| “Exposure to Civilization” A short story based on the WB Series, “Tarzan” By Kythera *** This story contains characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and is creation of Warner Brothers and the property of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Trust. I have created it strictly for my personnel amusement and the amusement of others on www.travisfimmelforum.com Summary: Continues the story started in EXPOSURE. Now Jane and Tarzan journey back to Los Angeles so Tarzan can claim his birthright and win Jane by becoming civilized *** Chapter 1 – Wgaza again They traveled many, many days. He hunted small game in the daytime. They would stop to eat that and fruit. Jane could not bring herself to eat raw meat so she made a small fire using flint stones and cooked her meat. Tarzan at first resisted eating cooked meat but decided that he would try it just to please her. He did not like the look of revulsion she gave him whenever he did an “uncivilized” thing. He did not want her to reject him. At night, he would make a bower in a tree for her to sleep in. He found that she was having fitful sleep and moved around so much that she could have fallen off her perch. He would slip onto the bower and place himself under her so that she slept on his chest. She slept peacefully after that. Tarzan would leave her in the morning so that she never really was aware that he had been with her. He loved this time because her body felt so good next to his. He wanted her to feel safe, just as Kala had made him feel safe by holding him when he slept. But it was too good to last. One morning on the fifth day of their journey, she awakened to see a muscular arm over her, holding her close to an equally muscular body. At first she just wiggled a little, the full wakefulness came to her! “What are you doing?” she shouted and pushed him so hard that he almost fell off the branch! He caught himself and landed on the other side to better look at her. “I –I um I am keeping you from falling off the branch,” he replied sheepishly. “The branch? Oh yes, I am in a tree.” He brought her breakfast and noticed that she was looking at him suspiciously. “Have you been sleeping with me every night?” she asked apprehensively. “Most nights,” he answered truthfully. “You move around in your sleep when you are by yourself. You might have fallen off of the branch. When I held you, you slept and did not move.” “I have been having bad dreams. I see myself running away from something I cannot see. I run and run and then come to the edge of a cliff but because I am running so fast, I cannot stop myself and I fall over the side. Then I wake up, shaking.” “When I hold you, you don’t have bad dreams.” “I guess that’s true,” she smiled. “I guess I should thank you for keeping me safe.” “I will always keep you safe. I love you, Jane.” He said tenderly. She ran her hand against his cheek and looked into his grey eyes. He reached down and kissed her softly on her lips. He pulled away knowing she was pleased but still cautious. As he parted the grasses and pointed towards the east, he said, “Jane, Your people are there,” She looked where he pointed and saw the familiar outline of Wgasa Lodge! Tarzan had indeed brought her back to “her people”! What an extraordinary man he was! “Tarzan, this is Wgasa Lodge! It belongs to Greystoke Industries – to the leader of our group, Richard Clayton! I can get back home from here! Oh, this is wonderful!” She was so happy. Tarzan, on the other hand, was not so happy. He was dealing with a lot of emotions. He was sad that their journey was over. Now he had to make his own decision. Should he, could he follow her into her world? Should he return to the jungle? No, now the jungle had no allure for him. She was his world. He would follow her anywhere. “Let’s go down to the Lodge right away!” she was saying. But his hesitation made her stop and turn to him. He looked undecided, shy as if he could not face people and wanted to return to the jungle. She broke into his thoughts … “Tarzan, you must come with me. I want you to. I want you near me. I need to know that you are safe. Remember what we spoke about at your cabin. You need to find your family. I still have some things in my backpack that will help you find them. Please …” Never one to be indecisive, he sighed and stated, “Yes, Jane, I told you then that I would follow you anywhere and leave the jungle to be with you. That has not changed. Come. Let us meet your people.” And with that, he took her by the hand and led her towards the Wgasa Lodge main entrance.
As Jane and Tarzan approached the main building of the Lodge, a swarthy-looking man about 30 came out on the veranda. He looked down at the two travelers in surprise. “Who are you? Where have you come from?” he asked with a slight Russian accent. “I am Jane Porter. I was separated from the Clayton expedition. This is Tarzan,” Jane announced. “Jane Porter! Richard Clayton launched an intensive search for you. He even drained a swamp looking for you!” the man replied. “Oh, I did not mean to cause all that trouble,” she exclaimed. “He will be so glad to know that you are alive and well. What happened to you, if you don’t mind telling me? For give my manners, my name is Nikolas Rokkoff. I work for Richard Clayton in various capacities.” Jane tensed a little, Tarzan noticing it, but her voice continued in a friendly tone. “Mr. Rokkoff, I don’t mind telling you at all. I fell into the swamp and would have drown there had it not been for Tarzan who rescued me.” She touched Tarzan with her hand and turned to look at him. The look on his face made her nervous. Rokkoff offered his hand to shake Tarzan’s but Tarzan merely looked at him coldly through steel-grey eyes and did not move. He only nodded. Rokkoff withdrew his hand and said, “I’m sure Mr. Clayton will be very pleased that you rescued his lady.” Before Tarzan could answer, Jane gave him a retort. “I am not HIS lady, Mr. Rokkoff,” answered Jane sternly. “He was our benefactor and leader of the expedition. That is all. I have the highest respect for Mr. Clayton but our relationship is strictly a business one.” “I am sorry. I did not mean to offend. I just assumed -- a man does not spend thousands of dollars to drain a swamp looking for a woman unless he has deep feelings for her. But still that is none of my business and I apologize if I offended you.” “I accept your apology, Mr. Rokkoff. I now want to get to a phone so I can let my family know that I’m alive and well. Then I‘ll need to make arrangements to return to Los Angeles,” she said with authority. “Ah yes, of course. The concierge will be able to assist you. I have other business to attend to.” And with that Rokkoff left. The concierge took care of everything. He arranged for a phone call to be placed to Jane’s sister Nikki, he called Richard to let him know that Jane was alive and safe, and he brought both travelers new clothes so they could continue their journey. “Hello. Nikki! It’s me, Jane! I’m fine. I’ll tell you all about it when I get home. I have made a new friend who’s different but he’s a hunk. You’ll be meeting him too. OK, we’ll take more when I get home! Please let Paul and Cecil know that I’m ok. Tell Paul that Tarzan will be coming. He knows who that is. Thanks. See you soon.” Richard was informed and would have come himself but couldn’t because of business commitments. He sent his private jet to bring Jane back. In the meantime, Rokkoff made a phone call. “Yes sir. She is back. I just met with her. She brought a wild man with her and claims he is your nephew, John Jr. She says she has proof. Yes, I’ll take care of it personally but there is the matter of compensation. Very good, sir. Of course, it shall be done as you request.“ He took a small vile out inserted a hypodermic needle into it and filled the tube with a clear substance. Then he headed out to look for his intended victim. He didn’t have far to look. When he opened his door, there stood Tarzan. He had overheard Rokkoff’s conversation but it didn’t make any sense to him. He had come looking for Rokkoff to find out why Rokkoff had acted so strangely around Jane. “Ah, Tarzan, is it? We meet again. Were you looking for me? He tried to sound calm but this wild man had unnerved him. “Yes, I was looking for you.” Said Tarzan. “Well, you found me. What can I do for you?” he said trying to be friendly yet looking for his chance. “Why were you telling Jane that the Clayton person wants her? “ he said starting get angry. “Now, now. No need to get upset. I work for Mr. Clayton. We are civilized men. We know when a man wants a woman.” And with that he slipped the syringe into his hand, placing his thumb at the trigger point. “You must know that this little affair is merely a little diversion for a man of the world such as Richard Clayton.” He put his arm up as though to pat Tarzan on the back and instead injected him on his neck with the contacts of the vile. Tarzan was slow to react to the tap on his neck but felt the small prick because it burned. He turned and gave Rokkoff a huge blow that sent him sprawling on the other side of the veranda they were standing on. Rokkoff was stunned but rose as quickly as he could. Tarzan started towards him but was beginning to stagger. The affects of the drug were starting to be felt. Soon, he was movements became slower and slower until he could not move at all and fell in front of his enemy. Rokkoff gave him a strong kicked on his side just as Tarzan was blacking out. ‘That’s for hitting me just now!” and he kicked him again. “This was easier than I expected. You won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, Ape-Man.’ With a great deal of work, he dragged Tarzan into a cargo container that just fit his body. It was made of thick wood slats with reinforced steel bars. The slats allowed enough air to circulate and also allowed a rod with a syringe to be inserted through them. The occupant had very little room to maneuver so could not avoid being prodded by that stick. If Tarzan awakened too soon, he’d be stuck with another dose of the drug. Rokkoff carefully closed the container using strong latches and locks to secure it. He then put a sign on it == “Danger – Do Not Approach or Open without Prior Greystoke Authorization”. ‘And now to get that so-called evidence.’ He said. Later than evening, Jane was sitting at the dinner table awaiting for Tarzan to join her. She was joined, instead, by Rokkoff who was his suave self, just oozing charm from every pore in his body. “Ah Ms. Porter. How lovely you look tonight. You must have had a harrowing time in the jungle but it has not dimmed you beauty.” “No. Actually I felt very safe.” She replied smoothly ignoring his compliment. “I’m sorry Mr. Rokkoff, but did you happen to see Tarzan? He was to join me at dinner.” “Well, as a matter of fact, I did. He was moving towards the jungle very quickly. He didn’t say a word. I can only surmise that he is going back to where he came from after all.” He kept his voice smooth. He was pleased with himself because of the obvious pain he had just inflicted. “Gone back! That’s impossible! He would have told me - spoken to me about his feelings. I can’t believe it!” she said in a strained voice. “Perhaps we should search for him?” he suggested. “Yes. That’s a good idea. But I will search for him - alone,” she said emphatically. Then she rose and left Rokkoff at the table. He stayed behind and chuckled to himself, raise a glass of wine and said “Amour”. She tried to find him but couldn’t. She looked in all the obvious places. When she went back to her room, she jumped on the bed and cried. It was not like him to leave her without saying good-bye or explaining why, after he had said he would follow her, he had gone back on his word. On the other hand, he was timid around people and may have felt the need to return to the wild to re-energize. ‘That’s it!’ she tried to convince herself. ‘He’s just gone to chill out. He’ll be back in the morning when we leave for Los Angeles together.’ Convincing herself that this was what happening, she undressed, put her nightgown on, and fell asleep. She missed sleeping in his arms but had sweet dreams with him in them. Towards the middle of the night, the door to her room opened slowly. A cat-burglar was dressed black crept to the bureau and opened the drawer. In his hand was a small flashlight which he used to peruse the contents. He made a methodical search of each drawer but did not find what he was looking for. He then saw a backpack lying on the floor near where Jane was sleeping. He carefully reached and grasped it. He looked in side and found what he was looking for. He put the papers and other things into his own container and replaced the backpack exactly where it had been on the floor. No one could tell that it had been disturbed. Jane moved around in her sleep. He hid beneath her bed for a moment then crawled back to the door, closed the door as softly as he had when he entered, and was out to the hallway beyond. The next morning, a sad Jane ate her breakfast and boarded
the private jet. At the same time, all of the cargo was loaded into the
cargo bay – even one labeled – Danger – Do Not Approach
or Open without Prior Greystoke Authorization! Jane sat in the luxury of the main cabin of the private jet. She was alone except for the staff. Rokkoff did not accompany her but stayed in Africa. She was grateful for this as she did not like the idea of traveling with him. Her thoughts were returning over and over again to the jungle and to the man who now was consuming most of them. He did not come back with her! He left her without a word! She would not see him every again. That really hurt the most. What could she have done? She couldn’t go after him into the jungle. No, he made his choice and she would have to live with it. But it was so hard to do. She felt a pain -- the kind of pain she had never, ever felt before. She started to cry quietly to herself. After a while, she controlled herself and decided to look in her backpack for some of the material that might prove his parentage. She hadn’t had too much time to examine them and they were the only tangible things of his—that and the locket which she always wore now. “They were gone! No, I must have put it in another piece of luggage.” No, she didn’t remember touching them once she put them there. What had happened? Her reporter skills told her that Rokkoff had something to do with this but instinctively she knew it was Richard Clayton behind it! But she still had the locket! She’d never part with that. She also discovered a hidden shelf that contained an envelope with Richard Clayton’s name on it and was marked “Confidential”. She carefully removed it and put it in her backpack. ‘Two could play this game,’ she said to herself. She’d examine it when she got home or give it to Nikki. She hoped it had information that would incriminate Richard Clayton. Meanwhile, Tarzan had regained consciousness and found himself in the box-like cage. He sensed movement but there was very little light in the cargo hold for him to see much. Then he scented Jane! She did not seem to be distressed or in danger. He decided that he would pretend to be asleep in case a crew member looked in on him. He wanted to avoid being drugged again. He would bide his time and escape when the opportunity afforded it. After a very long plane ride, the private jet taxied down the Van Nuys Airport runway and to a private gate assigned to Greystoke Industries. Jane deplaned and walked over to the plane’s cargo bay to get her luggage herself. No one from the staff stopped her as they did not have instructions to do so. She found her luggage pieces and was retrieving them when she heard a loud banging and growling from within a wooden crate in the cargo hold. The wood slats were weakening under the pounding they were receiving. In one huge, loud crash, the crate came apart, and suddenly there stood Tarzan! He looked as surprised as she was. Jane was dumbfounded. “Tarzan! Oh! Tarzan! You’re here after all!” She ran into his waiting arms and kissed him. “But what are you doing in there?” “Rokkoff put me to sleep and placed me in that cage!” he spat out angrily. Then looked around, “Where am I?” “You are in Los Angeles, my home. But we have to get you away from here.” She said apprehensively. “Yes, there is danger. I can smell it. Come. We will go away.” And he started to take her hand to lead her off. “No, wait! My sister is in that building over there. She came to pick me up. I will be safe. But you must go. See those mountains to the south of here. Go there. Paul lives on the other side Go find him. Can you do this?” He looked at her and nodded. He still wanted her to go with him but she convinced him that she would be better off with her sister and that she would meet him at Paul’s estate. “Go now!” she exclaimed. And she watched him disappear beyond the boundaries of the airport. ‘Please get there safely.’ She prayed. “Hey, Jane,” called out Nikki. “How long does it take you to get your luggage!” “Oh, Nikki! I’m so glad to see you!” and she gave her big sister a huge hug. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll explain on the way home. Can I use your cell phone?” “OK, let’s find the car. I parked it in the passenger loading area. Rank does have some privileges. Hey, I’m trying to make a joke. What’s wrong?” Nikki asked. “Nikki, I’ve been through so much. I actually met that Rokkoff person you warned me about. He’s as sleazy as you thought he’d be.“ ”Wait. Start at the beginning. I can’t follow your line of thinking,” exclaimed Nikki as they entered the car and left the airport entering the 405 Freeway. In the meantime, a phone rang at the private terminal counter. “Oh I’m so sorry, Sir. Her sister just picked her up. They just left. No, it was just the two of them. No, I don’t know where they are going.” As Nikki’s car sped towards their apartment, Jane asked, “Please let me make one phone call and then I’ll explain everything.” Jane dialed Paul’s phone number. ‘Come on Paul. Please be home,’ she prayed. The phone rang several times and finally was picked up. “Hello, Paul. It’s Jane, Jane Porter! Yes, I’m fine. I just got in. I’ll come over and explain everything to you. But right now you need to know that a mutual friend of our’s has come from Africa. Yes, that’s him. He’s heading your way so don’t be surprised when he gets there. He can tell you what has happened to him. He’s going to need a lot of help. Ok, I’ll see you both as soon as I can. Please let me know when he gets there. Thanks.” Nikki looked at her with curiosity. Her little sister, the would-be sleuth, had gotten herself into something big, and it did not sound good. “Who’s the mystery “friend”? she asked. “His name is Tarzan. I told you a little about him. He was somehow left in Africa and raised by apes. He doesn’t know who his parents were but I think I’ve found evidence that he is John Clayton, Jr. He is so different from other young men I’ve known. He is the most honest, gentle, caring person I’ve ever met. Oh, he can be ferocious in a fight but he always has a reason for being violent. He is so innocent without guile, pure, because he has not been exposed to humans. He is clear on right and wrong.” Jane’s voice rang with enthusiasm and even a hint of love. “Wow! That quite a testimonial coming from you! What did this guy do to deserve it?” Nikki was a little dubious. “He rescued me from drowning in a swamp and later saved me from an ape who tried to kidnap me. He killed it with his bare hands! He was magnificent!” she trilled. They had arrived at their apartment, parked the car, and got Jane’s things in her room. They then continued their conversation. “Now I want you to slow down and explain exactly what happened to you from the top.” Nikki was doing her ‘cop thing’ – just the facts in chronological order. So, Jane described the trip, the research, Paul’s adventure, and Richard’s interest in her. Her sister frowned at this since Richard was almost twice Jane’s age. He was up to something. A red flag went up. Her police training and natural instincts told her that her sister was in danger. The very thought of Richard Clayton changing for the better for the love of a woman – her little sister Jane yet! – seemed remote and unlikely but stranger things had occurred for love of a woman! Jane continued with her story, telling about meeting Tarzan. She described how physically awesome he was but more than that how truly decent he was. He did not force her to do anything she did not want to do. She was grateful for that. He told her he loved her and would wait for her to be ready to accept his love and to decide their fate. “Isn’t that’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard?” Jane enthused. After all, she was nineteen and still could have a crush on a boy without it being real love. She was not yet sure of her feelings towards him. “Oh sure. I see that you are smittened,” Nikki teased. “So what happened to him – this demi-god of the forest!” “Well, we traveled together to find an outpost of civilization when the expedition left me for dead. He led me right to Wgaza Lodge! It was amazing. He has an uncanny sense of direction.” “That’s where I met Nickolas Rokkoff. He makes my skin crawl even now when I mention his name. Any way, it turns out that he drugged Tarzan and had him put in a cage. Tarzan was in the cargo hold of the same plane I was in and I didn’t even suspect it! Rokkoff told me that Tarzan had gone back to the jungle and I believed him! I was so upset. Tarzan hadn’t even come to say good-bye to me. I should have known better! So, now he’s escaped and I sent him to find Paul D’arnot.” “How can he find him in this city? It’s confusing enough for us and we know our way,” asked Nikki in amazement. “You don’t know him. He’s very different. He smells and scents things – odors – and knows how to navigate from that. It’s an amazing skill. I have no doubt that he’ll find Paul. I pointed him in the direction of the Santa Monica Mountains so he’ll be able to travel in semi-wilderness to avoid detection.” “Nikki, asked Jane changing the subject a little. “Why would do you think Rokkoff kidnapped Tarzan?” “I think Richard Clayton could answer that question.” said Nikki. “ It probably has to do with money. John Sr. left a large trust in his son’s name. Richard has been trying to break that trust and get his hands on the money. His sister Kathleen has been able to stop him up to now. It’s going to be very interesting to see the sparks fly within the Clayton clan, assuming that this Tarzan is John Jr. as you say he is, ”. “I had brought some things from his cabin that were to have proven who his parents were but they were stolen from my backpack.” Jane said sadly. “Stolen? You didn’t see the thief at all? asked Nikki. “No. They must have been stolen while I slept in a room at the Lodge. It makes me so mad and a little creepy that someone could enter my room without my knowing it.” Nikki gave her a worried look and said, “It’s a good thing you were asleep. The thief might have hurt you if you had awakened. You were very lucky.” “Tarzan gave me this locket. Isn’t it beautiful? It has miniatures of three people in it. I know it is the John Clayton family and he is in the photo too. He gave me the only thing of value he had. I feel so loved when I wear it. I know he doesn’t know its material worth. He wore it because it gave him a link to humans. Then he found me and gave it to me out of love!” Jane was starting to go off on another testimonial. Just then the phone rang. Jane answered it. It was Paul. “Well, he scared me half to death but he’s here!” Exclaimed Paul “Boy, you just finished telling me he was coming when the window burst open and there he was! When are you coming? He keeps asking me and seems to want to leave to find you!” “Put him on the phone, will you Paul? I think I can calm him down.” “Ok but I don’t think he trusts the telephone. Ok, here he is.” Jane heard Paul instruct Tarzan in how to hold the handset. “Tarzan! It’s Jane! I am safe. Please stay with Paul. OK?” silence on the other end. “Tarzan, you have to speak into the machine so I can hear you because I can’t see you.” “J-Jane. Where are you? I hear you but do not see you,” came Tarzan’s strong masculine voice. He sounded worried. “I am at my home with my sister. I will come to Paul’s house later today. Please stay there. Don’t go anywhere. OK? Understand? Remember you have to speak.” “I understand. But how did you get into this machine. It is so small.” “Paul will try to explain it to you. Now, give the machine back to Paul so I can speak with him.” “Yes, Jane.” Said Paul. “He’s not too happy but he’s agreed to wait for you. Thanks a whole lot for giving me the job of explaining what a telephone is. Ok, see you soon. Good bye.” Nikki gave Jane that what-are-you-getting-yourself-into look. She knew she had to go with Jane to meet this man who had upset their world. “I’m going to take you there. You don’t mind, do you?” as if she was giving her a choice. “No. I’d like the two of you to meet. He’s a great guy, very different but great. You’ll see.” Said Jane. Chapter 4 – Reunions They arrived at the D’arnot estate in Bel Aire toward the afternoon. It was a large estate with manicured grounds that bordered onto the Santa Monica Mountains. The mansion was a rambling Spanish style home. Paul occupied a separate wing that had its own entrance. They announced themselves at the security gate microphone. Once the security camera identified them, the gate doors opened. They drove through a long driveway that ended in a large parking area near Paul’s side of the mansion. Paul came out to greet them and escorted them to his quarters. His family nicknamed the estate “Dynasty” after the old TV series. He led them into a large sitting room furnished in large, comfortable chairs and sofa in leathers and soft fabrics. The walls were paneled in wood stained in cherry giving the room a cozy ambiance. A large fireplace was the focal point of the room. Paul’s butler had been assigned the task of finding clothes for Tarzan and to try to teach him how to dress. It was a diversionary tactic to keep Tarzan occupied with something to do until Jane arrived. When Tarzan scented Jane in the mansion, however, he decided that he had had enough dressing lessons – jeans with t-shirt top -- and left to find her. Tarzan made a majestic entrance with his authoritative stance, hesitating briefly at the doorway to scan the room. When he saw Jane, he moved quickly and gracefully to her side. He reached around, hugging her and bringing her close to him. They looked into each other’s eyes, smiled, and said shy hellos to each other. He placed a soft kiss her on her forehead. Jane gently broke free and introduced Nikki to Tarzan. “Nikki, I want you to meet Tarzan, the man who kept me safe in the jungle. Tarzan, this is my sister, Nikki.” She said. Nikki observed everything that had transpired between her sister and Tarzan. She looked Tarzan over carefully with a trained law enforcement officer’s eye. She noticed his expressive eyes, his handsome face, and his very sexy body outlined by the t-shirt and jeans. More than these exterior trappings, she saw a man whose interior self projected honesty, truthfulness, and confidence –and a love for Jane that was quite obvious. ‘Little sister,” She thought to herself, “you did good. This guy is a hunk. He looks a little rough around the edges but he’s a definite keeper,’ “I’m so pleased to meet you.” And she offered her hand to him. “Thank you, Mr. Tarzan, for saving my sister. You have safely restored my sister to me. That is worth everything in the world to me. If I can ever help you, please don’t hesitate to ask,“ she said earnestly. “My name is Tarzan, just Tarzan. I came here to learn how to fit into Jane’s world,” he said simply. He took Nikki’s offered hand and mimicked her handshake making sure to squeeze not too tightly as she did. Jane grinned in the background. He was learning so quickly! It had gone well so far. Paul was also thoughtful enough to have ordered a light dinner for them consisting of finger food and fruit along with a variety of drinks. He knew Tarzan was not yet ready for a full sit-down dinner with utensils. He wanted him to be at ease while eating. They were all ravenous as they had not eaten since that morning and Tarzan not at all for a while, although he did tell Paul he had feasted on a small rodent on his way to Paul’s estate. While they ate, each described their adventures in the jungle. Tarzan observed everything and was able to follow along although he did not participate too much in the conversation. Paul told Jane how everything went downhill after her disappearance. Richard Clayton had been in such a dark mood that everyone avoided him. All of the students tried to continue with their assignments but did not really have their hearts in it. Finally, Clayton told them that everything possible had been done so the expedition was over and they would return home. “We protested that we had not had enough time to explore the areas beyond the grids to find you but Mr. Clayton was adamant. We were to return immediately. We had no choice but to comply.“ Jane narrated her adventures next. She told them about the swamp and of her rescue by Tarzan, of the time spent at the cabin, of meeting Kala, and then returning to base camp only to find it abandoned. “Oh Paul! You can’t imagine how I felt. If it hadn’t been for Tarzan assuring me that he would take me to find my people, I would have given up right there and then.” The phone rang and Paul went to answer it. He returned quickly to let everyone know that Nancy, Cecil and William were coming over. They had just learned that Jane was alive and back in town! They couldn’t wait to see her! Soon the room was filled with the “gang” – all of them talking at the same time! Jane retold her tale. Tarzan was introduced. Everyone was so grateful to Tarzan for all he had done for her and Paul. Of course, he never thought he had done anything special except to protect his love. He was a little uncomfortable with all of the compliments he was receiving. They also talked about Tarzan’s unsuccessful abduction. Paul had already made arrangements for an attorney to provide the legal papers that would provide him with a visa and passport. Tarzan was now protected from any further attempts to bring him into the US as a sub-human specimen or an alien life form. He also wanted Tarzan to meet with his Aunt Kathleen Clayton who could prove to be a powerful ally in case Richard tried to do something underhanded. Paul indicated that he had given Tarzan a suite of rooms near his own. But Tarzan had other ideas. He turned to Jane. “I came for you. I will stay with you, Jane.” He stated matter-of-factly. Nikki gave him a stern look. She knew nothing about him yet other than he was has rescued her sister but that he was uneducated, wild and unpredictable. He acted as if he were already a major part of her sister’s life. “That is not possible,” Nikki replied for Jane in a firm voice. “Jane lives with me. She goes to school. It would not be proper.” She didn’t know if he would accept the word “proper” but it seemed to fit. “What is ‘proper’?” “It means that there are rules to live by in this society. These rules must not be broken or else bad things can happen.” Nikki was having difficulty explaining to this man. Jane, realizing that her sister was loosing patience,
spoke to Tarzan. She reminded him of their plan for him – to establish
his birthright and to join the civilized world. He looked into her eyes.
He wanted to please her so much. He saw from her look that she meant to
stick to that plan. He sighed and reluctantly agreed to stay at Paul’s
place as long as he could find her. As the day wore on, Tarzan became antsy. After all those hours cooped up in the cage and now with all of these people, he needed to be free. He left to make a preliminary exploration of the Santa Monica Mountains. Tarzan knew that Jane was safe and would go home in a little while. But she told him she would return. If she couldn’t come to him, he would go hunt for her. Either way, he knew he could always find her. He was the best tracker and hunter in the jungle. His attention span varied depending upon his focus on a particular subject. At this moment, his subject was the wilderness behind the estate. After giving Jane a sweet kiss on her cheek, he took off to explore it. All of them were amazed at how gracefully and quickly he moved once he made a decision. This gave Jane a chance to speak privately with Nancy to share information. Nancy indicated she had found something very interesting in Richard’s yurk just before they left. “Gosh, Jane. I stumbled on something but I don’t really know what it is. I was in the main tent – the one used as a conference room and Mr. Clayton’s apartment. Well, there were all sorts of things from his room that were being packed and were scattered all over the place. I wandered in trying to do some sleuthing. I saw a thick file opened to a specific page. Jane, it had the names of people who are in the news – Bin Laden, -Tailban types! I don’t know it’s purpose but I took a photo of that page with my cell phone camera. The quality isn’t too good but you still can read it.” She continued with more animation. “Anyway, I had just put my cell phone away when Mr. Clayton walked into the room! I was terrified! He didn’t look too pleased to find me there. I told him the only thing I could think of that I was looking for my mother’s broach. I couldn’t leave without it as it was a special gift from her. He said I should not be in that area and told me to leave. I’m not sure he believed me but I didn’t wait to find out. I ran out of there as fast as I could! What do you think that list means, Jane?” “Well, Nanc, I’m not sure. But I think Richard Clayton is involved in selling bio-chemicals on the black market to whoever wants them at the highest price. I believe that the original plant found by John Clayton, Sr. was left dormant all these years and reactivated when Richard Clayton found he could make lots of money off of it. His brother had been sent by the CIA to locate that plant. He may have even made a report to the CIA before an ape killed him and his wife. “ Jane explained. “Nanc, I also have something. I haven’t yet opened it. I found an envelope addressed to Richard Clayton and stamped “Confidential”. Let’s get together to open it. I haven’t yet told Nikki. Let’s keep this information to ourselves –oh, maybe we can tell Paul and Cecil. I don’t want Nikki getting upset with us. And we need more evidence.” “But that list. Doesn’t it make the link?” asked Nancy. “No, not alone. We have to actually catch Clayton making the sale.” “He’s too smart for that. He’ll have others do it and cover his tracks,” said Nancy. “We ought to show what we have to Nikki. She can be trusted to do the right thing.” “Oh well, I suppose you’re right. I’ll tell with her later,” Jane promised. They returned to the group to continue their reunion. Paul too had been busy. He shared his findings with the others. “I’ve been able to run those 5-1/4 inch diskettes I took from the cave. It wasn’t easy finding hardware that could do run them but I did. They are the diaries of John Clayton and his wife Alice. I have the photo album too. I’m sure there is a DNA test we can give Tarzan that will prove that he is John Clayton, Jr. I am going to ask his aunt Kathleen to meet him tomorrow. I think she is anxious to know if she has another living relative than Richard.” “What are in those diaries?” asked Jane with interest. “Well,” continued Paul. “They tell about their explorations in the area. They found a drug-making plant hidden in the jungle. It’s not clear if they had enough time to report this back to the CIA. They described their life in the jungle – basically happy but dangerous. They loved their young son very much and made frequent entries about him. Their deaths were an accident of the jungle. John describes the attacks of apes. They had locked the cabin and hidden in the cave one time and the apes went away. There was one particularly large ape who seemed to have it in for them even though they had done nothing to arouse it. We can assume that’s the one who broke in one day and killed them. I believe Tarzan called him Kerchak. Tarzan also said that he had killed this ape when he was a teenager! He did it to win the kingship of the tribe. What a guy! “ “Yes he is a very remarkable person,” answered Jane thoughtfully. She was remembering Tarzan’s fight with Tublat for her. He was capable of explosions of extreme violence yet he was usually controlled and gentle most of the time. Her feelings were beginning to rise again. Was she in love with him? She didn’t know. She sighed and came back to the present. It was time to go. They said their good-byes with promises to get together again within the next few days. Jane and Nikki returned to their apartment. Jane lost no time in opening the “confidential” envelope in the privacy of her bedroom. She was careful to open it in such a manner that she could close it without anyone suspecting it. She was shocked at what she read. It was the outline of the entire biochemical sale with names of specific buyers and a timetable for each sale. That type of information would not have been left so carelessly. Was it a real document? She began to speculate if she would be suspected as the thief. After all, she was the only passenger on that private jet. This brought a chill to her. She’d better tell Nikki because she was getting too deeply involved. “Nikki,” she asked as she sat on the living room sofa. “Can I share something with you?” She then told her sister everything she knew and showed her the document. Nikki was very upset. Her sister’s amateur sleuthing might cost her her life! These were people who played for keeps. How should she handle it and keep her sister out of it? She’d consult with her partner, Sam, and with her captain. “You really put yourself in a mess this time,” she fumed. “Why can’t you do the normal things a person your age does? I don’t know what to do. You’ve put yourself in a lot of danger. Well, I’ll speak with my captain and take your stolen document to him. He’ll know what to do.”
The balcony window swung open. “Paul, there are strange creatures in your jungle,” announced Tarzan as he returned from his exploration with something draped on his shoulder. “I saw a small rat-like creature with a long curly tail, Sabor the lioness but smaller than the ones in my jungle, and a thing that looks like Dango the Hyena but smaller and much less fierce. Here, I hunted for you!” and, with that, dropped a dead deer onto the tiled floor. Paul stepped back a few feet. “Oh! Tarzan, thanks but we don’t hunt here. We go to a grocery store and buy what we need to eat. The deer are protected and are not to be hunted,” explained Paul.
“I will learn about your world and how to be in it but not right now,” grinned Tarzan as if he could read Paul’s thoughts. Paul called the chef and told him to take what was remaining of the deer and do something with it. He suggested that it be cut up and frozen for future meals. “Tarzan, I have to teach you how to live in society. It’s important for your future. We will start right away.” So began lessons in how to dress, how to eat correctly , how people got their food, how to cross a street, and lots of other basic things that Tarzan would need to survive in this new jungle. Tarzan was an adept student and was soon able to navigate through some of the general things within two concentrated weeks. He learned how to eat with utensils although he preferred using his hands, how to dress correctly, and improved his speaking and vocabulary skills. He could just barely pass as a “civilized” person with a few slip ups now and again. But God help the one who appeared, however slightly, to threaten those he cared for. He made a formidable protector. Paul had to be a referee on more than one occasion. But Tarzan was slowly learning. After several weeks, Paul felt that Tarzan was ready to meet his aunt now. His first inclination had been to bring him to her the very next day of his arrival. But Tarzan needed to have a little more polish before meeting his formidable aunt. Jane, in the meantime, visited him when her studies permitted and helped him with his lessons. He was always more responsive to her than to other tutors. She admired the progress he was making and knew it was for love of her that he was accomplishing what seemed to be the impossible in so short a time. She had a special bond with him – not just a first-love bond but a deeper, more meaningful one. She was coming to the realization that she wanted him near and in her life. Still, a part of her resisted. He was still uneducated, uncouth, unskilled at the normal things expected of a man his age. He was innocent and naïve and reacted without thinking. Would he ever be able to rise to her level? Could she sink to his? She didn’t know. All she knew was that she was extremely happy when she was with him. That would have to be enough for now. She still had her own goals to fulfill. She would try to fit him into those goals as time passed. Tarzan was happier than he had been in years. Although he wanted more of Jane, he was grateful for whatever time and friendship Jane offered him. He was confident he would win her over. He always was victorious in his hunts. This hunt for a mate was no different to him. He only had to wait her out and he was a patient hunter. **************** One day he decided to pay her a visit at the college. Jane was about to sit down on a bench under a tree to have lunch when he dropped down and nearly scared her to death! “I have missed you today so I came to find you,” he told her as he got very close and held her chin in his hand. “Tarzan, you have to let me know you are around. Make a noise or something. You scared me.” “But I DID make noise. He asked innocently. “I made noise with the branches to let you know I was here. Didn’t you hear it?” “Well, no, I didn’t. I guess I don’t have such good hearing as you do,” she laughed. “But you can’t stay here. Don’t you have lessons to do?” “I do not want to do lessons today. I want to be with you,” he said in an almost childish, pouty way. “Well, you can’t be with me. I have classes and then the school newspaper to work on. You can come to my apartment tonight. I have a study session at my place. Nikki is working on a case so she won’t be home until early morning. You make sure to bring your studies with you so we can go over them. OK?” He seemed disappointed, but didn’t ask about the meaning of “study session”. Reluctantly he said ok . She shared her lunch with him. Then she turned to go to class while he took off towards the mountains. Later that evening, he appeared on her balcony, opened the French doors, and went into her bedroom. He could hear others talking in the main room. Jane entered her room to get something and was a little taken back to find Tarzan there. “Oh Hi! You came. I wasn’t expecting you come in from here.” She said. “You really need to learn to use the door.” “You told me to come. I brought some of my studies so you could help me. Who are those people? ” he asked with some caution in his voice. “They are my friends. Remember I said I was having a study session? You met them too – Nancy, William, and Cecil. Come on in. They can help you too.” He seemed hesitant. “I wanted to see you alone. I do not like meeting people. I do not like doing my studies with others.” “Oh come on,” she coaxed. “They won’t bite you. After all, you are king of the jungle and fear nothing.” She grinned that she was able to use some of his own words against him. And with that she took him by the hand before he had a chance to make his own move and led him into the living room. “Look who just dropped by, people!” she exclaimed, and turning to him said, “Tarzan, I want you already met my friends at Paul’s but I’ll introduce you again. It’s good practice for you.” Having learned how to greet new people, Tarzan shook hands with each of them but in such stiff, formal manner that Jane’s face lit up in a grin. He noticed that immediately and misinterpreted her emotion. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked, concerned he had gotten this introduction thing incorrectly. “No, Tarzan. You were prefect. I just .. well, I’m so proud of you. It made me very happy. You greeted them so properly and formally.” She ended there not really explaining why she had smiled. The others had not heard this exchange but were eager to make Tarzan comfortable. Cecil was the first to speak. “Hey, Tarzan, Jane said you brought some of your lessons with you tonight. Each of us will gladly help you with them.” He offered. “Thank you. I will try to learn from you but I prefer Jane to help me.” He replied. They laughed at that and started helping him. Tarzan was a good observer and an even better mimic. He learned best by copying the actions and body language of others. The evening went well. He decided that these people were earnest in their offer of assistance and he liked them. They didn’t know it but they had made a formidable friend in Tarzan. They had become part of his new extended family and were now under his protection. He stayed behind when the others left. He wanted to be near the only person who meant the world to him. He approached her from behind and put his arms gently around her waist. She responded by moving closer into his muscular body and resting her head against his chest. He nuzzled her hair and neck, sniffing her scent into his soul. “What’s going to become of me?” she asked dreamily, more to herself than to him. “I have so many things I want to do. Now, I’m not sure.” “I want you to be with me forever,” he replied in a low, husky voice. She twisted around to face him and put her arms around his neck. They looked into each other’s eyes. He bent his head towards her while she pulled him down to her. They kissed slowly, longingly, passionately. They were feeling each other’s body. Just then, Tarzan tensed. “What the matter?” asked Jane as she had come to know that change in him. “Is someone coming?” “Yes. It is Nikki.” “Oh, you’d better go Right now!.” She cried. “Nikki can’t find you in my bedroom. Now go!” and she pushed him towards French doors. Then she ran into the living room, closing the bedroom door behind her. ‘Please, please leave.’ She prayed under her breath. ‘I don’t want a scene here. Nikki will kill me if she found out that you came over like that.’ Nikki entered and told her that a Fed-X delivery person had followed her up. He asked for Jane’s signature for a bulky package. Jane sat down on the sofa to open it. She wasn’t expecting anything and in fact this was the first such package she had ever received. Her face lit up when she started reading the cover letter. “Oh Nikki. Listen to this!” Her voice was so excited. “I’ve been selected from all of the second year journalism majors to get a scholarship. But the best part is that I get to represent the college at this year’s Oscars! I’ll have Press credentials and everything! Is this a dream or what!” “Slow down,” said her cautious older sister. “What’s the catch?” “This is legit. It has the signature of the Chancellor and the seal of the college. They’ve even made arrangements for me to go on Rodeo Drive to a beauty salon, a couture salon to get an evening gown – Versace no less! Oh my God! And then Harry Winston will provide jewelry! Oh tell me this isn’t a dream! Please pinch me so I know it’s real! I can’t wait to tell Nancy and the others! “I want to do a little fishing around to find out about this. I’ve never heard of this college giving this kind of scholarship before,” said Nikki. “Oh don’t be a spoil sport, Nikki. You always see the dark side of things. I am going to the Oscars as a legitimate reporter! I’ll get to meet all of the winners and everybody in Hollywood!” “Ok.” She relented. “Congratulations! I didn’t mean to rain on your parade. But just so you know, I will be on an undercover detail at the Oscars myself. I didn’t want to tell you before since I could not take you along. But now, we’ll almost be together.” “Oh! Nikki, that’s wonderful! They say they have a stretch limo coming to pick me up and that I could bring three friends. I know which ones -- Nancy, Paul and Cecil. They are all in journalism too. Cecil can be my escort while Paul and Nancy can team up. We’ll bring our camera equipment so we can do a direct feed from the Kodak Theater to the college’s cable station!” “You’re forgetting one thing, or person.” “Who? I think I’ve covered everything.” “How about Tarzan?” Nikki asked. She had seen the growing friendship between them and guessed that it was progressing beyond that into a new romance. He was not a person to be ignored. “What about Tarzan? He has nothing to do with this. I’m going as a reporter on an assignment. He’ll understand that. I’ll even give him an assignment too -- to watch from home and let me know how I appear – did I ask the right questions? how did I look? That sort of thing. That way he’ll participate even though he won’t be coming along.” Nikki was not convinced. “Well, it’s a plan.” She said. Jane was so excited that she got on the phone with Nancy to let her know. The two friends talked long into the night about their clothes and makeup and who they would see at the Oscars. Jane was so happy. She went into her bedroom well into the early morning hours to get some sleep. Out on the balcony, her visitor continued to ponder what he had overheard. ‘What are the Oscars? I will ask Paul. I have never seen her so very happy. But she said I had nothing to do with this. Why? Is she ashamed of me?’ He would have to ask her. He slipped away into the darkness to return to Paul’s place. ********* “I see.” He said. “She got the package by now. Make sure the other arrangements have been made. I want no slip-ups this time.” He was planning a major lifestyle change. Jane was the most important part of it. He wanted his new persona to fit the new goals he was setting for himself but before that could happen he had to divest himself of his past. The document containing incriminating evidence against him was missing. A careless employee had left it on the plane. Now it was gone. He needed to find it. His new goal now was to give it to the CIA almost like his brother John. He had interrogated all of crew of the plane so only one other person remained. But why would she take it? Now he also had an unexpected rival to contend – one as formidable as he was but in a different way. This rival had many attributes he lacked -- truthfulness, honesty, decency, sense of fair play, and most importantly, pure innocence. He had kept track of Jane since her return. He knew she was seeing this creature who claimed to be his long, lost nephew. If his previous plans had not gone awry, he wouldn’t have to consider him at all. He had been furious when he learned that his nephew had escaped at the Van Nuys airport. He had planned to keep him imprisoned long enough to brainwash him to accept Richard’s authority. Then, Richard would assume guardianship over him and more importantly over the John Clayton Trust. He needed the Trust money to get out of a mess he had gotten himself into. Rokkoff had a lot of explaining to do and would be arriving within the next few days. *********************** The next morning, Paul and Tarzan were having breakfast on the terrace. “What are the Oscars?” asked Tarzan. “They are awards given out for the best movies and the best work done for a movie. You know what movies are because we’ve watched them on my home theater. It is a very big event. Why do you ask?” “I saw something on TV about them and I just wanted to know,” he answered evasively. “Well, my folks always get an invitation to them but seldom go because of the crowds and press coverage.” Paul said. Tarzan brightened at this. “Can WE go?” he asked. Paul teased. “It is a very formal night. You’d have to wear a tuxedo. You remember that black suit with the white, stiff shirt. Why the sudden interest?” “Jane. I overhead her talking with her sister Nikki. She got a package that told her she was invited. I want to go because she is going.” “You know you should not have been eavesdropping -- listening in -- on her conversation. That was private so don’t let her know you did it. She will be mad with you.” “If I hadn’t listened to their conversation, I would not have found out.” He didn’t see the need for privacy. “I’m not sure you are ready for that kind of “coming out” party,” laughed Paul. “It’s pretty hectic. Jane cannot be with you anyway because she will be interviewing each actor. It’s not a good idea.” Tarzan was disappointed but no matter how hard he tried to convince Paul to attend, Paul refused. Paul also emphasized that Tarzan could not show up in casual attire or even less and embarrass Jane in front of the other reporters. That seemed to make a point with Tarzan. Finally, he accepted the fact that he was not going to the Oscars.
Paul decided to take Tarzan to Carroll and Sons on Canon Drive to get some clothes. Paul bought most of his clothes there as had most of the males in his family for over three generations. They had a private appointment with the staff. He asked them to bring out suits as well as casual attire. After many fittings that made Tarzan begin to loose patience, they left the store with Tarzan dressed in casual slacks and a silk shirt. Paul even got him to wear a pair of Birkenstocks! He made his biggest coup by taking Tarzan to a barber to have his hair styled and cut somewhat. It took all of Paul’s skills to make Tarzan sit still while his hair was washed, cut, and styled. His hair was still long in the back but only to his neck and the front was shaped to make his bangs more controlled. In the end, he actually liked the freedom it gave him. He could shake his head and not have his hair fall into his line of sight. The hunter in him appreciated this. More important, Jane was very pleased with the results. “I want you to make a good impression on your Aunt Kathleen, tomorrow, Tarzan. She is a very important person in this community and in your life in particular. You must be on your best behavior. She has to become your ally so that no one can dispute your claim of being John Clayton’s son. No climbing on furniture, no eating with your hands. Understand? This is very important.” Paul had had an exhausting morning with Tarzan. “Yes, Paul. I will try to behave myself,” replied a sheepish Tarzan. “I don’t want to be correcting you all the time. I’m your friend, not your keeper. You are a diamond in the rough. I’m just trying to polish you up. But when you meet your aunt, you have to do more than “try”. You have to act as if everything you do is natural to you – not newly learned. That’s why we practice so hard all of the time - to make it natural.” “I know, Paul, and I am very grateful to you for helping me. I am sorry if I slip back. I will behave myself as you would want me to. I promise.” The next day they drove to Kathleen’s estate which was next door to Paul’s. It had the same lush landscaping that “Dynasty” had and also bordered on the mountains. While Paul’s estate was a large, rambling Spanish style affair, Kathleen’s was a compact Tudor style with pitched, slate gabled rooflines, and very formal appearance—almost like Wuthering Heights. A servant answered the door and led them through the foyer which led down to the entry hall and into a sunny, glassed-in, arched portico with a large patio beyond. The sunny, airy place made Tarzan feel less confined. Kathleen swept in from another room off the main hall. She looked Tarzan over and was astonished. “My God! John! You’ve come back!” she cried, then, “No you are a little different. But you are the spitting image of my brother John! Welcome home, John, Jr.” “I am called Tarzan.” He corrected but accepted her hug and light kiss on his cheek. They sat together to talk and learn to know each other. Tarzan gave a brief account of his life among the apes – “Kala adopted me. I lived with Kerchak’s tribe. I fought Kerchak and killed him. I found the cabin and the books. I taught myself to read and write. I saw my own kind for the first time when I met Paul and Jane. Now I came here to be with Jane. I love her.” “Well,” said Kathleen. “That was quite a story.” “It was not a story. It was the truth,” he responded. It made Kathleen smile to see him so determined to set the record straight. ‘Like father, like son.’ She told herself. “So, you had a different life.” She smiled. “ Well you don’t seem the poorer for it. Do you remember your parents at all?” she asked. “No, only a few things make me think I know but the feeling goes away. I know Richard Clayton’s scent. I don’t know how. Do you?” “His scent?” “Yes everyone and everything has its own scent. I can find you by that.” He explained. “Well, you might know his scent as you say because he always visited with you when you were a child. You and Richard were very close at one time. He played with you and took you to the zoo to see the animals.” “The scent memory is not a happy one. Do you know why? “No I do not. You and your uncle were always friends. Of course I knew your father. I was the youngest of the three of us. He was my idol. I loved him very much. I was devastated when he disappeared and did not return. Come, I’ll show you his quarters. We all lived in this house. I even have photo albums. Do you want to see them?” “Yes. I would like that.” “Before we start on the tour, I want to thank you Paul for all you have done for Joh—Tarzan. Your attorney did an excellent job of preparing the court documents. Tarzan can be legally declared as the heir to the John Clayton Trust just as soon as the court sets a date. You are a true friend.” Kathleen spoke from her heart. “Tarzan deserves this as it is his birthright. He rescued me so I have a deep obligation to him but more than that I have come to respect and love him as if he were my own brother.” Responded Paul warmly. Tarzan observed the two people who were now so important in his new life and listened to their testimonials. “I have known only a few people but I know that Paul will always be my first and best friend. He has given me the gift of speech and teaches me how to act among humans. I owe him everything,” said Tarzan earnestly. Kathleen agreed to assist her nephew. After showing them John Clayton, Sr.’s wing, she offered to provide a suite of rooms for Tarzan so he could live with his family. Paul left the decision to Tarzan but really wanted him to stay with him. He did not know if Kathleen’s motives were genuine. For all he knew, she may be in league with Richard in trying to get their nephew under control. But still, she was his closest living relative while Paul was not. But Tarzan then spoke, “I will stay with Paul for a while until I know you better.” “Very well, you know what’s best for you,” said Kathleen. She was a little disappointed but realized that it was too soon for him to trust her. “I want you to know that there will always be a place for you in this house.” “Thank you, A-Aunt Kathleen,” smiled Tarzan. At least he was acknowledging her as his relative. The photo albums had to be brought down from the attic. They would view them together at another time as it was getting late.. As they left, Paul’s cell phone rang. He spoke briefly into the device. He told Tarzan that Jane had called and was very excited. She was going to The Oscars! The gang would be meeting at Paul’s house to learn the details. “Now remember, Tarzan, don’t let on that you know this already, OK” said Paul “OK,” a reluctant Tarzan replied. He didn’t like keeping secrets from Jane but also knew he would be in trouble if he told her he had stayed and listened to her conversation with her sister. ‘Paul is right. I will not say anything to Jane. ’ Chapter 7 – Preparing for The Oscars Jane burst into the media room with Nancy trailing behind her. Paul, Tarzan, Cecil, and William were already there. She was so animated and happy that she glowed. Tarzan had never seen her so radiant. She also didn’t notice that Tarzan did not react as surprised and pleased as the others. She attributed this to his lack of knowledge about the event. “It’s a chance of a lifetime! Image! Me! Attending the Oscars! All that pampering and the evening gown and jewelry! It’s all a dream!” “Hi Jane,” said Hazel Strong, another close friend who had arrived at Paul’s house and one who was a fashion design major. “I am so happy for you.” “Haz, I am going to go on Rodeo Drive to pick my wardrobe! And I’m going to meet all of the movie stars, be photographed with them, and interview them!” “This is huge!” exclaimed Nancy. “And I’m going along as the cameraman or camera-person! I am so pumped! But I can’t afford Rodeo Drive like our ‘ace reporter’ here so I’ll have to go shopping at The Rack, Marshall’s, or someplace, maybe a used evening gown store.” “If I can make a suggestion,” said Hazel. “I AM a fashion design major and I just happen to have some fabulous evening gowns I created for my own fashion show that’s part of my final. Why don’t you pick one of them, Nancy?” “Great idea! Hey, Jane, why don’t you select one too?,” suggested Nancy. Jane really warmed to that idea. “It would be such a great chance to showcase work done by another person from the college! And specifically give you, Hazel, some much needed publicity! I think it’s a perfect plan. I’m sure the sponsors will not object.” Never one to miss a potential opportunity, Hazel just happened to have her sketches in her car and with to get them. She spread them on a large table and asked both Jane and Nancy to choose. All girls were very animated. They started asking each other all sorts of questions, what colors were being used? What style should they select? And on and one. “Well, I guess we men had better retreat to the proverbial “smoking room”, declared Cecil. “All this girl talk is beyond us.” The men left for the more masculine confines of the bar and began talking about the latest ball game. Tarzan wanted to stay but followed the guys to the other room. He realized that men and women did not always stay together, and there were some talks that were only for females. “Paul, why is this so special for Jane?” he asked trying to understand her joy. “It is a great honor. For her personally and for the college. She will be a reporter with all of the privileges that come with that. But because this is special, she will arrive in the limousine just like the stars. She will be escorted down the Red Carpet. She will be photographed in her evening gown by photographers from all over the world. She’ll have the use of a special press lounge during the telecast at her disposal that contains a groaning board of food. Every movie star will be interviewed by her and she will be photographed with them. After all that, she will go to several balls and parties. She will be the center of attention! What woman wouldn’t be excited about that!” “And she wants all of this attention?“ asked Tarzan. “Every woman does,” interjected Cecil. “Tarzan, my man, a woman just loves to get dressed up to go to a formal event. But it means that we men have to wear a tuxedo -- one of the most uncomfortable suites ever invented! I think women like us to wear it just to torture us.” And the others all laughed. Tarzan didn’t get the joke. “We will be able to watch everything on the TV, Tarzan, so you won’t be left out. And you’ll be comfortable.” “Jane has not yet given me an assignment. Maybe she forgot,” replied Tarzan. “I’m sure she didn’t forget. Remember to act surprised – that you don’t know about it.” reminded Paul. Paul was correct. The ladies completed their conversation and joined the men. Jane took Tarzan and Paul aside. “I have a job for both of you. We will be able to send a direct feed to the college’s cable station so you can monitor it from your TV, Paul. I want you and Tarzan to watch me when I’m on camera and give me a report on how I did. Paul, you know what I mean. I know Tarzan will only give me a great review but I need to know if I spoke distinctly, if I asked the right questions, and was I projecting a reporter’s look. You know what I mean.” She ended. “Yes I do,” said Paul laughingly. “Tarzan and I will stick like glue to the screen when you’re on. Right, Tarzan.” He nudged Tarzan. Tarzan looked directly at Jane. “Yes. You are so happy. I will watch TV for you. I want to come with you but you know what is best.” “Thank you, Tarzan,” she said. “I’ll tell you all the behind the scenes stuff the later.” |