Within a few days Nathan had gotten some of his strength back and was moving freely around his house. He had stopped taking his pain medication altogether and was feeling rather good. The house didn’t seem to haunt him as it did before with the sounds of loss and defeat. He didn’t have any anxiety of raising his children on his own since at this point he was aware that he would never have to feel alone again.
He sat on his front porch watching the cars pass along the street going about their routine. He watched the young mothers pushing strollers and couples walked their dogs and for once he felt that all was not bad. He needed to take time to recover and regroup, to separate pieces of his old self from the construction of his new self. He was a new creature in Christ, as he read this morning in 2nd Corinthians.
As he was enjoying the fresh morning air, the gate on his fence opened and he saw one of the students from school walking up to the porch. “Good morning Mr. Foster.” Said Albert Keenen, pleasantly, a junior at the high school. He waved his chubby hand as shuffled up the steps to the porch. His two hundred plus pound frame was an obvious hindrance as he was only about five foot six.
“Good morning Albert.” Said Nathan as he welcomed the boy onto his porch. “Shouldn’t you be in class?”
“Ya,” he responded looking hurt that this was all that Nathan was concerned with but soon changed his attitude when Nathan replied.
“And you took time off to come see me? Thank you, that means a lot.”
“Your welcome, we’ve missed you at school and we thought that you might like some company.”
“We?” Nathan asked as he looked around.
“Ya,” the boy replied then in a loud voice called out, “Come on guys, it’s cool.”
A trickle of faces appeared from the side of the hedges by the street, but it soon became steady stream. Possibly thirty kids or more were now making way to Nathan’s porch. “We were just checking on you to make sure you’re alright.” Stated a girl with a long blond hair and a denim backpack.
Nathan didn’t have much to say since the moment before him suffocated his words. But he soon realized that each of these students have, at one time or another, been in his office. “I don’t know what to say kids, this is something else.”
One by one the students walked up and offered condolences for his loss and then appreciation for his advice in the past and wishes for a quick recovery. The thought that he had made an impression on these kids overwhelmed him. He had surly done more than he originally thought. When they said what they came to say, the kids walked onto the sidewalk and headed in the direction of the school.
It must have been over an hour before all the students had come up to speak to Nathan and found their way back toward school. Albert and one other boy waited for the last well-wishers to leave. “Mr. Foster, this is my friend Daniel. He’s having some problems at home and I thought he could talk to you and maybe you could help.”
“Of course, Albert, would you give Daniel and me a moment?”
“Ok.” He said and started to leave when Daniel stopped him,
“No, it’s ok, he knows everything anyway.”
“Oh, ok then. What’s going on?”
Daniel lowered his head and stared at the floor, as one does when the right words need to be gathered, organized and then spoken. “My Dad. I think he’s got a girlfriend. My mom thinks so too. I hear her crying at night when he’s late coming home.” The wounded boy looked up, “But I don’t know what to do.”
Nathan sat back and pondered for a few minutes as he considered the boys. Then he looked at Albert, “And how are you involved in all of this?”
“Daniel is my friend and he came to me for help. I didn’t know what else to do than to come to you.”
“So, Daniel, you don’t know me but because Albert vouched for me, you trust that I will do what I feel is best?”
“Yes sir.”
“Ok then, let’s pray.”
“I don’t know…” Daniel said with hesitation.
Nathan leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees and looked into Daniel’s dark brown eyes. “Listen to me very carefully because you may only hear this once. You needed help and you went to a friend, he didn’t have all the answers so he went to a friend, I have more answers but not all of them, so I need to go to a friend. Do you understand?
“Not really.”
“Then I just need you to trust me. Can you do that?”
“I guess so.”
“Good, then let’s pray.” Nathan bowed his head and began, “Father in heaven, I thank you for all the young folks that came here today and I especially thank you for bringing Albert and Daniel to me. You know what is going on in Daniels life and I ask that you guide us to make the best possible choices in this matter. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
The boys looked up and Nathan asked, “So where does your father work?”
“He’s an electrician so we never know where he’ll be but he always goes to The Home Team bar on Washington with his friends after work.”
Nathan and the boys continued talking for roughly a half hour about Daniel's parents and his siblings. His home life is somewhat less then nurturing or even stable. His mother, Crystal, works at the boot factory on highway 3, as an embroiderer. His dad, Joe, other than being an electrician is an avid bow hunter. They have been married twenty-two years and have three children of which Daniel is the youngest.
“Well, I’ll tell you what then. You guys head to school and I’ll see what I can come up with. If I don’t see you by Friday, come by after school and we’ll talk some more.”
“Ok, thanks.” Daniel said. Then the two of them left the porch and headed to school. Nathan got up and took his cup, then proceeded into his house with his head playing different alternatives to confronting Joe. It seemed that in each scenario Joe gets mad and nothing is accomplished other than a lot of yelling at Nathan, or Daniel for telling Nathan. It was all bad in the end.
Nathan went into his study and read for a while. He began with some of his old standby books on raising kids and understanding young people. Books like “Raising good Adults from Bad Children.” Nathan looked at the book in his hand and tossed it in the trash can beside the desk. He had read every book stacked on his desk and stuffed into his bulging book shelves and over the years not found a single one that promoted letting a child be a child.
So many of these books from so-called child-psychologists; hadn’t even come close to getting it right. He wasn’t diluted into thinking that all child-psychologists were incorrect, only the ones he had bought books from. He was certain that there were better books to use but they never made it to the best sellers list. It isn’t about training, but rather teaching as the father teaches. It is not about learning to defend themselves, but instead trusting they are already protected from harm from the ones around them. He began to pull books from the shelves and the desk and as he recalled the subject matter he would either toss it in the trash or place it on a chair to revisit later. Sadly, he noticed that he was only keeping about one for every ten or fifteen thrown away.
“Hey there!” Bill said holding a book and surprising Nathan to the back corner where he threw, “Negotiating with Teens” so abruptly that it knocked two other books from the stained cherry shelves. “Sorry, I knocked but no one answered and I thought you might need some help. So, anyway, what are you doing?”
“Spring cleaning.” Nathan said as he leaned down to pick up the dusty books from the rag braided rug that complimented the dark hard wood floor. “What’s up?”
Bill looked at the handful of books that lay scattered on the grey wing-back chair. “Just checking in on you. I promised Dr. Schultz that I would.” He began to straighten the books and set them on the desk before sitting and placing his right ankle on his left knee. “You have anything special going on today?”
Nathan thought for a moment, his sedentary life over the past month was m
ore than he could tolerate. He was in fact feeling substantially better and he needed something to do but he wasn’t sure what. “No, not much. Why?”
“Just thought you might want to take a ride and get out for a bit.” Bill stated in a carefree tone as he flipped pages in the books from the desk. His bony fingers gently bending the glossy book cover back and his thin face catching the breeze created by the passing pages of literary genius.
“Where to?” Nathan asked
“Nowhere specific.” Bill replied putting the book back on the table and getting to his feet.
“Listen,” Nathan said as he finished picking up the books from the floor and standing up again, “I had some visitors today. Caught me by surprise, but there was a whole herd of kids from the school that came by to check on me too.”
Bill leaned on the desk as if he was getting ready for a long conversation. “That was awful nice of them.”
“Yes it was. But anyway, two kids stayed back and wanted to talk to me. I have to admit; they threw me a curve.”
“How so?”
“One of the kids thinks his Dad is being unfaithful to his mother and I don’t know what to do about it,” said Nathan as he walked to the window and looked outside at the trees in the distance. “Part of me wants to confront the kid’s dad and the other part of me wants to stay out of it so I don’t make things worse for the family.”
“Well I had a family in church that came to me for some advice on a similar matter and I have to admit, I didn’t have any tangible answers for them either. They were looking for someone to confirm that their marriage was a mistake and they had grounds for divorce but, they didn’t. They seemed to me, like they were just board of each other and wanted a way out.”
“Ya, but this kid said that he and his mom still love him and wants to try and fix it.” Nathan ran his fingers through his hair. I prayed with them but I don’t think they believe it’ll do any good. I just wish we could do something to show them that God is at work.”
“If we knew where to find this guy we might be able to talk to him but that’s all I know. Do you know where he lives?”
Nathan smiled a quirky little grin, for a split second he felt like a .007 spy about to infiltrate a top secret office and save the world. “No, but…” he looked at his watch. 11:38 am. “I think I know where he might be this afternoon.”
“Really? Where’s that?” Bill asked excitedly.
“The Home Team.”
“You sure?”
“That’s what his son said.”
Bill pushed off the desk and stood up, “Ok, grab your shoes.”
“He won’t be there till later this afternoon.” Nathan said trying to pull back on Bill’s reigns.”
“I understand that, but Mickey should be there and maybe he can give us some insight on this guy.”
Nathan deliberated for a few seconds, wondering if he was the kind of man to intervene into someone’s life like this or not, and then unable to debate any longer, he gathered his shoes and put them on.
When they arrived at the bar it was only a few minutes after noon so it was a little surprising to see that when the two men walked into the dimly lit establishment, there was a man already at the bar with a half empty beer in front of him. Bill took a seat at the bar but Nathan decided to take a walk around the neon illuminated room. Two pool tables at the far end sat stationary under long hanging light fixtures. Beer logos bejeweled the walls with their shinny mirrors, and the neon signs glowed like the aurora borealis in the smoky atmosphere.
The smell of cigarettes, cigars and booze hung heavy in the air weighing down on Nathans shoulders as if he had voluntarily stepped into a pit of concrete. The depression and hopelessness of this place was unmistakable and almost unescapable. It was very different with almost no patrons than it had been when they were here a while back. Although it was uncomfortable for Nathan to be here, he had a task and he wanted to see it through.
He finished his tour of the tavern and took a seat beside Bill and they sat patiently waiting for Mickey to make an appearance. As they sat quietly, Nathan couldn’t help but notice that in the huge mirror behind all the liquor bottles and sports memorabilia was a face he hadn’t seen in some time. He saw a man that he once knew, back when his Kathleen was alive and healthy, when his children ran around the house laughing, before the anguished truths of life took hold of him. Before he was transformed into a shell of a man without passion or purpose, he was a younger version of the man he is tonight.
The read saloon doors swung open and mickey appeared with three cases of beer stacked against his gorilla sized chest. He didn’t notice the men there but instead went about his business setting the cases on the floor and then loading the bottles into the cooler. He hummed a simple tune as he worked and seemed to be in good spirits as he continued. The men sat quietly waiting for him to finish before interrupting him.
“Mickey.” Bill called.
Mickey looked up into the mirror and saw Bill and Nathan at the bar munching on some stale pretzels. “Hey guys.” He turned his enormous body and made his way over to them. He shook Bills hand and then Nathan’s hand, his thick meat-hook hands swallowed Nathan’s as he gripped it. His smile and attitude made it plain to see how pleased he was that they would come and visit considering the last visit didn’t go so well. “How are you feeling?” he rested his log sized arms on the bar. “You sure had us worried for a while.”
Nathan felt a bit uneasy since he knew that he had caused some of the damage to Mickey’s bar. “Oh, you know, I’m ok. But I wanted to let you know that whatever I owe you for damages, I’ll be will to compensate you for it.”
Mickey laughed, “You don’t owe me anything I have spare tables and chairs in the back.”
“So, no one has been around to talk to me about the night I was shot. Have you heard anything about the guy that…
“Ya, he got arrested and when he got to jail, he admitted everything and now he’s just waiting to be sentenced.”
Bill cut in, “Mickey, you have a couple regulars that come in with the after work customers.”
Nathan finished with, “Guy named Joe, and he’s an electrician. You know him?”
“Sure, Joe Kellerman, he’s a pretty decent customer. He was sitting with the guy that… you know…the guy that…” Mickey couldn’t get the words out.
“The guy that followed us out and shot me?” Nathan said.
“Ya, that guy.” Mickey said picking up a glass from the basin below the bar and wiping it off.
“What time does he usually get here?” Bill asked.
“Why? Did he do something?” Mickey asked sure that there was not a good answer.
“I’m not sure yet but his son wanted me to talk to him.” Nathan clarified.
“Well this must be a different guy because this Joe doesn’t have any kids as far as I know but we can ask Mia.”
“Mia?” Nathan and Bill asked together
“Ya, I hired her a few months ago to help out around here. She’s a wiz with the book keeping and pretty good waitress too. I’ll get her, she’s in the back.” Mickey disappeared into the back again and they waited. The saloon doors opened again and a slender twenty something woman walked out with pouty pink lips and the softest sea green eyes Nathan had ever seen. Her strawberry blond hair shimmered in the neon giving the illusion that her hair was actually made up of light.
“You looking for Joey?” She asked without introduction or hesitation.
“I’m not sure yet. We’re looking for a guy named Joe that comes here from time to time.”
“What do you want with my Joey?” her squeaky mouse like voice certainly fit.
“I just need to ask him a question or two.”
“You guys cops?”
“No.” Bill said holding back a laugh.
“You have to tell me if you are when I ask, you know?”
“Trust me we’r
e not police.”
“Well he ain’t done anything.” She snapped at the men.
“Relax Mia; this is the guy that got shot.” Mickey said as if there was to be no more of her attitude. “He’ll be here about four thirty.” Mickey added.
“Ok then.” Said Nathan. “We’ll be back at four thirty. Thanks Mickey, Mia.” He said tipping an imaginary hat.
“The two men left and went to Bills church, “I need to do some cleaning before Sunday, if you don’t mind. It’ll help pass the time.”
“Ya, no problem. Be glad to help” Said Nathan. And so they did.
After some light cleaning; vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the restrooms Bill noticed that the time surly had passed and it was time to go back to the bar. They arrived at 4:13, a little early but time enough to shoot a round of pool, especially considering guidance counselors and preacher’s make pretty bad pool sharks.
A little after 4:30 a man walked in the bar. In the moment Nathan saw the man, there was no mistake; that is Daniel’s father. The boy and the father were nearly twins. Nathan put his cue down on the table and stood there amazed. Mia came out of the back and ran up to the man and threw her arms around his neck. They spoke a few words then she pointed at Nathan. The man let her go and walked over to Nathan.
“I understand you’re looking for me?” The man said as he sized up Nathan like he was ready to fight.
“Hey now, I didn’t come here to fight. But I think we need to talk outside.”
“Talk about what?” The man was getting agitated and Nathan wanted this to calm down so he simply said, “A mutual friend; Daniel, he thought we should talk.”
Joe’s face lost all color and then he said, “Outside? Ok let’s go.”
When they walked out of the bar door, Joe led the way, then Nathan, but Bill stopped at the door blocking Mia from following. He knew what was going to be said and the extra humiliation caused by the mistress would be unwelcome and unhelpful.
“Move.” She said trying to push past Bill.
“You need to stay in here. It’s a personal matter.”
“Joey baby!” She yelled out of the door.
“Stay there. I’ll be right back.” He yelled back.
She backed away from the door and Bill closed it.
“Everything ok over here?” Mickey asked as he walked passed.
“Ya, we’re all good here mickey, thanks.”
Mickey nodded and went on about his work. The guy at the bar seemed to be absorbed in a baseball game in the television above the bar. Mickey walked past him and set up another beer in front of him before taking the empty glass and placing it in the bar back sink.
Outside the afternoon was as cool and dry, the sun hung precariously atop the buildings at the end of the street as if any breeze would push it over the edge. The sidewalk was void of footsteps and for a moment it seemed that the world was on pause so that the men could talk.
“So, what’s this all about?” Joe asked as he took off his green and black flannel shirt and tossed it by the wall of the bar. He took a stance like he was ready to start throwing punches.
“It’s about Daniel. Your son.” Nathan said and waited for a response, hands at his side.
“What about him? Is he alright?”
“No. He’s having trouble right now and he needs his father.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“He thinks you are cheating on his mother, your wife.”
“Who do you think you are coming down here like this? You’ve got no business sticking your nose in my business. You don’t know anything about me and my boy.”
“I know he’s scared that he’ll lose you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about Mia.”
“Come on, that’s just some harmless flirting.” Joe said with a flip of his hand.
“Does she know that?”
“Of course. I mean, ya, she should.”
“Would you be ok with your wife flirting with some guy in a bar?”
“That’s different, she doesn’t go to bars.”
“That’s not the point.” Nathan took a step closer. “Your son thinks you’re a great guy and he loves you a lot. Be careful you don’t mess that up of you might not get it back. He’s a good kid and I think he needs a father more than you need a beer. You made a commitment to your wife and to your family. It’s one thing to hang out with friends but it’s a totally different story to flirt with another woman when you're married.
“Who are you, the Pope?”
“No, I’m the guidance counselor at the high school and your actions don’t only affect you, they affect that waitress, your wife and you kids. Now, I came here to talk to you man to man before your friends got here so that you might listen and I hope you have.”
Joe stepped over to the wall and leaned on it. “What do you expect me to do? Just blow off my friends?”
“You made a choice to put your friends before your family, now you need to put it back in the correct order and put your family first. It won’t be easy, but it is simple.”
“And what about Mia?”
“Tell her the truth.” Nathan said as he placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “You misled her and now you need to let her know the truth.”
“I didn’t mean for this to happen, it just did.” Joe specified as the realization of his actions surfaced in his eyes. He looked in the window beside where he was standing and saw Mia and Bill standing there talking. Mia looked and saw him looking in. The expression on her face made it evident that she knew something was wrong. “How do I fix this?”
“One step at a time. Bill is the pastor at the New Covenant Church over on Maple and 15th. You can talk to him if you need help.”
“A pastor? I don’t know about that right now.”
“Ok, then you can call me if you need someone to talk to.” Nathan pulled out an old business card from Cut-N-Edge Landscaping from his wallet and wrote his phone number on the back of it.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because, I think Daniel is worth it, and I think you are worth it. And in the end, it just needed to be done.”
Nathan looked in the window at Bill and Mia talking and tapped on the glass. He pointed at Bill and motioned for him to come outside then he looked at Joe. “The rest is up to you.”
“Everything ok?” Bill asked as he came outside.
“Ya, I think so.” Nathan said. He patted Joe on the shoulder and then Nathan and Bill crossed the sidewalk to Bill’s Explorer, they got in and left. In the mirror Nathan saw Mia come outside. The conversation between them was brief but unmistakable.
“Nate, you are one brave guy.” Bill said with the slightest laugh.
“Thanks.”
“I’m impressed. Where to now?”
“Home. I have something that I need to do.”
Chapter 15