“What do I have to do? Man, you really have a huge pile of books and stuff sitting there.”
“The basic idea is that we ask you questions from any of the materials that we use. It could be any part of a book or a practice test question.”
“But I only read the two books,” said Colt.
“If you know it, we'll be able to tell. We've done a few of these. No student has ever failed an exam after passing the assessment.” answered Ron Sweden.
“Okay, I might as well give it a shot. Can Amy answer, too? We studied together.”
“As long as you answer on your own,” said Mr. Carbon.
Gunnar waved his hand to the adults. His father nodded to him.
"If you pass the assessment, then you can do cram week. You study really hard the week before the test."
"I feel like I just had months cramming. But I probably will want to study hard just before doing it." answered Colt
The adults sat and watched as Billy and Gunnar used almost all of the materials on the table to formulate a variety of questions. Some were short but many were convoluted and intricate. Colt asked for clarification when wrestling with some of the long scenario questions. Amy was pleased to see that Colt gained confidence as he became absorbed in the assessment. After about twenty minutes he started to answer all of the questions correctly with little hesitation.
“Ask Amy a few questions, too,” said Mr. Carbon to Billy.
“Okay Dad.”
Amy had attempted to answer the questions that Colt was asked, but not out loud. She had become focused and found herself in the zone as she and Colt liked to refer to it. When Billy asked questions, she pulled from knowledge gained working with Colt. She was surprised and pleased that she was able to give solid explanations for many of the questions that were asked. Although Amy had never considered learning about computers, she was encouraged by her success. After it was obvious that Amy knew much of the material, Mr. Carbon stopped his son.
“That’s enough. Colt probably wants to know how he did.” he said.
“Yeah, I do,” said Colt.
“You and Amy go out on the porch. Give us about ten minutes.
With the pair gone, the group discussed the session.
“He’s more ready than we were for our first test,” said Billy.
“I think he could pass now with no problem, even without cram week,” said Gunnar.
“Okay, it’s settled then. What about Amy? I think with a little work she could pass, too,” said Mr. Carbon.
“I think she’s the reason that Colt knows the stuff,” said Gunnar.
“Billy, go get them,” said Mr. Carbon.
Amy and Colt walked out of the Sweden’s smiling. As soon as Colt closed the door behind them, he turned and hugged Amy. She kissed him on the lips and hugged him tighter.
“Oh Colt, you were so great. You didn’t miss anything.”
“You were, too. You really helped me,” said Colt.
“I know I helped a little but you did it on your own. I'm so proud of you,” said Amy.
“Are you going to try to pass a test?”
“I might. Let’s see how it goes with you first. Can we do the cram week together?” asked Amy.
“I sure hope so. You’re my lucky charm. Let’s go to Starbucks and celebrate,” said Colt.
“Oh, I’m so excited for you. I'm so excited for us,” said Amy.
Chapter 25
------Email-------
From: O’Brien, Colt[
[email protected]]
To: Jones, Bobby[
[email protected]]
Subject: Good news
---------------------------------------------------
Hey Dude
I got some good news. Let's talk. Call me and we can decide where.
Colt
------Email-------
Leona called to Colt from the kitchen in a singsong, happy voice.
“Honey, could you meet me in the living room, please.”
“Yeah Mom, I’m coming,” said Colt.
Colt plopped on the sofa facing his smiling mother. Leona walked over and hugged him with eyes closed. Uh, something's up, thought Colt.
“Don't forget your appointment with Dr. Sharman. It’s important that you go.”
“What was that for again? I feel fine,” said Colt.
“Don't you remember? It’s a physical exam. You need those every so often.”
“I'm not really that into it. It’s at four, right?” said Colt.
“Yes. His office is next to Highline Hospital. He moved about a year ago. Maybe he'll have a surprise for you.” said Leona with a noticeable joy in her voice.
“Ooohh! What aren’t you telling me?”
“I just have a feeling that you're very healthy. Now give me a kiss and go back to what you were doing.”
“Okay, but I have a feeling you aren’t telling me everything.”
What is this about? At least it sounds like good news. I'm glad I won't have to wait long to find out.
This simple incident brought into focus how much Colt loved his mother. His inner self felt a delicate radiance surrounding him from Leona. Where he sensed that he could never live up to his father’s expectations, he knew that his mother loved him without conditions or criticism.
I really lucked out. She’s the best, he thought.
~~~
Colt sat in the waiting area of Dr. Sharman’s office near Highline Hospital. He was restless and resented waiting. Crap, this always happens. He takes forever. This is why I don't like coming.
Colt looked at Beth, the receptionist behind the main desk.
“How long will it be, Beth? It's like he's always running late,” said Colt in frustration.
At about 45 years old and having worked for doctors for many years, she had the look of a person who had seen it all. Still, her bright green eyes expressed friendliness and curiosity behind the reading glasses perched on her nose. She gave Colt an understanding look and spoke.
“I think another fifteen minutes or so. You know how he is.”
“Man, I get really bored just sitting here.”
“There are plenty of magazines there.”
“Whatever,” said Colt as he stood up and stretched.
“Oh, it looks like it's time to go in. Follow me,” said Beth.
Colt followed her to the scale where she weighed him and measured his height. She smiled and took him to a room. The friendly woman walked with a light step that gave Colt a feeling of anticipation that he had no reason to feel. He sat in the antiseptic room staring at pictures of the human body on the wall. Oh no, more waiting. This room is lifeless. And, I’m jacked up for some reason. Hurry up, doc.
After about ten minutes Dr. Sharmen knocked on the door and entered. When he smiled, Colt forgot his irritation at having to wait and remembered how kind the he was.
“How is young Colt today?” asked the doctor.
“Hey, I feel great. Like a million bucks.”
Colt knew that this doctor treated people and not symptoms. Once he was past the waiting, he always enjoyed the slow methodical pace. He felt pampered and valued. The kind man checked Colt's blood pressure. Next, he looked at Colt's heart and ears.
"Have you had any problems, Colt? Your mother told me that you were in a fight."
“No problems, doc. I healed up fine. I'm not even sure why I'm here,” said Colt.
“It’s good to come in at least once a year, but I have some good news for you.”
“I knew something was going on the way my mom was acting. Well I like good news, so tell me what's happening.”
“She asked me about the possibility of you growing taller, so the last time you were here I did some tests.”
“Uh, really? I didn’t even know what the heck you were doing. What did you find out?”
“Not only do the tests show that you should grow quite a bit more, but Beth told me you've grown two inches in the last s
ix months. So, maybe you're in the middle of a growth spurt.”
Colt jumped up out of his chair and started to do a little dance with his arms alternately rising toward the ceiling and coming back down to the ground. Doctor Sharman smiled and backed up a little to give Colt more space to express himself. He was happy to share in Colt's glee. After a few minutes, Colt stopped.
“This is awesome. How many more inches will I grow?”
“The tests indicate that you could be over six feet, but it's difficult to determine for sure.”
"So, that’s all I came for? I can go?" said Colt.
"Yes Colt, you can go. And congratulations," said Dr. Sharmen with a big smile.
Colt grinned while sitting in his car. Images flashed across his inner vision. He saw himself as a taller, more composed person. The new Colt would be very successful, a person in charge of things. People would look to him with respect and admiration. He knew that this one bit of news would change his life. I knew I was never supposed to be a midget and I was right.
~~~
Bobby Jones sat facing Colt in the Burien Starbucks. He looked uneasy. Colt knew that something was troubling his lifelong friend.
“Man, I never see you anymore. I’m still here, bud,” said Bobby with a shrug.
“Dude, don’t get bent out of shape. I’m here now. You know that I'm studying a lot and I have a girlfriend again. I haven’t forgotten who my best friend is," said Colt.
“Yeah, but it’s like you disappeared.”
Bobby noticed that Colt seemed less frenetic and more composed. It reminded him of the purple house with the clouds when Colt went into a trance.
“It’s all good. Great things are happening for me,” said Colt.
“Well you look laid back, man, and happy.”
“What's the best thing that could happen to me?”
“Passing a cert test? Getting married? Hell, I don’t know,” said Bobby.
Colt stood up and raised his hands in a victory stance.
“I’ve grown two inches and will keep on growing. I could be over six feet tall some day,” yelled Colt.
The few customers in Starbucks looked up at the boisterous teenager and wondered if the coffee he was drinking was a bit strong.
After years of hearing Colt complain about being short, Bobby knew how important this event was to his friend. Bobby understood and shared in the joy that Colt felt. It was like a triumph over the odds for both of them. Bobby stood up and thrust his arms toward the ceiling and jumped right along with Colt. Both young men crowed like they had won a championship game after being extreme underdogs.
“Awesome, man, awesome,” said Bobby.
Chapter 26
------Email-------
From: Strong, Amy[
[email protected]]
To: Bower, Suzy[
[email protected]]
Subject: Colt
-------------------------------------------
Suzyq
You were right. He’s the only one for me. I love him soooooo much.
Amy ♥♥♥♥
------Email-------
Colt knew that it must be a dream, but the scene before him seemed so real that it held his attention like a vise wrapped around his head. He sensed that it was a cold winter night, but he couldn't feel the elements. He was hovering in a vacuum with only memories to fill in the gaps that his senses could not. Below him was an empty, wet, soccer field. Huge blinding lights gave the ground a shiny, ice-like quality. Colt longed to be on that field with teammates and cheering fans. He wanted to feel the thrill of racing down the field toward the goal with the rain hitting his face. He remembered the total abandon of competition where everything was simple and pure. Dude, you miss it. You really do miss it.
A crack of thunder in the distance shook Colt away from his pleasant memories. He was puzzled. Why did I hear that? It was quiet. His attention turned to the direction of the sound. A raging storm was approaching. Angry, charcoal clouds were highlighted by flashes of bright red light. With each thunder crack, he felt an electrical charge surge through him. He knew that this was no disinterested act of nature. He felt tremendous anger pummeling his soul. That thing is coming for me. I have to get out of here. It will burn me up.
The vicious storm was now in front of Colt, who was helpless to do anything. His mind and soul were overpowered with each electrical shock freezing him in place. Now, he saw only red and he felt only scathing, hot currents burning through him. He tried to scream, but no sound came out. He started to cartwheel. With each attempt to act he turned over and over, moving faster and faster. Very soon he lost his ability to think at all. Images started to come at him in rapid succession. Thousands of pictures hit him, as if an invisible fast forward switch had been pushed. His mother, father and sister flashed by. Sentences streamed at him. He saw Amy and Bobby. Thousands of computer screens filled with icons, pictures and menus came at him. When he had almost lost consciousness, it stopped. Now what? He first felt and then saw her. It was Alison Monroe. Her eyes were like those of a dead person and her face had a bright red glow. The only expression of life her face displayed was a large grin that formed a sneer. Colt felt like an enormous straw was attached to his chest and the zombie Alison Monroe was sucking all of the energy out of him. He accepted the inevitable death that would soon take him.
Then, he woke up.
~~~
Leona picked up the phone.
“Hi, this is Ali.”
Leona smiled.
“Hi Ali. How are you doing?”
“I guess I’m okay. You know that things have been difficult for me.”
“It’s always bad when marriages don’t work out. Maybe we should get together and try to forget about it. What do you think?”
“That’s sweet of you to offer. What did you have in mind?”
“How about scones and tea here at the house? We can forget about men for awhile,” said Leona.
“That would be perfect, really perfect,” said Ali.
Leona felt more connected to Alison Monroe after Colt had fixed her computer. She was happy to help someone who was having a hard time. Now they could have a pleasant visit.
~~~
Colt and Amy had been studying for the upcoming certification exam in Colt’s bedroom. He would take the exam in a few days and this was the final run toward the finish line. Colt was becoming very good at answering test questions and was becoming cocky. This will be a snap. I even know the reason behind each question and answer. When I pass this thing a lot of doors will open for me. He knew that understanding how computer networks functioned would create vast new possibilities. He smiled inwardly as he imagined himself strutting through this newfound world with all of the answers.
“Wow, this is fantastic. I know I can ace this test,” said Colt.
“I think I can pass, too,” said Amy.
Colt thought about their future, which seemed full of unlimited joy. She really supports what I want to do.
“We make a great team.” said Colt.
Amy smiled and blushed. Nothing could make her happier than to hear those words.
“I love that we did this together, Colt. It brings us closer.”
“I know how important it’s been. You helping me, I mean. I feel like we can go up against anything that comes at us.”
The two teenagers sat facing each other. A bubble of mixed emotions encompassed them. Feelings of love, desire, fear and nervousness moved into and out of the contained space they resided in. They sensed a connection that was more than infatuation. Both were uncomfortable with the intensity of their emotional bond. Colt closed his eyes and envisioned Amy holding his hand. They were looking over a cliff into a raging sea. He knew they would jump and it frightened him.
Amy said, “Sometimes, I get afraid. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't with me.”
Colt was jolted by the statement. Yeah, I feel the same. It's like the world would end if we weren't together.
r />
Just as Colt was leaning over to hug Amy, Leona called from the living room.
“Colt, Colt, come in here. Ali stopped by." said Leona
Colt had an instant reaction that centered in his gut and radiated out to his entire body. He felt like he'd been dropped from a moving car onto concrete and was bouncing in the middle of a highway. He was hit hard and could not recover his composure for a few minutes.
“I’m in the middle of something, Mom.”
“Honey, come in and say hello. It won’t take long.”
Amy could feel a change in the connection that she and Colt shared. It was like static had blurred the clear channel that ran between them. She became afraid as they neared the living room where the older women sat. As soon as Alison Monroe looked at Colt, a dark feeling of dread came into Amy. Why do I feel this way? I don't even know this woman, she thought.
Colt surveyed the two women facing him. One he loved and one he now feared. He could see that his mother was not aware of anything off-key. She was anticipating a pleasant exchange between friends. Ali looked at Colt. He remembered his dream and said nothing only nodding and showing a brief smile. Her face was rather blank and seemed indifferent toward him or Amy.
"Hello Colt," she said.
When she spoke, Colt recognized the spark of desire in her voice and the need for revenge deep within her eyes. He was sure that Amy had seen it, too. He knew that this meeting would end badly.
“Uh, hi Alison,” Colt replied.
“You know you can call me Ali, Colt.”
Now, even Leona could sense that something was not right. The tension between Ali and Colt was increasing by the second. Just when Colt was turning to get away, Alison Monroe started to cry. In a few seconds large tears were rolling down her cheeks. She was also moaning loudly between convulsions. I knew this was going to be bad. I guess I should have known she would do something weird. But why did Amy have to be here?
“Oh no, what’s wrong, Ali. What’s wrong?” said Leona.
“I thought I could come here and it would be okay,” cried Ali.
“What do you mean? What are you talking about?”