Chapter 14.

Alternate Ending Titus Hill

It had been six months since Egg had made it home from the hospital.
He was physically recovered and feeling good. He had found resolution and
redemption and was exuberant and reenergized. He smiled a lot. Trixie had
confessed to Egg that day at the hospital, six months earlier and, forgiven
him. That same day, Trixie told Egg that she had an affair while she was
married to Jax. She explained it was because Jax had rejected her. She had
begged for attention. She had begged Jax to open up and let her help him.
Jax had spent a year and a half in his desert nightmare, Afghanistan, and
wouldnt talk about it. He pushed her away, far away. His foxhole was
deeper than anyone realized and Trixie could never have helped. Out of
loneliness she had turned to a childhood friend. Trixie shamefully recalled.
She told Egg the guys name wasnt important. Egg thought to himself, shes
right as he listened intently. He didnt care that she had done this. It was
twenty years ago.
Trixie explained she had to reveal this to Egg in order to feel fully purged
and redeemed. Trixie told Egg that he was wrong about her and she never
wore a halo, she said she was far from perfect. He understood. He also
understood the need she sought for forgiveness of her own. They decided
that their slates were clean and they would never speak of that past again.
Egg had explained his drunken suicide mission to Mitch and others as his
delayed reaction to the loss of his father, mother and, Kolby by drunk
drivers. Everyone had understood and accepted his explanation.
Hey Egg! Whats for breakfast? Cecil asked. Sniffing the air as he entered
the kitchen.
It was Sunday morning. Cecil was hungry. Egg had noticed Cecil had been
moody lately. When Egg asked Cecil what was bothering him. Cecil had
shrugged it off. Egg assumed it was typical young man issues. Probably a
girl. Egg thought. Cecil will come talk when he needs too, Egg realized. For
now Egg was happy to see Cecil smiling. Egg was making French toast and
had burned the first piece slightly. It smelled good to Cecil anyway and he
stabbed it with a fork from the serving plate. Where it lay beside two other
pieces Egg had already prepared. Egg smiled and knew he enjoyed making
breakfast for Cecil. The kid, my kid, has a big appetite, Egg thought. He
watched Cecil slather butter on the slightly burned piece. Egg thought to
himself how Cecil was always the one to eat the burned piece of everything.
Egg didnt burn much, he really was a good cook. Sometimes though a little

something might get away from him. It was okay. Cecil ate it anyway.
Whats new Cecil, anything good? Egg asked as he turned the bacon that
sizzled in the pan next to the pan of French toast.
Its always good. No matter what it is Egg. You know that! Cecil sputtered
through a huge bite of French toast.
Im probably staying at Eddies next weekend. Party time with the
homeboys Egg. Eddies birthday.
Cecil had been friends with Eddie since high school and they had went to
college together for a few years. Now Cecil spent most of his weekends at
Eddies spending time with the friends he had made from school. Cecil had
taken Psychology courses and had his Bachelors degree. He had taken a job
at Titus Hill bakery after graduation and was making doughnuts and assorted
pastries for commercial distribution. Cecil enjoyed his job. Egg had asked
Cecil if he thought he was wasting his Degree and Cecil said he was sure he
knew what every one of those doughnuts was thinking? Egg decided to leave
Cecil alone. After all Egg thought, Cecil does have a Degree.
Are you handing over some of that Bacon or you just using it for air
freshener Egg? Cecil was on his third piece of French toast and Egg was
pretty sure Cecil was just warming up. Egg pulled the bacon from the pan
and presented a platter to Cecil who grasped four or five pieces with his
fingers, dropping them quickly on his plate. Cecil licked the hot grease from
his fingers as he realized he should have used a fork. Egg was not surprised
Cecil had burned his fingers, Cecil did it every time. And Egg let him. Every
time. After all Egg thought. Cecil does have a Degree!
Egg and Trixie had never told Cecil any of the details about theyre mutual
confessions and had decided to never tell Cecil that Egg was his father. They
decided there was no need to put that in Cecils life or psyche. Nothing
would be created for Cecil other than confusion and pain by them disclosing
the truth, so they hid it from him. Egg had accepted the fact that Cecil was
his son regardless of the politics and would just love him like he had always
loved him anyway. Nothing had to change now, for Egg it was perfect.
Good morning men, how are my two handsome devils? Trixie had smelled
the bacon and wasnt about to miss her piece by sleeping in and leaving it to
Cecil. She knew better when it came to Sunday morning breakfast. She
pecked Cecil on the cheek and almost got bit as he devoured his bacon.
Trixie stepped to Egg who was still cooking and wrapped her arms around
his waist. She squeezed him tight for a moment and he remembered the red
dress. Stop it he thought, Im cooking here.

I would love a piece of French toast and a piece of bacon, waiter. Oh, and
coffee. Trixie teased Egg as she joined Cecil at the table. Egg grabbed a
plate and put Trixies order together. He grabbed the coffee pot as he stepped
to the table and set her plate down. She smiled thankfully and reached for
the sugar. Two spoons, a splash of cream and she was ready for Armageddon
or anything else. She fixed her French toast and began eating. Egg joined
Cecil and Trixie at the table and they enjoyed theyre Sunday breakfast.
Eddie called last night and said to remind you about his birthday next
weekend Cecil. Are you going to stay at his place? Trixie inquired.
Yeah mom, big party, strippers, drugs and, rock and roll. You want to
come?
I would honey but strippers always look cheap in the same room as me! I
wouldnt want to ruin it for you boys! She laughed like she thought that
was witty. Egg shook his head in amusement. They all knew there was no
strippers, no drugs, and probably more talk than action. Cecil was pretty
tame for his age. He talked a good game but Egg knew Cecil had no game.
Egg was glad.
Trixie, since Cecil will be gone we should go to Fairmont and spend the
weekend with Father Frisco. We havent seen him in a while.
Thats a great idea Egg. Trixie replied, Ill call Lena and David and see
if we can all get together for dinner too.
They finished breakfast and headed for the Center after cleaning up.
Mitch would be there preparing the fat happy children for the afternoon
sermon. The Sermon was Mitch waxing philosophic and nostalgic as he
shared the message. It wasnt bible thumping. It was always some example
or experience that would define a message. Mitch was always entertaining
and could draw a crowd on Sunday afternoon. It always reminded Egg of an
afternoon with Will Rogers or Mark Twain.
It is better to confess ignorance than provide it! Mitch barked from the
podium as the fat happy children hung on his words. Most didnt recognize
the quote from an author named Homer Hickam. Mitch had quotes from
everyone and always appeared to be the wisest man in any room.
I have never met a man so ignorant I couldnt learn something from him!
Another quote. From Galileo. Mitch was fired up.
We are ignorant when we seek solitude, to fulfill us! We are not solitary
creatures. We require human contact and exchanges of intimacy and ideas.
Its being human. Mitch knowingly informed the audience. Egg, Cecil and
Trixie had arrived just as Mitch had begun to speak. They found seats
towards the rear of the huge crowd and settled in.

Mitchs subject was his usual subject. Connect. Share. Enrich. Dont judge
ignorance, educate it. Dont spend your life in a shell, expose yourself, were
humans, lets talk about it. Lets find Jesus and he can tell us how wonderful
we are. Jesus doesnt judge us! Mitch always reminded them. Jesus guides
us. Lets not ignore the ignorant, lets guide them. Mitch was passionate and
convincing and gave a rousing performance. He always did.
The afternoon was inspiring and after Mitchs show he wandered through the
crowd blessing his children and spreading cheer. He always managed to
bring people closer to God without them feeling uncomfortable about it.
Without them even realizing it most of the time. He was practiced at the art
of deception. In a good way!
I really enjoyed your speech today Daddy. Trixie said.
Thank you honey. Do you think they got the message?
Theyre ignorant if they didnt. How could they miss it? Trixie kidded
Mitch.
Egg and Cecil were engaged in conversation with Mrs. Milner. She was
inquiring if Egg or Cecil thought the Jesus on the billboard, the wrestling
with your conscience billboard, looked too middle eastern. Mrs. Milner
stated that Jesus skin was too dark and his hair looked too curly. He looked
too ethnic and couldnt Egg have designed a whiter Jesus?
Jesus was born in the middle east Mrs. Milner Egg informed her. He was
born in Bethlehem if I remember right I think middle easterners have
darker skin, dont they?
I know that Egg, but Jesus may not have had a tan, after all he spent most
of his time in church, didnt he? Mrs. Milners observation made Egg
chuckle and he looked at Cecil. Cecil was also amused.
Do you think it would draw more people to Jesus if we made him Albino
Mrs. Milner? Egg teasingly asked her. Cecil smiled and waited for Evies
response.
Egg, I know Jesus isnt a color, who knows how dark he was? My point is
that he doesnt look like the other Starbucks Jesus and it may not be as
attractive to viewers. I want people to love Jesus, thats all!
Mrs. Milner please remember this Cecil spoke up. The Lord has hair like a
lamb and feet of bronze. That sounds like a man of color to me. I wouldnt
be surprised if God was Black!
Oh my exclaimed Mrs. Milner as the thought sunk in. Okay, your right
Egg, maybe Jesus is the right color? Evie excused herself and wandered to
a group of her friends and Egg heard her ask them. Did you know God is
Black? Cecil shook his head in amazement as he realized ignorance can be

found anywhere. Egg smiled to himself and realized how easily some people
are swayed. Neither Cecil nor Egg really knew what color God is. They just
knew God wasnt a color in the first place.
Trixie and Mitch joined Egg and Cecil as the crowd thinned and people
found their way out the door.
Do you want to go to Fairmont next weekend to see Father Frisco? Trixie
asked Mitch.
We can be back in time for your Sermon on Sunday. Egg added.
Mitch thought for a moment and decided he could get away. He hadnt seen
Father Frisco in a couple of months. Mitch thought about how they werent
getting any younger. Hell, he thought, Leslie must be pushing 70 something.
Mitch was two years younger than Leslie but never thought about his own
mortality. He reminded everyone he was too pretty to die.
Yeah Trixie! Ill go to Fairmont with you guys. Are we leaving Saturday
morning?
No Daddy. Friday evening, is that okay?
Thats fine, you call me later this week and remind me sweetie.
Egg added as a last minute thought. David and Lena may join us for dinner
Saturday night too.
Fantastic! Exclaimed Mitch. They all had a few quick hugs and kisses and
headed their separate ways, Mitch had some errands to run and had declined
a dinner invitation.
Egg and Trixie didnt mind, They had hoped for some private time. Trixie
had a new game for Egg called, Dont, Stop! Egg was intrigued. He
wondered. Does Trixie mean stop, dont do it, or dont stop doing it? She
had planted another seed and it was growing. He hoped to fertilize and sow
that seed after Cecil left at 10pm for his night shift at the bakery. Cecil drove
them home and Egg nodded off in the back seat. As it turned out Egg
continued his nap at home and slept until midnight. He woke to find Trixie
sleeping soundly next to him and decided to let her sleep. Egg slipped back
into his dreams of her and had a few moments in his Emerald Sky. Egg
dreamed of Death welcoming him to life! He slept very well.
What have you got cooking this week Egg? Mitch looked good for
Monday morning. There was a spring in his step as he crossed the office and
went to his desk.
Have to visit Father Preston, Mitch, promised him Id be there last week.
I had to cancel, remember? Egg reminded him.
Anything I can help you guys with Egg?
No Mitch, he just wants to touch base.

Ill go over and make an appearance. Other than that trip to Barrington Ill
be in town all week. Dont forget were leaving for Fairmont Friday
afternoon Mitch.
Mitch smiled and mentioned to Egg he was looking forward to seeing Leslie.
That surprised Egg. Mitch usually wasnt demonstrative about his fondness
of Leslie. At least not since the Wheel night when they had traded barbs
revealing each others names to the massive crowd that night. Egg knew
Mitch really had mad, crazy love, for Leslie. Egg figured Mitch was sensing
the clock ticking away and didnt want to waste anymore time, just in case.
The thought of Father Frisco passing away was unsettling for Egg and he
realized Mitch or Leslie could drop any minute. Hell, Egg thought, I could
drop any minute. Egg was glad he was going to see Father Frisco.
The week went quick for Egg, he made his trip to Barrington. It had been
uneventful and Egg felt like he could have accomplished as much with a
phone call. Egg found it pleasurable to spend a few hours with Father
Preston though and thought its never worthless time spent connecting, or
reconnecting. Trixie had been busy that week. She still ran the Crisis
Program and had found her calling. She was powerful and determined, quite
the crusader for victims of all sorts. She had half a dozen side projects with
Egg as they found ways to feed children and buy shoes. It had become
Trixies passion as well. Cecil hadnt been seen much. His hours kept him
just out of touch with Trixie and Eggs schedule. They passed in the night as
they came and he went. Cecil didnt mind the graveyard shift, it gave him
long weekends off. That afforded him the freedom to spend time at Eddies.
Are you going to be alright Cecil, well be home Sunday by noon? Trixie
asked.
Sure mom! Cecil replied, then added. Im staying at Eddies tomorrow
night. Ill probably be here when you get home Sunday.
It was Friday, Egg would be home shortly to pack and then he and Trixie
would pick up Mitch and head to Fairmont.
You boys behave yourselves and have fun this weekend, give Eddie my
best and wish him happy birthday Cecil, dont forget!
Ill tell him mom, I promise.
The door opened downstairs and Trixie heard Egg enter, she called out to let
him know they were upstairs. He grabbed a bottle of iced tea and headed up
the stairs.

You all packed up honey? Asked Egg as he entered the bedroom.

Ive got it together Egg. You better get started packing if we are going to
make Fairmont by eight pm! Daddys already packed, he called a few
minutes ago.
Cecil, make sure you lock up tight, well be back by noon Sunday Egg
stated.
He knows Egg, I just told him. Trixie inserted.
Egg finished packing and took theyre bags to the car. He did his last minute
sweep and decided he had everything. Cecil reassured them one more time
as Trixie and Egg made their way to the car and after a quick smooch on his
mothers cheek, they were off to Mitchs.
Egg and Trixie had picked up Mitch, on schedule and the three of them
shared cordial conversation for the three hour drive to Fairmont. It seemed to
go quick for Egg who spent half the time daydreaming. They stopped at a
roadside diner and had a quick bite. Mitch said he was famished and
couldnt wait to eat until they arrived in Fairmont, so he had insisted they
stop. Egg reminded Mitch of his incessant pit stops that were customary
when Mitch and Egg would travel. Egg mentioned he wanted to make the
trip as quick as possible. Once at the diner Mitch ordered a piece of pie and
had two bites of it and, pushed it away. Egg thought to himself, what a pain
in the ass. The rest of the trip was smooth and they arrived at Father Friscos
place early.
You better get over here and give me some sugar! Father Frisco exclaimed
as he opened the door. He was talking to Trixie and had his arms spread. She
stepped to him and he took her in a massive hug, she hugged him back and
giggled, like she always did. Mitch stepped into the living room past Trixie
and Leslie and removed his coat. Egg followed Mitch and stopped short as
Trixie and Leslie had finished hugging and Leslie looked at Egg and spread
his arms again. Egg thought, oh, he must want some sugar from me too. Egg
stepped to Leslie and embraced him. It reminded Egg of the time they had
hugged many years ago and Egg had apologized for not being gay. Egg was
going to mention it but didnt. They made small talk and spent a few hours
catching up. Mitch mentioned about Leslie appearing heavier than he
remembered and Leslie reminded Mitch they were getting old. Thats when
Father Frisco dropped his bombshell.
Im retiring next month, Im handing the church over to Father Eide from
Blanton. Hes a wonderful man and highly qualified Leslie surveyed their
faces expecting disappointment. He was surprised at their reaction.

Thats fantastic Leslie piped in Mitch. Its about time isnt it?
Why would you say that Mitch, its about time? Leslie asked.
Leslie, did you not just remind me we are getting old? Im looking
forward to retirement soon myself. Maybe you should move to Titus Hill
and well spend our days fishing, drinking, and chasing pretty girls!
That sounds energetic Mitch! Leslie informed him. The drinking and
pretty girls I can handle, but, Im too old to fish! Mitch and Leslie laughed
together for a moment and Trixie interjected. Oh Leslie, that would be great
to have you in Titus Hill, have you thought about it ? Moving there? Leslie
hadnt and told them that. They made him promise to think about it, he said
he would.
Egg inquired about Lena and David. Leslie told him that they had
confirmed dinner for Saturday night and they would join them at the
restaurant.
They spent the next few hours discussing a new program Mitch was
working on to supply educational materials to underprivileged children. It
was aimed at raising literacy rates and Mitch and Leslie discussed it in
depth. Trixie tried to match their enthusiasm but didnt last long and fell
asleep on the couch. Egg sat across from Mitch and Leslie and watched
theyre animated passion spill. Egg thought back to that day in Father
Friscos office when the Jesus portrait had stared him down. When Leslie
had informed Egg of his message. Egg remembered the day he met Mitch
and the woodwork in Mitchs office, and the high ceiling. The warmth he
felt that day being welcomed to Titus Hill. He remembered Trixie dropping
her box in the Banquet hall that first time he met her. He felt the flutter that
still touched him twenty years later. Egg glanced to Trixie, she was sleeping.
Her head was tipped sideways and she was drooling a wet spot on her
sweatshirt. He smiled and thought, even when shes drooling shes hot. He
thought to himself. Whats wrong with me? Egg woke her and helped her
off to bed. He rejoined Mitch and Leslie for a while until he couldnt keep
his eyes open. Egg excused himself and went to join Trixie.
Saturday morning was fun, they all had coffee and breakfast and enjoyed
each others company, sitting around until noon. Mitch and Leslie had been
up most of the night. Trixie looked at them and hoped she had half the
energy when she was their age.
Egg made French toast, it was his favorite. He managed to burn a couple
pieces. He thought of Cecil.
Father Frisco invited them to the church to help with some refinishing
project on some pews. Egg excused himself and stated he had an errand to
run and would join them later at the church.

Egg walked in an had to wait a moment for his eyes to adjust. He made his
way to the bar a few seconds later as things focused. Egg sat down and the
bartender stepped to him smiling. It took a minute for Timmy to recognize
him. Then Timmy let out a breath and leaned over the bar and hugged Egg.
Jesus Christ Egg, I didnt even recognize you man! Timmy was elated.
How are you Tim, its good to see you. Egg smiled at him, Timmy was
bewildered at the transformation. Egg was a far cry from the mess that had
frequented this watering hole six months ago.
I had to stop by to see you and let you know Im okay. I had to thank
you for your kindness. Egg felt he owed Timmy for his watchful eye and
concern during Eggs distress. At times Timmy was the only friend Egg had.
Egg explained vaguely the culmination of events that led him here today and
Timmy was amazed. Timmy told Egg that he had prayed for him. Timmy
explained he never prayed for anyone, he said he never believed in God, but,
if there was one, Timmy asked him to help Egg. Egg knew God had heard
Timmys prayers. Egg left his phone number with Timmy and invited him to
Titus Hill. He told Timmy to stop in anytime.
On the way to the church after visiting Timmy, Egg decided to stop by
the Pipe. It was on the way and he felt drawn to it. He knew this time he
wouldnt crawl in it. Egg parked the car on the edge of the river bank and
walked the hundred or so feet down the bank. He was surprised to find the
pipe had been removed,. The dirt had been collapsed and filled in any traces
of what used to be. Egg felt abandoned for a moment. He wanted to find his
father waiting, inviting him into the pipe. It was the last memory he had of
Kevin. That fateful day when he and Kevin had sat together and Egg heard
Kevin repeat the one word message. Forgive! Egg sat for a while, there in
the dirt and examined his life. He knew his fate had been spelled out for him.
He was who he was. The twists and turns, both good and bad brought him to
this very moment. It was Gods plan, he thought. How else could he explain
it?
Egg caught up with Trixie at the church. The work on the pews was finished
by the time he arrived and Father Frisco and Mitch were cleaning up the
remnants of the project.
Did you take care of your issues Egg? Trixie quietly asked.
I did!
Are you all right ? She inquired..
Yes sweetie, Im okay, really! He assured her.
He hadnt told her what his tasks had been that day. He had mentioned he

was going to bury a piece of the past and she hadnt pressed him on it. He
had hoped to go one last time to the pipe and resolve things with Kevin. He
never felt like he had put it to rest. Egg had hoped to meet his father one last
time and show Kevin that Egg was okay. As Egg sat there where the pipe
had once been he realized that like the pipe and all it had held, it was gone
now. He knew somehow Kevin knew he was okay, he laid his father too rest
once and for all.
Lena called earlier, dinners on for six. Mitch called out.
Did you know David and Lena are getting married next month? Trixie
asked a second later.
Wow, thats great. Egg responded. Are you performing the ceremony
Father?
Who else Egg? Father Frisco said with a proud grin splashing across his
face. Egg glanced to Mitch and Egg wondered if Mitch wished they had
asked him? He thought too himself to ask Mitch some other time.
David wants you to be his best man. Trixie informed Egg. Im the maid
of honor! Egg hoped the girls would all wear tight red dresses. Okay, he
thought, a lot to ask at a wedding. Maybe, he thought selfishly, shell wear
that dress after the wedding. He tagged a reminder in his reminder file to ask
her later, in private.
We should go get cleaned up and get ready for dinner guys! Father Frisco
stated.
Good idea Leslie, Im hungry! Mitch said. Egg thought of how hungry
Mitch had been on the ride up from Titus Hill. Two bites of pie? If Mitch
pushes his Lobster away after two bites, Im eating it, Egg decided.
Dinner was lovely. David and Lena had caught everyone up and now all the
excitement was focused on their wedding plans. They were going to move to
San Francisco a couple months after the wedding. David had a job with a
tech firm and Lena always wanted to live in San Francisco. It would work
out fine for them and everyone was happy. Sorry to see them go, but happy
for David and Lenas new direction in life.
Hey Cecil, lets party! Eddie was hammered.
Cecil glanced at the wall clock and saw it wasnt even 8pm yet. He
wondered what time Eddie would be passing out. Cecil had just arrived and
the party had started much earlier, Eddie had a head start and was on his way
to the finish line. Cecil was disappointed. He was hoping to tie one on with
Eddie and maybe pass out together.
Jax had been on his mind lately. Cecil was wrestling with his own demons.

Trixie had never told Cecil how Jax had killed himself. She told him it was a
drunk driving accident. It had been weighing on his mind for a while and he
was finding emotions that had been suppressed for years. Why they surfaced
now he didnt understand. He had been moody for months. He was sure Egg
had noticed it, Cecil couldnt bring himself to discuss Jax with anyone, even
Trixie.
Cmon Eddie. Are you kidding? Cecil said to a very drunk Eddie.
What the fuck Cec, its my birthday Eddie slurred back at Cecil as he
grabbed a hold of Cecils shirt to steady himself.
Youll be passed out in ten minutes man, look at you, Eddie.
Fifteen bongs on a dead mans chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Eddie
began to sing. He also scooped up a bottle of Captain Morgans and took a
hefty swig. Eddie handed the bottle to Cecil. Cecil knew it was pointless,
Eddie was gone. Cecil took a huge swig and swallowed it. He grabbed Eddie
and hugged him and wished him happy birthday. Eddie started laughing and
vomited on Cecils shirt.
You nasty son of a bitch, Cecil barked at Eddie as he pushed him away.
Eddie dropped to the floor and continued puking. The party crowd of about
twenty all gave a gasp of repulsion. Cecil knew his friend was suffering. He
helped Eddie up and steered him towards the bathroom. He helped Eddie
clean himself up and convinced Eddie to lay down and sleep it off. Cecil
borrowed a clean shirt from Eddies closet and cleaned himself up. He was
feeling depressed and sorry his friend had started with out him. Cecil
thought to himself how he wouldnt mind being in Eddies condition. A few
of the party animals volunteered to clean up Eddies mess on the floor and
Cecil fixed a drink. He sat for a while and engaged with the other semi
drunk party goers but his heart wasnt in it. He couldnt pinpoint what it was
but he was feeling aggravated about something.
Hey Egg, its Cecil, hows your dinner going?
Hi Cecil. Every things good here, you okay? Trixie heard the word, Cecil,
and focused in looking at Egg with apprehension. The dinner had been
excellent and the company charming Egg had thought. Just before the phone
rang.
Egg, Eddies worthless, hes already passed out. Just wanted to let you
know Im heading home.
Have you been drinking Cecil?
Ive had a couple, Im not drunk though!
Promise me you wont drive Cecil, take a cab or something, okay. Trixies
face was showing much concern now that she heard that. She reached out to

Egg, like give me the phone. Egg gave her a look of, negative, I got this!
I wont drive Egg, I promise. Cecil assured him. Ill probably have
another drink and walk home. Just wanted to let you know Im not staying
here tonight. Hows mom doing, she having fun?
Shes good! Egg glanced at Trixie and assured her things were fine.
You guys be careful getting home tomorrow and say hi to everyone for me
Egg.
Okay Cecil, see you tomorrow. Egg hung up and assured Trixie things
were fine.
Egg and Trixie enjoyed the evening and later discussed how glad they were
to have gotten everyone together. They knew there wouldnt be many more
opportunitys. After dinner when they returned to Father Friscos Egg asked
Trixie to wear the Red Dress for him soon and she was happy to oblige him
a week later. Egg was amazed that it fit her even better than before. Im a
lucky man, he thought.
When Eddie wakes up, tell him I headed home. Cecil mentioned to Todd,
another of Eddies friends. Cecil wasnt up to partying, or much of anything
else. He had four drinks, plus the shot of Captain Morgans and he was
feeling intoxicated. Cecil had promised Egg that he wouldnt drive. That was
three hours ago. Where did the time go? Cecil wondered. It didnt matter, he
decided. Cecil staggered out the door on his way to destiny!
The sound of singing came to him as he zipped up his fly. He had stopped to
relieve himself in some brush along the highway. He peered out from the
brush and could see her walking towards him. She was still quite a distance
away, coming from the same direction he had come. He felt a stirring, an
excitement come over him. He recognized his intoxication and accepted it.
The alcohol was leading his desires and he had no idea how out of control he
was. He peered again and could see she was young and very attractive.
Something stirred, a warning, a memory, he ignored it as best he could. It
was ignored enough for him to continue unencumbered and he did just that.
She was steps away, he wasnt nervous or scared. Just absorbed. As she
passed he quickly stepped behind her. She was blinded and caught off guard.
He drug her into the brush tripping her and fell on top of her. He leaned
towards her head and whispered. Please dont scream, I wont hurt you!
She calmed down for a moment. A moment neither would forget, want to
remember, or ever be able to live with. Guilt and disgust filled him as he
finished. Where did this come from, he thought. As he stood to pull himself
together he noticed the light overhead from the billboard. The message for

him was ominous and foreboding. It read Jesus is waiting for you, Cecil!