Russell then walks into the kitchen to grab a plastic Ziploc bag. He walks into his bedroom and begins to put things which belonged to the bank, inside of the bag. Once he’s completed that, he returns to the sofa in the living room. Jesse at this time has concluded washing the dishes, and returns to sit next to Russell. A couple minutes later, Russell takes out his phone, and his car keys. He turns his head towards Jesse to speak to him.
“I’m gonna go out for a run for a while You want to come with me? You don’t have to.”
Jesse while shakes his head while keeping his head towards watching the television set.
Russell smirks at him, and starts to head towards the door. He briefly stops himself before opening it to talk to Jesse, remembering something he forgot as he is leaving.
“Oh damn, right. Jess, If Kev pops up and wants his pot, just give it to him. Thanks.”
Jesse turns his head towards Russell, nodding at him in agreement. Russell then walks out of his apartment, and gets into his car putting his sunglasses on. He then starts to drive to towards Venice Beach, to do his customary jog. Russell enjoys jogging, as it gives him time to relax himself and exercise. When he reaches the jogging path at the beach, Russell takes out some ear buds, and plugs them into his phone. He then starts some music as he’s jogging on the beach path. This would be the perfect day to jog. The weather is simply exquisite. The breeze coming from the beach is also splendid. Russell continues his jog, and escapes into his own fantasy land for this particular time.
Back at Russell’s apartment, Jesse who is lounging on the sofa, and now watching “SpongeBob Squarepants”, hears a knock at the door. He goes to open the door and Kevin is standing in front of it. Kevin like Jesse is wearing a graphic tank top, he has on cargo shorts and is wearing flip flop sandals. Kevin also has a “7-Eleven” Slurpee in his hand.
“Hey man, what’s up? Don’t mean to bother you, but I left my you know what in the kitchen yesterday. Do you mind if you can go get it for me? Thanks.”
Jesse quickly goes to the kitchen and grabs Kevin’s property. He returns to the door and while smiling, hands the bag over to him. Kevin then waves the bag in the air.
“Since I’m here, do you want to smoke for a bit?”
With an unsure look on his face, Jesse shakes his head and refuses.
“Okay, well tell Russ I stopped by. See you Jesse.”
Kevin and Jesse immediately hug after this, and Kevin proceeds on about his business. Jesse returns to the sofa, and this time starts to relax. He extends his whole body on the couch, and makes himself very comfortable. Russell meanwhile is wrapping up his jog, and starts to head back towards his car. He gets into his vehicle, and drives straight back to his apartment. When reaching home as he’s walking inside, he removes his sunglasses and sees that Jesse is laying on the couch. Russell sets his keys down on the kitchen, with his back towards Jesse. With Jesse still focusing on the television, Russell begins to speak to him.
“Did Kev come and get his shit?”
Jesse silently nods his head, but Russell is not facing Jesse and was unable to see his nonverbal emote. Russell checks the top of the refrigerator anyways. After that, Russell joins Jesse on the sofa. He then talks to Jesse.
“Today is just going to be a slow day. I’m not going to do anything else.”
Jesse still focused on the television, nods his head to Russell.
Russell was indeed correct, the remainder of the day seemed uneventful really. As the afternoon continued they both remained in the living room, with the both of them taking a cigarette break on the balcony later in the afternoon. When evening approached, Russell directed himself towards the kitchen to make fettucine alfredo pasta for himself and Jesse for dinner. Jesse soon follows him into the kitchen, and watches in amusement as Russell prepares their dinner. He boils a pot of noodles and cuts up pieces of chicken, simmering them in another pan. Eventually Russell is finished cooking, and he and Jesse go in the living room to eat. As soon as they finish eating, Jesse goes into the kitchen to wash their dishes, and Russell starts to play “Call of Duty” on his PlayStation. After Jesse finishes the dishes, he goes through one of his boxes that contains his belongings, located in the corner of the living room, and takes out two fashion magazines. He then brings himself back over to the sofa, where Russell is continuing to play his video game. A few hours later, they both begin to feel sleepy. They decide to retire themselves to the bedroom. Russell changes into an undershirt and pajama pants. Jesse decides to wear a t shirt, and a pair of underwear briefs. They both get in bed, and quickly fall asleep.
The next morning, Russell wakes up and carefully gets out of bed to not wake Jesse. He immediately takes himself to the shower. After bathing, he returns to the bedroom and takes out one of his tailored suits. The one he picked out was a dark gray color. He picks out a red tie to complement the suit, and has on black polished shoes. Jesse continues to sleep as Russell quickly puts his outfit on. As he’s leaving his bedroom, he goes to kiss Jesse who’s still sleeping on the forehead. Russell then gets his briefcase and puts the Ziploc bag full of items which belong to bank, inside of his briefcase. Russell heads towards his car, and drives to the “Los Angeles Federal Credit Union”, business office. He looks outside and notices that today is a clear sunny day. He approaches the front desk, and talks to the receptionist.
“Good Morning, I’m Russell McCoy. I suspended myself from one of your banks, and I was one of the superiors at that bank. I’m returning all my classified items.”
The receptionist directs him towards the personnel office. Russell securely drops the items off, and signs certified papers, which prove that he returned the items. As he’s leaving the building, waiting outside the elevator he sees Yvette. In this moment, she begins to run toward his direction shouting his name.
“Russell! Not that I’m glad I caught you, but I guess I’m glad that I did catch you. This is really important. On Thursday, Peter and Jennifer’s funeral will take place. Peter’s family all chipped in to help bury Jennifer as well, and they are going to have the same memorial service.”
Russell puts his hand over his mouth, and he continues to listen to Yvette.
“They originally wanted to have the funerals private, but then they changed their mind, and the funerals are now open to the public. They are still being hush hush about it. I wrote down all the information here. Please tell Jesse about this. I have to go now.”
Yvette quickly hands Russell a piece of paper that has the address of the memorial, and the time it will take place at. She then vanishes from the current scene. Russell scans over the paper very quickly, then directs himself inside the elevator. He then heads over to his car heading home. When he reaches his residence, Jesse is in the kitchen preparing himself a bowl of cereal. Jesse has on a T-Shirt, and a pair of denim shorts. Russell sets his briefcase down on the kitchen counter and starts talking to him.
“While I was out, by chance I ran into Yvette. She told me that they are having a funeral service for Peter and Jennifer on Thursday. Peter’s family is paying for the service for Jennifer as well, so that’s nice. Here is where it will take place at.”
Russell hands Jesse the paper with the information on it. While Jesse is reading the paper, Russell starts to loosen his tie and takes his suit jacket off, and folds it on the back of the sofa in the living room. He then sits down on the sofa, turning the television on. Jesse quickly follows sitting beside him. Jesse gives the paper back to Russell, as he puts it in his pocket. Russell then puts his arm around the back of Jesse’s neck, and starts to softly speak to him.
“I don’t like funerals. I just don’t. I don’t like sad stuff like that. I never have.”
Russell starts to run his hand through Jesse’s hair, and pulls out his phone.
“I gotta call Kev, because I want him to come with me for moral support. I just don’t like funerals, and I want to go and honor Peter and Jennifer the right way.”
Russell calls up Kevin wh
o’s at his apartment fixing computer hardware for his clients. When he notices that Russell is calling his phone, he answers it.
“What’s up Russ? Is there something you need man?”
As he’s looking down toward the ground, Russell converses with Kevin on the phone.
“Uh no Kev, I’m alright. On Thursday I have to go to a funeral and you’re coming with me whether you want to or not. It’s going to be on Thursday morning. So yeah.”
Kevin who’s continuing his work, responds to Russell.
“Yeah Russ, I’ll be there, no problem. Hey, you don’t have to pick me up. I’ll be over there on Thursday. I’ll see you then. Alright, Ok man.”
Russell and Kevin disconnect the call. Following that, Russell gets himself up from the sofa, and starts to prance around the living room rubbing one hand behind his head.
“I’m trying to see where I put my Tanakh at. I want to give a eulogy to Peter and Jennifer in Hebrew, and I want to practice. You’ve never heard me speak Hebrew either, so you’re in for a treat. I know where my yarmulke is. It’s right here.”
Russell walks over to under the television set, pulling out a box. He then shows Jesse his yarmulke. It is a small black cap, with a blue and white cross stitched design. Jesse begins to feel the texture of the yarmulke. This is very important for him to wear, as it is custom as Russell is Jewish, that they wear one during a funeral service. Russell puts the box back under the television set, and starts to head in the bedroom towards the closet.
“If it’s not in here, I’m gonna be really mad. Because I think…ah here it is. Yes.”
Coming back into the living room, Russell presents Jesse a black book with Hebrew written on the outside of it. The book looks very old.
“This is my Tanakh, or my bible. This is my grandfathers, and I’ve had this since, wow, I want to say I’ve had this since I was five. It’s been that long. Damn.”
Jesse continues to be captivated by Russell’s culture, and Russell continues to talk.
“This is the verse I’m gonna use. Here I go, it’s been a while since I spoke Hebrew, but I’m going to try my best;”
.מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד: יְהוָה רֹעִי, לֹא אֶחְסָר
.בִּנְאוֹת דֶּשֶׁא, יַרְבִּיצֵנִי; עַל-מֵי מְנֻחוֹת יְנַהֲלֵנִי
.נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֹבֵב; יַנְחֵנִי בְמַעְגְּלֵי-צֶדֶק, לְמַעַן שְׁמוֹ
;גַּם כִּי-אֵלֵךְ בְּגֵיא צַלְמָוֶת, לֹא-אִירָא רָע-- כִּי-אַתָּה עִמָּדִי
.שִׁבְטְךָ וּמִשְׁעַנְתֶּךָ, הֵמָּה יְנַחֲמֻנִי
;תַּעֲרֹךְ לְפָנַי, שֻׁלְחָן-- נֶגֶד צֹרְרָי
.דִּשַּׁנְתָּ בַשֶּׁמֶן רֹאשִׁי, כּוֹסִי רְוָיָה
;אַךְ, טוֹב וָחֶסֶד יִרְדְּפוּנִי-- כָּל-יְמֵי חַיָּי
.וְשַׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית-יְהוָה, לְאֹרֶךְ יָמִים
Russell closes the book, and starts to cry. Jesse gets up from the sofa and hugs him.
“Russ, that was so beautiful, such a lovely language.”
While he’s still hugging Jesse, Russell responds to him.
“Yeah, that was the Psalm of Comfort. It’s a pretty verse. In addition to speaking Hebrew I can also speak Russian as well Jesse. It’s been a while since I spoke Russian as well too. I’m going see if I can say the same verse in Hebrew in Russian. Hold on.”
а надеющиеся на Господа обновятся в силе: поднимут крылья, как орлы, потекут – и не устанут, пойдут – и не утомятся.
Russell and Jesse continue to hug, with Jesse complimenting his different lexicons.
“Russell, that is so lovely. I never knew you spoke both of those languages.”
They separate from hugging each other, and Russell puts his Tanakh under the television set. He walks towards the kitchen to grab a beer from the refrigerator returning to the sofa after.
“Well, I only know some stuff. I guess I’m semi fluent. I kinda memorized all the religious shit. My Grandfather taught me how to speak Hebrew and Russian, and I just held onto the words I guess.”
Jesse nods his head and sits down on the sofa. Russell starts to drink his beer, and also takes a seat. He cuts the television off, and they both sit in complete silence. Jesse then rests his head on Russell’s shoulder and closes his eyes. While he’s drinking his beer, Russell continues.
“I’m tired Jess. Both physically and mentally. I’m a fucking wreck. Life is becoming so tough to deal with, and I miss Peter and I miss Jennifer as well. This is not right. I don’t understand, and I’m scared that I probably won’t ever understand why life is like this.”
Russell has been approached with the thought of death so many times. The deaths of his parents being most significant and prominent. Dealing with funerals was also one that caused him much grief and sorrow. Being remembered and reminded of the deceased, is depressing and seeing others congregate for such an upsetting occasion. Russell struggled to power himself into dealing with such events, and ultimately he would always feel drained in the process. Stuck into this mental trap of sadness, and trying to escape into peacefulness. Russell becomes too closed with himself, and from the emotional anguish he’s seen. Honestly, he’s far too scared to deal with these thoughts. As so, this is a weakness he must improve on.
Thursday, the day of the funeral approaches, and Russell and Jesse start to get ready. Russell picks out an all-black suit, with a black tie and black shoes. Russell also puts on his yarmulke. Jesse decides to wear a black vest, with long black slacks. As they are getting ready, someone knocks on the door. Russell proceeds towards the door, and its Kevin. Likewise, with Russell, Kevin is Jewish. He also wears a yarmulke. Also slightly identical to Russell’s, his is black with a white stitched design on the outside borders of the cap. Very identical with Russell as well, Kevin is wearing a black suit with a black tie. He walks into the living room and hugs Jesse, and proceeds to chat with Russell.
“Russ, how do I look? I look fine right? You look sharp man.”
Russell starts to investigate Kevin and looks all over his body.
“Kev, your collar is all crooked. Here, that’s a lot better. Wait hold on. Let me fix your tie as well, that’s looking off too. Alright, you look okay to me now. Oh hell, wait. Your fly is open. Let me fix that.”
Kevin starts to feel uncomfortable over Russell’s behavior.
“Russ, you didn’t have to do that, I could have done that myself.”
Kevin and Jesse then laugh at each other over the way Russell is behaving. Jesse decides takes a seat on the sofa and sits quietly. Immediately after this, Russell walks towards the television set to grab his Tanakh. While he’s doing so, Kevin starts to get bored. He decides to grab the remote control on top of the table in the living room, and turns the television set on. Kevin then proceeds to takes a seat on the sofa, and make himself comfortable. Russell as soon as he heard the sound of the television being turned on, looks at Kevin with an angry disappointed look. Kevin laughs and smiles at him, and Russell quickly snatches the remote from him, and turns the television off. Right after that, Russell walks back under the television set to get his Tanakh. He then starts speaking to Kevin in a very strict tone, looking for his Tanakh.
“Kev, I don’t want you acting up at this funeral okay? I’m going to get up to give a eulogy, and I don’t want to hear you laugh or do any type of outbursts. I’m having second thoughts on inviting you to be honest, but just promise me that you’ll behave. I don’t want any monkey business from you Kev. I want you to behave at this funeral.”
Kevin looks over at Jesse and begins to mock Russell while he’s talking. When Russell turns his head over to Kevin, Kevin quickly knocks it off, and responds to him.
�
�Wow Russ, is that really what you take me for? Yeah I’m an ignoramus, but you really take me for all of that Russ? I can’t believe you man. What kind of friend are you?”
Kevin then begins to laugh out loud hysterically, and Jesse mildly giggles with him. Russell finally gets his Tanakh, and walks over to the kitchen counter to grab his car keys.
“Kev, Jesse come on. We’re leaving now.”
The three men then proceed towards Russell’s car, on their way to the funeral. Russell still very anxious and feeling uneasy about attending. As they are walking to the car, Kevin tries to grab Russell’s Tanakh, and Russell swipes his hand away from him.
“Russ, I want to read your Tanakh man. I’m not completely orthodox like you. Wait a minute Russ, you’re not orthodox either, so why do you even have that?”
Russell unlocks the car doors and leers over at Kevin. Jesse watches the both of them bicker and is quietly keeping to himself over the current situation. Jesse gets into the back seat, and Russell runs over to the passenger side to berate Kevin.
“Kev get in the damn car; I don’t need you to act like a comedian right now. I don’t have time for your bullshit man. Get in the car and behave yourself please.”
Kevin smiles at Russell and takes a seat inside the car. Russell, Kevin and Jesse all put their sunglasses on, and Russell starts the car ignition. As he is pulling out of the parking structure of the apartment complex, Kevin turns on the car stereo, but Russell quickly mutes it. He’s not in the mood to hear music right now, and would rather have a quiet car ride. Russell while driving notices that the weather is awfully ugly today. For Los Angeles, which is noted for their sunny warm weather, is not the case this time around. The sky is a very hazy and gray tone. The gloomy overcast clouds that surround the atmosphere, give off a very off vibe and theme, not one to bring joy. Russell continues to drive to the funeral, but for a second turns his head towards the passenger seat. He notices Kevin using his saliva and fingers to clean his tie, and without Kevin noticing, Russell winces to himself. Jesse remains in the rear seat quiet and obedient. Russell continues to approach the memorial service. It will be held outside, despite the terrible weather conditions for the day. They continue towards the funeral for several more minutes. Kevin starts to fidget to himself, and then takes out his phone, to pull up a funny YouTube video. He then reaches behind the rear seat, showing the video to Jesse. Jesse looks at Kevin’s phone, but doesn’t give a reaction, and remains quiet. Russell while he is driving, then snatches Kevin’s phone from his hand and confiscates it by putting his phone in his pocket. Kevin then immediately snaps at Russell.
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Page 19