The Lying Mirror

by alvinna edwards nwoko

  All of them?

  Yes all of them, the doctor smiled.

  Linda stretched out her hand to shake the doctor’s hand in show of gratitude. But the doctor held on to it, looked into Linda’s eyes and told her how serious all of this is.

  You will be required to start slowly making new friends, try and have two by next week. My secretary have a work packet ready for you when you leave. And start with Jack, Ant, the lab crew who were your care givers and Ms. Eevan.

  You know about my care givers?

  I know everything, Ms. Laakenworth.

  Have my secretary to make you an appointment 1 week from today, same time is okay?

  Same time is good.

  Have a nice beginning Ms. Laakenworth.

  CHAPTER

  20

  What an odd man, Linda thought as she left the doctor’s office. There was absolutely nothing on the walls. And that combination of orange and brown paint, was almost hypnotic, what was that all about?

  I guess he was handsome enough for an older man, but the long grey hair in a pony-tail with the bowtie and tweed jacket along with his round wire rim glasses was just a bit out of style. He spoke well enough though, got right to the point with my case. He sure hit the nail on the head when he started talking about neglect. He’s good, I give him that. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next week.

  Linda continued her conversation with herself all the way back to her dorm room where her elation started to wane and depression slowly found its way into Linda’s space and crowded her with unbearable discomfort.

  Jack ask me to trust him, he has a lot of people trying to help me. I know this but it’s still scary. I’m no longer in control of my destiny. It’s in the hands of those people I have to trust.

  Linda was getting hungry and it was almost time for her to start out to meet Ms. Eevan for dinner. A college kid never pass up a free meal no matter how painful the conversation might be. She went to the wall to check herself out in the mirror, and just for a moment fear touched her heart for her lifelong friend was not there anymore. Hum, I guess I don’t need you today, Linda smiled to herself and went into her bathroom to freshen up before meeting with Ms. Eevan.

  When Linda arrived at the restaurant, Ms. Eevan was already seat at a table reading the menu with a glass of wine in front of her.

  Good evening Ms. Eevan. I hope I’m not too late.

  Not at all Linda, have a seat. The food is absolutely delicious here. I hope you like it. It’s common but the service can’t be beat.

  So Linda, how was your day.

  Well as long as I was out of my room my day went fine, as soon as I returned to my room, depression hit me and I wasn’t sure how to react to it.

  That’s good!

  It is?

  Sure Linda, it means you gave your depression some thought instead of responding to it ill rationally. And did you need your friend to do it?

  I did not. Thank you very much, Linda smiled at her success. Dr. Davenport gave me an ear full today and…

  Good evening the waitress interrupted, looking at Linda, may I get you something to drink? Are you ready to order? I can come back if you need more time.

  I don’t think that will be necessary. I’ll have an iced tea. And Ms. Eevan could you please order for me? You know what’s good.

  Ms. Eevan gave the waitress the food order for the both of them and Linda was please at what Ms.Eevan had selected for her. It sound delicious and she was ready for the appetizers as soon as the Waitress can bring them.

  Thank you the waitress acknowledge pleasantly and left their table to begin their service.

  You were saying Linda?

  What was I saying? Linda hesitated for a moment until her thoughts were recovered. Oh yes, now I remember. Jack had instructed me to take all my portable mirrors with me to my appointment with Dr. Davenport. Do you think he’s weird? Did you see the color of his walls? And wearing all that out of style clothing.

  Linda, Linda!

  What?

  You’re doing it again.

  What am I’m doing again?

  Looking at the outer person and not seeing the beauty with in.

  I am doing it again aren’t I?

  Well, Linda tell me what the doctor said.

  Back to the mirror first. I had to leave them with the doctor. And he made me recite this declaration. Let me see if I can remember it. I’m supposed to say it whenever opportunity allow it. Ah, beauty is an idea, not an absolute. Don’t you love it? Such a beautiful quote.

  And what exactly does it mean? Ms. Eevan asked.

  I’m not entirely sure. But I think it means. Beauty is something you think about and then you see it. Not an absolute because fist you need someone to think about it. Does that sound right?

  Close enough Linda. But what I think is closer to what you’re thinking. That beauty has to be cultivated like an idea. It must be looked at, appreciated. But there is always someone who would think that thing is not beautiful like an idea. So it can never be absolute. Either way I think you got the picture and well on your way to recovery.

  When I was leaving the doctor office, instead of saying good bye he said to have a nice beginning. But before that he said, one of my first steps is to make new friends. I’m afraid I don’t know how to do that. I have to have at least two new friends by next week.

  That should be easy.

  How? Remember all I knew to do was criticize everyone. I don’t think any of the students would even let me get close enough to hold a conversation.

  I tell you what, stop by my office tomorrow, you can train there. There are a lot of people there who are just dying to have a new friend. You only have three days Linda before your hearing, and I would like to see you in the right mind set before that time.

  That’s all well and good, but I’m already a bundle of nerves.

  I don’t think you have to worry about that.

  Here we go our appetizers have arrive. Enjoy.

  Pit! You have to do this for me.

  No I don’t. And why should I? Do you know I caught her following Cassy around? Do you know she was asking question around campus as to Cassy’s schedule? No Jack, I won’t do it.

  Cassy! Help me please, can’t you see I need your help?

  Sorry Jack, I can’t see much of anything at the moment.

  Then I’m asking you to please help me convince your friend to do this for me.

  Some of the other girls down the hall heard the yelling inside Cassy’s and Pit room. As expected they put their ear to the door and wall outside the apartment and tried to gather as much information as they could get.

  What is he saying? One student asked.

  Something about Linda’s hearing, I think he want’s Pit to represent Linda!

  Can you believe it?

  Well is she going to do it? Another student asked.

  I don’t think so, she’s giving him hell, another said with her ear still to the door.

  Pit all you have to do is convince the panel that if Linda continues her sessions with Dr. Davenpot she should be granted probation and allowed to stay at the university and finish her studies.

  Pit you’re studying law right? This is a case for the university history book. This will be good practice for you. Please.

  Jack! I don’t like the girl, as a matter of fact I hate the girl. Give me one good reason why I should help her, come on, just one good reason.

  I was trying not to use this on you. I wanted you to say yes without a bribe. Well, you leave me no choice. This is my last bit of ammunition.

  Because Ant is helping her.

  Jack that’s low, I mean that’s really mean. I never thought you would stoop so low.

  Pit you left me no other choice.

  Cassy! Did you see this coming? Asked Pit.

  Jack and Pit answered Pit’s question before Cassy could. We know, you can’t see anything coming. They all had a good laugh for a moment, then Pit disturbed the revelry by
saying, okay Jack I’ll do it. But if that heifer gets on my nerves, I’m going to kill her.

  Before Jack could leave Cassy’s room a courier delivered an envelope to a Ms. Patricia Banachi marked confidential.

  After showing ID and signing for the package, Pit gave Jack the most horrifying look she could muster. You knew I was going to accept this challenge?

  Cassy? Could you please walk slowly over to the door without Pit noticing and hold the door open for me?

  Pit and Cassy started laughing at Jack’s jesting, as he back the Jack-Mobile up slowly to the dorm room door. I didn’t have a chance to thank you for getting the wheel chair lift for disable students. It makes it so much easier for me to come and go.

  Cassy told me what you went through to get upstairs a few weeks back. I went to the Dean and threaten him with the AAPD (THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES) in order to get it installed. But you’re welcome anyway Jack.

  And you see, that’s why I want you to represent Linda.

  Jack back out of the room just as Pit threw her pillow at him. Cassy had a good laugh at the performance Jack and Pit had put on for her because Pit had already told her she was going to take the best case in the history of the university. But she was going to make Jack beg for her services. If Ant had not told Pit in advance what Jack was planning she wasn’t sure if Pit would have taken the case. Linda is one blessed idiot.

  After Jack left, Pit took a moment to read through the documents Dr. Davenport had sent her. She could not believe that Linda was in as bad a shape as she was because of her mother. Without destroying client privacy without authorization Pit gave Cassy a short version of how she was going to plea Linda’s case. Pit had a different perception of Linda after reading the result of the doctor’s finding.

  Cassy, Jack was correct in is action. I can see now why Jack didn’t take her to the hospital and kept her in his apartment instead. Linda needs friends. Let’s go out of the box with this one.

  Pit told Cassy what she thinks they should do about Linda’s situation, and if they’re lucky many of the students at the university will want to take part in her recovery as well. It’s a wonder Linda haven’t already tried to kill herself.

  Is it really that bad Pit?

  I’m afraid so, but there’s a possibility of recovery. Just don’t leave any mirrors around for her to find.

  Lord you are one impossible woman, you know that, Cassy laughed.

  I am, aren’t I? Pit returned the laughter.

  Pit wrote some questions for Linda to answer on a note pad so she would not forget the most important part of her defense.

  The next day Pit asked Linda to come down to her room so she might prepare Linda and herself for tomorrows hearing. At first Linda was apprehensive for fear of Cassy’s reprisal, but Pit reassure her that Cassy did not harbor any ill feeling towards her at this time, and that once you file a case order with the board it must be followed up with an investigation and a hearing. Whether the accuser want to withdraw or not. Ergo you need me.

  Wow! You room is so much cheerier and happier looking than my Linda said when Pit open the door and allowed Linda in.

  You can sit there, pit motion to the one of the two Lazy Boy chairs by the window. You know your room could look the same if you got a roommate you are compatible with.

  The beauty about rooms can wait, let’s start working on your defense.

  Okay you are being judge by a panel of ten members from the Student Board of Ethics. Each one of these members had to go through rigorous questioning from members of both boards, the Student Board of Ethics and the Faculty Board of Ethics, so their reputations are impeccable. They are going to be hard nuts to crack.

  Excuse me?

  You don’t know what that mean Linda?

  No I don’t

  Boy you have been sheltered, haven’t you?

  Yes I surpass so.

  What I’m trying to say is, the members of both boards will not be easy to sway. This is why I need facts and the truth from you. You understand.

  Yes. I think so.

  Good. Because Ant and Jack are on the board and they plan to tell the truth. Their reputation is spotless and I for one would like to see it remain that way while I save your ass. So only the truth and nothing but the truth. You got it?

  Got it. Linda acknowledge as if she was answering a drill sergeant.

  Pit started asking Linda one question after the other, and with each answer Pit saw the desperation Jack had seen all these years. Linda was clearly suffering from the effects of objectification, and she will do all that’s in her power to help Linda get out of this mess.

  Ant, Jack and Ms. Eevan were in Dean Becker office explaining to him Jack plan. Dean Becker was agreeable to the plan because the outcome would benefit everyone.

  Ant asked the Dean if he would have a word with the head of the chemistry department and try to schedule an appointment so he and Ms. Laakenworth can sit down and discuss terms for Linda’s formula. The proceeds from marketing will benefit the school greatly and the lab department should start receiving more requests for testing from different companies like the Tender Soap Company just for an example. Our Lab would become famous, and the university will gain prestige as well.

  Dean, by law Linda’s formula is own by this university. But if Linda never had mix her foul concoction in the first place we never would have discovered her formula was correct, just too strong for live tissue. But it works. I believe if we can get the two to sit down and agree it will be a win, win situation for both Linda and the university.

  I will do my best Anthony, but the Professor is a prideful man and stubborn in his ways. It will not be easy to change his mind. But I’ll try.

  So, so far you are in complete agreement with my suggestion about Linda? Jack asked.

  And you will remove yourself from the position as mediator? Ms. Eevan also asked the Dean.

  Yes and yes, Dean Backer assured them all he would do all necessary to help Linda out with her dilemma.

  Four hour later Pit had finished with Linda’s questioner and testimony. She was leading Linda to the door, telling her she will meet her at the hearing room one hour before the hearing start when Cassy came into the room.

  Pit? Who’s with you, I heard voices.

  Linda, Cassy, we were going over some details before tomorrow.

  Well did you ask her if she wanted anything to drink? I’m sorry Linda but Pit is not up on etiquette.

  Linda, before you leave, I just want to say I am sorry your situation turned out the way it did. Cassy held out her hand of truce and Linda accepted it.

  There are two things I’m beginning to regret, Linda acknowledged. One is what I tried to do to Jack and the other is not meeting you good people earlier.

  With that as a final word from her, Linda said her good byes and left the room.

  Ant, this is what we going to do tomorrow. Jack told Ant his entire plan, even the part he had left out earlier. We wanted to make sure everyone was in place before the hearing. Now if we’re lucky this will all play out in everyone’s favor.

  Man are you serious? Ant question Jack’s intention.

  Very much so. I spoke with Dr. Davenport and he assured me that the route I’m taking is ingenious and we could take care of two birds with one stone. Did you advise Sarah like we planned?

  Yeah, she’s all set and willing to help.

  Good, good, things just might work out for us. Hey you hungry Ant?

  I’m always hungry, you know that.

  Let’s see if Pit and Cassy want to join us at Jerry’s.

  Sound good to me, Ant acknowledge with excitement.

  Which sounds good? Food or Pit, Jack teased.

  Hop on I’ll give you a free ride to the girl’s dorm.

  Jack, you better give me a free ride for the rest of your life for the mess you’ve gotten me into. And Cassy and Pit, Ant teased.

  Stay here I’ll go and get the girls.

  Wh
ile Ant went upstairs to invite them to an early dinner, Linda saw Jack at the bottom of the steps probably waiting on Cassy.

  Hello Jack, Linda greeted as she walked up to him. Are you ready for tomorrow?

  As ready as I’ll ever be.

  Great, I’m glad I had a chance to see you before tomorrow. I wanted to make sure you understood, no matter what tomorrow brings I am very grateful for all you have done for me. As the odd Dr. Davenport said, have a good beginning, instead of good bye. Thank you Jack, I was wrong about you and about everyone. I would like to be a friend of yours instead of to you. Would you mind?

  What was that?

  Dr. Davenport brought to my attention that I said I was a friend to you and Ant and not of you and Ant. He said that to be a friend to someone means that’s the direction you would like to go. But to be a friend of someone means that friendship is already established. So I am asking you Jack, may I be a friend of yours.

  Linda, you have always been a friend of mind, but I had not always been a friend of yours, it would please me greatly to be considered your friend.

  Jack reached for Linda’s hand as Cassy, Ant and Pit was descending the stairs to join him. Jack and Linda both looked towards his approaching friends and Linda jerked her hand out of Jack’s grip.

  I saw that Linda, Pit yelled to her before she was actually upon them.

  You think you can just go upstairs now as if nothing ever happen. Well you can’t you have to come to dinner with us, at Jerry’s, now, tonight, with us.

  Enough Jack laughed. Pit you’re going to scare off every friend I’ve got with that mouth of yours.

  Ant did not give Linda a chance to refuse the offer for dinner. He turned her around by her shoulders and pushed her into the direction they were going to walk to Jerry’s.

  Linda could not contain her happiness for the mere fact that the same people she tried to destroy wanted her as a friend. After all of her rudeness towards these people they still wanted to be around her.

  Linda had to ask the question, it was swelling up inside of her, she was fearful of the answer but she needed to know. Guys why are you doing this?

  Because that what friends are for. Oh I think that’s the making of a song, Pit giggled.