Chapter 10
Tony sat in the doctor's waiting room, nervously glancing at the other men seated around him. Dr. Glazer, the foremost urologist in Fairfield was renowned for performing vasectomies. Despite the doctor's stellar reputation, however, Tony couldn't relax. His right leg was moving of its own accord, up and down, up and down, prompting the patient seated next to him to ask, "Are you nervous too?"
"Nervous? Me?" Tony pointed to himself, making a conscious effort to stop his leg from playing see-saw.
"I'm scared shitless", the man confided in Tony. "A scalpel in the nuts … that's gotta hurt!"
"Yeah, I guess so", Tony replied. He instinctively covered his privates to protect them from imminent danger.
"I knew a guy who had 'complications' after his vasectomy—couldn't get it up anymore", the stranger revealed conspiratorially.
"What? Can that happen?" Tony asked in horror.
"Yes! It's rare but it happened to my brother-in-law's cousin's husband. Terrible, terrible thing", the man said, shaking his head sadly.
"Then, why are you here?" Tony asked.
"My wife", the man replied with a shrug. "It's either do this or she's cutting me off in the bedroom."
"Uh-huh", Tony nodded sympathetically. "My wife almost died giving birth to our youngest child; she doesn't want any more kids."
The receptionist called out a name and the man stood up. "Well, that'll be me. Here's hoping there's no permanent damage. Good luck to you, buddy."
Tony began to sweat. He picked up a magazine to distract himself but couldn't concentrate well enough to read. He flipped through the pictures, pausing here and there but not taking any of it in. Anxious, he stood up to pace but was reprimanded by the receptionist who told him to take a seat. His leg started up again, shaking, moving and tapping. Tony pulled some gum out of his pocket and began to chew; that usually calmed his nerves.
"I'm sorry sir, but gum isn't allowed in the waiting room", the receptionist informed him. With damp hands, Tony pulled the still flavourful gum out of his mouth and threw it in the trash. None of the other men were feeling conversational, he noted. He wondered how his neighbour was doing and scanned the door, anxious for his reappearance.
Just then, the doctor popped his head out of the door. "Nurse!" he called. "Nurse, please come . . . I've got a fainter." Tony watched as the nurse ran across the hall. He tried to peer inside the exam room but couldn't see anything from his vantage point. He stood and walked over to the receptionist's desk.
"Can I help you, sir?" she asked, vaguely annoyed by this patient. He'd been quite disruptive with his leg shaking, pacing and gum chewing.
"That patient in there ….he fainted? Does that happen a lot?"
"Depends", she said. "Some men faint from the pain. But the doctor does administer a local anesthetic . . . a shot to the … well you know. Some guys just can't handle the sight of a scalpel so close to that area. Now please sit down and wait your turn", she ordered him.
Tony did not sit down. He bolted out of the waiting room, heart pounding and legs shaking. There was no way he could go through with it. A scalpel … possible erectile dysfunction … pain? He ran out of the building as fast as his trembling legs permitted him to. He couldn't do it, at least not now. He hoped Angela would understand … yeah, she'd have to. She wouldn't want him being unable to perform. She'd see his side of it, he told himself. At least he hoped so. On his way home, he stopped to buy her a dozen pink roses in the hopes that they'd soften the blow.
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"So yer draggin' me to the poof's salon, eh?" Kevin remarked disagreeably. He, Sam and Jonathan were in Sam's car heading to Brooklyn. They were meeting Sherri at Al's salon. He'd promised the girls a cut and style and cleared his schedule just for them.
"Don't call him that!" Sam responded angrily, clenching the steering wheel. She felt terribly guilty about her lie and hoped that Al wasn't angry at her. Mrs. Rossini had already chewed her out on the phone.
"Fine, fine, I won't say 'poof'. But you don't need a haircut, Samantha. I like your hair long. Just a wee trim, okay? And if he wants to put curls in it, that's fine with me too." Kevin had rather strong opinions about the way his girlfriend should look. He didn't like short hair on women, period. And the idea of spending an entire afternoon waiting around while a poof styled his girlfriend's hair sounded boring beyond belief.
Samantha didn't answer Kevin. She'd been more or less ignoring him since the milk burning incident. Her backside was still painful and merely sitting in her car was causing her discomfort.
"Okay everybody, keep your eyes peeled for a parking spot. There's only street parking … we're almost there", Sam announced. She hated parallel parking her huge car in the city. But the thing needed a good run—it had been sitting idly in the garage for close to eight months. Her dad had taken it for a tune up recently and urged her to get it back on the road.
"Yer never gonna be able to park this hideous beast right", Kevin said. "You want me to do it?"
"No, I can do it myself." Sam pulled into a spot but needed five jerky manoeuvers to straighten the large, awkward car.
"Good grief lass, just park the damned thing will ya? Yer givin' me whiplash here."
"She's doing the best she can!" Jon exclaimed angrily. From his seat in the back, he'd been restraining the urge to pummel Kevin on the head. He'd heard about the milk burns from his mother and was livid.
"I got a good spot. The salon's only half a block away", Sam told the guys.
"Well, have fun. I'm gonna go for a walk, explore a bit", Kevin announced.
"You're not coming to the salon?" Sam asked, careful to keep her voice neutral. She didn't want Kevin to hear the relief in her voice.
"That's what I told ya. I'm gonna have a look see around Brooklyn … I'll be back." Kevin brusquely grabbed Sam and planted a rough kiss on her unsuspecting lips. "Bye lass … and remember, just a wee trim. Curls if it be pleasin' to ya." Before she could respond, he'd already turned around and was headed up the road. She watched him walk away, feeling herself relax with each step he took further from her.
"I'm sure Al will be relieved that he's not coming", Jon said. He could literally see the tension evaporating from Sam's shoulders now that Kevin was gone. She stood a bit straighter and taller and smiled at him. It was then that it dawned on him; he hadn't seen her smile once since Kevin's arrival.
"Is everything okay with you, Sam?" he asked, concerned.
"I am just happy to be getting this mess chopped off", she declared, completely avoiding Jon's question. She wasn't ready to confide in him and certainly not when his girlfriend was waiting for him.
"How are those burns feeling?"
"Uh, fine", she lied.
Realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere with questions, he decided to simply say what he needed to say. "Sam?"
"What?"
"I don't like Kevin—he's disrespectful and bossy. And it's his fault you were burned yesterday."
"You sound like Dad and Angela. I know … I know, Jon. There's not much I can do about it right now—he's here for another eight days. But, um, I'm gonna break up with him before he leaves." Sam stated this confidently but inside she was terrified. Kevin would definitely not take the break up well.
"Yeah?" Jon's face lit up with hope. "You're going to dump him?"
She nodded at him. "Just promise me you won't say anything, Jon. He can't find out beforehand, okay?"
"You got it!" He grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "Seeing you with him makes me want to bash his head in. He doesn't cherish you, Sam."
She stopped in her tracks and studied him for a moment. He was gazing at her with tender concern; his large hazel eyes seeking connection with her dark ones. Their hands were tightly clasped. For a moment, Samantha allowed herself to pretend that there was no Kevin and no rule against her being with Jon. She concentrated on the here and now-the feel of his warm hand entwined with hers and breathed deeply.
"You always cherished me, Jon. You're the yardstick I measure against and Kevin is lacking. He's really, really lacking."
"I still cherish you … Boo", he uttered, using his old nickname for her. He kissed the back of her hand and escorted her into the salon.
Al was already working on Sherri's hair when they entered the salon. She was giggling and openly flirting with him. Sherri felt an undeniable attraction to Al even though he wasn't a medical student with a wealthy future. She couldn't help it—his Brooklyn accent and dark good looks had her smitten. As such, she was very disappointed that he was gay. As cute as Jon was, she was more interested in his future potential than anything else. Besides, he was only seventeen. Al was twenty-four; a much more suitable age to her nineteen years.
"I love the way you defined my curls", Sherri gushed, admiring her hair.
"Yeah, it was too frizzy. You gotta use this stylin' cream, no blow dry and a wide toothed comb", Al instructed her. He was trying to focus on Sherri's hair but her very low cut top was making it hard not to glance down at her generous cleavage every so often. Al looked up when he heard the door chime. Jonathan and Samantha entered the salon, holding hands. He raised an eyebrow in surprise and was pleased to note that the Irish ass hadn't accompanied them.
"Hey Sam … Johnny", he greeted. His usual enthusiasm was toned down; he was still upset with Samantha.
"Hey Al", Sam replied softly. "I owe you an apology. I'm really sorry about the other day and saying what I said about you. Sherri, Al isn't gay. Just don't let Kevin in on that, please."
"You're not?" Sherri squealed. "I didn't think you were!"
"It's okay Sam … I'll forgive you this time", Al replied. "I don't get why you wanted your boyfriend to think that. I'm not interested in you."
"You, uh, touched my hair in front of him. I was worried he might beat you up. He does that."
"Oh he's so passionate", Sherri said in awe. "He must really love you."
Samantha gaped at her but didn't answer. Al simply said, "Yo, I don't need you to protect me Sam. If that jerk has a problem with me, bring it on. I can take him."
"Oooo, I'm sure you can", Sherri trilled. She looked at Al's muscles appreciatively.
"Just … Al, just don't tell him anything, please", Sam beseeched him. He noted her anxiety and simply nodded.
"I won't. Now, forget about that dolt and let's do your hair Sam. Whaddya want?"
Samantha took her seat in the salon chair and pensively stared at her own reflection. Her hair was long; it had been over a year since Al had cut it. She took the elastic out of her ponytail and shook her hair loose.
"Cut it off", she said. "Give me the same cut you gave me a year ago before Angela's party. I loved it."
"Sam, are you sure you want to go that short?" Jon asked her apprehensively. "Kevin told you not to cut …"
"I don't give a damn what Kevin told me", Sam exclaimed with more bravado than she felt. "I like it bobbed. Chin length like last time, Al", she stated firmly. "Don't you like it like that, Jon?"
"Oh, I do!" Jonathan associated the short, swingy bob with the beginning of their relationship. Her hair had just been cut into that style when she'd arrived in California. He'd found it both ethereal and sexy as hell.
Al washed Sam's hair and cut it the exact same way he'd done a year ago. It suited her so well, this flowing soft geometric look. When she turned her head, the hair swung around with her movements and landed perfectly in place again. She tested it a few times and relished its sleek shine and feeling of lightness.
"I love it, Al. Once again, you've outdone yourself. And this time, I'm gonna pay you!" Sam declared.
"Ok then, I'm not gonna say no", Al chuckled. "You look great, Sam. If your boyfriend doesn't like it, then he's got no taste."
Sherri and Sam exclaimed over each other's hair while the guys looked on.
"Say Al, do you and Sherri have a little attraction going on?" Jon asked, curious. The chemistry between those two was enough to light up a small town.
"Uh, look Johnny, I know she's your girl … she's hot … if I overstepped …uh …"Al tried to backpedal.
"It's okay. If you're interested in her, she looks like she's into you. I'm going to step back on this one."
"You gonna be okay with that?" Al asked, stunned.
Jon nodded and laughed, happy that Al had finally found somebody and not scared her away. If bubbly, big toothed, busty blondes were Al's thing, Jon didn't mind one bit. Petite, classically beautiful brunettes were his. Well, one special brunette with the most gorgeous smile he'd ever seen. She gave him one now as she happily sauntered over to him. "I love my new hair. It reminds me of California", she told him, eyes sparkling with delight. "I'm going to give Al a big tip." Sam rummaged through her purse and pulled out two twenties. "One is for the cut and one is for your tip. You're awesome, Al. I owe you!"
Sherri began to look through her purse as well but Al stopped her. "Nah, yours is on the house Sherri. You're a first timer and I hope you come back." He smiled at her, turning on the charm full force, which in itself was usually quite the challenge for Al. Now, however, his smile came naturally. Kismet had struck. Sherri flashed him a big, toothy smile and gave him a hug.
The door chime rang. The hugs and smiles abruptly stopped as though a zapper had frozen the four young people in place. Kevin McNally stood in the salon's doorway, blocking the sun. Sam was the first to return to life, she jumped when she saw him; the scowl on his face spoke volumes. He was glowering at her, eyes blazing menacingly. But he didn't speak. Kevin walked stiffly into the salon, fists clenched at his side. He came right up to Samantha and stood before her, his six foot frame towering over her tiny one. She instinctively stepped back, surprised to see that Jon and Al had magically appeared on either side of her like guardian angels.
"What did you do to yer hair?" Kevin asked, his voice low. Samantha was reminded of distant rumbling thunder before the storm hits.
"I had it cut like I wanted", she replied evenly. It took every ounce of courage not to look down when she said it. She felt Jon move closer to her and Al pressed his shoulder to hers.
"You gotta problem with the haircut I gave her?" Al asked. He felt brave, especially with Sherri following his every move with round blue eyes.
"Ya look like a lad!" Kevin said cruelly. "I don't like it. I told ya just a trim. Why did ya not listen to me lass?"
"Because you aren't the boss of me! I like this hairstyle. It's my hair! I get to decide how I want it. If I want to shave it or dye it blue, that's my right. You can't tell me how to wear my hair!" Sam was yelling and gesticulating wildly, hands moving faster than her mouth. Her tough Brooklyn upbringing stirred within her, giving her courage. Kevin was in her territory now.
What happened next stunned them all; they hadn't been expecting it and nobody would have thought him capable of such a rash violent act. Kevin punched Samantha full in the face. She stumbled backwards and landed on her sore, burnt behind before Al or Jon could catch her.
Within seconds, Kevin found himself on the receiving end of four punching fists before he could react. Al and Jon were each pummeling him but they'd underestimated Kevin's strength. He'd trained as a pugilist and was strong. He warded off their blows, returning them strategically and hard. Satisfied that he'd landed some painful punches, he pushed the boys off of him and ran out of the salon, up the street. He was breathing hard, shocked by his own actions. He'd never hit a girl before. His Da used to beat up on his Mam all the time but he swore he'd never do it. Horrified, he continued running, needing to escape the demons that tormented him.
"Boo … Boo, are you alright?" Jon was instantly at Sam's side, ignoring the blinding pain in his eye. She clung to Jon and buried her face in his neck. Pain exploded through her left cheekbone. The blisters on her backside had burst with her fall and were now burning in agony. She sobbed against Jon, not ever wanting to let go.
Sherri was tending to Al's bloody nose, telling him how brave he'd been as she tried to staunch the bleeding with cotton balls.
"What should we do? Call the cops?" Sherri asked. Her three friends were all bruised and bleeding.
"I don't know", Sam cried. "I'm sorry … it's my fault for confronting him and cutting my hair …"
"It's not your fault!" Jon exclaimed adamantly. "He's violent, Sam. Has he ever hit you before?"
"No, no, I never thought he could do something like that. He can't go back to the house, Jon. We have to call Dad and Angela. Warn them!"
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Tony returned home apprehensively. He slowly pushed the front door open and tentatively let himself in.
"Tony, is that you?" Angela called out from upstairs. She ran down to greet him, surprised by the bouquet of roses.
"You managed to buy roses after the procedure? Oh my … how are you feeling, Sweetheart?" Angela gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Uh these are for you", Tony said awkwardly. He went to the kitchen to put the roses in water, Angela following closely behind him.
"Angela, sit down", Tony pulled out a kitchen chair and joined her at the table. He put the vase of roses on the table between them. "Are the babies napping?" he asked. She nodded.
"Good, good. Angela, we need to talk!"
"What is it? Was it the vasectomy? Did everything go alright?"
"No", Tony shook his head. "Angela, I couldn't go through with it. I, um, I walked out."
"You did what?! But why?" Angela asked stunned.
Tony noted the shocked and disappointed expression on his wife's face and tried to explain as best he could about the risks and the fainter and scalpels and pain and possible erectile dysfunction … it all poured out of him so fast that she had trouble following what he was saying. She did, however, recognize his deep anxiety.
"Oh Tony … you worry too much. It's such a simple procedure, really. Would it help to talk to Dr. Glazer more about it beforehand?"
"Angela, I … I don't think I can do this. Isn't there some other way? Maybe you could get your tubes tied", he blurted out, suddenly inspired.
"A tubal ligation, Tony?" Angela took a deep breath to calm herself. "I almost died when Victoria was born. I have given birth to three children. No, I don't want to submit myself to major surgery! How can you even ask me that after everything I've been through? I only asked you for one small procedure. It's only fair, Tony." Angela was outraged. How could Tony ask her to go through surgery when all he needed was a quick office procedure?
"But … but … but", Tony began to argue with her but the phone interrupted him. He stood up and picked it up.
"Yeah, hello?" he answered, somewhat distracted by vasectomies and tubal ligations.
"Tony? It's Jonathan. Uh, we don't know where Kevin went but if he's headed back to the house, don't let him in."
"Why, what's going on?" Tony's dad-antenna was on high alert. "Is Samantha okay?"
"She will be, eventually. Kevin hit her and ran off. We're all heading over to Mrs. Rossini's right now—to, uh, tend to our injuries", Jon explained. "Al called her …she's going to feed us too. And we don't feel safe staying at the salon where he can find Sam."
"He beat my daughter?!" A primal shout rose out of Tony's chest. "I'm going to kill him."