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Friday, May 13, 2011

Chapter 15

A week later I heard from Chuck. “Come over. I got fired. I can't talk about it on the phone.”

So, from what I understand, he was moving a big truck and he crashed it into another big truck. Lots of damage. Oh Chuck, Chuck. He said he was afraid they would try to charge him with doing it on purpose. I told him if needed I would testify to the fact that he would never hurt a vehicle on purpose. Then I started going over every day to spend some time with him. He was very depressed. I still loved him and was committed to trying to help him.

His greenhouse started producing like crazy then; there were tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, onions, and he had a small corn field on the side. One day Ellen and I were sitting in my yard and he came over with a big bag of produce, and gave it to her. “Hi! How you been? Here, check out what I've grown in my garden.” They talked for a few minutes while I just sat there with my mouth agape. Then he left.

I looked at her and said, “He's never given me a thing from that garden. And he's only paid me rent twice this year, while I continue to pay for his electricity.” She gave me half of what was in the bag.

Yet, I continued to go over to spend time with him, but we now had a new rule. I was no longer allowed to speak. He told me all I did was jabber and he just wanted to enjoy the silence. He already knew all my opinions about stuff, so unless I had something really important to say, I should just shut up. He would tell me this jokingly, of course.

One day he told me, “I don't care what other people are saying, I think Sarah Palin is HOT.” This from a proclaimed life-long liberal/progressive who always stated he judged people by their character, not by their looks. Well, Chuck, there's a big difference between having character and being one.

Then he said he had decided to try to get back together with his old girlfriend in Northview. Seems he was seeing this lady all the way up to the time he left there. Once he moved to Whispering Springs he had told her he couldn't have a relationship with her any longer because she was bipolar. He said she used to call and beg him to reconsider. Now he was beginning to feel he wasn't really wanted here so he planned to move on. He had high hopes that she would take him back. Maybe she would come up here and help him move.

I decided I had finally found something really important to say. After all the times I had turned the other cheek, it was time now to turn both cheeks and say, kiss my ass. “Get off of my property. Now! Take your crap and get the fuck out of here. Go live with your girlfriend in Northview. But don't you ever bring her here. If I ever see another woman on this property, I will have her arrested for trespassing.” I walked away, for the last time.

A short time later I get this message:
 I asked you to leave me alone
 Instead, you bother me again and state you "want me out of here"
 Give me a reason You want more money?

         I never come over to your house,
       I live with no running water or bathroom facilities - "guests" ask where they can use the         bathroom and I have to say the house is not available . . .
       you figure it out
       they are not impressed
       I'm going to build an outhouse over here for my guests.
      That is not a question.
      And as far as I'm concerned, rent is paid for next month
      No response is required
      And stay away from me
      One more contact from you that is unpleasant, as they have been lately,
      I will contact Terry, Steve and Fred to see what is really going on with you
      In case you don't remember who they are, - they are your sister, brother and father -
      who you have never mentioned in the 4 years we have known each other
      amazing
      just amazing

I called Phil. “You won't believe what's going on here. It's beyond crazy and I really need someone to talk to.”

Hey, we're just getting ready to go for a couple of days on a fishing trip. Why don't you come along, get away from there for a bit?”

Yes, I'd like that.”

That was a good time. Days in the sun by the river. Boat rides and fresh-caught fish for supper. Beers around the campfire at night. Lots of friends and family there. I told them what was going on here. I was told that they always knew there was something wrong with Chuck, but not to worry, they would watch out for me. If I ever needed help, just call.