Garth Rides For Hope

CHAPTER 1 OPENING DAY
   Joe Henderson, former baseball superstar turned colour commentator was patiently waiting in the stands. He was positioned just behind the dugout down the first baseline, and has been waiting for what felt like an eternity for the commercial break to end. Standing in his favourite Armani suit, he was preparing to interview a curvy blonde fan. The very same one that he has been flirting with for the past five minutes.
   While listening for his cue, Joe has been thinking about how good he still felt. Since retiring three years ago, he had to put in lots of hard work to keep his 6ft 3 in, 225lb frame in great shape. With ebony coloured skin and close cropped black hair, this 40 year old Afro-American still finds himself a hit with the ladies.
    The aerial view from the blimp shows the wide open white roof of the stadium, and in stark contrast the vibrant green of the baseball diamond right beside it. As the TV camera slowly zooms down, we see the pitcher standing ready on the mound, and  hear the staccato voice of the announcer.
   “It’s the top of the 9th inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays are losing their home opener by a score of 15 to 1. With 2 outs and 2 strikes on the batter .... It’s all over .... Except for waiting to hear the fat lady sing. The batter steps into the box ..... Here’s the pitch ..... It's right over the middle of the plate.” 
   The batter takes a viscous swing and makes solid contact with the ball. His wooden bat shatters, and a large deadly looking splinter helicopters wildly down the first baseline and up into the stands. Out of nowhere, a hand shoots straight up and deftly catches the broken bat just a split second before the deadly missile impales the back of the head of a fan wearing a red baseball cap.
   The announcer yells.
   “Foul ball.“
   In the slow-motion replay, it's obvious that if were not for the quick reflexes of a surprised looking dark haired man, the fan in the red baseball cap would have been seriously injured. Joe happens to be standing nearby and quickly makes his way over to heroic fan. When he gets there, the fan is still staring in disbelief at the broken bat in his hands. Shoving the microphone towards the face of the obviously shocked fan, Joe asks.
   “Wow that was quite a catch. How did you do that?" 
   The fan slowly shakes his head.
   “I don’t know ..... I’m not quite sure ….What just happened here?”
   Joe enthusiastically continues.  
   “ You made a great catch ..... What’s your name?”
    The obviously shell-shocked fan stammers. 
    “Gareth, Gareth Peterson“
    Joe forgetting all about the blonde, and having been told through his earpiece to fill time, asks Gareth.
    “So far ....What do you think of the Blue Jays performance in their home opener?”
   Gareth scratches his head and thinks for a few seconds. then he replies with a chuckle.
   “Great .... It’s awesome. I will be even happier after the Jays come back and win the game.” 
   Gareth smiles at Joe, and then winks into the camera. Both Gareth and Joe share a laugh just as the director in the control room switches to a shot of the pitcher walking slowly towards the mound.
   As soon as Joe is off camera, he congratulates Gareth one more time for his great catch, then asks him again what his last name is. Gareth, anxious to see what is happening on the field, absentmindedly hands Joe one of his business cards and turns away to watch what's taking place on the ball diamond.
   Joe makes his way down to the field, and prepares himself to do post game interviews. What happens next is the stuff of legends, and along with Gareth’s miraculous catch, prediction, smile and wink, will be replayed many times. Every sports and news show in North America will have fun with this footage for the next week. The Blue Jays, who were down to their last out and with 2 strikes on the batter, began a spectacular come back that would involve the next 16 hitters. Through a series of singles, doubles, triples, errors, four pitching changes, and culminating in a dramatic game ending, bases loaded, Grand Slam home run. The Blue Jays would win their home opener by a score of 17-15.
   The over excited announcer screams into his microphone.
   “Blue Jays win .......Blue Jays win ...... Blue Jays win.”
    The dug out empties and every the player in a Blue Jay uniform mobs the home run hitting hero as he crosses home plate. Those few optimistic fans still remaining in the stands were cheering hysterically. Joe, caught up in the excitement, runs out onto the field and does post-game interviews with many members of the Blue Jay's team and coaching staff. When he was done, Joe looked down the first base line to see if Gareth was still in the stands, but the seats where Gareth was sitting, were now long deserted.
                                                      
CHAPTER  2   NEGOTIATION
Joe was sitting in front of the editing room monitor, watching the slow-motion replay for what seemed like the hundredth time. The batter swings at the ball, contact is made and the bat shatters. A large splinter spins wildly end over end, down the first baseline and up into the stands. Next, at what even in super slow motion seems to be an impossible speed, we see Gareth’s hand shoot straight up, and expertly catch the bat sliver by it's fattest part. The jagged shard stops mere inches from a red baseball cap on the head of an unsuspecting fan. By the shocked look on Gareth's face, Joe believes that he never saw the bat before catching it.
   For the past week, Joe has been very busy doing numerous interviews for television and radio talk shows. Everyone wants his opinion on the miraculous catch, the prediction that follows and the spectacular comeback. He hasn’t had to work a ball game since, because the team is on the road and Joe only works at home games. Now he lost in thought, staring intently at the image frozen on the monitor he doesn’t even seem to notice when his boss, the head of Network Sports, comes into the room and stands silently behind him. When Joe finally feels another's presence in the room, he turns slowly and calmly asks.
   “What’s up?"
   Sam Fredrickson, Vice President of Sports Central, and Executive Director of many of the network's shows, including Sports Desk, the most watched sports news show in the Nation, replies.
   “Not much, this must be the slowest news day in the past century. How would you like to do a little free-lance work for Sports Desk?”
    Joe, feeling more than a little curious, hesitates briefly before responding.
    “Maybe ..... Just what do you have in mind?”
    Sam chuckles and points to the monitor.
   “Do you think you could find that guy Gareth again?”
    Joe smiles.
    “I might be able to. Why? What's it worth to you?”
   Sam, quickly switching to his negotiating face.
   “$5,000.00”
   Joe, hiding a smirk with his hand.
   “$15,000.00“
   Sam’s face quickly morphs into his final offer look.
   “How about we meet in the middle? Lets say $10,000“
   Joe, having played this game many times before, knows that further negotiation would be useless. He stands up and offers his hand for a shake while looking Sam directly in the eye.
   “Deal ... Now just what would you like me to ask Gareth? When I find him.“   
   Sam obviously has already given this question a considerable amount of thought.
   “Why don’t you try to get his predictions on how the Blue Jays season will go. For example; do they make the playoffs? Win the World Series? Do they have any award winners? Will they set any records? How many wins will they end up with? Or ..... Just any old predictions that may come to his mind.”
   Joe absentmindedly nods. Already lost deep in thought, he reaches for his wallet, takes out a card, picks up the phone and starts dialling.

Chapter  3 Ambush
    It took only five minutes for Joe to find out that Gareth was President and CEO of his own company, that he wasn’t in currently, and that his Executive Assistant would do nearly anything for front row seats to the next Blue Jay's game. Less than a half hour later with a full television remote crew in tow, and Gareth’s home address scribbled on the yellow post it note in his hand, Joe and his entourage drove off into the beautiful spring morning. A short time later, they arrived at a large old warehouse that had been converted into trendy Urban Lofts.
   After pressing the # 3 call button on the intercom, he was happy to hear the immediate buzz, and click of the door lock opening. Joe and his entire crew easily fit into the large freight elevator. Before pushing the button that would take them up, the director made sure everybody was ready, and that tape was rolling. When the elevator doors opened, they were greeted by a beautiful, very surprised woman.
   Tia is in her early thirties but looks much younger. In fact, she is extremely proud that she is usually carded whenever she ventures into bars and clubs. Tia stands 5 ft. 4 in. tall, and has long auburn hair that dramatically frames hazel eyes. Mesmerizing eyes that seem to look directly into the soul of anyone who is lucky enough to gaze into them. She works out regularly, and enjoys a daily run on the trails beside the lake.
   Tia and Gareth have been together nearly every single day. Since they fell in love at first sight nearly five years ago. Three months after they first met, she moved into Gareth's loft where she has a studio and works from home. Tia now stood in front of the elevator doors in her favourite paint spattered clothes. With a laugh, and in her best diva voice, Tia mocked.
   “Should I call 911? .... Or just holler for hair and makeup.“
   After recognizing Joe at the for-front of his camera crew. Her tone slightly changed.
   “You’re the guy that interviewed Gareth at the ball game the other day, aren't you?“
   Joe nodded.
   “Yes I am . . . . .  Joe Henderson.“
    He said confidently while walking forward and shaking hands with Tia.
    “Is Gareth in? My boss thought that it would be fun to see if he would be kind enough to share a few new predictions with our viewers. For some strange reason his last prediction was very popular with Blue Jay fans everywhere.“
   Tia shook her head.
   “Sorry .....  You just missed him. If you hurry, you might just catch up with him. He was going to the corner store to get a paper and a bottle of water on his way to work.“
   After receiving directions to the store, and thanking Tia, Joe and his entourage hurried back into the elevator and continued on in their search for Gareth.
   For the last 15 minutes, Gareth had been enjoying a lively debate with the two clerks at the convenience store. For some reason, every man woman and child felt not only comfortable, but very special when they were in his presence. People genuinely enjoyed talking to him. After a conversation with Gareth, most people were left with the impression, that their opinions were seriously considered, they had learned something, and felt that their internal energy batteries had just been fully recharged.
   Gareth had medium length jet black hair that he kept in a style that looked as if a comb or brush were never allowed access. He stood a little over 6 feet tall and had the physique of a toned athlete. Gareth was a handsome man that didn’t feel or act as if he were. A natural athlete, he had played and excelled at most sports, now however he limited his participation to Hockey, Touch Football and Triathlons. A University education, and a small inheritance, had been parlayed into a thriving software company. A few successful programming innovations provided enough cash flow to keep his company thriving and well into the black.
   Gareth was very proud of what he had accomplished, and pleased with where his life has taken him. Remembering there was some place that he was supposed to be, he excused himself, and said his goodbyes. With a bottle of water in one hand, and a newspaper tucked under the other arm, he turned to walk out the door.
   When Joe and his crew pulled up in front of the convenience store, all it took was one quick glance through the window to realize their prey was still inside. The Director decided that the light would be perfect if they shot the piece outside. He quickly set the crew up so that the interview would take place against the store's front windows. The backdrop being the lotto sign promoting the upcoming Big......  Big....... Big draw. With everyone in place, and camera and sound rolling, Joe stood in front of the door waiting impatiently for a Gareth to emerge.
   The instant Gareth walked through the door, he was greeted by a smiling face and handshake. Joe, working like the polished professional that he had become, pulled Gareth smoothly to his mark, and into the frame the Director had set up.
   Gareth's voice was full of concern.    
   “Hey ..... What's this all about?“
   Joe was quick to reply with a reassuring and friendly tone in his voice.  
   “I didn’t see you after the ball game the other day, and I just wanted to know what you thought of the finish? After all .... You predicted it .... Didn’t you?“
   Gareth nodded. 
    “I guess I did predict the outcome, but I was just having a little fun and trying to be an optimistic fan. I really don’t have any psychic powers. Anyway, I thought the finish was amazing. I have never seen anything like it. Way to go Jays.”
     It was Joe's turn to nod.  
    “You have become quite the media star. Your prediction and catch have been replayed all around the world. I was just wondering how your friends and family have reacted to all this attention?“
   Gareth laughing.
   “Its amazing, they all want me to predict the Stock Market ..... Whether their baby will be a boy or a girl, or if I would be willing to accompany them on their next trip to Vegas.“
   Joe laughed and tried to steer the conversation into the direction he wanted it to go.
   “Well ...... While we're here, maybe we could get you to give us a few predictions on the Blue Jay’s season. How far will they go? Will they win the Pennant or the World Series?“ 
   Gareth shaking his head.     
   “Like I told you before, I’m not really psychic. I don’t know how this season will end up, and I would feel really terrible if anyone were to lose money based upon any silly guess that I might make.”
   Joe looking concerned.
   “Well, now that you had issued a disclaimer, how about just a little yes or no? Will the Blue Jays win the World Series this year?“
   Gareth looking very serious and straight into the camera.
   “No, I’m sorry, I am afraid I just can’t do that.“
   Joe smiles and shrugs his shoulders in defeat.
   “I understand, just for fun, is there anything at all that you would feel comfortable with giving us a prediction about today?“ 
   Gareth shakes his head while looking down.
   “No ......... I ....... What’s this?“
   Gareth bends over and momentarily drops out of the frame. He immediately pops back up smiling broadly and holding a $5 bill. With his head turned slightly away from the camera, he notices the Big .... Big ....Big Lotto sign, and briefly pauses.
    “Tell you what I will do ..... With this $5 bill that I just found. I’ll go back into the store and buy a ticket on the 180 Million Dollar Jackpot.“ 
   With a smile and a wink he continues.
   “And I predict ...... That I will be the only winner of the jackpot.“
   Gareth turns and walks back into the store. That evening on TV, everyone watches him walk up to the counter, buy a ticket, turn, smile and hold the ticket up to the camera. Unfortunately the numbers on the ticket are illegible, because the camera is out of focus and too far away.

Chapter  4 The Park
   The park by the lake was a beehive of activity. People of all ages were playing games like Bocce Ball on the thick green grass. The game of catch also appeared to be quite popular as the air was filled with a variety of footballs, baseballs and Frisbees. Quiet activities such as reading, and people watching were also being enjoyed on this perfect spring afternoon. There wasn't a cloud in the clear blue sky, and a mild breeze blew off the lake carrying many delectable aromas emanating from barbeques that were piled high with delicious food sizzling on their grills.
    Without anyone seeming to notice, the sky suddenly was covered in a thick layer of heavy oppressive cloud. Soon it was so dark that street lights started coming on. Unexpectedly, a perfectly round hole appeared in the overwhelming cloud cover. A brilliant shaft of light now illuminated a spot in the park's far corner. All eyes now turned to see a beautiful, ash blonde, long haired young lady sitting cross legged on the grass. She was magically situated in the exact centre of the column of ethereal light. This stunning apparition was wearing a garment made entirely of what appeared to be hundreds of brightly coloured scarves, each flowing with the mild breeze and uniquely held together in such a way that her torso was spectacularly covered, while leaving her tanned arms and legs bare.
   An incredible feeling of calm and inner peace enveloped everyone, and as if in response to an unheard command, they simultaneously started ambling toward the brilliant light. Upon reaching their destination, everybody took a seat on the grass facing this beautiful vision. Sensing that something special was about to happen, those with video cameras and cell phones started to record the event. In a voice that was clear, melodic, and heard with ones mind as well as ones ears, the angelic blue eyed spectre began to speak.
   “I am ...........  I am the manifestation of all your hopes, dreams, desires, prayers and wishes. I am all of that and more. I am part of everything and everything is part of me. You .....  You all are part of everything and everything is part of you. We are all interconnected. Lines of energy connect us all to everything. This force fills us, nurtures us and educates us. This energy has been given many names. Names such as, Karma, Nirvana, Enlightenment, and even the Holy Ghost. These are only names of something that you have been taught to believe is unattainable.
   This energy needs a new name. We shall now call it ..... Home ...... Home is easily obtainable by all. Home is comprised of love, knowledge, inspiration, compassion, and many other wondrous things. By being that for which we came into existence. We can learn to access, and use all that is Home. Please join me in singing and dancing in celebration of ........ Home.”
   Amanda .....Somehow without being told, everyone in the park knew the name of this beautiful apparition. Amanda was now standing with her eyes closed in the beam of heavenly light. Slowly she started swaying back and forth, chanting .......
                              Home ......... Home.......... Home.........
   Everyone in the crowd started chanting with her. All the voices seemed to find a harmony and rhythm. Suddenly, to either side of Amanda appeared two Buddhist Monks. Both were dressed in their finest Saffron Robes, one was playing a Hand Drum, and the other small finger Cymbals. Amanda now started spinning with her arms held straight out from her sides. As she spun her dress appeared to be made up of thousands of brilliant, withering scraps of fabric. Each one a different colour, each one flowing with the movement of her dance.
   The shaft of light was now also filled with thousands of butterflies and spectacularly coloured birds. As she spun Amanda’s feet appeared to leave the ground. Spinning in time with the music she slowly rose higher and higher. Now she was hovering, and was magically suspended some 15 ft. above the ground. She was spinning and gracefully dancing while benevolently watching over the adoring crowd below. The air around Amanda was filled with what appeared to be a tornado of birds, butterflies and brightly coloured scarves. When she stopped spinning and landed gently upon the grass, it was clear to everyone that she was completely naked. Her 16 year-old body was perfectly proportioned and tanned a light golden brown. She stood nearly 6 ft. tall, and her lithe body resembled that of a voluptuous yet finely honed athlete.
    The Buddhist musicians began to gradually pick up the beat. As Amanda danced faster, she also sang faster. What started as a small shaft of light has now expanded to illuminate the entire park. Every man, woman and child there, were now dancing, singing and chanting.
                                      Home .......  Home ........ Home.
   All moving as if connected. All moving in perfect rhythm. All singing in perfect harmony. All dancing naked. Everyone in the park was filled with an incredible blissful energy. This rapture they were experiencing appeared to know no bounds.
   Later, when trying to explain the experience to their friends, nobody could explain how they lost their clothing, how long they had danced, when Amanda left or where she went. What they did know, is that they had experienced something incredible and inexplicable. They also knew that they felt no shame, and would give anything for the chance, that one day they might just be lucky enough to feel the same way again.
   That evening when the video of a Amanda’s inaugural sermon and dance were replayed, on first the Local, then the National, and International News, an interesting phenomena was observed. To everyone’s surprise, anyone who saw this footage. Experienced the rapture ..... Felt the indescribable energy ..... Chanted, danced and somehow lost their clothing. Everyone .....Including all of the news anchors on the Local, National and International News.