"Chapter 2

Scott wasn't really talking to me after yesterday. I got Summer off to school, did some washing and some housework, made myself some lunch and decided to take my laptop back to the park – I might get to see the 'crucifix man' again, he seemed an interesting character.

I headed to the same snack shack for a coffee, there wasn't anyone here today. I plugged in my ipod and turned on my laptop, and off I went surfing the NET to see what job I could do next. I surfed for what seemed like ages, but nothing was jumping out at me, by now my tummy was rumbling, it must be lunch time, I need another coffee I thought. As I turned to the shack I saw 'crucifix man', but instead of being sprawled out on top of the table, he was sitting or rather leaning against the edge of the table rubbing his right leg. As I got closer to the shack I could see his face – wow! It was THOSE EYES again – 'crucifix man' was the same guy that had helped me – he looked like he was in a some discomfort.

I went up to the shack and asked Joe "Do you know him" as I jerked my head in 'crucifix man's' direction, "I only know what he drinks". So I ordered my coffee and whatever 'crucifix man' had to drink.

"Hey" I said handing him his coffee "I just wanted to say thank you for yesterday, I think I would have ended up on my bum if it hadn't been for you"

"Welcome" he said and looked straight at me . Those piercing blue eyes took by breath away, but they were so full sadness and pain.

I had a feeling he wasn't into small talk, so I thought I would just leave it at that and walked away. As I walked away I tuned my head back to look at him again, he looked like he was having trouble just standing up, so I took a deep breath and went back to him.

"Hey, are you ok, you look like you are in a lot of pain, can I get someone or something for you?"

"Just pulled a hamstring, just gonna walk if off" he snarked back rolling his eyes.

"OK" I said.

As he said it, he went to move, he got hold of a cane (that I hadn't even noticed) and as he moved forward, his right leg gave way. I managed to get to him and caught his arm to try and steady him, he looked at me as if to say 'touch me again and I'll kill you'. But I kept hold of his arm and then quietly said " I might be able to help you or at least get your leg working again, I used to be a physical therapist" He was still glaring at me. "I'm fine" he said, but he did let me help him sit down. I sat down next to him, making sure not to touch him. "You know there are 2 things that can happen if you were to let me help you " I said glancing at him "1 you could have me arrested for molesting a cripple or no 2 you just might be able to hobble back to wherever you came from." I looked at him again his expression had softened slightly. "so what do you say to me repaying you for helping me out yesterday?" His expression changed again and he nodded.

After about 10-15 minutes of massage and manipulation I could see the tension and pain begin to lift from his face – in particular those eyes.

"how you doing now" I said still massaging gently now.

"much better – thank you" he said still looking embarrassed. "you're good at that, why'd you give it up"?

"Well, when I had the children the shifts didn't fit it very well, then we moved back over here and I had never taken it back up" I said

"Where's over there"

"UK" I said " we moved back over here about 12 years ago, before the children got too settled, but we've only lived in this part of Princeton for about 6 months, I never got round to finding out if my uk qualifications are acceptable over here"

At that point he was up and moving away "Maybe you should look into it, cos you were very good"

"Thanks. I might to that" and then he was on his way, back to wherever he came from and I still didn't even know his name. For a guy with a cane he can really move quickly!