Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 11:36:16 GMT -6
{OOC- This is a tribute to my best friend that passed away in 2001. Changed me for the better, only fitting to have something similar effect the course of Nostalgia’s life. Hope you enjoy. Many of these details have basis in truth. Except the major part. Yeah, I never did that. Once you read it, you’ll understand.)
Johnny: Hey Leonardo. I really like your shirt. I love the Macho Man.
(Leonardo looks up at Johnny and stares blankly for a few seconds.)
Leo(doing his best Macho Man impression): OOOOOOh YEAH!!!!! Macho Man is the…(Leo pauses awkwardly for a second) MAN!
Johnny: So much cooler than the Hulkster.
Leo- Wow. You think so too. He is cool and all. But he is boring. He has like 5 moves or less.
Johnny: I know right. Ultimate Warrior has at least 7.
Leo- Oh man. I love the Ultimate Warrior. Like Hulkster, his body image is his selling point, not his talent. But I love love love his intensity.
Johnny: I never thought about it like that. But who is your favorite now?
(Johnny takes a seat across from Leonardo, eager to hear his answer.)
Leo: That’s though. Undertaker may literally be the most awesome character ever.
Johnny: Holy crap, the first time I saw him I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. He looked so…
Leo: Like he was the first zombie?
(Johnny chuckes) Johnny: Or something really close to that. I love watching HBK.
Leo: That reminds me , Diesel is a monster too. I wish I grew up to be as big as them. Would make becoming a WWE superstar easier.
Johnny: Wait a second, you want to become a wrestler too? I want to become a wrestler.
Leo: I have all the Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumbles from all the way back to 1994. You could come watch.
(Leo realized he juts invited someone to his house for ther very first time. A thousand thoughts are running through his mind. He starts to perspire.)
Johnny: Are you kidding? I would so watch them for days straight, if my parents would let me stay over. I have never seen your house or your parents actually. Are you sure they will be cool with?
(Leo gets a solemn look on his face as he closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths.)
Leo- So please please please don’t tell anyone. But, my parents died when I was just 2 years old.
Johnny: I…umm..I am so sorry Leonardo. I didn’t know. How come no one knows?
Leo- You can call me Leo. Can I call you Johnny?
Johnny- Only if you add Blaze to it.
(Leo has a look of confusion)
Johnny: Ghost Rider. Do you like comics?
Leo- I have never read a comic before. I read mostly novels. But no one knows because my Guardian, Mr.Dimevalue, he always attends as my father. Mr.Dimevalue is the coolest. He tells the craziest stories. He used to be a spy or something.
Johnny: NO WAY!
(The end of lunch bell rings.)
Johnny: Hey Leo. Can we hang during Recess today?
Leo: Really? Yeah that would be cool. Johnny Blaze.
(The two give each other an awkward high-five, Leo’s first high-five, Mr. Dimevalue does not high-five. As they head back to class, Johnny is telling Leonardo about Marvel and DC comics.)
It is the summer before freshman year, well for Leo because he skipped a few grades. Johnny and Leonardo have been basically inseparable since the day they first became friends. Mr.Dimevalue was not happy with the education system’s ability to challenge Leonardo in the classroom. After 5th grade, Mr. Dimevalue decided to home-school Leonardo. This would not stop Johnny and Leo from spending weeks on end together. Their favorite activities were watching WWF and WCW. Leo would always let Johnny put him in the Figure Four, Sharpshooter, and whatever other move they found cool. One time they set up some matresses in the 2nd floor living, and put a table on top. Johnny laid on the table as Leo climbed the staircase to the middle step before it heads to the right and up to third floor. Leo pulls himself on top of the railing and balances himself by holding the ceiling. They two friends laugh, Johnny yells at him not to be a wimp. Leo is laughing hysterically as he leaps off the railing and executes a Frog Splash, both crashing through the table. Laughter is echoing throughout the entire floor, which drew Mr. Dimevalue’s attention, he has hearing like a bat. That was the only time Leo was punished and the first week they were not about to hang out. Mr.Dimevalue wanted to teach Leo the mantra of Spiderman..”With Great Power Comes Great Respnsibility.” So out of respect and a sense of duty, Leonardo never mentioned his collection of guns to Johnny. This punishment occurred a few weeks before the end of the schoolyear.
In the beginning of the summer of 2001. Per the request of the best friends, more like a million “Please, please,please. Can you ask them?” Mr.Dimevalue approached Mr. and Mrs. Randazzo about a joint vacation. Mr.Dimevalue made it clear all expenses would be covered, all they would need is their camping equipment. The parents gladly accepted. They knew Leo was a bit eccentric, but they knew Johnny would always be safe around Leonardo. Mr. Dimevalue and Johnny’s parents sat for dinner one night while the kids camped out back of Leonardo’s mansion. They asked Mr.Dimevalue why he decided to pull Leo from the public school. He explained Leonardo has a scary high IQ. Being bored learning at the pace of other kids is not benefit to him. Plus, he was worried the older he got, the more he would be bullied. He explained he has been teaching Leo self-defense and various martial arts to defend himself. There have been threats of kidnappings for ransom. Plus, being eccentric can attract bullies. Mr. Randazzo shared the stories, including the story about Brian, describing Leonardo’s actions caused the bullies to stop bullying. He explained to them Leo knows how to use a handgun, but will never use it or mention it to Johnny out of respect for them. Despite, their concerns, they have grown to love Leo like a son, so they agreed to the week-long camping trip.
The Day That Made Nostalgia
It is the last day of their camping trip, and all involved considered the vacation one of the best any of them ever had. They were scared about the rumors of a loose brown bear in the area. But they passed it off as gossip because bears aren’t found in Pine Barrens. They spent days kayaking, hiking the trails, making s’mores, and telling ghost stories. Mr. Dimvalue, with permission from Johnny’s parents, taught Leo and Johnny to make spears from tree branches. Needless to say swordfights ensued. Everyone was starting to get their stuff together to pack up the RV’s. Leo convinced the authority figures to let Johnny and he have one last adventure. The parents were hesitant but eventually gave in. Johnny and Leo grabbed their spears and headed into the woods.
Johnny- Where are we going?
Leo- I have not seen like any animals out here. I want to go find the Winding River and see if we can spot a deer at least. Maybe spear it.
Johnny- Gross. Don’t do that?
Leo- Don’t be such a sissy Johnny. It’s the food chain. Survival of the Fittest.
(Johnny sees a tree much wider and taller than the rest of the trees. He walks up to it and sees a message “The End is Nigh”)
Johnny: Leo, what does this mean?
Leo (as he walks over)- What does what mean? (Leonardo reads it.) Oh that is some End of the World weirdo. Don’t worry about it.
(The two hear a few loud footsteps, leaves and branches cracking. Leo signals for Johnny to climb the tree. Johnny starts to climb but is having trouble with spear, so he drops it as he hears a “Roar” come from behind the bushes. Leo instinctively grabs Johnny’s and backs himself into the tree.)
Leo- Johnny, can you reach down and grab these?
(Leo hands up one spear, Johnny grabs it and almost loses balance. Another, ear piercing “Roar” is heard and the footsteps are getting louder. Leonardo puts the spear under his chin then climbs up to the branch Johnny is on.)
Johnny- I’m scared Leo. What is it?
Leo: Don’t worry buddy, I got your back. Nothing is going to happen to you. Mr.Dimevalue has prepared for me every possible dangerous scenario.
(Another Roar rattles the branches as a huge brown bear finally stampedes out from the bushes. This scares Johnny so bad, he loses his balance and falls from the tree instantly, he is lying motionless. Leo lets out a scream/warcry. He sees the bear approaching Johnny. Leo thinks of his training by Mr. Dimevalue. He pictures Macho Man’s Elbow Drop. He thinks about the figure fours and the sharpshooters. He thinks about the day they became best friends. The bear is a mere feet from Johnny, still lying motionless. Leonardo stands up and steadies himself. He wraps his arm around his spear. He jumps off the branch, cocks back the spear, and as he lands he drives the spear into the back of the bear’s neck. The bear let’s out the loudest “Roar” yet. Leo has gone almost deaf. He sees the bear fall over, blood trickling from the point of entry. The bear gets itself up, Leo sees Johnny’s spear. He rolls over to it, and grabs it. The bear begins charging, the bear stands on its hindlegs about to pounce on Leonardo, but Leonardo using his adrenaline and rage and desperation, bursts forward and thrusts the second spear so hard into where he think is the heart of the bear, only the handle of the spear is exposed. The bear doesn’t make a sound, as is falls to its left and drops to the ground. Leonardo still suffering the madness of too many emotions at once, rips a branch off a tree and begins beating the bear in the head with it. He uses that twitch over 100 times before he drops it in exhaustion. He crawls over to Johnny, still motionless.)
Leo- Johnny! Johnny! Did you see that? I got him. I just killed a BEAR! Johnny?
(Leo rolls Johnny to his back from his side. Leo begins screaming.)
Leo- No.No.No.No.No.No.No. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Johnny come on. Come on buddy. Just a flesh wound. You can walk it off. JOHNNNY!!!!! YOU CAN”T LEAVE ME!!!!!! PLEASE JOHNNY! YOU CAN HAVE MY COMPUTER! I WILL BUY YOUR FAMILY A HOME MOVIE THEATRE! AND A DOG! YOU ALWAYS LOVED DOGS! JOhhhhNNNNNnnnY!
(Leo realizes Johnny isn’t breathing. He evaluates the body, and notices a puddle of blood surrounding Johnny’s head. Leonardo just sits there and stares his dead best friend in complete shock. It is at this moment an enchanting Great Horned Owl lands on the branch Leo has just leapt and Johnny had fallen from. Leo hears a few hoots. He looks up and locks eyes with the Great Horned Owl. He doesn’t know if it the madness of grief, but he feels connected. So many thoughts and feelings completely vanish. Leonardo has a moment of clarity. He stands up and puts out his arm. The Great Horned Owl flies over and lands on his arm. Leo does not even react to the pain of the talons pinching his skin. He is staring into the eyes of the Great Horned Owl. Leo feels it is staring into his soul. Now there is only one thought in his mind. “Make Johnny Proud.” There is shuffling in the distance. The Great Horned Owl flies off, taking a nice chunk of Leonardo’s right arm with it. Again ignoring the pain, Leonardo runs over and tears the spear from the back of the bear. He is standing over Johnny with a death stare in his eyes. After a few minutes, the adults arrive. Leonardo drops the spear and runs to Mr.Dimevalue. He wraps his arms around Mr.Dimevalue as hard as he physically can.)
Leonardo- I did everything I could. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’M SO SORRRYY!!!!!
(Mr. Randazzo and Mrs. Randazzo are hysterical. Crying, wailing, tears flowing uncontrollably. )
Mrs. Randazzo- My baby. My baby. What happened to my baby? Leo what did you do?
Leo- I didn’t do anything Miss R. I swear. I was protecting him.
Mrs. Randazzo- protecting him? Protecting? My baby is dead now. Why? So you could go explore.
(Mr. Randazzo attempts to gain his composure, for he is an analytical man and knows Leo is in as much pain as anyone)
Mr. Randazzo (voice muffled with tears in his eyes): What happened buddy? Leo you always protected him. Mr. Dimevalue told me the times you stood up to multiple bullies for him. Why? Why couldn’t you stop this?
(Leonardo has a completely withdrawn look on his face.)
Leo- Mr. and Mrs. Randazzo. I did everything I could I swear. Johnny’s my only friend. We were on our way to the Winding Ruver to try to see some deer or other animals drinking. We heard a noise, sounded like a big animal so I told Johnny to climb the tree. Because most animals can’t climb trees and Johnny and I climbed trees almost everyday. But then the bear come out of the brush and let out a roar so loud the branches shook, and Johnny fell. He fell and I couldn’t catch him. I Thought the bear was going to get him so I attacked the bear.
Mr. Randazzo (uncontrollably sobbing again)- I know you were trying to protect him. You are so brave Leo. This isn’t your fault.
Mrs. Randazzo- Yes it is. Our Johnny was a sweet boy. He would have been just if he just helped us pack. But you had to go on another adventure. Had to do what you wanted. Now my baby is dead. Oooooh GODDDDD! My baby.
Mr. Randazzo- Linda, get ahold of yourself. Leo loved Johnny more than anyone in the world. It’s not his fault. They were kids being kids. (Mr. Randazzo tries to speak but starts crying hysterically.)
Mr.Dimevalue- Leo, go get the special Sat/Com device I trained you with. We will contact the local hospital and park rangers.
(The next two hours only the sounds of nature and grief filled the air. Finally cops, paramedics, and park rangers show up. Leonardo is forced to rehash the events at least 5 more times. Finally, Mr.Dimevalue calls on his old “Army” buddies to come take care of the campers as he takes Leo home.)
(Three days later the funeral for Johnny William Randazzo was held. Over 300 classmates, parents, and teachers came to pay their respects. The entire time, Leonardo sat on the concourse of the church away from all of the other attendees. Mr. Dimevalue stood silent next to him in support. An hour later and the service has finished. The grieving crowd empties the church and head to the function at the local Country Club. Only family and Leonardo were to be there for the burial. After everyone left, Mr. Randazzo signals for Leo to come join them. A few minutes Leo has made his way next to the casket. Mr. Randazzo wraps him arm around Leo.)
Mr. Randazzo- I just wanted you to know. Johnny loved you. He had a bunch of friends, but you are the one he would brag about. You were special to him, and to us. If you ever need a shoulder or an ear. Please Leo. Remember we are here for you.
Leo- Is Miss R still mad at me?
(Mr. Randazzo hugs Leo)
Mr. Randazzo- Pay no attention to that day Leo. She was overridden with grief. She loves you like a son. She feels so bad for her behavior. She wants to take you out later this week, just the two of you. So you can tell her of the adventures of two best friends.
(Leonardo wraps him arms around Mr. Randazzo.)
Mr. Randazzo- The paulbearers are outside. The Celebration doesn’t start for another 3 hours. Take as much time as you need.
(Mr. Randazzo pats Leonardo on the back before grabbing his wife’s hand and making their way out of the room. Leonardo walks up to the casket. He sees Johnny for the first time since that day. Still, no tears.)
Leonardo- Johnny. I miss you already? What do I do now? You were the only one that got me. You were the only one that didn’t pity me because of being an orphan. You didn’t care that I am rich. You were best friend. Kindred spirit, you wouldn’t know what that means yet. But it is true. I love you Johnny. I will miss you everyday. But I decided I will accomplish our dreams for the both us. For you, I will make sure I become the greatest wrestler ever. I am going to make you proud Johnny. FUCCCKKKKKKCCKKKKKKKKKKK!
(Leonardo drops to a knee. Holding his head in his hands. Still no tears. He is pulling at his long brown hair. Even ripping chunks out. Mr. Dimevalue approaches and offers his hand. He helps Leonardo to his feet. They sit on the bench in silence for about an hour.)
Mr.Dimevalue- It is time to put him to rest Leo. The Randazzo’s have agreed to allow us to pay for a masoleum for their family right next to yours. As you asked, I have packed the Macho Man, Ultimate Warriorm, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker figures into a small box and the crew has been instructed that box is to be placed alongside Johnny.
(Leonardo musters an inaubible “thanks you.” Leo gets up and walks over to Johhny. He leans over and hugs him. And whsipers “I miss you Johnny. The Randazzo’s and the Paulbearers enter the room after Mr. Dimevalue instructed them Leo is ready. They begin the procession out of the church. Leo holding a special bar made front and center for him, leading the procession.)
Leo- I hate churches. You never make me go. Why do I have to got tonight? I have a whole bunch of Adam Sandler tapes to listen to.
Mr.Dimevalue- Leonardo, this is for your own good. A part of closure.
Leonardo- My best friend died. How is going to church going to help me get closure?
Mr.Dimevalue- They are honoring all the local Tabernacle citizens whom has passed away this year. Including Johnny.
Leonardo: Fine.
(Leonardo puts in his headphones, playing Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You” tribute to Notorious B.I.G. Within ten minutes they have arrived at the church and take their seats next to the Randazzo’s. An hour into the ceremony the Priest calls out “John William Randazzo. Gone way too soon. May his soul Rest in Peace.” That was the moment, finally Leonardo begins crying uncontrollably. The whole church knows the story, it was all over the Tabernacle Times for weeks. No one bats an eye and the ceremony continues as the cries of Leonardo echo throughout the church. After the ceremony, Leo is asked to join the Randazzo’s for the weekend at their beach house in Ocean City. Leo is very hesitant, he does not feel like he deserves their love. But Mr. Dimevalue convinces him to go. As they leave the church, Leo runs up and gives Mr. Dimevalue a hug. Mr. Dimevalue tells Leo he loves him and to have a great time telling all the stories of all the fun they had together. They part ways, Mr. Dimevalue gets into the limo as Leo heads over to enter the Randazzo limo.)
The Beginning
Leonardo Lutter and Johnny Randazzo have been best friends for 5 years now. Johnny noticed Leonardo was different, and did not have any friends. The first few months of 4th grade, Johnny would notice Leonardo always by himself during recess. Whether it was with a book, way too advanced for his age, or hoping over the fence to play in the small half acre of woods behind the school, day after day Leonardo was by himself. Johnny also noticed, despite being a smaller kid, Leonardo was never bullied. He would hear a lot of classmates talk behind Leonardo’s back. Guessing as to “What’s wrong” with him and why he is so different. The class bully, Brian, once slammed Leonardo’s books out his hand, but Leonardo simply bent over and picked up books, then stood up and gave Brian, “The Death Stare.” The next day, Brian offered Leonardo his very best Power Rangers Pog. That was the day Johnny finally decided it was time to try to befriend Leonardo. He noticed Leonardo had a “Macho Man” t-shirt on today. Being a wrestling fan, he knew that was at least one thing they would have in common. So he approached Leonardo at lunch. Normally Leonardo sat at the table alone, today Johnny decided he would accompany Leonardo. Johnny sees Leonardo unpacking his Ace Ventura Pet Detective lunch box. Johnny nervously walks up.Johnny: Hey Leonardo. I really like your shirt. I love the Macho Man.
(Leonardo looks up at Johnny and stares blankly for a few seconds.)
Leo(doing his best Macho Man impression): OOOOOOh YEAH!!!!! Macho Man is the…(Leo pauses awkwardly for a second) MAN!
Johnny: So much cooler than the Hulkster.
Leo- Wow. You think so too. He is cool and all. But he is boring. He has like 5 moves or less.
Johnny: I know right. Ultimate Warrior has at least 7.
Leo- Oh man. I love the Ultimate Warrior. Like Hulkster, his body image is his selling point, not his talent. But I love love love his intensity.
Johnny: I never thought about it like that. But who is your favorite now?
(Johnny takes a seat across from Leonardo, eager to hear his answer.)
Leo: That’s though. Undertaker may literally be the most awesome character ever.
Johnny: Holy crap, the first time I saw him I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. He looked so…
Leo: Like he was the first zombie?
(Johnny chuckes) Johnny: Or something really close to that. I love watching HBK.
Leo: That reminds me , Diesel is a monster too. I wish I grew up to be as big as them. Would make becoming a WWE superstar easier.
Johnny: Wait a second, you want to become a wrestler too? I want to become a wrestler.
Leo: I have all the Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumbles from all the way back to 1994. You could come watch.
(Leo realized he juts invited someone to his house for ther very first time. A thousand thoughts are running through his mind. He starts to perspire.)
Johnny: Are you kidding? I would so watch them for days straight, if my parents would let me stay over. I have never seen your house or your parents actually. Are you sure they will be cool with?
(Leo gets a solemn look on his face as he closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths.)
Leo- So please please please don’t tell anyone. But, my parents died when I was just 2 years old.
Johnny: I…umm..I am so sorry Leonardo. I didn’t know. How come no one knows?
Leo- You can call me Leo. Can I call you Johnny?
Johnny- Only if you add Blaze to it.
(Leo has a look of confusion)
Johnny: Ghost Rider. Do you like comics?
Leo- I have never read a comic before. I read mostly novels. But no one knows because my Guardian, Mr.Dimevalue, he always attends as my father. Mr.Dimevalue is the coolest. He tells the craziest stories. He used to be a spy or something.
Johnny: NO WAY!
(The end of lunch bell rings.)
Johnny: Hey Leo. Can we hang during Recess today?
Leo: Really? Yeah that would be cool. Johnny Blaze.
(The two give each other an awkward high-five, Leo’s first high-five, Mr. Dimevalue does not high-five. As they head back to class, Johnny is telling Leonardo about Marvel and DC comics.)
The Camping Trip
It is the summer before freshman year, well for Leo because he skipped a few grades. Johnny and Leonardo have been basically inseparable since the day they first became friends. Mr.Dimevalue was not happy with the education system’s ability to challenge Leonardo in the classroom. After 5th grade, Mr. Dimevalue decided to home-school Leonardo. This would not stop Johnny and Leo from spending weeks on end together. Their favorite activities were watching WWF and WCW. Leo would always let Johnny put him in the Figure Four, Sharpshooter, and whatever other move they found cool. One time they set up some matresses in the 2nd floor living, and put a table on top. Johnny laid on the table as Leo climbed the staircase to the middle step before it heads to the right and up to third floor. Leo pulls himself on top of the railing and balances himself by holding the ceiling. They two friends laugh, Johnny yells at him not to be a wimp. Leo is laughing hysterically as he leaps off the railing and executes a Frog Splash, both crashing through the table. Laughter is echoing throughout the entire floor, which drew Mr. Dimevalue’s attention, he has hearing like a bat. That was the only time Leo was punished and the first week they were not about to hang out. Mr.Dimevalue wanted to teach Leo the mantra of Spiderman..”With Great Power Comes Great Respnsibility.” So out of respect and a sense of duty, Leonardo never mentioned his collection of guns to Johnny. This punishment occurred a few weeks before the end of the schoolyear.
In the beginning of the summer of 2001. Per the request of the best friends, more like a million “Please, please,please. Can you ask them?” Mr.Dimevalue approached Mr. and Mrs. Randazzo about a joint vacation. Mr.Dimevalue made it clear all expenses would be covered, all they would need is their camping equipment. The parents gladly accepted. They knew Leo was a bit eccentric, but they knew Johnny would always be safe around Leonardo. Mr. Dimevalue and Johnny’s parents sat for dinner one night while the kids camped out back of Leonardo’s mansion. They asked Mr.Dimevalue why he decided to pull Leo from the public school. He explained Leonardo has a scary high IQ. Being bored learning at the pace of other kids is not benefit to him. Plus, he was worried the older he got, the more he would be bullied. He explained he has been teaching Leo self-defense and various martial arts to defend himself. There have been threats of kidnappings for ransom. Plus, being eccentric can attract bullies. Mr. Randazzo shared the stories, including the story about Brian, describing Leonardo’s actions caused the bullies to stop bullying. He explained to them Leo knows how to use a handgun, but will never use it or mention it to Johnny out of respect for them. Despite, their concerns, they have grown to love Leo like a son, so they agreed to the week-long camping trip.
The Day That Made Nostalgia
August 5, 2001.
Johnny- Where are we going?
Leo- I have not seen like any animals out here. I want to go find the Winding River and see if we can spot a deer at least. Maybe spear it.
Johnny- Gross. Don’t do that?
Leo- Don’t be such a sissy Johnny. It’s the food chain. Survival of the Fittest.
(Johnny sees a tree much wider and taller than the rest of the trees. He walks up to it and sees a message “The End is Nigh”)
Johnny: Leo, what does this mean?
Leo (as he walks over)- What does what mean? (Leonardo reads it.) Oh that is some End of the World weirdo. Don’t worry about it.
(The two hear a few loud footsteps, leaves and branches cracking. Leo signals for Johnny to climb the tree. Johnny starts to climb but is having trouble with spear, so he drops it as he hears a “Roar” come from behind the bushes. Leo instinctively grabs Johnny’s and backs himself into the tree.)
Leo- Johnny, can you reach down and grab these?
(Leo hands up one spear, Johnny grabs it and almost loses balance. Another, ear piercing “Roar” is heard and the footsteps are getting louder. Leonardo puts the spear under his chin then climbs up to the branch Johnny is on.)
Johnny- I’m scared Leo. What is it?
Leo: Don’t worry buddy, I got your back. Nothing is going to happen to you. Mr.Dimevalue has prepared for me every possible dangerous scenario.
(Another Roar rattles the branches as a huge brown bear finally stampedes out from the bushes. This scares Johnny so bad, he loses his balance and falls from the tree instantly, he is lying motionless. Leo lets out a scream/warcry. He sees the bear approaching Johnny. Leo thinks of his training by Mr. Dimevalue. He pictures Macho Man’s Elbow Drop. He thinks about the figure fours and the sharpshooters. He thinks about the day they became best friends. The bear is a mere feet from Johnny, still lying motionless. Leonardo stands up and steadies himself. He wraps his arm around his spear. He jumps off the branch, cocks back the spear, and as he lands he drives the spear into the back of the bear’s neck. The bear let’s out the loudest “Roar” yet. Leo has gone almost deaf. He sees the bear fall over, blood trickling from the point of entry. The bear gets itself up, Leo sees Johnny’s spear. He rolls over to it, and grabs it. The bear begins charging, the bear stands on its hindlegs about to pounce on Leonardo, but Leonardo using his adrenaline and rage and desperation, bursts forward and thrusts the second spear so hard into where he think is the heart of the bear, only the handle of the spear is exposed. The bear doesn’t make a sound, as is falls to its left and drops to the ground. Leonardo still suffering the madness of too many emotions at once, rips a branch off a tree and begins beating the bear in the head with it. He uses that twitch over 100 times before he drops it in exhaustion. He crawls over to Johnny, still motionless.)
Leo- Johnny! Johnny! Did you see that? I got him. I just killed a BEAR! Johnny?
(Leo rolls Johnny to his back from his side. Leo begins screaming.)
Leo- No.No.No.No.No.No.No. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Johnny come on. Come on buddy. Just a flesh wound. You can walk it off. JOHNNNY!!!!! YOU CAN”T LEAVE ME!!!!!! PLEASE JOHNNY! YOU CAN HAVE MY COMPUTER! I WILL BUY YOUR FAMILY A HOME MOVIE THEATRE! AND A DOG! YOU ALWAYS LOVED DOGS! JOhhhhNNNNNnnnY!
(Leo realizes Johnny isn’t breathing. He evaluates the body, and notices a puddle of blood surrounding Johnny’s head. Leonardo just sits there and stares his dead best friend in complete shock. It is at this moment an enchanting Great Horned Owl lands on the branch Leo has just leapt and Johnny had fallen from. Leo hears a few hoots. He looks up and locks eyes with the Great Horned Owl. He doesn’t know if it the madness of grief, but he feels connected. So many thoughts and feelings completely vanish. Leonardo has a moment of clarity. He stands up and puts out his arm. The Great Horned Owl flies over and lands on his arm. Leo does not even react to the pain of the talons pinching his skin. He is staring into the eyes of the Great Horned Owl. Leo feels it is staring into his soul. Now there is only one thought in his mind. “Make Johnny Proud.” There is shuffling in the distance. The Great Horned Owl flies off, taking a nice chunk of Leonardo’s right arm with it. Again ignoring the pain, Leonardo runs over and tears the spear from the back of the bear. He is standing over Johnny with a death stare in his eyes. After a few minutes, the adults arrive. Leonardo drops the spear and runs to Mr.Dimevalue. He wraps his arms around Mr.Dimevalue as hard as he physically can.)
Leonardo- I did everything I could. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’M SO SORRRYY!!!!!
(Mr. Randazzo and Mrs. Randazzo are hysterical. Crying, wailing, tears flowing uncontrollably. )
Mrs. Randazzo- My baby. My baby. What happened to my baby? Leo what did you do?
Leo- I didn’t do anything Miss R. I swear. I was protecting him.
Mrs. Randazzo- protecting him? Protecting? My baby is dead now. Why? So you could go explore.
(Mr. Randazzo attempts to gain his composure, for he is an analytical man and knows Leo is in as much pain as anyone)
Mr. Randazzo (voice muffled with tears in his eyes): What happened buddy? Leo you always protected him. Mr. Dimevalue told me the times you stood up to multiple bullies for him. Why? Why couldn’t you stop this?
(Leonardo has a completely withdrawn look on his face.)
Leo- Mr. and Mrs. Randazzo. I did everything I could I swear. Johnny’s my only friend. We were on our way to the Winding Ruver to try to see some deer or other animals drinking. We heard a noise, sounded like a big animal so I told Johnny to climb the tree. Because most animals can’t climb trees and Johnny and I climbed trees almost everyday. But then the bear come out of the brush and let out a roar so loud the branches shook, and Johnny fell. He fell and I couldn’t catch him. I Thought the bear was going to get him so I attacked the bear.
Mr. Randazzo (uncontrollably sobbing again)- I know you were trying to protect him. You are so brave Leo. This isn’t your fault.
Mrs. Randazzo- Yes it is. Our Johnny was a sweet boy. He would have been just if he just helped us pack. But you had to go on another adventure. Had to do what you wanted. Now my baby is dead. Oooooh GODDDDD! My baby.
Mr. Randazzo- Linda, get ahold of yourself. Leo loved Johnny more than anyone in the world. It’s not his fault. They were kids being kids. (Mr. Randazzo tries to speak but starts crying hysterically.)
Mr.Dimevalue- Leo, go get the special Sat/Com device I trained you with. We will contact the local hospital and park rangers.
(The next two hours only the sounds of nature and grief filled the air. Finally cops, paramedics, and park rangers show up. Leonardo is forced to rehash the events at least 5 more times. Finally, Mr.Dimevalue calls on his old “Army” buddies to come take care of the campers as he takes Leo home.)
THE FUNERAL
(Three days later the funeral for Johnny William Randazzo was held. Over 300 classmates, parents, and teachers came to pay their respects. The entire time, Leonardo sat on the concourse of the church away from all of the other attendees. Mr. Dimevalue stood silent next to him in support. An hour later and the service has finished. The grieving crowd empties the church and head to the function at the local Country Club. Only family and Leonardo were to be there for the burial. After everyone left, Mr. Randazzo signals for Leo to come join them. A few minutes Leo has made his way next to the casket. Mr. Randazzo wraps him arm around Leo.)
Mr. Randazzo- I just wanted you to know. Johnny loved you. He had a bunch of friends, but you are the one he would brag about. You were special to him, and to us. If you ever need a shoulder or an ear. Please Leo. Remember we are here for you.
Leo- Is Miss R still mad at me?
(Mr. Randazzo hugs Leo)
Mr. Randazzo- Pay no attention to that day Leo. She was overridden with grief. She loves you like a son. She feels so bad for her behavior. She wants to take you out later this week, just the two of you. So you can tell her of the adventures of two best friends.
(Leonardo wraps him arms around Mr. Randazzo.)
Mr. Randazzo- The paulbearers are outside. The Celebration doesn’t start for another 3 hours. Take as much time as you need.
(Mr. Randazzo pats Leonardo on the back before grabbing his wife’s hand and making their way out of the room. Leonardo walks up to the casket. He sees Johnny for the first time since that day. Still, no tears.)
Leonardo- Johnny. I miss you already? What do I do now? You were the only one that got me. You were the only one that didn’t pity me because of being an orphan. You didn’t care that I am rich. You were best friend. Kindred spirit, you wouldn’t know what that means yet. But it is true. I love you Johnny. I will miss you everyday. But I decided I will accomplish our dreams for the both us. For you, I will make sure I become the greatest wrestler ever. I am going to make you proud Johnny. FUCCCKKKKKKCCKKKKKKKKKKK!
(Leonardo drops to a knee. Holding his head in his hands. Still no tears. He is pulling at his long brown hair. Even ripping chunks out. Mr. Dimevalue approaches and offers his hand. He helps Leonardo to his feet. They sit on the bench in silence for about an hour.)
Mr.Dimevalue- It is time to put him to rest Leo. The Randazzo’s have agreed to allow us to pay for a masoleum for their family right next to yours. As you asked, I have packed the Macho Man, Ultimate Warriorm, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker figures into a small box and the crew has been instructed that box is to be placed alongside Johnny.
(Leonardo musters an inaubible “thanks you.” Leo gets up and walks over to Johhny. He leans over and hugs him. And whsipers “I miss you Johnny. The Randazzo’s and the Paulbearers enter the room after Mr. Dimevalue instructed them Leo is ready. They begin the procession out of the church. Leo holding a special bar made front and center for him, leading the procession.)
December 29, 2001
Celebration of Life at local church
Leo- I hate churches. You never make me go. Why do I have to got tonight? I have a whole bunch of Adam Sandler tapes to listen to.
Mr.Dimevalue- Leonardo, this is for your own good. A part of closure.
Leonardo- My best friend died. How is going to church going to help me get closure?
Mr.Dimevalue- They are honoring all the local Tabernacle citizens whom has passed away this year. Including Johnny.
Leonardo: Fine.
(Leonardo puts in his headphones, playing Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You” tribute to Notorious B.I.G. Within ten minutes they have arrived at the church and take their seats next to the Randazzo’s. An hour into the ceremony the Priest calls out “John William Randazzo. Gone way too soon. May his soul Rest in Peace.” That was the moment, finally Leonardo begins crying uncontrollably. The whole church knows the story, it was all over the Tabernacle Times for weeks. No one bats an eye and the ceremony continues as the cries of Leonardo echo throughout the church. After the ceremony, Leo is asked to join the Randazzo’s for the weekend at their beach house in Ocean City. Leo is very hesitant, he does not feel like he deserves their love. But Mr. Dimevalue convinces him to go. As they leave the church, Leo runs up and gives Mr. Dimevalue a hug. Mr. Dimevalue tells Leo he loves him and to have a great time telling all the stories of all the fun they had together. They part ways, Mr. Dimevalue gets into the limo as Leo heads over to enter the Randazzo limo.)