The Undertaking of Adam Novak

by Sofie Hern

  Aaron smiles. “Can we play on the PS3 after?”

  “Yes. After homework.”

  “Deal!” Aaron goes to his room to get his backpack.

  “Don't forget your phone!” Jaycob reminds him from the living room.

  Aaron takes the phone from the desk and notices a red blinking light. He checks and sees two text messages, one from Uncle Adam that reads:

  –Have a good day, buddy. Remember, if you don't feel good, let Mrs. Ayala know.

  And one from Rita:

  –Hey, little man! Have a good day at school and if you want to talk or feel sad, you can text or call me, anytime.

  Aaron feels better knowing his mom’s phone will help him to not feel so alone. He grabs his backpack and turns to leave, but stops and turns back to the desk.

  “Hurry, Aaron, you don’t wanna be late again!”

  “Coming!” Aaron takes his mom’s photo from the desk, opens his backpack and shoves it inside, feeling much better.

  Jaycob holds the door open for him and Aaron goes to the car, a really old 4Runner, which used to belong to Uncle Adam, but he gave it to Jaycob when he bought his Jeep last year.

  Jaycob climbs into the driver's seat and starts the truck, which shakes a lot, making Aaron’s teeth chatter, or is it the cold? Nerves maybe? Jaycob backs out of the driveway and drives away.

  –

  “You'll be okay,” Jaycob assures him while waiting for a light to turn green.

  Aaron nods and says nothing for a while. The streets are busy as kids make their way to school, people going to work and impatient parents pull their kids along.

  “Jake?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Who was that man at the funeral? The one with the shiny head who helped carry my mom?”

  The light turns green and Jaycob hits the gas.

  “Uh... I'm not sure.”

  “I know I've seen him before, but don't remember where,” says Aaron, looking out the window.

  Jaycob turns right onto Aaron’s school, which is flooded with cars of parents dropping off their kids and crossing guards doing their best to direct traffic.

  The loading and unloading lane is moving fast and Jaycob stops at the curb. Aaron hops out and grabs his backpack.

  “See you later, okay?”

  Aaron nods and Jaycob drives away.

  38

  LEVY

  Levy has always been a trouble maker. He’s a heartless and conniving person, always looking for the easy buck. He grew up on the wrong side of the tracks—so to speak—and thinks the entire world is against him.

  He dropped out of school at age fifteen and spent most of his youth in and out of prison. His first time in juvie—for shoplifting—was at the age of twelve, and the crimes only escalated in nature as he got older. He came from a broken home, a junkie for a mother and a father who died in prison when Levy was thirteen and when he was sixteen his mother died of a heroin overdose.

  When he was twenty-two, he met Tianna Novak at the rehabilitation center where she volunteered. A judge appointed Levy to attend an alcohol abuse recovery group. Though a bit older than he, Tianna was such a beauty with silky skin, big brown eyes full of lashes, those eyebrows set in a perpetual state of surprise, and a head full of curls.

  Levy has never been a man to settle down with any woman. He likes feeling needed and loved and wanted. Tianna suspected that Levy was unfaithful and thought that she could change him; believed in his potential to lead a better life. They dated for a while and in 2003 she became pregnant.

  Becoming a father scared the shit out of Levy, who very much enjoyed his freedom. He thought he was much too young to be a father and jumped ship. Packed up and left without a particular destination in mind and never heard from Tianna again. The only person he maintained contact with was Irene, who periodically updated him on how the boy was doing. Now she’s dead and he still feels nothing for her—or the boy—but is sure that his boy will be useful.

  –

  He discovered his job by accident a few years ago when he traveled to Tijuana. A woman approached and asked if he’d like to make easy money. He’d been broke for a while and her question allured him. Three days later he’d made more money in one shot than the previous two years, combined, after smuggling a man and his wife into the U.S. Now he’s ready to start his own business.

  For the past few months, he’s been experimenting with different ways to get his business off the ground.

  His idea is this: scout for children who want to cross the border. They are usually alone, and God knows there are plenty. See, children that come up to the border from South America, Central America, and Mexico are desperate to make it across the border, get a job and earn dollars to send back to their families. Once in San Diego Levy and company will deliver the children to the highest bidder. Now he wants his boy to be part of the family business.

  –

  He parks his van a few blocks away from the school. He has to leave it ready to go near Boulder Hwy. He walks toward the school and waits across the street at the park he saw the previous day while scouting the area for the best escape route. He even worked on various scenarios on the best way to approach the boy. He needs to appear normal as if he belongs there with the other parents. He figures the best approach will be to tell the boy the truth. That he’s the father, that way no one can accuse him of kidnapping. After all, he has more rights than that asshole, Adam. Once he has the boy in the van they’ll drive back to Tianna’s to get his things and while the boy waits in the van, Levy will finish the job and never see Irene again.

  He spots the blue 4Runner and recognizes it immediately. Adam had that same truck back when they met. He sees the 4Runner drive away, leaving the boy behind. Levy puts on his cap and sunglasses and makes his way across the street.

  39

  AARON

  Aaron is standing at the gate waiting for Sal to arrive so they can walk to class together.

  “Aaron!” He hears a man’s voice. Aaron looks around and sees the man again, the one from the funeral. Though he’s wearing a cap and sunglasses he knows it’s him. He also remembers why he looks so familiar.

  One day a long time ago, his mom put his Game Boy away because he was using it without permission. He went into his mom’s room looking for it and when he looked in her desk, he came across a photo of a man. That man is standing in front of him now, looking a little older.

  Aaron backs up against the fence and says, “Yeah?”

  The man approaches and kids run past without paying them any attention. Most of the kids are already inside and only a few cars are dropping off kids as school is starting in less than five minutes.

  “Remember me?” asks the man and puts his hands on his knees to lower himself so he can talk to Aaron who gives a slow nod. “From my mom’s funeral.”

  The man smiles. He’s so close that Aaron can smell cigarette and mouthwash in his breath.

  “Want to hang out?”

  Aaron shakes his head and looks around; hoping to see Sal or a child he may recognize, but most of them are already inside.

  “How ‘bout later?” The man persists.

  Aaron cautiously scoots to the side, with no idea who this stranger is.

  “I… I have to go,” Aaron tells him and turns to leave.

  The man pulls him back by the shoulders, turns him around and whispers in his ear, “My name is Levy and I'm your dad.”

  Aaron only stares at the man who gives his hand for Aaron to shake, but Aaron doesn’t take it. “Why are you here?” Aaron whispers, unable to find his normal voice.

  “I'm here to take you home.” The man looks down at Aaron with a half-smile. “Now that your mom’s… you know, not here, I’m gonna take care of you”

  Aaron begins to walk away backward one tiny step at a time. He looks to see if Sal is coming, but doesn’t see him. He wants to call for help but his voice isn’t there.

  “I can’t… I can’t leave,” he whispers and be
gins to panic as the man gets closer.

  Aaron's heart starts to hammer in his chest. Unsure of what to do, he sprints and runs along the school fence. With most of the kids inside, the sidewalk is deserted and he runs as fast as he can. A few kids are looking at him, but none of them yell for help. Aaron can’t just go with that man. He has a home and a family. He doesn’t need that man—even if he says he’s Aaron’s dad. He can’t leave Uncle Adam and Jaycob and Rita and Sal. He looks over his shoulder to see if the man is coming and he is. Aaron turns the corner and the sidewalk is all his. He feels the man's hands pulling on his backpack and Aaron peels it off, leaving it behind. He’s sure someone will help but he can't scream and he’s starting to get tired. Again, he looks over his shoulder to see where the man is. He’s too close.

  40

  ADAM

  Work is going smoothly, for the most part. Once I’m all set to start work I text Aaron reassuring him that he'll be okay and to let his teacher know if he doesn’t feel well. I do my usual Monday routine: check emails, answer inquiries, and do another walk on the floor. As the morning progresses and more people start to arrive, they stop me here and there to give their condolences. As much as I want to have a normal day at work, it’s impossible.

  As I’m making my way back to the office to fill out my report, Charles appears. He’s in great shape for his age; he has gray hair parted to one side, blue eyes and broad shoulder.

  “Adam.” He greets me with a man hug, you know the one, with the handshake that leads to a half hug and pat on the back. “Good to have you back. How are you, son?”

  “Hanging in there. It’s been rough.”

  “How’s little Aaron doing?”

  “Back in school today. Hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure.”

  “I'm sorry Adam, so sorry. Please let me know if you need anything.”

  “Actually, now that you mention it, I do need one thing.”

  In my office, I tell him about my leaving Irene, the divorce, and Aaron’s adoption. He tells me that Ruth can help with any questions. He recites his daughter-in-law’s phone number, but before I can make the call my phone rings in my hand.

  “Aaron’s school,” I tell Charles and ask him to give me a minute, then he steps out of the office.

  “Hello?”

  “Mr. Novak?”

  “Yes?”

  “This is Principal Cooper at Sunshine Elementary.”

  “Okay?”

  “Mr. Novak, we have a situation.”

  –

  I rush out to catch Charles before he goes into his office.

  “Charles!”

  He turns around. “Yes?”

  “I have to go. Aaron.”

  “Go, go.”

  I thank him and run to my car with my heart pounding.

  –

  I call Jaycob as I get in the car.

  “Yeah?”

  I start the engine and manage to back up with one hand.

  “Where are you?” I ask.

  “In line at the power company. Why?”

  “I got a call from Aaron’s school.” I drive out of the garage with screeching tires.

  “Is he okay? I can—”

  “Listen, Jake. Head on over to Rose Valley Hospital.”

  “What? Is he okay?”

  “Don't know, but meet me there.”

  I no longer need the heater as I’m perspiring and driving as fast as I can.

  The drive to the hospital feels too long and slow. I pull into the first parking spot I see and jump out of the car as soon as it stops then run into the E.R.

  –

  It’s like déjà vu. The waiting room is busy and I look around, but don't recognize anyone then walk to the information booth.

  “I got a call and—”

  “Name?” asks the heavyset woman behind the desk. She appears annoyed and on top of it, she’s rude.

  “Novak. I was—”

  “Who called you?”

  “The school. My nephew, he's here, he—”

  “What’s his name?” she asks calmly, which only aggravates me.

  “Aaron. Aaron Novak.”

  She types his name into the computer, gives me a yellow pass sticker and directs me to the third door on my left. As I step away from the desk, Jaycob rushes in.

  “What happened?”

  “This way,” I say.

  –

  We go through the door, but a nurse stops us. “How can I help you?”

  “My nephew, Aaron, he was—”

  “Did you say, Aaron?” A woman approaches from behind.

  I turn around and nod.

  “I’m Rosemary Sears, the school nurse. I rode with Aaron in the ambulance.”

  After shaking hands, she leads us through the busy and somewhat chaotic area into a waiting room.

  “Can you please tell me what the fuck is going on?” I demand once we sit.

  The nurse stands in front of me and says, “Aaron was hit by a car.”

  “What?” I jump to my feet and my body starts to shake.

  “A pickup hit him outside the school.”

  I turn to Jaycob who sinks into the chair and makes a whimpering sound.

  “You let him walk to school?”

  “What?” He looks at me with shock in his eyes. “No!”

  “Mr. Novak. His friend Sal and other students said he was running away from school before school started.”

  I sit next to Jaycob, unable to understand. It makes no sense. Jacob places his head between his knees, taking deep breaths.

  “How is he?” I ask, taking a deep breath myself.

  She kneels in front of us. “He's in bad shape,” her voice is calm and soothing. “I’m still waiting for an update. He’s in surgery right now.”

  Jaycob puts his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands. The nurse, a middle-aged woman with thick glasses and olive skin looks concerned. She straightens and steps out of the room. Jaycob and I sit in silence and moments later the nurse returns with two cups of water and hands them to us. I drink, but Jaycob doesn't.

  “I must return to school now. I made a nurse aware that you’re here and once he's out of surgery they’ll let you know what’s going on.”

  “Thank you,” I tell her and she walks out.

  I lean back in the plastic chair, shaking.

  “How the fuck is this happening?” Jaycob whispers.

  “Was he okay when you dropped him off?”

  Jaycob has his hands on each side of his head, almost covering his ears. “Yeah. I mean, nervous, but…” he stops and looks at me.

  “What?”

  “He asked about Levy.”

  “What? What the fuck did you tell him, Jake?”

  “I told him I didn't know!”

  I’m not sure what else to say.

  We are in silence for a long time. I keep looking at the clock on the wall, feeling like the time is moving very slow. An hour passes, but nobody comes to us. I ask random nurses for information but all say they don’t know much. The room feels small and the television is on but muted. Jaycob and I take turns pacing the floor. I decide to give Rita a call to let her know what’s happening, but she doesn't answer so I send her a text asking her to call me. I’m about to call Charles when a nurse walks in.

  “Mr. Novak?”

  I nod.

  “Please follow me,” she tells us.

  –

  She takes us to the ICU on the third floor so I know right away that it must be bad. I’m starting to get scared as Jaycob cracks his knuckles in the elevator. She takes us to another waiting room and leaves the room immediately, without saying a word. Moments later a doctor walks in.

  “Hello, my name is Dr. Jian,” he announces and we shake hands. He’s lean and muscular with a tattoo of a stethoscope on his left forearm. He has chocolate color skin and gray eyes.

  “Please have a seat.”

  Jaycob and I sit at the same time.

  “Mr. Novak,”
he says and looks at something on a clipboard. “Aaron is your…”

  “Nephew.”

  “Mr. Novak, Aaron’s out of surgery, but still unconscious.” He has a heavy accent, but is pleasant to talk to.

  “His injuries are life-threatening. He came in with internal bleeding, fractured left arm, dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, and shattered collarbone. We have immobilized his spine and—”

  “What’s wrong with his spine?” I ask and Jaycob leaves the room.

  “At this point, our main goal is to stabilize him. We need to begin steroid therapy for the swelling and once the swelling goes down, we’ll be able to determine the extent of the injuries.”

  “What was surgery for then?”

  “As I said, he came in with internal bleeding, which we were able to contain. We also needed to immobilize his spine. He'll need further surgery, but right now he's too unstable. His left arm broke in three places, from the humerus, ulna, down to his wrist so we had to repair those and put him in a cast.”

  I am in shock, unable to speak.

  Dr. Jian stands, places a hand on my shoulder and says, “I wish I had better news. He’s here in ICU and you’ll be able to see him once he's taken to his room.”

  I sit alone with my elbows on my knees, unable to wrap my head around what’s happening. My phone rings. Rita’s calling. I tell her what happened, limiting the information until I learn more.

  “Oh, God.” She begins to cry and ends the call without saying more.

  Jaycob returns and sits down next to me but says nothing for a long time. I put an arm on his shoulder, reassuring him that I’m hoping for the best.

  It feels like hours before the doctor finally returns. “You may see Aaron now,” he announces and leads us to Aaron’s room.

  The ICU is quiet; the beeping of the machines and the whispers of the few visitors are the only sounds. His room is in front of the nurses’ station which is decorated with a Thanksgiving and autumn theme and one of the nurses gives us a warm and welcoming smile as we walk by.

  41