D'ya know what's out there? Pain.
Os malvados by André Dahmer®


Bertito Baldéz, an Up and Coming Biochem Pharmacologist

(continuation of previous post)

Bertito looked at the beautiful Losangelino sunset while mamacita wrung her hankie drenched in tears. Bertito had been born and raised without any specific addiction to drugs, thank goodness, no alcohol. HIs scientific mind wondered how much his fondness for older women could be classified as addiction. He wondered how old Nora would be. Another major turn-on triggering his neurotransmitters was fleshy women. "Bones are for dogs and Beverly Hills," he said.
"¿ Qué dijo, m'hijito ?" Mamacita was always curious. Human nature or neurotransmitters?

A last look at Los Angeles. A few hours to a new world. The older America. Public transportation, narrow streets, history, discussions that mattered. Upon arrival at Logan Airport, they descend, Bertito and mamacita, both apprehensive.



A strawberry blonde woman approaches them, her arm stretching to greet both with vigorous handshakes. Bertito mutters, "Eezdrativuitieh," She says, "Fine." He wants to start conversation in the middle of baggage claim area, she's paying attention to the bags going around. "Ah, ya razkazivalah, your grandfather."

She looks at him sternly. "My grandfather was matter. He's gone. The baker killed him. Besides, 'razkazivalah' is 'I remember' for women, not for men. You are a man, are you not?"

She proceeded to snap an index finger under her chin. No, she wanted him to have a drink and it was only nine o'clock in the morning. He declined; they go to campus. He's thrilled, mamacita's sobbing is gone, giving place to curiosity. The loft is not shabby, not shabby at all. "Reparation money after Krushev became head of the Politburo."

Bertito got more confused by the minute. He was wise, no questions except "where can I wash my hands." He was in love with her already. She was quick, older, round just right, but not petite, and a genius. He had read all her research and recycled some of it into his own dissertation.

By now, Nora had developed a plan. Her latest research had to do with addiction and the role of two neurotransmitters, GABA and glutamate the downer and the upper, on dopamina, the neurotransmitter that never found a ride around the brain it didn't like. Although it was established opinion GABA was an upper, what about its component GABA 2?

Nora just wanted to find a cure for addiction, a disease that impairs gazillions around the world. What if she poured some GABA 2 in Bertito's posole?

She was quick, like grandpa had been, At dinner, she poured some GABA 2 in Bertito's soup. She didn't care for Mexican food, oh, well. Otchem hattashaw. Very good.

Nora knew she looked stunning in red. No time for a visit to the hairdresser, she put on a platinum blonde wig. She knew Bertito was quiet thinking about things men like to do in the dark. It was a matter of time.



At night, Bertito made sure mamacita was sleeping, snuck himself into Nora's bed, caressed his scientific and sex goddess. They made love till dawn. She was in heaven, if she had ever believed in one. GABA 2, her future claim to more fame! A cure for all the alcoholics! Bertito woke up and turned around. As the Great Communicator said, "Here we go again! Another oil change. This one we have no need to conserve, do we?




This is a happy ending story. They have truckloads of megabucks from their research, she now has time to campaign against one Evil Empire of many. She doesn't believe in spirits; could it be so? Her grandfather?



Dedicated to Humberto Balby, a fellow blogger, recent graduate, who authorized the use of his picture. He's first from right. http://situacoesinusitadas.blogspot.com

To Dr. Nora Volkow for her scientific contributions in brain and addiction research.

To Benoit Denizet-Lewis, whose story helped me write this one. His will be published this coming Sunday, in the magazine of the other Times, NY Times.

To Gabriel von Doscht, aka Moskito, whose recent posts triggered my idea for this one. http://www.1ovo.com/masqueloucura

André Dahmer for authorizing the use of his cartoon celebrating the 800th publication of Os Malvados, www.malvados.com.br

A very heartfelt thanks to The two Chicos who inspire me, one in São Paulo, the other in Rio, aka Eudes. Chico Buarque wherever he is.

research
addiction
fiction
Russian and Latino
neurotransmitters
Lev Bronstein
Moveon.org