Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:09:58 -0400
From: Eff Del <nolitimere156@gmail.com>
Subject: The Oak and the Ash Chapter 17

*The Oak and the Ash- Chapter 17*

*By Eff Del*

Nolitimere156@gmail.com


*"Science has discovered that when we remember something, the same part of
our brain `lights up' as when we were first experiencing it. It's rather as
if we were experiencing it again.*

*This is why some painful memories are suppressed automatically to hide and
conceal the trepidation.*

*Other memories; more pleasant and enjoyable are often moved aside because,
as life progresses, our experiences accumulate and these are stored safely
but separately.*

*When some sight, word, taste or smell releases them, they are our own most
perfect gifts to ourselves.*

*However, you must experience life in order to remember it."  *



I'd parked the car under a big live oak tree near the River Walk. We all
got out and Doctor Mo and I agreed on a time to meet back there.

I hadn't said a word to Sean about his revelation concerning his memories
of his grandmother. More would come in time and, our next `stop' would
probably proliferate those recollections. I now felt more than ever that my
choice to take him here was correct.

He was thirteen but, unlike most boys that age, he had no qualms about
reaching out and taking my hand as we climbed the steep concrete stairs
from the river up to the historic district. I looked down and smiled at him
and he looked up at me and returned the smile. I felt my chest flood with
profound and almost overpowering love.

As we topped the stairs, we stepped out into old Savannah and it was a
feast for the eyes. The colors were dazzling and yet subdued. Nothing
`blazed' in fact; it was if the city was done in subtle pastels so that the
flowers and plants burst out from every niche to accent and beautify the
place.

It was graceful and lovely. It was the perfect southern city. I wrapped my
arm around Sean's slender shoulder.

"During the Civil War, General Sherman launched what became known as `the
march to the sea'. He totally destroyed everything in his path including
the great city of Atlanta which he burned to the ground.

When his army drew up before Savannah, the citizens knew that they couldn't
resist his forces and so, they surrendered. This left the city very much
intact and therefore, it's here for us to appreciate."

General Oglethorpe's squares which were the heart of each neighborhood in
this old historic part of town were one of the very unique features of this
grand old city.

We walked hand in hand over to the next square and he stopped and squeezed
my hand tightly.

"I know where we are. That's my granma's house. We were here last time we
were in Savannah."

"Yes Sean, but this time, we're going to go in and visit."

He looked up at me and his eyes were watery but he smiled and nodded his
head.

"Kay Dad".

The off-white Greek revival home was at the far end of the square and the
entrance was actually through a black wrought iron gate to the left side.

He held my hand tightly as we climbed the five steps to the front door and
I rang the bell.

An exquisitely beautiful grey haired woman with what had to be one of the
world's most welcoming smiles opened it. Her warm countenance absolutely
stopped me in my tracks.

"You are Mister Eric Tucker?"

I nodded affirmatively and she smiled and offered her hand.

"I am Athena Blanchard welcome to my home."

She turned to Sean.

"You, young man, though I can hardly believe it, must be the boy that I
cuddled and held on my knee all those long years ago, how is this possible?
Are you Sean?"

He nodded his head and she wrapped him in her arms.

"Come inside. Come inside and we'll sit down for a while."

She guided us into the lovely house and Sean followed close behind her
staring as if he were transfixed.

She seated us in the bright parlor that looked out over the parklike square
across the narrow street and turned to Sean.

"I'm sorry that I don't have any soda to offer you." She looked to me with
a wonderfully youthful  grin;

"Can you imagine a house in Georgia without one bottle of Coca Cola? You'd
almost think that should be against the law here wouldn't you?

I do have a pitcher of fresh sweet tea darlin' would that suite you?"

Sean nodded his head. He was still too engrossed in this experience to
speak.

"And you Mr. Tucker...I have found that gentlemen generally prefer
refreshment with a bit more bite than sweet tea. I may offer you bourbon,
sherry or moonshine."

I sat up abruptly and she smiled with a wonderful twinkle in her eyes.

"Mr. Tucker, surely you know that we genteel southern ladies have had
things under control for generations?

Heavens...the menfolk of this city would never have had the sense to
surrender to that nasty little General Sherman if the patriotic ladies of
Savanna hadn't gone down into their cellars and brought up a jug or two. I
believe that's how the world has gone since time immemorial."

While she was out of the room, I looked at Sean.

"Is something wrong Son? You look troubled."

"N-no Dad, it's more like I'm almost remembering stuff. It's like right at
the edge of my mind...you know like when you feel like you've got to sneeze
an' then you just can't? It almost hurts an' you keep tryin' and then
suddenly...you either sneeze or you don't need to anymore.

It's like that; somethin' wants to pop out like a sneeze but I can't quite
reach it an' I know it's a good thing so I want it to come out. Maybe I'm
just workin' too hard at it."

Athena re-entered the room carrying a tray with three glasses. The tall
sweaty glass of sweet tea with a slice of lemon was placed before Sean and
a thick tumbler of clear liquid sustained by two large ice-cubes was handed
to me as our hostess sat down with a glass that was a complete duplicate of
mine. She raised her glass towards us and with a smile; softly said

"Welcome."

"So, Athena...Sean and I were here about two years ago but, he didn't want to
visit and felt he had no memories here. Since then though, he's begun to
have memories of his Grandma and I thought that our imposition upon you
today might help him bring some of them forward."

She smiled softly and nodded her head.

"They were only just a little less than three years but they were happy
years.

By the grace of god, Sean was only about one year old when his wonderful
parents were murdered in Uganda and he had no memory of that horror. He was
a beautiful chuckling little boy when Karen and I picked him up and brought
him home.

Karen Harris and I had always been the best of friends (like only southern
woman can) be and I'd moved in to be her housemate shortly after Sean and
his parents left for Africa.

Unfortunately, I was visiting friends in California when Karen died and
even though I rushed home, the little boy was already gone and I was
informed that I had no legal right to enquire about his location or to
search for Sean. I was only `related' to him in my mind not in the eyes of
the law.

This house is mine for life but then, it's legally held in trust for Sean
as per Karen's will. If he should choose not to live in it, it's to go to
the Historical Society."

She gently urged Sean up from his chair and guided us down the hall and up
the beautifully carved heart pine staircase.

"This room was your bedroom Sean. We kept you here so that you could hear
the nighttime sounds of the city and the music that often came floating
over the square. You loved music from the very beginning and even before
you could talk, you would imitate the tunes that you heard and you'd often
go to sleep humming or copying a song.

She would never leave you at night without singing a song back to you;
usually some crazy Irish folksong and then, she'd plant a kiss on your
forehead and whisper;

`Goodnight Bunny baby.' And like magic, you almost always fell right to
sleep."

I looked over at him and he was shaking with tears flooding from his eyes.

"I remember. I-I remember you...you are `Annietheena' isn't that right?"

She smiled and wrapped him in her arms.

"Yes Darling, that's right. You never could get your little lips around
saying; `Auntie Athena' so it just settled into `Annietheena' and I can't
tell you how wonderful it is to hear that again."

She hugged him tightly.

He sighed and took her hand and he walked through the French doors out to
the garden on the terrace.

"I ran around here butt naked all the time didn't I?"

"Oh yes indeed Sean." She chuckled as she answered.

"Your grandmother believed that being out and exposed to the sun was very
healthy and she enjoyed sketching and painting you out here among the
flowers and plants."

"We've got one of her paintings an' I'm sittin' right over there holdin' a
yellow flower."

"I know that one and it's among my favorites. I'm so glad that you have it.

Now sweet boy, come with me into the kitchen because I have something for
you."

She offered her hand and he took it without hesitation. I followed because
I was most certainly the third wheel in this journey. She approached the
large heavy oak table in the middle of the room and lifted a marbled
stationary box.

"I went through these last night after I'd talked to your father and I
suspect you might like some of them Sean. Keep the ones you like but please
return the others. They all mean a lot to me."

I of course understood what she was saying.

"Thank you Athena for loaning us this precious collection. We'll have the
ones we want to keep duplicated and then have the entire set returned to
you. You are very kind."

She stood and smiled.

"I wish I had more time to spend with you but the Historical Society meets
in thirty minutes and I'm the recording secretary.

Sean, I never thought to see you again. I can't even explain what a joy
this has been.

Eric, thank you for making this happen. It's a re-union that I never
imagined could or would occur."

She kissed her index finger and placed it upon his forehead.

"Til next time bunny baby...til next time."

Sean kissed his index finger and placed it against her forehead.

"Till next time bunny Aunty...till next time."

*************************************

As we were walking around the square, I looked at my watch.

"Let's head back to the car. Hopefully, Doctor Mohamed will be there and we
three can grab some lunch."

I wanted for him to absorb his memories and new experiences but not to be
captured in them. They were intended to expand not restrict his development.

As we got to the bottom of the concrete stairway, I noticed that Doctor
Mohamed was sitting on a bench overlooking the river.

He had a sketchpad on his lap and he was quickly but meticulously drawing a
small one mast sail boat that was anchored just off shore.

I looked over his shoulder.

"My goodness Mo, you're quite accomplished."

He smiled without looking up.

"No, Eric, it's just a hobby but I enjoy it. I've been able to make about
five sketches during this little walk through the city and between them;
I'll be able to create a decent painting when I get home.

However, my next vacation, I'm coming back here to spend more time. This
city is enchanting."

I smiled as he stood up and we walked to the car.

"Could I see your drawins' Doctor Mohamad?"

"Of course you may Sean." He smiled as he offered his pad to the boy who
turned the pages slowly and looked upon them in awed appreciation.

"Doctor, these are wonderful. I feel like I'm lookin' through your eyes. Do
you have others at home?"

"Oh, lots and lots and I've also got a few paintings. Daniel kindly found
me a well-lit space in the attic of one of the little wings in the mansion
and I've set up a studio. I'll show you some of them when we get back."

I shook my head and smiled silently. Lord! I loved Daniel. He knew every
square inch of the house and discreetly allocated space without bothering
me with having to worry about it.

"You should also show them to Brian. I don't think he's as good as you;
he's only thirteen, but he's pretty good."

"Absolutely, Sean. We'll do that when we get home."

I unlocked the car and Doctor Mo placed his sketch pad on the back seat and
after relocking the car, we headed down the river walk.

"So, what do we think about lunch?

Mo, I've never given much thought to Islamic dietary restrictions. I know
that you are forbidden to eat pork just as are the Jews but what else is
forbidden to you?"

He smiled.

"Allah was gentler to us than he was with the children of Israel. His
restrictions were simpler and easier to follow especially if you are...as I
am, a more modern and less orthodox practitioner of the faith.

The Islamic rules of food are determined by what is called; `Halāl'. That
is essentially the same to us a `Kosher' is to the Jews. It essentially
means; `allowed'.

Pork is totally forbidden. All other beasts of the land and sky are allowed
so long as they are killed mercifully and blessed in the name of god before
they are slaughtered and their bodies are drained of blood. Blood is
prohibited to us.

None of the fruit of the land is forbidden, therefore, I am a lover of
potatoes, carrots, green beans and black beans as well.

Unlike the Jews, the meat of the sea is all Halāl to us and so, I am
enjoying this little adventure in Georgia. The fish is exquisite and the
shrimp and crab are extraordinary so...as to lunch, I'd say anything but a
pulled pork barbeque would be fine."

I smiled.

"Well then since our young Sean here has never met a sea food that he
didn't like, let's trudge over to the `Pirate's House'. It's the oldest
continually operating public house in Savannah. It was once the
congregating place for unscrupulous scallywags and marauders. Even
Blackbeard himself was a regular frequenter of the place."

I'd lowered down and sort of draped myself over Sean's shoulder and
instinctively, my voice had drifted into a very hokey `pirate' accent and
tone.

He giggled as he looked up at me.

"Dad, that's not true and your pirate bit is so lame."

I hugged him tight.

"Actually smart boy, my `pirate bit' IS lame but the rest is very true as
you'll see when we get there. All of that stuff really happened it's not
just made up stories and besides we'll pig out on a very halāl lunch there."

**********************

We sat at a table overlooking the river and I thought to myself what a
perfect spot for pirates and other scrofulous people to take note of what
ships were entering or leaving the river.

Sean had recovered from his morning melancholy. He joined us in enjoying
lunch with great vigor. We'd wound up ordering three `Fisherman's Baskets'
each of which were filled with shrimp, crab, oysters and scallops. All
fresh from the sea and since this was the Deep South, all were breaded and
deep-fried; unhealthy as hell, but tasting like heaven.

Taking a quick break from the consumption, I wiped my greasy mouth and
spoke;

"So guys, here's some news; tomorrow, Henry and I are going out to look at
some trucks. I've got to get that old heap of his off the island before I
start getting fined...trouble is, he loves that old truck of his so, this
might be a problem.

Sean the boys don't start school yet so you, Todd, and Luke are free to get
into whatever adventures you wish to. Doctor Mo, the same for you but, both
of you just keep in mind that early the next morning, we're flying out."

That got both of their attentions.

"We're making a quick stop in Washington DC so that my little `Bird Man'
can see the Aero-Space Museum in the Smithsonian.

After that, well, I'd been thinking about New York City, but I've decided
that would not be recuperative for me and so, we're going to New
England...history, nature and seafood."

They both smiled.

"When we get to New England, I'm buying the lobsters." Doctor Mohamed
smiled.

"Nope Doc. This is a business trip and the company pays for everything and
we don't get to have lobsters until or unless we get to Maine so we'll just
have to wait and see what happens."

**********************************

We'd decided that rather than take the interstate back to Sea Island, we'd
drive south using the smaller Route 17 that more or less hugged the coast.
That was a good choice because it was far more scenic. It ran along what
where once little country roads passing houses, small stores and even
entire little towns.

This detour probably added a half hour to our trip but we made it back in
reasonable time.

After announcing our new itinerary, I took Henry aside to explain what our
project for tomorrow was and Sean got together with Luke and Todd planning
what mischief they could get into.

Shortly though, we were all summoned into the dining room and Julia
tortured the poor table with three platters overladen with fried chicken.
She was grinning.

"I know Doctor Mohamed can't eat no barbeque pork but he can't leave
without some good southern fried chicken in his belly."

Doc Mo smiled.

"Thank you Julia I was hoping for this."

The meal was delightful and after a long and interesting discussion, which
included the revelation that little Luke, had decided that he wanted to
become a doctor.

The Tarltons eventually moved across the property and into their house and
we three wandered into our rooms.

Sean's room was of course, my room.

He gleamed an impish smile as he slipped his clothing off and climbed onto
the bed. I followed him quickly.

I wrapped him in my arms and then kissed him passionately. The love I had
for this boy was almost more than I could understand...more than I could
control.

I pulled him close, kissed his forehead, and held him until he fell asleep.

It was a beautiful Savannah morning when we woke up still embracing and
touching. We laughed and enjoyed the feel of each other in the shower while
nothing was said, because nothing needed to be. It was instinctive between
us.

As we almost always did, I wrapped him into a towel and dried him off. Once
we were dry and dressed, our day began with another kiss and then, we
headed down for breakfast.

Julia was gleaming as we entered the dining room.

"Morning Mr. Eric, morning Sean. Doctor Mo is already seated workin' on his
coffee and some toast. Go on inside and we'll get this show on the road."

We complied and soon things began to almost explode. First came the coffee
and she knew just how we both liked it. Then came a half grapefruit
followed by soft fried eggs on a bed of grits. With a sweet smile she
walked in and slid another plate to each of us.

"I know that Doctor Mo loves his fish so, these little fillets will begin
your day with joy."

"Julia, you are aptly named because you are a jewel." Doctor Mohamed said
with a smile as he cut into his fish.

As we were finishing I looked across the table.

"Well, today I'm going to attempt to talk Henry out of that dumpy old
truck. Julia, you've got the day to yourself and Doc Mo, I suspect you'll
be sketching. What's up with you three bad boys?"

"Dad, we're goin' out for shrimp, crab and oysters and Miz Julia says
she'll get some corn on the cob an' other things an' we'll have what they
call a `low country boil'. When that's over, we want to take a ride in
Henry's new truck so it better be a four door...you know...with a front and
back seat."

I grinned at him and Julia.

"That may take more power of persuasion than I've got but, I'll give it a
try."

*************************

Newspaper was spread triple thick upon the pick nick table out on the patio
and the steaming goodness of shellfish, corn and small potatoes was spilled
out across its surface in splendid bounty.

Julia explained that a traditional `low country boil' also contained
sausage but in deference to Doctor Mo, that had been eliminated.

Smiling, we all sat down with glasses, plates and napkins and dug in.

"Well I must say that you boys are great providers."

It was little Luke who looked at me with a huge smile.

"Yes Mister Eric. Our Daddy taught us when we were very little so, we know
what we're doing. Ain't never been a time that me an' Todd have come home
with empty sacks. My Daddy is a good teacher."

I looked across the table at Henry who was beaming at his son with a face
filled with love.

"Luke, your Daddy is a good teacher but much more than that, your Daddy is
a very good man. Remember and imitate that all of your life and you'll
never go wrong."

Henry took a long sip of his sweet tea and never said a word.

*************************************

Earlier that day, Henry and I had left Sea Island in two vehicles because
he'd insisted upon leaving his beat up old F150 with a friend.

 As he parked and locked the truck, he walked up and hung his keys upon the
porch pole.

"Portman said that so long as he can use it, `Isabella' can stay here."

I'd quickly realize that `Isabella' was the name he'd given to the old grey
truck that he loved so well.

"I'd say that was a good situation Henry."

He nodded his head in agreement but also with solemnity and no lack of
obvious sadness.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting car dealerships. We looked at
and drove Dodges, Chevys, GMCs and Toyotas but, as I already knew; many
people had tremendous brand loyalty so it was no real surprise to me when
we ended up back at the Ford dealer.

I quickly realized that the salesperson was walking Henry around looking at
the lower end models and while that didn't seem to bother Henry (his
beloved `Isabella' was a low-end F150 after all), it made me privately
angry that the dealership employee had automatically made the decision as
to what this man could afford.

I walked over to them trying very hard to be non-confrontational to the
salesman.

"These are all good  trucks but I need you driving something much more
high-end Henry or else your neighbors on Sea Island will think you don't
have any class."

The mention of `Sea Island'  opened the door to a whole new collection of
lovely yet luxurious trucks.

Just as his taste in manufacturer and specific models were more less
written in stone, so was his taste in color. `Isabella' was a faded grey
however, once she may have been silver.

Henry found himself drawn to one particular truck and his taste was
exquisite because it was a top of the line f150 platinum super crew with
all of the bells and whistles. After looking at the sticker price he drew
away from it in embarrassment. I noticed and realized this was the one.

"I signaled to the salesman;

"This is the one. Come back to us with an out the door price and you guys
be very careful because you only get one chance. There's another Ford
dealer twenty minutes down the road. Don't be too long, I don't like
waiting."

He actually returned in fifteen minutes and offered me a slip of paper. I
studied it and smiled. It was slightly inflated but not an unfair offer.

"No deal goes one-way."

 I subtracted five hundred dollars from his number and then wrote;

"One Ford ball cap."

He read it and smiled.

"I'm not gonna lose a deal like this for five hundred bucks and a ball cap.
Let's go see the finance manager."

"Why do we have to do that?"

"W-why, to set up your financing of course."

"Who said anything about financing? In an hour or less, we're going to own
this truck out right. Let's go see this man and set him straight."

We entered the little office and a portly smiling man rose from behind the
desk and offered his hand.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, I'm Jarvis Skoggins. Please have a seat."

He was holding the slip of paper with my amended purchase suggestion.
Smiling he looked at us and said;

"We can even come down as low as two Ford ball caps.

I'm told that you wish to purchase this truck outright. That's not unheard
of but it's unusual so the process may take a couple of days."

"No sir Mr., Skoggins, it will take less than an hour. My name is Eric A.
Tucker Jr. Does that mean anything to you?"

"Well, it certainly does if you're the Eric Tucker I'm thinking about."

"I suspect that I am. Now, I'm going to call my senior financial advisor
and he's going to walk you through how to make this simple."

My cell phone rang three times before uncle Phil was on the line and I told
him what was going on. After a few moments he asked to speak to Mr.
Skoggins and that man's face turned almost white with awe and surprise. He
almost choked as he hung up the phone."

"I-it would seem that all I have to do is enter the final sale price and
all you need to do is swipe your credit card."

"Well then, let's get it done Mister Skoggins."

He punched some numbers into his computer and a multipart form soon spit
out. He handed it to me for my review.

I chuckled as I read it.

"It seems you've managed to sneak some car dealer tricks into this document
Mr. Skoggins. I'm ok with most of them but not this extended warranty that
you stuck in without my permission. Take it out, print it again and let's
get this done.

Actually, he looked embarrassed as he worked upon his computer. The revised
document was much more to my liking and I nodded.

"OK, let's buy a truck."

He entered the numbers and smiled with approval.

"Your Phillip Regent had this all set up so that the tax was properly
withdrawn from the numbers and excluded properly. Now if you'll insert a
card."

I withdrew one of my cards (I think it was a Master Card) and swiped
it...this was not a chip reader. Rather quickly it asked for my PIN which I
entered. It continued for what seemed like a rather long time and I noticed
that Skoggins was looking very nervous. Suddenly the screen read; enter
ultsec PIN.

I'd been expecting this because it was something set up for men or
companies wishing to make a high end purchase. The PIN could be from four
to ten digits and we'd settled on `noli timere' the family motto.

I typed in the words, pressed enter and settled back with a smile.

In just about a minute, the screen flashed `accepted' and the tape emerged
from the machine.

"A sixty thousand dollar truck bought with the swipe of a credit card! I've
never seen the like Mister Tucker."

After the deal was done, Henry and I left for a quick lunch. Since Doc Mo
wasn't with us we headed for the `Copper Pig' for some great pulled pork
sandwiches and local brewed beer. It was wonderful and we giggled and
shared stories.

"Before we go though, this place has a moonshine bar. Let my get you one
good shot since you're leaving tomorrow."

"OK Henry, one good shot."

 He smiled as he walked to the bar.

*************************************

Dinner was finished and we'd all heard several little burps and there were
large smiles on everyone's faces.

The boys got up from the table, collected the plates and silverware, and
carried them into the kitchen. Then they wadded up the newspaper and hauled
it off to the large trash dumpster out back.

"Come on Daddy, we want to ride in the truck!"

Henry looked at me and I smiled.

"I think that's a good idea. The Tarltons should all take a ride in their
new truck."

"An Sean too Daddy. He should come."

"Oh Todd, I think your family should enjoy this first ride together." I
replied.

"Well Mister Eric, it ain't like there's no room. Sean's skinny little
white butt will fit very well in the back seat with Luke and Todd. We
wouldn't be going far, just down to the end of the causeway for ice-cream."

Henry said.

Sean's eyes were pleading.

"OK with me if it's OK with you, go have fun."

With decibel breaking little boy whoops the three boys jumped into the back
of the cab and Julia actually hooted as she climbed into the front
passenger seat..

I sat down onto the patio with a scotch in my hand and watched the ocean
with Doctor Mo. Very shortly, the truck pulled into the driveway. As the
doors opened up I heard little boy hoots and Julia proclaiming;

"Any boy who has messed up Dad's new truck with ice-cream is gonna get it
on his butt!"

The air was filled with laughter as they piled out of the truck.

I gathered Sean against me.

"OK, we're leaving very early in the morning so we've got to hit bed now.
Boys, you'll see each other again soon but in the meantime, do very well in
school. I'm counting on you."

I kissed both boys on the cheek and Julia upon the forehead. As I shook
Henry's hand, I noticed that the three boys were embracing warmly.

"See ya next time we're out here." Sean said with a slight sniffle.

Then, we walked up to bed. He removed his clothes and spread across the
covers. I figured that it was long past time and I plunged hungrily down
upon his little groin. His soft moans were all of the encouragement I
needed.

**************************************

Next stop is Washington DC. Thank you for all of your encouraging feedback.

Eff