She pointed to Colt, who was frozen like an icicle. Oh no. Not with Amy here. No, no!
“I mean him.”
“What about him?” asked Leona who was now feeling her maternal instincts rising up.
“I thought a glass of wine would be okay. But, but he kept pouring and drinking, and pouring and drinking. Then he used me; he screwed and used me. I'm so ashamed. I just wanted my computer fixed and he took my self-respect away.”
Colt looked at his mother who was stunned, but had a look of determination. She glanced at Colt with mixture of hate and disgust on her face and turned back to Ali, who was now trying not to smirk. Colt was starting to think that this might be the first time his mother stopped loving him. She then surprised everyone in the room. Leona O’Brien turned, snarled at the un-suspecting Ali Monroe and with clenched fist hit her, using every ounce of weight in her tiny body. A loud crack rang through the air.
Colt was stunned as his sweet mother started to yell at Ali Monroe. It was like a tornado had been unleashed and Ali Monroe was a house made of straw.
"You better not say another word about my son or I'll break your neck. I know that my Colt never took advantage of anyone."
Alison was now crying real tears of real pain. Her hand was on her jaw and her eyes expressed shock and fear. She backed away from Leona, who looked like she might pounce at any moment.
"But, but…." whined Alison.
"Shut up you bitch and get out! Get out!" yelled Leona.
Ali Monroe grabbed her purse and ran for the door. Colt could now feel Amy hitting his arm. She was wailing like someone had died. Colt sensed the snapping of the invisible cord that held them together. It was like a part of his soul was cut out by a dull, rusty blade. He felt like he was falling into a black pit that had no bottom. Amy pulled away from him and slumped down in a corner of the room sobbing.
It won't matter what I do. None of it will make a difference. I'll never be able to fix this, thought Colt. He waited until Ali was gone and then slowly walked toward the front door. He turned to look back. Both Amy and Leona were still crying. After seeing Amy, the little hope he nurtured vanished. Tears began to flow before he reached his car.
Chapter 27
------Email-------
From: Sweden, Ron[
[email protected]]
To: Carbon, Matthew[
[email protected]]
Subject: Colt O’Brien
---------------------------------------------------
Hi Matthew
I have been hearing rumors about Colt O’Brien. It has to do with a friend of his mother’s. I will see what I can find out. I don’t want our program to be put into a negative light.
Ron
------Email-------
Ron Sweden sat in his sedan in front of Highline High School with his cell phone glued to his ear. He was dressed, as usual, in a tailored suit that was spotless. It was a dreary January day; gray, drizzly and cold. His face displayed an expression of seriousness and curiosity. He cringed slightly, composed himself and spoke.
“Hello, this is Ron Sweden. I'm trying to get in touch with Alison Monroe.”
“This is Alison. What do you want?” said a wary voice.
“I work with Highline students in a new certification program. It's a special computer networking course. Colt O’Brien is a student in our program. I've heard upsetting things about Colt that concern you. Before we kick him out of the program, I need to find out what happened. I was hoping you could tell me your side of what took place.”
Ali perked up at the sound of 'kick out'. She was very angry about being hit in the face at Colt's house and wanted him to pay.
“Sure, let’s talk, Ron. How about right now? Do you know where I live?”
“If you give me your address, I'm sure I can find it. I just happen to be available. So, now will be fine."
After giving Ron her address she said, “Thanks for listening to my side of the story, Ron.”
“We want to know the truth about our students. This program sets the bar very high.” he replied.
“I’ll see you soon then,” said Ali whose day was brightening by the minute.
Ron set his phone down and grabbed a small notepad from his briefcase. He concentrated and wrote Alison Monroe - ????????
We’ll see how innocent this woman is, he thought.
In a short time, Ron Sweden parked in front of Alison Monroe's small house in Normandy Park. Although he wanted to keep an open mind, he already felt that Colt had been taken advantage of. His experience with all types of people was vast and he sensed that Alison had character issues. And, he had gotten to know Colt who he felt was not devious at all. With Colt it was 'what you see is what you get'.
After sitting down in the living room, Ron looked at Alison Monroe. He had declined her offer of white wine. He tried to act friendly, while secretly hoping to find the truth about what really happened between an 18-year-old young man and a thirty-something woman. Ron smiled and started asking questions.
"It is so nice to be able to talk to you. I feel that you must have been taken advantage of. So what happened?”
Alison took a large gulp of her wine, emptying the glass.
"He kept pouring the wine and telling me to drink it. Then no matter what I said, he wouldn't stop coming at me." slurred Alison.
"Oh, so he brought the wine with him?" said Ron.
"No, of course not. Oh, that reminds me. I think I'll have some more wine."
After refilling her glass and weaving her way back into the living room with a half-full bottle, Alison continued.
"I was sad and lonely. He used me."
"So, you told him to stop? You became intoxicated, but made it clear to him that you didn't want it to go any further?"
She thought for a while with her eyes looking off to a faraway place finding it difficult to focus.
"Well, um, er, yeah. That's the way it was," she mumbled.
So far, this woman has no credibility, thought Ron.
"One last question. Did Colt ever bother you after that? Did he stop by or call?"
Alison, who was overcome with emotion along with the effects of the wine, started to cry. After a few minutes she looked at Ron Sweden. Any pretense of calm was gone. Her makeup was running down her red face as tears continued to gush.
"No, my baby never called me. He doesn't love me. He screwed me and used me, and threw me away," sobbed Alison.
Ron Sweden was not able to hide his look of sad disdain, but Alison was too caught up in her emotions to notice. He stood, turned and left closing the door silently behind him.
~~~
After the visit from Ali Monroe, Colt understood his dream vision with the life force being sucked out of him with a straw. He felt heartsick and empty at seeing his mother and Amy so upset. Crap, I sure ended up in a bad place. At least my Mom still loves me. But Amy... I just don't know. He hoped that the broken relationship with Amy could be made right again, but became nervous whenever he thought about her. The anticipated certification exam was the next day, but it seemed less important now that Amy was not sharing it with him. As far as his mother's reaction to the visit, Leona never expressed any doubt about Colt's innocence. She talked to Colt the next day.
"Colt, honey. I'm so sorry I sent you over there to see that horrible woman. I should have remembered that recently divorced women can do crazy things. Now, let's forget about it and get you back together with Amy."
"Thanks mom. I know you love me."
However, Amy would not answer his calls or emails. Man, I could pass this test and still my life might be crap. Colt felt relieved that Bobby would go with him to Wings Aloft for the test. I need someone I trust there with me. It's like everything got screwed up. And, who else has Ali told her lies to? Having the support of his friend would be a great comfort. Now that Colt was down, he appreciated Bobby as never before.
Colt sat facing his computer in his bedroom with a phone to
his ear.
“Hey Bobinator.”
“Hey man. How are things? I'm sure glad I don’t have your kinds of problems,” said Bobby.
“Yeah, things are messed up. Let’s meet. We can talk or whatever.”
“How about lunch at Dave's Diner at one?”
“Sure thing, dude. Later.”
Colt walked out of his house and toward his purple car. When he was a few feet away from the vehicle, he noticed a run-down truck parked across the street. He thought he could see somebody behind the dingy windows, but couldn't be sure. I wonder why that’s parked there? Oh well probably no big deal. As he reached his car, Colt turned to open the door. A swoosh of air hit the back of his neck causing him to turn. Everything he remembered after that was disjointed and painful.
Two medium-sized young men dressed in ratty clothes with numerous tattoos and spiked, colored hair, grabbed Colt. In one swift movement, they slammed the door with his hand still attached and pounded his head into the side of the car. He had no chance to defend himself or even cry out. The rough attackers let him go and he fell to the pavement, stunned and helpless. His left eye was already bleeding and needles of excruciating pain were throbbing through his right hand. One thug pinned Colt to the ground while the other kicked him in the side and yelled over and over again, “Remember Ali Monroe, punk.” When he started to slip into darkness, he felt his attackers loosen their grip. He had no sense of who or where he was. From the end of a tunnel that seemed far, far away, he heard a voice say, “Run, before I kill you.”
~~~
Colt awoke to the sound of steady rain. It was dark outside and he had no idea of the time. His body was filled with excruciating pain. The pain was everywhere. His left side, right hand and eye were a bit more noticable, but it was difficult to distinguish any location that was more painful than any other. Colt groaned and soon the door opened. His father and Bobby walked in.
“Colt, are you still alive? Do you even remember us taking you to the emergency room?” asked Bobby.
With great effort, Colt raised his throbbing head.
“Huh? Where? Dude, what happened?” asked Colt.
“Your dad said some ugly goons were pounding on you when he pulled up. He chased them away.” answered Bobby.
Robert O’Brien looked at his son with worry, which made Colt think that he must really look as bad as he felt.
“Colt, here is some aspirin and an ice pack. The doc said you would be okay, but you need lots of rest. Your mother can’t bear to look at you. I think the blood and bruises are too much for her,” said Robert.
“Thanks Dad. After the incident the other day, she's probably wondering what will happen next.”
Though things were still a bit hazy, Colt thought he saw his father wink at him and smile.
“Your mother told me she took care of that woman. From what I heard, Ms. Monroe tried to ambush you. I think she sent those punks, too. Anybody that would do that can’t be a good person.” said Robert O'Brien.
“I hope Mom is okay," said Colt.
“She’s more afraid than anything. She saw how you looked when I brought you in. As far as your girl, I expect that the real truth will come out and she'll hear it. It usually does,” said Robert.
“I feel like crap and I have my test tomorrow,” moaned Colt.
“Mr. Sweden called about that. He said that it would be good if you could make it, something about a scholarship.”
Colt did not answer as he slipped into a painful unsettled sleep.
Chapter 28
------Email-------
From: Wise, Deborah[
[email protected]]
To: O’brien, Leona[
[email protected]]
Subject: She’s a horrible person
---------------------------------------------------
Dear Leona
I heard about your son being hurt by those thugs. I know for a fact that Ali seduced Colt. He was innocent. After she poured wine down his throat it was easy to get him to do what she wanted. I think the breakup made her a little crazy. But having Colt beat up because he broke it off is more than I can take. She has turned into a horrible person. I just thought you should know the truth. Please call me if you want to talk more. I hope Colt is ok.
Debbie
------Email-------
Delicate rays of winter sunlight poured into Colt’s bedroom, forcing him to lift his heavy eyelids. His beaten body shouted out. Swelling pain assaulted him. At seeing a stack of books, he was jolted into remembering what he needed to do. His mind tried to change gears, but his weakened body refused to follow. Damn it. The test is today. What a hassle this is going to be. Dizziness hit him when he attempted to sit up, forcing him to pause for a few moments. Whoaaa. I better move slower. I need something to kill this pain. Colt trudged toward the kitchen with a bottle of aspirin in his hand. At least I smell coffee. Leona was on her way out the front door and Colt paused to avoid seeing her. He was relieved that no one would be in the house to see him weak and bruised.
After taking four aspirin and drinking strong coffee, Colt sat in the living room. He brought his focus back to the certification test he was supposed to take that day. He knew that taking the test would be challenging in his present condition. Still, he pictured a series of steps leading to success. His psychic vision indicated to him that he had to pass the test today for the dominoes to fall according to plan. With renewed energy he dialed his friend’s number.
“Yo, Bobster,” said Colt.
“Hey Man, how are you doing? You sound bad.”
“Dude, I feel like I was beat up by some mean, ugly dudes, but I'm starting to move a little.”
“Are you still doing the test thing?”
“Yeah, I have to play through the pain. I need to do this,” said Colt.
“What’s the plan, then?” asked Bobby.
“Pick me up at 11:00. The test is at 1:00. We can get some lattes or something.”
“Man, are you sure? I can’t believe you're even getting out of bed.”
“Dude, just be here,” said Colt with more conviction than he really felt.
Colt tried to relax and conserve his strength. Although he thought that studying would be good, he feared that using up what little energy he had could be disastrous. I better just chill until the test.
Bobby pulled up in front of the O'Brien home. Colt hobbled out of the front door. To Bobby, he seemed to be moving in slow motion. He was wearing a lime green parka, aqua-colored pants and high-top pink tennis shoes. Large, dark sunglasses covered some of his bruises, but not all. Under his arm he carried one book and a thick stack of printed test questions.
“Where to?” asked Bobby.
“Let’s go to Starbucks. I'm not into food right now.”
“Good idea. I’ll buy. You deserve something. Man, I still can't believe you're doing this. You look just as bad as I thought you would.”
“I just want to get it over with and then crawl into a hole for a week.”
After the coffee stop, the young men drove to Wings Aloft. During the drive, Colt attempted to focus on the task ahead with less than optimal results. His friend tried to cheer him up by saying anything that he thought would be encouraging. Colt entered a neutral, semi-meditative state in order to hold onto the little energy he had. It was laborious work to maintain even minimal focus, but he hoped that he would stay cognizant enough to pass the test. Man, I didn't know how bad I was. I can't even think straight. This would've been easy, but now it'll be hard to just function. Colt started to become upset, but stopped himself. He knew that a state of frustration would sap the little strength he possessed. I have to watch out or I'll be useless before long. And I thought this would be easy.
The two young men entered the Wings Aloft training center. Colt was surprised at the large front room with floor to ceiling windows. He saw Billy and Gunnar with their fathers sitting in a corner. The group seemed small to him in the cavernous room. Co
lt had removed his sunglasses and his injuries were now in plain view.
“Wow, are you okay?” asked Gunnar.
“I’ll live. I need to get this test done,” said Colt.
Mr. Carbon spoke. “You don’t have to do this now. You can reschedule.”
“Thanks, but the hard part was getting here. Now that I made it, let’s do this.”
“All right, Colt. Come over to the table and the boys will go over some things,” said Mr. Carbon.
Colt tried to listen as Billy and Gunnar gave him tips on how to approach the exam questions. They emphasized staying calm and not being overwhelmed by the fact that it was the real thing. Because of the throbbing pain, Colt didn't grasp much of what the well-intentioned boys were saying. However, to his astonishment, one tip was very clear to him. It was something that would usually not seem important, but now seemed especially helpful to Colt.
Billy was speaking.
“I try to get a song going in my head. It helps me get into a rhythm. I think that’s the whole trick to this. You need to get into the zone. We all study so much that it’s not if we know it, but if we relax.”
After listening to the boys, Colt signed in at the front desk. The tall, blonde, twenty-something girl told him that he was not allowed to carry any notes or electronic devices into the test room.
“No problem. I’ll leave my stuff out here. I guess you know the rules. What’s your name?” said Colt.
A slight sparkle flashed across her eyes.
“I’m Greta. I already know your name,” she said. “It’s a little early, but I can take you up now if you want.”
“The sooner, the better, Greta. I’m ready.”
The kind lady gritted her teeth with concern.
“Are you okay?”
Colt grimaced when answering.
“Uh, yeah, I think I’m okay. I’ve been asked that a lot today.”
After receiving encouraging words from the boys and their fathers, Colt looked at Bobby. He came to Colt’s side and put his arm gently around his shoulder.