Chapter 29
I had given Reina my word of honor to protect her identity. I couldn't honestly answer Shannon's questions without revealing it. This meant that I was going to have to lie about my knowledge of the events that had transpired from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Feigning selective amnesia would be the best way to accomplish this.
"I… don't remember," I replied. "I'm sorry. Things are a little foggy."
"That's understandable considering all you've been through," remarked Stacy. "No more questions, girls. He needs to rest."
All of a sudden, a genuine wave of fatigue combined with a throbbing, painful, sensation in my left shoulder and right side swept over me. I groaned. Stacy bent over me and with deep concern in her voice, asked, "What's wrong, Lance?"
"I'm… in pain. Is there… any medication available?"
"I'll be back in a minute," she answered as she hurried out of the room.
Shannon put her hand on my forehead and began to tenderly stroke back my hair. AJ grasped my right hand and softly squeezed it. One minute later a nurse came into the room and injected something into the IV tube. I started to feel better, but I was still tired.
"We'd better go and let him rest," said Stacy.
"But, mom," remarked AJ, "You forgot to ask him."
Stacy nodded her head in acknowledgement and asked, "Lance, where are you going to stay when you are released on Friday?"
"I don't know," I sighed. "I guess… I'll check into a local hotel."
"I was just kidding with you! Of course you can stay with us!"
"I don't think that's a good idea," I replied while anticipating the complications that were sure to arise from continually being in Shannon's presence in light of my vow to Reina.
The girls glanced at each other with puzzled expressions and Stacy said, "Don't be silly, Lance. You'll stay with us until you're fully healed. We'll give you all the TLC you need and deserve."
Too tired to put up an argument, I nodded my head in agreement.
"Let's go," said Stacy as she and AJ got up to leave. AJ bent over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, little sis," I said while smiling. She smiled back and also waved goodbye.
"I'll be down in a minute," said Shannon while watching her mother and sister walk out of the room. "I have something for you," she continued while reaching into her handbag. She pulled out a small package and handed it to me. Suddenly remembering however, that I couldn't move my hands, she said, "I'll just leave it over here on the table. I'll see you tomorrow."
She bent over to kiss me on the lips, but I quickly turned my head aside.
A surprised expression came over her face. She stared at me for a second and said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Keith and I are no longer dating. We both agreed to break up."
"How's Keith doing?"
"He's… okay. I mean… I think he wants to talk to you. Maybe he'll come by to see you sometime. Well, I have to get going. Goodbye, my love." Again she bent over to kiss me, but once more I turned my head aside. Now she looked perplexed.
"Okay. I get it," she remarked. "You want it to be official before we kiss. Go ahead then, ask me out."
I said nothing.
"For a guy who's suffering and in pain, you sure haven't lost your sense of humor," she continued while smiling and shaking her head. "But I really do have to go. So, if this is the way you want it to be, could you please just ask?"
"We're only friends, Shannon."
"Now… you're starting to… upset me, Lance," she replied with her voice breaking.
My stomach was in knots. She tried to kiss me for a third time, but once again I turned my head aside and said, "No, Shannon. No kissing. We're only just friends—nothing more than that."
Her eyes became red and moist. "But… I'm in love with you… and you're in love with me, right?"
I simply stared at her—now desperately trying to control my feelings.
Tears began to form in her eyes and she tried to wipe them away. While softly crying she said, "I'm in love with you, Lance, and you're in love with me. You told me you were in love with me."
"That was in another life and in another time," I replied. "Things have changed. Our relationship is different now."
"I don't believe you!" she exclaimed. "I know you love me! Why are you now acting like this?"
I was on the verge of being emotionally overcome. Now feeling like a wretch, I said, "I think it'd be best if you were to go now."
She stood there staring at me while crying softly, continuing to wipe away her tears, and shaking her head no in disbelief.
"Just leave, Shannon, now!"
While continuing to shake her head and wipe her tears away, she slowly and reluctantly walked out the door. As I watched her depart, I wished that there were someone to wipe away my tears as they slowly rolled down my face to dampen the pillow.
The night was marked by a fitful sleep. The next morning a nurse came in the room and said, "We're going to disconnect you. You'll be free to get up, go to the bathroom, and to also eat."
She unhooked the tubes and wires and I confess that my emancipation felt fantastic. The helplessness associated with not being able to use my arms created an uneasy feeling. I slowly sat up, then got out of the bed and stood up—and almost fell over! After five days of lying in a fixed position, I had become weaker than I realized. I slowly and carefully walked around the room while staying close to the wall to steady myself. I spotted the gift box Shannon had left last night. It was sitting on the table. Remembering her tearful departure made me depressed. I was hesitant to open it, but as usual I gave in to my curiosity.
I sat in the nearest chair and carefully removed the wrapping. It was a small gift box with a note inside. There was an 18 karat white gold chain and an 18 karat white gold key that was a miniature replica of the kind used to unlock old style padlocks. The key had a tiny diamond set in the center of it. I unfolded the note and it read: To my Diamond in the Rough, (or I should say my brave Paladin and rescuer!). I'm sorry that my father stole your key. I know what it meant to you and I know how you loved the man who gave it to you. This is the key to my heart and I'm giving it to you because of my love for you and your love for me. You once said that I was the girl of your dreams. Well, I found the boy of my dreams when you came into my life! You're everything I could have ever hoped for in a guy! I love you SO MUCH!!! I'm excited to see what the future holds for us as our love for each other grows. Forever "thanks" for all you've done for my family and me.
I sat there a long time clutching the chain in my right hand while feeling the tears slide down my cheeks to drop onto my lap below.
Lunchtime soon approached, but I had no appetite. This concerned the nurse and it started to concern me too when I realized I'd better eat or they might stick an IV tube back in my arm! After lunch, boredom began to torment me. I was never one to watch much television and I decided to check out the different floral bouquets that were strategically placed in the room. The first one I examined was from Jill Cruse. Her note said: Oh Canada, our hot and handsome man. True patriot love, in all our girls you command! I laughed out loud so hard that I was instantly in pain. I continued to read her note and it said: In all seriousness, Lance, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you soon. Is there really still no chance…?
Good old Jill, never one to give up trying! I thought.
The next arrangement was from the Mitterhauser's. It was by far the largest and most extravagant. The note was a simple and courteous: Get well soon. There were over a half dozen bouquets from people I'd never even heard of. They must have come from kids in the school who were grateful for their freedom from the football team's tyranny, I thought while laughing to myself. There was one from the Colsons and another from the Cheponis'. I wondered how Mike Colson was doing. The last display I came to wasn't of flowers. It was a cute, Komono class bonsai tree that had an endearing charm about it. The rice paper note attached to it was hand writt
en in an exquisite style of Kanji. It was from Reina!
Feelings of anger, bitterness, and self-pity immediately overwhelmed me as I read it. My ronin, you did it! You were successful in rescuing your friends and avenging my family! You truly are a noble samurai! I am saddened to hear that you were badly injured, but I know you are as strong as you are brave. You will pull through. This little bonsai tree will bring you luck and healing. It brought you into my life! I look forward to seeing you soon. Love, your kunoichi.
I took the note, crumpled it up in my hand, and then threw it into the wastepaper basket. Then I picked up the tree and was about to throw it away as well when my conscience reprimanded me.
Do you really want to be spiteful toward her?
She's wrecked my life, I replied.
This girl is simply in love with you. Is that her fault?
It's not her fault, but I made it clear that I only wanted to be friends.
Then instead of despising her, show her what a true friend is. Try first, to be a friend to her.
Alright, I conceded. I'll try to reason with her first, as a friend. I set the tree down and retrieved the note out of the trashcan, but the feelings of bitterness and self-pity remained.
I lay on my bed musing until Keith came limping into the room.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey."
"You look more messed up than I was."
"I am," I replied while smiling.
"I, ah… I came by to say thanks, man. Thanks for what you did for me."
"No problem. They were able to find an antidote, eh?"
"Yeah, there was this scorpion exhibit going on at the San Diego Zoo. They had all kinds of antidote there."
"How's your leg."
"Ah… it's still messed up… a little. I can get around pretty good but, ah, no sports, no football anyways."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Yeah, I guess we'll never know who would have won that fight between us," he remarked while smiling.
"You broke up with Shannon, eh?"
"Yep. She's not my type. I mean she's truly a one in million, smoking hot looker, you know, but she's… just too uptight and inhibited. She's all yours now, if you want her. But I'll give you a heads up. You won't be able to get any from her—nothing! She has this conviction," he remarked in a mocking tone while slowly shaking his head in disappointment "What a waste!"
"I'm going to have to pass on her too. But for other reasons."
"You might be able to get another girl at the school. I'll put in a good word for you. I have… influence… you know… with all the girls."
I said nothing.
"Anyways, if you ever need anything, anything at all, you just let me know. I owe you my life."
He limped over and grabbed my hand. I squeezed it, and then he turned and hobbled out of the room.
Now feeling somewhat exhausted, I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I awoke to the sensation of someone touching my face. I grabbed the hand and sat up. It was Reina! She stared at me with a glazed look in her eyes. Then she bent over to kiss me. I wanted to turn my head aside. I wanted to push her face away. But I did nothing, and she gently kissed me on the cheek.
"Reina, you and I, we need to talk."
"My brother, is he alive?"
"If he's dead, he didn't die by my hand. I had a chance to kill him. But I didn't. I kept my promise to you. However, I believe that he escaped and that he's still alive."
"Did… he say anything to you?"
"Yes. He confirmed what you feared. That he's now going to put you to death."
Her eyes dropped to the floor.
"I've told no one about you," I continued. "I've kept my word on both counts. I even fulfilled your mission of katakiuchi. The man who killed your family is dead. Look, Reina, please try to understand. I only want to be your friend. I'm in love with Shannon and she is in love with me. Release me from my vow. Please!"
"I am in love with you, too. Why will you not try to fall in love with me? Is it because I do not have blonde hair and blue eyes?" she asked with contempt. "Did you not say you thought I was remarkably beautiful? Did you not enjoy kissing me? Is not my body as good as hers?"
"Physically, I honestly can't see any difference between you two—but you're missing the point. It's not just about looks. It's about emotions, and connecting. It's about the feelings we have for each other. When I first saw Shannon it was like… like love at first sight! The more I got to know her, the more I fell in love with her; her personality, her kindness, her caring, and her creativity. Don’t you understand? And she feels the same way about me. Love has to come naturally. You can't force someone to love you."
"Then spend time getting to know me."
"I want to, but only as a friend. I don't want to be your boyfriend—or lover. I only want to be friends. We could have a great friendship, I truly believe that! Now, I humbly ask you again, release me from my vow!"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I do not want you to love her. I want us to be lovers."
My patience had run out. "I only want us to be friends. I don't have romantic feelings toward you. Why can't you understand and accept that?"
She walked over to examine the flowers. "Do you like my bonsai tree? I have had it since I was a little girl."
"FINE!" I shouted in anger and frustration. "HOLD ME TO MY WORD! HOLD ME TO IT FOREVER IF YOU WANT! BUT GET THIS THROUGH YOUR THICK, STUBBORN HEAD! I'LL NEVER ASK YOU OUT AND I'LL NEVER BE YOUR BOYFRIEND! EVER! NOW GET OUT OF MY ROOM AND LEAVE ME ALONE!"
She turned and stared at me with an expression of grief on her face. "Then… Then I am dead. My brother will find me to obtain his vengeance."
"He won't be able to," I replied while taking deep breaths and trying to calm down. "I gave you my word that I would protect you."
A nurse came into the room and after glancing around; she asked if everything was alright.
"Yes," I calmly replied. "We're just having a… discussion." She nodded okay, turned and glanced at Reina, and then left while closing the door behind her.
"Look at yourself," Reina continued. "Your body is battered and broken. You almost died trying to save them. Do you think you will put the same effort into protecting me? I have no family now. I have no one to love me. I am all alone in this world. All I wanted was for you to love me as I love you. All I wanted was for you to give it a try. Goodbye, Lance-san." She turned, walked over to her tree, gently touched it, and then exited the room while wiping away a teardrop.
I sat there frustrated and bewildered. I had given it my best shot. I had pitted my patient reasoning against her stubborn and selfish emotion and I had lost. I was still no better off than before.
The next morning Doctor Chan came in the room to do a final check-over before releasing me. "There will be no heavy lifting or body contact sports for at least 12 weeks. Longer, if you're sensible."
"But, doc, I'll lose all my muscle mass. I'll get out of form."
"Those are my orders, and you'd be wise to obey them."
Stacy arrived to take me home. As we were checking out, Doctor Chan motioned me to come over to where he was standing.
"Listen, son," he quietly remarked. "You are one tough hombre' but you are not Superman. Reel in that reckless tendency of yours or the next doctor that examines you won't be me. It'll be the coroner at the city morgue. Comprendez?"
"Si."
On our way home Stacy said, "Lance, Mr. Cheponis threatened the school with a lawsuit if they didn't let you come back."
"Mr. Cheponis?"
"He's a successful attorney. He did it as a favor to me. The school backed down from his threat. You can go back once you're physically able to. But it's entirely up to you."
"What about Coach Pernell?"
"He's been suspended pending a hearing. I believe their going to fire him. Principal Taylor has also been put on administrative leave. There's going to be an investigation and hearing by the school district into the nume
rous complaints about bullying at the school that have been ignored through the years."
"I'll have to give it some thought."
"There's something else. The police want to question you. They want to hear your side of the events both at the Mitterhauser's residence and the construction site. I can get you a lawyer to be present if you want?"
I nodded okay.
We continued to drive and Stacy glanced over at me while remarking, "I want you to know that you have been a Godsend to our family, Lance. Shannon couldn't have found a nicer young man for a boyfriend. I also want you to know that you have my complete blessing and approval on your relationship with her. You do understand this, right?"
"How's she doing?"
"She's… every other night since Sunday morning she wakes up crying. I try to comfort her, but it isn't easy. I'm sure time will heal the trauma she's been through. Last night she woke up crying out… your name."
I leaned my head against the window and said nothing. Finally, we pulled up to the house. I felt like I had been away forever. I slowly walked up the steps and through the front door. I headed toward the family room. My luggage and guitar were still right where I had left them. Now sensing a presence behind me, I turned around and came face to face with Shannon!
"I have something to… say to you," she said while trying to maintain control of her emotions. "I talked to my mother and… and she said that you've been through so much, and to be patient with you, and to give you some time. I want you to know, Lance Joseph Rock that I'm in love with you. I will give you time because I know that in your heart, you're in love with me too. I don't know why you're acting the way you are, but I'll wait for you to come back to me. I'll wait for all eternity if I have to." She then turned and walked away.
"Someday, hopefully, I will come back to you, Shannon Ursula Muller,” I quietly replied under my breath while watching her go upstairs. “Because you're right. You are still the girl of my dreams and I am in love with you. Deeply…"
Stacy now entered the room and said, "Follow me."
We went upstairs and she took a key out of her pocket and opened the door to Teri's old room. I followed her inside. She walked over to the window and opened the blinds. As light flooded the room, I glanced around. There were several pictures on the dresser and I picked up an eight by ten portrait. While gazing at it I remarked, "She's absolutely beautiful. There's no mistaking her for being Shannon and AJ's older sister. Tell me, Mrs. Muller, what was Teri like? Was she the black sheep of the family?"
She looked at me quizzically and replied. "She was her father's daughter—Daddy's little girl. I guess in ways and at times she often acted like a black sheep, more so the older she got."
"Did Shannon and Teri get along?"
"When they were younger. As they grew older they drifted apart after realizing that they had less and less in common."
I sat down on the bed and invited Stacy to sit beside me.
"Teri was over in Europe when you got word she was dead?" It was a painful question to ask, but I had to know the truth.
"She was studying over in France when one of Gunther's men… informed me."
"You lost contact with her and yet you never reported her missing?"
"I didn't want him to retaliate by harming Shannon and AJ," she replied, now wiping a tear away from her eye.
"Mrs. Muller… Stacy, your daughter Teri is not dead."
"What?"
"She was the pilot of Gunther's helicopter."
If I had just slapped her in the face her reaction would have been no different.
"No, no, no," she began to sob with her hands covering her face as she gently rocked back and forth on the edge of the bed.
"I am truly sorry," I said while putting my arm tenderly around her.
As she sat there sobbing, I reflected on the past two weeks. Two weeks! It had felt like two years! I still had the whole rest of the school year ahead of me! My body had taken a beating I wasn't sure it would ever completely recover from, I had forfeited my right to express my feelings toward the girl I loved, and I had my most precious possession stolen from me. But I had put an end to a decade long cycle of terror and trauma and had saved the lives of three people as well. And what could be more valuable than that?
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