Friday, July 27, 2012

I'll Take it to Go, Part II

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Both boys went running down the stretch of open area that separates the bar and eating. They had removed their shoes, leaving them for dead on the video game...

July 27th, 2012

“Boys!” I yell in a mild tone.

I look up hoping I wasn't bothering other patrons, but they weren't giving me a second look. I get up from my chair and sternly walk towards them. They playfully run back to me, running around my legs like a school of fish, and take their seats at the table. Just at the right time too, the food was on its way.

“Thank you, it looks great” I said.

The food is looking better and better as my hunger pangs begin to beat like a drum.

“Could I have a Sprite please?” I ask. I didn't look up at the waitress. I was too consumed with the boys.

I divvy up the food among the men and glance up. The waitress is still hovering over me. I didn’t know if she was expecting her tip now or…..

“Sprite?” she said, as if she wanted me to add some liquor in it.

“Please?” I said, not sure exactly what more she wanted me to say.

We all began to stuff food in our mouth when the waitress returned with the drink. She placed it on the table and walked away.

In this moment there was peace and harmony in the world. The birds were singing, there was light from the heavens, it was turning out great.

"Uh OH!" Nico shouts.

I hear a - bang then the rush of soda and ice slamming against the table. The Sprite spills out of the large cup and makes a run towards the edge of the square, panel brown surface, until it cascades itself, like a water fall, on to my lap.

I don't flinch, I never look down. I continue to stare forward and finish my French fry. Without looking, I grab a napkin and wipe my face of the grease. I glance over at my son. His eyes are as big as saucers. The liquid continuing to drip, soaking into the front of my pants, the wet soda completing my fashionable wet look the rain had already started earlier.

The waitress came over with a towel; I guess she heard the bang and splash too. She had a smirk on her face, I'm sure she was enjoying the show.

"Would you like a new one?” she asked condescendingly.

I paused for second watching the boys take off running again down the isle. This time they split like fighter jets. One left. One right.

"Yea", I said getting out of my seat, "I'll have another."

Like a member of a search party I look for my boys. I find one under a table and another behind the serving bar.

We walk back to our seat where I find our drink waiting for us. This time she placed the Sprite in a Styrofoam cup with a secured lid.

Christopher picks up the cup to take a quick swig from the straw, but the large 16 once cup slips from his hand and breaks on the table. This time the soda didn't flow out. It just dumped over on to my lap.

"Hahaha", I laugh out loud.

Christopher, my son, squeals with laugher right back.

The waitress walks over to me, the only one not laughing. "Would you like to take the rest of the food to go?" She asked with a forceful tone.

"No", I replied, "will just stay a little longer. Another Sprite?" I asked with fear in my tone.

She stared at me but her mind trick wasn't going to work.

The boys stood on their chairs and were having a great time, I guess anything was better then being home. The waitress returned with another cup with another Sprite.

"Here you go sir," she said while handed me the cup.

I reached up for it but mishandled the handoff and like a dropping a ball, the cup landed on my lap, splitting the sides. Soda was free flowing over my legs and carpet.

I look at the waitress and she looked at me, our eyes locked as if we were in a staring contest.

Ahem- I clear my throat, "I'll take it to go."











Christopher Fusaro. The author of Captain Imperfecto.

© copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


Also see us at www.captainimperfecto.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

I'll Take it to Go, Part I

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July 26th, 2012


Occurred Sunday July 22nd, 2012

“Fine, let’s eat inside” I announce to the boys. Finally giving in. They were tired of sitting in the car and started to get "cabin fever."

We sat in our minivan in the parking lot of the restaurant waiting for the food-to-go order that I had just phoned in to be complete. The rain was a slow drizzle at this point until the very moment I decided to step out of the van.
“Screw it, I’m committed now” I said aloud, as the rain swiftly came down at a thundering pace. Just my luck.

I ran to the passenger side of the van, hoping to out run the rain drops. But it isn't easy running from what seemed like buckets of water being thrown at me. I made it to the side opening of the van and attempt to lean my torso inside the cab as much as I could to preserve some dryness to my clothing. The cold rain drops landing on the uncovered areas pf cloth that my van roof isn’t protecting.

I frantically look for Nico’s shoes but can’t seem to find them. The rain continues to fall at a rapid pace and my ass takes the brunt of the storm. I spring my body into the van so I can continue my search for his elusive foot wear.

“Aww screw it.” I announce, “Let’s just stay… (I paused and think about going back to dreary old home)...well guys, we have to try this eventually so lets just do it.”

Resigned to the fact I can’t keep avoiding every place that doesn’t have a playground, I unbuckle both boys from their car seat and gather them in my arms.

“Nico, press the button to open the door” leaning down with him. Nico reaches out and pushes the little black button that will open the automatic door.

“Okay guys one, two, three!” I shout as I hop out of the van with both boys in my arms. I charge like the Cavalry to the main entrance. We reach the doors and I let both boys slide out of my arms and quickly usher them inside. When we walk inside the sports bar I look back and shut the door of the van with the remote.

Well, I’m sure I have a flood in there – I think to myself.

The boys run straight for the video games that are placed by the door. I pick the table right next to them.

“How great is this?” I say to the boys turning back to look at them from my seat, “Isn’t this great boys, we’re with the people, there are televisions everywhere, video games, everything we need.” I said to them celebrating a little success.

Maybe this will go well- the thought runs through my mind. Captain Imperfecto might just be perfect tonight.

The waitress approaches me and I notify her, “I had just ordered my food-to- go over the phone, but the boys wanted to come in here so, well here we are.” I said with a pleasant smile.

She doesn’t smile, just stares. There’s an awkward moment of silence.

“So” I say sucking in my smile, raising my eyebrow, “I hope that i….” she cut me off.

What’s the name on the order?” She said with the expression of annoyance on her face, probably by life as well.

“sn't....Chris.” I tell her trailing off my sentence.

She turned away without speaking to me and I didn’t dare say a thing back. I just want my food hot and cootie free.

Nico and Christopher are all over the video games. I don’t think it mattered that they weren’t actually playing the real game since I didn't have any quarters in my pockets. The game lights and steering wheel from the car racing game was fun enough for them.

I take in a few breaths and think to myself- this is going to work, and I zone out for a second.

My peripheral vision picked up two miniature bodies running off into the restaurant. Little people?- I think, I hope.

“Boys” I yell, “come back here." I said. Frustration in my voice.

Both boys went running down the stretch of open area that separates the bar and eating. They had removed their shoes, leaving them for dead on the video game.










Christopher Fusaro. The author of Captain Imperfecto.

© copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


Also see us at www.captainimperfecto.com

Ride Baby Ride, Your Story

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V.M. wanted to get away from her daily life and enjoy some "me" time. Who can blame her? V.M. told me what she wanted in the Design a Story section and I wrote it for her.

She works a tough job, she enjoys her grandchildren and attending church. She wanted a little adventure and action in her life.You can see other stories from other readers in the Your Story tab.

Enjoy your getaway V.M.

July 25th, 2012

“I can’t think” I mumble to myself as I stand in this dark storage room. The light bulb blew as I flicked the switch, which is indicative of the day I’m having. “ Where did they move the damn morphine” I say out loud, even though there is no one around to hear me.

Another patient is close to their death. And administering them some pain relief is the only comfort I can provide them at this time. The morphine doesn’t seem to be where it should be. My mind doesn’t seem to be where it should be.

The doctor declared him dead just a moment a go, gone to another world. I wish I could go to another world. Not death mind you, just an escape from the everyday life that I know. The stress of this job is taxing on my mind, body and soul. Being a patients nurse in hospice care is so rewarding yet, eats you up inside. There is so much life in our patients when they enter this building but death soon finds them and like clock work I administer the morphine to give them peace in the last remaining day or so they have. I need to get away.

Life is hard nowadays and this economy sucks, but thankfully I have my Cross Bones Harley in the garage. It doesn’t take much gas, so I can ride as far away from death as I can. And I usually do. I pray to God everyday for my patients, I pray to God everyday for my own patience. After this Sunday’s church service, some playtime with my grandchildren, it’s time to go for a ride because the rest of the day will be mine.

I walk my bike out of the garage and park it in the middle of the driveway. I go get my chrome cleaner and shine it up real nice. The chrome shines like a mirror as the sun reflects off the handle bars and exhaust. The glare gives my neighbors fair warning that I’m about to start my baby up. The exhaust pipes are double stacked and stretch the length of the bike, stopping as it reaches the end of the rear tire. The short pipes are loud, I mean rumbling loud, so when I start it, it will shake the windows.

Before I go on my ride, I throw on my blue jeans, place my leather vest  jacket over my black Harley shirt, with white writing in the front that reads “Don’t Mess with Jesus, Ride and be Free.”  That's right, there is a Jesus fish on my ride. I usually wear a helmet but not today. Today I’ll pull my hair in a pony tail and "ride with the bad boys freestyle, this girl ain’t afraid"-I think to myself.

I throw my leg over my bike and straddle the seat. I settle in and start my engine. The motor roars as I rev it up. The sound traveling 3 blocks deep, notifying everyone to stay out of my way. I stare directly in front of me, looking at my neighbors that are looking back at me. I know I am suppose to Love Thy Neighbor, but my baby needs to warm up. The bike shimmies my body, between idles and revs, like I’m dancing to a beat that's all my own, and I am, I truly am.

I use my thick black leather riding boots to place the bike in gear -stomp hard on the lower floor board and without looking, I give it gas, and charge out of my driveway, it’s me time…

“Bad to the bone Bad to the bone B-B-B-B-Bad B-B-B-B-Bad B-B-B-B-Bad Bad to the bone

The wind shoots through my pony tail as my hair whips in the wind. I ride long and I ride hard. It’s my getaway from reality as I head to the mountain trail that rides along the ocean side. I love it here, just curves, hills, and more curves along the rocked walls and foliage all around. No stop signs or traffic lights, I’m free as a bird, just me and my baby, just ride baby ride.

There is nothing like the smell of the open road, ocean air and exhaust from my bike. I glance to my left to catch the breaking waves. The white caps cresting on the edge as if they were waving “hi.” The ocean breeze puts tension on my bike, but the high handle bars allow me more control so I can take the soft corners of this road. The more I ride, I see the gifts God has given me on such a glorious sunny day. I know that the death I see, day in and day out, isn’t the last we will see of each other.

There is something about a ride on my baby that gives me freedom to think and freedom to feel. I don’t want to stop this ride but the sun is about to set and I want to catch a glimpse of it as it hides beneath the ocean. I want to pay respects for another day granted, on this wonderful day.

The sun begins to drift and I don't wanna miss it so I pull the bike hard left across the on coming lanes to get into an overlook area but wound up facing a large semi-truck. We are face to face, so I pull my bike hard right to avoid a collision. Not in the mood to play chicken with a 32,000 pound truck. I then pull my bike back left, like I was riding in a serpentine and the bike and I glide right into the overlook unscathed.

I pull my bike on the side of the road to enjoy such an awesome sight. The bright orange of the sun soft enough to look directly at, as it is swallowed by the sea. The reflection on the oceans surface slowly fades away, like life, but it will rise again on another day, that' s how I like to think of it anyway.

“What a sight and a spot to view it.” A voice rings out from behind me.

“Yes it is”, I say, without looking back.

“Something as beautiful as that lets you know that there is a God up there.” The baritone voice echoing in my ears.

I sigh, “Yes, it was a beautiful sunset.” I said with a little hope to my voice.

“Oh, yes that too.” The voice blurted out, stunning me.

I turn around and see a group of motorcycles that had stopped, where I did, so the riders can watch the sunset. I was so consumed in the suns beauty, I never heard the bikes pull up.

“Hi I’m Rick,” He said, with a smile that cut through his beard.

“Nice to meet you Rick. Where you guys headed?”

“We are just riding and honestly we don’t know where will end up, but i gotta tell ya, liked those evasive moves back there, it made us turn around. Do you wanna ride with us?” He asked straight forward. I could tell by his eyes he was serious and his demeanor told me he was sincere.

Yeah, I’ll go.” I said with butterflies in my stomach a nerve in my backbone.

“Well, get on your bike girl. And ride baby ride.”

…I broke a thousand hearts, Before I met you, I'll break a thousand more, baby, Before I am through, I wanna be yours pretty baby, Yours and yours alone I'm here to tell ya honey, That I'm bad to the bone."


Written by Christopher P. Fusaro

“Bad to the Bone” lyrics written by: George Thorogood

Click on the Design a Story link to provide some details and have your own story posted for free. Read the Be in Your Own Story link.










Christopher Fusaro. The author of Captain Imperfecto.

© copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


Also see us at www.captainimperfecto.com

Monday, July 23, 2012

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

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July 23rd, 2012

Here today…

…to wake up in the morning for your usual routine. You have to drag yourself out of bed like your recovering from a hang over from the night before, even though you never drank. Why are all morning like that? The bathroom beckons for your daily routine. Mother nature takes her natural course so does the bacteria that is swirling around in your mouth that makes brushing your teeth the second biggest priority in the morning.

After you take care of yourself, the kids are lying in wait with anticipation for your entry through their door, “Hi! Good morning!” you announce with enthusiasm, even though you are lying through those freshly cleaned teeth. The tiredness still hasn’t shaken off your body, but for the kids sake, you shake the negative energy off yourself and tend to their needs in any capacity they need. If their wet you change their clothes, get them dressed, fed ready for school, just the beginning to a long day that awaits you.

Once the kiddies are dressed its time to drag yourself around the house to grab the things they’ll need for school. With each step you take your kids are five steps ahead. You have to predict their next move or they will leave you in the dust. Once their wrangled its time to load them one by one in the van.

First, the oldest who doesn’t fight. He s going on a ride and at this point the likes school. So, you scoop him up with ease and place him in the car seat, then its time the grab the little one.

He’s in his terrible two’s so you have to give a little playful chase, well, only playful to him. Once he’s corralled it’s off to school to drop off at least one of your bundles of joy.

Down the block the van goes. Through three stop signs and one traffic light and then the arrival to school where the car is stopped in the never ending line to drop him off. So in between the stop and go its nice to have the iPhone handy for a quick glance until you have your chance to pull up and let out one of the loves of your life.

Then to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, whatever the stomach desires. Just a quick pick up in the drive-thru until the arrival back home, where some work around the house will commence. Once inside the house you eat what’s left in the bag that you didn’t scarf  down on the drive home. The cleaning starts, here and there, until your two old wants to play. Finding a little more energy for the him isn‘t easy, but you do it because you want to show your him that your invincible.

The day turns lazy in between the cleaning, the playing, the television and internet until everyone decides its nap time. The six hours is almost up then its time to get up and pick up the other wild child, who will be energized after class.

Until then it’s time to close your eyes and dream of a place of beaches and sand, sun and rays it’s grand until it is interrupted by the alarm that wakes up. The sound may blare a terrible sound, but in your head it says, “get up, get up, have to pick up your son.”

After the pick up, maybe go for a drive to a park so the boys can play. You catch a breather for a little bit on the bench, until you have to chase them all over place. After you get your exercise, you arrive home and change the boys out of their clothes so they can relax while you cook dinner and in between the stove and oven you pause to you check on the boys and smile to yourself watching them play. You get caught up in the moment until you smell some food starting to burn so to preserve what is left you take it off the stove and ready to serve.

Its been a long day, the boys are bathed, and are ready for bed. You wait until dad gets home so he can see the boys and play for a few before its off to la la land. There’s a plate in the microwave ready to serve so we can all have a bite to eat. The days getting late your getting tired and its time to sleep tomorrows another day. So close your eyes and get some rest…rest…rest…ease your mind and you have your time to sleep because of this long day today, no one would know that…

…you'd be gone tomorrow











Christopher Fusaro. The author of Captain Imperfecto.

© copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


Also see us at www.captainimperfecto.com

Sunday, July 22, 2012

My Snowy Night at Home, Your Story

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Your story from Design a Story. Requester wishes to remain anonymous.

July 22nd, 2012

It was the worst blizzard the region has seen in years. The weatherman never predicted it would be this bad, but since when can man predict the weather? Thankfully I am holed up in my comfy cabin with plenty of fire wood to keep this roaring fire going. The sight of my over flowing bubbles billowing up over the top of my sunken tub far out shadows the wall of snow just outside my bedroom window.

I sit beside my bath undressing myself to get in the tub. The sound of the wind howling, like a wolf, echo’s throughout the house as the air molecules find the tiny gaps in the window and rushes in. The smell of timber burning entwines with the vanilla soap bubbles casting off the smell of marshmallows in the air. I’m ready to climb in my tub with a good book when suddenly the door bell rings. Who can this be on a night like this? I wasn’t expecting company.  I hurriedly place on my robe and descend to the downstairs to see who in the world was out on a night like this. Especially  in the middle of nowhere. My house is deep in the woods and my driveway long and winding.  It’s a shock anyone can find it in a night like this.

I peer through the peep hole but the frost has formed over the glass and I can not see a thing. Before I can move my face back from the front door the person knocks on the door again. The pounding rattles the doors and vibrates my face. I jump almost out of my skin because the sudden knock scared me.

“Who’s there!” I shout. Worried because I am alone tonight. My husband got snowed in at the airport.

“Umm ma’am, it’s the police.” he shouts his voice shaking from the cold.

“How do I know you the police? I can’t see you.” I shout from my side of the door. It was true though. The frost had built up on all the windows in the house. The fire from my fireplace was not warm enough to keep the windows defrosted.

“Ma’am your just going to have to trust me, I am a police officer. We are just checking our rural residents to make sure you are safe from the storm.”

Hesitant to open the door I decide to just do it. After all what choice do I have. So with the fear in my heart, I place a brave look on my face and unlock the door. With a thrust, as if the wind pushed the door open, I whip open the door.

“You better be a cop” Starling the officer and in return his good looks startling me.

“Yes ma’am as you can see, I am a police officer, its freezing out, can I come in?”

“Well sure” I am at a loss of words, which never happens to me. I am a straight forward kind of gal, but he has me all flustered.

“Sorry to bother you but this storm just got out of hand and we want to make sure our residents out here in the sticks have enough provisions to last all night.” He says with his baby face looks but his body was very manly. Even through his thick jacket.

“Provisions?” I said with a giggle.

“Yes ma’am, you know food.” He said with innocence.

“I know what provisions is, I just haven’t heard it used before. But yes, I have plenty of food to last me this storm. Its not the first and won’t be the last snow storm that hit’s the area.” I came off rude and stiff but deep down he was melting me.

“Well, okay ma’am as long as your safe. Are you alone here or is your husband or boyfriend around?” He asked. His eyes peering past my partially open robe that exposed my neckline and glanced in the living space.

“No, my husband is actually caught in the storm.” I told him

“I hope he’s okay.” He said with genuine concern

“Oh please, he's stuck in the airport drinking at the bar and flirting with stewardesses I’m sure.” I said in half truths.

“Why would he flirt with women when he has you to come home to.” The strapping young officer said as he looked into my eyes.

Where do they go from here. Does he leave? Does he stay? It’s your story. You’ll have to take it from here.










Christopher Fusaro. The author of Captain Imperfecto.

© copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


Also see us at www.captainimperfecto.com