Mindbender: The Awakening

This isn’t...what is she saying? Cognitive Behavior what? Definitely not helping at all!

He stared frustratingly at the diploma on the wall,

Where’s the date on this thing!? Is the ink even dry!? Oh God cut her

off!

So apparently you weren’t listening when I told you that I have already tried a whole list of therapeutic techniques, most of which you are telling me about again and they didn’t work, nothing’s worked. Meds, therapy, hypnosis, binaural beats, subliminal messages, meditation, Reiki healing and even Jesus and no-th-ing’s worked!- Gene snapped a little.

His crazy, that’s what he called it.

The anxiety and angry outbursts of emotions he’d been struggling to control since he could remember. Assuming it was just your everyday average broken psyche.

He had been in therapy since he was 7 when the school finally had enough

of him and forced his mother to take him.

ADHD was his first official diagnosis, of several, from several different professionals.

None of them fit and he knew it. He dove into research mode for every single one of them after they invented Goggles Search Engine . 35 years he had spent up in his own head trying to sort out the distorted and disturbing hand life had dealt him so many years ago.

Ok, I’m not going to rehash all that again. I have been over it and I’m

over it!

He leaned over to read the article she was showing on her screen. Well what the fuck is this shit?

He read on...People with damage from trauma often tend to believe they

can

Read.peoples.minds and predict future events...?

A deep scowl crept up his face.

Well that’s an interesting take on that. I did read something fairly similar when I was getting my life coaching certification.- Gene matter

of factly

He had told her almost his whole story beginning to end over the last few months, disconnected from it like a stranger watching from above because that’s how it always felt.

She knew all about his “spiritual journey” and how he gives Tarot readings to pay rent, barely and eat every month.

Oh she was mocking him all right.

...this bitch...she probably won’t even get that I compared her over- educated-to-good-for-this-job-ass to a life coach!

“Let’s get you setup with your next appointment, how about, eh, March, the 10thhhh aaatt 1030?” She asked.

Oh thank god this is over!

“Yes sure cool that’s fine.” He replied without thinking at all, getting up and returning his mask to its proper place.

Fucking over these damn things too! Fuck it I can beat covid on my death bed...!! Hey wait. March 10th that’s my brother’s birthday, ugh I don’t wanna think about that!

The connection made his crazy stir even more.

“March 10th, that’s my dead brother’s birthday. We haven’t even gotten to that part yet. I can’t wait!” He called back sarcastically to her now stunned face.

Gaaaaawwww! Get me outta here!!!

He shoved out the front door snatching the mask off his face Oh thank God!

Sliding into the driver’s seat of his 1996 Cavalier and lighting up a cigarette he signed with relief.

Time to pack up all my crazy back into its hole again. Ugh! This is so NOT productive!

What a waste of time!

His thoughts sounded as defeated as felt.

He pulled out into the traffic heading towards his studio apartment.

A single room with a tiny bathroom and shower built into the only closet, shoved under a set stairs. He couldn’t even fully stand up in the

shower.

A constant source of irritation for him.

Not to mention the all night barrage up and down the stairs just outside. But it’s mine!

...Just get home and smoke a bowl you’ll feel better.

A white van cut in front of him forcing him to check the brakes. If you make it, Jesus Hitler Christy!

Really?!? What the absolute fuck is wrong with you ass-handle?!?- he yelled toward his open window.

This is why I don’t like to drive! He exclaimed, muttering a string of profanity under his breath.

All the while his “crazy” just on full blast with anxiety and screaming racing manic thoughts.

Just gotta get home.

The familiar tone and vibration of his cell overpowers the whistling rush from the open window. He glances down and mashes the green speaker.

I’m driving Ma! I just got out of therapy and I can’t talk right this second”- It sounded simple enough to him.

What? Oh, what’s that? It sounds like you’re in a wind tunnel or something.- she replied annoyed.

I am in the car, driving, with the window down. You know I hate trying to talk when I am driving. It stresses me out enough!- he fired back, annoyed.

Aaaaaand I just got out of therapy and you know how much of a trigger that is for me too. I’ll call you back later!- Gene annoyed

Well your Aunt wants to get a reading. She’s convinced that all the

signs are pointing to this 10 days of darkness coming very soon, she said she’d pay you.- she went on anyway ignoring his protest.

She’s paid for 5 other readings about the same damn thing. I told you both that it was a hoax 10 months ago for April fools day. It was a whole big thing...Fuck! I am not going over this again. I need to get home. I will talk to you later after I sit in the dark for a while!- he couldn’t hold it back.

Well this is just sooo typical of you! I am just trying to help you out and you gotta act like this about it!- she snapped back.

I told you I was driving and I can’t talk right now.- he explained, trying to be more calm.

You did not say you were driving!- she accused.

Well because, as always, you weren’t listening to me!- he blurted back sarcastically.

I am so sick of this shit and you pointing fingers at me for your own bullshit!- click, she ended the call.

Yup, my bullshit.

He sighed, relieved to have her off the phone.

My Bullshit!- Gene said exasperated, swinging into the narrow spot reserved for his car, grateful to be stopped and home and best of all not living with her anymore.

No one ever listens to me.- he shook his head, talking to no one.

He looks over at the dark silhouette of Mt Shasta.

Not even you!- he blurted at the towering mass of rock and gravel. That’s why he was there, after all. Go to Mt. Shasta they said. The

volcano will heal you, they said.

Pfffttt. You’re not exactly doing your job now are you?

I did sooth him some, having it there and so strong and peaceful and beautiful, it did help staring at it.

Yeah but the only place you can afford has no windows facing anywhere near it!

But at least she’s not here!

Weed California. A smaller, growing cute little town just off I-5 nestled between Black Butte and Mt Shasta.

It’s name literally comes from the fact that it popped up out of nowhere like a weed out of the side of the mountain during the lumber boom at the turn of the century. He appreciated the dual implications of a town called Weed and on that front he was not disappointed one bit.

And it was waiting for him on his desk, glass from the bowl sparkling dully in the glow from the computer screen that he left on, as he pulled the door open and pushed it shut behind him with a click.

His one room was dark besides the monitor’s glow. Facebook left open on his screen showing 3 new notifications. He grunts but ignores them and puts the bowl to his mouth and lights it up. Dragging deep and coughing it back out.

Oh well no one is home upstairs right now and guess what it’s legal so fuck you everyone!

It washes over him, soothing the jagged edges of his freshly probed mind. He is home now and it is going to be okay.

As okay as it ever gets anyway. ***

Do you think he’s ready? For all this?- the male voice was deep and melodic but the question was overwhelmed with concern.

We don’t have a choice anymore. Your brother is pushing forward with his plans and so must I!- a deeper voice reverberated in answer, nearly frantic,

It’s time Raziel, it’s time!

Raziel took one glance back at his charge. 38 years he’d been watching

over him, guiding, shaping and molding him for this.

Guilt washed over Raziel as he remembered the pain and suffering that he was forced to inflict upon Gene, over and over again.

He couldn’t see how any of it could lead to the “greater good” but he trusted his father and shook away the thought.

So it is...- Raziel sighed as he vanished into the darkness outside Gene’s apartment.

The hairs on the back of Gene’s neck rose up like something very deadly was nearby but he was alone, in his apartment.

There was nothing there.

He way safe he told himself,

Shaking his head to clear the sensation away he grabs his bowl for another soothing hit of Lemon Haze.

I’m almost out again.

His anxiety crept over him. As if it realized what would happen when he ran out. His’ crazy.

If I ever get you figured out I can just go get a normal job and then I won’t have to worry about running out anymore.

He pulls the curtain back a little and peers out the window that looks directly into the side of the garage 4 feet away.

The bright amber glow of the street light blinded him immediately, mounted exactly dead center of his view.

See nothing out there but that bright as fuck fucking light, but at least I am not still there...for now...

----

The Awakening

3 weeks later...

The thumping upstairs and slamming of the door upstairs jerked Gene awake.

It was time to get up, the upstairs tenants and kids were home and it wasn’t going to be quiet again until morning.

5:43 pm, the light from his cell phone made him recoil and a cold chill crept down his spine.

Right on time!-he muttered noticing the text message from his landlord. Stumbling to the bathroom he ducks inside to take a leak opening the

message already knowing what it was about.

Landlord Guy: We need to talk about the rest of your rent.

That’s how Gene had him saved in his phone.

I almost have all of it for you. Got a few

appointments booked for tonight. Will call you in the AM with it. :ME

Well there goes that money...ugh.

He pouring himself a cup of cold black coffee from the day before. Just how he liked it, no fucking around.

Gene plants himself in his computer chair and lights up a cigarette. Scrolling through the emails open in front of him.

Junk, junk, stupid junk, what the fucking junk?

There it was the one he was looking for! He read through it again to be sure he had all the details.

Linda, having relationship problems, wants a live reading aaaaaaat 7:30. Who was I telling this to anyway?

Man I am fucked right up!

He could feel his crazy stirring.

I just want to be freaking normal for 10 goddamn minutes a day when I first wake up but noooooo! This is fucking bullshit!

He lights the bowl and takes it in.

You’re almost out you know and out of cigarettes and there’s nothing to eat really and...and seriously who the fuck am I talking to here?

You need to make some friends or something.

Oh wait I can’t cause I am an 18 pack of crazy in a 6 pack ring.

All the while his anxiety, growing and the thoughts carried on, faster and more intensely. Here it was...the crazy.

Gene finishes smoking the bowl, his coffee and a few cigarettes before heading out on foot.

It’s already dark outside and it’s a little chilly but he really didn’t want to take the car out because he was stoned and hated driving anyway and a whole list of reasons running through his head as he walks towards the iconic Welcome to Weed Sign that spans the street and frames in Mt Shasta behind it.

He loved that sign, it was one of the few joys he’d gotten since he arrived 13 months earlier and then it all flooded over him again.

How he arrived here in Weed. ***

Sitting in that truck listening to it idle and feeling the vibration of the engine purring.

Cummin’s turbo diesel there was no other sound like it. Normally it was a soothing balm for his crazy and why he loved riding in it so much.

It was about the only other place he really tolerated to be besides in front of his computer which was his stability amongst the chaos of his mind.

And lately that was all he could stand to do.

In the passenger seat...Gene had tried to be a driver himself, thinking since it was soothing that maybe it would work out better than other careers, having had several already that didn’t.

The crazy always took over and made it impossible even to function sometimes.

It was a huge mess and turns out it wasn’t at all soothing behind the wheel. Another failed venture to add to the list.

The pile had gotten pretty deep.

Back where he belonged in the passenger seat he still wasn’t soothed. Not that night.

The freezing rain beat on the windshield forcing Gene to stay inside the truck and blow his cigarette smoke out the window.

Adam would be pretty upset if he comes back to smell smoke, he thought, if he ever comes back.

The thought crashed through his mind like a gong.

Adam had taken off earlier that day to hike The Donner Pass we were parked near.

He had been talking about it since we left NY the week before.

It was a big joke about Donner Pass the whole ride out and wouldn’t it be ironic if one of us had to eat the other to survive in case of emergency.

All good fun, when you’ve been friends with someone since the first grade that’s just how it goes.

3 Miles up to this trail head I want to get to and I’ll maybe go a mile up into that and head back, he told Gene.

Gene had decided to stay behind to unwind alone.

Even when you are close to someone, a week is a long time to be trapped in a truck cab with them.

He just wanted a little time to process the trip out and just how close he was to what he had been working so hard to get for several months.

Before that he was living with his Mother for the umpteenth time since getting his GED and becoming an “adult” and trying to escape her.

Saying that Gene had a strained relationship with his mother would be an understatement like comparing a light bulb to the Sun.

When Gene first started to have outward issues with his mental health which began when he started preschool.

He would sit alone in the corner away from the other kids and play alone. The teachers noticed this behavior and tried to get him to come back and

play with everyone.

Gene would get angry and throw a world-class tantrum at the mere suggestion of it and there was nothing he could do to control it. He tried and has been trying ever since and nothing he does stops the

outburst from happening when it reaches that point. His crazy.

After a few outbursts Gene’s Mother was called in, Abby.

As it turns out Abby didn’t appreciate taking time away from her busy day

of being a codependent housewife to come down there and listen to teachers express their concern for her son’s behavior.

She proceeded to have an outburst of her own and then dragged Gene back

to the car, swatting at his ass the whole way until he could barely slide into the back seat.

Berating the whole car ride home, which was a good 20 minutes, he cried and cried.

Not because he was hurt or even bothered by his Mothers constant stream

of verbal sewage.

He was so confused and scared of what was happening inside his head. He felt alone and betrayed.

This was his mother and she had just turned on him, beat him and now was screaming at him.

That was when Gene realized that he was nothing but an inconvenience to her.

He was almost 5 when that happened and nothing she ever did his entire life suggested anything else.

Gene had been working at a gas station near home for a few months saving up money to move out and finally do it right this time.

Weed California.

He had been there about 10 years prior on another trip with Adam in his big rig.

Every few years Gene would hop up in the truck with his best friend. Between those trips and his own driving truck Gene had hit every lower 48 state except Maine.

And fuck Maine!

He frequently thought and said to anyone that would listen to his story about not getting to Maine.

So twice, he got to tell it twice.

Coming up I-5 from a pick up in Sacramento, headed to Seattle, the Black Butte mountains came into view and the sign.

Weed 5 miles.

Well there was no way they weren’t going to stop there and it turns out it’s at the base of Black Butte.

Gene fell in love with the place, and the name, before he even saw the rest of the town on the way back to the highway.

They came around a corner and the woods were cleared out and right there in front of them was My Shasta.

Framed in a metal sign across Main Street that said Weed. Yup that was home and he knew it right then.

Of course it wasn’t that simple.

Nothing with Gene ever was, he had his crazy to contend with and it screwed with everything he tried to do. Accept play on the computer and smoke weed for some reason that seemed to keep the crazy at bay better than anything else.

Finally he would be back there and he had enough money saved to get him set up before starting the job he had lined up ahead of time at the gas station near the apartment he could afford.

It was only a few more hours away and he could climb down out of that truck and into his new life.

Adam had pulled out his phone to take a pic of the trail head sign,

taking a big bite of the toaster cake he brought for snacks. He sent the picture to his wife and then Gene.

With the tagline

ME: Guess I don’t have to worry about you eating me now!

I am saving that for when you get back.: GENE

Gene had been out exploring what he could nearby the truck and a couple hours had gone by.

He had calculated that Adam wouldn’t even be able to make it back for a few more hours based on where he was on the trail and when and how far he planned to keep going but hadn’t heard from him.

No service up there he told himself and kicked back for a nap in the bunk.

It was dark when Gene woke up and he checked his phone. 5:43 it said,

one missed call and two text messages but nothing from Adam who wasn’t in the truck.

He punches the dial button on Adam’s contact to see where he was, thinking he might be up getting food or a shower at the truck stop.

When it goes straight to voicemail he gets suspicious and his crazy started to overwhelm him.

He checks the other number that called.

I don’t know this number, and they texted too, crap! He opening the message.

Unknown: This is Beth. Have you heard from him lately? I been trying to call him all afternoon.

It was his wife.

I just tried to as well and he’s not here in the truck but he might be back. I am going to go look for him: ME

Gene didn’t find him anywhere and even asked about the showers even though Adam’s shower bag was still in the truck.

He’s not here. I am getting worried. It’s dark as fuck and getting cold: ME

HISWIFE: I am going to call the cops and report him missing...this is bullshit.

He had saved her contact info.

I’ll call. I am here my call will go through to this 911 area...make it easier to get a hold of the right people: ME

HISWIFE: K

It was almost midnight and he made the call shortly after 6 pm and how he was just waiting.

They came and got some clothes for the dogs to track him about an hour after the call and tore off to look for Adam.

Leaving Gene sitting in the truck just waiting.

A few updates trickled in from Beth but it was out of his hands and all he could was wait.

The red lights were shattered by the frozen rain on the windshield as

they ripped across Gene’s internal dialog forcing him back into the world that would never be the same again.

Gene looked up at the sign outside. He had $20 on him that he really couldn’t afford to spend and he was going to still be short come morning.

Necessity, he told himself as he walked in. ***

Sabrina looked up from behind the counter and saw Gene come in.

She was so happy to see him again and it showed.

Which was not something Gene had never been overly comfortable with but what can you do when you’re a tall handsome slice of beefcake pie.

He never saw it and was never sure why anyone else could either.

Maybe when he was younger but this one, getting soft around the edges and a receding hairline.

He wasn’t bad for 41, he added mentally to this thought train but not that great either and who the fuck wants to be 41.

What ya got for me that’s good and cheap tonight?- he asked.

Well, were outta your usual stuff but we just got some in that’s the same price.- she explained.

You know me, that’ll work! I’ve got a couple readings tonight I gotta have my medicine.- Gene replied.

Linda?- she asked.

I think you’re the psychic Sabrina, not me.- Gene teased She laughed.

She was in here earlier talking to anyone who would listen about her cheating boyfriend...and her cheating husband and of course how you are helping her through all of it and you are just a Godsend and I’m gonna barf.- she went on.

I tell her every two weeks or so, that her bf and or husband are with someone new cause...Hello? They are horny immature pieces of shit men in their 20′s and she needs to get rid of both of them and focus on herself for a while before trying to find someone knew. Meanwhile she’s my biggest source of income and I have needs so I put up with her low vibe bullshit.- Gene explained.

Oh I hear that, I hear that!- she nodded in agreement.

We can only do this in 2 grams so it’s gonna be $10- she told Gene. Well fuck! There goes my gas station hot dogs for dinner!

Yeah that’s fine you know I am gonna smoke it anyway.- playing it off like he isn’t as broke as he is.

Crappy cigarettes again too...

Back outside a light snow started to drift down. It wasn’t very cold and it was almost picturesque considering the backdrop.

Gene looked toward the Weed sign and was taken right back to that night. ***

We’re sorry Mr. Greyson, It looks like your friend tried to climb up the side of a waterfall and fell about 35 feet onto the rocks...- was all heard before the ringing started in his ears.

Ok thank you for letting me know- Gene, his response was cold, empty. His wife?- he asked

They were sending a unit out to talk to her they should be there by now- the officer replied.

Oh fuck!!!! Oh my god his fucking kids!

His own crashing devastation was soon met by others as his “gifts” sensed that word was reaching everyone else in Adam’s life.

He collapsed under the weight of it as it overwhelmed him. ***

A dark green Wrangler cuts in front of him to pull into the gas station pumps jolting him out of memory.

Really?! What the fuck asshole, who the hell do you think you are...? The driver stepped out of the Jeep.

Trouble!- he said aloud and that’s exactly what he looked like.

Buzzed blonde hair, piecing blue grey eyes and that smirk and oh damn a goatee. Shorter than Gene but thicker in the shoulders and hips, stocky and more than enough muscle with the hint of a beer gut.

Trouble.

Early 30′s if a day older.

Jeans, work boots, dirty Carhart jacket just leaning up against that Jeep pumping gas looking like Gene’s idea of a really good time.

Trouble.

Gene stopped dead in his tracks when the man looked and their eyes met. Gene immediately looked down and started walking faster towards the

store.

You don’t need none of that and you can’t have it anyway! Just get inside and...

He didn’t get to finish the thought.

Hey, you used to work in there?- he asked Gene pointing to the building. Fuck, he’s talking to me, don’t be an idiot!

Oh um, yeah for a few weeks.- he forced out.

Didn’t really work out....- he went on.

Nothing ever does really!

Yeah, yeah I remember seeing you.- the man told him.

Oh, yeah, well that’s cool. You look a little familiar to actually.- Gene shrugged.

Yeah a lot like my ex boyfriend, oh God, don’t go there. Escape!

He walked towards the door. The guy chuckles to himself.

This should be good, what do I have skittles in my beard? It wouldn’t be the first time!

Gene turns to look the guy’s way with a questioning look. His crazy right there on the edge ready to pounce.

I remembered you because I remember thinking “Man if that guy would just smile he could melt the paint off my Jeep.- he chuckled again.

Aaaand there’s the look I did see that could do the same...- he went on. Genes jaw dropped.

Huuuuh???

Get in the store now escape escape, abort!!! Trouble!

Gene had no idea how to respond.

Was this guy actually hitting on me? Why is he hitting on me?

He finally managed to squeeze out a quick thank you and then bolted inside.

Trouble!- he muttered, shaking the snow out of his hair.

He headed into the bathroom thinking he could just wait the guy out and he’d be gone. 6:45 his phone chimed to warn him about his reading with Linda at 7:30.

Craaaaaaap!!!

Back out into the store with a quick check to see if he was in there. He got his cigarettes quickly and turned around to bolt out of there. Right into Mr Blue Eyes-trouble himself.

Orumph!- they both echoed.

Gene caught the scent of his cologne, Stetson, old school, Gene’s favorite.

Trouble.

Oh my god I am so sorry dude I’m really not paying attention, I got to get home for an appointment. I’m sorry!- Gene said, trying to get past him.

It’s okay. Totally my fault I was standing way too close to you in the hopes you would turn suddenly and crash into me.- he teased, eyes sparkling in the fluorescent lights.

Trouble!

Is he really flirting with me? Why?

So sorry, again. I really gotta get home and get ready for my appointment.- Gene replied, trying to cut this off short.

Oh no problem I’m sorry too.- he stepped aside and let Gene through who was almost out the door.

Oh hey, you were walking, do you want a ride?-he asked

I’m like 2 minutes on foot. I’m good but thanks...- Gene just wanted this encounter to be over before his crazy kicked in.

Well okay then. See you around...- he said, sounding like a promise but feeling more like a threat to Gene.

Trouble.

The man jogs a few steps to catch up at the door holding it open for him.

So I am heading over to the bar over there and gonna pig out on some wings and Beam if you wanna swing by and have a few drinks, hang out, answer me in quick short replies, it could be fun!- he went on, hopefully.

No! Trouble!

I really can’t...- Gene started as his phone lit up with a new message. I have another appointment after that and then it will be late and I go

to bed- any excuse would do.

Gene opened his message.

LISTENLINDA: I can’t make it down tonight. Reschedule?

It was his appointment. Canceling.

Email reading?: ME

Fuck!

I need that damn money...

LISTENLINDA: You know I like it when you do them live, besides you charge more for email readings. I’ll be in touch.

Gene didn’t reply, just sat there staring at his phone in disbelief. Well that’s just great!- he muttered to himself, not realizing the man

was still standing there beside him in the half open door.

It was time to go! Get home now! Trouble!

The crazy’s gonna come out any second and take over-go home now! WIthout another word to the man he storms off toward his apartment. Hey!- he called out.

Hey are you okay?- trying to catch up with Gene.

No! Yes! Yes I’m fine...- Gene called back bluntly.

Please just go away dude, I’m begging you. I can’t deal with this right now and my crazy is...

He stopped dead in thought.

Where the fuck is my crazy?

It should have shown up way before it got this far.

Fuck Fuck fuck. It always comes out, where the fuck is it?

Normally Gene would be in full panic attack mode with all these stimuli. He turns to look back at the man smiling concernedly at him curiously in

shock.

Absolutely not! It cannot be! I refuse to believe it! NO! Is it him? FUCK!

He stepped back towards the man a little, almost wincing with the step like the crazy would suddenly come full force.

It didn’t.

What in the Jesus Christy Hitler nuts is going on?

The man just looked at him with a hint of question in his eyes. Are you sure you’re ok? - he asked concerned.

Yes I am ok except I am not ok this is not ok, ok? No really...- Gene started, shaking his head.

My appointment canceled on me, no biggy...- he explained Then it all just came blurting out of nowhere.

It’s just that I need the money to finish paying my rent for the month and I’m still short and it’s...no never mind...I’m sorry...- he trailed

off.

Why did he just say that to this stranger? And where the fuck is my crazy? It should have run me out of here 15 minutes ago!

Oh hey, no problem man. I’ve been there. I get it. No need to be sorry. I’m James.- he offered out his hand to shake.

I’m...Gene.- he stammered, grabbing his hand.

Why did you say all that? Will you please just the shut fuck up!

When their hands connected it was like a surge of electricity through Gene. Barreling right into his Root Chakra and exploding outward in a fire that Gene hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Passion.

Gene let go immediately looking to see if the man, James, yeah that sounds about like the name of someone that would cause me trouble, had felt it too.

He looked un-phased.

Gene wasn’t at all surprised by that. He had been feeling things like that for as long as he can remember, it was nothing new to him.

But man that was really intense! How did he not feel that? Where the fuck is my crazy??

His mind racing in a million ways, but no anxiety, not manic or

obsessive, just thoughts.

This can’t be right! It is entirely too quiet! It is him, isn’t it? Can’t be, but you felt that jolt.

Only Korben ever gave me that jolt before. This is so not good! Trouble!!!

So uh, Lot Lizard Linda canceled her reading on you?- James asked hopefully.

Gene froze in front of him. How the fuck...?

It’s a pretty small town and when a smokin’ hot guy moves in from NY looking all devastated and doing Tarot readings, word gets around faster than Linda herself...- he answered the unasked question.

Oh, oh well that makes sense. But wait what?

I didn’t think anyone even knew I existed here, or anywhere for that matter.

I am sooo updating her contact info to that right now, See?- Gene showed him the phone, playfully.

What is wrong with you?

You’re not playful, you’re sad and serious!

...not always so sad and serious. Korben...

Genes heart sank at the thought of him, again tonight.

James chuckled out loud, the sound made Gene smile a bit. It was a good

one.

Where the fuck is my crazy?

So does this mean you have an opening? Maybe I can get a reading from you? How much?- James asked innocently but Gene suspected anything but innocence was on his mind.

It wasn’t exactly...not on Gene’s mind either.

No, no it’s okay really. You don’t want a reading from me anyway...- Gene went on.

Oh but I do. My grandmother used to read tea leaves and I love to watch a master at work. Come on, how much?- he pressed on.

Gene really wanted this encounter to end right there even though he didn’t.

It was peaceful, just very fucking bizarre.

$100 for an hour!- he blurted trying to scare him off and also thinking about the $75 he still owed in rent...and he could order a pizza.

Done and done!- James smirked at Gene like he’d won some prize.

So why don’t I go grab a pizza and meet you back at your place in about 15 minutes? You’re over there right?- pointing at his embarrassing car.

Gene’s stomach clenched up, part hunger, part shock and part shame. Gotta love small towns eh?

I was kidding. I can’t take $100 an hour. I was just trying to scare you

off. I’m not even really that good. You don’t have to do this...- Gene pleaded.

And if you think it’s gonna get laid Mr. Blue Eyes, well sor-ry. I’d be honored, really...- James takes a little bow.

Oh and a gentleman too, well! That’ll never do. What is going on with you?

Trouble, you know this is nothing but trouble...Korben trouble!!! His brain halted.

Gene needed that money and he knew it. He also didn’t want James to go away and take the sweet relief of peace from the crazy with him if he was the source of it at all.

Fuck, fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck!

Fine, I’m in the one under the stairs. I gotta go home and clean up a bit...- Gene relented.

Oh pizza!

I like everything except sausage anchovies and olives!- he quickly added, heading for his apartment in a dash.

No sausage?- James called back with a grin.

Not that kind!- Gene replied before thinking and turned red. Fuck! Why did you just say that?

Oh god this is gonna be trouble.

His phone flashed and buzzed just then. His second reading of the night canceling on him.

Well looks like our night just freed up and you’re getting enough for the rent.

Maybe I should buy a lotto ticket.

You don’t have time for a lotto ticket.

Mr Blue Eyes is gonna be back in 15 minutes and your place is not ready to be seen by anyone!

Fuck!!!