The Color of Cold and Ice

by J. Schlenker

“It is. You’re right, but we are not naming the baby Elphaba.”

  Chapter 24

  Mark, John and Allison

  * * *

  JOHN MIRRORED THE video of the first week of The Iceman’s online course onto the big screen in the living room. They looked at each other.

  “A half hour,” Mark said. “This shouldn’t be too bad.”

  John nodded. “Yeah, not too bad.”

  They both settled on the yoga mats supplied by Allison.

  “Does she have these in every color?” Mark asked.

  “What do you think?” John gave a ‘duh’ look.

  “Yeah, well, I don’t even know why I asked.”

  Allison, dressed in sweats, came barreling down the stairs into the room. “The children are in bed. Are we ready to do this?”

  “I thought you didn’t want to?” John said.

  “I’m not. I’m just a casual observer and maybe a coach.”

  “We don’t need a coach. We have one on the screen,” said Mark.

  “Okay, then, I’ll just watch,” Allison replied with a smirk.

  She watched as they sucked air in and blew it out and as they hit their timers on their phones.

  She laughed as they labored with their twists and admonished that they needed to work on their form. “Why does she always state the obvious?” Mark said, looking over at John as if Allison weren’t in the room.

  “Allison, why don’t you show us?” John said.

  “I would, but it’s that time of the month. I’m feeling cramps coming on.”

  “Yeah, that one always got me out of gym,” Mark said, and John laughed.

  “Guys, do you notice how he doesn’t have his knees bent?” she said.

  “Allison, if you’re not going to be helpful, you’re going to have to leave the room,” John said.

  “Okay, no more wise cracks.” She got down on the floor with them when they did the yoga exercises or just exercises as the charismatic Dutchman referred to them. Mark gave a worried look towards John at the audible pop coming from his lower back. John gasped out the words “not to worry, it’s normal,” on one of his out breaths.

  Allison did the yoga poses, or exercises as the man called them, effortlessly while both Mark and John groaned along with their breaths at every twist and turn. At the mention of a cold shower, she left them to their own devices, saying she much preferred a bubble bath and then said, “Okay, you are on your own. I think I’ll throw in some lavender. My reward to myself for all of that hard work.” She bounded up the stairs showing off her dexterity.

  “Don’t get discouraged. She takes yoga classes off and on. Plus, she’s used to chasing Molly and Little John around.” John said.

  “I knew she would be a show off. I lived with her long before you,” Mark said while massaging his lower back, “Actually, that wasn’t so bad. Simpler than I thought it would be. Not what I expected.”

  “What did you think it was going to be?” John asked.

  “I’m not sure. Maybe I thought we would strip down to shorts and run bare-chested and barefoot through the snow.”

  “Or maybe strip to your underwear with a guitar and cowboy hat and stand in the middle of Time’s Square?”

  “Not my style at all,” Mark laughed. “Besides, he wears boots, you know, probably with battery heated socks.”

  “I’ve been reading up on the scientific aspects of how the cold and yogic breathing practices might relate to good health. I want to see it in action for myself. He talks a lot about focus. When it comes to getting well, belief is a big part of it. I’ve seen both sides of it.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you have.”

  “You know, I recommended this to a patient.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t recommend her signing up for the course or anything. Just that she get out in nature. Possibly take a yoga class. It was a few days ago. I thought I might call her on Monday and check up on her. But, honestly, I seriously doubt if she did anything about it. More than likely, she sought out another doctor after I got off the phone with her. And more than likely, the doctor wrote her a new prescription. She’s already on too much stuff as it is, as are most of my patients.”

  “That’s a shame, man.”

  “Not just mine, mind you. I think the whole city is on too many prescriptions. Well, the whole country for that matter. And most of them are guzzling pills down with booze. She came in because her husband wanted a divorce.”

  “But you’re not that kind of doctor.”

  “She goes to a whole string of doctors. The others were probably too booked up. She was desperate to unload on the first doctor who would listen. It got me to thinking. Every spare moment I had in the office, I read up on the benefits of cold, yoga and meditation. One thing led to another. I discovered the term earthing. During my lunch break, I even went out to the park, took off my shoes. I noticed something. I’m not sure what. But, I felt better afterward. Did you know Benjamin Franklin slept with his windows open?”

  “No.”

  “Yeah, and he lived to a ripe old age. You’ve got to consider the times back then. No plumbing. None of our modern conveniences. Seems like so much of what we have now is killing us. I think about Molly and Little John. Kids never go out to play anymore. That’s one reason I have to do this myself. If I’m going to recommend it, I need to experience it myself. I want living proof, something other than what’s written on a paper, even a scientific one. That’s also why I was thinking you should go, Mark.”

  “You mean go to Poland?”

  “Yes, take one of his workshops.”

  “Me? Sure, I want to go, but I thought you needed to prove it for yourself?”

  “I can take the online course. Then, I’ll go from there. But right now, you’re free. Maybe you could check on it after Allison and I get back from New Orleans?”

  “John, you’re forgetting. I’m in no position financially to take one of his workshops, let alone afford plane tickets.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I talked to your mom and dad. They’re willing to spring for it.”

  “Wow, you talked them into this? I always thought you were their favorite son.” Mark laughed.

  “I hope you don’t mind. I convinced them it would be a good investment and told them I might write a paper on it. I needed a guinea pig. Who knows, maybe you could be an instructor.”

  “Wow, I don’t know what to say, John.”

  “That’s kind of what sold them. The instructor part, possibly working in conjunction with me.”

  “I see it was the possibility of an actual job or even better, a career, but more so working in association with their favorite son. And don’t get me wrong. I’m just kidding about the favorite son part. Honestly, I really don’t mind.”

  “Just say you’ll do it.”

  “I will. I want to.”

  “Remember, Mark, commitment. Now, I’m off to take that cold shower.”

  “But we haven’t got to that part yet.”

  “Okay, I’m jumping ahead.”

  “I thought there was no peeking.”

  “Well, I read ahead. You can report me when you’re at the workshop,” John said with a grin.

  “Well then, I’m off to the kid’s bathroom to take one, too.”

  Chapter 25

  Peg Jenkins and Gloria

  * * *

  “NO COCKTAIL?” GLORIA gave her friend a surprised look.

  “No, not today, Gloria.”

  “Peg, that’s so unlike you.”

  “Well, I’m on to something new, darling.”

  “Do tell,” Gloria said with a sly look of suspicion. “You’re not seeing someone already, are you? Would serve that old goat of a husband of yours right. Whatever it is, it’s agreeing with you. You look marvelous. Have you had some Botox?”

&n
bsp; “No, Gloria, I’m not seeing anyone, and no Botox.”

  “Have you been thinking about that plastic surgery? Maybe just a little around your eyes, and possibly your neck.”

  “Gloria, don’t you think that’s a bit drastic? I’m only forty, and besides, you just said I look great.”

  “Well, no reason to get nippy.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I’m forty-two.” Then it went back to the original level. “Maintenance, darling, maintenance.”

  Forty-two, my behind, Peg thought. “I just don’t see any reason for it yet. And besides, remember all of those problems you had with that tummy tuck last year.”

  “Oh, darling, don’t remind me. Finding a qualified doctor after that was almost as hard as that awful infection I endured.” Her voice dwindled to a whisper again when she mentioned infection.

  “I hope this new guy you have knows what he’s doing.”

  “Oh, darling, he comes highly recommended. In fact, Pricilla Stevens was the one who said I should check him out. She raves about him.”

  “Pricilla? Isn’t she still in her thirties?”

  “Exactly, dear. Forty-five. The man does good work.” Peg knew forty-five was an exaggeration. Where did this woman get her information? She didn’t challenge the issue. No point in challenging Gloria. No doubt the conversation at this luncheon would get twisted, and not to her favor.

  She mustered a smile. “Well, I hope he works out for you.”

  “So, what is this new thing for you? Yoga? Pilates? Zumba?”

  “No, none of the above. Well, possibly yoga. Dr. Gray suggested I try something radical.”

  “Dr. Gray? As in Fifty Shades of Gray?”

  “No, and I think that’s spelled with an ‘e.’”

  “Semantics, darling, semantics.”

  “Radical sounds provocative. Is there something new on the scene I don’t know about?”

  “Maybe radical was the wrong word. He suggested a change in scenery.”

  “I couldn’t imagine why. We have everything here in New York,” she said and turned to face the waiter who had appeared. “Oh, I’ll have the Cobb salad with the dressing on the side. And could you bring me another martini?”

  “And for you, Ma’am?”

  “I’ll have the sprout salad, and perhaps some herbal tea.”

  “Peg, are you sure you won’t have a martini?”

  “Yes, quite sure.”

  “I just don’t know what has come over you.”

  “What’s come over me is that I’m forty, and my husband has left me for a younger woman.”

  “That’s all, thanks,” Gloria motioned the waiter away. The waiter walked briskly from the table. “Don’t you just hate that?”

  “Yes, I do hate that, that my husband is leaving me for another woman.”

  “No, I mean being called Ma’am.”

  “Gloria, sometimes I think you have your priorities all wrong.” The statement had escaped her lips before she thought about it. No matter, Gloria would invent her own version of their meeting, which would not put her in the best light, since she was openly dismissing Gloria’s advice.

  “There is no need to get nippy with me. I’m not Harold. I’m not the one leaving you. I’m on your side.” Gloria unfolded her napkin with a huff and placed it on her lap. Her pout quickly turned to a consolatory smile. “Do forgive me, Peg. I know you’re going through a rough time. So, tell me, what do you plan on doing?”

  “Well, for the last two days I walked in the park.”

  “Why? You don’t have a dog.”

  “No, just for the fresh air. Dr. Gray recommended it.”

  “He recommended fresh air, a walk in the park? How much are you paying this quack?”

  “It did me a world of good. The first day, I stayed in the park for an hour. On the second day, I was there half the day. I tried to walk the entire circumference of the park.”

  “Darling, what were you thinking? Doesn’t it go down into Harlem?”

  “Yes, and it’s quite natural down there. I thought I was truly out in the woods. I even took off my shoes and walked barefoot. He recommended that, too, something called earthing.”

  “Barefoot. Peg, now I know you’re loony. It’s cold out, hon. What were you thinking? And think of all the germs on the ground. I’m surprised you’re not in bed with a vaporizer going.”

  “It actually felt good. I’ve been doing these breathing exercises, too. I just started, but they are doing wonders. And he recommended cold showers. They don’t feel so great going in, but coming out, I feel so energized.”

  “What about cupping, dear?”

  “Cupping?” Peg asked.

  “Yeah, all the stars are doing it. Jennifer Anniston, Gwyneth Paltrow. I even thought about it myself.”

  “I’ll look into it.” That statement seemed to appease Gloria for the time being.

  The waiter placed their salads on the table along with the new martini and herbal tea. Peg dunked the tea bag, wondering how Gloria would skew her confessions to Pricilla and her other so-called friends. She would no doubt be on the phone right away. More than likely, she had texted them with an update during her lengthy departure to the lady’s room. It didn’t matter. After all of the drama of the divorce, when Gloria could squeeze no more gossipy tidbits she could use, she would be cast aside. That is what always happened in their circles. God forbid, Gloria should find out that she was actually from Iowa. Dr. Gray was right. He wasn’t a quack. She was sitting across from the quack.

  Peg sipped her tea and savored each bite of her salad while thinking she longed to be back out in the park.

  “Dessert, ladies?” The waiter had returned.

  “No, none for me,” Gloria replied.

  “You know, I think I’ll have some tiramisu to go, if you don’t mind.” The thought of sitting at the table with Gloria for another moment was sinking her back into the depression that had lifted somewhat over the last couple of days.

  The waiter nodded. “Very good, Madam,” he said departing in a sprint.

  “Peg, you are full of surprises. Not worried about your figure these days? I would think, well considering.”

  “Considering what, Gloria? How many calories do you think those martinis have in them?”

  Gloria looked stunned at her reprisal and changed the subject. “Well, have to run. I’m late for an appointment. Here, darling, this is on me.” She laid down her credit card. Did she detect a hint of pity in Gloria’s expression? No matter, probably the last time she would see Gloria or any of her plasticized friends.

  After the waiter returned with her card, and before walking away, she said, “Peg, it’s been a delight. Call me.”

  Peg thought, like that is going to happen. Instead, she said, “Thanks for lunch, Gloria.” Peg watched as Gloria walked at a hurried pace out of the restaurant, no doubt to tell her friends what she had learned, putting her own spin on it. Who said gossip happened only in small towns?

  The waiter returned with the boxed tiramisu. “You know, I think I’ve changed my mind. I’ll have that here, if you don’t mind, along with some more tea,” she said.

  “Very good, Madam.” Once again, he walked away in a hurry with the boxed tiramisu to retrieve a plate and silverware.

  Peg thought, yes, very good, indeed. Maybe she would give her parents a call after the park. She hadn’t talked to them in a month. It was time she told them what was going on. Better yet, maybe she should visit them. They were getting old but were still healthy. The Iowa air would be good for her.

  Chapter 26

  John and Allison

  * * *

  “HAVE YOU SEEN this, honey?”

  “Seen what?” He put his book down on the nightstand and snuggled closer to her to get a look at her laptop.

  “I’m reading about this man who lived in the nineteenth century. He was German and a Bavarian priest. His name was Sebastian Kneipp. Your grandmother’s maiden name was Knipp, and her ancestry was German. Do
you think the spelling was changed?”

  “A lot of spellings got changed. So, why is it so interesting?”

  “Look.”

  John took the laptop from her. His eyes were fixed intently on the screen, scanning it.

  “I thought you would be interested,” she said with a smile.

  “How did you find this?”

  “Someone posted it on your Iceman group.”

  “Looks like he incorporated everything into his healing methods, water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance,” John said.

  “What you’ve been working on, right?”

  “Right,” he said.

  “Did you see the part about color therapy?”

  “I’m reading it, sweetheart.”

  “I could be helpful with that.”

  “Oh, you could?” he said in a teasing voice.

  “Yes, don’t you think so?”

  “Allison, I think you could do anything you set your mind to.”

  “Well, I was thinking. I could make your office more pleasing.”

  “Are we talking lots of money?”

  “No, not at all. We could just add the right splashes of color here and there, colors that would put the patients at ease. Did you read the part about plants?”

  “Getting to it.”

  “Well, some fresh flowers in your office wouldn’t be bad, and a few herbs that give off just the right amount of fragrance. I bet blood pressures would be a lot lower.”

  He laughed. “You think that, do you?”

  “I do.”

  “I think you should go for it,” he said smiling.

  “Really?”

  “Really, but we are sticking to a budget. We won’t get carried away. Keep it subtle. Understand.”

  “You don’t want everything subtle, do you?” she asked while removing her robe.

  “No, not everything.” He reached to turn off the light. “Should I leave it on?” He winked, while moving his hand up her inner thigh.

  Chapter 27

  Dr. Gray and Doris