Sometimes, the adult me remembered that things really were okay—a strong assurance inside that all was as it should be. Before I started working on memories, I loved myself a lot. I assumed that I’d work myself back to that space as time went on.
* * * * * * *
(1972)
Having Sally pregnant was a joyous time. The time when the future holds such promise, but nothing has to be done about it yet.
Frobisher’s life took a turn for the better. The kids were excited. Sally was excited. For the first time in a long time, Frobisher felt he had something to look forward to. It came as a shock to all of them when they found out that Sally was pregnant with twins.
* * * * * * *
“I can’t help you, if you won’t let me.” Dimly, the words filtered into Alfer Centurie’s consciousness. Swimming up to meet them, he thought, “Finally, somebody’s speaking a language I can understand.”
But to Alfer Centurie’s chagrin, no one was in the room with him. The voice was in his head. “You’ve gotten mixed up in a fight that doesn’t belong to you. I need you to listen to me. My name is Martineau—a close friend from another lifetime. You’re not alone. I’ll help you. Be patient. You’re going to be okay... I’ll be back soon.”
“WAIT!” Alfer Centurie managed to get a word out, but it was too late. Martineau was gone.
Alfer Centurie wasn’t at all confident in a voice in his head. Since it was all he had, he let it give him some comfort.
* * * * * * *
May 22, 1972. On Monday, all the other girls went off to school. I was left alone. I was assured that there just hadn’t been time to register me on Friday. I waited patiently in the day room reading a science fiction book that my father had brought from home. The other girls were supposed to arrive back at the “cottage” around lunch time.
There was a woman who was being interviewed for a counseling job at Hilley Cottage. She was to hang out at the cottage for the afternoon to see how well she interacted with the girls. Her name was Karen. She came and sat down at my table to introduce herself. It was one of those first meetings of two people that turns out to create a long lasting relationship. Of course, I didn’t know it at the time.
* * * * * * *
I had been reading a science fiction book called Dangerous Visions. Karen sat a long time listening to me. The book was upsetting to me but it was really just an excuse to talk to someone not a part of Western.
The other girls returned from school. I hardly noticed. I was so intent on talking to Karen. I told her about my mother, my father, and arm cutting. I told her about Kantor. I might even have mentioned being angry. Karen listened patiently.
I was amazed how much I talked. The combination of a listening ear and someone I didn’t expect to see again proved irresistible. By the time we finished and Karen had gotten up, she knew more about me than any of the staff at Western. Needless to say, Karen was hired and started the following week as permanent staff. Another tactical error on my part. (Or maybe not.)