Accidental Oedipus

(Editor's Note: Budding authors of Northwest Community College in Jimmy Reed’s Creative Writing Class, in Oxford, Mississippi know more than anyone else their good fortune in being able to learn the fine art of creative writing from born storyteller Jimmy Reed. One can almost pick up the fragrance of magnolia-laden breezes and hear the sound of the Whip-poor-will when reading anything by Professor Reed. None of Jimmy Reed’s colorful characters, like the wise and sometimes mischievous Jaybird stay on the page. They spring right off the book page into life, luring readers into their adventures, and and so will those of the students. Canada Free Press is proud to present the work of Jonlyn Beeler, Tallan Drewrey, Latrista Hampton, Katie Huckaby, Wade Lindley, Evan Moynahan, and Corey Rogers from Spring Semester, 2016.)

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At the last church service before the fall semester at Florida State University, Jane’s thoughts strayed far from spiritual when a tall handsome man sat down in front of her. “Folks, let’s stand and greet those next to us,” announced James, the preacher. Eagerly, Jane waited for the mystery man to turn around, but she wasn’t the only one waiting; so was Tara, her mother. She seemed to have a vague memory of him, but wasn’t certain. When he turned, she was. …………………….. Nineteen years ago, her college roommate talked her into attending a fraternity party at FSU, although she wanted to stay home with her high school sweetheart Evan, who was studying for an exam. “Quit being a boring # — smile! I met two guys who want to treat us to shots,” Lisa said, pulling her roommate to the bar. Tara recognized Wade, a student in one of her classes, and despite her feelings toward Evan, felt strongly attracted to him.

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Several shots later, Lisa said, “Jim and I are going up to his room. Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” she lisped, giving Lisa a tipsy wink. Once they were alone, Wade said, “We’re in the same history class; I’ve been too busy studying you to study the course.” Giggling, she offered no resistance a little while later when he led her up to his room. “I have dreamed about this moment,” Wade said, kissing her. So have I, Tara thought. One kiss led to another, and they undressed. Tara felt her body sink into the soft bed beneath Wade, whose masterful lovemaking and caressing words cascaded over her in waves of pleasure. At daybreak, Tara regretted what she had done. She dressed quietly, and tiptoed out, leaving Wade sound asleep. The short walk to her apartment felt like an eternity. When she arrived, Evan was sitting on her bed. “Looks like you had a fun night,” he chuckled, handing her a cup of coffee. “You might need this. Rest a bit while I get us something to eat.” After Evan left, she tried showering away her shame. Memories of the previous night tormented her. Numerous questions ran through her head: What did I do? Did we use protection? Will he remember? Should I get tested? Should I tell Evan? The shower didn’t help. …………………….. Tara barely heard James when he asked the congregation to rise and greet one another. When Wade turned and extended his hand, her heart jumped into her throat. “Hi, I’m Wade; I’m new to this church.” Tara froze. Did he not remember her? Jane nudged her mother who snapped out of her daze and said, “W-welcome! I’m Tara. This is my daughter Jane.” Taking the younger woman’s hand, Wade felt an overwhelming rush of passion. …………………….. On her first day at FSU, as she entered the Art Appreciation classroom, Jane noticed a sign on the door: Wade Philips, Ph.D. She wondered … is he the man I met at church? When he walked in, her world stopped.

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Accidental Oedipus (Part 2 of 4)

“Day-yum — it IS the same man!” She whispered to herself. Wade stepped to the lectern and prepared to greet the class, but before he could speak, he saw Jane, the gorgeous young woman he’d met at church. Repressing sexual thoughts, he introduced himself, and said, “Today I want everyone to draw what is on his mind. I’ll walk around and comment on your work.” When he arrived at Jane’s desk, he paused, not eying the art, but the artist. Then he dismissed class, but asked Jane to remain behind. “Your work indicates real talent,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll improve with your help,” she replied, blushing. “Maybe we can schedule some private lessons,” he said. “Here’s my address and phone number.” For several days, Jane resisted calling Wade, but eventually her curiosity got the best of her, and she dialed the number. After numerous rings, she was about to hang up when a deep, manly voice came over the phone. “Hello.” After a long pause, he repeated, “Hello-o-o-o.” “Hi, I-I’m in your art class, and was wondering if you were serious about giving me private lessons?” “And what is your name?” “Oh, sorry. It’s J-J-Jane.” “Great to hear from you! Indeed, the offer is still good. I’m on my way to church now, but am free afterward.” “Well, since you’re new to our church, I’ll pick you up and we can go together.” Standing in his driveway, Wade looked as handsome as ever when Jane arrived, and she was bursting with excitement. After buckling up, he glanced over at her and said, “You have the most beautiful eyes — they match your dress perfectly.” “Thank you so much!” she gushed. When a traffic jam interrupted their small talk, Wade asked, “Can we take an alternate route?” “Yes, the beach road, but by the time we arrive, church will have started.” “I haven’t seen the beach in years. How about we buy a bottle of wine, skip church, and watch the sunset?” Eagerly, Jane agreed. …………………….. Hand in hand, Wade and Jane walked down the beach until they found a secluded spot. Wade spread out a blanket, and they beside each other, sipping wine and watching the sun sink toward the horizon. When darkness fell, Wade turned to Jane and pulled her close. After several deep, sensual kisses, they began undressing each other. Marveling at Jane’s perfect female body, Wade lowered her to the blanket. On the following Friday, Jane walked nervously to class. Wade had not spoken to her since their night on the beach, and she was confused, uncertain. Her confusion vanished when she entered the classroom and saw a bouquet of flowers on her desk. Blushing, she noticed that everyone’s eyes were fixed on her, including Wade’s. “Sorry, I didn’t know what to say. I hope these flowers will speak for me,” the note read. She looked up at him and their eyes locked. They were too entranced with one another to notice that everyone was watching them, connecting the dots.

Accidental Oedipus (Part 3 of 4)

The next six weeks were more exciting than Jane could ever have imagined. She and Wade spent most nights at his house, meeting privately to protect their secret. Their time together was so romantic and happy that she failed to notice that her menstrual cycle was late … until a telltale symptom shocked her back to reality. Normally, just the thought of bacon and eggs in the morning made her hungry, but not today. The smell of Wade’s cooking sent her rushing to the bathroom, fighting nausea. When Wade checked on her, she told him that the previous night’s takeout dinner had given her food poisoning and that she needed to go home and rest. In a panic, she rushed to a nearby pharmacy, bought a pregnancy test and went into the bathroom. The next two minutes were the longest of her life. Then she gaped in horror at the reading: PREGNANT. Her entire world came crashing down around her. Should I tell Wade? Will he leave me? Sobbing uncontrollably, she drove home quickly. When she rushed through the front door, Tara saw her clutching the pregnancy test, and snatched it from her. “Who is the father?” Tara demanded, after reading the results. When Jane told her, she was stunned but managed to hide her shock from Jane. “Go to your room and lie down,” Tara said. “I’m going to have a talk with the preacher.” …………………….. Tears were streaming down her face when she entered James’ office, and she wasn't sure she could muster enough courage to explain why she was so distressed. After he helped her to a chair, she sniffled a while longer, then dried her eyes, regained composure, and recounted the whole sordid story. James gaped in disbelief as she chronicled the events that led up to Jane’s birth, especially when she told him that her daughter unwittingly begun a sexual relationship with the man who was her own father. After a long period of pensive deliberation, James spoke. “You must tell her the truth. Although innocent of her partner’s identity, your daughter is involved in an unspeakably sinful relationship. This affair with her own father must be stopped immediately.” Tara knew he was right, but doubted she would ever build up enough courage to tell Jane, much less her husband. Thanking James for his counsel, she drove home. …………………….. Four months passed, but Tara still didn’t reveal her secret. On several occasions, she tried, but could never bring herself to reveal it, dreading to face all the heartache and suffering the truth would bring. Then one morning after Evan left for work, Jane, groaning in severe pain, awakened her. “Mom, I’m hurting!” Fearing the baby was in danger, Tara rushed her to the hospital. Tests indicated the baby was fine; kidney failure was the pain’s source. Then the doctor delivered devastating news: Jane’s survival depended on an immediate kidney transplant, but finding a donor could take months, unless, as is sometimes the case, a parent’s kidney matched.

Accidental Oedipus (Part 4 of 4)

Tara agreed to be tested immediately, and called Evan, knowing that he wouldn’t be a match, but still unwilling to tell him about Wade. Not wanting to exacerbate Jane’s stressful condition, Evan expressed no displeasure concerning her pregnancy. Both parents got tested. While waiting for the results, Tara called Wade. Hoping to explain the pregnancy face to face, she asked him to meet her at the hospital. When Wade arrived, she told him that her daughter was pregnant by him, but before she could mention Jane’s desperate need for a kidney transplant, he stormed off to avoid creating a scene in the hospital. Tara’s anxiety worsened when the test results confirmed that neither parent was a suitable donor. Realizing that Wade was a possible match, and if so, donating a kidney would save her daughter’s — and his child’s — life, she rushed outside, stopped Wade before he sped away, and ask him to join her in a meeting with James. Reluctantly, he agreed. With James’ help, Tara found the courage to admit her secret. She told Wade about their night back in college that led to her pregnancy. When Wade pieced together who the child was, he felt sick and rushed out, failing to hear Tara’s explanation about Jane’s desperate need for a kidney. Tara knew that her only alternative was to tell all to Evan and Jane. At home, she sat her family down and explained the situation as calmly as possible. As expected, neither of them took it well. Trying to console her sobbing daughter, Tara didn’t notice for a few moments that Evan had rushed out. She knew exactly where he was going. Hustling Jane into the car, she raced to the church and persuaded James to join them. Arriving just in time, they found Evan pointing a gun at Wade and raving about how he had destroyed his family. James intervened. Calmly, he told Evan that Wade might be his daughter’s only hope for survival. Distraught but understanding, Evan gave James the gun. Turning his attention to Wade, James said, “You may not have raised her as a father, but you helped give her life, and now God is calling on you to give her life once more.” The preacher's words sank home, and Wade agreed to be tested. His kidney matched. In the operating room, Jane and Wade lay next to one another, awaiting the anesthesia. She had never known the man as a father, but she now knew that he would have been a good one. She reached out and grabbed his hand before drifting off to sleep. When Jane awoke, her parents were bending over her, smiling with joy and relief. “The transplant was a success, Jane,” Tara said. “You’re going to be fine and so is the baby boy you’re carrying.” Greatly relieved, she hugged both of them, and then asked, “Where is Wade?” The look on her mother’s face, a look that Jane would never forget, told all. “He didn't make it.”

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