“Colt’s grades are borderline and we wonder if he can make the cut with grades alone. I'm looking at other options for him.”
Robert O’Brien glared and his son while Colt looked for a place to duck as he fidgeted in his chair. Leona, in turn, shot angry darts at her husband, who leaned back with arms crossed.
“It sounds like there's still hope. What can Colt do to better his chances?” asked Leona.
Robert leaned forward ready to speak and his tiny wife’s arm shot across Colt and landed on her husband's chest. Robert closed his mouth. Mr. Towne smiled with his hands together.
“I think we have a possible way for Colt to be accepted. I've been brainstorming with Colt’s counselor and Mr. Sweden, who is running the certification program.”
Hope was reflected in Leona's eyes. She spoke.
"Is there a way to get him in?" she asked.
"Most universities need computer technical support. Also, it appears that the certification Colt is trying to achieve is highly regarded at all of the schools we care about.”
“I thought this computer stuff was a waste of time,” said Robert.
“Not anymore. Too many of us rely on computers to get work done. School computers hold student records, grades, and other very important information now. Also, it's anticipated that the Microsoft certifications will be accepted for college credit soon,” said Mr. Towne.
The energetic principal continued.
“Colt needs to keep his grades up, continue helping out with computers and, most of all, pass the certification exam. Then, we'll have a great success story to tell my contacts in higher education. I feel confident that he'll be accepted if he does those things."
“This is wonderful. Oh, Colt, I'm so happy,” said Leona.
“How is he supposed to pass this test if he never studies?” moaned Robert.
“I encourage all of you to work together to support him. Mr. Sweden, Mr. Carbon, and their group will help also,” said Mr. Towne with a confident smile.
Colt said nothing. Dude, you thought it was all so easy. Now you know it's not. He was finding that doing school work was simple compared to the certification material he was attempting to learn. Crap, I study and study, but I can't even pass the stupid practice test. How am I ever going to get through this? And now he says I don't go to college unless I pass it. Colt looked at Mr. Towne who seemed very confident that a little study and perseverance would pull Colt through. Oh right, Mr. Towne. All I have to do is pass the easy little certification test. Well maybe it isn't that easy.
Robert looked at Mr. Towne while leaning on Colt a little more than usual. Colt tried to resist so he wouldn't push on his mother.
"Well, he's gotten himself into this fix. Let's see if he can get out."
"Robert, let's try to be supportive. Mr. Towne thinks Colt will be fine," said Leona.
"If he can do this, then I'll take back what I've been saying. That's a big if, though."
On the drive home, Colt's thoughts turned to the other big issue in his life. Amy Strong had captured his heart. Colt somehow knew that he was destined to be with her. How can that be? We only talked for a few minutes. When she appeared in his mind, which was often, he lost the sense of being a single person. It was as if they were connected from long ago. This inner sense of union scared and thrilled him at the same time. He felt like a strong tide was pulling him toward the horizon and he was helpless to affect it. What's happening to me? Whoa Dude. Hang on.
Chapter 19
------Email-------
From: Strong, Amy[
[email protected]]
To: Bower, Suzy[
[email protected]]
Subject: It’s not really a date
--------------------------------------------
HI SUZY
I'M MEETING COLT AT STARBUCKS. I HOPE HE DOESN’T THINK I’M DORKY. I WONDER IF I LIKE HIM TOO MUCH. WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I THINK ABOUT HIM AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TEN MINUTES? THIS IS SURE DIFFERENT
AMY
------Email-------
Amy Strong had been on the phone with her friend, Suzy Bower, for hours. She didn't have a cell phone and was happy that no one was at home to interrupt her. This was a time when having phone privacy was crucial. Her date with Colt was only about an hour away.
“I'm going to wear the tight jeans and my soccer sweatshirt. What do you think?” said Amy.
Suzy was silent for a few moments, which was not like her.
“Hmmm. That sounds so boring. You know he's a flashy dresser. Wear your green blouse. It looks great on you,” said Suzy.
“This isn’t even a date. It’s just coffee. We're only going to talk a little.”
“Oh, is that so? You could have fooled me. You’ve only been nerved out all day. Do you think you're talking to your mom or something? Jeez.”
“Okay, so I’m a little nervous and maybe excited. Wouldn’t you be?” said Amy.
“I don't know what I'd be. Wear some makeup. You don’t put enough on.”
Amy was now becoming frustrated. She wanted support without the advice.
“You know I hate wearing makeup. I wasn’t wearing any last time I saw him.”
“Amy, you can really look cute if you make a little effort. I wish I had that athletic body like you have. You have it made.”
“Ok, I’ll do what you say. I think the purple tennis shoes will be good, too,” said Amy.
“Are you sure you want to do this? You know he has a reputation of being into numero uno. Staci Parks is really sad that he dumped her. You could get hurt.”
“I’ve heard that stuff, but I don’t think he’s really like that. Anyway, I'm getting sick of being nice and cautious all the time. Nothing ever happens.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling, Amy. I know the feeling.”
~~~
It was rainy and cold outside Colt’s window. He stared out at the gray, stormy day, but his focus was inward. Why am I so nervous? It’s just a girl. For hours he'd been recounting recent events, trying to see what happened to make him feel so out of sorts. After finally getting to the point where he thought he was in control as far as girls were concerned, now he felt like a bowl of emotional mush. The freedom he felt from not having a girlfriend, and telling Alison Monroe to leave him alone had disappeared. He sensed that he was about to be trapped. He knew that he was about to step into the cage, but could not conjure up the energy to be concerned. He was beginning to feel like it was inevitable. Man, I'm swinging all over the place. I think I'm too tired to be confident. On one end of the spectrum he was acting logical and responsibly. He studied for the certifications and was generally doing the right things to please his parents. On the other, messier end, he was bouncing from one emotional state to another. In his mind were vivid images of an aggressive, lusty Ali Monroe, his recent fight and now his inexplicable infatuation with a girl he didn't know. How did I end up falling for her? I can’t even think about her without breaking into a sweat. What is it about her that is pulling at me?
Colt's thoughts were interrupted by the ringing phone.
“Colt here. What up?”
“Hey Colt, aren’t you gone yet? Where are you going again?” said Bobby.
Colt was irritated that his train of thought was hi-jacked.
“Starbucks. I'm meeting her at Starbucks.”
“Oh yeah. Gonna get some java. Say hi for me.”
“Dude, what is this call for? I'm already getting a little tense with this deal. I'm starting to wonder why I'm even doing it. Are you trying to piss me off or what?”
“Hey man, lighten up. We’re buds, remember? I’m here to support you in your entry back into the chick world,” said Bobby.
“Get lost. We're just going to talk,” said Colt.
“You keep telling yourself that, my friend.”
Colt could hear the teasing smile in his friend’s voice.
“Lay off, dude. Later.”
As Colt hung up he decided that he'd had e
nough of doubts and mental gymnastics. Dude, just show up to this thing and see what happens.
~~~
Colt walked rapidly toward the Burien Starbucks in the pouring rain. He was wearing a muted red parka with the hood up. He opened the door and was assaulted by a pungent aroma of roasted coffee, bright lights and warm air. Amy was sitting alone in a corner with a cup of coffee. She was nervous but radiant in her bright green blouse and light dusting of makeup. As Colt approached, he inhaled her delicate but penetrating perfume and noticed that she was wearing a light shade of lipstick.
The sense of cool that he wanted to maintain left him like birds taking flight. His desired aloofness was replaced with an instant intoxication. All parts of him were becoming open and receptive. Everything was brighter, softer and friendlier. Colt was aroused sexually, emotionally and intuitively.
He smiled and sat. “Hi Amy.”
“Hi. I got here early, so I ordered. I usually like just coffee without the other stuff,” said Amy.
“I’ll go and get just coffee, too. I’ll be right back.”
Colt waited in line trying to get his bearings. He knew this was not like him, but he was enjoying this drug-like state so much that he could not let it go. This feels great. It's like a flood of everything good. He saw vivid movie-like pictures moving across his inner view. Amy was a glowing princess and he was a prince. They were enjoying each other's compnay while doing fun and exciting activities. His sense of contentment deepened. He somehow ordered and paid for his coffee. As he sat down, he noticed that Amy was agitated about something.
Still, Colt felt at ease and his eyes reflected an inner happiness.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. I wonder if I should be here. I hardly know you.”
“It’s okay. You know my sister. And, soon you'll know me better. You might not know this, but I was really into soccer, too.”
In spite of her nervousness, Amy relaxed at the mention of her favorite activity. This was an area where she had experienced great success and joy. Doubts were overcome by curiosity and increasing confidence.
“Really? You were? When?”
“I played until the end of junior high. Then I got interested in computers.”
"I love everything about soccer," she said.
Now that she felt more comfortable, Amy began to talk more. The words flowed out of her with increasing openness. Colt’s intoxication grew with each minute he was with her. She seemed so genuine and beautiful. The beauty that he recognized was inside and outside. Colt forgot that relationships tied him down. He forgot to hide his feelings. He forgot that he wasn’t supposed to fall in love. Most of all, he forgot about all of the vexing items on his internal list. Colt relaxed and through being together a bond formed between them.
“Listen Amy, I think we did okay for a cup of coffee meeting, don’t you?”
“I really liked it, Colt,” said Amy.
“Why don’t we go to a movie or something?”
“Really? Uh, er, um sure,” said Amy.
“Great. I’ll call you to set something up,” said Colt.
The two teenagers walked toward Amy’s car. The rain had stopped and a sliver of sunlight was slicing through gray clouds. When they got to her car Amy turned toward Colt.
There seemed to be a natural force pulling them toward each other.
Colt said, “I really had a great time, Amy.”
With a lunge, Amy grabbed and hugged Colt tight. She hoped that he didn't see the tears of joy gushing down her cheeks and streaking her makeup. Colt smiled while floating on a sea of serenity.
Chapter 20
------Email-------
From: Gray, Jennifer[
[email protected]]
To: Sweden, Ron[
[email protected]]
Subject: Your visit to Microsoft
---------------------------------------------------------
Hello Ron
It was great talking to you about a field trip to the Microsoft campus. We are very excited about having your group visit. I will be showing you around. As we discussed, I have arranged specific activities for your students. After hearing about what you've accomplished and your enthusiasm about Microsoft and our products, we expect this to be a great experience for your group and for us.
I did ask if Mr. Gates would be able to meet with you. Unfortunately, that will not be possible.
Maps, directions and itinerary are enclosed. Please call me with any questions.
Regards
Jennifer
------Email-------
The Highline High campus was empty. Colt drove his VW bug into the circular driveway at the rear of the school, parked and jumped out. He was wearing a white shirt and tie beneath a bright purple jacket with slacks. He hopped up and down for a few minutes. I need to relax. I'm way too jacked up. The sing-song ring of his cell phone pealed through the brisk, dry air.
“Hey dude,” said Colt.
“What the hell, I should be going to this deal,” said Bobby.
Colt smirked at knowing how much his friend wanted to go on this field trip.
“Crack a book and pass a test. Maybe you can go on the next one,” said Colt.
“You haven’t even passed a test yet. Crap, I need to be going, too.”
“I’ll call you after and tell you how it went. Do you think we’ll see Bill Gates?
“Screw you, Colt. Damn it. You could have gotten me into this thing.”
“I tried Bobinator. No luck, amigo. Sorry. Gotta go.”
“I still can’t believe you're leaving me behind.”
"See ya," said Colt.
Other vehicles were now arriving. Ron Sweden, who was the first one there, beamed when Mr. Towne approached him. He was very proud that the school principal was coming along. To him, this gave credence to what they were doing. Soon about 15 students and four adults were gathered in front of Mr. Carbon and Mr. Sweden. Mr. Sweden addressed the assembled group.
“We'll be using the three mini-vans for transportation. Mr. Towne and I will go in my car and lead the way. Are we all set?”
Colt wrestled with his tie, which made him look like he was hanging himself.
“Why did we have to wear the ties?” he asked a bit irritated.
“You're representing Highline High School. For today, it’s the rule. With that purple jacket on, you'll be hard to miss anyway. ” said Mr. Carbon.
After a 25-minute drive, the caravan exited the freeway in Redmond. Billy leaned over to Gunnar.
“I bet we’re late. It’s easy to get lost on the side streets.”
“I hope not. How would that look? They do this big deal for us and we can’t even make it on time.”
After driving in circles for about thirty minutes, the caravan finally turned into the Microsoft campus and parked next to a white, one-story building. The diminutive Mr. Towne shot out of the lead car with nervous eyes darting everywhere. The rest of the group seemed unaffected by their late arrival. The bright sun, shining through the crisp winter air, gave them a sense of gleeful anticipation.
A tall, slender, dark-haired woman stood on the steps leading to the front door. She appeared to be in her late 20s and wore blue jeans with a long-sleeved, light, blue shirt. The word “Microsoft” was sewn on the front. Here we are in ties and she’s dressed casual, thought Colt. Not bad looking, too.
“Hi, I'm Jennifer Gray. Let’s get everybody checked in. Then we can start.” said the young woman in a direct, confident way.
The group followed Jennifer to a desk where they were given badges. After, they formed a circle around the Microsoft representative. She re-introduced herself and gave a short welcome speech. She smiled at the young students and pointed toward the door.
“Let’s get into the mini-bus. Our first stop will be the data center. We'll be there in a few minutes.” she said.
Colt had few expectations about what a data center
was like. Now he was becoming curious. When they walked in, Jennifer stopped at an area that had about fifty computer screens. Wow! A wall made up of monitors, thought Colt.
“This is the control center. Systems are watched here twenty-four hours a day,” said Jennifer.
“Is this the data center?” asked Gunnar.
“The data center is monitored from here, but this is not it.
“So, what is the data center for?”
“All of our server-based software is tested in the data center before we release it. Also, we have lots of applications like Email, file sharing, and databases running on the servers. Let’s go in.”
The group passed through nondescript double doors into the computer area. Before Colt could get a good view, he was pummeled by psychic waves of kinetic energy. He sensed electrical particles moving everywhere within the sterile smelling enclosure. Once he was able to see the contents of the room, he was struck by the enormity. Before him was a series of giant, enclosed, air-conditioned rooms. There were no windows. It was almost cold with a slight steady movement of dry air. A never-ending, dull droning hum surrounded the visitors. As the group walked down rows of connected racks filled with computers and related equipment Colt gasped. He could see that a tile in the floor was pulled up, revealing hundreds of cables beneath. Green and amber lights blinked randomly from the thousands of devices in the room. Colt turned to Mr. Carbon, who seemed to be at home in this environment.
“This is huge. I can’t believe how much stuff is in here.”
“I heard that they have another data center just as big,” said Matthew.
“Where is everybody?” asked Colt.
“This is what's called a lights-out operation. Most of the work is done remotely. They can even configure and load the computers from outside.”
As they walked through the enormous computer facility, Colt felt like he was in the center of the computing universe. He tried to comprehend the multiple connections, processing power, and cost of the equipment he was viewing. With his inner vision he saw millions of connections threaded together in a universal blanket. He was in awe of the sheer size of it all and could not fathom how much of an impact this one data center had. His past experience with fixing individual computers seemed miniscule compared to all of these networked computers working together. As the small group exited the data center, Colt allowed the experience to soak in. Man, do I have a lot to learn. It goes on forever.