The Crystal's Curse

by Vicky de Leo

  “Speak of the devil,” Nathan said. “And look he’s brought his faithful sidekick and the three stooges, Curly, Moe, and Larry, if I‘m not mistaken.”

  “Why don’t you run along home, Nathan? You don’t have to be a part of this. I‘ll make sure Joshua gets home after he learns some manners,” Frank sneered, locking eyes with Joshua.

  Nathan stopped short, but stood his ground.

  Frank stepped up to Joshua and poked his finger into his chest. “I told you to stay away from her.”

  Joshua raised both hands in front of him and with a smile said, “Hey, I don’t want any trouble. I realize you’ve had a hard day what with being beaten up by a girl and everything, but I have to tell you. I don’t think she likes you.” Without warning, he grabbed Frank’s hand, twisted his arm behind him, and kneed him in the rear shoving him into Clay. “Some people just don’t like being touched.”

  The three stooges, as Nathan had called them, rushed forward, surrounding them. One grabbed Joshua from behind. Joshua bent his knees and threw him over his head. The other two grabbed Joshua’s arms dragging him over into the shade to pin him with his back against a tree. The one Joshua had thrown, scrambled to his feet, and grabbed Nathan when he tried to help.

  With a smirk on his face, Clay walked casually up to where the thugs held Joshua. He drew back and punched him in the gut. Joshua doubled over. Then bracing his back against the tree, he reared up and kicked Clay in the groin. Clay doubled over and fell to the ground, moaning in pain, the smirk replaced by one of anguish.

  Meanwhile, Nathan bent over as if he was going to be sick. The man holding him, caught up in watching the fight, loosened his grip. Nathan reared up and smacked his elbow as hard as he could into his nose. One stooge down.

  Frank, hate distorting his features, apparently hadn’t noticed Nathan. Concentrating on Joshua, he stepped around Clay. With fury blazing in his eyes, he came forward and hit Joshua in the face, splitting his lip.

  Joshua tasted blood, but his eyes never left Frank’s face.

  Frank pulled his arm back for another punch.

  Nathan came up behind the two goons holding Joshua. Grabbing a tree branch off the ground, he swung and hit one in the back of the head. Two stooges down.

  With one arm now loose, Joshua swung around and punched the other in the throat. He went to his knees gasping for air. Third stooge down and out.

  With both arms loose, Joshua turned on Frank who’d backed up. Advancing quickly, Joshua put all his weight into the punch. Frank went down. Clay was still down and doubled over from the kick. Only Nathan and Joshua were standing, when a campus cop came bicycling up.

  “Is there a problem here?” The cop asked Nathan and Joshua.

  Joshua looked around and said calmly, “No problem sir, we were just practicing some tackles. I think we’re done now.” He and Nathan hurried to the car while Frank, Clay and the three stooges struggled to get up.

  Driving home, Nathan turned to Joshua and said, “You know I managed to go through grade school and high school without getting in to even one fight. I spend one day with you, and I’m already outnumbered and in a brawl.”

  Joshua laughed. “Your first fight, huh? You kicked ass, and no one even laid a hand on you.”

  “I have to admit it felt great.” Then they were both laughing.

  “Oh, don’t make me laugh, that hurts,” Joshua groaned. “I wasn’t as lucky as you.”

  “Yeah, well that‘s cause you‘re the one with the big mouth,” Nathan replied, which started another round of laughter.

  Nathan dropped Joshua off in front of his grandfather’s house. Joshua made sure he avoided Mrs. Stewart until he’d cleaned up and changed shirts. He looked in the mirror. His lip was split on the inside. The ache in his side told him he probably had a bruised rib. However, once the swelling went down, no one would be able to tell anything had happened. He felt sure Frank and his friends wouldn’t be telling anyone about this fight.

  Joshua went to the music room and sat down at the piano. Somehow, his fingers played the notes while his mind reviewed the fight. He hadn’t been in that many fights himself, and yet he’d felt confident that he would have no trouble defeating them, even though they were significantly outnumbered. Where had all this newfound strength and confidence come from? Joshua’s right hand strayed to his pocket, searching for the crystal. He fingered it while he wondered if Frank would dare to confront him again. Joshua was certain of only one thing, Frank or no Frank, he intended to go on seeing Sara.

  The next day at school Joshua made a point of meeting Nathan coming out of the class he shared with Sara. They all went to lunch.

  Unwrapping her sandwich, Sara said, “You know, I kind of feel sorry for Frank.”

  “Why,” they both asked.

  “Well, I saw him this morning. No, don’t worry, he didn’t come anywhere near me,” she said when they both visibly tensed. “But I noticed that he had a split lip and a black eye. I didn’t really mean to hit him that hard.”

  Nathan choked on his coke. Joshua stifled a chuckle with a cough. He turned away to reach over and slap Nathan on the back. When Joshua was more in control of his face, he turned back to Sara and said, “Seriously, you really should watch that temper.”

  She looked confused, but let it go.

  The three of them had lunch together for the next couple of days. After that, Nathan made sure he had other plans, leaving Joshua and Sara alone. Frank kept his distance, but Joshua and Nathan knew that it wasn’t over.

  Chapter Eight

  Sara and Joshua continued to lunch together. So far, most of their conversations had centered on their classes, schoolwork, and a critique of the teachers. When Sara asked Joshua where he grew up, he’d given her a brief description of his nomadic childhood. When he’d asked, she’d replied simply, Arizona, and then changed the subject. Joshua felt a growing need to know this fascinating, yet contradictory woman. He’d felt the softness of her touch, seen the ferocity of her temper. He’d watched her confidently debate a science theory with Nathan, and in the next instant recede into shyness when surrounded by people she didn’t know.

  One day at lunch, after exhausting the usual topics, he asked, “Most of the students here live in the dorms. I’m living with my grandfather because I transferred in at the last minute. You chose not to live in the dorm. Why?”

  Concentrating on picking apart the remains of her sandwich, she answered, “I guess you could say I’ve never been very social. I’m not into drinking or partying. I chose to major in Physics because I wanted to do research alone in a lab. I’m hoping that if my grades are good enough, I won’t need to network or build a political base to get a job. I needed a quiet place to study away from distractions.” She looked up at him. “Living with my grandmother is easy. There’s no pressure from her to make sure I have a balanced life, make friends and date, like there was at home. My grandmother’s a doctor; actually, she’s one of the foremost authorities on Neurology in the country, so she’s gone a lot. I like being alone.”

  “Why Harvard?”

  “I got a full scholarship. It’ll look good on my resume and I get to live with my grandmother.”

  “One of the reasons I wanted to go to college was so that I could have a social life. I’ve traveled with my parents my whole life. I’ve never really had a chance to make friends or date. You don’t date?” he asked.

  She bristled. Her eyes flashed. “I’ve been on dates.”

  Joshua smiled and reached for her hand.

  She looked down and watched as his thumb lightly rubbed her knuckles. “I just never found anyone I really cared about spending time with . . . until now,” she added in a small voice, blushing.

  “Until now? Does that mean you’d go out with me, if I asked?”

  She looked up, a challenge in her eyes. “Are you asking?”

  He stood up. Still holding her hand, he said very formally, “Miss Whiting, would you do me the honor of your company at
dinner this evening?”

  Blushing, she laughed. “Yes, now please sit down. You‘re embarrassing me”

  They walked close together on the way back to class. Joshua’s body seemed attuned to every move she made. He was acutely aware of her warmth, every breathe she took and the beat of her heart. Tentatively he reached out and took her hand.

  She looked up and smiled.

  “How about if I pick you up at seven?”

  “Great.” She tore out a piece of notebook paper and wrote down her address.

  At the door of her class, he looked directly into her eyes; brought the hand he had been holding up and brushed her knuckles with his lips. Her eyes widened and she held her breath. He released her hand and walked away.

  When Joshua had kissed her hand, she felt a tremor all the way up her arm. When she’d seen actors do that in old movies, she’d thought it looked stupid and silly. Looking into Joshua’s eyes as his lips caressed her skin had been electrifying.

  Rachel and Lisa, two of her classmates had stopped and watched the exchange. She had several classes with Rachel, a petite brunette. Sara liked her innate honesty and quick wit. They had become good friends. Lisa was a statuesque blond and, of course, a cheerleader. Since this was the only class Sara shared with Lisa, she didn’t know her well. Both girls looked at her with wide eyes when they saw Joshua kissing her hand.

  When Joshua was out of sight, Sara pulled herself together and went into class. She tried to sit as far away from the two girls as possible so that they couldn’t ask her questions. She wanted to savor the moment all by herself. She knew she couldn’t avoid Rachel indefinitely, but preferred to talk to her without Lisa, a born gossip.

  * * *

  Joshua was elated. His hand and lips still tingled. She said yes! Now he had to decide where to take her and how to pick her up since he didn’t have a car. After his last class, he rushed home and called his grandfather at work. Maggie put him through immediately.

  “Joshua, what a nice surprise. Is everything all right?”

  “Everything is great. I just made a date for tonight and I was wondering if I could borrow your car.”

  Joseph paused and then said, “A date, huh? Well I was saving this for a surprise, but I guess this is as good a time as any. I knew you would need transportation eventually, so I bought you a car. It’s an older car, but my mechanic said it’s in perfect running condition. It’s parked in the garage and Mrs. Stewart has the keys. Go out and take a look. Then call me back and let me know what you think.”

  A car! Joshua couldn’t believe it. This man was a saint. Why had his father ever left home? He rushed outside to the garage. Sitting there was a silver gray 2000 Porsche 911. It wasn’t just any car. It was the car of his dreams. Could this day get any better? He called his grandfather back, thanked him profusely, and told him how much he loved it.

  “I’m glad you like it. I’m sorry I won’t be home until late tonight, will you let Mrs. Stewart know I won‘t be home for dinner? Enjoy your evening.”

  When Joshua asked Mrs. Stewart for the keys, he mentioned that his grandfather would not be home for dinner. Then he went out and took HIS car for a spin. It ran beautifully. With the top down, he felt like James Bond. Okay Bond drove an Aston Martin and this was a Porsche, but no one could have felt more sophisticated or cool than Joshua did at that moment. He could not believe his luck, finding that crystal had been the best thing that ever happened to him. Just a week ago he had been miserable, stuck in the jungle with his parents. Now he had everything he had ever wished for, friends, a car, and a date with a beautiful woman. It seemed like a dream. He was tempted to pinch himself, but if this was a dream, then he definitely did not want to wake up.

  While enjoying the exhilaration of driving such a fabulous automobile, he had been thinking about where to take Sara to dinner. It amazed him how easy it was for him to be aware of so many things at once. Although he didn’t have much experience driving, he felt no anxiety. It was as if everything moved in slow motion around him. He was able to control the vehicle perfectly, even had time to anticipate what other drivers might do and still have time to think about Sara. It occurred to him that with Grandfather out, he could invite her to the house.

  He expertly parked the car in the garage, hopped out without opening the car door and waltzed into the kitchen whistling.

  Mrs. Stewart put away a dust cloth and turned to him. “Well you sound happy.”

  “I am. I have a date. It just occurred to me that the best way to impress her would be to let her taste your cooking. Would it be too much trouble if I brought her to dinner tonight?”

  Mrs. Stewart smiled. “I suppose I might be able to whip something up.”

  “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” This would be perfect Joshua thought. Mrs. Stewart’s cooking was better than any restaurant, and he would get to be alone with Sara. On his way up to his room, he stopped. What if instead of being impressed, Sara thought he was just too cheap to take her out. He decided to call her and ask. He fished out of his pocket the piece of paper on which she written her address and phone number. She answered on the first ring.

  “Hi Sara, this is Joshua.”

  “Not canceling our date, I hope.”

  “Not a chance. My grandfather is going to be out for the evening and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind having dinner here. Mrs. Stewart is a wonderful cook. Of course, if you would prefer, we can go out.”

  “I‘d love to have dinner there, on one condition.”

  “Yes?”

  “That you consent to play the piano for me after dinner.”

  “How did you know I played the piano?”

  “Nathan told me. He said he heard music one day when he picked you up and your housekeeper told him you were the one playing. He also said you were very good.”

  “He lied.”

  “You don’t play?”

  “No, I do play. I’m just not very good.”

  “Now you’re just being modest.”

  “Okay. You’re right. You come to dinner and I promise to provide the entertainment.”

  Joshua dressed casually in slacks and a polo shirt. Right at seven, he expertly parallel parked the Porsche outside her house, an older two-story brownstone typical of the Boston area.

  He ran up the steps, and rang the bell.

  She answered immediately. Dressed in black slacks and a long sleeved mint green sweater with a scooped neck, she looked casual and very sexy.

  “You look beautiful,” he said

  “Thank you. I’d invite you in to meet my grandmother, but she is still at the hospital. Is that yours?” She asked pointing to the Porsche.

  Joshua tried to nod modestly but broke out with a big grin.

  “You didn’t tell me you were rich,” she said reproachfully.

  “I’m not, but I guess my grandfather is. He just gave this to me today. Isn’t it beautiful? Are you ready?” When she nodded, he took her hand, led her down the steps to the car, and opened the passenger door.

  She climbed inside and looked around. “I am seriously impressed.”

  “That was the idea.” He said still grinning. He got in the driver’s side and started the engine. He drove slowly so the wind wouldn’t mess up her hair and because he was enjoying the ride. He pulled into the driveway and parked. He was delighted that she waited until he was able to come around and open the door for her.

  When they entered the dining room, Joshua could see that Mrs. Stewart had gone all out. The table was set with the good china on a crisp white tablecloth. Fresh flowers were floating in a silver bowl in the center of the table flanked by tall silver candlesticks. When Joshua pulled out a chair for Sara, Mrs. Stewart came out of the kitchen carrying two salad plates. He introduced Sara to her and then took a seat.

  Mrs. Stewart acknowledged her with a nod. She placed the plates down in front of them. “I hope you like Caesar salad and fish,” she said, immediately retreating into the kitchen before they could
answer.

  Joshua picked up a basket of fresh rolls and passed it to Sara. “You’ve got to try one of these. She makes the best bread in the world.”

  Sara took a roll, breaking it open to spread on butter. “You would know, being the world traveler.”

  Joshua took a roll and set the basket back down. He snorted, “I’ve spent more time eating off tin plates in the jungle than I have in fine restaurants. However, I can tell you that unless you like raw meat, never order beef in Paris.”

  “France, Italy, Greece, is there any place you haven’t been?”

  “Trust me. It’s not as exciting as it sounds.”

  They ate in silence for a few minutes. Mrs. Stewart brought in steaming plates of fish, saffron rice, and steamed broccoli.

  Sara told her, “Joshua was right, these rolls are delicious.”

  Taking away their salad plates, she nodded her thanks and left. Just as Joshua had predicted, the meal was excellent.

  Sara said, “Tell me about your parents.”

  “My greatest complaint is that we’ve moved around so much. My dad is very serious, talks about responsibility and accountability a lot. He’s meticulous on a dig. Everything has to be done by the book. Heaven help you, if you move something before it’s been photographed, measured, and cataloged. Mom is the artist. She’s funny but a little overprotective.”

  She leaned forward, the candlelight picking out copper strands in her hair. “What’s it like living in all those exciting places.”

  Joshua shrugged. “Except for the architecture, one metropolitan city is pretty much like every other. After a while all the museums and ruins become a blur.”

  “Oh, come on. You’ve walked through the tower of London, roamed the Forum in Rome. You can’t tell me that wasn’t exciting.”

  He laughed, “You’re right it was exciting, the first time. You have to understand, going any place historical with my father is like a school field trip. You don’t just look at the ruins, you get a detailed lecture on exactly what happened ‘in this very spot’ complete with dates, which he expects me to remember.”