The poor girl met her end soon thereafter, but not before she told all who there at the hanging tree that the future would hold them responsible for their actions. She asked the date and they told her it was the thirteenth of the month and she laughed and said, so am I thirteen. And that was the end of the story as I remember it.”
Chris still had his hand on his coffee and so did Nancy. The only sound you could hear was the wall clock ticking and a drip- drip of a leaky fawcett. When Chris lifted the cup the coffee it was stone cold and as he looked out the window, it had begun to snow again. What to make of the story both Chris and Nancy had no idea. Paul sat there with his hands in his lap and the plate of cookies gone with only crumbs to prove there had been anything on the plate.
Ben rose up and said, “I’ll take Paul to school now and see the principal. Thanks for listening to me and sharing your hospitality. I won’t forget it,” as he helped his grandson up and made for the front door.
Chris and Nancy followed the big man to the door and saw them out. Chris reached for his wife’s hand and led her back to the kitchen. They both sat down rather shaken by the experience and the story Ben had shared. Chris said, “Nancy, what do you make of what you heard?”
“I’d rather not talk about it right now. I need to think and my best thinking is when I am doing housework. Why don’t you go to church and do what you usually do.”
Chris nodded his head yes and was soon out the door into a heavy snow fall. It was the longest walk to church he’d ever experienced and a gloom hung over his head while the wind picked up blowing snow into his face. His thoughts went to Ben and what he would do all day until his grandson came home from school. Was it God’s will that made us suffer for living by His standards? The only answer came back in the form of whiteout condition that was difficult for him to walk in let alone receive an answer.
* * *
At the Senior Center it was the usual bunch that sat around waiting for a free lunch, including Mrs. Gorn. She had gathered her brood and all was set and ready to go after lunch. She had made up a list of things to fire at the mayor, and now she sat back with a smug look on her face, as her meek and mild followers sat with heads bowed wishing that they had never agreed to go with her to see the mayor. However, to a person they were all scared of Mrs. Gorn and if the truth be known, thought she was a witch herself.
After all had eaten, taken care of the bathroom chores, Mrs. Gorn led her group to the major’s office at around one pm. She knew what time the mayor left and retuned from lunch and she was confident that today was as usual for the mayor. What was unknown to Mrs. Gorn and her followers was the mayor was cognizant of their intended visit, having been alerted by a source she had recruited inside the Sewing Club.
Mayor Veronica was chatting with her secretary Liz Miles and the local chief of police Sam Splicer. Sam a thirty year veteran with a life time beer paunch to match his jovial personality, sat in a chair with his feet up on his desk with a big grin on his face, knowing that Mrs. Gorn was up against more than she realized. Sam was a thinker and because of his dedication to the job was sure to retire from the city with a full pension. This witch business was bothering him and had completely upset the daily routine of not doing much but putting in his time. Crime was almost nonexistent and what few there was, like shoplifting or some vandalism by a few rowdy kids, kept the one room jail mostly empty. A few nights were spent by a local who had drunk too much, but the door was never locked.
Sam eyes were getting heavy when the door opened and the Sewing Club had arrived. The only thing he did was open his eyes and stare at the old ladies who were gathered behind Mrs. Gorn. Mrs. Gorn, with purpose in her step, walked up to the counter and addressed the major by her first name and not a formal title one would expect if there on business. Veronica didn’t miss the slight and her dark eyes bored into Mrs. Gorn setting the stage for an offense and not defensive in her demeanor
In a professional voice Veronica said, “What can I do for you Mrs. Gorn and good afternoon ladies.”
“I, we, want to know what you are going to do about what is happening to the kids of this town?”
Veronica felt the venom in the voice coming from her and decided to throw it back into her face and replied, “What would you like me to do about it Mrs. Gorn?”
By now the Sewing Club was murmuring to each other and glancing at the door looking as if to find a way out of here. Mrs. Gorn was not expecting an answer with a question and Veronica saw the red coming slowly up from her fat neck to her jowls and on up to her cheeks. Veronica waited while she seemed to have recovered and set her jaw glaring at her. Finally Mrs. Gorn said, “We’ve a disaster on our hands and it’s the responsibility of the mayor to find some relief during a disaster.”
Veronica trying not to smirk responded in a neutral voice, “I see no disaster in our town. If anything it is a medical problem and not the responsibility of the Mayor’s office to intervene into an area that this office has no right to enter. Both of our doctors here in town have done what can be done and what more can this office do that hasn’t already been done?”
Mrs. Gorn, with her upper body now poised over the counter looking at her notes said, “This is not a medical problem it is a disaster of unknown origins and it is your obligation and responsibility to discover and find a solution to this phenomena.”
Veronica moved closer to the counter and looked down into Mrs. Gorn eyes and said, “I ask you once again, what do you want me to do Mrs. Gorn? This is what I have done by the way. I’ve contacted the state capital and talked direct with the governor of our state. In addition, I’ve contacted the health authorities in the capital to see if it is an airborne disease or virus or whatever. The doctors here have assured me this is not a contagious disease and my door is open anytime someone has an idea to explore. Now for the third time, what would you like me to do?”
Mrs. Gorn was not about to say that it was witchcraft and put herself out on a limb. So she said, “Well, let this be on your shoulders and when it comes time for reelection the voters of this town will think twice for who to vote for next time,” and she spun on her heels and like a drill sergeant to her troops, told them that is was time to go.
After they were gone, Sam dropped his feet to the floor and with a heavy sigh, rose up and said, “Well, so much for that meeting.” Veronica gave a big blow of wind out of her lungs and walked back to her office shutting the door making it clear she didn’t want to discuss it any more.
After a few minutes checking her mail on her computer, she decided that the Mrs. Gorn’s of the world have their place in society and a politician must accept what comes along be it good or bad. However, she felt she had done the job of the mayor, but yet hadn’t faced the Friday coming with her only son about to become a victim of the curse. Yes, she thought, it is a curse of huge proportions. She’d been ignoring the many pink slips of who called and she wasn’t looking forward to a town full of media very soon pestering the townspeople.
***
Paul and his grandfather Ben were in the principal’s office listening to what the he had to say about what was the plan for the unfortunate happening to the town’s kids. He told them about the special blind teacher who was currently in school and the long range plan of a special teacher coming after spring break. Meanwhile the four students, including Paul, would remain in their respective classrooms with the teacher making sure someone was with them at all times.
The principal knew each and every student in his school and realized that Paul was rather an outcast rather than a student with many friends. He also knew he was an excellent math student and had an idea of Paul tutoring some students in the library. But for the immediate time, as he knew Paul didn’t have any close friends, what to do with him in class.
Paul too was wondering the same thing as was his grandfather. There was one girl who had showed some interest in him but she was known as the Ugly Duckling of the school. Her name was Alice Biggins and she was an excellent
student, but like him, without friends. He wondered if he talked to her that maybe she would help him get around like the other kids did with their friends.
Grandfather Ben was sitting listening to this pompous guy in his wool suit looking the entire world like a Wall Street stockbroker. His age appeared around forty five plus or minus as Ben had a hard time with guessing ages. His coal black hair matched his deep brown eyes, but a million dollar smile with gleaming, dazzling white capped teeth. Ben thought this guy should run for office and that is what exactly what was on the principals’ mind. He thought if he handled this situation right; a run for congress would not be out of reach.
Meanwhile Jim asked Paul, “Paul do you know anyone who might give you a hand around school when you need help?”
Paul didn’t take long to reply and blurted out Alice Biggins name before he had a real chance to think about it. The principal grabbed his phone and asked his secretary to fetch Alice from class and bring her to his office. Now Paul was slipping lower into his chair knowing how red his face would be in a few minutes time. He wished he could see his grandfathers face and knowing his couldn’t see anything, lowered his chin to his chest trying to hide from Alice coming.
The principal meanwhile, poured more coffee for himself and Ben, who had only barely touched the first cup. Then he sat down just a slight knock on his door brought forth his secretary and Alice Biggins. An extra chair was brought in and Alice sat next to Paul almost without a glance wondering why she was here. Was she in trouble somehow without knowing what she might have done to break a rule?
The principal said in a smooth voice, “Alice we need your help. Paul here has contacted the same thing as the other kids have. Paul mentioned you as a possible friend to help him around school when needed. I realize this is a big responsibility for a twelve year old, but if you need some time to think about it, we can always find another solution.”
Alice did think about it for less than thirty seconds and looking directly at Paul said, “I would be happy to help him. We both share the same likes and dislikes so when do we start?”
Paul sat shocked and pleased to hear her voice telling him that she would be the one to help him when needed. Paul raised his head up and looked at her and hoped she wasn’t scared of what she saw with closed eyelids that never blinked. To his even bigger shock was when she reached out with her hand and touched his arm giving it a small squeeze.
The principal saw and heard what he hoped to hear and now stood up and Ben rose at the same time to say his thanks and told Paul he would be here when school let out to take him home. Paul too stood up and like two young kids with infatuation on their minds; Alice took his hand and led him out the door making their way to class.
Alice led the way and then she said, “Paul, I am so happy you asked for me. We are both known as nerds and I can live with that. I love to learn and now we have been thrown together, we can learn together if you want to. I know I am not much to look at, but somehow we are together and let’s make the best of it. I can be your eyes and you can help me with math as that is my worst subject.”
Paul was tongue tied and didn’t know what or how to say a reply to her conversation so he just told her thanks and that he was happy about having her as a friend. They walked along for awhile and then he got brave and said, “Alice, I think it’s sad to know that what I have now, more kids will get it too.”
“Yes, but I am lucky in that I just turned twelve at Christmas time and have most of year before having to worry about it happening to me. Maybe by that time someone will have figured out a cure for this awful thing. Well, here we are at our classroom and let’s go let all the students stare at us as we enter.”
However, the teacher had been contacted and informed of what was happening and she had positioned herself at the door waiting. She had warned the kids to say nothing and not to stare at Paul or Alice. Alice’s things had been moved to the back of the room and two desks were side by side for the two coming.
Alice walked in first leading Paul by the hand. The teacher welcomed them both and then took Paul’s other hand and arm to their new desks. Paul felt all eyes on him and he tried to keep his head down, but knew sooner or later, he would have to let them see what he really looked like. He felt like a freak at a circus with non paying customers staring at an abomination.
Just down the hall, where Ann, Sara and Tommy were sitting together listening to the teacher talk about history of America, Tommy thoughts drifted off to his family, or what was left of his family. Hank was all he had and now he was scared witless if something happened to Hank or Hank got married or left town. Who would look out for him? Certainly not his father and he had no idea where his mother was. Hank had a picture of her in his room and once in awhile he would catch his brother staring at the picture of his mother holding a baby, which was Tommy. Hank had told him she left about three years later and his father paid for a baby sitter until he just gave up and took to drinking more and more. Tommy was pretty much left to fend for himself and Hank had done a good job making sure he had clean clothes and something to eat before leaving for school. Tommy always returned to a cold empty house, but learned to live with it watching TV and sometimes doing his homework.
One day Hank got a bit excited as he had a letter from their mother. It was postmarked from Salem and Hank ripped it open and started reading. Hank was a tenth grader then and stood up to his father making him pay for things they needed. Tommy noticed Hanks face drop as he read it and then he saw a tear fall from his eyes. Tommy prodded his brother for an answer and he looked up and said to Tommy, “Our mother was on the way here to see us and to pick you up, but she was in an accident and before she died, a nurse wrote this letter for her. She’s gone Tommy and I wish we never had gotten this letter.”
Tommy came out of his reflection and felt Sara elbowing him. She whispered in his ear that he was moaning and please be quiet as the teacher was staring at him with not a nice look on his face. Tommy sat upright and put on a little smile as the teacher went on with his lecture.
Sara had heard about Tommy moaning in class and at lunch she would ask him to see if he needed her help. It kind of reminded her of the dream floating in the fog and a voice much like his saying hello that she thought she would ask that about if he was having a dream like hers.
Ann’s thoughts were on Brian and not the history lecture that was for sure. Ann pictured the two of them walking along the beach in the summer time watching the gulls skim the water and shore for something to eat. They were hand in hand, with their jeans rolled up the knees, bouncing back and forth from the wave spills and the dry sand. The wind was blowing her hair and she had stopped to do it up in a pony tail and he stood watching her. Suddenly he came closer and took her in his brown arms, tanned from the sun. His face got closer and closer and her hands still remained on the back of her head. His lips had almost touched hers when the bell rang for lunch. She stood up and almost lost her balance if Sara hadn’t grabbed her arm.
Sara said, “Ann whatever is you jumping up for? Don’t’ be scared it is only time for lunch and Alice is coming now as I hear her voice getting closer.”
Ann said, “My god Sara, I was dreaming about seeing the ocean and walking on the beach.” She never mentioned Brian was with her. Then Alice took over and Ann disappeared with her friends leaving Sara and Tommy alone. Finally some girls came up and offered there service to the cafeteria. Both accepted and off they went with Tommy in tow. Actually he felt rather good going with them to lunch. For the first time in awhile he felt hungry and wondered what was on the menu for today?
***
Over at the local eatery, before Mrs. Gorn and club had finished their lunch, and stalked over to the mayor’s office, Candice and her two guys were wolfing down some homemade meat loaf and mashed potatoes with gravy. Homemade biscuits still warm from the over made a good pusher for the other hand which held a fork. Candice remembered her grandmother using her biscuit to help load the fork up and soak u
p the tasty gravy.
Her cell rang and it was the good Reverend telling or inviting her to the meeting tonight at the church. She told him she would be there and thanked him for the invite. She next told her crew about the meeting and they nodded and went back to the serious business of eating. Candice noticed the snow coming down and the wind blowing. Nasty day out and she wanted to get to the motel to finish up her story about the voodoo man coming tomorrow. In her mind this was the only possible answer to an unanswerable situation. No matter the outcome it was a hell of a story and she felt good she was on top of it.
Chapter 13
A full blown blizzard made conditions almost impossible to get around, but the hardy souls of Remorse, struggled their way to church that Wednesday night for a most important meeting. Reverend Chris had the heating system on high and it was still so cold you could see your breath. He and his wife tried to make it as comfortable as possible for the meeting but little could be done to accommodate the folks coming.
The first to arrive were Roy Blumps and family along with Glen’s friend Terry. A cold rush of wind followed them into the old foyer they stamped their feet and shook the snow off. All had on winter lined boots and Roy apologized for the tracking in snow. Joan had Ann by the arm and led her to the front of the church noticing for the first time the nice stained glass windows. She thought maybe she was looking for help and with the nice look of Jesus bearing down on her, she quickly said a prayer.
Right on heels of the Blumps were Paul and his grandfather Ben along with the mayor and her husband Stan with Brian, Candice and her guys, followed by Hank and Tommy. No more was the door shut when Dr. Choi and his wife Sujin came in.
Curse of Remorse Page 11
