by Thomas Duffy
Several years passed and it became closer to the time in which Angela and Wilson would meet their daughter. As their daughter approached college age, Angela started to see life as more of a blessing than a curse. She was in the same place at her job she had been demoted to and was content. She liked the idea of having a new person living with her or being able to interact with her. Wilson was just as excited at the thought of seeing the little girl they brought into this world all grown up in the flesh. Pictures served their purpose but the parents were both ready to meet her.
All the sadness that Angela felt throughout her life was somehow able to be overcome by the thoughts she had of soon seeing her daughter. She had started preparing a bedroom for her child many years ago. She knew that her daughter liked to play violin from the information the school had sent. Angela used the theme of music to decorate the room. Angela couldn't wait to hear her child play the music she had heard so much about through report cards. Angela's excitement and anticipation ran through her body and gave her the will to live a happier life. She wanted to live more now than ever, even if Wilson proved to be a flawed husband sometimes. Angela was happy to be alive and to have overcome the depression of losing her first family.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Finn believed he would be happier if he stopped taking his medication. He wanted to dream again more than have sex again. Finn was overcome with thoughts in his mind of the life that could have been for him. Finn's discussion with the principal wasn't kept in confidence. It had been discussed by the principal among school superiors and news got over to Joe, Jr.
One late Saturday night, Finn took a walk to the store to get a snack. As he was walking, a limo with tinted windows pulled up beside him. An unknown older man with a hat was driving. He looked over to Finn.
“Finn, get in.”
“What do you want?”
“Get in the limo, please.”
“Why?”
“We can get out and make you get in if that's what you prefer.”
The limo stopped and Finn didn't move another step. Finn was frightened by who these people may have been. He decided to get in. When the door closed and was locked by the driver, Finn saw Joe, Jr. sitting directly across from him as well as two other men in suits.
“We hear you've been trying to go back to date again. Are we hearing you correctly?”
“Hi, Joe, Jr. It's been a long time.”
“It's been too long.”
“I don't want to date anyone. I am a teacher. That's what I do.”
“We've been told otherwise.”
“I don't know your source but I'm taking my medication and working hard. My success record speaks for itself, does it not?
“It's a good track record but I wanted to keep you abreast of upcoming developments.”
“Like what, Joe?”
“Separation laws are soon going to end.”
“When?”
“In about another six to seven years, we plan on abolishing them.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“Society will be integrated again. We can't allow your punishment to be withdrawn, however.”
“What, exactly, does that mean?”
“With separation laws ending, your life will also have to end.”
“The end of my life has been a long time in the making. You need me.”
“If separation laws end, we really don't need you, Finn.”
“Six or seven years is a long time away. Why do you want me to know this information now?”
“It's really your choice, Finn. You could end your own life or we can end it for you.”
“Now?”
“It's not a matter I am at liberty to discuss. I just want you to know your options. Things like trying to find your ex-wife and your son just shouldn't ever factor into your decision making process.”
“I know.”
“Angela's moved on. She's living a good life with a kind man. They will meet their daughter soon. I just want you to be aware of how happy she is so you don't ever try to do something stupid. She would suffer right alongside you.”
“What does Angela have to do with me?”
“We know you love her and we can hurt her should you choose to play hardball.”
“I've done everything exactly like you asked. Please don't hurt her.”
“Of course not. Do the right thing. End your life honorably in a few years to avoid any complications.”
“If I end my life that could affect my place in the afterlife.”
“A man as smart as you still believes in an afterlife?”
“A man has to hold on to something to help him get up every morning.”
“True. I just want you to know we've been nice. We've given you time. Please don't abuse the privileges we've given you by trying to overcome your fate.”
“I can't believe this thing called life sometimes.”
“Don't blame us. Separation laws weren't our fault. They were made to get the world back in shape. If everyone could be well behaved and do the right thing, we would have never needed them. You were as out of control as those before you.”
“If we don't live “out of control” as you put it, do we really live? Do you know what I mean?”
“There has to be rules. There has to be some form of discipline for human beings to carry on.”
“It's a shame.”
“People would kill each other otherwise.”
“I beg to differ.”
“What do you mean?”
“People are good. It's society that's fucked up.”
“Society? Without society and order there's no way life can be organized and controlled.”
“It's all about control.”
“I think you could be right. But, that's what humans have decided makes life the best for those who live it. Control. Telling people what they must do as kids, what they must do as adults. This is all an important part of life. People would sit around doing nothing all day otherwise.”
“While I enjoy this philosophical conversation. Why do I have to die?”
“It's the only answer, Finn. Death is the eventual outcome of life.”
“But, I've done everything I've been asked to do.”
“After you challenged what you had been asked to do. All you had to do was work and keep your mouth shut. That's all you had to do. You are, ultimately, your own worst enemy.”
“I suppose that's a fair assertion.”
“Your skills are undeniable but they're also dated in many respects. Your talents have become less necessary over the years as computers have made significant progress in solving the problems you are best at coming up with answers for.”
“I fail to believe that what I do serves no purpose.”
“It serves a great purpose. Ultimately, however, it's up to one of the many students you have taught over the years to carry on your knowledge.”
“Maybe even my son.”
“About Leonardo. He's done quite well. He, too, will eventually learn of the separation laws that have kept him away from meeting those of the opposite sex.”
“It's not too late for him, is it?”
“He's older now. He could still have an interest in dating when we introduce him to the purpose of the sex drive. You never know.”
“If I die, I want what's best for Leonardo.”
“I can't promise you anything, Finn.”
“What are you here for then?”
“To let you know that your life served a very distinct purpose. But, that purpose is no longer needed, for better or for worse.”
“You're just full of good news, aren't you?”
“You held a knife to my throat. You're lucky I'm even talking to you rather than killing you right now this very moment. You have time. Not a lot of it but you have time. Make the best out of it. Write the books in your field that you want to write. Make the impressions on the students you want to and don't forget to laugh.”
; “What's there to laugh about?”
“The fact that you lived longer than you should have and have made quite a difference. Perhaps, laugh is the wrong word. Why don't you just smile?”
“Smile?”
“Yes. The world has been kind to you even though you may not think so.”
“I miss my son.”
“Leonardo will live long past the time you die. Leonardo may even have a family one day contrary to what was once believed. Again, I don't know anything for a fact but you should know that your son will be functioning and doing what makes him happy soon enough.”
“And Angela?”
“Angela. Ah, Angela. A woman who may as well be known as the reason you used to get up every morning all those years ago. She's fine. She's seeing her daughter soon as far as I've been told.”
“I don't get to see her again either.”
“You saw her already. Years ago, but you saw her. Last times are exactly what they are when you examine the words. Last times are the very end. This ending for your life is so open-ended. But, it's the only way for things to end.”
“I want closure.”
“The closure for you is, I think, the fact that your family is alive and well. You can't become one with them but the fact they are able to function independently of you proves the validity of the importance of the separation laws.”
“If they're so important, why are they being aborted?”
“Society is stronger now than it once was. Society is where it needs to be. People can return to the old style of living that once was that they never even knew about.”
“It is absolutely preposterous. What happens when the world is overpopulated again?”
“We'll have to see how our future generations will handle that problem if it ever arises again.”
“It will.”
“You of little hope. I think you should be more hopeful. Expect more of your fellow man.”
“I think highly of my fellow man. I just find it hard to believe there won't be bad seeds in the bunch.”
“We've eliminated bad seeds through separation laws. Considerably we have, by many.”
“You never had to live the consequences of the separation laws.”
“But, I did have to endure a knife being held to my throat by none other than you.”
“I'm sorry for that.”
“Remorse is a good characteristic. You're full of good characteristics, Finn.”
“I'm going now, Joe. If you will just let me.”
“Go forth, old man.”
“I'm not that old.”
“You're older than any of us ever thought you'd live to be.”
“Thanks for that. I'll kill myself in another couple of years per your request.”
“That's all we ask. Make it easier for us.”
“Will do, Joe. Goodbye.”
Chapter Fifty-Six
A couple of years passed. Angela and Wilson finally got to meet their daughter. Her name was Lenora. After meeting her, Angela and Wilson were thrilled to take part in eating dinners with their grown child after work and on weekend evenings. They engaged in conversation at a restaurant one evening.
“I'm so happy that I've finally met you guys,” Lenora said.
“We're your parents we love you,” Wilson stated.
“I see myself when I look at you,” Angela said to her daughter.
“I feel so complete. I used to wonder what my purpose was in life. I sometimes doubted the stork brought me into this world. But, we believe what we're told as kids, you know?”
“We know, dear. Can we change the topic?”
“Sure, daddy. What did you want to talk about?”
“I hear the weather is going to get warmer next week. Thankfully.”
“Wilson, our daughter's here in the flesh with us and all you want to talk about is the damn weather?”
“What was your suggestion, Angela?”
“How's your new job, Lenora?”
“I'm finding it to be quite the challenge. Living in a mixed society of both males and females has its advantages and, I'm afraid, its disadvantages.”
“What's the biggest disadvantage, dear?”
“You know, mother, I think that all those good-looking men make me feel nervous when I'm trying to explain my ideas to them.”
“Well, you know, the best thing is to try to connect with your co-workers on levels other than those based on physical attraction,” Wilson said.
“I know, daddy.”
“It's so good to be with you,” Angela told her daughter.
“I'm auditioning next week. There's an opening which they thought I'd be good for and I'm playing on Tuesday evening.”
“Playing what?”
“Dad, you really don't know? The violin, of course.”
“Are you really going to try to make a living playing violin?”
“I'm going to try. Dad, you sound like you don't believe in my abilities.”
“I do, dear. I'm sorry. I guess my mind is just floating on a cloud tonight.”
“Lenora knows not to quit her day job until she has something concrete,” Angela stated.
“Let's see what happens. I might mess up.”
“I hope you don't mess up,” Wilson told her.
Angela felt happy to connect with her daughter and believed she possessed a true bond with Lenora. On work nights, Angela would meet up with Lenora for dinner and discuss basic things like how their days at work were going. They would then return to their respective apartments. Angela had learned from Lenora that there was a young gentleman at work interested in taking her out on a date.
“How do you feel about this young man?”
“I think he's really nice and I've been wanting to go out on a date for the longest time with him.”
“Well, then why don't you accept his request?”
“I think I will. I just told him I had some projects I had to complete before I could start dating him.”
“Lenora, if you like this guy, then don't wait any longer. Seize the opportunity to be with him. You never know what tomorrow will bring.”
“Thanks. I was planning to accept. It's just that life sometimes gets complicated.”
“Life is complicated but never too complicated for love.”
“Thanks. I needed to hear that.”
“You're my daughter. All I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am happy.”
Lenora smiled and she lit up the room with her elegance. Angela was so proud of her daughter and was enjoying their time together immensely.
Wilson was sitting home when Angela returned from seeing Lenora. Wilson called Angela in to the living room where he was seated on the sofa.
“Do you love me, Angela?”
“I do. That's a stupid question. You should know I love you.”
“Am I your dream man?”
“I don't know that I have a dream man.”
“What do you love most about me?
“That you gave me my beautiful daughter. I am so proud of her.”
“Anything else?”
“That you've maintained our marriage and stability for all these years. It means so much to me.”
“Would you ever trade me for another man?”
'Why do you ask such a question? I'm with you, aren't I?”
“I suppose you're right. Do you want to fool around tonight?”
“Sure, Wilson.”
Wilson kissed her and they made love on the sofa that evening. Angela thought briefly of Finn and how she once loved him during their lovemaking session. However, she realized Wilson was her reality and she loved him for he was the closest she would get to perfection now at her age and place in life. Angela accepted her place in the world as his wife.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Finn found himself walking on a beach one Saturday afternoon. He was allowed to travel outside the school district alone for a weekend amongst mixed sexes. He had a towel over on the san
d with his students' work in a book holding it down. There were happy couples all over. Finn saw the waves coming over the sand. There was sunshine that seemed brighter than it had ever been. He knew he was in a place that was safe. Whatever he had been told, he felt right there and then that he was at peace in the moment. He walked back to the towel and sat down on it. He started to go through papers written by his students. He was grading them accordingly when a beautiful middle aged woman sat beside him.
“How are you today, sir?”
“I'm good. What's your name?”
“Ellen. What's yours?”
“My name is Finn.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Ellen said to him.
They looked on at the people on the beach before them. Finn wondered if she was there alone and wanted to ask her if she was with anyone. That question answered itself as a man came over to her and sat beside her.
“This is my husband, Peter,” Ellen told Finn.
“Nice to meet you, Peter. I've got to get back home. I have to finish working. Have a wonderful day,” he told them.
Finn knew he was destined to be alone until he died. For a split second, when Ellen had come over to him, Finn believed of the possibility that she may have been sent to him to relieve him of the pain he had been suffering. Reality wasn't that kind. With visions of Leonardo in his head, he walked over to the hotel room he rented for the weekend. He only wished he could have had dinner with Leonardo that night. He couldn't wait to talk to his students again when he saw them next. His students were all he had to keep him going in a life that was without romantic love. He started to cry himself to sleep in the bed he was sleeping in. He took his pills which he needed to take. Even after swallowing them, he couldn't help but cry. He remembered too much about his past and only hoped his future would improve if he just kept hoping and believing.
After teaching a lecture to a class, Finn found himself on lunch break. He received a call from Joe, Jr. to come downstairs. He looked out the window and saw a limo parked in front of the school. Finn went outside and over to the car.
“Get in, Finn,” Joe Jr. said.
“To what do I owe the honor of your presence?”
“Finn, we need to talk.”
“What do we need to talk about, Joe?”
