[Jameson, Alexander]
Scene Started: Sun, 9 Apr 2000
Dateline: 11.00am, Thursday, December 24th, 1998
[ Paul Campbell(PC) ]
The eighteen-wheeler slowed as it approached the exit for the truck stop just outside Washington city limits. The road here was mostly clean of snow with huge trucks pounding the road clear. "This is as far as I'm going today boy. You should be able to get a ride from here into town."
Max, the driver, deftly turned his rig into the truck yard and lined himself up neatly with the last truck in the line. The silence was deafening when he shut the engine off. He grinned at Alex though his rough black and grey beard. His grey eyes were warm and happy under his bushy eyebrows and road-tanned face.
"You'll be alright, kid," he said as he held out his hand to shake Alex's. "Enjoy the holidays." With that he turned and pulled out a rough, dirty blue ringed folder which he opened and started leafing through the paper work inside, writing notes on a few pages.
Outside the truck, the snow was starting to fall again. Not too heavy, but it was laying. The clouds looked heavy with even more. Still, it was only 11.00am. Plenty of time to get the last, however many miles to the parents. "Where is this?" he muttered under his breath. The truck stops of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area weren't his usual haunts, even on the worst/best nights as a student at George Washington University.
He hurried across the asphalt to the dinner. Luckily it was open, but practically deserted. Someone had made an attempt at putting up some Christmas decorations. But somehow it looked lack luster. The only real heart-warming item was a child's drawing of a stick woman with a shock of yellow spikey hair and a big red mouth. The drawing was labeled, by the artist: "LuV xMas, MomY"
Looking round he saw that there were only another three people in the place. A truck-driver, with light dirty blond hair and a rough five o'clock shadow. He was hunched over a large mug of steaming coffee that he was taking careful sips from. The other two were policemen. They were also drinking coffee. One of them was talking, "No, it's not like I can't have them in the house, but I just wish they'd be a bit cleaner. We've had them a year now, you'd think I'd have gotten used to them by now. Their great really, and the kids love them, but they can be a bit much at times. Karen, loves them too, but it's me that has to take them out at all hours. Adam should be old enough to help in a few months. He's really coming along. He's shooting the hoop nearly every time now. If he keeps going like this he'll be able to get a sports scholarship, which'll save us a heap. Hey! Janet! You've got another customer!" The last was shouted towards the back when he noticed Alex mounting a stool at the far end of the bar.
"Hey! Buddy, what's your name?" he asked.
[ Mr Teapot(MT) ]
"Alexander Jameson. Some people call me Zen."
[ PC ]
Looking at him Alex found a slightly stout middle-aged man, probably not overweight, but borderline. He had a big mouth, physically, not just verbally, and a big smile. "So what brings you in here, you don't look like a hauler." His companion glanced over, he was much younger, probably not much over a rookie. He didn't look as cheerful as the other policeman, but he gave Alex a nod and turned back to his coffee. The truck driver in between ignored all.
[ MT ]
"The search for enlightenment takes me many places. Specifically, I'm currently hitchhiking my way to my parents' house for the holidays. A driver gave me a lift."
[ PC ]
"Where would that be?"
[ MT ]
"Twinbrook, in the Northwestern part."
[ PC ]
A blond woman sauntered round from the kitchen, she looked to be in her mid- to late-twenties, with a thick mask of makeup, and full red lips. "Hi, What can I do for you?"
"Looks like he could do with a big hot coffee, and a slice of apple pie. Hell, I know I could," interjected the policeman.
Janet glanced at him for a moment before looking at Alex again, expectantly.
[ MT ]
"Just some coffee and perhaps you could give me some directions, please."
[ PC ]
The cop got of his stool and started walking over to Alex, "Well, lets see. This is Wheaton, or as near as damn it. And believe me I do. We're not that far actually. Thirty minutes drive aught to do it."
[ MT ]
"Now if only I had a ride there."
[ PC ]
Janet disappeared for a moment and returned with a jug of coffee and a cup and saucer, which she placed infront of Alex before filling the cup. The sharp smell of fresh coffee sliced it's way through his senses. The smell alone would have been enough to wake the dead. She disappeared again with the jug, after moving a basket of sugar sachets and milk tubs next to him.
[ MT ]
Alex said "Thank you," to the waitress then drank his coffee without any milk or sugar.
[ PC ]
"Hey, me and Simon go off shift in a half hour. We could drop you off. I'd hate to see you get stuck here for Christmas," offered the cop.
[ MT ]
"Thank you, that would be most kind. To be this close to family for Christmas and not see them would be worse than to be hundreds of miles from them."
[ PC ]
"They call me a lot if things, but you can call me Sir. Nah, just kidding with you son. Call me Adam."
[ MT ]
"The first man? Interesting. Thank you for your hospitality, Adam."
[ PC ]
"No problem," he answered.
The cop looked Alex up and down and saw your brightly colored robes under his coat, the only concession to the cold. "You not taking any presents with you, or don't you do that stuff?" He seemed genuine enough.
[ MT ]
"I'm afraid I have been unable to acquire much for my family members in the way of presents, as I have only recently left my monastery to find my way in the world. I hope that my presence at the gathering will suffice as my gift to them."
[ PC ]
Adam tilted his head to the side slightly as Alex spoke. "Yeah, I'm sure it will be. Hey, finish your coffee and we'll be off, okay?" He patted Alex on the back before heading for the john.
[ MT ]
Alex nodded at what the man said, and tried to finish his coffee as quickly as possible.
[ PC ]
The waitress, reappeared carrying a plate of bangers, mash, bacon and eggs, which she placed on the counter in front of the trucker. He perked up at the arrival of his lunch. "Ta," was all he said as he reached for the condiments.
[ MT ]
Then Alex payed the waitress, with a polite "Thank you".
[ PC ]
Adam returned from the john after a couple of minutes and saw Alex finishing up his coffee. "Okay, Simon? You ready to roll?"
"Yeah," replied the other cop as he climbed of his stool.
[ MT ]
Seeing the officer approach, Alex quickly stand from your seat and follow to the door.
[ PC ]
"Come on then 'Zen' lets be getting you home to your folks." He waited at the door holding it open for him.
[ MT ]
Alex nodded in appreciation at the door being held, and head toward the waiting police car.
[ PC ]
Adam and Simon headed around the diner to the side where their patrol car was parked and the three of them climbed in. Simon drove slowly through the gathering slush until they got back on the freeway and they could pick up speed again. The roads were just as busy as they were when Alex arrived at the truck stop, and the snow was a little heavier still.
[Jameson, Alexander]
Scene Started: Thu, 20 Apr 2000
Dateline: 11.45am, Thursday, December 24th, 1998
< PC >
Adam sat and talked about his family, and his kids, and his dogs, and his wife, and anything else that seemed to come to mind. Simon, on the other hand barely said a word.
As the car turned the corner into Alexander's street, he could see the old oak tree by the fence, where he, Marcus, Amanda and Peter had played as kids. It was their own den. The elder ones claimed that they had played there before them. But, that it was 'too childish' for them, they were 'older'.
Marcus was the rough one, the one that tended to get the rest into trouble. Peter more conservative, and quite, more like he was there because he didn't want to be alone. He was usually the first one to be volunteered by Marcus to steal the apples from Mr Greenfeld's tree across the road.
Amanda, the youngest girl, was more of a tom-boy. She and Jane just didn't get on. That seemed to be the demarcation line. Jane and Amanda. The 'Teens' and the 'Brats'. Almost the same between Steve and Nicola a few years earlier. No one could really say why they didn't like each other, it was just taken as read that you didn't leave them alone together or something would get broken.
Marcus got into trouble when he tried to defend 'his' sister from Jane. He only did it the once, but Jane knew better from then on.
The street was lined with oaks on both sides as it went up the hill and over the crest. About half way along on the left hand side. Home.
The large white, wooden house, with its shutters on either sides of it's windows. Slopped tiled roof, where Quentin was usually found. Out of reach of just about anyone, though Caleb tried on several occasions. Until he slipped one night and broke his leg. He never admitted what he was on the roof for.
Around the side was a line of apple trees, but somehow they never tasted as good as Mr Greenfeld's. In the drive was a dark blue Chrysler. Dad's car. He was home. To be expected really.
What wasn't so expected was the battered New York cab sitting in the drive beside it. Both covered by a light covering of snow.
"Well son, I hope you have a great christmas, and don't eat too much," said Adam as Simon pulled up to the curb.
[ MT ]
"I shall try not to. Once more I thank you for the ride, first man."
Alexander then walked to the door
[ PC ]
The gravel path crunched familiarly under his feet. Looking in the window as he approached Alex could see the huge Christmas tree filling the bay window. The door was a huge wooden door. Brass knocker, and a single, warped, glass panel.
[ MT ]
Not really sure what to do, he pushed the doorbell. Just walking in unexpectedly would be rather odd.
[ PC ]
After a moment Alex could see a blur of movement through the glass panel as someone came down the hall stairs and approached the door. A thick voice boomed from the other side of the door, "I've got it." From the bulk and the voice it could have been either Alex's father, Samuel, or Marcus. The two were so alike it was eerie, even for a father and son. Samuel's only pity was that Marcus hadn't signed up.
There was a click as the door was opened and began to swing open revealing a broad figure dressed in cheap trousers and a baggy knitted jumper with a rough unshaven jaw. Marcus. Father was always clean shaven. Alex couldn't remember ever seeing his father with even a five o'clock shadow. Marcus always looked as if he was born with one.
Marcus looked Alexander up and down silently then focused on his eyes for a moment before stepping forward and through Alex, picking him up in a huge bear hug in the process. "Mom! Dad! It's Alex!" he boomed, right in Alex's ear, deafening him.
[ MT ]
Alex smiled and hugged his brother back. "I was worried I wouldn't receive such a warm welcome. Who else is here?"
[ PC ]
Marcus released Alexander slightly, enough to let him grab him by the shoulders. "Of course not! We've been worried about you. What happened to your hair? You haven't joined some freaked out cult?" Marcus burst out laughing at the ridiculous idea.
[ MT ]
Alex tried to smile at this. "Depends on what you're calling a whacked out cult, I guess." He then tried to work his way into the house, looking to see his other family members.
[ PC ]
"So where have you been?"
[ MT ]
Alex considered for a second how to answer this. "I spent some time studying philosophy, in the mountains."
[ PC ]
"Huh? What happened to the science nerd I knew?"
[ MT ]
Alex shrugged, not really knowing how to answer this. "I'm not really sure myself. I guess I changed."
[ PC ]
"Alexander?" Amanda's voice could be heard approaching the front of the house.
[ MT ]
Alex called, "That it is." Then, to Marcus, "I'm sorry if my return comes as a surprise to you. It came as one to me as well."
[ PC ]
"A welcome one, big brother, a welcome one," with that Marcus gently thrust Alexander toward the open door and their approaching mother.
[ MT ]
Alex caught himself just short of stumbling over, after being pushed by Marcus.
[ PC ]
Through the door came Amanda, a spritely 63 year old woman, who didn't look a day over 45. She was wearing a dark blue cardigan over a light blue blouse with light beige slacks. With a huge beaming smile she wrapped her arms around Alexander. "Welcome home. We were so worried. Where have you been?"
[ MT ]
Alex smiled at Amanda. "I've been seeking wisdom. And my search has brought me back here."[ PC ]
Amanda turned and led Alexander into the house and through to the kitchen. "You're just in time for lunch. You look like you could do with a big meal. Haven't you been eating properly. Come on take your coat of let your mother have a look at you."
The kitchen only had a few decorations, mostly around the fridge. Every available surface was buried under a pile of plates of covered food. On one worktop sat a huge chicken all stuffed and ready for cooking. Amanda put the kettle on and started toasting some bread under the grill.
"Your father's over by the University, helping Peter move his things to another room. There was some sort of leak, a burst pipe would you believe. Peter's floor was flooded. Marcus is on his way over there just now to get them both back for lunch."
"Here, that should get you started," she said as she put a plate of buttered toast down in front of Alexander beside a cup of strong coffee. "Now what would you like for your lunch, you look half starved."
[ MT ]
Alex removed his coat, placed it on the back of a chair, and sat at the kitchen table. Then he carefully examined the toast, considering. Temporarily ignoring the question he was asked, Alex asked "Is this real butter? I've stopped eating animal products, and couldn't eat this unless this is margarine or something similar." He tried his best to look apologetic while taking a sip of the coffee.
[ PC ]
Amanda nodded at this then glanced over at the chicken. "I think we better take you shopping. For food, and from the lightness of your bags, I might suggest presents. My treat. Drink your coffee and I'll get Marcus to run us into town."
[ MT ]
"I'm afraid I was unable to procure presents on the short notice I had. Some shopping would be a good idea."
[ PC ]
Amanda stepped over to the door, "Marcus!"
After a moment Marcus popped his head round the door to the kitchen, "Yeah?"
"Could you drop your brother and I of in the town, before going to Peter's. Take a plate of food for the three of you rather than comming all the way back over here just to go back again."
Amanda handed Marcus a plate from the many and shooed him out the door. "Come on Alex, drink your coffee and we'll go. I just need to grab my coat and purse. Be right back." With that Amanda nipped out the door.
[ MT ]
Zen tried to finish his coffee as quickly as possible, without burning his tongue. Then he gathered his coat and waited for his mother to return, so they could go.
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This Page Last Modified: Sun, 19 Nov 2000
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