Secrets

Ready for Anything

Bryan opened the door. He led Carol and Anne to Mark's study. A man with graying hair seated in a wheelchair turned around to greet them.

"I'm more than pleased to see you, Carol." Mark's shaking voice matched the teary eyes that met those of Carol's questioning gaze.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do, Mark Chrome!" Carol demanded but could not get angry considering Mark's condition.

"Bryan, please bring the young lady to the garden,"requested Mark Chrome."

"Yes, please go. We have a lot of unfinished business to settle here. We'll call for you later." Carol seconded.

So, Bryan and Anne went out to the garden.

Mark explained how he left in haste overcame with fright that fateful day fifteen years ago. It took him one year to recover from the shock he got. He finally decided to go back to Bugsy Hollow. When he went back, he found the place abandoned. He didn't know where to find Carol and had no way of knowing what happened to her.

"I went to Church that day. I never prayed so fervently before. I didn't know how. On that day, I begged God I would find you again so I could tell you how sorry I was and how much I loved you.

When I left the Church, I met Bryan's mother. She was a beggar who frequented the place to beg for alms. She was terribly sick and dying. I could not just turn my back. Bryan was her son. I helped them. I brought her to the hospital. Before she died, she made a dying request if I could take care of her four year old son. So I did.

"How did you happen to be in that wheelchair?" Carol hesitated but asked, anyway.

Oh this? I made further studies in Entomology and concentrated in guess what? The praying mantis! Isn't it obvious?

"So, why? How?" Carol was confused.

I tried to formulate something that would control and predict mantis behavior. At first I tried them on my pet mantises in terraria I placed in green houses in the garden. I tried them a thousand times throughout the past ten years. I placed high definition cameras to monitor them remotely in my study. It was also to give them as close to a natural habitat experience even in captivity.

I succeeded Carol! In the past ten years since I discovered the formula there was not a single male mantis eaten by a female one.

"Still not clear. I don't get it! Will you please explain exactly what happened to your legs?" Carol complained.

I kept going back to Bugsy Hollow every now and then for the past fourteen years taking chances that I would see you again. Most of the time I brought Bryan with me. So he knows the place quite well.

Until three years ago, I decided to put cctv cameras in many areas at Bugsy Hollow so I could monitor the place for your return. I knew when you came back.  I was getting a book on the top shelf when I saw a green Ford Pick-up. I was breathless! When I recognized you on the monitor, I forgot that I was on top of a ladder getting a book. I just jumped instantly and I broke a leg. Actually, two. I had it treated for a year. Then my Orthopedic Doctor said I might not be able to walk again because the damage was so bad, it was irreparable.

"I'm terribly sorry, Mark!" So, you did not marry again? Carol was going closer and closer to Mark.

"I thought Bryan was your real son." Carol whispered in his ear. They were already in a tight embrace. Just when Carol was about to kiss him, Mark managed to whisper, no morphing kisses yet, Carol, my love. He was too late! Carol was already kissing him passionately and with a fury she could eat him whole.

Mark surrendered himself completely. He submitted himself, heart, mind, body, will, his whole being in perfect union with Carol transcending all fear and human preoccupations.  He was ready for anything. He can do anything  for love!