Session Three:
Mequi walked out into the lobby with one of his clients, telling her of how proud he was that she had finally gotten up the courage to tell her parents about her choice and that he would be thinking about her all week until they met again. He wished her luck and then shut the front door after her.
Turning, he was stunned with the sight of Chance in opposing garb to what he had worn last week and the week before. Now in army green cargo pants, a tight black shirt under a burnt orange vest and black vans shoes, Chance suddenly had an air of casual simplicity that seemed to fit him. A silver cross necklace of gothic design hung around his neck and an expensive-looking watch was strapped to his wrist. Other than those, he wore no other jewelry and his only other accessory was a black headband that kept his suddenly spikier hair out of his face.
It surprised Mequi that Chance could wear whatever he wanted and still look as if he fit in his attire. Mequi never found himself in anything, but a suit, and knew that he would look completely out of place if he dared to wear anything, but a suit. Was it because Chance carried himself in such an easy-going way and with such confidence that he could be dressed in whatever he wanted?
“Sorry, I’m early.” Chance apologized, remaining in his seat, his position one similar to how a bag would look slung across a chair. “I can wait, if you would prefer.”
“I usually have a fifteen minute break between clients,” Mequi smiled at the young man. “But I’m anxious to get started. Please, you may come back now.”
“Oh.” Chance’s eyes betrayed his surprise, but he stood anyway and followed his therapist into the office at the end of the hallway.
“How are you doing this week, Chance?” Mequi asked as he poured a glass of water for them both. He had a feeling that Chance would not like to drink anything else, but water.
“I’m fine.” Chance replied simply as he took the glass that Mequi handed to him. “I’m actually more worried about you. I’ve thought about our last session ever since I left here and I want to say sorry for what I said. I should’ve known it would’ve made you upset. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right.” Mequi slightly laughed at the younger man’s concern, not because he thought it was foolish, but because he thought it was cute. "I’m accustomed to growing shaken and I believe you need the relief of my past off of your back. Still, I’d like to ask some questions before we start.”
“Okay…” Chance looked confused and beyond worried with those words, but he consented to Mequi’s request. “Shoot.”
“Let me see…” Mequi muttered as he took a seat. “How do I word this? Tell me, Chance…how do you know about my past? Do you know how you found out about my past?’
Chance frowned as his brows pinched I don’t know…when I think about it…I can’t remember…when I felt it…when it all happened…it felt as if…I was by your side the whole time, watching what was happening to you. I could see everything…every detail…and I couldn’t forget it…”
“Do you know how this started happening?” Mequi asked, his heart beating faster.
“About a month ago.” Chance murmured. “It happened a whole month ago. I felt like I was shocked with lightning and I had suddenly seen your whole life, but I could not recall a moment of mine…and…nothing around me had changed in the least bit.”
“Meaning?”
"Not one person around me had even flinched since I had flown through your life.” Chance frowned. “Everyone around me had stopped long enough for me to experience your entire life…”
“Like a thirty-second dream.” Mequi sighed. “Strange…so, you described it as flying…”
“Flying, yes.” Chance muttered, his eyes focusing off into the dream-like realm that he had seemed to have experienced. “It was as if I had lost my arms and legs and sprouted wings that never moved, just permitted me to levitate or something…”
“I see…” Mequi nodded as he leaned back, snapping out of his inner thoughts. “All right, then. You’ve given me a great deal of information. Now, would you like to leave a little bit of that load your carrying here today?”
Chance smiled at Mequi’s use of words. “Sure…but only if it won’t make you go crazy over the mess it’ll make.”
“I’ll be fine.” Mequi also grinned at Chance’s metaphorical speaking as he pressed the recording button on the recording machine. “All right, let’s begin.”
“Well,” Chance’s features grew dark as he recalled where they had left off. “Last week I had just finished telling you of the boots coming up the stairs.”
~*~
Mequi’s heart was drumming so fast that he could hear it in his ears. The door swung open and Tammy burst into the room, drawing a pocketknife from her back pocket and flipping it open as she charged towards the bed. Mequi screamed as she leapt up onto the bed, the knife slashing towards his face as she shrieked, “If I can’t have him, no one can!”
Mequi’s eyes shut tight as he waited for the pain of the blade chopping into his face, but, instead, droplets splashed onto his skin. Flashing his eyes open, he was stunned to see the tip of the blade only an inch from his face, the rest of the blade stabbed through the middle of Vienza’s hand.
Vienza slugged Tammy across the face with his other hand and the knife yanked out of his wounded one as Tammy took it with her. She fell off the bed and rolled, trying to find her footing, but she ended up ramming her head into the desk, splitting it open on the corner and leaving a trail of blood.
The tutor leapt out of the bed as John came into the room, heaving for breath. Barbara was screaming even as she came through the doorway, but her voice reached a new pitch when she saw the amount of blood that stained the white carpet.
The whole time, Mequi sat there, his eyes wide with mortification and his skin pale. His hands shook uncontrollably, as they would later when Chance retold the event. He had never been so scared in his entire life and he never would be this scared again.
~~*~~
“Wait…” Mequi croaked, trying to keep the tears in his eyes. “I need to use the restroom real quick.”
Chance stood. “Are you feeling well?”
“No.” Mequi murmured as he left the room.
Chance sat down. What was he doing? He knew this was tearing that poor main apart!
Mequi ignored Danielle when she tried to ask him what was wrong and went straight into the bathroom, locking the door behind himself and immediately going to the toilet. There, he began to vomit, incapable of restraining the nasty feeling. He was physically getting sick over all of this!
The mind was a powerful thing and the emotions that it experienced often led to a physical interpretation thereof, but Mequi had never imagined that he would feel so strongly inside his heart that his body experienced dreadful trauma.
When he finally pulled his face away, he could see blood mingled in with the food that he had eaten for lunch. The sight nearly caused him to throw up again, but he turned his face away, flushed the toilet, and began to tidy himself up in the mirror.
“Damn…” He muttered, staring worriedly at his pale skin and dark eye sockets. “I look like I haven’t slept in days.”
Leaving the bathroom, he was not surprised to see that Greg had now joined Danielle’s side.
“What’s going on?” Greg asked, his voice worried. “You’re sick. You should go home.”
“I have only one client left.” Mequi reasoned. “And I’m not sick as in I’ve caught something…well, I’ve caught something, but not something like a virus or anything. I’m fine, really.”
“This client is making you ill.” Danielle accused, her hands on her hips. “Look, it’s one thing for us therapists to help a client carry a heavy load, but it’s another thing when we start to end up in even worse shape than them. What’s going on, Mequi, that’s so horrible it’s making you dreadfully sick, but is so important that you can’t leave them?”
Mequi smiled at her. “Nothing, Danielle. It’s confidential and you know that I strongly believe in that. Besides…you wouldn’t want to know anyway.”
“What?” Danielle looked confused. “Are you saying it would make me sick too?”
“No.” Mequi frowned as he started towards his office. “But it’d leave you with a very uneasy feeling.”
“Huh?” Greg frowned as he tried to grab the other therapist’s sleeve, but Mequi evaded him and opened his office door to slip inside.
Chance looked up when Mequi entered and it was obvious that the young man was trying not to cry. “I’m sorry, Mequi. I shouldn’t be telling you any of this.”
“No.” Mequi shook his head. “No. You keep telling me this until this session is over and then you keep coming back until you’ve finished. This needs to be told.”
The young man frowned. “Are you sure? It’s tearing you apart.”
“I’ll be fine.” Mequi stated with a faint smile. “Please, we’re wasting time.”
Chance frowned more as he stared at his pale therapist and at the tremble that barely was noticeable in his hands. “After that…the police arrived…and…your dedication to Vienza grew…”
~~*~~
Mequi snuck into the kitchen to listen to his parents talking to Vienza in the dining room. He was supposed to be going to sleep, but he was too excited. Vienza had promised the boy that he would talk to Barbara and John about allowing Mequi to advance to fourth grade despite the fact that it was still only halfway through the school year.
A shudder suddenly went through Mequi’s body when he sighted the large bandage wrapped around Vienza’s hand. It had only been two weeks since Tammy had paid that horrible visit and changed Mequi’s thinking forever. Vienza had received twenty-three stitches because of the event and Barbara was currently undergoing intense therapy once a week.
“I don’t know…” Barbara hesitated, her voice uncertain. “Maybe, we should take it slow from now on.”
“No.” Vienza shook his head sternly. “I am insistent that he go to the next grade. Ever since his mother’s visit, Mequi has worked harder than ever before. That is why I think it would be good for him to move ahead. If he focuses on his schoolwork, he won't have to think about that as much. He’s learned all he can in the third grade curriculum. There is nothing more he can get out of it.”
Barbara’s brows were pinched in worry as she looked at John. “What do you think?”
“I think that Vienza has a good point.” John smiled at her. “I think it would be good for Mequi to get his mind off of that event and move on to something that could help him.”
Barbara sighed. “Well, all right. I won’t argue then. If you think it would be good for him then you have all the right to go ahead and advance his schooling.”
“Thank you.” Vienza relaxed a little and then cast a sharp glance at Mequi.
Startled, Mequi ducked back into the kitchen and scampered back up into his room. He never understood it, but it was as if Vienza always knew where Mequi was, what he was doing, and why he was doing it. The boy could not get way with anything without Vienza knowing.
In his bed, Mequi curled up and thought about all he planned to do. He wanted to be the smartest boy to ever have lived and he intended to go far. He would never stoop to something lesser than he could be. He insisted on becoming someone important.
Smiling, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
~*~
Mequi let out a heavy sigh and Chance perked.
“Is something wrong?” Chance asked, reaching a hand towards the man, but hesitating.
“No.” Mequi murmured.
“You felt strongly about Vienza.” Chance stated factually and the therapist looked up and stared at him in worry. “You knew he was a good person. You always did and you were right. He was a good person and still is. Why don’t you call him?”
“I can’t.” Mequi whispered, his voice choked. “I can’t…not after…please, continue.”
Chance frowned darkly. “Mequi…fine…after that, your studies increased and you began to excel beyond any student that Vienza had ever taken to tutor before. He noticed, however, that you would grow quickly bored with your day whenever your studies ended and advised you to take up an instrument. You chose piano and soon were advancing well into it…you graduated fourth grade by the end of the school year, had a short summer break, and started fifth grade at a remarkable speed. It was decided that you would graduate fifth grade halfway through the school year and then continue on to sixth grade. At Christmas, Vienza joined your large family since he had none that he could reside with…”
~*~
Mequi sat at the piano, playing a crazed version of “Jingle Bells” On the piano as everyone around him watched and enjoyed. He knew he was good at what he did, but he had never expected to receive quite a response as this. Everyone was clapping and singing along, their faces joyous and awed with his ability.
When he ended the song, he received a loud applause, but his eyes searched only for the beaming face of Vienza, glad to see his approval and completely disregarding everyone else’s. As long as his savior was happy than no one else mattered. Still, he bowed to them all, accepting their applause before turning to play another Christmas song, much to the enjoyment of everyone else.
Finally, after a few more songs, Mequi left the piano and sought after Vienza as cousins, uncles, aunts, and various other relatives bumbled about him. He found his tutor by the Christmas tree and quickly gave the man a hug, Vienza returning it.
“You did marvelous.” Vienza stated, smiling down at the boy. “You’re amazing, Mequi. Truly amazing.”
“Thank you!” Mequi glowed with joyfulness. As long as Vienza approved, no one else mattered. “Are you having fun, sir?”
“Yes.” Vienza sat down on a couch and Mequi jumped up beside him. “Are you?”
“I am, sir.” Mequi rested his head on Vienza’s chest and listened to the man’s large heart as it drummed away. “In a little while, I’ll be up at the piano again and I’ll be playing a few songs from the Nutcracker. Do you like any more than the others, sir?”
“I like the "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" the best.” Vienza admitted. “But play whatever you like. Mequi, you’re so cute.”
Mequi blushed. “You’re so silly. Thank you, sir.”
The two fell silent and then Barbara moved towards the tree, jingling bells to draw the attention of the children and adults. “Time for presents! It’s time for presents!”
Boys and girls ran to the tree, franticly begging that they be first as their parents tried to control them and keep them from barreling Barbara over. Excitement and noise shuddered wildly through the air.
“Aren’t you going to go up there and get a present?” Vienza asked, looking down at Mequi’s tiny face.
“I’ll wait until everyone else has settled down. “Mequi glanced worriedly over the panicking faces of children desperate for toys that they did not need. “They look so weird.”
“Most children are excited to get new things.” Vienza laughed at Mequi’s reluctance to mingle with the other children, but he knew it was because Mequi rarely did visit other children due to his single tutoring at the mercy of Vienza’s teaching. “You’re so adult-like, Mequi. You should act like a child more often.”
“I don’t want to act like that, sir.” Mequi hissed as he eyed a girl throwing herself down on the ground just because she had not been the first one to be handed a present. “They remind me of crazy people.”
“You’re silly.” Vienza chuckled. “All right. Have it your way, but I’m getting myself a cup of coffee.”
“I’ll go with you, sir.” Mequi wanted to escape the noise and crowds of people. He was so used to an empty house and only a tiny amount of sound echoing through it.
Inside the kitchen, Mequi watched as Vienza poured coffee into a mug and then added in the tiniest bit of milk before moving towards the doorway. Just then Barbara ran up to them.
“Oh, Mequi!” She gasped, her face flushed and her breath gasping. “I was worried! Why aren’t you opening any presents?”
“There were too many people, ma'am.” Mequi stated, his brows pinched.
“Oh…” Barbara’s brows were furrowed deeply as she thought about that. “How odd…why don’t…why don’t you come and sit by the tree though? You won’t get any presents otherwise. You’ll end up waiting until tomorrow!”
“I know, ma'am,” Mequi shrugged nonchalant as the other parents and adults looked at his response. “But I don’t mind. I’m having fun just talking to people.”
An awe washed through all of those hearing his interaction with his mother and he blushed with embarrassment.
Vienza smiled as he leaned down to whispered into Mequi’s ear, “Go open a few presents. Show the kids how they should act.”
Mequi glanced back at Vienza and then smiled broadly. “All right, sir.”
With that, the boy ran off to do as Vienza had suggested, sitting down slowly at the base of the tree and keeping quiet as he waited for a present to be passed to him. Instantly, he was commended for his politeness and given three presents to open instead of one like the other children. Seeing his reward, the other children first complained and then began to follow his example. Soon, it was quiet enough for Mequi to think again as he opened his presents.
He was a little disturbed with what his aunts had bought him. He was not into toys like most boys so he found that a giant water gun, a hot wheels race track set, and spy kit were somewhat boring and out-of-place in his hands. Still, he was polite and thanked them immediately upon learning whom had given it to him and then explained to them that he would play with them as soon as the weather grew sunny or as soon as he set it up. Secretly, he contemplated asking his parents to take the toys back and buy him something else, but he decided that would be rude.
After that, he felt as if his gifts grew more acceptable. One of his uncles had bought him a book on Japan and he accepted it with glee. Another of his uncles had bought him a set of nice notebooks with his name personalized upon them. His grandparents on Barbara’s side had bought him a lot of clothes, which he was grateful for because he had no clothes that he could play outside in. John’s parents had bought him a book series, which Mequi had been asking for all year, and he could barely keep his excitement in check when he unwrapped his most-desired present. A distant relative, whose name he could presently not remember, had bought him a science kit that would permit Mequi to progress in the world of science.
The night wore on, Mequi glad for his later presents, but then his parents told him to unwrap the ones they had bought for him. He was shocked to find the amount of things they had purchased and felt guilty for he had only been able to make them a picture frame each. He received clothes, sketchbooks, an art easel, an insect and arachnid encyclopedia, and a new PC program for speaking the Japanese language. Even though he had started the third grade learning French, the sudden knowledge that he was mostly of Japanese origin had caused Mequi to abruptly crave learning the second most difficult language in the world. Now, he was going on into his second year of the language, having passed the first one in fourth grade. Personally, he did not think the language was all that hard; it was easier than English or French in his mind.
Finally, relatives began to leave and Mequi began to feel comfortable again as less and less people filled his home.
“You look exhausted.” Vienza commented, seeing the weary look upon Mequi’s face. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay, sir.” Mequi smiled as best as he could while also holding in a yawn. “Did you like your present, sir?”
“I did.” Vienza crouched down in front of Mequi in order to stare him in the eyes. “You’re so cute, Mequi. Thank you for the gift. It means a lot to me…I have something for you.”
Mequi’s eyes brightened. Vienza had gotten him a gift! “Oh, really?”
“Yes.” Vienza held out a small package to the boy. “You’ll go far, Mequi. You’ll go very far. Good night. I’ll see you in a week.”
“Thank you, sir.” Mequi gave Vienza a hug and then pulled away. “I’m going to miss you.”
Vienza laughed heartedly. “I’m not leaving forever, silly. I’ll be back by the end of the week. Take care.”
“You too, sir.” Mequi gave the man another hug and then watched him go before scampering up the stairs to set his present down.
After helping his parents pick up the mess that had been left in the wake of their guests, Mequi was told to get ready for bed. He did as he was told, antsy to open his gift from Vienza.
Finally, he kissed and hugged his parents good-night and then bounded up to his bedroom, shut the door, and rushed to his present. Slowly, he took the shiny wrapping paper off, afraid of harming it. Unfolding the box, his face lit at the sight.
Tenderly, he pulled out the figurine of a purple and blue butterfly and read the inscription carved on the plaque that was at the bottom, “As long as there is a goal and purpose in your mind and a determination in all you do, you will go far no matter what stands in your way. Go far.”
“Thank you, Vienza.” Mequi smiled as he carried the figurine to his dresser and set it at the top, pushing all the other knickknacks away from where it sat. “You’re the best tutor in the world.”
~*~
“Mequi…” Chance’s face was filled with concern as he stared upon his therapist, the man’s face in his hands and his body hunched over into a quivering form. “Are you all right?”
When the man did not answer, Chance stood and walked around to set his hand on the therapist’s back. Mequi flinched as he looked up into the worried eyes of Chance. He could not keep the tears in his eyes now and the man let them run down his cheeks.
“I never…” Mequi sobbed and then allowed Chance to hug him. “I never…”
“It’s all right.” Chance whispered, his own features sad. “It’s all right, Mequi. You’re all right. You’re all right. I’m sorry that I’m doing this to you. I’ll stop. I won’t come back.”
“No.” Mequi gripped the young man to him. “Come back. Come back…”
“Who are you crying to when you say that?” Chance found himself asking as he stared up at a picture of Mount Fiji, which was mounted on the wall behind Mequi’s seat. “Who are you cry to, Mequi? Me…or Vienza?”
Mequi stiffened and then let go of the young man to stare into his passive features. What did Chance know? What was Chance? How could he know these things?”
“I’ll pay you today.” Chance stated sternly.
“No.” Mequi had a bad feeling about that. For some reason, he felt that, if Chance paid him, the young man would not come back. “Pay me next week…”
“Next week!” Chance yelped, his eyes growing large. “Do you realize how many weeks I owe you for?”
“Come back next week.” Mequi’s voice was stern, but held a quake in it. “Come back and tell me more.”
“It’s breaking you apart.” Chance shook his head. “It’s hurting you.”
Mequi sighed as he hung his head. “Just come back…”
Chance’s eyes narrowed. “Fine. I’ll see you next week and I’ll pay next week…are you going to be all right?”
“Is your time up for today?” Mequi asked uncertainly.
“Yes.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll be back…but are you going to be all right?”
Mequi shrugged. “Yes. I’ll be fine. I think so anyway…I’ll be fine.”
Chance placed a hand upon Mequi’s head. “Okay, then…I’ll see you next week.”