Chapter 14: Serendipity

Sunday, the day after I was discharged from the hospital, was a gloriously sunny day, but I couldn’t appreciate it. It was a day of delay.

Monday, I’ll inquire about visitation days at Ruth’s prison, and which prison she’s incarcerated at. I don’t even know that. I chafe at waiting to inquire.

Also, I need to inquire about parental rights and grandparent’s rights. Seems obvious to me, if I’m not recognized as the father of Ruth’s baby, my parents have zero claim to be the baby’s grandparents. As the father, my rights are predominant, over grandparent rights. That seems right to me. In addition, their mutilation of me, their own son, disqualifies them from ever being entrusted with any child’s welfare again. Seems a rational argument to me. What says the law?

I’ll apply at the High School enrollment office to enroll late for my sophomore year. My excuse for tardiness, is my hospital discharge certificate. They can’t justify holding circumstances beyond my control against me. Not to me they can’t justify such action. Not and get away with it! I’ll sue the administration, the principal, the school board, the mayor, and the governor! If I have to. I need to know who is my state legislators are, and Congressman and Senator in Washington. I need to write all of them letters.

Also, can I sue my parents for what they’ve caused done to me?

Sitting around Ruth’s house is too lonely and very sad. I have to do something, or go somewhere, or go bonkers. Betsy’s family dedicates Sunday’s for family togetherness. I can’t disturb their ritual. Where to go that costs nothing? The public library is free. Maybe, old newspapers from the recent two weeks will provide information about Ruth’s trial and where she’s sentenced. Just maybe, there’s a directory of doctors, and I can begin stalking Dr. Fixit life particulars, to plot my revenge on that monster.

Maybe, I’ll run into friends and we can plan something fun. It’s a long bike ride to the library, but riding my bike is something to do.

Filling a capped bottle with water, I get going on my bike. Wish we had a gig tonight, but since school began, Bartly cut back to only Friday and Saturday nights. Doesn’t want the kids falling asleep in class Mondays, because they were out late Sunday night. Considerate scheduling benefiting the High School kids and teachers. Considerate of their Sunday rest.

In the library I encountered a surprise. I immediately recognized her as someone I had met her before, but couldn’t immediately recall where. Then I knew. The pretty young nurse watching over me in Two North, when I first regained consciousness. She’s sitting at a table studying what appears to be, medical books. She’s wearing sneakers, shorts and a stretch top. No nurse uniform today.

“I apologize if I frightened you, Miss.”

“What?”

“We sort of informally met two weeks ago when I was recovering from surgery. Doctor Fixit said I frightened you. I’m sorry if I did.”

“Oh. OH! I remember you now. I’m so sorry what they did to you.”

“Me too. Were you frightened of me? Was I a fright?”

“I was frightened for you, not of you.”

‘Well, that’s nice of you. Why were you frightened for me?”

“Because, Dr Fixit was taking revenge on you. It’s not right.”

What did I ever do to Dr Fixit he would want to revenge himself on me? I asked that very question of Miss... ? Jill, call her Jill.

“He believes you had been fuc ... His wife had been having an affair with a High School student, and he suspected you were that student.”

“Do you know his wife’s name by chance?” Janet! Oh, yes, I’m guilty. Furthermore, I know a lot about Dr Fixit, from things his wife Janet complained about. I know enough to investigate deeper, and then it’s likely I can interest authorities to investigate him thoroughly. It’s a pale revenge I hadn’t considered. I prefer my original slice and dice fantasies, listening to him scream for mercy that doesn’t exist. Another avenue opens up in my mind. Blackmail!

“Do you like or respect Dr Fixit?”

“I shouldn’t be talking to you. I could lose my position at the hospital, if someone reports me gossiping about him.”

“Gossip is so delicious, it’s so hard to refrain from it.”

“I feel exactly the same way. What was your name?”

“Still is my name. Earl. Nice to meet you, Jill.”

“What grade are you in? High School? Or are you in college?”

“I’m finished with High School and haven’t started college.”

“Lack of funds holding you back?”

“I need to save some money and pay off some debts before I could afford college.”

“I had the same problem. That’s why I went to nursing school. Took two years, but now I have a decent salary, and I’m just starting college classes. I want to be a doctor. Someday way off in the future.”

“What kinda of doctor do you want to become?”

“A pediatrician.”

“Hey, great! I’ve got an ingrown toenail. Could you look... ?”

“You need a podiatrist for foot problems. A pediatrician treats children.”

“I knew that, I was only teasing you.”

“Did NOT!”

“DID TO!”

“Shhhh!” cautioned the librarian.

“Want to stay here and study? Or go somewhere else we can talk and gossip without being shushed?”

“I’m your girl, Earl. Hey, that rhymes!”

“Smart girl, too. Let’s go.”

“Do you like beer?”

“Do you like slaw dogs?”

“Love em. Especially with beer.”

“Follow me.”

“Don’t you have a car?”

“Can’t afford one, but I can drive. My old bike is cheaper on gas.”

“It’s going to be slow following in my car.”

“Okay, how’s this? Straight down this street, about three miles on the left, is a mom and pop grocery. They sell beer, chips, buns, and great all beef wieners. Take this twenty. If you cruise on down there and shop for us, I should be there about the time you come out. My house is not far from the store. We’ll have a wienie roast. I already have some great slaw in the fridge. Not old, made only yesterday.”

Bartly gave me another pint takeout last night.

“You trust me not to take off and run with your twenty?”

“You look trustworthy.”

“How much should I buy? How many in your family?”

“Just enough for the two of us. I own my own house and I live alone. Since my girlfriend went away.” A little white lie.

“You’re on the rebound too? So am I. Do you think maybe fate is taking a hand here?”

“Always possible.”

“We might hit it off famously.”

“Might? I’d say, we already are.”

Jill is effervescent, playful, flirtatious, a lot of fun. She chugged most of the twelve pack. I’m high after four beers, imagine Jill?

She’s in no condition to drive, and I suspect she planned it that way.

“When did you say your shift starts?”

“Four am. Can I sleep here tonight? Do you have room for me? I don’t feel up to driving back to the nurses dormitory tonight.”

“You’re welcome to share my bed anytime, Jill.”

“You’re a good friend Earl. Do you have a spare toothbrush I can borrow? I wasn’t expecting or prepared to spend the night out.”