Symby (16 page)

Jody couldn't wait any longer. He hadn't spoken to his father for three weeks now, and for three years before that. He'd taken to arguing with his mother about allowing his father back, behavior that he regretted, but he was doing it for the best of reasons. His mother remained steadfast in her belief that Spud was just a disappointment waiting to happen, but Jody felt differently. The look in his father's eyes before he left told Jody all he needed to know about his father's prospects for a complete recovery. There had been promises made and promises broken before, but he had never seen that look in his father's eyes, one of steely determination. His father loved him and wanted to be with him again, and Jody could tell that Spud was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. So was Jody.

Jody and his mom ate breakfast in virtual silence, frost chilling the air between them. The perpetual tug of war between them had even dampened his mother's excitement about Jody's second amazing recovery.

As usual, his mom left for work before he left for school. Jody had resumed jogging to school recently, but today's trip would be accomplished at a much more deliberate pace. He planned to travel light. He placed the bag lunch he had already prepared for himself into the back pocket of his knapsack and added two water bottles to the side pockets. Returning to his room, he placed the most important item he needed for this trip into the large pocket, leaving the top open to provide Telly with plenty of fresh air. Jody could feel Telly's vibrations gently massaging his back through the knapsack.

"Well, you're a happy little guy today, aren't you, Telly?" said Jody. "Stay that way, because we've got a big day ahead of us." Jody really had no idea whether Telly's and Symby's vibrations meant that they were happy, or even if they were capable of emotions like happiness, but it certainly felt that way.

Walking out to the backyard, he called out to Snuffles, who was still sleeping in his doghouse.

"Come on Snuffy, wake up," he said. "I'm heading out now. We're taking Telly with us today."

Snuffles jumped up, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the dawn of a new day. Snuffles had returned to his puppy-like energy levels again. Now that Jody was so much better, the two of them had started playing together much like they had years ago. Snuffles was no golden retriever, but when Jody threw a stick or a ball, Snuffles went after it with enthusiasm and energy. Snuffles was looking leaner and, well, just leaner, thought Jody.

Jody locked the front door to the house and unlatched the front gate, allowing Snuffles to pass before he closed it behind them. Normally, Jody turned to the right to go to school, but he turned to the left instead. Jody had always been one of the good kids, never truant, never late, but today would be different. He was cutting school for a day. Missy wouldn't be expecting him at school, as he had informed her of his plan the day before.

The day was hot, above ninety degrees, but a small breeze occasionally cooled Jody as he walked. Jody wondered if the years-long drought would ever end, but he was grateful that it was not raining on this particular day. He pulled out his printout from maps4u.com and examined it to ensure that he didn't miss the first turn and then stuffed the piece of paper back into his pocket.

"What's the matter, Snuffles, are you confused?" said Jody to his traveling companion. "You ought to know where we're heading, because you've been there before." He patted Snuffle's head and began a one-way conversation with Snuffles as he walked to help pass the time. His newly strengthened legs were beginning to wear down by the time he finally arrived at his destination.

As he eyed the rakes, shovels, lawn chairs and other items displayed out front, Jody couldn't help thinking that from the outside Burt's Hardware looked like one of those old main street hardware stores from the thirties. The billboard he had seen on his way in off the highway had helped to create that impression. The owners looked a lot like that old couple who were farmers in those early black and white movies.

"Ma and Pa Kettle, but with smiles and a dog instead of a pitchfork," thought Jody, remembering that he and his father had enjoyed watching those movies occasionally when Jody was very young. Jody also thought it was odd that the people who owned the store also owned a dog that looked just like Snuffles.

When Jody entered the store, he was greeted by the woman he recognized from the billboard. She sat behind the cash register in a large chair with a metal cane standing on its own next to her. She had the look of a woman who had spent a great deal of her life smiling and she smiled at him warmly.

"May I help you with something, young man?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm looking for Spud Mattlin," answered Jody. "He told me he works here." Jody waited in suspense for her answer. If his father hadn't been working there, or if he had relapsed and been fired, all bets were off. He breathed a sigh of relief when she answered affirmatively.

"Spud is out back in the garden center," she answered. "Just head straight back and go through the double doors."

Jody walked down the aisle for a few steps, and then turned back to the woman at the cash register.

"How is Spud?" he asked.

"Just fine, as far as I know," she answered. "He's been a huge help to us around here, might have even saved our business. Why do you ask?"

Jody grinned, so relieved he could barely contain himself. "Well, he's my father, and..." The woman cut him short.

"You're Spud's son? You're Jody?"

Jody nodded and began to reply, but she cut him off again, yelling at the top of her lungs.

"Spud, get out here!" she blared, her voice so loud it was almost frightening. "Spud, come up front!"

Jody focused on the double doors, waiting anxiously for his father to pass through. One minute later, his father burst through the doors looking harried.

"Sorry, I was helping a customer and..." he stopped in mid-apology when he saw Jody. "Jody!" he said. "What are you doing here? Isn't today a school day?"

"Yeah, Dad, it is," answered Jody. "Mom wouldn't let me come and see you on the weekends, so I cut school. I just needed to see you."

Spud had no intention of chiding his son for missing school. He had no right to counsel Jody for missing one day of school after he had dropped out of his entire life for more than three years. "It's good to see you son," he said. He walked over to Jody and embraced him.

Burton appeared at the end of an aisle and watched the two of them. "I guess we should we just declare this Kumbaya day. Hugs for everyone!" he teased.

Spud pulled away from his son and addressed Burton.

"Burton, this is my son Jody," he explained. "He cut school today to come see me. Is that great or what?"

Burton laughed and walked up to Jody, extending his arm for a handshake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jody," he said. "I've heard so many great things about you. I hope you're not expecting a hug, 'cause I'm already past my quota today!"

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. ..., I'm sorry, I don't know your last name," said Jody.

"Burton will do just fine," said Burton. "If you get tired of two syllables, then Burt is plenty." Jody already liked both Burton and Thelma. His father had landed in a good place, he thought.

"You look great," said Spud, complimenting his son. "Is it just me or have you gotten taller in the last few weeks?

"I don't think I'm actually any taller, Dad," answered Jody. "It just seems that way because my muscles have relaxed. I've been jogging to school again."

"Really?" said Spud. "So my little gift is helping you too, right?"

"Sure seems that way," said Jody. "Either that or you gave me the best placebo ever!"

Spud was intrigued. He turned to Burton, preparing to ask for the remainder of the day off. He and Jody had a lot to talk about. Thelma cut him off before he had a chance to ask.

"Spud, I think Burton and I can handle the store without you today. Why don't you take the rest of the day and enjoy it with Jody."

Spud looked hopefully at Burton. Burton knew that Thelma had already made up both of their minds.

"You two have a day together," said Burton. "No sense in wasting a perfectly good day of playing hooky. Besides, family comes first."

Jody, Spud, Snuffles and Telly walked out of Burt's Hardware store together. Spud watched Jody walk with amazement. His gait was smooth, with none of the jerking and spasms he had exhibited the last time they had met. Suddenly Jody was slightly taller than Spud. Yes, Jody had told him that Symby had virtually cured him, but he hadn't truly believed that Telly would have such an immediate and dramatic effect on his son. His remaining doubts about Telly and Symby vanished, replaced by a sense of hope and wonderment. How powerful were these little creatures? What were they? More importantly, what else could they do?

"You're looking good, son, really good," he said, confident that they were now alone. "Is it Telly that's doing it?"

Jody answered affirmatively. "It's gotta be Telly," he said. "I wasn't so sure about the first time I got better when I had Symby, but now Telly is doing the same thing. I brought Telly with me in case you need him. He's in my knapsack."

"Thanks, son, but I'm hanging in there," said Spud. "When I first got Telly, there were a couple of days where I didn't use him and the cravings came back right away. But I think that maybe I had him long enough that I got used to being sober. I still get desires for drinks, but I can control them now. I have to admit, though, that with Telly it was easy to keep away from the booze. You keep him, though. Your problems are much worse than mine."

Jody stopped and pulled his knapsack off his back. He reached into the large open pocket and pulled out Telly.

"Here, Dad," he said. "Keep him while I'm here at least and maybe you'll get a dose or two to help you out."

This was an offer that Spud couldn't refuse. It would be nice to spend a day without fighting against his desire for liquor, sort of a little vacation. He took Telly and placed him on his shoulder as they resumed walking.

"Thanks, son," he said. "I guess a little extra protection can't hurt."

"Where are we heading?" asked Jody.

"First we're going to the grocery store. They've got a little restaurant in there. We can grab a sandwich and a soda. After that, would you like to see where I've been living all these years?"

"Sure Dad, that sounds great," said Jody enthusiastically. He thought of the years he had spent wondering where his father had gone. He was about to find out.

Both Jody and Spud ordered ham and swiss sandwiches on rye at the deli counter. As they sat and talked at the table, a middle-aged heavyset woman approached them.

"Morning, Spud," she said cheerily. "Who's the handsome boy?"

Spud couldn't resist a wisecrack. He affected a puzzled look.

"Why I'm right here in front of you, Evelyn" he said, pausing for effect. "Oh, you mean
this
handsome boy," he said, motioning towards Jody. "This is my son, Jody."

Evelyn laughed and shook Jody's hand. "It's so nice to meet Spud's son," she said. "Spud's one of our favorite customers, despite his twisted sense of humor!"

It was Jody and Spud's turn to laugh. Before they finished, Evelyn called out to another employee. Spud recognized her as Christie, the cash register girl who had finally warmed to him. Jody was pleased to see Christie depart from her cash register and come over to his table. She was hot. Evelyn and Spud introduced her to Jody. After a brief conversation, during which Christie also expressed her enjoyment of Spud as a customer, Christie called out to a skinny boy with glasses, who also spent some time at the table.

Spud and Jody were ultimately surrounded by six employees who seemed thrilled to meet Spud's son, oohing and aahing over him. Apparently, Spud hadn't lost his natural charisma. Eventually, the store manager had to chase all six people back to their jobs. She, too, spent some time cooing over Jody before returning to her job. Jody was enjoying all the attention. He was glad he had come.

Alone again, Spud asked whether he was still seeing Missy.

"Yep, we're still hooking up," responded Jody. Spud panicked as his fatherly instincts kicked in.

"By hooking up, you don't mean..."

"No, Dad," said Jody. "We're not having sex. Nowadays, hooking up is just sort of like going steady in your day. Hell, we weren't even healthy enough to have sex even if we wanted to for most of our time together."

Spud breathed an internal sigh of relief. There were plenty of other problems to deal with, let alone a pregnancy.

"So how's she doing?" he asked.

"Just like me, Dad," answered Jody. "When I gave her Symby the first time she got way better. Then Jimmy stole Symby and she got worse. Ever since Jimmy gave Symby back, she's been much better again. Her clinic keeps asking her to come in for more blood tests because they can't understand how she got so much better so quickly. Her blood counts are almost normal and her disease has just about disappeared. They've also told her that there's something in her blood that they don't understand, so they keep taking more blood trying to figure it out. That worries me."

"Me too," said Spud. "You two still haven't told anybody about Symby and Telly, right?"

"Nope."

"Not even your mother or Missy's parents?"

"Nope."

"Good, let's keep it that way. I've been thinking about this situation for quite a while. Did it ever occur to you that as far as we know, there might be only two of Telly and Symby's kind on the planet? I mean, I think if there were other creatures that could heal people, we'd have heard about it, don't you think?"

"Probably," agreed Jody.

"So the problem is that you and Missy desperately need Symby and Telly to keep your diseases from coming back. If that's true, then what if other people try to take away Symby and Telly? It's already happened once with Symby."

"Besides somebody trying to take them, there's another problem, Dad," said Jody. "What if Symby and Telly die?"

"You're right, I thought of that one, too," said Spud. "Maybe somebody or some company or the government can figure out a way to synthesize our little savior's medicine, but for now let's just keep quiet about this until we can think of the right approach."

"Okay, Dad," said Jody. "Dad, did you ever think about how crazy this conversation would sound to other people who might be listening? I mean, here we are talking about a little creature that might be from outer space that heals people. People would think we're nuts!"

"I have thought about that, son," responded Spud. " But I'm already used to people thinking I'm nuts!" He smiled. Jody smiled back and the two of them walked on.

Jody was fascinated by the long and winding trail they took to arrive at Spud's campsite. They walked one-quarter mile from the hardware store, then turned right and walked another quarter mile south until they came upon an elementary school. Spud walked to the back of the elementary school past the swing sets and slides to a trail in the woods. The trail was barely a trail at all, just a slightly beaten path of rotted leaves and twigs with numerous tree branches extending out across the path. This part of the journey felt more like a safari than a hike. Jody estimated they had walked another half mile on this windy, encumbered path before they arrived at a small roundish clearing in the woods, no more than one hundred feet in diameter.

"Welcome to my home, son," declared Spud. "I know you're not impressed!"

Actually, Jody was impressed. The two dominant features of the campsite were the tent and the fireplace. The fireplace had various pots and cooking implements suspended from a stick above it. The tent was small, approximately three feet high. Gallon jugs filled with water were lined up near the fireplace. A clothesline hung between two trees with several items of clothing pinned to it. Several well-worn plastic coolers were positioned next to the tent. A large red wagon was parked behind the tent. That was about all there was to the place where his father had lived for more than three years. Jody had a hard time believing that a human being could survive with so few possessions, but his father had survived like this for three years.

"This is cool, Dad!" Jody enthused.

"You're probably the only one on earth who thinks so," said Spud.

"Don't you worry about bears and snakes?" asked Jody.

"One time I woke up and heard a rustling outside the tent. Turned out a bear was trying to open one of my coolers."

"Whoa, what happened?"

"He had a nice meal and left. I wasn't about to mess with a bear!" laughed Spud. "The real problem is people. I came back to camp one time to find most of my stuff was gone. That sucked."

"So what happened?"

"I found a bottle that they had missed, so I drank it. That's how things were before Telly arrived. This place was a mess, and so was I."

Jody felt sorry for his father. At heart, he was a good, caring person. Even when he was drunk, he had never been mean, just sad. Thinking of him living all alone out here for three years was depressing.

"So where did you find Telly?" asked Jody.

"Over by the fireplace. He was eating some food I had left in my plate from the night before. See that water pot hanging over the fire? I heard a loud bang during the night. I went out to see what it was, but I couldn't see anything, so I went back to sleep. The next morning, there were some rocks in the pot that were glowing with a weird greenish tint. That's when I first saw Telly."

Jody walked over to the fireplace. The bottom of the sturdy iron pot had been dented, just like Snuffle's pot had been. He began scanning the ground around the fireplace. He didn't have to scan long before he saw the tiny rocks, still glowing green, just like the rocks at his house. Jody could barely contain his excitement.

"Dad, these are just like the rocks I found at my house a few days before Snuffles dropped Symby on me after I collapsed! They glow green, just like these! Snuffle's water pot was dented too, just like this one!"

Spud considered Jody's information for a moment before announcing his conclusion.

"You know, Jody, there's only so much worrying a man can do about being called crazy before the evidence overwhelms him. We're both thinking the same thing, right?"

"Yeah, that finding green glowing rocks in both dented water pots in two different locations just before Symby and Telly show up is too much of a coincidence to ignore. They've got to be from outer space, right!"

"Right," said Spud. "Now that we've said it, let's shut up about it just to make sure we don't get put into straitjackets, okay?"

"Okay, Dad," agreed Jody.

Spud brought Jody down to the river. Jody was fascinated when his father explained that he had been bathing, shaving and brushing his teeth in this water for the last three years.

"Aren't there bacteria in the water, Dad? Don't you get sick?

"Naah, it's fine for bathing, but I always make sure I boil my water first before I drink it. That's what all those plastic jugs are for next to the fireplace."

"Wow, Dad, you've really got it all figured out, don't you?"

"Don't be impressed, son," said Spud. "This is just surviving, not living. I left my real life behind when I came here. Not a day goes by that I don't regret what I left behind."

"Don't give up, Dad, it can still be the way it was. We just have to work on Mom," said Jody.

"Speaking of your Mom, the last thing we need is for her to find out that you're skipping school to see me. We've got to get you back home before school is over and hope that your school doesn't report you."

"But Mom will be home in two hours, Dad," said Jody. "I can't get home that quick."

"I've got an idea about that, but we'd better hurry," said Spud.

Spud, Jody, Snuffles and Telly were back at Burt's Hardware Store in less than half an hour, huffing, puffing and sweating. Spud burst through the store's entrance with Jody and Snuffles following closely.

"Burton, I need to get my kid a bicycle! Help us out, will you?" said Spud, still trying to catch his breath. Burton was busy with a customer, prompting Spud to walk Jody to the correct aisle himself.

"Here's our fabulous collection of bikes," he said, motioning to the bottom of a large shelf.

There were only four bicycles. Two of them were girl's bicycles. The boy's bicycles were old-fashioned three-speeds covered in dust. Jody wondered whether they even made tires for these dinosaurs anymore. There wasn't a cool bike to be had.

"Jeez, Dad, these bikes are ancient!" Jody protested. "Don't you have any mountain bikes? That's what all the kids use these days. These bikes aren't cool at all!"

"I'll tell you what, son, next time you come here you can be our coolness consultant. We could use a little advice on that. For now, pick one and climb on!"

Jody pulled the least offensive relic, a three-speed, olive green Raleigh, out of its long-time home on the shelf and rolled it outside. The critical moment had arrived.

"Think you can handle it?" asked Spud nervously.

"I don't know, Dad," replied Jody. "I'm pretty sure my muscles can handle it, but it's been so long since I've ridden a bike, I'm not sure I remember how."

Spud had a ready answer for Jody's concern.

"Ever hear of the expression, 'it's like riding a bike; once you learn you never forget?' Well, that's what's going to happen here. I taught you years ago, and I'm willing to bet you haven't forgotten. Just like we did when you were little, you're going to climb on and I'll jog alongside you and catch you if you fall. Okay?"