Читать книгу Victor Dark - Blaine Sims - Страница 13

In his third decade, Victor becomes crazed with the ‘Car Wash’ song. For an unknown reason, it sticks in his mind like silly melodies do, and loops over and over. His jaw clenches when the tune starts. He faces challenging events. His life, already topsy-turvy, turns more calamitous. “Mex,” his beloved Chihuahua, passes away. His younger brother is committed to a psychiatric hospital for psychotic episodes. After the heartrending suicide of Andrei, he relies on his friend Lamar to take him shopping for necessities. A stop at a traffic light intersecting a busy thoroughfare results in a rear-end impact by a delivery truck. Lamar’s car is totaled. Victor sustains severe whiplash. It dogs him for years. What else can go wrong in his young existence?

Victor’s future wife’s name is Fontaine. A frank woman, she’s one-hundred percent human. Fontaine is brash and wild. As an only child, she is sheltered in a world of splendor. Her parents, pets, and Nanny, Ms. Goodhands, are the loves of her life. From the time she started speaking until about eight, Fontaine had trouble pronouncing, “Goodhands”. For the love of Christ, no one could figure how she came to choose the nickname, “Pots”. Inquiries to her were met with the reply, “I don’t know.” She was born and raised along the eastern Georgia shore; her family moved to the western part of the state when she was four.

Her parent's time and efforts devoted to their jobs, it falls on Ms. Goodhands to raise and instill in Fontaine certain skills and traits her parents don’t have time for. Raised in a large impoverished family in rural Kentucky, she learned out of necessity how to survive. She knows how to fish, hunt, find shelter, and endure the most damning conditions. Intelligent and street-wise, she makes sure these aptitudes are passed to her charge.

Fontaine's Nanny

The fact they only live three blocks from Victor’s family, yet never knew each other, is amazing.

Her favorite maternal aunt passes away from cancer when the girl is five. It has a profound effect and guides her aggressive fund-raising goals as an adult to eradicate the disease. She donates thousands of dollars each year towards finding a cure and raises millions.

She is far from being a Tom Boy yet never enjoyed playing with dolls. Her dogs and cats are her children and she excels at being a good mommy to them. If allowed, she would take in every stray. Large decorative dollhouses are spread throughout the house. They are big enough to accommodate her four-legged babies. The only discomfort and emotional distress suffered as a child is the passing of her aunt and the death of her “kids.” Each time, an elaborate ceremony is held to send them to external rest.

Fontaine makes friends easy and always has plenty to play with, have sleepovers, and do fun stuff with, like go to amusement parks and the circus. Her parents even have a small park on their estate with Fontaine’s favorite carnival rides. A firm, “No” with an explanation as for the reason, follows her plea at nine for an elephant. Her mom tells her such large animals need the freedom to roam and unlike dogs and cats, majestic creatures like lions, tigers, and yes, elephants, should not be kept for the amusement of people. Their needs differ. They take her to the circus and zoos only to show her how miserable these beings are in captivity. The girl understands, and it ticks her off, so she rants to Pots. To compensate, Pots, um, Ms. Goodhands, devises a scheme for Fontaine to name all the circus animals. In time, she concocts an ingenious plan to have the parents buy the circus and move the animals to their native habitats. Don’t ask how so gets them to agree, you don’t want to know. She has a way about her.

In her teenage years, Fontaine is a firecracker, setting the world alight. She involves herself in such a wide variety of hobbies it’s hard to keep up with the activities the adolescent partakes in. Tennis, soccer, theatrics, horseback riding, camping; you name it, she does it. A real pistol, she puts 100 percent into everything. Support and encouragement from her parents are commendable and Ms. Goodhands, her Nanny, is always available to assist, if not downright take part in the action. A former early teen model and beauty queen, she channels Fontaine through the rigorous demands and ropes of pageants. Particular attention is made in teaching her how to fend off the perverts of the business.

Over a two-year stretch, the teen beauty racked up three prize-winning crowns at the city, state, and regional levels. Runner up was her take from participation in the nationals. A trophy room was set aside for her awards and plaques. Through it all, she never gives an inkling of having a big head. She is down-to-earth and humble. Child-rearing takes its toll on Ms. Goodhands.

Business Management and Marketing Strategies dominated Fontaine’s college acumen. After graduating top of her class from the prestigious Harvard University, she starts a cancer research corporation. One would guess she gets the drive from her mother.

At 32, Fontaine desires to settle down and start a family of her own. She meets Victor, 35, and becomes infatuated. They meet at Alderleaf College in Washington state. Their website declares:

“Welcome to Alderleaf Wilderness College, wilderness survival school, permaculture training, and outdoor education center. Alderleaf offers courses on wilderness survival, wild edible & medicinal plants, permaculture, wildlife tracking, naturalist skills, and outdoor education in the Pacific Northwest.”

The curriculum is well-thought-out and fun. For the most part, lessons are hands-on. Although a breeze for Fontaine because of Ms. Goodhands teachings, a lot of new ideas and methods have developed since. They will serve a lifetime and come in handy.

Embarrassment at not being able to swim perturbs Victor. The course includes mandatory lessons. How will he explain his inability and fear? A pow-wow with the empathetic lead instructor assuages his dread. Experts, they will give extra attention and time to Victor. By no means is he the first student with such an impediment. Things turn out superb and Victor completes the module with a passing score. He’s now certified as a survival swimmer and rescuer.

Successful completion of the coursework results from the two of them working to assist each other. Victor’s ability to apply real-world solutions to enduring situations, no matter the circumstances, comes from Andrei’s teachings. An edict of his is, if he needs to learn something, he will know it by tomorrow, as will everyone on his team. Distasteful to Victor is the practical application of cleaning fresh-caught fish. He dislikes the task, so it becomes Fontaine’s chore. No problem. The companionship thrives into romance.

It is amazing the pair are an item. When Fontaine and Victor touch upon politics and a host of other topics, they are worlds apart. Victor disdains capitalism, is down on the United States, hates the police, etcetera. The comparison to long-time political figures James Carville and Mary Matalin, he who served under President Clinton, and she who worked for President George H. W. Bush, come to mind. The two agree to disagree and not discuss certain subjects.

Never abused or subject to serious harassment, she’s careful, having received her share of whistles and catcalls. Boys will be boys and men will be men. Victor is different (and that’s an understatement). He makes her feel at ease and treats her like a lady, not an object.

The two seldom argue, and as one may guess, Fontaine wears the pants, so most often than not, she wins. A vast majority of their spats deal with politics; the benefits of conservatism versus liberalism and capitalism versus socialism. They always make up and never go to bed angry. Another key to marriage success is they maintain mutual respect for each other’s feelings. They may not like what the other is doing or how they feel, but they accept it.

Ms. Goodhands was anal about teaching Fontaine the downside of the male species, in age-appropriate segments, throughout the girl’s phases. She was thorough, and rest assured, taught Fontaine the finer points of defending herself. Most women, if being beaten and raped, have no problem going for a man’s eyes. Sad to say, the hindrance is they attempt to scratch the eyeballs or face, a lesson in futility. Ms. Goodhands instructed Fontaine to go for removal of the eyes and educated her on how to do it.

Fontaine balked at first, stating, “I don’t know if I can do it.”

“Look at it this way. Pretend it’s me, your mom, your best friend, or your daughter who’s being raped. Would you be able to take out the person’s eyes then?”

“Yes,” replies the girl.

“Then God forbid, if it ever happens to you, think it’s one of us it’s being done to.”

While not adamant against a person carrying pepper spray, Ms. Goodhands was never keen about it and will not recommend it to anyone except maybe an elderly or disabled person. A big no-no in her book is the use of wasp spray to fend off an attacker. Widespread touting on the internet to do this aside, she advises people to read the label of any can — “WARNING. Federal Law prohibits the use of this product for anything other than its intended use.” Sure, feel free to do so, but understand the consequences and be prepared for repercussions. And, as with pepper or any other spray, it can hit your face or eyes if the air is blowing in your direction.

Items designed and marketed as self-defense or protection tools have their rightful place. The downside is if an item is taken from you or knocked out of your hands, it can be used against you. Ms. Goodhands prefers the most powerful weapon ever devised, the human brain. It is the best instrument, along with the rest of a person’s body, one can ever hope for. Use it wisely and keep things uncomplicated. It’s prudent to get instruction and training. Unless for self-discipline, sport, or general historical interest, steer clear of traditional martial arts. Few teach adequate and realistic self-defense anymore. Learn how easy it is to crush a person’s throat and, in all likelihood, it’s all you’ll need to do.

Over the next year and a half, the two grow closer. Concerts, dinners, movies, and Renaissance Fairs, along with long walks and drives consisting of talks, fill their times together. Fontaine pays for most, but she does not mind. She introduces him to her parents over dinner at their home. They do not approve of this man. Both feel their daughter can do better. Defenders of an adult’s right to make their own decisions, minus hurting anyone else, neither confesses their aversion. Fontaine, however, is uncomfortable. Her intuition picks up on her parents’ dislike. She shares this with Ms. Goodhands.

“Do you love each other?

“Yes.”

“Then don’t be too concerned with your parent's lack of enthusiasm. They’ll come around soon enough.”

“What is it you see in him?” asks Fontaine’s mother. “He’s everything we stand against and he despises all we stand for.”

With halting speech, Fontaine answers, “I can’t explain it, mother. He possesses qualities I cherish. I realize we’re worlds apart on many issues. In actuality, almost everything. It does not matter. I’ve never had such emotions about anyone in my life. I love him. Can’t you accept it? Why are you so harsh on him?”

“So be it. Your father and I love you with all our heart and soul. We will support you in any decision.”

“I hope to marry Victor, the man of my dreams.”

Ms. Goodhands prattles with joy when she receives the news. Never wed herself, she is Fontaine’s choice as Maid of Honor. Not one to blabber on with acquaintances or strangers, she gives an earful to many a poor soul about her enthusiasm and pride. Her little “Fonty” is getting married.

Fontaine’s proclivity to speak her mind establishes issues with others, but she’s fun-loving and adores Victor with all her heart for who he is and isn’t. Her features are dazzling. Long brown hair with streaks of blonde flow to her waist and highlight her blue eyes. At 5 feet 11 inches, she wears a size 6 dress and size 10 shoes. With measurements of 38-26-37, she maintains an hour-glass figure. A former child model, she now devotes her life to her marriage and raising her children. English, German, French, Italian, Serbian, and Slovenian are the languages she speaks with fluency. Her I.Q. is a confirmed 160. Comfortable in a Dolce & Gabbana dress with matching shoes, or a pair of fishing overalls, she exudes confident pizazz.

A grown-up Fontaine

Victor forgoes a bachelor party as he’s come to realize the ones attending have no use for him. They would be there for food, drink, and fun. That’s all. Downcast the night before the momentous event, Victor mourns the absence of Andrei and Chet. Once again, he curses the reality they left him. He recognizes both will be at the ceremony in spirit and it comforts him. The best man will be his cousin Butch. Victor is not chummy with him. Who else is there, though?

The couple marries on October 1, 2021. Her wedding dress is a work of design by Zuhair Murad with a price of $11,030.00. Beautiful in any outfit, she’s a knockout in this ensemble. Victor’s tuxedo is made by the company of Ottavio Nuccio and the outlay is a paltry $1,066.00. If it were up to him, he’d wear cargo shorts, tank-top, and sandals. He believes he looks good in anything. Fontaine won’t tell him she’s not marrying him for his looks.

Their wedding is lavish and Victor experiences a culinary smorgasbord at the reception few ever do. He’s unable to pronounce, let alone determine, what most of the dishes and offerings are. This causes a slight dilemma. A majority of the selections are tongue twisters to gastronomic novices. Foie Gras’, Boeuf bourguignons, Boudin, Clafoutis, and Pistou. The last one is a French version of Pesto with garlic, basil, and olive oil. It is pronounced, “Pees-too”. Fontaine nonchalantly asks Victor if he’s tried it.

“As a matter of fact, I do have to go.”

Pistou

Then there are assortments like Coddled Eggs, The Imam Fainted, Clootie Dumplings, and Sweetbreads. Not tongue twisters, the names belie their true make-up to the young groom. The Rocky Mountain Oysters are a hit with him as he proclaims, “I don’t like to eat anything I can’t pronounce.” No one dares divulge to him what they are.

A tradition at wedding receptions, they forgo the feeding of the cake between bride and groom. Victor thinks it ridiculous and demeaning. The event is the first in his life where he wears a tuxedo. Out of his comfort zone, his bride jokes it will be the shortest marriage in history if he removes the tie.

“Kiss my ass,” he grumbles.

As they check into the Aman Sveti Stefan Resort in Montenegro, Victor puffs his chest out to the young female clerk. “My bride and I are on our honeymoon and we’re wealthy.” As the young gal glances at the reservation, she sees VIP next to their names. With a genuine tone of inquisitiveness, she says, “Congratulations. So, how did you get your VIP’ness?”

Later that night, they make reservations for dinner at a local high-class restaurant. They leave after the query to the server of, “What do you recommend?”

“Everything on our menu makes a good turd.”

An impromptu stop at a dinner across the street results in an order by Victor for a fried egg sandwich. “Two eggs, hard-fried…”