The Writers' Circle

Chapter One
	"Life is full of many marvelous happenings. I remember that very day when you taught me that dear. Your hair was in a long braid that eased down the middle of your back and the way your face glowed as if an angel herself was sharing your embrace. There was no where else I would have rather been the day you received your project acceptance letter you had awaited long for. I do remember many times when you and I sat down together. Those nights seemed very quiet when we cuddled one another tightly while looking up at the stars that sparkled so. The moon still shines brightly on the boat we have built together. Although it still requires a few fixings here and pick-me-ups there. 
	Things have not been the same since you have not been by my side dear, for over, what is it, oh yes two years now. Missing you terribly has caused me to delay and I do apologize for that. I seem to have lost the urge to finish our boat, my dear. It seems only yesterday when I first bumped into you, seventy-three years ago. You were only sixteen at the time but your age never changed your beauty. Anyone who spoke differently did not know your kind heart. It is funny how the bikes have changed since then. Now both tires are the same size instead of the huge front tire versus the tiny back tire but  boy were those the good old days. I saw Peter today. He has gotten so big, the little squirt with bright red curls in his hair. He told me a long story about how he was learning his abc's in his preschool. How he likes a little boy who plays with him in the sandbox. He is such a joy to see around now and again. Things these days have changed much since you left except for our boat, she was the only thing we were able to create together. I know I want to finish her for you my dear but nothing is the same. When I get ready to work on her without you by my side. Of course she was the pride that held our bond between us strong. How you treasured the planks when we first decided on building her. She was and still is our baby. 
	The sky is very blue today. I remember the way you would stop whatever chore you would take upon yourself to do and look up at the clear blue sky. Here is a little secret I should have shared with you long ago. I did notice the way your face softened as you gazed upward with your curious blue eyes that twinkled like stars. Even though you never mentioned it aloud I could tell that your thoughts were filled with questions. I hope you have found the answers to them. Maybe you can share them with me someday when we reunite again. It sure is funny how I have come to visit you with so much to talk about everyday for the last two years when I could find nothing to say before you had gone away. That I apologize for as well, my dear beloved wife. I miss you terribly. Nights are so long with quick naps that only last until dreams of our boat fill my head once more. Without you all the happiness has drained away slowly turning me into a grump. I barked at a young boy who ran over your flowerbed with his fancy street bike the other day but I have already told you that. Remember when I would remain calm in the old days and shrug away the mishaps, it was because of you. I knew your love for life and all children were more important then inanimate objects. It was your loving nature that helped me through the tough times in our life. I still keep loving you more with every passing day. I wait for that one day to come when I will be laid next to you in an everlasting rest by your side. The only words I say are spoke to you, even Peter got the silent treatment as I made a perfect listener to his exciting stories. 
	Missy, your ball of fur still lives and will probably outlive me. Maybe the rubbish about a cat having nine lives is true. Yesterday she managed to jump into the toilet after I flushed Lucky good bye. Yesterday morning I found Lucky belly up in his filthy fish tank. My dear, I believe my memory is worsening because he died from being overfed. Well any how Missy jumped in after him while it was flushing. She was trying to catch our dead goldfish and ended up getting stuck head first clogging up the toilet. With a little bit of my help she was free but I do not recall seeing her at all today. She is probably staying hidden to keep clear of water. I laughed hard enough for tears to roll down my old wrinkled face. If only you were there to share that moment of dumbfounded greed. I do not like to admit this sort of thing but she has been the best company since missing you consumes me. I am glad I kept her. Little Billy Junior wanted her but I knew his intentions were none too good. His parents need to spend more quality time teaching him how to fish and such. I fear the worse is far from over as each year passes. He grows older with a dark chip on his shoulder. Oh, how time always passes when I come to visit. I do hate to go but the sun will not wait on me to set and I know how you worry about my failing eyesight in the dark. Until tomorrow my dear, I love you so my beloved wife. Always know that I think of you. Oh, here are some nice flowers from Peter. He is a good boy but something ails him. No worrying now. I will sleep well enough through the night."  



Chapter 2
	I watched quietly from behind an old oak tree as the old man bowed slightly then walked away with soreness in his step. Hard years seemed to wear down his fragile body. About three weeks ago I had moved here but not by choice. I was in no hurry to meet new people and definitely not in the mood to make any friends. This town is a total drag, everyone waving and speaking their salutations. For a trouble maker, there is no trouble to get into even though that was the main reason behind my mom choosing to move. Although the other day I took an old lady's wheel chair and rode in it down a steep winding dirt road only to crash at the bottom in a water trench. The old lady just giggled when she told me she was used to her own grandchildren taking her good old chair for a ride now and again. If there was trouble I was sure to find it. That was a sure thing ever since my old man walked away, never taking that second glance back. For seventeen years mom moved me around from town to town, to get away from the people I enjoyed tormenting. This time she left Nevada entirely to move to a podunk town somewhere in Montana to work with the elderly and disabled. 
	After the old man walked away from the bench, I could not help but put my nose into his business. Just a few feet away next to a shrubbery bush was a mangled soda pop can that was overstuffed with dandelions. The old man must have lost his marbles, talking to a shrubbery bush just up the hill from the lake. Leaning with one hand positioned on the armrest of the bench I nearly fell on my face. I realized at the last second that the bench rocked smoothly like a porch swing. I wanted to kick the darn thing from frustration but instead took a seat like I owned the entire bench and some. The sight that slowly laid out before me was amazing, something I had never witnessed before. 	Flocks of seagulls played among the breeze drifting above the many thick trees that shadowed the far side of the glistening lake. Trees of all types carpeted the outskirts of the lake hiding the huge cabins nestled within them. A narrow sandy beach was all that separated the dark water from deep thick green. On the other side of the lake was the town and a big dock where many boats rested of all sizes and types. Sailboats gently rocked in harmony creating a blanket of colors among the company of the other boats. 
	Between the dock and where I was sitting, echoed laughter and splashing. I moseyed on over to see what the commotion was. On the other side of the hill was a private part of the lake, blocked off like a pool. In the middle of the gully was a huge water playground, equipped with slides and swings. The whole works just floating off shore including a couple of tube slides. Just watching the small kids play looked like a lot of fun. I hate to admit it, but for a moment I wanted to join in just to explore such a joyful feeling. Startled by the public gardener, I lost my footing and rolled down the grassy hill landing with a giant splash into the lake just a few feet from the floating playground. While I was splashing like a drowning idiot, warm arms pulled me out of the two feet of water that felt like ten feet of gloomy terror. 
	Small kids gathered around me laughing, "Now kids he is a good example of why I am your life guard and this is how I save a person's life. Tracy did I answer your question about what my job is?" When I looked up I saw a girl in braces, braids and glasses sitting next to me, staring at the kids. "Yes Miss Monica. Is he dead?" Questioned a little girl with a head full of bright red ringlets. She giggled as she spoke. "No I'm not dead. Where am I anyways?" I stood up managing to wipe wet sand off the back of my sagging pants. "You're at the Kids Klub, a preschool slash daycare for children. My name is Monica Goren. I'm a life guard out here and one of the teachers when I go back inside the school. What is your name and why were you rolling down that hill?" I wanted to tell her to mind her own business but after listening to the old man earlier I had other things I wanted to focus on. Plus, if she was like everyone else in this pitiful town she would just be friendly. My tolerance for friendly people has nearly run out. 
	"Ethan Hunter. I tripped." I did not want to tell her I had been spooked by a gardener. "Well," she said, "it is a pleasure to meet you. If you don't mind hanging around for another few minutes I will gladly walk you out the front gate, unless you would rather leave the way you came?" Her smile seemed to smother laughter about my little falling incident. "I can wait. So what is there to do around here?" She smiled again making it very hard not to make fun of her 'geek' look. "How about I tell you after I get the kids inside. Come on kids you know the routine, shower and get changed. Your families will be here soon to pick you all up." 
	A little hesitant, I followed her and the kids into the sliding doors of the massive log cabin. Inside, the air conditioner was blowing and goose bumps instantly skimmed the surface of my chilled skin. Without hesitation, I tapped my foot so 'Miss Monica' would know I had my own business to get to. Although I really did want to know the answer to my previous question. 
	Hanging on the wall behind the counter I was leaning against was a big black and white photo inside of an old wooden frame. From the looks of it, the picture and it's frame had taken years of rest and dust build up upon that wall. In the picture stood a handsome young couple in front of this log cabin. The woman's grin seemed to brighten up the photo even with it being colorless, almost like she had accomplished something amazing. The man had his hat respectively placed with his right hand to his chest. He stood tall with a proud smile among his broad face. 
	"Ok Ethan, are you ready to be escorted through the front gate? It is a good walk so I will have enough time to spill all the fun secrets of things to do around here. Sound good?" She had teal bands on her braces that I had not noticed before or she was just standing closer than she had earlier. "About time," I replied "this cabin is too homely for the likes of me. Who is the couple?" I pointed at the picture behind the counter. "The Evans," she answered "I don't know a whole lot of their story but I do believe the woman was the founder of this preschool slash daycare many years ago. Her husband supported her in everything she had set high hopes on. That is about all I was told. So are you bored? Is that why you want to know what fun things there are to do around this town?" If her question was not annoying enough she wrapped her arm around mine and tried skipping. My patience had worn so thin that I could not take no more of this friendly behavior. "Why are you so happy and friendly? Everyone in this town must be on something because I had never seen so much. friendliness and what is this arm in arm thing?" I snapped at her loud enough I'm sure all the kids heard from inside the cabin. She smiled hiding another laugh, "Why are you so gloomy and mad? You need to relax and enjoy yourself, what is the point of living if you won't enjoy it. By the way people around here enjoy water sports, dirt races, and anything outdoors. People in this valley have nothing to feel bad about. Look around you everything needed is right here. Well here is the gate. If you get lost there is plenty of people who will offer the help. See you around." She smiled and skipped gleefully back to the cabin. For her information I enjoyed being gloomy, that is the only lesson my old man taught me before he walked away.
	"Where have you been Ethan?" Mom demanded as soon as I entered the house. "How many times do I have to tell you to leave a note? I like this town, everyone is so friendly. I do not have the funds nor the energy to move again. So try to get used to this and make friends. Ok, buddy? Oh by the way I got you a summer job. You start in the morning at the Kids Klub preschool." If only I had my punching bag. There would be no better time then now to use it. "So where have you been?" Her hand was placed sternly on her hip as she waited on my response. Even with the disgusted look she had received from me just seconds ago, her smile stayed pasted on her thin face. "Well, I'm just glad you're home before it got too dark. Supper will be ready in fifteen if your feeling up to eating something. At seven thirty in the morning I will drop you off at the Kids Klub." Annoying anger grew as my stomach growled. I did not feel up to eating but I did have goodies stashed away for times like this. Nothing a sardine kipper snack with saltines could not fix.  





Chapter 3
'BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.' as my alarm sounded. I knew my morning was not going to start well. What with having to spend the whole day working with an overly cheerful girl. Maybe she will call in sick, ha, that's not my luck. As always it never takes more then a minute for me to get dressed. Just throw on yesterday's clothes and groom the shoulder length mop that I have for hair with a swift hand, nothing to it. Ah, and for the teeth brushing area, a little mouth wash that should do it. "Ethan come eat, honey. In fifteen minutes we are taking off." What is with the cheeriness? Mom is usually the last person to be happy first thing in the morning. 
	"I'll just walk there." I suggested as her smile was still pasted on her thin face that seemed to be glowing. Odd. "Are you sure about that Ethan? Can I trust that you will make it there and not wonder off?" She questioned in a curious voice. "I ran across that place yesterday." I mentioned. OH no, the look on her face let loose her next reply. "Yeah, I heard about the tumbling accident. Well, you better get if you are going to make it by seven thirty. Please be safe honey." I could not leave quick enough. How could she?  That Monica is going to hear about this when I see her next. "These should come in very handy." I snickered as I snatched up my little bag filled with special tricks and pranks. On the way I stopped at a water hydrant close to the bench and shrubbery bush. The old man had returned. From the looks of how he sat down, we must have arrived at about the same time. I had two water balloons...well half water and half Tabasco sauce, when my curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to hear what he was saying to the bush this time and because it's none of my business. Leaving my bag of tricks and two filled balloons just within reach, I resumed my spot back behind an old oak tree to listen once more.
     "Good morning sweets. I was going through some of the cupboards this morning because I think there are a few mice moving in since Missy is still absent. Well in one of the cupboards I found a small tin box. I bet you'll never guess what was carefully preserved within it. I remember it still to this day when we were roaming the streets of Paris. You were so shocked that we could afford the trip but it was well worth going. The best part of that trip was when you spotted them tiny figurines dancing in a display window of a shop that sold miniature arts. Oh how your face glowed when you looked at the display of snow globes. At that very moment I knew what the best gift I could give you that year was. Although it was shortly after the news that we were unable to have children you made the best of the holidays. When you opened the rose decorated tin and saw five tiny snow globes, I don't recall you looking more beautiful then you did. It was a sight for sore eyes, it was. I knew there was no one else I could possibly love more then I loved you and still love you. I should have told you then what I am telling you now but I know your listening. That night was when we decided to build a boat, our boat. She is covered and waiting to be finished but she is still our most cherished symbol. 
     I went out to the docks for a few minutes and guess what is still awaiting our boat? The reserved spot we had paid for two and half years ago. Her name, Lilly Pads, is still clear as the day Mr. Jones had put that plaque there for you my dear. Our cabin is well used and backed by a good reputation just like you wanted it my dear. I stopped in to say hi but only made it to this bench. There is not very many things I can do without you here. When I think about all the things we have done together, they have been major accomplishments. Even the trees are still here from the very first planting of trees we did with all them little children. Well, I can not say they are children anymore. It's been twenty five years since that first day we opened that place up for services and the outcome has defiantly benefited many families in this town. It's a shame not more people have what you did my dear. Your kindness and your open mind touched many folks even to this day. Well, I hate to go dear, I always have. I need to find Missy, I'm starting to miss that darn cat. My dear, do not fret I will return before the sun sets for an update."
     He really believed he was talking to someone when it was only a shrubbery. I do not think I will ever understand some people and their gibber jabber. Now back to my plans of revenge. Nothing is more annoying then a person not keeping things to themselves. With five minutes left to spare I can finish about five more balloons. This may be the most fun I will experience since the move. First plan of attack, a good old fashion whoopee cushion. Nothing like the toots to brighten ones spirits. When I made my entrance into the cabin, there were children of all ages running around like crazy hooligans this way and that way. Already I wanted to disappear but something had caught my eye in the far corner. A little boy sat alone placing blocks onto one another forming an impressive colorful castle. He placed little figurines from a miniature farm next to him around the castle he had just completed. As I watched him play out some mystic fantasy, a memory from my past crept slowly back into my mind. I was once that little boy playing alone, creating my own world when my drunken dad would roll his empty whiskey bottle into my blocks hard enough that it would shatter upon impact. Glass flew every where even slicing deep gashes into my arms and legs. It was me he blamed for irritating him and I would have to clean up his mess, mom never defended me when I needed her the most. With the return of my gloomy cloud I shook off the memory but was no longer in the mood to stay in such a cheery place. I dashed through the back door that lead out to the lake but was hit by something heavy and filled with warm liquid that stung my eyes. From the left of me I heard some giggling and knew right away that it was Monica. "What was that?" I snarled at her. She just laughed apparently she was not one whose sunny days could be clouded very easily. "Well...." She replied through a big smile "I sort of forgot to mention that most of the fun around here is harmless pranks. I sure did get you Mr. pouty pants. There is nothing better then a fresh lemonade filled balloon to start of the day. Before long you will be smiling too." She skipped back inside the cabin. I wonder if she will still be happy after my Tabasco balloons? In the entrance of all the classroom doors was a wooden sign that had the teachers name on it and a big "WELCOME". I found Monica's classroom and with luck it was completely emptied of kids. Her chair had cushions on it which made my prank much more easier to do. I placed the full whoopee cushion under the soft fabric. I wanted to make sure the fabric was not too thick so I sat on it to give it a try and found I had an awful stingy pain in my rear. When I stood there was a sun shaped pin cushion sticking to my butt. If my pants were thinner it would have really hurt. 
      Caught red handed, a well tanned girl about eighteen waltz briefly into the classroom. I froze in place, her elegant beauty stopped my very heart beat as I watched her speed over to the desk. She must not have been paying attention and ran right over me toppling me to the colorful carpet. She was not skinny like a bean pole by all means so a great amount of breath was knocked out of me. "Whoa! Sorry I did not see you standing there. Are you ok?" With tolerated patience, I waited for her to stand to her feet before I stood. With a quick tug she pulled the pin cushion from my rear. "Yeah." I replied as I felt my cheeks grow warm. "Darn she did not sit down yesterday. Why did I find you with the pins? Do you not know that you are a prank ruiner? Oh well..." After shaking her head she rushed over to the chalk board and switched out one of the dry erase markers. "Well, that ought to be quite amusing." Without so much as another word she rushed back out the door. Obviously she ran over someone in the hallway from the sounds of the wounded person. "Gloria, I tell you I do not understand your obsession with your cushion. You both are crazy." The male voice sounded annoyed as he spoke his words. "Daniel, Monica deserves every prank I can pull on her, you do remember what she did last year and do not dare repeat it." Loud chimes sounded and many little kids ran into the room giving me no warning or escape route. Not paying attention as I ran out the door, I tripped over Gloria. If the first time was not funny this time was defiantly a mood destroyer. "Why are you in my way this morning? I have enough to do without you getting in my way. So beat it buddy or you will be next on my list." Before she could get away again I reached out and caught her quick hand. "Now wait a minute, if I recall you were the first one to run over me. If you were not in such a hurry or if you paid a little more attention to what is in front of you rather then what is over your shoulder we would not have this problem." Before I could finish my rather suave introduction she yanked her hand away mine and glared a gruesome stare, "You listen, I do not care to know anything about you and as far as I am concerned you are in MY way." Again she ran off glancing over her shoulder once more and to no surprise ran over another person. "You would think she would learn." Slightly startled I looked at Monica, who held the dry erase marker and the pin cushion in her hand with an ear to ear grin. "She can not catch up to me, I'm the queen of pranks around here. For 25 years I have ruled this town ok it is actually 18 years I can not really count my first seven years of life now can I?" She did not look near 25 years old, she only seemed 19 at the most. "In five years you will have 30 years under your belt and yet you look barely 20?" She grinned again but in her hazel eyes I could see a flash of pain. "When I get to know you better maybe we can ask personal questions, right. Well, off to class." There she goes skipping again, now that I know more about her, I do believe she has lost her mind too. As if the whole class was suddenly given laughing gas, a burst of laughter had came from Monica's classroom. "Alright! Someone finally got Ms. Monica with a good old fashion prank." An older boy, about twelve with a head of dark ringlets spoke while standing and starting a clapping "We will, we will rock you," chorus. I grinned from ear to ear, my day could get better but at this moment I was completely satisfied. I got Monica before her cousin could, what an accomplishment. Now for the Tabasco balloons. 












Chapter 4

	"I'm sorry love, that darn cat still has not returned home. She may be were you are and I know you will keep watch. Oh how I remember that special day you picked her out on Valentines not so long ago. You had the all those kids in a fret chasing after them scared kittens. Although I almost had forgotten that it was the motorized mouse filled with catnip that the kittens were chasing. Everyone who attended left with full aching stomachs. But if I do recall I think it was the laughing that caused the aches in their tummies. I miss you terribly, even in your aging you still could keep people laughing. 	You know, I hear that some of the teachers still keep the harmless pranks going. It sure has become a tradition in the program. I ran into one of them the other day, the Goren's I do believe. I do not think she will ever be the same after. oh I forgot I found your old scrapbook. It was behind the cupboard, must have fell back there some time ago. You would not have recognized it with all the dust build up on it. It was a bugger to clean but Windex always does the trick and leaves it sparkling clean. Although our picture with Lily Pads was missing from the from slot on the cover. I do wish I could find it. That was the whole reason for looking for that old thing. I had a nightmare last night that I had forgotten how you look and your beautiful smile.
	Jack came by the other day, he is the new owner of the lumber yard now. I sure was happy to hear about that. Well, he wanted to know if I needed anymore supplies for our boat. I could not bring myself to even thinking of working on her again. All I had to say to him was that he had better things to do then pester me. Trying to sound cheery almost took all the energy I had. Laughing the other day at your ball of fur put me right to sleep. Guess I'm not what I used to be. Dr. Neathers was really a bother the other day when I went to my appointment. He mentioned the 'n' word again because I'm not keeping up on my depressing pills. There is probably a lot I am meaning to say but I'm plum tuckered out dear. Looking for Missy has just worn me out. I sure wish I could find that picture of us, I really yearn to look at it. Always know I love you dearly and that this is only bye for now. Until next time my love."
	For the first time in, well, forever this elderly man begun pulling on my heart strings. He even seemed to look pale as he stood. Only a few wobbly steps, I knew what was about to happen next. Before he hit the ground I raced from behind the tree and caught him. "Help! This old man needs some help, call 911 or something, anyone." Panic hit me like a ton of bricks. "Hey old man are you dead? Please say you are not dead, at least not all the dead." I held in my breath to listen to his breathing if he was even breathing at all. Suddenly he became very heavy in my arms as I held him just inches above the ground. When I looked at his face for some sign of life his eyes opened very quickly and I nearly dropped him. "Kid, stop screaming I'm not dead yet and I'm certainly not deaf." He closed his eyes again and I swore at that moment I was going to lay off the horror movies for a while. 
	"Kid what is your name? Mine is Jake Trevor. Let me help you with him. First we need to lay him down." He was a tall well tanned athletic looking man with dark brown eyes. His Shaggy and Scooby doo t-shirt caught my attention. I felt ashamed of myself when the green and brown colors made me want some chocolate mint ice cream. "Snap out of it kid I need you hear with me. The ambulance is on it's way. What is your name?" He said as he snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Ethan. Hey are you the gardener?" For a second I wanted to take back my question but he looked familiar. "Yes and if you would like I will tell everyone who knows about your tumbling incident that I scared you right off the side of the hill. It was quite a sight from where I had been standing. From the look on your face seconds before you . I mean I had scared you. It seemed like you wanted to join the others anyway. So you work there then, do you teach or something?" I gave him the most scouling look I could conjure up as an answer to his question. "Mind your own business will ya." His expression stayed the same, a friendly grin. "I really don't understand you people and your friendliness. As far as I'm concerned you can keep it to yourselves." 
	Loud ambulance sirens sounded as they parked just a few feet from where Jake and I had been tending to the elderly man. About four of them hustled out of the vehicle, two running in our direction and the other two getting equipment out of the back. A blonde woman with hazel eyes looked at me and asked, "Are you ok Jake said he saw you catch him as he fell your quite the hero." A thick strand of hair fell softly from her short pony tail. "I'm not a hero I just saw him fall that's all. Now that you guys are hear I need to get to work." I knew that they were eyeballing me as I walked away but for one thing I am not a kid and for two I'm not the kind of person to be making friends.      




Chapter 5

	"So you skipped out on work, I see. Mr. Evans had a heart attack but because you were there it was not as bad as it could have been. Mr. Evans told the doctor that you screamed the life back into him. I was going to keep that to myself but he spilled the beans. Good luck keeping your 'I'm in no mood for you' attitude because your badass reputation has two strikes against it." Jake stated. "Oh, just leave me alone I have enough issues of my own with out having to deal with you." He stood as I did and kicked at a pile of sticks. "Ethan is it, well I used to be just like you and I have had my fair share of history too." I knew my mom could not just leave it alone. "I have nothing to talk about." I spoke roughly as I was heading on my way to the Kid's Klub. "I'm going to go out on a limb right now to share little about myself with you. If you don't like what I tell you then be on your way." I stopped in my tracks. I always liked budding into others business or maybe I just made that up. I resumed my seat back on the bench as Jake leaned up against a blue spruce. 
	"The last seven years of my life have been haunting me and I would like to share it with a complete stranger and you look like you need to get some stress out as well. So, here it goes. When I was eighteen, now you are what about sixteen or seventeen, right?" I nodded in response to his question. I certainly knew how old I was and he almost hit bulls eye. I'll give him that much credit. "It was late at night when my girlfriend and I were driving to Las Vegas to get married in front of Elvis himself or as many would say. We had been drinking energy drinks and taking the five hour energy pills just to stay up. I had promised who I would get her there when she could see the most active time of the city. Maybe even hit a few casinos here and there. I had reserved a nice honeymoon sweet a few months in advance. With all the excitement running through my system I could not concentrate on more then one thing at a time. No matter how much I loved her I was taken by complete surprise when she had mentioned she was pregnant. We had our wholes lives in front of us. 
	One thing was for sure that I wanted to spend it with her. Believe me when that love bug crawls up your sleeve you'll do anything for her." He went silent as if he was reliving his memories. He became pale and clammy looking. "Hey dude you ok?" Jake shook his head. "I did not see the semi in time as if I had phased out when she told me that. Can you believe this she reached for the wheel to try and save our lives. I just froze. I woke up in the hospital with her parents glaring down at me. They didn't exactly like me. They never told me what happened to her. She was born and raised here but I was born and raised in Nevada. A little trouble maker myself, caught up in a bad crowd stealing and into selling illegal narcotics. She was the one who turned my life around. I'm sure you don't want to get into that just about now." His story surprisingly left me with a few questions I needed answers for.
	"So you have been here since then?" He jolted his head as if he expected me to reply differently. "Last year I heard she was a preschool teacher but I have checked all the schools. No such luck though. Well, Ethan I will catch you later I need to get these fagits picked up." His laugh echoed through the dimming light. "Look it up in the dictionary it really isn't a bad word as people think." He hopped on his tracker and went over the piles of sticks. After all the cracking and crunching noises all that remained was freshly cut grass. If there was anything I had learned over the past few days it was that friendly people need a push in the right direction. "That's it!" As the sun faded behind the mountain side leaving behind golden rings around the darkened clouds. Red and orange colors danced gracefully across the faded twilight of blue tapestry in the big sky. I made up my mind, I was going to help Mr. Evans. 
	"Hi dear, how was your day?" Mom asked with open arms. "It was ok, I'll be in my room if you need me." I could not run up the stairs fast enough as I was making a list of things I needed to write down in my mind. "Well, actually honey I do need you." She yelled up at me. "Later mom, I'm busy."  I replied regretting that I had opened myself up for a chance to be needed. What were the odds, fifty-fifty? "Ok well when you are no longer busy will you come sit down with me? I have something I would like to talk to you about." I could hear the hurt in her voice. For a second I wanted to go talk to her but the moment passed quickly as thoughts returned of my dad. "Good Luck boy, you're going to need it." His last glimpse was at her. Tears still teased the corners of my eyes when figments of memories passed occasionally through my mind. Hatred returned as I shook away his fading face. Kicking a few piles of clothes helped remind me of what I was in the hurry for in the first place. On a checkered note pad, I jotted down the few items that I could remember from Mr. Evans speeches to the bush. At the bottom of the uncompleted list in bold letters 'Keep eye out for cat' Mr. Evans would most likely be released tomorrow or the next day so I need to look for the tin with snow globes and the pictures. "Well, I better find that cat so I don't resort to breaking in and entering." I muttered softly to myself. 
	"Hey, Evan can you take a minute and sit here with me?" Oh I forgot about mom needing to talk. Selective hearing came in handy until she said "I heard about your little hero moment. Would you like to talk about how everyone is impressed by you being there for that poor elderly man?" Shrugging her off has not been so easy since we moved. "It was nothing mom. Hey I can I make a rein check, I'm got something I need to do before Mr. Evan is released." She smiled at me as she waved. "Ok dear it is a rein check." 

















Chapter 6

	As I closed the door behind me I noticed something I never paid much attention to before. There were so many stars in the night sky with a thumbnail shaped moon. 'RRRRROOOOWWWWLLLLL' Startled to the point of collapsing due to stepping on the tail of what I assumed was a cat. I dusted myself off once again from a stumbling incident. This time I laughed a little because I knew no one else was watching to laugh at me. "Nice fall Evan, you sure are making a habit of being spooked." Then again I was wrong. Stepping out from behind an old aspen was Monica. "You better not tell anyone about this one like you did last time." Heat warmed my reddening cheeks as I spoke remembering the first time I had met her. "Don't you worry the whole neighbor hood heard your loud wail. Oh and the screech from Mr. Evans cat as well." Where could that darn cat have went now? "Well, as much as I have enjoyed this swearing of words we are having I have a cat to catch." I walked swiftly around the back of the house where I had assumed she had disappeared too. Monica called out, "She likes a can of tuna, just a word to the not so wise." Oh great I don't have any tuna but I remembered the can I sardines I had stuck in my back pocket on my way out. "Thanks" I replied sarcastically. "Oh and beware of .. Well never mind." I could barely make out the words she had just said when suddenly I was hit hard in the stomach. A balloon full of Tabasco sauce had broke all over the crotch part of my jeans. Darn that was my idea. Not only did I look like I had an accident but I smell like a taco too. In some trees just ahead of me was the yowling of a cat. I followed the echoing sounds. On a large boulder in the middle of a clearing in the trees was a dark outline of a cat sitting and cleaning itself. 
	Just as I popped the lid and pulled the tin top off of the sardines while walking. I tripped over a small tree stump and landed face first in a large puddle of watery mud. I did not remember it raining anytime soon but it only took a matter of seconds to realized that the huge animal licking my hair was a cow. I did not even want to think about what I landed in. Where the sardine can had landed was a cat licking and purring. "Missy." If I did not know any better I would have thought she was smirking at me. A potent odor of manure and urine stung the inside of my nostrils as I started to pet her arching back. "Ok girl, we need to get you back home." She purred loudly, echoing in the calm moonlit night. Standing was quite a challenge all on it's own due to clumps of manure weighing down my clothes. Missy's sharp claws dug into my hands as I held her straight out in front of me, walking back through the houses. "Now where is your home?" As I half expected her to answer, "Well, I can point you in the right direction. You know it smells as if you are on more of the spicy side until all that manure." Jake spoke softly as he inhaled a drag off his cigarette. "Yeah, yeah I know. So where does this cat belong." Missy purred loudly again as I had caught myself tickling her. "You're looking at it." He point his thumb over his shoulder at the house he was leaning against. "So you're telling me that Mr. Evans is my next door neighbor?" This was just getting better since I needed to get look for a few things. I raced past Jake as fast as I could walk. With Missy scratching my hands I wanted to through as far as I could but decided against it. 
	As I was about to take a step into Mr. Evans smelly house Jake tapped on my shoulder. "Don't think you can just waltz in there like you own the place. Just because I shared some personal stuff with you earlier don't think I will not stop you by any means necessary." Now this was ridiculous. Snooping around would not be wise in front of Jake at all. "His house smells like old wet newspaper you think manure is going to make a difference? Besides I was just returning his cat." He looked me over curiously. "Come on Jake I'm trying to help him out." With a half satisfied glance he nodded. "You better take them clothes off, your caked in manure. The last thing he would need is to clean up cow patties off his flow. If he is not going crazy already then a pile of manure on his carpet would boarder line him." He was right I would need to strip down to my under shirt and boxers. Or better yet.. "How about you take her in there. It's not like there is anything in for it." He shook his head. "Only on one condition." He held up the list I had made. "You tell me what this is about." Son of a bugger. "Forget it I'll do it myself." As I snatched my list out of his hands, I threw off my flannel shirt. Let my baggy pants that are two sizes too big fall to the ground. Slipped off my shoes still holding onto Missy and went into Mr. Evans house. 
	"Is everything ok in there? Do you have to go through his whole house just to leave the cat in there? It sounds like your crashing into too many things. You know he will notice a broken lamp or picture frame." Jake being sarcastic was getting annoying. I know that a light should be easier then this to find. That will leave a mark. It felt like hitting a brick wall as I ran into a bookshelf of some sort. It stood tall enough that when I stepped, it hit me just under my chin. A five foot book case is dangerous in the dark especially when its not your own home. "I want to make sure she has food and water so she will not leave again." He giggled. Soon after followed hacking and coughing. Tadah! It was about time I had found the light switch. In a way I wished I hadn't. The room I was standing was filled with papers and suitcases large and small. Almost resembled a computer room with an old computer monitor that sat on the floor and an antique writing desk covered in folders and photo albums. Instead the room was being used as a filing cabinet slash store room. "Ding Dong" chimes followed as an old grandfather announced that it was nine o'clock on the dot. Missy scratched and clawed again in my hands as she jumped to the floor. I followed her. She went to her kitty litter box that sat on top of a large card board box that read 'OLD MISCELLANIOUS STUFF' on the side in small bold letters. When Missy had done her business, I put her litter box on the floor next to a stack of old newspaper still tied in a bundle with old rope. The top of the box was not tapped shut. As I lifted it up. "What are you doing snooping in his stuff. I should have trusted my better instincts instead of believing a trouble maker as your self would stick to his word. Can you give me a reason not to turn you in right now?" 
	Dang. I was caught. "Alright I will tell you about the list and why I even bothered with that darn cat. Since I moved here, I have been listening to Mr. Evans talk to a bush everyday as if it was his wife. I don't expect you to believe me." He smiled "Try me." Jake said lighting up another cigarette. "Are you going to smoke in his house?" And to think he had me get out of my clothes. "Well, why not" He replied with a shrug as he pointed to the ash tray filled with cigar butts and a ship shaped smoking tobacco pipe. "Any ways he keeps talking about an unfinished boat. After he was in the ambulance and your story I wanted to help him. You know a push in the right direction. I was going to find the things he talks about and put them next to the bush with an encourages short letter. Maybe if he finishes the boat he would not feel as bad. That is if he has the strength to. Now that I told you what are you going to do?" The same sadness I had seen earlier when had told his story showed back up in his eyes but this time he did not turn pale. "Will you something for me? I will help you with whatever you need." Bribery. I guess I could handle another task depending on the size of it. "Ok so this makes us something like pals then?" He smiled as he replied "Yeah, something like that. Would you keep an ear out for Veronica? I can not remember her full name but I think her last name is something like Goren. Just let me know of any news. So what would like me to do?" With much relief, we began our brainstorming as I filled him in on the minor details.        
    

















Chapter 7

	The hospital was built a lot bigger then what I had anticipated for a small town. I was standing in front of a seven story building with two floors of parking that circled around attached to the west wing. The emergency room had a two lane turn around path for the ambulance next to the main entrance. After a few minutes of being a little hesitant to go in and pacing back and fourth seemed like a good way to work off my excess worry. I did not know this man but I felt a strong need to help him by any means necessary. 
	"Mr. Evans you finally have a visitor. What did you do scare them all away? I probably do not have to tell you this but since your wife ." Mr. Evans nurse did not get a chance to finish what she had been waiting to since he had first arrived seven-two hours earlier. "Beatruce, you know that I don't need no visitors. I can do without just like they can do without me." He spoke to his nurse as he stared out his bedroom window. "Mr. Evans? Um. I wanted to, well see how you were feeling." He glanced in my direction and his face seemed gloomy and sad. "Beatruce, this is the youngster you thank for scarring my heart back into beating." He returned his gaze back to the window. "It was nothing sir, I was just in the right place at the right time." I wanted to mention that Missy was ok but decided against it. I had to stick to the plans if I was going keep to my new goals. "Kid, don't take this personally but you are not my hero. I had a one way ride to my dear beloved and well you put a halt on it." Well, that was that. I had nothing more to say. I turned and walked away. Out of his room and continued on out the emergency room doors.