By Begin Again
A time when the nuclei of three generations unraveled, exploded, and tragically, changed their lives forever.
*********************
CHAPTER 1
Words loosely wrapped in a bitter mixture of hysteria, confusion, and fear erupted from Natasha's sixteen-year-old mouth, creating a chaotic explosion akin to a spectacular array of fireworks. Little of it was comprehendible, but, except for the distraught teenager and the motionless body lying on the floor, no one was there to hear it.
The hands on the antique clock met in a prayer-like gesture, tolling twelve times. Pale streams of moonlight filtered through the lace curtains, creating shadows on the walls. Sirens screamed and flashing lights cut through the darkness as a fire truck, an ambulance, and a police car raced through the streets toward 1804 Hudson Street, Isabella Mancuso's domain, her family home for the past seventy-five years.
“Don’t you die, you ugly senile old bitch. You hear me? I’m not taking the blame for this. You’re the one — always meddling in someone else’s business.” Natasha pounded her fist against the wall, knocking one of the many family photos off its hook. It clattered to the floor, shattering the glass. "Great! Now I'll have to listen to you moan and groan about respecting our ancestors. When will you learn nobody cares? They're dead!"
She stepped closer to the window, staring out into the night, terrified to move closer to her grandmother’s lifeless body. She couldn't stop babbling. Random thoughts rolled off her tongue. "Where's that damn ambulance? I could have driven to the hospital faster than waiting for them." She looked outside, willing someone to arrive.
Her angry eyes were dark, smoldering coals as she glanced toward Isabella and spun back around. Her chin jutted upward. She felt on solid ground when she wasn't looking at Isabella.
Nat spat the words into the air, “Hope you're satisfied!" She inhaled and let her ragged breath escape. "You better know I'm not taking the blame for what happened. Why couldn't you just leave it be?"
Bitterness dripped from her mouth, yet a lone tear glistened from the corner of her eye. She picked up one of Isabella's crocheted blankets and tossed it across her grandmother's legs. "Can't have you saying I let you catch a cold."
The sharp ring of her cell interrupted the ongoing battle between her and her silent grandmother. The teenager grabbed the “lifeline” and answered, “Becky?”
“Girl, who else did you expect at this hour?” Irritated, Natasha’s best friend growled. “This better be good. Jeremy’s over, and we’re kinda busy.”
“Forget about him. He just wants to get between your legs.” Natasha rolled her eyes at the thought. He wasn't her type.
“Shut up, Nat! That’s my concern, not yours. Besides, you’re no goodie two shoes, now are you?” Becky's sharp retort put an immediate clamp on Natasha's mouth, rattling her.
“Sorry, Beck." She stammered, "It’s just — I need you.” Natasha looked at the poor woman lying on the cold floor and shivered. “Something terrible happened — and it’s just going to get worse.” Without warning, the floodgates opened, and waves of angry tears poured down Natasha’s face. Gulping for air, she sputtered, “Grandma knows.” She gulped again. “She threatened to tell —”
“Get a hold of yourself, Nat. Stop your screeching. She’s an old lady. She can threaten all she wants. We can talk our way out of anything she says. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again. You know your mom will believe you.”
Natasha struggled to control her breathing. Between gulps, she whined, “You don't get it. She — she collapsed. She’s not moving, Beck." Nat swallowed hard before trying again. Her bravado dissipated. "I can't do this. I called 911. They're on their way.”
As the seriousness of the situation settled in, Becky's voice cracked, “Oh my God! Is she — is she dead?"
"Who's dead?" A muffled male voice inquired.
"Can you shut up, Jeremy?" Becky returned to her cell, and asked, "Nat, you didn’t knock her down or anything, did you?”
Becky's questions made Natasha's heart pound harder, and she fell to her knees. Icy fingers of fear strummed her spine and across her head. Heat spread across her cheeks. “I might have — pushed her away, but I didn’t mean to — It’s not my fault. She kept talking — doing her preacher thing." She swallowed, "Beck, I — don’t — know — if she’s breathing.”
Becky gasped, “Why didn't you say that in the first place? I’m on my way.” The call disconnected, leaving Natasha crumpled on the floor, alone and afraid.
Across the room, Isabella’s body lay motionless, yet her mind was moving like the five o’clock freight train that rumbled across the open field every night. Clickety click — Clickety click! Its destination unclear except to the engineer.
She could hear her granddaughter’s hysteria, but she felt disconnected from it. A sense of peace touched her body. She could see people standing in the distance, surrounded by a brilliant light, yet she heard loud voices calling and heavy footsteps pounding against wooden stairs. Everything was so unclear.
As she drifted into unconsciousness, her last thoughts were with the Lord. “Oh, Father in Heaven, is this how my journey ends?”
Becky raced up the stairs, followed by the fire department and EMTs. As she entered the attic bedroom, she rushed to Natasha’s side, folding her friend into her arms. “It’s okay, Nat. Help is here now.” She glanced sideways at the group surrounding Isabella and purposely raised her voice before she continued, “It’s not your fault. Be thankful you got home in time to call for help.”
Total confusion registered in Natasha’s bloodshot eyes as she stared at her friend. “But —”
“Shh, we've got this. I told them I dropped you off at your grandmother’s and heard your scream as I was leaving. I rushed back to find you hysterical and trying to wake her.” Becky glanced at the men frantically working on Isabella. She stood and meekly asked, “Is she going to be okay?”
Natasha pulled herself to her feet and moved closer to the men, leaning against her friend. “She’s not g—” Choking on the bile rising in her throat, Natasha turned her head away, finishing her question, “g — gone, is she?”
One of the EMTs offered the girls a sympathetic look. “It’s a touch-and-go situation. She was mighty lucky you found her when you did.” The men placed Isabella’s body on the stretcher and prepared to remove her from the bedroom. “We’ll know more when we get her to the hospital. In the meantime, Officer Lakewood will need to get your statements. Should we notify your parents for you?”
“My parents?" Nat's eyes darted toward her friend. "Umm, my mom —”
Becky interrupted, “Her mom’s already on her way. Natasha called her right after she called you.”
“Oh, okay.” Satisfied, he returned to the other men and Isabella.
Officer Lakewood moved closer to the girls, allowing room for the stretcher to be removed from the room. “So, you’ve notified your mom already. That’s good. Is she coming here or the hospital?”
Nervous and uncertain what to reply, Nat stammered, “I'm — I'm not sure.”
Once again, Becky came to her friend’s rescue. “Nat was so upset she probably didn’t even hear what her mom said. We can call her again if she doesn’t arrive soon.”
“That would be a good idea. You girls have been in a very traumatic situation tonight and it would be better if an adult were with you.” Officer Lakewood pulled a small notebook from her jacket pocket and flipped it open. “Okay, Natasha, call your mom again and I’ll get the details from your friend.” The officer turned to face Becky. “Sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.”
“It’s Becky. Becky Caldwell. I’m Natasha’s best friend. I live just down the street. Nat and I hang out at her grandmother’s house all the time. She’s so loving to all of us. Baking cookies and all that special stuff.” Becky paused as if thinking about Isabella, then with a subdued tone she added, “I sure hope she makes it. I can’t imagine what could have happened to her.”
“Sometimes these things just happen, especially when we get old. No rhyme or reason to it. Just the Lord calls us home.”
“S’pose you’re right. She was 75. That’s pretty old. Forgive me for sayin’, but she was getting mighty forgetful lately. Even imagining things that just weren’t there.”
“Hmm, that’s too bad. Happens too often.” Officer Lakewood shook her head before turning to the report. “Okay, let’s start from the beginning. I believe you told the EMT that you had brought your friend home and as you were leaving, you heard her scream. Is that correct?”
“Yes — yes, it is. I rushed back into the house, yelling for Nat. She was crying and screaming, so I hurried upstairs and found her kneeling by her grandmother. She grabbed her phone and called 911, then her mom. Nat was hysterical. I’ve never seen my friend so upset.”
“I’m sure she was. I know I’d be pretty upset if I found my grandmother unconscious. She was unconscious when you girls found her, right?”
“Unconscious?” Becky bit the inside of her lower lip. “Umm, I think so. She wasn’t moving or saying anything when I ran into the room. Nat said she found her lying there.”
Across the room with her back turned toward her best friend and Officer Lakewood, Natasha coached herself and called her mom.
A sleep-filled voice muttered, “This better be damn important, Nat. You know I have to get up early for work.”
On command, a water faucet of tears poured out of Natasha’s eyes as she choked and struggled to speak to her mother. “Mom, it’s hor-r-i-ble! They’ve taken Grandma to the hospital.”
The once sleepy voice turned into a shrill scream, “What? Oh my God. Nat, what happened? Is she okay?”
“It’s — it’s bad. The EMT said she was unconscious. She wasn’t moving, Mom. I thought she was — you know, gone.” Nat paused, choosing her words carefully. “She went to bed. Becky and I were outside, talking and goofing around. I — I went to check on her. She wasn’t in her bed, then I saw her on the floor by the dresser.”
“Okay, I’ve got to get to the hospital. Are you okay there by yourself, or do I need to pick you up?”
“No, go to grandma. Becky’s here and an officer is taking a report.”
“Report? For what?” A string of curse words erupted at the other end of the phone, causing Natasha to muffle the receiver.
“Mom, everyone can hear you.” She glanced toward the officer.
“You think I care? My mother might be dead, my teenage daughter found her, and they’re worried about some stupid report.”
“Mom — Mom quit screaming. Go to the hospital and be with grandma. I’ll be here with Becky.” Natasha lowered her voice, whispering into the phone, “Mom, it’s not my fault.”
“Your fault? Of course, it’s not your fault. She’s old and set in her ways. She probably tripped over something. Nobody thinks it was your fault, sweetie.”
“I guess I was afraid someone might blame me since I was here.”
“You found her and hopefully, saved her life. No matter what happens, it’s not your fault. Anyone who says it was, well, they can go to hell.”
“Thanks, Mom.” The teenager sighed, relieved she’d locked her mother into her corner. “Love you.”
“I love you, too. Now, I’ve got to get to the hospital and see what’s going on with my senile mother. Don’t let anyone bully you around, Nat. Just because they wear a badge doesn’t make them God.”
“I know. Talk to you later.” Natasha disconnected the call. She stared out the window for a moment before whispering under her breath, “Stupid old lady should have minded her own business.”
She returned to stand by Becky, squeezing her best friend’s hand. She winked, knowing they’d get through this together. Lies and all!
CHARACTERS:
Isabella Mancuso -- Family Matriarch, Natasha's grandmother
Natasha Stanton -- defiant sixteen-year-old granddaughter
Becky Caldwell -- Natasha's best friend and partner in crime
Jeremy -- Becky's current boy-toy
Marie Stanton -- Isabella's daughter, Natasha's mother
Officer Lakewood -- official responding to 911 call
| Author Notes | The story is fiction, but the writer always draws from his or her own experiences when forming a storyline. Life is filled with unexpected ups and downs, family struggles, and sometimes the foundation crumbles; thus the title, LIfe's Twisted Road. It's been a struggle to write again, but hopefully, the doors have opened and I can begin again. Please be honest, but not brutal with your thoughts on my efforts. Thank you! Hugs and wishes for a better day for each of you. Carol |
By Begin Again
“Forgive me, but you don’t understand. I turned my back on people, the ones I loved.”
“Did you?” He turned toward an altar filled with magnificent candles of every shape and size. Each flame flickering like a golden star. He gently opened the cover of a massive leather book. The cream-colored parchment pages, weathered by time, contained hand-written notes. Turning the sheets of paper one by one, he read the words written there. Lifting his gaze from the book, he looked into Isabella’s eyes. “Despite the many hardships and your missteps, your heart was always in the right place on the road you traveled. You are in the house of the Lord. He has opened his arms to you. Do you doubt his wisdom?”
She gasped, "Oh no! Never! It's just —"
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
Isabella Mancuso -- Family Matriarch, Natasha's grandmother Natasha Stanton -- defiant sixteen-year-old granddaughter Becky Caldwell -- Natasha's best friend and partner in crime Jeremy -- Becky's current boy-toy Marie Stanton -- Isabella's daughter, Natasha's mother Officer Lakewood -- official responding to 911 call Peter - the calming voice of reason |
By Begin Again
THE BEGINNING - Four months before Isabella’s confrontation with Natasha
Armed with good looks and a wicked grin, Dion slipped off his letter sweater and tossed it over the back of a chair, exposing the star quarterback’s powerful arm muscles. Admiration mixed with envy assaulted his male classmates’ brains. The girls' imaginations traveled a lustier path. Unaware of the disruption his physique caused among his peers, Dion turned to the task at hand.
His eyes scanned the room, scrutinizing each classmate before they locked on his choice. Satisfied, he spoke, “I choose Gabby as my lab partner.”
Gabby tried to ignore the mention of her name, pretending to be engrossed in studying her biology book. Muffled laughs and awkward taunts filtered throughout the room. A stray foot nudged her desk harder than intended, sending a stack of books crashing. Laughter exploded in the classroom.
Humiliated, Gabby jerked to attention. Her eyes filled with panic. At the sight of a worm dangling precariously from Dion’s fingers, the contents of her stomach revolted, and the nasty taste of bile surged into her throat and then retreated. Her soft brown eyes darted toward Mr. Wilson, the biology teacher, pleading for a reprieve.
Mr. Wilson taped his pointer against the chalkboard and waited for the class to settle down. Then, turning his attention toward his petrified student, he calmly asked, “Gabby, I believe Dion has chosen you as his lab partner. Please join the group.”
A wave of adrenaline rushed through Gabby's veins, raising her body temperature. Her burning cheeks turned a brilliant pink. Flushed, she stammered, “Umm, I’m not ready yet.”
“By your reaction, I believe you are as ready as you will get, Gabby." The biology teacher paused, but when Gabby didn't move, he added, "Come join Dion.”
Swallowing hard, Gabby’s eyes darted from her teacher to Dion, and then to the dreaded worm. She pushed herself to a standing position, but her new red Converse tennis shoes refused to propel her toward the group. An acidic slime coated her throat again, dangerously suggesting it was about to spew out of her mouth. Mortified, she muttered, “I’m sorry,” before clamping her hands across her stomach and racing toward the door and down the hall.
Seated across the aisle from Gabby's desk, Becky grabbed their backpacks and followed Gabby’s footsteps, yelling over her shoulder, “I’ll check on her, Mr. Wilson."
**************
“I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.” Squeezing past Becky, another teenage girl tossed her long, coal-black hair over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. Mimicking a gag, she added, “Some chick’s having a bad morning.”
Becky shrugged her shoulders. “I know. She’s my friend.”
Inside the bathroom, Gabby cupped her hands together under the faucet. Repeatedly, she tossed the cold water against her cheeks. She lifted her head, stared into the mirror, and moaned. “Great! I not only embarrassed myself in front of the entire biology class, but Rocket the Racoon looks better than me." Blotches of smeared mascara covered her pale face.
Becky pulled a paper towel from the machine and handed it to her friend. “Here, wipe your face.”
Gabby reached for the towel and then grabbed her stomach, moaning, “Oh God, not again.” She stumbled into the open stall. Straddling the basin, Gabby wretched and wretched, spewing sticky chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots into the murky water.
Her gruesome sounds forced Becky to move closer to the exit door. Her stomach churned, threatening to follow suit. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, praying for the vomiting to stop.
After a minute or two of silence, Becky called out, “You okay, Gabby? Should I go get the nurse?”
A distraught Gabby leaned against the stall door, sniveling. Once assured the disgusting battle within her stomach was over, she returned to the sink and splashed cool water on her face.
Concerned, Becky touched Gabby's shoulder. “You didn’t answer me. Do you need the nurse?”
Between splashes, Gabby mumbled, “I already saw her at the beginning of the second hour.”
“And she didn’t send you home?”
“She tried, but I said it was probably the leftover soup I ate for breakfast.”
“Leftover soup? What’s wrong with you, girl? Who eats soup for breakfast?”
“Excuse me, Miss High Society! Unlike your house, we don’t have someone to do our cleaning and shopping.”
“You don’t have to get sarcastic. What does our household staff have to do with you eating leftover soup?”
“Everything! We were out of milk, so I couldn’t eat cereal. The loaf of bread had green specks on it. We had soup for dinner last night and it was good. I was hungry, so I ate it for breakfast too.”
Becky wrinkled her nose. “Did you get sick after eating it last night?”
“No, of course not!"
“Then why would it make you sick today?”
“I don’t know. Maybe my idiot brother left it out on the counter.”
“Ew! And you ate it?”
"Cut the inquisition, Beck! I was hungry and I ate it. Too late now to moan and groan.” As if on cue, she grabbed her stomach and raced back into the stall, spewing brown liquid dotted with tiny bits of undefinable particles into the toilet bowl.
Becky covered her ears. “Oh God, Gabby, stop! My stomach’s doing flip-flops.”
Exiting the stall, Gabby glared at her friend. “I’m not exactly doing this for pleasure, you know."
“I’m sorry.” She wrapped her arm around her friend’s sagging shoulders. “Let’s go to the nurse. We’ll get an excuse and I’ll take you home.”
“No!" Gabby'a voice was sharp, but quickly returned to a normal tone. "My dad’s working from home today. We can't go there.” She pulled away from her friend. "You know how he gets."
“Unfortunately, I do.” Becky filled her cheeks with air and then slowly expelled it. “Well, you either stay here or we find somewhere else to go. Class is almost over, and this place will be a beehive of busybodies.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve had more than my share of humiliation.”
“I’ll text Nat. Maybe she’ll join us, and we can camp out at her grandmother’s house for the afternoon.”
********************************
Tucked in a fetal position, Gabby pulled a blanket over her body, groaning, “Are you sure no one is home?”
An exasperated sigh crossed Natasha’s lips. “Really? We go through this every time we cut classes. Mom’s at work. Tate’s in school and has football practice later. Besides, neither of them comes here unless they want something from my grandmother.”
Not convinced, Gabby lifted her head from the pillow, annoying her friend by asking another question. “What about your grandmother? She could be asleep, and you don’t know it.”
"She’s not. For one, her television isn’t blaring, making the windows rattle. Second, it’s Tuesday, so she’s playing cards at the senior center with the other old biddies.”
“Can you just check? I’d feel better.”
“You’re a pain in my—”
“Ease up, Nat. She’s not feeling well. I’ll go check.” Becky’s footsteps echoed down the hall and the steps, and later, back up the stairs. Her voice chimed, “It’s clear downstairs. Checking Isabella’s room now.” Moments later, she returned to the spare bedroom, known as Nat’s hideout, and announced, “Nobody here but us and the mice.”
Still irritated, Nat sneered, “Satisfied?”
A meek “thank you” rolled off Gabby’s lips, and she buried her head into one of the oversized pillows.
Becky handed a Coke to Nat. “I took them out of the refrigerator on the back porch, just in case your grandmother knows how many are in the kitchen fridge.” She turned to Gabby. “Brought you a 7-up, if you want it.”
A shake of her head was Gabby’s only response.
Settling into an oversized bean bag, Becky was ready to relax. “Let’s put on some music, Nat. We need to liven this place up.” She reached for her friend’s cell phone but lost it to Nat’s quicker move.
“We aren’t listening to that freakin’ country bull crap you’ve always got going. I’m not sure you even know what good music is.” Scanning her playlist, Nat chose one of her favorites. A Nervana song with crashing cymbals and high-pitched squealing guitars vibrated every inch of the room.
“Give me a break, Nat." Becky uncovered her ears, shouting, "Play something we’ll all like. Something we can talk over without having to scream.”
Rolling her eyes upward, Nat sighed and chose 'Shake It Off' by Taylor Swift. “Is that better?"
Becky nodded. “Yeah, a song all about you." She laughed and shook her head, bobbing to the rhythm of the song. "My eardrums thank you.”
Another muffled "thank you" came from Gabby’s pillow.
“Come on, Gabby. Are you just going to bury your head in that pillow all day, or are you going to join us?”
Two feet emerged from under the blanket, followed by the rest of Gabby’s body. “Fine, but if I puke again, it’s on you.”
“You won't. Besides, you gotta be better by Saturday.”
Gabby shot Nat a disinterested look, but still asked, “Why? What’s Saturday?”
“We’re going dress shopping, nerd. How could you forget something so important as our dresses for the dance?”
Gabby nibbled at her lower lip before answering, “I’m not going." She hesitated and flippantly added, "I might be dead by then.”
“It’s food poisoning, goofball. You aren’t going to die. But Nat — I didn’t think you had enough money yet."
“Got it covered.” Smiling like a Cheshire cat, Nat pulled a plastic container from under the bed and rummaged through it before tossing a prescription bottle across the room to Becky.
Becky’s eyes widened as she read the label. “Nat, these are your grandmother’s pills.”
| Author Notes |
Isabella - Natasha's grandmother (currently hospitalized and in a coma)
Natasha - the granddaughter Becky and Gabby - Nat's best friends (the Three Musketeers) Dion - a hunk and the star quarterback Mr. Wilson - Biology teacher |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
Isabella - the grandmother Natasha - Isabella's granddaughter Becky and Gabby - Natasha's besties Jason - football star and Gabby's boyfriend |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
GABBY - Natasha and Becky's friend BOBBY - Gabby's father ( a chauvinistic drunk) AUDREY - Bobby's younger sister (on the edge of financial disaster) JACKSON - Sheriff and Audrey's current boyfriend |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
BOBBY - Gabby's father GABBY - the teenage friend of Natasha and Becky JASON - a star football player and Gabby's current boyfriend |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
JASON - Football player and Gabby's boyfriend
GABBY - Natasha and Becky's friend DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend COACH - the teams' football coach and counselor |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman OFFICER LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife OFFICER LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
CHARACTERS:
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer |
By Begin Again
END OF CHAPTER 18
Lucille made a notation in her book. "What else did you see?"
"Can't say. I told you alcohol and drugs don't mix. Maybe it was a stupid drag race or maybe â?" well, maybe someone had an ax to grind. That's your job, officer. Not mine."
"Looks like a split decision right now. Too bad, too. The kid had his whole life ahead of him."*****
CHAPTER 19"Jackson, they won't make me identify his body, will they?" Her voice quivered under the stress. Her tear-stained eyes begged him to rescue her.
"I sent out an officer, but we haven't been able to locate her yet."
Audrey closed her eyes before answering. "Gabby's pregnant. She's hiding from Bobby."
"Jackson, it's just too much. I don't think I can do this."
"Babe, you're not alone. I'm here."She tipped her head back so she could look at his face. "Jackson, please don't take this wrong, but your job demands your time. I see you a few hours here and there throughout the week."
"Stop! We can do this together."
"It's okay. Duty calls." She stood, staring into his eyes for a moment, and then moved toward the door. "Just go, Jackson. I'll be fine."
*****
Jackson nodded. "I know the coach, but who are you, young man?"
"A crazy lunatic ran me off the road, that's what happened."
"And why do you think he attacked you?" Jackson baited the hook.
Dion's eyes darted to Jason, who turned away, mumbling, "Dion, I've got to get home. Catch you tomorrow, bro." He nodded to the coach and the sheriff and quickly left the room.
"Is that the truth, Dion? Gabby's baby isn't yours?" At the sound of Gabby's name, the coach scowled and shook his head. He knew Jason had been dating Gabby, not Dion.
"No, sir. She's a friend who needed help, that's all. Her father seeing us together was just a coincidence.""And how do you explain the drugs we found in your truck? Was that a coincidence, too?"
"Well, we will see when the lab tests come back. If there're drugs in his system, he'll most likely be held accountable."
"There won't be!" Coach snarled. "Maybe you should go.""Coach, he thinks I'm responsible." Dion's voice was frantic, setting off the alarm on his heart monitor. "The town drunk attacks me and then runs me off the road, and he wants to blame me."
"But he's accusing me of horrible things. Stuff I'd never do."
*****
After Jackson left, Audrey poured a glass of wine and sat by the fireplace, lost in thought.How do I pay for a funeral, for a house, and take care of Gabby and maybe a baby? Bobby's bank account amounts to his last paycheck. Me, I'm losing the house, and I don't have a job. I don't want to be accountable to Jackson, either. Bobby, you were always the thinker when things got tough. What would you do? Give me a clue, please.
As she picked up her glass, a postcard fell to the floor. Picking it up, she saw it was an advertisement for insurance. A lightbulb turned on in her mind. Had Bobby given her a clue?“Audrey, I heard about Bobby. I’m so sorry.”
“Umm, I was wondering if you still work for the lawyers?”
“I was a paralegal, and I learned quite a lot. Try me. What’s your question?”
"What if the other driver had been drinking?"
"Oh, yes. In some circumstances, intoxication might be moot if it were proven the other driver forced the car off the road." Cassidy paused before asking. “Does this have to do with Bobby’s death? I’d hate to steer you wrong. I could call one of the guys.”
“No, no, that’s okay. I’ve already heard rumors. And you know me, always assuming the worst. I couldn’t help wondering what the chances might be. I appreciate your help, Cassidy. If I need a lawyer, I’ll be sure and call you.”“Take care, Audrey. Remember, I’m always here.”
"Thank you so much." Audrey took her phone off speaker and disconnected the call. Relieved, she picked up her glass of wine, sighing. Maybe there could be a light at the end of the tunnel."If Jackson proves Dion is guilty of using drugs, the insurance will have to pay big time for Bobby's death. All our troubles will be over."
Having left the hospital, Jackson had returned to check on Audrey. Standing in the doorway, he couldn't believe what he'd heard. "Babe, everything alright? Who were you talking to on the phone?"
Enjoying her moment of revelation, Audrey hadn't heard him enter the house. At the sound of his voice, the wine glass fell from her hand as she spun around to face him. "Jackson! How long have you been standing there?"
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
I apologize for the length of this chapter and the story, but sometimes a story takes on a life of it's own. Last night as I finished this chapter, I knew I needed to flush out the emotions behind the characters a little bit more. The story is important to me and I can't just state the facts and move on. I appreciate everyone of you who have continued to follow. I promise you the end is near. Thank you.
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
| Author Notes |
I hope I have not offended anyone with the language used in this chapter. I felt it was necessary to show Ava's personality.
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers OFFICER T. JONES - new officer on the force CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers OFFICER T. JONES - new officer on the force CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers OFFICER T. JONES - new officer on the force CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
By Begin Again
END OF CHAPTER 32
"She's old and set in her ways. I've warned her about those rugs. She probably tripped over something. Nobody thinks it was your fault, sweetie."
"I guess I was afraid someone might blame me since I was here."
"You found her and hopefully, saved her life. No matter what happens, it's not your fault. Anyone who says it was, well, they can go to hell."
"Thanks, Mom." The teenager sighed, relieved she'd locked her mother into her corner. "Love you."
"I love you, too. Now, I've got to get to the hospital and see what's going on with your grandmother."
Natasha disconnected the call. She stared out the window for a moment before whispering under her breath, "Stupid old lady should have minded her own business."
*****
CHAPTER 33 THE END
The giant oak trees swayed as an evening breeze rattled their branches. The hundred-year-old frame house creaked and moaned. Inside, Natasha stretched out on her bed, listening to music, content to be alone. Fears about her grandmother had somehow dissolved as the ambulance drove away. Becky had gone home. Ava was at the hospital. All was right in her world.
A familiar voice called out, "Natasha."
Not sure if she had imagined it, the teenager turned down the music and listened. For a moment, the house was silent.
The voice spoke again. "Natasha."
A chill raced down Natasha's spine. Wide-eyed, she bolted to an upright position, turned on the light, and looked around. "Becky, if that's you, it's not funny. You know I don't do scary movies."
The voice was calm but determined. "Natasha, I need to talk to you. We've unfinished business."
"Stop it, Becky." She threw her legs over the edge of the bed and jumped up, rushing to check the hallway. "Come out wherever you are. Or better yet, go home!"
"It's not Becky, sweetheart. And I'm not going anywhere, just yet." Isabella stepped into the light. "It's me - your grandmother. I need to talk to you."
Natasha stared at the figure. Her face paled as she questioned what was happening. "Grandma - but how?" She shivered as her eyes darted around the room. "I thought -you're at the hospital with Mom. Did they send you home already?"
"No." Isabella sighed. Her eyes were dull and lifeless. "I'm in a coma at the hospital." She stepped closer.
Natasha gulped, shaking her head, mentally denying what she was seeing. "How - She rubbed her eyes. "Am I cracking up?" She choked back the bile in her throat. "How can I be awake and still be having a nightmare?" She collapsed in the chair, rubbing her eyes to make the vision disappear. "You can't be real. You can't be here and at the hospital."
"Yet here I am." Isabella reached out her frail hand, but Natasha backed away.
"No, this isn't happening." She pinched her arm and flinched. "Ouch!"
"I have little time, so you need to listen to me."
The young teenager covered her ears, shouting, "No, go away. I don't believe in ghosts or spirits or whatever you are. This can't be happening."
"It is happening, Nat. I'm your grandmother and I'm not here to hurt you."
"Then go away! I mean it, or I'll make you go away."
As the words escaped the teenager's lips, she rushed forward, her arms outstretched toward Isabella, but no one was there. She spun around in terror. "I don't know how you are doing this, but stop."
Isabella spoke, but she was on the opposite side of the room this time. "My time is short. Your lies are catching up with you. Either tell the truth or - ?"
Natasha snapped, "Don't you ever listen? I told you I can't."
"You can and you must. You can't continue to hurt the people you love." Isabella moved closer and pressed a simple cross into her granddaughter's hand. "The cross is a symbol of love, but more importantly, it's His love for you."
"His love?" Natasha scoffed. "Right!"
"It's God's love, Nat. This is your last chance - ?"
Before Isabella finished her sentence, Nat heard sirens outside. Red and blue lights flashed against the house. She moved to the window, pushing the curtains aside. "There are squad cars out front. Did you - "
"Call the police? No, Nat. Like I told you, I'm lying in a hospital bed in a coma. Your mother is pacing the room, wondering how she'll make all this go away."
For once, Natasha was speechless. The ringing of her cell phone startled her.
Sadly, Isabella gazed one last time at her granddaughter, murmuring, "Maybe you should answer it. It could be important."
As Nat answered, she looked back toward her grandmother, but the room was empty. Isabella was gone.
*****
Becky was frantic. At Nat's hello, she screeched into the phone, "Have you looked outside? There are cops everywhere. Mr. Clayborn found Juan in his backyard." Becky gulped and fought to catch her breath. "Someone shot him," she said to Nat, her voice filled with panic. "He's dead."
"Murdered? No, it can't be." Natasha shivered as she remembered the beating. "Oh God, Beck, do you think it was Big Frank?"
"Who else? His guy threatened us, too, remember? Nat, are we next? He knows where I live."
Nat glanced around the room, hoping Isabella had returned. Maybe this had all been a terrible nightmare and she could make it all go away. But Isabella was gone. Nat's skin felt icy. Fear replaced her cockiness. "I don't know. I don't know what to think right now."
"If Clayborn tells the police that he saw us leaving Juan's house, they might blame us. We didn't kill anyone, Nat, but how do we prove it?"
"I don't know, Beck."
*****
Officer Lakewood was finishing her reports when several squad cars arrived on Isabella's block. Her radio squawked as the dispatcher directed different units to investigate, and that the coroner was in route. Jackson's car pulled in behind hers. They both exited their vehicles and met in the street.
"Lucille, I thought you were off duty. Did someone tell you to respond to this call?"
"The body?" She shook her head and pointed toward Isabella's house. "I was the officer responding to the ambulance call. They just left, and I was writing my report when all hell broke loose."
"Ambulance? I'm confused. Did something happen to Isabella? Did she have a heart attack?"
"No, she took a nasty fall. She hit her head on the dresser. She wasn't conscious when they carried her out. From the mixed stories I got from those girls, I'd say they are up to their necks. They know more than what they will share with me."
Jackson frowned. "Like what?"
"I hate to point fingers, boss, especially when I don't have all the answers yet."
"You're not accusing anyone, Lucille, but your gut instinct is usually better than most. Tell me what you think."
"The two girls said it was an accident, and they found her on the floor. Broken trinkets and picture frames were scattered around the room, with glass everywhere. Not to mention, it looked like the grandmother had some bruising on her arms." Lucille glanced at the house before looking at Jackson. "Perhaps someone forcefully shoved her."
"Damn shame! Isabella's granddaughter has a temper, and your theory sounds workable. Why don't you corral the two girls while I check with the team across the street? If they've got it under control, I'll have a chat with the girls."
*****
Thirty minutes later, Jackson and Officer Lakewood found themselves in Isabella's front yard with two highly nervous girls.
"Is Juan dead?" "Do they know what happened?" Was it over drugs?" A flurry of questions tumbled out of their mouths.
Jackson stared at the two girls, evaluating the situation. "Your neighbor found a deceased person in his backyard. It's under investigation, and I can't discuss that with you right now." Putting on his official on-duty face, he continued, "If you have any valuable information concerning your friend, we'll discuss it later. But right now, I need to clear up what happened in this house tonight."
"Here?" Becky looked confused. "With Isabella? We already told Officer Lakewood that she fell. We found her on the floor. Well, Nat found her first and screamed. I ran inside and joined her."
"Officer Lakewood has read your statements about Isabella to you. Do you need to hear them again? If not, do you both agree that's how it happened?"
Becky and Natasha nodded, though their attitudes were subdued.
Jackson turned to Natasha. "This is your last chance to get the story right." He paused and then threw an invisible gauntlet at Natasha, hoping to catch her off guard. "Did you physically shove your grandmother?"
Before Nat could speak, Becky interjected, "We told you. We were outside. Nat went in and found her grandmother. She screamed and I rushed inside. She was lying on the floor. Nat called 911."
Jackson nodded. "That's your story. Now, I'd like to hear it from Natasha."
The teenager looked from Becky to Jackson. Her fingers caressed the cross in her hand. As she opened her mouth to speak, a flurry of prickly nerves ran up her arm, away from the cross to her heart. She could hear Isabella's words ringing in her ears. "You've got to tell the truth."
Natasha stared at the ground, motionless except for her fingers rubbing the cross in her hand.
Jackson broke the silence. "Yes, or no? Is that your story, Nat? Your grandmother fell, and you found her lying there unconscious?"
A tear fell from her eye and then another until a steady stream covered her face. She couldn't bring herself to look the sheriff in the eye as she stammered, "Every - thing's been - a lie." She gulped hard. "I'll - tell you - the truth - about my grandmother - and my father." She took in a deep breath, sobbing, "I'll even tell you what I know about Juan, the drugs, and Big Frank."
Lucille frowned, "Big Frank?"
The name meant nothing to Jackson, either, but something told him he needed to let the girl talk. He wasn't sure how Juan's murder case had anything to do with Isabella, but stranger things had happened on his watch. "Okay, the floor's yours."
"But there's one condition." Natasha sniffled and forced herself to look directly into the sheriff's eyes.
"I'm listening."
"I'll tell you every detail about it all, but I need to see my grandmother first. Take me to the hospital. I'm begging you."
Jackson pondered the notion and then nodded, agreeing. "It's a deal. I'll give you five minutes with Isabella if the doctor allows it, but then you and I will sit down for a talk. No lies! Agreed?"
Becky stood with her eyes closed but didn't utter a single word. She knew Natasha was going to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Their lives were about to make a drastic change. There wouldn't be any way out this time.
Natasha answered. "Agreed."
"Becky, I'm afraid you'll have to come along with us, too." Jackson turned to Lucille. "Maybe Jones can give her a ride to headquarters while we stop at the hospital."
*****
The officer exited the elevator with Natasha at her side. Jackson followed steps behind. Her heart was pounding violently against her chest. The vision of Isabella kept playing over and over in her head. She could hear her grandmother's voice. "It's your last chance before it's too late."
Nat whispered, "I hope you'll forgive me."
As they approached Isabella's room, Layla, the nurse on duty, was leaving. She pulled the door closed, surveying the group, ending with Jackson. She shook her head. "You can't go in there."
Natasha's eyes shot wildly to Jackson. "I have to - "
"It's okay, Layla. It's her grandmother."
Sadness filled Layla's eyes. She reached out for Nat's hand. "I'm sorry, Honey. Your grandmother is gone."
Bewildered, Nat cried, "Gone? Gone where?"
Layla's eyes darted to her brother and then to Natasha. "She passed away about five minutes ago. Her daughter is in there with her now."
Blood-curdling screams echoed through the corridor as Natasha's legs crumbled and she sank to the floor. "Nooooooo! She can't be dead. I have to tell her I'm sorry."
Hearing her daughter's cries, Ava raced to the door, kneeling to wrap her arms around her daughter. Doing her best to comfort her daughter, she said, "It's okay, Nat. She led a good life. She was old and things happen. It's not your fault."
Nat lifted her head, wiped away her tears, and looked into her mother's dry eyes. Suddenly, everything was clear. "It is my fault, Mom. And it's yours, too. She just wanted to love us and be a family, but we wouldn't let her."
This was a part of the job Jackson despised. He knew there wouldn't be a good time, so he joined Nat and Ava, standing above them. "I'm sorry about Isabella. She was a kind woman. Natasha, I kept my end of the bargain. Now it's your turn." He helped her from the floor while telling Ava, "I'm going to have to take Natasha down to headquarters."
Natasha's face was tear-stained as she stared at her mom. "I'm sorry about Grandma, but I've got to go with them now."
She allowed Officer Lakewood to lead her away while Ava screamed, tugging on Jackson's arm, "Noooo, it's a mistake. You can't take my baby."
Jackson hugged his distraught friend. "I'm sorry, but she's got a lot to answer for, Ava, including the death of her grandmother."
Ava couldn't tear her eyes from Natasha's back until she disappeared into the elevator.
*****
Surrounded by a sea of fluffy, white clouds, Isabella felt a sense of tranquility. The sound of gentle waves splashing against the shore and a calming breeze carrying a faint smell of salty air reminded her of James and all the love they shared in their happy place.
Somewhere in the distance, a song drifted amongst the clouds. The choir's sweet words floated until they reached Isabella's ears. Their melodious sound flooded her thoughts with memories of days gone by; wonderful days of singing in the church choir and praising the Lord. Days filled with joy and family gatherings.
Finally at peace, Isabella's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in the arms of the man she'd loved for a long, long time. Her heart was overflowing with joy.
James kissed her cheek, brushing a stray hair from her angelic face. "Welcome home, Gorgeous."
She smiled and whispered, "James, is it really you?"
"Yes, my love. I've been waiting patiently at these gates for you. We all have."
Isabella's eyes traveled from person to person. Her heart overflowed with joy as she saw everyone she loved and lost smiling at her. The moment was perfect.
James's finger tilted her chin upward as he gazed into her eyes, repeating the words he'd once said to her every morning and night. "Have I told you how much I love you?"
Isabella pressed her head against his shoulder and sighed. "Not for a very long time."
Her husband chuckled. "Prepare yourself to hear it every day throughout eternity, my love."
Arm in arm, they walked into the fabulous home God had prepared for them. Isabella's family welcomed her with open arms, knowing she was finally blessed.
*****
Epilogue:
Regardless of Natasha's admission of lying, the DCFS pressed charges against Nat's father. She presented her decision to the grand jury. He had to hire a lawyer for $8000, which was money the family did not have. Months of lies, pain, and accusations destroyed the foundation of Nat's family.
The school produced records and videos showing Natasha breaking many rules, including smoking in the bathroom and lying about a group of girls jumping her after class. The records indicated that she and Becky had vapes in their possession, which were stolen from Becky's dad's pharmacy.
During the DCFS Officer's testimony under oath, she faced questions about why her records contradicted the evidence. She responded by saying the detective on the case had verified all the accusations and agreed she should proceed with charges. She admitted the case had earned her a promotion.
Detective Panara swore under oath and produced 873 pages of reports, affidavits, and miscellaneous information proving that Natasha's father was innocent and the charges were false. He also stated that he had given a copy of his records to DCFS and told them that the police department would close the case. Regardless, DCFS decided to proceed. The case was submitted and declared unfounded.
At this time, Natasha's life has returned to normal for her. Her habit of lying has slowly returned and her mother, Ava, continues to cater to her. Due to problems, she has changed schools three times. The father goes to work, comes home, and hangs out in his two-car garage. He lost what once was his happy home, regardless of the verdict. He refuses to talk to anyone about it.
As for Isabella .......
The story is fictional, but as many of you have guessed, unfortunately, versions of the lies and the characters are true. The grandmother has been cut-off from the family (a death of its own) but has found peace in her writing.
Personally, I want to thank everyone who has continued to follow the story and left so many touching and thoughtful reviews. I can't tell you how much this has meant to me. Also, I owe a very special thank you to a few who have offered their encouragement and support before and after I returned to FS. Without dear friends like Karenina, Sandra, lyenochka, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Ric, Wendy, LJbutterfly, and so many others, I doubt that I would have found the strength to return to my passion â?" writing so others might enjoy my efforts. Once again, I've found a reason to Begin Again.
Thank you and may you have a blessed day!
Smiles, hugs and love to all, Carol
HOPE TO SEE YOU IN MY NEXT ENDEAVOR....
Writing "Living on the Edge" for the Book in a Month contest.
| Author Notes |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
AVA - Isabella's daughter and Natasha's mother DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky BOBBY - Gabby's father AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman AMANDA - Paddy's wife LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers OFFICER T. JONES - new officer on the force CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey JUAN - Local pool boy and behind-the-scenes drug supplier AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd AL - a firefighter at the scene TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier ALEJANDRO - a local farmer LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister |
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