Good Medicine Freshman YearChapter 22 Fallout
- 2 years ago
- 28
- 0
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 said.
She buzzed the dean and was told to show me in. Doctor Stanton followed me into Dean Parker’s office.
“What are you doing here, Doctor Stanton?” Dean Parker asked.
“Ensuring that Mike gets treated fairly.”
“You’ve hitched your wagon to the wrong student, Doctor Stanton. Mr. Loucks, you are suspended, effective immediately pending an expulsion hearing. As a matter of student safety, you are to depart the campus immediately and not return.”
I reeled at her words and was unable to speak.
“What grounds?” Doctor Stanton asked.
I knew what it was before she spoke.
“Mr. Loucks is a rapist, Doctor Stanton. He raped and otherwise abused his little sister for the past ten years, at least.”
“What?!” he gasped.
“I have a letter from the Department of Family Services, as well as statements from two psychiatrists certified by the state on these matters.”
“Mike, is this true?”
“No,” I said tentatively, but then spoke more forcefully, “it’s false. My sister denied it. The prosecutor refused to bring charges and the Family Court found no grounds to keep Liz out of our house. Six other doctors testified that those psychiatrists are wrong, AND we’ve filed a malpractice suit against them.”
“Your own mother agreed you had raped your sister, Mr. Loucks. Whatever happened with the prosecutor is of no concern to me. I have everything I need to expel you. As I said, you are suspended immediately and barred from campus.”
“Dean Parker, Doctor Hart, who works for the school, disagrees with those psychiatrists.”
“That’s hardly relevant. Here’s the letter. Your hearing is on Friday. You may return to campus for the hearing.”
“All of my things are in the dorm,” I said.
“We’ll make arrangements for you to retrieve them. If you attempt to attend class or come on campus, I’ll have you arrested for trespassing.”
“Mike, tell her you are appealing her decision,” Doctor Stanton said. “That will put the suspension on hold until the Chancellor reviews the complaint and you get an immediate hearing.”
“I appeal your decision, Dean Parker. It’s unfounded and false. Where did you get this report?”
“I am not at liberty to say, but it’s hardly relevant. I’ll arrange for an immediate hearing with the Chancellor.”
“Mike, run - don’t walk, run - to Doctor Hart’s office. And when you are there, call an attorney.”
“Will do, Doctor Stanton. Thank you.”
“This is the end for you Stanton. Defending rape and incest? I’ll file a formal complaint against you immediately.”
He didn’t respond, and followed me out of the office. I did what he said and made a beeline to Doctor Hart’s office. He was busy, but I insisted that the secretary interrupt him that it was a matter of life and death.
“Mike?” Doctor Hart asked when he came to the front desk.
“Dean Parker is trying to suspend and expel me based on the Family Services report.”
“Oh for the love of ... OK. Did you appeal?”
“Yes. She’s arranging for a hearing with the Chancellor. I need to call my attorney.”
“Come to my office. I’ll finish my phone call later.”
I followed him to the office and called Mr. Winston’s office. My mom answered and I quickly explained what I needed. Mr. Winston came on the phone immediately.
“Mike, do NOT say anything until I get there. Stay where you are, if possible. It’ll be about an hour. In the meantime, please give Doctor Hart these phone numbers for Doctor Paulus and Doctor Mercer.”
He read them off and I repeated them back and told him where I was. We said ‘goodbye’ and hung up.
“Doctor Hart, Mr. Winston wants you to call Doctors Paulus and Mercer. I’m guessing he wants you to get their reports. I’ll sign whatever release I need to sign.”
He nodded and pulled two release forms from his desk. I filled them out and signed them, then he called both psychologists. He explained he had releases, had me confirm that to them, then asked each of them to provide him a summary of their reports. He took copious notes, and ensured they would be available for phone calls for the rest of the day. He promised to send the releases immediately by mail.
“Just stay here until your attorney arrives,” he said when the calls were finished. “I’ll be able to delay the Chancellor if necessary by saying I’m doing a psychological evaluation, which is something he might order. I’ve done one and I’m satisfied, as were the psychologists and the Family Court judge that you didn’t do this.”
“I’m really curious where Dean Parker got the report.”
“She wouldn’t have access to it, as I understand it. Someone had to send it to her.”
I nodded, “That means one of three people - Mrs. Laramy, Doctor Orosco, or Doctor Zeiss. What do you think will happen?”
“There’s a good chance they’ll suspend you pending an investigation.”
“That’s going to screw me completely.”
“If the suspension is unfounded, you won’t lose any credit. Just relax, Mike.”
“Easy for you to say,” I sighed.
We talked about the other things going on in my life, including my breakup with Nancy, until Mr. Winston arrived.
“Did you have a chance to speak to Doctors Paulus and Mercer?” he asked.
“Yes. I have notes from those conversations and they’re available for phone calls.”
“Good. I have the reports they submitted to the court with me, along with the court orders that were issued.”
“Let me call the Chancellor’s office and see when the hearing will be held,” Doctor Hart said.
He made the phone call and Mr. Winston pulled me out of the office.
“Before I left West Monroe I called the clerk of the Hayes County Circuit Court letting her know I would probably have an emergency motion that needed an immediate hearing.”
“For?”
“An injunction to stay any suspension or expulsion pending a full hearing. Do NOT say anything about it. It’ll be much easier to get it ex parte and then fight with them.”
“Will that work?”
“Probably, because the harm to you is immediate and real, while the potential harm to the university is only theoretical and in the future.”
Doctor Hart came out of his office.
“They’ll be ready for us in about ten minutes,” he said. “Doctor Stanton will be there, given he’s your advisor.”
We left Student Health Services and walked back to the administration building, heading to the third floor where the Chancellor’s office was located. We met Doctor Stanton there, and the four of us were shown into a small conference room. Five minutes later Dean Parker and a gray-haired man in a three-piece suit came in, along with a young woman who appeared to be a secretary.
“Chancellor Evans,” Doctor Hart said, “This is Michael Loucks and his attorney, Mr. Frederick Winston. Mr. Winston, this is Chancellor Herbert Evans and Dean Janice Parker.”
“Attorney?” Chancellor Evans asked.
“Yes, sir,” Mr. Winston said. “Michael called me immediately. I believe we can quickly dispense with this matter if you’ll give me ten minutes of your time. I strongly suggest you do not conduct a formal hearing that would go on the record.”
“But he appealed the suspension!” Dean Parker objected. “That requires a hearing!”
“Chancellor Evans,” Mr. Winston said, “Dean Parker does not have all of the facts. Would you please allow me to simply provide you with the information? I believe once I do, she’ll withdraw her suspension.”
“I will do NO SUCH THING,” she protested.
“I believe I need to call a formal hearing,” Chancellor Evans said.
“Do you have a report of a complete investigation, including witnesses?” Doctor Hart prompted.
“I don’t need one if student safety is involved,” Dean Parker replied. “The Student Handbook, which Mr. Loucks signed for, explicitly waives a right to an investigation in advance if student safety is threatened. And I am the one who decides that, Doctor Hart.”
“Everyone take a seat, please,” Chancellor Evans said.
Doctor Hart, Mr. Winston, Doctor Stanton, and I sat on one side of the table, and Dean Parker and Chancellor Evans sat on the other side.
“Dean Parker?”
She slid some documents in front of Chancellor Evens.
“This is a report by the Department of Family Services finding that Michael Loucks raped and otherwise abused his sister from the time she was three years old. He presents an immediate risk and is a danger to students on campus. This report, along with the attached psychiatric reports, is sufficient grounds for immediate suspension pending an expulsion hearing with the Academic Committee on Friday.”
“Excuse me, Dean Parker,” Mr. Winston inquired, “where did you obtain those psychiatric reports?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
“They aren’t public, Dean Parker, and I am quite sure that Mr. and Mrs. Loucks, who are Elizabeth and Michael’s parents, did not sign a release. Whoever gave them to you is in violation of Ohio statutes and subject to immediate loss of their license and prosecution for a felony. Your possession of them without a release, is, in and of itself a misdemeanor. Any attempt to use them, or give them to another person, is, in fact, a felony. Mr. Chancellor, you can’t accept those documents without opening yourself to the same charges.”
“Janice, he has a point,” Chancellor Evans said.
She pulled back the stack of papers, removed two documents, and slid the remaining one back.
“This is the report from Family Services,” she said. “It states clearly what happened, including admissions by Mr. Loucks’ mother that the abuse took place.”
“Mr. Chancellor,” Mr. Winston said, sliding a sheaf of documents in front of the Chancellor, “I have here the complete psychological evaluations of Michael and Elizabeth by two licensed psychologists, a transcript from Family Court, a statement from the Harding County Prosecutor that he was not filing charges, and copies of the malpractice suits against the doctors Orosco and Zeiss. Oh, and I have releases signed by Michael as well as Mrs. Rachel Loucks.
“What you have in that report from Family Services are the unfounded conclusions of an individual with a Master’s in sociology who is not a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. What I’ve given you contains the professional opinions of Doctors Laura Paulus and Fran Mercer, as well as one from Doctor Hart, who is the person who I believe would conduct a psychological evaluation if one were necessary.”
“That may be true,” Chancellor Evans said, “but the finding of Michael being a danger to other students is sufficient to suspend him pending a hearing. Unless Dean Parker withdraws her finding, I have to honor it.”
“Who do I appeal to?” Mr. Winston asked.
“The Academic Committee will hear this on Friday.”
“Then you’ll need to allow Mr. Loucks to attend classes until then. Anything else will harm him irreparably.”
“I can’t do that, Mr. Winston. I can only work within the rules.”
“Then we need an expedited hearing.”
The Chancellor shook his head, “The Student Handbook gives us five days to hold the hearing. I’m sorry, but unless Dean Parker withdraws her finding, my hands are tied.”
“I do NOT,” she said smugly.
“I need your finding, in writing, immediately, Chancellor Evans. With specifics, please. And I’m ordering you to preserve ALL evidence, including those reports Dean Parker appears ready to tear up, and any notes she has, including phone records. I have a letter here demanding a written finding and evidence preservation.”
He slid a notarized statement across the table to Chancellor Evans. My mom was a notary, so I was sure she was the one who had typed then notarized the document.
“Janice, you may want to reconsider,” Chancellor Evans said quietly. “If you’re charged with misdemeanors which involve doctor-patient privilege, I’ll have no choice but to suspend you pending the outcome of any legal actions. And if you’re found to have violated any statute or any doctor-patient privilege, you’ll be subject to immediate termination and I’ll be forced to report you to the Hayes County Prosecutor as well as the State Academic Licensing Board.”
Mr. Winston smiled, “If Dean Parker withdraws her complaint and tells me who gave her those reports, and gives them to me, we’ll overlook her involvement and the involvement of the university in this matter.”
“Would you excuse us for a few minutes?” Chancellor Evans said.
Mr. Winston nodded, “Certainly.”
Chancellor Evans and Dean Parker left the room.
“They’ll fold,” Mr. Winston said. “The demand to preserve evidence is a threat of a lawsuit. They ARE guilty and can’t escape it. And when we get the phone records, we’ll know who she spoke to.”
“That Orosco «сука», for sure,” I said.
Mr. Winston smiled, “I’m not quite sure what that means, but I get the drift. And that will be the nail in her coffin. We’ll offer to overlook this breach in return for her withdrawing her analysis, and convincing Doctor Zeiss to withdraw his.”
“And that will solve the problem with Family Services?”
“I’ll file for a writ to quash the report as unfounded and contradicted by all available psychological reports and the decision not to prosecute you. I suspect Family Services will simply fold rather than lose in front of Judge Lee. The last thing they want is a precedent of a court quashing a report.”
“Don’t WE want that?” I asked.
“Mike, you have a specific goal - making that report disappear. Leave the windmill-tilting or crusading to someone else. You can’t afford it. And I’m not talking about money. A huge trial like that would be public. And you would be painted as exactly what Family Services says you are. When you finally win, it’ll be on page 37. But the headlines of Family Services calling you a rapist will be on page one.”
“Wonderful,” I sighed.
“The system will work for you, Mike. Let it. No crusades.”
I nodded, “You’re the lawyer.”
Mr. Winston smiled, “And you’ll be the doctor. I promise not to diagnose patients if you promise not to try to practice law.”
“Deal,” I grinned.
“Mr. Winston,” Doctor Stanton said, “you might want to ask Chancellor Evans to tell Dean Parker to leave Mike alone. She’s been gunning for him from the beginning because she’s upset we don’t have quotas for the honors program.”
He nodded and we sat quietly for another five minutes until Chancellor Evans and Dean Parker returned. She looked VERY sour, which told the story before anything was said.
“The finding is being withdrawn,” Chancellor Evans said. “And it was Doctor Orosco who sent the reports to Dean Parker.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Winston said. “I trust you will ensure that Dean Parker will take NO action of any kind against Michael. I’m sure you don’t want any claims of retaliation any more than we do.”
“Do we agree that this matter is concluded?” the Chancellor asked. “On both sides?”
“Yes, Mr. Chancellor, so long as Dean Parker does not try any kind of end run.”
“I assure you Michael will be treated fairly,” Chancellor Evans said, looking directly at Dean Parker.
“Thank you, Chancellor Evans,” Mr. Winston said.
“Thank you,” I added.
Mr. Winston, Doctor Hart, Doctor Stanton, and I all got up from the table and left the room.
“Thank you, Mr. Winston,” I said.
“Did you miss any classes?”
“Just one. An organic chemistry lecture. But I have a study group and a couple of the guys are in O-chem with me. I can get the notes and homework from them.”
“OK. If there are any problems, call me immediately. I’m going back to the office and I’ll get in touch with Doctor Orosco. We should have all of this cleared up in the next sixty days.”
“Thank you,” I said.
We shook hands and I headed back to Student Health Services to get my books, then headed back to the dorms. I found Jason and asked him if I could copy his notes. He lent them to me and I promised to get them back to him by the end of study group.
“Hey,” Angie said, coming up to me. “I heard you had some kind of problem.”
“It’s all good. Just that stupid psychiatrist causing trouble.”
“Everything is OK?”
“Yes. Nothing to worry about.”
“Good,” she said warmly, and we both headed out of the dorm for our next class.
That evening, after dinner, I was in my room copying the chemistry notes when my mom called.
“Are you doing OK, Mike?” Mom asked.
“Yes. I was freaked out this morning, but Mr. Winston, Doctor Hart, and Doctor Stanton, my advisor, all helped.”
“According to Mr. Winston, Doctor Orosco did something very foolish.”
“It almost worked,” I said. “I guess the mistake was including the psychiatric reports.”
“Yes. He says that with just the Family Services letter, they probably could have made the suspension stick until the full hearing. And then the hearing would have been another battle just like in Family Court.”
“What did he say about the psychiatrists?”
“He placed a call to Doctor Orosco’s attorney but I don’t know what came of that.”
“OK.”
“Just hang in there, Mike. This will all go away. I’m really sorry.”
“I’ve already forgiven you, so let it go, OK?”
“Thanks, Mike. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Mom. How is Liz?”
“She seems to be doing OK. Emmy’s dad is still forbidding them from getting together, but they talk at school. I’m hoping she can make a few friends to do stuff with over the Summer if Mr. Nelson won’t relent.”
“That whole situation just sucks,” I sighed. “How’s Liz’s schoolwork?”
“She’s back where she was, mostly B’s.”
“Good.”
“Are you coming home before break?”
“In a couple of weeks. There are no classes on President’s Day, so I’ll come home on the 13th after work. I’m seeing Jocelyn on Saturday evening, and I’m having dinner with Tasha’s family on Sunday.”
“We’ll see you then, Mike.”
We hung up and I finished copying Jason’s chemistry notes before joining the study group.
January 28, 1982, McKinley, Ohio
“Hi, Milena,” I said when I walked into the music classroom for my guitar lesson.
“We meet again! Mom’s not here yet. Come sing with me!”
“I will, but you know I don’t have a lot of free time.”
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
June 5, 1981, West Monroe, Ohio “What do you want to do tonight?” I asked Emmy after she got into my Mustang on Friday evening. “Anything,” she said with a smile. “Whatever you want!” “There’s a new skydiving place that opened in Clermont County over by Cincinnati. I saw an ad in the newspaper.” “OK,” she laughed, “maybe not ANYTHING!” “Too exciting for you?” I laughed as I put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. “Too risky! What happens if your parachute doesn’t...