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* "NEW TO TEACHING LOVE" *
* (part 20) *
* by Vince Water *
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| Copyright 2005-2006 by Vince Water UNFINISHED September 2, 2006 |
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"It's still early," Winna comments. "You two can go into town and enjoy
yourselves. Don't worry about me. I'll be resting up for tomorrow."
I've just parked in front of our motel rooms. Jesse straightens up beside
his mother who'd been holding him during our short drive to Mission.
"Oh. I'd forgotten to ask where you two went last night?" asks Winna.
"Short Hair took me to a mini golf park," answers Jesse. "That was fun."
Jes and I exchange sly grins. We're not gonna tell his mother about
'helping' a Lost One who'd spent the night in our room.
"I'm sure that Rosebud has other things for you to enjoy."
Jesse nods, but I'm Sensing that he doesn't want a night out on the town.
He's really tired. It has been an emotional afternoon trying to help another
Lost One. We'd succeeded with a total stranger but family is another matter.
Jake is proving to be a hard nut to crack.
"I want to lay down for a while." That draws a knowing look from Winna and
my face blushes. I'd said that on Jesse's behalf so his mom wouldn't know
that he's the one needing rest.
"Very well then. Let's go out for dinner later. A nice restaurant."
I'm looking at my watch. It's nearly four. "What time should we be ready?"
"Around seven. If I'm not knocking on your door, call me. I only want to
take a nap for a few hours."
"Us too," says Jesse.
Winna smiles knowingly. My face is really burning now that draws thought
Sent giggling from my lover. He yawns to hide any outbursts from his mother.
We get out of the truck. Winna grabs the picnic things (a few grocery bags
filled with the remains of food) and the blanket. She unlocks her motel room
but gives us a grin before stepping inside. I'm unlocking our door.
Jesse goes to the bed and drops over it like a log. I head for the
bathroom in a rush.
:Hey! Where are you going... Oh.:
Looking back at our bed, I see my lover's arms stretched out and hands
lifted in expectation for me to drop on top of him. :Be back soon!:
After taking a quick piss, I wet a wash cloth and wipe between my cheeks.
Might as well be prepared. That gets my dick tingling in anticipation. A look
in the mirror startles me. My face is sunburned. Then I remember sitting by
that pine tree yesterday for hours while Charms A Bird had Held me. He's put
things in my head that are soon to be revealed. Please! Don't let my lover
die when that shaman does battle with Eli Kie!
After regaining my composure, I leave the bathroom. Jesse is sprawled over
our bed on his back. I'm about to lay over him when I Sense that he's fallen
asleep waiting for me. He really was tired like he's told his mom.
Jesse's shoes stick out from the bed. I gently remove them, take my own
shoes off then carefully slip into bed beside him. There's such a look of
peacefulness on his brown face. Gone are his earlier worries. Fright, really.
He doesn't think he'll be there for Jake after... I force that gloomy thought
from my head. We have this moment together.
I'm needing my lover to wake up, to look at me with his bright eyes but I
know he needs his rest. My left hand reaches over to straighten out his hair
covering part of his face. Love bursts in me. This young man is so beautiful!
I still can't believe that he's mine. My fingers are stroking his soft
cheeks, pass over his very Indian looking nose and come to rest on his lips.
How I long to kiss my sleeping prince awake!
For a long while, I gaze at my lover with tears in my eyes.
I come awake. It's very dark in the room and I hear Jesse snoring. A look
at the clock shows that we've missed our dinner call. Already after nine!
Neither Winna nor my lover have awakened. That concerns me. I Peer into Jes
to make sure that he's alright. He is. Such vivid dreams! I'm curious to See
them and find myself swept into bright images that are like peering up at
the sun.
A face appears. He Sends all his love and comfort that we're both needing
right now. It's Charms A Bird. We're given his embrace of assurance that
we'll be together as a couple even if the outer form changes. It's what is
inside that matters. Our complete love. I understand how I've been prepared
to take Jesse inside me should he die. The shaman's spell, words of Power and
gestures of plea unto our Father to allow this wondrous thing to happen.
'Be strong, Short Hair. If it happens, you must be strong for both of you.
Keep hope in your heart! Have faith in the mysterious Ways of our Father even
when despair squeezes your heart. Show your worthiness unto Him!'
My face is being stroked. I yawn, open my eyes in the early morning light.
"Hi."
"Hi," Jesse whispers back.
Our dream returns to me but much more, I know what Shaman Charms A Bird
has prepared me to do on that moonless night to Catch my lover inside of me.
I'm not scared. Jesse leans over to kiss me. I drink of his love with tears
of joy and awe filling my eyes. In his eyes, he knows that I know now. All
thoughts of it are banished when my lover slips on top of me. My arms rush
around him with my hungry hands reaching low. Our kisses become frantic.
Breaths rush through our noses while they make little kisses of their own.
Our clothed bodies can't prevent the expression of our physical love for each
other that joins with the utter Sharing of our thoughts and spirits. I pull
over Jesse's humping butt. He grinds his erection against me, moaning with
increasing pleasure of us being together in all ways.
We both cry out. My hands relax over him while we catch our breath. Male
relief fills our bodies and joy comes to our hearts. :I love you so much!:
:I love you too, Short Hair.:
My lover's face presses onto mine. I hold him closer to me, the ache from
not having this body he wears in my arms should the unthinkable happen. No.
He and Charms A Bird have thought ahead. I understand and accept what they've
planned to keep my lover's spirit from flying to the Above. I'm not dwelling
on those details. Only know that if it happens, I'll be ready for it.
"We have wet... underwear," gasps Jesse between breaths. He giggles.
I'm also out of breath so I revert into Thinking to him. :That happens a
lot to us.: My laughter joins his. Sensing my lover's need to hold me, I turn
onto my side. His long arm grasps my back while he reaches low for my butt.
A fond squeeze. I'm feeling over his shapely humps that his pants doesn't
make any less joyous to touch. I realize something. We don't have to be naked
and fucking each other to make true love. I'd thought that was the ultimate
act for two guys to perform by being gay. We've satisfied our male needs from
being clothed. It was our kisses. So sweet! But much more than that, we have
Shared with each other in a spiritual Joining.
"You will Hold me forever more, love?"
"Yes. I have held you in our previous lives, this life and in the next."
And we have as Owopspec and Christopher. As Jes-ee-ah and Mike Short Hair.
An undying love. Our physical form in fleeting but the spirit lives on!
We hold each other in the joy that simply is to be together in all ways.
A ringing from the phone wakes us up.
:It's my mom,: Says Jesse, sleepily. He yawns.
:Didn't get enough sleep?: I tease. The phone's wailing forces us to part.
I'm reaching for it on the night stand while seeing the time. It's six thirty.
"Hello?"
"Mike! I didn't mean to sleep through dinner last night."
"We did, too." That reminds me of my stomach which rumbles with hunger.
"Church service is at eight," says Winna. "I know that's important for
Jake. His last chance to... You know what I mean. I'd like for us to get up
now, eat breakfast then head over to his school."
"Sure. Jes and I need to shower..." (and get into some 'dry' clean clothes)
"so we'll be outside in half an hour."
"Thank you, Mike."
Winna doesn't hang up. I hand it over to my lover who gives his mom a
morning greeting. He then cradles the phone.
We rush with our shower and other morning toiletries. Luckily, Winna had
washed our clothes yesterday so we have fresh underwear, socks, pants and
shirts to wear for Church. Not proper attire but I know that God doesn't care
how we look on the outside but who we really are from within. I'm just hoping
that we won't draw ill looks by the priests and their congregation that'll
embarrass Jake. This will be the last time that he'll be with his brothers.
Jesse Shares my aching for his cousin.
:I wonder if Jake will continue to be Catholic and attend Church when he
comes live with us?: Thinks Jesse.
"I haven't." I'm looking down at my feet. Ever since leaving Indiana, I've
not attended Church except that Easter Service with grandfather.
:Love. Not going to Church doesn't mean you've forgotten Him. Our Father
Sees into all hearts and you have honored Him and His Teachings by how you've
helped others: myself, my mother, Running Water, Hawk Flying Over, Simon, and
my whole tribe! Though you're trying to live in my world, you still have one
foot in your own as it should be.:
:Yeah, okay.:
Jesse rushes to give me a hug. I'm Feeling his great pride and awe for me
by how far I've come as Short Hair while remaining true to myself as Mike.
Those good traits in him... ah, I mean me.
We part. I see my lover's bright eyes for me and feel renewed by his love.
There's knocking on our door. With a sigh, I'm answering that while Jesse
tosses our dirty clothes (and sweet smelling underwear from this morning)
into a bag.
"Good morning, Mike."
I'm only nodding, then adding a grin of assurance. She looks past me for
her son. He appears like a ghost at my side. There's the tinkling of keys in
his hand.
"Are you ready to leave?" asks Winna.
Jesse nods.
"Have you checked the room for belongings? We'll be checking out."
"Yes, mother." Jesse holds up the bag containing their dirty clothes to
show her.
Winna nods, taking our room key from him after we step outside. The door
is closed behind me. She grasps both keys and waddles down the sidewalk
towards the motel's office. I notice that she's wearing good clothes. The
same ones when she attended court that transferred custody of Jake to her.
I'm giving Jesse a Look.
"She's real nervous about attending Church."
I am too. Though I'm a Christian, my Lutheran Service must differ in some
ways from a Catholic Service so I hope I won't mess up. It's known that they
are more formal and ritualistic during Worship.
:Just follow along with Jake.:
Jes means when his cousin kneels, stands, prays and sings during what must
be a very familiar Service for him. :Okay.: That begs a questions though.
:What about you and Winna?:
:We'll stand and sit when we should.:
:I mean, praying and singing songs out of the book. Stuff like that?:
Jesse shakes his head. :My mom and I will honor their religious rituals.
We won't pray or sing. We wouldn't know the words!: He lowers his head.
:We won't come forward to eat your God.:
He means partaking of the body and blood of Christ. "You can't!" I gasp.
I'd been startled out of Thinking to my lover. :You have to be Confirmed
before you're allowed to do that.: Jesse nods in understanding. He walks to
my truck and I'm hurrying to unlock my door. I scoot over the long seat to
open his door for him. Hmm. Should I go forward and partake of Communion?
Winna joins us. She gets into my truck with a plain expression on her
face that belies her nervousness which is more than attending Church. I'm
worried too about how Jake will act afterwards when the final goodbyes are
given by his friends, teachers, and Father McMillan. That'll be the moment
when the boy realizes that he's leaving them forever.
I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot. Winna asks if we can
stop by that donut shop for coffee. We didn't walk across the street to eat
breakfast at our usual restaurant. My stomach is rumbling. From the somber
expression on her face and Feeling Jesse, I know that they aren't hungry.
:Another one, love?: Asks Jesse.
:Yes, please.: He hands me another chocolate donut which I wolf down while
keeping my eye on the road. I'd forgone drinking coffee for milk which goes
better with eating donuts. Jesse licks the dark icing from his fingers.
"I've bought enough for everyone." Winna peers over at me.
"I am sorry, Mike, for not having you stop at a restaurant to eat a proper
breakfast." She sips on her coffee. "I'm feeling too anxious to eat anything."
"That's alright, mother." Winna gives me a weak grin. Turning to Jesse,
"Please eat a donut. They're chocolate..." Jesse grabs one and nibbles on it.
He's done that to appease me since I'm always worried about him not eating
enough. My lover is so thin!
Winna lowers the coffee cup to her lap and covers her face with her other
hand. I'm Sensing how worried Jes is about his mom. We're both assuring her
that everything will turn out alright.
I'm pulling into the school's parking lot. There are cars and pickup
trucks half filling the spaces. I find a spot close to the administrative
building. The Church is behind us. Winna releases a tense sigh and opens
her door. We're getting out. I see a boy darting into the building and Glean
that he'd been waiting our arrival. I'm looking at my watch. It's 7:20 AM.
When we approach the administrative building, that boy returns outside
followed by a black robed man. It's Brother Mathews who'd directed us to
Father McMillan's office last Wednesday. That seems like such a long time ago
from everything that's happened. We're offered a morning greeting.
"And to you, Brother." I'd spoken that on behalf of Winna and Jesse who
shyly remain silent.
"Father McMillan is preparing for his Service. He asked me if you would
like to have those ten computers."
Huh? Oh, yeah. He had offered me those computer donations to his school
(over Jake's objection) so I could teach computer literacy to the Blackfoot.
I'm slowly nodding my head in reply. Br. Mathews gestures at the boy standing
at his side who runs back into the building.
"I've been told that you'll be making good use of them."
Hmm. Even if I'm given a room at the Chinook Community Center and offer
to teach computer classes for free, will any Blackfoot tribesmen come?
Winna says, "Mike is a good teacher."
I'm at a loss of words but offer my hand to the Brother in thanks. Four
boys are coming out of the building holding a computer each. Jesse goes to
the back of my pickup and lowers its rear gate. He steps up, turning to
take each computer from the boys and slides them into my truck bed.
"This is Mark, Roger, Peter and Sky Eyes," introduces Br. Mathews.
"Hi. And thanks for carrying them here." Four bright faces peer up at me.
These boys are in their mid teens, wearing blue shirts with ties and dark
slacks. All of them obviously Sioux. Sky Eyes is the youngest (maybe twelve)
who wears his hair in two braids. He looks at Jesse, then me, and back at my
lover with a sparkle in his eyes. :I think that kid knows about us.:
Jesse Answers, :Probably, love. His big grin matches his beautiful eyes.:
I peer up at my lover and see his beautiful eyes for me. :Is that boy...:
:He recognizes what he's seen in himself and longs for.:
When I look for Sky Eyes, all I see is the boy's backside when he runs
back to the building with the other boys for more computers. A flat butt.
I'm scolding myself for having checked that kid out.
:You're only human, love.:
My face begins to burn. Jes knows how very 'human' my former self had been
with the willing boys of his tribe. Chris had eagerly embraced his Indian
friends in male pleasure rites and to Pass his strength to their immature
loins after wetting on them. Even as Mike, I'd embraced an Indian boy of
this time. Hopefully, Simon will learn the difference between sex and love.
When the boys return, I take the computers from them and lift each in turn
up to Jesse who slides them in even rows. Next come the monitors. They are
heavy to carry and Mark nearly drops his! I'm quickly relieving it from him
which Jes struggles to carry into the truck bed. When the boys rush off again,
I join my lover.
"The tarp!" gasps Br. Mathews. "I've left it behind. Mrs. Winnapah?"
"Yes?"
"Could you accompany me back to Father McMillan's office?"
"Does he want to speak with me?"
"No. He's at the Church. I was told to give you something and I need to
fetch the rope and tarp to secure Mister Yager's truck with."
Winna nods, looking up at her son nervously.
"I'll go with you, mom." Jesse had said that in Siksika.
My lover jumps down. The three of them walk to the administrative building
while four boys are struggling past them with more monitors. I grab Peter's
first. Then Mark's and Roger's. They run back to the building while I'm
taking hold of the monitor in Sky Eye's hands. After setting it down with
the others, I notice that the boy is lingering here. We exchange looks.
"I'm happy for Jake," says Sky Eyes in a high-pitched squeak.
I only nod in reply. The boy wants to say something more but he's called
away by the other three boys standing in front of the building. They go in.
I'm looking around my truck bed wondering if there'll be enough room to store
ten computers and monitors. The keyboards and mice, too! That five gallon gas
container catches my eye. Dirt-brought-up-in-his-hand had strapped it inside
my truck bed. I'm thinking it should be moved to make more room in here.
The four remaining monitors are brought. I'm grabbing hold of them from
each boy (such cute Indian faces!) and am forced out of my truck bed due to
the space being filled up. It's for sure that I'm gonna have to remove that
gas container. A monitor is pressing against it.
The boys are off again to the building. I watch how beautifully they run,
arms and legs swinging, the flow of shoulder length hair down their backs
which leads my eyes lower. Roger's behind is a bit plump. I'd noticed his
pot belly so I know he eats well. Peter's butt is nice along with Mark's. As
to Sky Eye's... well. His humps (or lack thereof) remind me of the Indian
boys of Old. Not much sticking out from his body.
:Enjoying the view?: Sends Jesse in a tease.
"Yeah." I'd muttered that under my breath but Jes Heard me. Damn! There he
goes again Peeking on my thoughts which were unworthy. Well. Being 'human' as
my lover has told me. I'm drawn into one of Christopher's memories. He got
used to seeing young Indian boys running around camp without a stitch on.
More than his eyes enjoyed their brown curves. They wiggled excitedly in his
hands and humped in and out in beat to their belly rub. Young boys couldn't
shoot from their poles (though their stiffs still felt good from the rubbing).
Chris squirted on them. One Indian boy after the other who waited to sit in
his lap. His sperm was ritually wiped over their balls in the hope that they
would mature faster. My former self didn't believe it would but he couldn't
deny a youth. He enjoyed their naked embraces. It made him feel grown up in
their eyes.
The boys return with keyboards and mice. I'm finding spaces between the
monitors to stow them snuggly. When I hear running and shouts, I call out a
loud 'Thanks!' to them for their help. Three butts are in motion towards the
administrative building. Where's Sky Eyes?
I look around and find the boy standing on the far side of my pickup.
He's looking past me for his friends but they've entered the building. He
peers up at me with eyes that prove his namesake. They're blue! I've not seen
an Indian with that eye color. Maybe he's a half breed.
"Jake should be with his own People," says Sky Eyes. "To find happiness."
I Glean the boy for the meaning behind his words. Images of them hugging
(naked!) fills my head. Jake has been performing that same 'growing up' rite
with him as Chris had done with his Indian friends. Sky Eyes is proud that
his pole can shoot now because of Jake. He's given himself to him and the
other horny boys without the hope for love.
I stop myself from Gleaning the boy further but from what I've learned,
Sky Eyes is gay and accepts this. So giving of himself to others! And I don't
mean just with his butt. He's the advisor and peacemaker amongst the boys.
I'm surprised by the level of maturity and wisdom I've Glimpsed in him. He
doesn't have Power. Not like Jesse, Jake and me but naturally strong empathy.
He wants others to feel good about themselves.
Sky Eyes looks past me. His hypnotic hold of my eyes is gone, allowing me
to turn towards the building where I see Br. Mathews, Winna and Jesse walking
out. They're heading for us. I turn to the boy who's hidden from their sight
behind my truck. Our eyes meet for a moment. Then he's looking down at his
shoes which I Sense he's gonna put into motion.
"Jake will find happiness," I assure the boy. More boldly I add, "As Jesse
has found happiness with me." That draws Sky Eyes' gaze. He smiles. I'm given
his sudden hug which I return. My hands are kept from falling low on him.
Then the boy runs off. He stops before Jesse while Br. Mathews and Winna
continue walking towards me. I Send a mind burst to my lover about what's
just happened.
In Br. Mathew's hands is a folded tarp and a coil of rope. Winna is
carrying a large envelope. Though I'm looking at their approach, I see Jesse
hugging Sky Eyes out of the corner of my eye. My lover's hand drops to hold
the boy's rear end. I'm gasping. The intensity I'm Feeling from Jesse takes
my breath away!
"...to secure those computer," says Br. Mathews.
"Sure." I'm trying not to look at Jesse and Sky Eyes so it won't draw
their attention behind them. The tarp is unfolded. I'm given one end to help
the Brother cover my truck bed. I'm removing that plastic gas container
before he ties the tarp down with rope. After unlocking the passenger side
door, Winna hands me her envelope which I place behind the seat along with
the gas container. The door is closed. Jesse stands beside his mom.
"Please allow me to escort you to Church," asks Br. Mathews.
Winna nods in reply. Though she's masking her tension well, I know her
well enough and Sense this in her through Jesse. He's Feeling intense. Not
because of the upcoming Service but for Sky Eyes. I walk at my lover's side
behind Winna and the Brother.
:That boy acts in Mahyee-na tradition though he's untrained.:
Jes meant that Sky Eyes not only acknowledges that he's gay but giving of
himself to boys. A sense of sacred duty to them. Not just with sex. My hidden
memory of being initiated Mahyee-na by Shaman Charms A Bird is no longer being
obscured. I'd taken the oath to our brotherhood of loving men. I'm pledged to
give of myself to needing boys and men so they won't be ensnared by the
Darkness to serve as his Trickster out of woe and despair for being gay.
Jesse and I are to become the next Leaders of this brotherhood as Willow Bird
of the Omaha and Snarling Bear of the Spear-bearing Warriors were before us.
We have a sacred men's lodge in California. A dead willow tree stands Guard.
I'm racing to review what Charms A Bird had Shown us about initiation rituals
(many are sexual in nature!), roles of the Guardians (Jesse had asked Simon
to be one when he comes of age) and how to counter evil Tricksters. I had no
idea of the responsibilities Mahyee-na brothers took on that went beyond
satisfying male needs.
What I'd Felt from Jesse when he was hugging Sky Eyes was surprise and awe.
The boy was giving his butt, his heart and his wisdom to those in need. Jake
awakened that sacred duty in him but he failed to help him in return. That's
why Sky Eyes said what he did to me about wanting Jake to find happiness. I
remember Jes holding his butt in their hug.
:I was acknowledging to him that we both give ourselves to others.:
I'm about to scold my lover that Sky Eyes is too young for that! but I'd
Seen the boy. His heart and the uncommon wisdom in his head. Jesse had Read
that from him when they'd embraced.
I notice that my feet have stopped. Oh. We're about to enter the Church.
:Think about that stuff later, love. We'll Talk about it during your long
drive home.:
Jes is right. I'm coming before God so that's where my mind and my heart
should be right now.
... {THESE THREE DOTS INDICATE THAT THIS SCENE IS UNFINISHED.}
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
What follows is a commentary on a Catholic Church Service provided to me by
Luke's partner. When writing this scene in the story, I'll be drawing on his
commentary and suggestions:
The Chapel would be simple and not large. I call it a chapel,
as opposed to a church. Usually, when a church is part of a
building(s) it is referred to as a "chapel". If it is free
standing often it's called a church. But, there is no set
rule about this.
It would be the old fashioned church look - gothic arches,
stained glass windows. Nothing to fancy - but basic. But over
the years, there has been an attempts to modernize and make it
more native to the area. Early missionaries simply imported
European Art & Architecture. Now, there is an attempt to
reflect the local art & customs.
In the back of the church, as you enter, there is a statue a
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, a Mohawk girl holding a cross from
Upstate New York/Canada from the 1600's; it was donated by a
benefactor ("Aren't all Indians are the same?" mentality).
However, Kateri was converted by the early Jesuits
missionaries, so it's appropriate since the Jesuits now staff
this School. No matter, it is still a beautifully carved
statue. Jake can make a remark that she's not even from the
tribes around here. Winna could admonish him: "You shouldn't
talk bad about a holy person no matter who they are."
Just as an aside: *Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680) is
honored by the Catholic Church as the patroness of ecology and
the environment. (Mohawk pronunciation: Gah-Dah-LEE Degh-Agh-
WEEdtha.) Tekakwitha was born near the town of Auriesville,
New York, USA. Tekakwitha's father was a Mohawk chief and her
mother was a Catholic Algonquin. Kateri is known as the "Lily
of the Mohawks." At the age of four, smallpox attacked her
village, taking the lives of her parents and baby brother, and
leaving Tekakwitha an orphan. Although forever weakened,
scarred, and partially blind, Tekakwitha survived. The
brightness of the sun blinded her and she would feel her way
around as she walked. Seeing her groping about, they named
here Tekakwitha, which means "The One Who Walks Groping for
Her Way." Poetically, her name is sometimes translated as "The
One Who Puts Everything in Order." It is said that
Sonkwaiatison, God the Creator, left her in darkness to see
His light. The poor health which plagued her throughout her
life led to her death in 1680 at the age of 24.
The walls would be plain earth tones and the windows were
originally simply amber glass panes. Now, two of the windows
near the altar are new, having been donated by a benefactor
several years ago. Still in the amber/earthtone colors, one
window depicts the Brothers coming to the Reservation in
18-(year) with a depiction of the first primitive mission
buildings. And the other would show the Mission now, with a
depiction of some of the modern buildings with the brothers &
boys. There was always a discussion among the boys as to who
each of those boys are in the window. Although the faces are
small and not very detailed, several older boys swear they
modeled for the artist.
They used to have a lot of statues around, but the chapel is
simpler now. On one side of the altar is a newer statue
grouping showing the Holy Family Mary, Joseph & the boy Jesus.
The other side has an old style plaster statue of the patron
of the Xaverian Brothers: St. Francis Xavier (a Jesuit saint).
There is a big Crucifix-(a bit smaller than life size) on the
sanctuary wall (A "cross" is the plain wood. "A crucifix" has
the body of Jesus on it.). It replaced the old traditional
plaster white man, Jesus. This was carved in local wood by a
local artist (maybe a former student who became an artist).
It's modern but the lean masculine body causes Mike & Jesse to
linger a little too long looking. Maybe they could "mind
think" to each other about how sexy this Jesus looks! The
Jesus on the cross is definitely a handsome Indian Jesus!
Winna, Mike & Jesse could be surprised-having been used to
seeing the old style bloody white man, Jesus.
The Altar would be a simple table covered by an unbleached
woven cloth.
The group Winna, Mike, and Jesse would want to stay in the
back, but Jake could say "they want us up front", Or a brother
could invited them to the front pew. The pews in the chapel
are old and creaky. "Probably the originals," Mike may think.
While sitting there before Mass, Jake could whisper explanations
of the two newer windows and the new "Indian" crucifix.
The Mass would start with the organ playing the opening hymn.
Hymnals would be in the pews and Winna could be fumbling to
find the song, Jake could open the book to the correct place
for her. The priest, Fr. McMillan, would come down the aisle
of the chapel in vestments. (We don't call them "robes")
Altar servers would precede him; one would be carrying a
processional cross with a boy on either side each holding a
candle. The priest's vestments would again be reflecting the
local culture. Instead of a satin chasuble, the big poncho
like vestment would be of a woven fabric. It would be shades
of green. The stole (the long band of cloth that hangs down on
either side of the neck) would be of brightly woven colors-
very "Indian"- almost like designs on an Indian blanket.
Winna could notice the weave work.
After the hymn is over, the priest would be standing in font
of the altar and would greet the assembly: "Good Morning". All
the boys & Jake would automatically answer "Good morning Father."
The priest would then continue, "Before we begin our
Eucharistic celebration, I'd like to welcome our guests. They
are the family of Jake (Last name) Winna (Last name), her son,
Jesse & his friend, Mike ----. They are here to take Jake home
to live with them. Although we are happy that Jake has found
his family- or more that his family has found him- we will
miss him greatly. We wish you many blessings as you start
this new chapter in you lives. So, let us begin in the name
of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit."
After the opening prayer there would be two readings from the
scriptures/Bible each read by one of the boys. Then, the
Gospel would be read by the priest. The priest would give a
Homily (or sermon)
After the sermon, there would be the Prayer of the Faithful.
Again read by an older boy. It would list things to pray for.
"For Our Country, that..." and "For the Pope, & bishops
that..." The congregation answers "Lord, hear our prayer".
Jake & the others could be startled from their reverie by the
prayer - "For our brother, Jake, who begins a new life with his
family, may the Lord continue to strengthen and comfort him
as he faces life's challenges. May he continue to grow in the
Faith. We pray to the Lord" All answer "Lord, hear our prayer"
Jake could be irritated that Father McMillan put that in
there - reminding him - one last time - to be a "good boy".
Winna, Jesse & Mike could wonder if this was a warning or
reminder not to let Jake's religion slip.
The rest of the Mass could be a blur of unfamiliar things.
The servers bringing things to the priest at the altar. The
priest pours wine into the chalice and prays over the chalice
and the hosts (bread). "Blessed are you Lord, God of all
creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made, It will
become for us the Bread of Life." "Blessed are you Lord, God
of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to
offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will
become Our Spiritual Drink."
Then they all have to kneel. There would be a time in the
middle of a long prayer that the priest is saying when the
priest solemnly says repeating Jesus' words: "This is My Body
which will be given up for you." and holds up the Host for
all to see and the altar server rings some small bells. Then
the priest says: "This is my Blood. The blood of the new
covenant, which will be shed for you and all so that sins
maybe forgiven." and holds up the Chalice and the bells ring
again.
Eventually, they say the "Our Father" with which Winna, Jesse
& Mike are familiar. After that, there is the "Sign of Peace".
The priest would say "Before we approach the Table of the
Lord, Let us offer each other a sign of peace." Everyone
would turn to each other and either hug or shake hands.
Mostly, shake hands. The priest would come down from the
altar to greet Jake, Winna, etc. Depending on how Father
feels toward Jake, he could give Jake a hug, also as a
"goodbye." Winna and the rest he's shake hands since he
doesn't know them that well.
Communion time: Jake would go up to receive the Host, but
Winna, Jesse & Mike would not, since they are not Catholic.
The priest would hold the Host up before the communicant and
say - "Body of Christ", the person answers "Amen". They can
either have the priest put it on their tongue (the old
fashioned way) or they would hold out their hands and the
priest would place the host in their hand. They would then
consume it themselves. My guess would be most of the boys
would hold out their hands - since they wouldn't remember the
"old" way-all being so young.
After Communion, there would be a pause of silence while all
sit. Then the priest would rise and say a closing prayer.
Father calls Jake up to stand before him in front of the
altar. "Jake, could you please come forward so we may impart
a final blessing upon you?" Jake embarrassed, complies. He
says to the congregation: "Bow your heads and pray for God's
blessing". Everyone bows their heads, but Mike & Jesse strain
to see what is going on. The priest extends his hands out
over Jake and toward the congregation. "May the Lord bless
you and keep you. May He let His Face shine upon. May He look
upon you kindly and keep you safe all the days of your life.
And may the Lord Bless you, Jake - and all of us..." (He
raises his right hand and makes the sign of the cross in the
air above Jake toward the congregation)... "In the name of the
Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit." All answer: "Amen". Father
then places his hands on Jake for a quick touch of affection.
Father then says "The Mass is ended go in peace" Everyone
answers; "Thanks be to God" The organ starts for the final
hymn. Father keeps Jake up at the altar with him. The altar
servers come out with the cross & candles and start down the
aisle. Father follows leading Jake with him walking beside
him. He stops at the front pew and invites Winna, J& M to
process down the aisle with him in front of him and Jake.
They could all be a bit embarrassed to be singled out. They
all get to the back of the church.
Luke's Note: At this point the Mass is ended. Everybody in the chapel
would come pouring out. Maybe many of them would come up to
Jake to say their final good-bye and to ask him to stay in
touch. Dr. Karl would also be there and I'll leave it up to
you whatever goes on between them here in public. Maybe Dr.
Karl would wait until everybody who wanted to had spoken with
Jake and then invite Jake to take a walk with him for them to
say goodbye. The priest would go back to the sacristy which is
located back in the chapel on the side of the altar to take
off his vestments.
This ends their commentary. The above is not the 'official' account of what
will be taking place in this scene. I'm thankful to Luke and his partner for
providing me this information and suggestions.
Scenes yet to be written:
--------------------------
{QUICK BUT TENDER FAREWELL BETWEEN M&J. JAKE PACKS HIS BELONGINGS WHICH DR.
KARL PUTS INTO HIS CAR'S TRUNK. WINNA AND JES JOIN THEM WHEN DRIVING TO THE
AMTRAK STATION. LIKE MIKE, THEY NEED TO BE ON THEIR WAY IF THEY'RE TO MAKE
IT BACK TO HAVRE BY MONDAY MORNING TO ATTEND COURT.}
{FAREWELL BETWEEN DR. KARL AND JAKE AT THE TRAIN STATION. IT'S UP TO MY
FLYING FINGERS AS TO WHAT JES OVERHEARS AND SEES, KEEPING IN MIND THAT
WINNA IS ALSO WATCHING THEM. I CAN'T LET HER SUSPECT...}
{DURING MIKE'S LONG DRIVE, JES TALKS WITH HIM THROUGH THEIR CONNECTION. HE
PASSES ON WHAT JAKE SAYS AT TIMES THOUGH SOME OF THE COUSINS' CONVERSATION
IS KEPT PRIVATE. WINNA GETS HER CHANCE AT THE BOY WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT HER
SISTER BUT JAKE ISN'T READY TO TELL MORE THAN HE ALREADY HAS AT THE PICNIC.
WINNA SLEEPS ON THE TRAIN. AFTER EXPLORING THE TRAIN TOGETHER AND SOME TALK,
JES GOES TO SLEEP BESIDE HIS MOTHER BUT JAKE IS TOO ANXIOUS TO FALL ASLEEP.}
{MIKE HAS TO KEEP HIS SPEED DOWN TO FIFTY BECAUSE HIS ENGINE IS RUNNING HOT
FROM CARRYING ALL THOSE COMPUTERS. HE GETS BAD GAS MILEAGE. HE'S OFTEN
TOPPING OFF HIS TANK, BATHROOM STOP, AND BUYS MUNCHIES LIKES CANDY BARS AND
COLD BOTTLES OF COKE TO KEEP UP HIS ENERGY. MOST OF HIS TRIP WILL BE ABOUT
WHAT HE HEARS FROM JESSE TALKING WITH JAKE; NOT HIS ACTUAL DRIVING SINCE
THAT'S BORING.}
{MIKE DOESN'T FALL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL THIS TIME. JES TALKS HIM TO DEATH.
BUT BOTH ARE GETTING VERY TIRED AND BY EARLY MONDAY MORNING AS THE SUN
IS BEGINNING TO RISE, MIKE HAS REACHED HIS LIMIT AT STAYING AWAKE.}
{DEPENDING ON HOW PART 19 FLOWS OVER TO THIS POINT, I'LL TRY TO END THE
FOLLOWING STORY TEXT AT A 'CLIFF HANGER' POINT. THE REMAINDER OF THIS SCENE
WILL FILL PART 21. YUP. I'VE TOO MUCH STORY TO TELL TO END THIS SERIES AT
PART 20 AS PLANNED. THEN THE THIRD SERIES: 'NEW TO LOVE HONEYMOON' BEGINS.}
Part 20 now continues:
My turnoff onto Route 66 is just up ahead. It'll take me through the
Fort Belknap Indian Reservation which is a fifty mile stretch of desolate
wasteland. I'd only seen it at twilight when driving Winna and Jesse through
it on our way down to see Jake. That seems like a month ago instead of what,
last Tuesday? Man! I'm dead tired. My eyes are blurry and my butt sure feels
sore. Havre is only an hour and half away. I've gotta... keep driving. Only
for a little while longer.
:Love! Please pull over and rest your eyes for a while.:
Jesse's suggestion is sure tempting but... I grip the steering wheel and
step on the gas. :I'm nearly home! Then I can fall into your arms, my love.:
Silence. I Reach out for Jes who Answers me with a sharp scold.
:You're more likely going to fall into a gully! Please, Mike. Pull over to
the side of the road and take a rest.:
I notice the engine's roaring and with alarm, see that I've brought my
truck up to sixty three miles an hour. The temperature gage is nearly hitting
the red zone. I ease off on the gas.
:Pull over, love. Your truck needs a rest too.:
I'm looking at the side of the road with my deep longing for sleep. A
glance at my watch shows that it's nearly five thirty. Court is at ten. I
could rest my eyes for an hour, maybe two, and reach Havre with time to spare.
A shower would be great. I sure need one.
I'm Sensing Jesse's relief when I pull my truck over to the side of the
road and shut the engine off. A sign to my right says that Route 66 is half a
mile up ahead. Then my sight turns blurry.
:Rest your eyes, love.:
I'm dropping my head back against the seat rest with a sigh. Then my eyes
pop open when a thought strikes me. :What if I don't wake up in time to make
it to court?:
:I'll wake you up.:
I'm not so sure. Jesse has proven that he can help me fall asleep through
our Connection but he's never tried waking me up. I doubt that I'd Hear him
through my sleep filled head.
:I can ask someone to drive down to pick you up.:
:No. We'd have to leave my truck behind with all these computers in back.
They'd get stolen for sure.:
:Silly! Running Water could transfer the computers to his pickup truck.
Chinook is on the way so they'd get dropped off at the community center
before he drives you the rest of the way to Havre.:
:That means leaving behind my pickup on the road.:
:It's an old truck,: reminds Jesse. :Who'd want to steal it? My uncle
could... down there afterwards to get it...:
My eyes close and I'm barely Hearing Jesse in my head when the fog of
sleep is about to claim me. I force myself to keep awake for a moment longer.
:Don't bother him. Just wake me up and I'll drive the rest of the way.:
:Okay, love. Go to sleep and I'll...:
A loud rapping wakes me up. When turning to see what it is, my mouth fills
with a big yawn. Where am I? There's a guy standing outside my window. I'm
startled to wakefulness when seeing that it's a highway patrol officer.
"Sir. Please roll down your window."
I'm doing so while suppressing another yawn. "Anything wrong, officer?"
"That's what I was going to ask you."
Our eyes meet. The concern filling his changes to a sharp look when he
recognizes me.
"It's illegal to be sleeping in your vehicle on the highway," says the
officer sternly.
"Sorry." He's giving me a hard gaze. I Glean his anger. Not for breaking
some dumb traffic law but because of who I am.
"License and registration."
"Sure." I'm pulling out my wallet and hand over a folded piece of paper.
He just glances at it.
"You don't have a picture I.D.?"
"It's coming in the mail. I've only recently transferred my license over
to Montana." He gives me a hard look.
"I need to see the truck's registration, Mister Yager."
I'm sucking in a sharp breath and turn away to hide my fear. Why such
anger in him? The registration card is taken from the glove box and handed
over. He studies it carefully. Luckily, Winna had renewed it at the DMV a few
weeks ago. It should be in order.
"This truck is registered in the name of Mister Looks-from-mountain."
"That's Winna's husband," I stammer. "Ah. She's loaned me this truck."
Such sharp eyes from this officer. It's not that he doesn't believe me but...
He's planning something. My foggy head makes it difficult for me to Glean him.
"I'm going to have to write you a citation."
I only shrug my shoulders in reply. He looks past me to see if there's
anything illegal in my vehicle: drugs or a weapon. That's what I've managed
to Glean from him. Only candy bar wrappers and an empty coke bottle are seen
on the seat beside me.
"Where were you headed for?" the officer asks.
"The Chinook Community Center." I didn't want to tell him that I've got to
be in Havre to attend court at ten. Hmm. He may already know that from all
the publicity surrounding me. That's how he recognized who I am.
"Please step out of the vehicle."
Oh-oh! I'm expecting a sharp pain in my stomach due to my fear but Shaman
Charms A Bird had Healed my ulcer - again. The officer steps back from my
door in a defensive posture. I slowly get out and meekly stand before him.
"What's wrong?"
"Are you carrying any weapons?"
The officer's right hand is close to his gun. Does he think I'm gonna
attack him or something? Oh, I see. I'd put a policeman in the hospital so
this man knows what I'm capable of.
"No. I'm not armed." After looking me over, he glances at the back of my
truck. There's a tarp tied over it.
"What's in the truck bed?"
"Some used computers."
"Can I see them?"
"Sure." I walk to the back of my truck and untie the rope securing the
tarp covering them. :Jesse!: I Send. No reply. After a moment's concentration,
I Sense that he's fast asleep. I'm looking at my watch. It's eight thirty.
Relief fills me. When this officer lets me go, I can still make it to Havre
in time to attend my Hearing.
He lifts a corner of the tarp up to peer inside my truck bed. Ever on his
guard, he keeps an eye on me with his hand close to his gun. I'm Gleaning him
now. He considers me a cop killer for putting a fellow officer into the
hospital where one of my 'Indian friends' had finished him off. Eli Kie is no
friend of mine! He'd stuck a flint blade into Scott Danielson's throat to
silence him so no one would learn about them working together to steal the
Blackfoot Power Bundle. My 'Indian friends' are hunting that Trickster down.
"Where did you get these computers from?" asks the officer.
I can't tell him that they've come from the Rosebud Mission Indian School
because he'll realize that I've left the State in violation of my bail
agreement. He's trying to find any excuse to arrest me. I keep my mouth shut.
"Answer my question."
Our eyes meet. His are deadly earnest to hear my reply but I realize that
no answer I could give would satisfy him. I've gotta tell him something.
"They're a donation to the Chinook Community Center. I'll be teaching computer
classes there." That part was the truth but as expected, he doesn't care to
hear it.
"Do you have any paperwork for them?"
"No." I can see where this is going. He'll use the excuse of 'suspicion of
theft' for both the computers and the truck to delay me here. He wants me to
miss court which will anger the judge. I voice that concern.
"You should have thought of that before running your errand." The officer
looks at his watch. "Were you even planning on attending court? Havre is a
two hour drive away, Mister Yager. You wouldn't make it on time."
"I am going to attend court today." My voice was stern which isn't lost on
the officer. He gives me a Look that sends chills down my spine.
"Lean over the truck and spread your arms, Mister Yager."
"Why? Am I under arrest?"
"Do it."
The officer unsnaps the button to his firearm. He gives me a wolfy grin in
the hope that I'll give him an excuse to shoot me. I slowly turn around, lean
over my truck bed and spread my arms. It becomes an anxious moment with my
back to him.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
My thanks to Luke and especially to his partner for providing me with details
of a Jesuit Catholic Church Service. Like Mike, I'm Lutheran Christian and
only once attended a Catholic Service with my friend Michael. What I was left
with were impressions and how their Mass differed from my own but still, we
worship the same God - our Lord, Jesus Christ though in differing rituals.
My account of Mike's attendance will reflect what'd happened to me on that
long ago day when I was about his age.
Though parts 20-22 aren't finished, I'm posting them with the Nifty Archive
and with my Yahoo! Group:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/NtTLStoriesAndSketches
The third series: 'New to Love Honeymoon' has two completed story parts (1-2)
and a nearly finished 3rd story part which I've just posted. When I return to
finish NtTL parts 20-22, they will be posted. Enjoy!
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End of file: TEACHL20.TXT The story continues in: TEACHL21.TXT