Good Medicine Freshman YearChapter 22 Fallout
- 2 years ago
- 30
- 0
August 24, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio
“Whoa!” I gasped.
“It fits, Mike. And it explains everything that happened afterwards.”
“Mom, Abby exhibits the same behavior. She basically offered to have sex with me when she said hello the first day, and Becky implied Abby has been doing that since she was twelve.”
“Stay out of that Mike. That’s an issue for the van Dorns.”
“Is it? Emmy told me that Abby was here earlier and that Liz and Abby were acting crazy so she left and went home.”
“You think they were doing drugs together?”
“The way Liz was acting? If she wasn’t high on something, she’s in even worse shape than I thought.”
“Is Emmy waiting for you in your car?”
“Yes.”
“Go on your date. Let your dad and me deal with this after dinner. Please stay out until your usual time. You can’t help right now. You CAN help afterwards.”
“Mom...” I pleaded.
“Mike, your dad and I have to handle this. And I’ll speak to Mrs. van Dorn, probably tomorrow evening. Please do NOT try to talk to your friend Becky about this. We have no idea what’s going on.”
I sighed, “OK.”
“You did good, Mike. I mean that. Now let us take the next steps.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Go have fun with Emmy!”
“I’ll try.”
Mom laughed, “You always come home with a smile on your face when you’re with her.”
“I do, don’t I?”
“Yes! Now go!”
I hugged her and went back out to the car, got in, and pulled out of the driveway heading for Ponderosa.
“So?”
“It’s something for my parents to deal with, but she’s going to need both of us once they do. Promise you’ll be there for her?”
“You know I will, Mike! But that Abby girl...”
“I think Mom will deal with that, too. I’m concerned, but my mom was right. I have to wait for them to deal with it.”
“So what are we doing tonight?”
“You only ever want to do one thing these days!” I grinned.
“And you NEVER try anything!”
“I thought you were happy with just kissing for now.”
“Don’t you want to do more?”
“The question is whether you want to.”
“DUH!” she laughed. “What do you think telling you I wanted to have sex meant? If that didn’t make it clear, I’m not sure what would have!”
“Sorry, that’s not what I meant. We kind of talked about limits before and we never talked about them again.”
“You know, you’re right. We did do that. I guess it’s partly my fault.”
“It’s not about fault, it’s about not taking things too far, too fast, especially knowing there are specific limits before your birthday.”
“Yeah,” she sighed.
“Let’s have dinner and worry about making out when we can actually make out!”
“Jackson Lake?”
“Yes. I haven’t taken you there on purpose.”
“Because you didn’t want to imply anything.”
“Exactly.”
“Mike?”
“What?”
“Let’s push a little, please?”
“OK.”
We had our meal at Ponderosa and then headed to Jackson Lake. It wasn’t quite dark out so we mostly cuddled and kissed, despite being in a relatively secluded spot. As the sun sank below the trees and dusk overtook us, our kissing became just a bit more urgent and for the first time, I slipped my hand over Emmy’s small breast. She broke the kiss and sighed deeply, then traced her hand down my side to my hip.
“OK?” she whispered.
“Yes.”
I felt her hand move over my jeans until it rested on my erection. Emmy sucked in her breath as she ran her fingers along its length.
“Mike?” she whispered.
I knew what she wanted and moved my hand from her breast, and gently slid it over her jeans, running my finger along the seam. Emmy gasped and closed her hand softly around my jean-covered shaft and began gently stroking me. I applied a bit more pressure with my finger and Emmy sighed deeply. She moved her hips just a bit and I pulled her to me so we could kiss while we gently stroked each other. That went on for a few minutes, but I knew I had to stop or I was going to have a terrible mess in my pants. I broke the kiss.
“Emmy,” I whispered, “you need to stop or it’ll make a real mess.”
She giggled, “And?”
“And if my mom is up, or I walk you to the door, somebody might figure it out!”
“I could...”
That unspoken offer made me twitch and get even harder. The question was, did we want to do that tonight, at Jackson Lake? Or did we want to save it for her birthday? I had no idea what the correct answer was.
“Is that what you want to do? Now?”
“No! I want you to take my jeans off and put this insanely huge thing inside of me! But we can’t. Not yet. You’ll go to jail!”
“I think I’d go to jail if you did what you suggested before.”
“Argh!” Emmy groaned. “What IDIOT made those laws?”
“The same idiot who didn’t want twenty-four-year-olds having sex with fourteen-year-olds. They made it sixteen. Two months.”
“I’ll die! And you’ll explode!”
Oh I would, later. There was a sock with my name on it at home.
“I think we’ll both be OK,” I soothed. “I can wait if you can.”
“I don’t have a choice, really,” she sighed. “Would you let me touch it?”
“Yes.”
“And would you touch me?”
“Yes.”
I felt her hand slip under the waist of my jeans and her fingers search out the waistband of my briefs. I nearly exploded at the first touch of her fingers but managed, just, to control myself. She traced her fingers along my shaft until she reached the base, then back up to the tip. She giggled and squeezed me once then removed her hand.
“That feels so cool,” she said. “I felt it pulse and it’s soft and hard at the same time.”
I took a few deep breaths to calm down, then slipped my hand under Emmy’s t-shirt. I felt her soft smooth skin, and then a lace bra. Emmy rolled a bit to me.
“Unhook it in the back,” she whispered.
It took me a couple of minutes and several false starts to unhook the three eye-hooks with one hand, but eventually the bra hung loose and I could slip my hand under it to cup her small, firm breast. I ran my finger over her nipple and gently tweaked it between my thumb and forefinger. Emmy moaned softly, so I did it again, then slipped my hand down over her stomach. She sucked in her breath and I pushed down under her jeans and found cotton panties. I gently slipped my fingers under the elastic and encountered soft, curly pubic hair, then extreme heat and copious juices. From my experience with Jocelyn, I knew what to do next, and after running my finger along Emmy’s labia, I carefully put pressure on her clit.
“Oh! Oh! Oh!” she moaned, and then shuddered.
I pulled my hand from her pants and brought my fingers up to my lips. I smelled her strong, coppery scent, and as she watched, I licked her juices from my fingers.
“You like that?” she asked, eyes wide.
I nodded, “It’s better direct from the source.”
“You would?” she gasped.
“Yes.”
“Now I WILL die!” she sighed.
I kissed her softly and then we cuddled together.
“Are you going to be OK?” she asked about ten minutes later.
“Yes,” I said, squeezing my arm around her.
We cuddled and kissed and just before it was time to go home, I gave Emmy another small orgasm. We adjusted our clothes, walked back to the car and I took her home. We exchanged a final kiss on her front porch, and after she went inside I headed home. There were lights on in the house and I walked up to the front door with trepidation, wondering what I might find. I unlocked the door and walked inside.
“Hi,” I said to my mom and dad who were sitting in the living room.
“Hi, Mike,” Mom said. “Did you have a nice time?”
“Yes.”
“Good. We’ll talk in the morning.”
I nodded, “Good night.”
I went upstairs, brushed my teeth, emptied my bladder and then went to my room. As I planned, I got a very soft sock from the drawer, undressed, and got into bed. I imagined what it was going to be like with Emmy three times before I finally fell asleep.
August 25, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio
I was up early on Tuesday morning, and had showered and was dressed when the newspaper arrived at 6:00am. I got it from the front porch and took it to the kitchen to read while the tea steeped. Once it was done steeping, I took a cup and the newspaper out to the patio.
“Morning, Mike,” I heard my mom say.
She came out and sat down with her own cup of tea.
“How is she?” I asked.
“You were right, I think, but she denied it up and down. She said she’d been crying, but I don’t buy it.”
“So, what?”
“I’m concerned about her being alone. You’re going to see Jocelyn today, right?”
“She’s supposed to move out of the ICU today. As soon as Mr. Mills calls, I’ll be on my way. I’d guess I’ll leave no later than 1:00pm.”
“Then I’ll get Liz from work today. I don’t want her here alone until I can talk with Mrs. van Dorn. Are you seeing Becky today?”
“She’s supposed to come over this morning, why?”
“I think you should avoid Abby until I talk with her mom.”
“But Becky is OK?”
“Does she act crazy?”
“No more than any other typical teenage female of the species!” I chuckled.
“Mikhail Petrovich!” Mom scolded, but she was laughing. “Please be serious!”
“Sorry. But I was only half-jesting. She’s pretty normal. Out of sorts from moving, but otherwise, I like her.”
“That was obvious from day one!” my mom laughed. “You aren’t as opaque as you like to think you are!”
“I don’t think I can be from you; we’re too much alike. So what are you going to do?”
“Take Liz to the doctor and have them do a drug test.”
“She’ll have a fit.”
“Be that as it may, it has to be done, and I’m not going to lie to her about it. If she’s clean, she has nothing to worry about.”
“Is that what the lawyer you work for says about letting the cops search your house or car?”
“Don’t be smart with me, Mike. This is not anything like that and you know it.”
“I know. So then what?”
“I guess it depends on what she’s taking and how much. At a minimum she’ll need to see a counselor. I’m afraid she might need treatment.”
“You mean like a clinic?”
“Yes. They can get her off whatever it is she’s taking and hopefully find out what really happened.”
“She’s going to lose it. Completely.”
“Don’t you think she already has? I think so, based on what you said last night. She must have really said something shocking to get you to react the way you did.”
“She did. And I hope you’ll just let it go, please.”
“I want you to tell me, but I won’t force you to.”
“Compromise?” I asked.
“What?”
“I’ll tell her counselor everything.”
“I suppose that will have to do. You’re obviously VERY uncomfortable with what she said. Let me ask this; was it about someone I need to worry about?”
“No. Not at all. Trust me on that, please.”
“You’re sure? I mean absolutely sure?”
She suspected something but I couldn’t decide what it was. I thought about it for a few seconds and my mind reeled. There was NO WAY that had happened. It couldn’t have.
“It wasn’t about Dad,” I said carefully.
“I’m sorry, Mike. But you can’t believe the things people do. Even people you think you know.”
“Mom, this is NUTS,” I said.
“Yes, it is. And those are the questions a counselor is going to ask.”
“Wait! You’ve been through this before!”
She nodded, “Yes. I can’t tell you who with, but it was her father, Mike.”
I bit off the Russian version of ‘Holy shit’ before I said it, fortunately.
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“I need you to answer me completely honestly now. Can you do that?”
“Of course.”
“Did you and your sister EVER play any games where you were naked together? Or touch each other? Or anything like that?”
I didn’t know whether to scream or cry. Even a Russian swear word didn’t fit. I took several deep breaths before I answered.
“No way, Mom! I’ve never seen Liz naked and I have NO desire to!”
“You’re sure about that?”
“Positive! The closest we’ve come to anything like that was when you let her sleep in my bed the other night!”
“In hindsight, perhaps a severe error. Certainly it was bad judgment. I’m sorry Mike, but I had to ask.”
“I know,” I said, shaking my head in utter disbelief.
“Are there any teachers you think might be capable of that kind of thing?”
“I’ve never even heard any rumors like that,” I said. “The only stuff I hear is about the new Freshman English teacher that started last year. She’s twenty-four and smoking hot! But it’s all about the guys who want her, not about her doing anything with them.”
“Every teenage boy’s wet dream,” Mom said. “But a bad idea, nonetheless.”
“Mrs. Robinson?” I grinned.
“When did you see that movie?”
“The UHF station shows old movies all the time. I watched Casablanca with Liz the other night.”
“Don’t get any ideas, Mike. Seriously. Those relationships with huge age gaps are fraught with danger.”
“I do have self-control, Mom.”
“Sorry; I know. I’m just a bit out of sorts about your sister.”
She wasn’t kidding, if she was asking ME if I’d abused Liz, even unintentionally!
“What are you going to do about the rest of the week until you can get her in to see the doctor?”
“I already have a vacation day tomorrow to see you off, so it’ll be fine. I’m going to call the doctor’s office this morning to get her in this afternoon after work if at all possible. Otherwise, tomorrow.”
“How long do the tests take?”
“It can be a week or more. We sometimes have to have clients take drug tests. You know, like if they were busted for possession and are out on bond or on probation or parole. School starts next Monday, and she’ll be working after school. I’ll work out a way to make sure she’s not alone. And you’re going to McKinley as planned. She’ll need you once this all shakes out.”
I sighed, “I doubt she’d listen to me right now, anyway.”
“I agree. I’m going to make breakfast. Remember, stay away from Abby, please.”
“I will. Becky doesn’t like her being around, so that won’t be a problem.”
“And don’t discuss it with Becky, either.”
“I got it, Mom. I promise I’ll let you handle this. I’ve learned my lesson.”
She smiled and went back into the house. I stayed out for a few more minutes, then went inside. My dad and Liz came down for breakfast, and other than a mumbled ‘Good Morning’, Liz didn’t say anything. Just before 8:00am, Nate came to get my car, and then both my parents left for work, leaving me alone in the house. I went up to my room and began organizing the things I was going to take with me to McKinley. I was mostly done when I heard a knock at the front door. I went downstairs and opened it.
“Hi!” Becky said.
“Hi. I have tea ready so we can go in the backyard.”
“Cool!”
We walked to the kitchen where I got the stuff and we went out to the patio. I poured tea for each of us and we sipped.
“I’m bummed you’re leaving tomorrow,” she said. “But my mom did say I could come for breakfast at 5:30am if I wanted to. I just have to be home at 6:00am on the dot.”
“Cool. I’ll make sure I have breakfast ready for then.”
“What are we having?”
“It’s a Wednesday, so I’ll be having fruit and bread. I can make you bacon and eggs.”
“What does Wednesday have to do with anything?”
“If I follow the fasting guidelines, I don’t eat any animal products on most Wednesdays and Fridays.”
“Why?”
“It’s all about self-control and moderation. It helps you think about eating, and understand that food is a blessing from God.”
“I can just have what you’re having.”
“OK. It’s not a big deal, really. It never bothered me to see the other kids eat meat and cheese and stuff at school. It’s just something we do and don’t talk about it much. I only mentioned it because you’re coming for breakfast, and because of the talk we had.”
Her reply was interrupted by the phone. I sprang up and ran inside and answered.
“Hi, Mike. This is Mr. Mills. They’re going to move Jocelyn soon and she can have visitors at 2:00pm.”
“Tell her I’ll be there! How long can I stay?”
“The doctor said fifteen minutes, but I do believe she’s going to object to that!”
“I suspect you’re right!” I said happily. “What do you think?”
“I think you’ll know when you should let her rest, Mike. I trust you. The doctor or nurse may try to shoo you away, though.”
“OK. We’ll worry about that if it happens. I’ll be there at 2:00pm.”
“Thanks, Mike. She really wants to see you.”
“And I want to see her. Thanks, Mr. Mills.”
“You’re welcome, Mike. See you at 2:00pm.”
We said ‘goodbye’ and I hung up. I turned to see Becky standing inside the kitchen door and her sister standing outside.
“She’s being a pain,” Becky said.
“Won’t you get in trouble for being inside?”
“My parents aren’t home this morning. I wish you had your car!”
“Me, too. You know what? Just close the blinds on the sliding door. We’ll sit at the kitchen table.”
Becky smiled broadly and turned and closed the blinds. I heard Abby yell something, but it was muffled.
“What did she say?”
“That she was going to tell. At this point, I don’t care. Let her.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes,” Becky said.
I got some fresh mugs and poured some tea into them. I’d get the ones from outside later. We sat down at the kitchen table.
“She never let you have any guy friends?” I said.
Becky shook her head, “No. The minute she found out I liked a guy or he liked me, she basically threw herself at him.”
“Well, she could strip naked and beg me and I’d laugh and walk away,” I said.
“Seriously?”
“You think I find that attractive or at all enticing?”
“Obviously you don’t. Where have you been all my life?”
“West Monroe. Well, until tomorrow, anyway.”
October 17, 1981, McKinley, Ohio There was a knock at the door just before 6:00pm and I was sure it was the girls so I called out for them to come in. As expected, it was Jeannette and Marie. “Ready for hot meat between buns and slurping creamy white liquid?” Jeannette teased. “My bedroom is right there!” I grinned. “Should we leave you two the room?” Marie smirked. “Dinner first, then dessert!” Jeannette laughed. I took Angie’s hand and the four of us left the dorm and headed for the...
June 8, 1981, West Monroe and Rutherford, Ohio “This entire conversation is going to be ‘too much information’, isn’t it?” I said when Liz and I left the house on Monday evening. “Probably. Is there anything you don’t want to hear?” “Anything at all about my little sister’s sex life!” I laughed. “But I guess you want to talk.” “‘Cause you won’t judge me, Mikey. You’ll listen and give me good advice.” I pulled out of the driveway and headed towards Rutherford. The Rutherford Free Clinic...
September 14, 1981, McKinley, Ohio On Monday, after lunch, I did as Doctor Orosco had insisted, and met with a counselor from Student Health Services, who, amazingly, was available immediately. The problem was, as I’d argued, that I wasn’t going to repeat what I said, even to another counselor, under any circumstances. I spent ten minutes going around in circles with Doctor Ralph Hart, and made no progress. “I’m not sure what you’re doing here, if you won’t talk to me about what...
October 6, 1981, McKinley, Ohio I met Pete and Jason for breakfast in the dining hall. As usual, Clark was just getting out of bed when I left our room. “You got in pretty late last night, I guess,” Pete said. “We didn’t break up the study group until about 11:30pm.” “I had a long talk with Jocelyn.” “How’s she doing?” “Better, but she has a long way to go, physically, emotionally, and mentally. But at least she’s talking to me.” “I heard you’re invited to the Wednesday biology...
October 4, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Let me guess, you’re sleeping on the couch again?” Mrs. Landers laughed. “Actually, I just came to talk to Nancy for a bit, then I have homework. I didn’t spend any time on it yesterday.” “Come on in. She’s in her room.” “Thanks.” I walked back through the house to Nancy’s room. She got up to greet me and we exchanged a hug and kiss. “Sorry for putting you off at work,” I said. “But I didn’t want to be interrupted.” “It’s OK. How is Jocelyn?” “I found...
October 9, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “You’re really going to cut back your hours to just the six-hour Saturday shift?” Nancy asked. “That’s what I told Mr. Sokolov yesterday, yes. And he can reduce the hours whenever he finds someone to take them.” “What happened?” “The Biology Department secured a grant for $1500 per semester for me. I explained my situation to Doctor Stanton, my advisor, and he talked to Doctor Norris. I’m starting in the honors program next semester, and there is a small...
September 6, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Mike!” Emmy squealed, launching herself into my arms when she opened the door. “Missed me?” I asked as I carefully spun around with her. “Yes! Let’s go! I’m STARVED!” I put her down and we walked to my car for the drive to Marie’s Diner. “How was your first week of school?” I asked. “Nothing changes. I mean, sure, I’m a Sophomore now, but otherwise it’s all the same. How about you?” “It’s a huge change, especially the amount of homework. I used to...
August 29, 1981, Columbus, Ohio “What are you talking about?” I asked. “Despite spending two days screwing like bunny rabbits,” Jocelyn said with a smile, “I think you’re STILL afraid of sex. May I ask another question?” “I guess,” I sighed. “Why haven’t you and Emmy done it? Because of her? Or because of you?” I could give her the answer that immediately popped into my mind - that Emmy wasn’t sixteen and was under the age of consent. But I knew there was some truth to what Jocelyn said....
December 3, 1981, Rutherford, Ohio “Well that went south pretty quickly,” I said. “They’re playing hardball with you,” Mr. Winston said. “It was always a possibility, but I didn’t think they’d go that route; they didn’t with your dad or sister.” “But they did with my mom?” “Yes, for the same basic reason. I believe they are under heavy pressure from someone to charge you with something; anything. And unless I miss my guess, it’s likely Mrs. Laramy from Family Services. She is certain...
March 15, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Is it OK if I interrupt?” Clarissa asked on Monday evening. “Sure,” I replied. “What’s up?” “I wanted to check on class schedules for the Fall. I’d like to take the same classes. It’ll help with our study group.” “Sure. Pete, Kurtis, Jason, excuse me for a bit.” Clarissa and I went to my room and sat down with the course catalog. “We need O-Chem, the second semester of cellular biology with lab, a humanities course, and a language course,” I said. “Do...
February 15, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Mike!” Angie squealed when she opened the door to her room. “Hi, Ang!” She hugged me and kissed my cheek. “I missed you! How was home?” “Good,” I replied. “Have some time for me?” “Always! Your place?” “Sure.” She took my hand and we walked back to my room where I put on Shadows by Gordon Lightfoot, then grabbed a couple of Cokes from the fridge. “How was your weekend?” I asked. “Quiet. Yours?” “I spent some time talking to my dad. I haven’t...
March 27, 1982, McKinley, Ohio I was still thinking about Katy as I walked to the Quick Mart for my weekly shift on Saturday morning. There was no doubt in my mind that sooner, rather than later, Katy was going to ask me to ‘go all the way’ and I’d have a very big decision to make. When I’d mentioned going steady, she’d immediately thought about having sex. The linkage was just as clear as Tasha’s linkage between marital crowns and sex. If I decided to ‘go all the way’ with Katy, it would...
November 27, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio On Friday morning, just after 10:00am, I was surprised when April showed up at the door of Jocelyn’s house. “Your mom said you were here. I guess you and Jocelyn decided to go steady?” I shook my head, “No. There are some problems at home that mean I need to stay here.” “Problems with your parents?” “It’s a family thing I can’t really talk about. What’s up?” “I wanted to apologize for getting upset and sending you away on Monday.” “Apology accepted....
August 26, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Michael Peter Loucks,” I said. “Hi, Michael! Welcome to William Howard Taft!” the young woman sitting at the table marked ‘Dorm Check-In: H-M’ said. “Thanks.” She flipped through some envelopes in boxes and pulled one out. “The envelope contains your room key, student ID, dining hall card, parking sticker, a campus map, a set of dorm and campus rules, and a schedule of activities for the next five days. There are carts available on the first floor of your...
October 3, 1981, Rutherford, Ohio “Hi, Mike.” “Hi, Mr. Mills. I was just going in to see Jocelyn.” “One of the staff psychologists would like to talk to you first.” “Me? Why?” “To talk to you about Jocelyn. I can’t force you to do it, Mike, but I think it would be a very good idea.” “When? I want to see Jocelyn today.” “If you go back down to the ground floor, there’s an outpatient clinic. Just go to the desk and ask for Doctor Henderson. She’s expecting you.” I turned and went to the...
May 24, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio I was up early on Sunday morning to head to Holy Transfiguration. As Head Acolyte, I was responsible for being at the church about ninety minutes before Matins so that I could refill and light all the oil lamps, replace the tapers in the candle box, sift the sand in front of the icon of the Theotokos to remove the candle stubs, and ensure that the nave was in proper order. When I arrived, I unlocked all the doors, adjusted the thermostat to cool the nave,...
Hello, my fans, followers, and friends. I, Shivangi, am back with not a sex story but with one of the sexiest incident of my life. This took place a few days back when I was coming back to my home from Ahmedabad domestic airport. I went there to drop my hubby as he had to go to Delhi on an urgent basis and his driver was not available. I had to go with him to the airport. His flight was on schedule at 21:45. I dropped him early and was on my way home but due to traffic, I preferred to go...
September 28, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Mike?” Nancy whispered. “Wake up! I need to eat breakfast so I can catch the bus!” “I’m awake,” I replied. I stretched and yawned and sat up. “Are you doing OK?” Nancy asked. “Much better after last night. That was just what I needed. Thanks.” “I think I’m calling Ripley’s,” Mrs. Landers laughed, coming into the room. “Teenage boy shows up and asks to spend the night with teenage girl. She agrees and gets permission from her mom. Boy desires only...
December 21, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Mikey!” Liz squealed when I walked into the house on Monday evening. “Hi, Lizzy!” I said. She ran to me and we hugged lightly, then went into the living room where she had been sitting with my parents. “Welcome home, Mike,” Dad said. “How is Jocelyn?” “Pretty good. She has most of her range of motion back and they’re working to see if they can get her some more. Her bones have knit well, and she’s able to move around more freely.” “That’s good to...
September 7, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio When I stopped home just before 8:00pm on my way back to McKinley, I found my dad alone, in the living room, sitting in his easy chair, drinking Scotch on the rocks. “Hi, Dad. Where’s Mom?” “Sleeping. She’s completely worn out by last night and today. I’m surprised you’re not.” “I’ll crash when I get back to my dorm. How did it go?” He held up his glass, “Third one. How do you think?” I slumped down onto the couch. “Not good,” I sighed. He took a...
February 14, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “How are things going, Mike?” Dad asked when I sat down on the stool in the corner of his workshop. “Good, now that all that stuff with Family Services is done. How have things been at home?” “Your mom and sister put on brave faces, but Liz is struggling.” “They both said her schoolwork was good and she seemed OK when I talked to her.” “She has good days and bad days. Doctor Newton says she’s struggling with her feelings for Paul.” “Paul?...
March 23, 1982, McKinley, Ohio I had been extremely distracted during my drive from Circleville to McKinley, and was having real trouble concentrating on my review for O-Chem, and the guys noticed. “What’s bugging you?” Jason asked. “You seem like you’re on another planet.” “I know,” I agreed. “I’m having real trouble concentrating.” “That must have been a hell of a concert!” Pete laughed. “Of course, seeing my girlfriend wrap her lips around a saxophone might distract me, too!” “You’re...
April 30, 1982, Circleville, Ohio “Mom and Dad are out tonight,” Katy said. “Let’s cook together!” “Sure. What did you have in mind?” “Well, now that you have no restrictions because we don’t fast during the Paschal period, I was thinking two small filets, small lobster tails, and broccoli. Surf and turf, I guess.” “That sounds awesome!” I said, then smirked, “What about dessert?” Katy laughed softly, “I have some ideas!” “I bet!” I chuckled. “But we need to make sure we’re on the same...
October 12, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Well THAT stinks,” Nancy said on Tuesday afternoon. “What happens now?” “I don’t know yet. I talked to Doctor Norris this morning after my chem mid-term and he’s confident nothing will happen. The problem is, I’m sure I’ve made an enemy of the Dean, and any minor slip-up on my part is going to become a Federal case.” “But why you?” “I had the misfortune to draw someone who felt she could use the discrimination procedure to get something she couldn’t...
November 8, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Do you want me to disappear?” Angie asked as we walked into the dorm after church. “Why? Emmy knows I’m dating you. She’s not jealous. You know she’s coming to visit and she knows you know. It would be REALLY dumb to invite her here otherwise, don’t you think?” “Guys have been known to do dumb things from time to time!” “Not ones who want you to stick around.” “You do remember I told you my High School boyfriend screwed a close friend of mine behind my...
Great and Holy Friday, April 16, 1982, McKinley, Ohio As Angie and I stood quietly waiting for the Lamentations service to begin late on Friday, I thought about the series of services which had brought us here - Bridegroom Matins on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings; Holy Unction on Wednesday evening; a Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Thursday morning celebrating the Last Supper, the Twelve Gospels service Thursday evening, celebrating the passion; the Royal Hours kept all day Friday; and...
November 2, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “I did not come here for a lecture,” I said firmly. “I did what I felt was in Liz’s best interest. Again. Dad said we needed to talk, and I’m willing to talk. I am NOT willing to listen to a lecture.” “You do not decide what is best for your sister,” Mom said. “That is for your father and me, as well as the professionals.” “And what is Dad’s opinion on this?” I asked. “That is not the point, Mike!” I sighed. We’d been going around in circles on the...
March 5, 1982, Circleville, Ohio “What became of that police investigation?” Mrs. Malenkov asked when I arrived at Katy’s house on Friday evening. “Nothing so far. They haven’t caught the rapist. The school added some security and started a service to walk girls to and from class or work after dark.” “Why did they check on you, specifically?” “The suspect has brown hair and is about 5’10” and I came into the dorm maybe an hour after it happened. At first they had reports it was a black...
August 16, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio Liz threw her arms around me on Sunday morning when I walked out of my room. “Thank you! Thank you!” I hugged her tightly to me. “Mom let you out of ‘house arrest’?” “Yes. And I know you’re responsible. If you weren’t my brother, I’d kiss you!” “Just remember, you have to behave, because if you don’t...” “I know,” she sighed. “I’m on parole. Did Mom tell you that Paul agreed to plead guilty to one count of statutory rape and one count of oral sodomy...
November 23, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio On Monday morning, just after breakfast there was a knock at the door. I got up from the couch and went to open it. “Phil?” “Hi, Mike. Can we come in?” “We?” “This is Mrs. Laramy from Family Services.” “Hang on a second.” I went to the kitchen to get my dad, who followed me back to the foyer. “Hi, Phil,” Dad said. “What’s up?” “This is Mrs. Laramy from Family Services.” “Mr. Loucks? I have an order here to take custody of Elizabeth.” “What?!...
May 31, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio On Sunday morning as I dressed for church, I faced the true reality of what happened the previous night. My make-out sessions with April had, except on that single instance where I’d fondled her sweater-clad breast for more than a second or two, not gone far enough to be included in my confession. What had happened the previous night certainly had. I now faced effectively the same dilemma I would have faced had April and I gone to the motel after Prom. I...
August 21, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio On Friday morning, Mr. Mills called just after 6:00am to let me know that Jocelyn had gone into surgery, and that it would likely be mid-afternoon before he had any news. I thanked him and sat down at the table in the kitchen with a mug of tea I made and read the Rutherford Tribune. Nobody else was up, and I enjoyed the quiet for about an hour before my parents came into the kitchen. “Was that Jocelyn’s dad who called at 6:00am?” my dad asked. “Yes. I...
February 13, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “I visited Ohio State yesterday,” Nancy said when we had a chance to chat on Saturday morning. “And?” “I’m pretty sure I’m going to Taft like we talked about because I can live at home. But the tour was cool and our tour guides were absolutely hysterical.” “Oh?” “Yeah. A guy and his fiancée. He’s a criminal justice major and wants to be a US Marshal. She’s in pre-law and wants to be a criminal defense lawyer. They told some of the funniest stories about...
April 4, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Mishka!” Tasha squealed, hugging me tightly, but quickly releasing me because we were in the narthex of the church. “Hi, Tasha!” I said with a smile. She grabbed my hand and led me to the church hall where we got some food and coffee, then sat down by her parents. “Michael, how is school going?” Deacon Vasily asked. “All A’s so far, and I should finish the semester with a 4.0 average.” “Very good. And you’re attending church regularly?” “Yes. Every...
June 6, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio After Vespers on Saturday, I spent a few minutes talking to Tasha. “My dad isn’t sure karate is ‘ladylike’,” she said. “The uniforms cover more than those nice dresses you wear during the Summer!” “You noticed, Mike?” she asked with a soft laugh. “If I may be «некультурный», yes, of course! It’s difficult to miss a pretty girl with a nice body!” “Thank you! But do NOT say that around my dad! He’ll never let you see me again!” “So the answer is ‘no’?” “I...
September 26, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “What?!” I gasped. “How is she?” “I don’t know, and that’s the God’s honest truth. Her dad called from Rutherford Hospital and asked me to call you. All he said was that they were working on her.” “I’m leaving in about three minutes. That’s what I’ll need to get dressed.” “What about Becky?” “I’ll bring her, I guess. I can’t imagine her parents are going to be in Rutherford.” “She’s there with you?” “Yes. Beat me up about that later! I’m on my way to...
October 10, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio I froze and realized my first inclination to go back to McKinley had been the right one. I’d thought my talk with Becky the previous weekend had resolved the issue, but I was very clearly mistaken. I could actually go back. It was early enough, and I hadn’t told Tasha I was going to be home, so she wouldn’t be upset, and a phone call would make her very happy as the two I’d made so far had done. But there was one problem - all I could hear in my head was...
October 11, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio On Sunday morning, Becky and I got out of bed and snuck across the hall to the bathroom, where we got into the shower together. “Thank you,” she said as I lathered shampoo in her hair. “I was afraid you’d say ‘no’ and I’d have missed that.” “You’re OK?” I asked. “Mike, it’s what I wanted from the day I met you. I just knew you’d be perfect. You let me do exactly what I wanted and how I wanted. As I said, patient and gentle.” “You weren’t very gentle...
November 9, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “OK?” I asked, shocked enough that I was rocked back in my seat. “Yes. OK.” “OK to WHAT?” I asked warily. “Getting married.” “You can’t be serious! You’re afraid of French kissing and you want to get married?” Angie smirked, “Gotcha! You should see the look on your face!” “Nice.” I laughed. “You did get me!” “Sorry, I figured at that point I needed to do something to change the mood.” “By making my heart stop?!” “Oh, come on! The first thought that...
January 4, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “And so another semester begins,” I said when I met Angie at the elevators on Monday morning. “I saw your class schedule was basically the same.” “The only real change is I have the creative writing core requirement replacing the scientific writing class. I am so glad I chose to take those in the order I did - it made all the difference in the world for doing the lab reports.” “I’m not complaining! I ended up with an A in biology which I NEVER would have...
January 12, 1982, McKinley, Ohio Influenza was making the rounds of the dorm, and just about everyone had it by Tuesday morning, including me. I dragged myself out of bed, realized there was no way I was going to run, and climbed back into bed. I took some decongestant tablets from the box on the shelf next to my bed and swallowed them with a gulp of water. I hoped to fight the worst symptoms and be able to make it to lab. Angie had already said she wasn’t going to run, so I stayed in bed...
January 25, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “I have a message for Michael Loucks,” a young man announced just as biology class ended. “That’s me,” I said. “Dean Parker would like to see you immediately.” “I’ll go with you, Mike,” Doctor Stanton said. I had no clue what she could possibly want, but I appreciated Doctor Stanton coming with me. We made our way to the administration building. “I’m here to see Dean Parker,” I said. “I’m Mike Loucks.” “One moment,” the young woman at the desk...
January 31, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “You’re STILL struggling with that issue?” Jocelyn asked during our regular Sunday afternoon call. “Does it really surprise you?” “No, I suppose it doesn’t. I think the circumstances of the last year really caused you some serious heartache and anguish, and I’m not just talking about you and me. If you think about it, you and Emmy were ripped apart by her dad; you and Nancy were ripped apart by her difficulty with commitment; you and I were ripped apart by...
May 23, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Good morning, Mike!” my mom said when I arrived at the kitchen table for breakfast. “Hi, Mom,” I said. “What do you have planned for today?” “It’s all on the calendar, just like it has been since I could write,” I replied with a smile. “I work from 8:00am to noon, then I have my Saturday karate class at 1:00pm. Dale and I are playing chess after that, and Vespers are at 6:00pm. I’m taking April to the movies after church.” “What are you going to...
September 19, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Why are you sending me such mixed signals?” “Mixed signals?” Jocelyn and I were sitting on the couch, and she was cuddled next to me, at least as best she could, given her obvious discomfort from the injuries, catheter, and physical therapy. I had thought a lot after my talks with Doctor Hart, as well as my talks with Nancy. One thing I was seriously concerned about was getting more deeply involved with Nancy and messing things up with Jocelyn. I...
October 30, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Hi,” Jocelyn said when her dad led me into the living room. “Hi! I’m glad to see you at home.” “And we’re glad to have her home,” Mr. Mills said. “If you need anything, let us know.” I went over to sit next to Jocelyn on the couch. She scooted close and I put my arm around her. She sighed, kissed my cheek, and then snuggled. “I was glad to hear from Doctor Henderson that you could leave the hospital.” “And you should be seeing your sister!” “I will....
March 1, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “I have a meeting with the Dean to get permission to put up the flyers this afternoon,” Kurtis said at lunch. “We’ll only be escorting girls from our dorm. I talked to a couple of guys in other dorms who will organize theirs. I figured we couldn’t take care of everyone without some help.” “Cool,” Clark said. “Did anyone hear any more about the investigation?” “The Times said the police didn’t have any suspects, but were following leads,” Jeannette said. “What...
August 7, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio The Summer was rapidly disappearing and there were but two weeks before I moved to McKinley. Once my dad had calmed down, the Summer had returned to normal. It was almost as if everything was in a holding pattern, where each week had followed a simple pattern. I worked at the hardware store, went to the dojo, had dinner with Tasha on Wednesday, a date with Emmy on Friday, and the usual triple date on Saturday. Liz was still grounded, but Emmy was allowed to...
September 1, 1981, McKinley, Ohio Tuesday wasn’t quite as crazy as Monday. My first class after breakfast was the biology seminar. After the first day, this would be run by Laura Peters, a graduate student. I immediately decided the seminar would be valuable, as she would provide study guides, sample lab reports, and a host of other useful information, as well as address any challenges we encountered in our first semester at Taft. The most important thing is that there would be no outside...
November 1, 1981, McKinley, Ohio It was just past midnight when I walked into the Landers’ house. “Hi, Mike,” Mrs. Landers said. “Nancy said you might show up. I’m glad you did!” “Hi, Mrs. Landers,” I replied. “Don’t mind me,” she smiled. “If you two want to go on to bed, that’s OK.” “You better call Ripley’s once more,” I grinned. “I’m going to turn Nancy down on her offer. Again.” Mrs. Landers laughed and shook her head, “I told her you were a keeper! Then I will go to bed so you can...
February 19, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Angie!” I exclaimed, as I hurried toward the girls, who appeared tired, but otherwise OK. I took Angie in my arms and hugged her tightly. “Are you OK?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “I’m sorry I’m late, but we were at the party and the police wouldn’t let us leave or make phone calls until they interviewed everyone who was there.” “What happened?” Melody asked. “A girl from the seventh floor was raped,” Jeannette said. “Who was it?” “Some girl named...
April 8, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Liz wanted me to talk to you,” I said to my mom on Thursday evening. “I assumed she’d put you up to this.” “I only promised to talk to you, and told Liz not to count on anything changing.” “Good call. We’ve given her as much freedom as your father and I think is reasonable. Has she talked to you about Paul Reynolds?” I nodded, “I know how she feels about him. But he’s in prison. Don’t forget she was raped before that, and anything that happened after the...
May 30, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio It was with more than a little trepidation that I drove home from karate class. I didn’t really want to talk to April, but I knew I had to. The bottom line was church. It didn’t matter to a lot of people, but it mattered to me. I feared that my conversation with April was simply going to go around in circles, and end with her crying again. Unfortunately, I didn’t see how that could be avoided. “You should go see her,” Mom said when I came downstairs after my...
June 10, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “OK, now I am SERIOUSLY worried about coming to church on Saturday!” I laughed as I put the car in gear. “And why is that Mishka Petrovich?” Tasha asked with a small laugh. “Your dad told me it was OK to take you for ice cream after dinner without me asking. I swear, if I come into church on Saturday for Vespers and the table is there with the crowns...” I was laughing and so was Tasha. “And being married to me would be so terrible?” she asked with fake...
June 15, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “Negative,” Liz whispered happily when I came home from work on Monday. “Thank God,” I said. We both had been on pins and needles since the previous Monday, and the news had come as a relief. Jocelyn and Dale had noticed I was on edge on Saturday night, and I’d pulled them aside briefly to tell them what had happened. They were both in agreement that I had no choice but to report the guy. Jocelyn offered to emasculate him with a rusty spoon, which had me...
August 22, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “What do you want to do today?” I asked Becky as we walked to my car. “Anything you want.” “Anything?” I smirked. “Like saying that was really a risk?” “You never know,” I chuckled. “What if it’s all been an act?” “HAS it all been an act?” she asked in a silly tone as I opened the passenger door for her. “Of course not!” I said, closing the door. I walked around the car and got in, started the engine, and backed out. “Not implying anything,” Becky...
November 20, 1981, McKinley, Ohio I got up from the couch and walked over to where Nancy was standing. She took my hand and led me to her bedroom where she shut and locked the door. She stood in front of me, and I held out my arms. She stepped forward and melted against me, sighing deeply as she put her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms tightly around her and held her. “I’ve wanted this for months,” she whispered. I moved one of my hands to lift Nancy’s chin so we could kiss. Our lips...
November 25, 1981, Rutherford, Ohio “Family Court for Harding County is now in session, Judge Martha Lee, presiding. You may be seated.” The small courtroom was packed with doctors, lawyers, and our family. Nobody from the general public was permitted because Liz was a minor. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Judge Lee said, “this is a status hearing on an emergency custody petition which I signed on Sunday evening. The procedure is a bit less formal than in a normal courtroom. That said, please...