Why Blame When You Can Breathe?

DISCLAIMER: 'As Told by Ginger' is a creation of Emily Kapnek and is produced by Anivision, Klasky-Csupo and Nickelodeon/Viacom Networks. This author makes no claim to any properties herein and makes no monetary gain from its production. Please do not flame.

(Chapter 3- Have News, Will Travel)

"Our desire to see a cleaner world is not a new one," says a television reporter doing an editorial on-camera interview. "The desire to attract people to these greener pastures along with the means and methods to get there, however, has changed and continues to change in a manner to bring more individuals towards this environmental shift. The next steps are anyone's guess, but more substance over style in this new green revolution will be much appreciated. And that's the show for this evening. For everyone here that makes this presentation possible, this is David Carl saying thank you and stay tuned for next week's Next Side Story. Good night."

He keeps a still face before hearing the floor director say, "And...we're clear!" At that point, the aforementioned David Carl takes a deep breath and walks away from the eye of the camera to grab his bottle of water and drink about half of the liquid with a few large gulps.

As people around him either pat him on the back or tell him 'Well done' for his most recent editorial, this young television reporter either gives his crew members a thumbs up or verbally thanks them. From here, David goes to a dressing room with his name on it, opens the door to find someone he did not expect would be there.

"Jonas!" he exclaims before walking over to his father seated on a couch in the room to give him a hug. Releasing the embrace, he questions his father's appearance at this time. "But I thought that we were going to meet later this evening!"

"Your assistant had an issue with a wild animal that got onto her property," Jonas explains. "Apparently the circus is in town this week. Animal control called and the general area was under lock down for about three hours, but Tricia told me everything will be fine-that there was just some damage to her fence and patio-and thankfully no one was home at the time."

"Well, I don't know how long that peaceful easy feeling will last given that most insurance companies won't cover such strange incidences. What kind of animal are we talking about?"

"A three-year-old black bear and on that note she also said that if insurance gives her a runaround she'll cause more PR headaches than a three-year-old child causes temper tantrums because she works for the media."

Shaking his head, Carl reflects on a time when he would've loved to have seen that happen. Given the closeness to his staff, he's glad everything ultimately turned out well for his assistant, Tricia. "Beyond that, she also wanted me to give you this because she didn't know when she could get back to the office." Jonas gives his son a letter that the young man assertively takes. Known to close family and friends as Carl Foutley, he adopted the stage name 'David Carl' from his stepfather Dr. Dave and using his given name as his surname to differentiate himself from the growing success of his older sister, Ginger.

Carl can clearly see the 'CBS News' logo on the front of the envelope and notices that the return address is in New York, signifying that this letter came directly from the company's world headquarters. Taking it from his father, he cleanly opens the flap and removes the two sheets of paper with the CBS letterhead.

Reading to himself, Carl scans the paper and Jonas attempts to get a read of what the letter means. "It's from the president of the news bureau," Carl clarifies before continuing for approximately another minute and then skimming through the second page and then sitting both pages down onto his work desk.

Curious, Jonas asks his son, "So what kind of news did you get from them? We talked about it a lot and CBS is highly respected in the industry..."

"They're willing to negotiate," Carl interjects. "They liked the fact that I interned for Bloomberg News while in college, so they gave me an option of Northeast news correspondent, business reporting or anchoring their online streaming news network, CBSN on the weekends."

"Were you still open to working in an international bureau?"

Gritting his teeth, Carl admits while grabbing an apple from a fruit basket on the desk, "Not as much now that things are starting to get serious with Ramona." Tossing the golden delicious fruit to Jonas, he reveals, "I mean the BBC America letter was quite the pleasant surprise but after we read about how much more international correspondents make and what it would take to uproot in many other places, we agreed that it wasn't worth it right now. Also if you're going to work for BBC, you might as well work for the BBC."

"So, to clarify," Jonas speaks, "CBS goes into the 'maybe' column for future consideration?"

"Yeah, they were very good as far as treating me well. Right now, though, I don't know if I want to take the route of hard news, commentary or late-night talk. I'm at a bit of a crossroads, Jonas. I don't think I'll ever be in this much demand for my services and I certainly don't want to sign onto a five-year mistake just because of a difference in dollars."

"Have you spoken to your mom and stepfather about this?"

"Yeah, and sadly they haven't been that much help," he responds while taking a seat in his chair. "They mean well, but I think they feel that the most exposure for me will equate to the most success, which isn't exactly true. I want the most success, but not at the cost of sacrificing the integrity of the years I've put into this. I'll be 30 this October and...it feels good to explore these subjects, human interest, politics beyond talking points and the like. I'm not the type to just stand up there and crack jokes to people like Hoodsey and offer levity to the audience. If it comes, then let it come. It has to be natural for me, but my goal is to bring attention to issues in our world people may not have even known.

"I...I like the fact that I can go out shopping for bread and get stopped by someone who saw one of my stories or editorials and it opened their mind up to another side of the issue. Not changing the minds of people-that's not what my job is about. But if I can expose someone to another way of viewing the same picture that I see, I feel I've done what I can and must do in this career."

The way that answer sounded, Jonas believes he already knows the answer to his next question. "What about Hoodsey or Ginger? She knows about fame and he went through finding a new position in this business last year."

Chuckling, Carl responds to his father, "Hoodsey is quite busy as it is with his new position on Showtime among other matters. He's one of the reasons I'm willing to give CBS a shot because they're treating him well as part of their news satire program. He...I suspect has ulterior motives to what he's doing because he sees a situation where he and I can work together down the line for a sketch comedy or as part of the network writing team. I have to ask myself is it a passion of mine? Do I really want to go down that route in this field? I love Hoodsey like the brother I never had, but if we're going to work together or one for another, it has to be the right project, or we're just spinning our wheels. It does help to keep an open mind in these situations, though.

"As for Ginger, she's already in somewhat of a pickle, as you know, with trying to find a publisher and promoter for her new book. That and attempting to balance the household with a precocious six-year old girl and a husband expanding what is already an exceptional lifestyle in business and I'm damn surprised how they can find the time to hold it all together with only 24 hours in a day. I...rarely talk about business matters with my brother-in-law, but I spoke with both of them about a month ago in separate conversations. I told him about my situation and, sure enough, Darren brings up Kai and what she's learning and doing at her age baffles all of us, Lois and Dave included.

"He wants everything to work out for the best and I can't blame him for putting this work in now to expand so that it doesn't interfere with the relationship he has with his daughter in the years to come. He asserts that Ginger puts too many eggs in her basket with writing and I say to him, like I'd say to Ginger, 'Is it worth it for that little girl just like you and the Elements clubs?' He rarely has an answer for me and with two working parents dead set against having her spoiled while trying to strike that right balance of time and effort from both, it's not easy but it is rewarding.

"Now, from Ginger, I'm hearing a bit of contrition on her end...at least when she's being honest. What she'll admit is that she's been self-shopping her book around the clock to publishers to get it ready for the holiday season. That's taken a lot of time and she's had to be away from the home for long periods going through paperwork and contracts, but finally got a helping hand from a firm in Los Angeles that will work to send someone to her, make necessary contacts, act like her counsel in negotiations and hopefully clear up some room in her schedule to make more time for Kai. I hope for her sake...that's she's right because the fact that she works at home as opposed to Darren almost makes this look like it should be no problem at all. But when I have to hear Darren talk of being concerned that he feels Ginger is-he doesn't even want to use the word 'neglect', but that's the impression he gets from talking with Kai in private-that's when I become worried...for all of them but especially my niece."

"I hear you, Carl," Jonas responds. "It's nothing I haven't heard from both of them in recent months. I just hope that this situation doesn't blow up into something it shouldn't, but Kai has to be first priority. I missed my opportunity with you and Ginger, but I'll be damned if there is an issue with my granddaughter and I'm on the sidelines this time. I have just-"

"Jonas!" Carl interjects pointedly, but not loudly. "Hopefully-even though parents in growing pains like this often sugarcoat the truth-it will all work out for the best. As I see it, though," he continues while laying hands on his father's shoulders and looking him square into the eyes, "there's no need to beat ourselves up over the past. It's the past. As I look now, we're here. You're back into our lives, you're helping me with this step in my career, and when I look at your relationship with Kai I'm happy for you. I'm not jealous of Kai because you're in her life. I stopped holding grudges years ago. You're my father and there's nothing I can do about that but decide what role you have in my life. I chose to take you back not out of pity or self-affirmation, but because those old feelings don't do anyone any good. I've forgiven you, we've moved on and...all we have now is what's in front of us."

With head up and nodding towards his son, who is now standing in front of his dressing room mirror, Jonas can't find anything wrong with that. "You're right. Part of me just can't believe I lived that long without recognizing the great gifts I have, but...that was then."

"And this is now," Carl says.

"Are you sure, son," Jonas inquires, "that your friend isn't part of the reason you accepted me? He's eccentric, for sure, but beyond that he's very measured on the subject of forgiveness and redemption. After all, I think that's one of the qualities for...preaching the gospel."

Shaking his head at his reflection and towards the most recent remarks of his father, he remarks "Look, as far as the man upstairs and I, he knows where I stand as far as organized religion. No need to get into that in this room or at this time. As far as talking with Brandon...he gets all of that! In the three years we've talked, we never talk about religion. We talk about life and I do appreciate him respecting my views so I certainly respect his.

"Looking back 20 years, yes I never would've expected him to be a Pastor in the Episcopal Church, but whatever works for him. Brandon is actually the only person that told me something during this new career process that has stuck with me and I've made a point for all negotiations. He said, 'Don't waiver in compromising your values for dollars, but don't clam up in holding to the slanted view of yourself because then you've only made this process about yourself.' It is more than just me I'm thinking about and...have to in order for this to be worthwhile. Speaking with him and not jumping the gun has placed me in a better overall position."

"Well, that's very good to know," Jonas admits, "and I'm glad to see some positive influences rubbing off on you during one of the biggest decisions you could ever make. All I can say given that you've sought the input of myself, your mom, stepfather, best friend, sister, brother-in-law and...Pastor Higsby, right?"

"Yes, but at a personal level, I consider him more of a life counselor than anything else."

"Okay. You've gotten everyone's advice and you know that my happiness for you ranks chief among my concerns. The way I see it, you still have about eight months left on your deal and enough savings to comfortably last about two years. You won't make this decision in that long of time and with the options in front of you, I think you'll be fine." Getting up from his seat, Jonas pats Carl on the back and says, "I also think that it wouldn't hurt to put this in the rear view for a while. Let's have our father-son dinner early. No more talk about business, okay?"

Nodding his head, Carl silently agrees. "Let me just call Tricia and see how things are going at her home and then we can go. What do you have a taste for?"

"Wings," Jonas responds as if the idea was in his head for a while.

"Okay, as long as you don't mind a few shareable appetizers with your wings."

"Of course not, son. All right, make your call when you're ready and I'll be ready."

"Sure. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to change clothes."

"Okay," Jonas says as he makes his way towards his son's dressing room door and shuts it behind him.

Once that happens, Carl locks the door and opens a locked drawer containing his street clothes. He removes them from the locker and changes into them while taking out his cell phone and turning it on. Once loaded he finds one new message on his phone. Investigating further, he reads a text:

Carl, call me when you get this message. It doesn't matter when, I should still be awake. Great opportunity for you if you want it. -BSG

Pondering for a moment if he should take this now or wait about an hour or two, Carl looks at when the text was sent to him and sees that it was 2:30 p.m. "So that means given that daylight savings doesn't start until next week, he sent this at 10:30 p.m. his time. It's half past five here putting the time over there at...Saturday, 1:30 a.m. Heck, I'll give it a shot. It's been ages since I've spoken to him." Hitting the right buttons to call this person, he has to go through an automated system of commands given that the call came from overseas.

Marking paper after paper with red ink signifying either incorrect answers to questions or suggestions for improvement at the end of the paper, it's clear that this young man is in quite the rhythm with his grading. In fact, he's ahead of schedule with this most recent math test and can soon go to bed without having to put off any work for the weekend. The only light inside the work room is that coming from a well-positioned desk lamp and whatever he gets from the combination of street lights, the moon and stars from outside his window.

Feeling a vibration on the desk, he turns to the phone showing an incoming call with the ID showing the name 'Carl'. Putting the papers that have not yet been graded off to the side, he picks up the phone and accepts the call. "Well hello, Carl," he greets quietly.

"Blake! It's been too long."

"I agree, but...that's what 7,000 miles of distance will do to you. Based on my news, though, we can probably change that in the next week or two...if you're willing."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm going to have to keep it down because Morowa and the boys are sleeping," Blake explains, "but the reform government in Zimbabwe is running into a few rocky roads and it appears that a recall election might be coming sooner than later. Not many people know this, but my business partners are keeping their ears on the pavement in Central Africa hoping for a regime more open to freedom of choice."

"We're not talking about something along the lines of an Arab Spring, though, right?" Carl questions. "This does appear to be more of a substantial change in how things have been run there since the leadership change and less fueled by the hype that comes with new media?"

"There's a lot of unrest at the top, Carl," Blake explains. "Say what you will about Robert Mugabe, and trust me many have done just that, but he did keep Zimbabwe from total ruin after their money became worth less than the ink printed on it. When he passed away three years ago, everyone just chomped at the bit wanting to be in control but not taking into account his promises of education as a human right and how to fulfill them combined with the real economic problems that still exist.

"Where there once was dissonance it almost seems to have given way to out and out revolt. I should know because we get the teachers that left there coming at least once a week to Kenya practically begging for work and we're over capacity right now in our schools. Not like back home where there aren't enough teachers, but the opposite where we have too many for not enough students. In any case, me and my business partners have been keeping an eye on the country and if the constitutional republic comes into power, we'll bid to open new schools in Zimbabwe in the next two years. The money is there and once they're willing to contract out to providers like me and a few others, we can come in and just watch a new generation of Zimbabweans flourish in the next ten to fifteen years. I know it will happen."

Taking in what his faraway friend is saying, Carl is happy for the life he's carved in of all places, Nairobi, Kenya; a life that likely would not have been possible had he not met his future wife while in college for research in international education.

It was a big surprise when Blake came back home for Christmas with a fellow classmate of his, Morowa Darko from the Republic of Ghana. They were both education majors who bonded as both were well-versed in French. Blake found out about it while both were in the library as Morowa proofread a letter to home and heard Blake say the written words in English while looking over her shoulder.

Study halls evolved into study dates for the two and a blossoming romance formed as Blake got to know Morowa through simple conversation and both having an interest in spending time outside of school with pursuits like soccer, the arts and cooking for Morowa and sailing along with fencing and chess for Blake. The growing metropolis that is Nashville provided the atmosphere and the shared hobby of music to go along with the undeniable passion for educating youth and strategies they would utilize for the goal of ultimately starting their own school.

After spending a summer in West Africa interning for schools, learning conversational Swahili after losing a bet to Morowa, and getting to meet Morowa's parents, Blake completed his Bachelors and began teaching in Massachusetts public schools for two years while earning his Masters. He and Morowa's relationship seemed to take a permanent back seat as she went back home to teach. Despite the distance, they never lost contact updating each other on their career prospects.

Throughout her time back in Ghana, Morowa worked towards her Masters in Business and towards a plan for educating girls in a part of the world where that can be seen as either too radical or a passing afterthought. She phoned Blake about setting up private schools in Sub-Saharan and East Africa using his contacts and deepening background in education. Within six months and after a combined business pitch from this unlikely pairing, Blake moved with Morowa and about twenty-five teachers to Kenya to incorporate methods he learned through teaching and planning to make an effective school system to outperform those in the nation and the region.

During that time, the two reconnected and their relationship evolved from being friends to business partners and finally a rekindled romance. Blake made the first move about one week after classes began at the newly-formed Muda na Mavuno (Time and Harvest) Academy at the celebratory dinner for the new school's staff.

Getting everyone's attention just minutes after orders were placed, Blake offered up a toast. He toasts to God's continued blessings and the best wishes for the fledgling academy. He also thanked everyone for their sacrifices to make what seemed impossible into a reality. From there he turned his gaze to Morowa and admitted, "The fact is, ladies and gentlemen, none of this is possible if not for the efforts and the desire of one person. This person is...someone who I've grown to know throughout the years and now, even though we've had our differences and mutual separations, I simply can't see living life without Morowa Darko as not only a friend or a business partner, but a partner in life, as well." This admission came just before Blake gave her a kiss on the cheeks and told her, "I love you, Morowa."

That night, to the spectators at dinner time, there could be no denying the evident blush on the face of Morowa as she heard all of this. Dinner continued as usual, but afterwards she pressed Blake with many questions including if he felt this way since they split before graduation. Blake said yes and Morowa admitted that she wasn't sure at first, but would like to give their relationship another try.

The try evolved into something increasingly serious and by that summer, the couple were engaged to be married. Nine months later, Blake and Morowa tied the knot on a Mediterranean cruise with a few significant guests including the proud parents of both the bride and groom, their siblings including Courtney and Morowa's siblings, a younger brother Manu and a younger sister Camilla.

Just over a year after that Morowa gave birth to her and Blake's twin sons, Beckett Tyler and Bennett Cameron, now age four. They attend early childhood centers and are about to take the big step towards kindergarten leaving this young but busy family much like Darren and Ginger's. Yet whenever Carl calls Blake, he talks about his family life in the most glowing and idyllic terms. He loves his wife and while far away from family, he cherishes a simpler existence in a bustling metropolis like Nairobi with such loving and welcoming people. They are his familia and he believes he is exactly where he's supposed to be and considers offering young people a first-class education as his passion and life's work.

Carl has to recall why Blake wanted to speak with him, but quickly recalled Zimbabwe. "So this all sounds well and good with the exception of one little issue...where do I come into this story?"

"Well, someone has to cover this story and get the perspective of those who want the recall election," Blake replies as if the answer were so obvious. "Word can travel quicker than I could've imagined when we were kids. I got a call from Brandon about you looking for work and I think this story can really put you on the map if you want it and can get across the reason why this is so important to people throughout the world."

Nodding from his end, Carl acknowledges this truth but also recognizes another factor in Blake's plan. "I know you've got a growing number of academies and networks in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia with more nations to come if I'm to believe what your wife says on Facebook. I don't exactly know what Brandon said to you; I'm not so desperate for work, but I am in the buyout period of my contract with the local network so if I want to cover something on my own, I have resources to do it with a nice severance package, but...an elongated stay in a different world? It's tough. I have to plan this out long-term, get myself prepared, dot every "I" and cross every "T" from my end and take care of obligations that don't even count a girlfriend who might chain me to her couch if it meant she could hear me pop the question by the end of this year."

"All understood, Carl. I just know that someone will take advantage of this time to make a move and grab hold of this story. I called to help a friend and if you're not willing then you're just not willing. So...do you want to freelance for some time?" Blake asks, to the point. "Again, there aren't that many Western media members covering this, so a big time story on Zimbabwe could rocket you from searching for a new career to people knocking your door down to work with them."

"I don't even know how long I'd have to stay-or where I'd stay. All of this has to be worked out before I make such a decision."

"I tell you what," Blake says, realizing that an answer won't come immediately. Yawning, he looks towards his clock and says, "It's almost 2 a.m. here and I'm starting to fade. I still have your e-mail. I know some great teachers and administrators in Zimbabwe. They're willing to rent rooms to you for a low cost and you won't have to deal with the restrictions that come with staying in a hostel or the super expense of a hotel. I'll call them, get you a list of their names, addresses, e-mail and phone numbers, and you can arrange something through me or them."

"So they'll know I'm calling and will be willing to rent from me for a time?"

"Yeah, give me about a week. I'll only give you people that want to have you there, and I'll also see about having people talk with you for your piece on the possible elections and the impact on education."

Carl can't argue with being given time to ponder this opportunity. This will not only add to his credentials, but bolster his reputation for covering key matters in the world. "Okay, Blake. I'll do some research and get back to you with my decision. Sound fair to you?"

"Yes, it does. Let me know when you can because this situation has the potential to develop very quickly."

"Will do, Blakey. Go get some rest and tell Mo, BT and BC I said 'hello'."

"Okay. Later, Carl."

"Later," he replies before ending the phone call. Checking his phone screen, he sees that the call went longer than he thought and he left his father hanging for nearly 20 minutes. At another place in his life, he would've chuckled at the thought of Jonas getting just a drop of his own medicine, but nowadays such thoughts are barely fleeting as Carl quickly texts his father about a breaking business opportunity he received and having to quickly make the confirmation call. Though both parties agreed that tonight's dinner should will not have any work distractions, Carl will likely bring up this matter of Blake and going to Zimbabwe with his father.

He still has no idea what he's going to do about this, but Carl would not be honest if he said that he wasn't intrigued by the prospect of this story. Obviously, in due time, much consultation will occur between now and decision day with his mother, father, step-father, best friend, girlfriend and Blake.

That discussion will have its place, but for now it's time to get his grub on with his dad. The honey barbecue, teriyaki and mango habanero wings are calling his name and it's a call he dare not leave unanswered.

A few clicks on his laptop and he will soon connect to his video phone. Robert Joseph Bishop, once known as Hoodsey, has just finished reviewing material for his weekly news satire show A Front Page Scroll with R. J. Bishop airing Friday nights on Showtime Network. What separates him from his contemporaries in the business is the lack of shock humor or blue comedy with his show. Preferring a more self-deprecating and engaging form of satire, he's earned praise and kudos from critics and fans alike for being able to garner laughs without foul language and informing his audience like few others can.

Another unique aspect of his work is that while most of the news satire shows take place in New York City, but Hoodsey convinced the executives to tape his show in Washington, D. C. where much of the news affecting his audience is likely to take place. Also a factor in his decision was the fact that his then-fiancee took up residency at George Washington University Hospital and he wanted to be close to her during this time of transition. Briefly looking out of the office window of his home, he redirects his attention to the laptop screen to find a gentleman his age sipping an unknown drink from a mug while a King snake slithers around his neck.

Shivering for a bit, Hoodsey ponders the fact that he'll never get used to talking with someone who willingly lets a snake, no matter how harmless, do that. After the initial shock of seeing Marlon casually meander down Brandon's chest and then up to the computer screen, Hoodsey asks "Brandon, can you hear me?"

He nods, places Marlon on his desk and out of Hoodsey's sight, says yes, then adds "How are you and Macie doing?"

"We're doing well," Hoodsey answers. "She's at work, so I just finished some research early this morning before we head out for breakfast. So what's happening in your world, Brando?"

"Another blessed yet typical Saturday morning in Miami, my man," Brandon admits. "Though by this time tomorrow, I should be in Havana for an Interfaith Conference with a few colleagues of mine and to take some downtime so there won't be any Skype time for me until next Monday."

"Love Havana, man. Enjoy."

"Thanks, Rob. I also got a call from Miranda last week. She and Tara are expecting this October and are planning the baby's dedication around this time next year. They've asked me to preside over those services and I'm sure you'll get an invitation coming your way, but I wanted to confirm that in case you didn't know."

"Excellent! I'm very happy for them."

"But I wonder, out of curiosity...isn't it your turn now, Hoodsey?"

Raising his eyebrows, he asks "What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean Ginger has her daughter and Dodie has her daughter and son. They once considered themselves the Three Musketeers and unless I'm missing something, Macie doesn't..."

Chuckling, Hoodsey interjects and kindly informs Brandon to, "Mind your own business, Pastor." Again, Hoodsey's words belie his tone as he has enough of a rapport with Brandon to add, though not necessary, the words, "In due time. It's not as if we haven't put in the work."

That line gives Brandon quite the chuckle and the charge to his friend to 'keep at it'.

Hearing the screen door open, Hoodsey lets Brandon know, "Macie's coming home. I'll have to cut this short. You know, early breakfast, promises; that sort of thing."

"No sweat, buddy. Well say hello to Macie for me and then I'll talk to you next week?"

"You bet! Have a safe trip, Brandon."

"Thanks and God bless."

"You too," he replies and then ends the call and shuts the laptop just as the front door opens. Heading downstairs, he tells Dr. Macie Bishop good morning and then gives her a hug and a kiss.

"I showered at work, so I'll be less than five minutes while I change clothes."

"Take your time, Mace."

"Does The Diner at Adams Morgan sound good?"

Hoodsey nods (he really just wants a good breakfast) and says "Sure," before she gives him a kiss and then goes upstairs to their bedroom.

A/N: Be sure to leave a review and let me know what you think. Yes, I'm taking the trope from the show where the younger kids had their own side stories and plot turns. Another thing I liked about the show. We'll go back to Courtney in the next chapter. Until then...