Good Medicine Sophomore YearChapter 26 Martyrdom
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September 9, 1982, McKinley, Ohio
“White boy! Phone for you!” Clark called out on Thursday evening while I was with the study group.
I got up and went to our room to pick up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mikey,” Liz replied. “I just called to say, ‘thank you’.”
“For what?”
“Making Mindy come back to my room.”
I chuckled, “Do you know how difficult it was to kick a hot, naked fox out of my bed? And then, after she turned on the lights so I could see her body, kick her out of my room?”
Liz laughed, “I BET it was hard!”
“I have things to do,” I said, doing my best to sound annoyed.
“Chill, Mikey! I was teasing.”
“How did you find out?”
“Mom told me. I guess she had a talk with Mindy and at the end of the talk, told Mindy she couldn’t stay over if you were home.”
I chuckled, “I think Mom is afraid I’ll do what I threatened!”
“Can I ask you a serious question?”
“Sure.”
“If she wasn’t my friend...”
“I don’t know. Maybe, if she were mature enough. Why are you asking?”
“I’m just curious. You and Emmy did fine, right?”
“Sure, until her dad interfered. But even then, it was sort of casual, if you know what I mean. Mostly college guys can’t take girls to dances or to Prom. I know there are some exceptions, but even though Katy is a Senior, and I’m less than two years older, I can’t take her to her Prom. I COULD take Tasha because I graduated from Harding County High, if I got special permission from the Principal. But you know Deacon Vasily’s opinion on that.”
Liz laughed, “You’re allowed to take his daughter, who isn’t allowed to date, on dates, but God forbid you take her to a chaperoned school dance!”
“I took April to a chaperoned school dance,” I countered.
“I sure hope you had planned to use rubbers, Mikey, given what happened!”
“I’m not stupid nor am I careless. And if you recall, I bought YOU a box, Lizard Breath!”
“True,” she laughed. “Anyway, I just called to say ‘thanks’.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I love you, Mikey.”
“I love you too, Liz.”
I hung up and went back to the study group in the common area. Clarissa, Sandy, Jason, Pete, and Fran were all working on our lab reports. In addition to the usual experiments, we were also required to do several extra experiments, as well as discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the tests and testing methods. It was a ton of extra work, but I could see exactly how it would aid me in the future.
“I need a drink,” Fran sighed just before 11:00pm.
“I know where I can locate a bottle of ‘Jack’,” Jason offered.
“Sold!” she said, closing her notebook and gathering her things.
I exchanged a look with Pete, who was sitting nearby, as Jason got up and he and Fran went off together.
“When did THAT start?” Sandy asked with a laugh.
“About twelve seconds ago!” Pete replied from his spot at the next table over.
“I need a shoulder massage,” Sandy sighed, rubbing her neck.
“I’d be happy to!” Kurtis called out from his seat next to Pete at the other table.
“Not!” Sandy said with a smile.
Kurtis frowned slightly, shrugged, and turned back to his physics homework.
“How about music and bottle of soda?” I asked. “Angie won’t mind if you join us, nor will Clarissa, right?”
“Right!” Clarissa said.
“Sure,” Sandy agreed.
The three of us gathered our things while Pete got up and went over to a table where Tracy was sitting and put his hands on her shoulders. She’d spent the nights with him since they met at the dorm mixer, but she hadn’t joined our gang for some reason.
“Hi, Ang!” I said when we walked into my room.
“I hope you don’t mind that I put on your new album.”
“Not at all. I told you it was OK to play anything you wanted. I hope you don’t mind if Sandy joins us.”
“Of course not!”
“Who is this?” Sandy asked.
“Dexy’s Midnight Runners,” I replied. “They’re a British pop band. You might have heard Come On Eileen on the radio recently. That’s them.”
Sandy smirked, “Talk about a dirty song name!”
We all cracked up, including Angie, who also blushed slightly.
I got everyone a bottle of soda and we lounged on the couches. Sandy rubbed her neck again.
“What’s with your neck?” I asked.
“Tension headache,” she replied. “Maybe I should have gone with Jason and Fran for a belt!”
I chuckled, “If that goes the way Pete and I think it will, you might have been in for a VERY interesting night!”
“I was surprised,” Sandy said. “I had no clue.”
“None of us did. And, honestly, maybe it was just one of those things, you know, like picking up a girl in a bar!”
“And you know this from copious experience, Mr. Loucks?” Angie teased.
“No.”
“I thought she had a boyfriend,” Angie observed.
“They had a spat and broke up,” Sandy said, rubbing her neck.
“Sandy, I’ll give you a neck rub if you want,” Clarissa offered.
“She shot down Kurtis pretty fast!” I chuckled.
“Not my type,” Sandy replied. “And I don’t know him well enough. Sure, Clarissa.”
She shifted and turned, and Clarissa started rubbing her shoulders and neck. I suddenly had a vision of the two of them cuddling together, but that flew in the face of every indication I’d had from Sandy that she liked guys. I pushed the thoughts out of my mind.
“Can anyone join this party?” Sophia asked from the door to the room.
“That’s why the door’s open,” I said. “Come on in. Where are Robby and Lee?”
“They went to bed. My roommate and her boyfriend are smooching on the couch, so I decided to see what else was going on.”
“No smooching here!” Angie laughed. “Though you could ask Mike, I guess.”
I was pleased to hear Angie tease a bit. She was much more fun to be around now that she was more relaxed. I suppressed a chuckle because I was sure the same thing had been said about me!
Sophia laughed softly and plopped down on the couch next to me.
“Feeling better, Sandy?” Clarissa asked.
She nodded, “Much. Thanks, Clarissa.”
They turned to lean back against the couch, facing the three of us on the other couch.
“Need something to drink?” I asked Sophia.
“Ouzo, if you have it!” she teased.
“Sorry. No booze and no drugs in this room. Just rock-n-roll.”
“And sex?” she laughed.
“It’s been known to happen,” I grinned, “though the four of us are just friends.”
“I’ll take a Sprite or 7-Up, if you have one.”
“Sure.”
I got up and went to the fridge in the bedroom to get a bottle of 7-Up for Sophia.
“So, after two weeks in paradise, what do you think?” Clarissa asked Sophia as I came back into the room.
“It’s weird living away from home, but so far classes aren’t too bad. Not like the stuff you guys were working on when I finished my studying!”
I handed her the green bottle and sat back down.
“Two hours after you left, Sophia, we STILL weren’t done,” Sandy sighed. “I swear, med school is going to kill me, if I make it that far!”
“You’re smart, Sandy,” Clarissa said. “You just need to relax. You’re even more uptight than Mike, and that’s saying something!”
“Gee, thanks,” I deadpanned, but then started laughing.
“Deny it, Mike!” Clarissa challenged. “I dare you!”
“Pot. Kettle. Black.”
“ALL of you are WAY too high-strung,” Angie said, shaking her head. “You need to learn to relax or you’ll have a stroke, heart attack, or nervous breakdown, or all three!”
“Gee, the grade school teacher is diagnosing the doctors,” I teased.
“I don’t think I need a medical degree to realize how tightly wound the three of you are. Sophia seems a bit more relaxed.”
“Sophia,” I asked. “How much research did you do into medical school, internships, and Residency?”
“Just enough to know the path. Why?”
I shook my head, “Babe in the woods.”
“Don’t spoil it for her, Mike,” Sandy laughed. “Being blissfully ignorant sounds pretty good to me right now!”
“What am I missing?” Sophia asked.
Angie shook her head, “These three idiots are all stressed because they’re fixated on how difficult medical school is, something they call ‘the Match’, and the hours Interns and Residents work. All that despite the fact that it’s YEARS from now!”
Sophia shrugged slightly, “My counselor just said to work on getting straight A’s and to prepare for the MCAT, and not worry about anything else for now.”
I sighed, “Somehow, I think that might have been a far better strategy.”
She smiled, “So relax, have fun, get good grades, and don’t sweat the rest of it until you have to!”
“She has a point,” Angie said. “Especially for you, Sandy.”
“My advice,” Sophia said with a smirk, “is to get drunk or get laid, preferably both!”
“Nobody I’d be interested in is asking!” Sandy laughed.
“What about Mike?” Sophia asked with a twinkle in her eye.
“He hasn’t asked!” Sandy laughed.
“You ladies do know I’m sitting here, don’t you?” I asked, laughing nervously.
“As if you would say ‘no’ to ANY of us if we asked you to go to bed right now!”
“Actually,” I said in a serious tone, “right now, I would. No disrespect to any of you, of course!”
“Did I miss something?” Sophia asked. “You don’t have a serious girlfriend, right?”
“Right, but I had some severe relationship problems over the Summer, mostly of my own making. I need to get my head screwed on straight before I get too involved with anyone. Being with you guys as friends is exactly what I need right now.”
“Notice he didn’t say ‘never’,” Clarissa teased.
“You know, I think I’m going to find some guys to hang out with!” I chuckled.
“I’m here, homey!” Clark said, walking into the room. “You need help with these lovelies?”
Amy, who was right behind him, smacked him hard on the arm.
“One day, she’s going to cut it off, Clark!” Sandy laughed.
“And then she’ll be VERY sad!” he laughed.
“How DO you put up with him, Amy?” Clarissa asked.
“He may be a little boy out here, but in there?” she smirked, nodding towards the bedroom.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his room and shut the door behind them.
“He’s outrageous!” Angie said, shaking her head.
“He’s also a very good friend,” I said. “I’m sorry to break up this little party, but Angie and I are going to say our evening prayers, and then I’m going to bed.”
Sophia, Clarissa, and Sandy all left, and Angie and I went into my bedroom. I lit the candle in front of the icons, as well as some incense, and we prayed. When we finished, I walked her to her room.
“Were you serious about what you said?” she asked.
“About what?”
“That you would say ‘no’ to me,” she asked demurely.
Angie was sending off mixed signals again, and I was concerned about how she might take my answer, no matter which way I responded. That meant the only reasonable answer was the truth.
“No. If you ask, and it’s a serious request, I’d say ‘yes’.”
Angie smiled, kissed me on the cheek and the corner of my lips, then slipped into her room. I headed back down the hall to my room to get ready for bed. Ten minutes later, I was under the covers, and quickly fell asleep.
September 11, 1982, McKinley, Ohio
“Hi, Paula,” I said when Angie and I walked into the Quick Mart on Saturday morning.
“Hi, Mike! Hi, Angie! How’s it going?”
“About the same,” I replied. “Lots of studying.”
“I could help take your mind off that for a while!” she said with an alluring smile.
“I have no doubt!” I replied with a careful, friendly smile.
Her eyes twinkled, and Angie and I moved through the store, picking up the things we needed to restock my fridge and shelf.
“She’s still trying, huh?” Angie asked quietly.
“Yes. But the LAST thing I need is a relationship with a girl who has a kid! I’m having enough trouble with one-on-one relationships!”
“But those boobs!” Angie laughed.
I chuckled, “They are impressive, but there is way more to life than a nice pair of breasts!”
“The A-cups of the world thank you for your support!”
I was just about to reply when Nancy turned the corner into the aisle where I was picking up a bag of chips.
“Hi, Mike! Hi, Angie!”
“Hi, Nance,” I replied. “How are things?”
“Fine, really. Just getting the work-school-life balance figured out. Are you guys going to the dance tonight?”
“We are,” I said. “The vote was pretty lopsided with all the guys in our gang voting yes.”
“Can I get on your dance card?”
“What is this?” I laughed. “The USO?”
“It’s something my mom says when she wants some time with someone. Not sure where she picked it up.”
“Nobody has any claims on me. Just find me and I’d be happy to dance with you.”
“Thanks! See you tonight!”
“We’ll be there around 8:30pm,” I said. “We’re going to Vespers first.”
“OK.”
Angie and I finished our shopping and Paula rang up our purchase. We walked back to campus and put everything away, then put on some music and sat on the couch. Angie slid closer so that our shoulders just barely touched. It felt as if she was testing herself.
“What did you put on?” she asked.
“Something’s Going On by Frida. She’s part of ABBA, but released a solo album.”
“Not your usual music, is it?”
“My sister sent it to me. It was waiting for me yesterday when I came back from class.”
Along with a ‘thank you’ note. Me sending Mindy away seemed to have been a catalyst for an improving relationship with Liz, and that made me even happier I’d sent her away.
“She’s an ABBA fan, right?”
“I do believe she’d kill someone for tickets to an ABBA concert.”
Or, more likely, have sex with them, but I wasn’t going to say THAT to Angie.
“Anybody home?” Sandy asked as she walked in, then laughed. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Loucks!”
“Not quite,” I laughed. “What’s up?”
“Not much. Clarissa and Sophia will be along in a minute. It’s almost lunch time.”
“Feeling more relaxed?” I asked.
“Yes. Those lab reports we have to do are straight from some demonic corner of the universe!”
“It’s supposed to be a preview of med school,” I said, then realized what I’d said. “Sorry, didn’t mean to rub salt in that open wound.”
“Salt AND lemon juice,” she laughed. “Don’t sweat it. I just need to find a way to not stress so much.”
“That shoulder and neck rub seemed to help,” I observed.
“It did. I’m going to ask Jason how he scored a bottle of whisky.”
“I’d advise against that part of the future Doctor Vasilakis’ prescription,” I said with a grin.
“And the other part,” Sandy smirked.
“Oh look, here’s Clarissa and Sophia!” Angie laughed as the other girls came to the door, with Robby and Lee right behind them.
We got up and met more of the gang at the elevator. When everyone was in the lobby, we headed, in a pack, for the cafeteria.
“We should get Raiders jackets,” Pete laughed. “You know, look like a real street gang!”
“Oh sure,” Larry laughed. “Make SURE the cops target us black guys for every crime that happens in a six-county area!”
“Is it really that bad?” Fran asked.
“You have NO idea,” Clark groused. “I got rousted by cops all the time in Cincinnati. So did my friends.”
“It wasn’t quite as bad for us,” Carter said. “But we had problems with the cops in Cleveland, too.”
“Where are you from, Fran?” Jeannette asked.
“Wapakoneta.”
“Where Neil Armstrong was born?” Robby asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ve been to that museum,” Lee said. “It’s totally cool.”
“Lee is a ‘space nut’,” Sophia laughed. “Back home his room had a dozen models of NASA rockets, including this huge model of Apollo 11.”
“What do you think of the Space Shuttle?” I asked.
“It’s cool,” Lee said, “but it can’t leave low-earth orbit, so it’s not all that useful for manned exploration. I was pissed when they canceled the Apollo program.”
“That’s a heck of a lot of money to spend flying around the solar system which could be used right here on earth,” Jeannette countered.
“Uh-oh,” Sophia sighed.
“It’s important for both basic science AND exploration! In the larger scheme of things, it’s peanuts! I swear, there are government programs that waste more money than NASA spends!”
“Truce?” Marie asked, intervening. “Please?”
“Sure,” Jeannette said.
“OK,” Lee agreed.
“So, about military spending...” Jeannette teased.
“NO!” came a chorus from the gang.
“I’d rather listen to the future doctors whine about their tough lives!” Angie laughed.
“I say we dispense with ALL of that and just eat lunch!” Jason said.
“Second!” came a chorus.
Everyone laughed as we went into the cafeteria, and about ten minutes later, we all had our food and were sitting at one of the long tables.
“What do you guys think about setting aside a time to talk politics or philosophy or whatever?” Jeannette asked.
“Looking for an argument?” I laughed. “I’m OK if you guys do that, but I REALLY have no stomach for political debate.”
“Don’t you care about what happens in the country?” she countered.
“I’m much more worried about my next exam and my homework.”
“Seriously? How can you not care?”
“Because I’m just one guy. I plan to vote in the election, but I have zero interest in political debate. It turns my stomach, really.”
“Pathetic,” she said, shaking her head.
“Is it?” Sandy asked. “Not everyone is interested in politics. And honestly, if he votes, what more can you ask for? I guarantee you Mike isn’t going to just vote a straight party ticket! In fact, I suspect he’ll vote for the best PERSON, without regard to their politics.”
March 15, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “I’m Clarissa Saunders and this is Mike Loucks! We’re Sophomores and we’ll be your guides for your campus tour, and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you have.” I surveyed the prospective Freshmen and wondered if I’d looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a truck when I’d been on my first campus visit. I probably had, and several of the High School Seniors in our group certainly looked that way, especially one guy who was about an inch taller...
February 27, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Father, Angie had to withdraw from school for health reasons, and she’s gone home to Cincinnati.” “Lord have mercy! I didn’t realize she was ill! Do you have her home number?” I nodded and handed him a piece of paper, “You might want to speak to her mom first.” He nodded, “I’ll do that. She’s aware of Angela’s intention to be chrismated?” “Yes. They helped her find a church in Loveland to attend last Summer when she was home. They’re supportive, but...
January 1, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “It’s open, Mindy!” I called out. The door opened and she came into the room. “You were expecting me?” “I’d have been seriously disappointed in my ability to predict your behavior if you hadn’t shown up!” “A little too obvious?” “You might say that! May I give you a tip?” “I’d rather have the whole thing!” Mindy smirked. I laughed so hard I had to sit down on the bed so I wouldn’t fall over. It took me a full minute to recover enough to be able to...
February 5, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “I owe you an apology for earlier. Not for what I said, but how I said it.” “And I owe you one for interfering in something I shouldn’t have.” “I’m going to need to talk to Dad, too,” I said. “But again, only for walking away, not for objecting to his classification of April as not being a ‘nice’ girl.” “I thought for a moment you were going to say, ‘make Mom’ instead of ‘make me’.” “For a moment, I was. But at that split second good sense overcame my...
May 9, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Is something wrong?” Kristin asked on Monday morning. “What do you mean?” “It just felt as if you were somewhere else last night when we were fooling around.” I had been, because once my sleep deprivation was past, I had basically obsessed on the bishop’s comment about ‘choosing’ and the myriad of possibilities I had to choose from, AND the potential problems each of them might create. What he had said about serving at the cathedral and in other parishes only...
January 29, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “These cookies are excellent!” I took another bite and washed it down with a bit of hot cocoa. “Believe it not, it’s just the ‘Toll House’ recipe!” Kristin said. “I’m glad you like them.” “You liked my songs?” “Oh man, those love songs made me shiver! You must have really loved her.” “I did, and I still do, but it doesn’t really matter now.” “I guess not,” she said quietly. “Why pick me to sing to?” “I saw a pretty girl who didn’t have a guy with her,”...
June 12, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “What’s going on between you and Jocelyn?” Mom asked when I returned upstairs after talking to Dad. “I thought that was obvious,” I smirked. “Or did you want details?” “Pass,” Mom laughed. “But seriously, Mike, what’s going on?” “We love each other. We had a long, long talk about everything and this is what we want to do. We’re not going to marry; we both understand that. And I’m not going steady with Melody.” “Do you love Melody?” I shrugged, “I have no...
September 19, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Mishka!” Tasha gushed when I called her on Sunday afternoon. “How are you?” “Good. How are things in West Monroe?” “You know nothing changes here. Church is the same. School is the same. Home is the same. And you?” “School is about the same as last year, but I’ve made some new friends.” “I want to meet them! Do you think Sasha and I could visit in two weeks?” “If your mom and dad approve, yes.” “They will, so long as I bring Sasha. She promised not...
January 13, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Mike?” I heard from behind me. I was sitting on a bench under a tree while snow fell around me. I wasn’t wearing a hat or coat or gloves because I hadn’t put them on when I’d walked from my room. I’d wandered around for a bit, then sat down on a bench near the edge of campus. “Mike?” the voice repeated, but I didn’t respond. I was still reeling from the pictures Jocelyn had sent me. It wasn’t that she was having sex, apparently, with a bunch of different...
June 6, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Jos,” I sighed. “It’s not that simple.” “Isn’t it?” “Come on! You know that would end things between Melody and me!” “I believe Melody has been good for you, but is she THE ONE? Wait! Don’t answer. If she was, you wouldn’t be dating Tasha and Katy, and you wouldn’t still be carrying a torch for Angie.” “Angie is just a friend,” I protested. Jocelyn smiled, “I’ll take that wager anytime you want to make it. You can answer my first question now.” I...
August 20, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Mike Loucks,” I said to the young woman at the desk in the brand-new Rickenbacker dorm. She flipped through the manila envelopes and pulled out the one with my name on it. “Your room key, a sticker for your ID to update it for this year, a new student handbook, and your parking sticker,” she said. “Parking sticker?” “The lots are all numbered now, and you can only park in the lot you’re assigned to. Yours should be next to this dorm.” “What about...
September 14, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “How did your parents fight?” Doctor Hart asked. “They didn’t,” I replied. “Whenever my dad disagreed with my mom, he went to his workshop in the basement.” Doctor Hart smiled, “OK, perhaps I should have phrased that better. How did they resolve conflicts?” “Just as I described.” “And after he hid in his workshop?” “He basically stayed there until he accepted that my mom was right, then went to make up. Do NOT ask me how!” Doctor Hart laughed, “The...
June 25, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not,” I replied. “Why?” Becky asked. “We’ve done it before. I don’t have a steady boyfriend. And you said you don’t have a steady girlfriend.” “That’s true. May I ask a very blunt question?” “Sure.” “Are YOU looking to be my girlfriend?” Becky shook her head slowly, “Remember what I said back in October? That I had no illusions about this and that I had no designs on you? But that if I had the ability to make a wish...
March 25, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to talk to you earlier,” I said to Mom when I arrived home. “I understand. You’re home a bit early.” “There really wasn’t anything playing at the movies we wanted to see. We’re going to have breakfast tomorrow and spend the day together. We’ll be at Vespers, though to prevent any explosions I’ll drop her at home so she can come to church with her family.” “I talked to your grandfather on her behalf,” Mom said. “I think...
February 20, 1983, McKinley, Ohio Clarissa and I lay together for about fifteen minutes before I heard voices and a soft knock on the bedroom door. “I think the posse is here,” I chuckled. “Bummer,” she sighed. I reluctantly released her, and we sat up on the bed, leaning back against the wall. “Come in!” I called out. Sandy opened the door and I could see the rest of the gang was with her. “Anything interesting going on in here?” she smirked. “Just the lesbian girl talking to her...
January 25, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “You won’t believe what happened on Sunday,” Dale laughed. “What?” “You know Pam’s roommate? The hot cheerleader chick?” “The one you’ve been drooling over since day one?” “Yeah, but I think I have to reconsider. Liking her appears to be VERY dangerous!” “What happened?” “Remember how I said she was dating a guy, even though she was hung up on a guy from Chicago?” “Sure.” “I found out Pam dated him at one point, too! The guy is a legend! Anyway, he...
September 12, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Hi, Jos,” I said when her roommate called her to the phone. “Hi. How are things?” ‘Shitty!’ I wanted to say, and not in Russian. I also wanted to tell her I missed her and wanted to see her, but saying that might only make things worse. At this point, though, I wondered what ‘worse’ might be. “OK. How are you doing?” “I’m getting used to the routine and how different things are here from West Monroe.” Her answer was flat, and she sounded...
November 13, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “So, what do you want to do tonight?” Nancy laughed, “As if you have to ask!” “I mean BESIDES that!” “How about we grab some dinner and then see The Man from Snowy River. It’s an Australian film and it’s had excellent reviews. Then we can come back here.” “Dinner and a movie, sure. The other thing? Let’s not move so fast, OK?” “We’ve done it before...” “Yes, we have. Remember that I gave you a choice? I think you immediately figured out what the choice...
October 16, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “I had the weirdest experience today.” “Oh?” Mom asked with an arched eyebrow. “I stopped in to see April. She was nursing Chastity. Later, April let me hold her. I was just blown away by the whole experience.” “Babies change your life in many, many ways.” I nodded, “It was like scales fell from my eyes. You know, things I knew intellectually but didn’t really understand.” “Care to share?” “Let’s just say my views on female anatomy changed a...
January 1, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “Good afternoon, Father Deacon,” I said. “Good afternoon, Mikhail Petrovich. Sit down, please.” Tasha and I exchanged a look and we sat down on the settee, but with about a foot of empty cushion between us. “I would like the truth, Mikhail Petrovich. Have you and Tasha been behaving inappropriately?” That was a good question to which ONE answer was ‘yes’, but another answer was ‘no’. I was reasonably certain he was asking the second question, not the...
April 3, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Hi, Mike!” “Hi, Mrs. Landers.” “Come on in. Nancy is putting the finishing touches on dinner.” I hadn’t said anything to Nancy about my fasting rule because I didn’t want to create any issues with their Easter dinner. “Thanks!” “Your Easter isn’t for another month, right?” she asked. “May 8th, though our service starts about 10:30pm the night before.” “We went to midnight mass when I was little, but Nancy and I prefer the first morning mass at 5:30am....
July 23, 1982, Circleville, Ohio “I’m sorry I missed our date late Friday,” Katy said after greeting me with a kiss and letting me into the house. “That’s the fourth time you’ve apologized! I accepted your apology when you called to tell me, and for that, you don’t have to apologize! How is your grandmother?” “No change since we spoke on Wednesday. Mom is still there, so it’s just Dad and me. He’s out with his friends tonight, so we have the run of the house. I figured we’d cook, eat, use...
Queen of Queendom Princess stood on the edge of the cliff, head held high. Below her, the grey sea churned violently. She had a choice, to jump or to turn away. It was no choice at all. The crowd watching her expected her to jump. There was no true escape from her duties. To jump was to declare herself the rightful ruler of the kingdom, to turn away would not strip her of her title, but it would turn the people against her. Her every move would be questioned, scorned and broken down. Her...
Queen of Queendom Princess stood on the edge of the cliff, head held high. Below her, the grey sea churned violently. She had a choice, to jump or to turn away. It was no choice at all. The crowd watching her expected her to jump. There was no true escape from her duties. To jump was to declare herself the rightful ruler of the kingdom, to turn away would not strip her of her title, but it would turn the people against her. Her every move would be questioned, scorned and broken down. Her orders...
July 25, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Hi, Angie, it’s Mike,” I said when she answered the phone on Sunday afternoon. “Mike? We just talked during the week! What’s up? Is there a problem with me coming to visit in two weeks?” “No, not at all. I wanted to talk to you about the problems I’m having with Jocelyn.” “Uh-oh. Did something bad happen?” “You could say that,” I sighed. “Do you have time to talk? This won’t be a short conversation.” “For you? Of course!” I explained, as best I could,...
February 7, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Hi!” Kristin gushed when I went to her room just after lunch. “Come in!” I walked into her room and she offered hot cocoa, which I accepted. We sat down on the couch. “Sorry I ran out of cookies. Mom will send more in another week or so.” “I’ll need to run an additional lap every morning to make up for the extra calories!” “I go to a dance class three days a week to keep in shape. I heard you’re into karate.” “Yes, I go three times a week as...
August 28, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Duh!” she laughed softly. “I’m in your bed! What do you think?” “I think you need to go back to my sister’s room before she or my parents find out and kill both of us!” “Come on, Mike! I want to do it with you! Don’t you want to do it with me?!” She was cute and had a great body, but the LAST thing I needed was ANY kind of relationship with Mindy, even one where I only did what I’d joked with my mom about doing — banging her like a drum! “Just go,...
October 8, 1982, Circleville, Ohio “I want to, yes, of course; but we reset things for good reasons. Why the change?” Katy got up from the couch and sat back down in my lap, draping her arms over my shoulders. “I wanted to from the minute I saw you naked. I’ve dreamed about what it would be like.” “I felt the same way when I saw you naked,” I said. “Well, even before, when you first let me touch you. But I can’t promise you anything right now, Katy.” She sighed deeply, then moved her...
October 16, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio After my talk with Mom, I went to find Liz, and invited her to sit on the floor of my room to talk. We sat side-by-side, leaning against the bed. “Why in here and not in the basement?” I felt it was my duty to warn Liz, as my sister, of the way voices carried through the heating ducts. Mom had told me, in confidence, but I couldn’t in good conscience keep that vital piece of information from Liz. “Because voices carry through the heating ducts,” I...
November 29, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Now that you’ve had a night to sleep on it, what do you think?” Sandy asked, snuggling close. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to ask you?” “Probably, but I thought you might have changed your mind or had more of an idea what you meant.” “I asked my mom if there was anything wrong with marrying a friend.” “Me?! Have you lost your mind?” “A long time ago!” I chuckled. “Probably about the time the heavy doses of testosterone started coursing through my body...
January 2, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio When I arrived at church on Sunday morning, I was pleased to see Deacon Vasily with Father Herman, saying their entry prayers. I stood quietly in the nave while one of the acolytes, a Junior in High School, lit the oil lamps and ensured everything was properly arranged in the altar. As I stood there, I wondered what would happen when Tasha arrived. Where she stood would speak volumes about what had happened the previous evening when they had missed...
March 8, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “You don’t look happy, Mike,” Mom said when I greeted her after arriving home. “Tasha and I had a serious disagreement.” “Uh-oh. Because of her dad?” I shook my head, “No, it’s way more complicated. We can talk after dinner if that’s OK.” “Sure. Your sister and her friends are up in her room.” “The tradition I started?” I grinned. “Exactly. You had Jocelyn and Dale at every birthday celebration from the time you were in second grade. And before that,...
December 18, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Don’t you want to give this to Jocelyn directly?” Mrs. Mills asked. “Want to? Sure. But she made it clear she doesn’t want to see me. I’m half-expecting her to return the gift unopened.” “Not if I have anything to say about it!” she replied firmly. “Please don’t force the issue,” I pleaded. “Whatever is wrong with Jocelyn isn’t going to change because you pressure her. In fact, that might actually make things worse. “I’m not sure they could be worse...
December 27, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “I’m tempted, but not tonight. I’m not saying never, but not tonight.” Janey frowned, “Nothing I can do to change your mind?” “Remember what I said about slow but sure.” “Can I see you again before you go back to Taft?” “Maybe Friday?” “Sure.” “We’ll talk at work. You work every day, right?” “Yes. How about another kiss?” I smiled and pulled her closer again and we exchanged another soft French kiss. “Good night,” I said when we broke the kiss a...
February 4, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “Emmy?! What are you doing here?” “She came to talk to me,” Liz said quietly, from behind me. “OK. Is there anything I can help with?” “No.” “You know, if her dad finds her here...” “I know. Just go upstairs, OK? I’ll come talk to you later.” I nodded and went upstairs. The door to my parents’ bedroom was closed, and I didn’t see any light leaking from under the door, which meant they were most likely asleep. I stopped in the bathroom to brush my...
October 26, 1982, McKinley, Ohio When we returned from biology lab on Tuesday morning, a large group was milling around the entrance to the dorms. I saw Melody and walked over to ask her what the issue was. “The police busted Jeremy for pot,” she said. “Nobody can go into the dorm right now.” “What? For one or two joints? I thought they decriminalized pot.” Melody laughed, “One or two joints? You’re joking, right? He’s the main supplier in our dorm! How did you not know that?” “Because I...
January 21, 1983, McKinley, Ohio I still hadn’t decided on the answer to Clarissa’s final question when Angie and I went to run on Friday morning. One thing I was reasonably sure of was that saying ‘no’ would likely be equivalent to saying, ‘not yet’. Milena and her friends didn’t seem likely to withdraw the offer anytime soon, though they would all complete their Master’s or undergrad degrees in May. But that wasn’t the thing which was in the front of my mind. What was foremost was what...
January 21, 1983, McKinley, Ohio Light snow was falling as Angie and I left Doctor Blahnik’s house to walk back to the dorm. “That was fun,” Angie said. “Sorry about the minor indiscretion.” “It’s OK, Mike. Why would she assume otherwise? She knows we run together, pray together, and go to church together. Why do you think everyone calls me ‘Mrs. Loucks’?” “But still...” “She’s just very open and a lot of fun. I wish more professors were like her, even if she made me turn purple!” “I...
July 16, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “You’re not seeing Katy tonight?” Mom asked on Friday morning. “No. Her grandmother, who lives in Pittsburgh, fell and broke her hip. They were leaving this morning and won’t be back until sometime next week.” “We haven’t talked about you and Jocelyn since last Saturday.” “There isn’t much to say,” I said. “She and her parents are basically not talking. That’s why we’ve been hanging out here, at the pool, or at Grant Park.” And Jackson Lake, but I didn’t...
September 16, 1982, McKinley, Ohio Sandy hadn’t moved, but the feeling of her leaning against me changed with her question. My first thought was Angie, and I lifted my eyes to hers, and found a bemused look on her face. I realized, at that moment, that the dorm opinion of her being ‘Mrs. Loucks’ wasn’t all that far-fetched. In some ways, I was treating her that way, and she certainly was, in some ways, acting like a wife. I’d known that before, but my instant, gut reaction of looking to her...
December 26, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Shit!” I swore vehemently, and in English for effect, when I walked out onto the porch on Sunday morning. “Mikhail Petrovich!” Mom said sternly. I picked up the box on the front porch and turned to show her. “«Говно»!” she replied. I nodded, “Nice to know you agree with me.” The box was the one that held the two stuffed rabbits I’d bought for Jocelyn. The fact that she’d returned them spoke volumes, and short of putting up a tombstone, I wasn’t sure...
March 26, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio Vespers with Tasha next to me was positively weird. I had no idea what she was thinking nor what she intended. But the MESSAGE she was sending was loud and clear to anyone who saw us, and was very specific for three people — Janey, declaring I was STILL Tasha’s property; Deacon Vasily, declaring she was still going to see me; and Mr. Orlov, stating that she didn’t care about his opinion. I could tell the message to Janey was clearly received when she looked...
April 16, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “So what had you nearly bursting at breakfast this morning?” “I’m no longer a virgin!” Clarissa exclaimed. “And Oh! My! God!” “That good, huh?” I grinned. “You have NO idea. Well, maybe you do because you’ve had sex!” “From a guy’s perspective, anyway.” “Can I ask you something?” “Sure.” “Do you like the taste?” I nodded, “Very much so.” “And do different girls taste differently?” “Yes, but it’s kind of subtle, though I notice. Did you kiss her...
April 23, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Tasha demanded you not date me?” Janey asked. “Actually, she requested that if I date her, I not date anyone at either church because of the trouble it could cause with her father, the priests, and Vladyka ARKADY.” “Very neatly excluding me by appealing to your desire for peace.” “I know that’s how it looks, but honestly, I wasn’t seeing you at the time, and certainly didn’t believe you were going to show up here tonight to talk to me, or any other time for...
Palm Sunday, May 1, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Where are your palm branches?” Clarissa asked when I returned home from church. “Just how many palm trees do YOU think grew around Moscow and Saint Petersburg?” “Probably not too many.” “Which is why I have pussy willows in my hand!” “It’s Palm Sunday and you’ve already been to church Friday night, Saturday morning and night, and this morning.” “It’s only just begun,” I chuckled. “Tonight is the first Bridegroom Matins.” “If I wanted to see the...
August 23, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Well, here we go again!” Jason said as he, Clarissa, Sandy, and I plopped into front row seats in the O-Chem classroom.” “Look at it this way,” Sandy laughed. “You’re about one sixth of the way done. We doctors are about one eighth, not counting the Summers we have to work for no pay and our intern year when we get a small stipend! By then you’ll be earning major bucks developing bioweapons for the CIA!” “I’m actually thinking of doing a PhD at some point,...
January 15, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “No way!” Dale protested. “I’m serious, Dale. Ten Polaroids. She sent them to my parents’ house and my mom brought the envelope to me on Thursday.” “I don’t believe it. That’s not her. It’s not!” “They came from Purdue,” I said. “They were postmarked ‘West Lafayette, Indiana’ on Saturday.” “Shit. I called her on Saturday morning. I pushed her to admit you guys had been together. I’m sorry, Mike.” “It’s not your fault, Dale.” “But I think she did that in...
February 1, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “What the heck were you thinking?” Doctor Hart snapped. “That has to be about the dumbest thing you could possibly have done!” “Funny thing,” I said. “I agree with you.” “There is nothing funny about what you did! You’re lucky as hell that it turned out as well as it did!” “Again, funny thing, I agree with you.” “Cut it out, Mike!” “Sorry. I beat myself up enough about this that I’m not sure I need your help.” “So why tell me?” “I thought I was...
February 5, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “This is heavenly,” Janey sighed. She was sitting in front of me, leaned back, with my arms around her, in a tub full of warm water and lavender bubble bath. “I could get really used to this,” I agreed. “When you finally get paid a decent amount, we’ll build a big house with a shower and tub like this.” “And a sauna,” I said. “Who has a sauna?” “Katy’s parents.” Janey laughed, “Did you?” “Just some fooling around but not that.” I ran my hands up...
February 15, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “How did it go?” Clarissa asked when I walked out of the interview room. “I owe you guys big time! My biographical sketch seemed well received, and the answers you all helped me prepare were perfect. Dean Parker walked right into Melody’s trap!” Melody laughed, “Of COURSE she did. She’s so predictable. Did she try to pry into your private life?” “She started to ask the question and Dean Foster cut her off before she could finish.” “Awesome!” The three...
March 28, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio As I drove home, I considered my conversation with Tasha, and realized it was, in its own way, very close in character to conversations I’d had with Clarissa — intimate, honest, and designed to build a relationship. That, as much as anything else, confirmed that her conditions were not only wise, but the correct course of action. In one sense, it really only excluded Janey, but I felt my conversation, or rather, attempted conversation, with her had closed...
I `wrote' this while staring at the ceiling at 4:00am, the morning before I left. The inspiration for this story is in the first paragraph. I gave it a subtitle of `Vacation Story Number 4" because it was the fourth story `wrote' while on vacation. (I `wrote' it in the sense that the entire story, and most of the scenes were imagined, but not typed in.) The other three are still in my head and need to be typed in. Enjoy this. This story is purely fictional and meant for adult audiences...
August 18, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “And you’ll come home and see me, Mishka?” “Of course, Tasha!” I replied. “On breaks for sure, and I promise to try to come home at least one weekend a month, though I can’t guarantee it.” “Dad said I’m allowed to come see you, but I have to bring Sasha with me and Sasha has to be with us the entire time!” I chuckled, “I don’t think he trusts you to be in my dorm room!” “I think you’re right!” she giggled. “He’s afraid we will make passionate love...
October 31, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “What are you doing here?” I asked. “And please tell me you just arrived!” “Mom and Dad were away for the weekend,” Emmy replied with a smirk, “so I came to visit! And I got here last night!” “Please tell me you didn’t...” “All night! Wow!” “Your dad will kill ALL of us if he finds out!” “I’m not going to tell him! Are you?” “No, of course not! But seriously, Emmy, this was super dangerous!” “And super fun!” “Where’s Clark?” “He went to the...
March 12, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Cheating on me? Really?” “I know it sounds strange, but I know how much you and I love each other, and how close and intimate we are, even if we don’t kiss and touch and stuff. It’s really weird. I WANT to be with Glenda, you know, that way, but that doesn’t change the feeling.” “That way?” I grinned. “I know you aren’t clueless, Petrovich! You do the same things!” “I know. I’m teasing you, Lissa! Is this feeling going to be a problem?” “I don’t think so....
March 27, 1983, West Monroe, Ohio “I told Mom I’d make you dinner tonight,” I said to Liz when I arrived home. “How does penne pasta with arrabbiata sauce and a salad grab you?” “That sounds good! I could invite Mindy and Maggie?” “It’s up to you,” I replied flatly. “I have enough ingredients and there’s plenty of penne in the cabinet.” “Is something bugging you?” “Not bugging me, per se, just making me think. I had a long talk with Tasha and the last thing she said was very, very...
April 9, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “I still don’t like the way Clarissa interfered last night,” Kristin said on Saturday morning after we made love. “You know how important church is to me, right?” “Sure, but she didn’t have to be a bitch about it!” I took a deep breath and let it out. “I don’t see it that way. She was simply trying to point out something which is true. When Holy Week rolls around, I’ll be in church every evening from the Friday before Palm Sunday until the following...
February 25, 1983, McKinley, Ohio “Janey, this is Clarissa and her date, Glenda. Glenda and Clarissa, this is my friend Janey from home.” “Hi!” the three girls said to each other. “Shall we go?” I asked. “Chinese is still cool with all of you?” All three girls agreed it was, so we headed out to my car for the drive to the restaurant. “How did you guys meet?” Glenda asked. “High School?” “Church, sort of,” Janey said. “We started going to the same church Mike used to attend about a year...