by Tully, Alex
Jean paused and looked at Trevor, “I’m sorry to go on like this, it’s just I feel like my dad would’ve wanted you to know everything.”
“No, it’s okay, really.” Not really, but what choice did he have?
“Well, anyway, this was about the time they came out with all those new prescription sleep-aids. So my mom decided to try one called Zenban. She was on it for a few months and said it worked wonders.
“And then one morning my dad got up, and my mom was still sleeping. This was unusual, but he let her sleep in for a while. After a couple hours, he tried to wake her and she wouldn’t get up.”
Jean wiped her eyes, “He called 911 right away and she was rushed to the hospital. But it was too late—she had suffered a massive stroke and never recovered. She was in a coma for eight days before she passed away. My dad never left her side.”
Trevor honestly didn’t want to hear another word, but he had to ask. “What happened? Did it have something to do with the sleeping pills?”
“Yes. They did an autopsy and found out she had twenty times the effective ingredient in her system. Apparently there was some kind of manufacturing defect at the pharmaceutical plant and a very small batch of Zenban was affected. They never told us exactly how it happened.”
She sighed, “Three people died and five people were seriously ill from it. I think one of them is still in a coma to this day. The drug was immediately recalled and never went into production again—at least under that name. It made headlines for a day or two.”
Trevor shook his head, “God, I feel so bad that Mr.T had to go through that. It’s just unbelievable that something like that could happen.”
“We were devastated—and so angry. It was just so senseless! All of the families filed suits against the pharmaceutical company. My father really wanted nothing to do with it. I think it was just too painful for him. But my sister and I were hell-bent on making someone pay, and the company wanted to avoid the bad press.”
“Is the company still around?” he asked.
“Oh yes. It’s one of the biggest, and doing very well I might add. My sister and I never regretted our decision. But it didn’t make us feel any better about Mom…” Jean trailed off.
“Anyway, my dad never felt comfortable with the money. He gave half of it to my sister Kate and I. My sister is a financial planner so she basically managed it for both of us.
“And, they were building a new mental health center for children near Southwest General. Dad thought it was a worthy cause and he gave the rest to them.”
Realization hit Trevor all at once. The one condition for Mr.T was that he went to the Beaumont Center for his sessions.
“The Beaumont Children’s Center?” Trevor asked, already knowing the answer.
Jean smiled with a curious look, “Yes, Beaumont was my mother’s maiden name. Do you know of it? It’s a beautiful facility.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of it.” Sneaky old man—no wonder he always knew whether or not Trevor went to his sessions. Mr.T paid for the damn place!
She went on, “My dad asked Kate to invest a small piece of the settlement as an emergency fund, or a just-in-case fund if you will. Well, my sister is an excellent investor, and the money grew into quite a sizable amount.”
Trevor was trying to process everything he was hearing, “But Mr.T—your dad—never acted like he had money. I mean, he didn’t have any fancy cars or anything. I never would’ve guessed it.”
Jean reached out and grabbed both of his hands. “He never wanted the money Trevor.” Her face lit up, “But he did want you to have it.”
“Me?” He was confused.
“Trevor, my father left you eight hundred thousand dollars.”
CHAPTER 41
“So what do you think they’re talking about?” Lorene whispered over to Reggie as she peeked out the front window. Trevor and Jean still appeared to be in deep discussion on the front porch.
“Why are you whispering woman? They can’t hear you.” Reggie shook his head and went back to eating his chicken salad sandwich.
“It’s been almost an hour. What could they be talking about? I thought I heard her say something about Tom’s wife. What could that be about?”
Reggie sighed, “I’m sure it’s fine Lorene.”
“Well, I know she can’t be blaming Trevor for what happened to that poor man. Oh—!” She rushed back into her seat at the kitchen table. “Here he comes!” Lorene put her head down and pretended to read the junk mail that was splayed out in front of her.
Trevor walked in and quickly headed toward the staircase, avoiding Lorene’s eyes. His face was flushed and he looked visibly upset. She noticed a large manila envelope in his hands.
“Hey Trevor!” she called after him. “You want me to make you a sandwich?”
He disappeared up the stairwell without answering. Lorene turned to Reggie, “I think he was crying. Did you see that?” she asked in a harsh whisper.
Reggie set down his sandwich, “Did I see what exactly?”
“I know. It’s none of my business, right? That’s what you’re going to tell me?”
“No, I wasn’t going to say that. Just give the kid some space. He’s been through a lot, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with letting him have a good cry once in a while.”
Lorene knew Reggie was right. “Well, maybe I should just go up there and see if he needs anything.”
“Lor--ene…” Reggie said with exaggerated emphasis.
“Oh, all right!” she said.
Just then there was a tap at the front door. Lorene had forgotten all about Jean. She quickly went to the door and opened it.
Jean looked just as upset as Trevor. “Hi Lorene, I just wanted to thank you again for everything. I know Trevor is in really good hands. My dad would be happy he was here with you.”
“Well, we are so happy to have him.” Lorene couldn’t resist, “Did you guys have a good talk?”
Jean smiled, “Yes, a very good talk.” She reached into her purse and handed Lorene a business card, “I’d like it if we could keep in touch—you know, just to see how he’s doing.”
“Of course! I would like that very much.”
And with that, Jean Tyminski waved goodbye and was gone.
Reggie went back to finishing his sandwich and Lorene’s mind immediately began to wander. It seemed like the conversation between Trevor and Jean had gone well, but…
She forced herself to go load the dishwasher and try not to worry about the boy. Lorene would give him some time. She just hoped Trevor could handle whatever he was going through right now.
***
Shit. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
All of the legal paperwork from Mr.T’s will and trust was in the envelope. Jean told him there were instructions on what to do to access his funds. His funds! There was also a list of financial people Jean recommended, who could help him if he needed it. Hell yes, he needed it.
And then there was the letter. Jean told him there was a letter from Mr.T.—a letter he had written to Trevor just days before he died.
But, he physically couldn’t read it. He couldn’t even bring himself to open it. His hands wouldn’t let him.
So he laid down on his neatly made bed, the unopened letter sitting beside him. Looking up at the ceiling, he saw tiny glow-in-the dark stars scattered everywhere. He had been so exhausted the last couple of nights, he hadn’t noticed them.
Lorene was obviously a great mom. No surprise there; she was a great person. Maybe he could just have Lorene read the letter to him. Without thinking about it too much, he opened the bedroom door and yelled down, “Lorene!”
Within seconds she was at his door, “Yes Trevor, you need something hon?”
He took a deep breath, “Yeah, if you don’t mind…” He reached out and handed the letter to her, his hand still trembling. “Do you think you could read this to me?”
“Of course. I’d be glad to do that.” She sat next t
o him on the bed, “You okay Trevor? Can I go get you something? A drink, or maybe something to eat?”
He could only imagine what he must look like, “No thanks. I just want you to read this for me, okay?” Trevor was trying to hold back his tears. He just hoped he could keep it together.
“Sure.” And with that Lorene began reading the letter.
Trevor closed his eyes and listened…
Dear Trevor,
We both knew this day would come too soon. After my ‘episode’ in the hospital, I knew my ticker wasn’t quite right and I thought maybe I should write you this letter. Don’t be crying over me now kid – I am with my dearest Maddie and we are doing just fine.
By now, one of my wonderful daughters has told you about my gift to you. I know you pride yourself in your independence, but please accept it graciously. You saved me from some of my darkest days, and you know what I always told you…it goes both ways.
I know you won’t run out and buy a Ferrari or anything. Use it to do what you have always done – use it for good.
I will be looking down and smiling. Just imagine how beautiful this planet would be if there were more people like YOU in it.
Make me proud kid.
Love, Mr.T
CHAPTER 42
One Year Later…
Lorene closed her eyes and let the warm summer sun touch her face. She rocked back and forth on the porch swing, smiling at the scene in front of her.
In the center of her backyard, Trevor, Reggie and Frank were unloading another delivery into the new and improved Box, or Box2, as Trevor liked to call it.
Construction on Box2 had just wrapped up a few weeks ago and it was quite a sight. It was about three times the size of the old Box, and it was state-of-the-art. Fitted with solar panels, wind turbines, and even a rain collection system, it was environmentally friendly as well.
From the outside it looked simply like a smaller version of Lorene’s house. It had white vinyl siding with black shutters, an entry door, and a couple of windows.
But inside was a different story. The large space was impressive with soaring vaulted ceilings and skylights. All of the walls were lined with different stations—long tables set up with the best tools money could buy. There were stations for electrical work, carpentry, metal work and even plumbing.
But the painting room had to be Lorene’s favorite part of Box2. This small separate room off the back was dedicated solely to painting. A large worktable stood in the center and shelves of brightly colored paint cans lined the walls. It was built with the most advanced ventilation system available, so even in the winter time, the air was always fresh. This was Reggie’s room.
Shortly after Trevor came to live with them, Reggie helped the boy restore some old toys with a new paint job. It only took one visit to the Haven House for Reggie to realize he wanted to paint more than train cars. That man couldn’t wait for Trevor to return from a pick. The first words out of his mouth were always, “Did you get any toys?”
What made Lorene smile most of all was the fact that Trevor had decided to attend college. Reserve University was only a twenty minute drive from Lorene’s house, and it was one of the best engineering schools in the Midwest. He had decided to pursue a degree in environmental engineering and was starting in the fall.
He asked Lorene if it was okay to continue living with her through his first year of college. Of course she said “Yes.” He was welcome as long as he liked. As far as Lorene was concerned, the longer Trevor stayed, the better.
Trevor wanted to keep working in Box2, but he realized most of his time would be taken up with his studies. He also realized that getting up at the crack of dawn to go picking wouldn’t be feasible.
So he called his friend Frank and offered him a well-paying side job. When college started, Frank would do most of the garbage-picking for Trevor.
Lorene liked to help out as well. She would bring out sandwiches, help with deliveries, and check out the garage sales on Thursday mornings. Because she no longer worked for the Stewarts, she had a lot more time on her hands.
In the spring, after a long and nasty court battle, the Stewart’s divorce was finalized. And the house went on the market last month. Mrs. Stewart ended up buying a condominium, still a prestigious lake address of course. Lorene had stayed on to help out with the packing and cleaning, and then it was time to say her goodbyes.
Leaving Bea was heart-wrenching, but the girl was off to a new chapter in her life. She was headed to Stanford in the fall to study psychology, of all things. Lorene had very high hopes for Bea, just like she did for Trevor.
She knew that Bea and Trevor had kept in touch. Bea admitted that they had talked a few times, but nothing ever came of it. Lorene still thought that was a tad surprising.
Immediately after Trevor was injured, Bea seemed so upset. Lorene thought for sure she must be in love with the boy. Then four days later, when Bea actually did see him in the hospital, she just broke it off. Lorene didn’t expect that.
“Hey! Lorene!” She was startled out of her thoughts by shouts across the yard.
Carrying a cardboard box overflowing with books, Trevor walked toward her with Jip following at his heels. “Hey Lorene! Guess where these came from?”
“Where?” she yelled back.
“The Stewart’s house!” Just then he stumbled and the box toppled over, spilling paperbacks all over the grass.
“Oh Lord, let me help you,” Lorene rushed over to Trevor and kneeled down in the grass.
The boy had grown so much in a year, not just physically, but emotionally as well. He and Reggie liked to lift weights down in the basement together. Between Lorene’s home cooking and that new hobby, the boy had filled out nicely. Scrawny old Trevor was long gone!
He had also been faithfully going to his sessions with Dr. Fisher. Now he seemed to be smiling all the time. He was almost a different person.
“Yea, Frank said they’re getting rid of a lot of good stuff over there,” he said.
Lorene reached over and picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. Romance novels were always Mrs. Stewart’s favorite. She would draw little hearts in the margins like a teenage girl. The woman was crazy in a lot of ways, but she was a romantic at heart. She even kept—
Oh Lord. Why hadn’t Lorene thought of it before? It would explain so much…
Evelyn Stewart kept a diary—and Bea knew exactly where it was hidden.
***
Lorene suddenly had a funny expression on her face. “Lorene? Is there something wrong?” Trevor asked.
“No, no, I think this summer heat is just getting to me.” They finished picking up the books.
“Hey, you want to take a break?” Lorene asked. “You’ve been working too hard and you look beat. You want to go have some lemonade on the porch with me?”
“Yeah, that sounds great.” Trevor made his way to the porch and collapsed onto the swing.
Lorene came back with two large glasses of lemonade. She made the homemade stuff too—just the perfect mixture of lemons, sugar and ice.
He took a long drink and closed his eyes as the icy liquid made its way down his throat, “Lorene, you make the best lemonade.”
“Awe. Thank you hon,” she said.
Trevor looked out at Box2. It was awesome. Reggie, Lorene, and Frank had all helped turn his dream into a reality. He would be able to keep garbage-picking and working in the box, doing what he loved. And he would be able to go to college, which he knew was the smartest thing to do.
He had offered to pay rent to Lorene. Hell, he had offered to pay off their mortgage. She and Reggie would have no part of it. They insisted that Trevor use his own money for his own dreams. Reggie and Lorene were just great people, no doubt about it.
Lorene was petting Jip on her lap. The two of them had become good buddies, “Things have turned out pretty great, huh Trevor?”
He smiled, “Yes, most definitely.”
They sat quietly on the swing for a minute or
two. Trevor closed his eyes and said a silent thank you to Mr.T. He was finally getting a break, in a big way, and he knew Mr.T was up there watching it all.
“Trevor, can I ask you about something?”
“Shoot,” he took another sip of his lemonade.
“Well…” Lorene began. Her voice sounded strange. “I was just wondering…you know what? Just forget it.”
Geez, this shy act wasn’t like her at all. She almost sounded embarrassed. He laughed, “C’mon! You’ve got to ask me now!”
She held back for a couple more seconds and then blurted it out, “What really happened that night in Mrs. Stewart’s Mercedes?”
Whoa. He wasn’t expecting that. “Uh…”
Lorene stood up, “No! I’m sorry! You know what? Forget it. It is none of my business and it is not my place. Just forget I ever said anything.”
She put Jip on the ground. “My curiosity is just getting the best of me. Sometimes I don’t know when the heck to shut up. I’m sorry. Really Trevor—forget it.”
He laughed, “No it’s okay, really. Sit down.” He didn’t want to lie to Lorene. He really didn’t. If there was one thing he had learned from Dr. Fisher over the last year, it was that honesty is the key to self-healing.
Lorene sat back down on the swing, and his mind began to race. No one knew the truth about that night. Trevor didn’t even have the guts to tell Mr.T the truth. Should he just spill it and tell her everything?
Should he tell her that he lost his virginity to a forty year old woman—in the front seat of her eighty thousand dollar car? That for three straight hours, Evelyn showed him things he never could’ve learned from books or the internet? How that night was, excluding all the bullshit that followed, one of the best nights of his life?
No, he would keep it simple. He would spare Lorene the details and just tell her what she really wanted to know, “I’m not perfect, Lorene. I’m a teenager.”
