Tales by Candlelight

G. Novitsky

Dedication

For George & Gail,

The greatest parents around.

Thank you mom for the miles of encouragement and being

my main force of support through each endeavor.

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………

Blaring Siren………………………………

Eternal Cocktail Party……………………

Not So Imaginary Friend………………….

Does The Family Really Know Me?………

Remember Me?……………………………

Last Train Out……………………………..

Galaxy Searchers…………………………..

I Saw That Coming………………………..

Roll Model………………………………….

Wedding March……………………………

Good Sport…………………………………

Grandpa Can Still Snap…………………..

Seek Help…………………………………..

I’m Not Leaving……………………………

Beloved Ron………………………………..

Introduction

From the author of Trifecta of Suspense comes a conceptual mixture of short stories with something for everyone.

Blaring Siren is the journey of young Timmy’s quest to become a member of the FDNY. More than obstacles stand in his way and in the way of the family surrounding him. The story was chosen to be first for good reason and by many requests.

Eternal Cocktail Party begins as a guessing game, turning into somewhat of a science project that would appear to be promising until the alternative is revealed.

Not So Imaginary Friend shows how one young lady is given more than her share in life. Lisa is tested over and over again by life’s not so enjoyable distractions. Can anyone help her to find a way to deal with her not so normal life?

Does The Family Really Know Me? Is the question that rolls around in the troublesome mind of Herb Smitty. His office is always the same. His breakfast is always the same. His family and one friend, Newport Patty are always the same. But for one day, he’ll attempt to be different.

Remember Me? Is another title with a question. A question that can only be answered by a one sided high school sweetheart. Bobby tells the story of his not so glory days through the actions of the stuck up object of his affection he would do anything for.

Last Train Out pulls away from the station introducing Guy Schann, who begins his questionable journey. He’s not sure why he decided to take this trip down memory lane. There must be something pulling him from Chicago to Raleigh, something more than the original reason for buying his ticket.

Galaxy Searchers have an answer to all of those questions about UFO’s and life outside of earth. The children of three astronauts and their close friend, Bennie Clebbor strap themselves in for this roller coaster ride in search of why the sky lights up.

I Saw That Coming is an abstract view of the author’s self.

Roll Model was inspired by a true event that affected the author and his town very deeply. Sometimes the right actions are not taken at the right time.

Wedding March is a fun look at the events leading up to the journey of man and wife. Whether or not you want to attend the festival, this one shows it from a bizarre outlook with an equally deranged twist.

Good Sport is for the sports loving reader. Some sports fans enjoy the intense anger, animosity, and rivalry that a bench-clearing brawl can spark in the middle of a heated battle on the baseball diamond. This story takes it a step further as the Ohio Muhd-Critterz and their fans fight for a shot at the Renovan Decision.

Grandpa Can Still Snap is a humorous look at grandpa Henry’s life in his new home called the OakBeer Retirement Village. Life is not as easy inside as it appears from the outside.

Seek Help is what Rebecca has told Charles for the last time. He finally gives in to her requests and becomes like family friend, Ronny who took his steps toward recovery first.

I’m Not Leaving are words we’ve all heard at one time or another. Sometimes a person becomes so comfortable in one place that they can’t imagine themselves anywhere else. Kerry and her family feel a need to leave, but maybe some others don’t.

Beloved Ron was chosen last due to sensitive subject matter. It is another story based on some true and disturbing events.

Now light a candle and decide which one fits you best.

Blaring Siren

Scene one:

“Morning mom, any orange juice?” Timmy walked into the kitchen on the morning of his big day. He was nineteen years old, average height, and built like a Ford truck.

“Its right here honey.” His mom Kathy held up the container and shook it. “So today’s my boys exciting day.” She patted his head.

“C’mon ma.” Timmy grinned with a look of achievement in his eyes. As well he should, he was just accepted into the training unit for the New York City Fire Department. It was his life long dream to put out fires and rescue people in distress. Just hearing the blaring siren and watching the trucks speed by his Brooklyn apartment would excite him as a child.

“Do you want anything besides your cereal? Something to give you strength?” Kathy wanted to be sure that everything was the way it should be for his training.

“No thanks ma. They’re gonna have some healthy stuff there.” He finished his cereal and wiped the milk off his lip. Kathy gave him a big kiss for good luck as he grabbed his gym bag and ran out of the apartment.

There were two flights of steps between their home and the street. Timmy reached the cold, wide hallway to where his old reliable ten-speed bike was waiting. Walking it down the steps onto the sidewalk, Timmy hollered hello to Mrs. Murray who was walking by with her old lady pushcart.

“Hello there Timmy! How’s your sister?” Mrs. Murray waved. She had been their neighbor since Timmy was a baby.

“She’s doing okay. She said to say hello!” Timmy’s six-year-old sister Carol was in the hospital. She had a blood disease that the doctors were working on since she was born. She stayed there a couple of months out of the year. Their dad spent most of his free time at her bedside. That's why he was never around for breakfast.

Timmy was always happy to see Carol and Mrs. Murray but at the same time, being that Carol was so sick and Mrs. Murray was so old, deep inside he sadly wondered if he was seeing them for the last time.

Scene two:

At the gymnasium, Timmy found the training schedule more grueling than he imagined. The instructors were tough. They made him feel like he was at basic training in the army. Rigorous exercise and strenuous activities filled the long hours of the backbreaking day.

Finally at close to five PM, full of sweat, hunched over in pain and desperately needing a gallon of water, Timmy made his way to his temporary locker. “Oh my God. What have I gotten myself into?” He thought as he sat in front of the locker letting the sweat from his hair drip down onto his socks.

Another young guy came and sat next to him. He looked as if he was ready to cry. He was not built as strong as Timmy so he had an even more difficult time during the training. “I don’t know if I’m gonna make it.” His words barely made it out of his mouth.

“I know what you mean. I am sucking wind too. What a workout.” Timmy looked up at him. “Are you okay?”

“I just need a minute.” He was pale and breathing awfully heavy.

“My name’s Timmy.” Timmy put his hand out.

“Kevin. Nice to meet you.” Kevin shook his hand and offered Timmy a bottle of water. Timmy happily accepted and once Kevin was able to catch his breath, they each took a shower and got dressed.

They walked along the avenue together talking about what interested each of them in the fire department. Timmy gave him his usual speech about saving lives and making the city a little safer.

“Yea, that’s a good reason. Getting chic’s is another. My cousin has been a fireman for a couple of years and he gets a lot of babes. At least I hope it’s because he’s a fireman, if not, what am I doing it for?” Kevin didn’t quite get it. He was slightly immature but they got along well and started to hang around together after classes.

Scene three:

The next couple of days were just as strenuous for the boys. At least they had each other to complain to though. They started to go to dinner together each night before heading home, usually to a pub type restaurant along the avenue. Once in a while, Del the bartender would sneak them each a beer.

“Tim, drink up and keep it quiet. I don’t want to lose my bar. And if your ma finds out, I’ll deny it. Be a good boy. And the same goes for you Kevin.” Del was a nice guy. He felt that giving the boys a beer every once in a while with dinner was harmless.

“Oh c’mon Del, what are we stupid? This is our secret.” Kevin raised his glass.

“Cheers fellas.”

Two other guys from their training class walked in. “Del, two buds please.”

“Harry, Glenn, good to see ya’s. Beer’s coming right up.” Del knew them before they went into training, actually it was Harry’s second try, he didn’t make it through the academy the last time. Harry was in his mid twenties, quiet, an all around nice guy. Glenn was twenty-two, a bit of a wise guy but someone you would want on your side.

“Since when do you let children in here? Oh wait, I know you guys from class. What are your names again?” Glenn didn’t want to offend his classmates.

“Hi, Tim.” Timmy reached his hand out as Glenn grabbed it with a firm grip.

“Kevin.”

“Nice to officially meet you guys. I’m Glenn, this is my pal Harry, he’s the old man of the group trying to earn his place on the big red truck for the second time. Go easy on him.”

“Nice to meet you guys. How do you like the classes so far?”

“Not bad. A little rough.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait till you get to the academy.” Harry had first hand experience there, but he also had a bad arm, which held him back the first time.

Kevin had a look of intimidation on his face. The training was rough enough. He was expecting that to be the worst of it.

“Don’t let me scare you Kev. You should be able to handle it.” Harry realized that he put a scare into him.

The four of them spoke about their lives and what brought them to the decision of becoming firemen. Harry and Glenn finished their drinks and headed out. “See you guys in the morning. Be prepared for a workout.” Glenn smiled.

“This puts a new light on the situation. I was thinking about quitting after that first day, now Harry says that it gets worse? I don’t know if I can go through with it.” Kevin was nervous.

“Don’t worry about it man. It’s only three days a week right now. We can get together a couple of extra days to push each other. Don’t quit. We can make it.” Timmy inspired Kevin to stick with it.

Later on at the apartment, Timmy told his mom all about his new friend. She was very pleased that he found someone to accompany him through the difficult venture.

They spoke for a few minutes about Carol as they normally did before bed.

“Has dad called yet?”

“Yea, he says she is looking pretty good. She made him play candyland seven or eight times tonight. I will be going to see her early tomorrow morning. Let me know if you want me to bring her anything.”

“Not yet mom, maybe in a few weeks. Tell her I love her and maybe I’ll bring Kevin by to meet her this weekend.” He felt that in a few weeks, he would have a badge or a fireman helmet to show her.

Scene four:

The next day was Friday. Their training sessions were Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. So on Friday the boys were very happy to get another week over with. Three days to recuperate was what they needed, except Timmy didn’t see it that way. He was ready to get into a routine with Kevin at a local gym.

They finished yet another punishing day of exercise. On Fridays they got out a little earlier though. The four of them walked over to the restaurant together that afternoon. They had a big dinner to celebrate making it through the week. They only had one more to go to find out if they were going to be accepted to the academy.

Harry and Glenn left early. Tim and Kevin sat around talking.

“Thank God this week is over and thank you Tim for making me stick with it. When do you want to begin our side workouts to prepare for our last week?”

“Tomorrow will be perfect, which reminds me of the question I wanted to ask you. Remember my sister Carol that I told you about?”

“Yes, is she okay?”

“Yea, I just wanted to ask if you’d like to meet her. We can go up to the hospital for a little while and hit the gym afterwards.”

“That sounds great. What gym do you want to go to?”

“I was gonna ask you to decide. Any place is good for me. I was thinking about three or four different ones, I guess it shouldn’t be this hard of a decision, what difference does it make anyway?” Timmy felt that a gym is a gym so it didn’t matter to him which one they went to.

“I have an idea, of the top three, what letter does the first one start with?” Kevin pulled out a sheet of paper.

“Okay, Gold's, G.”

Kevin tore the paper into three separate pieces. He wrote down G on one. “Next?”

“Fitness One, F”

Kevin wrote down F on another piece.

“And Hard Body Citizen, which we should count out because of the name.”

Kevin laughed and wrote H on the last piece. “Okay, hey Del! Got a second?”

Del came walking over from behind the bar. “How can I help you fellas?”

“Pick a card any card.” Kevin held the three pieces of paper up for Del. He picked the one with the F on it.

“Looks like it’s gonna be Fitness One. Thanks Del.” Kevin was impressed by his idea. Tim gave him a thumbs up.

Fitness One was located just a few blocks from Kevin’s family’s apartment. It was a good location for both of them and the hospital was not far either.

Scene five:

Timmy made it over to Kevin’s early the next morning. They were both dressed for a work out but they stopped to see Carol first.

She was lying in her bed watching cartoons like she normally did. When Timmy walked in, her face lit up. “Timmy! Hi!”

“Hi Carol. How are you feeling today?” He handed her a calendar for coloring and another stuffed animal for the collection that got larger every week.

“Good. Just tired. Thank you for the gifts.”

“This is my friend Kevin.”

Kevin reached over and shook her hand.

“Is he a fireman too?”

“We didn’t make it yet but when we do, you’ll be the first to know.” Tim hugged his little sister.

“If we make it.” Kevin sounded a little unsure.

“We’re gonna make it. And when we go to our first fire together, you’re going in first.” Timmy laughed and gave Kevin a light punch on the shoulder.

They played games with Carol for an hour or so before they headed to Fitness One down the block.

The set up was impressive but more impressive than the equipment was a young woman on the treadmill. She caught Timmy’s eye immediately. “Kev, why don’t you start out with some stretches and benching, I will be right with you.” He was very distracted.

“I see where you’re going with that. We can’t do anything until we sign in at the front desk, so I’ll do that while you stare and drool.” Kevin walked over to the desk.

The girl looked over at Tim. “Can you hand me that towel?”

“Sure, no problem.” Tim trembled as he handed it to her.

“Thanks.” She smiled.

“Anytime. Is this gym any good? It’s my first time here.”

“It’s a place to get your exercise, nothing fancy.”

“Well, that’s all I need. I don’t care for fancy. Gotta sign in, I’ll see you later. Your machine is really serving its purpose.” He joined Kevin at the front desk and after they signed in, their workout began. They pushed each other as hard as they could take it. Tim was distracted throughout most of the workout. He was watching the treadmill girl, as she became known as after that day.

“Treadmill girl is leaving. Do you want to go take a shot before it’s too late?” Kevin pointed toward the women’s locker room off to the side.

“I don’t want to look too desperate. We’ll see her here again.” Just as Tim was finishing his sentence, Kevin motioned for him to turn around.

“My machine is really serving its purpose? That was cute. How was your first workout?” She introduced herself as Cindie and they spoke for a little while as Kevin quietly walked away.

They hoped to see each other around the gym again in the future. They seemed to hit it off but it was too soon to begin any talk of dating.

Scene six:

The rest of the weekend flew by and the guys were back to training. Tuesday was the day that the announcement was to be made to let the guys know who would be starting the academy the next week. They decided to let them know on Tuesday so whoever was not picked would not have to bother showing up for training on Thursday or Friday.

Out of the thirty-five guys in training, only twenty would be selected to go. Seven had already dropped out after the first week.

Harry, Glenn, Kevin and Timmy all stood together at the end of the workout promising each other that they would stay in touch no matter what the results were. As the names began to be called, all of the guys were a nervous wreck.

Harry’s name was called but he wasn’t as excited as most of the guys who were. He knew there was still a long road ahead.

Surprisingly, Kevin’s name was called. He jumped up and down slapping Timmy on the back. He was thankful that Tim talked him into sticking with it. After his little celebration dance, he became nervous for Timmy. His name still wasn’t called and they were getting to the end of the list.

Glenn had a tear in his eye. He felt that he didn’t give his best when it came down to the last portion of the physical test. He put his hands over his face and tilted his head down. Right at that moment, his name was called. He didn’t believe it at first, it took a moment to settle in and when it finally did, Timmy’s name was announced next. The four of them hugged and congratulated one another. They went back to their usual spot to celebrate.

Del set them up with a couple of victory rounds. “I hope you’re still gonna stop by to say hello when you guys are big time firemen.”

“You can count on us coming by.”

“Unless we find a better hang out in the city.”

“He’s just joking. Our hearts belong here.”

“Here’s to New York’s next fireman academy graduates!” Del raised his glass and they all cheered.

Scene seven:

The academy started in the middle of August. It was extremely hot and that made the days of training even worse than the first sessions. The guys started meeting on Friday nights at Del’s place. They didn’t get a chance to talk much at the academy, they were too busy sweating and training. Kevin considered quitting once again.

“This is tougher than the first time. I don’t think I’m gonna make it.” Kevin looked pretty run down as he walked with Timmy to the hospital to see Carol.

“What did I tell you about that kind of talk? You have to stick with it. Anything worth getting is not easy.” Timmy insisted that he stay with the program. “Look at my sister. If anyone has a reason to give up, it’s her. She is going through something worse than the academy and when she gets out of here for good, I’m taking her out for a victory bash. It won’t be at Del’s place. It will be at her favorite ice cream parlor.”

“That’s pretty nice. I guess I shouldn’t whine about my problems. There is always someone that has it worse.”

“Now put on a smile. Don’t walk in here looking sad. She needs happiness.” Timmy turned the doorknob and they walked in.

“Hi Timmy! Hi Kevin!” Carol was very happy to see them both.

“Hi sweetheart. How are you feeling?”

“I guess better, they say when I go home this time, I can stay there longer. Maybe for good”

“That’s terrific. I was just talking about taking you out for your favorite ice cream when you come home.”

“Mmmm. I can’t wait.”

“Was dad here today?”

“Yea, he said that he would see you at home after your trip to the gym.” Carol seemed to be looking better. At least she was given a little hope of leaving the hospital.

Tim and Kevin kept her company for a little while longer. They played card games and watched some TV before they headed out to the gym.

“I know what you’re looking for. Give it up. She probably quit working out here because of you.” Kevin joked as Tim looked towards the treadmills on the way in.

“I guess you were reading my mind. I hope I’m not the reason she stopped coming.” Tim was a little upset that she hadn’t been around.

They were working on their legs in the back corner of the gym. Kevin was feeling really good about himself for a change. They had been there for over an hour and they were feeling the burn. It had been constant exercise for them between the academy and hitting the gym on their own.

“Last set for me.” Tim blew out heavy.

“Okay, good timing.”

“What do you mean?” Tim turned to Kevin who was watching the front door.

“She just walked in.” Kevin watched Cindie walk to the treadmill. When Tim looked up, she gave him a big wave.

“Good God, she’s beautiful. Look at that smile. I’m going to ask her out. Maybe not today but one day I’m gonna ask her out.” Tim waved back and wiped his face with a towel.

“I’ll believe it when I see it stud boy. Let’s get to the lockers.” Kevin started to walk away. Tim took the long way and stopped by Cindie.

“All your working out is paying off. You look like a real body builder.” Cindie smiled.

“Thank you very much. Between running myself to the ground at the academy and then hitting these weights three times a week, I should look like two body builders stuck together.”

“Oh, you’re a cop?” She looked surprised as she sipped her water.

“No, fireman academy. Two more weeks to go.”

“Wow, does that mean you’re definitely in?”

“No, I am still hoping to make it.”

“What happens if you do make it? Is there a graduation party or something?”

“Yea, they’ll have some kind of a ceremony, I’m sure.”

“I’ve never been to one of those.”

“Well, if I make it, and you want to go to your first one, I’d be happy to have you there.” Tim became nervous.

“It’s a date.” Cindie was also nervous.

“Excellent. I’m sure I’ll see you here within the next two weeks, so I’ll keep you posted.” Tim was happier than ever as he ran into the locker room to share the story with Kevin. Now he had more inspiration to graduate.

Cindie rushed home to call her older sister Leanne. “Guess what?”

“Hi Cindie. What?”

“I met a really great guy. Everything about him is amazing. I want you to meet him!”

“That is wonderful. What’s his name? Where’d ya meet?”

“We met at my gym, his name is Tim and guess what, he’s going to be a fireman!” Cindie was very excited.

“That is terrific, but as your big sister let me just warn you not to get too worked up. It sounds fantastic but you should take it slow. If it’s meant to be, it will work out. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. You understand?” Leanne was protective of Cindie and her thoughts were appreciated. They spent another hour or so on the phone with sisterly talk.

Scene eight:

The next two weeks dragged on. The workouts were severe and the guys hoped that all of their pain and suffering was going to be worth it. Tim had another reason to pass the academy. Cindie was interested in being his date for the ceremony. He ran into her at the gym once more before the day of the announcement. They spoke for a short while, she was anxious to accompany him to the event.

Timmy went to see Carol very early Friday morning before his final day of the academy. She was scheduled to head back home on the following Wednesday.

Carol was still asleep when Tim arrived at her bedside. He held her hand and whispered happy thoughts quietly in her ear. She smiled in her sleep. Before he left, Tim gave her a kiss on her forehead and looked over to notice her coloring calendar was colored up to date.

Once again the four of them, Harry, Glenn, Kevin and Timmy stood together waiting in line to see if their names were on the list to become firemen.

As they got closer to the window where the list was posted, guys walked by in all kinds of spirits, some angry, some sad, some thrilled and some without any expression at all.

Kevin made it to the list and called out to the guys. “I made it!” He scrolled down the list with his finger. “Let me check for you guys.” He saw Timmy’s name. “Timmy you did it! Let me see here.” He continued to look and saw Glenn’s name next. “Glenn congrats! Let me see if you’re here Harry.” He scrolled down. “Oh, Harry, I’m sorry, I don’t see your name.”

“I’m not surprised.” Harry put his head down and began to walk away.

“Harry! Harry! I’m just kidding! You’re on the list!” Kevin played a questionable joke on his new friend.

“Okay, you got me. That was good. Now I have to see for myself.” Harry took a look and he was thrilled to see his name with his own eyes. All of the guys were excited. They all rushed home to tell their families.

“Well, how did you do?” Kathy stopped Timmy as he walked in the apartment.

His face gave it away. “Oh mom, I was going to trick you and say I didn’t make it but I can’t hide this smile for nothing.” He hugged his mother very tight.

“Congratulations! I knew you could do it. Your dad is going to be so proud.”

“I can’t wait to tell him. Is he with Carol?”

“Of course he is. I’m sure he’ll make it to the ceremony tomorrow though.”

“Oh, that reminds me, you’re gonna meet Cindie tomorrow. She’s a beautiful girl I met at the gym. She wants to be my date.”

“That sounds wonderful. Ask her to come by next Saturday. We’re going to have a celebration for you and Carol then. I would have liked to have made it a surprise but I’m sure you want to invite your friends.”

Timmy was thankful and he prepared a list of who he wanted there. Cindie was the first name on the list.