“How long does it take?”
“It depends on a lot of things. We expect to see two months of study for the first exam.”
“Is that how long Billy and Gunnar took?”
“Yes, but they study for about a month for each exam now.”
“I know there's a trick to this. What is it?”
“It’s like we said in the meeting. You work your tail off. I’ll tell you right now, if you don’t want to work, then don’t do it. Mostly, you read. If you stick to it, your reading comprehension will go sky high,” said Matthew.
“Do you have the stuff, like books?” asked Colt.
“We have enough materials to get you going. The Sweden’s have more than we do here, but you can start with a few books.”
“Can I stop by and get started?”
“Sure, come over. What about your friend? Is he interested?”
“I don’t think so, but I’ll bring him along.”
“We live in Seahurst. Do you know where our house is?”
“Uh, I think so. It’s the purple house, right?”
“That’s it, Colt.”
“We’ll be over in about ten minutes,” said Colt.
“We’ll see you then,” said Matthew.
Colt and Bobby stood in front of the Carbon house. They stared up at a lilac-colored two-story edifice with dark blue trim. The sun had peeked out from the gray clouds making the structure stand out. The house seemed to be glowing while everything around it seemed drab. Colt and Bobby were hypnotized.
“Man, what a color. Now I know why everybody says to find the purple house in Seahurst. No way anybody could miss that,” said Bobby.
Colt was feeling serene. A wave of well-being emanated outward from the house into him. It caused him to feel extremely cheerful. It was a strange, foreign feeling that came over him; not something he had ever experienced. He felt that this powerful force should be pulling him in, but the presence of the home was not demanding, only uplifting. Colt sensed that even if he stood in place, the power of the purple house would stay as strong as if he were inside.
"Yeah dude. I'm feeling some good vibes. I think I'll like this." said Colt.
Bobby tapped Colt’s arm and started to stroll toward the front door. The boys walked up the driveway to the front porch. The door was opened by Billy Carbon before Bobby could knock.
“Hey guys, come on in. My dad is here,” said Billy.
As they walked into the living room, Colt saw that the ceiling was painted with clouds. He was overcome with a strong sense of being elevated above the floor. This must be what walking on air feels like, he thought.
“Hi guys, find a seat,” said Matthew Carbon.
The two young men sat on a plush, antique sofa and looked around. The living room was just as unusual as the outside of the house. Old framed prints and antique furniture filled the entire room. The walls were a rose color. Nothing modern, or what they thought of as normal, could be seen, except for the overstuffed, brown leather chair that Matthew Carbon sat in. There was no television in sight. Both Bobby and Colt felt like they had stepped into the past; a past of beauty, substance and serenity. The teenagers melted into this inviting environment. They were entranced by the aura of the room and curious about it. Colt could feel a deep, delicate, bubble of energy building within him. It radiated out in all directions.
“Wow, this is a neat house,” said Bobby.
“You can give credit to my wife. It's all her doing,” smiled Matthew.
“She must be really different, in a good way, I mean. I've never seen anything like this,” said Colt.
“I try to stay out of her way. Everybody notices that she has a creative streak,” said Matthew.
“Please tell her we like your house,” said Bobby.
“I'll do that. Now let’s get down to business. Is it just going to be Colt trying this or both of you?”
“Just me. Bobby isn’t ready yet.” said Colt with a little bit of pride.
“Billy, give Colt the books. Colt, you should read the yellow book first and then the other one. If you get through those, let me know and I'll give you some other things to do,” said Matthew.
Colt looked at the books. I spite of his overall sense of well-being, he frowned as he turned the pages of the yellow book.
“It says this book is for dummies. I’m no dummy,” said Colt.
“Don’t worry about the title. We know what we're doing. Just start out with the easy stuff and work up to the harder stuff. And believe me when I say that some of the material you will go over if very complex.
“Okay, I’ll do what you say. Thanks,” said Colt.
“Is that it? No more questions?” said Matthew Carbon.
No way I want to leave yet. This place is too mellow, thought Colt. He was floating on a cushion of wispy, friendly, pillow-like clouds. His usual drive to move forward without relaxing had been temporarily suspended. Inner batteries, unknown to him, were now recharging. He was reminded of Thanksgiving when his mother asked him to baste the turkey. He was now soaking up energy like the empty tube sucking up turkey juices. Colt talked for about twenty minutes more. He was not conscious in the usual sense, but felt extremely relaxed. Words only came out of his mouth to delay his departure. His main goal was to remain in this field of pleasantness as long as possible. He craved the healing vibrations of the Carbon house. After a time, Bobby became restless.
“I think we should be going,” said Bobby.
“Oh yeah, I guess we should,” said Colt.
“Remember that it’s hard work that will make the difference, Colt,” said Matthew.
“Thanks Mr. Carbon,” said both young men.
Outside, they stopped to look at the house one last time.
“Man, our mothers won’t believe this place. How can we begin to describe it?” said Bobby.
“Yeah, that was really different. It was outer space in there,” said Colt.
“I could tell. Man, you were not yourself. You totally mellowed out.”
“Yeah, I guess I did, Dude,” said Colt. “I guess I did.”
After Colt and Bobby left, Matthew Carbon's wife Elyce, entered the room. She was petite with sea-blue eyes and deep red hair. She stood in front of Matthew.
"Who was the young man with the black hair?" she asked with a curious glint in her eyes.
"That was Colt O’Brien. He's going to try for the certification like Billy."
"I could feel his aura all the way upstairs. It was very strong."
"Well, he's usually a bit high strung, but he sat right there on that couch and really relaxed. I was wondering if he was ever going to leave." said Matthew.
"I think that young man is in for more that he knows. I hope he listens to his inner voice. I fear that he acts before he thinks," said Elyce.
"Well honey, you know about that inner stuff. I don't know how you see it, but I'm a believer," said Matthew.
"He has some special talents. But, I wonder if he'll learn how to use those talents and not be hurt by them."
"I hope the young man succeeds, sweetheart. He has some spunk. But you're right. He has a reputation of acting before thinking."
She closed her eyes and became very still.
"I pray that he does find his way. It will not be easy," she said.
Chapter 13
------Email-------
From: Sweden, Gunnar[
[email protected]]
To: Carbon, Billy[
[email protected]]
Subject: fun - we make up
------------------------------------------------------
hey billgee
dad askd for us to thnk up fun stuff. lets hav piza in the hole
we can figger somthin out.
gunman
------Email-------
The hole was ripe with aromas of a hot pepperoni pizza. Billy Carbon’s basement bedroom, known as the hole, had little ventilation and no windows. Cool cement walls surrounded Billy and Gunnar, who were sit
ting on an old sofa. The boys were surrounded by teenage messiness, the exact opposite of the organized elegance on display above them on the main floor of the house. Neither of them spoke while wolfing down steaming pizza. Overcoming hunger was their primary focus. Billy had a favorite frozen, rising-crust pizza that he embellished with extra assorted cheeses. It was the only thing he cooked and he was always proud of the result.
A sci-fi video was playing on the large televison. Sounds from the movie were booming from hidden speakers making it difficult to talk or to think. Billy saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. He looked to see his father waving an arm from the foot of the stairs. He looked serious. His lips were moving, but Billy could not hear what he was saying. He jumped up and turned down the volume.
“Yeah Dad?” said Billy.
“Hey, keep it down. You don’t need to shake the house. Your mother is afraid that windows will start breaking,” said Matthew Carbon.
“Okay Dad. It wasn’t that bad, was it?”
“Yes, yes, yes! It was that bad. Keep it down. I thought you guys were studying or something?”
“Hi, Mr. Carbon. We're going to think up fun ideas for the program. We're watching a movie while we eat. It’s about time for us to talk anyway,” said Gunnar.
“The parents of the world will be pleased. See you later,” said Matthew.
Billy turned off the TV and the two boys continued working on their assignment. The mission was to think up fun, cool activities for students in the program. Ron Sweden had told them that with all of the hard study, the group needed to let off some steam, too.
Before eating, the ideas had flowed freely. Now it was time for each of them to pick a favorite activity to suggest to Ron Sweden. Billy moved over to the computer and opened a list of ideas. Both boys had typed in about five items. Billy looked at Gunnar and spoke.
“Hey bud, we need to decide on the best activities. Let's finish this.”
“Uh, sure, whatever. I told you all my ideas,” said Gunnar.
“We need to pick our favorites. Your dad said to pick one each for now,” said Billy.
“Hey, I like the LAN party idea,” said Gunnar.
They had both been to exactly one LAN party and had been enthralled. Gunnar was apt to tell anyone who would listen how awesome it was killing pixilated foes in the darkness with rock music reverberating around them. Neither had known, at the time, that it was possible to connect multiple computers together and play games. Although the party consisted of just five computers, with players on each, it opened up a multitude of possibilities for them. The sense of immersion had been complete. Each had lost all sense of place and time. It was the best experience of their young lives.
Billy's eyes widened as he remembered how much fun they had. It was the second favorite thing to do on his list.
“It'll be fantastic. We'll need to have food, lots of computers, and gamers cranking on them. What a blast that will be,” said Billy.
“What’s your favorite idea?” said Gunnar.
Gunnar thought he already knew the answer to the question. Billy had always wanted to go to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington. His dream was to meet the Microsoft legend Bill Gates.
With a wistful look, Billy spoke.
“Microsoft, baby. That’s the best idea. We can see where it all happens. Just think how much they affect everything. Man, that would be awesome. Maybe we could see Bill Gates walking around checking code.”
"No way he checks code anymore. He has master coders to do that. He's way beyond that stuff," said Gunnar.
"I heard he used to look at code all the time. I guess maybe he goes to meetings and stuff now."
“I think my dad wants to go there even more than you do. He's already calling everybody he can to set up something,” said Gunnar.
“I really hope he gets us in. And, I hear they have a store where they give huge discounts on software. Totally cool,” said Billy.
The young teens went back to watching TV while thinking about future possibilities.
~~~
Ron Sweden dialed and put the thin, silver cell phone to his ear. He looked hopeful and focused while waiting for an answer.
“Hi, this is Ron Sweden. Is this Dick Hansen?”
“Yes, this is Dick. Hi, Ron. My wife told me that you would call. How can I help you? She said you were pretty wound up about something Microsoft related.”
“Mr. Carbon and I have started a Microsoft networking program at Highline High School. The program is doing very well and the kids are achieving great things. We thought our success would open doors at Microsoft, since we are using their certification program as the basis of our study. However, so far we haven't really connected with the right folks over there. I'm looking for help with opening up the lines of communication.”
Ron waited with trepidation, hoping that he finally had found the right person to lubricate the red tape train that seemed to be stalling his attempts.
“I guess you're finding out that Microsoft deals with everybody in the world and filters are in place to protect the company. When you want to talk to someone in charge, it can get very frustrating. What exactly did you want to do?”
“We have about ten kids, with more joining each day. They're passing the Microsoft certification exams. Most of them are only high school freshmen. We thought it would be great for the kids to experience the Redmond campus environment. It would be a field trip, but we want it to be about achievement and future careers, too.”
“I'm surprised that you guys were able to start something like this and keep it going. So, you guys are sponsored by the school?” said Dick Hansen with a bit of admiration in his voice.
“Yes, they're happy with our progress. Mr. Towne, the principal, is singing our praises to all who will listen. We're also part of the High Tech Learning Center which is for many schools.”
“I've been with Microsoft for many years. I know who the right people are to contact and the best approach. We really do support this type of educational activity, but we need to know who we're dealing with. I'll see what I can find out. It sounds like you guys are doing great things.”
For the first time during the call, Ron relaxed. He knew that he'd found the pathway into Microsoft.
“Finally, I have someone who can help. This is really great. Thanks Dick.”
“I'm interested in hearing more. Would you like to meet for lunch sometime?
“Definitely, let’s do it. Just tell me what works best for you.”
Ron Sweden pushed the button on his cell phone and grinned. Visions of the coveted field trip danced in his head.
Chapter 14
------Email-------
From: Carbon, Billy[
[email protected]]
To: Sweden, Gunnar[
[email protected]]
Subject: flash
---------------------------------------------------
gunman
flash was just here. he took some books. his bud didn’t want in. i wonder how flash will do. it won’t be long til we kno
billg
------Email-------
Colt sat staring at the two books and frowned. Oh man, this is looking so un-cool. It feels like boring work and I haven't even started yet. He was a good student, if not an accomplished one. However, senior year he had taken a vacation from school work and he knew it. The credits he needed to graduate were already accounted for and he had not studied all year. His plan was to cruise through until he got his diploma and then to turn his back on school forever. How did I get myself into this? I don’t want to read more books and be bored beyond belief. I don’t even care about school stuff anymore. Then, he thought of the two smiling freshmen who were already in the limelight. In his mind, they were constantly being praised by parents and teachers. I can't stand that the whole school thinks those punks are more technical than I am. Most of all, he knew that they would be the ones who were called when a
computer wasn't working. I'm the go-to guy, not them. I should be the first to be called and not those punks. Colt was now feeling uneasy about jumping into this new arena. He felt a sharp tightening in the pit of his stomach. Doubt was slipping into tiny cracks of his confidence. No way I'm going to let fear control me. No way do I back down from this. Once in, I’m in all the way. Colt was determined to push ahead in spite of the vision of a enormous, white-capped mountain that was looming over him. It's going to be like climbing up Mount Rainier.
The yellow soft-cover book sitting on the desk challenged Colt in silence. He read the title to himself: MCSE Windows NT Workstation 4 for Dummies Training Kit. The book was less than half the size of the other book that was also sitting on the table. He hated that it had the word “Dummies” in the title and felt that he was given that particular book to send him a message: Colt O’Brien was not smart enough; he was stupid. He grabbed the book and threw it against the bedroom wall.
“Screw them all!” he yelled.
He looked at the other hardcover book wondering why it was so much bigger. The title was MCSE: NT Workstation 4 Study Guide. It seemed huge and intimidating. Even when he was doing his school work, he never would have opened a book like that. Hoping to see something recognizable in the table of contents, he scanned it. I don't know about any of this crap and none of it looks interesting. Colt found it difficult to connect what he was seeing to his experience with computers. Sensing that his resolve was slipping, he said to himself, Stop screwing around. Do it or don’t do it, now! He picked up the yellow book from the floor and started to read it. No turning back.
The house was silent except for the occasional flurry of rain hitting the roof and windows. Colt stretched and yawned. He looked at the clock radio, which displayed the time. It was 2:30 a.m. Somehow, he had summoned the energy to read the entire dummies training kit book. I don't think I'm supposed to feel more like a dummy than when I started. I thought I knew boring, but this is bad news. The book covered facts that he had no interest in. He read every word, but his un-disciplined mind was thinking of other, more interesting things, most of the time. Fixing computers, hanging with Bobby Jones, movies, the web; all were far more enticing than learning Windows NT. Most of all was the constant distraction of girls and sex. Over and over he would return to his experience with Alison Monroe. The passing of time had allowed his ever-present libido to color his memories. Colt no longer remembered that he had been seduced with the aid of white wine or the headache he experienced all of the next day. He was not thinking about the consequences or that Alison was a friend of his mother’s. Colt only remembered that he was a prince; he was desired. He remembered feeling like he was ten feet tall. Hell, she told me I was a hero. I understand enough of this. I'm still the guy that can fix any computer. Confidence replaced humility as optimism pushed reality into the background. This stuff won't be that tough. I can do this crap.