My jaw hit the floor. He proceeded to tell me he was here to remind me of who I really am, and that were both from another time. He said he was upset I tried to give up when I’m a badass with superior powers.
I wasn’t sure what the hell all of that meant. All I could do was laugh.
Jr. did not laugh. He said, in order for me to see this, I first need to look past all the distractions around me in this system here and remove the scale-like blinders over my eyes, or “deceptors,” he called them. Only then would I come to realize who I really am, and unlock my true potential.
What he said next really got me. Jr. said I was a target and a hit had been placed on me, and I was his new assignment to stop it. He was my protector, he said, and this time he would not fail.
This guy and Shelly should hook up, I thought. As I did with Shelly, I humored him. I knew this guy was nuts, capable of anything, and played it cool.
“Man, that’s crazy. Just curious, how much is the bounty on me? Ahh, never mind. I’m just going to make this easy for them. I really was trying to end it. So, they can take me off their list,” I said.
“I know damn it. That’s why I’m here. I cannot tell you how shocked I am. It’s not like you to give up. We don’t do that. You never give up,” replied Jr. and shook his head.
While Jr. and I continued talking, I heard sirens in the distance. Not good, I thought. It was time to make an exit.
I said, “I see. That’s pretty neat. Well, listen, I have to get going. Glad you’re okay and nice to meet you. Take care, Max.”
“Okay, Caleb, you know how much I hate this roll playing part of it. Fine, I’ll play along. You know I’m going to get you back for this back home when this is over,” Jr. said.
What? I’m so done with this guy. I told him that’s fine and thanked him.
I headed over to my car and heard Jr. yell out, “Hey, Rapaz Bonito! You mind if I catch a lift back to my house just up the road? We can repair your bumper, too.”
Puzzled, I asked, “Rapaz Bonito? Bumper? What the hell are you talking about now?”
“You saved me, man, and I owe you. I noticed your bumper looks bad, there, and my brother does body work; he can fix it for free for your troubles. And Rapaz Bonito; that’s what I’ll call you. It means ‘pretty boy’ in Portuguese. A man who drives a nice car like this and dresses like that, you know he has it together for the ladies.”
I rethought this. Before I say goodbye to this life, I might as well have a little fun. I have nothing to lose, literally. Realizing I had nowhere to go, I accepted his offer.
“Estrondo!” Jr. yelled as I looked at him, confused. “Estrondo means, like, boom!”
I nodded with a grin, saying, “Got it.” Jr. said, “We don’t have many friends or visitors yet, since we’re new, so my family would love to meet you.”
We hopped in the car and headed over to Max Jr.’s place.
14
A warm place
Through thick trees and down a few winding dirt roads we headed to Jr.’s. On the way, I was digging his personality. In spite of his wild, incoherent talk, he had a good sense of humor. Hearing him try to make out some words with his accent was pretty funny.
Behind tall trees, in the distance, I could see a big, old secluded house and it hit me. We’re all kind of crazy, I know, but what if this guy is some sort of freak? Now, I’m going to go in his house to whatever or whoever else is in there?
I was starting to get very uncomfortable. Wait, I further thought, didn’t I just try to end my own life just now? If someone else does it for me, that’s all the better. He’s probably on his way out, like me. Whatever fear and concerns I had vanished as we pulled up through the driveway and headed into the big house.
“Well, this is it,” Jr. said, “our humble casa.”
“So, it’s just you and your brother and sister living here, you said?”
Jr. looked at me, laughing, and replied, “C’mon, you know I brought the whole crew with me.”
“Huh?”
“Oh yeah. My mistake. Err, um, actually, you mean me and my fourteen brothers and sisters and my father live here.”
Did he just say fourteen? What the shit?
“Fourteen?” I asked.
Jr. nodded, saying, “Yup, I did. Fourteen of us plus my dad.”
We walked into the house.
When I walked inside, I was thrown back. We were greeted by many people, and what was odd was that they also treated me as if they already knew me. Is this some sort of acting school?
Max Jr. winked at everyone and whispered, “Just follow my lead,” and the others faintly laughed.
Follow my lead?
“Everyone, this is Caleb Mc—uh—Caleb McCrary. Rapaz Bonito,” Jr. said as the room filled with laughter. I responded “Hello, everyone. You mean McCray, not McCrary.” I laughed. “McCray, oh yeah, I was just messing with ya, bro. I knew that. I’ll show you around.”
Max Jr. gave me a tour of the huge house and I was surprised how orderly and respectful they all were. Don’t any of them work? How they can all live here? I wondered. “Estrondo! Just in time for dinner. I’m starved!” Jr. said.
We all gathered around the long dinner table and ate. Everyone was laughing and smiling through the idle conversations. This is pretty neat, I thought. For once, something felt good, even if it was only for a moment.
Noticing not all fourteen siblings or the father were there, I asked, “So, where’s the others and your Dad?”
Kyra replied, “Oh, they work odd hours and days. My dad is a truck driver, so he travels with his work. In fact, when he was in town last, he said he ran into you at the store. He’s the older-looking man who wears a grey fedora with a white feather sticking out, and tan khaki pants? I mean, you can’t forget an old school guy like him. He always wears that same fedora hat, and khaki pants.”
I replied, “He ran into me?”
Kyra replied, “Yes. He said he met a nice young man who helped him get a bottle of honey down from the top shelf. He said the young man was named Caleb and drove a nice car. I’m gonna say that was you? He said he felt a connection with you, and he would love to talk with you again.
“He said he had something to share with you. He will be back soon. I’m Max’s sister Kyra, by the way,” the young girl said.
“Well, it’s a pleasure meeting you, Kyra. I’m Caleb. And, oh, wow! Yes, I do remember him! That’s your father? He was pretty funny, actually. I could tell he doesn’t get out much. Yes, I look forward to talking with him again.”
I couldn’t believe how fairly young they all were, and yet so mature. They had to be between fifteen and twenty-five.
Three others walked in, and for some reason they stared at me as if they didn’t want me there for a second, as if analyzing me. I looked at Jr., who gave them a nod of assurance and said, “Yes, everyone, this is Caleb, my good friend. He actually saved me from falling into a big pothole. I could have died.”
Everyone cheered and thanked me as Jr. said, “Yes, Caleb, we welcome you! As I said, our family is not small, so I’ll give you the short version.”
I laughed as Jr. continued, “This is our family; that’s the eldest, the sneaky Michael. And the always determined Kyra, who you met, the acrobat. Here is my bro. Arron, the confident one, and there is Ciara, the meek.
And my other sister, Kalynn. She’s the one with a big heart and the rock of the family.
Kalynn, with a big smile, said, “It’s good to see you again, Caleb. I mean, it’s good to meet you,” followed with a chuckle.
Jr. laughed and continued, saying, “And there’s my other little brother, Camden, our fighter, and a hell of a wrestler. And the always competitive Logan. He runs the family repair shop. The lovely Mia here, who’s a heck of an overachiever. She has never met a mirror she didn’t like.”
“Oh no, she’s ugly,” Jaden said.
“And that’s Jaden, my other brother with brute strength and the jokester, as you c
an see. Jaden is always great for a laugh. If you’re feeling down, he will find a way to pick you up.
Gavin here, the fearless one. Over there is Avary, the nifty gadget girl. And the mini-pack, Brooklyn, the little servant. Standing next to you is Brenden, the highly intelligent, tech savvy one. His young age is misleading, he’s well ahead of most. And the youngest, Liam. The tough little protector of the bunch.”
After meeting everyone, we hung out and talked a while. Logan walked in from the garage and said, “Well, it’s going to take a bit to fix that bumper. I’ll get it done as fast as possible.”
We sat at the dining table and the aroma of the food being served was a familiar one. The girls placed big platters on the table with steam coming off the lids. When the lids were removed, I was delighted to see homemade chicken enchiladas. Ironically, my favorite.
Jr. said, “Again, thanks for saving me. I owe you big time.”
“No, you don’t owe me anything. We’re good, man,” I replied.
Kyra said, “Well, sorry. Our English is not so good yet, as you can see. My dad speaks better English and he would love to talk to you. He’s very knowledgeable about almost anything, really. I know he can really help you with whatever you’re going through.”
“Thank you. That’s pretty cool, having a dad like that. I really will keep that in mind.
I felt as if I was right at home.
I began to wonder, Why are these people being so warm to me? This entire day, in fact. All of it is so bizarre and doesn’t seem real.
I was ready to wake up from this nightmare, if that’s what it was.
I just wanted them, or someone, to put me out of my misery.
15
News flash
“Well, it was banged up pretty good and now it’s close to new. I think I got you all set, bro. Oh, and don’t worry about the charges. I put it all on Jr.,” Logan said. Everyone laughed.
In the next room I heard static from the TV.
“We interrupt this program for an emergency newsflash. At approximately 10:05 this morning, a bank robbery has been reported with at least two suspects.
“One of the suspect’s seen here in this security footage clip wearing a grey ski mask and a blue hat, who initially got away, has been caught. James Thomas Barnes is believed to be the one in the security footage. The whereabouts of the second suspect is—” The others, from the other rooms, walked in as everyone listened closely to the TV.
They caught Jim? Oh shit!
I had to stop the newsflash and fast. I needed a diversion. I noticed a table lamp to my left and subtlely knocked it over.
Crash! Everyone looked over, startled, and I said, “Oh, dammit! I’m so sorry, my fault.”
I stepped on the glass as if I didn’t see it, making more noise.
“We have reason to believe the second suspect is still in the—” the TV continued to say.
Michael added, “Eh, it’s just a lamp. No worries, man.”
Jr. yelled, “Turn it off!”
Now was the time to make my exit. I acted as if I had received an emergency text and had to go now, and said, “Well, I must be going now. Thanks so much again for dinner, and thanks for fixing my car, Logan. Jr., you’re one cool dude. Thanks.”
I walked out to my car and started to drive off. I heard “Caleb!” as I pulled away. I looked back and saw Jr. running toward me for some reason. “Caleb, hold up!” Jr. called out.
Jr. ran right in front of the car, forcing me to slam the brakes.
“What the hell are you doing? Me hitting you once today isn’t enough?” I yelled. Jr. replied, “Real quick. My brother said that you never talked about the cost for fixing your car.”
Confused, I said, “Cost? Wait a second, I thought you and your brother said there was no charge. That’s fine, though. How much do I owe you?”
Jr. replied, “You’re right, I did say no currency. I was kind of hoping you could help me out with a little favor. Since I’m new around here, with no job yet, and my old man will be gone for a few days, it gave me an ideal.”
“Idea, you mean. It’s ‘idea.”
Jr. laughed, saying, “Oh yeah. Idea. Since you’re coming back here to meet my old man, I thought I could tag along? At least catch a ride in town?”
I couldn’t believe I was even entertaining this silliness. However, he was harmless, and his wackiness was entertaining. I could also use a little company before I went into hiding. And at this point, what difference would it make? I actually liked the kid.
“Fuck it! Hop in,” I told Jr.
“Excelente!” Jr. yelled with excitement and got in the car.
“Don’t tell me. You’re saying ‘excellent’ in Portuguese, right?”
“Correct,” Jr. Replied.
I tuned, “In the air tonight” on the radio and we drove off into the sunset.
16
Roll out
Down the dusty road toward the highway we went, and I actually started feeling good, with Jr. tagging along as he kept me company. I simply drove away to the unknown, without a care in the world. I could go wherever I wanted or do anything I wanted. I was already mentally gone from this world and reality. I knew in a few days none of this would matter.
Suddenly I felt like a heavy weight was on my chest and started to get antsy. Knowing I already unsubscribed here in this life, I wanted to open up to Jr. so that he could relay it. I knew it wouldn’t make a difference if I did or not. I decided to tell Jr. Everything before I moved on, before I left this world.
I wanted nothing on me from this life. I was leaving it all here. Even though I already told him, even though somehow, he already knew, I’m going to tell Jr. exactly what I’m planning to do.
Jr. asked, “So where are we going?”
I looked at him with a slight grin and replied, “Who cares? I know you don’t have to work tomorrow. And you know what? Neither do I.” We laughed.
“Good point,” Jr. replied.
I was good all the way around. I had made my peace with Tiana and Taylor, knowing they would be taken care of. Jim was locked up, and I was about to make peace with myself, by opening up to some random kid I didn’t even know. Although he claimed to know me and was my guardian of sorts, which was pretty comical.
Knowing I was already dead to Tiana and my little girl, and to everyone else, for that matter, made it all the easier. There was no going back to what had been. It was time to clean out this old closet one last time.
I continued telling Jr. everything, from how life was golden, to sudden issues starting at work. The cheating, the money, and the marriage problems and the car accident. How it all added up to losing my family. I even told Jr. how I lost my father at a young age, which still has an effect on me to this day.
The failed bank heist, however, will be the only thing I’m going to take with me when I leave here.
I told him I simply ran out of gas on this ride of life we are all on, and I didn’t want any more of it. Everyone would be so much better off if I was gone. I wanted out.
Jr. looked at me with a raised eyebrow and said, “Really? C’mon, bro, this is silly. You know you’re better than this drama shit. This is not you.”
He quickly gathered himself and added, “Damn it! Sorry, I forgot again. I meant, no way! Never think like that! All you need to do is talk to someone. You should talk to my dad. He’s good about stuff like this, and helped so many back home. He can help you!”
“Max, are you kidding me? This is not a fucking joke! This is my life! I think you can stop with the bullshit already. As cool as your dad is, I’m going to decline. It’s too late for all that, I’m done. At the end of the day, I can honestly say I would have been better off if I had never existed.”
“Hey, listen, bro. We’re not going there. God doesn’t make mistakes. It does not have to be this way. Think of your little girl! She depends on you! She needs you!”
I said, “I know she does. That’s why I’m doing this. Tiana and
Taylor need money right now in the worst way. I fucked their future and lives up. It’s all because of me. And I will not be the one on their minds, knowing it was all because of me as they grow old. Not when I can at least fix it. My family will get enough from my life insurance policy. They will be okay.”
“So, this is all about money?” Jr asked.
“Yeah, that’s exactly what this is about. Why do you say it like that? Are you telling me that you got that money thing down and can help or something? You got it all figured out for me? You have the money I need?”
“You don’t need that shit.” Jr. caught himself, “I mean, no. Sorry, I don’t.”
“Exactly! No one knows what I’m going through! No one! So please, let’s just enjoy the little time I have left here and let’s make the best of it. Sorry. I don’t mean to come off a short. I know you did not mean it like that.
When I say goodbye to you and to this world, none of this will matter in the least anymore. I won’t matter, nor will I care.”
Jr. started to say something and I quickly interrupted him. I said, “Ok, that’s enough. Listen to me. If you really do want to help me like you claim you do. You say you owe me a debt, right? Okay, fine. Here’s how you can settle it.
“From here onward, don’t ask any more questions. All you have to do is relax and don’t piss me off. That’s the only help I want. Or, I can drop you off right here and you can hitch back. You got it?”
I couldn’t tell, really, as it seemed Jr. was a little teary-eyed as he nodded. I was not in the mood for any mushy shit, and I knew it was time to change this tune. I asked, “So what kind of fun do they have in Portugal?”
Jr. looked up at me, confused.
“I have a little time to kill, and you wanted me to show you around the town, right? Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. And the best part of it all, is that it’s all on me.”
Max Jr. slowly started shaking his head no. I added, “All you have to do is sit back, and go with it all for a few days of carefree fun. Again, if it’s too hard for you, I have no problem dropping you off at this very moment. I’ll be on my marry way.
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