Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2016 21:48:32 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: The Oak and the Ash- Chapter 14 *The Oak and the Ash-Chapter 14* *By Eff Dell* Nolitimere156@gmail.com *There are occasional times when your thoughts; your sense of existence... your fears and your dreams will combine into a stark and often terrifying state of seeming reality.* *This isn't madness or delusion; it is in fact, simply a flash of a view of an alternate state of existence that you don't need to actually face because; your true reality is such that you are safe from this other one.* *After the fear of this brief experience, you need to take a deep breath and understand that you've done all you can do to escape this frightening substitute for your existence and it is just a mental hiccough and nothing more.* *Bad things don't have to happen just because they can be imagined. * I was about to yell out to the boys to duck down but just before I did, I turned around and there were John and Arlen calmly sipping their mugs of beer. I turned and saw the boys gleefully finishing their burritos and noshing on tortilla chips and pico de gallo salsa. My shock must have been obvious because John reached over and gripped my shoulder. "Eric are you alright? You suddenly look terrible." I shook my head and gave him what I knew to be a sickly smile. "John, were we just talking about `Little Walt'?" His smile was tempered with confusion. "Well yes Eric, just a few seconds ago. I asked you if Walt was going to grow up to be a funny energetic boy like your three but you didn't answer. It was as if you were daydreaming. Then you got this look of fear on your face that scared the hell out of me and then, just as suddenly, it was as if you were back to earth. It might not be a bad idea for you to see the doctor when we get home. That was a bit scary." I took a final sip from my beer. "Not as scary as it was for me John. I think I will see our Doctor." It was obvious that we'd never gotten into the van, that John had never become distracted and that we'd never rolled off the road. It was an event that had never happened except in my mind. I was stunned and frightened. The boys hadn't picked up on any of the dialogue going on between us and therefore, nothing had bothered their joyful reverie. Doctor Mohamed (my favorite) was currently in Montana looking after Howard but Doctor Larry was on duty in the infirmary and I went down to see him. We sat together and I told him about the imaginary car accident experience that had occurred while sitting in the restaurant. "Am I going crazy? You have no idea how genuine that felt for a couple of minutes before I returned to the real world." He smiled warmly. "No, you're not going crazy Eric, but you are under a great deal of stress and I'd suggest that you give yourself a serious rest. Take at least a ten-day vacation and get away from everything that's on your mind. You have highly skilled people working for you. Let them do their jobs. What happened to you was that a repressed fear or apprehension just manifested itself as a perceived reality due to a combination of stress, responsibility and personal emotion (it's irrelevant whether it was good or bad). In this case, you were overcome by what was essentially a fear that something bad was going to happen that would destroy your current happiness and in your mind for a few moments, it actually occurred. This isn't something we want to happen again so, to start with, let's send you on vacation. I suggest that you go alone. At the very least, don't bring more than one of the boys because I'd really like your attention to be on your own mental state. You really need to get away from everything and regain your mental and emotional equilibrium. Please tell me that you truly know that the car accident didn't happen." I smiled weakly and said; "Yes Larry I know that it didn't happen but it certainly seemed real at the time." He gave me a gentle look and said; "We need for you to get away for a while. No meetings no phone calls and no decisions that need to be made. You need to gear down before you have a serious nervous collapse. I'll prescribe a mild anti-depressant, which I want you to take precisely as I prescribe. This was a warning Eric...some people don't get them... so be grateful. We'll get together again tomorrow but before we do, I want you to decide somewhere to go where you can concentrate on relaxing, calming down and getting your mind off all your stress. I want you to cancel your meetings, all of your normal business routines and to get yourself gone in no more than two days and you're to stay away for no less than ten days...I'd prefer two weeks and three weeks would be even more preferable. It would be wonderful if you didn't even bring a cell phone but I realize that might be too much to expect from even the `new' `co-operative with his doctors' Eric." I laughed, shook his hand and walked down to my study. After pouring a drink, I picked up the phone and called Uncle Phil, Richard, Chris and Doc Swaim and asked them to meet me in my study as soon as they could break free. They were all sitting with me in less than twenty minutes. I explained the disturbing event and the imagined auto accident and then, I talked about what the doctor had suggested. "So, I've decided that I'm currently cutting myself off from daily business for at least three weeks and based upon the doctor's recommendation, I'm going to keep myself distant from everyone. The boys are about to begin a new soccer season and I want that to continue. Arlen and John will take care of them and get them to and from practice. Richard and Uncle Phil will keep things going for the three weeks that I'm gone. I can't stand the idea of being alone and so, Sean will be coming with me and he'll watch over my mental stability." So, Sean and I will be flying out in the morning. I've decided to rest at my cottage on Sea Island on the Georgia coast. I'll have my cell phone, but I don't expect any calls that are less than critical. Richard, when you grab those bison rustlers, hold them in the `Steele Cunt', find out which of them were the shooters and we'll talk about them when I get back. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with Phil at once. He'll know if anything requires my attention. I sat down with the boys and explained what was going on and told them that I was taking Sean with me and why. I wasn't surprised that they understood and agreed. "Can we all come into your bed tonight Dad?" "I don't think so Brian. I have to start really clearing my head. The only reason Sean is coming with me is that we have a shared connection to that part of the country that will keep my mind focused. Sean and I are getting up very early and leaving. We'll be gone for three weeks and when we return, I promise that I'll make it up to you two." "Dad, you don't have to make up anything up to us. Everything that you do is wonderful and filled with love." I choked back a tear and said; "Brian, you and Sean and Jack are my world and my whole reason for living. I couldn't imagine my life without you boys. Only Sean is going with me because the Doctor said that you shouldn't all come and that I should bring only one of you." "We understand Dad." I smiled at them both and said; "Then you two have three weeks to help get the soccer teams ready to go and I'll try and find ways to keep Sean in shape for the season opener. He may wind up running through a lot of sand." I leaned over and kissed Jack and then kissed Brian. "I hope you understand that this doesn't mean I love you any less. I'm only following the doctor's suggestion. Now kiss me again because we'll be gone before you get up tomorrow." After Sean had packed his suitcase, he came into my room teary-eyed. "D-dad, why do we have ta be separated? This just ain't right." "It's for just three weeks Son and you don't have to be separated but, if you stayed here then I'd have to be alone and I don't want that...I don't think I could handle that. I don't think I could recover if I didn't have you with me. Do you understand that son?" He looked into my face so seriously. "Yes Dad, I'm pretty sure that I do an I'm gonna do everything I can to help you with this thing." "Thanks Sean. I'm hoping this will be a fun time and not a serious time spent together. It's supposed to be relaxing and recuperative...not anxious or worrisome." Suddenly Daniel was standing by the door. "Eric, I know that you're about to cut yourself off from contact for a while however Doctor Mohamed is on the phone and I thought that you'd like to talk to him." "Certainly Daniel. Thank you. Why don't you make a drink for yourself and one for me while I take this call?" " Hello Eric, I just wanted to let you know that the little cowboy is doing great. He has no infection and no sepsis he's just still very week from blood loss but he'll get over that soon. I don't see any reason for me to stay out here for any longer. Therefore, I've got to tell you that I've had a conversation with my colleague and I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind if I joined you as an observer on your vacation. Your jet is currently on the runway here at the ranch and I can be on it and packed before it flies out to pick up you and Sean in the morning. It would not be my intention to be obtrusive, but rather just to observe. We're all simply concerned about your well-being." I smiled to myself. "You're welcome to come with us Mohamed just as long as you understand that you won't share on all of the fun." "That's fine Eric. As I told you, I'm really just going to be there to observe." With a grin, I realized that Mohamed and Larry would be in constant communication, as would the other two I was certain. It dawned on me that without actually talking to me about it, Richard had decided that Mohamed, Larry, Antonio and Joseph were my full time doctors on a rotating basis and frankly, I was fine with that. "Well Doctor, you'd better get ready to leave because I expect to be on my jet in the early morning. I know that you're concerned about my health and I truly appreciate that. You'd better prescribe a sleeping pill or something for yourself because; you're certainly going to be in the air a long time tonight and tomorrow." He laughed. "Well, if I begin to snore, just have me moved up into the cockpit because the crew certainly shouldn't be sleeping anyway." "See you in the morning Doctor Mo." I hugged Brian and kissed him. I knew that he was on the verge of tears but he was fighting it and trying to be brave. "I love you son and it will only be three weeks. Work hard on your studies and on your soccer team. I'm expecting to see the sharpest Spider yet." He smiled and hugged me. I pulled Jack into a tight hug and we exchanged a long loving kiss. "Take it carefully and come back to us rested and ready Dad. I know how much stress you've been under and you need to take care of yourself. We'll be fine and I'll take good care of Bri while you're gone. Don't worry about anything here." I kissed him again. "I love you Jack and I truly trust you so, I won't worry." We walked down to the elevator and Jack and Brian walked down to their rooms and Sean walked with me into mine. After I'd called Mr. Perkins; the custodian of my lovely cottage on Sea Island, Georgia to tell him that we'd be flying out and staying for three weeks, I couldn't tell if he was fine with that or a bit miffed because his comfortable life-style was about to be disturbed. As I hung up the phone, I thought to myself; `fuck him...he can do some real work for me for three fucking weeks instead of living comfortably in my luxurious beach front cottage as if it was his own' I actually suspected that after the visit from Sean and me a couple of years ago, He was hoping that I'd forget that I actually owned this property and would leave him alone. I decided that Mr. Lynn Perkins was about to learn that he worked for me or else, someone else was going to become my Sea Island Caretaker. Sean pulled in close to me, threw an arm and a leg across my body, and nestled his head against my shoulder. "Dad, I'm sad that we're leaving without my brothers but I'm so glad that you've chosen me to go with you. I'm your first son and you and me were the first to love each other. I'm the one to watch over you and help you to heal...and you WILL get better Dad; I'll make sure of that. I promise." I kissed the back of his head and rubbed my fingers through his thick black hair. I whispered; "Thank you son and I truly do trust you. Now though, let's get some sleep because we're leaving early. We're even having breakfast on the jet. Sleep...OK?" He breathed deeply and almost sighed; "Kay Dad." He was asleep almost instantly and I don't believe it took me very long to follow him. Daniel's internal call shook me out of my very deep sleep. "Eric, I'm sorry to awaken you but the jet is 25 minutes from the airport and John is getting the van ready for you out on the car park. This would be a wise time to shower and I'll have travel mugs of juice and coffee ready for both of you down in the kitchen. Breakfast will be prepared for you on the jet." I smiled at the man's efficiency. "Thank you Daniel, we'll be down in about ten minutes." My little love bug had awakened and was sitting next to me bleary-eyed. "Come on little man. We get a quick shower and then off to the airport. No `shower music' game this morning." Typical of Sean, he hopped off the bed and moved into the bathroom. I followed and soon we were both under the wonderful showerheads and with unusual swiftness were out and toweling off. Richard was waiting at the back door, as was Doc Swaim (to my surprise). Sean (without being asked) carried our travel bags out to the van. "Richard. You know that you're in complete control though, with Daniel here, I don't expect you'll have much to do. I expect you to make most decisions while I'm gone without needing to bother me. I've got my cell phone so; you certainly can reach me if you need to. When you get the bison rustlers, just treat them as we usually treat our `guests' at the Steel Cunt and we'll make a decision when I get back. Beyond that, keep everything and everyone well. Doc, take special care of the two staying behind. Keep them happy and keep them excited." I walked to the van with my arm over Sean's shoulder. He was obviously quite tired but he was a trooper. I sort of pushed him into the van. "Don't fall asleep son, we're only twenty minutes from getting on the jet and then you can sleep all you want." He smiled sleepily up at me. "Kay Dad. Just help me stay awake alright?" "Sure Punkin Pie." I pulled him close to me. As we got out of the van and the staff was removing our sparse luggage, I turned to John. "You and Arlen please go out of your way to make certain that Jack and Brian are as happy and busy as possible ok friend?" In the darkness, I could see his frown. "How could you expect anything less Eric?" "I'm embarrassed that I even asked that John." He smiled. "Have fun and come back well." We climbed onboard the jet and Sean was essentially spaghetti legged. I found a row of seats, pulled up the armrests and laid him down. I pulled a seatbelt around his middle and then lay a blanket over him. After a quick kiss, I moved to my seat and signaled the flight attendant. I indicated that breakfast should be ready in an hour and then, accepted a single malt on ice. After taking a sip I smiled as I realized that stretched out in the row behind Sean, Doctor Mohamed was sleeping blissfully. About five hours later, Captain Lucas buzzed me and indicated we were about to begin our descent into Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (formerly known as `Glynco Airport'). Aside from waking up long enough to eat breakfast, Sean and Doctor Mohamed had slept through the flight. I'd actually taken a substantial nap as well so; we three were bright-eyed and bushy tailed as the jet touched down. As we exited, Captain Lucas was standing by the door. "Thanks as always Captain." I said as I shook his hand. "Either Richard, Phil or me will let you know when and where to pick us up. Until then, Phil will inform you of your schedule as usual." He nodded his head in acknowledgement and then turned to Sean. "You were too sleepy this morning so we didn't get the chance to say `hello' Sean but I understand you guys might have some big pontoon plane plans." The boy smiled at his flying hero. "Nothing is finalized yet Captain, but yes, we're lookin at something pretty special." "I hope I'll get the chance to fly alongside of you when you get it." "You can count on that Captain!" "OK then, I'll see you guys in about three weeks." We walked into the small but welcoming terminal and I expected to see Mr. Perkins waiting for us but he wasn't there. I looked around including searching the parking lot but there was no sign of my caretaker. I led Sean and Doctor Mohamed into the little café in the terminal and we all ordered a sandwich and some drinks. While we were waiting to be served, I called his number. It went to answering mode the first time and that made me angry since his cell phone was paid for by my company but, I decided to try again and this time he answered. "Hello?" "Hello Lynn. This is Eric Tucker and I was expecting to be picked up at Glynco." "Oh...Oh Eric. I forgot to call and tell you that this is the monthly meeting of the Golden Isles Historical Society and I'm the president and there is quite a dispute going on about preserving a house on Union Street in Brunswick so, I haven't been able to get away. I'll try to be there in about thirty minutes. You should probably relax in the terminal." I took a very deep breath. "No, Lynn, we'll rent a car and drive out to the cottage. I would strongly suggest that you be there waiting for us. If you're not there before us...don't bother being there at all." I closed the connection and joined Sean and Doctor Mo for what turned out to be a perfectly enjoyable lunch. I walked over to the ENTERPRISE counter and quickly set up a car for us and in fifteen minutes, we were headed across the causeway leading to St. Simon's Island and then onto Sea Island. Mr. Perkins was standing by the door to greet us. "Welcome Eric." He smiled. "I'm your boss and so, I'm `Mr. Tucker' don't presume familiarity. Please escort Doctor Mohamed to his room and then move mine and Sean's travel bags to the master suite and then, come back down and walk the property with me." He almost bowed as he indicated Doc Mo and Sean to follow him. In several moments, he was back down and I nudged him into a tour. We first entered the large open living room-family room. "Strange Lynn, I paid to have this big room painted a pail green. Unless I'm color blind, this room is beige." We walked through the large house and found none of the painting that the family had contracted for had actually been performed. The bulk of the house was dusty and scruffy and it was soon obvious that Perkins had been using the Master Suite and living as if he was a rich man who had the right to live on this exclusive island. "The cottage hasn't been re-painted Lynn but I cut a check for that two years ago. I paid for new carpeting but that's not installed. I think that you've been stealing from me Lynn and I'm going to have you arrested. I've already set up the codes so that if you try to get off the island, you'll be stopped. You won't get away with this. What I'm willing to do is let you leave and never come near my family again. Pack up your stuff and hike down the causeway. After we've figured out what you stole from us we'll figure out what we'll charge you with." "But-but Eric, I had to keep up the life style required here! I couldn't look like I was just an ordinary employee. I needed to have stature here." I almost snarled; "You stole from my family you son of a bitch. Now put your belongings into the rental car I arrived in and get the hell off this island. You've got twelve hours to return the rental car and if you don't you'll be charged and hunted for grand theft auto. Get out of my sight." Julia, a lovely young black woman prepared and served us dinner. It was a coastal Georgia specialty; Shrimp and Grits...and the three of us just inhaled it. "Miss Julia, I've never tasted anything like this!" Sean exclaimed. She smiled at him and said; "Well Sean, you probably need to spend more time here on the Georgia Coast." After dinner, Sean and Mohamed were involved in a game of bat gammon which was a game I'd never been interested in but it seemed to fascinate to boy. >From below the patio I heard the scream of a displaced tenant; "I'll fucking sue you son of a bitch!" as he roared down the drive and onto his (hopefully) final trip down the Sea Island Causeway. I walked into the kitchen quietly. "So Julia, sit down and tell me about yourself." She smiled as she took a seat. "Well Mister Eric, I been the part time service woman here. Never got any full time work but I Shure was expected to be available when I was needed. Mr. Perkins...he sure expected us to be available as needed. It wasn't but three years ago that I realized that he didn't own the house." "Tell me about your family Julia." "Well, Henry and me have two little boys and Henry works as a journeyman carpenter. He's actually a jack of all trades." She smiled. "Would you and your husband join us for breakfast tomorrow and then, could we have a meeting?" Her eyes were wide but she smiled. "Of course Mister Eric." *********************************** You guys and your input emails! I can't thank you enough. Please keep it up it's like nectar.