I Bought The Sun For A Dollar

by Gary Starta

  She supposed whatever she felt about Timothy didn’t matter. The strawberry blonde woman holding onto his hand was clearly a significant other. Lori scanned the small throng of attendees attempting to analyse them and what was going on in their lives to compel a visit to the woods on a Saturday morning.

  The woman who introduced herself as professor was alarming. She twitched her head this way and that like a scientist studying a lab rat. Lori didn’t want to be analysed by anyone. This woman put a serious damper on what might have been a fun morning.

  A man named Kevin, the ordinary looking mid-thirties man who reluctantly admitted to being Timothy’s long-time friend, was keeping an eye on the professor. Was he freaked out by her bird-like posturing or was he turned on by it? Lori considered the axiom that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

  The remaining attendees were a young couple, possibly a few years younger than Lori. They wore sheepish grins for the most part, as if embarrassed they were attending a charlatan’s magic show. That was how Lori interpreted them and she thought she was a pretty good judge of human character unlike her friend Sarah who was quick to judge without ever having spent time observing anyone but herself. Lori felt it was natural to be attuned to nature and she was glad the cat that alarmed her was a wakeup call of sorts. Was she convinced they were all attuned with the sun and its power? She had her reservations, especially when Professor Chao-Zing Zheng began questioning Timothy about his claims.

  “I don’t want to burst your bubble,” Chao-Zing said, shielding her eyes from the sunrise’s sudden and brilliant glare.

  Timothy seemed disturbed by her pause. He folded his arms across his chest. “I invite you to state your reservations, Chao-Zing. I truly have felt changed ever since my awakening.”

  Chao-Zing sighed. “I don’t doubt you. In fact, I find it fascinating in the sense you seem to feel changed or charged by your experience. But was it just an experience or perceived experience that changed you? If you claim the sun has truly impacted your outlook on life, I must caution you that this could be temporary or fleeting simply because the sun changes position on a constant basis. The planets and everything else can impact our moods at certain times based on their orbits. But they do not have a constant influence on us because like us they change position on a constant basis as well.” She adjusted her glasses.

  Lori observed Kevin, whose face was illuminated. Had the professor piqued his curiosity or was he simply enamoured with her?

  Next to him, the woman named Lou Ann wore a smug grin as if she was glad someone was calling Timothy out on the carpet; although in this case it was more like a bare patch of ground. Maybe there was something mystical about this area. If so, she wished it would bitch slap this Lou Ann character. She would be happy to do it herself but she didn’t need any more negative karma. Perhaps she could convince the cat to ‘accidentally’ pee on her handbag.

  “I have no reason to exaggerate or lie,” Timothy responded. “I had figuratively lived in darkness before that moment suspecting everything and everyone was against me. But now I see we can live in harmony. We simply have to want to. I don’t consider myself to be a state of flux. Since I’ve seen the light, I’ve met a fantastic woman and given shelter to one of nature’s beautiful creations. Today, I stand before my new friends and feel compelled to spread my message.” Timothy spread his arms to encompass the area. “Bottom line, I am not angry at your suspicions, Chao-Zing. I can’t explain the science of my feelings. I can understand you must try to explain feelings because of your profession.” He placed his hands over his heart.

  Chao-Zing adjusted her glasses and Lori suspected it was a nervous habit. Perhaps Timothy had turned the tables and called the professor out on the carpet.

  Lori continued to observe Timothy for the remainder of the session. He seemed reasonable and sane and was holding his anger in check. Would he behave so rationally when she spilled the beans?

  Chapter Eight

  After the session, Lou Ann invited herself back to Timothy’s to see if Chao-Zing had actually burst his bubble. The spy observed his body language closely. He poured her tea while staring out his kitchen window and Lou Ann had to yell ‘stop’ before her cup overflowed.

  “Is something on your mind?” Lou Ann put on her sexiest pout.

  “I just refuse to let my light go.”

  “I can see why you wouldn’t want to.” Lou Ann put her hand on his.

  “I don’t want to let go of you either.” He forced a smile.

  “I know the professor’s words were disconcerting. But you’ve got to heed her words because she seems pretty smart. Maybe it’s best you don’t put all your eggs in one basket, Timothy. Don’t you think you should let your quest go and get on with your life?”

  Timothy’s face turned a few shades darker and Lou Ann, startled, removed her hand from his. He seemed to be biting his lip. Would he lash out at her or the professor?

  “It’s not an option yet, dear. And if you can’t handle it, I will understand.”

  “What do you mean?” Now Lou Ann felt her face flush from his cold words.

  “I don’t expect everyone to ‘see the light’. That doesn’t mean I should stop trying. We have a lot of people in pain out there. It’s my duty to give the same comfort the sun gave to me. I didn’t even think about sharing this glory at first. Wow, was I in the dark!”

  “Why don’t we relax on your couch?” Lou Ann practically purred and cocked her head in the direction of the living room alluringly.

  “That sounds nice. More sunlight comes through the bay window.”

  Lou Ann used great self-control to not to roll her eyes.

  Holding hands on the couch, Lou Ann cupped Timothy’s chin in her hand.

  “I think I’m all the light you need.”

  “I know in a way, you’re right.”

  Lou Ann had to suppress a smile. “I am?”

  “Chao-Zing did deflate my bubble a bit. But she seems curious about my circumstances. I guess I’ll have to see if she’ll attend another meeting.”

  “Let’s just hope you’ll have a group to do that.” Lou Ann nodded her head, hoping Timothy would latch onto her patronizing tone.

  Lou Ann observed Timothy’s body posture. He was slumped in his seat.

  Now she had him where she wanted him.

  Cupping his chin in her hand again, she leaned in for a kiss.

  “I bet Lou Ann can make you feel better.”

  The couple engaged passionate kisses which excited Timothy.

  Yes, now I really have you where I want you. Distracted…

  *

  The professor left her glasses on as she rolled on top of Eddie Schroder. He had told Chao-Zing on more than one occasion he loved her scholarly look. He also liked her riding him. Maybe, Chao-Zing thought, Eddie was pretending to be a bad boy and she was teaching him a lesson. But with pain also comes pleasure: yin-yang.

  Chao-Zing rode him faster as he moaned for more. His hands were all over her body, rubbing her shoulders down to her lower back and ass. It felt like heaven to the professor and she had to admit Eddie’s love was hard to resist. Had he suppressed her logic? If so, Eddie was the only one capable. She never gave in to anything which might threaten her integrity. Only Eddie – “Oh baby,” she screamed as she rode him to orgasm: only Eddie, only Eddie, only my hard as a rock, Eddie.

  Chao-Zing toppled off him and gasped for breath while Eddie played with her pleasure zone with his fingers.

  “Oh. You are so good, my baby. So damn good.”

  “Is that anyway for a professor to talk?”

  Chao-Zing touched Eddie’s cheek with the tips of her fingernails as if she was about to claw him. “I’m not a professor 24/7, you know.”

  Eddie grabbed her middle finger and began sucking on it.

  “Keep me in your heaven, Eddie. That’s so good, so very good.”

  When Eddie stopped, so did his passion; at least for bedroom games.

  Chao-Zing
hopped out of her bed and fastened a robe about her. “Dear, is something wrong?”

  Eddie ran a hand through his copper-coloured hair and sighed.

  “I was just thinking about how you just said you aren’t a professor every moment of the day.” He placed a hand on his chin. “I guess you’re right. What kind of professional academic spends a Saturday morning with some guru nutcase anyway?”

  “He’s not a guru.”

  “Okay, then he’s a new ager. Maybe that’s even worse. Is that the kind of guy you’re looking for?”

  Chao-Zing snapped. “I’m certainly not looking for someone who is close-minded like you!” She gasped and ran a hand through her shoulder length black hair. “I’m sorry. I over reacted.” She was practically stammering.

  “No. You spoke your mind. I heard you loud and clear.” Eddie mocked a salute.

  “I have an interest in all things concerning the universe. I wanted to see what made this man tick. It doesn’t make sense in an astrological sense.”

  Eddie laughed with sarcasm. “I don’t even know what that means. But it doesn’t sound like it’s something that should be taught in a classroom. Isn’t that what you complained about with me on more than several occasions? I mean, you can’t keep an interest in pseudo-science because the school board kind of has a slight problem with that, don’t they?”

  Chao-Zing had had enough of his sarcasm. “I need to spend the rest of the day alone immersed in my pseudo-science thoughts, thank you very much.”

  “That’s how you treat me?” He pointed at the bed. “And after what I did for you?”

  “If you think this relationship is solely about the bedroom, you aren’t very observant.”

  “Why don’t you go climb a tower and check in on your planets? Now I know what your priorities are. But I don’t think that tower will ever get you off like I did.” He flashed a hateful grin.

  “Be on your way. I will climb that tower without you.” Under her breath, she said, “Without anyone if necessary.”

  Eddie buttoned his shirt and headed for the door. “See you later, professor.”

  Chao-Zing cried softly for a few moments. Then an idea morphed into determination. There was someone she needed to call.

  *

  Chao-Zing raised her hand to order another round of mojito’s. Timothy, seated across from her, raised an eyebrow. “Professor, I’m not sure if I should indulge. I’m trying to purify myself.”

  Chao-Zing placed a hand over his. “Don’t worry. It won’t diminish your light.”

  Timothy’s eyes darted around the room. “Do you really mean that, or are you patronizing me?”

  “Of course, I mean it.” She left her hand on top of his.

  “I see. Why did you contact me so quickly? It’s only been one day since the meeting.”

  “I had a little personal trouble regarding disrespectful behaviour. I hope,” she paused to gaze into Timothy’s eyes, “I didn’t patronize you yesterday.”

  “No, you didn’t. Your words made sense.” He laughed. “Well, sort of.”

  “I love to educate. It’s my passion.”

  Timothy wasn’t sure where this was going. He surmised she just had a blow out with a boyfriend. He inhaled. “You know, my friend mentioned to me that he really likes you. He has a lot of respect for Eastern mysticism.” He sipped at his drink gingerly.

  Chao-Zing adjusted her glasses. “That’s great about your friend. I’m sorry if I’m giving you the wrong impression. It’s just that I felt I met a kindred spirit.”

  “I see. But you had reservations about my experience.”

  Chao-Zing finished a sip. “I did. I do. It’s not normal for someone to feel a permanent change from solar cycles because sunspot activity is in flux and that can affect psychology and behaviour of people. It can also influence historical trends but only during certain periods.”

  Timothy whistled in amazement. “Sure, sounds like a game changer.”

  Chao-Zing smiled. “And the sun has the home court advantage.”

  Timothy clasped his hands. “Okay, so it’s in flux. I don’t know why I’m not; at least not anymore.”

  “That’s a good question. The sun’s magnetic storms not only interrupt electronic equipment but our brains which are even more sensitive than technology. In other words, our attitudes are dependent on the communication of billons of brain cells. Throw a celestial monkey wrench into the picture, and you can expect unexpected results.”

  Tim raised his glass at her. “The way you say it, I’m starting to think science is sexy.”

  “I wish more would feel the way you do, Timothy.” She shook her head from side to side and scratched at her glass with her index finger. “It seems people here don’t have any regard for the universe’s impact on them. I can’t even mention that it does, in my classes. It’s all very frustrating. The universe needs to be explored and respected.” She shook her head again and pursed her lips.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I just have a crazy idea that’s all.” She waved a dismissive hand.

  “No.” Timothy laid his hand on top of hers. “Tell me.”

  “Would you be my test subject? In fact, would all your group members be willing to be my test subjects? I want to conduct a serious peer reviewed study about the Sun’s impact. What better way to do it than with you?”

  “I don’t know what to say, except yes, yes and yes.”

  Chao-Zing smiled gleefully and clapped her hands together.

  “Then it’s a date. I mean a study.”

  Chao-Zing detailed the plusses and minuses of the sun’s energy.

  “When solar activities are at a maximum, psychological stress can lead to arguments, terror attacks, health problems and even murders; but on the other hand, human creativity can also be impacted in a positive manner. In astrology, the sun can bring us to a higher consciousness. This is an opportunity to make a quantum leap in our consciousness. One may experience a new way to think about humanity and the cosmos. One can overcome difficulties through will power and becoming in touch with ourselves.”

  “And you think I have?”

  “Certainly, I do. But I can’t fathom how you seem to be on this wavelength all the time especially without studying what you call Eastern mysticism. That’s why I need to do this study. That’s why I need you, Timothy Ray.”

  *

  “Hey Lou Ann, I’ve got great news.” Timothy could barely contain his enthusiasm which poured through the phone into Lou Ann’s ears.

  “It seems the professor was not doubtful about my experience in the least. In fact, she wants to do a study and all group participants are welcome to participate. Are you in?”

  Now Timothy had deflated Lou Ann’s bubble. “Oh, Tim, why of course; why on Earth wouldn’t I?” Lou Ann hung up and mulled over the new wrinkle in her plan.

  Chapter Nine

  Kate thirstily sipped at her extra-large coffee. Playing Lou Ann outside of the normal workday was fun but exhausting. Supervisor Hayes had called an extra early morning meeting and she sat across from him blinking her eyes rapidly.

  “I want you to know you’re doing very good work, Kate.”

  Kate swore she felt a chill at her spine. Since when was Hayes on a first name basis?

  “Despite what you labelled a setback, I see Professor Zheng’s involvement as a means to bring down more of these ‘hopeful’ zealots. I understand you’ve been burning the midnight oil.” Kate chuckled on the inside. It was the early dawn’s that were the real killer.

  Hayes raised an eyebrow. “It’s going to pay off, Kate.

  He slid a folder across the table to her containing black and white photos. She wasn’t prepared for it. Her hand was raised half way to her mouth before she realized she was revealing her hand to the supervisor.

  “Are you seeing something I’m missing?” Hayes swivelled in his chair.

  There was no point lying. He had surveillance equipment and would find out soon enough.


  “The girl with the dark, straight hair is an attendee.” She tapped an index finger on the photo. “I’m sure of it.” Her brows furrowed. “Are you taking pictures of attendees?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. The other woman had light hair and was never an attendee of Organized Dissonance. This must have to do with the robberies she apprised Hayes of.

  “I appreciate your disclosure, Kate. I really do. I hadn’t connected the brunette to the group yet, just the attempted break in.”

  Kate mulled over the photos attempting to keep a poker face.

  “I am glad you tipped me off about the robbery.” Hayes attempted a feigned smile.

  “Well, the girls really didn’t steal anything according to Timothy.” Kate smiled awkwardly in reply.

  “I know but I have a purpose for them. Actually, for one of them; I’ll let the brunette, Lori Rogers, attend the meetings. You can keep an eye on her for me. The other woman, Sarah Lemmings, aka Sheri Scott, will be utilized in a different manner.”

  Kate fiddled with her pony tail. “And what would that entail?” She hoped her body language was telling Hayes she was nonchalant on the issue.

  Hayes grabbed the photos back from her. “That’s a need to know situation. I’m not sure you need to know that. In fact, I don’t want you to let it slip accidentally to Lori or the other attendees.” He nodded his head in the affirmative. “But don’t let that daunt you. You’re doing excellent work, Kate. Keep it up.”

  *

  A few hours later Sarah Lemmings sat in Hayes’s hot seat.

  She chomped on gum between words. “I told you. I’m Sheri Scott. It’s on my ID. Look it up.”

  “I have. You see my organization looks up things a different way than you might be used to.” Hayes pursed his lips. Sarah wanted to spit her gum in his smug face.