Young John Holtz

By Dale McMillan

John Holtz was one of those uk-oh babies born to midforties parents. His mother considered an abortion, but his sister Nancy, a devout Catholic, nixed that. Nancy encouraged her parent to engage an au pair from Germany when John was four years old. That turned out to be a godsend. John graduated from high school at age twelve and prepared to enter college. Assisting his sister in working on a PhD from Harvard, their lives entwine with a Smoky Mountain family in North Carolina while doing research there. Johns brilliant mind causes him to be arrested at ten years old; he becomes a sawmill owner at twelve and almost loses his life when his adult actions help break up a drug ring. John Holtz never had the luxury of being a child.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543449334

Dale McMillan

Dale McMillan retired from a long career in the petrochemical industry. After building a home, shop, three barns, and restoring a log cabin built originally in 1854, he tried his hand at writing fiction at age 67. He has written 17 other books since that first release. He lives on a small sand hill farm just outside Henderson, Texas with his invalid wife, Janell and two dogs, Marcie and Sherlock.

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Copyright © 2017 by Dale Mcmillan.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2017913713

ISBN:                 Hardcover                       978-1-5434-4931-0

                          Softcover                         978-1-5434-4932-7

                          eBook                               978-1-5434-4933-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/21/2017

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

In memory of my mother Lela McMillan who taught me the old ways

Chapter 1

John Holtz lll could have been a spoiled young man if he had allowed that. He was born into the lap of luxury in inner city New York. His dad was a very successful stock broker and seldom at home and his mother was a socialite. John’s mom was 45 when he was born. His sister was 20 at that time and his brother was 18. Both were in college. John was more or less a toy to his siblings and a problem for his parents. He was a good baby, generally contented and his nanny soon learned that when nap time came, he wanted in his bed and did not require rocking just as long as his tummy was full. He would awaken from his nap and play for long stints with the mobiles over his crib.

As a toddler, John could entertain himself for hours with simple things like bugs on the window sill, a bird in a tree in their spacious yard or a caterpillar climbing up twigs on a shrub. His mother became disturbed when he cried for an hour when a bird’s nest was robbed by a Jay and the ‘evil’ bird scratched the baby birds out to fall to the ground to die. From that day on, he hated blue jays. John had watched the two birds building the nest in a crab apple tree in their yard. That had been a fascinating experience for him and he had anxiously awaited the hatching of the eggs. This was the first experience in his young life of how cruel nature could be.

John’s parents and his nanny were no help at all in guiding him through this traumatic experience. They knew their home had a yard, but they seldom went there except to the swimming pool on very warm days. A landscape service kept the yard immaculate. John’s parents had no idea that one bird would destroy the nest of another or why. His sister Nancy was a little more astute. Nancy had graduated from college and had her own apartment in the City but she was often at home. She was much closer to John than John was to his mother. She told John that the Jays considered the yard as their territory and that they did not want other birds there to compete for food. John bowed up at this. He informed his sister that the yard belonged to him and that the little birds had just as much right to use it as the jays. Nancy saw that she was not going to make any headway with John, so she did what any good sister would do; she bought him a book about birds. It was a large adult book but loaded with pictures.

Nancy spent time with John looking at the pictures in the book. She read the names of the different species to him and soon he could identify all the birds that visited their yard, but his bird book did more than just identify the various bird species. It sparked in him a desire to learn how to read. Before the age of four, he could read bird names in the book. Studying the words, he begins to sound out other words and before very long his brilliant mind begins to figure out letter sounds and he could sound out many different words working strictly on his own.

When John was about four and one half, he asked his sister to take him to a bookstore to purchase some new books; he had read all of the children’s books in his small library. Nancy took him to Hasting Bookstore in a shopping mall just down the road from the family’s suburban home. She led him to the children’s section and let him look there while she shopped in another section. When she came back to check on him, she found that he had a small stack of books. They were young adult books, not children’s books with pictures.

Aghast, Nancy questioned, Why do you have these books? You can’t read them.

Yes I can.

John had selected a copy of Tom Sawyer. On the cover was a picture of Tom and Jim, the little black boy from the book, and a white fence that Tom was supposed to be white washing. This book just happened to be on top of the stack, so Nancy picked it up and handed it to John. Show me, she instructed.

John took the book, opened it and began,

TOM!

No answer.

TOM!

No Answer.

What’s gone with that boy, I wonder? You TOM!

The old lady pulled her sp – spec – spectacles down and looked over them about the room; then she put them up and looked out under them.

What are spectacles, John asked?

Nancy is stunned; standing in disbelief. Who taught you how to read? she asked.

I taught myself.

How? How did you teach yourself?

From looking at the bird book.

Again he asked, What are spectacles?

Glasses.

Nancy suddenly begins to assimilate the connotations of this revelation and she questions further, How did you learn how to read from the bird book?

You taught me the bird names. I used the bird names to learn what sounds the letters made. I knew my ABCs from my tapes, and ABC book.

Tears were streaming down Nancy’s face at this point. She could see it all clearly now. Here was a little boy, very much alone working diligently to teach himself how to read. Nancy knew that her mother did not want this child when he was born. She was also aware that John’s mother had considered an abortion when she discovered that she was pregnant with him. She had not even realized she was pregnant until she began to show her pregnancy and then she simply thought she was gaining weight and she had gone on a severe diet. She had thought that she was simply going into early menopause and she was ready to get through that and get it over and done with.

Nancy vowed that she would spend more time with her little brother. She purchased his stack of books for him; they then went to the food court and had a snack. She questioned John thoroughly about his effort to teach himself how to read. She begins to see the depth of his understanding. He begins to tell her things he has read in magazines and in the newspaper. He spent much time alone since his mother did not socialize with younger women with small children and he did not attend daycare. He had learned how to entertain himself and because of his inquisitive mind he was far advanced. Nancy could clearly see relational problems on the horizon for this child in the future.

At home Nancy suggests that John’s parents consider the Au Pair program and bring in an exchange student to help with John. Since it was evident that the program would further remove responsibility from his mother, Marie Holtz was all for that. His Dad did not really care one way or other because he was seldom home. Nancy was aware that her dad had a mistress and he was spending more time with her than he was at home. John’s mother was drinking heavily and she was really not capable of caring for a five year old child. The family had a full time nanny, but she did not nurture John at all. She met his physical needs, but in reality she did not spend any time with him. She had her own room and that is where she stayed most of the time watching adult movies on television. Nancy felt that an Au Pair would be good for John and provide a level of interaction which he so desperately needed. Nancy had to take the initiative to apply for the program and then entice her parents to fake a false front, so they could qualify for the program. That was the most difficult task to pull off, but her dad knew which strings to pull to make it happen. John’s paternal grandparents were German diplomats who were involved in the United Nations. His maternal grandparents were dairy farmers in Massachusetts.

Since John’s dad was from Germany, he insisted that they engage a German Au Pair. He reasoned that this would be a good way for John to learn how to speak the German language.

Nancy was a persistent young woman. She was like a bulldog when she attacked a problem and she saw her little brother’s plight as a problem. She searched diligently to find just the right Au Pair for John, and she did an excellent job with her research.

On the evening of August 17, 1997, Nancy and John met Gretchen Himmler at LaGuardia Airport in New York City at 6:07 pm. Gretchen was an 18 year old, pert, spunky young lady anxious to embark on her mission in the US. She had sent Nancy her picture, so she was quickly spotted as she exited her flight. Nancy had told her by phone conversation that she and John would meet her, so they easily spotted each other. With smiles all around they rushed to greet one another.

Gretchen spoke English very well, but it was the English version of English and she was a bit concerned that she might make a gaff in conversation because several friends had informed her that people from England spoke a different version of English than those from America.

She was surprised when she met John that he greeted her with, Guten Abend.

"Guten Abend, Wie geht es dir?

"Gut, danke."

Nancy laughed and greeted, Hello, Gretchen. Did you have a good flight?

"Oh yes, very nice.

What a surprise to be greeted in German by John.

Oh he couldn’t wait to practice his language skills on you.

Both laughed but John was taking all of this in and staring intently at Gretchen. He thought she was awfully pretty. Not as beautiful as his sister but very pretty.

After a bit more small talk Nancy suggested that they find Gretchen’s luggage. They walked to the baggage claim area and Nancy found a porter to collect the luggage and gave him the claim checks. Nancy and Gretchen were chattering away but John was very quiet.

Turning to John, and as a conversation starter Gretchen asked, John, what do you like to do.

Showing his sense of humor, he answered, Look at pretty girls.

Gretchen laughed a heartfelt belly laugh. She knew immediately that she and this young man would get along well together.

Nancy on the other hand commented, Like father, like son; I hope not.

Gretchen noted the sarcasm in Nancy’s voice and immediately a red flag went up. She was not a street smart young lady, but she was a wise girl. Nancy had just told her to be on guard. Fortunately the comment did not dampen the conversation between Gretchen and Nancy. They were already forming a bond, which would grow and last a lifetime.

Luggage was soon collected and Nancy engaged the porter to take it to her car. Gretchen had all of her possessions in one large bag and a carry on. She was from a small farming village in Germany and this was one of the few times she had been away from home. She was new to the Au Pair program, and this was her first assignment.

On their drive to John’s suburban home, Nancy told her much about the family. She voiced her concern that her mother was drinking excessively and that she was concerned about her health. She pointed out that the family had full time maid service and that her only real responsibility would be John. Gretchen was a little disturbed by this, since she liked to cook and had hoped to do some of the cooking for the family.

Gretchen grew up on a Rhine river farm just outside of Freiberg. She spoke German, English and French. She spoke French fluently, since France was just across the river, and most Frenchmen thought French should be the universal language. She had a little more trouble with English and she was worried about her communication skills in English. She was very happy to learn that this family wished for their young son to become conversant in German.

Arriving at the Holtz’s very upscale suburban home, Gretchen was overwhelmed. She had never been in a home like this other than at museums. Her room was spacious with a fantastic view of the very large back yard and swimming pool. She could hardly wait to try out the pool.

*     *     *

John and Gretchen bonded immediately. She was more than a caregiver to this young child; she was a friend. She and John were constantly on the go. She had an unlimited budget for entertaining John and they constantly rode the commuter train into the city and took in all the museums and other sites of interest. Gretchen taught John new words in French and German. With his brilliant young mind, he was like a sponge soaking in knowledge. Together, from their museum trips, they learned much about American history.

During Gretchen’s first year as John’s Au Pair, Nancy had a failed romance. She decided to take a vacation to clear her head and she asked Gretchen and John to go along. Gretchen jumped at this chance. Realizing that Gretchen and John had become interested in American history, Nancy decided to take a trip to Boston and take in the museums there.

They took the freedom walk through Boston and saw all the historical sites around the city; Paul Revere’s home, Old North Church, Bunker Hill and many others. They then visited Cambridge. Nancy felt that it would be an enriching experience for Gretchen to visit the campus at Harvard, but then they took a stroll through MIT. A young Computer Science professor just happen to see them and asked if he could help them find what they were looking for; and, embarrassed, Nancy had to admit that they were tourist just taking in the sites.

Nancy was an attractive young woman, intelligent and poised. She turned on the charm for this young man, especially after she had looked at his left hand and had found no wedding ring. He had also taken a look at her hand. Nancy explained that Gretchen was an Au Pair from Germany. The young man thought this a good chance to practice his German communication skills and he begins to converse with Gretchen. John joins the conversation. His German was better than the professors. When he could stand it no longer, Glen Koch, the professor, turned to Nancy and asked, How long has he been speaking German?

Only since Gretchen arrived about six months ago.

Wow, I took two years of German in college and he speaks better than me. How old is he?

Almost six.

Turning to John, Glen asked, John, what do you like to do?

I like to read, play with the flight simulator on my computer, watch birds, and study insects.

Stunned by this answer, Glen probed a little deeper,"

What is your favorite book?

Tom Sawyer, but I hear that it is banned in Boston, John replied with a slight smirk on his face.

This did not go unnoticed by Glen Koch. He knew immediately that this kid was very, very smart. Upon quizzing about the book, Glen learned that John had great insight into the character of Tom Sawyer. John pointed out that he had problems understanding the slang language when he first tried to read the book, but that he had figured it out. He pointed out that Nancy had purchased the Tom Sawyer movie for him and that had helped him with the slang language.

Glen and Nancy were wishing to pursue their new found acquaintance but neither knew how to accomplish this task without being totally obvious. They were each attracted to the other, but Glen had been a computer nerd and had very few relational skills. He was learning but certainly not at the level with Nancy. He was stealing glances at Nancy trying not to be obvious, but with little success. John was bemused at this. He had assimilated it all in his mind and had all the pieces in place.

Looking Glen in the eye, he asked, You like my sister don’t you?

Nancy’s face lit up, but so did Glen’s. He answered, Yes, she is very beautiful.

Well, why don’t you ask her for a date?

Nancy screamed, John!

Gretchen cackled and John stood with a pleased smirk on his face. Glen and Nancy simply stood mortified for a moment and then Glen seized the opportunity and came through like a champ. "Well thanks, John. I was standing here wondering how to go about that and you have given me the opportunity.

Will you guys have dinner with me this evening?

Realizing that this was a young professor, probably without tenure, working for a sustenance wage, Nancy replied, Only if you let me pick up the tab for this crew.

Oh, I couldn’t do that.

Those are the requirements; take it or leave it. My dad is funding this adventure for us and he can afford it. There are three of us and only one of you. It would not be fair for the three of us to take advantage of you.

You are a tough woman, Miss Holtz, and you know that I cannot refuse and lose an opportunity to become acquainted with you.

Gretchen came through, I have a better idea, John and I can watch a movie at the hotel and the two of you can go out. John and I will eat in the hotel restaurant or have our meal catered.

John piped up and said, That’s a good idea. I can snuggle with Gretchen and Glen can snuggle with Nancy.

Nancy’s and Glen’s faces flamed again but they both simply grinned a silly grin. Gretchen smiled at John. She loved this kid. He was full of mischief, but very bright. She saw very clearly that he could see the obvious attraction between Nancy and Professor Koch.

Glen offered to take the trio on a guided tour of MIT. They jumped at the chance. He took them through several research laboratories and discussed some of the work which was on going. Being in the Computer Science department, he was familiar with much of the work, since the various departments often called on the Computer Science Department for their computer resources. John had hundreds of questions, and he made up his mind then and there that this was where he intended to attend college. He never wavered.

Nancy and Glen had a wonderful and glorious evening. Once over his shyness, Glen turned out to be a delightful person: witty, compassionate and a genuinely good person. He was devout Catholic and so was Nancy and from the beginning their relationship took roots. Glen was fascinated with John and he was the main topic of discussion on the wonderful evening of this budding romance, which turned out to be a God send for John as well as Nancy.

Although they were out late, Glen met Nancy and crew for breakfast. The breakfast party had just been seated, when John looked Glen square in the eye and asked, Well, do you like my sister?

Glen was just as frank with John, Yes, I like your sister very much. She is a beautiful and wonderful person. Thank you so very much for arranging our date.

Nancy’s face flamed again, but her chest also became very tight. She liked, really liked Glen a lot; thinking rationally, much more than their brief encounter merited, however, she was powerless to control her feelings. Gretchen was staring at her and assimilating this situation in her mind and wanting, oh so much, to warn her not to move too quickly, but knowing full well that any advice would fall on deaf ears. Nancy had confided in Gretchen how devastated she had been by her former failed romance.

Being a rational young woman, Nancy was aware of the dangers involved with this romance moving too quickly, but on the other hand she also knew that one must seize the moment and she greatly feared this moment would flee if she did not take advantage of the opportunity to bond with Glen. She greatly feared that John would embarrass her even more, but much to her delight, John and Glen began to discuss some of the projects John had observed. Glen was fascinated by the lad’s grasp of the concepts involved.

They got through the breakfast with no embarrassing moments; Glen made a date to come to New York the following weekend. Nancy insisted that he stay at her parent’s home, so he would not need a hotel. He was uneasy with this arrangement until John told him that he would be his guest. That sealed the deal.

*     *     *

Gretchen did her year as an Au Pair for the Holtz family and went home for two months. She was to return for another year at the end of her visit home. Two days before she was to arrive back in the states, Marie Holtz took her sleeping pills and then decided to partake of a night cap. Sometime during the night, her heart stopped. The maid found her the next morning. John had arisen and was playing in his room. He did not find out about his mother’s death until Nancy came.

Nancy was a copy editor for a small publication in New York City. It was a well-paying job, but very demanding. When she told her boss that she needed to be away from work to support her little brother for a couple of days, she and her boss got into a heated argument. Nancy became very angry because of her employers callous attitude and immediately gave him two weeks’ notice. He countered that he did not need a notice that she was fired. She controlled her anger and simply stated with a smile, You can’t fire me because I have already quit.

Her boss escorted her out of the office, not even allowing her to pick up personal items. When she was barely out of the office, Nancy’s boss had a change of heart and started trying to call her on her cell phone. She refused to answer. Nancy called Glen immediately and two hours later he was on his way to New York City. Nancy was an independent young lady, but she discovered at this moment that she needed someone in her life and that person was Glen Koch.

Arriving at the Holtz home, Glen panicked. He was way out of his league in this neighborhood. He grew up the middle child in a family of seven kids. His dad was an assembly line worker in a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan. He had been an altar boy in the Catholic church that his parents attended and an old elderly priest, realizing that he was a bright young man encouraged him to go to college and a nun in the Catholic school he attended helped him obtain scholarships. His dad was a hard-working man and supplemented his income with part time jobs to support his huge family. He could clearly see that Nancy, unlike him, had grown up in the lap of luxury. It took him a few minutes to recover from his new found revelation and understand that Nancy truly needed him. There were a few awkward moments, but by simply holding Nancy’s hand, he was able to bring comfort to her grieving heart. Fortunately for this relationship, he recovered quickly; he held Nancy in his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. This was her first outward expression of emotion, other than the anger at her ex-boss.

Nancy led Glen to John’s room. When they entered, John was sitting staring out a window. He was in a classic pose for him, sitting on the window ledge, with his knees pulled up against his chest and his chin resting on his knees. He was in deep thought when Nancy and Glen came into the room and he did not hear them enter. They were all the way across the room and Nancy had touched his shoulder before he noticed them. Glen noticed immediately that he had not been crying. The thought occurred to Glen immediately, If my feisty little mama had died when I was that age, I would have been wiped out.

John looked up, smiled and said, Oh, hello Dr. Koch. Glad you could come. Nancy needs you.

Cut the doctor crap, little buddy. You and I are pals, are we not?

John smiled, Yes, we are pals.

Well, what about you, John? How are you doing?

I don’t really know, sir. I was sitting here trying to sort out my emotions. I have just about concluded that I don’t have any and that has me disturbed. I really did not know my mother. I think I was a bother to her, a thing that was just in the way. She tried, but she did not really love me. It is hard to love someone who does not love you back.

John’s revelation pierced the hearts of both Nancy and Glen. Nancy knew very well that her little brother has just succinctly described the relationship between himself and his mother. Both she and Glen were intelligent enough to know not to try to downplay the revelation that this young child, a child with an adult mind, had just voiced his true feelings into very accurate words.

Nancy felt that she had to give some defense of her mother. She stammered, John, you never knew the mother I knew as a little girl, before the money started rolling in. Affluence ruined our family, especially our mother and father.

Where is Dad? John asked.

He came in, but he went out again. I imagine he is at Heather’s apartment. He will need some false consoling. I expect she is awfully good at that. After a few highballs he will be okay.

John smiled a sad smile, but he did not comment. There was an awkward silence in the room and then John revealed, I wish Gretchen was here. She and I are friends.

Nancy looked at Glen before she commented, She will be here for the funeral. We are holding off until she arrives.

Good.

Nancy asked, John, have you eaten anything today?

No.

Come on, we are all going out and get something to eat. Glen, I’ll bet you haven’t eaten.

Well. I must confess; I grabbed two huge cinnamon buns with pecans on top before I left Cambridge.

Wow! That sounds good.

Yep. I have been on a sugar high ever since.

Glen, John and Nancy all went to Nancy’s car and drove to the shopping mall to an International House of Pancakes. Although it was midafternoon, Nancy felt that breakfast food would still be best for John. They all three ordered a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast.

John only nibbled at his food. Glen and Nancy wolfed theirs down. It was almost 3:00 pm and this was the first food John had eaten all day. He sipped his orange juice and took a few bits of scrambled eggs and toast, Nancy coaxed him to get that down. She had never seen her little brother this disturbed. Finally she asked, What has you so distraught, John? You and mom were not that close. Can you tell me what is troubling you?

John did not answer immediately. He sat in deep thought. He finally looked up and stated, I am not sure I can explain. Uncertainty. I keep asking myself, ‘What is going to happen to me?’ I can’t figure that out. I am not sure that Gretchen will stay since mom is gone. I am not sure she would feel safe. She is little more than a kid you know.

Nancy’s face blanched and Glen picked up on this immediately. She was sitting across the booth from Glen, sitting beside John. Her hand was on the table and Glen reached across the table and placed his hand on top of hers. His touch was electrifying. She quickly locked her hand onto Glen’s and he felt her tremble. Nancy had seen her father leering at Gretchen and she had sensed how uncomfortable this made the young woman feel. She was aghast that her little brother, her six year old little brother had reasoned this out in his mind.

She looked at Glen and he stared back at her. These were two intelligent people, but the fact that a six year old had this much insight chilled each of them to the bone. Both wished to be alone to discuss this. Nancy did not comment immediately. She knew that she needed to have her thoughts in order before she gave answer to John’s concern. When she finally answered, she said, John, I will move back home and stay until we can get things settled. We might consider letting you and Gretchen go and live with Grandmom and Granddad for a while. How would you like that?

John did not answer immediately. Nancy and Glen could almost see the wheels turning in his head. When he finally got his thoughts in order he answered, I will talk with Gretchen about that. She grew up on a farm. She might like that, but she might prefer to live in the city.

John’s maternal grandparents lived on a dairy farm in Massachusetts. They were strong Mennonite and very straight laced. John’s grandfather was a harsh old man and John did not know how well he and his grandfather would mesh. His grandmother was a sweet and kindly old lady and John loved her dearly. He knew that Gretchen and Grandmother Hale would get along well together.

*     *     *

Nancy and John’s dad had come in while they were at the restaurant. John Holtz II was not a personable man. He was mid-50s, with a slight pot belly from excessive rich food and too much booze. He could hold liquor better than John’s mother due to his German background, growing up with a beer in his hand since his pubescent days. He was surprised to find Glen with Nancy. She had never discussed this new relationship, and in fact did not even know that she had broken up with her former boyfriend. Nancy’s relationship with her dad was very strained ever since she had discovered his mistress. She felt that he was a direct contributor to her mother’s death. She knew very well that her mother had turned to alcohol because of her father’s neglect of their relationship.

Nancy tried to discuss the arrangements for her mother’s funeral with her Dad, but he really had no contributions to make. She finally just started making her own plans and informed that her mother would be transported to the little community where she grew up and be buried in a family plot in a small community cemetery.

Her brother was flying in from Houston where he was now working for a Chemical Company as a young engineer. He called and asked if Nancy would meet him at the airport that evening. Nancy’s dad stated that he had something that he needed to do at work and he simply told Nancy to make all of the arrangements.

Nancy called the funeral home and made arrangements for her and her brother to meet at 10:00 am the next morning. She also called a funeral home in her parents’ hometown and discussed having them coordinate with the funeral home in New York to transfer to their location.

Glen followed Nancy to the airport to pick up her brother and then he was going to head back to Cambridge to take his Friday classes. He stayed long enough to meet Anthony Holtz. Anthony was surprised that his sister had a new boyfriend, but impressed and pleased with this one. He never liked her former friend, Donald Steinman. Nancy’s dad had introduced Nancy to Donald. Nancy had discovered that Donald and her Dad were both cut from the same mold and she had broken off their relationship. Donald tried to insist that Nancy allow him to move in with her. She adamantly refused and sent him on down the road.

John went to the airport with Nancy. He was happy to see his big brother. Anthony had lots of questions for Nancy about Glen. He noticed immediately the close relationship that Glen and John shared and he questioned her intently about that. Nancy explained that Glen had taken an interest in John while they toured MIT because of John’s probing questions.

Nancy told Anthony what she knew about their mother’s death. An autopsy had been done and the death was ruled a result of alcohol and sleeping aid interaction. It was ruled accidental, for which Nancy was very grateful because of the Mennonite belief about suicide. She knew that her mother would not have been allowed in the family cemetery plot if the death had been ruled as suicide. They were careful not to become graphic in their discussion in front of John.

Anthony questioned Nancy seriously about Glen with an obvious concern that this may be a rebound response. Nancy flippantly replied, I was over Donald long before our breakup. He is too much like Dad.

Anthony thought this very amusing. Neither Nancy nor Anthony approved of their dad’s extramarital affair and strongly sensed that it had contributed to their mother’s death. John Holtz ll was out of favor with all three of his kids. Nancy warned him earlier that he needed to keep his girlfriend away from the family. He was stunned that she knew about Heather.

*     *     *

Gretchen arrived the next evening. She had not been told about Marie Holtz death, thus she was completely shocked. Nancy immediately sensed the young lady’s apprehension and informed her that she had lost her job and that she was giving up her apartment and moving home. Gretchen obviously welcomed that information.

Nancy’s and Anthony’s trip to the funeral home went smoothly. The two funeral homes had already worked out the transfer of services from New York City to the Funeral home in Mendon. The Funeral home in New York was preparing the body and the establishment in Mendon contracted with the New York Firm to handle the service. Nancy and Anthony would view and approve and then Marie’s body would be transferred to Mendon. Marie Holtz’s parents were not coming to New York.

John spent most of the time waiting for the trip to Mendon and the funeral in his room sitting in his window seat watching a cardinal feeding her young fledglings in a shrub just outside his window. He figured that the birds were about to leave their nest. He had watched the building of the nest, the mother bird sitting on the nest and the hatching of the eggs. With his binoculars he had observed what the birds were feeding their young. John religiously kept bird seed out for his birds in the winter, and his back yard was a bird haven.

John had not been to kindergarten but Gretchen and Nancy had taught him much. He was well advance beyond first grade, and perhaps even past 3 grade level. Nancy discovered early on that he had an aptitude for math, and his language skills far exceeded his age level. At six, he spoke conversational French and German in addition to his well advanced English skills. John was at home in an adult world, but totally at loss around other children. He simply did not know how to be a child. His computer skills were far outside the norm for a six year old boy and on one occasion he called a computer help desk and before the tech knew what was happening, John had actually solved his own problem by simply rehearsing the problem with the online tech. Each time the tech used a term that John did not understand, he would ask him to explain. They were on the phone for an hour and at the end of the conversation, the tech asked, You are young, aren’t you?

John’s answer amused the tech; Older than I was yesterday.

Laughing the tech asked, Just how old are you?

I was six June 4th.

You are kidding me.

No.

A very amazed and somewhat distraught computer support technician closed the conversation, but it would be one that he would long remember. John’s probing questions had stretched his knowledge to the limit.

*     *     *

The funeral home in New York City prepared Marie’s body for burial; Nancy and Anthony approved it and then they transferred the body to Marie’s old home town, Mendon, Massachusetts, for the funeral service and for burial in a family cemetery plot. Anthony, Nancy, John and Gretchen traveled by automobile to Mendon. John ll took a chartered airplane.

Marie’s family was well known in Mendon, thus many people from Mendon came to the funeral. Only six people came from New York City, a sad commentary on the life Marie had lived. She really had no close friends.

At the funeral, Nancy insisted that Glen sit with the family. This raised her mother’s sibling’s eyebrows. Her grandmother, grandfather, two aunts and uncle did not know about Glen. She had been engaged to Donald for two years. The longer they were engaged, the less she liked him. Her mother’s family did not know that they had gone their separate ways. They were carefully watching Glen and it became readily apparent that John lll approved of him and that Glen had great affection for John.

During the service, John sat between Anthony and Nancy. Nancy wept silently. Glen reached over and took her hand and they held hands in Nancy’s lap. John noticed this and he reached over and placed his hand on top of Glen’s. This really touched Nancy’s heart. John still had not shed a tear, but she knew it was not because he was not hurting. She surmised and correctly so, that he simply did not know what his emotions were. In his young mind, his future was very unsettled.

The old Mennonite minister did an acceptable job with the funeral. It was a hard one for him. He knew little about the person for whom he was delivering the funeral address. Marie’s parents were obviously distraught over the life Marie had lived and the circumstances surrounding her death. He was able to extract a few interesting and humorous tidbits from her early life, so he did include that in his funeral address. John was listening intently and he saw clearly that his mother had once been a happy child and he vowed that day that he would steer away from the traits he saw in her life that destroyed her.

Glen Koch was reading John’s thoughts through the touch of his hand on his. Each time the minister made some point in his address, John’s hand would contract ever so slightly. Nancy was feeling this sensation also. These were three people sitting in this funeral service whose minds were in sync.

For most in the service, it was a very sad affair. Marie’s parents remembered a sweet precocious child growing up in their home; one with hopes and dreams. They watched as she slowly but surely left the faith of her youth as success slowly stripped away the happy person she once was. She became a bitter and cynical socialite with a husband who was drifting further and further into the world of fast women, booze and sex to fill the void that was in his life. The problem with that route is the same as it has been for centuries; the well simply keeps getting deeper and deeper until one is hopelessly lost into the abyss. Her mother tried to warn her over and over what was happening but this only drove her daughter further and further away. The Hales had only seen John six times in his six years. Nancy had initiated those visits.

John ll was anxious to get back to the club to start drowning his thoughts in alcohol. The service had pricked his heart ever so slightly. He remembered tidbits from his and Marie’s early marriage; of the time when Nancy and Anthony were young. The visits to the kiddie parks, the road trips to visit grandparents, even a trip to Germany to visit old relatives there. He vaguely remembered that he and Marie had been happy back then. He recalled her as a beautiful bride that he had been proud of. He wanted to blame that last kid that she had for the failure of their marriage. He thought about the fact that he had encouraged her to abort, but Nancy had stopped that. It did not take much encouragement from Nancy to convince Marie. She still had a remnant of her early faith back then. His overwhelming thought was that the kid had ruined everything; that life would have been much better without him. He had just a slight tinge of guilt for this thought. There were a few times that he had been very impressed with John’s mental abilities. His only expression of any kind of love for John was that he would buy him anything his heart desired. That would have ruined a normal child, but John was not a normal child.

*     *     *

The family survived the funeral service and John ll climbed on the airplane and flew back to New York just as soon as the graveside service was over. Her brother rode back to New York City on the charter with his dad. He had a few things to say to his dad on that trip and their parting was less than congenial.

Nancy said good bye to Glen. Before he left, Glen held her tight. They were standing in the yard away from the house. John was with them. He instructed, Glen, why don’t you kiss her? I will turn my back.

Nancy’s face flamed but she smiled at her little brother. Glen answered, Well I will just do that. Turn around little buddy.

John turned his back and Glen took Nancy in his arms and kissed her passionately. She kissed back and each felt the desire for private moments, but that would have to come later. When they could bear to pull themselves apart, Glen said, "You can turn around little buddy and thanks.’

John grinned and asked, Did you like it?

Yes, very much.

Why don’t you marry her?

Nancy almost came unhitched with that question.

John, you are out of order. We hardly know one another.

Oh, I think you know each other well enough. The person you marry today will not be the same person five years from now. You told me that once, Nancy. You said that mom changed between the time you were born and when she had me. Both of you could get better together, and you could get worse.

Glen looked at Nancy and she looked back at him. They were still holding hands, and each soon realized that they were squeezing. Wanting to ease the tension, Glen gushed, We will think about it little buddy.

Nancy’s eyes were dilated. She and Glen stood gazing into each other’s eyes. Nancy recovered first. This is not the time to be making decisions like that, John.

Glen smiled at her and informed, I will call you later.

Please call when you get home to let me know you got home safely.

Will do.

Glen tore himself away and got in his car. He hated to leave this woman. He had little doubt that he had found the love of his life and he cursed himself for not falling on one knee and begging Nancy to marry him. He still felt the stigma of the difference in financial status. Nancy was obviously from a wealthy family, although he had really liked her grandparents and Marie’s siblings and they all seemed like good hard working folks and similar to his family. Glen Koch was troubled for one of the few times in his life. His sheer intellect would not help in this case.

When Glen left, Nancy looked at John and scolded, John, you embarrassed Glen and me.

Well, he needs help. I was just trying to help him make up his mind. He is going to marry you, you know?

No, I do not know and I do not think he does either.

Well, I do. He loves you Nancy. He needs you.

Why does he need me, John?

John was quiet for a moment. He had gotten himself into a situation where he was not sure he could explain his thoughts. He sensed that Glen was lonely, but he could not describe where the loneliness came from. John knew the feeling because he often buried his own lonely hours in some activity or some project. He placed his hand on his chin, which was his thinking posture. When he got his thoughts in order he answered, He is lonely, Nancy. I see it in his eyes. He looks at you with longing in his heart; a longing for companionship. I know the feeling well.

Nancy’s heart melted. This was her six year old adult brother. She also knew the feeling of loneliness. Ever since her breakup with Donald she had known deep gut wrenching loneliness. Although Donald was a conceited jerk, he had his few redeeming traits. He loved to party and he was often the life of the party. Nancy had to admit that she missed that, but at the same time she had often been disgusted by his behavior at some of the wild parties they were part of. Donald usually drank too much and she would have to take him home and pile him in bed to sleep off his binge. Her better judgement finally steered her to drop Donald. She saw very clearly that he was not going to change.

Glen Koch did not have good looks like her Jewish/Italian boyfriend, Donald. Glen was tall and gangly with unruly hair. He was not suave and polished, but it was obvious that he was very, very intelligent. During their brief romance, they never discussed people, movies, celebrities or all of the pop culture, which is so much a part of the younger set. Their discussions always turned to concepts. Glen was not a Bible pounder, but it was obvious from some of his statements that he was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. Nancy admired that. She saw him as father material; one who would nurture their children, if God blessed a marriage to Glen with children. She had to admit that drew her to him.

John could not express that, but he saw it clearly. He finally got his thoughts in mind and stated clearly, He is good, Nancy. I want you to have someone good.

Tears streamed down Nancy’s cheeks. Her little brother had touched her heart. There could have been no greater expression of love than what she had just heard from John. Those words were indelibly imprinted on her mind.

*     *     *

After everyone had left the Hale’s home, Nancy cornered her grandmother and began, Grandmom, I know this is a hard time for you, but there is something I need to discuss with you.

What, Sweetheart?

John.

Yes, I knew that was coming. Just lay it all out, Nancy and get it out on the table where we can beat on it. Let me get your grandfather in here; this will involve him also.

Mrs. Hale grabbed her husband before he went to the milking parlor. The Hales were dairy farmers. Nancy’s Uncle had taken most of the responsibility for the dairy, but Grandfather Hale was still involved. Most of the labor was done by hired help. Two high school age boys worked in the morning and two different boys worked in the afternoon. They alternated shifts monthly. Mr. Hale and his son were just overseers.

Mr. Hale came in and sat down at the kitchen table and Mrs. Hale poured him a cup of coffee. She and Nancy had Chamomile Tea.

Nancy began, Grandmom and Granddad, I am worried about John. He will be starting to school this year, and he is already at about 4th or 5th grade level. He reads well, is skilled in math and science, he even has skills in algebra, most of which he taught himself. He taught himself how to read simply from me reading bird names in a bird book and him looking at the pictures. Having memorized the scientific bird names, he associated that with other words and from that he learned how to read. He learned some letter sounds from a simple little ABC tape recording. He probably knows the scientific name of half the birds in the United States and can identify all the bugs that walk the yards in New York City. My guess is that his IQ is not measurable.

Mr. Hale was frowning. He blustered, Surely he is not that smart, Nancy.

He is that smart, Granddad, but the big problem we have is that he has no social skills among his peers. He is at home with adults, but he has never been around another child.

Well, that is downright criminal. Marie should have been ashamed to let that happen, the old fellow answered.

Mom wasn’t capable, Granddad, and Daddy is never at home. Gretchen has been good for John, but in some ways that has added to the problem. He is in his element with her, but she is a mature adult. I fear that he will never be able to relate to other kids.

The Hale’s were stunned by what they had just heard from their granddaughter. They were good, solid people who had struggled to make their dairy farm pay. It had not been an easy task for either, but it now supported them and their son’s family in a comfortable manner. Marie’s brother, who was 3 years younger than her had taken over operation of the farm. He was a college graduate with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a minor in business. His business strategy for the farm was sound and Mr. Hale simply turned the operation over to him, taking only a sustenance wage from the business.

Alexander Hale was an intelligent man. He knew that Nancy revealing John’s intellect to him and his wife had a purpose. He simply cut through all the chaff and got down to the kernel of the matter and asked, What do we need to do to help?

Well, I hate to ask this of you two, but could John and Gretchen come to live with you for a little while and let John start to the school here? I will see that Dad funds everything and I think I can get him to pay you to do this. It is my hope that the school system here will be a little more flexible and allow John to progress at a rapid rate.

Mrs. Hale jumped in, No! We could not accept money.

Nancy held up her hand and blustered, Now Grandmom, if he can afford a mistress, he can afford to support his child. Mom and Dad did not want John. They never loved him as a parent should.

Mr. Hale stormed, That makes me so damn mad I could spit. Marie wasn’t raised like that.

Again, Nancy held up her hand. Granddad, they both have problems. I think that Dad has a sexual addiction and Mom simply could not cope. It is a sad story and it is going to ruin Dad. It has already killed Mom. We need to salvage John if we can. I do not think that Gretchen will live in the house with Dad. I think she is afraid of him, and John has already figured this out.

Mr. Hale was up pacing the floor. I ought to kill him. I should just take a gun and shoot him.

Mrs. Hale instructed rather sternly, "Sit down, Alex. It takes two to tango, so we cannot put all the blame on John’s dad. Marie has to share the blame. We tried, but we failed. She was always high strung and hard headed.

"What we have to decide is how to help. You cannot un-spill milk. All you can do is clean up the mess and this is a real mess.

Yes, Nancy, we will do what we can. I will love having John and Gretchen here. I like her from what I have seen.

She has lots of skills, Grandmom and she was raised on a farm. I think she will be a lot of help to you.

Mr. Hale was still pacing. He stopped and looked at Nancy and gushed, I don’t know how to relate to that kid, Nancy. He gives me the bejevers every time I am around him. He looks at me like he is looking into my soul.

Nancy chuckled and said, "He is Granddad, but you will love him when you really get to know him. He can be very personable. Just treat him like an adult and you will get along well.

There is one hurdle we are going to have to get over.

Mr. Hale’s senses went on high alert. What’s that?

John cannot live without his computer. It is like a lifeline for him. It will require an interface to the internet.

What does that mean?

A cable hookup, Granddad.

Now wait a minute, Nancy; I ain’t letting that filth into my house.

You do not have to hook it to your TV. It simply has to hook to John’s computer. That is a tool and a crutch for John. He does all kinds of research online. I will take care of that.

Mr. Hale had no idea what was involved. He knew that his son had internet access, which he used to research various aspects of the business, but he had no real grasp of the power of the computer. He wilted and informed Nancy, Honey, me and your grandmother will do whatever we can to help. You just tell us what to do and we will do it.

Well, I think the first thing we need to do is talk to the principal of the elementary school and the school superintendent and see if we can work out a plan for John to progress at his own pace. That may be a hurdle to get over.

Mr. Hale informed, I know both of them. They are good folks, and I think they will listen. I do not know what constraints they have from the board of education but I think they will listen.

Do you think it would be possible for me to meet with them before I go back to New York?

I can call and find out. I will just go do that right now. I will start with the superintendent.

Mr. Hale went to the phone, extracted a phone book and looked up the superintendent’s telephone number.

On the phone, Nancy could hear her granddad explaining, Yes it is my grandson. His mother just died and he is going to be living with us this coming school year. She says he is well advanced beyond first grade and she is wondering if the school is flexible enough that he can advance beyond his age level.

There was a pause and the superintendent obviously asked if he and the principal could meet with the child. Mr. Hale turned to Nancy and asked, Can you stay over and meet with the superintendent early next week?

Yes, Granddad, I will stay over.

When Mr. Hale came back in the room, he informed, He is going to call the principal and try to set up a time where you and John can meet with the principal.

That is great Granddad. I want Gretchen to be part of that meeting. She will carry most of the responsibility.

Mr. Hale was uneasy about how having this young lady in their home was going to work out, but he kept his concerns to himself. He was to be pleasantly surprised as things progressed. Shortly after his call to the superintendent, the phone rang and it was the superintendent calling to inform that a meeting was set for 9:00 am in the principal’s office at the Elementary school on Monday morning if that time was acceptable. It was, so plans begin to formulate as to how everything could be worked out.

Mrs. Hale immediately begins to arrange a room for both Gretchen and John. Nancy had not even discussed this move with her dad, so she called him and informed him what