Brother Willy's Traveling Salvation Show

by Mitchell, W. Scott

  Scott glanced at his watch before speaking. “You were just as surprised as I was. Anyway, we’re running out of time. You’re getting married and going up north to live and I plan to leave New Bern at some point, so I guess this is your decision to make.”

  Michelle appeared either frustrated or perhaps resentful with his suggestion. “Scott, this is not my decision. This is our decision to make together.”

  They talked for a few more minutes and agreed to see what was going on with their families. Scott put his hand on her shoulder just as they reached the barn. “I want to talk to you alone about something when we get finished here tonight.”

  Michelle looked up at his face and replied, “Yea, I think we do need to have a very serious conversation.”

  Betsy met them at the door leading into the barn. Michelle’s mouth opened wide as her level of disbelief matched Scott’s sense of amazement at what they saw. The barn was made to resemble a theatre with the stage to their right as they entered. Placed before them were at least fifteen rows of chairs with ten chairs in each row. All of the cookout guests were scattered around in the seats in the last four rows. William and Hank were seated at the sound and light control board in the very back of the room. The lights on the stage and in the seating area were all dim as Betsy led Michelle and Scott to the stage.

  Michelle and Scott were left alone on the stage for a minute or so while Betsy went to pick up the wireless microphones. Michelle was astonished with her surroundings and kept looking at Scott with an expression of both disbelief and slight confusion. Scott kept watching her until he realized Michelle wanted him to offer some sort of explanation that he clearly did not have. A nervous smile appeared once she realized by his facial expression that he shared her confusion.

  Scott moved closer to Michelle to whisper in her ear, “We can still make a run for it if you want to leave.”

  She whispered her thoughts quickly when she saw Betsy returning, “This is too weird even for my crazy family.”

  Betsy attached a wireless microphone to Scott’s shirt collar and she hooked one on the neckline of Michelle’s tee shirt. She then asked Michelle to say several sentences in order for Hank to adjust the microphones. Michelle turned to face the small audience while holding up an imaginary statue. “I would like to thank all the little people who made this award possible. This award belongs to so many people I can’t begin to thank them all, so let me just say thanks to my mom and dad who believed in me.”

  Betsy then pointed at Scott, and like Michelle, he turned to face the audience before speaking. “I suppose by now many of you are wondering why I have asked you here tonight. And to be completely honest, I have been wondering the same thing.”

  Betsy took several pieces of paper from the table giving a copy to Scott and one copy to Michelle while keeping one copy for herself. “I will give you a few minutes to read over this and then ask you to perform this scene. Michelle, you are waiting to board a train and the year is 1965. You are leaving town to make a new life for yourself in the city. Scott, you have come to the train station to tell your very close friend goodbye, but you hope you can change her mind. Do either of you have any questions?”

  There were no questions, as they had not yet read the script. Betsy offered them one final instruction before she left the stage. “This is very dramatic and is important that you be serious and do the very best you can to make us believe in what you are doing. You can begin reading over the script until you see the stage lights get brighter. At that time, you should start the scene.”

  Michelle and Scott read the first page and reached the second page at almost the same time. She was reading faster than he was after they started the second page. When she finished the second page, she looked up staring at Scott. When he reached the end of the page, Scott looked up from the paper as her eyes met his. As if on cue, they both turned to look at the people in the audience. They both were challenging someone to explain what they were reading and why it had been written.

  Before they could say anything, the lights over the audience went black and an image of an old train station was projected onto the large screen behind them. Two stage lights were shining on them while the rest of the stage remained dim. Michelle knew Scott was waiting for her to decide if she wanted to keep their end of the agreement. With a few slight nods of her head, Scott started to read and follow the script.

  Scott I didn’t think I would get here before your train left.

  Michelle I wasn’t sure you would come to see me off. I am glad you came.

  Scott I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye. We have been friends too long to let that happen.

  Michelle Atlanta is not that far away so we can still be friends forever.

  Scott Do you really believe that or are you just trying to make saying goodbye a little easier?

  Michelle I wish it could be true, but I know time and distance have a way of making good things become nothing more than fond memories.

  Scott I was up late last night thinking about all the time we spent together through all the years. It is hard to believe it’s almost over.

  Michelle I didn’t sleep much either. I kept looking for an excuse to miss my train today so we could have a little more time together. I realized if I don’t go today, then I would have to go tomorrow.

  Scott My life is going to be very different without you being around. Most of our friends have gone other places. It’s not going to be the same.

  Michelle Are you going to leave or stay in New Bern?

  Scott I can’t think of any reason to spend the rest of my life here. Like you, I need to move on to other things.

  Michelle You could come live in Atlanta and then we could be friends forever.

  Scott For obvious reasons, I don’t think that would work out so well.”

  Director Note Michelle takes both of Scott’s hands and holds them.

  Michelle We made some mistakes Scott. Maybe instead of being friends, we should have been in love with each other.

  Scott The train will be pulling into the station in just a minute so let me make a confession before you go. I have loved you since the first time I saw you and time and distance won’t ever change that.

  Michelle Can we give each other a goodbye kiss before I go?”

  Director Note Scott and Michelle give each other a long kiss.

  At this point, Scott put his arms around Michelle and kissed her for at least a minute, which was something they had never done before. The lights on the stage faded to black and much to his surprise, Michelle kept her arms around his waist for several minutes until the sound of Betsy’s voice was heard on the speaker system. As Betsy spoke, Michelle and Scott continued to stare at each other in the dim light.

  Betsy’s announcement that homemade ice cream was being served at her house was clearly designed to entice her guests to leave the barn. With the exception of William, everyone followed Betsy down the road. He walked from the back row to the stage and sat in one of the chairs, never taking his eyes off them.

  Michelle was far more direct in her approach than Scott would have been. “That wasn’t fair of you to put us in that position, Uncle William. What exactly were you trying to prove?”

  William pulled a cigar from his coat pocket and lit it while still watching them. “In less than two minutes I gave you both a glimpse into your future.”

  Michelle continued to question him, as she was not satisfied with his answer. “Why would you do this to us? Scott and I both know it’s going to be hard to say goodbye when I get married and leave.”

  When William spoke again, he sounded more like a college professor than the man who had been telling jokes while cooking their steaks. “Men and women who possess great minds have argued for centuries over the matter of destiny versus free will. Is it your destiny to marry Tom or is that a choice you make? If your marriage is nothing more than your fate or destiny, then we can end our conversation right now and enjoy the homemade ice cream.”<
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  Neither Michelle nor Scott understood exactly where he was going with his ideas. Michelle then spoke in a clear and concise tone. “It would be my choice and mine alone.”

  William next turned his attention to Scott and given his question, Scott started to understand what William’s intentions were. “Tell me something Scott. When you were reading the script, was there anything you said to Michelle that was untruthful?”

  Scott was reluctant to answer his question for several reasons and his hesitation caused Michelle to turn her attention from William to him. It was clear to Scott that she wanted to hear his answer. He then turned to look at Michelle. “Everything I said was the truth.”

  William then continued as he glanced back at Michelle. “The day you told Tom that you would marry him, did you know that Scott had been in love with you since the first time you ever met?”

  William gave her no opportunity to answer his question before he spoke again and Scott could see the confusion in Michelle’s eyes. “Tell me something Michelle. In the privacy of your own thoughts, did you ever wish that you and Scott could have been in love with each other and not just friends?”

  William rose to his feet, indicating he was getting ready to leave. “The world is full of endless possibilities and each of you is free to make choices in your best interest. Betsy told you both that I would provide you with an opportunity, but I have decided to offer you two opportunities. I won’t discuss the second offer until I see what you do with my first offer. I have a beach house at Emerald Isle, which is about a one-hour drive from here. Either one or both of you are welcome to use that home for several days. You can leave tonight and be there by ten-thirty.”

  William started for the door, but turned around just before leaving. The keys to the beach house are in an envelope on the table in the foyer. I suggest you take a few minutes to talk it over and then join your family and friends for some ice cream”

  When Michelle was sure William had left the building, she looked at Scott with an almost relentless stare. Sometime between the ninth and tenth grades, she had abandoned her tomboy ways having traded her baseball uniform for dresses. What she did not trade away was her assertive nature, which was never obnoxious or overly confrontational. Rather, she had the ability to stand up for herself and Scott suspected he was getting ready to see that part of her personality.

  What Scott actually saw was a mix of emotions that he was not prepared to deal with. She appeared vulnerable, assertive, confused, happy, and hurt all at the same time. He really was not sure if he should put his arms around her or just run like hell for the door.

  In a moment of brief wisdom, Scott tried to focus her attention on William and away from himself. “Well, I sure didn’t see that coming.”

  She started walking slowly towards Scott with an almost fierce expression. “What didn’t you see coming, Scott?”

  In deference to her apparent mixed set of moods, Scott opted to be as vague and evasive as possible. “Actually, I didn’t see any of this coming. Who knew?”

  “So what you’re really telling me is that you didn’t see my world being turned upside down in two minutes.” Michelle said as she came closer.

  Scott had known Michelle for almost ten years and for the first time, he was having a hard time reading her. Scott understood what she was going through, but he was anything but certain of her reaction to their brief experience. He chose to address the issue head on and give up any attempt at avoidance. “William only told us what we already knew, because we both know our time together is coming to an end. Your world does not have to be turned upside down. We can walk away from here tonight and go on with life as if nothing changed.”

  Her expression changed to one of disbelief, leading him to believe he had not yet stumbled upon the magic words to bring some relief to his friend. “Scott, one week ago I was talking about wedding plans with Tom and his mother. Tonight, my best friend told me he has been in love with me sense we first met. Then in front of an audience, my best friend gave me the most genuine and loving kiss I have ever gotten. Now, to top off the evening, I have the opportunity to spend what could be three or four very interesting days and nights alone at the beach with my best friend. No, we can’t just walk away as if nothing has changed, because everything has changed.”

  Scott took a stronger approach for his argument. “I know we cannot un-ring the bell or put the cat back in the bag or apply any other metaphor to our situation. I would never have come here if I had known you would be placed in an awkward position. I would...”

  Michelle interrupted him in mid sentence and was firm in her demand. “I don’t want to talk about this right now.”

  Scott replied with frustration apparent in his voice. “What do you want?”

  Her frustration was equally apparent, but her answer was far more surprising. “I want you to put your arms around me and hold me for a little while.”

  After several minutes, she stepped back from Scott before she sat on the edge of the stage. He joined her as they both looked at the empty seats. Her voice soon broke the silence of the night. “Do you want to be alone with me for a few days at Uncle William’s beach house?”

  For whatever reason, Scott was becoming somewhat philosophical in his thinking. “I don’t think we really have a choice.”

  Michelle misunderstood the intent of his answer after apparently assuming he wasn’t committed to the idea. “Well, you don’t have to go if you had rather not. You do have a choice.”

  Scott slid off the three-foot high stage and stood in front of her knowing she would have to look directly at him. “You’re right when you say everything has changed and I know we can’t go back in time. I have no interest in sitting in a rocking chair fifty years from now wondering about what might have been. I think we need to take advantage of his offer, regardless of the outcome.”

  Her next statement revealed more about her thoughts and for this one moment, Scott began to see her self-doubt emerging. “What if you don’t like the person you think you have known for all these years? Will I lose my friend forever?”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders as he spoke. “I don’t think that would happen with either one of us. Besides, you haven’t even told me you want to go.”

  Michelle stood up facing Scott and replied with a grin, “After all the time you have known me, do you actually think I would go running off with a man in the middle of the night after just one kiss?”

  After seeing her smile, he replied, “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  She lightly punched him in the stomach as she replied to his phony insult, “I can’t believe you said that to me. It takes at least two kisses to even get my attention.”

  Scott pulled her close to him and they kissed just as they had done before, only with more enthusiasm. Scott then asked the relevant question. “Do I have your attention?”

  Michelle replied after a thoughtful pause, “You’re getting there”.

  ########

  William finished refilling wine glasses before he returned to his seat near the picnic table. He took the opportunity to taunt George and Sally using his humorous smile as he spoke. “Tell me George, how do you like having your oldest daughter being alone with that young man?”

  George knew William was joking, but his response was quite serious. “Any day of the week, I would rather she be alone with Scott than married to Tom. I don’t like that boy.”

  Sally swatted at George’s arm. “George, you can’t talk about Tom like that.”

  George acted as if he was going to swat Sally, “Why not? You don’t like him either and you said his mother is an egotistical nut. Scott is a good hard working boy and I like him.”

  Sally leaned over and kissed George on the cheek. “Don’t threaten me if you want to keep that hand attached to your arm.”

  William smiled as he watched George and Sally going at each other. “Well, at least we now know where Michelle got her spunk from.”

  Sandy
glanced at her watch before drawing the attention and laughter of the other guest. “What on earth are they doing up there?”

  Betsy patted Sandy on the back as she walked behind her chair. “Scott and Michelle are in their early twenties and they don’t work on our time schedule and for the record, some things are better not known.”

  William looked at his watch. “I took the liberty of changing the plan just a little. I offered to let them use my beach house for a few days.”

  It was obvious to all that neither Sally nor Sandy were expecting William’s news. Sally was the first, but not the only one to express her surprise. “You did what?”

  William’s personality took on a completely serious quality. “These kids have been in love with each other for years and just didn’t have sense enough to know it. With Michelle getting married, the clock is ticking and they need all the help they can get. They need time alone and they don’t need any interruptions from us. Michelle has a lot of things to figure out right now.”

  George put his hand on Sally’s arm. “I think William is right. Hell, two blind squirrels in a ten thousand acre forest would have more luck finding each other than Scott and Michelle have had so far.”

  Sandy looked down at her drink. “Well, God help anybody that ever tries to hurt Michelle. She was out on Highway 70 a few days ago and had a flat tire so she called Scott to help her. He went after her like a bullet from a gun. He didn’t like the idea of her being alone on the side of the road for even a minute. It was in the middle of the day and a trooper had pulled over to help.”

  Betsy changed the conversation as she remembered Michelle’s recent trip. “How did her trip to Tom’s house go last week?”

  Sally looked around to make sure neither Michelle nor Scott was near by. “I have a feeling it didn’t go all that well. She has said almost nothing about her plans, which is not like her. She doesn’t seem to be enthusiastic about her relationship in a way that I would have expected.”