Spatial Odyssey II

Back to the original starting point.
I am careful to shake hands cordially with Manuel; I intuit that respect, and self-respect have been scarce commodities of late.

-“Where have you been Manuel? Did your wife tell you why I’m here?”

-“I was in jail for a week.” He said shyly.

-“Why where you in jail?” I inquire.

-“I was in Highland Park collecting aluminum cans, and I asked some guys for a beer.
I drank it openly in the park without covering it up, and I was stopped for that. I was arrested because they found false documents in my wallet, and they tore those up.”

I was livid because of a moment of weakness, he was disrupting my plans. Before my eyes, which were eloquent enough, I was seeing someone sinking into bottomless despair.
Just then his wife and little daughter come out. His three year old daughter embraces Manuel’s legs, and doesn’t want to let go.

I give him a thorough sermon about the evils of drinking problems away, which in turn create a whole new set of problems. I ask him if he can fix this problem since I can’t take him to the company to get hired empty handed.

-“Yes, I know some guys.” He said finally.

-“Is it too late to fix it now? Do you have money?” I inquire knowing time is running out.

-“I think I can, and I don’t have money.” He said expectantly.

I look around my surroundings, stalling for time. I purposely ignore the implications, since as a law-abiding citizen, I just don’t do any illegal activities.

-“Look, it’s getting late. Do you need a ride somewhere? You find a way to fix this mess, because it was due to your stupid drinking that you put yourself and your family in jeopardy. We need to be there tomorrow morning at eight; my cousin is too busy to keep changing appointments – fix this now!” I said very seriously.

We arrive near Mc Arthur Park. As if guided by instinct, I drive into the parking lot of a doughnut shop, where I decide to wait it out and get coffee.
I order something to eat for both of us, and before I finish preparing my coffee, Manuel is consulting someone just outside of this establishment.

I notice that several men are seated in individual tables facing the window with cell phones in hand, as if working from their office cubicles to serve the next client in line.

I sit inconspicuously in the back, consuming my bran muffin and coffee, as I strain to hear the contents of their conversations.

After twenty minutes, Manuel comes back to the table and eats. He said it would be about another forty minutes. That guy is a friend of a friend, who will do it on credit.

We make small talk about the people in the company, and his stint in jail. I asked him if he'd slept in the park, since I had been looking for him there.

-“There are a lot of people sleeping in the park. I met an older man who lost his job, and place to live. He’s trying to make money to return to Guatemala. By the way, thank you for your help.” He said with sincerity.

-“There’s no need to thank me Manuel. Simply promise me that you will stop this bull shit drinking. Do it for your little daughter. Did you see how scared she was that you would leave, that she did not want to let go of your legs? That beer money should be used for food and diapers.” I said with intent.

-“I know. I will stop.”

-“Look, I’m very tired. It’s 7:48 PM. Please be ready tomorrow at 6:30 AM, I will pick up and take you there. Can you make your way straight home alright?” I inquire ready to split. I don’t want to ride with him in case there are monkeys on the coast.

“Yes, it’s pretty close walking distance. I will be ready and waiting outside at 6:30.”

At 6:32 AM, I flash my headlights to Manuel to get in. The rain is pouring hard this Monday morning.
With hot coffee in hand, we resume our light bantering and joking to alleviate the pain.



.

Spatial Odyssey

It's 5:46 PM on a frigid Sunday evening; I brace myself to leave the sanctuary and warmth of my car to find this address.

I feel apprehensive about parking here, yet more so, about carrying my purse with me. Clutching only the address, and my wool coat in front of me, I walk rapidly to my destination.

I came upon an old grey building surrounded like a maximum security prison by an iron gate. There was no intercom to make my presence known, so I was direct, and to the point.

-“MANUEL!” I yelled out his name over and over again, as an incantation accompanied by the wind.

After about five minutes of no results, a couple came out, I thanked them, and ran upstairs to number 203.

I knocked on the door insistently without response. Crestfallen, I asked a neighbor if he would lend me a pen, in order to leave a note. Just then, several locks are turned, and out comes Manuel’s wife.

-“Hi, do you remember me? I used to work with Manuel. I need to find him please; I found a job for him.” I said with urgency, worried about my car.

-“Yes, I remember you. Come in, Manuel is not here.”

A little girl of about three appears; a mini replica of Manuel she seems.

-“Sit down. I have not seen Manuel in two weeks. He’s taken to drinking and hanging out with other drunks, and looking for work.”

Her eldest daughter from a previous relationship chimes in. “He can’t handle the stress and the accusations from my mother. They fight all the time. So he simply has stopped coming here. I hope he does to pay the rent next month.”

-“I need to find him. I got him a job in a company where my cousin is in charge of production. He’s mostly all the time in China now, yet he just arrived for the holidays to see his family. It’s crucial that I take Manuel there tomorrow morning at eight.” I explained my urgency – still worried about my car.

-“You can find him early morning in Home Depot where he says he looks for day labor. He also hangs in Mc Arthur Park with other drunks. I don’t know which Home Depot, he does not tell us anything.”

I drove about eight blocks, and parked a block away from Mc Arthur Park. It's 6:40 PM.
The area was still bustling with the activity of the holiday shopping. I was glad to find parking in front of a well lit 99 cent store.

An old man sitting on the window sill of this establishment eats a Salvadorian tamale. The informal business’ here, thrive more so than the formal ones; the latter are guarded by uniformed security guards.

-“Excuse me, do you know a Manuel? He is tall, late thirties? He’s not come home in two weeks, and I’ve been told he hangs around the drunks in this area.” I ventured to inquire.

-“No, I don’t know of a Manuel. But the drunks hang out in clusters around the corner here, or next block in that shopping center, or in the park."

After inquiring where he specified, I walk to the shopping center where a man with blood shot eyes, tells me that he will help me. He offers to drive my car around so that we may find Manuel.

I roll my eyes and walk away lured by the elaborate sanctuary of "La Santisima Muerte" (Blessed Holy Death), inside of the shopping center. A life size skeleton elaborately dressed representing death sits upon a shrine. Chairs are situated in front, just like in a little chapel.

With null results, the last place to look is Mc Arthur Park. I amble there acutely aware of my surroundings, drinking in the people, sights, and of course, looking out for Manuel in all the desperate faces I encounter on my route.

Again I stop and inquire at the park if they know of a Manuel. I am intercepted by a young man about twenty-three who tells me that he does not know a Manuel, but asks me not to go. Do I want to make love? To which I said no.

-“Let’s make a deal, I’ll pay you. Just follow me to the bathroom.” He said.

I explained that I’m busy as I walk away towards a couple of older men. I inquire again, and tell them that Manuel might be sleeping at the park, since he has not come home in two weeks.

-“There are a lot of people sleeping here now. Just last week the papers took a picture of a white woman sleeping on that bus stop bench during the rains. She was front page news, yet she is still around here sleeping.” The old man said.

I walk away, again intercepted by the young man who tells me, “Look there’s an underground tunnel which connects both parks. Come with me there; I have a hard on.”

Just then, my cell phone rings. It is Manuel’s stepdaughter telling me that Manuel has finally come home. I thank her and rush the two blocks to my car, lost in the crowd of Christmas shoppers.

As I insert the ignition key, I quickly lock my door. My heart jumps when I see the same horny guy appear in front of the hood of my car. He motions with his hands "What's up?"


To be continued…


.

Rotten Bananas IX

-“So how do you feel buddy? Did you have a good time?” Jose inquired impertinently.

-“I sure did; she was a very nice woman. I think that I will go back to see her again.” Charlie said without offering further details.

-“Well, are you ready for all the details of my soiree?
You see, I could not make up my mind on those two since they were both aggressively competing for my attention.
Finally, they mutually agreed to offer me a deal like Payless.
As in 'Buy one, and get the other at half price.'
Of course they were more into each other, than into me, but I can’t honestly say that they neglected me.” Jose said with a mischievous wink.

-“Hey, let’s run this light before it turns red. We're almost late for work Charlie, and you know how anal Richard is about punctuality. Come on Charlie! Let’s make a run for it!” Jose said as he ran ahead of Charlie to cross the street, as a bus stationed in the corner to pick up passengers.

The massive bus impaired their vision, and both the car circumventing the bus from behind, as well as Jose, did not see each other until the moment of impact.

The brutal impact catapulted Jose into the air like a rag doll, landing him in a twisted heap, several feet from the crossing line.

The driver sped away, as Jose lay unconscious in the middle of the intersection. Charlie inebriated at the time was afraid that Jose would be run over again by the traffic coming in from opposite directions.

Charlie grabbed Jose from behind, and dragged him slowly to the curb, and away from harms way.

-“CALL FOR HELP!” Charlie yelled at the stationed bus driver, as he cradled Jose’s head on his lap and pleaded with him to wake up.

-“Help is coming soon buddy, just hang in there!” Charlie said through tears as Jose regained consciousness, yet started bleeding from his mouth.

Charlie felt Jose’s life force ebbing slowly away, as the minutes turned into a quarter of an hour, and still no help arrived.

-“Remember Jose when you said that we would be alright? You’ve got to hang on buddy, you’ve got to! Please do it for me. You are the only friend I have left.” Charlie said this as he sobbed disconsolately.

-“Sure buddy, you got it. Although from experience I’ll tell you that there’s no rush to save people like us. If something happens to me Charlie, you will be alright.
Look at you; you are a sharp dresser – thanks to me of course.” Jose said as he coughed up more blood.

As the minutes trickled, Charlie kept up the conversation to animate Jose into staying focused.

-“Jose, you never did tell me the story of how you ended up in the street, when you had all this money and connections.” Charlie asked out of curiosity and desperation that help was slow to come.

Spitting out more blood, Jose answered, “It was due to bad investments Charlie. The worst of which, was investing the heart in the wrong person.”

Those were Jose’s last words, as his spirit deployed with the delicacy of a falling autum leaf.




.

Rotten Bananas VIII

Very gently, Vicky pushed Charlie back to lie on the bed; the motion taking her with him. Gravity made the full body embrace all the more solid.

As customary for Vicky, she refrained from kissing on the lips. Instead, she decided to ignite a slow-burning flame considering that Charlie was so sentimental and obviously fragile.

Delicately disengaging from the octopus embrace she was imprisoned in, she sat up to straddle Charlie’s torso.

Vicky literally purred like a kitten as she leaned over to disperse dozens of butterfly kisses all over Charlie’s face.
Some of the little kisses were barely perceptible, as her lips made whisper-soft contact with his damp eyelids, roughened cheeks, and nose. Vicky worked her way around his lips, down to his earlobes which caused a stark reaction from Charlie.

As her lips traveled down to his neck, all the while dispersing unlimited delicate kisses, simultaneously, she started to unbutton his shirt.
Vicky was half way done unbuttoning those, when Charlie abruptly halted her hands in mid-process, and requested that she turn off the lights.

-“Sure honey, do you mind if I turn on some music?” Vicky asked startled by his request since in her experience, most men are highly visual and enjoy staring at the ceiling which is mirrored, for the multiple view in front and back.

Paying attention to her movements, Vicky sauntered seductively towards the radio and found just the perfect song playing by the Isley Brothers, “Living for the Love of You.” It was a perfect song to set the mood.

To economize her efforts, she retrieved a condom from her purse, and initiated her return to the bed. The lit dial tone of the stereo illuminated her way.

Straddling Charlie once more, she finished what she had started, while renewing her distribution of little kisses, now down his torso, as she felt his accelerated heart beat amplified by the darkness which enveloped the room. The beat seemed to augment in crescendo as Vicky sensuously grazed her nipples over Charlie’s midriff.

The darkness also seemed to amplify the scent of bodily secretions, seeping now when mixed with the odorless lubricant Vicky used as a working tool.
Considering that enough time had been wasted in nonsense, Vicky’s hands unbuckled Charlie’s belt and unzipped his pants.

Charlie was putty in her hands and mouth, as Vicky expertly performed fellatio on him post wrapping him in the condom. When nearing the point of no return, Vicky thought it would be prudent to stop.

-“Do you want me to finish you this way, or do you want to fuck me?” Vicky whispered into his ear, as she flicked her tongue in his earlobe.

-“I wanna fuck!” Charlie said this with urgency, as he pushed Vicky on her back and without further preliminaries, came through the door.

Vicky braced herself for a wild ride, as she extended her stocking-clad legs in the air and squeezed him hard. Abruptly she halted her motions and disengaged herself, while she pushed Charlie away.

-“What the fuck? Get off me!” Vicky yelled at Charlie as she scrambled to turn on the bedside lamp.

-“What is that on your back, turn around so I can see it!” Vicky demanded.

Charlie’s ardor deflated as well as his morale; he gave his back to her as he scrambled to search for his clothes.

-“Oh my God! I’m so sorry…I…is it contagious?” Vicky asked full of panic.

-“No, not as far as I can tell. These are lipomas which I’ve developed over the years. Look...I’m sorry. I’ll just get dressed and leave.” Charlie said utterly dejected and mortified.

Something in his eyes tore at Vicky’s heart. She came around to where Charlie sat, and embraced him tight.

-“I’m sorry honey. I’m sorry that I reacted like that. Please forgive me; you don’t seem a bad guy. Do you want to try to re-start? I won’t charge you for the extra time.” She ventured with a little smile.

-“No Vicky, I think that’s it for me for tonight. But, I would like it very much if you lie down next to me, and simply hold me for a little while.” Charlie said with tears brimming in his eyes.

Moved by his tears, Vicky fell on bed encircled in Charlie's arms. In an attempt to make up for her hysteria, she kissed him tenderly on the lips.



To be continued…

Rotten Bananas VII

-"Hello, my name is Vicky. Would you care for some company?"

Charlie nodded his consent, as he gulped down the rest of his whiskey. Vicky poured herself on the bar stool next to him. Her scent intoxicated him from such a close proximity. She was still a lovely woman, even if slightly past her prime.
Her pendulous breasts valiantly defied gravity, those encased in a backless halter top.

-"Would you like to order a drink?" Charlie asked as his pupils dilated when fixated on the decolletage which framed the deep valley of her cleavage.

-"I'd love one, thanks." Vicky motioned to the bartender.

After the ritual preliminaries, were each sniffed one another and automatically registered the texture, scent, and tone of each other, Vicky gently lanced her fingers with Charlie’s hand, then she led him to a room upstairs of this establishment.

Each knew what they where here for, and proceeded to deal with the business aspect. After tucking the folded bills into the inside pocket of her purse, Vicky systematically took off every particle of clothing, with the expediency of a production line worker.

Charlie sat slowly on the edge of the bed and took a sip of his whiskey glass, while he drank her in with his eyes. At leisure, he took a detailed inventory of every inch of her anatomy -- the good as well as the flawed.

Vicky was not used to being inspected with such blatant curiosity, as if she were an anomaly. She planted her hands on her hips, and asked him if he planned to get rid of his clothing.

-“There’s no rush Vicky, don’t worry about the clock.” Charlie said in a hoarse tone. –“I want you to walk slowly towards the door, then come back here.”

Vicky did as was told.

-“No! I don’t want you to march towards the door! I want you to saunter there gracefully, while you swing your hips side to side. Do it again please, and this time take your time.”

Vicky attempted her walk again, this time taking her time while shaking her rump. She ended her catwalk an inch away from where Charlie sat.

One calloused hand provided a lift to ease the heavy weight of her sagging breast, while the other hand traveled the whiskey glass to his lips. After taking a sip, he asked her to do the walk again.

-“This time Vicky, I want you to retrieve your black stockings which you rapidly discarded, as well as your shoes, and put those on for me. Please face the door, and be sure to bend down all the way to secure properly the shoe clasp. And please – take your time.”

Vicky intuited that Charlie was a voyeur. She played the game, taking her time straightening the back seams of her stockings, while giving him a close-up of her derriere, as well of the portal which lay ensconced between the pillars of her thighs.

She took an inordinate amount of time to secure the straps of her high-heeled shoes. When done, she pivoted towards Charlie to stand a small distance from where he sat utterly engrossed in watching her movements like a hawk.

Charlie raises his right hand and asks Vicky to take a sip of his whiskey. Vicky does as instructed, then feels the rest of the whiskey spill down her chin, down to her breasts, as Charlie takes it upon himself to baptize her with the fiery liquid.

When there's not a drop left to pour, Charlie releases the glass and grabs hold of Vicky as he pulls her towards him and presses his face to her breasts. He encircles her body with his arms and holds her to him this way for the longest time.

Vicky intuits that this guy simply wants comfort, as well as to look at her ass. With her free hands, she alternated between embracing him back, as well as softly running her fingers through his hair.

After what seems a very long time, Vicky feels tremors shaking Charlie's frame, as well as her own in turn. She feels hot tears trickling down onto her breasts, these mingling with the evaporating whiskey on her skin.




To be continued…

Rotten Bananas VI

-"You look sharp dude. Here, try on this suede jacket too." Jose suggested, as he held the jacket open for Charlie to try it.

-"You think that I look fine? I know I will believe that after I get a hair cut. Thanks for helping me choose the pieces to match Jose.
I think that you really have a future as a fashion consultant." Charlie said with a wink.

-"You got it. I have impeccable taste, as well as an astute business sense. Your whole new wardrobe, including the full-length wool coat and shoes won't amount to more than eighty dollars. The pieces ticketed green, are half priced this week.
Although I think that you should buy the underwear and socks brand new.

Let's finish up here, and then walk to the ninety-nine cent store. Hey! We can even get some cologne there too!"


As they carried their purchases to the nearby store, they walked with a brisk stride, full of energy. The change in their diet and habitat had really made all the difference.


-“It feels so nice to walk into a heated store, in from the glacial cold. Although I think it doesn’t beat the high of having money in my pocket to buy whatever I need.” Charlie said with a little pride.

-“You recall what I said two weeks ago Charlie? It all comes down to money. Now what you need to do after we get you transformed is that you get yourself some pussy.”

-“I don’t know about that Jose. Let’s not push our luck. I am very content with earning enough to pay for our room and for decent food. Besides, I can’t even remember the last time I was with a woman. And now, well, now -- I’m ashamed of my body. Which woman would sleep with me the way my body looks?” Charlie said chagrined.

-“Hey, I sleep with you, and I don’t mind it. Well, I don’t make love to you, but we do share the same room and bathroom. It will be alright buddy -- we'll be all right, you will see.” Jose said as he draped one arm around Charlie’s back in solidarity.

-“Besides my friend, we will sort of stimulate the economy. Did you know that the whore ranches in Nevada are in dire need of new customers?
The situation is so bad now, that even seventy-two year old women are applying for work there. Don’t assume that you will get a Britney Spears look alike either. Get real!

Let’s go get something to eat, and then get the hair cut, and then sleep. We should be ready by 11:00 pm sharp for work duty.

Richard is getting all into the Holiday spirit, and suggested that we also target cars full of packages as an extra curricular activity, dressed as Santa Claus and fill a huge sack.
We will see about that. For now let’s stick to the plan, and tomorrow you are getting laid my friend.

Now that I think about it, I think that I will too. Let’s walk to the personal health aisle and get some condoms too."




To be continued…

Rotten Bananas V

-“The cold is unforgiving; it chills one to the bone.

My body shivers on its own accord which resembles an epileptic dance. Does it not seem like ages, since we've felt the embrace of the sun?
Or the warmth of skin-on-skin contact for that matter.

I’ve already forgotten the oppressive heat of an August afternoon.” Charlie said wistfully, followed by a long shot of whiskey.

-"I feel as if I had nearby the glacial companionship of death, as if it were flirting with me from afar, subtly letting its presence known. This chills me to the core Charlie.

It's ironic that for all the money I've held, I end up like this. It all comes down to money Charlie.” Jose said pragmatically.

“With money you can follow the sun’s rays, where they beam near the equator. Not in the least, you can purchase that wonderful skin-on-skin contact which I vaguely remember and sometimes crave.

Say, why don’t we make some extra cash together? I know how. There is a guy who deals with recycling, who always looks for extra help. Not in the sense of recycling aluminum cans. Rather, one has to be an audacious risk taker to make some fairly decent money."

-“What does this recycling entail?” Charlie asked, his curiosity piqued.

-“Well, he deals with copper, iron, even catalysts from pick-up trucks which are in high demand. Lately he’s focused on fire hydrant lids. Those fetch nearly Nine Hundred dollars.
There’s good money for an honest day’s work -- well figuratively speaking.
With today’s economy, most people are reluctant to part ways with little spare change, and one must improvise.” Jose reasoned.

-“Well, it does sound tempting, but I can’t see myself doing a getaway, and transporting and delivering those in my market cart.”

-“Don’t worry about that. They will pick you up and you can ride on the back of their van. The crew just needs to move stealthily and agilely. With that money we can share a weekly hotel room during the harsh winter. Imagine dunking into a scalding hot bath, and watching TV afterwards!” Jose sold the point home.

Just then a man dressed in dark slacks and a leather jacket, approached them. He looked with tenderness at them and asked: “Have you let the Lord into your life?”

-“Well, lookie here my man. Come closer and take a good look at us.
I am marginalized from society. I have to scrounge like a rat for sporadic nourishment. I’ve developed skin growths the size of nickels all over my back.
Do you think that we look as if we are the believing type?” Charlie said brimming with sarcasm.

-“My brothers, I know what ails you and trust me that the Lord can save you. Jesus Christ loves you!" He said with glowing passion.

“I know things are bad now my brothers, but God has spoken. He has warned that things will get even much -- much worst! Yet, He will provide for his flock all of the basic necessities.

Here take this pamphlet. Meet me this Saturday or Sunday at noon at this address. You will be fed a warm meal, and your spirit will not be hungry anymore either.
If you repent and let God into your heart, your addiction can be cured overnight. Together we will bring you back to life my brothers.” The man said, as he walked away as swiftly as he had arrived.

Charlie wrinkled the pamphlet, then changed his mind and read through it to divert himself from the relentless chill which seeped through his damp clothing.

-"You never did tell me how you ended up in this dumpster Jose." Charlie asked to change the subject.

-"This man reminded me Charlie, that the glacial hand of death is itching to snatch me. With all that I've done in my life; I know exactly where I would go." Jose said dejectedly, followed by incessant coughing.



To be continued….