The Thursday Night Club

by Steven Manchester

  They all agreed with solemn nods.

  “Can you imagine how much good he would have done in this world had he lived a full life?” Ava suggested.

  They each quietly pondered this for a few minutes. Suddenly, Izzy became excited. “What if, in Jesse’s memory, we have another contest…” she said, thinking aloud, “…only this time, whoever pulls off the greatest or kindest deed, wins the pot?”

  Each of them considered this for a brief moment and smiled.

  Grinning, Ava grabbed the empty jar and dropped the first quarter into it. The others reached into their pockets and did the same. Randy came up empty and turned to Kevin. “I need to borrow a quarter, bro,” he said quietly.

  Kevin handed it to him and Randy dropped in the last coin.

  “The rules?” Kevin asked.

  “It must be anonymous,” Izzy said, “just like Jesse would have wanted. Only the four of us…” She stopped to think briefly before continuing, “…and Professor McKee can know about what we’ve done.”

  They each smiled in agreement.

  “And we have until midnight on Christmas—” Randy said.

  “—in memory of Jesse’s favorite holiday,” Ava interrupted.

  “Perfect,” Izzy muttered.

  Again, they each agreed.

  “The kind act cannot cost money,” Ava added.

  “Our own money, you mean?” Kevin interrupted. “We should be allowed to get others to donate, right?”

  Ava nodded. They each followed suit.

  “Okay then,” Izzy said, “let’s go honor Jesse.”

  “…and win a whole dollar,” Randy joked.

  “…and maybe four lives worth living,” Ava concluded.

  The following day, the four friends met Professor McKee on the quad and let her in on their plan.

  With a proud smile, she nodded. “I honestly can’t think of a better way to honor the memory of a friend,” she said. “And if you ask me, Jesse’s still giving, isn’t he?”

  Each set of eyes filled with tears.

  5

  Although the four friends expected to begin their inspired quests with a bang, the chaos of daily college life consumed them. Potluck dinners of English muffin pizzas and Ramen noodles were devoured while cramming for exams and running off to part-time jobs on campus to offset expenses. Even still, there were some good deeds performed.

  Ava started writing letters, recruiting people to prepare Christmas cards to soldiers overseas, while Randy opted to sit back and not rush into anything. Izzy began volunteering at the local elementary school, reading to children—where she learned about the high rate of illiteracy and the severe lack of books in the community.

  As the winds picked up, leaves of fire engine red and pumpkin orange lost their luster and floated to the ground, creating a temporary rainbow blanket—before decomposing and becoming one with the earth again. Kevin got a jump on winter by passing out hand warmers and socks to the homeless. Those who panhandled on the corner wearing gold jewelry, though, received nothing.

  As the weather grew colder and the four co-eds settled into their busy routines, the need to lend a helping hand in Jesse’s name became a priority.

  Oak and maple skeletons—stripped completely bare of their colorful clothing—lined the desolate street. It was just getting dark when Kevin turned up his collar against a sudden chill and took a seat beside one of his homeless friends.

  “Here you go, Gus,” Kevin said, handing the grinning man a clean pair of socks and a blanket.

  “Thank you,” Gus replied, his tone humble.

  “My pleasure,” Kevin said, “but I could also use your help.”

  “Name it,” Gus said.

  “I think I’ve finally met the one,” Kevin said, “but she’s confusing the hell out of me. Every time I think I know how to act, I’m wrong. Every time I think I’ve reacted correctly, I’m wrong. I mean…just the other night I noticed she had a tone that made her sound unsure of me. I wouldn’t ask if it didn’t mean so much to me.”

  “Ahhh,” Gus sighed and as he searched his memory, his tired eyes sparkled. “Women can be a rough trip, but there’s no better ride on earth.”

  Kevin matched the man’s sigh in agreement.

  Gus thought about it for an extended moment and shook his head. “Women are creatures of the heart, Kevin. They don’t want to be understood…just loved.” He grinned. “But what a wasted life, my boy, to never know their ways.”

  “I hear that,” Kevin whispered and searched his friend’s face. “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with this subject?”

  Gus’s eyes flickered again. “I didn’t always live on the streets, Kevin,” he said. “There was a time…”

  “Good for you,” Kevin whispered.

  Gus nodded and, although he clearly gave the matter some serious thought, he was at a loss for words. “Kevin, as we sit here, it’s become clear to me that I know as much about women as any other guy.” He shrugged. “Which is very little.” He put his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “So it looks like the rest becomes your research project. Trust me, son, if this girl is the one, your assignment will last a lifetime.”

  “Thanks, Gus.”

  He squeezed Kevin’s shoulder. “Hey, when and if you do find some answers, let me know. I’ve always been just as curious.” He winked.

  Kevin laughed. As he stood, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a gift card to a local fast food restaurant. “Dinner’s on me, my friend,” he said before walking off into the shadows of the night.

  ~~~

  In the morning, Izzy sat in the local hospital’s waiting room, filling in the last few details on a donor’s application. After checking it over, she submitted it. Within minutes, her mouth was swabbed and she was added to the Be The Match Registry for bone marrow donors.

  “If you match a patient,” Rhonda, the smiling nurse, explained, “we’ll contact you to see if you’re still willing to donate. If you agree to proceed, we’ll ask you about your health to be sure it’s safe for you to donate bone marrow. Then we’ll schedule more testing to see if you’re the best match for the patient. Throughout this process, you’re likely to be one of several people being tested. The chance of being selected is about one in twelve.”

  “Sounds easy enough,” Izzy said.

  Rhonda nodded. “You may be contacted at different stages of the patient’s matching process. When you’re ranked high on a list as a possible match for a patient, a doctor may request additional testing to help narrow the list of potential donors.” She smiled.

  “I understand,” Izzy said.

  “At that point,” Rhonda added, “we’ll answer all of your questions…which everyone has. It can sometimes take up to two months for the patient’s doctor to get the testing results and select a donor. The patient’s condition also affects the timing. And we’d keep you posted on the doctor’s decision.” Rhonda placed Izzy’s sample into a kit.

  “Great!” Izzy said.

  “Any questions?”

  Izzy pointed to the swab kit. “Is that it for today?” she asked.

  Rhonda nodded. “If we need more, we’ll be in touch.” She smiled and rolled her eyes for effect. “Trust me.”

  With a final nod, Izzy left.

  ~~~

  Four blocks over at the Rolling Hills Retirement Home, Ava was interviewing for a volunteer’s position with Mrs. Deborah Sullivan, the retirement home’s director. “I’d like to volunteer some time at your home and help,” Ava told the woman.

  “Well, we can never have too much of that,” Mrs. Sullivan said with a smile.

  “Where could you use me the most?” Ava asked. “Washing dishes? Running errands?”

  “Actually, spending time with our residents is what we most need.”

  “Spending time?” Ava repeated. “Doing what?”

  Mrs. Sullivan looked into her eyes. “Talking, watching TV, playing cards…” she shrugged, “…hopefully laughing.”

&n
bsp; “And that would make the most difference?” Ava asked.

  “Oh, more than you could ever imagine, Ava,” Mrs. Sullivan explained. “Many of these people have been forgotten, cast aside by more important priorities in their families’ lives. Many are near the end of their lives and…well, they’re alone. I can’t imagine anything sadder than that.”

  “Me either,” Ava said.

  “Yes, it’s terrible. Our society has forgotten the value in their wisdom and everything they’ve done to make our lives better than what they lived.”

  “Then count me in,” Ava said excitedly. “I’d love to spend some of my time with them.”

  “You won’t regret it. I promise,” the older woman said. “And don’t be surprised if you end up getting more out of it than you put in.”

  “I’m not looking for anything in return,” Ava said.

  “I realize that, but it’s inevitable. You’ll see.” She smiled. “So can you come back later in the week to meet our cast of characters?”

  “Absolutely,” Ava said, “I can be here on Friday at three o’clock, right after my last class.”

  ~~~

  On a sidewalk near the college, Kevin was tacking up flyers that read, Riding for Higher Education.

  “What’s that all about?” some passerby asked.

  Kevin revealed a pledge sheet. “I’m soliciting donations for a fundraiser I’m running. I’m gonna ride from Boston to the tip of Cape Cod to raise enough money to start a scholarship.”

  “Wish I’d thought of that when I went to college,” the stranger joked.

  Kevin chuckled. “Actually, it’s not for me. I’m graduating this year. No, the money will be going to some high school kid who would never have a shot at college otherwise.”

  “That’s awesome,” the passerby said. Waving off the pledge sheet, he dug into his pocket, pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to Kevin. “Well, here’s my donation. Good luck.”

  As Kevin watched the man walk away, he smiled. Not a bad start, he thought and finished nailing up his flyer.

  ~~~

  Randy sat alone in the cafeteria, holding a thick Italian sub and gazing out the window. I wonder whether Kevin, Ava and Izzy have already gotten started, he thought. He shrugged to himself and took a bite of his overstuffed sandwich. Ahh, it doesn’t matter. I’ve got time, he thought. Plenty of time. He tore another chunk out of his sandwich and returned his attention to the window—where he could stare off into nothingness.

  ~~~

  The four friends gathered for their weekly get-together on the front porch.

  It was a quiet night with some small talk. Finally, Izzy asked what they were all wondering. “Well, is anyone going to update the group on their progress?”

  Each one of them shook his or her head.

  Ava laughed. “Are you, Iz?” she asked.

  Izzy grinned. “Heck, no!”

  Kevin looked at Randy. “You probably haven’t even started yet, right?” he teased.

  “Sure, I have,” Randy said, “I’ve made up my mind to make a positive difference.” He smirked.

  “Okay, but have you made any effort to—”

  “—to chase something down?” Randy interrupted. “No! I have a strong sense that my good deeds will pick me…and I’ll know them exactly when I see them.”

  “In other words,” Ava said, “you’re lazy.”

  They all laughed and began playing cards.

  6

  On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Sullivan caught Ava in the Rolling Hills Retirement Home courtyard. “How’s it going?” she asked.

  “Great!” Ava said, smiling. “I love it.”

  Mrs. Sullivan nodded. “Wonderful!” She then pointed to an old lady sitting alone. “Have you spent any time with our elder stateswoman, Mrs. LeComte, yet?”

  Ava shook her head.

  “When you get a chance, check in on her,” Mrs. Sullivan suggested. “She can’t remember to take her medication and couldn’t tell you what she had for breakfast, but just ask her anything about her life…” she grinned, “…and see what happens.”

  Ava smiled. “I will.”

  Mrs. Sullivan winked at her. “Just make sure you have some time to spend with her before you ask, because she can talk.”

  Moments later, Ava walked over to check in on Mrs. LeComte and introduce herself. The ancient woman was sitting in a wheelchair—wrapped in a thick blanket—in a quiet corner of the yard. As Ava approached her, she extended her hand. “Hello, Mrs. LeComte. I’m Ava. Is it okay if I sit with you for a bit?”

  Mrs. LeComte smiled and gestured with her hand that Ava take a seat on the bench beside her. “Oh, that would be lovely, sweetheart,” she said in a soft, raspy voice. She looked up at the sky. “The good Lord’s seen fit to give us another beautiful day, hasn’t he?”

  Ava nodded. “He sure has.”

  They sat quietly for a few moments; Mrs. LeComte seemingly at ease with the company, Ava feeling awkward with the extended silence.

  “So I’m told that you’ve lived quite a life?” Ava said, fighting against the silence.

  Mrs. LeComte grinned. “Almost two of them by now,” she joked.

  Ava smiled and, without thinking, shuffled down the bench to get even closer to the pleasant woman.

  “I was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on the twelfth of May.” She squinted, peering into Ava’s attentive eyes. “And Fall River was the place to be when the textile industry was in its heyday.”

  “Fall River?” Ava repeated, smirking. “Isn’t that where Lizzie Borden took an axe—”

  “—and gave her father forty whacks,” the old woman added, finishing the rhyme. “When she saw what she had done, she gave her mother forty one.”

  Ava laughed. “So do you think the axe was hers?”

  Mrs. LeComte half-shrugged. “Could have been,” she said and then grinned. “Women worked just as hard as men in those days.”

  Ava laughed harder.

  Mrs. LeComte smiled, her old eyes filled with mischief. “You know, I’ve lived long enough to meet five generations of my family and I have forty grandchildren,” she said.

  “Wow, that’s amazing!”

  The old woman nodded, proudly. “I was thirty years old when I got married, which was an old spinster in those days. We met at the North End Laundry which was right on the banks of the Taunton River.” Her eyes grew distant in memory and she chuckled. “In the winter, I had to strap on my skates and commute to work across the river.” She nodded. “We had five children—four boys and one girl. Then, my Robert passed on from a bad ticker, leaving me to raise all five kids during the Great Depression.” She looked into Ava’s eyes again and smirked playfully. “Not very considerate of him, if you ask me.”

  “That must have been a lot of work?” Ava said, ignoring the witty comment.

  “We worked hard back then and we went to church every Sunday,” Mrs. LeComte continued. “It was a simpler time, I think. That is, until the hurricane of 1938 wiped out the old laundry. From then on, I traveled the trolleys and took on whatever odd jobs I could find.”

  Ava was hypnotized by the elder’s vivid tales.

  “When World War II hit, two of my boys joined the Coast Guard, while the other two chose the Army Air Corps. For years, I had four stars hanging in my front window, one for each of ‘em.” She shook her head. “While they were off fighting, though I didn’t have much I volunteered my time.” She patted Ava’s knee. “Just like you.” She stared off for a moment, trying to picture something in her mind. “Sometimes, I even made up food baskets for the needy.”

  Ava’s eyes lit up as she considered the new idea.

  “Thankfully, all my boys made it back,” the old woman reported. “It wasn’t long after that I got involved in the American Legion and wouldn’t you know it, I became the first woman president of the local AMVETS.”

  “Wow!” Ava said again.

  “Through the years,” she continued with distant eye
s, “life went on and I got a second chance at love.” She nodded. “Yup, I married William Benoit and after three happy years, a heart attack took him too. I’ve sometimes wondered whether I killed them both.” She winked at Ava again. “I must have been too much to handle back then.”

  Ava laughed hard—from her belly. It’s the first time I’ve laughed since Jesse died, she realized.

  “Right after Bill died, I bought my first car, a used Hudson Terraplane. And if I wasn’t out driving, then I was sitting in the backyard, watching the steamboats paddle down river. I always loved that.”

  “You really have lived an amazing life, Mrs. LeComte,” Ava sighed.

  The old lady nodded. “I’ve seen more American presidents than I care to count, come and go…all this country’s wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement, which was nothing compared to the day-to-day troubles that we had to overcome.” She searched Ava’s eyes. “If life is a test of endurance, then I think I’ve passed the test.” She paused and then whispered, “But it’s not, you know.”

  “Not what?” Ava asked.

  “A test of endurance. Nope, life is just a never-ending series of choices.” She nodded. “So make sure you choose to be happy every chance you get, okay?”

  “I will,” Ava promised and then sat for a few more moments in silence. This time, it felt comfortable. As she got up to leave, she told the wise old soul, “It was wonderful meeting you, Mrs. LeComte.”

  “You too, dear.”

  “Be sure to take your pills, okay?” Ava reminded her.

  “What day is it?” Mrs. LeComte asked, confused.

  “It’s Tuesday.”

  “And I need to take my pills on Tuesday?”

  “You do,” Ava said with a smile. “You need to take them every day, Mrs. LeComte.”