The Guardian

This wasn’t where he wanted to be. He knew for certain he checked everything twice before leaving for a few minutes. This task wasn’t new to him. He’s been doing this for centuries and he wasn’t the kind of person that takes short cuts or make mistakes. He takes his responsibility quite seriously. Regardless of intentions or how careful he’s been in the past, the fact is, they were gone now. Both of them.

He was trusted with one task. Look over and protect the two children until the time comes. It seems like a simple task. He did not know the importance of his task when he first accepted it. No one told him before he accepted the task, to this day, he still doesn’t know, but he didn’t really care. He knew his duty was to protect the children and that’s what he was going to do.

He was a protector and a guardian, the best in the kingdom. There were none that could meet his skills in a fight, but that wasn’t why he was chosen for the task. The elders choose him for his will is strong and unwavering. He lives only to serve and complete his task. This is especially important in this task as a weaker man would be drawn to the temptations, and temptations would lead to disaster.

The children were gone. There’s no denying that. He grabs his weapon and rushed out the door. He picks up their scent instantly and begins rushing north into the forest. With him, the forest was a perfect guardian for the children, unyielding and never resting. The forest emits an unnatural sense of fear to anyone it senses as an enemy. This fear would be paralyzing and uncontrollable to all who falls within its grasp. Nothing, not natural or supernatural would dare enter the forest.

The problem now is that they’re not with him. The children have entered the forest by themselves and he doesn’t know what the forest will do, or how it’s going to affect the children. All he knew now was that he had to find them. He has not failed them in these centuries, he will not fail now.

He rushes through the forest. He knew every tree and every step. It almost seems as if the trees were pointing him towards the children as he ran faster and faster to find them.

Throughout the years, he’s seen everything come after them. There were creatures of good and evil, angels disguised as demons, devils disguised as honest men with the smoothest tongue, and creatures of every size and shape. They all wanted the children for these two were the key to the war. Having the children means winning the war once and for all for one side.

Countless creatures were sent to get the children, but they were never much of a problem for him. These creatures, natural and supernatural, were from the highest levels of heaven and the deepest pits of hell. They were creatures that imagination could barely grasp. Yet, one after another, they were all crushed. He would not fail at his task, and he would not fail them.

As he ran, he knew he was drawing close to the edge of the forest. If the children have been taken outside the forest, they would be gone forever. They children would not be protected outside the forest. Anything and anyone could take the children. The war would be over, and with it, everything would be over.

He wasn’t told any specifics when he accepted the job. He was definitely not told who the children were. He was told to protect and guard these children, and under no circumstances, can the two children be allowed to be taken from him either by force or persuasion. There were countless attempts during these centuries, each more complicated and elaborate than the last.

He reached the edge of the forest. The scent of the children pointed them further north, but as he looked up from trying to catch his breath, he saw the two children. They were standing in the middle of the large open field. He was so relieved for a second, but it was only for a second.

He looked up and he saw them all. This was not a figurative all, this was a literal all. Every creature from Heaven had gathered on the west side of the field and every creature big and small from Hell has gathered on the east. Both sides were rushing towards the children. The two forces were within seconds of reaching the children.

Even with all the commotion on the field, a scream like no other roared above the noise. This roar shook the very ground they were all on, and everything took notice. By the time the roar had died down, he was by the children with his weapon drawn. He knew he would not survive against these numbers, but he didn’t care. He was a protector and he would guard these children with his last breath.

The creatures from each side quickly recovered and continued their rush towards the children. This would be it. He has done all for the children, but even he doesn’t think he’ll be able to survive this. This would be the final battle between good and evil and they were trapped in the middle.

He mustered all his strength preparing himself for his final battle. As he readied himself, he saw the two children walk on either side of him. Just as he was about to scream for them to get behind him, the children held out their hand towards the attackers and turned their heads towards him.

‘Thank you for protecting us all these years’, the children said in unison. ‘Our mother knew you would be the only one that can do this. Above everything else, you protected us without regard. You did not ask what or who we were. You did not question the ones that came after us. You did not allow your curiosity to hinder your task. All you knew was to keep us safe, and for that we thank you.’

The creatures were now upon them. Beasts with fire from their breath, swords with blinding light, and claws and weapons of every form were about to crash upon him and the children. The children raised their hands in unison. As if time had suddenly froze, every creature stopped instantly in their tracks. All of a sudden, it all became quite.

‘I think you deserve to know before we leave’, the child with the dark hair said. We are the children of Chaos and Order. I embody the essence and purity of evil, anything and everything. Without me, there would no longer be evil in the universe. My brother embodies good, and the same goes for him. Without him, there would be no force of good in the world. After today, we will forget that we are brothers. We will forget all the good times we had growing up together. We will forget our love for each other and we will do everything in our power to destroy each other. We will forget, like all these creatures here, that there is something beyond good and evil.

Every one hundred eons, someone new takes over heaven and hell, but there is a period before we mature and can take over the throne. During this time, we are mortal and we can be killed. If one of us were to be taken by the other side, it would be a victory for one of the sides. Of course, being so focused on the goal, they don’t realize that without one, the other cannot exist. To destroy one side would mean the destruction of the universe.

By ensuring our safety, you have ensured that the universe will exist for eons come. The tides between good and evil will lean one way or another between my brother and I through the years, but it will never tip.

As he listened to the children he was speechless. He could not believe the words that were coming out of their mouths. The concept was too grand to handle as he stood there. He remembers the children as so young and helpless. He remembers their innocence as they grew up and played around him. It was difficult to conceive who they are and what they embody.

The two children gave each other a long loving hug. This would be the last time they would get to see each other for one hundred eons. They would not remember who each other was until their time was up. The children walk their separate ways into the sea of creatures and moments later, could no longer been seen by him. Slowly, the creatures went on their separate ways.

Within moments, all was quite. All was left was him.

One night in NYC - Part 3

The train soon came to a squeaking stop. As expected, there wasn’t anyone on the train tonight. I was looking around at all the ‘Learn English’ ads that were covering the train. I still had a big goofy grin on my face. Inside, I was quite conflicted. I knew the night was about to end. Emma would get to her stop and leave. I couldn’t bare that thought right now as she sat next to me with her arm wrapped between mine once again.

We chatted about what we had to do tomorrow. That conversation was pretty short as neither of us really wanted to face that reality. For me, anything that involved Emma not being around my arm is a reality I didn’t want to face. My clients are the last things on my mind right now. The thoughts of suddenly coming down with something was a very fesible scenario in my mind.

I wanted to enjoy the now as they always say to do, but it’s so hard not to think what’s going to happen in a few minutes. When we talked, I couldn’t help looking at her. Not that it hasn’t already happened, but I wanted to make sure the image of her is firmly imprinted in my mind. Her voice, her mannerisms. Who knows what the future holds, but I knew seeing Emma again may not be for certain.

The doors opened after the train came to a stop. The next stop was going to be Emma’s stop. I had another 5 stops before the train stopped by my hotel. As the train slowly closed its doors, I was dreading this ride to the next stop. For the first time tonight, our conversation had stopped. The only sound was the train running over the uneven tracks. The metal on metal squeaks as it makes its turn.

The train slowly began to stop. Instinctively, I stood up and got ready for the inevitable goodbye. The train came to a jerking stop and suddenly, the speaker came on in the train. The conductor’s voice rang out from the fuzzy speakers. ‘This is the last stop for this train. Service for this train will restart tomorrow morning. All passengers please exit the train.’
Oh crap. What do I do? I didn’t know this train stopped here. I guess I’ll have to find a cab or walk. In this cold night, walking doesn’t seem all too pleasant. Hopefully, there will be cabs. You know, for there being so many cabs in New York City, I seem to always have trouble getting one. I don’t know it’s the areas I’m in or maybe it’s just me. Getting a cab in New York City is not a skill I’ve become proficient in.

As we walked out of the train station, Emma mentions that there are usually a couple of cabs by the train stop. She mentioned that her apt was very close as well. We got back to the street level and the temperature had significantly dropped and the wind has picked up. It was now getting unbearably cold with the wind tunnels the large surrounding buildings create. Looking around, there were not cabs to be found. Of course. I almost expected that with my luck with cabs. Actually, there was really nothing around anywhere for that matter.

I was beginning to get a little concerned. Not only because of the lack of transportation home, but I also really have to use the restroom. The cold is really not helping with this. After looking around the block for a few minutes, Emma decided it might be best if we waited at her place and call for a cab. I jumped on that idea for all kinds of reasons, but right now, it was all about the bathroom.

We walked a few blocks from the train station and she started walking up to the building with the small red door. She opened the door and we walked up a couple floors of stairs before stopping at the door with a faded 3C imprinted.

“I don’t know if I mentioned this, but I have 2 roommates” Emma commented as she opened the door. As we walked in, the small apartment looked as if it had been ransacked by pirates. “And they’re not the neatest people in the world” she said with a little bit of embarrassment. The room was filled with an assortment of bottles and magazines. There was some food on the table. It seems someone was doing some entertaining tonight.

“I’ve got a number for a cab in my room, hold on a sec. Oh, and the bathroom’s the door to the right”. I said thanks and rushed to the bathroom. Before I got to the bathroom, I heard a large moan followed by “Why are you in my bed?!” I really wanted to see what’s going on, but the bathroom had to come first.

When I came back out to the living room, Emma was looking a bit upset. She said that Steve is in her bed with a girl because their other roommate was in their room with another girl. This was obviously very upsetting to her and for good reasons. She handed me a business card with a taxi number on it and told me these guys are pretty reliable. They can probably be here in a few minutes.

I didn’t want to leave her in this state. She was obviously pretty upset with her roommates. The apartment was a wreck from the partying that was happening earlier tonight. Selfishly, I didn’t want a great night to be remembered with this ending. Also, I still didn’t want to leave her. Even with this crappy situation, she seems to be taking it a lot better than most people would. She was upset and frustrated, but not angry and unreasonable as most people would be. This was pretty refreshing to find a person that can stay calm like this.

I couldn’t think of anything to say. I wanted to be careful about what I was going to say in a situation like this. After all, I did just meet her earlier tonight. I wanted to be there for her, but not be creepy or overbearing, or something like that.

I tried to make light of the situation for a bit. Then in a half joking, half serious manner, I mentioned that she’s welcome to stay with me at the hotel. I did have a pretty posh room with a pull out sofa. Thank you rich clients. I expected her to smile and decline my offer right away, but instead she was silent. I was thinking this was either going to be bad or really bad.

Emma thought about it for a while. Even thinking she looked adorable. She looked out at the large windows that overlooked an empty parking lot then said “if you don’t mind. I can take the couch. I have a pretty early morning tomorrow so I can be out of your hair before you even get up.”

“Umm. Sure. Yea, great.” That was all I could get out of my mouth as an intense rush of excitement came flowing through my head. I wasn’t sure where this was going, but all I cared was that I would get to spend a little more time with her. I called the cab as she went back into her room to get some of her stuff.

She came back out in a few minutes with a small bag. Emma said with a smirk that she’s going to have to burn her sheets when she comes back and then she may burn theirs just for fun. The mood in the room seems to have lighten up a little. She went in the bathroom to grab a couple more things and we hurried downstairs as a cab started honking his horn.

One night in NYC - Part 2

The night was breezy and dark. The towering skyscrapers blocked out much of the moonlight. I’ve always wondered about that reputation that New York is the city that never sleeps. Perhaps it’s just the areas I’ve been in, but the city certainly shuts down, and for many parts of the city, quite early at that. Maybe I shouldn’t believe everything Will Smith says on his songs.

There were no businesses opened as Emma and I walked towards the train stop. Our path took us through a retail neighborhood with some fancy high end stores. ‘I have 3 of those at home!’ Emma pointed to the photo of an obviously expensive looking piece of jewelry. With just the street lights radiating above, that warm and contagious smile was clearly visible as she pointed to other items in the store.

Emma had stories for each thing she pointed out. Jokingly suggesting how she received each as a present or how she knew someone who had to purchase something for someone in a soap opera-ish situation. I was not about to be outdone by made up stories. This is one of my favorite pass times. Making up situations and stories in things I see around me. My favorite has always been doing this at the mall or at airports. Making up stories as to why someone is purchasing something or where someone is going and why. I’ve always enjoyed the stories, especially the made up variety. I think stories are what make memories worth while. The story is what makes an experience memorable. Even if it’s not true.

As we walked down the street, we started exchanging stories on the items in each store. Soon we were creating stories together on who buys these ridiculously expensive things. The conversation was fast and smooth. We were talking one after each other like we were telling a story to the cold empty city.

The night grew colder and windier as we walked past each city block. I was looking at a store window when I felt a nudge on my left arm. I turn to see Emma had wrapped her arms around mine to keep warm. When I saw her around my arms, no weather could have cool down my beating heart.

It was beginning to get pretty late in the night. We finally arrived at the train station and walked to the platform waiting for our train. There was only one other person waiting at this train stop. He was standing across the tracks with his head bopping to the sound of his music. The interesting thing is that he wasn’t listening to the music on headphones as everyone does. The person across the tracks was carrying an old school boom box. Wow, talk about a throw back thought to myself. I think the music may have even been coming from a cassette.

There were no train to be seen anywhere. At least there was a sound track for this moment now. The music was some nice trance dance songs. Mostly beats. I wanted to yell more beats!, but didn’t think that was appropriate at the moment. I was thinking. A mostly deserted train station with blaring beats. Can’t beat that.

Our arms were still locked together. Even though it wasn’t windy in the subway, the temperature continued to drop as we stood waiting. Our bodies were naturally swaying to the music. Even though we couldn’t really hear the music all that well, the beats were coming through loud and clear. Suddenly, the song that was playing ended and silence took over the platform.

During this time standing on the platform, a million things were racing through my head. It was all about what do I do? This is the first time I’ve met Emma, but she’s so wonderful. Should I be doing something? Should I just let it be and see? I don’t want to do anything stupid, but I also didn’t want to not take a chance. I am definitely not the best judge on this type of situations as my history will tell you. No situation is too good or easy for me to screw up. There were plenty of scenarios and thoughts racing through my head as to what would happen if I did or did not do anything.

Right when I was in the middle of another ‘what to do’ thought, I heard music coming back from across the tracks. This time it wasn’t the beats that we were hearing before. I could hear horns, brass to be exact. After a few measures, it was obvious that it was a very familiar jazz song. The song began with a loud fanfare, but then settled into a nice smooth groove.

I wasn’t sure what was going through my head. I think the adrenaline had taken over as I fought every nervous impulse in my body. I took a deep breath, and I loosen the lock on our arm. I turned our bodies around so we were facing each other in a swift motion. I put my arms around her waist and began moving to the music. She was expectedly a little surprised by the move, but without missing a beat, she moved along side to the music.

I was terrified to look down to see her reaction. There’re a number of reactions going through my head. This could easily go from a good night out situation up to this point to super creepy. I figured I should look to see if I needed to stop and get totally embarrassed. I looked down to see her face. I felt my heart was about to jump out of my body.

My eyes were met with a big grin on her face. What a relief. Not enough to slow my pounding heart, but I was so glad. After I saw her reaction, I reached for her hand moved her around our little dance square. A couple of spins were involved and more dancing ensued. A silly grin was permanently planted on my face as we moved around and laughed at ourselves. We danced for what seemed like an eternality. This was a moment I never wanted to end, but the music began fading out as the sound of the train grew louder.

To be Continued….

One night in NYC

It’s another business trip to New York City. This crowed metropolis is filled with people. Yet I come in and out of the city, each time always seeing the same people and never once meeting anyone new. If you think about it, that’s pretty statistically difficult to do. Just standing in the middle of the city, you’re bound to meet someone. Talk to someone. Nope, never in my case.

I think there’s a cheesy song somewhere out there that says you’re never as lonely as when you’re in a room full of people. The ‘room’ couldn’t be more full standing in time square of New York City.

I was more excited about this trip than usual. Unlike the in and out trips of airport, meetings, then straight back to the airport trips I usually have, I was going to meet up with some friends in the city. They told me a friend was going to join us. She had recently moved to the city and wanted to visit new places whenever she could.

I flew in on my usual flight into LaGuardia. I take the trip enough the stewardess has begun to recognize me. More importantly, they’ve started to remember my Jack and Coke. Now that’s service. The flight was uneventful and I grabbed a cab heading into the city.

After I checked in and unpacked my luggage, I was ready to go. I was excited to see my friends and also starving. We decided on a place to meet and I was on my way. One of my crowning achievements last year was figuring out how to use the subway system in NYC. I’m very proud of this. I get lost a lot, and this is huge for me. I’m now totally versed in getting around using the subway which I’m always strangely excited about when I’m in town.

So I get to the restaurant and got a table for 4. It seems that they haven’t gotten there yet. The restaurant was a nice little Thai restaurant. It had very nice décor and a unique fountain/pool in the middle of the restaurant. There was a sky light over the pool which reflected the moon light that night throughout the restaurant.

I was looking at the menu and when I looked up, they were walking through the door. I jumped up and waved wildly at them from the table. Mostly because I could hardly contain my excitement, but also excited I was about to eat. Did I mention I’ve been starving? They waved back wildly and walked toward the table.

Audrey was the first to greet me with a big squeezing hug. She was a hugger. I’m very particular to my touching. I don’t generally like touching people or being touched by people for that matter, but people I like, that’s a whole different story. I always enjoy hugs from Audrey. I greeted Tom as he came up behind Audrey. I met Tom and Audrey randomly on a trip to the city a few years ago. We hit it off pretty quick during that totally random meeting and have since become pretty good friends. I make it a point to see them whenever I’m in town.

Tom introduced me to Emma who was standing behind them. I was extending my hand to her when she made the move and hugged me. I generally get a little squeamish feeling when someone does that, not because of the person, just a reflex. I don’t know what it was, perhaps her smell, or maybe the feeling, but it felt comfortable and familiar like the first hug with Audrey.

We sat down and started talking. Even though we only see each other once every couple of months, our conversations are always fun and never ending. There’s never a lack of things to talk about. We jump topics from our daily lives, to politics to zombies to plans for making the worst movie ever (road trip time!). Even though Emma was relatively new to us, she fit right in. She was charming and witty. She enjoyed the same things as we did and had no problem participating in the conversation. Being able to speak on zombies and politics, now these are qualities difficult to come by.

I snuck in a few looks at Emma during dinner. I don’t know if it was the drinks or the moon light reflecting off the pool, but she was simply radiant. She had gorgeous eyes and her smile was contagious. When she smiled at you, words could not describe that feeling. You just know you need to see it again.

The dinner was wonderful and we had a few drinks that were also delicious. We finished up dinner and decided to go to a near by bar. There were a few more beverages consumed and some darts were thrown. Unfortunately for the floor, the darts were not always aimed at the board. It was a great night and we were all feeling pretty good after the drinks. Sadly, it was still a Tuesday and everyone had things to do the next day. Stupid jobs.

Audrey and Tom were heading south to catch the train while Emma and I were headed east to catch another train. My hotel and her place were in the general direction. We said our goodbyes. Some words were slurred, hugs were given, then Emma and I were on our way home.

To be Continued…

What if...

The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.

The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.

Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.

A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.

They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.

The key did not turn.

There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.

It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.

They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.

“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”

“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”

He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.

A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.

He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.

He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.

As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.

“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.

Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.

His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.

He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”

What If?

I met a really cute girl last Thursday night during our game. She came out of nowhere as I got to the field and was getting ready. The first thing that came to my mind was wow, she’s so out of my league. She was very friendly, nice, and painfully cute with a smile that could melt your heart.

We spoke for a while and then started playing some silly Frisbee related game while we waited for our game to start. We were clicking like old friends. What the hell is going on? My mind was racing with what’s she doing? I’m not even on her team or have ever met her before.

Then comes the ‘what’s wrong with her’ excuses. Too young? Nope, she mentioned having graduated college. Crazy? Maybe, but she seems to be really nice to this kids and the dogs likes her. I trust the dogs. What the hell? My mind kept racing with stupid thoughts, but none seems to be sticking.

After our game, there was a hang shake and a hug. She also offered some beers after hearing that I’ve forgotten to grab some. Serious points here. We talked a bit more while drinking the beer then departed from the fields.

I thought that’d be the end of that.

I saw her again on Sunday during the tournament. I had gotten a haircut since I’ve seen her. I was wearing contacts and had on some very different clothes. She recognized me immediately. Even before I saw her and we talked for a while about the games going on.

Not much of a story I know.

Hopefully, it’s a developing story.

The Lush Puppy

The night was dark with a light fog that masked the streets in a horror movie haze. With no sign of the moon and the streets lights covered by the fog, these streets usually packed with pedestrians are empty except for the cool crisp night air.

Inside the Lush Puppy, it was a different story. The bar was loud and full of energy. Unlike the outside, the Lush Puppy was warm and inviting to share a good time with some good company.

The Lush Puppy is the local bar around the corner. There’s nothing fancy at the Lush Puppy, just plenty of booze, a couple of dart boards, pool tables, and a well stocked jukebox. This is the kind of place friends get together to celebrate, to drown their sorrows, or just as part of the routine. Basically, a pub in every sense of the word.

“Oh, so SORRY bitches…” said loudly in Sarah’s face as Sam took another sip of his beer and did the drunk man booty shake. “I’m the best SORRY player EVER”. Sam took another piece of Sarah’s piece back to the starting circle.

“First of all, no one needs to see that. And. Don’t make me beat your ass! Take one of Pete’s pieces or Brandon’s! Hell, Brandon’s winning!” Sarah said jokingly as she pushes Pete.

“I’m just sitting here amazed at your lack of coordination even with a celebration dance. Truly amazing really. Here, have another one. Maybe this will be the magic shot that will give you rhythm” Dan says in a witty monotone voice.

Tonight was board game night for the group. The Lush Puppy was the group’s regular hangout. Every other week, the group convenes for a night of board games. Being regulars at the LP, the group had stakes in the big wooden table towards the back of the room by the fireplace. Even though the table could seat 8, the bar didn’t mind the 6 person group being there as they generally would drink like 8 people.

This very close knit group consisted of Sam, Sarah, Seth, Brandon, Pete and Anna who all had been friends for years now.

“3…4…5…SUCK IT!!” Brandon yelled as his last piece cross the finish line. “Good move on choosing Sarah to move the pieces back Sam” Brandon gloated. “Time to pay up!”

As required by the rules, everyone took a shot as penalty for losing.

“Just like I remembered it when I played this as a kid” Sam said softly as the whiskey burns slowly down his throat. “Your parents made you do shots when you lost at board games? That explains things.” Dan snickered as he downed his shot.

“Anyone heard from Pete and Anna? It’s not like them to miss board game night” said Sarah. As she finished the 2nd gulp of her shot, she grimaces “What the hell are we drinking?” Waving the empty shot glass at the bartender, Sarah yells across the room “Hey Stonie, what the hell are you pouring us over here?”

Stonie just smiled “I just made it up. I’m thinking of calling it the Dizzy Puppy. First it’ll make you a little dizzy, then it’ll make you nice and warm like a puppy”.

“Excellent” cheered the group. As the aftertaste kicked in, there was indeed a warmth flowing through the group and general cheeriness. Even though Brandon won, he still took his shot to celebrate his win.

The group laughed and talked the night away. Everything from what’s on their guilty pleasure list to politics and reminiscing about good times in the past.

Sarah started getting up to go to the rest room. “While you’re up ms. no bladder, another pitcher?” said Brandon. “Oh, can you get more nuts and get some napkins too?” added Pete.

“Anything else?” Sarah said sarcastically.

“Yea, if you could get me the phone number of that girl by the bar, that would be great. Thanks!” Sam said excitedly. “Dude, that’s a guy!” laughed Sarah.

“Wha? Seriously?” Sam said nervously as he thought he might have been checking out a guy for the last 30 minutes.

The group just laughed as Sarah walked away.

When Sarah came back, she walked towards the bar to order another pitcher from Stonie. As Sarah waited for the pitcher, she noticed she was standing by the girl Sam had pointed out. Giving her a quick look, she didn’t seem all too bad. Just a bit odd that she was there by herself though.

Having had quite a few drinks, Sarah is quite the social butterfly. She quickly strikes up a conversation with the girl. Her name was Kim and the two seem to hit it off quite well. Sarah quickly looked back at the table to see that the guys were all watching them. She gave them a quick wink and returned to the conversation.

“Don’t look, but I’m with that group of guys over there. One of them has a thing for you.” Sarah whispered to Kim. Kim smiled and before she could answer, the music started pumping through the speakers.

“Once upon a time.... Not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
Hes down on his luck...its tough,
so toughGina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love - for love”

A big smile went across the face of both girls. The energy was felt by the entire bar as everyone started to sing along.

Sarah grabbed the pitcher and Kim and hurried back to the table. The guys were already up and singing loudly to the song. The girls got back just in time for the chorus.

“Whooah, were half way there
Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Livin on a prayer”

The group cheered as the song came to an end. Sounds of glass clinging and toasts were everywhere.

The outside world was cold and dark, but here at the Lush Puppy, all was merry for now.


To be Continued…

I watched a special tonight on PBS. It was about the Nazi. If you didn't know, I have a slight obsession about everything WWII. It was such a breakthrough period in the history of our species. Not a good breakthrough. I believe for the first time, we saw what we as a specie could truly become.

This special tonight was a bit disturbing and showed my point perfectly. Basically, it was about the Nazi's development, fine-tuning, and perfecting of mass murdering methods. This was not a happy special. No, no happy meal special here.

I'm not going to go into details, but I think you can imagine the horror. Actually you probably can't. Most people can't. Don't worry, that's a good thing. The horror of how some brilliant individuals used their minds not for good and to help man-kind, but for evil and to slaughter as many innocent men, women, and children as quickly as possible.

There were several accounts from individuals who survived the horrible events, and there were movie clips giving you a glimpse of the death that so many people lived with for so long. For those survivors, these images are no doubt burned into their memories that will always haunt them. I stared into the screen. I drift off a little. I keep staring into the old videos and death camps and just imagined.......


The Cell

In this room, I am confined by the stones and the aged steel.
My body they have locked and thrown away.
Trapped inside the confides of this mutated earth.
My body is nourished by the scrapes and filth they have left, and that even their animals will not touch.
Just enough to keep my body alive and my mind broken.
They won’t allow me to die, for then I would be free.
I cannot die, for then they would claim victory.
I am bound to this room, and this room to me.
My mind drifts, to different and familiar places.
I can no longer differentiate between the two, for in my mind, reality and fantasy blurs as one.
There I am warm, there I am happy, and mostly importantly, there I am free.
Like a dog running towards a bone and without realizing it, the leash snaps and chokes me back into reality.
The reality that I am in this cell.

Help me. Please.

Once again, it’s story time. (con't)

Did you make sure you went to the bathroom first? Refreshed that 40? This is gonna be a long one. Sit back down and I'll finish my tale.

We were in the city to watch an opera at the MET that night. I do enjoy operas and I think she does too. That or she fakes it very well. After walking a bit, we decided to take a cab the rest of the way to get in on some pre-show fun. I picked up the tickets and we went in for a few drinks in the lobby.

Now as you could imagine, people who attends operas are generally older and more conservative folks. There I stood, nice flaming spiky orange hair. It was great to freak out some of the older folks. Generally, the crowd just rolled their eyes, but an older couple showed some love by telling me that my hair was a wonderful color and that it’s about time more diverse people came in here.

During the opera, it was so nice to have her by my arms. It’s not like we were holding hands or each other or anything, but just having my arms rest next to hers. The opera was great, I had this kick ass suit, and I had a great gal next to me. Nothing was going to make me feel bad that night. I felt so good. Everything was all right.

During the show, we were saying little things to each other about the show and doing little 3rd grade things during the boring parts. Yes, very immature, but oh so much fun. Besides, operas needs a little bit of cutting up. At one point, she whispered something in my ear, nothing special, but nothing could’ve been sweeter.

After the opera, we decided to walk to Times Square. We just talked and talked. We also walked and walked since we didn’t know how far it was. Neither us minded. The air was chilly, but that was a just a good reason to be closer to each other. The conversation never felt forced, nor did it ever stop. The walk from the MET to Times Square was quite long, and it dragged on and on, but I would have walked till I fell off Long lsland. Not a care in the world, just walking and talking.

About halfway or so, snow began falling down all around us. I won’t burden you here. I’ll just let you imagine how nice it is to walk with someone you really enjoy being with while snow falls.

We finally made it to Time Square, and we were a bit tired from the urban hike. When we got in the middle of Times Square, there was light and people everywhere. With the snow falling, it was a wonderful sight. We walked around to a couple of the stores that were still opened. We goofed around taking odd looking pictures, and scared some of tourists. It was good.

By now, we were hungry and cold. We found a place in the middle of Times Square. Luckily, a window seat came open when we were seated. We had a great view of the people down below, the lights, and the snow that continued to fall.

We were suppose to go clubbing after the show, but she had been feeling a bit sick from work, so I thought that we should take it easy this time. Maybe this way there will be something to do next time. We stayed at the restaurant for a long while and just talked and had drinks. Technically, we don’t know each other that well, and this is the first time we’ve ever been out by ourselves, but we talked like we were old friends. We talked about everything that was going on, our lives, the world, and a nice discussion on pre-communism Russian politics. Can’t beat a girl that can speak on military strategies in WWII as well as how her hair was blue just weeks before.

Then a deja vu hits me.

Background: I've had a reoccurring dream for some years now. It's just me and my love, sitting at a table, drinking something, and just talking. In my dreams, I’ve never seen her face. I couldn’t even tell you what she looked like. I just knew. I felt comfortable when I’m around her. I knew how it feels to be with her.

Well, the deja vu happened when I was looking at her while she was talking. It was the same thing as in my dreams. I felt she was the person I’ve been speaking to in my dreams. I knew that feeling and it freaked me out. Naturally, I couldn't tell her. That would just be too odd. I sat there and talked with her as if it everything’s ok. Inside, I wanted to scream ‘Hey! You’re her aren’t you?! You’re her!’

It was getting close to 4am and she had to get back to the train station. We had to rush to the station to make her train. Somehow, we got to Grand Central with 6 min. to spare before the train took off. For the first time in the night, neither of us said anything on the way to the station. We were trying to get to the station as quickly as possible and maybe it was 4am and we were tired, but I don’t think that’s the reason. When we got to the platform, she stayed for all 6 minutes.

There was lots of hugging to be had until the train guy yelled at her to get on (I may imagining the train guy, but I thought there was a train guy). I just stood there frozen after she got on. I felt like I just lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I wanted to scream something, or do something, anything. But I just stood there frozen and waved as she left. With a slow turn of the wheels, the train began to move. I looked at the windows of the train and there she was. Her mouth curved into the nicest and sweetest of smiles. She saw me and waved.

I just stood there and waved back. It was all I could do.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ah yes. Isn’t being young and naïve fun? It was so easy to fall in love then, it was so easy to be optimistic, so easy to think everything will have a story book / cheesy movie ending. After a few years and more and more of these experiences add up, it gets a bit harder each time to open up. A little more hesitation each time to be optimistic, to think that person sitting across from you is that one in your dreams so many years ago.

As hard as it is to remember sometimes, I still know what it felt like. That feeling when I’m with her. Sitting there by my love talking about nothing at all, sipping a drink. Many have tried to fill her space, but they’re not her. Some have been close though. I guess I’ll keep looking.

Here's to you. Cheers.

Once again, it’s story time.

Grab some snacks, a 40, and sit down while I tell my tale.

It was Christmas time once again. It’s been part of my tradition for the last few years to spend a weekend in New York City during this time of year. The air is cold and crisp, the streets and stores are beautifully decorated, the giant tree is lit with children skating at the Rockefeller center, and my annual showing on the Today show draws me back year after year.

Also, as part of the tradition, I usually bring or meet a friend in the city. It’s much more fun to explore with a friend ya know.

After an afternoon of wandering in the city by myself, my friend was riding the train down to join me. We were to meet at Grand Central. She was coming in on a train from New Haven. She had taken off work early to make sure she would get there with plenty of time for the night. At the time this occurred, it was one of my first times in New York City and in Grand Central.

I got there early to do a bit of exploring. I walked around and was simply amazed at everything that was going on. The wonderful structures, the catacombs of tunnels, the masses of people rushing to catch trains, it was all like an old movie. Sitting on a bench in the middle of the station, I just watched as the people rushed by and wondered where everyone was going. I made up some stories that I would have love to have shared with them to see how close I was. That may be a bit creepy though, so I thought better.

Looking at the clock and the schedule, I saw that the time was getting close for her train to arrive. I began finding my way towards the train terminals. While getting closer, memories of these terminals flashed through my head. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been on a train and at a train terminal. I also had all these thoughts of happy reunions and all the sad goodbyes that this terminal must have seen. When I finally reached the terminal, it felt like being thrown back a few decades when trains still ruled. It’s difficult to describe, but it just felt like everything should be in black and white at that moment.

Well, enough of that.

The train came in a bit late as usual. There was steam coming from the breaks as the heat from the friction met with the cold air. As the massive black engine slowed to a stop, people began to exit the train. A sea
of people came flowing towards me. Most of the riders moved quickly with their heads busily looking at the floor. A few looked up briefly to avoid running into me. Other than that, the sea of black and gray coats flowed all around me.

This part is more interesting than I’ve described and I wish there was a picture for this moment. During this scene, I was wearing a nice black/dark blue suite with a black trench coat. The big noticeable difference from everyone else around me was that I had flaming bright orange hair. Think Hi-C or Sunny D orange. Now make it 3 times brighter. That’s my hair color. In this sea of black and gray, I stood there bright and proud.

The sea of people turned into a few last stragglers. I looked and looked in the sea, but she wasn't in the group. So now I was getting a bit concerned. This was before the days of cell phones, so calling wasn’t really an option. How people met up for things back then is beyond me.

After most of the people have gone from the train, I see a girl exiting the train. I haven’t seen her in months, and before that, years. The girl that exited the train I didn't see the face under the hood, but I knew it was her. Sometimes you just know.

She looked up and saw me standing there waving like an excited Pup. She smile widely and began walking towards me. It was only a short distance but it seemed to have taken forever. I wanted to run towards her and lift her in the air, but that would’ve just been strange. Anyway, when we finally got to each other, we gave each other a nice big hug before we said a word. You know that hug. The kind that that warms you down to your bones.

She was very surprised at my hair. She thought the look was simply fabulous. A nice suit and orange hair. Not a look you see everyday. She was not shabby herself. Nope, not shabby at all. At first glance, she was covered by a bulky blue jacket with a hood. She opened her jacket to show an elegant but cute black cocktail dress. Playful, yet very tastefully done.

We talked a bit and started walking out the building to begin our plans for the night.

To be continued...

Pup Origins - A Rainy Night in New Orleans
Part IV

If you ask me what the happiest time of my life is, I wouldn’t need time to think about it, and I wouldn’t hesitate. Like the Red Sox, I try year after year to build a set of experiences that would stand against the happy memories of my past, and like the Sox has done so many times before, I would fail with painful disappointment. I’m very glad to see that the Red Sox won last night.

The happiest time of my life was in the 5th grade. The 5th grade was a most wonderful time. I was living in Southern California, in a suburb near Orange County. Life was simple and nice as it should be. In this town, no one locked their doors, children’s laughter could be heard throughout the streets, and large block parties were common as everyone knew each other.

In the 5th grade, I did not know of politics, the evils of money grubbing bastards, the continual deterioration of our planet, or the horrors that happens on this planet everyday. I was an innocent kid, and rightly so. No one should learn those things till later. Childhood is about being a child. This is an innocent time where there shouldn’t be a care in their world, friends and fun should be the only agenda a child should have.

I was fortunate enough to have that. I was one of the lucky ones.

What made the year special was during the 5th grade, there were a small group of us that were together. Andy, Brian, me, along with the gals, Brook, Liz, and Kirsten (‘friends’ is SO 5th grade). It’s strange looking at kids today, or even those back then that were so afraid of each other. Maybe it’s California, maybe it was the group of kids, but being with each other was fun and that’s what mattered. We didn’t care about boys or girls, it was just friends.

Unlike the hypersexual children of today, things were innocent back then. Hands were held every now and then at the skate rink, but that was it, and even then, there was much taunting from all. It was fun, and that was all.

Towards the end of summer after the 5th grade, a week before the triumphant 6th grade was going to start, another day was spent riding the bicycle around town, playing in the fields, and another exciting game of Nintendo baseball (the original), I rode home in the late afternoon. I rode in the garage and into the house as I’ve done times and times before. Something was different this time.

Everything was in boxes, the house was a mess, and it looked like we’re moving. What’s going on I asked my mum. Why aren’t you packed? You’ve been too busy out there running around, so we started packing without you she said. All your stuff’s packed. What?!? Packing? Where’re we going? My terrify voice was on the verge of breaking.

According to the family, we’ve discussed this, and I had knew about this for months now. Where I was I have no idea. Why didn’t I remember this? How did I not know? Was I repressing it (not that I knew what that meant)? I asked my mum when we were leaving, she said the first thing in the morning. My dad is taking the kids first, and she’ll come with the rest of the stuff in a few weeks.

My mind and body went into shock. Panic, fear, and anger all crept into me for the first time. No one knew. None of my friends. I didn’t tell anyone cause I didn’t know. I was leaving first thing in the morning to a strange place forever. Oh my God no.

I ran out of the house and grabbed my bike. My vision a bit blurry from the tears forming in my eyes. I rode as fast as I could to all my friend’s house. I knew they weren’t home. Some were on vacation, and some were leaving for dinner in the city when I left them earlier. I tried though, and I pounded my little fist at each of their doors. No one would answer.

I rode to Brook’s house. It was the furthest out from mine. Up on a hill in a nice subdivision, the house sat in front of the park that I had spent so much of my happy times. After coming from the park, we would all stop at her house, to get refreshments from her mom who couldn’t be nicer and more hip (she drove a Porsche).

It was no secret, my first crush was Brook. During a slow song at the skate rink, it was her whose hand I most wanted to hold. She was smart, energetic, and cute. She had short dark blond hair, freckles around her cheeks, and always one or two cuts on her face. She was adventurous and wasn’t scared to be a bit rough (hence the cuts). I was too young to understand anything else, but I knew I was happy when I was with her. I knew she was something else. Nothing like those others.

I reached her house, and I knew she would not be home. I knew before I left my house. She was on a month long vacation and would not be back until the 2nd day of class. I stood in front of her house on my bike, not knowing what to do. She didn’t know I wouldn’t be here when she came back. I would disappear without explanation, without warning. I didn’t want that for my friends, and I didn’t want to do that to them.

There was nothing I could do as I slowly rode home. When I got home, the house was still busy with the family packing. I tried unpacking things in a feeble attempt to stay, but that didn’t work out so well. Looking around I saw a phone book. I had a bright idea. I would take this with me and call them in a week so they know. I was happy with my plan. Hope, for a moment, was with me.

The next morning, we began our move to Georgia. All I could think about was that phone book. I had to call them. I had to let them know. After a 3 day journey, we reached our destination in Georgia. Within the week, I was able to find the phone book, and I would start calling. I looked up the names of my friends and started calling. Each time getting a wrong number, or a no one home. It was only years and years later that I realized the phone book wouldn’t have their names, but their parents (I was like 10, give me a break).

So I lost them. I lost my friends. So sudden and unexpected. Even worst, I lost Brook. I didn’t get a chance to say anything to her before I left. I didn’t get to say that I liked her. That I thought she was the best girl I’ve ever met (I was in the 6th grade, so it was actually true), and never change.

I was surprised when she turned around. She looked good. Really good. I froze as I waited to hear what would come out of her mouth. The nanoseconds of waiting felt like hours and it was killing me!

Oh, my name is Brook.

I just stood there and I waved as she turned around and started walking. Bye Brook was I could mutter out loud. I turned and started walking towards the hotel. My mind was a mess, so many thoughts were firing off, so much had happened that night and it was all jumbling my brain. I walked a while, several blocks later, and then it kicked in. It took it’s time, but it kicked in.

OH MY GOD!! It’s Brook! It’s Brook!!!!! Her name was Brook!! She said her name was Brook!! Oh Shit!

Logically, my brain would know that there is more than one girl named Brook. Logically I would know this is not the same girl I left in California. I didn’t care, nothing about tonight was logical. I turned and ran. I ran as fast as I could. I ran till my breath and legs gave out. She had pointed to a direction, but she never said which hotel. I was standing in the middle of the city, tired, confused, and just numb.

I walked back to the hotel. Slowly through the night I paced. One foot after another. I didn’t know what to think. I think my mind had shut down in order to prevent an overload. I was barely functioning now. If someone saw me, they would say there’s a zombie. I moved slowly and breathed even slower.

Sure, I could explain it away as coincidence. Sure I could explain it as my imagination running wild. All that would be logical. But logical doesn’t live here. Logic has no power here. My mind is not logical. There’s only one thought that repeats itself here.

Oh, my name is Brook

I got to spend an incredible night with her. It was all that I wanted. To see and be with her again. Even if it wasn't her. That didn't matter. My mind can make it her. I can pretend. Part of me is happy with that. Very Happy.

Still. The other part can only think. I lost her again.



The End

Pup Origins - A Rainy Night in New Orleans
Part III

Looking up at the moon and stars is an interesting thing if you let it. Let go of those mental schemas that governs your mind. Those rules and boundaries that we have set up in our day to day life to make things run easier, let go. Stare up at those infinite stars and let yourself wonder and imagine. Expand your mind with what ifs, what could be-s, and things that are greater than ourselves. You'll thank me, I promise.

A loud wet slap could be heard in the night air as she wacked the back of my shoulders with her hand. The combination of her open palm on my wet shirt created a crackling slap sound. What the hell? I turned to check if she had been bitten by the crazy bug. Again, I couldn’t tell you details. All I can remember of when I turned around is a blurry image of a moonlit girl with wet hair all around her face, and a smile.

You’re it! She hollered as she turned and started running. Oh no you didn't.

We chased each other through the park and running around in circles like little children. I’m pretty silly and childish for the most part, but this was different. This wasn’t just acting or pretending to be childish. I can’t explain it to you without sounding ridiculous, but for that brief period, it seemed that time had stopped, and I was sent back to a time when I truly happy. Happy by my innocence with not a worry on my mind. The decision of BBQ or Nacho flavored corn nuts and the afternoon game of dodge ball were the biggest stressors of the day. This was a time when I was very happy.

The shower from above still lingered as we ran around the park. There wasn’t a puddle safe from our stomps and jumps. Fun was had and the laughter was real, and nothing else seemed to matter. The space in this park was all that mattered, to me, this was the world, and right now this is the only place I want to be.

Eventually we grew tired and went back to sit on the bench under the tree. She was witty and fast with her comments during our conversations. Pulling references from random topics and things. I couldn’t help but lingered on her every word. Trying to come back with a witty comments (didn't do too well there). I couldn’t put my fingers on it, but something about her seems so familiar.

The rain began to slow and we started our walk back to the Quarters. I never thought there could be so much to talk about with a stranger, but there I was, talking away. This conversation had a slightly different feel. I knew the end was coming, time was running out. It was pretty late in the night by now, and with the rain, not many people were in the streets so the stores had began to close up. We decided it was time for us to go too.

We walked to the edge of the French Quarters by the main roads. Our hotels were at opposite directions from here. I don’t think either of us knew what to do or say. For the first time tonight, we were speechless. We just looked at each other, my heart beating ever so hard it was hurting my chest. I could swear it was about to jump out of my chest and bounce around on the street.

I had a really nice time tonight….. Thanks so much for buying me this flower. She smiled as she looked up at me. Even through all the rain and running, the flower stayed steady in her hair. I struggled as I mumble out the words.. Me too. I can’t describe what happened tonight, or how this all happened, but it was wonderful, and you're wonderful. I’ll remember this. I stared at her smile as I said this. A smile that never faded, not even for a second, as we said our good byes.

Something hit me all of a sudden as we were standing there for the last time. I don’t think I know her name. I tried and tried to think if I had forgotten. I forget names a lot as I’m terrible with names, but I don’t think I would've forget her name. Maybe she told me her name earlier and I had forgotten. Damn it, real smooth Pupperu. No, I don’t think so. I don’t think we ever exchanged names.

By the way, my name is Pup. She extends and shakes my hands jokingly. Nice to meet you again Pup she said. Again? Hmm.. that’s weird. It was late and I was tired, I wrote it off as just hearing things or maybe meeting me formally this time. She caught me slightly off guard with a hug, her head on my chest. I quickly returned her embrace. I put my face on the top of her head and smelled this wonderful girl. This strange but familar girl. I’m sure it was only seconds, but I wanted it to last forever. I didn’t want to let go…

Eventually, our hold on each other relaxed, and we were just holding each other in each other’s arms. Still wet and damp, our clothes stuck together and meshed as one. Once again, my heart was beating out of control. Surly she must have felt it being so close to me. I looked at her for a second more and we lean in as our lips touch.

Her soft wet lips are indescribable. I won’t even try. It’s a kiss that you could die right after, and you would be perfectly content. In reality, it probably wasn’t that much more than a long peck. We looked at each other again and she said that she’s gotta get going, it’s really getting late now. I never want to let her go, I wanted to keep her here in my arms for as long as I can, but I knew it had to stop sometime.

I kiss her on the forehead as I release my hold on her. She turned and started walking the other way. I just stood there. I didn’t know what to do. I was just standing there a bit numb. Still trying to comprehend what had happened, and whatI should be doing now.

I watched as she walked down the street. After a few feet down the street, she suddenly turned around…..


To be continued….

Pup Origins - A Rainy Night in New Orleans
Part II

To tell you the truth, I couldn’t tell you what her name was now. I couldn’t even tell you what she looked like anymore. If she walked past me today, I’m not sure I would even notice. Well, that’s not entirely true. When I walk past people, sometimes when they smile, I can see her in their smile. A smile that makes my heart skips a beat, and a smile that I can’t help but return. For a brief moment, everything comes back to me. A smile that would always be with me.

We wandered through the streets of the city. Not a clue where we were going. For me, I didn’t care where we were going, just as long as we kept going. Every now and then we would step in a store to check out all the fabulous crap on the walls. The croc jaws, the funny t-shirts with the bikini body in the front (very classy), and of course beads and assorted hot sauces. It was carefree and easy. I was just enjoying the moment. Some of these same stores that I had been in earlier that night, it was fun to point out things that I had noticed, and to have things pointed out to me that I missed.

After a while, the two of us began to feel a bit more comfortable with each other. The funny hat/glasses shop surly helped. Her mood had changed a great deal. Gone was the slightly down, hoody covered gal. Now, she was more actively cheery and talkative, the hood off her head with her hair free. The flower now decorates her head.

We talked about a world of things, about what we’ve seen in the city, where we’re from, and other random things. The conversation was light, but not superficial. More importantly, it was fun, and it flowed like two people who knew this would be the last conversation they would ever have with each other. Even with the silliest subjects, the conversation would last for blocks and blocks.

During our wanderings around the city, we ended up at the park (the part that’s in front of the big church for those of you that have been there). When we got here, the skies had darken to a solid black. The moonlight consumed by the darkness, and drops of rain began to fell.

I’ve never been afraid of walking in the rain. I’ve never owned an umbrella, not even today. I didn’t have any opinion on it one way or anything about walking in the rain back then, I just didn’t mind. It's just rain after all.

The rain began coming down harder and harder. I was about to mention this to her, and before I said a word, she suggested that we go over to the granite bench under this big tree (Sit under a tree during a storm. Good idea, I know) inside this park. I don’t remember how we got in the park, whether the gates were unlocked or we climbed the small fence, but we managed to get it.

We took our time walking towards the tree. I looked at her with the dim street light over looking the park. She had a wonderful glow about her and seemed happy. Happy with being in the rain, and walking around in the rain (somewhere in there, I was hoping I had something to do with that happy too).

She told me she’s always enjoyed the rain, that rain is like a cleansing for the land, and that the rain is meal time for all the living things to grow and live. At times, some of this seemed almost hookey, but still. Our conversation never wandered, nor did it slow during the rain.

After a bit under a tree, the rain slowed to a steady fall. A slight fog was rising, but the moonlight was beginning to sneak back into the skies. The park seemed almost errie as voices from the Quarter died down during the rain. I was looking up at the moon, a beautiful half moon, as it peeked out from behind the darkenss. All of a sudden, ~smack~

To be continued....

Pup Origins - A Rainy Night in New Orleans

A long while ago, when the Pup was still quite the young Pup, the family took a vacation to New Orleans. This was the first time anyone in the family has gone to this place. A place which would become a second home to Pup during the college years. This would be the first time, and for every trip after this, a thought in my head when I visit O’leans.

The vacation was going great, especially in the case of the food. There were plenty of Étoufées, crawfish, red beans and rice, gumbos, and of course Beignets for all. On the last night, after another very delicious dinner, most of the family was ready to go back to the hotel to rest up for the long drive home tomorrow. Spending the whole time with the family for these couple of days, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me to go explore other parts of the city that the others didn’t want to go to. It’s Pup time.

So I took an extra key and was off roaming the city. I first went down Bourbon street, getting my fills of random flashing boobies and other drunken debaucheries (I was under drinking age, so no hurricanes (it’s a drink) for Pup). I would make up for that and much much more in later trips though.

I went back to a voodoo store that my parents said we couldn’t go in cause it was ‘evil’. Hehe.. evil tourist junk. All made in Taiwan. Yea, that’s where evil is made I’m sure. I bought a bunch of little voodoo dolls and some weird stuff. This was during the Big Bad Voodoo Pup phase (not the band).

I wandered all over the city. The French Quarter was lively, but not insanely packed. It was fun, but it felt a bit empty cause this is an experience that should be shared. Having no one to reminiscent this experience with is a waste. It was a first time, and you can never get a first time back.

I walked aimlessly down the different streets, not quite sure where I going. Just enjoying my being there and the randomness all around me. On one street, much less popular than the major ones, a middle age woman approached me. She looked very pleasant, but something was odd about her (not in a bad way or anything). I can’t recall what it was, but I remember something was unique about her. She asked if I would like to buy a flower. The flower seem a bit old and dried in a little bucket where she was keeping them. The flower wasn’t bad or anything, but I’ve never seen a flower like that before. I’m no flower expert or anything, but I looked strange. Anyway, I smiled at the lady and told her if I had someone to buy the flower for, I certainly would.

She smiled at my comment. She asked if she found someone that would accept this flower, would I buy them for her? I said sure. Got nothing to lose there. Hang out here for a bit and keep me company she said, she promised she’ll find someone for me to buy the flower for. I’m still not sure why I took her up on the offer. After all, it was some strange lady trying to get me to spend money on another strange lady. Well, at least I thought it’d be a good story. That and I was running out of places to walk and I wasn’t ready for the hotel yet.

So I stood by her as she tried selling flowers to other couples and randoms walking down the street. Although for each group, she would pick different flowers, never the same one as the one she offered me. Between potential customers, she would tell me about herself. Stories about her life growing up in the quarters, a family that had turned their backs on her, and some funny and interesting tidbits about the city. After about 30 minutes, I was getting antsy and ready to go. I told her I would buy the flower anyway, and that she could keep them as a gift from me.

She wasn’t about to have any of that she said. She had a promise to keep. She told me to wait for the next person and then I was free to go. Right when she finished, a girl walked pass us like it was scripted. The gal had on a little hoody covering her dirty blond hair. She had a very fair and cute complexion, but one that seemed a bit down. The flower lady grabbed the flower she offered me, and walked over to her.

The flower lady approached her as she has done so many other times before. She asked the gal if she would like to have someone buy her some very pretty flowers. Come my pretty, try these flowers. Total snow white moment there. You could tell she smirked at this surprising and random proposal. The gal asked who would be buying flowers for her. That fine gentleman over there she pointed. To make it a bit less strange, The flower lady had told her what I said when I first met her. The gal seemed to have bought the story, and so she accepted the flowers.

We talked to the lady a bit more, but I was ready to move on. I asked the gal where she was going, she said no where in particular. She was killing time before going back to the hotel. I said that’s why I’m down here, mind if I joined you? Of course not she said. Besides, you just bought me a flower, I owe you that.

She smiled when she said that. It was one of those smiles that covered her face. A smile that was contagious and you couldn’t help but smile when you looked at her. A smile that I don’t mind spending as much as I can with and would be forever burned in my mind. We had walked a few steps when I realized I didn’t tell the lady goodbye. As I turned around, there was no one to be found. She disappeared quickly into the darkness. No traces of her could be seen.

The two of us walked around the streets of the French Quarters. Our conversation sounded like 2 old friends catching up on the latest happenings…


To be continued…

I met the girl of my dreams today.
She was everything I’ve ever imagined she'd be.
Intelligent, witty, caring, and all so cute.
We talked for hours into the night,
Finishing each other’s sentences and sharing the same thoughts.
I lingered on her every word, treasuring every moment spent with her.

So what do you do when you’ve finally found what you’ve been looking for all your life?
When you’ve finally reached the gates to the garden of paradise,
Then suddenly realizing that the key that you hold won’t open the gates.

what do you do at that moment when you realize that the one you’ve been searching for all your life has already found someone else?

What if?

Announcer 1: Well folks, it’s all coming down to this play. It’s the 4th quarter of the Georgia AAAA football championship. Southwest Dekalb has just called their final timeout. Morrow used up their timeout earlier in this drive. Morrow is holding on to a slim 5 point lead with Southwest Dekalb knocking on the door on the 3 yard line with 3 seconds left in the game. Morrow’s defense is the reason they’re here and they’ve shown that all game long. The Mustang defense has held the number one offense in the country to only 9 points. The Mustangs could have won the game but a costly mishandle between the center and the quarterback in the last 2 minutes has set up this scene. The panthers seem to have caught the Mustang defense off guard and drove 40 yards to the 3 yard line with 3 seconds left. Fatigue seems to be setting in for this dominating defense.

The Morrow Defense, anchored by the Triad, has neutralized the top running back prospect in the country, number 34 Barry Winslow. Winslow seems to have found some new life in this last drive. The most dominate defensive trio seems to be a little worn down in this tough physical match up.

Announcer 2: I agree with you there. The trio, made up of defensive tackle Robinson, and the two linebackers Salasap and Chan, has been dominate all game with their intensive punishment of anyone with the ball. In this last drive, they’ve been taken out of the plays with some good double teaming from the panthers. The other guys on the defense doesn’t seem to be picking up the slack.

In the huddle:

Salasap: We ain’t going down like no bitches.. This shit gets stopped now!
Robinson: Oh hell no. I’m gonna make this mother fucker bleed.
Chan: Ya’ll quit fucking around. Cover the outside. We’ll take the inside. Look for the play-action. Don’t fall for shit or I’ll kick yo ass myself. We stopped them all damn night.. We gonna stop them now!!

Group: Yea!
Salasap: All right, Hell na on 3… 1..2…3
Group: Helllll… na…!!!!

Announcer 1: Ok, both groups has broken from their huddle. Doesn’t seem like there’s any hiding of what SW Dekalb’s going to do. They’ve pulled their wide receivers and brought in 2 more Tight ends. They’re in a strong power I formation.

Announcer 2: That’s a good call. They’ve got the number 1 running back in the state. Use what they brought you here.

Announcer 1: I agree, but you’re facing the nastiest run defense in the state. This is going to be all out.

On field:

Salasap: Oh I know you ain’t going to try to run in my house. This is my house bitch.
Chan: Dig in! No one comes through!
Robinson: Oh hell na… you better go around, cause this shit’s closed right here…

Hut.. hut….Blue 32… Hut.. Hut…

What seems to be an eternity happens in 4 short seconds. The Quarterback hikes the ball and hands it off to Winslow. Robinson speeds off the block to the backfield, but a double team pushes Robinson off just enough. He fights through enough to disrupt Winslow’s path. Chan rushes into the hole created in the middle of the line. Chan has a clear path to Winslow. In a spilt moment, the full-back lunges to meet Chan in the neutral zone. The impact of the 2 could have caused a movement in the rector scale. Chan holds the ground against this giant man-child and they bring each other down. Winslow sees a clear path through the air into the end zone and takes his lunge. Just as soon as Winslow leaves the ground, his body is met with an impact that would crush bones into a fine powder. The impact of Salasap’s hit brings Winslow’s body straight up and back. What seemed like a lunge for a touchdown turned into a world of pain.

The cheers died down, the bodies clear out.
The ball is on the 4 yard line.

The lights turn off…..


Moments later:

Robinson, Chan, and Salasap is seen standing on top of Winslow.

Robinson: Sucka.
Chan:Bitch please. This ain't no place for your weak shit.
Salasap: We told you… Hell na… OUR HOUSE!

Recognize.