Chapter 16: "You know me all too well!"

April 15, 1986, McKinley, Ohio

"Mike, José is on the phone," Elizaveta said as I walked in the door on Tuesday afternoon.

"He didn't want to leave an extra second without calling with a status update," I chuckled.

I went straight to the kitchen to get the phone.

"They reached a settlement," José said. "Basically, it's what you predicted. She'll be given failing grades for her entire Fourth Year and has to restart on June 9th. She'll receive no credit for classes or clinical training she completed during Fourth Year, even if she originally received passing grades. She's also on probation with the medical school, and she has to comply with her court-ordered anger-management counseling. All of her clinical training will be evaluated by — hang on, I had to write this down — Doctors Mertens, Worth, and Warren, in consultation with the Attendings to whom she's assigned."

"Was there any other discussion?" I asked.

"Not that I could hear. It seems they worked it out privately right before the judge came in. When he asked for a status, they told him they had a settlement agreement. They discussed it briefly, which is how I got the information, but there was nothing said in court except what I told you. The judge asked a few questions, then dismissed the case."

"Thanks for attending in my place," I said. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome! I was happy to do it for you. See you on Saturday morning?"

"Yes. I'm doing a lot better."

"Good to hear. Call me anytime if you want to talk."

"Thanks."

We said 'goodbye', and I hung up.

"She was readmitted to the medical school?" Elizaveta asked.

"Yes. But, as we discussed, that's not her most difficult challenge. She's going to have a very tough time finding a Match, and even in the Scramble, with less desirable programs, it'll be difficult for her. And there's no guarantee the State of Ohio will grant her a license in the near future, or maybe ever. That said, she did get past the first hurdle, so she has a chance, even if it's a slim one."

"OK. Go change, please; dinner is in about ten minutes."

"Dessert at 10:00pm?" I offered.

"Yes!" Elizaveta exclaimed.

April 17, 1986, McKinley, Ohio

"Are you sure it's OK that I leave you alone tonight?" Elizaveta asked on Thursday morning.

"Yes, of course! Your friends are throwing you a birthday party, and tonight is really the only good night, because we'll be at Doctor Blahnik's tomorrow, and then your parents are celebrating on Saturday at our weekly meal, and then our Dinner Club on Sunday! Besides, it'll give me a chance to talk to my mom and Liz."

"If you're sure."

"I'm positive, Kitten. We agreed last week when your friends called to invite you. And I already asked the study group to skip Sunday's study period, so you and I have plenty of time to make love to celebrate!"

"Yes!"

"What are you girls doing tonight?"

"Wouldn't YOU like to know!" she giggled.

"Well, if it's going to be a four-hour giggle-fest, no, I probably wouldn't!"

"Just dinner at Serafima's house and then a movie on their VCR, plus popcorn. Cake and ice cream, obviously."

"Obviously! Chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate ice cream for my chocoholic wife?"

"Of course!"

We finished our breakfast, Elizaveta left for school, and I pulled out my physiology textbook to study for thirty minutes before I had to leave for the medical school. About twenty minutes later, I was confident I knew the material for the day's lecture on links between smoking and cardiac and pulmonary diseases. I packed up my books, put on my ryassa, then headed out to my car. About ten minutes later, I met Clarissa at our usual side-by-side parking spots, and we walked towards the building.

"Mike?" a voice called from my right.

I turned to see Melissa Bush, then stopped and waited for her to walk up to us.

"Can I have a word?" she asked. "Privately?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," I replied. "If you can't say it in front of Clarissa, you probably shouldn't say it to me."

Melissa frowned, then nodded, "I can see why you might say that, given everything that's happened. What I wanted to say is that I appreciate you telling the truth during your deposition."

"You're welcome. May I say something very direct?"

"Yes."

"We both know exactly what you meant and exactly how you felt in the ER that day. The reason I didn't say what I was sure to be true was that I think you deserve a second chance. And I'd like you to consider something very, very important."

"What's that?"

"God gives second chances, too. And third chances. And fourth chances. In fact, infinite chances. Sin is not some permanent break with God, and you aren't 'reprobate'. God loves you, Melissa. That is an undeniable tenet of true Christianity. God loves you, and you need to love Him back, and love your fellow man, no matter how sinful you might think you are or they are. I assume you believe that Jesus is your personal savior?"

"Yes."

"Then emulate him," I counseled. "I can sum up what the Bible reports Jesus as saying about sex in two events — the woman caught in adultery and the teaching about lusting in one's heart. In the first incident, the men condemning her were hypocrites because if she was 'caught', they weren't going to stone the man who was likely in the crowd. For the second incident, he's also warning against hypocritical judgment.

"And that's the warning meant by 'judge not... ' — it's a stark reminder that you are going to be held to whatever standards you hold others to. I don't want an answer to this, but if you've engaged in sex outside of marriage, then you, Robby, Lee, and I are all in exactly the same boat. It's not about attraction or who you are with, but about sex outside of marriage.

"There is, literally, only one answer as to what you can do about sin — admit it, resolve to do better in the future, love God, and get on with your life. You have a chance to turn things around, which is the true meaning of 'repentance'. Or, to use the more accurate theological term, «metanoia», which means, literally, to turn around. The medical school has given you a second chance. Use it. God has provided you with an opportunity to repent, to grow, and to love. Use it."

Melissa looked surprised, which didn't surprise me.

"You don't think I'm going to Hell?" she asked.

"That's not up to me," I replied gently. "That's up to YOU. And, with regard to your dad, it's up to him, too."

"You don't condemn him?"

"His actions? Yes. His words? Yes. Him? Again, that's not up to me. I pray that he considers what he's done, repents, and learns that God is love, not hate. James says that directly. If your dad doesn't learn that, well, then he's determined his own eternal fate."

"That goes against everything I've been taught."

I nodded, "Then you should consider finding new teachers. What you've been taught is nothing like what I've been taught, nor, as I read the Scriptures together with the Church, what the prophets, evangelists, apostles, and disciples taught. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I need to get my coffee before class, and I don't want to be late."

"If the school charged just a little bit more for coffee, they wouldn't need tuition!" Melissa declared.

Clarissa and I both laughed, given the amount of coffee we both knew medical students drank, including the two of us.

"Ain't THAT the truth!" I replied. "Good luck, and I hope you take what I've said to heart, and you make the most of your second chance."

"I'm meeting with Doctor Worth this morning."

"Then I'd advise you to be truly repentant by the time you walk into his office. It's the only way forward."

She nodded and the three of us went inside, with Clarissa and I heading to the cafeteria while Melissa headed to the stairs which led to the administrative floor.

"What do you think?" Clarissa asked.

"I think I don't know her heart, so I can't say. What she needs is someone to show her some actual love, not what passes for it at Faith Bible."

"You mean «agápē», right?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you judging?"

I smiled, "A standard to which I am happy to be held. If I mess THAT up, I've messed up what her church calls my 'Christian walk' in ways that are uncountable."

"I bet you anything she asks for your help at some point in the future," Clarissa said.

"And if she does, I'll help her to the best of my ability, and within the bounds of my twin callings, assuming she is appropriately repentant."

April 17, 1986, Rutherford, Ohio

"It would have been nice to see Elizaveta," my mom said when I arrived at the house she shared with Paul and Elizabeth on Thursday evening.

"Her friends invited her for a birthday celebration, and no boys were allowed!" I replied. "I can go see Grandfather instead."

"That's not what I'm saying, and you know it!"

"But it's what you said immediately after greeting me, so how should I take it?"

"Oh, stop!" Mom demanded.

"You started it!" I replied.

"Now, children, play nice!" Liz commanded, but she was laughing.

"Hi, Paul," I said. "How do you put up with this?"

He smirked, "Being married to your sister isn't TOO bad."

"Be careful, Paul Reynolds!" Liz growled.

"How is medical school going?" Paul asked, ignoring my little sister.

"Good. I'm still making honors in all my classes, and this semester is actually a bit easier than last semester. The next big hurdle is the exam we have to take at the end of our second year. You have to pass to continue, and by the time we get to graduation and take the last medical school exam, we'll have lost around thirty percent of the students who started with us."

"All your friends are doing OK, right?"

"Everyone has passed, and most of us are earning honors. How are things with the motel?"

"Occupancy averages about 80%, which is good, because it means we usually have a room available when someone needs it. We're profitable, and we make enough money to live comfortably. Mr. Zhuravlyov sends his greetings. He said, and I'm not sure what this means, that he's spoken to the 'right people' on your behalf."

"Church politics," I said.

"I heard you're getting a new bishop," Liz interjected.

"After Pascha. There will be a new priest at the Cathedral and a new protodeacon."

"You?"

I shook my head, "No, because generally, that goes to a deacon assigned to the Cathedral, and, if not, to one of the deacons who has served the longest. It would be Vasily Antonov if he were still a deacon, and he might still be, if he's restored."

"You think that will happen?" Mom asked.

"It's going to be up to the new bishop, who I hope is going to be Father Jeremiah Loch. I know he's going to appear on at least a dozen ballots, which likely makes him the front-runner."

"And how do you know that?" Mom asked.

"Because all the electors I know personally are going to vote for him, and I know that certain electors will lobby others. It's entirely possible Father Jeremiah wins on the first ballot, but that requires two-thirds, so it's an outside chance. You know your dad will vote for him."

"Two bishops from our small parish in succession?"

"It happens."

"Is it true the bishop had affairs with two girls in their twenties?" Liz asked.

"I have no idea and no interest in finding out. The embezzlement and coverup are more than enough, and that's where the commission that was created by the Holy Synod ended their investigation."

"But shouldn't that be investigated?"

"To what end?" I asked. "He requested retirement, and will live in seclusion, most likely at a monastery, but he could also have an apartment somewhere, if he prefers. But whatever the case, he won't associate with anyone in the diocese. I'd bet he ends up in Florida. There is a small group of retired Greek and Antiochian bishops who are in a retirement community. The only retired Russian bishop is at the monastery here in Ohio."

"So you just let it go?"

"Yes. There's no point in creating an unnecessary scandal. How is school?"

"Great! I've been helping people with their taxes at a free tax clinic the school runs every year. We're supervised by an enrolled IRS Agent. Once I finish my associate's degree, I can get jobs helping people prepare tax returns. That'll be a nice supplement to what we bring in from the motel."

"Great job, Liz! I'm proud of you!"

"I'm proud of what both my children have accomplished," Mom said. "Shall we get dinner on the table?"

Five minutes later, a fasting acceptable meal was on the table and I gave the blessing.

"Mom has a date tomorrow," Liz said with a sly smile. "Fifth one with the same guy!"

"Please tell me he's not Calvinist," I requested warily.

Mom laughed, "Byzantine Rite Roman Catholic."

"Orthodox by appearance, but Papist by theology," I chuckled. "I suppose that's a place to start! Is this serious?"

"It's only been four dates so far," Mom replied.

"Not what I asked!" I replied with a grin.

"This sounds like Mom when we were growing up and you were dating!" Liz observed.

"So," I continued in a VERY bad imitation of a Jewish grandmother, "tell us about this boy..."

Liz, Paul, and my mom all laughed.

" ... but not too many details!"

Mom winked, "Well, he's nineteen, and he can..."

"NO!" Liz shrieked in mock disgust.

"OK, maybe not," Mom replied. "His name is Stefan Chojnicki; he's an attorney in Cincinnati and is in his early fifties."

"How did you meet him?"

"Through work. Mr. Winston has been working with a firm in Cincinnati for over a year on a complex divorce case for a Doctor from Rutherford. The estranged wife is living in Cincinnati, and she is using the firm where Stefan is a partner."

"No conflict of interest?" I asked.

"No, because Stefan isn't working on the case. He's not a divorce attorney."

"Is he divorced?" I asked.

"His wife died of cancer about three years ago. They were married for twenty-eight years.

"Married in college?"

"High School sweethearts who married when he was a Senior in college. She was three years younger and worked full time and helped put him through law school."

"Kids?"

"Two boys; both in college. The older one is a Senior at UC; the younger one is a Sophomore at Cornell."

Which made his kids older than Holly, though I felt that was probably not something I should mention.

"So long as you're happy," I replied.

"I am. Have you seen your father?"

"Not for about a month, but I spoke to him on the phone last week. He's doing OK."

We had an enjoyable meal, and when we finished, I thanked Liz for the meal, then left so that I could visit with my grandfather before heading home. After a brief chat about school, he and I discussed the upcoming episcopal election, though there wasn't much new to discuss. After we finished our tea, I headed home to be with Elizaveta.

April 18, 1986, McKinley, Ohio

"Where's Jack?" I asked Lara when she arrived alone at Doctor Blahnik's house on Friday evening.

"Splitsville," she replied. "You know things have been rocky since before Christmas, and I finally decided to throw in the towel."

"I wondered because I haven't seen him at church quite as often during Great Lent as I had in the past. You doing OK?"

Lara smiled, "Of course! I'm not even nineteen, and except for your impromptu proposal, I had no thoughts about marrying before I graduated. Speaking of which, where is your other half?"

"In the kitchen, no doubt plotting against me with Anicka and Milena!"

"Right! Because those three don't love you to death, each in her own way!"

"Which is exactly WHY I expect they're plotting!"

Lara laughed, "Good point! Why is she in there at what amounts to a birthday party?"

I chuckled, "Even THAT won't deter her from trying to ban me from any kitchen she's in! She relents by letting me help dry dishes."

Lara laughed again and shook her head, "Too old-fashioned for me."

"Me, too," I replied quietly. "But some things we do for love."

"And others?" Lara asked with a smirk.

"Let's leave that unspoken, please! Shall we go join our friends in the music room?"

"Let's!"

We walked to the music room where most of my college friends were gathered, along with my medical school study group, and a few of Elizaveta's friends, who she'd felt were mature enough to hang out with what amounted to a college crowd.

"Are you and José playing tonight?" Sophia asked.

"I don't think I'd escape alive if we didn't! Milena already made it clear it was expected. I'll probably play Lara's Theme on the balalaika, too."

"Your anniversary is next month, right?" Kimiko asked.

I nodded, "On the 26th."

"You're playing the High School gig, right?" Brandon asked.

"Yes. Unfortunately, we can't have any guests, and Dona and Elizaveta are only going to be there because they're our 'stage crew', but we're doing a concert at Taft on May 23rd."

"And don't forget the concert at the lake in July."

"Milena will be around nine months pregnant by then," Joel replied.

"Did you guys peek?" Dona asked.

"A girl," Joel replied.

"Got a name picked out?" Lara asked.

"Abigail Charlotte Greene."

"Well, we know one playmate for her," I said. "She and Larisa will only be a few months apart."

"Is Tasha coming tonight?" Milena asked, coming into the room.

"Yes," I replied. "She and Nik should be here shortly. They're leaving Lara with Tasha's mom."

"Did anything change with her dad?" Anicka asked.