A Well Lived Life Book 4 BethanyChapter 49 Revelation
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June 1981, Milford, Ohio
On Monday morning after our usual morning routine, I called Bethany and asked if she was interested in seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark that evening. We’d go to dinner first, then see the movie in Springdale at Showcase Cinemas.
“Do you think Kara could go with us? And your sister?” Bethany asked.
“Stephanie can probably go, I just need to ask my dad. Kara’s parents are really strict, as I said, but I’ll call her and ask.”
We hung up so that I could call Kara.
“Of course I’ll go with you!” Kara said.
“To a movie? Really?”
“Yes! If we’re doing other things, I just don’t see how going to a movie is really a big deal.”
“What about your parents?”
“I’m not going to tell them that any more than I’m going to tell them about the other things we do!” she giggled.
“I’m concerned that if they find out, they’ll be upset with me. And that could cause problems for us.”
“They won’t find out! I’m going with you and Bethany!”
We agreed on a time, and I called Bethany back to let her know. Then I went to ask Dad if Stephanie could go to dinner with us and he said yes. He told me that Stephanie had asked him about the Seattle trip and that he had told her the same thing he had told me, which didn’t surprise me at all.
I talked to Stephanie, and she said she was going to ask Mom about it. I laughed and wished her good luck. There was no way Mom was going to let her go anywhere with me. I warned her that it was risky to even ask because the Chicago trip was coming up and she shouldn’t give Mom any reason to try to interfere at this point. Stephanie seemed sure that somehow she could manage it, but I didn’t believe it. I figured that we needed Jennifer to come to Milford if she wanted to see both of us.
After lunch I called Jennifer to let her know that I could come to Seattle, but it was very unlikely that Stephanie could come, so if she wanted the possibility of being with Stephanie she’d have to come to Ohio.
“Dad said he’d pay for me to come there, on the condition that I agree that no matter what, that I’ll never, ever do anything like I did again. He’s pretty upset with me.”
“I suspect he’s more disappointed than anything. I know I’m disappointed in you. If you came to Ohio, when would it be and where would you stay?”
“It would be in August, like you suggested. I can come for a few days, but then I have to be back home to get ready to go to Stanford. I could stay with Melanie, I guess, or perhaps with my cousin who lives in Glendale. Do you want me to make the arrangements?”
“Yes, I do. Remember, no promises about being intimate. What you and Stephanie do is between the two of you, but don’t assume I’m available that way. Stephanie and I are ending our physical relationship after our trip to Chicago next week.”
“Already? Why?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do. Bethany and Kara convinced me. That means it’s over before Karin comes here.”
“So there is no chance of the three of us?” Jennifer said dejectedly.
“Stephanie asked me for a special exception for you, but as I said, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. We’ll cross that bridge when you’re here, but do not get your hopes up, Jennifer. You understand that I am making no promises about this, right?”
“I do. I really did make a complete mess of things by not talking to you,” she sighed. “I’ll make the reservations and figure out where I’m going to stay and let you know.”
We said our goodbyes and hung up. I let Stephanie know that she shouldn’t talk to Mom and then I spent some time working on a program that one of our new vet clients had asked for. Beth and Krista had done several demonstrations, and we were expecting at least two more clients by the end of Summer, and they were doing one today. I appreciated not having to go, and two cute girls seemed very effective at convincing veterinarians that they needed our software. That gave me time to do some programming work to do for one of Don Joseph’s businesses.
Late in the afternoon, I received a call from Andreas. He let me know that he needed me on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. I agreed to meet Joey at the deli at 10:00pm both days. I told him I had an update for the programs for the brothel as well and would go on Tuesday morning to deliver it.
Before Stephanie and I left to pick up the girls, I let her know that I would tell them about Jennifer and that she should not say anything at all about it until I did, and that she should be very guarded with what she said.
Bethany, Kara, Stephanie, and I went to dinner at TGI Friday’s and then saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. We all loved the movie, and I sat between Kara and Bethany with one arm around each girl. Afterwards we went for ice cream at Farrell’s. That was the time I had decided would be right to reveal Jennifer’s visit.
“I need to tell you both something,” I said. “Another development, and before I say anything else, this was not something my little sister had anything at all to do with. Jennifer is most likely coming to visit in August before I go to Chicago.”
Bethany straightened up, frowning, but Kara spoke up first.
“What?!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide as her jaw dropped.
“My friend Jennie, who I’ve told you both about, told me quite clearly that I need to talk things out with Jennifer face-to-face. Jennie thinks that if I don’t, then it could end up affecting my future, as I’d always wonder about it.”
“I can’t deal with this!” Kara said. “Why do things have to be so complicated?! First Karin, then Jennifer! I suppose you’re going to sleep with her, too?” she said angrily.
I hadn’t seen Kara angry. Not even when I’d confessed to cheating on her. This was a visceral reaction, and it told me one thing quite clearly — if I had sex with Jennifer, Kara and I were done for good.
“Kara, Honey, I have absolutely no intention of doing that. I told Jennifer that on the phone. I was clear. I told her that I’d talk to her. That’s it. Talk. I don’t trust her enough to even think about having sex with her.”
“Are you telling me the truth, Steve Adams? The whole truth?” Kara asked, her eyes narrowing.
“Yes. She’s coming here so we can talk things out. If you want to meet her, I’ll set it up. If you don’t, that’s fine, too. She’ll be staying at Melanie’s house and I will NOT be staying there with her. That’s the absolute truth. If you want to be with me every second of the time that she’s here, except when she and I are talking privately, I’m fine with that. She and I can talk at my house or Melanie’s house, and you can be there, just not within hearing distance. We do need a bit of privacy.”
“You would do that for me?”
“I would.”
“And Stephanie had absolutely nothing to do with this?”
“That’s right. It was Jennie who told me this was the best way to handle it. My little sister did not orchestrate this like she did the situation with Karin.”
“We’re going to talk about this in more detail,” Kara said. “I’m not going to put up with any deception from you! I’ve started trusting you. Don’t you dare break that trust or we’re through!”
I really wasn’t surprised at her strong reaction, nor at the clear statement of what would happen if I stepped over the bright line she had just drawn. It really was a choice between Jennifer and Kara. And given my issues with Jennifer, there was no way I was going to betray her like that.
“I understand,” I said calmly.
“Kara, I don’t think you have to worry about anything with Jennifer,” Bethany said. “I really do think that, in the end, it will come down to you and me. I think with Karin, they’ll screw each other silly, think there is something there, but she’ll go home and the glow will fade. It might rekindle when he goes to Sweden next year, but then he’ll come back. And you already told him what he’s doing in the Fall!” Bethany giggled.
“Told me?” I chuckled.
“Yes, you idiot! Bethany said vehemently. “Told you! You’ve never, ever been whipped before, Steve Adams. Even that conniving little bitch didn’t have you whipped. Kara does!”
Stephanie laughed, “Yeah, Kara has a stronger hold on him than I do. Seriously. He’s breaking things off with me because she wants him to. I should be pissed, but I have to admit that she’s right. And so were you, Bethany.”
“Steve, did you invite Jennifer here?” Bethany asked. “Did you initiate this?”
“I did,” I said firmly. “Based on Jennie’s advice.”
“Good. Very good. For once, you’re pro-actively addressing your issue,” Bethany said. “One talk with Jennie did this? She didn’t have to club you over the head repeatedly?”
“No. One conversation. And just advice. I listened, thought about it, then took it because it was good advice.”
“Holy shit!” Bethany exclaimed. “Kara, he may actually have learned something in the last two years. This knucklehead, or this fucking idiot, as Katt called him, might just have learned something. If he sought out advice, evaluated it and then acted on it without us beating him over the head, then he’s a very different person. He’s someone that you or I can marry!”
“Pistols at dawn, Bethany?” Kara giggled.
“No way. I told you what the competition would be!” Bethany giggled.
“I’ll win. Easily,” Kara said primly.
“Bullshit!” Bethany giggled.
“I think I need to be the referee for this!” my little sister teased. “Just so I can watch!”
“Oh, you would like that, wouldn’t you?” Bethany giggled. “I’m up for it! Kara?”
Kara blushed. That told me that they’d pushed it a bit too far. The blushing was the indicator.
“Girls, enough,” I said firmly. “Don’t push the teasing quite so far, please.”
“Sorry, Kara,” Stephanie and Bethany said together.
“It’s OK,” Kara said. “I’m fine. Is this really that big of a change for Steve?”
“Yes. He’s been an absolute shithead for years,” Bethany said with a smirk. “I think he’s finally getting it together.”
“I love you too, Bethany,” I said with a wan smile.
“I guess I feel a little better, then,” Kara said. “I would like to meet this girl.”
“I’ll set it up once I find out what her plans are. It’s going to be a busy Summer. Next week Stephanie and I are heading to Chicago for the skating competition and to find an apartment for Elyse and me in Hyde Park, near the University of Chicago. Then a week after that, Bethany and I are taking a road trip to Madison so she can check out the city and meet my friend Pam, who was an exchange student in Sweden. Then a week after that, Karin will be here. And a week after that, Jennifer.”
“You won’t have a lot of time for me, will you?” Kara said, frowning.
“I can still see you a lot. I’d take you on either trip, but I just don’t see your parents agreeing. And because you’re seventeen, you can’t just defy them and go.”
Both Stephanie and Bethany shot me hard looks, but I ignored them. I’d explain myself after we dropped Kara at home.
“I’d love to go,” Kara said wistfully, “But you’re right.”
We finished our ice creams and headed back to the car. I dropped Kara off first, as planned. I kissed her goodnight and reassured her that I would make plenty of time for her. We agreed to have lunch on Tuesday and then I went back to the car to face two very unhappy girls.
“What the fuck?” my little sister spluttered. “Inviting Kara to go to Chicago with us?”
“And to Madison with us?” Bethany asked sharply.
“Invitations that had no chance of being accepted, but that made Kara feel better. You both know that. Come on girls. She’s very, very sensitive. She’s not the same person she was a year ago, but she’s also not as free and open as the two of you are, and she’s very insecure at the moment. Remember, this is a girl who has stepped way outside her comfort zone. She’s doing pretty well, but you do need to cut her some slack, please.”
“I guess,” Stephanie sighed.
“Yeah,” Bethany agreed.
“Oh, and what’s this about me being whipped?” I chuckled.
“It’s true!” Bethany said. “You know damn well that you’re going to have her move in with you next year. You’ll commit to her just like you did earlier this year. It’s going to happen. We all know it. All of us, including you. And it’s fine. It’s what has to happen. I’m resigned to it, just as Kara’s resigned to you and Karin having sex. We don’t like it, but these are things that have to happen. And just as Kara is sure that you’ll choose her over Karin, I’m sure that in the end, you’ll choose me over Kara.”
“This is enough to make my head spin!” I said.
“I’d say the drama level has kicked up a notch. The interesting thing is that you aren’t creating it. It’s sort of happening around you. Jennifer created all the drama, including coming to visit, but you stayed on an even keel. Stephanie created the drama around Karin, but again, you stayed on an even keel. Like I said at Farrell’s, you’ve changed. Two major crises and no tantrum and no freak-out? I’m very pleased,” Bethany said.
“I agree. For once in his life, he’s not acting like a fucking idiot,” my little sister said.
I dropped Bethany at home and told her I’d call her with the details about dinner with Elyse. We shared a quick kiss good night, and I got back in the car with Stephanie.
“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” she said, her voice full of sadness. “There’s no chance you’ll be with me and Jennifer.”
“It’s a trust issue. Right now, I wouldn’t even call Jennifer a good friend. Good friends don’t do what she did to me.”
“I know, but what if you reconcile? What if after she’s here you two realize that you can be friends at least? Then what?”
“I’m not going to ruin things with Kara for a casual fuck with Jennifer, because that’s what it would be at this point.”
“What? No way! You and Jennifer could never have a casual fuck. No way!”
“Squirt, you are totally missing it. I do not have any feelings like that for Jennifer at this point. None. Zero.”
“But you still love her!” Stephanie protested.
“Yes, but I don’t trust her to be honest and open with me. And a few days of talking isn’t going to fix that, Squirt. I know how badly you want the three of us to make love together, but I just can’t do it.”
She slumped in her seat as we pulled into the driveway. When I got out of the car, she didn’t get out right away. I stood, leaning on the hood, waiting for her to get out, which she did about five minutes later.
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September 7, 1992, Chicago, Illinois “That went reasonably well,” Michelle said when her parents drove off. “There were a few times I thought my expression would give away something I shouldn’t. You were messing with me, weren’t you?” She grabbed both my hands and smiled, “I was telling the truth, in my own way. Thank you!” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “So, what’s left?” I asked. “To visit UofC tomorrow and formally withdraw from classes. To spend some time with you and your...
October 1981, Chicago, Illinois I arrived back at the apartment just before 10:00pm and saw the address for the party. I decided I wasn’t particularly interested in going so I put on some music, poured myself a glass of wine, and started reading more about Russia. I was alternating between the history and culture book and the Communist Party book, decided on the history and culture book for this time. I didn’t get much reading done because I was thinking about Tatyana, which led me to...
January 23, 1996, Chicago, Illinois “Father, bless!” I said, greeting Father Basil with upturned palms. “Bless you, Stephen,” he said as I kissed his hand. The waiter showed us to a quiet table along the wall of Roditys in Greektown. He took our drink orders and was back quickly. We placed our food orders right away and he left to put them in with the kitchen. “I’m not quite sure how to address this, so I’m just going to ask you bluntly. Are you the father of Michelle’s baby?” I shook my...
June 29, 1995, Chicago, Illinois On Thursday, I finally had lunch with Melissa again, something I hadn’t been looking forward to. Much like with Cèlia, Melissa and I had passed an inflection point and I was left with sub-optimal paths forward. I’d been struggling with the possible solutions, and all of them had pitfalls. When I walked into Takumi, I had something of a plan. Whether it was good or not would only be known once everything played out. “I spoke to my wives,” I said after we’d...
December 5, 2000, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota “I had a good time last night,” I said. “I was surprised you invited a friend!” Mary laughed as we walked into the exam room, “Naomi had a good time as well. You know what a Resident’s life is like.” I nodded, “No social life.” “Exactly. You guys seemed to hit it off pretty well.” “Yes, but I’m not here for that!” “You’re everywhere for that, and you know it!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s just say that you hit the sweet spot -...
March 1980, Hovås/Göteborg, Sweden I woke early as usual, but just enjoyed being in bed with Katt. When she woke, she hopped out of bed and pulled a robe out of her closet and handed it to me. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. Go have your shower, then we’ll have breakfast after I have my shower.” I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, and went back to Katt’s room. She went to shower and came back a few minutes later. She dressed, and I got a very good look at her sexy body...
April 5, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “You missed cuddles this morning!” Birgit said accusingly when I walked into the house about 9:30am. “I know, Pumpkin, but I had a work emergency and had to go see Aunt Joyce and Grandpa A.” “And now we have to get ready for karate!” “I know. We’ll have some family time this afternoon. I don’t have any plans.” “Good!” I hugged her and the rest of the kids, then went to find Kara. We hugged and kissed, and went straight upstairs to get ready for...
September 3, 1989, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” I said, bowing to Sensei Jim. “Good morning!” he said waving me to a chair in his office. “How was your trip?” I asked. “Enlightening. I spent most of my time acting as a manservant to Sensei Robert and Sensei Hiro.” “He who will lead, must first serve,” I said. “Someday, I’m going to send you to Sensei Hiro, should he live long enough. You understand.” “Does that mean you are now 6th Dan?” I...
October 29, 2000, Chicago, Illinois Birgit followed me as far as the stairs, then scooted upstairs when I went to the front door and opened it. “Hi!” Sophie said. “Hi!” I replied and held the door open so she could come into the house. I closed the door behind her then led her to my study where I waited until she went in, and then walked in, closing the door behind me. I nodded to one of the wingback chairs, she sat down in one, and I sat down in the other. “Is something wrong?” she...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I walked in the near 90°F heat to Carla’s place. I was grateful that the humidity of the morning had dropped significantly; otherwise the heat would have been unbearable. By the time I walked up the steps to the apartment over the photography studio and knocked on her door, I had broken into a light sweat. Carla answered almost immediately and invited me inside her studio apartment. The air was moderately cool, and the window air conditioner was running full...
July 1982, Milford, Ohio On Tuesday morning, I kissed Kara goodbye and headed to my parents’ house for my usual morning routine with my little sister. She was happy that I could spend the morning with her and asked to take a walk, so we weren’t in the house with my mom. “Let me guess — this walk will end in the clearing,” I said with a smile. “Yes,” she said, taking my hand as we walked down Overlook towards Klondyke. As usual, we turned around and walked back, taking the path to the...
March 13, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Ailea said when she opened the door. “Hi,” I replied, accepting the offered hug. There was no touching of lips, just of cheeks, and I wondered if I’d misread her intentions at her birthday lunch, or if, perhaps, she detected my reluctance to return the offered affection. “Lunch is ready, so go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it in from the kitchen.” I went to the low table, sat down, and a minute later, Ailea brought miso soup and sushi, our usual...
April 3, 1997, Dallas, Texas “Remember what I said about drinking too much,” I said, as I poured bourbon into three cups. We’d stopped at a liquor store, bought a bottle of Blanton’s, and then returned to the small suite I’d reserved at the Westin. Deborah’s room was down the hall, and Krissy’s was two floors below. Krissy’s comment had caught me a bit off guard, but I hadn’t reacted visibly. I didn’t know her quite well enough to know if she’d been teasing with Deborah, so I was being...
March 28, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “This day belongs to you, Kara!” I said when the three of us woke on Thursday morning. “Happy birthday!” Jessica said. “Thanks,” Kara replied happily. “I think I’d like an amazing birthday fuck from our husband, and then a nice loving shower with my wife!” Kara said. “Do we have enough time?” I asked. Jessica giggled, “I set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier!” “Then let’s not waste any of it!” I said pulling Kara to me. Kara’s squeals as I plunged...
September 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Monday morning I went to my study to make a surreptitious call to ensure that the surprise I’d planned for Kara was still going to happen, and after confirming that it was, Jesse, Matthew, Michael, and I began preparing for the Labor Day party by getting beer and soda into coolers, getting the grill ready, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard, and ensuring the liquor cabinets were stocked while my wives and daughters worked on food prep in the...
September 1, 1987, Chicago, Illinois “I heard that you have some kind of plan to help Ed,” I said to Connie. “There’s no plan,” she replied. “A witness who saw the shopkeeper alive after Ed left came forward.” That sounded convenient, and I wondered if the witness was real or someone that Anthony had put forward to solve the problem. Certainly, the videotape was real, because I couldn’t imagine how Anthony could have faked that, but the witness? Who knew? “So is he being released? Or is...
August 17, 1997, Chicago, Illinois We finished lunch and Marissa and the younger kids went to play, but Natalie sat with the adults to talk, with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. The Sarcus were very comfortable, but the Heaths were still struggling. But, vitally, they hadn’t left and hadn’t insisted Natalie leave the group. “Can you explain how you developed this attitude and approach?” Chris asked. I nodded, “It started when I was just a bit younger than Natalie. My mom was a total control...
July 1979 — Falkenberg, Sweden On Friday, when I got back from my run, Pam was in her bra and panties again. I whistled at her, she giggled, then finished dressing. I showered, and we went to breakfast and finished up our last day. Once class was done, we were pretty much free. On Saturday, we’d have several optional activities and then on Sunday we’d head back to our host families. After dinner on Friday, I took Pam’s hand and we walked towards the river. It was quiet and peaceful, and...
July 1980, Over the North Atlantic We reached cruising altitude, and I settled back to read my book. Pam raised the armrest between us, snuggled close to me and read as well. The cabin crew offered drinks, and I had my first Coke in a year! Meal service began about an hour and a half into the flight. After the cabin crew picked up the trays and offered drinks again, they passed once more, offering headsets for the movie. Trevor and Maria took them, but Pam and I didn’t, instead we turned on...
July 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Is it really that surprising?” Leah asked. “I suppose not,” I replied. “I just didn’t read too much into the kiss on the cheek.” “I didn’t think it was a good idea to kiss you on the lips with all those people around, because I had no idea who they were or what they would think. You were VERY careful with our dance, so I kind of followed your lead.” Which showed very mature thinking on her part. Both of these girls were exactly the kind of students I...
November 8, 1993, Chicago, Illinois A dark fog swirled before my eyes as I tried to take stock. My head hurt, badly. I felt something on my face and realized, dimly, it was an oxygen mask. My right hand was uncomfortable and I recognized the feeling of an IV and pulse-oximeter. My left arm ached fiercely. On my chest I felt the pads and wires of an EKG. I didn’t feel anything else wrong as I continued taking inventory. I tried to open my eyes, but the fog didn’t clear. I tried to speak, but...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois In the morning Anala and I ran as we had the previous time, then showered together, carefully washing each other’s bodies in an intimate but non-sexual way. After our shower we went to the kitchen and I made breakfast and we sat down to eat. “Steve, may I make a suggestion?” she asked. “Sure.” “Broaden your circle of friends. Other than me, all of you are white, nominally Christian, 20-year-old Americans. And you don’t invite me to your Sunday...
June 23, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Steve,” Kimmy said over the intercom, “I have a Suzanne Aavik for you.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Put her through, please.” A few seconds later, Suzanne was on the line. “Hi!” she exclaimed when I greeted her. “I’m in Chicago for three weeks. Can I still run away and join the circus?” I chuckled, “You might want to find out what the circus is actually like before you join! If you’re free, you’re welcome to come to the house tomorrow or Sunday and meet the...
March 1979 Monday was back to the normal routine of school. Debbie Courtney, who lived across the street and had turned fourteen the last week in February, started flirting more with me on the bus each day. Debbie Vaughn, who lived just down the street, would turn fourteen on March 16th and invited me to her birthday party. And Donna Woody, who lived just down the street in the other direction, would turn fourteen on March 20th. She had made it clear what she wanted for her birthday, and in...
June 2, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “My office, please,” Sensei Jim said after class on Saturday. I followed him to his office and waited for him to bid me to sit. He did, and I sat in the usual chair across from him. “She has a real problem, you know that, right?” he asked. “I do. That’s why I insisted she start seeing a counselor.” “I run a huge risk having her here with that kind of temper and her violent acts.” I nodded, “I understand. May I ask what you intend to do?” “I really don’t...
February 21, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Sweetheart!” I said, greeting Bethany at the door. “Uncle Steve!” Nicholas exclaimed. I took him from his mom and he hugged me tightly. “Is Jesse with his moms?” Bethany asked. “Yes. They won’t bring him back over tonight so you and Nicholas can surprise him in the morning.” “Perfect!” “How was the drive up?” “The same as usual. Just a bit of traffic in Northern Indiana. Otherwise, smooth sailing. It was driving the other direction that was a...