Tempus Fugit

By Mavis Applewater

For disclaimers see part one.

A special thanks goes out to my beta reader Mary.

As always this is for Heather

Part Seven 1962

This was the year the Beatles released their first album, Russia and Cuba entered into a pact making my Dad and the US government extremely nervous, but we seemed to be winning the space race. We had no idea that before the year ended nothing would ever be the same. We had already begun questioning why we were in Vietnam and I was focused on Law School while trying to make my mark on the world.

Mom stormed into the kitchen. She was in a huff. I peered over my glasses which I had recently discovered I needed. I had been studying preparing for the new semester. Should I ask? I haphazardly threw out.

Your father is what you kids would call a drag, she grumbled grabbing food from the fridge and slamming it on the counter. He's trying to put the kibosh on our trip. You'd think seeing the nation's capital would thrill him.

I don't think the going off to D.C part is what is making him drag his heels, I sighed setting my papers aside. It might be the trip to the art gallery.

Seeing the Mona Lisa? Mom gasped. It's the Mona Lisa! And I doubt that it will be on view in the U.S. ever again. I just want to see it. Is that so wrong?

No, Mom it isn't, I agreed. It is coming to New York. Still you've made all the reservations so you should go. It truly is amazing to see in person.

You've seen it? She snarled.

Uhm, yeah, I meekly confessed cringing slightly from the hostile gaze she was casting down upon me. When I was in France the summer before last.

Bumming around Europe with nothing but a backpack and a couple a bucks in your pocket and you've seen it, she was furious. I'm offering a comfortable hotel and a museum and Mr. Gloomy Gus doesn't want to go.

Oh for the love of, Dad grunted upon entering the kitchen. Are you still on that?

Dad, I'd tread carefully, I tried to caution him.

You're not helping, he groaned casting a disapproving look down at me.

True, I'm not one to seek relationship advice from, I conceded. Still, if I may suggest the trip sounds like a gas. Seeing the Mona Lisa is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not to mention there are tons of things to do in D.C.

Eleanore has seen it. Mom fumed.

Again not helping, Dad was pleading with me now. It's not that I don't want to go. Aunt Frieda is sick. Nothing major but she can't watch Sammy. He's only thirteen. We can't very well leave him on his own knowing that one we'd find a zoo when we got back.

I rolled my neck almost snickering when he mentioned Aunt Frieda. It was one of those family secrets. Frieda wasn't really our aunt. What Mom and Dad didn't know was that I knew that she was Dad's first wife from a short lived teenaged marriage. I can only assume that was another reason my grandmother disapproved of my mother marrying my father. Still this time Dad had a point. Sammy was almost fourteen and, by nature, a very quiet and most of the time a responsible young man. Still leaving your teenaged son on his own for almost two weeks was not a good idea. I can help, I jumped in before they could begin round two. I'll stay with Sammy.

You have school, Dad argued. Your classes start on Monday.

And we have that beautiful Chevy sitting in the garage, I pointed out. The way my classes run this semester Sammy and I will be in school at the same time. The drive will be a bit much, but he wouldn't be alone for more than an hour in the afternoon. You know I can cook for him. No big deal. I just need to go into town and grab some of my clothes and books. It's not like I have any plants to water.

All right then, Dad smiled.

Hold on, Mom cut in. Are you sure that you are up for this? Driving in and out of the city? Plus handling your studies and your brother?

Mom, I laughed with a shake of my head. I've been living on my own since I was eighteen. I've traveled around the country and as you know hitchhiked across Europe. I think I can balance my classes with watering and feeding my little brother. How hard can it be?

You have no idea, she shook her head.

Doris it is only ten days, Dad stressed. We haven't taken a trip alone together since, he words trailed off. How old are you? He directed towards me.

In a couple of months I'll be twenty-three, I groaned. Like I said I should be able to take care of the little booger for ten days.

See, Dad began before turning back towards me. You hitchhiked?

Dad, hitching a ride in Europe is not like it is here, I quickly blurted out.

Oh, his brow furrowed. So, you didn't stick your thumb out in the middle of nowhere and climb into a stranger's car? A foreign stranger's car.

Technically I was the foreigner, I quipped before I could stop myself. But I only got into cars with women. It was only partially true. On a couple rainy nights stupidly I jumped into the first heap that stopped. Thankfully all that was offered to me was a ride.

Of course, Mom grumbled rubbing her throbbing temple. You're right. You're an adult. And it isn't like it was when you were Sammy's age. He doesn't have a lot of friends. I doubt he'll be whooping it up while we're gone. Eleanore thank you. We're flying out on Sunday and we'll leave you some money and a long list of things to do.

A list? I sighed. I think I know how to,

Oh no you don't, Mom flashed a cocky smirk.

'How hard can it be?' Yeah I should just put that one on my tombstone. Mom was right I had no idea. He didn't like what I cooked, he didn't appreciate having to do his own laundry, he didn't listen to a thing I said and my normally shy little brother thought just because our overly strict parents were absent he had free reign. Coming home on time wasn't a priority, bed times didn't exist and the little snot had the nerve to bring up the subject of sex.

What? I blushed furiously praying that he just didn't ask me what sex was like.

Come on El? He pleaded one night while I was trying to study. You know. Who else can I ask?

Dad. I demanded. He flashed me this look that screamed, 'Are you kidding me?' What makes you think I know anything? I tossed in an effort to save myself.

El, he flashed me a mischievous grin. Uhm I don't know, maybe it was the way you used to fog up the windows of the Chevy when you and Ginny parked at the end of the driveway. The hedges don't cover as much as you think they do.

Ick! I blanched feeling my stomach churning. You watched?

No, he flatly denied. I saw you guys kissing once. I really didn't want to see what happened next. That would be gross. Come on El. I've seen your apartment. I know Ginny stays there. If you're a virgin then where does she sleep?

You got to hand it to the kid. He wasn't stupid. Sammy, I growled waving my hands frantically. You remember when you were eight and I told there were things you just shouldn't say? This is one of them.

Ellie are you a virgin? His tone was so innocent and truly unsettling.

That is none of your business, I cut him down. I'm an adult. Again this is something you need to talk to Dad about. He's a guy, he'll understand.

Did you and Mom talk about sex? He aimlessly pressed on.

Okay that one I can answer, I blew out thoroughly exasperated. Yes, she sat me down when I was fifteen. And she was very patient and understanding. Even if it turns out most of what she told didn't apply to my life.

So you knew then you liked girls? He was so sincere it just floored me.

No, I collected my thoughts. That came later. Just when and how is again none of your business. Why are you asking? I suddenly panicked. I didn't think it was true still if there was a chance it would more than likely kill my parents.

Hold on, he giggled. I like girls.

Whew, I happily blew out. Not that it wouldn't be okay if you didn't. I just don't think Mom and Dad can handle another round of let's pretend. Sam here's the deal. Sex is a very special thing and should only happen when you are in love. And much, much older. Like fifty.

Ellie! He scowled.

Okay not fifty, I conceded. But not now. You are far too young to be considering it.

I'm not considering doing it now, he groused. Just you know, I hear the guys talking and I'm curious.

Fair enough, I nodded. First thing you need to know is ninety-eight percent of what the guys are saying is a boat load of crap. All the boasting you hear in the locker room, the boys room and everywhere else you little heathens gather are out and out lies. For example most of the guys I dated told everyone I put out. Imagine my next date's surprise when I kneed him for trying.

So when they say they've scored, he curiously pushed.

They probably haven't. I sternly informed him. Most of the girls you've heard are easy more than likely haven't gone past first base. Now can we end this little chat before my head explodes?

What about? He ignored my pleas.

What? I whined searching for an escape route.

Is it fun?

You are a major pain, I whimpered. Yes, with the right person it is fun. Again, only when you are in love and when you are much older. Please stop. Five more days and you can have a sit down with Dad. Until then just watch your show. I insisted nodding towards 77 Sunset Strip which had just begun.

Wow, he chuckled. I thought you'd be cooler about this. After all you've had so many girlfriends.

No, I haven't, I gulped knowing it was the truth. And I am cool. I just don't want to talk about this with my baby brother. It's gross, okay?

But? He began his query cut off by the ringing of the telephone.

Thank you, I praised the heavens bolting towards the phone. Hello?

Well hey there? I didn't expect you to answer, she cooed.

Ginny? I whispered slipping deeper into the kitchen so I could have some privacy. Hey how are you?

Good, she responded with a lilting laugh. Now I know why you aren't at your place.

Yeah, the folks took a trip and I'm babysitting the freak, I grumbled twirling the phone cord between my fingers. You won't believe what the little creep just asked me about.

What? She sighed happily.

Sex. I shivered still trying to rid the conversation from my memory.

He's just a baby. She protested.

No, he's a teenaged boy, I growled. Then it hit me. Where are you calling from?

Do you never visit the grocery store? She teased me.

How long are you staying? I stammered feeling a little light headed.

Don't know, she cleared her throat. Should I hop on the train? Sounds like you could use a little backup.

That would be great, I gushed.

See ya in a couple of hours.

Scooter make yourself presentable we have company coming over, I shouted after I hung up the phone.

We can't have guests, he sneered. It's on the list.

She has a room here, I smirked.

Ginny? He bolted up before racing around. Suddenly Sammy remembered how to clean the house and pick up his things.

Yeah works every time, I laughed. Can't be the car anymore must be the boobs.

Ginny and I shared a lengthy albeit unspoken list of rules that overshadowed our romantic lives. No messing around if one of us was involved topped the list. Not messing around in my parent's home was another biggie. We kissed, cuddled and got a little frisky at times. But we never had sex under mom and dad's roof. It would have been disrespectful. My parents had given us a lot of latitude over the years still actually making love while they were out wasn't as Sammy put it, on the list. We had spent longer periods of time together without crossing the line this visit wouldn't be a hardship. And Sammy still hung on her every word, maybe now I could keep the grody little runt in line.

Just as I predicted little Sammy hung on Ginny's every word and followed her around like some kind of demented shadow. For my part I was not only happy to see her, I really wanted to sing her praises for saving me. If she hadn't shown up I'm almost positive that I would have ended up hacking little Sammy to death before hiding his body parts in the Carlisle woods.

The most interesting part of her visit was that the usual sexual tempest we swirled around was absent. Not that I didn't find her attractive. I did. Still the task at hand, overrode any carnal desires. Having Ginny at the house twenty-four hours a day nipped Sammy's sudden case of teenaged angst in the bud. She was like she was when we used to study together. She'd answer all his questions, never talking down to him or dismissing his quirky questions. Then again he didn't make her squirm by asking about our sex life.

I don't get what the problem was? She had the gall to say to me one night after she told Sammy it was time for bed. Amazingly the rodent just said goodnight and went to bed.

Oh, you missed the fun part, I curled my lips into a snarl. He worships you. Whatever you say goes.

Whatever, she shrugged flopping down on the sofa. Want to watch a little television? Or do you have to study?

What's on? I questioned joining her.

The Untouchables, she shrugged.

Sounds good, I stretched out my body pleased when the tension in my shoulders seemed to slip away.

You study so much, she shook her head. I had no idea how hard law school is. I mean I knew it wasn't a walk in the park, still you study nonstop.

It is very competitive. Most of the stuff we are learning is pretty interesting, I shrugged trying to focus on the show. And some of it is dullsville.

I was surprised when you chose law school, she threw out. Not that I doubted you would do well, just I thought you were gearing up to be an English major.

Had a change of heart, I dodged her query.

Uh Huh, she pursed her lips.

I was inspired, I quietly offered with a shy smile. I got a first hand view of just how screwed up our legal system is.

Me too. She smirked.

Speaking of my education, I tentatively began. Every summer I need to do an internship.

Really? She perked up seeming to be interested.

Yup, I get to go and be slave labor for a real law firm, I snickered. Mostly they use us as glorified gophers. But we do get to learn about the real side of working in the outside world.

That must be cool, she nodded. Where are you heading this summer?

I was just about to ask you the same thing, I concluded. Any idea where those wandering feet of yours are going to land in June? I thought maybe it might be nice to come visit you for a change. I turned to her surprised by the perplexed look on her face. Bad idea? I questioned worried that perhaps I had overstepped my bounds.

No, she quickly reassured me. It's a terrific idea. Only I have no idea where I'll be in six months. Making a game plan is such a bizarre concept for me right now. Ever since last June, I just get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other and just stop when it feels right. Kind of a dip shit way to get through your day.

Is it working? I encouraged.

For now. She sighed wearily. Still spending the summer together. It is tempting. Where are you applying?

I'm setting my sights on a lot of different places and I've had some offers, I fought to keep it causal. Boston, Pittsburg, San Francisco, Michigan, Portland and a couple of others. Trying to land a good spot is really cut throat. Women have a harder time.

Pittsburg is out of the question, she teased. What is your first pick? She turned to me narrowing her eyes when I failed to respond. Ellen?

It was Boston, I muttered. Only because I'm interested in the firm. Still I'd love to travel. Expand my horizons a bit. If you could perhaps narrow down the geographical area you might end up, I could try for something close to you.

Okay, I'll try and figure it out, she nervously sputtered rubbing her face.

Forget it, I gently patted her hand.
Ellen? She was ready to fight me.

Ginny, I blew out. You're breaking out into a rash just thinking about it. You're not ready.

Sorry, she gulped. It's not you. I just can't seem to focus on what I should do next week much less trying to plan out where I will be in six months.

I understand, I tried to comfort her fears. How about we do this? I'll let you know where I end up and if you find yourself in the area we'll see each other.

You are way to understanding, she frowned.

The hell I am, I laughed. If you hadn't shown up right now Sammy would be a dim memory.

She just chuckled and we pretended to watch television. Finally I excused myself since I really did have more studying to do. She sat up watching television for awhile stopping by my room to say goodnight. The next few days went smoothly. We just let any talk regarding our plans for the summer fall by the wayside.

When my parents returned they looked completely relaxed not to mention thrilled to see Ginny. How was the trip? I innocently inquired.

Oh it was just fabulous, Mom prattled on. Eleanore can I see you in the kitchen?

Uh oh, I shivered recognizing the tone of her voice meant that I was in some kind of trouble. I did as requested looking around the house to ensure nothing was broken or out of place. She had a fake smile plastered on her face. Further alerting me I was in it deep. Yet, for the life of me I had no idea what I did. Mom? I swear nothing was broken, set on fire or demolished in any way, shape or form.

Ginny looks good, she slowly drew out.

Yeah, I smiled brightly.

How long has she been home? Mom remained calm still there was a hint of harshness to her voice.

A few days, I shrugged completely unaware of just where this conversation was heading. She was a God send actually. You were right I didn't know what I was in for. Sammy was a real handful. Good thing he worships Ginny. She really made him tow the line. And for the love of God will you just tell me why I'm suddenly in trouble? Normally you're ecstatic when Ginny comes home.

And I'm usually here. She stressed pursing her lips.

Huh? My brow crinkled then it hit me. No, Mom. No we wouldn't. I ampretty sure that's on the list. I babbled on pointing to the encyclopedia of do's and don'ts she taped to the refrigerator before she left for the airport. And Sammy was here what kind of example would we be setting? Just so you know even if the house was empty, we wouldn't. This is your home and we respect you and Dad far too much.

I'm sorry, Eleanore, she blew out with relief clutching her chest. I trust you and Ginny. It's just these days the rules have changed. In my day we waited for our wedding night.

We're not kids, I grimly informed her. And we aren't allowed a wedding night. That's one rule that will never change.

Maybe? She tried to sound hopeful still the defeat rang through. Again I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.

It wasn't that far fetched Mom, I gave her a lopsided grin. Oh speaking of what we aren't speaking of, Dad might want to have a little sit down with Sammy. He's very curious about girls.

He's a baby, she sputtered the veins in her neck bulging. What did you tell him?

He was too young and he needs to talk to Dad, I directly informed her. The whole conversation creeped me out. The little freak asked if I was a, I shivered. Never mind. I abruptly ended my sentence.

A what? She beamed quickly resuming her game of cat and mouse.

Nothing. I stuttered.

Are you? Mom cornered me.

Mom! I gasped my body filling with a deep sense of fear. I'm ... Uhm...I'm an adult.

What's up? Ginny inquired poking her head in the kitchen.

shewasaskingifi'mavirgin, I squeaked out unintelligibly.

What? Ginny quizzically inquired stepping fully into the kitchen. You don't look so good, she patted my forehead. Are you feeling okay?

I was just messing with her, Mom laughed patting my face.

It wasn't funny, I snarled.

Sure it was, Mom laughed once again before bouncing out of the kitchen.

Do I want to know? Ginny shook her head.

She asked if I was a virgin. I hissed under my breath.

Uhm, huh? What? She stammered like an idiot. What did you say?

I babbled like complete moron and never answered the question, I blew out still flustered.

A good end run, Ginny nodded with a thoughtful look. Nothing wrong with that. I mean she must know. She does, doesn't she?

Of course she knows, I grumbled. She was screwing with me.

Is that why she dragged you in here? Ginny tried to catch up with what had happened.

No, I sighed still trying to catch my bearings. She was worried that we bunked together during their absence. I told her without actually telling her that we would never do that.

Well that's good, she gleefully nodded. Still I am confused as to just how the question of your innocence or lack thereof came up.

Sammy's little sex talk the other night, I smacked myself in the head for being such an idiot. I told her that he had questions and maybe Dad should talk to him. I also told her that he asked if I was a virgin.

He what? She gaped at me.

I told him it was none of his business, I sternly repeated.

Another good end run, she smiled appreciatively. You should have been on the football team. Then again maybe you should have just told her the truth?

Have you suffered a head injury recently? I gasped. Tell my mother that with her blessing you took me across state lines and deflowered me when I was still in high school. Why don't I just tell her how I got to second base with you on her living room sofa?

Well I wouldn't phrase it like that, she scoffed. You and your Mom really have an easy going relationship. Heck she and I have discussed some pretty heavy stuff.

Ginny she knows and doesn't want to hear it. And if we tell her; she'll be forced to tell Dad, I carefully spelled out for her benefit. If Pops finds out you seduced me, I'd start sleeping with one eye open. Pops was what Ginny started calling Dad. She was a part of the family and addressing my parents formally or by their first names was awkward for everyone. Somewhere along the line it became Pops and Ma. Although she still fell into the habit of calling them Mr. & Mrs. Druette now and then.

Oh come on they know, she weakly tried to argue. I mean how bad could it be? Maybe we should just get it out in the open?

Ginny he thinks of you as his daughter, I treaded carefully. Are you going out there right now and tell him that you slept with your sister?

That's disgusting, she blurted out. Don't ever phrase it like that again. And oh my God he really would flip wouldn't he?

Big time, I stressed. Don't forget he has a whole drawer of very sharp razors down at the shop. Ginny he knows. They both know. They don't want to hear it. They're our parents. They want to go to the grave believing that we are as pure as the driven snow. It's a parent thing.

I promise, she shivered. If you promise to do something for me? I know we're as close as siblings. Never, ever refer to yourself as my sister again. That is just too funky. She shivered with disgust.

On so many levels, I agreed feeling slightly nauseas at the thought. Well this has been fun. Mom tortured me. Sammy tortured me. You tortured me. Can't wait to see what you guys do for my birthday.

The rest of the evening went okay. I think the little chat in the kitchen had unnerved the both of us. I had assumed that Ginny would return to the city with me. Still I wasn't overly surprised when she announced she decided to spend a couple of days with my parents.

You don't mind do you? She shifted nervously as I loaded up the Chevy.

No, I answered her honestly. What we said in the kitchen was weird.

It does bring up a question we've been dodging, she grimly muttered. What are we?

Friends, I shrugged. Definitely family.

And we sleep together? She grimaced.

Now and then. I conceded feeling just as confused as she was. Maybe we're just screwed up because we never actually broke up. Sometimes I feel like we just dated other people until you got out. Of course some of us started sooner than others. I couldn't help adding in a bitter tone. My eyes widened when I caught the uneasy look in her eyes. You lied? Damn it. Tell me! I demanded as she turned away. I clutched her by the shoulder and spun her around. Tell me. When was the first time? Was it after I started seeing Connie?

Ellen, she cautioned me with a helpless look.

Tell me. I echoed.

Yes.

Virginia, I snarled my blood boiling. I had already known that she had misled me for, as she put it, my own good. This wasn't a little exaggeration; this really hurt. I am only going to say this one last time. It wasn't your decision to make.

It was the right thing to do. She choked out.

No, I shook my head furiously. It wasn't. I just stood there neither of us speaking. The silence was unbearable. I have to go. I finally blurted out. She just nodded and I drove away.

During the drive back I had the chance to calm down. Slowly I came to the realization that what happened was beyond our control. We were so young; dealing with things our sheltered lives had never prepared us for. She did what she thought was best. I still thought it was wrong. Yet, I had to question that if I was sitting in a cell what would I have done? Count down the days hoping that she would wait for me or set her free? I knew what the answer would have been. I would have done what Ginny had done.

I almost screamed when I opened the door to my apartment. Good Lord, how did you beat me here? I gasped when I found her sitting on the mattress.

Pops drives like a maniac. She flatly explained.

No kidding, I smiled shaking my head. She just sat there in a stony silence as I dragged my bags in and shed my coat. I'm glad you're here. I offered taking a seat next to her.

I just couldn't leave things like that, she solemnly confessed. I hate it when we fight. Ellen back then you weren't listening to me.

And you weren't listening to me, I sighed.

I did what I thought was right, she shook her head. I still think it was the right thing to do. I hated deceiving you, but you were miserable. I had to do something.

On the drive home I had a chance to think about things, I slowly began. I don't agree with what you did and I'm pretty sure I would have done the very same thing.

Even though you think it was wrong? She challenged me with a lopsided grin.

If I was sitting in a jail cell convinced you were wasting your youth? I responded resting my head on her shoulder. You bet. I would have lied, cheated or stole just to make you happy. Having said that, we're not teenagers anymore. Next time we talk things out. Deal?

Deal. She wrapped her arms around me. You do know this doesn't really resolve anything.

Best I can do, I nuzzled against her body.

It was true nothing was resolved still we felt better. She stayed for a couple of days before I put her on another train; this time she decided to head north. After she left I settled back into my routine. Studying nonstop, investigating her case and going on the occasional date. I know it sounds dull. It was anything but. My days at Harvard were enthralling.

The world was changing, the law was changing and, most importantly, I was changing. Hard to believe but the years between sixteen and twenty-three are more expansive than the universe. I was beginning to understand that what Ginny and I were looking for in the other no longer existed. Although letting go wasn't the answer we understood turning back the clock was impossible.

Now there is my favorite student, Professor Larsen addressed me taking a seat beside me. I had been hiding in the coffee shop in an effort to finish preparing for my next class. Ironically enough he was teaching my next class.

Professor Larsen, I greeted him politely curious as to why he had chosen to not only speak to me but to sit with me. Most of our instructors kept their distance. During class they seemed to enjoy showing us up. Granted he was a good instructor and I enjoyed his class still the familiarity of his gesture was odd.

Not to worry, he laughed lightly. I'm not going to spring a pop quiz on you. I just heard that you've applied for an internship at my firm.

Along with several others, I nodded.

Keeping your options open is very wise, he complimented me. After all your internships are not only to help you learn more about the law, but they are for all intents and purposes a pre-interview for a position. Firms examine a prospective candidate very closely. Which is why I am curious about rumors I've heard regarding a personal project you've been working on for sometime now? Is it true that you are trying to exonerate a convicted rapist?

No sir, I corrected him. I am trying to clear an innocent woman's name.

A woman? He nodded with a ghost of a smile. An uphill battle to say the least. Sad to say the laws in this country are medieval. What happened? Did she get caught with her girlfriend? Normally just a slap on the wrist still if you get caught by the wrong cop or judge it can be hell.

No in fact at the time the crime occurred she was with her girlfriend in another state. I definitely explained slapping my pencil down.

She has an alibi? He practically squealed. Then you are halfway home. You just can't mention what she and her girlfriend were doing at the time. Maybe I can help overturn the conviction. When was she convicted?

December 1956.

Excuse me? He blinked completely thrown by the information. Even if that relic Crenshaw was on the bench shouldn't she be out by now?

She was released last May, I confirmed.

I'm confused, he stammered. Miss Druette I'm not going to lie to you tackling gay issues is hard enough. A lot of law firms will not even consider you if they find out. If the woman has already served her sentence then what's the point? You are bright, talented and have a promising career ahead of you. Why are you risking it for a moot point?

The point is imagining trying to start your life over again, I slowly began extracting the file that was always near me. Hard enough with just a high school diploma. You are filling out a job application. You answer all the questions then you reach that one question. Check yes or no have you ever been convicted of a felony? You check the box marked yes. You have to know that even McDonalds will check. You move on to the next section, if you answered yes explain. They'll check so you have to write sex offender. I understand that your firm is quite liberal. Would you hire a convicted sex offender even though they swear that they are innocent?

I'm ashamed to admit it, but no I wouldn't, he meekly confessed. Is that her file?

Everything I've been working on since 1956.

May I? He politely requested holding his hand out.

Only if you promise to get it back to me as soon as possible. I agreed handing him Ginny's file.

One week later I walked into his office feeling skittish. Sit. He instructed me Ginny's file lying open on his cluttered desk. This is a fascinating case. He blew out almost excited. It could be a question on one of my exams. You have done an amazing job with it. Witness statements confirming that Virginia was out of state or elsewhere during both incidents. You even have notarized statements from the victims that the car that picked them up had a dent in the back. You backed that up with sworn statements that it was Laura not Virginia who always drove the car that was dented. You even have statements from the victims and the first officer on the scene that the attacker was right handed. And sworn statements that Virginia, unlike her identical twin, was left handed. The transcripts from the arraignment prove that she had inadequate counsel. Surprising since they are one of the top firms in the State. The fact that she has an identical twin would have been more than enough to cause reasonable doubt had the case gone to trial. Then we have the judge's thinly veiled threats to ship her off to a mental institution. Allowing her prior bad acts to be admitted plus the harshness of her sentence. She was a minor and should have served her time at Cold Springs. Again proving she got bad advice from counsel. All in all Virginia Swenson should have never spent a day in jail. Now Miss Druette if I posed the question on an exam should her conviction be overturned how would you answer?

No it shouldn't. I sighed heavily.

Why? He prompted me.

Because she entered a plea thereby nullifying any chance of appeal. I grimly conceded. I'm not giving up.

Good. He complimented me. If I can be of any help don't hesitate to call. I won't lie that when she agreed to plead guilty she screwed herself.

Thank you. I nodded accepting the file.

No thank you, he stated. This is a case I would love to bring before a higher court.

Later that evening I returned home. I was still living in my tiny studio by myself, and was pleased to discover I had a guest waiting for me. I knew giving you a key was a smart thing to do, I smiled at Ginny who was resting comfortably on the worn mattress that I called a bed. Passing through?

Yup. Ginny grinned brushing back her unruly locks. I can't believe you are still crashing in this shoe box?

Hey at one time you said it was a palace, I quipped setting my books and papers down on my desk. The truth was keeping my tiny space prevented any of my girlfriends from moving in. Of course the limited space was also one of the reasons Ginny never stuck around.

I had just gotten out of prison. She snorted.

Where have you been? I questioned shedding my coat before curling up next to her.

California, she shrugged lighting a cigarette. Picking grapes.

There is our justice system for you. Ginny wandered the country as a migrant farm worker; slaving for hours for mere pennies while her twin who beat up a fifteen year old girl was working the country club circuit. There was no way I was ever going to stop fighting to clear her name. I rested my hand on her stomach wondering how long she would stay this time.

I stopped off to visit my family, she casually threw out.

Let me guess, I groaned. You asked to come home and they threw money at you.

A bundle, she laughed. Dad really wanted to get rid of me this time. So that means I can take you out to eat at a really nice restaurant tonight. What do ya say?

Oh yeah, my stomach growled.

Unless, she hesitated. I'm not going to be pissing off someone by crashing here and wining and dinning you am I? When I failed to answer her jaw clenched. What's her name? She tried to sound casual.

Tara.

I should crash somewhere else, she offered trying to climb off the mattress.

No, I halted her movements by tugging on her blouse. She'll have to understand.

She won't, Ginny snickered. They never do. When are you going to learn Ellen? Your girlfriends don't like it when you share a bed with your old flame for indefinite periods of time. I wouldn't put up with it.

I'm not in love with her, I fussed climbing off the bed looking for something to wear. I can't get serious about anyone. I have school to focus on. I just get lonely Ginny.

Trust me I understand. She laughed.

So are we going to wait till she dumps me or are youjoining me in the shower? I boldly questioned heading towards the bathroom.

I already took a shower. She called out.

You are far too noble, I scolded her.

I have my standards, she grunted. Mind if I smoke a joint before dinner?

Go ahead just a crack a window I hate the smell, I called out turning on the water. It was strange the both of us had kicked cigarettes some time ago. Yet, Ginny, who was only a social smoker, started smoking weed.

When I stepped out of the shower I found Ginny watching television. It was still the teeny tiny set I had bought when I moved in, just to keep me company at night. I don't think we should go out tonight. She said her voice wavering.

What is it? I questioned curling up next to her.

I think we're about to go to war, she grimaced just as President Kennedy appeared and addressed the nation.

For six days we clung to one another and like the rest of the nation prepared for the worst. It was the first crisis my generation would face. Prior to that we had thought the tragic deaths of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe were the worst thing that had happened in our young lives. The fact that I clung so closely to Ginny didn't sit well with Tara my girlfriend who had a real problem with my ex-flame staying with me. On October 28th when we heard that the Russian ships were retreating, the nation breathed a sigh of relief and Tara told me to take a hike. Between the Russians backing down and Tara dumping me it was a pretty good day.

After getting my walking papers I rushed home and seduced Ginny. I know I'm a jerk but she was the one I wanted. All of the years apart had failed to diminish the fire. It hurt knowing that she would soon be walking out the door, so I settled for whatever time we had together.

It was just over a week later when I arrived home that Ginny informed me that I had died. I heard, I snarled snatching the newspaper from her hands before smacking her with it. It was November 7th and the former first lady Eleanore Roosevelt had passed on, my dad was very upset. I admired Mrs. Roosevelt still being saddled with her name had never been a picnic for me. So want to go have dinner with a corpse? I taunted her. There it was that look; the one she got each time just before she announced that it was time for her to hit the road. Or are you packing?

Not much to pack. She frowned. I have to go.

I never argued with her, never once asked her to stay, and most importantly, never told her just how much she meant to me. Ginny was still carrying the scars from the past and I couldn't heal them. She needed to be free and I had to let her go. Each time my heart broke just a little more. Hitching again or will you at least let me buy you a train ticket?

I can't take your money, she huffed.

No you'd rather risk your life standing out on a cold highway being picked up by God knows who? I snapped. Take the Chevy.

Nope that is your car. She valiantly argued.

I don't even keep it in the city, I fought back. It's parked in my parent's garage. She just sat there refusing to budge. Take a train ticket. I persisted. Do it for me?

Fine, she expelled an exasperated breath.

When? I tentatively questioned picking the lint from my sweater.

I figured I could head out first thing in the morning, she stated without a hint of regret.

I see. I nodded it was always the same. She'd tell me the night before and I'd send her off the following morning. I crawled up onto the bed knowing that the night would be just like all the others.

So do I get a goodbye kiss? She teased me slipping her hands around my waist. She was surprised when I shook my head no.

Not until you take your clothes off, I taunted her nestling my body closer.

You're so demanding, she gasped.

You, naked, now. I asserted already unzipping her pants.

I'm going to miss you, she whispered hotly in my ear. It was on the tip of my tongue to say, stay. I didn't. I simply undressed her then myself and made love to her until it was time to take her to the train station. That time I bought her ticket to Florida.

TBC

Return to the Academy

Send comments to findingmavis@comcast.net

For updates & previews join my egroup, yomavis-subscribe@yahoogroups.com