Breaking the Dam

Little Jimmy Breeze was one of the smallest guys in the tenderloin district but he was notorious for pouring his angry wrath on anyone who had the misfortune of encountering him. His volcanic nature had made many enemies but his quick wit and devious ways kept him one step ahead of any serious consequences. He had evaded the wrath from the West Side Gang and the cops couldn’t catch him. He was great at dodging trouble but this morning he couldn’t escape the aching thirst that was gnawing at his hard, protective shell.

The pain inside his forehead throbbed with each step up the dirty street. He stumbled past the iron security gates of Happy Mart and the merchant behind the counter screamed at him as soon as he tumbled into the small store.

“You! Out of here, right now!”

Jimmy ignored him and grabbed the first bottle he could reach. He clutched the small bottle of Mad Dog and charged out the door. He could still hear the irate clerk screaming at him as he tripped over Hooch McGee who was passed out on the sidewalk.

Jimmy let out a sting of choice phrases as he sailed towards the unforgiving concrete. All his focus was on the prize in his hands and he barely noticed when he slammed into the hard cement. He held up his undamaged prize and sat up. One quick twist of the cap and the bottle was at his bleeding lips. He managed not to gag as he chugged the nasty wine, wiped his mouth on his dirty sleeve and sighed. It only took a moment for the cheap booze to sooth his screaming nerves and he felt a wash of temporary relief flow through his system.

He saw Hooch glaring at him through rheumy eyes.

“Hey stupid, why don’t you watch where you are going?”

Jimmy just laughed, right now he didn’t care about what the old vagrant thought. He took in the Hooch’s shabby clothes and bloated, abused body.

“I think you better worry about yourself first big fella. Look at you, what a mess. Ever think about getting some help? You’re sleeping on the street, you smell like a septic tank and your liver is about to explode. If I was as bad as you I would check myself into detox.”

Hooch’s chuckle was cut off by a dry cough.

“Ooh look at Dr. Phil, you ever look in a mirror half pint? You better get that plank out of your eye before you worry about the speck in mine.”

Jimmy let out a derisive laugh.

“Yeah sure, no way you could deal with abusive parents, working for idiots and jealous co-workers like I have. No one ever gives me a break. You’re just a lazy drunk but I could really be someone.”

“Sure hot shot. Ever wonder why it is always the fault of everyone else and never you. Why is everyone in the world wrong except you?” 

The words stung Jimmy’s pride. What if there was some truth in what the boozy slob was saying. He blocked off those thoughts right away, no way he was taking advice from Hooch Flanagan. Jimmy snarled and walked away without another word. If he wanted advice from the big dope he would ask for it. He wondered why people didn’t have any sense. If people would just listen to him the world would be a better place. 

Larkin Place had just opened when he got there. Jimmy snatched a number for the shower, grabbed a cup of coffee and plopped down in the corner of the room. He glared around at all the losers who had nothing better to do than hang out at a dump like this. The worst part was the sappy volunteers in the room. He was tired of hearing about Jesus and their condescending smiles. He surrounded himself with a wall of scorn to make sure no one would bother him.

He grew impatient waiting for a shower and got in the face of the new guy working the wash room. 

“Hey, what’s the problem. If you morons can’t run a simple shower maybe you should find someone who can. You’re taking me next, I’m not waiting any longer.”

The guy looked at him and told him to calm down.

“Easy now, you’re up to number three on the list, it won’t be long now.”

Jimmy wasn’t having it. He busted out a string of profanities to let the startled volunteer know what he thought about taking it easy. All his shouting got the attention of Big Johnson who placed himself between Jimmy and the new guy.

“Chill Breeze, you can quiet down and wait your turn or hit the door.”

Huge Hank joined Johnson and glared at him. Jimmy opened his mouth to complain some more, but Hank cut him off.

“Nope. Shut it or hit the door.”

Jimmy glared daggers at the three guys and shot up to head for the exit. Another group of dolts who didn’t understand him. Then he remembered what Hooch had just told him about blaming everyone else. Why was he storming out the door? Where was he going to go after this? There really was no place except the hard concrete sidewalks outside.

He looked around and saw sweet Elizabeth in her usual spot. She was the only one who would listen to him. She smiled at him and gestured him over.

“Having a rough day Jimmy? Wanna talk?”

The older woman had a way of bringing peace to his angry spirit. Just being near her seemed to settle his raging emotions. Maybe it was her sweet voice and pleasant British accent.

Jimmy didn't know why, but something broke inside of him when he settled into the chair next to her. He was worn out from fighting everything and everyone and he just couldn’t take it anymore. What if Hooch was right? What if he was the real problem? Jimmy tried to hold on to his pride but he lost the battle and his walls seemed to shatter around him. The tears flowing down his cheeks made him want to run and hide but something kept him planted in the chair.

Elizabeth silently handed him a box of tissues and nodded. Jimmy blew his nose with a loud honk. The ridiculous sound coming from his nose broke the moment and Jimmy giggled. At first it was just a short quiet chuckle but soon it turned into a full on laugh. The more he laughed the funnier it got and soon Elizabeth was cracking up too. The sweet woman snorted when she laughed and they both found that even more hilarious. Soon, they were overcome with the deep mirth that starts in your stomach and soon fills your whole body.

After several minutes of holding their stomachs and guffawing they settled down and sat in silence. Jimmy was surprised that he didn’t feel awkward but was comfortable just sharing the moment with Elizabeth.

Big Johnson approached them with a smile of his own and put a gentle hand on Jimmy’s shoulder.

“Are you guys okay?”

Jimmy felt the fire of anger invading his joy but the warm smile on Elizabeth’s face damped the fire like a cool breeze. He felt a huge weight lift off his shoulder as he realized he didn’t need to come up with a smart answer for Big Johnson.

Elizabeth watched Jimmy’s whole body relax and smiled.

“I can sense what you just did. Jimmy, you let some of that stifling anger go! What a relief that must be”

“Is this real Elizabeth? What is happening to me? I don’t know what to do, I feel kind of empty now.”

“Don’t worry about the how my friend, just keep letting the peace wash over you.”

Jimmy wondered if he was being set up and some of the old fears crept back.

“I suppose you’re going to tell me that God had something to do with this.”

Elizabeth smiled warmly and her reply caught him by surprise.

“It doesn’t matter what I think Jimmy, what do you think?

Jimmy didn’t know what to do or say so he nodded towards the fancy teapot that Elizabeth always had on the small table next to her.

“Could I have a cup of tea Elizabeth”

“Of course, Jimmy it would be my pleasure to share a cup with you.”

She smiled and calmly poured tea for both of them. The warm cup felt soothing in Jimmy’s hand as he let all the bitterness, rage and resentment flow out of him like the tea streaming out of the flowered porcelain tea pot.

He took a sip from his cup, closed his eyes and sighed contentedly.