Ch 18

Same disclaimer applies. Birdie num num....;)

As Jake rolled down the street, he felt the eyes of everyone fixated on him.
He didn't like it.
Hasn't anyone ever seen someone in a wheelchair before? Jeez. It's like I'm an alien or something. Though they would probably get less attention than me. God knows no one paid any attention to the Yeerks.
The hills of Berkeley weren't helpful either. He had to move very slowly down them, or he would lose control and crash.
And that wouldn't be pretty. But what is in my life?
Luckily, a grocery store was on the corner of the street where his apartment complex was located. He didn't have to go far to get what he needed.
He entered the store with his hat drawn almost over his eyes. He didn't want anyone to recognize him. Quickly, he rolled over to where the cold beverages were kept.
A little girl was playing with the door to the soft drinks.
She waved at him through the glass.
She reminds me so much of her... Jake thought as he waved back and smiled.
Megan! Leave that man alone! You know you're not supposed to talk to strangers. Especially strangers like THAT!
The mother grabbed her daughter by the arm and started up one of the aisles, not even looking Jake in the face.
Her words stung Jake. They stung him worse than hard rain.
Strangers like THAT? What gives her the nerve! Does she even know who I am? I'm Jake Berenson!
He could almost feel the steam rising off his shoulders as he turned to the glass case where alcoholic beverages were.
Hmmm...Bud's too expensive. Amstel's too expensive. Miller's too expensive.
He sighed.
It looks like it'll have to be Pabst's Blue Ribbon today.
He picked up a six-pack and a bag of potato chips and made his way to the front of the store.
Six dolla! the cashier yelled out. Jake put a five and a one on the counter and left the store as fast as he could. It was easy to leave the store and avoid people's stares.
They all think I'm just some alcoholic freak anyway.
Getting back up that hill was the hard task.
As Jake was struggling to push himself up the hill, two teenagers on skateboards were flying down it.
Move out of the way, gimpy!
One of the kids pushed him so hard out of the way that he fell over.
Jake yelped. He fell right on his recently-inflated lung. His groceries rolled away from him.
He looked around. People were pretending not to notice.
Does anyone care? Anyone at all?
Mister! Mister! Are you okay? A lady came running from her car to help him.
Uhh, yeah...I think I'll be alright, he struggled to sit up.
The lady gathered his groceries. Do you want me to help you get back in your wheelchair?

The lady helped him get back in his chair and started to roll him back upthe hill. She was gorgeous. Her red hair framed her face perfectly, and her green eyes reflected the sunlight like emeralds.
So what's your name, mister? She asked him.
his heart skipped a beat. Her voice was musical. Almost like Cassie's.
No, no one could be like Cass. But maybe, Just maybe...
That's a great name. My husband's middle name is Jacob.
Just as soon as he got his hopes up, they were crushed.
Who was I kidding? No one will ever see me as anything more than a poor guy in a wheelchair.
Is this your apartment complex?
Yeah, I live right here. Thank you for your help, ma'am.
No problem.
She gave Jake his bag of groceries and returned to her car.
Yeah, I'm just a poor guy in a wheelchair...

Marco knocked on the door of the presidential suite to the hotel where Cassie was staying.
This has to be the place. I hope she's in, and HE's not.
A few seconds later, he heard her unlock the door.
Hey Marco, she gave him a hug, sort of surprised.How are you doing?
I'm doing all right. I need to leave for Cali soon-
For your show? Cassie asked, interrupting him.
No, it's for another reason. He walked into the living area of the suite.
Do you mind if I sit down?
No, not at all. Let me move some toys out of the way. Cassie reached down and picked up some of Rae's toys off of the couch and the floor.
Speaking of the little munchkin, where is she?
Rae? Oh, she's taking a nap. We were going to go visit the memorials today, and then swing by the Frederick Douglass house.
With Ronnie?
Oh no. He has important business with some members of Congress today. He said he'd be there until late tonight.
Important Government business my butt, Marco thought.
Why do you ask? she added, sitting in a chair across from him.
Cassie, I need to talk to you. I-ah-it's-it's about Jake.
A familiar feeling of dread washed over Cassie.
What's wrong?
I think he's seriously depressed. It's like he's cut himself off from the rest of the world. He won't return my calls,and you saw him skip the press conference. Plus I got a call from his nurse. He said that Jake was vey far from being self-sufficent', and he...the nurse...thinks Jake has a drinking problem.
Oh no.
Oh geez....Marco, I, I... 'm not his mother, I can't be responsible for him- She rubbed her hands together.
Jake and alcohol?
That coudn't be a good combination.
Cassie, I'm not asking for you to be his mother. I'm just asking for you to be a friend and to go see him with me.
Cassie turned away.
I can't.
What do you mean you can't?
Marco, please, it's not something that you'd understand-
What do you mean it's not something that I'd understand? We're all friends, right? I'm just asking you to be a good friend and help out someone in trouble. If not for you and I, at least do it for Rae.
Cassie got up and walked to the window.
Why did he have to bring the baby into this?
She held back tears as she softly told Marco her innermost thoughts.I always thought that I could move on from this war, that I could put it all behind me. But now that you all are back...he's alive....I'm so, so confused.
Marco put a hand on Cassie's shoulder. He noticed a bruise on her arm.
I wonder who did THAT...
Will you fly back to the bay with me? Please?
She turned around. Tears were glistening in her eyes.
Yes, Marco, I'll go.