A Well Lived Life Book 9 AnalaChapter 78 Sankta Lucia
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December 1978
On Monday, Kathy Will found me and giddily agreed to my terms and asked when I’d do it with her. I told her that I still thought it was a bad idea. She was desperate.
“Steve, I’ll do anything you want if I can have just one more night where we do it three or four times. Anything. Please?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said firmly. “No.”
“Nobody ever says ‘no’! Now you’ve said ‘no’ twice!”
“That’s right.”
“Fuck you, Steve Adams!” she growled angrily and stormed off.
Jennifer tittered and said softly, “Fuck you, Steve Adams!”
“Yeah, I guess she’s a bit upset. Oh well. Told you I was going to say ‘no’.”
She giggled, “Steve, I’ll do anything you want,” she simpered.
“Jennifer!”
“Sorry,” she pouted unconvincingly.
I just laughed.
“See you after school for the walk to Melanie’s!”
Melanie was improving and was cleared to return to school on the 11th. She’d be in a wheelchair until her leg healed enough for a walking splint, which was expected to be another four weeks. She wasn’t happy about that, but she was happy that she could return to school. Her first session with the psychologist had gone well, at least according to Melanie. I wasn’t sure how I’d determine that she was in a good mental state, but I would have to make such a judgment at some point.
The rest of the week passed quickly. On Friday, Joyce and I had our date, and it went as she planned, sex, dinner, then sex. It was comfortably enjoyable, as always.
At work on Saturday, Kim was constantly eyeing me. I could tell she was waiting for there to be no customers and for Andreas to be in the office. She got her chance around 10:30am.
“Steve, can we get together today after work? Please?”
“Kim, remember, I said this can’t be a permanent thing.”
“I know. But you said I could have it again. Please?”
“I don’t have any plans,” I said. “Let me call my dad and tell him you’ll bring me home.”
I made the call and Dad said ‘OK’. I was surprised how quickly work went.
We spent a few hours at the apartment screwing ourselves silly. It was fun, but as much as I liked Kim, I wasn’t interested in anything ongoing. She was an enthusiastic partner, but I hadn’t developed any feelings for her beyond just being a friend, and I certainly didn’t want her to.
I arrived home early enough to call Becky.
“I asked my parents about New Year’s. Daddy doesn’t like the idea at all. I told him we’re working on our relationship, but he doesn’t want you spending the night and he was pretty clear we couldn’t go to my room.”
“So I’m guessing that will be the case in June, too.”
“I think so. Daddy doesn’t understand what I need.”
“Your dad doesn’t want you having sex with me because we’re not together. I can see his point, Becky.”
“So now what?”
“Will he let you visit me during Christmas break?”
“I’ll check and let you know. I think they will.”
We chatted for a few more minutes and then hung up. I called Jennifer next.
“What are you doing right now?” she asked.
“Talking on the phone to you, Jennifer.”
“Smart ass! I mean, are you busy?”
“No.”
“Can I come over and we can just cuddle and talk for a couple of hours?”
It was only about 7:30pm so I said, “Sure!”
“Mom will bring me right over!”
I went to tell Dad that Jennifer was coming over and we’d be sitting on the couch in the living room. He had no objections. Of course Jeff, who had been playing pool, heard this and ran to turn on the TV. I went back to Dad and complained. My mom said I had no business complaining and should share the room.
“Mom, he did that only AFTER I said we were going to sit in there. If that’s what you say, then Jennifer and I will sit in my room.”
“That’s against the rules, Stephen!”
“Then enforce your rules. I asked Dad for the living room and he approved. That means Jeff can’t be allowed to do what he did and has to move. If you don’t enforce that rule, then you can’t enforce the other one.”
“Steve, be careful,” my dad warned.
“Dad, I’m simply pointing out that she’s doing this on purpose. Either the rules apply or they don’t. She has to decide. I’m fine either way.”
“Well Judy, he’s right. Which is it?”
“Fine. Jeff will move. But this is the last time you speak to me like that, young man!”
“You mean simply pointing out your favoritism?”
“One more word and you are grounded. Do you hear me?”
I nodded and walked out. I was getting really tired of this. Really tired. I’d talk to Dad in the morning. Dad made Jeff leave the living room. I was sure he would do something soon to get me in trouble.
Stephanie came in from a friend’s house and came to sit by me.
“Jennifer will be here in a few minutes. We’re just going to sit here and cuddle and chat. You can join us if you want.”
“Sure! Do I get to cuddle, too?”
“Yeah, with one of your stuffed animals!”
She stuck her tongue out at me.
“Promises, promises,” I teased.
We both laughed.
I grabbed one of the oversized bean bag chairs we had and plopped down in it. Stephanie got one as well and put it next to mine. When Jennifer arrived a few minutes later, she sat in my lap and put her head on my shoulder facing so she could see Stephanie.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I was just missing you and needed to feel your arms around me.”
“This is nice, though it’s much better naked,” I said.
“I’m game!” Stephanie exclaimed and all three of us laughed.
I gave her a look that made it clear she should tone it down. I could tell by her eyes that she understood. Whether she’d tone it down or not was still a question in my mind.
“What’s bugging you Jennifer?”
“Nothing really, I just want more time with you.”
“Jen, we don’t really go on dates anymore. We should. Joyce and I have our little dinner routine every three weeks or so, just the two of us. You and I spend a lot of time with school friends and now we’re seeing Melanie after school every day.”
“True. We also don’t fuck often enough.”
Stephanie giggled, “Is it ever enough for him?”
Jennifer laughed, “He does seem busy in that regard, doesn’t he!”
I chuckled, “You two need to quit ganging up on me!”
They both stuck their tongues out at me.
“Jennifer? I know right where you can put that. Stephanie? Put yours back in your mouth!”
They both giggled.
The rest of the night was more of the same, just chatting and having a good time. Stephanie was clearly enjoying being included. Jennifer and I agreed that we’d start having a regular Saturday date. I mentioned not having been approached by anyone and she said I should just be patient.
“It’s not like you’re not getting enough sex!” she laughed.
“That’s true!” I agreed. “I had Kim again today. She’s sex-crazed now! But she’s going to have to find another outlet.”
“What’s with you, Big Bro? You’ve ended a bunch of chances for good sex.”
“Stephanie, it’s not like he’s not getting any!” Jennifer smirked.
“True,” my sister agreed, “but it’s not like him.”
“Squirt, it’s too hard to balance that many relationships. I have to keep Joyce and Jennifer front and center. The occasional dalliance and random deflowering is fine.”
“What am I?” Stephanie asked quietly.
“A beautiful deflowering, definitely not a random one! And certainly not a dalliance!” I said softly.
“Stephanie,” Jennifer whispered, “OK to ask a question?”
“Sure.”
“With your brother, is it a one-time thing?”
“That depends on just how good he really is!” she smirked.
They both broke up in laughter.
A few minutes later, Jennifer’s mom arrived, and we kissed goodbye. She hugged Stephanie.
On Sunday morning, Stephanie and I swam and had breakfast together. After they left for church, I went to find Dad.
“Dad, Mom is basically baiting me now. Changing the rules. Favoring Jeff. She’s setting it up, so I have to fail so she can punish me.”
“I know, Son; I’m doing my best.”
“I’d like a rules change. That I can have people in my room so long as the door is open and we stay off the bed.”
“I think that’s reasonable, but your mom won’t.”
“I need private space to talk to my friends, Dad. I’m not going to have sex with them in my room with the door open and you guys home!”
“Your mom doesn’t believe you should have any private space.”
“I know. But this is crazy. I’m fifteen. I need a place where I can be with my friends here at home. What if in the evenings, if I have friends over, can I use the office? You and Mom could watch TV in the other room. That way I can use my computer in here, you know, the one only I use, but Mom requires be kept in here, have my friends over, whatever.”
“Your mom likes using this room.”
“Yes, she does. But I need private space. Can’t you help?”
“OK. I’ll allow you to use your room, but no closing the door and stay off the bed.”
“Thanks, Dad. She’s going to be angry.”
“Yes, but I’ll handle it.”
Beth arrived on time and we started or work on the programs for Doctor Grossi. We made good progress before she had to go home.
Monday was an interesting day. Melanie returned to school. Jennifer and I met her out front and I lifted her from the car into her wheelchair. She had permission to leave each class five minutes early so she could move through the halls before the crush of students during the two minute ‘passing period’ when we went from class to class. Both Jennifer and I had special hall passes so we could help her when needed. One of the office assistants would wheel her from class to class because she wasn’t able to use her arm.
By the end of the day, Melanie was beat. We helped load her into her mom’s car, and then Jennifer and I went to our buses. It was going to be a long road to recovery, but Melanie had Prom in mind and was determined to not only be able to dance, but to have a Prom night to remember.
December 13th, 1978 — St. Lucia’s Day
On Wednesday, I took the bus home and then Dad drove me to Petra’s house. She had invited five other people from Milford High and a Swedish guy who was an exchange student at Glen Este High School. Her host sister, Leslie, an eighth-grader, had invited two friends as well.
Things started off with Petra lighting candles and then she and Mikael, the other Swede, sang the traditional song.
«Natten går tunga fjät;(Night walks with a heavy step;
Round yard and hearth;
As the Sun departs from earth, Shadows are brooding.
There in our dark house, walking with lit candles, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!)
We then sat down to dinner of Swedish meatballs and boiled potatoes. After dinner, we went to the basement and the party turned more typical. There was a table with «pepparkakor» and «Lussekatter», along with punch and soft drinks.
Petra put on some music and she and Mikael started dancing. Most people were dancing, changing partners quite often. There didn’t seem to be any couples amongst the High School kids. Leslie, Petra’s host sister, asked me to dance. The music Petra had chosen was moderately fast, so there wasn’t any close body contact. We danced to a couple of songs, then went to grab some cookies.
Leslie’s friend Cindy came over and asked if I would dance with her, and we danced to a couple of songs. I wasn’t surprised when Erin asked me to dance as well. After the first song, Petra changed the music and there was a slower song. I looked at Erin and she nodded, so I put my hands on her waist and she put hers on my upper arms. Erin was about 5’5” with curly brown hair that hung past her shoulders, hazel eyes, and a really cute smile. She was wearing a soft pink sweater and blue jeans that accented her figure.
The next song was faster, so we let go and danced again. When the song finished, we sat on the couch, me with a Coke and her with punch.
“How can you drink that stuff?” I asked.
“Hawaiian Punch?”
“Yeah.”
“I like it,” she said.
“It’s way too sweet.”
“So am I!” she giggled.
“Good one. But I prefer Coke or Dr Pepper.”
We chatted for a bit and her friend Cindy joined us. Cindy was about the same height, but had short, straight blond hair, blue eyes, and she was wearing a pale blue sweater and jeans. She was every bit as cute as Erin, and they seemed to have similar figures.
“Steve,” Erin said, “our friend Mary Harrison said you could help us with something.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
She blushed.
I had assumed that because Mary was involved, it had to do with sex. Now I was sure.
“Well, we kind of wondered if, well, you know.”
I knew. But there was no way I was going to make it easy on her.
I noticed that Cindy had blushed as well.
“We kind of were talking to Mary about stuff and she was telling us stuff and told us you would do stuff if we wanted to,” Cindy said shyly.
I stifled a laugh.
“Cindy, how old are you two?”
“We just turned fourteen.”
Old enough by my rules, but if they couldn’t even bring themselves to ask, I was concerned. Then again, Kellie had always used ‘do stuff’ as her way of talking about sex and actually, with the exception of Jennifer, Melanie, and Mary, the girls were pretty shy about using any direct references. Well, at least at first. I decided to make things a bit easier on them.
“How do you two know Mary?”
“Cindy and I play chess,” Erin said. “Mary comes down to the Junior High once a week and plays with us. We’re the only two girls and we like having her help us.”
“And what did Mary tell you, Erin?” I asked.
“One day she joked about strip chess.”
Of course she did. That was Mary.
“She told us that she had played it before, once, but that a guy on the team had played it a lot, and with girls from other schools, even. She told us it was a lot of fun.”
“I’m sure. Did she say anything else?”
“Yeah, that it ended up leading to having sex, and it was a lot of fun. We asked her about that and she told us how great it felt and how much fun it was. But she said you had to have the right guy.”
Yeah, that would be Mary.
“So we asked her and she said we should ask you.”
“Ask me what?”
“To play strip chess with us,” Erin said, blushing bright red.
They were both totally cute with what appeared to be nice bodies. I’d have to thank Mary profusely. In fact, if she and Ben weren’t exclusive, I might even consider thanking her in a way she’d really appreciate.
“You want to do that? Both of you?”
They both nodded.
“Erin, Cindy, you know I have a girlfriend, right?”
“Mary says you have two,” Cindy said.
Of course she would!
“But she said your main girlfriend would be OK with it,” Erin said. “She even asked her!”
Special treat. This had to be what Jennifer was referring to. And she was right. I loved my girlfriend.
“So you both want to play strip chess with me? Did Mary tell you the rules?”
“Yes,” Erin said softly, blushing again.
“Yes,” Cindy said.
“And you’re OK with those rules?”
They both nodded.
“I think it’ll be a lot of fun!” I said.
They both smiled widely.
“How about Sunday?” Erin asked. “We can play at my house. My parents will be at the Bengals’ game.”
The Bengals had been terrible so far this year, with a 3-12 record. But that meant at least four or five hours, which should be plenty. I’d have to change my ‘computer date’ with Beth, but I figured she could just come around 5:00pm.
“Where do you live?”
“On Wolfpen-Pleasant Hill, across from Eagle Ridge.”
That was biking distance, but it was going to be in the mid 30s. I considered for a moment, and decided I could do that.
“OK. I can ride my bike. I’m off Klondyke on Overlook. It’s about ten minutes by bike. What time?”
“They leave around 10:00am, so how about 10:30am. They won’t be home before 5:00pm.”
“OK. Sunday at 10:30am. I should leave by 4:00pm to be safe. OK?”
“Yes!” Erin said with a huge smile on her face.
I danced a bit with Petra after that and chatted briefly. She was happy I had been accepted by YFU and told me that I should try to visit Lund when I was there. I told her that would be fun. I thanked her for the party.
My dad picked me up at 9:00pm. I asked him if I could have a party during Christmas break and he said it would be OK. I told him I’d invite about ten people and that Stephanie was welcome to join us and invite her friends as well. We agreed on the 28th. I also asked if it was OK if Becky came over one day.
“I thought you guys broke up, Son.”
“We did. It wasn’t a bad break-up and we’re still friends. We talk every so often. I figured we’d go skating, grab some food and ice cream, and just hang out.”
He said there wouldn’t be a problem. I did need to find out from Stephanie what her plan for Vickie was.
When I got home, I went to find her.
“Did you invite Vickie for Christmas break?”
“Yeah, I have a good plan. Mom and Dad are going out on New Year’s, so I’ll ask if she can come then. I heard Jeff talking about going to a friend’s house for New Year’s, and if he does that, it’ll be easy for you two to do it.”
She smirked and stuck her tongue out. I simply stuck mine out at her as well. We both laughed.
I went to call Jennifer and let her know that I had encountered the special treat.
“Mary thought you would like that. She said those two had been bugging her with sex questions for weeks, so she basically maneuvered them into an opportunity for you. Have fun!”
“I have to call Mary. Too bad I can’t properly thank her!”
Jennifer giggled, “True. Offer it. See what she says.”
“You know my rule.”
“I do, and I know she’s exclusive with Ben. But you can certainly tease her!”
“Oh, of course! I wasn’t thinking that way. Great idea!”
“Jennifer, I’m planning a party for Dec. 28th. Would you be OK if I asked Joyce to come?”
“Playing with fire, Steve? What if we talk and compare notes?” she giggled.
“Does that mean yes?”
“Sure. Both she and I seem comfortable enough with the situation...”
The way she left that hanging, I knew what she meant.
“I’m not inviting Becky to the party. I’ll see her another day, OK?”
She laughed, “Sometimes you’re not so dumb!”
We hung up, and I called Mary.
“Thanks for the treat, Mary.”
“You’re welcome. Have fun with those two!”
“How good are they?”
“No idea. I’m pretty sure they are both virgins, so you’ll have to tell me!” she giggled.
“I meant at chess, Mary; at chess!”
“They’re about your level, I guess, because you haven’t been practicing.”
“OK. It’s too bad I can’t thank you properly!” I teased.
“Oh God! I wish you would! It’s been so long!”
“You and Ben are together and exclusive. You told me that.”
“I know. But your ‘thank you’ would be worth it.”
“No, it wouldn’t, and you know it. I’m good, but not worth wrecking your relationship over. Melanie did that and look where that led.”
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October 1982, Chicago, Illinois The drive back to Chicago was as uneventful as usual, and I arrived at the apartment just before 6:00pm. When I arrived, Elyse and Stephie were sitting on the couch and Jackie was sitting on the loveseat. Stephie hopped up as I opened the door and greeted me with a hug and a kiss. “Hi, Peaches!” I said. “Glad you’re home, Yankee!” “Hi, Steve,” Elyse and Jackie both said. “Hey,” I replied. “How was the weekend?” “Well, it was just Kurt with me, Stephie,...
June 11, 1989, Chicago, Illinois It was just after 3:00am when I kissed Trish goodbye. She’d been an enthusiastic, energetic, and adventurous lover. We’d done just about anything either of us could think of, though her breasts weren’t large enough for a tit-fuck. The last time had been in the shower where we’d ostensibly gone to clean up afterwards, but instead I ended up taking her from behind as she leaned against the wall of the shower. “I think I’ll have you again, Steve Adams,” she...
May 1978 The first couple of weeks in May were busy with school, work, and friends. Except for Becky, I didn’t even have any dates. But I was OK with that. Well, almost OK. I wanted to see Anna, but it likely wasn’t going to happen until school was out. I had tutoring sessions with Melanie, but she still wouldn’t talk to me about anything other than Spanish. Barely a hello. I was grateful for the tutoring, but it was maddening seeing my friend this way. I hoped someday she could understand...
March, 1982, Milford, Ohio As I drove along I-65, I thought about what Stephanie had asked for and what Bethany had said without even knowing about the request. Of course, because Bethany and I were so in tune, she might have actually had an idea that I was struggling with getting involved with my sister again. I kept turning it over and over in my mind and I kept coming to the same conclusion — that I shouldn’t do it. I was torn between doing what Stephanie wanted and doing what Kara and...
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...
November 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” Miyu said when Kara, the girls, and I walked into the dojo on Saturday morning. “Good morning, Miyu.” “Do you have a moment, please?” I nodded and we went to the small practice room for privacy, as Sensei Jim had a family in his office. “What can I do for you?” “I need you to meet a young man,” she said. “I think you might be taking this ‘not do anything without permission’ a bit too far!” Miyu shook her head, “No, I’m not....
May 1979 The limo dropped me at home about 9:00pm. I took my stuff to my room, stripped, and hung up the tux. The rest of the things went into the hamper. I took a shower, put on shorts and a t-shirt, and walked down the hall into my dad’s office. I saw no reason to put this off any longer. “Stephen, you need to explain yourself!” my mom demanded. “I was in Mrs. McGrath’s, well, Mrs. Sanders’ now, wedding, as I said.” “You walked her down the aisle! You’re sixteen and not even related to...
November 3, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “I still don’t understand why you told everyone to leave Katy alone last night,” Elyse said on Saturday morning. “Because we weren’t going to talk her out of it. I could tell by the way she told us. I hoped letting her sleep on it would allow her to hear what we had to say. Obviously I was wrong.” “I was surprised that she wouldn’t talk to Jennifer at all,” Kara said. “I thought Jennifer would be the one to get her to listen to reason this morning.” I...
February, 1983, Chicago, Illinois Our first joining since the previous summer was slow and sweet, trying to express our deep love for each other through the motions of our bodies. When we finished, Karin held me tight and refused to let me move off of her. “Sleep there, please,” she whispered. I kissed her once more then adjusted my pillow so that I could rest my head next to hers. It wasn’t the most comfortable position, but it was what Karin wanted. The feel of her firm body under mine,...
July 3, 1996, Chicago, Illinois I blinked several times and took a breath before responding. It didn’t help. The best I could do was contain my visceral reaction at her completely out-of-line request and her wrong-headed assumptions when she had NO idea what had happened in my life the previous eight months. “What makes you think you can make that request after refusing to talk to me for nearly eight months? And equally importantly, without explaining Alexi? And without giving me the first...
August 12, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Fuck ‘em all,” I sighed. “Especially Donald Fehr. Running to Federal Court, the NLRB, and Congress? I’m really tired of the government putting its thumb so heavily on the scale.” “Well, we’re not going to resolve that problem today,” Elyse said. “Jackie and Jeremiah want to come over.” I chuckled, “Why am I not surprised? I bet you anything he had a rough sketch done ten minutes after they hung up the phone.” “They want to discuss options. Kimmy felt...