Dada: Chapter 16b

     What was this guy thinking?  Does he really mean that?
    "Look, you are currently in charge.  Burton did some really great films, back when he was in school.  Sure, he later turned to that folksy stuff, but we are sure he never completely gave up on his films either.  Once he got started, he couldn't stop.  He just decided not to show them anymore."  Nate continues.  "Come one, Chris was it? If his newer stuff is anything like the one we're showing tonight."
      "You really want me to go searching around for films my father made, just because I'll be in his house.  What do you take me for?  I just found out about him and Sam a few days ago.  I didn't ever know about his art or films, really, until this afternoon.   I don't want to be like some ghoul lurking around."
     "Chris, it's not like he's d..." Nate stutters.
     "Nate, we need to get everyone in for the show."
     From down the hall, another man quickly sauntered to us.  Same nondescript features as Dil and Nate.  Maybe a little shorter, a little younger.  Why does all of dad's fans seem to be forty-somethings who wear Dockers?  You would never catch me in one of those.  Levi's yes, Dockers no.
     "Hey, Charlie.  This is Chris.  He's here for the first time."  Nate starts, but Charlie cuts him off to shake my hand, vigorously.
      "Hi, Chris!  Charlie Madison.  You're going to love it tonight.  The film is the hallmark of Burton's graduate thesis.  Some people think it is earlier work," with this he takes a sidelong glance at Nate, "but most agree that is definitely from his grad school days.  It just segues right into his doctorate film, even if that one is nowhere near as exciting.  No, this is the highlight."
       "Where are the rest rooms?  I think I need to freshen up a bit before everything starts." I cut him off.  I don't need to get into a philosophical debate on my father's "periods."  Just how important, or at least widespread, was he?
       "Yeah, that is usually what we tell all first-timers to do.  Just take a right at the end of the hall.  Can't miss it.  The film room is the one with the double doors.  Just get there before everything starts. Once we start the film, we usually don't allow anyone else in, you know.  The way things go in there, well, we don't need interruptions." Charlie all but winks at me.  What is going on?
      "Thanks."  I slowly walk away from them so they can continue their discussions.  I pass by the double doors on my way to the men's room.  They are still closed, so I can't tell what it looks like, but I'm fairly sure I saw at least one woman going in.  At least Charlie was right with his directions.  I go straight to the sink, no need to empty my bladder, yet.  I wouldn't be able to any way if there were anyone here, but fortunately I'm only one in here.
       I splash some water on my face, only to wipe it off with a paper towel as I look into the mirror above the sink.   Nothing is making sense.  Here, I though I would be going to a charitable art show, but here I am at some weird movie theatre presentation my dad did as a student.  They actually want me to sneak through his stuff to find any more?  He's been dead, what, a week.  Maybe less.  He was only buried on, Tuesday?  No, Wednesday morning.  I wish I hadn't taken Sam in, just left him with someone else.  I won't be able to handle him; I can't handle the rest of this life my dad left behind.  Sure, there will be perks, but this downside.  I was just kidding myself that I could do this.  Calm down.  Just get through the film, and then see what will be next.
       I comb my fingers through my hair.  My face is dry.  Shirt and pants fairly straight.  No need to check the zipper, or if there's a wet spot.  That's happened to me a few times in the last few months.  One last deep breathe, and I head back to the hall.
      The doors are still closed, but Charlie and another man are standing outside.  They spot me in a second, mostly because I'm the only one there.
      "Just made it.  Boris here is on guard duty tonight." Charlie points his chin at the slightly younger and shorter man beside him.  Boris nods at me, but says nothing.  "Yeah, he got the short straw tonight.  Maybe next time.  I left you a seat near the back, just in case you needed a little more privacy.  First time and all.  We better get in so they can start."
      Charlie all but drags me through the door as Boris holds it open.  I can barely see anything, as the room is already fairly dark for the movie.  Charlie is whispering me along to a chair nearby.  We pass by two or three men, as I take me seat.  The floor is making a crinkling sound as if covered in plastic. even louder as Charlie rushes away after I sit down.  Everyone is quiet.  A woman is sitting on my right, but the chairs are spaced about a yard or so apart, so we can't talk to one another.  In the front, a screen, or maybe a large monitor, is starting to glow.  The light gray typical of movies starting out.  Numbers begin to flash in reverse order.  The movie begins.