Chapter 28
New beginnings.........
-Sting, “Fields of Gold”
The rains had stopped the night before, but the rough dirt streets of Pokhara were still awash in mud when his cab arrived. He was still groggy from his fitful sleep, and struggled to clear his mind.
“Mr. Thomas, we are here. Once again, I ask you where are we to stop?”
Tom, trying to clear his head and to buy enough time to figure out his current dilemma, responded obliquely.
“Ohhhmmm, I’m still very sleepy. Give me a minute, huh? We need to find a bank, so I can pay you. Stop in town somewhere, once you get to a commercial area. Most any bank will do.”
The driver looked in his rear view mirror, and saw that Tom was still slightly incoherent; so he grunted his assent, and continued driving through the lakeside town. It had long ago grown from a lake village to a tourist town, but the image was nonetheless disturbing to Thomas. He was relieved to know that a bank would be easier to find, but he was sad to see that he had returned to quasi-civilization. It was quasi-civilization because it lingered between a beautiful pristine mountain lake area and a run down
“No detours here,” he observed.
“From beautiful, to shit - in less than ten years! That’s my prediction,” Tom blurted, out loud.
“Yes, Mr. Thomas? Did you ask me something?”
“No, I was just moaning about Pokhara. I bet it used to be beautiful.”
“Yes, it was. And, it is very nice business now. Look at all of the stores!”
“Sorry, I can’t share your enthusiasm. I think we’ve enough retail trash shops in the world. But, maybe you’re right, pretty soon people won’t even have to hike anymore. They can just come here, and pretend; and go shopping for new T-shirts and zip away pants!” Tom said sarcastically.
“Mr. Thomas, people here before were very poor. Now, they aren't so poor. That is good, no?”
“It depends on your definition of poor, I guess. I happen to think that they are throwing their real riches away, in trade for headaches and heartaches; and, they’re being helped to do that quickly. It’s the same in many places, though - but, I think that makes it even sadder. People are replacing experiences with purchases of cheap Chinese trinkets. In
“I don’t understand such things, Mr. Thomas.”
“Unfortunately, I do. Sorry, I’ll stop whining now.”
“Whatever you wish, Mr. Thomas.”
“Hey, there’s a bank up ahead, lets stop there,” Tom said, pointing to the building down the street.
“Yes, Mr. Thomas. Then, you want a place to stay?”
“Yes. Lets get you some money, and then we will find a hotel.”
As they approached the bank, however, they found it closed. They then drove all around Pokhara, and found all the commercial buildings closed. Both Tom and the cab driver started to become anxious.
“It must be because the Royal family was killed last night. Damn! I thought we’d be ok today, but everything’s shut down already.”
“It is a very bad time,” added the driver; but he didn’t seem to worry about being paid overly much.
Tom was beginning to understand the real implications of situation he now found himself in, and was doubly thankful that he had made it to Pokhara. Now, however, he worried about paying the cab driver.
“There’s an ATM over there, by that big hotel. Stop there, and I’ll try that,” Tom told the driver.
Tom had little hope that the ATM would work, but he was willing to try anything. His debit card didn’t always work in the Kathmandu ATM’s; so he had joined the other tourists in using the banks for cash advances. With that option closed, maybe for good, Tom began to worry. He knew that larger hotels would take credit cards; but under the circumstances, he couldn’t be assured that would even work.
“People might just be taking cash only, if they can’t use the banks to get their credit card deposits,” he thought, worriedly.
“Damn, we’re more fragile and dependant than ever! What would people in a large city do, if their credit cards didn’t work anymore? Where would they get food? What would happen if the supply trucks stop?” Tom said, aloud, inadvertently.
“What, Mr. Thomas?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just worrying again about people in the
“Yes, here is the machine you asked for,” he said, now visibly concerned, as he pulled the cab up to an ATM machine.
Tom went to the machine, and stood behind two men and waited. One was British, and the other was
“It is not much, but I do not have to sell my cycle now. Thank you anyway.”
The British guy seemed disappointed, looked at Tom, and remained sullenly silent. The Belgian guy lifted his eyes up from his wallet, and looked straight into Tom’s eyes - with a hint of pleased surprise. Both were in a similar state, from their respective hikes, and connected almost instantaneously.
“Hello, there. My name is Andre-Pierre.”
“Hello, I’m Thomas! I see the machine is working. I hope it works for me. The banks are all closed, and I need to pay my cab and get a room,” Tom said, speaking rapidly, and not hiding his genuine concern very well.
“It works somewhat. I could only get 7,500 Rupees. See if it works for you, I will wait. If you need money, I can give you some.”
Surprised, and warmed beyond any expectations, Tom smiled and thanked him.
“Thanks, that’s really nice of you. Let’s give it a try first.”
The machine didn’t work for Tom. He wasn’t surprised, but he was getting upset.
“Its not working for my debit card, do you know if there are any money changers around here that do cash advances, and are open? My cab driver will be getting anxious.”
“No, but the big hotel over there might.”
“Great, I’ll try that.”
“Well, if it doesn’t work, come to my hotel - it’s the Mayhur, over there - and I’ll give you the money,” he said with a sincere, and caring smile.
“Thanks, I appreciate that,” Tom said, warmly in reply.
“This guy’s like me,” thought Tom to himself. “Now I know what its like to have a total stranger treat me kindly and sincerely. I could get to like this....”
Tom couldn’t, nor wanted, to hide his warm feelings for Andre’s spontaneous act of generosity. As a result, he smiled broadly.
“I’ll just go try the hotel, right now. Thanks. The cabbie is getting anxious, eh?”
“You know? I’ll just stay here, and wait to see if you get the money or not.”
"Ok, I’ll be right back.”
Tom was really impressed with the guy, and hurried off to the hotel - leaving Andre waiting at the ATM, and the cabbie with his backpack. Within twenty minutes he was back, with a wad of money in hand.
“The guy at the main desk of the hotel was great. He gave me a 20,000 Rupee advance on my card. None of the phones or computers are working, he was great. That should last me a couple of days, eh? Thanks for waiting for me, and making sure that everything was ok. I really appreciate it. I was getting a bit worried, and you helped keep me from freaking out.”
“No problem,” he beamed, as he returned Tom’s smile, and continued to linger. The British guy was still hanging around, and Andre seemed uncomfortable with his presence - but didn’t seem to know what to do. They all stood there, awkwardly, for a couple of minutes - Tom and Andre together, and the British guy off to the side. Filling the void of silence, Tom spoke directly to Andre in a louder tone of voice - so that the British guy could hear him clearly.
“Do you like your hotel?”
“Yes, it is very good!”
“Then, I guess I’ll stay there. Would you like a lift back to your hotel?”
Smiling warmly, Andre’s eyes twinkled, and he responded as Tom had spoken, in a louder tone of voice.
“Yes, I would like that very much. I have to say goodbye to my friend first, I meet you in cab.”
Tom got both messages, and got into the cab. The Cab driver was relieved to see him, and his money; although to Tom, he had shown tremendous patience over the whole matter.
“It is fine, these are difficult times,” he told Tom, as he counted his money joyfully.
“My friend will be coming with us. So just wait a few minutes, and we can go to his hotel. He can give you directions. And, for being such a good guy, here is 200 Rupee tip!”
The cab driver was ecstatic. It made Tom feel good to be able to repay him for the relief he felt on making it to Pokhara safely. The passenger door opened, and Andre hopped into the cab next to Tom. They smiled at each other, and Tom felt a very strong swelling of emotion. After his recent betrayal by the Kiwis, the unsolicited and generous offer of money had restored his faith in good human nature. Andre was just want Tom needed; and through him, Tom knew that he had experienced the truism about karma. He had lived life right in
“Hey, you were headed out to go shopping just now, weren’t you?” Tom asked him, as the cabbie drove towards the hotel.
“Yes, all my clothes are a dirty mess. See, I only have this windbreaker to wear.”
Andre unzipped his jacket to show his bare, nearly hairless chest, and laughed at the exhibition. Tom couldn’t help playing along with his joke, and tickled his new friend gently.
“Eh, I can see that you need something to cover up all that hair!” Tom said, laughingly.
“I need some clothes too, especially some sandals,” added Tom. “It’s been a long hike, and I’ve given away all of my clothes as well.”
Andre smiled warmly, and commented practically - as he zipped up his jacket: “I’ll wait for you to shower; before we go to the shops. Oui?”
“That’ll be great, it shouldn’t take me long. I’m filthy from the hike, and my leg still feels a little stiff. A hot bath sounds great.”
“I am in room 103. You come to my room when you are clean, and ready to go, ok?”
“Deal!”
After they arrived at the two story Georgian styled hotel, they split up, and Tom went directly to his second floor room. After a long, hot, bath, Tom walked out naked onto his private porch to cool down. The wrap-around porch surrounded his large corner room, contained a wide wooden bench swing, and was nearly completely enveloped by thick jungle vegetation - including an ancient tree that rose far above his second story room. The place was luxurious for
“I can’t wear these clothes, they’re hideous, and none fit me,” commented Tom, at one point during their shopping.
“Thomas, watch me. I spent a year cycling through
“Made for us? That’ll take too long, and.....”
“Just follow me,” Andre said, as he cut Tom off mid-sentence.
Walking into a clothing store, Andre negotiated the purchase of two shirts in a dark blue fabric. The man measured both Andre and Tom, and promised them by mid-morning the next day. Tom was amazed. Not only by the skill and the speed of the tailor; but by Andre’s handling of the situation. The shirts cost only a few dollars, and would be made to order overnight.
“He wants to close his shop too. He says we must pick them up tomorrow, early, because he is leaving town to be with his family. He seemed very concerned,” Andre recounted to Tom, as they walked down the street.
“Here is another rafting company, lets visit here,” Andre suggested to Tom, as he walked into the vacant shop.
“Everything is over,” the man said.
“The rains have started, it is too dangerous, too unpredictable now. No more rafting on rivers, until next season. Too many people die when the waters rise.”
Andre was disappointed in the news, hoping for an adventurous raft trip. He had cycled to Pokhara after his hike, especially for a raft trip; and he was upset at the prospect of missing that adventure. Tom was willing to consider a raft trip with him, but he kept cautioning Andre about the political situation, and the possible dangers of a civil war. Tom kept impressing upon him the need to get to
“It’s hard to visualize this place as a refugee camp for the Tibetans, isn’t it?” commented Thomas.
“I didn’t know that it was,” replied Andre curiously.
“Yeah, thousands died of dysentery ......mostly children; and many were separated from their families as they went into different parts of
The captivating view of the mountain range that they had recently hiked through was startling; and it held them, enthralled, as the mountains were mirrored upon darkening waters of the lake in the waning light of day. Both men remained reverently silent, each lost in his own bittersweet thoughts. The latent strength and power of nature, as exhibited by the immense snow capped mountains, mingled with the colorful fire of the setting sun, to provide a sharp contrast to the fragile human presence.....past and present.
“It makes one feel stronger. Yet, it reminds us of the insignificance of humans. How does it do both at the same time?” asked Andre.
“It’s a mystery. Maybe it reminds us that we are part of this whole big, beautiful, and powerful thing of nature.....which is reassuring, and comforting. But at the same time, it makes us realize that we aren’t in charge, like we would like to deceive ourselves into believing........which is humbling.”
“Hmmmmm.”
While neither cared overly much, gratefully absorbed in the moment, the service at the restaurant was comical. They were the only people in the restaurant, other than the cook and the owner who was closing it up; busily hiding his inventory in a basement room. The entire city was nearly a ghost town, with most of the remaining people packing up to leave. They had seen very few people on the streets, while a steadily growing gloomy pall loomed over the entire town. Most of the shops were closed, and the restaurant only served them out of courtesy. So during dinner, they had to get their own drinks at the closed bar; and, essentially waited on themselves. Both were fine with the arrangement, since it was quiet, and beautiful. They stayed up late, drinking and talking. Andre talked about his desire for a loving relationship with a woman; but, his frustrations of not finding the depth that he wanted. Tom observed that he might have been looking in the wrong place to touch his heart; and told him of his relationships. He recounted how he had learned so much about himself through each relationship; encouraging Andre to look within, rather than looking for someone to solve or adapt to him. Andre later discussed the recent loss of his best friend to suicide. He began to cry when he told Tom how he felt that he had let him down, by not being there for him. Tom just let him talk, and tried not to comment on anything related to his friend. It was clear to Tom that Andre was suffering from unspoken guilt about the whole relationship; and it was something that he had to come to grips about. There was nothing for Tom to say, he could only listen. What Tom did learn, however, was that they had been extremely close since childhood, and Andre had not been able to be emotionally responsible with his friend. Issues within himself, about and over himself, led him to be insensitive to his friends’ needs when he was fragile and vulnerable - then, he took his life. Andre said that his friend never recovered from losing the love of his life, some woman. Tom could tell it was something entirely different. Just what, he wasn’t totally sure, but he could accurately assess Andre’s conflicting emotions over his love of his friend. Not being able to responsibly separate his love for his friend from his worries over his possible orientation, it was clear that he had shut his friend off entirely - at a time when he needed him most. So, feeling betrayed by the person whom he felt closest to, he snapped. Tom had seen the same scenario too many times, and it hurt him to understand the pain that Andre was going to have to live with.
“This is how I can repay his kindness, and help him,” resolved Tom, to himself.
“I’ll help him through his feelings; and myself too,” he concluded, silently.
The one thing that was very clear to both men, was the fact that they both felt the pang of loneliness; and that they wanted to share their experiences of seeing places, and meeting interesting people, with someone who could understand - someone caring, and yet adventuresome. So their pact began.
“Thomas, regardless of what we decide to do tomorrow, I want you to know that tonight has been really good for me. I appreciate our talk, shopping, dinner, and spending time with you. But, answer me? Why do you stay with me?” Andre asked, as they began walking back to their hotel.
“Well, I thought I met someone special at the ATM machine, and then it was confirmed! Why not spend time with someone you can respect, and who’s a loving person? I’ve made mistakes of traveling with people who seem good, but.....let me down. That’s the nicest way I can say it. Let me down.”
Seeing Andre’s puzzled look, he continued to explain further.
“I hiked with some Dutch guys, for days, and we got along really well....on most things....and then they left me the morning that we had to cross the pass! I ended up passing them, and making the pass before them; but that wasn’t my goal. I just wanted to go along with them, and to not be alone.....enjoying each other’s company, and accomplishing the pass together. Is that too much?”
“Maybe you don’t think you ask too much of people, Thomas, but maybe you ask more than they can do. Then, they feel bad about themselves. Instead of enjoying what there is, you end up showing what is not. Most people can’t like that. You must let them be who they are, regardless of what they are.”
“I see what you mean, but they hurt me......they hurt others.....I can’t take that. I won’t take that. I’m tired of people hurting and walking all over me, when I only mean them good.”
“Thomas, I understand, but they don’t see you. You see them. You seem to see others very clearly; better than most people can see themselves. But that does not mean they can see you! How foolish that is! Think about that, Thomas. But again, I ask you, why me?”
“Because you were kind to me when you didn’t even know me - offering me money when I had none, and at a time when I felt totally wiped out with people. I didn’t even tell you about the New Zealanders! I hiked my last day with them, and an asshole American, and they left me in the woods alone.....injured. They didn’t come looking for me, and left on the bus without me. That’s why I took the cab, and had little money; because they left me totally alone......even after I asked one of them to be sure to watch out for me because I’d pulled a muscle. I spent the last of my cash on a hiking staff that I bought off of a herder, just to struggle out of the jungles. All they cared about was making the circuit before anyone else. As it was, by a fluke of chance, I ended up passing them too in the cab. They’ll be here later tonight, by bus......or maybe they’re here now, for all I know.”
“Thomas. You expect much from people who can give little. That will always disappoint you.”
“I don’t think I expect too much from people. I think they don’t expect enough from themselves.”
“This is probably true, but that is the world, Thomas. People are taught to only care for themselves.”
“Not everyone.”
“Well that is not so clever, is it then?”
“How can you say that? When I just said how nice you are, and you’ve been all evening; and then you come off with that statement? You can‘t really believe that, otherwise I’ve been really wrong about you too!”
“Thomas, you are tired. You have had a terrible day. You must rest now. I speak of clever in a different way. Right now, your mind is so tired, you can’t be very clever, oui?”
“Oui.”
“Let us sleep, and have a nice breakfast. Then we decide what we are going to do. Where to go, what to do, eh?” Andre said with his most endearing smile.
"Ok”
“And, by the way. I must tell you. I recognize you at the ATM first. Still you don’t know me?”
“What?”
“I was hiking up the backside of
“Oh my God, now I do! But you had on one of those goofy wool hats - with tassels on it. I couldn’t really see your face, and I was exhausted and low on oxygen.......”
“Yes, that is true. And, I did not speak. I let the A-mer-e-can do all the talking. He liked talking,” Andre said with a laugh.
“So, you see, Mr. Silly, tired, and nice, A-mer-e-can - you were first to be nice to me! I knew you when I first see you at the bank machine!”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“What? It is not so clever to tell people everything you know. You seem very nice, Thomas, but not always so bright about people!” Andre said, with a boisterous laugh.
“Thanks! I needed that!” Thomas laughed.
“Now I don’t have to worry about my reputation as I tackle your ass, and kick it into next year!” Thomas said, as he tried to chase after Andre to the hotel. Tom could only run a few yards before his pulled muscle began to scream in pain again, and he broke into a pitiful hobble. Andre only roared in laughter, as he turned and walked backwards away from Tom.
“A-mer-e-cans! Such big mouths, before they know what they can do!” he jibed, good naturedly.
“I’ll get you when I feel better - when you least expect it!” fussed Tom, unconvincingly.
“Such fear, you give me. How will I ever sleep without fear tonight?”
"Ok, I give up. It was stupid to even try. Here, give me a hand, my leg is hurting again.”
“Now you show me that you aren't so stupid, A-mer-e-can! I like that. I think you might not be so bad to travel with, non?” Andre said, as he pulled Tom’s left arm over his shoulder, and supported his weight for the rest of the walk.
Tom was happy, and relieved, to be with someone he could laugh with; yet was smart enough to understand many of the issues he struggled over. Jonas had been great fun, but he was still very young and immature. It was nice to Tom to have someone around who could relate to him on different levels, and who wasn’t too self conscious to help him when he needed a shoulder. It was then that Tom realized that he needed Andre’s shoulder as much as Andre needed his; and, that they were pretty compatible travel partners. Once they reached the hotel, they gave each other a quick hug goodnight, and went to their separate rooms. Thomas, full of drinks, and his mind whirling from his new friends discussions, didn’t feel sleepy - even though his logical mind told him that he was physically spent. Fearing that he was getting overwrought with exhaustion, Tom took a hot shower, and laid on his bed to cool down. He drifted off to a light sleep, and was awakened to the sound of heavy rains and a lightening storm.
“It feels like precursor to a larger storm,” Tom thought, as he lay on his bed and watched the gauzy drapes billow, and float, as they were lifted by the forceful winds.
“One of these nights, the rains are going to start, and not stop for months. So, this is monsoon.......”
The rains came down in undulating waves of varying intensity; reverberating throughout the building, in both vibration and sound. The tin roof amplified the sounds, but since it was directly above Thomas, it also clarified the pulsating rhythms of the rain, as it beat down upon it relentlessly. There wasn’t much wind, just the downward drop of sheets of water; highlighted, and accentuated, by flickers of lightening and thunder. The heavy, and now steady, flow of air across Tom’s room, caressed his tired body. He lay still, motionless and seemingly frozen, for almost an hour, feeling the subtle changes in air flow, temperature, and moisture. Since all of his shutter doors were wide open, a light mist was carried along with the modulating air flow. It felt surreal to Thomas, and he wondered more than once if he were simply dreaming. After an indeterminate period of time, he rose out of his bed to verify whether it was a dream or reality. His body was tired, but not spent. His mind was active, but not racing. His emotions were vital, but not overwhelming. He felt like he was drifting in a waking dream. A dream of calmness, and acceptance. He walked outside, onto the open porch, and into the warm rain itself; allowing the sensations of the storm to wash over his naked body. It reminded Thomas of a time.....a time when he and Doug had camped in the north
“I want to share this with Andre,” thought Tom, suddenly.
But, just as suddenly, came the realization that Andre wasn’t ready to be that uninhibited yet; nor maybe ever would be.
“Too many hang-ups right now,” Tom said aloud, without rancor.
Tom let his mind flow back to his days with Doug, as the water enveloped his body, and his senses reeled in the wonderful melodic rhythm that was the rain. For two years they had played squash with each other nearly every weekday; and then sat in the sauna alone afterwards, alone and naked, discussing the world in complete openness. Every topic was open, nonjudgmental, and discussed without any real negativity. It just was. Then, he remembered their camping trip in the mountains; again, alone. It was only natural for them to walk through the forests, bare to the touch of the soft bed of leaves and needles on their feet; and their bodies open to the air and sun. Two times each day, morning and just before dark, they walked naked, nearly a mile, to their hidden waterfall to bathe - enjoying their participation in nature; and their connection to it, and each other. They never had sex, it wasn’t about sex. Instinctively, they both knew that sex would have only broken the oneness they shared, and brought complications to both of their lives; or, an immediate separation due to the lack of their ability to resolve those complications. Neither of them totally understood their connection; and therefore their mutually safe, and comfortable, freedom of expression - but both protected it. So, while nothing was ever said about it, they both enjoyed each other’s company, shared life stories, and cavorted like ancient Greek athletes in love. Tom remembered their last evening the best. They had walked back to the campsite in the dark, in serene silence, guiding each other along; and following the signal of the camp fire that they had started for dinner. Back at the site, they crawled into their small tent and held each other, as they fell into an immediate and restful sleep. It was a special memory. A special memory of a special relationship. A special relationship that ended suddenly, like most of Tom‘s close relationships with men; as Doug graduated from Georgia Tech, and moved back to Charlotte, Carolina without a word of goodbye. Just as the revisited pain of that loss hit Tom, the rain increased in sudden intensity. Tom grew tired, and returned to his room to sleep.
“Why do I punish myself with memories?” he wondered, wistfully, as he dried himself and climbed under his soft bed covers to sleep.
“Because there are lots of good ones, along with the hurtful ones.....” his mind answered, as he began to sink into thankful oblivion.....then, rose again, to consider....
It was many years, after many painful experiences, with Doug, Ken, and Tim, before Tom understood the different views that men have about life, people in their life, and experiences. Like most women, stable men perceive life as a continuum - a linear ‘evolution’ of sorts, where life experiences and educational periods build upon each other; leading to a higher state of awareness, and security. Other men, usually those with striking looks, money, and therefore lots of flexibility, sometimes perceive life as a series of discrete events. Someone enters their life, they spend time together - fall in love, maybe; and then, it comes to a quick end, as they move on to their ‘next experience.’ Sometimes combined with structural situations like high school, college, jobs, or travels; they expected the relationships to match the situations, and to have the same time frames, then end.... as they ended. In their mind, everyone just ‘moves on.’ These people didn’t feel the wrenching vacancy of the other person’s absence, since they planned, or always expected, it - usually pre-selecting the ‘next experience’ before leaving the present one. The continuity person, however, was likely devastated by the sudden loss of intimacy, and what they thought was mutual and enduring love. Tom, like most ‘continuity people,’ thought that love could wane, but would never be completely gone. So, when it was taken away completely, he questioned if it was ever really there; then, that led him to question himself, and to doubt the accuracy of his perceptions. Reality then, hardly seemed too solid; when perceptional doubts ruled. Tom believed that people who play with other’s love, especially for their selfish gain, played with the other person’s basic psyche. This was a cruel and vile game, if intentional.
“People don’t always intend to hurt you Thomas,” Doug had told him once, “they just don’t think about their effects on others.”
Tom’s response then, still retained its validity today.
“Ignorance is no defense for avoidance of taxes, or of personal responsibility in interpersonal relationships. Laziness, and an unwillingness to find out that which we don’t want to hear, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist; it just means that we didn’t care, and that still counts......and in fact, only hurts more,” Tom had concluded, sadly.
“Just because you feel something strongly, Thomas, doesn’t mean others feel anywhere near the same thing. Nor, even care how you feel....”
Awareness of those prophetic words faded, as Tom’s sleep deepened; and, his consciousness willingly submerged for the last time ....into to a fathomless, and abiding, sleep.
****************
The morning came early for Tom; but, he awoke bright, refreshed, and well rested. Knocking on Andre’s door he called out to his sleeping friend.
“Helllooo, sleeping beauty, you awake yet?”
Tom could hear a few stumbling sounds from within the room, and the door opened to a disheveled, yet handsome, guy staggering around in baggy red checked boxers full of holes.
“What time is it, Anglais?
“Late, I think. Maybe 8:00 or 8:30, Français.”
“Oh, you think yourself, clev-ar?” he joked along with Tom, laughing at the early morning diatribe.
“Oui, moi floraison péter!”
“Who taught you French, Anglais? You just called me your flowering fart!”
“I guess you aren't totally asleep, eh? Can’t get anything past you, when you are soooo very clev-ar, can I?” Tom asked in feigned innocence. “Are you ready to eat breakfast?”
“I still feel like your flowering fart, A-mer-e-can. So, no! Given the choice, I choose more sleep.”
“Fine with me, I’ll just crash here on the other bed. Wake me when you are ready,” Tom said as he gratefully fell into the other bed, and drifted off to sleep.
Tom’s reserves of energy were still very low, and although he felt rested upon waking, his body was bone tired. He woke, eventually, to the sound of Andre’s shower. Shaking like a dog, he entered the room, and doused a sleepy Thomas with a good sprinkling of water. At breakfast, they decided to rent a cab to
“It’s a lot more expensive than the busses,” comment Andre.
“But, I’m not sure how much longer the busses are going to be running. They’ll be imposing martial law soon, if they haven’t already. I think we need to go soon, to avoid that, and to make sure that we make it to
“I have my cycle...”
“Do you really want to cycle for days in the rain to
“Hmmmm, it makes sense to me, but.....”
“Hey, I’ll pay for the cab. I would anyway, even if you didn’t want to come; and it’s a way I can pay you back anyway. You need your money for new underwear!”
“Pay me back, for what? And, for your information, Anglais, the women love those underwear; they are seductively enticing.”
“Pay you back for restoring my faith in good human nature yesterday; and once and for all, you need to socialize with higher class women......you’re bound to get a disease, otherwise. Probably already have one, eh?” Tom teased, without a response.
“Phhhpppp! Anyone would do what I offered. And, I did nothing anyway.”
“No they wouldn’t, and you would of, if I did need it. I think it’s a good time to have someone watching your back while traveling.....for both of us.”
“Oui, that is true.”
“You know that the old Catholic proverb: ‘do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.’”
“Confucius say it first, Thomas........sorry.”
“Seems like the Chinese have forgotten Confucianism.”
“Yes, he was heavily discounted. Ultimately, his teachings were ridiculed as impractical to implement. The Chinoise remember the history that they want; and, they have much to chose from. Anyway, Anglais, you have given me something to think about.....T-bet. That could make a very interesting cycling trip,” rambled Andre, as he went into ‘space mode,’ as Tom called it.
“Hello, in there.....anybody home? We have to get moving. You go pack up our stuff, here is my room key. I’ll go get a cab. We can then run by the shop and get our shirts, and be out of here within an hour or so. Got it?”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll see you in the lobby. Soon, ok? Don’t waste time, Thomas!” he joked.
“Oh, ok! I’ll hurry. So sorry for spacing out, there....” Tom added with a laugh.
As they were leaving town, they passed a few groups of hikers walking down the main street of Pokhara.
“That bus from the end of the trail must have gotten in late last night,” commented Tom.
“Yes, there are many more people; and, the place was empty last night....”
“I think the smart ones left as soon as they could; and these guys are going to be stuck here for a while.”
“They say, it is fun to party here in Pokhara.”
“If you are into tired hoes, who’ve already been ‘rode hard, and put up wet!’ Bet they’d like your boxers!” quipped Thomas.
“What do you mean?” asked Andre, puzzled.
“Its going to be hard talking to you, dude. I can’t just throw out tired vernacular, dated euphemisms, and stupid metaphors. How will I survive?” Tom asked melodramatically; and with a devilish grin.
Not understanding a word Tom was saying, Andre started to reply in comical frustration.
“Thomas, you must speak clear to me. And, do not laugh at me! I....”
“Excuse me, driver?”
“Yes?”
“Please stop for a minute, I have to talk to those two men up there,” Tom said, pointing at Michael and Geoff, who were walking alongside the road.
“Andre, please excuse me, and hold that thought. These are the two New Zealander’s I spoke about. I can’t miss this chance,” Tom said, as he stepped out of the car, and began speaking to the guys before they had the chance to say anything. Tom didn’t want to deal with any more lies from either of them; yet, he didn’t want to leave them without a clear understanding.
“Hey, guys. We’re headed to
“Hi, Thomas,” replied Michael casually. “Yeah, well, we want to do the bars here a bit first. What ‘appened to you, mate? We waited on e for an hour and a half at the bus stop, then took de bus?”
“You know, guys, I don’t really want to get into that discussion right now. I pulled a muscle, Geoff knew it, you knew it, and you left me behind. I couldn’t even move without severe pain. I recovered, though, being a bit resourceful myself; and bought a walking staff off of a herder, so I could make it out of the jungle. When I got to the bus stop, they told me you’d already left on the early bus. I got there only a half hour after you did, according to the locals. A man there told me- he recognized my description of you all. That's all I’ve got to say. What you did was wrong, you know it, and I know it. I forgive you, but I can’t really forget it either. So, I just wanted to let you know all of that, and be moving on.”
“Thomas,” Michael said, turning on his charm, and smiling with his best beguiling smile.
Tom just looked at him in amazement. He was going to try to talk his way out of being responsible for his actions; even with all of the evidence against him. Tom was, however, unwilling to let Michael’s wonderful blue eyes, and Christ-like appearance melt his resolve. Personal charm and charisma oozed from him, like warm honey, and could enthrall anyone.......woman or man. His long, blond, flowing hair was now bright and clean, his beard trimmed professionally, and his eyes....
“That's it, it’s his eyes!” Tom said to himself in final understanding of his charm.
“He has those ice blue, sparkling eyes that will captivate anyone. Not me, though. Been there, been done by that!” Tom said to himself.
“Fool me once,” Tom said aloud, by accident.
“If I had ......” Michael started to say, then stopped.
“What’d you say, mate?”
“Sorry, did I say that out loud?” he asked somewhat sarcastically.
“I stopped the car to tell you that I forgave you guys - you know, to ease your guilt. But, I didn‘t really need to, did I? You have none! In fact, you’re about to blame it all on me. If I were weaker, I might even have believed it; and been dazzled by your charm. But we’ve an old saying at home, in the good ‘ole
Tom then turned, and got back into the cab.
“Let’s go, guys,” he said to the driver, and to Andre.
Andre just looked at Tom, and back at Michael in stunned silence.
“I met those guys on the trail, they’re the best hikers out there,” stated Andre, dazed.
“The biggest ass-wipes! Legends in their own minds, I’d say. It just goes to show you, appearances often are deceiving, eh?”
“I guess.....”
As Andre started to speak, the cab drove past the two Dutchmen, and Tom waved to them as they went by. They had just arrived, and were a bedraggled mess. They waved happily at Tom, realizing now that Tom had arrived a day before their nemesis, Michael. Michael, who stood frozen in stunned silence - his studied countenance of causal disregard, now shattered beyond repair. Tom was happy, and surprised to see the big smile on Albrecht’s face.
“Do you know everyone, Thomas?” asked Andre, incredulously.
“Just learning, my man. Just learning. Gave up thinking I knew, a long time ago.”
.
***************
©Tibet, Lamplight Unto a Darkened World…the American Delusion, a Parody of life ( L'illusion Américaine, une Parodie de Vie); is copyright protected, by author, Patrick Mahoney. Online Internet Reproduction/Propagation/Quotation Encouraged, with this citation. Any Printed reproduction, other than for personal reading, requires written permission by author, patrickm at http://patrickm.gather.com/ or patrick1000000000@yahoo.com
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