The Mind Reader

My son's plasma light

(My $0.02: Magic to me is not the prestidigitation or the slight of hand that is performed by the nowadays magicians. It is more the Old World, almost supernatural, hard-to -believe things that exist; that is the true magic.)

Sebastian walked to the neighbors’ house, opened the back door and entered the kitchen; which was also the hub of his taxi service. Looking to the table, he saw two people seated there; his other driver; a young blonde Australian man who went by the name Rio and an smaller, older woman; the dispatcher and owner of this house; his dear friend Maria.

                The woman rose, “Let me get you some breakfast. What would you like?”

“Just coffee, thank you Maria.” He looked toward Rio, “Where’s the pick-up log?”

“By the phone.” The big man answered tipping his chin in that general direction.

Sebastian walked to the phone. He saw the newspaper lying on top of the log; folded to isolate a particular article. The headline caught his eye.

“I Can Read Minds”

His brow furrowed, in his world, he was the only one that had the ability to read someone’s thoughts. Here, where there were very few people who could do even the most rudimentary of magic, he was doubtful.

Picking up the newspaper, he walked to where the woman was and handed the newspaper to her; tapping the article, “You don’t really believe this do you?”

She shrugged, “You won't tell me.”

“No, I won't.” He stood only feet away from her, staring at her.

She put her hands on her hips and stared back at him.

Rio cleared his throat; breaking the stalemate, “My Mum swears by fortune tellers.”

They both looked at him.

Sebastian thought about it, “Well, just let me check it out before you go, okay?” he directed this more towards Maria, but also spoke to Rio. He took a seat at the table; across from Rio.

“Oh, okay; but do you think you can go today? I have an appointment for early tomorrow morning.”

“Why? What do you need to know that’s so urgent?”

“Well” she brought him his coffee cup and a plate with toast, “I want to know Liana’s future.”

Sebastian sniffed, stirring sugar into his coffee, “She’s only a month old; I think you have time for that.”

She shrugged, “Well, there are other things too.”

“Like” he said around a mouthful of bread.

“Never you mind; there are just things I want to know.”

He knew that if he really wanted to find out what the other things were, all he had to do was to touch her and he would instantly know her thoughts. But he promised himself; after the last time had gone so terribly wrong, that he wouldn’t “read” those close to him. He stared at her frowning.

He blew out the breath he was holding, “Fine”

Maria was visibly relieved, “Sometime today?”

He nodded, “Yes, yes. What time is my first pick up?”

Walking to the table by the phone, Maria picked up the log and looked at it, “Not until ten-thirty. The mind reader place opens at nine.”

“Okay” He stood, finished his coffee and shoved the last of the toast in his mouth, “I’ll go there now.

 

Callie gasped and Ermelinda had to stifle a laugh. Her friend was really laying it on thick for this client.

Callie looked deeply into the ‘crystal ball’ and Ermelinda wondered if the woman knew it was just a modified plasma ball.

“And you will meet a tall, dark, handsome stranger.”

The woman across from her popped her gum, “Oh really?” Ermelinda cringed at the nasally voice, “when?”

Callie looked deeper into the oscillating blue and purple streams of light, feigning concentration, “I would say between today and the next six months.”

Ermel knew this wasn’t true; in fact she knew with certainty that the woman would probably spend the rest of her life alone. She sighed inwardly.

                The woman was excited, sitting on the edge of her seat, “What about his name?”

Glancing at her watch, Ermelinda nudged Callie’s chair with her foot; their sign that the hour consultation was up.

“Hmm, Let me see if the spirits will tell me.”

She saw Callie reach under the table and switch the light off. The ball lit up suddenly, then dimmed and finally darkened. Callie met the woman’s eyes, “No, I’m sorry; the spirits have retreated back into the shadows. That will have to wait until the next time.”

Looking from Ermel to the woman, “You did set up the next appointment?”

Both women smiled and nodded.

“Next Tuesday at 10.” The woman said brightly.

Callie smiled and stood, “Then, we will see you next Tuesday.”

Ermel stood and walked the woman to the door, closing the screen door after her.

Callie looked at her, “So now, that’s all you have to do.”

Ermelinda looked at the older woman; horrorstruck, “That’s all? Come on Callie, I can't do that by myself.”

She laughed, “oh Ermel, don’t look at me like I’m feeding you to the lions.” She put her arm around the younger woman’s shoulders, “you can do this.” She squeezed her closer, “Come on, I won't be gone long; and no one is scheduled to come until the afternoon.” Callie looked at her and pulled her to her side, “you’ll be fine.”

“But what if a walk in comes?”

Callie walked back to the closet; Ermelinda followed.

“What if I get a walk in?” she repeated.

Callie wrapped a scarf around her neck before donning her coat, “Just use your talent.” She winked at the younger woman.

Ermel shook her head, “But Callie, you know I don’t...”

Callie took hold of both of her shoulders, “Ermelinda, you can do this. You’re good at it.” she grabbed her purse and headed for the door, “And, I’ll be back before you know it.”

Ermelinda followed her; pulling the screen as well as the inner door closed. She moved to the big picture window and pulling the curtains aside, she watched her friend go down the stairs to her waiting car.

Scanning the surroundings and seeing no one, she breathed easier, “No one’s going to come; right?” she let the curtains fall back into place, trying to comfort herself. She dropped into the nearest chair, curled up into it; draping her legs over the arm. Reaching to the table behind her, she picked up a book, opened it to the bookmark and began reading.

 

 

Sebastian opened the car door and threw the paper onto the passenger seat. He got in, closed the door and started the engine. Picking up the paper, he looked at it again, to check the address.

“Pfft…” he threw the paper down onto the seat, “what these humans won't believe.”

 

He arrived at the address. Parking in the rear lot, he walked to the front of the house, climbed the stairs up to the porch and tried the door. Finding it open, he walked in.

Ermelinda woke from her nap suddenly; sensing someone was staring at her. She looked up and saw a very tall man with a smile on his face.

“Hello”

She sat up and looked at him, “H-hello.” She said unsure, “may I help you?” she got to her feet; a little too fast, her head swam and she had to steady herself with a hand on the chair; the book slid to the floor.

He picked it up and handed it to her, “Are you okay?”

She took the book from him and waved him away, “Yes, I’m fine thank you.” she stood up and looked at him; gathering herself, “how can I help you?”

He looked at her, “I’m looking for the one who can read minds?”

“Oh, uhm that’s me.”

He looked at her, “You read minds?”

She nodded and walked towards the table set up in the middle of the room, “Yes”

He sat opposite her and saw the crystal ball set up in front of her.

She followed his glance from the ball to her face; she wondered; did she really want to do this? She had seen him in her dreams and knew that he would come and now, here he was. She knew her life would never be the same if she did this. Was she really ready? She didn’t know. She thought about it a little while longer and knew that she couldn’t; she didn’t know how long she could put it off, but she was going to try nevertheless. Her shoulders drooped, “No”

He looked at her; confused.

‘It’s not really lying’ she reasoned with herself “What I mean is, the woman that you want; her name is Callie; she’s not here, but she’ll be back soon.”

He looked at her; eyebrows raised, “So, you don’t read minds?”

She shook her head, “No” she thought about it, “I mean yes.”

A smile spread across his face, “Let’s start again; shall we?”

She nodded, looking into his eyes. The color changed from brown to grey then back again and she wondered if he had some kind of new type of contacts.

He waved his hand in a ‘go ahead’ gesture.

“Oh, okay; may I help you?”

He smiled, “Yes, I am looking for the one who reads minds.” He sat forward, “is it you?”

She also smiled, but shook her head, “No, well yes.”

He was about to say something, she spoke before he could.

If this man before her was the one she saw in her thoughts he would find out the truth. If he wasn’t, then it won't matter anyway, “I don’t read minds; but I can …” she searched for a word, “assess things.”

His smile faded, “Assess?”

She nodded, “Yes, I know things, but I don’t know how I know them; well I sort of know, but not really.” She looked at him, “do you know what I mean?”

“Oddly enough I do.” He sat back in the chair and held both hands out, “very well then; assess away.”

She looked at the man who sat facing her. He looked to be about 6’4” tall. His piercing stare made her feel like he could see straight into her soul.

“Well, I can't do it just like that; may I ask you a question?”

“Certainly”

He sat up, something on the shelf behind her catching his eye. He stood and walked around behind her. He picked up a small figurine of a dog; turning it over, he looked at her, “Ask, please.”

She turned in her seat to look at him; at his back at any rate, “Well, can I have your name?”

“You tell me.” He wouldn’t give her any hints; let her sweat it out. Putting the dog back, he picked up a bird, “you are the mind reader.” Before she could rebut, he corrected, “I mean assessor; therefore assess.”

She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing, she looked up, “I’m getting an S.”

He gave her a nod, wondering if it was just a lucky guess, “Close enough, we will go with that.” He replaced the bird and looked at the book shelf in the next room, “And your name is?”

“Ermelinda, but my friends call me Ermel.”

He nodded, “Ask another.”

She rose and followed him; noting which books he looked at and which he skipped over, “You don’t like fiction books?”

He replaced the book he had been perusing, “Not necessarily.” He knew he was being ambiguous and difficult, but he wanted to see exactly what she could do.

She nodded and took a few steps when he moved on.

“Are you married?”

He looked at her, “Are you?”

She looked deeper into his eyes and wondered why they looked so sad. She wanted to look deeper.

He looked away first; wondering why she was making him feel nervous.

“This is your house.”

The way he said it was more of a statement than a question.

Ermelinda nodded slowly, “Yes”

He turned in the middle of pulling out a book; finding it curious, “But you are not the mind reader?”

“No” she knew what he was thinking, “her husband doesn’t like her to…” she faltered.

“Perform?” he offered.

She nodded her head slowly, “Her husband doesn’t like when she performs at their house.”

He pushed the book back in; wondering if this was a performance also, “You must be a good friend to lend out your house.”

She nodded again, “Do you like movies?”

He gave her a distasteful look, “I like watching something I can learn from.”

“Documentaries?”

He nodded, moving onto the next bookcase.

She saw him ready to pull out her favorite book, she intercepted him, “Do you mind if we sit down?”

“No, not at all.”  He allowed her to take the book from his hands; careful not to touch her.

“Good” she pushed the book into the space and led the way back to the table, “I can concentrate so much better when sitting down.”

Pausing at his seat, she waited while he sat, then walked around the table to sit opposite him. She put her hands on the crystal ball, but felt stupid; she picked it up and placed it on the shelf behind her. Turning back, she got more comfortable in her seat and closed her eyes. She inhaled to a count of two, then exhaled to a count of two; slowing her breathing.

He was going to purposely make it difficult for her, “Do you meditate?”

She opened one eye and looked at him, “Sort of”

He nodded, “Okay; go on then.”

She looked at the man across from her. He looked like every other twenty/thirty something year old guy; dressed very casually in jeans, a t shirt and a black leather coat. She watched him sit back in the chair; one leg crossed over the other; an arm draped across the back of the chair next. His skin was a deep olive color; his hair a dark brown. His Eyes now looked more green/gray than the brown they were before. 

As she watched, his image flickered and what she saw although it looked like the same man, the countenance was totally different. The jeans and t shirt were gone and the clothing that now draped the man was so elegantly made; Ermel wondered if the man was from royalty. The double image looked at her and the aura of power and influence that he gave off made Ermel want to cower away from him. The image shimmered and the two images separated, then overlapped in an almost double exposure.

Not knowing if it was her or the man himself that made her see this strange dichotomy she shook her head to clear the picture.

He leaned forward, “Is everything alright?”

She nodded her head; not sure which image to respond to; since both seemed to have asked. Closing her eyes, she thought about the way he first appeared to her. She fixed in her mind his eyes, nose, mouth, facial structure. Going deeper in her mind, she brought in colors; first black, followed by blue, yellow, green and finally red. The colors began to spin, swirling. She felt the familiar tug on her consciousness and had to force herself to relax and not fight it. Being dragged out of her body, the colors of her essence mingled with those in the whirlpool; drawing her into its center. Strange memories and emotions flooded her mind and she stifled a scream as the torrent threatened to drown her. The spinning slowed then stopped she could better feel and see what she was being shown. Her body began to rise out of the colors; some still clinging to her. She felt giddily light; floating and found herself gently returned to her body.

His hand involuntarily gripped the chair. ‘What was that?’ Just for a moment, he thought he felt something; some other presence in his mind, but that was highly improbable. Even on his own world; only his father or someone on his elder board could enter his thoughts; and that was only when he wasn’t blocking. He looked at the woman across from him, ‘Impossible’ he thought and almost laughed to think that she could have done such a thing.

He waited patiently, watching her facial expressions. Her eyes suddenly flew open.

She saw him smiling at her, “Better?”

She nodded, still trying to interpret what she just saw and felt. Ermel now understood the sadness she had seen in his eyes. Even now, the overwhelming emotion made her want to cry out.

Looking at her, he sensed something was going on with her, “So now, what is your assessment?”

She put her hands below the table, so he wouldn’t see them shaking; she tried evading, “Well, you know to get an accurate assessment, I would probably have to….”

He looked at her more intently and didn’t like what he saw, “What is your assessment?”

She hated doing this; she had promised herself a long time ago, that she would never do this again. she remembered the last time she had told someone of her “seeings” the look of doubt on her friend’s face when Ermelinda had told her what was going to happen; then the horrified look on that same face when it came to be just as she said.

She looked at his face again; it was completely neutral; showing no indication of what she saw; nothing that could be reconciled with her vision. She took a deep breath.

“I saw…” she hesitated.

He leaned in closer; watching her eyes fill with tears. The emptiness in his stomach turning into a gnawing fear, ‘She couldn’t possibly know’ he told himself over and over again.

“I saw that you…” she couldn’t go on. Putting her hands to her face, she began to sob.

He stood so suddenly that the chair tipped over. Hurrying around the table, he took hold of her wrists and pulled her hands away from her face. From the time his fingers touched her skin, he knew she had been in his mind. He pulled her out of her chair and made her face him.

He tightened his grip on her upper arms and bent to look deep into her eyes, “How?”

She gasped, “It’s true.” She whispered, “I saw…I felt your sadness.”

They stood looking at each other.

She gasped again, “Did you really…”

He jumped away from her as if she had burned him. He headed for the door.

“Sebastian” she called after him.

He froze and turned to look at her; watching her walk up to him.

“How do you know my name?”

She kept walking until only inches separated them.

Even though he stood at least six inches taller than she, he felt like she had brought him to his knees.

“I know a lot about you.”

When he didn’t answer, she went on, “Sebastian, you can't keep this to yourself.” She got even closer to him and put a hand up to touch his face. He intercepted it then quickly let go, lest she “see” his most painful memories.

“Sebastian, please, let me help you. You can't live with such intense pain.”

His face became hard, “You don’t know what I can live with. You don’t know what I’ve been through.”

She nodded, “I know enough. I know that you gave up…”

“Don’t” he said, stepping away from her. When he felt that he was a safe distance away, he said again; this time softer, “Please; don’t.”

She approached him and hesitantly put up a hand, she saw him close his eyes and saw a single tear make a track down his face.

“Hey” she waited until he looked at her, his eyes a swirled mass of silver, blue and red, “I promise, I won't.” she gave him a smile.

He looked into her face, searching her thoughts as well, “Who are you?”

She let her hand drop, “I’m just me; an assessor.”

She walked back to the table and took her seat.

He followed her; picked up his chair and sat down.

“How did you learn to do that?”

She shook her head, “I didn't learn it; I think I’ve always seen things. When I was young, I didn’t understand it; I thought they were just stories I made up in my mind, but later I knew they weren’t.”

He nodded his head slowly.

“You can do it too; can't you?”

He nodded, “Something like it.” he didn’t know how much she had gotten; he would have to be more careful in the blocking of his thoughts.

“You can't you know.”

He looked at her; unsure of what she was talking about, “Can't what?”

She smirked, “You can't block me out.”

The pit in his stomach was growing, “You can” she nodded, “even now?”

She smiled and nodded, “Scary huh?”

He looked around at the small house, “Why are you hiding here?”

She put her head down and began tracing the pattern on the tablecloth, “I don’t fit in anywhere. Everybody freaks out when they realize that I can…let’s just say that they don’t like knowing that I know.”

“Well” he waited until she looked at him, “I can understand why. Now I know how it feels when I do it.”

“But at least you have to touch someone to get something. All I have to do is talk to them and I know; I don’t even have to see them.” She began shaking her head, “you don’t know how many friends I’ve lost because of it.”

“And the mind reader; does she know?”

She shrugged, “Callie thinks I’m a good guesser; I’ve never told her the truth.”

“Can she read also?”

“A little bit, not as much as I can.” Her smile faded a bit, “I just like having a friend; even if she thinks…”

Remembering how his people back home treated him; even though they’d known him all of his life and knew his powers, he could relate. He knew that she could help him.

He reached across the table to touch her hand, “Would you come with me? There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Josh: Under the Rock

Looking under rocks for creepy crawlies is my son's favorite thing to do

{My $0.02: I felt like this story needed a preamble. I asked a friend of mine what kind of story she wanted to read; she said (thank you Barnali) she wanted a love story. So I started thinking about the kinds of love there are: normal love that goes as planned, unrequited love, secret love, love gone wrong and love that ends. I then began thinking about love that ends and which would be worse; knowing that person is out there somewhere; loving someone else? Or knowing that the person passed on and there is no possibility of ever seeing them again? I then 'cogitated on the conundrum' (in the words of my coworker; thank you Larry). I concluded that I think that I would rather know that my 'once loved one' is still out there; smiling, laughing and loving another than knowing that my 'once loved one' is no longer in this life.}

Collette watched the woman in the hospital bed intently; unconsciously inhaling and exhaling the same time as she did. When the next inhale didn’t follow, Collette looked up to her husband.

The nurse who was standing off to the side, came to the bed and put a hand on the woman’s wrist, feeling for a pulse, she took the stethoscope from her neck, put the pieces in her ears and placed the disk against Margaret’s chest. She listened for a minute, then took the pieces from her ears and stood.  Evan and Collette looked at her and she shook her head. Evan pulled his wife to his chest. Collette leaned into him, burying her head in his chest; she suddenly pulled away and their eyes met,

            “Oh Evan, what about Josh?”

 They both looked to the bed.

Evan released his wife and walked to the man kneeling beside the hospital bed. His head was bowed and he was holding his dead wife‘s hand.

            Evan put his hands on his friend’s shoulders and got to one knee.

Josh felt the warmth of Evan’s voice in his ear.

            “Josh, she’s gone.”

Josh lifted his head from the mattress and looked at him. He saw the concern on the face of his friend.

            “Gone?” he said in disbelief, allowing Evan to lift him to his feet.

            Evan helped him up, keeping hold of his arm to steady him. He nodded his head and whispered, “She’s in a better place now.”

            Josh thought about what Evan said. He looked past his friend’s bald pate to Collette; standing near the bed, tears streaming down her face. His gaze traveled back to the hospital bed; he saw the peacefulness on his wife’s face and it made him smile, but then realization set in. He stepped around Evan; not taking his eyes off of Margaret’s face.

            “Josh” Collette hugged him, “I’m so sorry.”

            He nodded, resting his cheek on Collette’s arm wrapped around his neck. He closed his eyes.  The pain he felt in his chest was making it difficult to breathe. When he couldn’t stand it anymore, he broke the hug, stepped around Collette and made a beeline for the head of the bed. He bent over, and whispered in her ear, “You’re out of pain now, my love; everything will be fine.”

He gently kissed her forehead and lips. Turning, he took a few steps; then broke down, falling to his knees sobbing; covering his face with his hands.

            Evan and Collette helped Josh to a nearby chair. Evan knelt in front of him, “Why don’t you come home with us tonight; the kids would love to see you.”

Josh shook his head, “I appreciate the offer Evan, but I think I just want to go home and sleep.”

“Okay buddy.” Evan smiled and hugged him. 

           

            The sounds from outside the door seemed to get louder and louder, until the door opened and a nurse stuck her head in.

            “I‘m sorry, but we have to move her now.”

            Josh nodded and got to his feet.

            Two nurses wheeling a covered gurney came into the room and positioned it parallel to the bed.  One of them looked to Josh, “Where will they be preparing her?”

            Josh looked at her not understanding, “Excuse me?” they both looked over when Evan cleared his throat.

            “Colonial” he said to his friend; then looked to the nurse, “Colonial Funeral Home.”

            The nurse nodded and pulled the curtain around the bed.

            Josh stared at the blue curtain, trying not to think about what was going on behind it. Then the curtain opened and Margaret‘s body lay under a sheet on the gurney. The nurse walked up to Josh, “I‘m so sorry for your loss.”

            Josh nodded, “Thank you for everything you did.”

The nurse smiled and then they wheeled the cart out the door.

            Josh watched them go, then turned to Evan, “Uhm…” he cleared his throat when his voice broke, “Uhm Evan, can you come with me to make…uhm you know…to set up the memorial?”

            “Of course” Evan said without hesitation.

            Josh quickly wiped away a tear. He turned and walked through the doorway and saw that Evan and Collette had followed. Together they walked to the elevator. Josh pushed the elevator call button. He turned his back to his friends. When the doors opened, he stepped to the back of the elevator and leaned his head against the wall.

            “Are you okay?” Collette asked.

Josh looked at her.

Collette realized how stupid a question it was; the man just lost his wife; of course he wasn’t okay. She wanted to kick herself.

            He nodded and tried to find his voice, “Uhm Collette, do you think you could uh go to the house, m-my house and get the bag that…that she  prepar…” he broke down and couldn’t finish his sentence. Collette stepped up to him and put a hand on his arm.

            “I know the bag; I’ll get it and meet you at the funeral home, okay?”

Only a week before she died, Margaret showed Collette the bag that contained the outfit and shoes she wanted to be buried in.

            He nodded, “Thank you”

She smiled and took her hand away.

            Josh stared at the floor.

            Evan knew Josh long enough to know that the best thing he could do for his friend right now, was just be there for him.

            The drive from the hospital to the funeral home was a blur. Evan drove Josh’s car. They were now sitting in the funeral home director’s office as the man droned on and on about caskets, linings, pillows and whatever else he said before Josh tuned out. Thank God for Evan; he made all the decisions and Josh knew that Margaret would be happy with all the arrangements Evan made.

            “That seems to be it, except for what you would like us to dress your wife in for the viewing“.

            Collette showed up just then, holding the pink garment bag.

            Josh stared at the bag, remembering when Margaret had filled it. They had just come back from the cancer center in Texas. That was the day they both knew that the end was near. He dropped his eyes and fought for control from the tears.

           

 

He looked at his watch; an hour had gone by since Evan dropped him off. He pulled himself off the couch, retrieved his keys from the floor and walked to the room he and Margaret shared for the last two years.

Sitting on the side of the bed, he placed his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair, he dragged his hands down his face; the last two days in the hospital wiped him out. All he wanted to do was to fall asleep and wake where his wife was; he lay down and hugged her pillow to him. His mind drifted to the first time he ever saw her.

 

            He was four years old going on five. His grandfather lifted him from his car seat and placed him gently on the sidewalk.

            “Now Joshua, stay right there while Papa gets your bag, okay?”

            “Okay Papa.”

           Josh watched his grandfather walk to the back of the car, take his suitcase out and then come back to him. Charlie offered his hand and Josh grasped onto it, “And Daddy said that I could stay with you for a whole two weeks.”

            “Did he now?” Charlie looked down at the little boy who was holding onto his fingers. The eyes that looked up at him were so innocent, so trusting that he could almost forgive his son for not telling Josh the truth; but since his wife died, the house had been eerily quiet and he was hoping that now that Josh will be with him that he would be able to sleep again.

Charlie helped Josh up the big step that led to the porch of the house. Josh waited as Charlie opened the front door.

            “Don’t forget to take off your shoes.”

            Josh kicked off his shoes and followed Charlie to the bedroom he used when he visited.

            Looking around the room he said, “I like it here. “

            Charlie lifted Josh’s bag onto the bed. He helped Charlie unpack his clothes; Charlie took the item out of the suitcase and handed them to his grandson, who put them into the drawers.

           After stowing the suitcase under the bed, they both lay down. Charlie folded his arms under his head and had to smile when he saw the boy do the same.

            “Well Joshua, what would you like to do now?’

            He looked at his grandfather, “I don’t know Papa. What do you want to do?”

            Charlie sat up and looked out the window, “Well, it’s still light out, would you like to go outside and look under rocks?” he knew that Josh loved to look for spiders and insects.

            He sat up suddenly, “Can we?”

“Sure, let’s go get our shoes on.”

Josh ran to the door and slipped on his shoes. He waited while Charlie got his on and opened the door. Josh ran ahead to the side of the house; right to the biggest rock in the garden. Charlie laughed as he saw him struggling.

            “Are you sure you can lift that Joshua?”

Josh planted his feet and pushed with all his might, “Yes, Papa, I’m a lot stronger than I was last time I was here”  realizing he wasn’t getting anywhere, he changed his tactic; laying on the rock, he tried to get his fingers under it as he pulled. It didn’t budge. Josh got off the rock and looked at Charlie.

            “Papa, do you think you could help me?”

            “Oh, I think I can do that.”

Charlie knelt down and lifted the rock easily. Josh lay on his stomach and poked at the mud. Charlie was bending down for a better look when he heard the phone ring.

            “I’ll be right back Joshua, don’t go anywhere.”

            “I won’t Papa.”

           He watched until Charlie turned the corner. Josh heard the door open then close. He went back to the rock and touched a pill bug.

            “What are you doing?”

Josh looked back to see a little girl in a bright pink dress and matching leggings.

            “I’m looking for bugs.” Josh said and turned back.

            “Can I see?” the little girl lay on her stomach next to him, “What’s that?” she pointed to a long, gold insect with many legs.

            “That’s a centipede.” she moved her hand closer and he grasped it, ‘Don’t touch it, they bite.”

            She nodded and took her hand away.
            “What’s that?” she pointed to a black, fast moving bug.

            “That’s a black widow spider, run!”

They both stood and ran to the front of the house screaming. Charlie burst through the front door screen.

            “What’s wrong?” he said, out of breath.

            Josh answered excitedly, “We saw a black widow spider.”

            He looked at them skeptical, “Show me”

Josh and Margaret walked to the side of the house and showed Charlie the arachnid in question.

Charlie peered down and was instantly relieved, “that’s just a jumping spider.” he straightened and looked at the two kids, “I see you met Margaret.” he made his way to the front of the house.

            Josh stopped and looked at Margaret, “That’s your name?”

She put her hands on her hips and stared at him, “Yeah, why?”

            Josh scrunched up his face, “It just sounds like an old lady name.”

            Her face fell, “I know, but it was my mommy’s name.” she let her hands drop, “What’s your name?”

            “Josh” they continued walking slowly to the front of the house.

            She smiled at him, “I like your name.”

            Josh suddenly had an idea, “Hey how about if I call you something else?”

            “Okay.” she slowed, “Hey! My daddy sometimes calls me Margie; how about that?”

            He shook his head, “I don’t like that one either.”

            She looked at him, “Well what do you like?”

            “Hmm. I don’t know; I’ll have to think about it.”

            “Okay”

They both climbed onto the porch swing with Charlie.

 

He woke suddenly and looked to the empty place next to him, “Oh Mags; what am I going to do without you?”

Man vs Animal

Masiniello; Neopolitan Mastiff; the best dog I ever had growing up

She opened the door and he saw boxes everywhere. He closed the door behind him, “Did you just move in?”

“No, I’ve been here for a while.” She took off her shoes, “just sit anywhere and I’ll be right back.” and she headed up the stairs.

 

He looked around. There weren’t many places to sit, but, if he moved a stack of boxes slightly to the right, he could sit on the couch. Putting his foot to the base of the stack and pushing, he made a window in front of the couch big enough to sit down in. He sat down; stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his ankles, putting an arm over top of the couch.

He heard a strange clicking sound, but couldn’t see around the stacked boxes. He sat up, hearing the noise louder as it seemed to come closer.

He saw a huge grey shape lope from behind the boxes. It walked up to him and seated itself onto his feet. He knew it was a dog, but couldn’t place the breed; he’d never seen one so big before. Looking away from the steel blue eyes that seemed to bore a hole through him, he attempted to move his feet and heard a menacing growl.

“Ah, Gee?”

The dog never moved and continued to stare at him. Laces of drool were descending from the corners of the dog’s mouth and would soon reach his jeans.

“Gee?” he said, slightly louder.

“I’ll be down in a minute

He nodded, “That’s fine, but uhm, your dog.”

“If he’s sitting on your feet, just push him away; he doesn’t bite; he’s a sweetie; his name is Masiniello; Masi for short.”

He looked at the ominous presence before him.

“Okay, Masi, she says you’re a sweetie.”

He put a hand on each of the dog’s massive shoulders and felt the hard muscle beneath the loose skin; he pushed lightly at first, but then with more force. The dog did not budge, but a rumbling came from deep in its chest and was slowly getting louder. Looking to the dog’s sagging face, he saw an almost imperceptible, but undeniable raising of the dog’s lips. Andy took his hands off immediately and sat back in an attempt to put as much distance as he could between him and the huge teeth he knew were hiding under those jowls.

“Gee?”

He knew his voice had a somewhat urgent pleading tone to it, but he couldn’t help it.

“Masi?” Andy heard her voice from somewhere behind the boxes.

The big dog turned his great head towards the sound of his master’s voice, his tail thumping the wooden floor, sounding like a base drum.

“What’s Masi doing?”

Andy almost sighed with relief when he saw her appear from around the boxes. He could tell the dog wanted to go to her, but acted like he didn’t want to lose his quarry. Andy made another attempt to move his feet and was again rewarded with growling.

“Masiniello, you stop that. You’re scaring Andy; you know you’re just a big coward.” She bent and put her hands on her thighs, “you come here now, or I’ll show Andy your rubber ducky.”

Andy could see that the big dog was torn about what he should do.

“Okay Masi” she turned to leave and Andy’s heart dropped, “I was going to take you for a walk, but I guess I’ll just go alone.”

He didn’t think something that large could move as fast as he did. One minute, he was on Andy’s feet; the next he was jumping onto Gee. Andy winced when the dog collided with her, but to his surprise, Masi pulled up short, just as collision was imminent. Andy could see that the two had been together a long time and knew each other’s limits. The way the huge animal was acting; rubbing on Gee as she scratched him behind the ears and at the base of his tail almost made Andy forget the fear he felt before.

“Now sit” she said and the dog dropped immediately to obey. Andy laughed when Gee had to push him off her feet or risk falling down. Andy saw the mutual adoration as the big dog looked up and Gee looked down to meet his eyes.

“This is Andy.” She told him, “he’s a good guy.” She wondered how she knew; having only met him hours before, but she did know. She looked over to where Andy stood and smiled; he smiled back at her. Masi saw the exchange and Andy heard the growling again.

“Masiniello you stop that” she tapped the dog between the eyes, “now you go give Andy a proper hello.”

Andy looked at her horrified.

The big dog was loping up to him; his tail between his legs; just obeying his master.

“That’s really not necessary.” Andy stammered.

Masi looked back at her; as if to ask if he really had to.

“Go on”

“Gee, that’s okay; if he doesn’t want to”

But Masi had heard and obeyed. He stopped in front of Andy; jumped up and placed his front paws on Andy’s shoulders.

It was a bit disconcerting to see those steel blue eyes level with his.

“Aww; that’s a good Masi. Now give Andy a kiss.”

Andy tried to protest, but could only close his eyes and prepare for impact when he saw the enormous pink tongue coming straight at him. He felt wetness cover his whole face. Then he felt the dog’s weight leave his shoulders.

He opened his eyes and saw Gee standing with her hand over her mouth; trying not to laugh. She held a towel out to him.

“You did that on purpose.” He wiped his face, but could still feel the stickiness of the drool, “bathroom?” he asked.

She pointed to her left and burst out laughing as he passed her. She heard the bathroom door close.

He looked in the mirror and saw that the drool had reached his forehead, causing a huge cowlick in his hair.

He corrected himself, “Dog lick you mean.” And he smiled.

She was nervous. What if Andy got mad at her? Maybe she shouldn’t have made Masi lick him; maybe that was going a little too far. She felt the dog on her feet again and gave him a rub. She heard a sound coming from the bathroom and relaxed when she realized it was laughter. She squat down to hug her big baby.

“You like him too don’t you?”