by David Kersey
CHAPTER SIXTEEN – Prelaunch lessons
“You seem to have found a real buddy, Van. What happened between you and Namanda?”
“We talked at length last evening while down in the valley. What an extraordinary young lady, Joshua. I can honestly say I have never met anyone quite like her.”
“Is she really autistic, or is it that she possesses the genius of a Nikola Tesla, for example?”
“I really don’t know for sure. She has some of the indicators of ASD, but nothing glaring. I’d guess she is high up in the Asperger’s scale. But she does have a major self-image issue, and that’s what we talked about. The bottom line is that she desperately wants to be accepted for who she is, especially among her peers, which is an emotion practically all autistic persons share. Another common trait is that she sometimes blurts out something that is completely out of context. Like when I joined her last night to read over the Food Safety law, she suddenly said she wanted you to take her to church in the morning.
Another thing; you had asked me my opinion about the ethics of trying to change her. My vote is; yes, you should. Number one because that is what she wants and her family is paying a heavy price to bring that about. Number two is that I believe she will be abused because of her gifts. Think about it. Would our own politicians want their minds read? They’d all be sent to jail.” Van said with a smirk. Where are the girls, by the way?”
“They are making a lap around the mountain. They will be back any minute now. I would have joined them but I wanted to wait for you. I haven’t given you enough one on one time, and you will be leaving within the hour.”
Joshua paused and looked away, eyes shut, as if distracted by some disturbing thought. “Van, about Namanda and the potential for abuse that you mention. Think about this. If everyone in the world had the power to read every single person’s mind, would there be more or fewer wars?”
“Oh my, that is a philosophical riddle that would require some thought. I suppose it wouldn’t be a good thing for marriages,” Van conjectured with a smile. “The wife really would know if the hubby thought she looked fat in that dress.”
“Think about it, Van. It would be a terrible curse. It would be the worst possible case of identity theft. People would withdraw from contact with one another and live in dismal, utter isolation. Think of the sociological implications. Even though we humans war with each other, isn’t occasional conflict better than not having any sense of community or sense of belonging? The consequence of isolation would completely refute John Donne’s premise…..every man would indeed become an island.
Van, I have lived on the edge of such a miserable existence. It is the reason I have chosen to live the way I do, and it is, I think, even more prevalent in Namanda’s life. People exclude her, and figuratively cast her out of their closed circle, once they discover the terror of having their privacy invaded by her. She is desperately searching for acceptance, to find companionship, to grasp a welcoming hand, and it is my prayer that I can help her find her dream. In song it is said that love hurts. No, it is rejection that hurts beyond measure.”
“She loves you, I hope you know, and she has a great deal of joy at the moment.”
“So, Van, have you noticed any effects from taking the NIL?” It was obvious to Van that Joshua’s abrupt change of subject matter meant the girls were close at hand.
“Yeah, I have. It’s the energy I feel, especially in the morning upon waking. It’s a youthful feeling.”
“That should continue. With continued use I think you’ll find an inner peace as well. How about any noticeable difference in mental clarity?”
“Maybe. That S510 law was extremely dry reading, but I made it through from start to finish without a hiccup. Namanda was scrolling through it so fast I had to keep up. Believe it or not, I think she has that whole law memorized.”
“You know if I take her to church there will be some awkwardness?”
“I’ve considered that. Are you going to do it?”
“Yes, for her sake, but I’ll talk with her after you leave. I don’t want her blurting out something during a sermon. But you and I both know all eyes will be on me. Here come the girls.”
Van stood as the girls entered the Arabica lounge. Joshua was more amused than surprised to see Namanda hug Van before the three sat. He also noticed a pink glow on Tracy’s cheeks, evidence that she also was feeling a boost of energy.
“Van has invited me to visit him in California whenever I want to go.” Namanda said with enthusiasm.
Van turned to face Joshua. “In case there is a need. But, really, I’d like it if all of you came to visit. Newport Beach is a beautiful place to visit, as is San Diego. I’ll pay your airfare if you want to take me up on it.”
“That may not be a bad idea, Van. If the need arises, as you mention.
Ladies, Van has to leave soon, so let’s do our dose of NIL while he is here. And Van, you should have a case of NIL waiting for you when you arrive home.”
“For which I am very grateful, Joshua. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Van held his cup in a toasting fashion. “To our health.”
“haHA!” Returned the other three in unison.
+ + + + +
“Hello, is this Adele Meadors?”
“Yes it is, each and every day. Who’s calling?”
“Please hang on, the Lieutenant Governor would like to speak with you.”
Adele swung her legs out of bed and checked the alarm clock on the nightstand. Eight a.m. On a Sunday?
“Adele, this is Patricia Reid. Hope I didn’t call too early.”
“Not at all. You don’t have to worry, you’ve got my vote. And what are you doing working on a Sunday?”
“Well, thank you for your vote, and it’s only Jill and I in here today, but politics is not why I am calling. I want to share something with you but you must be my confidante. OK?”
“You have my word.”
“Adele, I need the NIL for myself. You must not tell a soul, kiddo, but I’ve got what you have, only in a different place. Do you think the NIL can help me? Do you have some at your home; I could arrange to send a driver?”
“With all my heart I believe it can help you, Patricia. It won’t have detrimental side effects when used alongside any drug you are using, or are you taking a drug?”
“I’m taking Evacet. Adele, it’s my second time around. Obviously, I’m scared.”
“Why don’t I bring some up to Frankfort? I can be there in an hour, and I assume you’ll want to meet somewhere discrete. How does that sound?”
“There is a Starbucks at the Versailles Road exit of I-64. I will be in the parking lot without my driver. Call me when you arrive and I’ll come to your car. 9:15 ok with you?”
“I will be there.” Adele hung up and then gazed at the floor. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. Evacet is not for beginners, and ovarian cancer in recurrence is not a good thing. Then it dawned on her. “Why the hell are you still smoking, girl?” She lamented aloud.
+ + + + +
In India, it is considered pornographic for a man to embrace a woman in public. Therefore, it is illegal and punishable by law under section 294 of the Indian penal code. If caught, one could expect a jail time of up to three months, a fine, or both. Even holding hands in public is considered to be a taboo; a PDA as it’s called, which stands for a public display of affection. Lepers can walk the streets without fingers, toes, or pieces of their noses missing. Deformed beggars can roam the streets with missing body parts. Indians can sleep anywhere, defecate, urinate, or spit anywhere and everywhere. Indians can live in garbage dumps, children can walk nude on the city streets, but a couple in love and embracing in public is prohibited!
Apparently neither Tracy nor Namanda knew of that prohibition, or they defiantly disobeyed it, for they both embraced Van as he stood by his car.
“I like you Mr. Vance,” Namanda said sheepishly.
> “Not as much as I like you, Miss Mehra.” Van’s declaration caused Namanda to look away in an effort to hide the emotion welling up inside her.
After Joshua and Van had shaken hands and said their goodbyes, the three stood silently while watching the rental car disappear into the trees. Namanda whispered, “People always leave, don’t they?”
Joshua ignored her sad rumination. Instead…… “I hear you want me to take you to church.”
“Oh, would you? Please say yes. I want to see what it is like in your country.”
“I think we can handle that. But first I have to call Autry to see what time the Bowling Green people are to arrive.”
“You sure you want to do that?” Autry cautioned. “You know how you will be received.”
“I need to do it for Namanda’s sake. Your old truck will get me to Somerset and back, right?”
“She’ll get you to Minnesota and back if you pamper her. Why Somerset? Why not right here in Whitley City, where services are guaranteed to start at 11:00 sharp and end at 12:00 dull?”
“I figure Somerset because there is less chance for nosy people to follow me back to here. And it is a picturesque ride. So what time do you expect the nurse to arrive? What’s her name again?”
“Ralston, Irene Ralston. And she’s bringin’ two others, so she says. Shortly after noon. I’m supposin’ you want me to bring em up there to the barn?”
“That will be fine. We should be back from church by 12:30. I’ll see you then.”
“I hope you don’t mind, Joshua, but I need to stay here and work on my SOT presentation. I’m two days behind and I need to catch up,” Tracy said apologetically.
“I would like for you to go with us, but I understand. Make yourself at home. We won’t be gone very long.”
Tracy watched the old truck carrying Joshua and Namanda leave the grassy field. She waited five minutes, then dialed her cell phone.
“Rahul, its Tracy. I know where they are, but I won’t tell you that until I have confirmation of the deposit into my account.”