A Gentle Man

Part 1

The Rape

Orson Shea was sitting in his office typing up the final exam for his World History class when there was a knock at his door, “Orson?” his friend of 30 years, Dean, was at the door. “What is it, Dean?” Dean, a tall thin man with tan skin and short black hair, entered the small office. Orson, shorter and rounder than Dean, rose to greet his friend and colleague. “Orson, those Rogers boys are becoming a real problem. I have never had students more disrespectful and rowdy in my entire life. They are so hard to control when they show up to class. They are the only students I have ever had that I would be happy if they didn't show up.” “I know, Dean, but there’s nothing we can do. We can only call security so many times. Besides, there is only one week left of classes and after that they are no longer our problem. Were they in your class today?” “Yes, and they are on one today so be prepared.” Orson puffed his cigar, “I can handle those boys.”
The bell rang as Orson faced his class, “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. As we near finals I…” the door to the classroom banged open as the three Rogers boys came in, “Hey fat boy, sorry we are late.” said the oldest, Ray. “Boys, please come in and take your seats. Quietly please.” They stood face to face with Orson, “We weren’t going to come, but I thought you should know that your wife looks real pretty today. I almost couldn’t help myself.” “Be glad you did stop yourself Mr. Rogers, the consequences would be severe.” Ray got right in Orson’s face, Orson could smell the whiskey and cigarettes on the boy’s breath. “What could you do to stop us, fat boy?” Orson smiled, blew cigar smoke in the boy’s face, and walked over to the phone and picked it up, “Yes, Principal Smith. Orson Shea, here. I would like security to come by my classroom and pick up Ray, Keith, and Bob Rogers, they are intoxicated and making threats on members of the staff. Yes, I am aware this is their last warning before expulsion. Thank you.”
He hung up the phone and sat at the desk, not saying a word as the anger boiled in Ray. “Boys,” said principal Smith as he came into the room with 4 police officers, “I regret to inform you that you have been expelled and these officers are here to escort you to the police station.” As the officers arrested the boys Ray yelled to Orson, “You will regret this,you fat piece of shit, no one messes with us.” When the yelling finally quieted down Orson turned back to the class, “Well after that excitement I think it’s best just to let you all go for the day. The review for the final exam is online, please look over it as we will go over any questions you have next time.” 
Orson poured himself a cup of coffee and puffed on his cigar, decompressing the events of the class. Those boys have always been trouble in this town and they continued to get bolder because their father was the mayor, no charge ever stuck to the Rogers boys, he knew they would probably be out of jail by the end of the evening, luckily the father had no pull at the university so they would never return to campus. He still worried about their influence outside the campus, the comments they made about his wife made him uneasy. “Orson,” there she was, an angel on campus, “I heard about how my fearless husband handled those horrid boys.” She came in, put her hands on his shoulders, and kissed his cheek, “You are my hero.” “Nothing will happen, unfortunately, although they won’t be allowed on campus again. It’s a small victory, dear. At least they won’t bother you anymore, how did you handle them, Leah?” “Just ignored them, they left eventually. I don’t fear those boys, Orson. Neither should you.” “I don’t fear them, I fear what they could do when I am not there.” Leah kissed her husband, “Let’s go home, honey, I will make dinner.”
        …

The Rogers boys were out of jail that evening but were expelled from the University of Colorado Boulder campus so they could not step foot there again, and for a couple weeks all was quiet. Orson sat in his office grading papers with a lit cigar and a fresh pot of coffee. Usually he would wait for Leah and they would go home together but she had left campus early today because she had an appointment, they planned to just meet at home. Even Dean was off campus this afternoon leaving Orson alone to his work. He got caught up in grading and time passed quicker than he thought, when he looked up to the clock it read 7:30. He packed his things to go, he was surprised that Leah had not called him. 
While unlocking his car he heard footsteps running towards him, “Orson!” a voice called. It was Dean, he looked upset. “What is it Dean? What’s the matter?” “It's Leah.” he said in between breaths, “She was attacked by the Rogers boys.” He grabbed Orson’s arm, “They raped her, Orson.” “Where is she? Is she alright?” “She has been taken to the hospital. I saw them, Orson, leaving the scene, when I found Leah I called the paramedics. I am sorry I did not get there sooner.” “It's ok. She is safe at the hospital?” Dean nodded. “Where did the boys go, Dean?” “That awful dive bar they are always at, I saw them going in there.” “Get in the car.” 
When they pulled up to the bar Orson lit a cigar and asked Dean, “Are you with me?” “Till the end.” They got out of the car, Orson took off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Dean got a chill when he witnessed the look on Orson’s face as he entered that bar. “Hey!” His great voice rang like thunder, silencing all other noise. “Everyone except the Rogers boys need to leave immediately, unless they want to get hurt.” No one dared question him. Ray Rogers looked on in amusement as the bar cleared out. When it was empty, Ray spoke, “ I told you you would regret what you did to us you great whale, and your wife looked too good tonight. We just had to have a taste.” His brothers laughed. Orson just stood there, puffing on his cigar. Ray got agitated, “Aren’t you gonna say something?” He walked over to Orson, his brothers right behind him. Orson turned to Dean, “Phone the police and have them come here. This will be over by the time they arrive.” 
“What are you going to do, old man?” Still Orson did not answer him, this angered Ray. “I am talking to you!” He yelled. “Fine.” Ray finally said, “Boys, let’s teach him a lesson.” Ray swung at Orson but he ducked out of the path of it, hitting Ray in the back sending him flying against the wall. Keith swung next but Orson caught it and landed a right hand on Keith’s chin. Then he reached out, catching Bob by the throat he lifted him a foot off the ground before slamming him down onto Keith. Ray smashed a chair over Orson’s back from behind before landing punches on his face and body. Dean came from the side with a kick to the teeth for Ray before squaring up with Bob. Orson straddled Ray and started landing punches saying, “This is for Leah.” While Dean was still fighting Bob, Keith grabbed an empty wine bottle from the bar and swung it over Orson’s head. When it connected it did not break but instead let out a noise like a great bell being rang. Dean broke a beer bottle over Keith’s head, knocking him out. Bob was out as well. Ray was half conscious, bloody from Orson’s punches. 
Orson stood but had to steady himself against the bar, dazed from the hit with the bottle. “You alright?” Dean asked him but he didn’t answer, he picked up his cigar that had fallen during the fight, lit it again and puffed at it. Sirens were approaching from outside, Orson stood over Ray, grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up so that he was seated against the bar. “Remember this, boy. Remember this when you think of me and my wife.” He told a half conscious Ray before taking his cigar and putting it out right between Ray’s eyes, he screamed until he lost consciousness. Orson grabbed a bottle of whisky from the bar, patted Dean on the shoulder,and said, “Let's go see Leah.”


Part 2
The Aftermath

Orson and Dean arrived at the hospital. Orson had Dean drive because he could not see straight, that hit in the head with the wine bottle really hurt, he probably had a concussion. Dean wanted Orson to get his head looked at while they were here but he refused, saying he was fine, besides, this was a time to look after Leah. Leah was sitting up in the bed when they came in, she had just a cut above her eye to physically show what had happened to her. Her eyes lit up when she saw Orson, “ Orson! What happened to you?” She asked, noticing the cuts and bruises on both men. Orson grabbed her hand, “Dean and I took care of those boys. He came to get me after they brought you here.They got what they deserved for what they did to you.” “Orson was something else, Leah, you should have seen him. He seemed invincible, he even took a big hit on the hea…” “That doesn’t matter now. How are you doing sweetheart?” “I am fine. Disgusted by what they did to me but once I shower I will be fine. You are my hero, Orson.” Dean cleared his throat, “Both of you are.” Leah added quickly, producing laughter from them all. 
The men stepped outside while they waited for Leah to get dressed. Dean looked uncomfortable, “Orson, I really think you need to get your head examined. You took a big hit and who knows what that could have done. Let me get a doctor for you, please.” Orson put up his hand, “I am fine, Dean. I probably have a concussion is all.” Dean wasn’t so convinced. “Oh and don’t tell Leah, there is no need to worry her.” Orson added. The curtain to the room opened and Leah came out, “Ready to go?” she asked. “Of course.” Orson answered. “Dean will drive us home.” 

…

“Orson, what’s the matter?” Dean poked his head into Orson’s empty classroom. “The students said you weren’t feeling well.” Orson was sitting at his desk, rubbing his eyes. “I am fine, I just let the class go early today.” “Again?” Dean asked, approaching Orson. “This is the fifth time in two weeks. When are you going to get checked out, it is becoming noticeable that something is wrong. Constant headaches, you are forgetful, you have become short tempered. Something is seriously wrong, Orson. Leah is noticing, she keeps asking me what is wrong. Get checked out for her, Orson.” Orson got up in a flash, angry, “Do not presume to tell me what I need to do for my wife?! You have no right to- AHHH!” Orson stopped and grabbed his head, howling in pain. He reached out to grab his desk but he collapsed, red in the face. Dean knelt next to him, “Orson, can you hear me?” To Dean it seemed like Orson tried to answer but nothing but gibberish came out. “Help!” Dean called out. “Call an ambulance!”
Orson woke up in a hospital bed, Dean was sitting in the chair reading, “Dean? What happened?” Dean put down his book, “You passed out earlier today. They did a brain scan and an MRI. They haven’t come back with the results yet.” Orson was ashamed that he let things get this bad, he knew things were bad, he didn’t have to be told, he just felt it. “Where is Leah?” “She is on her way, she had just gotten to her parent’s house when I called, she turned right around.” Orson took a deep breath, “I want to know the results before Leah gets here. Can you get the doctor?” 
“Mr. Shea, I’m Doctor Smith, how are you feeling?” “Fine, my head is throbbing but it is not as bad as it has been. Did the results come in as to what this is?” The doctor sat down at the computer, Dean shuffled awkwardly, “I will step out.” “No, please stay.” Orson said. The doctor looked at the computer screen and then at Orson, “When Mr. Crocetto explained that you sustained a substantial hit on the head with a thick glass wine bottle the results make sense as to the cause of what I am seeing.” He paused but Orson gave him a look that let him continue. 
He turned the computer screen towards Orson, showing a picture of a brain scan, and pointing towards one area he continued, “Do you see this dark area here? That is a bleed in your brain.” Orson quickly asked, “What can you do about it? Can you stop the bleed?” Dr. Smith sighed, “This bleed has spread to the base of your brain near the brain stem. It would be too dangerous for us to go in and surgically stop the bleed.” Dean understood what that meant, Orson did not yet. “So then I will have headaches for the rest of my life? Have some restrictions? What does that mean going forward?” “It means, Mr. Shea, that you will not be leaving this hospital.” 
Orson just stared off into the distance a moment before looking at the doctor, “How long?” “Could be hours, could be days, but no more than a week in my opinion.” Orson sighed and looked at Dean, “See where Leah is please. It seems there is not much time.” Dean left the room and Orson turned to the doctor, “Thank you Dr. Smith, can you give me some time alone?” The doctor nodded and left the room passing Dean as he came back in, “Leah is about an hour away, Orson.” “Did you tell her?” Orson asked. “No, I just told her to hurry.” Orson could tell Dean was uncomfortable, wanting to say something but couldn’t find the words. “Dean.” Orson said and Dean looked at him, “Can you get us some coffee my old friend?” Dean smiled and nodded, leaving the room.
“It isn’t fair what has happened to both you and Leah.” Dean said, breaking a long, uncomfortable silence between him and Orson. “I will grant you that it isn’t fair what happened to Leah, but what the hell does fair have to do with what happened to me?” Orson set down his coffee before continuing, “What has happened to me is a direct result of my actions, my choices. Maybe I am paying for the shit I used to do before I met Leah. You know what I used to get into. Regardless of if it's fair or not I have to deal with what is happening to me now.” Tears filled Orson’s eyes, “I just wish I did not have to leave Leah. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and now I am going to leave her alone. I am the luckiest man alive having spent the years I have with her, I just wish I could spend more time with her. Eternity wouldn’t be enough time with her Dean.” 
Leah was standing in the doorway, hearing the whole conversation. “Orson, sweetheart.” Dean got up and left while Leah took his seat, grabbing Orson’s hand. “Do you know?” Orson asked her. She nodded yes. “Honey I am so sorry.” Orson said, kissing her hand. Tears filled Leah’s eyes, “I will never forget what you did for me, Orson. You are my hero.” “But who’s gonna be here for you when I am gone? I don’t want to leave you alone.” Leah squeezed his hand, “I know, I don’t want you to leave either, but don’t worry about me. The times we have spent together have been the best in my life and I wouldn’t give them up for anything. You are the love of my life, I will never find anyone who means more to me than you do. I know you will never leave me, you will always be with me.” He grabbed her hand and put it against her chest, “I will never be gone,I will always be right here.” 
She climbed into bed with him and they held each other through the night. Sometime during the night when Leah was asleep, Orson passed, holding his love in his arms.