Adaptation of the Chameleon

by Douglas A. Schmitt

  Adaptation of the Chameleon

  A novel by

  Douglas A. Schmitt

  Copyright © 2011 by Douglas A. Schmitt

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictional manner. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons either living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Acknowledgment

  This novel would not be possible without the help of my family, especially my parents for raising me to believe that there is a world outside the realm of sight and sound, a world that lies at the core of the human heart.

  For “Saint” Mary for always being there when it seemed that nothing was possible and for reminding me of the sweet taste of the bitter world.

  For Jerry and Emma Coleman, for their endless dedication and countless hours spent pushing and motivating me to reach for the moon and not allowing me to settle for anything less.

  For Rhonda Cody, and her amazing gift for perfection and her vision that helped shape the final and overall impression of the story.

  For Erin Warfield, Adam Tynes, Benjy Davis, and Terry & Amanda Barnes for their visual support.

  For God, thank you for the guidance.

  Preface

  I remember just turning eighteen when I took a look back at my life thus far and realized that I had not taken the time to learn one of life’s most intense lessons, the lesson of love. It was only months after realizing this that I actually put forth effort and found myself in a relationship.

  I remember it like it was yesterday. The sweet smell of perfume, the soft touch of a woman’s hand, and the feeling of being needed and wanted by another human being; and it was all mine.

  I took each day and made it my own. I took every opportunity to show my love to the person I most admired. There wasn’t a time that I regret nor a time that I took for granted. I was enjoying the feeling and looked forward to it every moment from the time I woke up every morning.

  But like most things, it ended. I had four years with that person and still think of them from time to time. The moments we spent exploring and learning from one another are the lessons that I will keep for the rest of my life.

  Unfortunately, love isn’t always beautiful. It can be ugly and it can terrible. Further experiences I have had with love could be compared with the motions of roller coasters. But each time, I learned something new.

  My curiosity for the opposite sex and hunger for more knowledge; lead me down a path of darkness. Each corner I took, I remained cautious. With each approach, I found a heightened level of self-preservation.

  With now years of experience, I have come to a rather opposing conclusion… love is never a sure thing and if it were it would never survive.

  The story you are about to read will take you into a world that will seem familiar in more than one way. It might even feel like your world, putting you in the driver’s seat.

  The story was written as a way to cope with emotions that seemed to have never found an ending. It developed into a journey of the modern man and the many obstacles that faces a person as they approach the idea and theory of love.

  This story has already touched many people. One such person had this to say,

  “This novel is intriguing, heart wrenching, and thrilling! The author, Douglas A. Schmitt, has written a story about a young college student named Luke Cardinelli who falls in love with the girl of his dreams and of the devastation of being blindsided by an unanticipated loss of that love. The reader is drawn into the emotional turmoil that all of us have endured when a love affair goes bad. However, the twists and turns of this novel lead us down the path of confusion and complete destruction of someone who goes through the loss of love perpetrated by an individual whose behavior borders on the sociopathic, thereby making Luke deal with rationalizing the unexplainable.”

  -Emma Coleman

  I knew that after the first draft of this story, that I had something that is able to provide answers and closure to all those that need it most. To them, this is your story.

  Each location in this book means something to me and are all located in the greatest place on earth, the South.

  “Mississippi is my home, but the South is my heaven. I dedicate this book to the wonderful people I call neighbors.”

  Until then, happy reading!

  -Douglas A. Schmitt

  “You do not commit suicide when you are disappointed in love… you write a book.”

  -William Faulkner

  Chapter 1

  As the young man drove under a low overpass, his attention was quickly redirected from the empty four lane highway, and towards the sky. Through the slight blur from the bright sun as it rested just above the tall pine trees, he saw a large wide spread banner bearing the phrase,

  “Welcome Back Students to the 2009 Fall Semester!”

  It was that moment when the young man realized that he had finally arrived at the next chapter of his college career. While being miles away from his home in Biloxi, and from his family, Lucas “Luke” Cardellini found himself away from comfort and away from everything he ever knew.

  While feeling the nervous excitement as it slowly emerged, what really remained at the front of his mind was a situation that occurred just days prior to his departure from his father’s house, causing him to make the rash decision for an early move-in.

  It was a night that shook Luke to his core and had him doubting the importance of living. Confused and frustrated with the mysterious emotions that seemed to consume his very soul, Luke continued on his journey for a better and more rewarding life.

  Aware of the incredible challenges that lay ahead after realizing his decision to transfer to a university, the frightened young college student did his best to bury the overdrive of pain into the depths and corners of his being.

  His despair was driven from a relationship gone awry, ending at the very hand that created a world and a life that Luke looked forward to living each day. Fueled by the pain of realization that the girl of his dreams had a desire for the arms of another man, Luke was now left with the pieces of a broken love from this action of the beautiful woman by the name of Marion.

  Now thrown into a new environment with only the option to adapt, Luke took on the challenge with full force and complete dedication. The young man was nervous, broken, and bruised, but his motivation for achievement and the curiosity for adventure was the force he carried from the coastal city to the college town.

  Luke wasn’t completely alone in his new quest. He was accompanied by his cousin Enzo. A veteran college student with the knowledge and better understanding of life and its most difficult obstacles, Enzo was the type of person that Luke knew he could go to for advice, wisdom, and a sense of peace.

  Luke soon began moving his belongings into his assigned dorm room which was located on the second floor. While going through his overstuffed night bag of personal items, Luke found a letter that his father gave him just before he left. Labeled on the front of a deeply textured envelope were five simple words,

  “Do not open until arrival.”

  Luke took the letter out of the envelope and began unfolding it. The contents included two one hundred bills and written words from his father,

  My son,

  The emotions that surround my heart, I cannot put into words. All I can say is that I’m very proud of you. You have accomplished so
much in such a short amount of time. I think of you as not only my son, but my father’s grandson. It is his blood that runs through your veins and pushes you towards greatness. It has been an honor to be in the presence of a great achiever. You will do great things with your life, Luke. I know my father will watch over you while you are away from me.

  Love,

  Dad

  Luke felt his eyes burning into his father’s words. His grip as it held the sheet of paper became stiff and stern.

  Luke placed the letter back into its envelope and stored it at the top of his new closet. He then began removing his clothing from several large black liners and organized them as he hung them in the closet. He removed the neatly folded shirts and shorts and placed them inside an old walnut dresser.

  After putting away his belongings, and setting up his computer, Luke decided to take a nap on his newly made bed. He slid under the comforter, and felt the cool touch of the sheets embrace him into a relaxing state.

  He set his pillow into the perfect position and felt his dry eyes become heavy. Luke started to dream, falling deeper into unconsciousness. A familiar feeling overcame his senses as his dreams directed him towards Marion.

  In his dream, he is walked into a crowded room. He looked around, searching for familiar faces. Through the dark atmosphere, he discovered Marion sitting at a table surrounded by men, all of which are wearing masks.

  He approached the table and smiled as he noticed Marion focus her attention towards his presence. She tilted her head to the side as Luke began to speak. He watched her laugh as she placed her arm over the shoulder of the man that sat to her right. She leaned in towards the man and kissed him on the cheek.

  Marion then redirected her focus on Luke as he stood confused. She whispered into the ear of the man to her left and then moved her body over, allowing him to exit the table. Luke watched the man wearing a black mask grab him by the arm. Pressure from the man continued to become more intense as he drags Luke out of the building.

  Luke woke to the sound of his phone ringing. He turned to his right and discovered his cousin Enzo’s name and number flashing on the screen. Luke wiped the dried tears from his face and answered his cellular phone, “Hello…”

  “Luke…’ Enzo responded, ‘my man… what’s kicking, cuz?”

  Luke lifted his body to a sitting position and responded, “Not much man… just kind of… relaxing I guess…”

  “Well, look man,’ Enzo continues, ‘I’ll be in Hattiesburg tomorrow… my apartment is just down the road from the school… come by tomorrow night… me and some of my friends are having a little party to celebrate the new semester.”

  Luke thought for a moment and responded, “Yeah man… that sounds like a plan. I will see you there.”

  Luke ended the call with Enzo and placed his phone on silent before falling back asleep.

  The next day, Luke woke to the awful smell of disgusting body odor and old lead paint. He realized his mistake of sleeping in too late. He looked at his watch as it declared thirty eight minutes past ten. Although tired, he slowly pulled himself out of the bed and prepared himself for a shower.

  That evening, Luke decided to make his way to Enzo’s apartment. He changed into a neatly pressed white shirt displaying thin vertical lines of black and a pair of khaki pants. He combed his hair before placing his phone into the front left pocket of his pants and walks out the heavy oak door.

  He entered his vehicle and while following his cousin’s specific directions, he heard an old song playing on the radio. He increased the volume and listened to the “Moody Blues” sing “Nights in White Satin.” Luke felt a tear slide slowly from his right eye, dripping lightly onto the sleeve of his shirt.

  Luke soon arrived at the apartment complex. He exited his vehicle and made his way to Enzo’s front door. He knocked once, then hears a person inside yell, “Come in… the door is unlocked!”

  Luke entered the apartment and was greeted by Enzo. He introduced Luke to his roommate Eric and Eric’s girlfriend Brooke as they sat on the couch in the family room. Enzo then took Luke to the rear of the apartment and introduced him to his girlfriend Heather and his best friend Seth.

  Luke shook Seth’s hand while the somewhat intoxicated college student declared, “So… you are Luke… you the one with the woman problem…”

  “Yeah…’ Luke responded, ‘I guess so.”

  Seth wrapped his arm around the nervous young man and said while pouring Luke a drink, “Well, my new friend… you came to the right place. Any friend or family member of Enzo’s… is a friend to me. Welcome to Hattiesburg.”

  “Thanks man…’ Luke continued. He took a sip from his drink and chuckled. “I don’t really drink much… I mean, I have had a beer or two with my dad before, but not like… you know… party drinking.”

  “Well my new friend,’ Seth responded, ‘we are going to have to change that.”

  The night continued as Luke enjoyed the company of his new friends. They showed him how easy it could be to let go of the stressful nature his emotions were weighing on him. They had a comradeship among them that was both contagious and addicting, allowing Luke to absorb their energy and sense of relaxation.

  It was soon past midnight when Luke decided to go home. Enzo followed his cousin as he walked past the family room couch and exited through the front door. He consumed the remaining liquid in his aluminum can before saying, “I’m glad to you came out tonight, cuz.”

  “Me too,’ Luke continued, ‘I really needed to escape… you know? I’ve been dealing with this sadness man… I keep asking myself, ‘what did I do wrong?’ You know?”

  Enzo crushed the can with his right hand and threw it in the open dumpster next to Luke’s vehicle. Letting out a minor belch, he said, “No man… you didn’t do anything wrong. These things… they just happen. Doesn’t mean it’s your fault. That girl Marion… she’s just a fool… you should know that, man. What she did to you… the way she did it… there was nothing you could do to stop it.”

  Luke smiled, feeling comforted by his cousin’s words. He entered his vehicle, pulled out of the parking lot, and drove back to his dorm.

  The next morning, Luke awoke to the sound of his alarm clock screaming a loud and penetrating tone. He looked to his right and discovered two men sleeping in the bed across the room. Alarmed and confused, Luke quickly sat up and said, “Who the hell are you guys? What the hell is this… and why are you in my room?”

  One of the gentlemen wearing an all red t-shirt and pair of white briefs pulled himself from the bed. He rubbed his eyes and responded, “Relax, Luke… I’m Andy… I’m your roommate. This is my boyfriend, Dexter.”

  Luke began to feel a slight homophobic vibe radiate over his body. While slowly covering his torso with his small comforter, he said, “Dude… this is… uh… this is awkward…. but I realize I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did… I’m sorry.”

  Andy walked closer to Luke and formally introduced himself and shaking Luke’s hand. He then excused himself to the bathroom.

  That afternoon as Luke walked around the campus, he felt the front left pocket of his khaki shorts vibrate. Realizing it was his cellular phone, he slid his hand into his pocket and retrieved the small device. He discovered a new text message and took a seat on a rusted bench next to the tall library. He smiled when he realized the new text was from his younger sister, Nicole.

  “Hey Luke, just wanted to see how school was treating you. I miss having you around, buddy.”

  Luke took a moment, counting the seconds while observing the nearby architecture of the multi-level establishment to his rear. He wiped his fingertips on the side of his t-shirt and responded,

  “I miss you guys too. I can’t wait to come home and visit.”

  Luke returned his phone to his pocket and continued his stroll. A small reflection of light could be seen in the corner of his left eye. He made his way around the large courtyard on the way back to his dormitory.

  That
evening, as Luke prepared himself to attend a local bar just beyond the campus, he was approached by Andy.

  “Hey, Luke… listen … you don’t mind if Dexter stays this whole weekend, do you? It’s just that… he lives with a bunch of straight guys who are, for a lack of a better phrase… gay haters…and since you guys hit it off pretty well the other day… I figured you wouldn’t mind…”

  Luke laughed while combing back the last strands of hair from just above his eyes. He placed his comb on the side of the metal sink, turned toward Andy and responded, “No man… not at all… I just don’t… you know… want to walk in on anything, you know. I don’t think I am ready for that kind of reality…”

  Laughing, Andy continued, ‘You don’t have to worry about that… I’m not sleeping with the guy… we just cuddle.”

  Luke forced a smile upon his face and felt a slight queasy sensation in the pit of his stomach. He laughed along with Andy as he watched him make his way towards his desk.

  Luke soon tied the last knot on his right shoe, stepped away from his bed, and reached for his nightstand to grab his phone and keys. He placed them in his front pockets, unlocked the door, and made his way downstairs and out the back entrance.

  Luke arrived at his cousin’s apartment early and, while waiting for Eric and Brooke to finish preparing for the evening, took the opportunity to talk more with his cousin Enzo.

  “It’s… it’s just that… we dated for so long, you know? I should have seen it coming man, the whole… thing. The more I think about it… the more I see that I could have stopped it from happening. Maybe if I had just paid more attention to the little things, me and her could have been happy… we could be starting fresh, here… I just don’t know what to…”