Chapter 8

Memories - 9th Grade

Betzy Then Bobby

Dreams of Betzy swamped Bobby. Her Aunt Alice and Uncle John had three daughters—Agnes, Amber and Anna. Tomboy ways hardened Betzy. Change did not materialize. She resumed fighting boys older and taller. Her face scowled, breathing labored, arms tightened, and fists clinched. Her adversaries claimed she exhibited malicious tendencies, monstrous trends and morbid talents.

The fights escalated. Aunt Alice said, "We love you."

"Yes Maam, and I love my kinfolk."

"'Tiss' funny, three mommas done called me 'dat.' You pelted 'deyr' be so called tough and snooty sons. Is 'dat' be true?"

"Yes Maam, 'Dey' pestered cousin Agnes. I told 'dem' if 'dey' didn't leave her alone, I would smash 'dem.' Dey' threw rocks at us. I whup up 'da'; oldest who be Jeb. 'Da udder' two came at me. I clobbered 'dem' 'wit' a willow-switch. 'Dey' ran away sniveling. I don't hold no grudges. 'Dey dun' be licked."

"Where did you learn battle boxing?"

"Uncle Joe lern't 'dat' in 'da' Army. He lern't me and my 'brudders'. We 'practized' 'wit' each 'udder.' We be 'da' four 'musketeers,' and we be more dangerous than a cornered wolf."

Betzy and her brothers were a force no one challenged. She was the cruelest fighter in school. Every boy but Bobby, Carl and her brothers feared Betzy. Her eyes focused on Bobby as she swooned. She smiled, shimmered and sparkled in his presence. Her heart pounded while her breathing expanded.

Her brothers told Bobby she had a crush on him. He ignored them. Two years separation in their ages made a mismatch. Today it is normal. He missed or neglected to pay attention to her cues. He regretted the opportunities he let slip.

Startled Memories - Flashback

The memories repeated over and replayed out of sequence. The progression jumbled as days mixed without reference. The extent of a day formed but devoid of relevance. He understood little as he absorbed much out of context. His name lost reality and evaded him. Bobby's injuries concentrated both physical and mental. His wounds penetrated deeply. His eyes registered everything he viewed, but it lacked perspective. He was ready to put a gun to his head, but he required the strength to hold it. He possessed no control of his bodily functions. Someone flipped or flopped him several times a day. The nurses provided his meals through IVs.

The Memory Bounces

He comprehended who and where he was. His mind traveled from the past to the present with no control toward the direction of limited management. He took her for granted and ignored her. She expressed her outrage with him. He mumbled, "How did I get here?" However, no one heeded his message.

The girl said, "My daddy is General James Matthews. He is on staff here at Clark Air Force Base with supervisory responsibilities in Thailand. We have a home in Chiang Mai and here."

"What's your name again? Carl mentioned it, but I have problems remembering. My mind scrambles my memories. The past, present and future aspirations mix together. The happenings of ten years ago appear as fresh as yesterday and yesterday's itinerary seem like years ago. Add in items which never happened develops as reality. I am so sorry."

"Apologies remain pointless in our wing of the therapy ward. My name is Shelly. I volunteer at the hospital on this floor. In Chiang Mai, I teach women self-defense. It is sort of a mix of kickboxing and judo."

"'Naw,' you are to pretty and feminine to be a kickboxer. Are you free or do you have a boyfriend? It makes no difference. I need help getting out of bed."

"I was almost married, but I broke up with my fiancé. I accused him of messing around with another woman, but he wasn't. I hurt him. His heart broke. It was my fault. In turn, I persist as a shattered person."

"Is there any way the two of you will get back together?"

"I do not believe so, but I want to."

"I blunder as a defective man. I spent most of my time attempting to avoid war. While I was in Vietnam the battles presented a distant concept. The second day of duty almost killed me. What's left is a disfigured aberration. No woman on earth could love a despicable beast such as me."

"I have observed worst. Our doctors are the finest in the world."

"I hope so. I can't gaze into a mirror. It scares me."

"I am endeavoring to make amends with my fiancé. Otherwise, I would consider dating you."

"It is kind of you, but I do not need pity."

"I do not lie. You are not pathetic. It is easy to talk with you. Your even funny when you talk about yourself. Any girl would be lucky to have you for a boyfriend once they appreciate the real you. Inside you is a sweet man."

She inspired him to be a nicer guy. The next day he expected her to turn up in his room. Seven days elapsed with no Shelly. A week later she materialized.

"My family had to go to Colorado Springs. My fiancé is stationed there. We are together again."

"I missed you."

"I am sorry. My Mom asked me to go with her. The airplane took off an hour later. It was a chance for us to make peace. I didn't believe he would take me back after how ugly I had treated him."

"Evidently he did."

"Yes, the Air Force was honoring him for his work at the Air Force Academy. He is a research scientist and professor."

"He must be old."

"No, only a year older than me. He is a genius. He has created new alloys of steel and aluminum. These metals have helped create over a hundred new products for consumers and the military. They make everyday life easier for the average man and woman."

Behind Shelly was Pat. He did not notice her until Shelly said, "Bobby, this is my friend Pat. Her father is a general who works with my daddy. She is a volunteer the same as me. Life has given her more challenges than you."