by Saxon Andrew
He was sitting on the steps thinking about all that had happened. He was surprised to learn that Audrey had left school and transferred to Cal-Poly. She could handle it; she was, if nothing else, very intelligent. The pain of losing her had diminished and he rarely thought about her. He looked to the left and saw Summer walking toward him. She was as beautiful as ever but he looked away. He expected her to continue walking by but she stopped and walked up to him. He turned to her and looked up at her. “What’s up, Summer?”
“My last name is Reynolds.”
Jimmy’s head tilted and he squinted due to the sun being behind Summer’s head, “Would you mind stepping to the left a little, it’s hard to see you standing in the sun?” Summer moved and Jimmy asked, “Why are you telling me your last name.”
“The day we first met you asked me my last name and I told you Summer and that you didn’t need a last name.”
The corners of Jimmy’s mouth came down and he tilted his head and nodded, “So you did. I’ve heard it often enough in our classes to know it, Summer.”
“I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you about Audrey.”
Jimmy blew out a breath, “Don’t be. You probably saved me from a lot of pain if that relationship continued any further.”
“But that’s just it, Jimmy…” Jimmy’s eyes narrowed, she never called him Jimmy. “…I wanted to cause you pain.”
Jimmy stared at her and said, “Perhaps you should sit down and tell me all the things you hate about me and why you want to hurt me.”
Summer lowered her eyes, “I don’t hate you.” Jimmy was silent and Summer said, “I just resent you with passion!”
“For God’s sake why?” Jimmy asked incredulously.
“Because you are superior to me in your intellect. It drives me up the wall.”
Jimmy started shaking his head with an open mouth. She stood in front of him with her eyes lowered. “Are you serious?!” he asked. Summer nodded. “You’re an all A student. You’re president of not only your sorority but also the student government. You’ve been home coming queen for two straight years and pretty much the dream of every man attending this institution. You’ve won everything there is to win. You’re being ridiculous!”
Summer raised her eyes and loudly said, “IT’S NOT ENOUGH! IT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH!!”
Jimmy saw her tears and patted the step next to him, “Sit down, Summer. If for no other reason than to stop the pain in my neck staring up at you.” Summer smiled slightly and sat down. Jimmy stared at her and for her part, Summer couldn’t speak. Jimmy looked out at the common and said, “I know that I come across as being driven to succeed. But that’s not my motivation. You are also driven to succeed and when you don’t accomplish what you feel is important, the pressure on you becomes unbearable. Right?” Summer kept her head down and nodded. “Despite all your successes, the only thing you can focus on is that I make better grades.”
Summer nodded and looked at him, “It’s not just that. You showed me during the day I met you that you are much faster and smarter than I am. When you finished the math test in an hour, I think my heart broke.”
“Why?” Jimmy asked.
“Because I realized that there was nothing I could do to match you. Studying longer, getting additional help, taking remedial courses, tutors, nothing would change that you are far beyond my academic skills.”
“My grades will not count toward being valedictorian, Summer.”
Summer’s eyes narrowed, “Why not!”
“Because I dropped out of my senior courses and went directly to graduate school. I told the Dean that I thought it was not appropriate for me to be considered and requested he find a way to exclude me.” Jimmy shrugged, “He found a way. Besides, I’d have to wait another year for the honor.”
Summer nodded, “That’s when I graduate.”
“And you will make a beautiful, deserving, valedictorian with all sorts of achievements to bolster your standing.”
Summer stood up to leave, took a step, and turned around, “If achieving success is not what motivates you, what does.”
Jimmy was thinking about losing Audrey and felt the sorrow hit him hard. Sitting with Summer only reminded him of what he once had. “I just want to save as many as possible before it’s too late.”
“What?”
Jimmy looked up at her sharply and said, “Nothing. Thank you for stopping by.” Summer nodded and walked away.
• • •
A year later, Summer was valedictorian and was accepted into MIT’s high energy graduate school. She showed up for the first day of class and found Jimmy sitting in front of the room. She walked up to him and said, “We need to talk after class.”
Jimmy rolled his eyes, “Not again!” Summer went to her seat and stared at him. He looked out at the class and smiled, “I am what’s known as a graduate assistant. I’m here to do the things your professor chooses to avoid. Today I’m going to go over the course’s syllabus and tell you what to expect. He glanced at Summer and smiled slightly, “I will be grading the papers and exams you turn in and I assure you that I will do it fairly and professionally. Are there any questions before I get into it?”
A female student raised her hand, “Is your name Caspari?”
“As a matter of fact it is; why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve been told by students that have been in class with you that you make things easily understood.”
Jimmy smiled, “That’s the professor’s job.” Jimmy looked around and winked at the girl, “But I will be around in the event any of you might need a little help.” Summer noticed that he was making it clear that he was ignoring the co-ed’s advance. “Alright, let’s get down to it.”
The class ended and Summer walked up to a group of students gathered around Jimmy and waited until he answered their questions and sent them on their way. He looked at Summer, “Are you going to be late for your next class?”
“No, my next class is at noon.” Jimmy stared at her and Summer said, “What’s, coming?”
Jimmy shrugged, “A lot of really difficult classes. But I’m sure you’re going to do well.”
“Will I be one of those that you aren’t able to save, Jimmy?” Jimmy’s eyes flew wide open as he fell back on the desk top behind him. Summer watched him closely and said, “I really hoped I was wrong but after seeing your reaction to my question, I know I’m not. Something really bad is going to happen, isn’t it?”
Jimmy took a deep breath and gathered his composure. He started to speak and Summer said, “I may not have been your favorite person in the past but I never deceived you or was dishonest about my feelings. I hope you will honor that and treat me with the same courtesy.” Jimmy stared at her in silence and thought about the consequences of telling her. Summer saw him and said, “Do you believe I will keep my word?”
“I don’t know, Summer.”
“I will promise you that I will not tell anyone what you tell me.”
Jimmy shook his head, “That’s not good enough.” Summer’s eyes narrowed and Jimmy asked, “Do you know what a Troth is, Summer?”
“No, tell me.”
“I want you to look it up and if you’re willing to give it to me, meet me on the steps of my favorite building tonight at seven.” Jimmy stood up and walked out of the classroom. Summer watched him go, sat down in a desk and opened her computer.
• • •
She was sitting on the steps and saw Jimmy walking toward her. She stared at him as he came over and sat down beside her. Both of them looked out into the dark common and Summer said, “You told me I shouldn’t be out when it’s this dark.”
Jimmy smiled, “I’ve been watching you and I’d prevent anyone from bothering you.”
Summer looked at him, “How long have you been watching?”
“I was here before you arrived. I’ve been struggling with what I should do.”
“I found out what a Troth is.”
Jimmy looked at her
, “Summer, a Troth is a lot more than the words used to define it. A Troth is a promise that comes from your soul and defines your character. It is a promise that will not be broken by the one that gives it.” Summer stared at him and Jimmy said solemnly, “It can be broken but, if it is, then the word and promises made by the one that gave it are meaningless and carry no weight.”
“I am willing to make it.”
“You will want to break it as soon as I tell you everything and it would be the absolute worst thing you could ever do.”
“It’s that bad?”
Jimmy nodded, “It is.”
“Are we going to have a nuclear war?” Jimmy stared at her and she said, “I solemnly give my Troth to you that I will not reveal to anyone what you tell me.”
Jimmy stared at her and closed his eyes. After a few minutes, he opened them and said, “I will require you to do something before I tell you all of it.”
“What is that?”
“I’m going to have to convince you that I can see the future.” Summer stared at him and started shaking her head. Jimmy smiled, “I know. You think I’m psychotic. You are only the second person I’ve ever revealed this to and before you can believe the rest, you must believe this.”
“Just how am I going to do that, Jimmy? You are sounding psychotic.”
“Tonight, when you get back to your apartment, you will receive a phone call from your father at eight pm. He is going to tell you that he’s so proud of you and that he and your mother are coming to see you this weekend.” Summer’s eyes narrowed and Jimmy said, “Your roommate is going to tell you right after that call that she is moving out to live with her boyfriend.”
“That’s not possible! They just broke up!”
Jimmy ignored her response and continued, “When you wake up in the morning, turn on the television and you will see that there has been a mining disaster in China that has trapped eighty-six miners. If you wait a few minutes more, you’ll see a news crew at the scene of a huge car accident in Times Square.” Summer stared at him and Jimmy said, “You don’t need to believe me. Just see me before class tomorrow and tell me whether you think I’m crazy.” He held his hand out to her and she took it as he assisted her to her feet. He walked her to her car and opened her door for her. He closed it and said, “I’ll be waiting in the professor’s office.” Summer stared at him and then drove off.
Summer arrive at her apartment and was still shaking her head. She went up-stairs and Jessica said, “Summer…”
The phone rang and Summer raised her hand and answered it. “SUMMER!”
She looked up at the wall clock and saw it was exactly eight O’clock. “DAD!”
“We’re so proud of you and your mother and I have just talked about it and decided to take a few days off and come see you this weekend. Is it a good time, honey?”
“Yes, I look forward to seeing you. When did you decide to come?”
“Why just a few moments ago. We’ll rent a car and meet you at your apartment on Saturday morning around eleven-thirty.”
“Great, I’m so looking forward to it.” Summer put both arms on the table and held herself up.
Jessica said, “Summer.”
Summer turned around and said, “You’re moving in with Mike.”
Jessica’s eyes flew wide open, “How did you know?” Summer stared at her and Jessica began talking rapid fire, “I know you don’t like him but he’s begged and pleaded for me to come live with him and says we could work out our problems. I love him and I want to give him the chance. Can you forgive me, Summer?”
Summer sighed, “You’re a grown-damn woman, Jessica. You must make your own decisions. I wish you good luck.” Jessica rushed forward and hugged Summer.
Summer sat up in her bed and tried to rationally explain what happened. If Jimmy were telepathic…that doesn’t make sense. How could he possibly hear his parent’s thoughts in Texas? Well, he might be able to do it. Telepathy was an unknown psychic phenomenon. She finally found sleep. She was jerked out of sleep by her alarm clock the next morning. She got out of bed and turned on the portable television on her dresser, like she did every morning as she got ready for school. Splashed across the screen was, EIGHTY-SIX MINERS TRAPPED MILES BELOW. She fell back on her bed and three minutes later the news switched to a pile up in the middle of Times Square.” She closed her eyes and felt her heart hammering.
• • •
Jimmy was sitting in the professor’s office when Summer knocked on the open door. He turned around and she said, “You have scared the hell out of me!”
Jimmy sighed, “Trust me, you’ll get used to it given enough time.”
“Do we have enough time?”
“I don’t know. But do you want to know the rest? You can back out now.”
“Let’s meet again tonight at the same time.”
“Make it five. I’m concerned about arriving later than that.” Summer nodded and went to class.
• • •
Summer saw Jimmy already sitting at the monument and she walked up and sat beside him. He looked at her and said, “I’m going to tell you about my dreams. If I say something confusing, stop me, ok?” Summer nodded. Jimmy told her about dreams he had as a child and of saving the woman and her baby. He told her about the building they were sitting in front of and that she was in the dream. He told her about the donate blood tee-shirt and she vaguely remembered. She shook her head trying to remember him but didn’t. He continued and she fought curling into a ball and screaming at the top of her voice.
He finally finished and Summer couldn’t speak. Jimmy looked at her and shrugged, “Some things you just can’t ever get back and the spoken word is one of them. Now that you know what’s coming; the world is going to change around you. You’re going to see things differently.”
“Are you certain…” Summer stopped herself. “Of course you’re certain.” She looked at Jimmy, “What are you doing about it?”
“Well, I had to fight my fear at first and that was pretty hard. Then I decided I was not just going to lie down and wait for this to happen.”
“So what’s your plan?”
“Well, the most important part of it was to find a place on Earth that isn’t destroyed where someone can survive.”
“You said you found that valley in the mountains near Switzerland,” Summer said.
“That’s right. The next step was to raise enough money to build a survival structure in that valley that will allow us to make it thought the initial strikes and the years of nuclear winter that follows.”
“How much are you going to need?”
“About fifty or a hundred billion and we’re got half of that now.”
“What?”
“Remember, I’ll be able to see which stocks on the market are going to go golden and we’re buying early. We have the funds to start the project now but I’m delaying a year or so.”
“Why?”
“I’m trying to learn enough about advanced power systems and complex energy transformation to come up with some inventions that we can build in to the facility.”
Summer stared at him and said, “That’s the reason you rushed through your first two years.”
“It is.”
“And I was acting like a spoiled brat trying to take every award.”
“This does have a way of changing one’s outlook on things.”
Summer shook her head and asked, “Are you saying you can change your dreams?”
“I had a dream with my mother and I being killed in an apartment fire and I saved us before the plane crashed into our building. I think my dreams are images of what will be but they are not cast in stone. For instance, you could have waited until after eight last-night to enter your apartment and you would have missed your parent’s call.”
Summer stared at him and said, “I don’t know anything that could be done to save those trapped miners, Jimmy.”
“I could have made an international call to their company
and told them the mine was going to have a cave in. If they listened, they wouldn’t have been trapped. Of course, that call would have generated a demand to know how I knew about it.”
“Why can’t you tell the government what is coming? Maybe they can stop it.”
“Don’t think I haven’t really thought about doing just that but I think the result would be worse.”
“Why? They certainly have more resources than you do.”
Jimmy stared at Summer for a long moment and shook his head, “You have to trust me that it wouldn’t change anything.”
“You’re not telling me something, Jimmy.”
“How well are you going to sleep tonight, Summer?”
“Not very well at all.”
“You can probably count on not ever sleeping again if you keep pushing.”
“What can be worse than what you’ve told me?”
“You really need to trust me when I say you really don’t want to know.”
“Does your mother know?”
“No, she does not.”
“I thought you shared everything with her.”
“Some things shouldn’t be shared.”
Summer lowered her head and stared at the steps. After a few moments, she looked him in the eyes, “Are you able to handle it without going crazy.”
“I can and that’s part of why I’m not saying. It wasn’t easy to find equilibrium.”
Summer shook her head, “Jimmy, not knowing is worse than knowing. I’ll go batty thinking about everything it might be. Tell me.”
Jimmy raised his eyebrows and shrugged, “I think you’re pretty solid psychologically. You’ll find equilibrium in a few weeks and come to be able to put it aside.”
“JIMMY!”
“Do you remember the statistics couse we took.” Summer nodded. “I made a call to the editor of Astronomy Magazine and asked what the probabilities were of an asteroid larger than the one that killed the dinosaurs hitting Earth.”
“And?” Summer asked.
“More than fifty-thousand to one within a hundred thousand years.” Summer nodded. “Three asteroids, all six times larger than the dinosaur killer, are going to hit Earth pretty much at the same time within the next twenty years and they are going to hit in the exact spots where they do the maximum damage to the planet.” Jimmy considered Summer’s eyes, “What are the probabilities of that happening?”
