Life on Another Planet Ch. 06-09

"Yeah ... there's an exercise room that I use every day in the apartment building."

"Good for you, Jesse. I think you're going to fit in just fine here," Chunky grinned. "See you Wednesday. I'll have a t-shirt and cap for you then."

"Thanks, Chunky, see you then."

Jesse walked back to his bike with a smile on his face. This team was a real mix of guys like him who played high school or Babe Ruth ball, along with some guys who just wanted to play ball but had no real competitive experience. But Jesse wasn't looking for anything more than a place to play and a team to play for and tonight had presented that to him.

Chapter 7 Wednesday, August 3, 2011 6:45pm

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Eve had insisted that she drive Jesse and the two boys to the game at Kitsilano Park. She was delighted that Jesse had found something that would give him some enjoyment and a chance to meet new people. She recognized all the signs of anticipation in the young man. He was as keyed up as a kid at Christmas. This was much more important to Jesse than he was letting on.

"Jeeze, you brought a whole rooting section with you," Chunky said as the foursome approached.

"I need all the support I can get," Jesse grinned. "The boys want to play Little League next year, so I couldn't keep them away. Eve volunteered to drive us here."

"Hi, Eve," Chunky smiled in familiar greeting. "You psychoanalysed this guy yet?" he kidded.

"Of course. Would you like to be next?" she laughed.

"No thanks. I've got too many secrets," Chunky laughed in return.

The boys and Eve found seats in the meagre stands and watched as the team warmed up. Jesse was playing shortstop again, although his more familiar spot would have been second base. It really didn't matter to him. He was playing his favourite game and that was enough.

It was the sixth inning and The Luckies were at bat. The Blue's pitcher was obviously tiring and Jesse thought Chunky must have been thinking about taking him out for a relief pitcher, but saw no one warming up. In the meantime, a great big hulk of a guy slammed a ball into right field for a long single. He seemed a lot more fleet of foot, so Jesse moved to cover second base.

As events unfolded, the next batter hit a fly ball into left centerfield and Jesse moved to take a relay, intending to hold the batter to a double at best. He'd moved out to the edge of the infield, planning to take the outfielders throw and relay it to the second baseman to either tag the batter or hold him there. What Jesse didn't count on was the over-eager hulk on first base rounding deep into the infield and heading for third base on the hit. As Jesse waited to receive the ball, he was hit full-on by the big man and knocked flying.

Jesse was groggy and his nose was bleeding from the impact. The runner had stumbled after the impact and been tagged by the third baseman for the out. At that point, the umpire called time out and they began to attend to Jesse.

"Are you okay, Jesse?" third baseman Doug Gallagher asked.

"I don't know. Man, that guy hits like an elephant. Is my nose broken?"

"I don't think so," a woman's voice answered.

Jesse's vision was blurred, but what he could see was a very large-breasted woman leaning over him and attending to his nose.

"Hold still, Stud. This is going to sting," she warned.

Jesse did as he was told, but flinched when the woman pinched his nose, checking to make sure it wasn't broken. It made his eyes water even more and his vision was very blurry. The woman must have recognized that and pulled out a tissue from her kit bag.

"Aside from your nose, how are you feeling?" she asked. "Any headache, nausea, dizziness?

"I don't think so," Jesse groaned. "My nose hurts like hell, but I'm okay otherwise, I think."

"Okay, just take it easy. Can you stand up?"

Jesse struggled to his feet with the woman's help. He was a bit unstable and leaned against his helper, getting the full impact of her large breasts at that moment.

"Sorry ... just a bit woozy. I'll be okay," Jesse said, his face showing his embarrassment at the personal contact.

"Not a problem, Sunshine," she said with a friendly smile. "Let's slowly walk over to the stands and you can sit while I make sure that bleeding has stopped. I'm guessing you're going to be sporting a couple of black eyes soon.

Eve, Mica, and Tony gathered around while the woman, Wanda Castellano, made sure the nose had stopped bleeding.

"Not too bad," she said. "Not broken, just bloodied. It will be a little sore for a day or so, but otherwise, you'll be okay."

"Thank you, Wanda," Eve said. "I'm glad you were here."

"I try to be at all the games, Eve. My clinic hours are a lot more forgiving than my former hospital hours."

"I know what you mean. No one likes twelve hour night shifts. I take it you're enjoying working at the clinic?"

"Yes ... very much. I feel like I'm contributing more there. I like the staff and I love the hours," she chuckled.

"I've been spoiled," Eve said. "I haven't had to work nights for two years now. It won't be long before I'm finished my residency and on my own."

"What then?" Wanda asked.

"Good question. Probably set up a private practice. The alternative is to work in a clinic environment like you do. I haven't decided yet."

Jesse was listening to the two women chat and Wanda Castellano continued to monitor his nose for bleeding.

"There you are, Jesse. The bleeding has stopped and as long as you don't bump into something or someone else in the next couple of hours, you'll be okay. I can't do anything about the black eyes, however. They'll show up tomorrow morning."

"Thanks, Mrs. Castellano. I'm glad you were here, otherwise I'd have to have Chunky deal with me," he joked weakly.

"I wouldn't advise that," she said with a scowl. "He's only a student, not an intern. He has trouble with band aids. God knows what kind of a doctor he'll make. By the way, everyone calls me Wanda."

Jesse was perceptive enough to know that she was kidding him, especially since Chunky was right there beside her. It seemed his aunt didn't cut him any slack.

"Take it easy, Jesse," Chunky said. "Doug will take short stop and Willie will take over third. We're almost finished anyway. We've got these guys right where we want them. They're up four runs and ripe for the pickin'," he grinned.

"Go get 'em," Jesse said with a smile. This was what playing ball with friends was all about, he thought. This was what he needed right now. It was his own inattention that got him into the collision. He'd have to remember to be more alert in future.

~*~

"I take it you know Mrs. Castellano from when she worked at the hospital," Jesse said as they drove home.

"Yes, Wanda was a duty nurse for quite a few years before she got fed up with long hours and union politics. She took a job at one of the new clinics and has been much happier ever since. And ... it's Miss Castellano. She's never married."

"Oh ... thanks for letting me know. It's sure handy to have her around when accidents happen."

"Yes ... it was good luck, although your injury wasn't too serious. I could have handled it too, but she had the kit. She made sure it wasn't any more than a bloody nose. I hope it won't be too painful that you can't get a proper night's sleep."

"I've had my nose bloodied before, but I have to admit, this was as hard a hit as I can ever remember," Jesse admitted.

"Will you have a black eye tomorrow?" Mica asked from the back seat.

"Probably two of them," Jesse answered. "I'll look like a panda bear."

Mica laughed.

"You played good," Tony chimed in. "You caught all the balls they hit to you and you hit two yourself."

"I was lucky to get a couple of singles," Jesse said. "My swing isn't back in form yet. Next game should be better."

"Can we go to the next game, Mom?" Mica asked.

"Yes ... it's on Sunday, so we'll go. Besides, Jesse needs a ride to the ballpark. He can't ride the bike all the way there."

"Yay!" both Mica and Tony chimed in, giving each other a high five.

Sunday, August 7, 2011, Queens Park, 1:40pm

Jesse had quickly gotten to know all the players on the team. It was a mixed bag of young men with a couple of middle-aged ones as well. Several were students just looking for some organized recreation, while others were working men, several using baseball for a night out with the boys until bowling season started. There weren't any of the group that didn't get along or looked like misfits. Not all of them were equally skilled, but then, Jesse didn't expect that. He knew he was probably in the upper half of the skills of the group, but it didn't really matter. He just wanted to play.

Queens Park was one of the better fields they would use. The facilities were much better than their home field in Kitsilano, and the grounds were well kept, even the baseball outfield. The stands were triple the size of their home park as well. This facility was as good as any he had ever played on. To add to the good mood, it was a warm, sunny day.

Jesse's eyes had started to turn from black to an ugly yellow and purple and Jesse chuckled when he remembered Kirsten's reaction to him the morning after the collision when he showed up at his usual time in the exercise room.

"Jesse!" she said with an alarmed look. "What happened to you?"

"I got hit by a dump truck," he chuckled. "A collision playing baseball last night," he explained.

"Oh ... I thought baseball was a safe sport," she said, examining him carefully.

"Usually it is, but I didn't get out of the way of a runaway bull when I should have and got nailed."

"Is it broken?" she asked, concern written on her face.

"No ... just a nose bleed and a bad bruise. I was lucky."

"Oh ... that's good," she said with a sigh of relief. "Papa had his nose broken more than one time. You can tell when you look at it."

"This will be gone in a few days and I'll be back to normal, but thanks for your concern."

Jesse was intrigued by the fact that Kirsten was actually worried about him and his injury. That was both a surprise and a delight. He tried not to read too much into it, but maybe ... just maybe.

As they arrived at the visitor's dugout in Queen's Park, Jesse was approached by the big man who'd run him down during the previous game. He wasn't sure what he wanted, but stood his ground as the man approached.

"Hi, I'm Brian Vanderwald," he said in a friendly tone with his hand extended.

Jesse relaxed a little and shook his hand.

"I'm sorry about running you down in the last game. I wanted to apologize, but you were getting some treatment and by the time I could get over to see you, you were surrounded by people. I'm pretty clumsy on the base path, as you might have guessed, so next time I'll holler a warning," he grinned.

"No problem. Thanks for the apology, but accidents happen. No real harm done. Ever thought about a career in football?" Jesse asked with a grin.

Brian laughed. "Already have. I play for the Lions ... right tackle on offence."

"Oh, so this is your second sport?"

"Naw, this is just for fun. Football's a business, and right now it's my livelihood. Say, our season's started. Can I get you some tickets for the next home game? It would be a way to say sorry for messing up your face."

"I wouldn't want you to have to spend money on something as minor as this," Jesse said.

"No problem. We get a few complimentary tickets for friends and family for each game. How about four for the Hamilton game the week after next?"

"Well ... that's very kind of you. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Give me your address and I'll make sure you get them. They're good seats."

Eve stepped in and gave the man her card. "Jesse lives at this address. Thank you for your consideration, Brian. I'm sure we'll enjoy the game."

Jesse noticed the now familiar high five Mica and Tony shared in agreement.

"Good. It's all set then. Now, I'll try not to make the same mistake today, agreed?"

Jesse laughed. "I'm all in favour of that."

Eve watched the big man walk away. "That was very gentlemanly of him, Jesse. It was a very nice gesture too."

"Yeah ... I didn't know what to expect when he walked over, but it wasn't that. Anyway, he seems like a nice guy and the free tickets are a bonus. I got the message that the boys agreed," he said, looking at Mica and Tony.

"Yeah ... that was great. He's a real football player, too," Mica said.

"We can look him up on the Internet," Tony said.

"Yeah ... we can find out all about him," Mica chimed in.

Eve and Jesse shared a smile at the boys' enthusiasm.

The ball game was uneventful and, as luck would have it, Jesse was seldom called upon to make a play. Most of the balls hit were to the outfield or other infielders. He had only to make two plays and executed both of them flawlessly. His hitting was erratic, but he ended the day with a scratch single and a misplayed double which could easily have been another out. It really didn't matter. They had won the game 4-3 to split the series, and more importantly, he'd had fun.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 2pm

Jesse had just come back from a bike ride and had stopped on the main floor to check the mail. An older woman was in the enclosure and was struggling with several bags, most of which looked like groceries.

"Can I help you, Ma'am? Which floor are you on?" he asked.

"Oh, that's very kind of you, young man. I'm on fourteen," she said apologetically.

"Well you're in luck. I'm on fourteen too. Here, let me take most of those bags."

"Thank you," she smiled. "I'm Ellen Coultard. I don't believe we've met. Which unit are you in?"

"I'm Jesse Peterson. I'm staying with Doctor Mikeska in 1401. You must be in 1403."

"That's right. I thought I heard a strange voice now and then in the hallway. How long have you been living there?"

"A little over three weeks."

"Will you be staying there just this summer?"

Jesse sighed, the questions were getting close to the danger zone.

"No, I'll be there for the foreseeable future. I'm a patient of Doctor Mikeska's and she's helping me with some memory loss issues."

"Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that. I don't mean to pry, but what about your parents?"

Jesse steeled himself. "They're dead. I'm an orphan I guess you could say. The doctor took pity on me and invited me to stay with her until ... well ... until I can find my way on my own."

"Oh my, how horrible for you. I'm so sorry for bringing up such a hurtful subject. Please excuse a nosy old lady," she said.

Jesse smiled, having no doubt of her sincerity. "That's okay. I'm gradually getting used to the idea."

"What will you do with yourself this fall? Will you be going to school?"

"I'm not sure. My memory isn't very good for schoolwork right now, so I guess I'll be studying to try and catch up. I was supposed to go to UBC this fall, but that's out now. I'd like to find a part time job if I can."

"Oh ... that's interesting. I may know of someone who could use a person part time. It's a local book store. I've been going there for years and I know Grant Norwood, the owner, quite well. Would you be interested?"

"Very much interested, Mrs. Coultard. I'd love to work in a book store. I've always been a reader, so it would fit well with me."

"Oh good. Let's plan on going there on Saturday morning. Will that be alright with you?"

"I think so. I don't have a driver's license yet, so I'll need to have Doctor Mikeska drive us. Let me talk to her and make sure she'll be able to. Where is the store located?"

"Not far from here on 4th Avenue, just the other side of Burrard St. You could walk there, but it would be a bit too far for me," she said.

"How do you get there now?" he asked, curious.

"Taxi. It's not my favourite method of transportation, but it gets me there."

"That's expensive, isn't it?"

"I only use it once or twice a week, so it's not a problem. I'm not poor, Jesse, or I wouldn't be living in this nice apartment building. Don't worry about the expense. I can afford it," she smiled.

"Oh ... okay ... I'll talk to Eve ... Doctor Mikeska, and see if Saturday morning is okay with her. I'll let you know as soon as I find out."

They had been holding their conversation in the 14th floor hallway before Jesse helped carry the bags into Mrs. Coultard's apartment.

"Thank you again, Jesse. I'm very grateful for your help."

"You're welcome, Ma'am. I'll let you know about Saturday," he said before letting himself out.

He was pleased that he might be able to obtain a job, and in a book store too. That would be a bonus. He had visions of mopping kitchen and bathroom floors in some restaurant. That was a lot less appealing.

"I met another of our neighbours, Eve," he announced as he walked into the kitchen.

"Oh, who was that?"

"Mrs. Coultard. She lives in 1403. I helped her with some grocery bags. She said she knew where there might be a part time job for me."

"Wow, you got a lot accomplished in one elevator ride," Eve smiled.

"I guess this was my lucky day," Jesse grinned. "The job is at a book store and that's a place I'm sure I'd enjoy working. She's going to introduce me to the owner on Saturday. Is it possible you could give us a ride to the store? She doesn't have a car."

Eve was almost laughing at Jesse and he spilled out the information and his request.

"I think I can find the time. Where is the store?"

"She said it was nearby on 4th Avenue, the other side of Burrard."

"That's not far," she said. "It sounds ideal for you. You could ride there on the bike or even walk if necessary."

"I was thinking that same thing. I hope it really is an opportunity. It would give me something to do that would earn me some money of my own."

"It really bothers you that I've been providing you with money doesn't it?"

"Yes. I'm not used to it. I didn't have to buy everything for myself, but if I wanted something for myself like a baseball glove, or some money for a date, or gas for one of the cars, I would have to earn it. It's been that way since I was fourteen and old enough to have a paper route."

"Well, that attitude will stand you in good stead, Jesse. Too many young people today expect to have the things they want just handed to them. And unfortunately, too many of their parents agree to their demands. I think your parents did you a very good turn teaching you the value of earning your way. I know you are having a hard time accepting gifts from me, but you didn't have any alternative. You couldn't have a job, so there was no way to earn the money that would buy those things. I took that responsibility, and I don't regret it for a moment."

Jesse was silent as she explained herself to him. He understood, but still had a hard time reconciling her generosity with her comments. But nothing was going to change her mind, so he resigned himself to getting used to the idea.

"Oh, by the way, I picked up a brochure on applying for a driver's license for you. You'll be able to apply now that you have your identity card. I'm sure you'd like to be able to drive again, right?"

"Oh ... yeah ... absolutely. Thanks. I'll go over the manual and see if it's any different from what I remember. Thanks, Eve," he said, pleased at her thoughtfulness. With a license he could drive and perhaps earn enough money to buy a car.

Chapter 8 The Book Store

Saturday, August 13, 2011, 10am

"Grant, I'd like you to meet Jesse Peterson," Mrs. Coultard said with a smile. "He's a neighbour of mine and he's looking for a part-time job. You told me you were looking for someone to work part time, so here he is."

"Well, nice to meet you, Jesse. I'm Grant Norwood. Why don't we go into my office and we can talk," he said with a friendly smile.