by Jerry Belvo
AWhat list?@ Jeff responded. Agent Cleaver looked at Jones and shook her head, >no=.
Realizing he had made a mistake, Jones continued, AAh. We interview people who make news, like you did at the Soup Kitchen,@ he continued in his deep, gruff voice trying to act cool, but the slip was made, and Jeff had picked up on it. Apparently he was on a list. With this office being in the Federal Building it was easy for him to figure out which list and why he was there. They were apparently spying on him.
AYou think I=m a star child, don=t you?@ Jeff responded.
In an attempt to cover his tracks Jones changed the subject. ATell us about your childhood.@
Jeff thought to himself. Relax, play their silly game. AOkay, where do you want me to begin?@
ABegin wherever you want.@ Jones paused for a second, raising his right arm to rub his left shoulder. AWe want to know all about you.@
Jeff relaxed into one of the straight back chairs. “I can heal people, but there are others who can do that. I care about people. I believe everyone is created equal and should be respected for their humanity. I don’t believe in guns, violence, or war.”
“Yes, but what about the other alien stuff,” Cleaver demanded?
“What alien stuff. You mean teleporting?”
“Yeah,” Jones replied.
“I just think about where I want to go, quiet my mind and I’m there. Wish everyone could teleport. It’s fun!” Jeff remarked.
He continued. “When I was young I practiced teleporting myself from my bed to the bathroom to see how quickly I could make the switch. I could place a basketball on the ground, focus, and watch it go up through the hoop. There’s a difference between actually throwing it and projecting it with my thoughts, you know. I could stop it in mid air and reverse its directions.@ Cleaver was leaning forward in her chair intently listening to every word. Jeff knew they were recording it as he saw several camera lens tucked in various spots of the room. He figured he was being well documented.
Putting his leg over the arm of the chair he continued, AI liked to watch airplanes flying over. One day I teleported myself to a plane as it flew by. I ended up inside a fat old man=s body. Then I moved myself to the lavatory where a woman was sitting on the toilet. She screamed and I heard the steward rushing towards the restroom.@
Cleaver, eyes wide open, Awhat happened then,@ she gasped?
AI got the heck out of there, and teleported myself back home.@ Cleaver thought Jeff was serious, but Jones didn’t buy into it. AJust kidding,@ Jeff smiled. He knew he had won her over.
AThis isn’t a joking matter. Let=s be serious here.@ The joke had thrown doubt into Jeff=s story and bothered his interrogators. In a demanding voice Jones asked. AWhat else can you do? Can you manifest things?@ He inferred no more funny stuff.
Jeff once again grew serious. AI don’t have that ability. I suppose some people do, but not me.@
Agent Jones rubbed his left shoulder again prompting Jeff to ask. AAre you having a problem? Are you developing a boil?”
ANo big deal,@ he responded, not wanting to appear weak. AIt’ll go away on its own.@
Jeff read his thoughts. “One only appears weak if they’re not willing to ask for help. Let me check it out,” he said raising both hands towards Jones’ shoulder. Jones leaned back raising his arms as though he was being attacked. AI’m here peacefully and am not going to hurt you, but you must believe you can be healed for it to happen,” Jeff reiterated.
Agent Cleaver, who had been mostly silent until now, spoke up. AJones, let him prove he can heal.@ She was a woman of few words, but the idea of seeing someone healed was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Hoping her partner would allow it to happen she continued. AThis’ll give us a chance to find out if he is real or a phony.@ That’s all it took. When it appeared he could be healed in the line of duty it was alright. Jeff cupped his hands over Jones=s shoulder for a minute and silently said a prayer of gratitude. The hands felt warm to his shoulder and Jones felt a mild shocking sensation but that was all. It did relax him.
AYou had some more questions,@ Jeff asked? He knew he had now won his favor.
AYes, what about your Father, can he work magic, disappear or heal like you? I want to find out if you inherited this ability.@
ANo, he’s not gifted that way. He can read my thought at times, but a lot of parents know what their kids are thinking.@ Jeff wanted to keep his Dad out of it. They continued to converse for a half hour when Jones sat upright.
AI think my pain=s gone.@ He put his hand on his shoulder and felt nothing.
Smiling, Jeff said. AIt’s my gift to you.@ And to both of them he said. AIf healing people makes me a star child, I can’t help that. I just want to be like everyone else. I want to get married, raise a family, and have a job.@
Jones spoke up. AHow’d you like a job working with us on the task force? You would be a great help.@ He wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to please his boss and have so valuable a person work elsewhere. He could keep a closer eye on him.
AThanks, but no thanks. My first desire is to graduate. Then I’ll think about where I=m going to work. I want to work where I can help people.@ He stood straightening his clothes. AAm I free to go now?@
ASure, but we’d like to keep in contract with you. Don’t leave town.@
AI don’t plan to.@ Jeff replied and began to walk away.
ADo you want us to take you to your car?@ Cleaver hollered after him. She was becoming comfortable with this alien guy.
ANo, I’ll be alright.@ Jeff knew a magic trick that would get him to his car in twenty seconds.
*
The following evening Bobby stopped over. Jeff hadn’t spent time with him lately, not since he and Heidi started dating. AWould you like to go for a drive,@ Bobby asked?
AI need to take a break from my studies,@ Jeff said. It sounded like a good idea, but Jeff could also tell something was wrong. ASure, let’s go,@ he said as they got in Bobby=s car and drove west towards Boulder in silence. Jeff was waiting for him to say something but Bobby stared straight ahead without saying a word. Finally Jeff broke the ice. AIs something bothering you?@ Even before he finished his sentence he knew the answer, but waited to hear it from Bobby.
Another pause in conversation and finally Bobby blurted out. AHeidi and I broke up.@ His voice quivered and Jeff knew it hurt him deeply.
Jeff wanted to reassure him, but waited for Bobby to compose himself and tell him what happened. Finally he gained his composure and spoke. AShe said I stood her up, and she doesn’t want to see me anymore. I thought we were getting along very well, but I got tied up and spaced out our date. The next morning when I called her she hung up on me. I went to see her, but she slammed the door in my face. She wouldn’t even let me explain.@ Jeff let him ramble on all the way to Boulder where he pulled into the parking lot of a local hangout. AI need a drink. Do you mind if we stop here?@
How could he refuse? He was there to support his friend=s emotional needs. ASure, but just one. I still need to finish my homework.@ They went inside and Bobby ordered a double while Jeff had his usual soda with lime.
After they got settled Jeff asked. ANow, tell me the whole story?@
Bobby looked suspiciously into his eyes. AWhat do you mean? I told you the whole story. She does not want to see me anymore.@
ABobby, I know there is more to the story. Remember, I can read your thoughts. You haven’t told me the part that is causing you the real pain. I want to hear why you stood her up. It’s obvious you have fallen in love with her, and a person doesn’t just stand up the one they love.@
There was another long pause in the conversation, but Jeff wasn’t about to let him off the hook by saying something. He wanted his friend to squirm a little first. Finally Bobby=s eyes became moist and he began sobbing. Mumbling he whispered. AI was spaced out.@
AYou were what?@ Jeff inquired loudly. AI can’t hear you.@
Bobby was silent for a moment as though trying to form his words. Finally he blurted out, AI was high, okay? I didn’t even go home that night,@ rubbing the moisture from his cheeks. AOne of the guys I’ve been hanging out with bought some speed. We thought it was all innocent and I tried it. It scared me at first, but it felt good, like I could do anything. Later on he got some other drugs and they were just as exciting. Only problem was the day after. Once it was in my system I wanted more and more. Now I can’t stop,@ he was sobbing openly now.
Jeff put his hand on his shoulder for reassurance that everything would be alright. AABobby, I have never taken drugs. I don’t know what it does to a person, or what a person goes through, but I do know that Heidi is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. I saw the two of you at the parade Sunday. You looked happy, like you belonged together. Do you want to throw it all away on drugs? It’ll ruin your life, Heidi=s life, and probably destroy our friendship as well. Do you want that?@ He wished he could cure him of this, but Jeff didn’t know how to heal an addition. Bobby would have to do it himself.
ANo, but I can’t help it,@ he pleaded. AWhen I’m high I feel free, no problems in the world. All my senses are heightened. I feel like I rule my world and without them I feel incomplete.@
AYou mean, when you=re high you feel better than you do with Heidi, right,@ Jeff asked?
AWell, no, it=s two different things.@
AIt sounds to me like you are making drugs your master. You are giving your body and your life to a monster that will throw it away. Is that what you are telling me, Bobby?@
He had stopped crying as Jeff was beginning to his push buttons, putting him on the defensive. AI can stop anytime I want.@
ADo it. Stop today,@ Jeff said in a positive manner and changed the subject. One drink stretched into two, then three. Finally he mentioned to Bobby. AIt’s not over yet, is it?@
ANo, it=s not that easy. I have tried but I just can’t quit.@ He was slurring his words. ASome days I feel fine, then something happens and I get stressed out. The first thing I want is a hit, then another. Before you know it all my troubles go away.@ He spoke as though in a world of his own.
AThen, forget Heidi,@ Jeff announced bringing him back to reality. AThe only way the two of you will ever get together is if you show her you can stop using drugs, not be a slave to them, and make her your commitment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The first step is to admit you are hooked. You just did that. Now take the second step, get help.@ Bobby was getting ready to order another double, but Jeff suggested, AI think it’s time to go. Tomorrow’s another school day. Let me drive you home.@ Jeff helped his buddy to the car and took his keys.
*
The following Wednesday, the administrator of the Soup Kitchen and other trustees were waiting for Jeff at the back door when he arrived for his shift. He knew something was wrong as it didn’t appear they were there to congratulate him. They invited him into the storeroom for a talk. The administrator did the speaking; the others were apparently there for moral support. AJeff, we are going to have to ask you to stop volunteering here. We can’t use you here anymore. We’re sorry.@
AWhy?@Jeff responded, AAfter all the publicity I have generated lately, I would think you’d appreciate what I’ve done here.@
AIt’s not that,@ the spokesperson responded politely. AWe appreciate what you’ve done, but that’s the problem. We’ve gotten too much publicity. We are running a Soup Kitchen for the poor, and too much publicity isn’t a good thing. It has become a place of healing.@
ABut, you have more food and supplies. Isn’t it your goal to feed the poor?@
AYes, we have more, but we now have twice as many mouths to feed. We are not geared up for that, and it’s causing too much strain on the facilities, too much confusion. People are coming here to be healed, for the show. And, while here they get a free meal. We’re also afraid the American Medical Association will site us for practicing medicine without a license. As you can see, either way we lose. We’re sorry, but you have to leave.@
ADo you want me to finish my shift,@ he asked?
AThat won’t be necessary. We have a replacement for you.@
AWell, I guess, I will just leave then.@ With a frown on his face, feeling rejected Jeff left the room.
One of the other trustees spoke up. AYou could do your healing in the park.@
Jeff turned back around, AThanks for your concern. Maybe I’ll do that,@ and he left the building. Heidi was just coming in and stopped him on the sidewalk. AWhat=s wrong? Aren’t you going to work tonight,@ she asked?
AThey don’t want me anymore. I think they’re afraid the AMA will close them down,@ he responded.
ACan they do that?@
AI don’t know, but it’s not my problem anymore.@
ABut it won’t be the same without you,@ she remarked.
AWell, you have to remember, you’re here to serve the homeless. Don=t worry about me. I’ll be fine.@ He started to leave then remembered. AI wouldn’t be too hard on Bobby. He cares a lot for you.@
AWell he doesn’t show it,@ she replied. AYou can=t stand someone up and then act like nothing happened. He was so kind when we first met. Now he acts like I don’t exist. I have feelings for him also, but it takes two for a relationship to work. I can’t do it alone.@
AI understand,@ Jeff said, sympathizing with her. AI wish you the best. Take care of yourself. Good bye.@
*
It was early when Jeff got home. His Mother wasn’t expecting him for another hour. AI’m having some hot tea. Would you care to join me,@ she asked?
AYes, Mom, I would appreciate some tea,@ he responded.
Once seated, Jeff told of his dismissal. She empathized with him. AYou have done a good job helping the homeless, and you deserve better treatment, but I’m sure they have a good reason. Think of it this way, now you can devote more time to your studies. You are going to graduate soon. Maybe it’s for the better.@
AThanks Mom, but no one likes to be told they’re not wanted. It’s a blow to the ego. It’s just like when I was a kid and the guys kept calling me a freak.@
AIt’s one of the facts of life. Everyone has rough spots in their lives, hurtles to get over. Be thankful that it’s not worse than it was.@
ABut those people need me. Some of them have serious health problems and I could help them.@
ANow, listen to you. Are you practicing medicine,@ she politely inquired?
AOops, I see what you mean. I guess its best I’m no longer there.@
She was glad to be able to help him see the light. ABy the way there is a phone message for you.@
AThanks,@ Jeff said getting up to retrieve it. Clicking on the recorder he heard. AHello, Jeff. This is Bobby, give me a call.@ It sounded serious. He started to return the call, but decided to walk up the street to his house instead.
ABobby, are you home?@ He hollered entering the Ferris= front door. Bobby was in his bedroom at the computer.
AI’m upstairs Jeff. Come and look at what I’ve found.@ Bobby motioned him over to the computer as he entered the room.
AWhose files are you in?”
Bobby hesitated for a moment then responded, AFBI@.
AWhy are you snooping in government files? You know it is a federal offense. You could be arrested.@ Jeff said. “You are still living dangerously.”
AThey have to catch me first. Besides I found your name.@
AMy name, where? I don’t have a record.@
AYou aren’t just in the FBI files; you are also in the AIA division files. Your name was entered there over ten years ago. They think you are an alien.@
AThat’s not possible. I didn’t do anything to make them suspect—.@ He paused in mid sentence. ADoctor Joseph Field
ing! They have his report. Oh my God, they know all about me. I should have known that they would one day get my records. That explains why I’m being followed.@ He gasped, his eyes lighting up even more. AThe list! That has to be the list Agent Jones was talking about. Now it all makes sense. I wonder who else is on the list.@ Bobby clicks on the list and scrolls down, revealing several pages of names. ACan you print out the list,@ Jeff asked?
ASure,@ Bobby said pressing the print button. Out came the names, addresses and remarks on each entry.
Jeff scanned the names but found none familiar. He wondered why he had been selected out of all these names and if others were being watched as well. ACan I keep this list,@ he asked Bobby? AI want to see if there is a pattern and if any of these names surface in the future.@
ASure, be my guest.@ Bobby handed him the list.
AThanks. I=m beginning to think I had better get my degree and leave town. It is getting too hot here.@
AI know what you mean, Jeff.@ Bobby said as he clicked off the computer. AI have nothing holding me here either. I’ll go with you.@
AWhat about Heidi?@
AShe won’t talk to me. I’ve left messages on her phone, but she hasn’t called me back,@ Bobby replied.
AWell, don’t give up if you really care for her. Put yourself in her shoes. What if she knows you are on drugs? You’ve got to tell her everything, Bobby.”
AI’m going to Alcohol=s Anonymous now. I attended my first meeting last night,@ Bobby replied.
AThat’s good. Tell Heidi. Maybe you could also see a psychiatrist. They may prescribe something that would help control your anxiety and stress, Jeff responded.
AI have done that, too. When we talked the other night I realized you were right, and the next morning I called a psychiatrist recommended by a friend.@
AGood work, Bobby. You are on your way. After you’ve been to a couple AA meetings call Heidi. Let her know how you are progressing. I’m sure she’ll come around. She still likes you, you know@ Jeff reminded him. “Mom has dinner waiting for me. I have to go. Thanks for the list.”