by Stephen Levy
During that sweet moment, Ann discovered that this was their moment and could block Ann and Tricia from sharing her experience. It was an intuitive mental maneuver that the other two women hadn’t discovered yet. This additional new ability added to her excitement to the moment.
Banks’ passion grew as if he fed to her hunger and she in turn fed to his. In all the thoughts rushing out of his mind for the thrill of the moment, one remained. Is this love?
They paused for a moment as if they were two swimming mammals coming up for a breath of air. They realized that once they would breathe that they can sink to the depths and continue the perpetual motion of passion.
After an eternal kiss, they came up for air. They lay back on the bed with Banks embracing Ann against him and Ann holding Banks’ free hand. This geographical move was not to be construed as a maneuver to the ‘Tricia/Johnny’ step, but rather as comfortability with one another’s being.
As they lay silently on the bed, they each sighed. They stared at each other as perhaps Romeo and Juliet did during their first encounter of closeness.
“I would like you to be my date to our Junior High Prom,” said Ann, “it’s not until May and I hope this does not offend you, but my father insists that this is a gift from him.”
Banks smiled, “It sounds wonderful.” And at that instant, Julie’s thoughts are noted by Ann: “Wrap it up, upstairs. We’re going to need help getting things cleaned up. Ann’s parents are concerned.”
Downstairs, Julie explained to others, “It seems we can communicate telepathically. We call it ‘sending.’”
Peyton grills, “You can think to each other, mom?” Julie nods to all and answers yes to Peyton.
“Dassi added, “Remarkable.”
“Mom, the Great Spirit reads my mind too.” They all looked at Peyton, then the Abrams’ and Stan shift their eyes with a smile to Julie who smiles back.
The next four weeks’ events brought a slow distancing between Banks and Ann. After Ann and Banks finished cleaning up most of the Thanksgiving dinner, Banks wanted to share something special with her that he had not shared with anyone else. He wanted to take a Saturday drive to the wilderness where he did his camping with the tribe’s Shaman. This was not a secret with the tribe and he was free to include Ann is some of his earlier experiences. If nothing else, the area was breathtaking. Ann felt this was a part of sharing that she needed in life. She wanted to find out more about tribal culture and customs and Banks was willing to outline some interesting traditions that he promised he would explain while they were on their outing. They cemented the deal to meet Saturday morning at 9:00 am at his pickup truck. He promised lunch in the bargain as well. Ann exclaimed how she was really looking forward to this and wanted to know everything.
That Saturday morning, Banks waited in front of his pickup truck. He looked at his phone several times anticipating a text. After twenty minutes of agony, he walked over to the Abrams’ house. When Dassi greeted Banks at the door, she was surprised that Ann and Banks had a prearranged meeting since Ann went out to breakfast with Julie and Tricia and they were planning on going shopping after that.
Banks was puzzled. Ann was so gung ho about going out to these hallowed grounds. How could she forget? Banks brushed it off and wondered if he had made a mistake or didn’t hear something correctly.
He decided to see if Peyton would like to go instead. Peyton was in agreement and Stan was happy to let them go.
When Peyton and Banks returned, Ann was in the house quietly ‘sending’ with Julie and Tricia. The threesome in their silence seemed to Banks to resemble something out of Macbeth. Their laughs were almost synchronized and somewhat different then when Ann laughed before. Banks didn’t want to intrude, but he was so curious and hurt that some sort of explanation was required from Ann. He thought if she caught his eye, she would make a statement. The problem was, she was so engrossed with ‘sending,’ that she didn’t even look at Banks’ direction.
Banks broke their ‘sending’ with, “Good afternoon.” The threesome looked at him. There was a long pause. Then, Banks said, “I took Peyton to the spot I mentioned last Thursday.” Ann smiled, “Of course, I remember now. Sorry, but I wanted to be Tricia and Ms. Powers. Let’s shoot for next Saturday.” Before Banks could reply, the women began their ‘sending’ sealing out his existence.
Banks was hurt but rationalized that this new power of theirs appeared to be intoxicating and all other obligations were to take a lower rank in their hierarchy. When next Saturday came, Ann brushed past Banks with Tricia and Julie without saying a word. It was agreed upon earlier in the week that they meet “same time/same place.”
Once again, the following Saturday was his day off and Stan was to look after Peyton. He didn’t want to go to his apartment and deal with his Uncle right now. Banks simply went upstairs to his room and found solace in his books. The following Saturday brought optimism to Banks. It was Tricia’s sixteenth birthday.
Banks and Peyton were last to arrive. When he looked around the living room of guests, Johnny was conspicuously absent. All the girls invited were from Tricia’s A-crowd. There was very little talking and an extraordinary amount of laughter. Peyton simply said, “These girls are weird.”
Peyton and Banks were ignored by the bevy and they wandered into the kitchen where Dassi, Murray and Stan sat. They welcomed Banks and Peyton. Murray locked eyes with Banks and told him that he was not the only one ignored.
On the Saturday before Christmas, Banks decided that he must make some sort of amends with the Chief, Marilyn and the Shaman. He wanted to get some smart gifts for them and then go up to his apartment and collect a stash of vials from his refrigerator. Yes, he would spend a little time but he didn’t want to go into the accusation of abandoning his tribe…which was true.
Also during his early morning shopping he wanted to do something for all the members of both families. He would get a special gift for Ann. It would be a book and it would be about the mythology of the American Indian tribes. He thought this would interest her. At least he hoped so. He knew that the last night of Hanukah fell on Christmas Day and he wanted to make note of that in the card.
Two hours later, Banks drove up to Chief Dan’s apartment. With a trio of gifts in hand, he knocked on his uncle’s door. Carol Raintree let him in without saying anything. Marilyn White Owl was cooking fried bread and his Uncle sat at the kitchen table drinking tea.
“Hey, Marilyn. Good to see you,” greeted Banks.
Marilyn turned and locked eyes with him. There was a long pause and finally, she uttered, “Hi.” It appeared that what was going on Skyline Boulevard was also happening at the compound.
“Uncle, it’s good to see you,” humored Banks.
“Good to see you too,” Uncle said with a smile as Carol and Marilyn looked on.
Marilyn turned to Banks and stared for a moment. Finally, “Fried bread?”
“Absolutely, Marilyn. I guess you read my mind.” Neither Marilyn nor Carol found Banks’ comment remotely funny. The Chief offered a slight smile. Banks continued with his part time job on Skyline Boulevard without going into any depth. It was if he were cautious to say anything that might be overheard by the two women. It was also a possibility that he was uncomfortable with them around. But Marilyn continued with looking after the Chief and Carol continued with looking after Marilyn.
After numerous platitudes, the Chief grabbed a pen and wrote a note to Banks, which read, “Beware of the women!” Banks read it and then the Chief folded it up and placed in his pocket. Marilyn put some fried bread on the table. They ate peacefully. Marilyn opened the refrigerator and pulled out a large bottle of Coke. She downed all two liters.
Banks handed a gift to Carol saying this was for her brother Roger the Shaman. She handed a gift to Marilyn and the Chief. As he got up he hugged Marilyn and whispered, “I’m still a virgin.” Marilyn said nothing. He hugged his uncle and said goodbye to Carol. He ran up the stairs and removed the padlocks fr
om the door and then the refrigerator. He grabbed some vials that would last Peyton and him for a couple of months. He locked up and took off.
On the way home, he thought about how rotten things were at the compound. He thought about the note his uncle wrote. He wished he could have met with Roger the Shaman but he was not at the compound. Then he thought about Ann. He analyzed his feelings. He concluded that despite everything, he still cared for her. Well actually he probably felt more than just caring. He had read about unrequited love and wondered if this is what he was feeling for Ann. He thought about Gatsby’s love for Daisy. Friends were supposed to use one another. He wanted Ann to use him. He felt ignored, even unwanted. How could he put it back to that wonderful Thanksgiving Day?
Merry Christmas
On Christmas Day, Tricia drove her ten year old Honda onto her driveway. After her wonderful Thanksgiving Day with Johnny, she told her father that a used car was fine and she apologized for her stubborn snobbery. Stan simply replied, “That’s my little Sweet pea.”
As she got out of her car she noted her neighbor, Mrs. Bundy, was waving to her. Tricia paused for moment as if she were sending to Mrs. Bundy; then she ran across the street and they exchanged Christmas greetings verbally.
Inside the Powers’ house, Christmas music played, the smell of holly permeated and the tree hovered over mostly opened presents.
Peyton opened a gift as Banks sat next to him under the tree. Banks’ eyes were on Ann as she ‘sent’ with Julie at a nearby table. The distancing between Ann and Banks during the past month took a different toll on Banks. The toll went from frustration to anger. He wanted to lash out. But against whom? And wouldn’t the rest of the family deem that unprofessional? They might think that when Banks became frustrated with Peyton in privacy, he might get extremely angry with him. Maybe he would get violent. No, Banks would hide his anger. He simply transferred his anger to a smile. He questioned daily what he is doing wrong. Ann only seemed to want to spend time with Julie and Tricia. What Banks may not know was that Murray and Dassi felt that same distancing from Ann.
Banks made an attempt to reach Ann with, “Ann, you didn’t open your gift that I got you.” Ann continued attending to Julie ignoring Banks. And Banks practiced his new smile.
Peyton had felt the similar distancing from his mother and sister which had brought him closer to Banks and his father. Two alliances formed in the Powers’ household. Boys against girls. Peyton whispered to Banks, “They’re so weird.” Tricia walked in after her encounter with Mrs. Bundy and Julie and Ann turned their heads toward her.
Peyton tried to contact his sister after he heard her car drive up, “Merry Christmas, Tricia.” Banks tried too, “Merry Christmas, Tricia.”
Tricia glared at Banks, “Talk is so tedious.” Tricia sat with Ann and her mother as Stan walked down the stairs. He noticed immediately that this was a boys against the girls’ scenario. He felt uneasy in his own home. The only tradeoffs were that Julie was no longer drinking and depressed and the sex was fantastic. He thought that it was too good to be true. During his ‘afterglow,’ he attempted closeness and intimacy but this was quickly eschewed. As he neared the Christmas tree, he attempted to hide his discomfort as he rummaged through the unopened gifts. Three males felt varying degrees of intimidation and were doing their best to hide it.
Stan spoke, “Julie, don’t I warrant a gift?” The three women turned towards Stan. Julie assured, “It’s on its way.” Stan mumbled to Peyton and Banks, “Better be on its way.”
Stan turned on the news channel as Julie said, “Stan, you better join us. Sit down.” This was not a friendly gesture to join the group but rather an ominous command. He obeyed as if a judge were giving a sentence to a guilty prisoner and he was the prisoner.
Tricia began, “All three of us have missed our periods.” Stan stared at Julie.
Julie continued, “The girls are virgins of course.” There was a silence as Stan thought that Julie ‘sent’ orders to Ann and Tricia. He was right: In step, the teen girls left the Powers’ house for the Abrams’ house.
Julie shifted her head to Banks, “You guys go for a walk. Visit the neighbors. Come back in an hour. When you come back, go to Banks’ room and stay there until I call you. Leave your door closed.” Banks and Peyton grabbed their coats and walked out of the house without questioning the command.
Hand in hand, Banks and Peyton walked down Skyline Boulevard.
Peyton began, “I’m scared, Banks. Scared for many reasons.”
Banks commented, “Tell me, Peyton. Tell me everything.” Banks’ self-esteem was at a low point and he missed being helpful during winter break from his school for the blind. He must concentrate on helping Peyton. He wanted to feel worthy of his job and needed to be useful.
Peyton shared, “You see, Banks, my mind’s eye is going dark. I can still see with it but it has taken a scary turn. I enjoy visiting secret places with my mind’s eye but it is scaring me. I always feel as if I were falling. As if the light were becoming shadows. Am I making sense, Banks?”
Banks squeezed Peyton’s hand, “Yes, Peyton. Go on.”
“Ever since I started taking those eye drops, my mind’s eye vision has decreased.
Tricia was sweet for a while and now she’s silent. Mom is happier. I honestly believe she is doing well. She doesn’t drink. And she doesn’t cry. So that’s a good point, right Banks?”
“Yes, Peyton, that is a good thing. Let’s go over and say hello to Mr. and
Mrs. Kadet.”
Peyton offered, “The Kadet’s smell good. I think they eat lots of fruit. They smell like berries.” Banks was not thinking about the Kadet’s, but rather he thought about the eye drops. For the time being, he would comfort Peyton until he had a solution.
Banks confirmed, “I will think about the eye drops.” Banks was in a real bind. It was part of his bargain with Julie to make sure that Peyton took his daily doses. He wanted to find out from the Chief if the eye drops could have a negative effect on Peyton. However, if he went to the Chief he would have to admit that he violated a sacred pact with the Spirit Above. Banks had become accustomed to dilemmas and detested them since he thought when a decision was made, it could lead to additional conflicts. There was always a loser. If he decided to give up on Ann, it would definitely be Banks’ loss. So for now he would ‘sit on’ Peyton’s anguish but soon the time would come when he must act. Meanwhile, Mrs. Kadet offered Peyton and Banks a bowl of strawberries and cream. Peyton chuckled.
The Powers’ house was silent. The wife starred at her husband. “Stan, your gift is arriving any minute. Oh it’s here now.” There was a momentary pause. And then the doorbell chimed.
Stan followed Julie to the front door. After Julie opened the door, in walked a new and improved Evelyn Sands. Stan’s mouth dropped. He hoped that he would go to his grave keeping this indiscretion secret. But no as Julie said, “I know everything, Stan. We met in aerobics class. We hit it of like two pregnant sisters who had…so much in common.”
As each woman grabbed one of Stan’s wrists, they locked eyes with one another in a ‘sending’ state. Stan’s attempts to free himself were futile. The ladies dragged him to the staircase and Stan refused by sitting on a step. He was hyperventilating. His secret world was disclosed. Each world had a grip on his wrists. The women dragged him up the staircase as if he were just a piece of light furniture. Once at the top of the stairs, he felt so light headed that he was on the verge of a faint. Undaunted by his condition, the women dragged him to the master bedroom and shut the door.
Stan screamed, “Let me go, I can’t do this!” The women ignored his pleas and placed Stan on the bed. They tied Stan’s wrists and ankles to the bedposts with wire that Evelyn had in her purse. He lay on his back spread eagled.In order to prevent his passing out, Stan submitted to the scene. He just lay there and gave up the fight.
After the women undressed Stan, they passionately undressed each other. Evelyn and Julie locked eyes in
a ‘sending’ mode. Then they kissed one another with tongues entwined. Their eyes switched to Stan and each mounted the bed and then taking turns, they each mounted Stan.
As Stan was receiving his Christmas gift, Banks and Peyton returned. They came in quietly, and followed Julie’s instructions. They went to Banks’ room. Peyton was able to decipher the presence of an unknown woman and Banks kept quiet about the mysterious Mercedes in the driveway.
Later as Evelyn dressed, the women in unison wished Stan a Merry Christmas. Evelyn left with a parting glance to Stan followed by a parting wink. Julie released Stan from bondage. She stared coldly at Stan, “One more time!” This was not a question but rather a command.
Meanwhile, Peyton and Banks continued their card game in silence. Peyton as usual was first to whisper, “Why is that woman in my parents’ bedroom?”
“I just don’t know, Peyton. I just don’t know.
“Tricia and mom scare me, Banks. They hardly speak to me…it’s like I just don’t exist.”
Banks attempted to change the subject since he had no answers for Peyton. “Thanks for your great gift, Peyton. The shirt fits perfectly.”
Peyton questioned, “Do you like the color? Do you like yellow?” Banks told him how it is one of his favorite colors.
Peyton grilled, “Banks? What’s yellow?”
On the second floor of the Abrams’ house in Ann’s bedroom, Tricia and Ann were in full ‘send’ mode. Ann stood and took her right hand and circled her stomach with it. Ann gave out a whispered bellow. Tricia stood and followed the same hand movement and sounds that Ann had emitted. While doing so, the sounds were loud enough for The Monarch Raven to catch his attention. The Monarch Raven had seen this behavior several centuries before. Somehow, The Monarch Raven interpreted that the worst was yet to come. Of course, the raven was correct.