“How does Denise feel about Adam?”
“I don’t care how she feels. Adam’s my friend—more like a brother. How can you say these things?”
“You’re right. I must have some ulterior motive. What might that be?”
Zack hesitated. He looked up at Ella, and then said, “Jealousy?”
Ella stood. She faced Zack. “You know what you can do with that thought, don’t you? Go ahead…ignore me. Ignore Denise. I don’t give a damn.”
Ella stood from the bench, turned, and walked away, never looking back.
Chapter Forty-Eight
For days after Zack’s argument with Ella, he remained upset. He tried to explain his feelings to Adam.
“You can’t live your life for others, Zack.”
“But these are people that I trust. People who love me.”
“Sure, they’ll love you to death. Thank God I don’t have that problem.”
Zack told Adam about Lenny’s finding about Jorge and the ETA. “That stuff really freaked them out…frankly, it concerns me, too.”
The FBI has been targeting Jorge from day one of his arrival in the USA. Once the FBI makes up its mind, they just won’t let it go. It's discriminatory and political. Jorge doesn’t have a chance against the FBI. He’s suffered enough. Why must he take more shit from the FBI?”
Zack stared at Adam. “You trust Jorge?”
“Do you think I’d be working with him if I didn’t?”
“If you trust him, that’s good enough for me.”
When Denise hung up the phone, she turned to Zack. “That was Ella’s mother.”
“What did she want?”
“C’mon, Zack. You know.”
“Suddenly I’m responsible for everything. I’m getting sick of it.”
“Ella’s been really upset. Don’t you care?”
“Of course I care, but why can’t I make decisions for myself? Everyone wants to stick their two cents in.”
“Your father talked with me. You and I have reached a new point in our relationship, and, frankly I’m not so happy about it.” Denise paused. “I’m not one of those mothers who won’t let go. I’ve always encouraged your independence and trusted your judgment, but I’ll be damned if I’ll ignore thoughtless or destructive behavior.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You were prepared to cut me out of your life,” Denise said, her eyes filling. “Thank God that your father knew better.”
“If you want me to live by your rules forever, it will never happen. It's my life and my decisions, for better or worse.”
“All I want, Zack is honesty. That’s not too much to ask, is it? Moreover, I’ve earned it.”
“You, Dad, and Ella want to tell me what to do. How to live my life. Who should be my friends.”
Denise shook her head. “Listen to yourself. Where is this all coming from? It's certainly not from those who want nothing but the best for you.”
As Zack studied the floor, he spoke softly, “I can never thank you and Dad enough for everything you’ve done for me, but it's my life and I need to make decisions for myself.”
“We don’t want thanks…”
Zack raised his hand to stop Denise. “Let me lay it out for you, Mother. I love the Denisovan School. I love working with Jorge and Zeru. Adam’s my friend. I won’t do anything to compromise these relationships. They’re vitally important to me. If you, Dad, or Ella push too hard, I don’t think you’ll like the consequences.”
Denise raised her hand to her mouth in shock, then stood and left the room.
When Gabe got home after work, Denise came up to him. “We’ve gotta talk.”
They came into the kitchen, and while Denise poured two glasses of wine, she repeated the conversation with Zack.
“He issued an ultimatum?” Gabe asked.
“Essentially.”
“We’re in unfamiliar territory, sweetheart. Maybe we’ve been spoiled all these years with Zack?”
“I knew that this day would come,” Denise said, “but I never thought that we’d be paying such a high price for Zack’s independence. At the very least, I thought we’d always be loving friends and confidants. Now,” she said with tears running down her cheeks, “we’ve lost him.”
“You’re overstating the situation. Zack couldn’t have changed this much so quickly. We’re going to need to be patient.”
“It's all our fault,” Denise said. “We allowed him to get involved with that school and with Jorge Moneo. I can never forgive myself.”
“I don’t buy that for a moment,” Gabe said. “We did the right things for the right reasons, but now we need to be especially careful that we don’t make things even worse.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
Jorge Moneo had just finished the last in his lecture series on the Basque conflict with Spain when a student raised his hand.
“How is this going to end, Professor?”
“I wish I knew,” Jorge said. “The Basques are a proud people, and for all the reasons we discussed, they deserve their independence.”
“Do you still have ties to the ETA?” another student asked.
“The ETA,” Jorge said, “remains to this day on the list of active terrorist organizations. Contact with them, especially in the face of NSA and FBI surveillance, is asking for trouble.” He paused. “To answer your question, my contact is with friends who just happen to be members of the ETA. Those contacts are strictly personal, not political.”
“Why don’t we take a break,” Jorge said, “and then I have special treats for you: Gateau Basque (cake) and Tejas (almond cookies). Let’s reassemble in twenty minutes.”
As the class was leaving, Jorge signaled for Adam, and indicated that he bring Zack along to the front of the classroom.
“What did you think of my lecture, Zack?”
“Frankly, sir, it surprises me that you can deliver this material so dispassionately, especially with your history.”
Jorge glared at Adam who stepped back and looked away.
“I’m sorry, sir,” Adam said. “Virtually everyone in class, but Zack was familiar with your tragic history. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
Jorge moved to sit atop the desk and forced a thin smile. “I’m getting too sensitive in my old age.” He turned to Zack. “How could I be indifferent considering that they murdered my family?” He paused and took a deep breath. “I have an obligation to my students not to let my personal tragedy affect my teaching.”
“You’re kidding,” Zack said.
“You’re having a problem, Zack?”
“I just don’t see how you can do that…if something were to happen to my family, I’d…”
Adam shook his head. “I’m with Zack, sir. I’d make them pay if it was the last thing I did.”
“Both of you are young and idealistic, but remember our debate on the justification for terrorism, that retaliation and revenge have their downsides. The Basque people have suffered dearly from the ETA’s excesses. Moreover, recall that one of the main justifications for violent protest is the likelihood of success. At this point, that’s out of our reach.”
“So we do nothing?” Zack asked.
“You do nothing,” Jorge said. “I have my own plans.”
“What plans?” Adam asked.
“I’m sorry, but neither of you can be involved. The potential to screw up your lives is too great.”
“But, what if we want to be involved,” Zack asked.
“Sorry,” Jorge said.
Zack thought the party had been fantastic. The food, especially the cakes and cookies were delicious. “I must ask my mother if she knows how to bake these.”
“Denise is Basque?” Adam asked.
“Duh!” Zack said. “How did you think I got involved here?”
“I thought it was Summit.”
“It was, but there’s more…”
“What?”
“My grandparents were
killed in Basque country.”
“By Spain?”
“Denise is not sure how it happened. She thinks that they were innocent bystanders caught in a crossfire.”
“God!” Adam said, “You may have more at stake than any of us.”
Gradually, the students began milling around Adam and Zack. One student listening in said, “We should be able to do something. Jorge has been like a father to us.”
“Like what?” asked another student.
“I don’t know,” Adam said, “and, I’m not sure we should. Maybe we should discuss it with Jorge?”
Adam scanned the group. “Zack and I will talk with him.”
After their next class, Adam and Zack went to Jorge’s office.
Jorge looked up from his desk. “What is it now?”
“Whether you want it or not,” Adam said, “the class is determined to help you sir, in any way possible.”
“Is this your doing, Adam? Zack?”
They remained silent.
“Their best wishes is all I want; subject closed.”
“You’re not going to brush us off so easily,” Adam said.
Jorge scowled at them. “I said that the subject was closed.”
“But,” Zack said.
“No buts,” Jorge said. He paused for a long moment, and then said, “I may have something for the two of you, and only you. Do you understand?”
“Anything,” Zack said, his eyes filling.
“Can I trust you both?” Jorge asked.
Both boys nodded.
“This isn’t a game anymore,” Jorge said. “Not a word to anyone.”
Chapter Fifty
Ella was walking home when Zack pulled up on his bicycle blocking her path. She looked at him for a moment and tried to walk on.
“C’mon, Ella,” Zack said, “we’re friends…we’ll always be friends.”
“I don’t think so. Friends don’t treat friends this way.”
“You exaggerate,” he said.
“Fine,” she said, “now get out of my way.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?”
“You really don’t get it, do you?”
“What I do get is that you’re still my friend…that you want to put this behind us as much as I do.”
Ella stepped around Zack’s bike and sat on the bench. Her eyes filled as she looked up at him. “Friendship comes with obligations, Zack. That may be a pain in the ass for you, but I care about you enough to…”
“To what?”
“To not take your shit! To not hold my tongue when I see you doing something destructive. I’m a package deal, for good or bad. Take me as I am, or leave me alone.”
“I can’t do that, Ella. I care about you too much.”
“Then show it; to me, to Denise and Gabe. We love you…why don’t you get that?”
“I get it…”
“But,” Ella said.
“Why is the Denisovan School and Dr. Moneo such a problem for you and my parents? I don’t get it.”
“I don’t know if it’s the school, Moneo, or Adam, but you’ve changed—and it’s not for the better.”
“I’m the same old me—trust me.”
“I don’t think so. You’re angry, secretive, and inconsiderate.” She paused. “The Zack I know and love was the kindest most considerate person that I’ve ever known…he’s gone. I hate it. I hate what’s happened to you. Get it?”
“It’s like you’re talking about someone else, Ella. I know how I feel inside. Why can’t you see that?”
Ella reached into her purse, pulled out a Kleenex, and wiped her eyes. “So all of my observations…all of your parents’ observations are out of line?”
Zack sat down beside her. He covered his face with his hands, and lowered his head. “I really can’t stand this. I don’t want to lose you…please, don’t let that happen.”
“Then don’t shut us out…don’t shut me out.”
“Okay…okay, but please be patient.” He paused. “Come with me to school this Saturday…see what it’s all about, what I’m all about.”
“You’d do that?”
“For you, I’d do much more.”
Ella stood and hugged Zack. “Deal.”
After Zack’s next class, he walked up to Professor Alonso. “I’m bringing my girlfriend, Ella to class this Saturday.”
Alonso frowned. “I’m afraid that’s a problem, Zack. We don’t let outsiders into our classes.”
“Why?” Zack asked.
“School policy. Talk with Jorge.”
“I will.”
Zack walked to Jorge’s office. The door was closed, but after a moment, Zeru came out.
When she saw Zack, she smiled broadly and gave him a strong hug. “I’m always happy to see you, Zack. You’re a bright light in my life.”
“Aspaldiko,” Zack said.
“Right,” she grinned. “it’s been a really long time since we’ve been together,” she said facetiously.
“Dantzatu nahi al duzu nirekin?” Zack asked.
Zeru laughed. “Right. Next time we have a party, I will dance with you.” She paused. “I love the way you fit Basque phrases into ordinary conversation.”
“Gotta do what I gotta do.”
Zeru was still laughing as she walked away.
“Come in,” Jorge said. “What can I do for you, Zack?”
Zack took a seat before Jorge’s desk. “We have a problem, sir.”
“Go ahead.”
“I told Professor Alonso that I was bringing my girlfriend, Ella to class Saturday.”
“That is a problem,” Jorge responded.
“So I’m told.”
“In so many ways, the school is a microcosm of the Basque world. It has its own hard-won intimacy, and we don’t want outsiders to disturb it.”
“That’s a big problem for me, sir.”
Jorge leaned back and crossed his legs. “How so?”
“Both Ella and my parents have been concerned about me…really about the school and how it’s affecting me. If they could see how things work here, it would go a long way to solving that problem.”
“What concerns your parents, Zack?”
“I’m only guessing, but they’re chaffing against my increasing independence. We all knew it was coming, but they’re having a hard time adjusting to it.”
“Be that as it may, Zack. Policy is policy.”
Zack stared at Jorge for a moment, and then closed his eyes remaining silent.
After almost a minute, Jorge said, “Zack, are you all right?”
Zack stood. “Yes, sir, I’m fine, but this policy is a deal breaker for me. I appreciate all that you’ve done, but I won’t be returning. I’m sorry that our relationship has to end this way.”
Jorge paled and he stuttered mildly as he spoke. “Why don’t you wait outside for a moment. I have a call to make.”
Zack waited, and after five minutes, Jorge opened the door with a smile. “You’re special to us, Zack. We can’t let you go. Ella may come this Saturday, and your parents are welcome any time if they just call in advance.”
Zack sighed. “Thank you, sir. I think this will help my little problem.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Denise opened her front door to Jacob and Lola and hugged them both in turn. “Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.”
Jacob shuffled to the couch and slumped down. He looked up and smiled. “I thought this time we’d be meeting at Chez Panisse?”
“You’re right,” Gabe said, “we owe you, but we needed a place where we could really talk in private. We’ll get you there, yet.”
“If I live so long,” Jacob said.
“Don’t listen to him,” Lola said, “he’s a grump.”
“How about coffee?” Gabe asked.
Jacob checked his watch. “Two p.m.—early enough that it won’t compromise the little sleep I get.”
Denise, Jacob, and Lola chatted while G
abe made the coffee. After they settled in with their drinks, Lola said, “It’s about Zack, right?”
“How did you know?” Denise asked.
“Everything’s about Zack,” Jacob said. He paused. “Don’t take that as a criticism. You guys are about the best parents any child could wish for.”
Denise told them about the changes in Zack that accompanied his participation in the Denisovan School. “He’s Zack, but a new and different Zack—one we’re concerned about.”
“He hasn’t murdered anyone yet, has he?” Lola asked.
Denise’s eyes filled.
“I’m sorry,” Lola said. “I’m too insensitive at times.”
“No,” Denise said, “it’s not you. It’s me. I feel that I’m losing him—no, I am losing him.”
“What do you think, Gabe?” Jacob asked.
“I think we’ve been spoiled too long. Besides Zack’s gifts, he’s been the kind of caring and sensitive child anyone could want. I’m worried, too, but in the back of my mind, I keep asking the question: shouldn’t we have anticipated Zack’s need for independence, and should we be fighting it?”
“I need to know more,” Lola said.
“Maybe you should meet with Zack?” Gabe asked.
“Not now,” Lola said. “Perhaps later.”
Denise went on to describe Zack’s behavior. “He talks about the school, Jorge, and the students as a long lost family.” She paused. “Can you imagine how that makes me feel? He describes the school as a place where, for the first time, he’s totally comfortable…not an oddball out. Moreover, he’s defensive when we make the simplest inquiry.”
Jacob looked at Lola. “It’s at least part of a pattern we’ve seen before. Loneliness, warm attentions from a group, a strong leader, defensiveness, and alienation from the family.”
“Not quite a cult, but getting close,” Lola said.
“Now you’re really scaring me,” Denise said.
“I see cult-like aspects in all human relations,” Lola said, “but with Zack, I need convincing.”
Denise hesitated and then stared at Lola. “He threatened us—gave us an ultimatum. I couldn’t believe it.”
Hybrid (Brier Hospital Series Book 7) Page 17