An American Son

By Thomas Oathout

An American Son is an allegorical tale of the boy next door. He could be you, your son, father, brother and daughter. He is a composite of the fiber that makes America great. He represents what we have and what we have lost. He is the spirit of those that returned

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890914330

Thomas Oathout

Thomas Oathout is a native of Cranford, New Jersey. He is an alumnus of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and the University of Delaware. He served in the army as a Special Agent in Military Intelligence with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vietnam, 1970-1971. His writings on Vietnam have appeared in various news publications, history books, an off-Broadway play, and on the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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An American Son

Copyright © 2023 by Thomas Oathout

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-89091-432-3

ISBN eBook: 979-8-89091-433-0

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EPITAPH FOR KINGS

The Tournament

Said Sir Ector…Sir Lancelot…thou wert never

matched of earthly knight’s hand; and thou wert the

courteous knight that ever bare shield; and thou wert

the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrad horse;

and thou wert the truest lover of sinful man that ever

loved woman; and thou wert the kindest man that ever

struck with sword; and thou wert the goodliest person

that ever came among press of knights; and thou wert

the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall

among ladies; and thou wert the sternest knight to

thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest.

SIR THOMAS MALORYs

**********

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.

WINSTON CHURCHILL June 1940

She came down from Cincinnati

It took her three days on the train

Looking for some peace and quiet

Hoped to see the sun again

But now she lives down by the ocean

She’s taking care to look for sharks

They hang out at the local bars

And they feed right after dark

(Chorus)

Can’t you see them circling honey?

Can’t you feel them circling around?

You got fins to the left, fins to the right

And you’re the only bait in town

JIMMY BUFFETT

The day was perfect. The air was alive, the sun friendly to everyone and everything with a pulse. Large, white cumulus clouds stood against the deep blue Maine sky adding to the postcard image of the harbor as John Henry Morrison navigated his lobster boat slowly through the tranquility toward his dock. His dock: the far end and beyond occupied by a small army of photographers, their equipment and beautiful people. Jerremy Maxfield, holding the line, preparing to jump and secure the boat, hesitated when he recognized her.

What’s wrong? John Henry asked his younger companion, slowing the engine even more.

"Not what, who," Jerremy replied.

"Who?"

"In the chair, on the dock, it’s her," he replied with a nod toward the girl in the chair.

"And her is who?"

Ashleigh Stewart.

And who is Ashleigh Stewaht? John Henry asked as he continued to bring the boat alongside the dock.

"You know, the poster," Jerremy replied

"The postah? You mean the postah?"

Yea.

"The one with that smile… John Henry asked, his concentration wavering only slightly from the task at hand. and not much of anything else."

"Yea, that one…."

Ah ya suah?

"Oh yea, and I think Annie Snow is over there," Jerremy said as his gaze focused on the main group of photographers and models.

And who’s Annie Snow?

A friend from another life. The blonde with the long hair, Jerremy replied.

Good lookin women, John Henry observed, as a simple matter of fact.

You have a firm grasp of the obvious.

Thank ya. At ma age, a firm grasp of anything is a cause celebre. So, tie me up and go say hello, John Henry directed as he slowed the engine even more.

I don’t know if I can, he replied.

Why not? John Henry asked.

They’re working.

"Postah Girl don’t look like she’s working all that hahd. That chaiah don’t look like it could be all that hahd ta hold down. And theah ain’t no real wind. That postahs just a piece of paper. There’s the real thing. Ya gonna lose yer chance and be stuck with that postah the resta yer life?

She might not be available to lose and if you remember, the poster was Alex’s warped sense of humor… a last laugh before she left.

"A last laugh?" John Henry questioned.

"That’s right, Alex’s warped sense of humor. Remember, she put that poster on my wall."

Yea, I remember. Don’t know what that has ta do with taday. Unless she put it up theah ta remind ya yer a love-struck puppy.

"A love-struck puppy… what does that mean?"

It means that whole poopin or get off the boat thing. Now, the real thing is sittin on the dock, wearin a nice little not mucha anything at all, lookin really good. This looks like a chance ta me.

I’m not ready for this, he replied.

We nevah are.

Maybe I could talk to Annie, Jerremy thought out loud.

If she’s ovah theah, she’s wurkin. Postah Girl is alone and by haself. Now’s yer chance, John Henry replied.

"Yea, my chance…"

Ya hesitatin.

Yea.

"Yah tellin me, a guy that took on the Vietcong and NVA n came out ahead with medals n stuff, is afraid of a pretty girl?"

He hesitated. He just looked at the old man.

"That’s it. That’s the pretty girl. That young beauty’s got ya so twisted ya can’t think straight. Good thing ya weren’t fightin pretty gurls in bikinis ova theah. Doubt ya’d be heah now."

Not funny, he replied.

Well, ya’d betta do somethin. If ya don’t, Ah will.

What do you mean? Jerremy asked.

You figuah it out.

Yea right, if this gets screwed up, I’ll do it myself.

"Now, that’s ma boy," John Henry replied.

It might take a while.

Er not… Anyway, Ahv been doin this along time, long before ya came along. Ah figure Ah can manage from heah.

You sure?

John Henry nodded. Yeah, I’m shuah. One thought.

What?

Ferget the nothin she’s wearin. Vietcong boy, Vietcong, he said with a laugh.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Jerremy asked.

Don’t think, just do…. See the hill, take the hill. N’be smooth, be very, very smooth.

"Yea, right, don’t think, be smooth, see the hill.... That’s a heck of a lot more than one thought… I’m toast," he mumbled, jumping from the boat as John Henry put the engine in neutral and brought it to rest alongside the dock. Moving quickly, Jerremy secured both the fore and aft. He turned, inhaled the fresh salt Maine air and without looking back at John Henry, walked toward Ashleigh Stewart, model, actress and a daily presence in his life since Alexandra Shanahan had tacked her poster to his bedroom wall.

**********

She fair, divinely fair, fit love for Gods.

JOHN MILTON

***********

Never confuse motion with action.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Excuse me… Hi, I’m Jerremy Maxfield, he said as he stood above her, and you are?

"How nice for you, but I’m not interested," the girl before him replied as she studied him from behind her sunglasses.

Now that is an unusual name, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard that one before, he heard himself say.

I seriously doubt that. Could you move? She asked. You’re blocking the sun.

Sure, he said, moving to the other side of the chair. What nationality is it?

What?

You’re name, he replied. Not Interested.

"It’s Lithuanian. It means go away," she replied.

I don’t speak Lithuanian…

Lucky me.

Has anyone ever told you have a striking resemblance to Ashleigh Stewart, the actress? He asked, wishing he were watching, rather than participating in this conversation. He would have to remember to thank John Henry for his verbal shove off the boat. At this point, the Vietcong were looking pretty good."

More than once.

Well, then, you are right, lucky you, he replied.

And why is that? She continued indifferently.

Because Ashleigh Stewart is an incredibly beautiful woman.

How very nice for her, but that’s just your opinion.

And worth just what you paid for it.

God, she replied with a slight shake of her head, "a philanthropist."

With incredible grace and poise and charm and… modesty, he added.

Tell me, did you grab all the conceit in your family or did you share?

I’m talking about Ashleigh Stewart.

"Oh, then you know her…"

No, but I’ve seen most of her movies, he replied, trying to keep up.

"Well, then, Jimmy is it? Just remember, not only is she, as you say, incredibly beautiful, but she is an actress."

Meaning?

What you see isn’t anything like what you get.

**********

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow,

you have to put up with the rain.

DOLLY PARTON

And he got… that smile. I understand that… So, well, would you marry me? He countered.

What…?

Will you marry me? He asked as he thought to himself who the hell is this guy?

"That’s what I thought you said. No. I don’t even want to talk to you."

Take your time, he replied. Think about it.

"I have… no. I do not want to be who you think I am," she replied.

"I can live with that. I am also not above settling for second best. In your case, second best is not all that bad. Not that bad at all."

Not only a philanthropist, she replied, "but a real charmer."

It’s a gift, he replied.

"And this must be Christmas," she replied with a slight shake of her head.

Exactly… So, while you are contemplating our future, he replied, as he looked for the exit sign. Where the hell did you get that shovel, just stop digging… walk away. If he were watching this train wreck, he’d be… but he wasn’t. God, he thought, if life only had a rewind… ten minutes…not even… would be all he’d want, but…

I’m not, she continued dryly.

But some mysterious force named John Henry Morrison kept egging him on. I was wondering if you would do me a favor, he said, finding no exit sign, but an imaginary gun instead. He worked up the courage to pull the trigger. He knew his exit would be messy, but it couldn’t be any worse than this conversation he was having with this girl of his dreams.

If I do, will you go away? She asked.

Maybe, he replied, thinking his death would more than suffice.

Oh, well, then… what the heck, it’s what I live for. Name your price.

Isn’t that Annie Snow over there? He asked.

Maybe… Or possibly just an incredibly beautiful look alike.

Very beautiful… Well, when you get a chance, I was wondering if you could tell her Jerremy Maxfield says hello.

You take rejection well, she observed.

He smiled. At least he thought he smiled.

And I was about to say yes.

Really?

In your dreams, she replied. I really don’t believe this. Here you are, asking me to marry you and already you have your eyes on another woman. I should warn you, I demand monogamy from the men in my life and, more important than that, she’s happily married.

I know, and it isn’t like that. We’re old friends.

"Of course you are," she replied sympathetically, as if humoring a dimwitted child.

"No really, we are, or were. We went to college together." He lowered the gun.

**********

When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen.

When they’re finished, I climb out.

ERMA BOMBECK

"College… together… with matching lunch boxes?" She asked of her new, slower, acquaintance.

He smiled and nodded.

And all along, I thought Annie was the intelligent one…

She is. She did very well. She graduated with two majors.

"And you also graduated?"

Yes.

Well… apparently, it couldn’t have been that hard, she observed.

Well, it had its moments.

I’ll bet it did, she said with continued sarcasm. So, you’re a college graduate working on a lobster boat…

Apparently, he replied.

Indeed. So, what was your major… crayons and coloring within the lines?

Yes, but they weren’t too demanding when it came to the lines. So, what do you say? He asked.

"About what? Marriage… an introduction… what?"

Either or…

Before she could reply, Luke Stout approached from where the photographers and models were working. "Hey Wolfgang," Luke smiled as he acknowledged Jerremy with a friendly hand on his shoulder.

Thank god, he thought, familiarity… a reprieve from the social hell of John Henry’s goading. He would really have to thank the old man. "Luke, look at you, you’re looking pretty spiffy."

You like these duds? Luke asked as he stepped back as if to give his friend a better view. Got a job as the local color for this modeling shoot.

Good for you, he replied.

Damn right, Luke replied.

"Local color?" He asked. "Can they photograph an accent?"

Who the hell knows, Luke replied, "and who the hell cares? They think I’m swarthy… very swarthy, ruggedly manly."

I have to agree. You are that, Jerremy replied.

You know, Luke almost whispered, I’m making more here in a day than I sometimes make in three weeks working the traps.

"Really… how do I get a job like that?" He asked.

"Yea, like I’m gonna to tell you…, Luke replied defensively, You know what I don’t understand…"

**********

Realize that everything connects to everything else.

LEONARDO DA VINCI

"I have no idea. But, if I had to guess… color television?"

What? Luke asked.

Color television, he continued, I don’t understand that television thing at all, let alone getting color to go through the air like that and end up as a picture in a box… I don’t get that. And I don’t understand why root beer foams up more than any other soda. It’s a mess if you’re making a float. Why do you think that is?

"I have no idea. It isn’t color television or root beer floats. Luke replied. It’s you and Ludwig."

What about me and Ludwig? He asked.

With all you got going, why do you guys continue to work the traps? Luke asked.

It’s fun, he replied, smiling. As opposed to this. This is not fun. He glanced over at John Henry. The old man wasn’t paying attention. At least he wasn’t party to this spectacle his needling had wrought.

Yea, well, Luke replied, it might be fun when you don’t have to make a living at it, but when you have to pay the bills, it ain’t fun. So, hey, saw Alex last night. Looking better than ever… and hot. Very, very hot. Any chance of you two getting back together?

I don’t think so. Now this is really good: discuss an old girlfriend. At least everyone thought she was his girlfriend… that they were involved. Well, at least she knows now you’re capable of having one.

"Too bad…What about tonight?" Luke asked.

What about tonight?

You two going to be getting along?

Luke, we always get along, he replied.

**********

I’m so lucky people can’t hear what I’m thinking.

ANONYMOUS

It’s just that I heard…

Forget what you heard, he interrupted, Alex is my other best friend. We just don’t have a future in personal relationships. And he thought, we never really had a past. Don’t you worry about tonight. I’m pretty sure you’ll leave happy.

That’s good to hear. Ya know, Luke offered with an enthusiastic smile, "the old lady’s been looking forward to this since you turned off the lights last year."

No, I didn’t know that, but it is nice to know.

Yea, well, along with half of New England.

What about you? He asked.

Hey, don’t worry about me. I’m countin the hours. We’re gonna get down. This towns gonna rock, right?

That’s the plan…

Well, we’re countin on it… good times… really good times… Is it true Hanks in town? He asked as what appeared to be an afterthought.

Maybe.

"Maybe? You’re not gonna tell me? Your best good buddy Luke…"

No.

Anybody you will tell me about? Luke asked.

"Me… and Alex he replied, smiling. John Henry… the rest of the band."

I meant somebody I don’t know, Luke replied.

No.

Oh… well… sorry to hear that, but then, Luke added, smiling, you’ve never let us down yet. So… anyway… Gotta get back. Gotta look good. Just came up to get some water.

"And you do look good, he offered. And swarthy… very swarthy… a manly man working the water."

Thanks, Luke replied. Oh, have you met Ashleigh?

I’m working on it, he replied.

"Well, what’s the problem? Wolfgang, Ashleigh, Ashleigh, Wolfgang. Done. Ashleigh…"

What? she asked indifferently.

"Wolfgang is the man," Luke offered as he headed back to work, water in hand.

"Ohhhh… so, you’re the man? Ashleigh queried with her now familiar sarcasm, lowering her sunglasses as if to get a better look. Please… forgive me, I had no idea…"

It’s OK, he replied, resigning himself to the fact that a life without Ashleigh Stewart had been a reality before he left the boat and would continue the same way once he returned to help John Henry clean up. He dropped the gun, dropped his guard and went with the guy he knew he was.

**********

Here’s all you need to know about men and women:

women are crazy, men are stupid.

And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid.

GEORGE CARLIN

So, she continued sarcastically, "you… you are… the man."

Apparently Luke thinks so.

"Apparently he does… Do you have a lot of responsibility with that? I mean… being… the man and all," she continued.

I have no idea. I think it’s an honorary thing.

"I see… so, you’re not actually paid for being the man."

Not to my knowledge. At least I haven’t seen anything yet.

"I see… but then, Wolfgang, maybe there’s a problem with accounting. I thought you said your name is Jimmy," she said as she replaced the glasses.

And you said you weren’t Ashleigh Stewart, he countered.

"I don’t believe I actually said that. And don’t change the subject."

You are the subject.

Is your name Jimmy or not? She asked.

Not… It’s Jerremy.

"Oh, I’m sorry… Jerremy. And they both knew nothing was wrong with her hearing. But non the less, he called you Wolfgang."

It’s a local thing, he replied.

Why?

I’ll tell you over dinner.

"Another unsolved mystery… So, who is Alex? You’ve been dating a guy?"

Alexandra… he replied, like the wife of the Russian Czar…

"Isn’t she dead… or at the very least… extremely old?" She asked.

The namesake…

Oh… The real one or the blow-up doll?

The real one.

I see… So… what’s tonight? She asked.

Benefit for the local hospital. I’m in a band. Alex is the lead singer.

A musician…. Like Mick or Rod? She asked.

No…Alex doesn’t look anything like Mick or Rod…

Neither do you, she observed. So, how’s your sound?

We get the job done.

And what job is that? She asked.

We make people happy.

"Happy?" She asked.

Yes, he replied

"Well, you’d make me ecstatic if you got back on your lobster boat."

Can’t leave yet, he replied.

Why not?

You haven’t answered my question.

No, she replied…. with that smile.

I don’t think you remember the question.

"The answer is still no," she replied, again with that smile.

OK then, he replied with a smile of his own, would you mind telling Annie Snow that Jerremy Maxfield says hello?

"Very clever.

"Thank you. I did learn something in college and I didn’t need a crayon to do it. So, what do you say? How about helping me out here? I mean really… how hard can that be?"

You’re probably right, she agreed, not hard at all, but then it would be a lot easier for both of us if you just turned around and told her yourself.

**********

‘Do you come to the play without knowing what it

is?’ ‘O yes , Sir, very frequently: I have no time to

read play-bills; one merely comes to meet one’s

friends, and show that one’s alive.’

FANNY BURNEY

He turned to find Annie Snow, one-time potential college roommate, arriving just beside him. Thank god, Annie Snow, at one time the one, the one in his life, very familiar ground.

God, I forgot how big the mosquitoes are up here. I’ve got so much insect repellant on me, Bob won’t come near me for a week, the one-time object of his attention complained as she grabbed a towel and can of insect repellant from the bag by Ashleigh’s chair. And there still getting through.

"I know what you mean about the insects, Ashleigh quipped. They are big. I could use some of that right now… when you’re done?"

"What is that smell? She asked. It smells like dead fish… But then, this whole place smells like dead fish."

Hi Annie, Jerremy said after Annie Snow had sprayed the repellant on her legs and handed Ashleigh the can.

"Hi Annie? Do I know you?" She asked as she turned to get a better look at the man standing next to Ashleigh’s chair.

Long ago and in another land… without the beard, he replied.

She studied him for a brief moment… and then she knew. "Jerremy? JERREMY…"

"Yeah, it is me…" he mumbled.

"God, look at you." She about shouted as she threw her arms around him. What are you doing here?

I live here… remember?

That’s right, you did, you do, she replied, backing off but not letting go of his hands. You do live here. I knew you lived here. It’s just that I hoped I would, but I really didn’t expect to see you…

He smiled a smile meant to say well here I am…

And here you are, she continued.

He continued with his smile. And here I am.

God, I can’t believe this… Do you still have the restaurant? She asked.

Yes.

And your music, how’s your music? She asked.

It’s coming along.

"Coming along? What does that mean?"

"I’m working on it."

"Working on it. If I remember you didn’t have to work very hard. I always thought you had more talent than anyone I ever met. I keep picking up the paper expecting you to be the American Beatle or Rolling Stone."

Hey, I can’t complain. I’m happy.

Are you really? She asked.

Yea, well… I think I am.

"You just think you are?" She asked.

Yeah, he replied. Why wouldn’t I be happy?

Music was your life. And now…

He just smiled and shrugged.

It’s the money thing isn’t it, she replied.

"What money thing?" He asked.

Your money. If you hadn’t inherited all that money, maybe you would have put more emphasis on your music, she replied.

It wasn’t all inheritance, it was mostly a legal settlement, he corrected. And what does that have to do with anything? He asked.

Motivation… she offered, with your music. It never was or can’t be a question of talent.

"Hold on there. I haven’t seen you in lo these many years and you pick up where apparently we never were with an instant imitation of Sigmund Freud?"

I’m sorry, she replied

Apology accepted.

Jesus, you look great. Ashleigh, doesn’t he look great? Annie asked of her companion in the chair.

"A regular Secretariat," Ashleigh replied dryly.

"But god, you smell awful. What is that odor?" Annie asked as she finally dropped his hands.

What odor?

**********

Something smells fishy and it certainly isn’t the fish!

UNKNOWN

You smell like dead fish.

It must be the bait, he replied.

Bait?

From the lobster boat. Hey, John Henry, he called to his friend, This is Annie Snow and Ashleigh Stewart. Ladies, John Henry Morrison.

Annie waved politely, acknowledging John Henry, then turned back to Jerremy. You have a lobster boat? she asked.

Not me, no… it belongs to John Henry. I’m just helping out.

"You’re working on a lobster boat?" she asked with a slight hint of disdain.

I’m sorry you disapprove, but guys make a hard living working the traps up here. Luke for example… It’s hard and its honest…

I’m, sorry. Luke is nice… It’s just that…

Another apology accepted.

Please, let me start over.

OK, he agreed, but you don’t have to go back to the beginning.

Thank you. So, you’ve met Ashleigh? she asked.

Oh yea. I’ve known her for some time now. I’ve even asked her to marry me.

"What, I didn’t know you two knew each other?"

We don’t, Ashleigh offered indifferently.

You don’t? Annie questioned.

Sure we do, he countered.

Annie, Ashleigh replied indifferently, "your boy here has been working hard on his introductions. Almost like being a lobsterman… you know… just helping out."

Wait a minute, Annie said as she touched his arm with her right hand, "are you telling me, you walked up here, smelling like bait and said something like: ‘Hello, I’m Jerremy Maxfield, will you marry me?’"

He nodded.

"Does that work for you?"

"No… Not yet."

I hope not. You did a lot better than that when we met. So, I take it you’re not married.

No, he replied, I’m still waiting for the college love of my life to return from Europe.

"Oh God Jerremy, I’m so sorry about that."

And yet another apology… Ashleigh, do you notice a pattern here? He asked.

Seems to be, Ashleigh agreed with continued indifference. "Two sorry individuals," she mumbled almost silently while smiling at the cleverness of her little joke.

You know, he said, looking at Annie, a letter would have been nice, anything, from you, not Sarah. Without Sarah, I would have thought you went into a witness protection program where the idea was to hide in plain sight. All of a sudden, your face was everywhere… I’m told you now have a pretty good French accent. How it got there, well, without Sarah…

I know, Annie agreed. One of the truly awful things I ever did was not writing you. Were you… are you mad at me?

No. Just disappointed.

Disappointed? She questioned.

"Yea, I was really looking forward to having a roommate… You specifically."

**********

I’m probably not as sorry as you think I should be.

??? ??

God Jerremy, I am so sorry... It’s just that while in France… well… things got away from me and… well, Sarah and I, well…we…

Yea, hey it’s OK… its history. So…Sarah and you… how is Sarah?

OK, she replied indifferently.

Just OK? He questioned.

Yea, she replied with continued indifference.

Well, there’s real enthusiasm, he offered sarcastically, How are your parents? You are still speaking to your parents aren’t you? He could tell by the pained expression he received, that he had touched a nerve. "What? Don’t tell me you and your parents are going at it again… I thought we repaired that bridge."

We did and… No, she replied so softly that he thought maybe she hadn’t replied at all, we’re not fighting.

Then what?

My mother died last year.

What? he stammered as he felt a sickness sweeping his stomach.

Pancreatic cancer, she offered softly, sadly.

Oh Annie, he replied as he reached out and held her to him.

They found it and she died in a month. She died a year ago last week.

"Oh Christ Annie, I’m so sorry. Your mother was one of the most beautiful people I ever met." He knew about pancreatic cancer. It was aggressive and there was no cure. He knew of a man who was diagnosed over Thanksgiving and dead before Christmas. Donna Snow’s death, unlike the woman he remembered, could not have been pretty.

Thank you. She liked you too.

How’s Don taking it? he asked as he released her. Sorry about the smell.

It’s OK… Dad’s not taking it well. He and mom bought a place in North Carolina. They retired there. They had it for about three years before mom was diagnosed. Dad’s mess. Sarah stopped modeling to stay with him. He keeps her up most of the night, they both look like hell…

God, I know your father. I know how much he loved your mother. Although, I do recall you did what you could to test that love.

"I was young and stupid," she replied sadly.

It’s a big club, he replied. and it gets bigger every day. Did you say your sister was modeling?

"I did," she replied as proudly as the situation would allow.

Oh.

Don’t be so surprised, Annie countered, Sarah is a beautiful girl

You don’t have to convince me, he replied.

Oh sure, I can tell, Annie replied. Sarah lost weight, she added.

OK.

"She lost a lot of weight."

Well, if that made her half as pretty as you and your mother, I would think Don would have enough to do just to keep the guys away.

You’d think, Annie shrugged, "but apparently not. It’s usually just the two of them having the time of their lives… that’s sarcasm."

"I got that. I’m really sorry to hear that. So, anyway, give me your dad’s number. I’ll get his butt up here. I’ll work him, work him so hard he won’t have time to think or stay up nights. We’ll make a lobsterman out of him. We’ll get your sister back to the land of the living and have your father too tired to think… What?"

Of all the people in this world, Annie smiled again, but more of an ironic smile, you’re the one guy he might do that for…

Really?

"Yea, I think so. He always liked you. You stood up to him. Nobody ever stood up to him. And in fact, once he saw the Medal, he put you on a pedestal so high… He even tells Bob; you know I married Bob Ward?"

"The action hero actor." He offered.

"The very same. We have two children," she smiled, proudly.

"Congratulations. But only two for the great action hero?"

Be nice

I’ll try, he replied with little conviction.

Thank you…

Before or after Europe? He asked.

What?

Did you marry him before or after Europe?

I thought you were going to be nice?

"I said I would try," he replied.

You were more than disappointed, weren’t you?

Yea. I was, he admitted.

I’m really sorry if I hurt you.

"So am I. To be honest, you were much more to me at the time than just a disappointment. And I’m sorry if I’m being a bit obnoxious about it now. It’s just that I thought I knew what I would say when and if I ever saw you again and well, just seeing you again, well… you look better than ever and now I realize I really don’t have a clue what to say."

It’s OK, I understand.

Are you sure? he asked.

Yes.

Thank you for understanding.

She nodded. It’s OK.

"So… I’m sorry, I apologize… apologies all around. I really will try to be nice. Just for the record, you’re still as beautiful as ever."

Thank you.

You were saying?

I was going to tell you about my dad and Bob.

OK, no more interruptions. I do want to hear about your dad.

Thank you. Anyway, she began, "dad keeps telling Bob: They’re just movies. Anybody can be a hero in the movies. With the right script, even I could be a hero. Now Annie could have had herself a real hero… Congressional Medal of Honor. Do you know what it takes Bob, to win The Medal of Honor? A hell of a lot more than a good script. Brass huevos Bob, brass huevos."

Brass what? he interrupted.

Eggs, Ashleigh offered dryly, "brass eggs. It’s Spanish… but I’m sure in his context he wants it to means balls.… He should have said cojones. I think that is the real translation for balls."

Oh, you’re bilingual?

Ashleigh held up four fingers.

Four… wow.

Five if you count Lithuanian.

You’ll have to teach me.

I’d rather talk to a rock, she replied.

I can be a rock, he laughed as he turned back to Annie, You do a great imitation of your dad.

Thank you, I’ve been working on it for a while now.

Well, it is good. And, he said to Annie, "you can tell Bob and your dad they’re not brass."

I know, she smiled.

Yea well, he replied, probably best not to tell your dad.

A good idea, but I think he suspected, she smiled.

Do you think? He asked.

He was a cop, she replied. but, more importantly, he is my dad.

Then we should probably cut Bob a break, he offered.

"That’s probably another good idea," she agreed.

So, anyway, he said, changing the subject, let’s get your dad’s butt up here. Tell him he owes me. Tell him I’m calling in my chit. Tell him a man is only as good as his word and I expect him to honor his.

I’ll try, but I really don’t know if he cares about past debts… Annie offered sadly.

"I’m sorry to hear that."

So am I…

So, I take it Sarah isn’t married… he observed, trying to change the subject again, if just a little.

No.

Then tell him to bring her with him.

Why? She asked.

**********

Leave fat people alone. They have enough on their plate!

???

Well, if Ashleigh here won’t marry me, I seem to recall Sarah having a crush on me. Crush? He thought, that had to be a Freudian slip?

"No… no way will that happen. You stay away from my sister," Annie replied quickly.

Why?

"Because… she’s my sister," Annie replied.

"Wait a minute, I’m not good enough for your sister?"

"No, you’re more than plenty good enough for my sister, it’s just that…"

What then? He asked.

If things worked out between the two of you, I don’t think I could stand having you in the next bedroom with her, she replied.

"Now wait a minute, let me try to understand this. We make plans. You load up my storage with your stuff, which I still have by the way, and go off to Europe, marry Bob, the action movie hero, all without so much as a by your leave, whatever that means, but I know I read it somewhere, and I’m pretty sure I’m using it in context, show up out of the blue, married with kids and tell me you don’t want me sleeping in the next room with your sister?"

Yes.

I don’t understand that. Do you understand that? he asked Ashleigh.

Perfectly, Ashleigh replied.

"It makes sense to you?"

Absolutely.

It must be a women thing, he observed.

It is, Ashleigh replied with that smile. "Believe me, I understand perfectly."

Well then the answer is obvious…

And that is? She asked.

You have to marry me.

I don’t think so, she countered with a slight shake of her head.

Why not?

"Because I wouldn’t want you sleeping in the next bedroom with me."

Ashleigh, you do protest too much.

"I don’t think so. I do appear to be doing something wrong."

He turned back to Annie. Annie, he said, the answer is simple, Ashleigh has to marry me. I’ll tell you what, we’ll work on my Ashleigh strategy over dinner.

Jerremy I can’t, Annie replied. "And for the record, it isn’t love if you need a strategy."

I know. You’re right. But you can’t say no. It’s been such a long time. You have to tell me why you just disappeared and why I still have your stuff. Bring Mr. Wonderful. Bring the kids. We’ll catch up on old times and work on his capacity for jealousy. Do you remember that first night we went back to my house to watch TV? He asked as a small reminder of what she had walked away from.

Of course…

"Well then?"

"Jerremy, this is not a good idea," she replied.

Sure it is, works for me.

Excuse me, Ashleigh interrupted, "my little Road Apple, my little Meadow Muffin…"

"Yes dear?"

I believe you have a previous engagement.

What?

That local hospital thingy, she offered.

Oh yea, I forgot.

"What hospital thingy?" Annie asked.

Just a benefit for the local hospital, he offered. Tonight, over at the high school football field. Bunch of local and not so local singers and musicians getting together to raise some money for the local hospital and other charities. Great opportunity for you to see and hear me, my music and everything you’ve missed all these years.

"Jerremy…" Annie began.

What?

I have thought about you and I do so want to hear your music and talk to you and explain everything, what happened in Europe and all, but this just isn’t a good time. Maybe if you’re serious about my dad…

"I am."

Well we can talk then. I just want you to know that you don’t know how badly I felt about what I did to you, but part of it was your fault.

"Really… How does that work?" He asked.

"It’s just that you gave me the confidence I never thought I had. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I’d never known you. At the time, you were the best, the very best thing that ever happened to me. Not only did I love you, but you were my best friend. You gave me back my family and my life. I’ll always cherish you for that. You have to know that. You’ll be with me forever. But that was then and this is now and I have to get back to work."

"Cherish me, huh?"

***********

I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it.

MAE WEST

Yes…

From afar, like from an historical perspective. A fond memory, he asked. like when the Kodachrome fades to black and white?

I’m afraid so, Annie agreed.

I guess I can live with that. Memories are always so much better than the reality.

It usually works out that way.

So, tonight is not good, what about tomorrow? He asked.

That’s not good either, Annie replied. Even if I wanted to, we all leave tomorrow, sometime around one.

Yea, well, for the future. Here I am. The only Maxfield in the book. And the restaurant, still The Lobster Bisque. As you can, see we have freshly caught lobster. Call there, somebody can get me.

I will, Annie replied, "And just remember this: I loved you then, I really did. I guess, to be honest with myself, I still love you in my own peculiar fond memory kind of way. And I do cherish every moment we had together. The time just wasn’t right and time got away from me. Like now. I have to go. And Ashleigh…"

What?

"You could do a heck of a lot worse than this guy and from what I know, you have and are. So, do us both a favor, don’t let him anywhere near my sister. I know I couldn’t handle that. And if he’s serious about marriage, don’t screw it up. And Jerremy…"

Yea?

"Lose the beard," she offered with a smile and a friendly kiss and then she turned and walked away.

**********

The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.

RICHARD M. NIXON

So, endorsements. Works for me. What do you say? He asked as he watched Annie walk down the dock.

Annie and I aren’t that close, Ashleigh replied.

Is it the beard? He asked as he turned his full attention back to Ashleigh.

Doesn’t work for me.

Moustache?

She shook her head. Never was big on facial hair. So, did you really win the Medal of Honor?

"Awarded… I don’t think anyone really wins The Medal. A lot of good, committed people you disagree with have to lose before… well… anyway… So, you and I…?"

"Not tonight, sorry…"

Should I shave? He asked.

I would, but don’t do it on my account, she replied.

Yea, well then, something to think about, he replied as he hesitated.

What? She asked.

"You really are one beautiful woman," he offered appreciatively while hoping for a reprieve that never came.

Thank you, she replied, with what he thought was sincerity.

So, he replied, realizing the audience was over, guess I’d better get back to the cologne factory. It’s been fun.

Yea, it was.

Really?

As opposed to root canal, she replied, smiling that smile…

**********

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,

Straining upon the start. The games afoot.

SHAKESPEARE

So, how’d ya do? John Henry asked as his young friend boarded his boat.

"Oh, real well, he replied, sitting on the starboard gunwale, his back to the dock. If you’re talking about me making an ass of myself, I had a career day. I really did a hurt dance on myself. That girl is even more beautiful in person than in any of her pictures. I think I’m going to be sick."

Why?

"Because I just made the perfect ass of myself. Will you marry me? God was that lame… I just blew up my past, present and future in less time than it takes… Well, anyway, I am now an official candidate for the Asshole Hall of Fame. First ballot inductee. I can even see them waving the five-year waiting period…"

Ah thinks that’s baseball….

"What?"

The five-year waitin period… Ah think for the aforementioned Icon Hall, induction is more immediate… almost instantaneous… and at the very least, I’m pretty suah, retroactive.

Oh… thank you for that bit of insight.

Yer welcome, ahm suah.

That makes me feel a whole lot better, he replied with a shake of his head.

So, John Henry laughed, "ya say yer now the purfect ass."

Yea…

"Ah yes… purfection… That good, uh?"

Doesn’t even begin to describe it. This is about the worst day of my life.

"Ah, now it’s the wurst day of ya life, eh?" John Henry asked.

"Well, one of the top ten. Top twenty-five… not including deaths and funerals…"

Undahstood.

Deaths and funerals never count… I mean they’re a given.

Ah know, John Henry nodded with mock sympathy.

"Damn… Opportunity knocks and I’m nowhere near the door… not even the same house… the same town. I guess when it comes to her. Jesus, I wish this day had never happened."

But it did.

"Yea, and I thank you very much for that shove off the boat... your encouragement. I should have walked a plank. God, at least I had my dreams and fantasies and now I’m not even sure I can enjoy those… and that poster…"

What ‘ah ya talkin about?

Reality and dreams… fantasies, he replied.

**********

My fantasy is having two men at one time.

One Cooking and One cleaning!

????

We make ah livin on dreams and fantasies.

Not today.

"Theah is a song heah, Ahkin smell it," John Henry replied.

"I’m told that’s the bait. There’s no song here big guy. Not about today."

Well, howduya know unless we try? John Henry asked.

No, this is too humiliating.

"Oh come on. Ah think we should try. Pain and sufferin ovah lost love."

No love to lose, he replied, And thank you very much…

"You’re welcome, I’m shuah… But then, we have lost oppahtunity… Ah smell a chart toppah."

Again, I’m told that’s the bait.

John Henry hesitated as he looked passed his friend.

"She’s standing right behind me, isn’t she?" He asked.

Now whydah say that? John Henry asked with a smile.

Because I know you. You’d only do this if you thought you could humiliate me some more.

Indeed. What ah friends for if not ta humiliate ya?

"God, could this day get any better?" He turned to find Ashleigh Stewart was indeed standing on the dock behind him, smiling that come get me smile that stared back at him every day from his bedroom wall. Change your mind? He asked, forcing a smile of his own.

Aren’t you going to ask me on your boat? She countered.

I would, but it’s not my boat, he replied, standing.

Please, young lady, come aboard. John Henry said as he offered her his hand.

Thank you, she said as she took it and stepped onto the boat.

She carefully walked around the boat, avoiding the remnants of bait and other dangers the boat offered to the unexperienced as she went, stopping at the sheet music tacked to the cabin cover and studied it carefully. "This is really beautiful. Yours?" She asked as she turned to face him.

Ours, he replied. And thank you, he replied as he sat back down.

She replied with that smile… and went over and sat beside him, not too close, but just close enough to make him uncomfortable. So, I was wondering why you didn’t tell Annie who you are?

Is that a trick question? Annie pretty well knows who I am. You might be interested to know that I didn’t have a TV in college.

"Please, spare me the details."

The devil is in the details, he observed.

You got that right. So, why didn’t you tell her who you’ve become.

And that would be?

I think I’m looking at Maxwell-Johns, the hottest song writing team in the western world today.

If only it were true, he replied with smile and little laugh. And if it were true, I’m pretty sure Annie would have picked up on it.

"Please… she said as she lightly touched his thigh with her left hand… resting it there. This girl knew what she was doing and she was doing it very well. Annie is a member of the most self-absorbed profession in the world and believe me, I know. She also has two kids and a husband every female without a life wants to bed and honestly believes it would be the best sex ever for either of them. She has enough to do worrying about him let alone what an old college boyfriend might be up to. So, do you still want to deny it?" She asked as she removed her hand.

Deny what?

Who you are.

And who am I?

I’m pretty sure you know.

I’m pretty sure I do too, but I admit to nothing?

You’re going to make me do this? she asked with subdued mock disbelief.

I don’t believe I could make you do anything, he replied, but whatever you think you’ve got, I’d love to hear it.

OK, if I must, she sighed. "Luke believes you’re the man."

Please, he smiled in reply, don’t hold it against him. Luke also believes in Doctor Spock, Roswell, New Mexico and the Grassy Knoll.

"Roswell, New Mexico?"

"Aliens…spaceships…"

Oh… well, be that as it may… he also called you Wolfgang and Ludwig.

I’ve been called many things… as I’m sure has John Henry. Wolfgang, in fact, is one of the nicer epithets.

"I don’t find that a difficult concept to grasp, but… but by People Magazine?"

I beg your pardon.

"People Magazine… she continued. Shortly after they hit the public consciousness, People Magazine did an article on Maxwell-Johns calling them the Beethoven and Mozart of American music. I believe that would be Ludwig Von Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart."

Well, there’s your first mistake, he offered.

And that would be?

"You believe what you read in People Magazine. They’ve managed to turn hyperbole into an art form. Do you want me to believe what I read about you in those super market tabloids?"

Please, this is not about me, she replied, and no… I don’t.

"You’re wrong, this is all about you, but continue if you must."

Thank you. I believe I shall.

I was pretty sure you would.

Her smiled concurred. "Luke also asked about Alex. I believe that is Alex Shanahan of Alex Shanahan and The Maine Mountain Men. The Maine Mountain Men consists of additional musicians as well as the nom de plume, that’s French by the way, duo of Maxwell-Johns. People said that the younger of the song writing duo, Maxwell, was, at the time of the article, romantically involved with Alex Shanahan. Using the noms de querre, again that’s French, it means alias, I believe you, Jerremy Maxfield are Maxwell and you Mr. Morrison…"

Please, call me John Henry.

"John Henry… I believe you are Johns."

Go on, this is good stuff. What do you think John Henry?

Ah like it, but Ah’d like to heah more, John Henry replied.

Ashleigh smiled and continued. "I look at that sheet music and know what you have there is very special. It’s beautiful…"

Thank you. So, you read music?

Very well. It’s one of my four languages… It goes along with what Annie said.

Refresh my memory, he replied.

"Annie said you were one of the most talented musicians she has ever known. Well, I know some of the people Annie knows and that is heady praise. And I do not believe Annie is into, what did you call it… hyperbole? So, you must be good and that sheet music confirms it. Further, in the People article, it was pointed out that the younger of Maxwell-Johns won, I’m sorry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in South Vietnam and additionally, the group comes out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Southport, actually, he corrected.

"What?’

They really live on Southport Island.

And where is Southport Island? She asked.

In relation to where you are now?

She nodded slightly. That would help.

You’re aboard a boat that’s tied to a dock that’s attached to it, he replied.

Oh… And where exactly do you live? She asked.

**********

From there to here and here to there.

Funny things are everywhere.

DR. SEUSS

He looked around, shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Here… but over there…actually… way… over there… on the other side of the island"

So, you do live on Southport Island? she asked.

Yes.

"OK… and Boothbay Harbor, where is that from here?" She asked.

As the crow flies? He asked.

If it must, she replied.

A mile… less… He replied, looking at John Henry for confirmation. The old man nodded.

So, what do you think the odds are of two incredibly gifted musicians, both winning the Medal of Honor and both living in Boothbay Harbor, I mean on Southport Island and both dating a girl named Alex?

I don’t think I’d want to play them, he replied.

Neither would I. So, how’d I do? She asked triumphantly. This time she patted his leg.

How’d you do? He asked. "That’s it, that’s all you’ve got, rumors and innuendo? Sort of like what I read about that boyfriend of yours. Dwayne, I believe his name is… Likes to hit women. Now there’s a real man for you."

"Was. Nobody touches me unless I want to be touched. No reason is good enough. I am not Ali or Frasier. And no way in hell is there a rematch. And… you read about me?"

On occasion. So, Dwayne is history? He asked.

With charges and restraining orders, she replied.

Didn’t read about those in the checkout line.

Well now, there’s a lot you won’t find in the super market, she observed.

Like a good imagination: Me and John Henry as Maxwell-Johns… Do you really believe that a guy who smells like bait wouldn’t want to do that for a living rather than this? He asked.

Like you said, it isn’t work, it’s fun. And, apparently, you catch your own lobster… fresh from the sea. So, do you still deny it? She asked.

I think so, he replied.

"Well, there are three more things…"

Why am I not surprised. And they are?

The best ones… she smiled. While you were out playing Ahab to the lobster set, she said, Dr. Spock told me who you were…

"Judas. And the second?"

Your sheet music…

What about it? He asked.

"You did sign it. And it’s beautiful. No amateur wrote that."

Thank you. And the third?

There was more than one picture of you in People Magazine. If you’re not that person, you’re his doppelganger. Pretty good uh? I should have been a lawyer.

Sounds all well and good, he replied, but…

"But what? She asked. You’ve got nothing."

Well, actually, according to you, I have everything. So, let’s see, he said turning to his older friend. What do you think?

Well, If Ah were a jury, Ah’d convict us, John Henry replied. Fact Ah wouldn’t even go to trial. I’d plea bahgain.

Now, she pressed after hearing the older man’s concession, do you still want to deny it? She asked with her hand on his thigh again.

Well, he replied, look at it this way, be my date tonight. If you’re wrong, you get a great dinner, we serve lobster, pick one and all you lost was some time and if you’re right, well, you can tell all your friends you went out with a musical superstar.

Tempting, she replied, but I diet a lot and I can go out with a superstar any time I want, musical or otherwise. She removed her hand.

He hesitated, looking at her intently before he spoke. He decided to take one last gamble. You know… you’re right. What was I thinking? I’m sorry… I got carried away. I forgot myself. I’ve got to hit the head. Uh, John Henry, do you want anything to drink…eat?

No… thank ya, John Henry replied, confused at the sudden turn his young partner had taken.

Well, Miss Stewart, he offered as he prepared to leave the boat. "It was nice. I’m sorry if I wasted so much of your time. When you tell your friends about this, as I am sure you will, please don’t be too hard on me. I was overcome by your incredible beauty. And please believe me when I say you are so attractive to me that I find you disorienting. And that’s not meant to be hyperbole. It’s enough for me to make a fool of myself... and apparently, you did that to me. I’m pretty sure John Henry will confirm that. And all this on a day I had a lot on my mind.

I’m sorry for my misplaced persistence and I’m again sorry for wasting your time. I know that, because of who I am and who you are, all this, when told by you to your friends, will be good for a laugh at my expense. I can handle that. It won’t be the first time… I’m sure it won’t be the last. I hope someday to be able to laugh about it myself. I know John Henry will. Probably a lot sooner than someday. You’ll forgive me if I take my time.

It really was nice. I’ll catch your act in the funny papers. And please do us both a favor, next time, if there is the slightest possibility of a next time, wear some clothes." He turned, jumped from the boat onto the dock and without looking back, walked off toward the small store across the parking lot.

**********

I was under medication when

I made the decision not to burn the tapes.

NIXON again

What just happened here? Ashleigh asked John Henry as Jerremy reached the end of end of the dock.

Ah don’t know.

I thought things were… I mean what did I do? she asked.

"Ah don’t know, it’s a mystery to me." … a mystery as obvious as the girl before him.

"But he had me… right where I wanted him."

"Ah thought so."

What do I do now? Do I wait? She asked.

Ah don’t think so. Ah don’t think he’ll come back as long as you’re on the boat.

Then what should I do? She asked.

About what? Ahm confused. All this?

Was apparently just me being stupid… too clever by half.

Why?

I thought he must have a major ego… being who he is… He doesn’t, does he…

Ahve nevah seen it.

"What an idiot I am… I just thought… that was my first mistake… Can you help me. Would you? What should I do?"

Then you?

"Yes… very much… The only dumber thing I could have done was ask him to marry me…"

Ah see… We both know he’s a big fan of yers, and you?

Yea, well, she nodded, "I’m a big fan of his… and you..."

John Henry smiled, Thank you. Pretty serious stuff?

She nodded in agreement. It is, she offered. "Very serious. Apparently enough to make me stupid."

Yah know, in the wrong hands, that information would just about make his summah…

"And that would be a bad thing?" She asked.

"No… for ma young friend… that would be a good thing… a very good thing."

So, what should I do?

A suggestion?

Please, she replied.

**********

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then I contradict myself,

(I am large and I contain multitudes.)

WALT WHITMAN

Ya alright? John Henry asked as he boarded the boat.

Yea, he replied. Did she say anything before she left?

Othah than goodbye… no. Ya know, theahs more than one good looking woman ovah theah.

"Yeah, and they’re probably having a good laugh about it right now. Can’t do that. I’d be going right down the line… Annie… then Ashleigh… then real humiliation."

Yah know, theahs always Alex.

Yea, and we both know what that really is… friends for life. Anyway, we’ve got to hustle. We’ve got worked to do over at the field.

"You go. Ah’ll finish up.