is this: do you believe that you have enough faith in your sisters’ decisions and choices? Do you think that you’ve installed enough responsibility and moral guidance to let Nicole make her own choices?” Jason asked seriously.
“My grandmother and I raised Nicole with a deep moral foundation,” Sarah answered just as seriously.
“Then have faith in Nicole’s choice. If she feels safe to be in my company, then you should have the same belief.”
“But…” Sarah began.
“I want to tell you something about myself. I was raised a certain way and taught to believe certain things. There are certain attitudes towards dating that I don’t believe in. I was honest with your sister when I told her these things and I’m being honest with you. I enjoy her company, and I hope she enjoys mine. I have enough belief in Nicole that if she ever felt uncomfortable with being in my company then she would tell me. She is very outspoken and that is a wonderful thing you’ve instilled in her. Finally, I am being very honest when I say this, I do not wish to ever hurt your sister in any way.” Jason finished and closed his eyes for moment then he reopened them toward Sarah.
Sarah closed her mouth and placed her hand near her chin and appeared to be in heavy thought. A moment later Nicole came back into the room with a couple cans of ginger ale. She cracked one of the cans open and poured the contents into a plastic tumbler. She handed the cup over to Jason who accepted it with a smile.
“So what have you two been talking about?” Nicole asked.
“Oh this and that,” Sarah answered and she then gave Jason a serious look. “Nothing much, just general chit chat,”
Jason agreed.
“Oh,” Nicole skeptically replied.
There was a knock on the door. A much older woman in a white coat walked in. Her brown framed glasses slid a little ways down her nose, which she adjusted immediately. She had a clipboard in her hand and directed her gaze toward Jason.
“Mr. Bertovich?” The woman asked. Jason nodded. “Hello, I’m Dr. Kim McGregor, but you can call me Dr. Kim if you like. I tended to most of your wounds and came to see how you’re feeling.”
“Well, I’m a little sore, but otherwise I feel fine I guess. A lot better than yesterday,” Jason answered.
“That’s good. Well, I can see no reason to keep you here much longer, you should be able to check out by this afternoon,” the doctor said warmly.
“That’s great! But how long do I have to wear these?” Jason asked indicating to the bandages wrapped around his chest and finger and part of his hand.
“Well those will take a couple weeks to heal completely, so no strenuous activity for the next 3-4 weeks. Keeping the bandages on when you’re not bathing will help tremendously. The bruises will start to go down in a couple days. I’ll prescribe you some healing salve to help with that and some painkillers to help you with the ribs,” the doctor answered.
“Thank you Doctor,” Jason said with a grateful smile. “Now, the concussion you suffered is another story. Are you feeling any headaches or dizziness?” the doctor asked in a much more serious voice.
“No, I don’t think so,” Jason answered.
“That’s good, but I want you call if you start to.” the doctor replied and handed him several prescription forms and a piece of paper with a number on it. “This is my office phone number, you should be able to reach me during normal hours.”
“Thank you again.” Jason gave a slight head gesture to indicate a bow.
“Now, onto some more serious business.”
“Eh?” Jason asked.
“There is a police officer outside who wish to ask you a few questions about yesterday. Do you feel up to it now?” the doctor asked.
“Sure, no better time than the present,” Jason answered with a shrug.
“Fine, then I’ll see him in. Be sure to talk to the woman at the front desk before you leave,” the doctor reminded.
“No problem. Thank you again Dr. McGregor,” Jason replied.
The doctor smiled, then stepped out of the room. A moment later a police officer in uniform walked in. He was a tall young man with had dark hair that was styled meticulously. He wore a leather police jacket with his badge on the outside. He had a small notepad which he flipped open. “Hello. I’m Officer Kelly. I just needed to ask a few questions about yesterday’s attack. Shouldn’t take very long.” He then directed his gaze toward the girls. “Are you family?”
Nicole pointed to her chest. “Us? No, we’re just friends.”
“Then, I need you to leave the room for a few moments while I talk to Mr. Bertovich,” Kelly stated blankly.
“That’s fine, we need to be leaving anyway,” Sarah replied.
“Goodbye Jason, feel better soon,” Nicole added.
“See you Friday?” Jason asked Nicole, but also directed his gaze toward Sarah.
Nicole turned to her sister with a hopeful gaze. Sarah took a moment and after looking at her sister, rolled her eyes upward. She let out a sigh. “You promise to have her home by Midnight, understood?” Sarah told Nicole and Jason.
“You have my word,” Jason answered.
Nicole smiled which filled Jason with a warm sensation. “Call me tomorrow…if you feel up to it,” Nicole smirked.
“Just try to keep me away from a phone,” Jason smirked back. He gave a half wave to Nicole and Sarah. The pair waved back and left the room. Jason let out a relieved sigh. He then directed his full attention to the neglected police officer.
“Sorry about that Officer Kelly,” Jason apologized.
“Heh. I was young once too. You can call me Stan if you like,” Kelly replied.
“You’re not that old Stan. I’d say you’re about…um…29?” Jason guessed.
“Close. 31,” Kelly answered.
“Please, I hope they’re not calling me old when I’m that age, otherwise it’s all downhill then,” Jason smirked. “Anyway, you had some questions to ask me?”
“Yes. Fortunately, the witness who alerted mall security to your attack came forward this morning. We have a pretty good description, but we wanted to see if you could add any information that could help in the capture of these two men. First, how do you know these men?” Kelly asked and then clicked his ball-point pen to begin writing on his notepad.
Jason gave the question some thought, then began. “It all started Sunday morning. The first man had come into the store to purchase a videogame…”
“The…” Kelly checked another page of notes, “Electronics Boutique. Correct?”
“Yes, that’s where I work. Anyway, this man had made a racial slur,” Jason continued.
“What was the nature of the slur?” Kelly asked. “His exact words, if I remember correctly, were, ‘Friggin Japs, we should’ve wasted them all in WWII.’” Jason answered.
“And you took offense at this?” Kelly asked.
“I tend to take offense at all racial slurs. It’s the way I was brought up,” Jason answered.
“I find that admirable. Please continue,” Kelly added then went back to his pad.
“Well, like you said, I took offense. I let my emotions get the better of me and I told him my opinion of him. He then became aggravated. When another customer added her opinion of him, he turned to strike her. I guess I should add that this customer was the shorter girl that was just here,” Jason continued.
“OK. The police may want to talk to her then to get her description of this assailant. You have her name and phone number?” Kelly asked.
“Well, her name is Nicole Porter. As for her phone number…um…” Jason paused to think, “Can you please check my right front jeans pocket?” Jason asked the officer.
Kelly got up from the chair he had been sitting in and walked over to the stack of clothes on another chair. He reached in the mentioned pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. “This?” Kelly asked holding up the scrap.
“Yeah, that’s it!” Jason answered. The officer then copied the number off the scrap into his pad and then placed the scrap back into the pocket.
“Please continue, Jason.”
“OK. So anyway, this man turned to slap Nicole. I intervened to protect her. He in turn punched me in the face.” Jason then pointed to his now re‑swollen nose. “Then Nicole…well…she…well, she kicked him in the most sensitive spot on a man’s body.”
“Ouch.” Kelly winced at the thought.
“Exactly. He was down for the count and eventually he scurried away before anything became resolved by security. I thought I had seen the last of him,” Jason continued.
“But then, there was yesterday,” Kelly added.
“Exactly. I was walking back to my car in the mall parking lot after I had met some friends. As I went to unlock my door, I found out that he was behind me. He indicated that he didn’t appreciate what had happened to him on Sunday. Then a friend of his came into view. I tried to talk my way out of the situation, but I don’t think I did a good job. Next thing I knew I was being loaded on a gurney and driven here,” Jason finished.
“Sounds pretty close to what our witness told us. Now, I just need to ask a few questions about these two men and our business here should be finished. OK?” Kelly asked.
“Shoot.” Jason replied.
“OK, just tell me what these guys looked like. Height, weight, if you can estimate, physical description. We’ll try to see what matches up with our witness and hopefully we can get a good description,” Kelly explained.
“Well, the first guy, the guy who originally punched me on Sunday, I’d say he was…um…well, I’m 5 foot 7 inches tall and I only came up to his neck.”
Kelly did some mental math. “OK, I’d say about 6 foot 2 possibly 6 foot 3.”
“OK, and he was pretty big. Much bigger than me and I weigh about 190. So maybe about 260-300 lb. And he had a pretty bushy beard. His arms were hairy, but I could see that he had tattoos,” Jason continued.
“Can you remember what any of the tattoos were?” Kelly asked.
Jason closed his eyes and tried to focus on what he saw, but it only came out blurry. He shook his head. “Sorry, I didn’t get a very good look. I know that some of them were writing, but that’s it. What else? Um…oh! His teeth were pretty bad. Very poor condition and his clothes were pretty ratty. Very dusty and dirty, like he’d been doing heavy yard work or construction or something. I really don’t know what his eye color is, but he had very dark hair. That’s about all I can remember about him.”
“OK, That’s pretty good. You’re pretty observant,” Kelly added.
“Really?” Jason asked.
Kelly nodded and indicated for Jason to continue. Jason thought back again and continued. “OK, the second guy I would say he was about the same size and height as his friend. His hair was lighter and he was going bald. His teeth were also pretty bad and he his nosed was kinda…well, it kinda had a squashed look to it. Like he had been punched there quite a few times.” Jason paused and his eyebrows lifted slightly. “Shit, I hope my nose doesn’t end up like that.”
Stan could help but grin, but he composed himself. “Were his clothes similar to the first man’s?”
“Yeah! They were also very dirty and slightly ragged. Um…That’s all I can think of when it comes to him. I’ve only met him once and I didn’t get a very good look before he started using my ribcage to toughen his hands on. Sorry,” Jason finished.
“Well, you’ve given us a pretty good jump start. Hopefully we can get this description out and we’ll be able to bring them in. Then you have to identify them. After that, we take this to trial where you’ll have to testify,” Kelly explained.
“Sounds good. So I guess it’s ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you?’” Jason asked.
“Pretty much. It’s all we can really do. I wish we could do more, but rest assured, we are trying our best,” Kelly answered.
“It’s all I can ask you do. Oh, This witness that got the security to help me, I would like to thank him.”
“Actually it’s a she. A…um…” Stan checked another page on his notepad, “A Ms. Matty Hayes. I have her phone number if you wish to thank her.”
Jason nodded and Kelly scribbled a copy of the number on a fresh sheet of paper, tore it out, folded it and placed it next to his clothes.
“Thanks. Is there anything else you need from me Stan?” Jason asked.
Stan checked his notes and then shook his head. “Looks like we’re all finished here, of course there may be new questions in the future, so just be sure to make yourself available.”
“No problem.” Jason nodded.
“Cool. Well, I’ll be off. Take time to heal kid, you don’t wanna be too crippled to take girls out now do you?” Kelly smirked, then his eyebrows raised. “Oh, before I forget…” Kelly reached into his pocket and pulled out Jason’s keys and set then next to his closed. “You left these in your car door. We already dusted them for prints and it came out clean, so you can have these back. You might need them for Friday.” Stan smirked again.
Jason cracked a smile and waved to Kelly as he opened the door to walk out of the room. Kelly then paused and turned to Jason, “Jason, there’s another girl out here to see you. Quite popular with the ladies aren’t we?” Kelly smirked.
Jason gave a puzzled look. Then the bouncy goddess herself bounced into the room past the police officer and gave a big wave to Jason. “Hiya street fightin’ man!” She grinned.
“FENNY!!!” Jason shouted happily.
Fenny ran over to hug Jason, but he put his hand out to stop her. “Um…You might wanna wait to do that after I heal.” Jason said blankly as he pointed to the bandages wrapped around his ribs.
Fenny eeped and semiblushed. “Sorry. After I heard what happened, I had to see if you were OK.”
“So many visitors. I feel so loved.” Jason grinned.
Fenny then noticed the vase and flowers near the window. “Ah…So who are these other visitors, hmmmmm…?”
“Oh…just John and Nicole and Nicole’s sister Sarah,” Jason answered.
Fenny could hardly contain herself. “And who is this Nicole girl?” Fenny asked already knowing the answer because of the energy Jason emitted whenever he said her name.
“Well…um…remember our talk yesterday?” Jason asked.
“Hmmm…let me think…” Fenny replied, feigning deep thought. “Is this the conversation about you and a certain young lady who you happen to enjoy the company of?”
“Well….Yeah.” Jason semiblushed.
“And how did it turn out?” Fenny asked, once again already knowing the answer, but feigning ignorance.
“We’re going out Friday night.” Jason smiled.
“Way to go Ro-me-o.”
Fenny applauded which caused Jason to grin again. “Yep, just call me the crippled Casanova.” Jason then stretched his arms out a little. “You know what, I think I want out of here. The scenery is getting dull.”
“Well, you’ve been in a bed or gurney since yesterday, so I’m not surprised,” Fenny agreed.
“Hey Fenny, can you do me a favor?” Jason asked.
“Sure.” Fenny answered.
“Can you drive me to the mall? My car is still in the lot and I need to get it home,” Jason explained.
“No prob. What are friends for?” Fenny beamed.
“Coolness. Well, then I guess I better get dressed.” He threw the blankets aside and turned to get out of bed. He then noticed Fenny grinning at his bare legs and his hospital gown. “Um…do you mind, Fenny?”
“Nope, I don’t mind at all.” Fenny smirked back at him. She then turned toward the door. “I’ll be right outside Mr. Bashful.”
“Thank you.” Jason said as Fenny left the room. He then went and pushed the nurses call button to get some help removing some tubes and wires…
A little while later Jason and Fenny were leaving the hospital and were walking toward the Hospital parking lot, blissfully unaware of the presence that enshrouded them.
Though a pair of high powered binoculars a sinister looking man in a black trench-coat, black fedora and black sunglasses spied on the pair from his perch in a tree from across the street. (No, It’s not Matt people! He doesn’t have the look copyrighted you know.) He turned his mouth to the inside of his coat collar.
“Old Mother Hubbard, this is Jack and Jill, repeat, this is Jack and Jill. I’ve made visual confirmation. It looks like we do have a rogue on our hands. Awaiting further instructions. Over.”
A few moments passed and then a noise came into a small ear-piece lodged in the sinister looking man’s ear. “Roger, this is Old Mother Hubbard. Continue to keep tabs on the rogue. Begin Operation: Little Bo Peep. When the opportunity arises, approach the rogue. Give her the usual ultimatum. Over.”
“Cease and desist or Termination from the agency?” The sinister looking man asked while he continued to keep Jason and Fenny in his binoculars.
“No. Cease and desist or Termination from existence. The agency is now cracking down on this continued abuse of our Immortal/Mortal involvement directive. We’ve already reprimanded her ‘sisters.’ They told us where she was. Do you understand your orders Jack and Jill? Over,” the voice continued.
The sinister looking man nodded to himself. “Understood Old Mother Hubbard. This is Jack and Jill signing off.” The sinister looking man spoke into his collar while continuing to keep Jason and Fenny in his binocular sights. He watched the pair get into Fenny’s station wagon. The sinister looking man smirked. “Oh please Fenira, a station wagon? Where’s the ‘baby on board bumper sticker?’” He guffawed.
He continued to watch as the pair sped down the bust street toward the mall. As soon as they drove from sight, the sinister looking man adjusted his fedora and in an instant he faded from view and disappeared.
John Hoelscher looked up and down the rows of shoes in the Filenes’s shoe department. He looked at his clipboard and then back at the rows of shoes. He looked back at his clipboard and placed a neat checkmark next to a item on the paper attached to the clipboard. He then returned to looking up and down the rows of shoes. He let out a quiet sigh.
“Man oh man does inventory suck ass…” John spoke to the empty store. He checked his watch. It stared back at him with a digital ‘4:30 PM.’ He sighed again. he worked until close and that was still several hours away. He looked at his clipboard again and counted the number of items he still had to find. He stopped bothering to count after 46 items. He sighed again.
John heard footsteps approach the little aisle he of shoe racks he was in. He turned to see if it was customer needing assistance. “Can I help…” John didn’t finish the sentence. He simply stood there and the deafening sound of a clipboard hitting the carpeted floor filled the sudden silence. John took a step back.
“Why yes I do believe you can help me. Can you show me in a size 8 ½ which looks nice as I crush you underneath my heels?” The figure gave a cackle. It was the man in the blue suit who shared his face from his dream. John took another step back. The figure approached him. John took another step back. He bumped into someone.
John turned around and gave a startled yelp as he saw that it was the second man who shared his face. The man in white. “Pardon me, but I do believe that we have some unfinished business to attend to,” the man in white enunciated.
“Back off pretty boy! He’s mine! I’m taking this body to the top! Nothing can stop the almighty Lord God Hoelscher!” He cackled again. John was trapped between two figures whom he didn’t understand.
“You? You make me scoff. You have no poise or charm. I should be running this body. Don’t you agree?” He directed the last comment to John.
John didn’t know how to respond to the question.
“Please, what good is this body to anyone? It should be destroyed. Good riddance,” a third voice which came from above John said. John looked up and saw the third man who shared his face. He sat on top of the racks of shoes with his feet dangling. He jumped down and bent over to face John who had bent down and tried to cover his head with his arms. “Don’t you agree?”
“I’m the righteous one! Agree with me!” the man in white bellowed.
“No! I’m the one who is right! I order you to agree with me!” the man in the blue suit screamed psychotically.
“You know I’m the one who’s right. But what does that matter, you’ve always been wrong anyway…” the third man in the simple clothes said in a low voice.
John continued to stay in his huddled position. “Please…just…” he started, then he screamed, “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” John opened his eyes and he was alone in the shoe racks.
Someone rushed to the small aisle. A older man with a Filenes’s nametag. “John, are you ok?!? I heard you yelling something…”
John looked at his hands which were perspiring He felt the drops of perspiration roll down his face. “I’m sorry…I must of…I must of passed out and fell asleep. I haven’t been sleeping much lately and my friend is in the hospital, and…” John stammered.
“John, why didn’t you say that you were ill? Maybe you should leave early and get some sleep. I can close up. You can finish the inventory tomorrow,” the older man said to the still nervously shaking John.
John stood up on quaky legs. “Thanks…I think it’s a combination of insomnia and stress is taking it’s toll. I think I will go home. Sorry…”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. You’re a good worker. I don’t think you would fake something like this just to leave early. Now you get home and try to rest a little, you hear.” The older man patted John on the back.
John nodded and took his nametag off. He walked straight for the exit and from there straight to his car. John started the ignition and decided to drive away from there.
John left the parking lot and paused at the small intersection. Where to go? He knew where the last place he wanted to go was home and to sleep. That is where all his problems were.
On a impulse, John flicked his left turn signal and decided to just drive. Drive and let the road take him away from Holyoke. Maybe then he would find peace.
A few hours later, John found himself on a unfamiliar highway. He saw a few billboards and a few houses, but mostly just empty country. John hadn’t bothered to turn the radio on. His heart pounding within his ribcage was the only noise he could hear anyway. He continued to just drive along the unfamiliar road until he felt like he should stop.
From up ahead John say a small sign lit up. John gave it further study. It was a Starbucks Coffee shop. “Man, those things ARE Everywhere.” John commented to himself, hoping to not get a reply. On a whim, John pulled in and stopped his car. He stepped out and walked into the small coffee shop.
Inside it was clean and it smelled of various caffeinated beverages. It was also empty of any customers. The only other person there was a young plain faced girl wearing the traditional Starbucks uniform and working the counter. She hardly acknowledged John. She looked as bored as she probably was.
John decided to completely enter and the door finally swung close behind him. He walked up to the counter and looked up at the large menu. He cleared his throat. “Um…excuse me…” John began.
“What do ya need?” The girl asked with disinterest, though John could hardly blame her.
“Do you sell green tea?” John asked.
“Um…” She thought for a moment, turned to look at a few containers.
“Yeah. Yeah we do. Is that what you want?”
“Yes. I’d appreciate a medium green tea, not too hot please,” he timidly asked the girl.
She simply took a styrofoam cup and filled it with hot water and added a tea bag that turned the water greenish. She pulled the bag from the cup, threw it into a small wastebasket, placed a lid on the cup, and handed it over to John.
“$2.50, sir,” she said blankly.
John reached into his pocket and pulled out three wrinkled singles. He placed them on the counter. “Keep the change.” He took the cup.
“Yay…now I can retire,” the girl said unenthused.
John took his cup of tea and walked to a small table in the corner. He removed the lid and blew the hot steam that rose from his tea off to help cool it. He took a sipped and sighed. It seemed that problems were just a little further away when you had a hot cup of green tea.
John sat at his small table sipping his tea. He closed his eyes for a moment. However when he opened them again John found himself surrounded by his stalkers once again. John could feel a small stream of tea run down his chin, down his neck, and into his shirt because his jaw had dropped slightly at the sight of these nuisances.
Seated to his direct right was the man in the blue suit, to his left was the man in white, and across from him was the man in the simple clothes. Each had their own glass filled with a greenish liquid. The man in the blue suit had a golden chalice encrusted with gems. The man in white had a crystal wine glass, while the man in the simple clothes had a simple plain Japanese tea cup. Each took sips from their respective beverage containers.
“So, you’re here too,” John began.
“You can’t escape us,” the man in white said.
“The fact of the matter is…” the man in the blue suit began.
“We never left you,” the man in the simple clothes finished.
“We’ve been with you from the beginning,” the man in white added.
“We guide your life,” the man in the blue suit agreed.
“You’ve never made a decision without us,” the man in the simple clothes added to the mix.
“May it be about Career…” the man in the blue suit began.
“…Or women…” the man in white added.
“…Or anything else. We’ve been by your side,” the man in the simple clothes finished.
“You have?” John asked confused. The three all nodded.
“Now the time has come,” the man in white stated.
“Eh?” John asked with an arched eyebrow.
“We can’t live like this anymore! It’s time to choose!” the man in the blue suit cackled.
“Choose? I don’t understand.” John scratched his head.
“You’ve lived with conflicting personalities for too long,” the man in the simple clothes stated.
“Now you must choose who will lead your life. Which of us is the leading force in your life!” the man in white said in a serious tone.
“Wha…?” John had a stunned expression on his face.
“Hey! Who says that he’s qualified to choose?” The man in the blue suit shouted across the table.
“He’s usually wrong anyway,” The man in the simple clothes added.
“Hmmm…what do you suggest then?” The man in white asked his companions.
John continued to stare blankly and occasionally blinked. The man in the blue suit slapped his fist into his open palm. “I know!” he shouted triumphantly. The other two gave him a queried look. The man in the blue suit put his fist out over the table. The other two seemed to catch the drift of his idea. John still felt in the dark.
The other two placed their fist out over the table. The man in the blue suit spoke up “One go.”
“All or nothing,” the man in white agreed.
The man in simple clothes simply nodded.
The three shook their fist three times.
“Jon!” the man in simple clothes stated as he threw is open palm in the center of the table.
“Ken!” the man in white stated as he threw a pair of fingers in a ‘v’ formation into the center of the table.
“Pon!” the man in the blue suit laughed as he threw his closed fist in the center of the table.
A moment of silence. After a brief pause, all three men shouted triumphantly, “I win!” then they all said simultaneously, “What do you mean ‘I win?!?’ I won!” another moment of silence enveloped the table.
“My perfect scissors cut your weak paper! I win!” the man in white said to the man in the simple clothes with a grin.
“But my mighty rock crushed your perfect scissors! I win!” the man in the blue suit shouted to the man in white.
“And my weak paper defeats your mighty rock. I win,” the man in the simple clothes said before taking a sip of his tea.
John blinked a couple of times. He couldn’t believe it. They were playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with his life being the wager. He felt very angry. He slammed his fist on the table. “If you think I’m handing my life to any of you bastards, you’re in for another thing!” John shouted and he stood from the table. “My life is my own!” John stated.
“Since when?” the man in the simple clothes asked, then took another sip.
“It’s always been ours,” the man in the blue suit agreed.
“You’ve never made your own decisions,” the man in white concurred.
“Well I’m making one now! I’m leaving you behind!” John shouted as he walked out of the coffee shop.
“Weirdo…” the Starbucks employee commented to herself as she continued to lean on the counter. She had watched John scream at his empty table for the last minute or two, not that she cared much. A moment later she heard a car ignition start and the sound of rubber and gravel spinning as John peeled out from the gravel lot.
The three continued to sit at the table. The man in white looked to the man in blue. “Should we go after him?”
“After we finish our tea,” the man in the blue suit stated.
The man in the simple clothes nodded in agreement.
John wiped the sweat from his forehead as he continued to drive blindly in the night. He didn’t know where he was going, but one thing he did know. He had to get away from there.
“…Okay, I guess I’ll see you at 6:00 Friday? Uh huh…Great…Goodnight, Nicole.” Jason pushed the button on his cordless phone. He then pushed it again and dialed another number.
After a few moments he pushed the button again. “Where is he? He told me to call after the mall closed, but that was an hour ago and he’s still not home. I guess I’ll try to reach him tomorrow,” Jason said out loud.
He then pulled a small piece of paper out of his pocket and began to dial the phone again. After a few moments the other side picked up. A masculine voice answered. “Hello?”
“Um, hello. Is…Matty Hayes there?” Jason asked.
The other side was quiet. “How did you get this number?” the voice asked.
“Oh I’m sorry. She doesn’t know me, but I was the man attacked in the mall parking lot yesterday. I just wanted to thank her for getting help so quickly and for helping the police,” Jason explained.
A sigh of relief was heard through the phone. “Oh…okay. Well, um…she’s not home right now. But I’ll pass along the message,” the voice said.
“Oh…OK. Well, when you do, can you give her this number and have her call me? I really wanted to thank her personally,” Jason asked.
“I’ll see what I can do,” the voice responded.
After Jason gave his phone number to the man, he hung up the phone. Jason stretched a little and decided that he needed some much deserved sleep.
Matt Atanian placed his phone on the cradle. He looked at the note in his hands and folded in and placed it in his pocket. His mother ten walked into the kitchen. “Who was on the phone, calling so late?” his mother asked. “Oh…it was a wrong number,” Matt answered and then to his room to retire for the evening.
John sat on the folding chair in the empty white room. He folded his hands and waited for what was to come next. He had been here enough times.
The first figure walked into the empty white room. John looked up, but his hands remained folded. The figure was the same height and build as John. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a red “power tie” His hair was meticulously groomed and his shoes brightly polished. He gave a smirk and looked straight at John.
“You there!” he barked as he sharply pointed to John. “You’re in my chair!”
“I was sitting here first. Get another chair,” John answered back quietly.
“You dare to address me like that?!?!” the figure shrieked. “How dare you! Do you have any idea who I am?!?!”
“Someone who wants my chair,” John answered back quietly.
The figure’s eyes began to twitch. His lips formed into a dark smirk. He walked straight up to John and pushed him off the chair. John tumbled to the floor. He simply sat up, folded his legs and sat Indian-style on the floor.
“That’s right! Know your place! The floor is all that’s good enough for you.” The figure began to cackle and then sat on the chair with a self satisfied grin.
John waited in the empty white room. Another figure soon walked in. This one was different from the first. His height and build were still similar to John, but his dress was quite unusual. A white suit, very militaristic in nature, complete with shoulder decorations and a sword by his side. His hair was long and also meticulously groomed. He looked down contemptuously at John contently sitting on the floor.
“Don’t you have any pride?” the new person asked.
John pondered this for a moment. He simply shrugged his shoulders.
The stranger sighed. “How do you expect people to respect you when you settle for the floor?” The stranger grabbed John by his collar and hoisted him up. “You should be giving the orders, not following them! Take the chair back!”
John looked at the first person sitting on the chair with his sardonic grin. John straightened himself and prepared to march over, when a new voice stopped him. “Why bother? Even if you take the chair back, someone else will take it.” John looked for the source of the commentary. In the darkened corner of the unfurnished white room stood a third person. Height and build similar to John, but he was dressed very plain. Simple navy blue slacks, a white short sleeved dress shirt with the top three buttons open and a turquoise t-shirt underneath. His black hair obscured his face because his head was bowed.
“Eh?” John queried the stranger.
“If you take the chair back, someone stronger will take it from you. And if you take it back again, then someone stronger than that will take it from you again.”
“Well, then should I do nothing?” John asked.
“If you do nothing, someone will tell you what to do. And if you refuse, someone else will tell you to do something else.”
“So am I damned if I do, Damned if I don’t?” John scratched his head.
“Exactly,” the third person said. He lifted his head and looked straight at John with a pair of cold dark piercing eyes. John looked straight into his face. It was exactly as the first two, which was exactly like his. They all shared his face. The third one smirked and outstretched his arms and extended his hands toward John. “The solution to your problem is simple. Non-existence. You can’t be bothered by decisions if you’re not here.” He wrapped his hands around John’s throat and began to squeeze.
The first jumped from his chair. “Oh no you don’t! He’s mine!” John felt the hands wrapped tighter and tighter. The first folded the chair and charged the pair.
“I tend to disagree as well. On both points. He’s mine!” The second added and drew his sword. He charged the pair as well.
John stood there with a pair hands wrapped around his throat throttling him, while a psychotic was about to bash him with a chair and another was going to run him through. The three converged on him….
John sat up gasping and clutching his chest. His eyes bulged and he frenziedly looked around him.
He was in his apartment. His bedroom to be exact The sheets of his bed had been kicked into a pile on the floor. John felt a drop of perspiration fall from his forehead. He brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his knees. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Another night. Another night and the same dream. How many more nights? How many more until they finally succeed and kill me? Who will actually do the job? One? Or all three?
John opened his eyes and looked to his clock. It blinked back ‘5:30 AM.’ John knew that getting back to sleep would be futile. Besides, he knew that they would be waiting for him.
A light thump on his door drew his heightened awareness. He realized that the paperboy must of dropped on his paper in the hall. John threw on a robe and walked out into the hall. He found his paper sitting next to his door. He grabbed it and reentered his apartment. He walked into his kitchen and threw a kettle on the stove to heat the water he filled the kettle with.
He sat at his small table and unrolled the newspaper. A shrill whistle sounded and he took the kettle from the stove and poured some hot water into a tea cup. He dipped in a teabag and let the leaves turn the hot water into hot tea. He brought the cup back with him to the table and he sat down to read the paper and try to regain some sense of normalcy.
John looked at the first headline. Something or other about some political scandal or something. John didn’t even bother to skim anything that had the word scandal in it. That meant it took him about 8 minutes to read the entire paper.
On the bottom right corner on the front page however, something did catch his eye. The headline read ‘Resident of Holyoke attacked at local shopping mall’ John didn’t hear anything about an attack at the mall the day prior. He began to read the article.
“Yesterday afternoon, Jason Bertovich, a resident of the city of Holyoke, was attacked by two assailants. A witness alerted police to the assault and the two suspects fled when mall security personnel were alerted to the incident. The police are currently looking for information regarding a description of two suspects. (Continued on Page B-4)”
John frantically pulled out the Local section of the paper and flipped to the appropriate page. He scanned the page for the continuation of the article.
“Resident attacked(Cont. from page A-1) While police do not have a description of the two suspects as of this writing, they do have a description of the witness who alerted the authorities to the attack (See Picture) If you have any information regarding this person please contact local authorities. The Victim, Bertovich, was taken to a local medical facility for treatment.”
John looked further down for the picture. It was a police composite sketch. John studied it for a moment. It was a women with short red hair. He searched his memory for a moment. Where had he seen that face before? The it hit him. It was one of the maybe-lesbians from Saturday afternoon. He had sold her a pair of shoes. He looked at the caption below the picture: “Police composite of witness to assault as given by security officer who alerted police.”
John sipped his hot tea. He couldn’t believe Jason had been attacked at mall. He hadn’t been in this area very long, but John never believed that there could be a brutal crime in these calm parts.
John got up from the table. He had to make sure Jason was ok, he was his friend. One of the few he had in these parts. He walked into the bathroom and turned the water spigot…
A few hours later in the morning in Springfield, a whispered swear crossed Matt Atanian’s lips. He was reading the local paper and he continued to stare at the picture on page B-4.
“Terrific. I do a good deed and I get a picture of my female half plastered in the paper.”
Matt stirred his ice tea (Ice tea this early in the morn? Why ask why?) and pondered the situation for a moment. He thought back to the day prior and how he/she became entangled in this mess…
Monday Afternoon…
Matt Atanian walked along the shops in the Holyoke mall. He walked past the various clothing, record, and other merchandise stores and walked right into the local Walden’s Books.
Matt made his way to the counter and waited for service. A short woman with glasses noticed him and asked “Is there something I can help you with today?”
Matt scratched behind his head. “Um yeah, I was wondering if you guys got in any Urusei Yatsura mangas in?”
The women looked under the counter for a moment, and then her head popped back into view. “Sorry, no. We should be getting more items from the warehouse later this week.”
“Oh, OK. Thanks,” Matt replied and turned to leave. As he exited the store however, he was unfortunately sideswiped by three kids running like bats out of hell, causing him to spin around and stumble blindly. Fortunately, something broke his fall. Unfortunately, it was a mall fountain.
After a moment of clumsy splashing, Matty felt a hundred eyes all focused on her trench-coat clad body. A hand reached out in front of her.
“Do you need a hand out miss?” The hand belonged to a tall, scraggly haired teen. His dark blonde hair extended over his eyes and the stubble was quite evident. Matty took the hand and stepped out of the fountain. She felt her hair and reached back into the fountain for her fedora which was floating on the surface.
“Um…thanks,” Matty answered.
“No prob, ya gotta be careful.” He smiled at her. Matty began to feel very uncomfortable. The way he was smiling at her reminded her of someone else.
“Hey! Get your hands off her!” another voice shouted from across the mall. Then Matty knew who that smile reminded her of. He was currently exiting Filenes’s Department Store very rapidly. Taylor Kuntz.
“Excuse me?” The blonde boy queried.
Taylor didn’t give much debate however as he tackled the blonde and the pair both fell into the fountain. Matty blinked a couple times as Taylor began to throw wild punches and splash around with a complete stranger. She then realized that the crowd had no longer placed their attention on her, but rather on the pair now fighting in the fountain. Matty quietly slipped out from the ruckus as mall security came in to break it up.
Matty paced quickly to the nearest exit. She could walk to the nearest bus stop and then get home to get much needed hot water. The major downside of this curse was that not only did you change with cold water, but you became a natural magnet of cold water.
Matty stepped out into the parking lot. For a moment, she thought she had seen someone familiar. Hey, wasn’t that Nicole Porter? Matty thought to herself. She shrugged her shoulders as it wasn’t very important. Then as she walked through the parking lot to get to the nearest bus stop, something else caught her attention. She overheard someone talking…
“Now, guys…can’t we talk this out?” the first voice said nervously.
“Talk it out? I believe you’ll have a hard time talking, cause we’re gonna break that smart ass mouth of yours,” the second, more angry, voice answered.
Matty turned her attention toward the conversation. She saw two large gentlemen pounce on a much smaller man. The first with a very unkempt beard and large hairy arms, while the second with a receding hairline and a very large squashed nose.
Matty realized that she was in no way able to take these guys on, so she did the next best thing. She ran….toward the mall.
Matty flew through the front entrance. Fortunately, there was a security guard near the entrance. Matty ran up to him and grabbed his arm.
“Excuse me miss! Is something wrong?” the security guard asked.
Well duh, why else would I grab you? Matty thought angrily. “You have to come quick, two guys are attacking this other guy in the parking lot!”
“What?!?” the guard shouted. “Quick show me the way!” the guard barked. After that, everything else happened rather quickly. The security called for other guards on the walkie-talkie and Matty managed to slip away from the crowd that had gathered soon after. She made it home and thought that everything had been settled.
Matt realized that he was wrong. This was far from settled. Now he pondered what to do next. He knew that he had to do the right thing, if there was anything Scouts had taught him, it was that. Matt grabbed a glass of cold water and several paper towels and poured the contents over him/her. Drying off with the towels, Matty grabbed her trench-coat and fedora and was out the door. Lucky that Mom and Dad leave early, otherwise I would have a tough time explaining this.
Matty knew where she needed to go. A half hour later, Matty walked into the local police station. She walked up to the clerk and knocked on the glass window.
“Can I help you?”
Matty swallowed. “Yes, I was a witness to a crime yesterday, and I discovered that I was needed for questioning.”
The clerk made a quick call…
Late Tuesday Morning…
“Hey kid, you’re on next!” someone shouted in a dark stupor.
“Wha…?” Jason opened his eyes and looked around him. This place was not familiar at all, though it reminded him of when he toured the backstage area of a concert. Many people were hustling to attend to various duties.
“Ready to defend the title tonight?” a cute blonde with wire frame glasses smirked. She was dressed in a conservative dress, with matching heels, and her hair was tied up in a neat bun.
“Title?” Jason queried.
“Well, you are the WDF Champion silly…did your last match knock that out of your ears?” The blonde giggled.
Jason felt very confused. WDF? Champion? What the hell was going on here? He turned and found himself facing a mirror. He stepped back in startled surprise.
“Jumpy aren’t we? Puh-leeze, it’s a simple handicap match, no biggie for a guy like you,” the blonde chided.
“Oh right, the handicap match. Yeah, I guess I’m being silly.” Jason feigned a smile. Just play along until you figure out what the hell is going on. He returned his attention to the mirror and studied himself with detailed interest.
The outfit he had on seemed normal enough. Though he did find it odd. Light blue denim jeans, white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark red dress vest, and red tie to complete the ensemble. Wrapped around his waist was a belt with a buckle that would put any southerner to shame. A giant gold plate with a black leather strap, the belt confirmed that he was in fact the “WDF Heavyweight Champion” whatever the hell that meant in the grand scheme of things.
“My what an ego we have. If you’re done adoring yourself Narcissus, we have to get ready,” the blonde chided again with a bemused smile.
Jason turned his attention from the mirror and nodded in agreement, still not understanding what was going on.
“Three minutes till the main event!” a stagehand shouted from somewhere. The blonde grabbed Jason’s hand and dragged him to what seemed to be an entrance of some kind with a curtain door. The blonde began to straighten up her skirt and checked her hair.
“How do I look?” the blonde asked.
“Um…you look…nice.” Jason stammered.
“Humph! Pretty open with the compliments aren’t we?” the blonde pouted. “Well, keep an eye on the monitor so we can get our cue.”
“Monitor?” Jason mumbled out loud.
“Are you sure you’re OK? The monitor right there,” the blonde said while pointing to a small TV set.
“Um.. yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired that’s all,” Jason replied.
“Well, you better shake that off, cuz you need to be on your toes.”
“Because I’m the WDF Champion?” Jason asked.
“Damn straight!” The blonde smirked.
Jason turned his attention to the small TV set. It was currently playing a commercial, but it was ending. However the next thing on the screen caught his attention to the fullest.
“Hi there, fight fans! I’m Guy Makihashi!”
“And I’m Toro Watanabe! Welcome to another installment of the WORLD DEATHMATCH FEDERATION’S “MONDAY NIGHT MADNESS!”
“And it sure does look to be one hell of a match tonight,” the first man, identified as Makihashi said.
“You bet Guy, as our WDF Champion, The man who has a Ph.D. on Pain and Punishment, the Professor himself, Jason Robertson, will defend his title and his record of an incredible 18 kills in a handicap match tonight!” the second man, identified as Watanabe answered.
Jason took a step back. DEATHMATCH?!?! WHAT THE FUCK HAVE I GOTTON INTO?!? AND WHO IS THIS “JASON ROBERTSON?!?” AM I SUPPOSED TO BE HIM?!? Jason thought in a panic-stricken haze.
The TV continued unabated. “So Toro, Who’s lined up for Jason in this handicap match?” Guy asked his partner.
“Well, we searched long and hard for two opponents tough enough and mean enough to offer up a challenge to our champion. So tonight we have straight from the hills of the Appalachian mountains, two of the meanest mountain-folk we could find.” Toro answered.
“Do we have names?” Guy asked.
“Well actually, they wouldn’t give us their names, so we just call them Bob and Bob #2,” Toro replied.
“Very original. Well, it’s time to bring em out!” Guy said enthusiastically.
“That’s the cue, get ready Jay.” The blonde grabbed his arm and brought him to the curtain. Jason dared to peek and saw past the curtain, a long ramp which led to a standard size boxing ring. On the opposite side of the ring was another ramp which led to another curtain entrance. In the center of the ring stood a well groomed man in a tuxedo.
“Here you go, can’t forget your lucky gloves. Give me your hands,” the blonde commanded Jason. He instinctively gave his hands over to her. She fitted and strapped a pair of black fingerless fighting gloves. Jason studied them for a moment and realized that they reeked of a copper smell, just like blood.
Jason, whatever the hell you’ve gotten yourself into, let’s just hope we can live to tell about it. Jason began to sweat nervously.
The man in the center of the ring grabbed a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to tonight’s main event! It is scheduled for to the death, and it is for the WDF Heavyweight championship! Ladies and gentlemen…are you ready?” the man in the center asked.
The crowded roared in approval. TO THE DEATH?!? OH ^%#$%^$#%#%#!!!! Jason felt like he was ready to pass out. He did not like the prospect of fighting two angry mountain people, but to the death was even worse.
Meanwhile, the man continued. “I said…are you rrrrrrready?” The crowd again roared, even louder than before.
“Then ladies and gentlemen…for the thousands in attendance, for the millions watching at home…Ladies and gentlemen, Let’s get ready to rumbbbbbbbblllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” The crowd exploded into a fury of cheers and shouting while various pyrotechnics exploded. The man in the center continued, “Coming to the ring first, they hail from the deepest part of the Appalachian Mountains, they weigh in at a combined weight of 578 lb. Let’s give it up for Bob and…er…Bob #2!!!"
Jason gasped at the two brutes who entered the arena from the other ramp. Jason couldn’t make out much detail, but he could tell that they were huge. The blonde excitedly grabbed Jason’s hands.
“We’re up!” She smiled. Jason didn’t feel very obliged to return the smile.
The man in the center turned his attention to his ramp. “And their opponent: He hails from the “School of Hard Knocks” where he earned his Ph.D. in Punishment, he weighs in at 187 lb. And he is accompanied by his manager Miss Manners, he is the current WDF Champion of the World, this is Jason “The Professor” Robertson!”
The blonde grabbed his arm and pulled him with her down the ramp. As he began walking down the ramp he noticed how the crowd noise grew even louder. He kinda liked it. He couldn’t believe it, but he was actually beginning to like the fact that the crowd was cheering for him. Thought the reason why they were cheering for him was slightly disturbing to him. Jason walked down the ramp slowly and when he reach the bottom, he held the ropes for the blonde to enter the ring, she slipped in and he followed.
The pair of brutes were in the corner huddled discussing something. A referee walked up to Jason and pointed to his waist, Jason unfastened the oversize belt and handed it over. The ref held the belt over his head much to the approval of the crowd. The blonde exited the ring and took her place in his corner. Jason breathed deeply.
Finally the two opponents turned from their corner to face him very slowly. Jason took a step back in horror. It was them! Those bastards that almost killed him in the parking lot yesterday. Then something in Jason’s mind snapped.
“Wait a minute…wasn’t I in an ambulance or something a few hours ago? How the hell can I be here if I was brutally attacked yesterday, this doesn’t make any sense!” Jason shouted out loud.
A spectator stood up. “Yeah, that means that this entire scene doesn’t make any sense at all!” The four men sitting next to him all smacked him in the back of the head.
“SHUT UP BILL!!!!” The four said in unison and returned to their seats.
Jason smiled. He smiled a very EVIL smile. “I get it now. This is just a dream.”
The two brutes returned the evil grin. “So what, we can still pummel you here.”
“Oh, you could…if it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve studied lucid sleep.” Jason smirked back.
The brutes furrowed their brows. “Lucid sleep?”
“To put it in plain terms for idiots like you, it means I can control my dreams…” Jason raised his fist with the index and middle fingers extended. “It means I can do whatever I want here…” Jason narrowed his eyes and a spark of blue energy sizzled at the ends of his fingers. “LIKE THIS!!!” Jason screamed as he pointed his fingers toward the giants. A flash of blue energy flew from his hand and ignited the pair.
“FUCK!!!” They screamed as they were set ablaze. The melted into a pile of bone and ash. Jason screamed in primal triumph. Then someone tapped him on the shoulder.
Jason turned around defensively, and took another step back. Jason felt his jaw drop as he beheld the new sight. He smiled very broadly. “Nicole!”
And it was Nicole, though she was quite different. She screamed radiance. She wore a flowing white gown and her green eyes sparkled beautifully. A pair of elegant doves wings extended from her back. “You want someone to take you away from here?” She smiled.
“You have no idea.” Jason smirked.
She extended her pale hand. Jason gladly accepted it. She began to lift from the ground and Jason rose with her. The pair glided up toward the open sky.
“Hey!” Screamed a man from the crowd. “How can she carry a guy that’s almost 200 lb. With only one hand?”
Jason smiled and simply shouted back “SHUT UP BILL!!!”
Jason turned his attention upward at Nicole smiling back at him. Jason suddenly felt very groggy. He could feel his grip loosen from Nicole’s hands. Everything began to fade to a very bright light…
The white light faded to a beige light which in turn faded to a blue light. The blue light eventually faded to a face. A face that Jason was quite sure he didn’t recognize but was certain that he seen it before. “I see that you finally decided to wake up lazy,” the face said. The image began to become a lot clearer. Is was definitely a woman’s face. She wore a pair of wire frame glasses and her hair was blonde and tied in a neat bun.
Jason gulped in fear. He thought he stopped dreaming, but obviously this was still a dream otherwise how else could this woman show up again?
Jason went to touch his face and immediately winced in pain. “You might not want to do that, your face is pretty bruised,” the blonde chided.
“If I ask where I am, will I regret it?” Jason ventured out the question.
“Well, you’re in room 1042 of Baystate Medical Center. Does that fill you with regret?” the blonde asked.
“Well I guess it makes sense with what I last remember,” Jason answered. “Who are you?”
“Me? I’m a nurse here. My names is Angela Manors,” the blonde answered while adjusting some dials on a machine Jason had no idea what it did, but was sure that it was important.
“Nice to meet you Ms. Manors,” Jason pause for a moment after he said that. Now where have I heard that before? Jason thought to himself, but he shrugged it off and continued, “Pardon me for not extending a hand but there appears to be tubes and wires coming from it.”
“Oh those will be removed pretty soon. And you can just call me Angela,” the blonde said with a smile.
“So, how long have I been here?” Jason asked.
“Well, I can tell you that it’s 11:30 AM now on Tuesday,” Angela replied while continuing to fix things in his little room.
“Tuesday Morning? Shit! I’ve been unconscious since yesterday afternoon?!?” Jason shouted.
“Well it doesn’t surprise me, we put you on a IV of some painkillers and one of the side effects is sleep, so it shouldn’t bother you so much,” Angela replied reassuringly. With that said, Angela finished up the last of whatever she had been doing. She turned to Jason and gave a last smile and opened the door. “Well It was nice meeting you Jason, but I’ve got other duties to attend to. A doctor will be in shortly to talk to you. Oh, and before I go, I have some good news.”
“Good news?” Jason asked.
“You have visitors. Shall I see them in?” Angela asked.
“By all means,” Jason replied eagerly.
Angela walked out the door and a few moments later John walked in. “John!” Jason shouted.
“Jason, what the hell happened? And if you say ‘something wonderful’ again I’ll make sure you stay here longer for psychiatric help.”
“All these questions and you don’t even bring flowers?” Jason said in a feigned hurt voice. “Um…well…where to start?”
“Start with what put you in the hospital. With…” John picked up his chart, “a mild concussion, three broken ribs, a broken finger and multiple contusions,” John finished.
“You’re not a doctor but you play one in America’s hospitals?” Jason smirked. “Basically, it comes down to the fact that women will lead you to nothing but trouble.”
“Women?” John had a perplexed look on his face.
“That was a joke John. Basically, remember how I told you about Sunday?”
John nodded.
“Well, that guy who punched me on Sunday saw me in the parking lot yesterday and decided to grab his friend and beat the hell out of me.”
“Ahhhhhh.” John said nodding in understanding. “Still surprises me though. I mean I haven’t been living here that long, but I didn’t think the locals were that unfriendly.”
“Nah, I’m not gonna judge the whole population because of this incident. I’m just gonna chalk it up to some genetically challenged angry mountain people.” Jason smiled.
“Genetically challenged?” John asked.
“Inbred.” Jason answered.
John nodded in understanding again.
“Though, if I ever see these genetically challenged angry mountain people again, I’m gonna have to kill them,” Jason said in a much more serious voice.
“Well, don’t stress yourself yet. The police seem to be working on it,” John reassured.
“Yeah I know, it still pisses me off though,” Jason replied.
“Don’t blame ya, but try to chill a little.” John looked at his watch. “I have to get to my shift, but are you gonna be discharged today?”
“I hope so,” Jason answered.
“Then call me after the mall closes at home, ok?” John asked.
“Sure. Will do, I don’t think I’ll be running a marathon or anything soon,” Jason smirked.
“Cool.” John walked to the door and opened it. “Hey Jason, you appear to have a couple more visitors…a couple of female visitors. Should I let them in?” John asked.
“By all means!” Jason eagerly replied.
John gave a final wave and stepped out the door. A few moment later, Nicole Porter and another women walked in. The second women was slightly taller, looked slightly older and had red hair. She carried a small vase of flowers and placed them on the table near the window.
“Hi Nicole! Excuse me for not jumping in joy, but it really hurts to move,” Jason said with a sly grin.
“Jason, I’m so sorry for what happened to you, I feel this partly my fault,” Nicole said with a really anguished expression.
“Nonsense! This is not your fault in any way possible!” He reached for Nicole’s hand. He took her hand into his bandaged one, “This was the fault of two inbred yahoos who feel that violence can solve any situation. They are the only people to blame and no one else, and I believe that fate will find a way to punish them. OK?”
Nicole nodded her head and smiled a little which in turn made Jason smile. She then raised her eyebrows “Oh dear, I forgot to introduce you to my sister Sarah.” She gestured toward the other girl who simply nodded. She appeared to be giving Jason a scrutinizing look.
Jason gave a hacking cough. “Nicole, can you do me a favor?”
“Hmmm?” Nicole answered with an arched eyebrow.
“In my jeans pocket over there,” he pointed to his clothes hanging over a chair, “there is some change. Can you please get me a ginger ale or a Sprite or something?”
“Sure, it will be my treat.” She looked over to Sarah. “Do you want anything?”
Sarah simply shook her head.
“Ok, then I’ll be right back. Sarah, can you keep Jason company?”
Sarah nodded. Nicole walked out of the room and the door closed behind her. A few moments later Jason decided to speak. “From the look on your face, I can tell that you wanted to speak to me. Well, we’re alone now, do you have something on your mind?”
The red-head narrowed her eyes. “You’re very perceptive.”
“I pride myself on it. Unfortunately it didn’t help keep out of here,” Jason replied.
“So you’re the guy my little sister is apparently very keen on,” Sarah asked.
“Well, I wouldn’t know how ‘keen’ she is on me, but I did ask her out if that’s what you’re asking,” Jason answered.
“Well, I know you’re in college and that you have a job at the mall,” Sarah stated.
“Correct on both accounts. You’ve been doing your research.” Jason smirked.
“Not really, it’s what my sister told me about you. You do know that I’m my sisters’ legal guardian?” Sarah asked.
“She told me that you and her twin were the only family she had, so I assumed as much,” Jason answered.
“I want to protect my sister from things and people that can hurt her.”
“No doubt you do. I can see that you’re very protective of your sisters,” Jason replied.
“Then you can understand why I don’t want you seeing my sister on a personal basis,” Sarah said blankly.
“No, to be frank with you, I don’t.” Jason answered back.
“She is a 16 year old girl. I don’t feel comfortable with her seeing older boys yet. Maybe if you were still in high school…but…”
“If I was still in high school, I’d be a hell of a lot more immature. That’s what I really like about your sister. She has a maturity and a mind beyond her age of 16. I really enjoy her company, it’s been a rare thing since I’ve moved here,” Jason stated.
“Oh? Is that so?” Sarah asked.
“Can I answer your question with a question?”
Sarah nodded.
“Do you trust your sister?”
"That is a strange question,” Sarah replied.
“All I’m saying is this: do you believe that you have enough faith in your sisters’ decisions and choices? Do you think that you’ve installed enough responsibility and moral guidance to let Nicole make her own choices?” Jason asked seriously.
“My grandmother and I raised Nicole with a deep moral foundation,” Sarah answered just as seriously.
“Then have faith in Nicole’s choice. If she feels safe to be in my company, then you should have the same belief.”
“But…” Sarah began.
“I want to tell you something about myself. I was raised a certain way and taught to believe certain things. There are certain attitudes towards dating that I don’t believe in. I was honest with your sister when I told her these things and I’m being honest with you. I enjoy her company, and I hope she enjoys mine. I have enough belief in Nicole that if she ever felt uncomfortable with being in my company then she would tell me. She is very outspoken and that is a wonderful thing you’ve instilled in her. Finally, I am being very honest when I say this, I do not wish to ever hurt your sister in any way.” Jason finished and closed his eyes for moment then he reopened them toward Sarah.
Sarah closed her mouth and placed her hand near her chin and appeared to be in heavy thought. A moment later Nicole came back into the room with a couple cans of ginger ale. She cracked one of the cans open and poured the contents into a plastic tumbler. She handed the cup over to Jason who accepted it with a smile.
“So what have you two been talking about?” Nicole asked.
“Oh this and that,” Sarah answered and she then gave Jason a serious look. “Nothing much, just general chit chat,”
Jason agreed.
“Oh,” Nicole skeptically replied.
There was a knock on the door. A much older woman in a white coat walked in. Her brown framed glasses slid a little ways down her nose, which she adjusted immediately. She had a clipboard in her hand and directed her gaze toward Jason.
“Mr. Bertovich?” The woman asked. Jason nodded. “Hello, I’m Dr. Kim McGregor, but you can call me Dr. Kim if you like. I tended to most of your wounds and came to see how you’re feeling.”
“Well, I’m a little sore, but otherwise I feel fine I guess. A lot better than yesterday,” Jason answered.
“That’s good. Well, I can see no reason to keep you here much longer, you should be able to check out by this afternoon,” the doctor said warmly.
“That’s great! But how long do I have to wear these?” Jason asked indicating to the bandages wrapped around his chest and finger and part of his hand.
“Well those will take a couple weeks to heal completely, so no strenuous activity for the next 3-4 weeks. Keeping the bandages on when you’re not bathing will help tremendously. The bruises will start to go down in a couple days. I’ll prescribe you some healing salve to help with that and some painkillers to help you with the ribs,” the doctor answered.
“Thank you Doctor,” Jason said with a grateful smile. “Now, the concussion you suffered is another story. Are you feeling any headaches or dizziness?” the doctor asked in a much more serious voice.
“No, I don’t think so,” Jason answered.
“That’s good, but I want you call if you start to.” the doctor replied and handed him several prescription forms and a piece of paper with a number on it. “This is my office phone number, you should be able to reach me during normal hours.”
“Thank you again.” Jason gave a slight head gesture to indicate a bow.
“Now, onto some more serious business.”
“Eh?” Jason asked.
“There is a police officer outside who wish to ask you a few questions about yesterday. Do you feel up to it now?” the doctor asked.
“Sure, no better time than the present,” Jason answered with a shrug.
“Fine, then I’ll see him in. Be sure to talk to the woman at the front desk before you leave,” the doctor reminded.
“No problem. Thank you again Dr. McGregor,” Jason replied.
The doctor smiled, then stepped out of the room. A moment later a police officer in uniform walked in. He was a tall young man with had dark hair that was styled meticulously. He wore a leather police jacket with his badge on the outside. He had a small notepad which he flipped open. “Hello. I’m Officer Kelly. I just needed to ask a few questions about yesterday’s attack. Shouldn’t take very long.” He then directed his gaze toward the girls. “Are you family?”
Nicole pointed to her chest. “Us? No, we’re just friends.”
“Then, I need you to leave the room for a few moments while I talk to Mr. Bertovich,” Kelly stated blankly.
“That’s fine, we need to be leaving anyway,” Sarah replied.
“Goodbye Jason, feel better soon,” Nicole added.
“See you Friday?” Jason asked Nicole, but also directed his gaze toward Sarah.
Nicole turned to her sister with a hopeful gaze. Sarah took a moment and after looking at her sister, rolled her eyes upward. She let out a sigh. “You promise to have her home by Midnight, understood?” Sarah told Nicole and Jason.
“You have my word,” Jason answered.
Nicole smiled which filled Jason with a warm sensation. “Call me tomorrow…if you feel up to it,” Nicole smirked.
“Just try to keep me away from a phone,” Jason smirked back. He gave a half wave to Nicole and Sarah. The pair waved back and left the room. Jason let out a relieved sigh. He then directed his full attention to the neglected police officer.
“Sorry about that Officer Kelly,” Jason apologized.
“Heh. I was young once too. You can call me Stan if you like,” Kelly replied.
“You’re not that old Stan. I’d say you’re about…um…29?” Jason guessed.
“Close. 31,” Kelly answered.
“Please, I hope they’re not calling me old when I’m that age, otherwise it’s all downhill then,” Jason smirked. “Anyway, you had some questions to ask me?”
“Yes. Fortunately, the witness who alerted mall security to your attack came forward this morning. We have a pretty good description, but we wanted to see if you could add any information that could help in the capture of these two men. First, how do you know these men?” Kelly asked and then clicked his ball-point pen to begin writing on his notepad.
Jason gave the question some thought, then began. “It all started Sunday morning. The first man had come into the store to purchase a videogame…”
“The…” Kelly checked another page of notes, “Electronics Boutique. Correct?”
“Yes, that’s where I work. Anyway, this man had made a racial slur,” Jason continued.
“What was the nature of the slur?” Kelly asked. “His exact words, if I remember correctly, were, ‘Friggin Japs, we should’ve wasted them all in WWII.’” Jason answered.
“And you took offense at this?” Kelly asked.
“I tend to take offense at all racial slurs. It’s the way I was brought up,” Jason answered.
“I find that admirable. Please continue,” Kelly added then went back to his pad.
“Well, like you said, I took offense. I let my emotions get the better of me and I told him my opinion of him. He then became aggravated. When another customer added her opinion of him, he turned to strike her. I guess I should add that this customer was the shorter girl that was just here,” Jason continued.
“OK. The police may want to talk to her then to get her description of this assailant. You have her name and phone number?” Kelly asked.
“Well, her name is Nicole Porter. As for her phone number…um…” Jason paused to think, “Can you please check my right front jeans pocket?” Jason asked the officer.
Kelly got up from the chair he had been sitting in and walked over to the stack of clothes on another chair. He reached in the mentioned pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. “This?” Kelly asked holding up the scrap.
“Yeah, that’s it!” Jason answered. The officer then copied the number off the scrap into his pad and then placed the scrap back into the pocket.
“Please continue, Jason.”
“OK. So anyway, this man turned to slap Nicole. I intervened to protect her. He in turn punched me in the face.” Jason then pointed to his now re‑swollen nose. “Then Nicole…well…she…well, she kicked him in the most sensitive spot on a man’s body.”
“Ouch.” Kelly winced at the thought.
“Exactly. He was down for the count and eventually he scurried away before anything became resolved by security. I thought I had seen the last of him,” Jason continued.
“But then, there was yesterday,” Kelly added.
“Exactly. I was walking back to my car in the mall parking lot after I had met some friends. As I went to unlock my door, I found out that he was behind me. He indicated that he didn’t appreciate what had happened to him on Sunday. Then a friend of his came into view. I tried to talk my way out of the situation, but I don’t think I did a good job. Next thing I knew I was being loaded on a gurney and driven here,” Jason finished.
“Sounds pretty close to what our witness told us. Now, I just need to ask a few questions about these two men and our business here should be finished. OK?” Kelly asked.
“Shoot.” Jason replied.
“OK, just tell me what these guys looked like. Height, weight, if you can estimate, physical description. We’ll try to see what matches up with our witness and hopefully we can get a good description,” Kelly explained.
“Well, the first guy, the guy who originally punched me on Sunday, I’d say he was…um…well, I’m 5 foot 7 inches tall and I only came up to his neck.”
Kelly did some mental math. “OK, I’d say about 6 foot 2 possibly 6 foot 3.”
“OK, and he was pretty big. Much bigger than me and I weigh about 190. So maybe about 260-300 lb. And he had a pretty bushy beard. His arms were hairy, but I could see that he had tattoos,” Jason continued.
“Can you remember what any of the tattoos were?” Kelly asked.
Jason closed his eyes and tried to focus on what he saw, but it only came out blurry. He shook his head. “Sorry, I didn’t get a very good look. I know that some of them were writing, but that’s it. What else? Um…oh! His teeth were pretty bad. Very poor condition and his clothes were pretty ratty. Very dusty and dirty, like he’d been doing heavy yard work or construction or something. I really don’t know what his eye color is, but he had very dark hair. That’s about all I can remember about him.”
“OK, That’s pretty good. You’re pretty observant,” Kelly added.
“Really?” Jason asked.
Kelly nodded and indicated for Jason to continue. Jason thought back again and continued. “OK, the second guy I would say he was about the same size and height as his friend. His hair was lighter and he was going bald. His teeth were also pretty bad and he his nosed was kinda…well, it kinda had a squashed look to it. Like he had been punched there quite a few times.” Jason paused and his eyebrows lifted slightly. “Shit, I hope my nose doesn’t end up like that.”
Stan could help but grin, but he composed himself. “Were his clothes similar to the first man’s?”
“Yeah! They were also very dirty and slightly ragged. Um…That’s all I can think of when it comes to him. I’ve only met him once and I didn’t get a very good look before he started using my ribcage to toughen his hands on. Sorry,” Jason finished.
“Well, you’ve given us a pretty good jump start. Hopefully we can get this description out and we’ll be able to bring them in. Then you have to identify them. After that, we take this to trial where you’ll have to testify,” Kelly explained.
“Sounds good. So I guess it’s ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you?’” Jason asked.
“Pretty much. It’s all we can really do. I wish we could do more, but rest assured, we are trying our best,” Kelly answered.
“It’s all I can ask you do. Oh, This witness that got the security to help me, I would like to thank him.”
“Actually it’s a she. A…um…” Stan checked another page on his notepad, “A Ms. Matty Hayes. I have her phone number if you wish to thank her.”
Jason nodded and Kelly scribbled a copy of the number on a fresh sheet of paper, tore it out, folded it and placed it next to his clothes.
“Thanks. Is there anything else you need from me Stan?” Jason asked.
Stan checked his notes and then shook his head. “Looks like we’re all finished here, of course there may be new questions in the future, so just be sure to make yourself available.”
“No problem.” Jason nodded.
“Cool. Well, I’ll be off. Take time to heal kid, you don’t wanna be too crippled to take girls out now do you?” Kelly smirked, then his eyebrows raised. “Oh, before I forget…” Kelly reached into his pocket and pulled out Jason’s keys and set then next to his closed. “You left these in your car door. We already dusted them for prints and it came out clean, so you can have these back. You might need them for Friday.” Stan smirked again.
Jason cracked a smile and waved to Kelly as he opened the door to walk out of the room. Kelly then paused and turned to Jason, “Jason, there’s another girl out here to see you. Quite popular with the ladies aren’t we?” Kelly smirked.
Jason gave a puzzled look. Then the bouncy goddess herself bounced into the room past the police officer and gave a big wave to Jason. “Hiya street fightin’ man!” She grinned.
“FENNY!!!” Jason shouted happily.
Fenny ran over to hug Jason, but he put his hand out to stop her. “Um…You might wanna wait to do that after I heal.” Jason said blankly as he pointed to the bandages wrapped around his ribs.
Fenny eeped and semiblushed. “Sorry. After I heard what happened, I had to see if you were OK.”
“So many visitors. I feel so loved.” Jason grinned.
Fenny then noticed the vase and flowers near the window. “Ah…So who are these other visitors, hmmmmm…?”
“Oh…just John and Nicole and Nicole’s sister Sarah,” Jason answered.
Fenny could hardly contain herself. “And who is this Nicole girl?” Fenny asked already knowing the answer because of the energy Jason emitted whenever he said her name.
“Well…um…remember our talk yesterday?” Jason asked.
“Hmmm…let me think…” Fenny replied, feigning deep thought. “Is this the conversation about you and a certain young lady who you happen to enjoy the company of?”
“Well….Yeah.” Jason semiblushed.
“And how did it turn out?” Fenny asked, once again already knowing the answer, but feigning ignorance.
“We’re going out Friday night.” Jason smiled.
“Way to go Ro-me-o.”
Fenny applauded which caused Jason to grin again. “Yep, just call me the crippled Casanova.” Jason then stretched his arms out a little. “You know what, I think I want out of here. The scenery is getting dull.”
“Well, you’ve been in a bed or gurney since yesterday, so I’m not surprised,” Fenny agreed.
“Hey Fenny, can you do me a favor?” Jason asked.
“Sure.” Fenny answered.
“Can you drive me to the mall? My car is still in the lot and I need to get it home,” Jason explained.
“No prob. What are friends for?” Fenny beamed.
“Coolness. Well, then I guess I better get dressed.” He threw the blankets aside and turned to get out of bed. He then noticed Fenny grinning at his bare legs and his hospital gown. “Um…do you mind, Fenny?”
“Nope, I don’t mind at all.” Fenny smirked back at him. She then turned toward the door. “I’ll be right outside Mr. Bashful.”
“Thank you.” Jason said as Fenny left the room. He then went and pushed the nurses call button to get some help removing some tubes and wires…
A little while later Jason and Fenny were leaving the hospital and were walking toward the Hospital parking lot, blissfully unaware of the presence that enshrouded them.
Though a pair of high powered binoculars a sinister looking man in a black trench-coat, black fedora and black sunglasses spied on the pair from his perch in a tree from across the street. (No, It’s not Matt people! He doesn’t have the look copyrighted you know.) He turned his mouth to the inside of his coat collar.
“Old Mother Hubbard, this is Jack and Jill, repeat, this is Jack and Jill. I’ve made visual confirmation. It looks like we do have a rogue on our hands. Awaiting further instructions. Over.”
A few moments passed and then a noise came into a small ear-piece lodged in the sinister looking man’s ear. “Roger, this is Old Mother Hubbard. Continue to keep tabs on the rogue. Begin Operation: Little Bo Peep. When the opportunity arises, approach the rogue. Give her the usual ultimatum. Over.”
“Cease and desist or Termination from the agency?” The sinister looking man asked while he continued to keep Jason and Fenny in his binoculars.
“No. Cease and desist or Termination from existence. The agency is now cracking down on this continued abuse of our Immortal/Mortal involvement directive. We’ve already reprimanded her ‘sisters.’ They told us where she was. Do you understand your orders Jack and Jill? Over,” the voice continued.
The sinister looking man nodded to himself. “Understood Old Mother Hubbard. This is Jack and Jill signing off.” The sinister looking man spoke into his collar while continuing to keep Jason and Fenny in his binocular sights. He watched the pair get into Fenny’s station wagon. The sinister looking man smirked. “Oh please Fenira, a station wagon? Where’s the ‘baby on board bumper sticker?’” He guffawed.
He continued to watch as the pair sped down the bust street toward the mall. As soon as they drove from sight, the sinister looking man adjusted his fedora and in an instant he faded from view and disappeared.
John Hoelscher looked up and down the rows of shoes in the Filenes’s shoe department. He looked at his clipboard and then back at the rows of shoes. He looked back at his clipboard and placed a neat checkmark next to a item on the paper attached to the clipboard. He then returned to looking up and down the rows of shoes. He let out a quiet sigh.
“Man oh man does inventory suck ass…” John spoke to the empty store. He checked his watch. It stared back at him with a digital ‘4:30 PM.’ He sighed again. he worked until close and that was still several hours away. He looked at his clipboard again and counted the number of items he still had to find. He stopped bothering to count after 46 items. He sighed again.
John heard footsteps approach the little aisle he of shoe racks he was in. He turned to see if it was customer needing assistance. “Can I help…” John didn’t finish the sentence. He simply stood there and the deafening sound of a clipboard hitting the carpeted floor filled the sudden silence. John took a step back.
“Why yes I do believe you can help me. Can you show me in a size 8 ½ which looks nice as I crush you underneath my heels?” The figure gave a cackle. It was the man in the blue suit who shared his face from his dream. John took another step back. The figure approached him. John took another step back. He bumped into someone.
John turned around and gave a startled yelp as he saw that it was the second man who shared his face. The man in white. “Pardon me, but I do believe that we have some unfinished business to attend to,” the man in white enunciated.
“Back off pretty boy! He’s mine! I’m taking this body to the top! Nothing can stop the almighty Lord God Hoelscher!” He cackled again. John was trapped between two figures whom he didn’t understand.
“You? You make me scoff. You have no poise or charm. I should be running this body. Don’t you agree?” He directed the last comment to John.
John didn’t know how to respond to the question.
“Please, what good is this body to anyone? It should be destroyed. Good riddance,” a third voice which came from above John said. John looked up and saw the third man who shared his face. He sat on top of the racks of shoes with his feet dangling. He jumped down and bent over to face John who had bent down and tried to cover his head with his arms. “Don’t you agree?”
“I’m the righteous one! Agree with me!” the man in white bellowed.
“No! I’m the one who is right! I order you to agree with me!” the man in the blue suit screamed psychotically.
“You know I’m the one who’s right. But what does that matter, you’ve always been wrong anyway…” the third man in the simple clothes said in a low voice.
John continued to stay in his huddled position. “Please…just…” he started, then he screamed, “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” John opened his eyes and he was alone in the shoe racks.
Someone rushed to the small aisle. A older man with a Filenes’s nametag. “John, are you ok?!? I heard you yelling something…”
John looked at his hands which were perspiring He felt the drops of perspiration roll down his face. “I’m sorry…I must of…I must of passed out and fell asleep. I haven’t been sleeping much lately and my friend is in the hospital, and…” John stammered.
“John, why didn’t you say that you were ill? Maybe you should leave early and get some sleep. I can close up. You can finish the inventory tomorrow,” the older man said to the still nervously shaking John.
John stood up on quaky legs. “Thanks…I think it’s a combination of insomnia and stress is taking it’s toll. I think I will go home. Sorry…”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. You’re a good worker. I don’t think you would fake something like this just to leave early. Now you get home and try to rest a little, you hear.” The older man patted John on the back.
John nodded and took his nametag off. He walked straight for the exit and from there straight to his car. John started the ignition and decided to drive away from there.
John left the parking lot and paused at the small intersection. Where to go? He knew where the last place he wanted to go was home and to sleep. That is where all his problems were.
On a impulse, John flicked his left turn signal and decided to just drive. Drive and let the road take him away from Holyoke. Maybe then he would find peace.
A few hours later, John found himself on a unfamiliar highway. He saw a few billboards and a few houses, but mostly just empty country. John hadn’t bothered to turn the radio on. His heart pounding within his ribcage was the only noise he could hear anyway. He continued to just drive along the unfamiliar road until he felt like he should stop.
From up ahead John say a small sign lit up. John gave it further study. It was a Starbucks Coffee shop. “Man, those things ARE Everywhere.” John commented to himself, hoping to not get a reply. On a whim, John pulled in and stopped his car. He stepped out and walked into the small coffee shop.
Inside it was clean and it smelled of various caffeinated beverages. It was also empty of any customers. The only other person there was a young plain faced girl wearing the traditional Starbucks uniform and working the counter. She hardly acknowledged John. She looked as bored as she probably was.
John decided to completely enter and the door finally swung close behind him. He walked up to the counter and looked up at the large menu. He cleared his throat. “Um…excuse me…” John began.
“What do ya need?” The girl asked with disinterest, though John could hardly blame her.
“Do you sell green tea?” John asked.
“Um…” She thought for a moment, turned to look at a few containers.
“Yeah. Yeah we do. Is that what you want?”
“Yes. I’d appreciate a medium green tea, not too hot please,” he timidly asked the girl.
She simply took a styrofoam cup and filled it with hot water and added a tea bag that turned the water greenish. She pulled the bag from the cup, threw it into a small wastebasket, placed a lid on the cup, and handed it over to John.
“$2.50, sir,” she said blankly.
John reached into his pocket and pulled out three wrinkled singles. He placed them on the counter. “Keep the change.” He took the cup.
“Yay…now I can retire,” the girl said unenthused.
John took his cup of tea and walked to a small table in the corner. He removed the lid and blew the hot steam that rose from his tea off to help cool it. He took a sipped and sighed. It seemed that problems were just a little further away when you had a hot cup of green tea.
John sat at his small table sipping his tea. He closed his eyes for a moment. However when he opened them again John found himself surrounded by his stalkers once again. John could feel a small stream of tea run down his chin, down his neck, and into his shirt because his jaw had dropped slightly at the sight of these nuisances.
Seated to his direct right was the man in the blue suit, to his left was the man in white, and across from him was the man in the simple clothes. Each had their own glass filled with a greenish liquid. The man in the blue suit had a golden chalice encrusted with gems. The man in white had a crystal wine glass, while the man in the simple clothes had a simple plain Japanese tea cup. Each took sips from their respective beverage containers.
“So, you’re here too,” John began.
“You can’t escape us,” the man in white said.
“The fact of the matter is…” the man in the blue suit began.
“We never left you,” the man in the simple clothes finished.
“We’ve been with you from the beginning,” the man in white added.
“We guide your life,” the man in the blue suit agreed.
“You’ve never made a decision without us,” the man in the simple clothes added to the mix.
“May it be about Career…” the man in the blue suit began.
“…Or women…” the man in white added.
“…Or anything else. We’ve been by your side,” the man in the simple clothes finished.
“You have?” John asked confused. The three all nodded.
“Now the time has come,” the man in white stated.
“Eh?” John asked with an arched eyebrow.
“We can’t live like this anymore! It’s time to choose!” the man in the blue suit cackled.
“Choose? I don’t understand.” John scratched his head.
“You’ve lived with conflicting personalities for too long,” the man in the simple clothes stated.
“Now you must choose who will lead your life. Which of us is the leading force in your life!” the man in white said in a serious tone.
“Wha…?” John had a stunned expression on his face.
“Hey! Who says that he’s qualified to choose?” The man in the blue suit shouted across the table.
“He’s usually wrong anyway,” The man in the simple clothes added.
“Hmmm…what do you suggest then?” The man in white asked his companions.
John continued to stare blankly and occasionally blinked. The man in the blue suit slapped his fist into his open palm. “I know!” he shouted triumphantly. The other two gave him a queried look. The man in the blue suit put his fist out over the table. The other two seemed to catch the drift of his idea. John still felt in the dark.
The other two placed their fist out over the table. The man in the blue suit spoke up “One go.”
“All or nothing,” the man in white agreed.
The man in simple clothes simply nodded.
The three shook their fist three times.
“Jon!” the man in simple clothes stated as he threw is open palm in the center of the table.
“Ken!” the man in white stated as he threw a pair of fingers in a ‘v’ formation into the center of the table.
“Pon!” the man in the blue suit laughed as he threw his closed fist in the center of the table.
A moment of silence. After a brief pause, all three men shouted triumphantly, “I win!” then they all said simultaneously, “What do you mean ‘I win?!?’ I won!” another moment of silence enveloped the table.
“My perfect scissors cut your weak paper! I win!” the man in white said to the man in the simple clothes with a grin.
“But my mighty rock crushed your perfect scissors! I win!” the man in the blue suit shouted to the man in white.
“And my weak paper defeats your mighty rock. I win,” the man in the simple clothes said before taking a sip of his tea.
John blinked a couple of times. He couldn’t believe it. They were playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with his life being the wager. He felt very angry. He slammed his fist on the table. “If you think I’m handing my life to any of you bastards, you’re in for another thing!” John shouted and he stood from the table. “My life is my own!” John stated.
“Since when?” the man in the simple clothes asked, then took another sip.
“It’s always been ours,” the man in the blue suit agreed.
“You’ve never made your own decisions,” the man in white concurred.
“Well I’m making one now! I’m leaving you behind!” John shouted as he walked out of the coffee shop.
“Weirdo…” the Starbucks employee commented to herself as she continued to lean on the counter. She had watched John scream at his empty table for the last minute or two, not that she cared much. A moment later she heard a car ignition start and the sound of rubber and gravel spinning as John peeled out from the gravel lot.
The three continued to sit at the table. The man in white looked to the man in blue. “Should we go after him?”
“After we finish our tea,” the man in the blue suit stated.
The man in the simple clothes nodded in agreement.
John wiped the sweat from his forehead as he continued to drive blindly in the night. He didn’t know where he was going, but one thing he did know. He had to get away from there.
“…Okay, I guess I’ll see you at 6:00 Friday? Uh huh…Great…Goodnight, Nicole.” Jason pushed the button on his cordless phone. He then pushed it again and dialed another number.
After a few moments he pushed the button again. “Where is he? He told me to call after the mall closed, but that was an hour ago and he’s still not home. I guess I’ll try to reach him tomorrow,” Jason said out loud.
He then pulled a small piece of paper out of his pocket and began to dial the phone again. After a few moments the other side picked up. A masculine voice answered. “Hello?”
“Um, hello. Is…Matty Hayes there?” Jason asked.
The other side was quiet. “How did you get this number?” the voice asked.
“Oh I’m sorry. She doesn’t know me, but I was the man attacked in the mall parking lot yesterday. I just wanted to thank her for getting help so quickly and for helping the police,” Jason explained.
A sigh of relief was heard through the phone. “Oh…okay. Well, um…she’s not home right now. But I’ll pass along the message,” the voice said.
“Oh…OK. Well, when you do, can you give her this number and have her call me? I really wanted to thank her personally,” Jason asked.
“I’ll see what I can do,” the voice responded.
After Jason gave his phone number to the man, he hung up the phone. Jason stretched a little and decided that he needed some much deserved sleep.
Matt Atanian placed his phone on the cradle. He looked at the note in his hands and folded in and placed it in his pocket. His mother ten walked into the kitchen. “Who was on the phone, calling so late?” his mother asked. “Oh…it was a wrong number,” Matt answered and then to his room to retire for the evening.
To be concluded...
Jason's After Story Notes
Ahhh…another installment of Perspectives done and finished. I can’t believe how this story is writing itself. It’s kinda amazing how this started as a semi pure comedy, and now it’s come to this. Well. I’ve decided that the next part will be the final installment. Don’t worry, I promise to try to tie off every loose end. Ok…? Ok, I guess it’s time for a preview of the next and final chapter of Perspectives…
How will it all end? What will happen to our lovable clerk, the luckiest and unluckiest man in the universe? Our runaway goddess with dark forces out against her? The man whose own mind has turned against him? Is there a dark presence that binds them together? Will Jason’s Dream Date turn into another nightmare? Can John Escape himself? Can Fenny discover the forces against her before it’s too late? Most, if not all these questions will be answered in Perspectives from the Food Court V: The Final Perspective.
Oh, and if anyone was ever wondering, The incident with the racial slur in part 2 is based off a real life experience. I will not repeat what was said, but I wish to say that Prejudice and Racism are both evil things that have no place in our society.
Well, it’s now time for my favorite part of any of these stories, Matt’s own little perspective on Perspectives…
How will it all end? What will happen to our lovable clerk, the luckiest and unluckiest man in the universe? Our runaway goddess with dark forces out against her? The man whose own mind has turned against him? Is there a dark presence that binds them together? Will Jason’s Dream Date turn into another nightmare? Can John Escape himself? Can Fenny discover the forces against her before it’s too late? Most, if not all these questions will be answered in Perspectives from the Food Court V: The Final Perspective.
Oh, and if anyone was ever wondering, The incident with the racial slur in part 2 is based off a real life experience. I will not repeat what was said, but I wish to say that Prejudice and Racism are both evil things that have no place in our society.
Well, it’s now time for my favorite part of any of these stories, Matt’s own little perspective on Perspectives…
Jason's Favorite Part of the Story
It’s your favorite part, is it, Jason-kun? Oh, the pressure!
Well, first off there was one bit of this story that seemed a bit out of character for me, but I couldn’t quite think of a way to fix it so I left it. Basically, I don’t think Matty Hayes would give her number out. She’d probably tell the cops she didn’t have a phone and just give them Mike’s number or Aaron’s number and tell them they could leave a message with Mike or Aaron. But it’s just a minor point, so never mind and I’ll shut up about it now.
Speaking of the cops… it sure makes sense for them to publish a sketch of the only witness to a crime when the dangerous perpetrators are still at large, doesn’t it? That’s sure one way to protect the public. ^_^
I must commend Jason on what a superb person he is. I hope that if I ever wake up with multiple injuries (including a concussion) after being drugged up with sedatives and painkillers that I am coherent enough within minutes of gaining consciousness that I can hold intelligent, well thought out debates with people.
Also, if I ever get seriously hurt, I hope I get sent to this neat-o hospital with such a friendly staff who all insist that you call them by their first name. (This applies to the friendly officer Stan as well.)
Jason managed to slip in a reference to his fictional masterwork: Anime Deathmatch. The hosts of WDF’s “Monday Night Madness” were none other then Anime Deathmatch’s co-hosts.
How does Bill apear in Jason’s dream when the two have never met? The answer: “SHUT UP, MATT!!!”
Last on my list of friendly criticism… is it just me, or does everyone in Jason’s world have to smirk at least 42½ times a day?
Well, I for one look forward very much to the final Perspectives. I hope that it’s not as final as it sounds. If we’re lucky, perhaps in the future Jason will be willing to revisit the Perspectives universe once again some day.
One final message directed towards our online readers (which is undoubtedly 99% of the people who will read this story): the delay between part III and this one is not at all Jason’s fault. The blame lies solely with Mike Quadrozzi. (Actually it probably lies more with me, but it’s fun to blame Mike.) I had decided to do one super-mega-big-huge update when part 13 is ready, and had to wait for Mike to finish writing it. As it is, since Mike took so bloody long, I ended up not waiting after all... Oh, well...
Well, first off there was one bit of this story that seemed a bit out of character for me, but I couldn’t quite think of a way to fix it so I left it. Basically, I don’t think Matty Hayes would give her number out. She’d probably tell the cops she didn’t have a phone and just give them Mike’s number or Aaron’s number and tell them they could leave a message with Mike or Aaron. But it’s just a minor point, so never mind and I’ll shut up about it now.
Speaking of the cops… it sure makes sense for them to publish a sketch of the only witness to a crime when the dangerous perpetrators are still at large, doesn’t it? That’s sure one way to protect the public. ^_^
I must commend Jason on what a superb person he is. I hope that if I ever wake up with multiple injuries (including a concussion) after being drugged up with sedatives and painkillers that I am coherent enough within minutes of gaining consciousness that I can hold intelligent, well thought out debates with people.
Also, if I ever get seriously hurt, I hope I get sent to this neat-o hospital with such a friendly staff who all insist that you call them by their first name. (This applies to the friendly officer Stan as well.)
Jason managed to slip in a reference to his fictional masterwork: Anime Deathmatch. The hosts of WDF’s “Monday Night Madness” were none other then Anime Deathmatch’s co-hosts.
How does Bill apear in Jason’s dream when the two have never met? The answer: “SHUT UP, MATT!!!”
Last on my list of friendly criticism… is it just me, or does everyone in Jason’s world have to smirk at least 42½ times a day?
Well, I for one look forward very much to the final Perspectives. I hope that it’s not as final as it sounds. If we’re lucky, perhaps in the future Jason will be willing to revisit the Perspectives universe once again some day.
One final message directed towards our online readers (which is undoubtedly 99% of the people who will read this story): the delay between part III and this one is not at all Jason’s fault. The blame lies solely with Mike Quadrozzi. (Actually it probably lies more with me, but it’s fun to blame Mike.) I had decided to do one super-mega-big-huge update when part 13 is ready, and had to wait for Mike to finish writing it. As it is, since Mike took so bloody long, I ended up not waiting after all... Oh, well...