Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 19:31:45 EST From: Freda Whaley 904-944-0550 Subject: One Leap over the Moonies p.11 Message-Id: Part Eleven Three days later Sam's psychiatrist had a long talk with Jonny's father. Al's prediction that the doctor would come to the conclusion that Sam was sane held up. "Mr. Preston, I know you're worried about your son, but we can't hold him any longer. There isn't anything wrong with him." Johnny's father paced back and forth. "If you release him he'll go back to those damn Moonies." "I doubt that very much. He has a very strong desire to be at home with you. He's not a minor you know. I can't sign papers keeping him in your custody when I can't find anything mentally wrong with him. Except for a strange fear of mental hospitals he's fine." "You say he wants to come home with me even if he legally doesn't have to? "Yes, and I don't believe he's trying to pull a fast one either. Relax Mr. Preston. Take your son home and get to know each other again." Sam was pleasantly surprised to find himself back at Jonny's house. Al was taking a much needed break back at the project with Tina. Sam was very thankful for his hologram friend. Al had stayed by his side the whole time he was in St. Mathews. He looked up as Jonny's father came into the room. Smiling shyly Sam said hello to him. Mr. Preston was carrying some forms and what looked like College catalogs. "Son I think it's time we get these filled out. You do still plan on going to college don't you?" Taken by surprise Sam muttered an "I guess so." He reached for the catalogs. "Just look these over and let me know what you think." As he left the room Al arrived. "How's it going Sam?" He held up the catalogs as he said, "Look what I'm suppose to go through. How am I suppose to pick a college for Jonny? I need to leap so he can do his own choosing. Any idea why I haven't leap?" Talking around the cigar in his mouth Al said, "Ziggy,s not sure. She thinks that things may have to be a little more settled and then you'll leap." "But I don't know what college to choose. I don't even know what he wanted to major in." Al punched some keys on the handlink and then taking the cigar out of his mouth said, "Jonny's told Dr. Beeks that he wanted to go to Ashland College in Ashland, Ohio. It's a small college run by the Brethren Church. It's free of cults so it would make a good choice." About an hour later Sam was in the sitting room with Jonny's father. He was having a hard time convincing him to let him go away to college. All the catalogs he had been given were all in his home town or close by. "Look Dad. There aren't any cults on campus. It's a small town and the dorms have strict rules. I'll be fine." "Son...." "Come on dad. The place is perfect. Small town, small college, good reputation. You've got to trust me sometime." Sam could be very persuasive when he wanted to be. Al grinned. It was good to see someone else on the other end of that smile for a change. "Okay son. I give up. Ashland College it is. But I want you calling home twice a week or I'll be down there checking on you." Laughing Sam gave Mr. Preston a big bear hug. He looked over at Al just in time to see him wave goodby as he felt the tingling start of a leap.