The sudden shatter of breaking glass jolted her awake. Looking around the dark room she fumbled for the light. She hears someone fumbling for the doorknob and she freezes. The hair on the back of her neck raised as the reality of what was out there hit her. Her head kept telling her to run, scream, do something but her body wouldn’t listen. She knew if she let out any noise it would only make it worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoney I\u2019m home.\u201d A wobbly voice, with the thickest irish brogue, spoke rudely interrupting the perfect silence. Still she did not move. She could hear him shuffling, drunkenly, to find the bed. She prayed he never would but he always did no matter how drunk he was.<\/p>\n
She felt the bed springs lower and creak as he made his way up the bed. He shook her awake. She tried not to move. He shook her harder and she knew for her own sake she should wake up.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 3 in morning, we should really be going to bed. I can make you a cup of coffee?\u201d She said pulling the covers off herself to stand. He reached his arm across and stopped her from getting up. Her body becoming rigid from the fear of knowing what was coming. He started kissing her neck as she shivered, knowing not to move away as she so wish she could.<\/p>\n
\u201cI missed yer t\u2019da baby.\u201d He spoke into her ear as the stench of whiskey reached her nose. He started to reach down her body and she instinctively made a move to pull away. His hand shot instantly to her throat. She sputtered trying to breath as her hands clawed at his to try, with no hope which she knew from experience, to break free.<\/p>\n
\u201cYer don\u2019t want me. I t\u2019ought yer\u2019d do anyone you little whore.\u201d His words stung her numb body as she struggled for air. She just wanted it to be over. Maybe he\u2019ll do it this time. Maybe he\u2019ll end her pain and she can finally be at peace away from him. She let her hands fall to the bed as she came to terms with her coming peace. She had no more fight left, not this time.<\/p>\n
He let go of her throat and threw her down onto the bed. He reached down and pulled up a sock from under the bed. Her stomach sank as she realized he knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, yer had that bastard over. Huh you dirty slut. An\u2019 yer wonder why the hell I drink? Well he won\u2019t be needen you anymore because yer mine remember. Yea those pesky little vows yer said! Fait\u2019ful? Is dat ringing any bells fer yea? Or that particular line\u2019s me favorite, till death sweetheart, and you best bet I\u2019m not gunna go first.\u201d He reached into the drawer next to the bed and her heart rate quickened. This really was the end. Suddenly, as if it was not her own will, she bolted towards the door. She knew she had one chance to leave him and this was it and she was taking it. She before she felt it. She was finally free.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Two” bgtype=”img” full=”on” img=”http:\/\/jolineblais.net\/tributaries\/wp-content\/uploads\/p1264m1066840f.jpg” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n\n\n
I reached across the table to the giant pile of paper, searching for the one document I needed for work. A young blonde sat down in the seat next to me and handed me a cup of tea.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Hailey I needed this. I can\u2019t find that stupid paper with that guys comments I got from the interview I did earlier.\u201d I said sipping my tea. Hailey reached over to the pile and pulled out the paper I was looking for.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know this could be a metaphor for your life you know.\u201d Hailey said, trying her best to organize my never ending paperwork. I rolled my eyes at her as I started to typing up my article.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you heard from Josh?\u201d Hailey asked, placing the now organized pile back on the table. I shook my head trying to focus my attention on my article due at noon, but I couldn\u2019t help but feel saddened every time I hear his name.<\/p>\n
Josh and I had been engaged before I broke it off \u00a04 months ago. We started dating during college and were inseparable ever since. He was deployed our senior year and it was a rocky time. He became distant, not just physically distant but he kept things from me. I could feel the pain in his voice, but every time I tried to get close he would shut down. So when he finally returned home I was ready to feel close to him again. But it never happened. He needed help and wouldn\u2019t get it. And a couple times it went too far and I had to get out. It broke my heart and his but I could no longer help him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see, well, did you go check out that farmhouse that you liked?\u201d Hailey asked sipping her coffee.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes actually! See I am getting my life together, slowly but I am!\u201d I answered blinking away the tears that were brought on by the thought of Josh. \u201cI actually just sent in the paperwork for it today and the realtor said she should get back to me by the end of the day! Which means,\u201d I picked up my cup of tea and raised it in the air. \u201cThat I will be off your couch by the end of the week if the credit check checks out, which is should.\u201d Hailey smiled sipping her own tea. I smiled back but my stomach fluttered as I could see the sadness she had for me in her eyes.<\/p>\n\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Three” bgtype=”img” full=”on” img=”http:\/\/jolineblais.net\/tributaries\/wp-content\/uploads\/sitting_moving_boxes.jpg” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n\n
I trudged into the kitchen slowly, losing my grip on the box. I quickened my pace making it to the table and placing it down just in time. This place is going to take forever to fix. The electrician still hadn\u2019t come in to fix the outdated wiring. I wiped the bead of sweat from my forehead as Hailey walked in with a couple more boxes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere do you want these?\u201d She asked through a strained voice. I pointed over by the table. Mindlessly I walked to the sink and started pushing the old fashioned handle on the sink.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrap I forgot Will hasn\u2019t stopped by yet.\u201d I said as Hailey tossed me a bottled water. I smiled opening it, letting the cold refreshing water hit my dry throat. This old farmhouse had a few dust bunnies that were definitely getting to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia, what\u2019s in this box? It looks like old paperwork?\u201d Hailey asked starting to riffle through the box, \u00a0pulling out a few pages, beginning to read. Curious, I moved over and reached into the box. It was an old birth certificate. The name and dates were slightly faded with time but you could faintly make out a first name, Vera. I reached in again and pulled out an old envelope. Jonathan Fitzpatrick was the name on the return address.<\/p>\n
\u201cJonathan Fitzpatrick well that\u2019s as Irish as you could get\u201d I \u00a0asked handing the envelope over to Hailey. She put the paperwork in her hand down and grabbed the awaiting envelope. She \u00a0opened the \u00a0letter quickly scanning the handwritten message.<\/p>\n
\u201cKinda cool isn\u2019t? Like looking into the windows of the house back in it\u2019s hay day, when.\u201d She looked down at the paper. \u201cJonathan and Vera lived here!\u201d She reached into the box pulling out old greying photos. They were mostly of the old farmhouse with what must have been the original owners. I reached for one in her hand. It was of an older man and what I assumed to be his daughter, standing proud on the front porch next to a telephone box. Which back in that day must have cost one hell of a pretty penny. I turned putting the letter back motioning to Hailey out the door for more boxes.<\/p>\n
Around 7 o\u2019clock we called it a nigh. Both of us\u00a0falling into the couch as\u00a0Hailey handed me a beer as she cracked into her own placing her head on my shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cCheers to you Olivia, you\u2019re nowhere near done! But on the bright side I can have my couch back. \u201d She chuckled as she raised her glass to meet mine. I shrugged her head off my shoulder as a yeah-yeah-I-know sentiment. And to be honest I was happy, I finally did something I wanted to do. Of course I felt overwhelmed with the amount of work I still had to do and the simple fact that I had no idea what I was doing, I was still happy.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Four” bgtype=”img” full=”on” img=”http:\/\/jolineblais.net\/tributaries\/wp-content\/uploads\/90.jpg” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n\n\n
I opened the fridge peering in for something to make for dinner. It was a warm summer evening and the electricity had been turned on but the stove was not hooked up. So salad it is, I thought reaching in for the lettuce.<\/p>\n
I had been moved in for about a week and slowly things were finding their place in this new adventure. Sometimes so well I couldn\u2019t find them. As I chopped the vegetables, I found myself thinking about the previous owners. Who they were, what their dreams were, and what happened to them. The reason she had been so drawn to this fixer upper was, as odd as this sounded, the windows. To me they seemed to hide a mysterious past and as a writer my mind whirled with the possibilities.<\/p>\n
Lost in my own thoughts, I hadn\u2019t noticed two new visitors to my yard till something out the front window caught my eye. A golden tail was wagging itself back and forth as flecks of dirt flew up into the air. Concerned, I ran out the screen door allowing it to slap behind me as I made my way onto the porch.<\/p>\n
\u201cKingdom, no. Bad dog. Come here.\u201d An elderly man with a cane yelled from the driveway. He raised his hand in a friendly wave as I smiled and waved back. The dog, a beautiful young golden retriever came bounding at me. I bent down to pet her golden coat as the old man walked up the path.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell howdy neighbor!\u201d He said cheerfully reaching down and patting Kingdom on the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy hello there, Kingdom is it?\u201d The dog barked and panted as I scratched under her chin.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s a handful, but she keeps me young.\u201d The old man said chuckling to himself as he watched Kingdom jump around as I played with her.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is a beautiful dog, eh,\u201d I paused.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn, dear. I live right up the road. Lived there for about 45 years now ain\u2019t it.\u201d He stated placing his thumbs in his red suspenders. I stood reaching my hand out to shake his.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia, nice to meet you John, I just moved in as you probably already know! But it\u2019s great to finally meet a friendly face!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear we\u2019re all friendly here! You\u2019re in Maine after all and even more you\u2019re in Friendship, Maine! So what brings you around these parts?\u201d He asked watching Kingdom who had just realized there was a bird in a tree and was currently barking at it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh you know the same old story I\u2019m sure. Just need a change of pace.\u201d I answered watching Kingdom as well. John turned to look at the house and sighed. I followed his gaze to the bedroom window. \u201cDid you know the previous owners?\u201d I asked curiously.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh years ago. Use to know em pretty well actually.\u201d John said his thoughts clearly drifting off to another point in time.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh do you know where they are by any chance? I found an old box of stuff. It\u2019s filled with old pictures and like old important documents and I\u2019d love to return it to them!\u201d I asked trying not to sound like I was snooping.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh no dear, they are long since gone. And I fear that,\u201d He paused and looked up into the window that the bedroom again. \u201cThat I have long, long since lost contact.\u201d He said. I could hear the hidden pain in his voice which only peaked my curiousity. I wanted to press further for more information but the silence after his statement made it seem a little inappropriate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it\u2019s been great chatting with you dear but I, eh should be headin back. My grandson\u2019ll be over soon and he\u2019ll start to worry if his old man ain\u2019t where he left me!\u201d We both chuckled as I walked with John and Kingdom down the walk. I waved as I watched the two walk up the road, Kingdom\u2019s swishing golden tail and John slow gait following side by side.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Five” bgtype=”img” full=”on” img=”http:\/\/jolineblais.net\/tributaries\/wp-content\/uploads\/high-society-hutton-grant.jpg” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n\n
Reaching into the cabinet I pulled out cabernet, pouring myself a glass. It had been one hell of a day at work and I was rewarding myself. The sun had fully slipped below the trees as I walked out onto the porch. It was a warm summer evening so I welcomed the soft breeze I got from swinging on the white wicker porch swing I had installed this past weekend.<\/p>\n
I reached into the box I had found the first day I was here. This was the first time I had had some down time to actually read what was in it. It was filled with old greying photos and a birth certificate. I blew off some dust that had accumulated on the certificate and read the name. \u2018Vera Day\u2019. Interesting name, nothing to special but still very beautiful.<\/p>\n
A gust of wind blew lose one of the photos from my hand and I quickly snatched it before it got too far. It was a wedding photo. The young couple standing outside the front door of the farmhouse smiling and waving. I flipped it over to see if the owner had left any notes. Penned in black ink on the back was Declan and Vera wedding 1940.<\/p>\n
Well one mystery was solved in my head. I had names to the faces I imagined living and loving here. And from what I could tell from this photo they were very happy. I flipped to the next photo in the stack and this was of a young man, handsome and rugged, naive yet wise to things he shouldn\u2019t be. He was standing by an old fishing boat, that faintly read, \u2018Day\u2019s Fisheries\u2019 And just like the last I flipped it over to find the same black pen inscribed out the words, \u2018Jonathan 1936 caught the big one\u2019. He too looked just as happy as the couple, roughly the same age from what I could tell.<\/p>\n
\u2018BUZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZ\u2019 I jumped knocking some wine from my glass and splashing red onto the wood porch. I looked down at my phone and say a name I did not want to see. I took a big gulp, a deep breath and answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBabe, I miss you.\u201d I could hear the hiccups after he had finished speaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cJosh, why are you calling me. You\u2019re drunk.\u201d My voice cracked as I held back the tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what. I\u2019m a fucking man I can have a drink or two. But that\u2019s not why I called, I\u2019ll change babe. Just come back it\u2019s lonely,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d I said firmly cutting him off. It was always the same old same. He would say he would change and like an idiot I came back well not this time. I can\u2019t, if I truly loved him which I do, I just can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut babe, I\u2019ll get the help I need. I went down to the VA today and they told me about great places I could go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJosh I know you\u2019ve looked that\u2019s all you\u2019ve ever done. But you need help. PTSD is a real issue that you could hurt yourself or,\u201d I stopped talking knowing from experience the next words I spoke could be triggers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t fucking have PTSD just get angry now and then but I can deal with it. I can really deal with it this time hun, I know I can just trust me and come home.\u201d Josh pleaded through his slurring and hiccuping.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Josh. I\u2019m gone. You need help and I couldn\u2019t help you. Please get help then call me.\u201d I responded through the tears that had finally started to fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cFuck you bitch. Never needed you anyway. And annnd and wanna know what! I was NEVER in love you. Nope never. Could not have cared any less about you then those fucking sand-ni,\u201d I hung up the phone before he could finish. I knew this wasn\u2019t him, but he refused to get help to bring back the man she loved.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Six” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n\n
\u201cWhy won\u2019t you work you stupid piece of machinery!\u201d I yelled in exhaustion kicking the old tire on the even older lawnmower I had inherited with the property. I had been trying, with no luck, to get this thing to start for over an hour and I was about to run away from it screaming. I took one last deep breath and turned the key. I heard the engine start trying to get it to flip. I pressed the gas to try and help it along but it was no use. I started to slap at the steering wheel in a very immature manner but I didn\u2019t care I was over it. I finally laid my head down in defeat to the mowing Gods.<\/p>\n
Suddenly I felt something wet touch my ankle which jolted me awake. I almost fell over backwards trying to get away from gross unknown wet thing touching my leg. Quickly I looked down just in time to see a swishing golden tail disappear to the other side of the mower.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodness Kingdom, you about gave me a heart attack!\u201d I joked as Kingdom sat down and looked up at me panting and smiling. I hopped off the ancient beast and went over to pet Kingdom who instantly rolled over and made me scratch her tummy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh sorry is she bothering you?\u201d A voice said coming up to us.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh no John, oh sorry you\u2019re not,\u201d I started to splutter as I realized I was not talking to the elderly man I had met yesterday but a very shirtless and very toned young man.<\/p>\n
\u201cEric, I\u2019m John\u2019s eh, grandson.\u201d He said sticking out his hand to shake. \u201cLooks like you\u2019re having a bit of trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh no, not at at all. I like to come out here on my days off and just sit on my fancy lawn ornament.\u201d We both chuckled as I moved aside to let him check the mower. He turned the key and it made the exact same noise it had when I had tried. He went around to the front of the mower and raised the John deer green hood and peered inside. I tried to watch over his shoulder so I wouldn\u2019t be this completely helpless female again but he started moving this thingy and that thingy and I got lost. Mostly because I had no idea what a thingy was.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like you just had a wire unconnect. Real easy fix.\u201d Eric said returning to the hood to the closed position and trying the motor again. It roared to life as Kingdom, startled started to bark at it. Eric and I both laughed as he shut it off.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, I was about ready to push it off a cliff. Uhm, would you like some lemonade or something?\u201d I asked feeling awkward at my forwardness.<\/p>\n
\u201cActually I\u2019d love a glass eh,\u201d Eric paused.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia! I\u2019ll go run into the house and grab a glass then.\u201d I smiled brushing dirt of my hands and clothes in a vain attempt to make myself presentable.<\/p>\n
As we both sat and sipped on the porch I was surprised at how easy the conversation came between. He was so easy going and kind that I never questioned what I should say or ask or even answer. Talking with someone hadn\u2019t been like that in a long time. Even with Hailey you had to be careful of what to say because certain things would just upset her and end in a fight.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re a military man?\u201d I asked noticing the sempre fi tattoo on his bicep.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes ma\u2019am deployed with \u2156 Helmand in 2012.\u201d Eric answered drinking his lemonade.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy, uhm, ex was a Marine as well. Deployed with the 1\/25 in 2011. Can I ask you a personal question? He came back, different and I uhm looked the signs up online and they all point to PTSD but he won\u2019t get help, how,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t help him if that was going to be the rest of your question.\u201d Eric cut me off, I could tell the question had made him a little tense. \u201cHe won\u2019t listen to anyone till something happens. He thinks he can hide it, or deal with it on his own.\u201d Eric stopped talking and finished the rest of drink and placed the empty cup on the table next to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t mean to bring up old wounds just,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no don\u2019t worry about. I should be heading back though, John\u2019ll be wondering where Kingdom\u2019s run off to.\u201d The dog peaked it\u2019s head up at the sound of her name and bounded over. \u201cThanks for the lemonade Olivia. I\u2019ll see ya around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eric stood and stretched heading down the stairs off the porch. I watched as he ran with Kingdom back up the road to John\u2019s place. As I brought the dishes to the kitchen sink I could almost have kicked myself. How could have been so pushy?! Like who asks those types of questions and or brings up an ex! Isn\u2019t that like rule one of dating?<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Seven” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I sat down on the porch swing flipping mindlessly through this week’s issue of People only stopping and reading the articles of the faces I knew. It had been a slow weekend renovation wise, the electrician had hooked the stove up, the microwave had come in and was installed. But other than those few things I really hadn\u2019t done much and to be honest I was completely fine with that.<\/p>\n
I looked up from my magazine to see Kingdom bustling pell mell towards me. I stood sensing something was wrong because I could not see Eric or John with her. She ran up onto the porch and nipped at my hand and head back down the steps. I followed a pit starting to grow in my stomach.<\/p>\n
Following the dog at a full sprint to keep up we finally made it to John\u2019s house. The front door was wide open and swaying in the stiff evening summer breeze. I bolted up the steps and into the kitchen. I turned my head to see John sprawled on the floor.<\/p>\n
Running to his side I felt for a heartbeat. It was faint but there, I prayed a silent thank you and dialed 911.<\/p>\n
\u201c911 what is your emergency\u201d The operator answered with ease.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes I have an elderly man passed out. He does have a faint heartbeat please hurry! We\u2019re at 126 Perly Road, Friendship. Again please please hurry.\u201d I screamed into the phone trying to stay as calm as Kingdom who had laid down next to John with her head on his back.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will dispatch an ambulance to that address immediately please stay calm. Do you need me to stay on the line?\u201d The operator asked trying to keep me calm.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo I need to call his grandson. Thank you please hurry.\u201d I clicked end on my phone. I looked around the kitchen. Eric\u2019s number must be around here somewhere. And with luck by the phone I saw his number and dialed. It ran five times and went to voicemail.<\/p>\n
\u201cEric, it\u2019s Olivia, John\u2019s neighbor down the road. There\u2019s been an accident. An ambulance is on the way. Meet us at Miles Memorial. My number is 555-9846.\u201d<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Eight” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I stared around the waiting room, tugging at my sleeves. A nervous habit I use to have a child, for some odd reason it calmed me. I looked to my right to see that Kingdom was still there. And she was, laying on the floor with her eyes on the door waiting for her master to come back. She actually calmed me a little as I reached down to pat her on the head.<\/p>\n
Kingdom jumped as Eric came bursting into the waiting room. We made eye contact he came right over and hugged me. We bother quickly separated as Kingdom awaited patiently for Eric to acknowledge her. \u00a0He reached down and patted her on the top of the head just as the doctor came out of the swinging doors. We all stood and rushed to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you family?\u201d The doctor asked looking up from his clipboard at Eric.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m his, uh, grandson in law.\u201d Eric said quickly as I looked at him in surprise. But I didn\u2019t have much time to ponder this because the doctor went right into it.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe made it through fine. The medication he\u2019s taking for his heart is thinning his blood, causing him fall asleep. This is what caused him falling.\u201d The doctor said dryly as he flipped through his paperwork as he continue. \u201cI\u2019ve set up an appointment with his cardiologist to clear up that matter, however, he will be tired so don\u2019t strain him too much. We\u2019re going to keep him overnight just to make certain no other complications occur. Other than those few things I don\u2019t see any other reasons why you can\u2019t go in and say hi.\u201d Eric shook the doctor\u2019s hand thanking him.<\/p>\n
We walked slowly through the hall, people passed by us and smiled, but you could tell they wanted out just as much as I did. I hated hospitals ever since I was a kid. Just the idea of how many people suffer in places like this. I know it\u2019s a place where you go to get better, but it still makes me shiver. We knocked on John\u2019s door; we heard a weak voice answer.<\/p>\n
John was lying there, as pale as the sheets that covered his body. He smiled as Eric and I moved into the room. Despite his poor vision, there was still a light in his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome here Eric and give me a hug my boy.\u201d Eric moved to the side of the bed, leaning in to place a huge hug onto the fragile old man. \u201cYou too Olivia dear. From what I hear you\u2019re the angel that saved me.\u201d I blushed as I walked over to hug him. Kingdom jumped up onto the bed and laid her head on John\u2019s lap as he mindlessly stroked her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019ve you two been?\u201d John chuckled as he pushed himself up to sit in the bed. Eric started to talk about random things while I looked around the room. The look of the place seemed cold and cruel. The only hints of happiness were the streaks of sunlight through the window.<\/p>\n
As I got to John\u2019s bed stand, I noticed a photo lying hidden a bit by a book there. I assumed it was his wife, Caroline, but as I got a closer look, I noticed that I recognized the woman but couldn\u2019t place her for the life of me.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn, who is that?\u201d I questioned as I picked up the photo and handing it him. He held the photo in his hand and smiled, but his eyes held the same hidden pain I noticed the first day I met him. And then it hit me, this was the same girl in the pictures back at the farmhouse!<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a wonderful old friend my dear. Beautiful isn\u2019t she.\u201d John handed me back the picture, and I returned it to where I had found it. My curiosity kicked in, was he the Jonathan in the photo? If so why is he being so evasive?<\/p>\n
\u201cHer name is Vera isn\u2019t it? She use to live in the farmhouse didn\u2019t she?\u201d I inquired trying not to sound offensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery sharp you are my dear. Yes, her name was Vera, and she did infact live in the old farmhouse.\u201d He said lost in memory. Eric reached for the photo and stared at it for a few moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve never talked about a Vera ya old dog\u201d Eric winked, handing the graying photo to John.<\/p>\n
John\u2019s wrinkled hands felt over the photograph as if to feel her. He looked out the window and I wasn\u2019t sure if I should disrupt his daydream. Then he started to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t much left to tell with that story, son.\u201d John said placing the photo back into the book. No one spoke for a few moments as we all tried to take in this new information.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn, I have a bunch of old like photo\u2019s and her birth certificate and even some old licenses. If you want I can drop them off at your place for you to have? Especially the photos! There are some of what I assume to be you!\u201d I said excited by the fact that I solved the story that had been nagging me since I bought the house. And even more excited that I could have someone who actually knew her tell me about her and the happy times they shared at the farmhouse.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d John said sternly. Thrown off guard by his abruptness I just stood there speechless. \u201cI mean, I\u2019m sorry dear it just brings up old wounds that have been healed for many many years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI, I, uhm, I\u2019m sorry, I, I, didn\u2019t know\u201d I stammered wanting to run from the room and cry. We all again sat in silence. I sure as hell was not going to speak because I was more than mortified that I insulted this man.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Eric finally piped up. John almost glared at Eric but his tone instantly softened. \u201cYou never actually talk about your childhood. Or I\u2019ve never heard any stories in the whole time I\u2019ve known you.\u201d Eric stated scratching Kingdoms ear. I was instantly reminded of Eric calling himself John\u2019s grandson-in-law to the doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it is not a story worth telling.\u201d John answered stubbornly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell to you it might not be but to me I\u2019m pretty damn curious.\u201d Eric answered without quivering unlike me who still wanted to run away.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a stubborn asshole you know that Eric.\u201d John chuckled tapping the top of Eric\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learned from the best Pop.\u201d Eric smiled winking at John. \u201cSo Olivia will bring the pictures to the house tomorrow and we\u2019ll have dinner and you can tell us all the gory details.\u201d Eric looked at me for an okay and I nodded in approval.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Nine” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
\u201cHello!\u201d I sing songed into the screen door as Eric came to open it for me. Eric lead me into the kitchen where he was busy cooking dinner. It smelled delish. He clearly knew how to cook unlike me who was never great in the culinary field.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s John?\u201d I asked setting the photobook I had made for him on the counter and hopping onto one of the stools by the granite covered island where Eric was preparing the salad.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh he\u2019s just taking a quick nap before dinner.\u201d Eric said tossing in some carrots he had just chopped up. I looked around at the kitchen. It looked alot like mine. Except with more modern things put in like the sink was an actual sink and not one that looked like an old push pump style.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there anything I can help with?\u201d I asked reaching into the bowl and pulling out a green pepper to nibble on. He playfully swatted my hand away from the bowl and I quickly put it in my mouth smiling at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is something you can help with, red or white?\u201d He asked walking over to a very well stocked wine cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about white, something sweet and fruity.\u201d I answered springing off the stool to grab two long stem glasses from rack above the sink and place them gently on the island. Eric popped the cork and poured the wine into the awaiting glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo how\u2019s work been?\u201d Eric asked handing me my glass that I graciously accepted.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh you know work. It took something I enjoyed writing, and turned it into a task with a drill sergeant called my boss.\u201d I joked taking a sip of my wine and placing it on the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds about right. My job turned my love of shooting people into shooting bad people with an actual drill sergeant.\u201d Eric joked looking up and smiling as I choked on my wine from laughing. \u201cI\u2019m kidding of course, dinner should be ready within like the next five minutes or so.\u201d Eric said turning around to check the pots on the stove.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd where\u2019s the bathroom?\u201d I asked placing my wine on the island and looking around for a sign of a bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust through the living room, it\u2019s the door on the right can\u2019t miss it.\u201d Eric said over his shoulder as he stirred his various pots with expertise.<\/p>\n
As I walked from the kitchen into the living room I noticed all the pictures that were covering the walls. I decided to stop and look at a few. They were of John and his family. His wife was a beautiful brunette with a very 50\u2019s bob haircut and from what I can tell he had four children, two sons and two daughters. All looking extraordinarily like their father.<\/p>\n
Moving through the next few pictures I recognized one of Eric. It was a wedding photo. My heart jumped to my throat. He\u2019s freakin married?! What the heck. I started to rack my brain to try and remember if I had ever seen a wedding ring when Eric stepped into the living room.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia, oh.\u201d He realized what I was staring at and I quickly stepped away like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. He didn\u2019t say anything just went back into the kitchen and continued to cook.<\/p>\n\n
When I came back the table had been set and John was sitting at the head of the table filling his plate. I sat down next to him and thanked him as he past me the salad bowl. I tried my hardest not to look at Eric it was just too awkward.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo where are these photo\u2019s?\u201d John asked as he started eating his salad. I reached over and picked it up. I handed the full photo album to John who scooted his chair a bit away from the table to have it sit on his lab.<\/p>\n
\u201cI put them in chronological order, Vera was great at putting dates and descriptions on the back!\u201d I said cheerfully. John beamed and inhaled deep before he opened the book. His hand traced the faces on the first photo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell there\u2019s a blast from the past.\u201d He whispered more to himself than to Eric and I. \u201cI guess to tell you the whole story I should start at the beginning. I grew up in South Boston. My life wasn\u2019t as harsh as some would like to believe but it did have it\u2019s rough patches.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Ten” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
Jonathan heard the wood scraping across the cement floor. He knew what that sound meant. Someone must be going into the hidden basement. From the faint sound of music that reached his ears, he knew the speakeasy must be booming tonight. Jonathan knew his father never would allow him to go down there, but that didn\u2019t stop him. He loved sneaking down there, seeing all the bootleggers from the entire city of Boston having a grand old time.<\/p>\n
Of course Jonathan knew his father smuggled alcohol he was old enough to know better. And almost old enough to join his father once he finished school. But for his father you would never guess he of all people was a bootlegger from looking at him. One would assume a banker, or even someone in finance by the way he carried himself but never what he actually was, a dirty rotten crook; swindle you out of twenty bucks without even realizing it.<\/p>\n
Jonathan\u2019s father\u2019s name was Cleary Fitzpatrick and he was just as Irish as his name. \u00a0He was a short guy, only standing a good five foot seven, but was a hot headed red head that would gun you down just for looking at him wrong.<\/p>\n
He was one of the higher ups in the Gustin family gang, the biggest Irish mafia in Boston. Frank Wallace, the head of the Gustin family, was a regular to John\u2019s house, which made the cops take notice. He could remember nights where he was awoken from loud banging and yelling as the cops came in, trying with no luck, to catch Cleary. Earned him the nickname Can\u2019t-catch-em-Cleary.<\/p>\n
Jonathan slowly tip-toed his way down the hallway to the basement door. He jumped as the familiar loud booming knocks hit the door. Jonathan ran and hid underneath the table. He heard his father\u2019s voice getting louder as he climbed the stairs.<\/p>\n
They had a system; a guy would stand around the corner of the apartment. If someone was at the door, they would ring a bell that reached my father in the basement. See, Jonathan\u2019s father may have been a criminal, but he wasn\u2019t dumb. He never went down into the party he always stood guard. He wasn\u2019t going to be shipped off to jail for a stupid reason as the 18th Goddamn amendment.<\/p>\n
Cleary made it to the door, but he paused before he reached for the handle. Suddenly, the door was kicked open. The POW of a gunshot shattered the calm. Jonathan jumped hitting his head off the table. But he knew not to move. He watched in slow motion as his father fell to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoston is Italian. Sleep tight you Irish bastard.\u201d The gunmen left. Jonathan still didn\u2019t move. It was as if he had become frozen.<\/p>\n
\u201cCleary, my boy, where\u2019d yea go?\u201d Frank Wallace yelled with his Irish brogue booming as he climbed the stairs. As he reached the top he realized. He ran over to the body, feverishly looking for a pulse. He looked up, seeing Jonathan sitting there wide eyed tears brimming. Wallace motioned for Jonathan to come to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere\u2019s a hundred dollars boyo. You\u2019ll be needen to get outta the city as soon as you can. They\u2019ll track yea down like a dog. Your daddy taught you well you\u2019ll be fine! No one\u2019s told yer this but yer fat\u2019er has a sister in Maine. Go there boyo. I\u2019ll send her a letter as soon as I can, now run!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t have to tell me twice. I ran into my room back only a few pairs of trousers and shirts and a toothbrush. Left for Maine that night on the train.\u201d John reaching over for more potatoes. I had been so wrapped up in the story I had almost forgotten to eat.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t know you had an Aunt in Maine?\u201d Eric asked handing him the bowl of potatoes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh no, my father never spoke of his family. They hated my mother because she wasn\u2019t Catholic. Even said that was the reason she had caught pneumonia and died when I was seven. So my father hated them. I don\u2019t even think they attended his funeral. Pretty harsh huh?\u201d John asked the two of us as we stared sadly at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid they know their son was a rum runner?\u201d I asked sipping my wine.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh no dear, not a rum runner those were pirates, he was bootlegger. A gentleman thief you could say, and damn good thief he was. And father actually. He was stern enough but also loved me dearly. I think it was because I was the last living thing of my mother. He loved her so. Probably the only thing besides me he was truly proud of in his life.\u201d John seemed to be drifting into another thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I take it you meet Vera in Maine?\u201d I asked probing for more information. John chuckled and wiped his mouth and preceded.<\/p>\n
Jonathan woke as his head hit off the window of the bus. He must have dozed off. It had been a long day and he hadn\u2019t eaten anything. He finally felt like he didn\u2019t need to keep looking over his shoulder every minute the further the bus had pulled away from Boston.<\/p>\n
But here he was, on his way to Maine. He prayed his Aunt would remember him or even know about him.As the bus slowed, he gathered his few treasured belongings.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriendship Maine, folks, last stop.\u2019 Jonathan stepped off and looked around. It looked like something right off a post card. Just like the definition of Maine, small coastal town, with the endless ocean on one side and a sea of trees on the other. Jonathan had no idea what to do, so he just wandered, looking at the store fronts and enjoying the strong smell of sea salt. It reminded him of the wharf at night back home.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou lost stranger?\u201d Jonathan looked up to see a beautiful blue-eyed blonde smiling back at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust lookin\u2019, actually do you by any chance know a Irene Fitzpatrick?\u201d Jonathan smiled knowing he couldn\u2019t look away from the small town beauty but hoping deep down she could provide him with an answer because his stomach was starting to growl.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell she hasn\u2019t gone by that name in years! But yes I know who she is! She lives in the farmhouse up the road there on the left. Can\u2019t miss it, huge willow in the front yard. Actually I\u2019m heading that way I can take yea! I\u2019m Vera by the way.\u201d Vera said reaching out her hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cJonathan.\u201d Jonathan answered back shaking her hand. He followed up the road listening to all her stories about the town. About how her father was the sheriff, who also owned the local fishery. Which was why she had been in town. She was actually looking for some migrant workers getting of the bus looking for work.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know I wouldn\u2019t mind a job. You know to help lower the burden for my aunt.\u201d Jonathan answered timidly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt isn\u2019t much, but but it\u2019s a still a job and in these times,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds great!\u201d Jonathan cut her off. He knew this was the best offer for work he would receive. And who could ever say no to such a sweet person? He didn\u2019t know why, but he knew she was special.<\/p>\n
As they approached the house with the large willow outside Jonathan could see an older woman putting washing on the line. As the got closer he could see the resemblance to his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello Mrs.Kelly!\u201d Vera said cheerfully as she unhooked the little fence that lead to the walkway. The older woman turned to view the two newcomers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh why hello Vera dear and what do I owe this pleasure,\u201d She stopped and looked at Jonathan and her expression instantly changed. \u201cYou\u2019re his boy aren\u2019t you.\u201d Her gaze was so fierce that Jonathan had to look away.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy do you come here? To my house of all places? He\u2019s not here with you is he.\u201d She said her anger boiling as she looked around them.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Jonathan said quietly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was that. Speak up you stupid boy.\u201d Mrs. Kelly sneered at Jonathan as he continued to look at the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said no he is not. He\u2019s,\u201d Jonathan choked realizing this was the first time he had ever said that his father was dead out loud. \u201cHe\u2019s uhm passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPassed away has he. Probably from alcohol poisoning my guess. The devil’s drink got him and brought him to where he belongs.\u201d Jonathan\u2019s eyes burned as he fought away his tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cMa\u2019am, please you\u2019re the only family I,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBoyo, you are no family of mine.\u201d Mrs. Kelly responded scathingly. \u201cNow get off of my property before I call the sheriff and have you removed.\u201d Mrs.Kelly picked up her washing and stormed into the house.<\/p>\n
Jonathan just stood there stunned. What was he supposed to do now?! He had plenty of money left maybe check into a hotel? Did they even have hotels in Maine? He thought to himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so sorry Jonathan. I probably should have warned you. She quite, uh, headstrong? Is that the right way to put it?\u201d Vera said shifting from foot to foot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just don\u2019t know what to do now.\u201d Jonathan replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, the way I see it, you do have a room with us if you still wanna take that job?!\u201d Vera said trying her best not to sound pushy.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah of course I\u2019ll take it. Probably is better than this place I\u2019d bet.\u201d We both laughed as we made our way out of Mrs.Kelly\u2019s walkway and towards Day\u2019s farm.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn it\u2019s almost 10.\u201d Eric said looking down at his phone interrupting John\u2019s story. I looked down at my own startled at how late it had become.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yes you\u2019re right. I\u2019d say that\u2019s enough for tonight.\u201d John said stretching and closing the photo album. \u201cYou come on back anytime you wanna hear more Livy. Can I call you Livy?\u201d I smiled acknowledging that I would want nothing more. We all stood and stretched as we collected the dishes and walked them to the sink.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can head off to bed, I\u2019ll clean up.\u201d Eric said to John as he placed his dishes on the counter. He smiled and clapped Eric on the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a good kid, boyo. Good night Livy,\u201d John waved at me as he turned and slowly made his way to the bedroom, Kingdom following close behind. I turned back to the dishes and started to help. Eric washed as I dried in silence for a few moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer name was Melissa.\u201d Eric said finally breaking the silence. I nodded not really sure what to say or even how to respond, so he continued. \u201cShe was my high school sweetheart and John\u2019s granddaughter. She uh, passed away a few years ago.\u201d Again I nodded placing the dried dishes are the growing pile. And again silence was replaced. My mind whirled with questions but my mouth stayed closed. He seemed still so wounded that I couldn\u2019t bring myself to say any of the questions I thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Is all I could get out. And I felt him relax as he realized I wasn\u2019t going to pry. And so we continued in okay silence as we finished cleaning the kitchen.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Eleven” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I turned the faucet on the shower. Nothing happened. Confused, I tried again turning the knob to the on position. What the hell? Once more I tried and all that came out was a thin stream of water that soon died off. I threw on my robe and made my way down stairs.<\/p>\n
I opened the cabinet under the sink and looked in. Maybe the water knob thingy was turned off. As I looked in I realized there was more than one friggin knob thing. Great I thought as I maneuvered myself to view the cabinet better. What the heck do I do now.<\/p>\n
Heading over to my tool box I grabbed a wrench because that\u2019s what I\u2019ve seen many plumbers do, well at least on tv. \u00a0Again I maneuvered myself down to get into the cabinet. I placed the wrench on one of the knobs and started to turn.<\/p>\n
\u2018Knock, knock.\u2019 I jumped with enough force to turn the knob. I hit my head on the top of the cabinet as a strong burst of water came gushing out of the pipe. I jumped up sputtering as my robe soaked through. Eric came running through the screen door and rushing to the sink.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s your water mane!\u201d Eric yelled over the rushing water.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy what?!\u201d I yelled back trying to use my body to stop the flowing. Eric opened the basement door and ran down. A few moments later the water stopped. Eric came running back up the stairs to see me dripping in water in my ratty old bathrobe. He started to laugh. I did too, and then pretty soon we were both hysterical. He handed me a towel and I started to mob up the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what was your end plan with turning that?\u201d Eric said through his laughter.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiterally have no clue. Thought it was the thing that turns the water on to the house. But I guess that\u2019s in the basement.\u201d I answered trying to control my laughter as I wrung out the towel into the sink. \u201cI\u2019m gunna go change. All I wanted to do was take a shower and then this happens. I must be the poster child for what not to do in home renovations.\u201d I laughed as myself and made way upstairs leaving Eric in the kitchen.<\/p>\n
When I came back in he was sitting at the table looking at an old photo of Josh I had in his uniform. Instantly I regretted keeping that picture in such a visible spot. I walked over and sat next to him. And picked up the picture and looked at for the first time in months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat the ex?\u201d Eric asked quietly. I nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw my entire life with that man.\u201d Eric looked up surprised at my answer. \u201cBut not the man that came back.\u201d He realized what I meant and nodded and went back to looking at anywhere but me.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe ever hurt you.\u201d Eric asked bluntly. I closed my eyes and exhaled and shook my head no.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe just wasn\u2019t himself. It was the shell he came back in. And I know he\u2019d be fine, if,\u201d I looked up at Eric remembering the last time we had this conversation. Eric nodded knowing what I meant and that seemed to be the end of that conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cUhm right,\u201d Eric stands, \u201cThe reason I\u2019m here. John wants to know if you want to come over tonight for some dessert and maybe another story or so.\u201d Eric looked at me hopeful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d love to!\u201d I answered excitedly as I stood too. Eric nodded and waved as he made he way to the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see ya tonight Livy.\u201d Eric said as he ducked out the screen door. I watched him walk all the way back up to John and my mind wandered to Melissa. Who was she and what was she like. But more importantly, what happened.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twelve” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I walked up the driveway as I looked up on the porch to see John and Eric playing a card game. Stepping up the stairs I showed the brownies I had made earlier out with me and made my way to the porch. Eric stood as I approached and reached out for the brownies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell aren\u2019t you a beauty for these sore eyes.\u201d John said as I walked over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and sitting in the seat next to him. I looked down at the game they were playing. A game with a skinny board and pegs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you two playing?\u201d I asked curious.<\/p>\n
\u201cCribbage dear girl, best game in my humble opinion!\u201d John boosted as he moved his peg forward. Eric handed me plate and I got up to decide what kind of goodies I wanted. I decided I wanted a glass of milk and made my way into the kitchen. As I was walking back I overheard the two men on the front porch.<\/p>\n
\u201cPretty, ain\u2019t she.\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, what? Uh yeah I guess.\u201d Eric answered clearly off guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019d want you to be happy you know.\u201d John responded with concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am happy.\u201d Eric answered defensively.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo you\u2019re not Eric. You\u2019re just alive you\u2019re not living. With her you were living, not your just going through the damn motions.\u201d John said strongly. I decided to walk out at this point but I felt extremely awkward but ignored it. As I sat Eric looked at me and I looked away flushed.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn, I was curious for work I have to write a weekly submission that\u2019s kind of like a catch that gets readers to follow and buy a copy every week. Well,\u201d I paused to look for indicators of rejection on the old man’s face. \u201cIf I could write your story?\u201d I finished quickly hoping if he did say no he wouldn\u2019t be too offended.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one wants to hear an old man story!\u201d John chuckled as he leaned back in his wicker porch chair. I shook my head no vigorously.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no, I\u2019m almost positive that this would make a great story! You have lived such an exciting life and plus we have pictures! Everyone loves pictures!\u201d I said trying to hide the pleading in my voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell if it will help you my dear I would love to be at your service.\u201d John said taking my hand and kissing it lightly. I threw my arms around him, hugging him tight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you thank you thank you! I\u2019ve been struggling with this assignment for days!\u201d I said releasing John and returning to my seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell where were we?!\u201d John asked opening the photo album. \u201cAh yes,\u201d<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Thirteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
Jonathan wiped the sweat from his brow. Salt from the sea water had dried on his forehead, leaving his skin rough and dry. It had been a successful catch day but it was time to head back to shore for a warm meal and a good night\u2019s rest.<\/p>\n
\u201cEh, Johnny boy!\u201d A voice yelled from the other side of the boat. Jonathan looked over to see Declan walking over to him. Declan flicked a cigarette into the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys\u2019ll be goin out tonight. You got the truck, we gotta get this to Portland before noon tomorrah.\u201d Declan said pulling out his pack and pulling another cigarette and then offered the pack towards Jonathan who shook his head no.<\/p>\n
\u201cI gotta work tomorrow mornin\u2019 though Declan. I can\u2019t drive all the way out to Portland tonight.\u201d Jonathan answered playing with his gloves trying not to look at Declan. He took a big puff and released the smoke slowly before acknowledging this new information.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell why don\u2019t ya tell Richard yer sick er somet\u2019in\u2019? One eh the boys\u2019ll do it.\u201d Declan answered cooly. Jonathan nodded knowing he was not going to get out of this easily. Normally he would go without question but tonight there a picture show that he and Vera really wanted to see.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be seein\u2019 yer tonight then boyo?\u201d Declan asked. Jonathan agreed and the boys went back to getting ready to dock the boat.<\/p>\n
As the boat reached the dock, he hopped off pulling it closer to the posts. As he tied the boat up, he heard Richard Day, the owner of the fishery, come up behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne hell of a haul boys!\u201d Richard said clapping Jonathan on the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great day sir.\u201d Declan said jumping off the boat and onto the dock. \u201cVera wit yea any chance sir.\u201d Declan asked flinging another cigarette into the water. Richard pointed up to the road where you could Vera sitting eating a sandwich. She waved down at the men and started to make her way to the dock.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh sir, Johnny boy here ah, needs tomorrow off. Don\u2019t yer.\u201d Declan asked slapping Jonathan on the back. Richard looked from Declan to Jonathan and shook his head yes just as Vera came up to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the sailors come back to not riches beyond our measures but beauty.\u201d Declan says sweeping Vera up into a hug and placing a kiss on her cheek. She blushed pushing away a little and looking up at Jonathan who busied himself with the ropes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow was the water today?\u201d Vera asked the men. Declan shrugged mumbling something about the calm seas of Maine as he pulled Vera closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWasn\u2019t bad.\u201d Jonathan said, barely loud enough for Vera to hear. She looked up at him and blushed and pushed her blonde hair behind her ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I\u2019ll be heading back to the house; I\u2019ll see you all there.\u201d Richard said as he pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and headed up to the street.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll foller yer up boyo. Vera, yer comin\u2019?\u201d Declan asked looking down at her. She shook her head no.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m gunna go look for some sea glass I\u2019ll meet you for dinner.\u201d She kissed him on the lips and Declan started to walk towards the road but turning back before he left the dock to see Vera and Jonathan watching him. He reached to his ear and pulled out a cigarette and lit it squinting his eyes at Jonathan. He shook out the match and threw it into the water. Finally turning his back to them he faded up the road with Richard.<\/p>\n
Jonathan grabbed all of his stuff and stared at Vera. Vera just looked out at the water, watching the wave\u2019s crash against the wooden dock.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful isn\u2019t it?\u201d Vera asked Jonathan as he followed her gaze out to the endless water slapping the side of the boat. \u201cThis would be the only thing I would miss if I do leave. I would miss the sunrise and sunset over the water and the smell of salt in the air.\u201d Vera took a deep breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere do you want to go?\u201d Jonathan asked timidly as Vera started walking down the edge of the dock. She sat down with her legs swinging over the edge. He followed sitting next to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo idea. Just wanna see the world, get out of here. Meet new people. You know, see if the grass really is<\/i> greener.\u201d Vera announced more to the water than to Jonathan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can tell yea, it ain\u2019t always greener.\u201d Jonathan said he felt a slight pain in his stomach as he looked up at Vera. He could see the small shadow of a bruise above her eye hidden by makeup. Jonathan reached up to touch it and quickly moved away.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing Jonathan.\u201d Vera said pushing his hand away. Jonathan shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen is \u2018nothing\u2019 going to stop Vera. It\u2019s never going to stop.\u201d Jonathan put his arm around her and pulled her close. \u201cI think he knows.\u201d Vera moved away from Jonathan looking at him with true fear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? How do you know?\u201d Vera stammered. Jonathan pulled her back into him and kissed her on the top of the head.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s making me drive the shipment to Portland. Tonight.\u201d Vera looked up into Jonathan\u2019s eyes filling with tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t go. If he does know it\u2019ll be a trap. It must be.\u201d Vera let her tears fall as she put her head on Jonathan\u2019s shoulder. They sat their in silence. Knowing if he did know about their affair, they both didn\u2019t have long to live.<\/p>\n
She was stopped crying after a few moments and looked up at him as if he was the world she longed to see. That\u2019s when Jonathan knew what he had to do. He had to get her out of there.<\/p>\n
\u201cVera, we\u2019re leaving.\u201d Jonathan said stone faced looking out at the water. Vera lifted her head off his shoulder to really look at him. \u201cPack your stuff. I\u2019ll buy the tickets. At 3 you\u2019ll leave the house and meet me at the dock.\u201d Jonathan stood reaching down to help Vera up.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, but where will we go? He has men all over the state! They\u2019ll be looking for us! Especially you. And besides that my father!\u201d Vera answered starting to get hysterical. Jonathan pulled her into his chest to calm her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll leave the state then. It doesn\u2019t matter where we go as long as we are together and you are safe.\u201d Jonathan pulled her in for a kiss holding her tight.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d Vera said after they broke apart. Jonathan grabbed for her hand and they walked up the dock together knowing this was either going to be the beginning, or the end.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Fourteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
John stopped talking and closed the photo album. Streaks of tears started to fall from his eyes as he reached for a tissue.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe, Declan was abusing her?\u201d I asked cautiously again trying to read the wrinkled expressions. John slowly started to shake his head yes. Eric let out an exhale as we all took in the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe didn\u2019t get away from him did she\u2026\u201d Eric responded putting the pieces together. Again John shook his head no and looked down at his lap as he played with his tissue. I reached my hand out to hold his, he looked up at me and smiled.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Fifteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
As Jonathan pulled up the delivery dock he realized there were men standing there. The truck’s headlights lit up the night and Jonathan recognized at least one of the men standing before him. He put the car in park and got out.<\/p>\n
\u201cRichard?\u201d Jonathan asked walking over to the men. And sure enough it was Richard Day standing with his arms crossed. Jonathan looked around confused. Why was he here? Was this Declan’s plan? Get Jonathan arrested? Couldn\u2019t be because he had a full shipment of illegal booze that would be confiscated and that would cut into his bottom line. So no that couldn\u2019t be it. Then Richard spoke shattering the silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou just couldn\u2019t let it be could you.\u201d Richard said puffing on his cigarette. Jonathan taken aback didn\u2019t know how to answer. \u201cYou had to go ahead and piss him off.\u201d Richard continued as he pulled out his cigarette and looked at it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you talking about.\u201d Jonathan said as he slowly started to turn back to the truck.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow where the fuck do you think you\u2019re going.\u201d Richard said irritably flick his butt onto the ground. The two men next to him made moves towards him. Then it clicked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re in on it aren\u2019t you.\u201d Jonathan asked Richard through gritted teeth. Richard laughed, a full belly chuckle.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are a smarty aren\u2019t you. But not a genius because I am it, son. I run the whole damn thing. You thought Declan was smart enough to avoid police detection you\u2019re just as stupid as he is.\u201d Richard said as he started to pace. He pulled out a flask and took a long strong gulp. The two other men got closer and closer to Jonathan.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow you\u2019re gunna leave. Military actually. Your papers are in the truck all you gotta do is sign.\u201d Richard began.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd why the hell should I do that.\u201d Jonathan responded with anger in every word. Richard just chuckled and snapped his fingers. One of the guys smashed him in the head with the butt of their gun. Jonathan fell forward onto all fours.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh you\u2019ll sign it if you wanna live. Which I assume you do. Then again if you don\u2019t we can arrange that to. Either way you\u2019re gone and so is our little problem.\u201d Richard started.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know he\u2019s hitting her. How could you let him do that to your daughter of all people! You sick bastard!\u201d Jonathan spat at Richard as he tried to stand as another blow knocked him down. Richard didn\u2019t speak. Just pulled out another cigarette, lit it, blew out the match and threw it onto the ground where he slowly grounded it in with his sleek black shoes.<\/p>\n
\u201cSign the papers Jonathan.\u201d Richard turned and walked into the building leaving behind only the faintest trail of pale grey smoke.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Sixteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
Eric and I pulled up into my driveway as he put the car in park. We both sat there just listening the country music station playing softly through the radio. I reached for the door handle and turned to Eric.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you wanna come in?\u201d I asked instantly feeling stupid as Eric\u2019s face flushed. Then he unbuckled and opened his own door. A ball of excitement shot through me as I realized and made my way out of the car.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeavy stuff huh?\u201d Eric asked as we made our way to the porch. I nodded as my excitement turned to a gut wrenching pang. We both walked up the steps silent. Till Eric grabbed my hand and spun me around towards him.<\/p>\n
\u201cLivy, I eh, I, eh, well first I\u2019m not good with words. But since the first day I\u2019ve meet you,\u201d I stopped Eric\u2019s stammering with my lips. At first he was timid and then pulled me and really kissed. We both pulled apart after what seemed like a very long minute. I motioned for Eric to follow me inside and he followed but stopped. I turned concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cI eh, I can\u2019t. I\u2019ll call you.\u201d He leaned in and kissed me, again letting me go after a few more long minutes. He ran back to his truck and drove off. I walked into the living room my mind whirling.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Seventeen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
\u201cOlivia, great article idea. Readers are just eating it up!\u201d My boss said as she passed quickly by my cubicle. I thanked her and continued my article. I was so wrapped up in the text that I didn\u2019t even see a delivery man drop off a beautiful bouquet of flowers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia, who are these from?\u201d Hailey asked me as she leaned on the entrance of my cubicle. I shrugged still not looking up or slowing my clacking of keys. When suddenly Hailey spun me around and I saw them. My heart jumped and that excitement again was rushing through me.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey must be from Eric.\u201d I concluded as Hailey nodded her head in approval.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat cute guy who\u2019s been helping you remodel?\u201d Hailey asked picking at something under nail. I shook my head yes as I reached for the card. Opening it with slightly trembling finger I read,<\/p>\n
\u2018I told you\u2019d I\u2019d change you just have to give me the chance to.<\/p>\n
Miss you and love you -Josh.\u2019<\/p>\n
I dropped the note as if it had burned me. Hailey confused reached over and picked it up to read it herself. Her jaw drop as she read the name. She looked up at me as I started to pack my bag.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Hailey asked moving out of my way.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows where I work. I have to go home.\u201d I said trying to hold back my fear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is that a bad thing? He seems to be sincere?\u201d Hailey said rereading the note. But I didn\u2019t waste my time to respond. I grabbed my stuff and walked out with Hailey stuttering in confusion after me.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Eighteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I pulled into my driveway and slammed the car in park. I put my head on the steering wheel and finally let myself cry. I heard a knock on my window and screamed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, hey, what\u2019s the matter? It\u2019s just me?!\u201d Eric said as he ripped opened the door. I shook my head but no words came out just tears. But Eric didn\u2019t rush me. He just stood there strong as I cried.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows where I work.\u201d I finally said through sobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d Eric asked concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cJosh.\u201d I started to sob harder. Eric looked confused. \u201cI lied to you. He did hit me, damn near killed me before I got away. It took every bit of courage I had left to leave. He can\u2019t be here. I\u2019m not strong enough to do it again\u201d I sobbed harder and Eric reached in and held me.<\/p>\n
\u201cShhh, sh, it\u2019s okay. He won\u2019t hurt you again trust me. Just breath. I\u2019ll stay here for the night if you want company.\u201d I nodded into his shoulder as I tried to steady my breathing to a slow shutter.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Nineteen” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
It had been a couple weeks since I had received those flowers. Josh hadn\u2019t tried anything else to get close to me. Hadn\u2019t even called me, and I was starting to relax if only slightly. She had been working on the last of John\u2019s story for the past few days.<\/p>\n
As I logged into my email I heard my phone ding. It was Eric, I smiled to myself as I opened his text telling me he\u2019ll pick up dinner for tonight. I quickly responded thank as I returned to my computer. I quickly scanned over all the shopping emails. When one caught my eye. It was from a woman named Kathleen Fitzpatrick. I hastily clicked on it.<\/p>\n
\u2018Hello Olivia my name is Kathleen Fitzpatrick and I\u2019m pretty sure these stories are pictures are of my mother\u2019s, Vera. I\u2019d love to speak with you about this and especially John since I may have a missing puzzle piece to your story.\u2019<\/p>\n
I quickly penned a reply for us to meet at her earliest convenience. My mind raced curious as to what she meant by missing puzzle piece? What was the story missing? Well I guess I\u2019d just have to wait. God I hate waiting.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twenty” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
I heard a knock on the door as I uncorked the wine. I finished my pour and walked over to open it for Eric. As I reached for the door handle I stopped as I looked into the eyes of Josh. He smiled at me as he leaned on the door frame.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to leave.\u201d I said trying to sound strong while my insides screamed with panic. Josh didn\u2019t say anything just shook his head. He reached for the handle and tried to pull it open. I quickly tried to lock it but it was too late he had the door open as I backed away from him. He put his bottle of jack down on the counter and looked around.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe place looks great Livy.\u201d Josh said wobbling on his feet. I didn\u2019t answer but backed away towards the phone not know what my next step will be but felt that\u2019s what I should do.<\/p>\n
\u201cJosh what do you want.\u201d I said again more strongly than I felt. Josh looked up at me with bloodshot eye and the gut wrenching pang twisted my insides.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do I want? Really, Livy. You know what I want. You.\u201d Josh said he as he wobbled his way to the kitchen table ripping out a chair making it scrape across the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t have me Josh. What is you really want.\u201d I said reaching for phone and pulling it behind me. Josh threw the plate that was on the table at me. I jumped screaming as I dropped the phone to get away as it shattered against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wanna know what I want Livy. You really wanna know what I want! I want to stop feeling this pain. I\u2019m in so much pain.\u201d He put his head into his hand as he started to cry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you. You can get help for that pain. I need you to get help. Please Josh for me.\u201d My voice cracked with strain. Josh lifts his head and looks at me.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you? That\u2019s bullshit. You don\u2019t give a shit about me.\u201d Josh spat standing and wobbling his way towards me. As if my lower limbs had become cement I couldn\u2019t move and he got closer and closer. He reaches out and pulls me in for a kiss but I pulled away. His hand comes out of nowhere and slaps me across the face and I fall back into the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cBabe, no, I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to. I don\u2019t know why I did that. It won’t happen again. I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d He reaches up to hold my face I shiver at his touch as he wipes away my tears. I don\u2019t dare move.<\/p>\n
When suddenly the screen door slapped closed. Josh spins around to see Eric standing there ready to fight. I slipped away and back towards the basement door. I knew I had a gun if I could just get to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho the hell are you.\u201d Josh asked disgusted as he sized up Eric through his drunken eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to leave.\u201d Eric said calmly. Josh stumbled towards him as Eric back only slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you gotta leave.\u201d Josh said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a 22. Eric froze and I had no idea what to do my mind seemed to stop think and all I could do was watch.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t wanna do that buddy.\u201d Eric said calmly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t fucking call me buddy. You don\u2019t fucking know me.\u201d Josh said spitting with anger and hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was you.\u201d Eric responded softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the fuck is that suppose to mean.\u201d Josh retorted waving the gun at Eric.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means that I know the pain. I know the terror. I know what you see when you\u2019re weak. I saw them too. I know the sleeplessness. I know the sounds.\u201d Eric replied strongly. Josh faltered, as he lowered the gun a little. Eric made one step towards him and Josh didn\u2019t react.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m, I\u2019m supposed to be strong.\u201d Josh said with his voice quivering. Eric again made a slow step forward and Josh again didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are strong.\u201d Eric answered. Josh started to shake his head as the gun lowered. \u201cI was in the same dark place. I didn\u2019t get the help I needed till I hurt the one person I loved more than myself. But you don\u2019t have be the same way. Just give me the gun brother.\u201d Eric started as he again inched his way towards Josh. I looked up at Eric as I realized what happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a regular night. I had been hiding my symptoms for months now. Melissa and I were driving when an 18 wheeler blew a tire. And I dunno if you\u2019ve ever heard that but it sound damn near the same as a gunshot. My mind went into combat mode is the best way I can explain it. I pulled the car over and got out yelling at Melissa to follow my lead and to watch for landmines as I hopped the highway railing and ran down the hill. She was crying and telling me to stop but I just kept screaming for her to get out the car. If she had just gotten out like I screamed she would have been fine. Or if I hadn\u2019t pulled over in the first place she\u2019d be here.\u201d Eric swallowed hard as he let the tears fall. He reached out for the gun and Josh let him take it without a fight. I let out a huge sigh of relief as Eric unloaded the pistol.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can get the help that I didn\u2019t get till it was too late. The pain does stop. You are strong solider and it will get better.\u201d Eric finished just as calmly as he started.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twenty-One” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>\u201cHello?\u201d I answered putting the phone between my cheek and shoulder as I continued my gardening.<\/p>\n
\u201cLivy\u201d A familiar voice answered back. I leaned back on my knees as I dusted my hands on and pulled my phone into my hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cJosh. How have you been?\u201d I asked sweetly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been hard. But I\u2019m gunna get there.\u201d He paused, \u201cI\u2019m just calling to say I\u2019m so sorry. I know that will never be enough but it\u2019s true, I\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI forgive you.\u201d I said calmly cutting him off.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d He paused again, \u201cAnd Livy. I\u2019ll always love you.\u201d Josh finished with a sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll always love you too. Get the help you need.\u201d I replied sweetly as I hung up the phone. I started to go back to my gardening when Kingdom came running to me in the same frantic way she had when John had his heart attack. She knew what this could mean and followed running just as fast as Kingdom to John\u2019s house.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twenty-Two” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>As I sat in the waiting room I picked up my phone and called Kathleen Fitzpatrick, who I had been emailing for a while now. I was sent to voicemail.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, Kathleen it\u2019s Olivia from the paper. I know we were planning a huge thing but you should come to Miles Memorial as soon as you. I just have a feeling there isn\u2019t much time left. Just give me a call back. Thanks.\u201d I hung up the phone just as Eric came bursting into the waiting. He ran over to hug me.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s in surgery. Haven\u2019t heard anything.\u201d I said and Eric nodded sitting down in the seat next to me. I picked up a magazine and handed one to Eric who shook his head no and started shaking his leg in anxiety which only stressed me out more.<\/p>\n
A few moments later. Kathleen walked into the room. She saw us sitting and came over. I stood to greet her.<\/p>\n
\u201cKathleen,\u201d She said shaking my hand. \u201cI came as soon as I got your voicemail. Is he okay?\u201d She asked timidly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t heard anything yet. But that could be a good thing but,\u201d Just as I was about to finish the doctor came out and Eric rushed to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s resting. Vitals are good. But I\u2019m not going to sugar coat it. Another one like that and I just don\u2019t think his heart can handle it.\u201d The doctor said double checking his clipboard. \u201cBut you can head in and see him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d Eric said moving past the doctor and into the hallway.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twenty-Three” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
Eric swung open the door and peered in. John lay there looking fragile with all the tubes running out of him. He raised his hand to wave us in. We all piled into the room as John tried to pull himself up.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, John stop I\u2019ll help you.\u201d Eric piped up rushing to John\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh hush, I\u2019m not dead yet.\u201d John said slapping Eric\u2019s helping hands away. \u201cAnd who is this lovely lady.\u201d John asked looking at Kathleen who nervously entered.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn this is Kathleen.\u201d I paused, \u201cKathleen Fitzpatrick.\u201d Kathleen moved closer to the bed and John\u2019s expression changed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have her eyes.\u201d Was all he said reaching out his hand to touch hers. She smiled as her tears fell. \u201cNo no don\u2019t cry dear, those eyes are too beautiful and loving to cry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI read your story in the paper and uhm, she was my mother.\u201d John\u2019s eyes filled with tears as he looked at Kathleen. \u201cAnd I needed you to know the ending. The real ending.\u201d Kathleen said as she wipes away some tears with her other hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe real ending?\u201d John asked curious. Kathleen shook her head yes and pulled out her own photo album handing it to John. He took it graciously as he opened the first picture. It was a picture of John and Vera smiling through the years, with the caption \u2018To Kathleen, love Mom and Dad.\u2019 John confused looked up at Kathleen and she flipped the page.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was pregnant with me in that picture.\u201d Kathleen said pointing to a picture of Vera smiling by the boat. Then Kathleen pointed to the time stamp. It was a few days before he was forced to leave. Then he got it. John pulled Kathleen in for a long hug with strength that came from his heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes this mean she was actually got away from Declan?!\u201d John asked hoping to hear the answer he so wished for her. Kathleen\u2019s face fell and so did John\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe knew it was coming she just didn\u2019t know when. She couldn\u2019t get away. She tried for years taking us to stay with this friend and that but he always found us a brought us back. When I was 6 is when he finally did it. He uhm, shot her.\u201d Kathleen said bursting into tears at the moment she finished her sentence. John held her hand tighter as he started to cry himself. Even Eric and I teared up as we hung back.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you and I were her life. She told me all the stories she had about you so I could get a sense of knowing my real father. She made me this album with the stories she told so I could always find you when I needed you.\u201d Kathleen’s voice cracked and John kissed the top of her hand. \u201cShe was never mad at you for leaving, she knew something must have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat son of bitch father of hers ran me off. And before I knew it was I fighting in Europe! And I\u2019m so sorry but I was too late. No one told me anything. All they said is she passed away. But I tried but I should have tried harder I\u2019m so sorry Kathleen.\u201d John kissing her hand once more.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, please don\u2019t feel sorry. You gave her hope and you gave me great stories of what true love is.\u201d Kathleen smiled at John as she squeezed his hand tighter. She flipped to the last page and it was Kathleen and her family. \u201cThat\u2019s my husband, Ron and our daughter Sarah and that little guy’s name Jonathan after you.\u201d John traced the faces over with his hand. John leaned over to look at Eric and I.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for all this Livy. I am forever grateful.\u201d John said to me. I walked over and hugged him and he kissed me on the head. Eric walked up behind me and pulled me in close and held John\u2019s other hand. We all stood in silence, happy content silence. Till the doctor entered and told us it was time for John to get some sleep. We all kissed him goodbye saying we would all be back in the morning.<\/p>\n[aesop_chapter title=”Chapter Twenty-Four” bgtype=”img” full=”on” bgcolor=”#888888″ revealfx=”off”]\n
\u201cJonathan. Sweetheart. It\u2019s time to wake up.\u201d A voice said as John opened his eyes. Vera stood before him. Young and beautiful like he always remembered her. Her blue eyes still just as piercing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI should have tried harder. I\u2019m so sorry, I left with you with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, we can finally be together like it was always meant to be.\u201d Vera said softly reaching out her hand. John stretched to meet hers. His old veiny wrinkly hand transformed into a hand 60 years younger. John lifted the covers off himself as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His arthritic knees no longer pained him. His feet touched the floor that was no longer cold. He stood.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you remember how dance?\u201d Vera asked kindly pulling Jonathan into her.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I remember how to dance, Honey, I\u2019m the king of dance.\u201d And they danced together like they did on those stolen nights back in Friendship. All around the hospital room, he twirled her around and held her tight till the walls faded and time stood still.<\/p>\n\n
Tell me what you think!<\/p>\n