That's What Friends Are For

By Susan J.

It was a sunny California day and I decided to go for a ride. At the suggestion of a friend of mine I had bought a Harley. I thought I wouldn't be able to handle such a machine but I quickly learned. As I rode along the winding roads of the San Gabriel Mountains, I stopped at a small country store and bought a soda. When I finished, I threw the can away and started the motorcycle; just as I was about to pull out another motorcycle came tearing up the road and skidded to a stop right by me. The back tire kicked up a dust cloud and a few rocks hit by boot. When the dust cleared I took my sunglasses off and stared at the rider.

"Watch what you're doing moron!" I said. He looked at me and turned off his motor.

"Sorry." he said.

"Sure you are." I then pulled out leaving him in a cloud of dust.

"Hey!" he yelled. I laughed as I rode away. I made a habit of going out for a ride on the weekends just to disconnect from the pains of reality. A few days later I decided to ride along Pacific Coast Highway. The water from the ocean was beautiful and I felt relaxed and free.

As I stopped at a stoplight I noticed a familiar looking man on a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. We looked at each other and he lowered his sunglasses to get a better look. The light changed and I rode forward. I noticed in my rearview mirror that he turned around and started following me. I pulled off the road and rode into a parking lot, he still followed. I parked and turned off the motor as he pulled up next to me.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Weren't you the one who left me in a cloud of dust in the mountains?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Why did you do that?"

"Payback for the rocks and dust you threw at me."

"I said I was sorry."

"I know, but I was being a bitch that day. So I'm sorry."

He smiled. "That's okay. I shouldn't have driven up that fast anyway. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Sure."

We moved the motorcycles closer to the refreshment stand and we walked over to a table.

"I'll be right back." he said.

"Okay."

I sat down and he returned a few minutes later with two cups of coffee.

"Here you are." he said.

"Thanks." He sat down.

"My name is Tony Ramirez." He extended his hand towards me and I shook it.

"I'm Mari-Mar Gonzales."

"Mari-Mar?"

"It's short for Maria Del Mar."

"I like that. Can I call you Mari-Mar?"

"Sure I guess."

"Nice motorcycle you've got there."

"Thanks. Yours is pretty nice too."

"Thanks. So Mari-Mar what do you do besides ride around and kick up dust?"

"Ha Ha. Not much."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly that. I played the stock market one-day and it paid off. So as some people say I'm living off my investments. What about you?"

"You mean what do I do?"

"Yes."

"I'm a surveillance expert."

"Oh an expert huh?"

"Yes."

"Are you on a job right now?"

"No, I'm on vacation for the next month."

"Are you an independent or do you work for someone?"

"An independent. I'm too expensive for a company to have me on full time."

"That's good that you are your own boss."

"I like it. Are you married Mari-Mar?"

"No. What about you?"

"Me either. Involved with anyone?"

"Not anymore. You?"

"No."

"This is a very exciting conversation."

"Isn't it though." We started laughing. I kept staring at him.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"You're staring at me, now what is it?"

"The first thing I check out in a man is the eyes."

"And what do my eyes tell you?"

"That you are a warm person who people can talk to."

"I guess I am. Your eyes tell a different story."

"Oh? What do they say?"

"I really don't know. They seem rather distrustful of people or is it just men?"

"Both." I looked at my coffee cup. He reached over and lifted my head by putting his hand under my chin.

"Would you like to talk?"

"No thanks. I've got to go. Thanks for the coffee."

"You're welcome." We walked over to the motorcycles. I sat on mine.

"It was nice meeting you, Tony."

"It was nice meeting you too, Mari-Mar." We shook hands.

"Maybe we'll see each other again?" he said. I started my motorcycle and on my sunglasses.

"It just might happen." I said. I rode off. Tony got on his motorcycle and rode in the other direction.

Tony and I kept running into each other, me going one way and him going another. Sometimes we would stop for coffee but other times we'd wave at each other and kept going on our way. One day, he pulled up along side of me when I was driving my car.

"Hey, Mari-Mar. How are you?"

"Fine, Tony. How about you?"

"Good. You sure look different driving a car."

"I must. I had some shopping to do. What are you up to?"

I just finished a job and now I'm on my way to have some lunch. Why don't you join me?"

"I don't know…"

"Oh. come on. My place is a few blocks from here."

"Sure. let's go."

"Great. Follow me."

We arrived at Tony's place a while later. I was surprised to see that a converted warehouse would make such a great apartment. I especially liked the fact that he could bring his motorcycle right into the apartment.

"Look around if you like." he said.

"Thanks." I walked around.

"This is great!" I said.

"Thanks. I like it. Does chicken salad sound good to you?"

"Sounds good to me. You need any help?"

"No, I've got everything under control."

After this one lunch Tony and I started seeing quite a bit of each other. We especially liked our weekend rides up and down the coast or in the mountains. Tony was the considerate man I'd met on along time, but my guard was still up and the wall I'd built around me was standing strong. One day we were at my place sitting on the couch drinking wine. As we talked he held my hand. He looked at me.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing. Why?"

"You're so far away."

"Far away? I don't understand."

"Ever since I've met you have been very distant. It's like you have this invisible wall around you that no one can get through."

"Maybe I do have a wall around me."

"But why?"

"Let's just say it's for protection."

"Protection? Protection from what?"

"Things that have happened."

"Like what?"

"Never mind."

"I've never heard you mention any friends. You do have friends don't you?"

"Yes, but I've been keeping to myself lately."

"Why?"

"Ever since I got lucky with my finances it seems that all these new friends have come out of the woodwork. I only have one true friend who I can't trust and who is not my friend because of the money."

"How do you know that?"

"Because he is in the same situation that I am, plus we grew up together." I stood up and walked over to the window.

"But there is something else." he said.

"Like what?"

"That wall around you is so thick that I don't think a ton of dynamite can blast through it."

"Yeah I know. I don't think anybody can."

"What are you protecting yourself from? I understand about the so-called new friends you've come in contact with but what else?"

"I was hurt by someone who I thought cared about me and it's taken me years to get over it. I just don't want it to happen again. I guess I'm trying to see if the friends that I have are really friends and not just because of the money, but because of the person that I am."

He stood up and walked over to me. "So you doubt their friendship?"

"The truth?"

"Yes."

"Yes, I do doubt them."

"Why?"

"Well when I was plain ol' me they would hardly come around, I mean some of them would because we'd known each other for years, but the others at time wouldn't even give me the time of day. Then 'BOOM' I suddenly have a new financial status and then I have friends galore! There is a saying that I heard when I was a kid 'Tengo pocos amigos o lo que es igual. No los siento conmigo cuando estoy mal. Cuando estoy arriba vienen a mi, no quisiera que fueras asi' Understand?"

"You said it so softly that I didn't get half of it."

"I said, that I have few friends, but it's not quite the same. I don't feel them with me when I am in pain. When ever I'm on top they come running to me and I don't…"

He touched my arm gently.

"What?"

"I don't want you to be the same way."

"What makes you think that I would be?"

"Tony, I wish I could say for sure, but I feel like I need to learn to trust people again and I don't know how long it will take."

"You can trust me." We stared at each other.

"I'd like to but I don't know…" I said. He gently touched my cheek.

"Will you let me help you? I mean, we are friends, right?" I looked at him but didn't say anything. He hugged me tightly and he realized that he had his work cut out for him. A few weeks passed and Tony was helping me learn to trust people again. I felt a big improvement within myself. One night we were having dinner at my place and having a nice time when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." I said.

I got up and opened the front door. I stood there staring at the person on the other side of the door.

"Well, Maria. Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Cut the crap! That do you want?"

"Why so hostile, baby?"

"Don't call be baby! What do you want, Robert?"

"Mari, is everything okay?" Tony asked.

"Everything is fine."

"Oh, you have company. Well, I'll come back later."

"No, you won't."

Tony walked over to the door and stood behind me.

"Is anything wrong?" Tony asked.

"Everything is fine, he was just leaving," I said.

"I was?" Robert said.

"Yes you were."

"I need to talk to you Maria. So meet me tomorrow and you better not say that you can't."

"Fine. Where?"

"The usual place. Be there at noon and don't be late."

He left and I slammed the door behind him. I walked back to the living room and drank in one swallow the glass of wine.

"What was that all about?" Tony asked.

"Nothing important."

Tony felt the wall around me that he helped break down start to rebuild again.

"Mari-Mar, let me help you."

I turned around and looked at him. "Tony, there is nothing that you can do. There is nothing that anyone can do to help me. I need to find a solution to this problem myself."

Tony mover closer to me and held me tightly in his arms. His hug felt so wonderful that I never wanted it to end. The next day arrived and I went to meet Robert. I pulled up in the parking lot of the restaurant on the motorcycle. I went inside where Robert was waiting. I walked over to the table and sat down, he looked out the window and stared at the motorcycle.

"Why the hell did you have to ride that thing?" he said.

"Because I felt like it, besides that is not the reason we're meeting here. What do you want from me now, Robert?"

"Oh the usual plus, one more thing."

"What?"

"We get married."

I stared at him and then started laughing.

"Marry you? Oh please, I'd kill myself first."

I pulled out my checkbook.

"How much this time?"

"Is it so easy to write a check for any amount?" he said in a cocky tone.

"It is just to get you to go away for awhile."

"Well, I'll make you a deal."

"What?"

"You marry me and there will be no more checks."

"And if I don't?"

"Then you better have more checks printed up."

I stared at him, then finished writing the check. I handed it to him. I stood up and looked at him.

"Well I better get more checks printed up - and one other thing, Robert."

"What?"

"Eat shit and die." I left and went outside. He followed me.

"Maria wait!" He grabbed me by the wrist.

"You will change your mind!"

"Like hell I will! With what you're blackmailing me! Now let me go!"

"You're going to do what I say, do you hear me!"

"Fuck you!" Within a second I felt like my right cheek had exploded with the slap that he gave me. I slowly turned back to look at Robert. I pulled away from him and got on my motorcycle. I started the motor and skidded out of the parking lot. As I rode down the street Tony saw me. He pulled up along side of me at the stoplight.

"Hey, where are you going?" he asked.

"To hell, I hope!" I said and rode away.

"Wait!"

He followed me.

"Mari-Mar wait!" I rode faster and lost him in traffic. I rode for hours. I finally arrived at home after dark. I saw Tony's motorcycle there and I parked mine next to his. I walked into the house to see him sitting on the couch.

"I don't remember giving you a key." I said.

"You didn't, but I have my ways of getting into places."

"I'm sure you do."

I walked into the bathroom to see what had developed on my cheek. As I looked in the mirror Tony walked in.

"What the hell happened?" he asked.

"I got hit by a flying rock while I was riding."

"Don't bullshit me!" He grabbed my chin and turned me towards him so he could get a better look.

"That is more like a hand then a rock. What happened?"

"Nothing I can't handle." I walked out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. Tony followed.

"These walls are thicker than ever." he said.

"Walls? What walls?"

"The ones around you." I took a bottle of wine from the refrigerator and opened it. I took a drink from the bottle. He just looked at me.

"Looking to get drunk?"

"Maybe I am!" I realized the anger I was feeling and I knew I shouldn't take it out on him.

"I'm sorry, Tony. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just don't want to feel anything for a while."

"Mari talk to me. Let me help you." I walked into the living room and sat on the couch. I took a long drink from the bottle. Tony walked over and took it away from me and set it on the coffee table. He sat down next to me.

"Enough! You don't need that! I see you're in pain. It has to do with that guy who stopped by last night, doesn't it?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because everything was just fine until he came over. Maria, please tell me what the fuck is going on? I want to help you."

I looked into his eyes and I knew that I could trust him.

"Tony, I can't."

"Yes you can."

I stood up and grabbed the bottle of wine. I looked at it.

"You're right Tony, I don't need this." With all the strength I had I threw the bottle into the fireplace. The bottle shattered into hundreds of pieces. I turned and looked at Tony.

"Please help me," I said softly. I fell to my knees and started crying. He hurried over to me and held me tightly. He kissed the top of my head.

"Estoy aqui. No me voy de tu lado. I'll help you. Just let it all out."

I cried for what seemed hours. And Tony was true to his word; he never left my side. We sat back on the couch and started talking. My head was resting on his chest and his arms held me securely. He kissed me on the forehead.

"You okay?"

I sighed. "Yes much better thanks. It's like a weight has been lifted."

"Now talk to me."

I sat up and faced him. I looked into his eyes.

"You're right. It's time to 'fess up." I told Tony everything that happened within the past few years with Robert. He just looked at me in disbelief.

"How the hell can some one do that to another person?" he said.

"I don't know! I mean I can be a real bitch sometimes but there are worse people in the world."

"I know, but to make you believe that you hit someone with you car and left the scene is too much."

"But the thing is I don't remember any of it! All I know is Robert and I went out and I admit we were drinking. He said I was driving too fast and I hit this man who later became paralyzed."

"And was he?"

I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Tony, I swear I don't remember. I don't remember drinking more than two glasses of wine. I don't remember getting behind the wheel. I don't remember the accident, I don't remember anything! I wish I did!" My hands were clenched tightly into fists. Tony took my hands into his and unclenched them.

"Mari, would you be willing to be hypnotized?"

"I don't know. I mean, I don't like anybody to be in control, so I might resist."

"Well, let's give it a try."

"Okay."

"Good. Let me call a friend of mine who does this kind of thing." About half an hour later Tony's friend arrived. They shook hands when he walked in.

"Thanks for coming, Steve." Tony said.

"No problem, Tony, I'm glad to help."

"Steve Walters, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Mari. Mari, this is Steve." We shook hands.

"Hi. Nice to meet you, Mari."

"Likewise, Steve."

"Let's get started."

"Okay, I guess. You're not going to make me cluck like a chicken are you?"

"No, not unless you want me to."

"No, that's okay."

He smiled. "Now, would you like to lie down on the couch or sit on a chair?"

"The chair would be best for me."

"Okay, go ahead and get comfortable."

I sat down in the chair nearest to the fireplace. Steve took out a crystal star that hung on a silver chain. He dangled it in front of my eyes. I looked at Tony.

"Tony, I'm scared." He moved a chair near me and sat down and held my hand.

"Don't be afraid. I'm right here." Tony said.

"There is nothing to be scared of. Just relax and look at the star and listen to my voice," said Steve.

"Okay," I said.

The star began to move from side to side.

"Just relax Mari, just relax. Feel every muscle in your body relax. You're getting sleepy, but don't fight it. Go ahead and close your eyes."

I did. I felt so comfortable and secure.

"Okay, Tony, ask your questions."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Let's take you back to the night of the accident. You and Robert were in the restaurant having drinks right?" Tony asked.

"Yes." I said.

"Did you eat anything?"

"Yes. We had dinner."

"How many glasses of wine did you have?"

"Two, no one and a half. As I was drinking the second glass it started to taste strange."

"Strange? Strange how?"

"It had a bitter taste to it. It was sweet before I came back."

"Came back? Came back from where?"

"The ladies room. When I was served the second glass, I drank some and then excused myself to go to the ladies room."

Tony looked at Steve. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Someone spiked her drink." said Steve.

"And I think I know who."

Tony turned back towards me. "All right, you returned and tasted the wine and it was bitter. Then what?"

"I told Robert that I wanted to leave because it was getting late and I was tired. I stood up, and when I did I got dizzy. Robert helped me to the car and he got behind the wheel and we left."

"So Robert was driving?"

"Yes."

"Then what?"

"I felt sick so I rolled down the window to get some air. I noticed that he was driving too fast. I told him to slow down, but he didn't. Next thing I heard were the screeching of tires and screaming. That's the last thing that I remember. When I woke up the next morning Robert told me about the accident and that I better turn myself in for hit and run."

"Did you?"

"No, I was scared so I just ran."

Tony looked at Steve.

"Poor thing, and she has been running ever since," said Steve.

"The main thing is, she didn't do it. That's enough bring her back."

"Okay. Mari let's bring you back. What you're going to do is retain in your memory everything that you just said about the night of the accident. Now just relax. You're starting to wake up now, and as you do you will remember everything. Mari, open your eyes and wake up now."

I opened my eyes and blinked. I looked at Tony.

"You okay?" he said.

"I'm fine, I think," I said.

"You don't remember?"

I started thinking and then I looked at Tony.

"I wasn't driving that night! I didn't hurt anyone! I remember!"

"That's right. Robert was making you believe that you were the cause of the accident, and blackmailing you."

"The son of a bitch! He must have put something in my wine! That's why it tasted so bitter."

"But why would he blackmail you?"

"To have total control over me and my money by marrying me. What else?"

"Hard to believe that there are still some people like that in the world," said Steve.

"How am I going to stop him? Damn, this session should have been recorded," I said.

"Don't worry because I did the thinking for you," said Steve.

He moved closer to and showed me a pin that the had on his lapel of his jacket.

"This is a microphone which is connected to a small recorder in my pocket."

"I like that idea," said Tony.

"So, now you have proof. I'll make a copy of the tape and give it to Tony tomorrow."

"Thank you Steve, for everything," I said.

"Glad I could help. I'd better go. Good luck Mari, and be strong."

"Thanks, I will." Steve left. Tony looked at me.

"What?"

"You look tired."

"I am." He pulled me out of the chair.

"Come on let's put you to bed," he said.

"I don't want to."

"Come on." He pulled me into the bedroom.

"Now go and change your clothes."

"Okay." I went into the bathroom and changed my clothes. I put on an over-sized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. When I came out Tony just started at me.

"What?"

"Is that what you sleep in?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I've never seen a woman sleep in an outfit like that before." He started laughing.

"Hey, I like to be comfortable."

"All right. Now get into bed." He pulled back the blankets and I got in. He covered me up, kissed me on the forehead and then headed for the door.

"Are you leaving?" I asked.

"Not really, I'm just going to lie on the couch. I won't be too far if you need anything."

"Tony."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for everything."

"That's what friends are for." He smiled and closed the door behind him. I got comfortable and drifted off to sleep. After awhile I started dreaming that Tony and Robert were fighting and Robert shot Tony. I started yelling at Robert as I held Tony in my arms. Suddenly I felt myself shaking.

"Mari! Wake up!" Tony said as he shook me. I opened my eyes to see Tony siting on the bed.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I should be asking you that."

"Huh?"

"You were yelling in you sleep."

I remembered the nightmare that I had.

"What happened?" Tony asked.

"I dreamed that Robert killed you."

"Why?"

"I don't know! All I know is that you were dying in my arms. It was so real."

I still felt myself shaking. He hugged me tightly.

"Don't worry, everything will be okay. I promise," he said.

He got up from the bed.

"Are you going to sleep on the couch again?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Well the bed is big enough and much more comfortable, and since we are just friends and nothing more, then I can assure you that your virginity would be quite safe for the night."

He started laughing. "You really think so? I mean, you know how shy us virgins are," he said.

"Yes I think so. Well?"

"I say move over."

He took off his boots, unbuckled his belt and took it off; he unbuttoned the top button of his jeans and then unbuttoned his shirt. He got into bed and put his arm around me and I rested my head on his chest. We looked at each other.

"Night, Tony."

"Night, Mari-Mar."

He kissed me on the lips and then we fell asleep. The next morning I got up and left Tony still asleep. I got dressed and went outside. It was a sunny day and I felt relieved at what I was able to remember about the night of the accident, and especially knowing that I wasn't to blame. I was checking over my motorcycle when Robert drove up. He got out of the car and walked over to me.

"You know you should get rid of that thing," he said.

"What do you want, Robert?"

"The usual."

"A kick in the ass."

"Oh very funny. Just get your checkbook."

"No."

He looked at me.

"What did you say?"

"What part of the word 'No' didn't you understand."

"Since when do you say no to me?"

"Since I remembered everything that happened that night, and I do mean everything."

He stared at me.

"So Robert take you sorry looking ass home because you're never getting another dime from me again. All I want now is for you to leave me alone." He grabbed my upper arm and pulled me close to him.

"Who do you think you are?! I will always be in your life!"

At that time, Tony came out of the house.

"Let her go," Tony said.

"Take a hike!" Robert replied.

"I said let her go now!" Tony moved closer to where we were.

""What are you to her?" Robert asked.

"A friend."

"A friend, my ass!"

"Robert, if you leave now, I won't have to turn you over to the cops," I said.

"They have nothing on me."

"They will when they hear the tape stating that I didn't hurt that person."

"What tape?"

"A tape I have. I told you I remembered everything."

"You're bluffing!"

"Try me." We stared at each other. His grip got harder and Tony knew that it was starting to hurt.

"Let her go Robert," Tony said.

"Come and get her!" Tony walked towards us. Robert's grip got even harder. I winced in pain.

"I said, let her go!"

Tony took out his gun and held it Robert's face. Slowly, Robert let my arm go and I was able to move away.

"Now you have the opportunity to leave and not come back to bother her ever again, or you can leave feet first in a box. Choose!" Tony said.

Slowly Robert got into his car and left. Tony out his gun away and then hugged me.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"I'm fine, but I'm going to have one hell of a bruise on my arm."

"That, like Robert, will go away."

He kissed my forehead and we went inside. We sat on the couch. I looked into Tony's eyes and touched his hand.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I don't know how to begin to even try and say thank you for everything that you've done for me."

"You just did."

"It will be a debt I can never repay."

"No problem. Maybe one day I'll need a favor from you."

"And I'll be there to help."

"I know you will. That's why we're friends."

We hugged.

"Well, my friend, I'm going to buy you the most expensive lunch that you've ever had." I said.

"You're on."

We got up and walked outside. We each got on our own motorcycle and raced down the road.

 

Image courtesy of Chris

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