Right place at the Wrong time. Chapter 1: Freaking Out.
It is exciting to be part of a new community, but it’s hard to fit in, when no one talks to you. I’m always invited (Finger Quote) but when I do show, I feel like how Larry and Kent felt when they tried to join the fraternity Omega Theta Pi in the movie ‘Animal House’. Bounced around from conversation-to-conversation, introduced to various guests and then somehow ending back by the door, rejected. Larry and Kent eventually found a Fraternity, but only because “Bluto” played by John Belushi said “We need the dues." As for me, just like Larry and Kent, I finally a found a group. Well, more like they found me, let me explain.
My name is Bob, Bob Marley, no not that Bob Marley. My parents were fanatics of his music, shall I say more? And if I had a say, in my naming, I would have chosen one a little more plain, maybe like Paul or John. Anywho, lets dive into it, I remember it well, it was Autumn. I remember the day before so vividly, I can tell you this much, because the details, of that day, will last with me forever. I remember everything, from even the wind rustling the bright colored leaves. My shoes cruncing the gravel path as I walked amongst the trees. I even remember closing my eyes, breathing deep, and taking in the crisp air. It definitly was Autumn, like a candle at the end of its wick, summer had flickered then faded away. I remember looking amongst the trees, the sun descending, hitting them with its enveloping rays. From the light, I remember the leaves glowing extremely bright. A moment, so perfect, no camera would have been able to catch this moment, no matter what you used. Forever cherished this moment will be and engrained into my memory.
It was after the sun had finally said its good-bye and twilight unveiled itself. Solemly, I looked around once more, almost like I knew what was going to happen later, I said a silent good-bye. Softly, as if on que, after saying good-bye, I remember the wind dancing fallen leaves near me.
Leaving, I remember opening the driver side door to my old beat down car, my breath visible as I started the engine, and put the heat on. Waiting for a moment or two so the engine could warm, I looked back once more toward the trees. Then looked down toward the dash, I shifted the car from park to drive. Inching forward, looking left and right, I pulled out and headed home. My car become was a place of solitude, it had been a place where I could go, and think without interruption. Heading home, I left the radio off, and just continued to think of how beautiful the those damn trees were.
Once home, I pressed my clunky garage door opener and watched from my car as the old patterned door went up screeching. Then moved the car inside the tight untidy garage. Once inside, I pressed the clunky garage door button again. Again, the old patterned door screeched as it shut. Shuffling between my car and semi-unpacked boxes, I reach the laundry room door and proceeded to take off my shoes. A habit, I learned from my time spent in Asia, in order to not bring in dust, germs and more. A habit I wished I had picked up earlier in my youth.
I walked through the laundry room, and into the kitchen. Quickly, after entering the kitchen, I’m was greeted by my faithful Labrador with love and affection. I tried to reciprocate the love and affection back by making us both ham and cheese sandwiches. Two for her and one for me, why the hell not I said to myself.
Later, after completing my usual getting home routines, I settled in to unwind with a beer in hand. It was at this moment, I remember my phone ringing and it was my boss Dan. Upon answering, Dan gave his usually fake salutation and went straight into discussing business. Dan was from New Jersey, slightly handsome, older, but cocky. He had risen in ranks quickly to become a boss. Dan was quick to take praise, but give none. Relentless, when senior management wasn’t around, and all smiles when they were.
How I ended up with him as my boss, I would always think to myself. I will never know, maybe it is was because no one thought I would complain. Before Dan, things were sailing smooth, then expenditures ran high and contracts changed. Causing rifts and shifts amongst the ranks. Older peers disliked change, they all said they a lot to lose, but I actually liked change, it killed the monotonous daily grind. Then almost overnight I landed Dan as my boss. Lucky me I said to myself.
Without taking as much as a breath, Dan continued on the phone. Placing the phone down on the coffee table, I put it on speaker, and let the task list continue. Listening, I ran my fingers over my face and through my hair. Calmly, I drank a few more sips of beer and finally said I understand. Upon hearing confirmation, Dan promptly ended the call, I was glad, but my mind was screaming the first four letter word I could imagine. There goes my weekend plans, I hated my job.
I had planned, that weekend, to go to the beach. It was not tanning weather, but windbreaker jacket type weather. I wanted to drive my truck onto the beach, start a fire, listen to the waves and drink some beer. All of this was going to have to change, in order to meet the demands of a boss I knew wasn’t going to assist, in any way, unless a senior manager would be working with us on this project. Thinking aloud, grumbling, I told myself to get started. I put my beer aside and started up my computer.
After reaching the point of exhaustion, I shut down my computer and then tried to shut down my body for the night. My eyes rested, my body rested, but like always then, my mind would just keep running. As I laid there, in the dark, I told myself things needed to change, I needed to change. Little did I know, my life would forever change the next morning.
The next morning, I woke up early for a Saturday, not because I wanted to, only because I had forget to cancel my damn daily alarm. Groggy, I had shuffled to the kitchen, and started a pot of coffee. Looking out across the lawn, I saw my dog in the front yard, I quickly became alarmed to the fact I must have left the side gate open again. I rushed outside to bring her in, still in my evening shorts and shirt, I shot out the door.
Now, this is the part where it gets confusing, because honestly, I don't remember. The last thing I remember, is yelling for my dog as she tried to cross the street and all-of-a-sudden it was dark, a pinch of pain, and a quick rush of light all around me. At first I thought I was in a emergency room. But I didn't see anything around me indicating I was in a hospital, it was bright room, a huge ceiling, window and a funny looking fella in a wooden chair across from me.
I asked what had happened, thinking he was a doctor or nurse, and asked if my dog was okay? Without hesitation, he answered back by saying my dog is doing fine, but we need to talk Bob. How did he know my name I thought to myself, maybe he had looked at my wallet or something. But I don't remember carrying my wallet with me when I ran outside. In fact, I really don't have any pain at all. I feel rather good. The funny looking fella across from was still looking at me, waiting for me to reply. Acknowledging him, I then asked "where am I?" "Well that's just it Bob, I need to talk to you so don't freak out. Most Non-Doms freak out after telling them." he then continued, "you see Bob, you're dead." I freaked out. "Dead?" I jumped to my feet and started to look around frantically, as if looking for the proof. I felt very much alive and even screamed at the man as I looked out the window. It was extremely bright outside, hard to see anything.
The funny looking fella again looked at me and started talking. "You're freaking out a little, that's normal. Trust me on this one Bob, you're dead." Looking down at his clip board, he asked "You're Bob Marley right?" I said "Yes." to his question while trying to settle down and then asked he knew that. Looking back at me, "Well, its right here Bob, its on my manifest list. Anyone listed on this manifest is dead and it is my job to greet you. My name is Jimmy and congratulations Bob, you made it to Heaven. You can relax."
"Relax?" I screamed. I freaked out again. Jimmy then, for the first time, showed emotion sadly knowing it was going to be a while before I settled down.
Chapter 2: Jimmy