Unknown Man

Tall and lanky, he grinned as he strode past me, raising a two-finger mini salute. I found his smile dazzling and infectious. I couldn’t help but answer in kind.

He was back again the next weekend, smiling that wide-mouth grin. Definitely a contagious kind of one. Charm emanated from him. I wondered if that grin had gotten him out of childhood trouble, or did it annoy his teachers?

This man appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties. He walked with a military stride even as he pushed a cart filled with animal feed, smiling and saluting again as he left the store.

To my way of thinking, his grin and bearing seemed at odds. A scene of him saluting a drill sergeant flashed into my mind. He was trying to control his enormous grin, but failing.

The sergeant yelled, “Wipe that silly grin off your face. You look like a village idiot. Drop and give me twenty.” He glanced at the other squad members. “Don’t stand there smirking. Drop and give me twenty.”

Back in the barracks, he apologized. One comrade scoffed. “You forking moron. Always getting us in trouble. Can’t you do something to dim that megawatt grin of yours?”

His grin widened. “Sorry guys. Can’t help doing what comes naturally.”

The beefiest private approached and punched him in the gut. Laughing, he said, “Sorry. Had to do what comes naturally.”

Hooks

Flom turned to the team. “Everyone please welcome our Genetic Engineering Nucleus Investigator. Her work is the best in the galaxy. We are fortunate to have her aboard.”

Geni waited for their polite greetings to end. “Thank you, Commander. I have reviewed the available core samples. I asked Gabriel to run his time-line simulator. Unfortunately, none of these will achieve the desired result.”

Flom glared at the participants until they were quiet, then he asked, “What? Why?”

“We must go back further in time than you originally anticipated.” Geni paused. “Sir, you are, and will remain, Fleet Lead Operations Manager, but I must take control of this situation.” She stared at him until he nodded. “Thank you.”

She stood and paced. “Gabriel and his simulator must accompany me down to the planet. It would be best to have another two with us. Whom do you suggest?”

He looked at the assembly. “Any volunteers?”

Ariel nodded. “I’m willing to assist.”

Michael said, “I’ve been down there before and willing to do it again.” He pressed a button on the control panel. A typography screen appeared. He pointed out an area. “The natives call this mountain Wachusett. The English settlements are viewable from this location. I suggest this be our base of operations.”

Geni sat down. “I am exhausted and need to recharge my energy. Let the four of us meet tomorrow at oh say 600 in my cabin.”

***

Jane tied her long blonde hair into a ponytail then added a second rubber band at the end. She whacked off the tail and draped it over logs in the fireplace. Entering the kitchen, she dyed her cropped hair black and towel dried it. She put the empty container and towel into her tote. Slipping on tennies, she led Oliver outside and leashed him in the backyard. Jane removed the shoes and placed those on the doormat. She added chocolate-chip granola bars and her oversized water bottle to her tote. She put on new moccasins and picked up the tote. The cardboard box was broken up and added to the logs before she lit a match, started a fire, then pulled a throw rug closer. She picked up her keys and shut the front door. Checking her watch, she realized Jim could be here shortly and hurriedly walked away.

***

Susan used a pillow to muffle her sobs. As a dutiful daughter, she didn’t want her parents to hear. Lord, you know I will do as Father asks. I just can’t help being appalled. Why did he choose such an older man for my husband? Why not a younger one?

Mother looked exhausted when she came upstairs to wake Susan the next morning. “I’ve started on your bridal gown. Your father will ask the reverend today to read the banns this Sunday. We’ve only three weeks to get you ready.”

“Thank you. How may I help?”

She looked at me as I rose from the bed. “What you’re wearing is almost threadbare, so you need to cut out and sew a new nightgown, kirtle, plus two smocks. Your father gave me enough money to purchase the necessary fabrics.” She sighed. “He didn’t want your clothing to be an embarrassment. He’s happy that he made such a fine match for you.”

Driving Lesson

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in late April when Mom said, “Diane, we’re going for a drive.”

My dad was working the 3 to 11 shift today, so I asked, “Should I go get the others? I think they’re over at the Lara’s.”

“No. It’ll be just us.”

I followed her out to her 1963 white Comet. She had purchased this used car last year, shortly after she finally got her driver’s license at age 40. My older brother and I jokingly called it the “Flintstonemobile” because the floorboard on the passenger side was rusted through.

Mom drove to a small mall about two miles away, then turned into the back parking lot. It was empty because all the stores were closed on Sundays. She shut off the motor and turned to me. “Time for you to learn how to drive.” She opened her door and walked around to my side. “Get over.”

This surprised me because I’d been told I couldn’t drive until I could get my own policy. As I slid across the bench seat, I said, “I can’t afford insurance now.”

“You turned 18 last week, so it’s time. I’ve already talked to your father.”

She pointed to the floor. “The lever to the left is the clutch. Brake is the middle one. Gas is the right. I want you to always brake with your right foot. Many people use their left and don’t realize they’re riding the brake, so their taillights are always on. Put your left foot on the clutch now and press it all the way down. As you slowly ease up on the clutch, gently press on the gas pedal with your right foot.”

I tried to do as she instructed.

“No, that’s too much gas. Try again.”

When we were going about 20 mph, she said, “Time to shift gears. Fully engage the clutch, then move the gear shift to 2nd gear.”

The Comet groaned in response.

“You released the clutch too soon, that’s why it was grinding. Take it up to 30, then shift it into 3rd.”

I managed to do this without it bellyaching at me. We spent over an hour driving, stopping, parking, and changing gears. I was shocked when she said, “Drive home.”

When I stopped at a red light on Ridge Road, she said, “On a hill, you must give it a bit more gas as you release the clutch.”

I tried, but the car rolled back and nudged the vehicle behind us. Mom jumped out and spoke with its owner. The man didn’t yell.

When she was back inside, I managed to get the car moving up the hill and through the intersection when the light turned green again. The next hill on our way home was higher, but I managed the art of releasing the clutch with the right amount of gas. I parked on the street in front of our house when we got home.

Mom said, “We’ll go get your learner’s permit on Monday.”

I raced next door to tell my best friend the news.

Cats

Cream with dollops of caramel coloring, Macchiato kneads the afghan on the couch. Tips of fur the color of a lightly toasted marshmallow, Mr. Toasty naps on the recliner.

A beautiful fall afternoon, I go out on the patio and close the screen behind me. Sitting in my comfy chair, I light a cigarette. My downstairs neighbor Jenta takes garbage to the dumpster then stops to chat. I stand and move closer to the railing.

Unnoticed by me, Mr. Toasty comes up to the screen and waves his tail. “There she goes again. Why won’t Ma let us go outside with her?”

Macchiato sighs as she joins him. “There’s always that awful smell when she does this.”

He flicks an ear. “It’s not as bad as when I lived with that man. He was always surrounded by smoke clouds. Besides, I want to explore. Maybe get close to one of those hummingbirds.”

She licks his ear. “They certainly look tasty.”

He switches his tail. “She isn’t paying attention. I know I can pop it open. Let’s go!”

Macchiato nips his ear. “Don’t think we should. She’ll get out that blue bottle. I don’t like it. I hate water!”

“That won’t stop me. Besides, Ma has a terrible aim. She rarely sprays me with a single drop of water. You’re such a scaredy cat!” He almost chuckles. “I’ll give her one of my disdainful looks as I strut away.”

She sighs. “You were never abused, or you’d be afraid too.”

“Ma only raises her voice. She won’t hurt us!” Toasty places his paw on the screen. He carefully stretches out his claws and pushes the screen sideways. “Let’s go!”

He struts outside and heads south to the planter furthest from where Ma stands. Macchiato squeaks as her paw touches the concrete pavement. I hear her and swiftly turn to scold her. “What are you doing? Get back inside!”

She turns back. As I close the screen, I notice him. “What do you think you’re doing lover boy?”

He ignores me and tries to burrow past the planters. I pick Toasty up and open the door. I give him a little push to propel him indoors. He struts away with a haughty flick of his tail.