The Fourth Day of November

by Mark Campbell

  My heart started racing. This was awkward and neither the time nor place. Dora needed

  to be here to explain, or Lee would never believe me. The sound of Emma crying for attention from the other room brought me some time to make up an excuse for my absence. Lee sat there drinking her tea as I stood in the doorway holding Emma.

  I was thinking of what to say next, then it came to me. “How about we go shopping?”

  “That would be nice.” Lee said, still troubled and unsure of whether or not to dig deeper for more answers. She finished her tea and took Emma in the bathroom for them both to have a bath.

  ---

  “Thank you for taking us shopping. Nothing means more to me than spending quality time together as a family.” Lee said with tears in her eyes.

  “It’s important to me too.”

  My wife wanted answers and was distinctly upset after having seen less of me over the last month or so. Since being together, neither Lee nor I made the other feel that there was anything

  we could not talk about. However, this subject would not be open for discussion until sometime later.

  Without uttering another word, Lee kissed me on the cheek, thanking me once again for a delightful day before turning around and walking up the path to the front door. It occurred to me that I must be honest and truthful about what was going on. This would ultimately ruin everything. My heart felt heavy. Lee deserved better than being left in the dark. Had the shoe been on the other foot, this would be inexcusable on my behalf.

  ---

  Lee readied herself for what she thought would be a quick ride to her parent’s for a surprise birthday party. However, there would be a slight detour and impromptu meeting with April and Dora. By now, Lee was less than thrilled to hear meet with the two women that had spent more time with her husband than she did. If Lee was upset though, she remained calm and passive. Her attitude was no different from her normal mellow self.

  “Do you mind telling me what we are doing here, honey? Why do we have to meet April and her friend Dora here?” Lee asked as we pulled up in a familiar driveway.

  “There has been something on my mind for quite sometime. Being unfaithful to you and Emma all these months has made me realize that without the two of you, life has no meaning.”

  “What are you saying?” Lee asked nervously.

  “Please don’t interrupt me, my love. This is hard for me as it is.”

  Tears fell from my wife’s eyes. This only increased the ongoing guilt and pain that dwelled inside of me.

  April knocked on the car window, wanting to know if everything was okay. She looked at Lee's face. Her emotion said it all. April backed away from the car giving us time to get ourselves together.

  With the car windows rolled up, we could hear Dora asking April, “has he told her yet?”

  This line of questioning got Lee's attention very quickly. “What does she mean by that, Alistair? Have you told me what?”

  “It wasn’t meant to happen like this.” I shook my head.

  “Everyone seems to know what is going on except me.” Lee’s voice was strained with anxiety. “Please don’t keep me in the dark anymore.” For the first time, she demanded to know what was going on.

  Without uttering another word, I jumped out of the driver’s seat, and opened the back door to retrieve Emma from her car seat. I asked Lee to take my hand as we walked up the driveway to the Ford’s former home.

  “It still isn’t clear to me. What are we doing here?” Lee asked. “Aren't we going to be late getting to mum and dad's?”

  “This won’t take long. Just be patient, sweetheart.”

  The sound of multiple cars pulled up from behind. The timing was perfect. April looked at me. She knew everything was going according to plan. The evening sun dissipated slowly, giving a heavenly glow to the house. As each car coasted to a stop my mother in-law jumped out from the passenger side. Grandma and Grandpa Chang followed behind with Willie. Inside the other vehicle was Lacy and Aunt Wendy with her husband and son, Marcus.

  “What’s going on? What are we all doing here?” Lee was further puzzled.

  Lacy quickly observed. “Alistair, isn’t this the house you and sis tried to buy from the owners that lived here?”

  ---

  “Honey, you know you have seen less of me these last few months. Well, nothing or no one is more important to me than you and our little Emma.” I smiled.

  “That’s right mister! You better mean that or else. I’ve got your back sis.” Lacy winked.

  “And I've got you!” Grandma Chang hit Lacy with her walking cane for interrupting me.

  The remaining family members shied away from both grandma and grandpa Chang as they continued to listen to me explain what we were doing at the house.

  There wasn’t much to say, except “take these keys, honey.” I smiled before saying, “I hope everything is to your liking.”

  Lee could hardly believe it. “Is this really our new home?”

  My answer was the same every time. “Yes, sweetheart.”

  Lee held me so tight around the waist that she nearly squeezed the life out of me. “So, this is why you were sneaking around lately; making me think you didn’t love us anymore.”

  “How could I ever stop loving you and my little Emma?” I smiled. “But, sneaking around and changing my routine made me look mistrustful. Please forgive me, my love. It was all for you.”

  November 7, 1990

  A knock at the door at half past ten in the evening scared the mess out of me. I answered the door to see my peers.

  “Hi, what are the three of you doing here at this time of night?”

  “It’s early.” Peter said as he, Hyacinth and Ronnie barged past me.

  “Oh, make yourself at home.” My words dripped with sarcasm. “And what do I owe this honor?”

  “First things first.” said Hyacinth looking around for my wife. The two of them had become quite close lately.

  “If you’re looking for Lee, she is upstairs. But don’t go up, we were just about to have a romantic night before you and the two amigos shoved your way through my bloody front door like you own the place.”

  Lee called from upstairs before coming down to investigate why I had not come back to bed.

  “Hello, Lee.” Hyacinth greeted my wife before sitting down to expound on the reason for intruding.

  ---

  My friends had come up with an idea that involved the WWE. For weeks, they had been busy trying to systematize a special WrestleMania to support breast cancer awareness. The impresario, Vince McMahon, was already more than willing to take part in such a worthy cause. However, the crew didn’t want to take the credit for something my wife was very passionate about.

  I was definitely for the idea, being a big fan of The Rock and wrestling. And a lot of the work had already been done. All they needed from Lee and I was the go-ahead. Lee knew with this kind aptitude, great things would happen. I must say it was the most amazing event to date.

  But just when you think all is going well, something hits you like a ton of bricks. In the case of the charity wrestling match, my friends told us that they had arranged for a wrestling match starring me. They had offered me up like some sacrificial victim to put in the ring with a unknown antagonist. At first, I refuted the idea.

  “It's for a good cause.” Hyacinth said.

  “It’s alright for you to say that. I'm the one who's going to get chucked around like a bloody rag dolly Anna.”

  “Who’s rag dolly Anna?” Peter asked.

  Hyacinth told him it was a kid’s daytime show with a rag doll. All four of them started chuckling. I don’t know whether it was what I said, or because I was in for a bloody good hiding. Regardless, there were many reasons I could talk my way out of this fight, but one result outweighed every excuse. I had to do this for the innumerable women this event would economically aid.

  November 13, 1990

  At 5:00 a.m., I was jogging at a steady
pace along the sidewalk of Stewart Avenue, two miles out from my house. I've done this before with my eyes closed, and still had enough vigor. However, today proved to be a little too much, but I pressed on for the seven miles. I remember thinking I must be out of my mind wrestling on cable TV. Lee had named the fundraiser Good Guys Wear Pink. It was appealing.

  I ran past the newsstand where someone recently won $5 million, and a bakery shop owned by my friend, Angie. Lee often dropped in there on Mondays to pick up a specialty whole-wheat loaf.

  It was time to turn back and head home. Dripping in sweat, my heart pumped as I accelerated the pace. This always helped me deal with frustration, which at times swarmed me like tormented South African bees. Jogging was also my time to commune with God.

  ---

  “Hi, honey.” Lee greeted me when I arrived home.

  I leaned in to give her a kiss as she cooked breakfast.

  “You’re sweaty. Go take a shower. Breakfast is in ten.” She shooed me away.

  “Does that mean if I'm quicker than ten that I'll get some?” I kidded.

  “Didn’t you get enough last night, big boy?” Lee giggled. Besides, you’re in training. Boxers don’t have sex for weeks and months at a time when training for a bout.”

  “I'm not a boxer sweetheart.” I winked. “I’m a wrestler.”

  “It’s still the same. You’re going to have to reserve your strength.”

  “Do you know something I don’t?” I had a sudden suspicion that Lee was withholding something from me concerning my WrestleMania appearance.

  “No, honey. There's nothing to tell. Don’t you trust me?” Lee looked over to where I was standing and blew a kiss in my direction. In the same motion, she gave Emma a piece of veggie bacon to munch on.

  ---

  “Hi, Alistair. How was your workout this morning?” Hyacinth asked as I stepped into the office.

  “It was fine, thanks.” I eyed her suspiciously. “I see you haven't gone home again. Working late?” I couldn't help but notice her Bristol city mug in her hand. “So, what’s that, your third cup of coffee?”

  “No, it’s my fifth cup. And it's not coffee; it's cappuccino.” Hyacinth rolled her eyes.

  “Maybe you should take it easy on the caffeine.”

  “I'm fine. Thank you, daddy.” Hyacinth replied smirking.

  “By the way, where is Tom and Jerry?” Hyacinth knew that I occasionally referred to Peter and Ronnie as the cartoon characters who seemed to be chasing each other’s tail.

  “They’re not in yet. They’re meeting with Vince McMahon.” She replied.

  “Why wasn't I called to go with them? What are they up to?”

  “Oh, it's a man thing.” Hyacinth chuckled.

  “Thanks a lot. What the bloody hell do you think I am?”

  “You’re acting like a plunker.” Hyacinth snapped back.

  “It's a bloody good thing you’re my business partner or I'd have to--”

  Hyacinth shot me a look before leaving. All I could do was shake my head. What were they up to?

  November 17, 1990

  It was five hours and thirty minutes until show time. Ticket sales had gone through the roof. this was the highest selling WrestleMania to date. People had come from near and far to watch the match. Scores of audience members wore their pink tee shirts.

  “This show is going to be wicked!” Hyacinth exclaimed. As a lover of wrestling, she was hyped.

  I felt nauseous. Lee tried her best to help me remain calm. But, nothing worked.

  ---

  “Hope you’re ready.” Peter said peeking his head into my dressing room. “You’re on in five.”

  “Just who is this person I'm wrestling?” I inquired nervously.

  "Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage.” Peter answered.

  “Are you serious? This is what the three of you were hiding from me?” I screamed. “You all are a pack of wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Panic began to set in. “This is not happening. Now I know why it was hush-hush all this time. Had I known, I would have refused to do this. I'm a dead man.”

  “Honey, you’re overreacting.” Lee tried to relax my nerves. She reminded me that all my gusto would be needed inside the ring.

  ---

  The theme music for my entrance was Battle Without Honor by Tomoyasu. I soaked up the moment as fans cheered. Macho Man looked on in vexation. Lee blew me a kiss. That helped my nerves a bit as I entered the ring.

  ---

  The bell rang, signaling the start of the first round. Macho Man ran towards my corner, giving me no time to counter his relentless pursuit. Drilling me with everything he had, I was thrown from one side of the ring to the other. This well-oiled athlete was putting me through the wringer. Again and again, I hit the mat inside the ring. This had now turned into a shoot. This is what pro wrestlers called it when an unforeseen event occurs inside the ring.

  A half inch gash opened up in my head. Blood dripped from my brow. It looked and felt worst than it truly was. After receiving a drop kick that dazed me momentarily, I still wasn't ready to give up. Macho man scooped me up off the canvas, hoisted me in the air like a toy and threw me out the ring. Subsequently, he shouted in the direction of my wife and daughter, who were both crying. Macho Man stood in the ring profiling and boasting. This gave me time to shake off the ringing in my head. Lee dried her tears and helped me up from the floor.

  I was totally startled by the words that followed. “Now, you've seen all he’s got and you’ve taken it.” Lee yelled. “He's spent a lot more energy than you, now go in there and work!”

  I was momentarily dazed. But as Lee gave me instructions, Macho Man came out the ring to continue his viscous assault. Before he could get near me, Grandma and Grandpa's walking sticks came in handy. The old boy and girl battered Macho Man to a frazzle. After trying to dodge the old couple’s sticks, he noticed I was inside the ring calling on him. He was mad as ever, jumping up on the side of the ring with agility.

  His running towards me seemed like slow motion. But it was much more sleek than that. This made easy pickings for me to drop kick his approach. Macho Man hit the canvas for the first time in the match. It was my turn to show him I was now in control. After sending him crashing to the mat several more times, he got up enraged. Almost like a cartoon character with steam bellowing from his ears and nose, Macho Man charged once more. It became an all out war.

  Neither one of us would separate until five referees entered the ring. No one won the match that day. But, I did earn the respect from wrestling fans. People wanted to see a part two of Macho Man and Me. However, this would never be.

  While driving on a Florida highway, Macho Man suffered a heart attack, and died on the scene on May 20, 2011. The 58-year-old wrestler’s career spanned 32 years, with him retiring in 2005. His legacy will surely live on. Rest in peace Randy “ Macho Man” Poffo. You are greatly missed.

  The event generated $1.5 million to benefit breast cancer research.

  December 15, 1990

  Snow covered the streets of New York, once again. With Christmas just weeks away, Mum, Dad, Bradley and his family returned early December to spend Christmas with Lee, Emma and I.

  It was Saturday afternoon, and Chinatown was crowded. No different than any other day, people were shopping for bargains. Mum managed to find shoes, dresses, handbags and even a wicked-looking mandarin suit for dad. Debbie liked it so much that she got one for Bradley. When Debbie offered to buy one for Jude his reply was that of a teenager. “That’s for old men.” Bradley rolled his eyes, while the rest of us laughed. Kids seem happy in jogging suits made by Puma or Nike, and matching trainers.

  As we shopped on, mum put her arm in mine. She spoke to me about Paul Barrlett, a very touchy subject. Mothers could be overbearing at times. The story of Paul began back when we were kids. Paul had a tough upbringing. His father treated him dreadfully, so when he was old enough he escaped from his abusive family life. Paul was smart, funny, and without a doubt, he
would lay his life down for me in a blink of an eye. He was a rare friend that comes once in a lifetime.

  Early one Sunday morning, Paul was heading to finish a painting and decorating job. While driving on a quiet country road, he somehow lost control of his vehicle, hitting a farm tractor head-on. He was killed instantly.

  My heart was broken when I received the bad news. My best friend was gone. Somehow, loosing Paul left a part of me broken in two. He was like my second brother, so the news devastated Bradley and I. Since his funeral, it has been hard for me to process Paul’s death. Mum had tried many times to help heal her son's hidden sorrow. This was yet another one of her attempts.