“Alex, sweetie, come on.” Dean shook his daughter than kissed her. He took the clothes he already had laid out and placed them by her pillow. “Get dressed.”
Alexandra merely grunted in response.
Dean smiled. “Billy.” He shook his son once, and he sat up. “Get dressed. You guys can sleep downstairs after breakfast.” His own tee shirt in hand, he left the room putting in on and then ran his hands through his hair to straighten it.
His normal routine of nearly running down the steps was interrupted. He slowed in the middle of the staircase when he saw Ellen standing by the door. “El.” He came down the rest of the way. “It’s six in the morning. What are you doing here?”
“I came to get the twins for school.”
“You’re an hour and a half early.” Dean looked at his watch.
“Sorry.” Ellen fake smiled. “I’ll come back.”
“No.” Dean reached out and stopped her. “Why would you go? You’re here. Stay.”
“No, that’s O.K., I’ll come back.”
“El.” Dean grabbed her hand. “Why don’t you stay? Come on. Have breakfast with me and the twins. They’d love it.”
“I can’t do that Dean. It wouldn’t be right.”
“What? What wouldn’t be right? Having breakfast with your children?”
“No Dean.” Ellen pulled her hand from his. “Spending time with you.” She stepped back and left the house.
^^^^
With fierce rage, Frank whipped his jacket into his office before he even stepped completely in.
“Whoa.” John Matoose ducked. “Quite the entrance.”
“Sorry.” Frank slammed the door. “What are you doing in here anyway?”
“Nice mood.” John held up a ammunition clip. “Stupid me left my extra clip in here yesterday. So, the bad moo?. You didn’t get it?”
“What the SUT? I got him. Driving me fuckin nuts those stupid idiots.”
“Frank, you all right? You seem a bit more pissed than usual.”
“Yeah.” Frank waved his hand and then brought it to his face, running it down harshly. “No, I’m not. I’m surprised you don’t know. Every bit of news flies like wildfire in the community.”
“Know what?” John asked, zipping up his jacket.
“Ellen was with Dean. With Dean.”
“O.K. . . . So?” John didn’t seem fazed.
“What do you mean so? She slept with him. There’s no so in that.”
“Sorry Frank, I just thought you had an understanding with Dean.” John shrugged.
“I don’t have an understanding with Dean!” Frank snapped at him.
“Frank, chill.” John held up his hands. “It’s me remember. The quiet guy? I’m sorry this happened. I am. So, what’s Henry make of it?”
“Henry?” Frank’s head was spinning. “What the hell does Henry have to do with it?”
“Well Ellen going to Dean. Is it Henry you have an understanding with?”
“I don’t have an understanding with Henry.”
“Whoa, I’m batting a thousand here. Well who do you have the understanding with?” John asked so as to figure out whom else to avoid this day.
“I don’t have an understanding with anyone. I don’t believe in them.”
John realized at that moment, asking ‘why?’ would not be in his best interest, opening the door, he looked once more to a frightening Frank. “Sorry Frank. I am.” He left before anymore could be said.
^^^^
“El.” Johnny’s voice nearly cracked. “Come on.”
“No, Johnny.” Ellen showed him the chart. “Pay attention. I want to get out of here before Dean comes back. We were in the middle of a lot of experiments”
“This is really stupid.” Johnny stated. “I won’t take over your lab work for you just so you won’t be around Dean.”
“Then the community will be at a loss.” Ellen said. “Because I won’t work with him.”
“He’s gonna figure out that you’re not just taking an emotional break from work.”
“Good. That way it will be easier than telling him. I have to go.” Ellen tried to leave the lab.
“El.” Johnny stopped her. “Can I ask why?”
“I have to show your father I’ll take whatever steps needed to get him back.”
“Even if it means giving up everything you love?” Johnny asked.
“Without a second thought. Especially if that’s what he wants.”
“Then that’s wrong, El. You give up things too easily for him,” Johnny called out to her as she walked from the lab. But his words were not heard. He sank back into his seat. “That’s why you’re in the position you’re in.”
^^^^
“We have time.” Joe looked at his watch then closed his office door. He walked around to his desk for his secret meeting with Dean and Henry. “So, where were we?”
Henry sat up. “When are we digging up Chester?”
Joe folded his hands. “Rained pretty hard last night . Let’s give it a few days to dry up. Dean and I will have a hard enough time, let alone adding the burden of digging up mud.”
“Joe.” Henry leaned forward. “I was thinking. What about John Matoose. He came to Ashtonville with George.”
“I thought of that, also Henry,” Joe spoke. “We’ll have to keep him under check. Dean, what are your thoughts on ... ” He turned his views to Dean who was slumping sideways in the chair. “Dean?” Joe snapped his finger. “Dean, are you with us?”
Dean sat up straight. “Sorry, Joe. My mind’s just elsewhere.”
“On Ellen?” Joe asked.
“Yeah. I’m really worried about her. Have you seen her?”
Joe nodded. “Last night. She’s pretty bad.”
“I saw her this morning.” Dean stared down. “She’s not herself.”
“She won’t be. I know my son. And knowing my son as well as I do . . .” Joe pointed to Dean’s mouth. “I really have to say, I expected you to look a lot worse.”
Dean touched his healing injury. “So did I. It’s odd Joe. He wants to blame it all on Ellen. That frightens me.”
“Me too.” Leaning back, Joe rocked slowly in his chair. “Frank’s not taking the hurt approach, he’s taking the hostile . . .” Joe paused. He didn’t know what caused his eyes to shift to the window, but they did. “Shit.” He rose up.
Henry looked back. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Ellen. I hope to God she’s not going to see Frank. I told her stay away from him for a few more days.”
Henry was confused. “Why? You would think you’d want them to work it out.”
“I do. But Frank is so explosive right now. So on the edge. It . . . it scares me the way he is. I don’t trust him.”
At that instant, with the sound of squeaking chairs, both Dean and Henry rushed to their feet.
“No.” Joe held up his hands. “Stay put. I’ll take care of this.”
^^^^
“Frank.” Ellen called to him softly as he stepped from his office.
“Ellen, you are the last person who should be talking to me.”
“Just listen to me.” She stood in front of him. “I just wanted to tell you, though you think it, I’m not staying or working with Dean. I won’t. I’m going to do whatever it takes to put us back together.”
“Don’t waste your time.” He tried to get past her.
“Frank. Stop it.” Ellen latched on to his wrist.
“Get your hand off of me.”
“No.” She held on tighter.
“El.” Frank pulled slightly, she didn’t budge. “Get off of me.”
“You have to talk to me.”
“Get off!” He jerked his arm from her, and as he did, he pulled so harshly it sent Ellen turning and nearly falling to the ground. Shaking his arm Frank stepped forward only to be stopped by his father. Stopped by him, grabbed by him, and thrown so fiercely by him that Frank flew backwards, crashing with a loud bang into the side of hi
s office building.
Joe charged forth, snatching Frank by the shirt. “Don’t you ever touch your wife again!” He reared back his fisted hand.
“Joe, no!” Ellen leaped forward stopping him.
“Ellen.” Joe turned to her. “Go away.”
“I won’t let you do this, Joe. I won’t. Don’t hit him.”
“Ellen . . .”
“No, I won’t let what’s happening between him and me tear you two apart. He’s your son Joe, your blood. I’m nothing to you. Don’t do this.”
“How can you say you’re nothing to me?” Joe lowered his hand. “Don’t talk like that. He should not be laying a hand on you. I raised him better.”
“He didn’t mean to.” Ellen looked at Joe, then at Frank who stared coldly at his father. “Just please don’t do this.” Ellen stepped back. “Don’t. I’d sooner leave this community then watch your family be torn apart.” Slowly, with her head down, she walked away.
“You wanna let go of me now, Dad?” Frank requested.
Joe released him less than gently.
“Thank you.” Frank rubbed the back of his head. “Made me crack my skull.”
“I should crack your goddamn head open to see what’s wrong with it. What was that shit, you shoving her like that?”
“I don’t mean to. You heard her.”
“Right.” Joe rubbed his eyes. “You have to draw a line somewhere Frank. You really do. Learn some control. By what I heard and what I’ve seen, you may be burning bridges.”
“If you mean getting back with Ellen, no.”
“You say that now. You say it because you’re hurt and you’re angry. But that anger will subside, I guarantee that. And when it does, you are going to look at that woman and see all those years that you loved her. You’ll want her back.”
“No, I won’t. We’re through.”
“Then you’ll be a lonely man and if you decide you still want her, then you still may be lonely. You can’t take back shit that you say or do. You just can’t. Calling your wife a whore, that can never be taken back.”
“It’s the truth.” Frank began to walk away.
“I ought to slap you.” Joe pushed him back. “Listen to you. Don’t speak through your rage Frank. Take my advice.”
“Take my advice, Dad. Stay out of this.”
“I can’t do that Frank. You’re my kid and I love you. You need time. I’ll make sure she gives that to you. I just want you to think about it. It’s a lonely world now. I know she truly regrets what she did. Think about that too.”
“If she regrets it so bad, then why didn’t she come to me earlier? Maybe if she did, maybe, I could have tried to work it out.”
“Then don’t blame her, blame me. I told her not to.” Joe was ready for his repercussion on that statement.
“You knew? You knew and you didn’t tell me?” Frank’s words were sharp.
“Yes. She told me and I told her not to say a word to you.”
Frank shook his head at his father as he stepped back. “I can’t believe you. I’m beginning to wonder which one of us is actually your kid because I don’t think it’s me. I see where your loyalty lies.” Frank stormed away leaving a thick air of tension that would linger as a separation riff between him and his father.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Joe slouched down some on the couch. He popped the medication Ellen gave him in his mouth then downed it with water. “Thanks.” He handed her the glass.
“That migraine must be bad for you to stay home an extra few hours.”
“I’ve had it for days.”
“Joe, that’s not good.” She sat down next to him.
“Andrea says my blood pressure is up. I’m seeing her today. I wanna be in top shape for the game.”
“Are you telling Andrea of these headaches?” Ellen asked with concern.
“No. And don’t you either. I’m fine.”
“Joe, why don’t you just take the whole day off? I’ll tell George and . . .”
“No. I’ll be at distribution by ten. Just make those changes for me, please?”
“Will do.” Ellen opened the folded piece of paper and put it in her pocket.
“And if Frank sees you to bitch . . .”
“He won’t say anything to me. Frank just doesn’t speak to me anymore.”
“Join the club.” Joe put his head back.
“Frank still isn’t speaking to you?”
“Not nicely.” Joe waved his hand. “He’ll get over it.”
“I’ll let you rest.” Ellen kissed his forehead. “Get better.” With a look of concern, Ellen stared at Joe. He was so stressed out. She would speak to Dean at the clinic and see about something for him. But first, relieving his stress was best. She would take care of that immediately.
“Ellen.” Joe called out as she left. “Remember, I . . . I don’t won’t to impose on anyone. So don’t mention this. Especially to . . . to George.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Ellen smiled. “Get well. See you at the game.”
^^^^
George removed his glasses after reviewing the changes Joe had made. He gave a reassuring smile to Ellen along with a squeeze to her arm. “Thank you for coming to me. I’ll make these changes right away.” He leaned against Joe’s desk.
“You know my father, George.” Ellen said. “He is so stubborn. He didn’t want me to bother you.”
“Of course not.”
“So you won’t tell him, right?”
“No.” George closed his mouth and shook his head. “And I’ll do what I can to relieve Joe’s burden without him knowing.”
Ellen grabbed her chest and sighed in relief. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Joe’s lucky to have a friend like you.”
George winked as Ellen backed up to leave.
No sooner did Ellen walk from Joe’s office, she walked right into Frank. He glared at her. Briefly she made eye contact and tried to get away.
“What were you doing in my Dad’s office?” Frank asked coldly.
Ellen stopped walking and turned to face him. “Your father asked me to make changes for him on the work schedule. He’s not feeling well, and is gonna be late.”
“Are you still hanging around my father? He’s my father El, not yours.”
“Yes, Frank, I know. And I’ll stay away from him when you start speaking to him.”
“I don’t make deals with you,” Frank snapped.
“Fine, then I won’t stay away from Joe. He needs someone in his life that looks up to him.” She started to leave again.
“El. I want to tell you something.”
“What is it?” Ellen stopped; she didn’t want to look at him.
“I was thinking last night. I think maybe after Beginnings Day, that you and I should set up a time to go see Reverend Bob and talk to him.”
She lifted her eyes to Frank. It was the first true feeling of hope she had in nearly a week. “You mean to work this out? You want to see if he can help us?”
“Help us? No, why would you think that?” Frank nearly laughed at her. “I want to end this. End it so I can know you aren’t walking around this community with my name.”
“Fine, Frank. Do what you feel you need to do.” With partially closed eyes, Ellen walked away and didn’t look back.
^^^^
“Sweet Jesus,” Andrea gasped as she removed the blood pressure cuff from Joe’s arm. “This . . . this is way too high, Joe Slagel. I have never seen your blood pressure so high!”
Joe rubbed his arm as he sat on the exam table. “I’m under a little stress. I’m fine.”
“I can’t allow you to go umpire the game in the heat. October or not, it is way too warm out there for . . .”
“Andrea. I’m fine,” Joe stated.
“Then no work for the rest of the day.”
Joe grumbled. “I took the morning off and I have some paper work to review after the game. That’s it. Not much.”
&nbs
p; “Can we at least take some time to do some stress testing this afternoon?” Andrea asked.
“No. I’ll fail them.” He shook his head.
“Can I help at all?” She showed concern.
“No one can.” His voice dropped. “This shit with Frank and Ellen. Frank is being . . . he’s being bad. I have the scientists that I know are still out there. The SUTs are moving at our back gate daily.”
“Oh, you gave in.” Andrea spoke pleasantly. “That helps.” She grabbed his chart.
Joe shifted his eyes around wondering if she was talking to him. “What?”
“You gave in on the name. Frank said you were insisting you call the SUTs, Elks.”
“Frank told you . . .”
“About your liking the name Elks. He told George and I.” She heard him moan. “Joe, you have to admit his name was better. We can’t figure out what Elk stands for.”
“Enormously Lame Kid. That’s what it stands for.” Joe slid from the table. “Son of a bitch bastard. What the hell is . . .”
“Joe!” Andrea scolded. “Stress.”
“Andrea, I just realized it can’t be helped. I have Frank for a son!” Joe rattled off irritated as he moved to the door. “I’m beginning to believe that stress isn’t a repercussion of a situation. It’s a goddamn payback via Frank for something I did wrong early in my life!” He flung the door open.
“Joseph Slagel!” Andrea called out. “If you don’t modify how you allow things to get to you, you will be placing a coronary on your wish list this Christmas!”
“Good! It’ll be right under killing Frank! Better yet!” Joe stopped in his exit. “Give me the goddamn heart attack and spare me the shit I have to deal with!” On his final screaming word, Joe slammed the door.
Almost with a tone of offense, Andrea let out a breath and grabbed his chart. “Well.” With an arrogant sniff, she calmed herself and left the exam room.
^^^^
The wind had picked up some, but not enough to add a drop in temperature to the air. Ellen held back her bangs as she walked, using her hand to block out the sun. She could hear the children giggling, lots of children, as she walked to the field that Saturday afternoon. Almost everyone was there as it was something to do. Frank and his sports. Everyone always laughed at him running around, getting teams together. But yet everyone always showed up at the games. No matter how hot or cold, people showed up. A taste of the old life, Ellen supposed. Maybe that’s why she was there too.
The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series Page 132