The drive to church was Cole and me in my car with the understanding I was going right to the house and watching the interview and that I was doing that alone. Dad and Megan and Ashley were in dad's car and got to the church just before Cole and I. Inside I laughed when there were 10 rows of pews reserved for us. Megan, dad and Ashley went to the back to talk with the priest and we discovered upon their return that the babyish would be part of the liturgy and would take place immediately after the Gospel reading. I was all smiles thinking things would be done quicker. Hopefully there would be a very brier sermon. It was indeed quicker because the sermon was a quick explanation of what was going on and why as part of the liturgy. After mass there were more pictures and Cole and I had to sign papers. I laughed when Cole signed under godfather. I took the pen and crossed out the father part and wrote in PARENT. I did the same eliminating mother and signed my name. The priest said Mike, you can't do that. I looked at him and said Father, I didn't realize that but it is what it is. Now we could always go down to the Lutheran Church and see what they have to say. The priest thought for a moment and said Michael that isn't even an option. I said fin and handed him the pen back and said thanks for understanding and you knew about this from the start. So which of the two of us looked like a mother? As expected there was no answer. Then he said, I'll have to discuss this with the Bishop. Well Father you do that and pass this along as well and I handed him an envelope marked PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL, for the BISHOP of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Donald Wuerl. With that we left. Outside Megan asked so what took so long? Cole replied sometimes paperwork is complicated.
I immediately jumped into the car and drove to the house. I turned on the TV rewound the tape and hit play. There was an introduction about who we were as a team and a background of the coach and a too detailed introduction of me. I sped through the commercials and the interview started and they had done a little editing but kept the part in about better questions. None of the questions or answers to the local reporters were included and it went commercial free and at the end there sat Diane who said there would be a follow on this story and a detailed hour long interview with the boy wonder in this time slot just before Thanksgiving. Dam right before the district finals, if we made it that far. Pleased with the content and approach and thinking the message was sent that high school sports are not life altering, I drove to the club.
I was more than 30 minutes late and I found Megan and asked, where is you husband? She pointed to the small conference room and I went in and found dad talking with a guy and two others waiting. I went up to dad and whispered in his ear, please clear the fucking room. He shrugged and said, Mike and I need a few minutes. Once we were alone he said this better be important. Dad, don't you fucking dare do to Megan what you pulled on my mother for years. Be mad at me, I don't give a fuck but get out there with your wife and your daughter. He was flabbergasted and I looked at him and said, now please. Thankfully he did as I had requested. I took a deep bereft and went outside and ran into Jake. Jake said Mike, I was looking for you here is your iced tea and he handed me an Arnold Palmer and I tasted it, smiled and said that's perfect. Would you please find JJ and Cole and give them the same. Yup it was a spiked AP, vodka, tea and lemonade. There were a lot of people, neighbors, people from work, club members some invited and some not. I simply walked around and chatted with people and for the most part it was work. I was looking around for Cole or JJ and found Liam. He came up to me and said that he had a conflict tomorrow and would be free at 12:45 and asked if that would work? I laughed and said impressive, you read work emails on Sunday? He smiled and said well you sent it Sunday so I thought I would read it. I said well make it 1:00 tomorrow.
I was still looking for JJ when I stopped dead in my tracks as walking into the ballroom was our Pastor and the damn Bishop. Without being obvious they were heading straight for me and I decided to simply meet them. I went right up to the Bishop and said, good afternoon your Excellency it is a pleasure to meet you. He replied, actually Michael I have been looking for an opportunity to meet you and your dad's invite provided the perfect opportunity to discuss this and he handed me back the letter. He looked at the Pastor and said Father, Michael and I need some time in private. Bishop, there is a small room over there but I just threw my dad out for acting like a GODFATHER, if you get the drift. How about we walk and talk. With that we went outside and the Bishop said Michael..... and I stopped him and said I actually respond better to Mike. Ok Mike, I didn't open you letter and don't intend to and we don't, we'll I don't, do things that way. Your changes on the certificate stand because they were appropriate. I said thanks but I wish you would reconsider opening the envelop as it provided a years tuition for two needy students at Central Catholic and there was a letter saying there were no strings. Mike, just like you pay tuition for Allen Clarkson. I smiled and said well actually my company does that. The Bishop stopped and looked at me and said don't split hairs with me I was taught about that from the master and trust me you might be talking with your match. Your Excellence, time will tell about that but in the meantime please accept this with no strings attached. Mike, I appreciate it but you will need to find another way. I shrugged and said whatever. Mike we will be working together so I'm looking for a friendly and positive relationship. Your Excellency what did my dad do that I don't know about. Well Mike, he is revamping and modernizing our entire accounting program and tying it in with every parish. Damn, this time it isn't a big deal as it is almost done, just remember garbage in and garbage comes out. So I'm guessing that was the quid pro quo for today? The Bishop smiled and said possibly. I stopped and looked at the Bishop and asked, so why couldn't I get away with that? Mike, first of all your better than that and I don't want you connected any further with Central as you are their graduation speaker this year. Before I could say anything he walked away and I ran into the Mayor. I said Pete, I'll catch up with you as I need to have the Bishop explain something to me.
I found the Bishop quickly and was waiting for him to finishing chatting and he stopped in mid sentence and said well Michael here has a problem with a request I made of him a few minutes ago. Your Excellency, you asked me a few minutes ago not to split hairs so my question is; would you please explain to me how your statement and I quote "you are their graduation speaker" is a request. And while you are at it please tell me how as the personification of their biggest football rival, this is remotely a good idea. I took a deep breath and just stared. Then I decided to deflate the situation and I said your Excellency MJS Technologies is looking forward to a long working relationship with the Diocese of Pittsburgh and I started to walk away. I might have taken three or four steps and I heard, Mike please let me answer those questions. Mike is correct, we had a discussion about splitting hairs and I did not request or ask about the speech I simply informed him. That was both unfair and unreasonable. However, I think that there isn't a rivalry between Central and Mike or his school as Mike and is team simply dominant. Graduates are forced at their ceremony to listen to old people explaining how things will be and the challenges the graduates will experience. I have followed Mike for a while and I even saw him control veteran broadcasters today on TV. He has a lot to offer his peers and I will negotiate with him and his people so that he gives that talk. With that we shook hands and went on our way.
I found Cole and said as Godparents we are going to give a gift to the church and thank everyone for being here and sharing this special moment with us. Cole looked at me and said, we are? I said grab a drink and let's make a toast. I quickly found Jake and we got two spiked drinks and I went up to the microphone and said, ladies and gentlemen Cole and I would appreciate your attention. Once the room was quiet, I said Cole and I are different godparents as neither one of us are female. There was general laughter. As we welcome our sister into the church today in the name of Ashley Megan Simmons, Cole and I would like to make a donation to the Diocese of Pittsburgh in the amount of $10,000 to be used to supplement tuition payments to students wishing to attend their various high schools. Then I asked the Bishop to come up and accept the check. I almost laughed at the fake smile and the more than kind words. Then Cole said, raises you glasses to our sister Ashley and wish her a long, happy, healthy and productive life. As I was turning off the microphone the Bishop said Michael, I will never underestimate you again. I smiled and said I too learned important lessons but mine were from multiple masters.
The event proceeded and people came and went and food was served and drinks flowed and yet the drama continued. There was the spat with the Mayor about an endorsement. A school board member wanted an explanation of the message from the interview. Finally I saw JJ and we went outside and sat by the 18th green and he asked about Jack and Jace and their comment last night. We discussed it and I assured him that I didn't feel that way and that all I knew is that we were good for each other and I told him about the chat I had with Jack earlier and that we were good. We were outside enjoying the quiet and talking longer that I should have been and we finally went inside. Megan came up to me and said that was a very nice thing you did today but I will need an explanation later tonight. I know there was more and the Bishop had the most pissed off smile I have seen on an adult in a long time. Megan it is good and naturally dad and his lack of communication resulted is more drama than there needed to be. Megan, the Bishop can deal with dad and it will be fine.
Events finally ran down around 6:00 and once dad and Megan left, I was out of there. I went right to the house and figured I would simply deal with Megan and dad. Dad, Megan and Cole had drinks and I had ice water. Megan, I changed the baptismal certificate to godparent from godmother and godfather. Naturally Father Grosko gave me some shit and once I thought it was worked I handed him this envelop, I have removed the check as you are aware. The letter clearly stated it was a gift in Ashley's name to be used for tuition for under privileged kids. Megan read the letter and asked, so what was the problem. Looking right at dad I said, well everyone thought it was a payment to change the designations to godparents. Megan it was not and the Bishop handed it back to me with a lecture on how he does things. Then he informed me I was the main speaker at the graduation ceremony at Central and he walked away. We had a discussion about that and I made the announcement you heard, which was very well received by everyone but the Bishop. I guess he isn't used to losing or being questioned. Megan asked Mike, when did you write the check? I smiled and said last night.
I took a drink of my ice water and looked at dad and asked, should I continue or do you want to man up? Dad got this sick look and said well as Michael is aware I'm doing pro bono work for the Bishop. It is easy and uncomplicated. Megan was not pleased and looked at Cole and he said, hell all I did was make a toast. I'm a victim here as well. At this point I got up and said, I'm out of here as I have miles to go before I sleep. Megan burst out laughing, stood up and have me a hug. Dad simply mumbled goodnight.
I was barely situated in my place when Cole came in, grabbed a beer and said, damn did you stir up a hornets nest. Mom had no idea that dad "greased the skids" for the Baptism. Mike, be careful as she said you was barely on the side of the angles but then again you are smarter than your dad. Cole, I'll pay for that comment as dad won't be happy. We chatted about school and Jessica and damn he was all in with her. I told him to remember Carrie and he said he knew what they were doing and that sex wasn't a big deal but damn it was good. Then he said good night and went to the house. It was still a bit early and there was about another 45 minutes of daylight so I quickly changed and went for a run. It was shorter than usual as I wanted to be back before dark but damn it was fun and I needed it. Back at my place I grabbed an iced tea and was just sitting on the loveseat wondering I could fit a plane ride in and it wasn't looking good, except for Tuesday between school and practice. Then I thought I would do the jet in the simulator. With that, I decided to get to bed early and try to run in the morning as it would be films and a light workout and again I wasn't expecting a very difficult game but not an easier one either. As I was laying in bed I started to think about football and the lack of a coordinator and if high school wasn't fun, what would football in college be like?
I woke earlier as I had hoped but I didn't have to look, I could hear the rain. I made coffee and decided to actually eat breakfast which was scrambled eggs and toast with the usual coffee. A quick shower and dressed in clothes to meet the company dress code and I was off to school. At school it was a mad dash to the building from the car as it was still raining. I was hoping it would rain all day as a light practice in the rain would be fun. English class was typical but I must have had enough sex over the weekend as the teacher was still smoking hot, I didn't have an erection. After class I turned my essay in and she said, well this is two days early. I smiled and said I tend to work ahead on long term things, but if you want I'll take it back. She smiled and said, it's fine if you're sure. Oh, I'm sure and I went to second period AP History. That class is always interesting for me as I love all that historical shit. Halfway through class my phone started to buzz and I didn't think anything about it but it kept going off. I was in a tough spot as it was required to be off and I was in class so I couldn't discretely answer it. Just then the classroom door opened and the teacher was handed a note and he looked at me and said Mike, you are needed at the office please be quick. All kind of shit was running through my head about dad, Megan, Cole, Ashley, the company and then I remembered the phone and as I hurried to the office I check the recent calls and saw it was Sam that had been calling me.
At the office Dr. Johnson handed me a phone number and said please call it's important and use my office. I called Sam and he said Mike, I have a giant favor to ask. I'm at Jefferson Hospital and Carrie is in very critical condition in ICU and is begging to see you. Please for me, come. I said sure, I'm on my way. In the lobby Dr. Johnson said Mike we know and just go and I'll let the coach and your teachers know. The hospital is about 20 minutes from school and I pushed it but not drawing attention to my speed. Sam was in the lobby waiting for me and he said Mike, she and the jerk went to West Virginia and had an abortion. Now she has a system wide infection and it looks like she won't make it. We were hopeful last night but this morning it got out of hand. None of the antibiotics seem to work. At the room I knew it was serious as there were way too many people in an ICU room. I took a deep breath and went inside. I walked right past her parents to the bed and just looked at her. Her eyes closed and chest heaving struggling for air. I gently took her hand and rubbed it and she opened her eyes and a faint smile appeared and she very softly said Mike, I'm so sorry. I knelt down and whispered so that it was just her and I and I said babe, it's ok get better and we can talk. She smiled again and said I LOVE YOU. I leaned in and whispered I LOVED YOU. Get better and let's see what it becomes. Almost immediately every alarm attached to her went off and the medical people flew in and ordered us out. The curtains were drawn and we were left in the hall. About ten minutes later the doctor came out and had a brief conversation with her parents and her mom screamed and I knew she was gone.
We were told we could go back in a few minutes and I noticed some commotion at the nurse's desk and standing there was the 40 something dude about 5' 10" and 170 lbs. the nurses were looking at each other. I went over and asked so are your the fucking deviant that did all this? He looked at me and I grabbed his arm and pulled it behind his back and said, that requires an answer and it can be a little painful or I can pull the arm right out of it's socket, your choice. He replied, I guess so. I released his arm spun him around grabbed his shirt and lifted him off his feet. You could have found a decent doctor? It was all I could afford without my wife finding out. I laughed and said well that ship has sailed. Just then I heard son, he is in enough trouble and adding assault charges to you won't change a thing. I simply dropped him and he fell in a heap. I looked at him and said you and that quack doctor will never have a moments peace again, The security guard said I would love to let you and him have an elevator ride together but let's let the wife and the legal system deal with him.
I simply couldn't go back in that room and I gave Sam a hug and said call me. I went right to the car and could have gone anywhere but chose practice. I was only a few minutes late and simply sat down and zoned out and the film droned on and on. Finally It was time to go to the field and I dressing shorts a tee and my helmet but I just went to the track and ran and ran and ran. At some point JJ was beside me. He didn't say a word he just ran along side. Finally he asked MJ do I need to ask coach to turn the stadium lights on or can we stop? That brought me to some kind of reality and I put my arm around him and we walked to the field house. It was too late to shower and JJ was having no part of me driving. So we locked the car and put my helmet in the trunk. I climbed into his truck and we started for my place. As we pulled onto RT 51. I started to cry and said JJ, she waited for me to die. Her last words were I love you and all I could say back is I loved you, not I love you. Fuck I hope she didn't realize that. JJ said MJ, she knew that and it is how it alway was with you two, complicated. That was a very fitting ending. We pulled into the driveway and JJ asked if I wanted company and I said nope, more than anything in the world I need to be alone and I leaned over and kissed him and said thanks.
I opened the door to my place and found dad, Megan and Ashley. Dad immediately said Cole will be here with dinner in a few. Chuck called when you were done running and we ordered food and since he had to get Jessica home he said he would pick it up. Megan stood up gave me a hug and asked so how bad was it. I shrugged and went over to Ashley sleeping in her portable bed and asked, how can someone so sweet and innocent grow up and
ruin so many lives? Megan asked so did she ruin your life? Megan she did not. Her last words were MJ, I love you and I replied babe I loved you and she and was gone. Guys she waited for me to get there and then she simply let go. Then the married dude who participated all this showed up and thankfully the security people stopped me or we would be having this conversation at the county jail. Guys, I knew I was done but to say it as the last thing she heard and I didn't even think about it, it just came out. That's what is hard. Megan said Mike, she knew that and it was her way of setting your free, well in her mind. Why me? Megan said, well because you were the most important person in her life and she knew she fucked it up.
Cole came busting in and said let's eat before this stuff gets cold. The food was from the Tavern and I was handed a Ruben and fries and dad had ribs and Cole had a burger and fries and Megan had the special which was some salmon thing with pasta. Dinner was a clam, relaxing family thing and at least for a while we were able to put the stress and drama of our lives away and I thought about the poem. Just as I had that thought Ashley screamed, dinner was put aside mostly finished. Megan took Ashley to the house and Cole pleaded schoolwork and I looked at dad he asked you want company? I said yes, please. Once we were alone dad said Mike, I have work under control. I met with Liam and he has a "bitch form" to be filled out with complaints and they go to a employee committee for recommendations and he will deal with what they recommend. Scott Cleary will meet with John Carson. Your only decision is weather to meet with Kyle. Thanks dad and ask Kyle if he would mind coming to South Hills and he should pic the time between 11:30 and 2:00. Dad, I'm going to school all week. He looked at me and said of course your are and between now and school you will simply armor up. Mike, you can't deflect the pain you need to absorb some. With that he said goodnight and stopped at the door and said your hair looks good. I laughed and said thanks.
Once I was alone I took the much needed shower and when I was finished and dried off I found Cole sitting on the love seat. He smiled and asks so now that the rents are gone just how the fuck are you? Cole it is very complicated. It is beyond sad. It's frustrating in that she had talent and ability, yet looked for the easy way. Hell if she would have worked as hard at doing it right as she did looking for the easy way she could driven me nuts for a long time. Yet at the end all I could say was that I loved her not that I did. Cole, I'll be fine and in the long term I'll be fine. Cole, thanks for the chat and for coming back but don't you have school work? He laughed and said I am caught up, I just needed less time with the rents. Dad is around too much. I laughed and we hugged and Cole went to the house. I simply turned out the light and went to bed.
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