Mystics of the Tuolumne

Xenophobia #

Dahlia knew she was being followed and she knew by whom.  It gave her goosebumps and made the fine hair stand up on her neck and her arms.  It was Billy Herbert skulking along behind her.  She was thankful that BJ would be on guard for her.   She did not want to use her gifts again on such an unworthy recipient.  Was it vengeance or lust that drove Billy onto her trail?

'Hello, my dear friend,  I have a pamphlet for you written by William James.  He calls his work psychology.  'Psyche' is about the mind and 'ology' is knowledge.  If you like it, we could go to the University together and study it."  Albert was on another planet he was so excited about this new field of science.

"Where is the University?"  I have never heard it mentioned.  Do they allow half/breeds to go there?"

Albert chuckled, "It is in Berkeley across the bay from San Francisco.  And yes Miwoks can go at no cost."

"It is a really big step.  I need to learn more about the University and what I could learn there.  I never thought about doing anything other than following in my Mother"s footsteps.  I have to talk to her.   I'm not saying no."  She assured Albert. 

"I am starting to understand that our gifts are not divine or supernatural.  They are a part of what is here anyway.  Some people  have been studying the energy that makes us.  I believe that what we are is a never ending circle.  Thought begets energy.   Energy begets matter.  Matter returns to energy.  Energy returns to thought.  It all happens in a grand circle that has no end and has no beginning."  Albert shown with pride.  He was energized by his thoughts.

"That is such a simple explanation.  Are you sure that it isn't more complicated?"  Dahlia looked at him quizzically.

"Simple explanations are closer to the truth than complex explanations..  Have you ever heard of the Persian philosopher, Occam?  She shook her head no.  "He wrote that the job of the thinker was to cut away the outer layers of an idea and that the truth is a simple kernel inside." He explained.

Dahlia looked thoughtfully at him.  "If you peel and onion down through the layers, you are left with nothing but stinky hands."

"That is why we must study.  You always have  an understanding that I don't have."  He was trying to appeal to  her intellect.  "A truth must be cable of being proved false,"

She answered with her heart.  "I trust you, even when I disagree with you.  There is so much to think about.  Help me."

She was so happy to see BJ standing there with his arms crossed across his chest.  "I saw that little weasel, Billy Herbert sneaking around here trying to spy on you two.  You be careful of him."  They continued home both deep in thought to another supper of happiness and love.

The next day at school, Dahlia confronted Billy. "Why are you sneaking around spying on me?"

Billy turned red with embarrassment before he said, "I wouldn't spy on you.  You're nothing but a breed tramp."

"You spied on a breed. What did you want, you sneaky snake?" Dahlia herself was venomous in her disgust.  This was the first time she had been the target of hate and discrimination.  It tasted bitter.  She was irate, and not just  because of Billy.   She was incensed at the nebulous idea behind hatred and racism.

"I wanted to see what you were doing to make that little pansy smile so much."  He knew he had her when he made her angry.  She appeared powerless in her outrage.

Dahlia knew it too.  She could summon nothing with which to attack this soulless monster.  This would turn out to be a watershed moment in learning about her gifts.   She had already noticed that there was a certain amount of rebound weakness and exhaustion following the use of her powers.

Albert was not able to calm her and soothe her hurt and anger.  He made up his mind that he would do all in his power to never let it happen again.  He walked her out to BJ who was amazed and concerned when he saw the faces of these two.  "Mr. Rassenkamp, Dahlia was insulted and had her feeling hurt in school today by a stupid bully.  I will take better care of her from now on."

Bj was both amused and concerned.  Amused at the grit this young man possessed and his dedication to Dahlia.  He was concerned because he saw how hurt and upset Dahlia was.  BJ was paternal in his feeling for Dahlia.  She was a daughter to him.  'You do that son.  It's your job at school and my job at home."  BJ  shepherded Dahlia home like she was a lost kitten.

"I know this doesn't seem like the time and place for romance.  I have fallen in love with you and your children.  Will you please marry me?"  Ericia was surprised and pleased but, speechless. She ushered everyone to the table with tears in her eyes, she couldn't speak.  She started serving.  Then, put down her plate.

"Yes Mr. Rassenkamp, I will marry you."  She picked up her plate and continued serving herself.  Dahlia and Joel were out of their chairs in an instant and were hugging their new Daddy.  The joy and laughter shook the little house.  "I have no legal marriage to Miguel so I am free to marry you whenever you please."

"Why did you wait till just now?" Dahlia enquired.

"Oh, I had to wait so your gifts couldn't ruin the surprise."  Everyone laughes heartily. It was a joyous day.