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Chapter 21
by Justin M.
Copyright © 2020 Justin M. All rights reserved.
Chapter 21: The Anniversary
The cool days of December have settled over the south. School has let out for winter break and the Curtis's are getting ready for Christmas. Robert, outside in a hideous sweater, a gift from his daughter, is untangling lights to hang. Mary is baking. The smells of fresh treats and sourdough waft from the kitchen. Shelby is having a minor crisis. “Mom! I can't reach Jonathan. He's not answering my texts!”
“So call him.”
“I did. It just rings then goes to voicemail.”
“He's probably just busy. “
“No mom! We're supposed to go shopping today. He should have been here an hour ago. Last night when he brought me home, something was off. He said he was just tired but I’m not so sure now. I just know something is wrong. Will you go over to his house with me? Please. I'm worried.”
“Alright Bee. Let me get my purse. Robert! Don't let my cookies burn!”
The women arrive at Jonathan's house. Inside there is no sign of Shelby's boyfriend. She runs upstairs then yells down to her mom. “Something is wrong mom. He hasn't been here all night.”
”How can you tell?”
“His bed isn't made. We stripped his bed sheets yesterday after we cleaned up from the gym. He never made it back up.”
“Stripped his sheets? Why did they need changing?”
“Mom be serious. He changes them every Friday. What matters, is he didn't come home last night.”
“He might have slept on the couch.”
“No. Mom, I REALLY feel something is wrong. Do you think we could call someone?”
“Ok honey. Let's try Sheila. She may know something.” Mary dials her friend and colleague’s number. “Sheila? It's Mary Curtis. I may need your help. It’s Jonathan…. We cannot find him…. No he isn't answering. We are at his place now. It looks like he hasn't been here all night.” Mary listens to Sheila nodding occasionally, “Ok we will be waiting here for your call.”
“What did she say?”
“She said stay put and she will call us back in a few minutes.”
”That's it? Mom, that can't be all she said.”
”No it wasn't all she said.” She sighs, “Shelby, a year ago today was the accident that killed Jonathan's parents.”
Shelby is silent as she absorbs the news, “Mom we have got to find him! He shouldn't be alone today. He should be with people who care about him. People who love him.”
“Ok Bee. We'll find him. But right now…” her phone rings. “Hello? Hi Sheila…. Ok. Text me the address. I'll call you when we get there and see how he is.”
“Shelby let's go. Sheila tracked his phone. We have an address.”
“Where is he?”
“His house. Let's go.” Shelby gives her mother a confused look.
Thirty minutes later they arrive in a quiet neighborhood of upper middle class homes. The neighborhood, not unlike the homes in their own subdivision. In the driveway of the thirteenth house on the left they find Jonathan's cross-over. There is a sign in the front yard “Offered by Gutierrez property Management.” On the porch they find the front door slightly ajar. Shelby knocks softly as she pushes it open “Johnathan? Are you here?”
Mary taps her daughter and points into the great-room. A silent form sits against the wall gazing out wide glass doors leading to a large patio,
Shelby crosses to her boyfriend, touching him gently on the shoulder. Softly she whispers, “Jonny?”
Without looking up he starts talking, “A year ago this was my home... After school Mom, Dad and I would sit around the island and talk about our day. The house would smell of flowers and dinner cooking. We would eat, laugh and be a family. Dad would talk with me about law, Mom would talk of music. After I’d do my homework while they sat on the patio watching the sunset…. “
He is quiet for a few minutes. Unashamed of the wetness on his face.
“I so miss them Bee.”
Shelby plops down beside her beau, lays her head on his shoulder and takes his hand. “I know baby. Would you tell me more about them and your life here?”
Mary let's herself out. As she walks to the car she texts her daughter “You’ve got it covered Bee. We will see you at dinner. I'll set an extra place.” Then she calls Sheila.
My apologies for the briefness of this chapter. For me it speaks volumes of Jonathan's grief, his bond with Shelby and Mary's faith in her daughter.
Originally, before BCTS I had never seriously contemplated posting New Tale. Now I'm thankful I did. Posting has forced me to take a better look at the story and reconsider the problem of justice for Jonathan. Fortunately for New Tale, inspiration has found me. Ideas and words are coming.
Unfortunately for those who follow this story, New Tale will be taking what I hope is a short hiatus while the chapters where the firm seeks justice are written. May those chapters be worthy of your patience.
Thanks to those who visited my blog to comment and/or vote on New Tale's future.
To all those who comment: Thanks for making me better!
v/r
JM
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Comments
I had hoped
I had hoped that we would see more of this story. Take your time. You do such a good job. Parts of it 'feel' true, though I hope it isn't. I and many others will be patiently waiting when you are ready.
Much peace.
Gwen
great story, patiently
great story, patiently waiting for more
Thank you for continuing.....
This story. I look forward to reading more about Jonny and Shelby, and I can’t wait to see those assholes who abused Jonny get what’s coming to them!
Although being stuck in quarantine makes me want even more to read than I usually do, I am sure that the wait for more will be well worth it.
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
Take it easy...
It's absolutely fine to take this story steadily..it is a wonderful wonderful read and I have no doubt that you will continue to wrench our hearts with the difficulties that stand in Jonny and Shelby's path, as well as their blazing live.
In this very dark time it is a beacon of love and joy. Thank You..Love Lucy xxx
"Lately it occurs to me..
what a long strange trip its been."
A mournful time
This was a sad chapter to read. The time of year Johnathan's parents died may make it especially hard for him, as it's supposed to be a festive time of year.
Why did he go to his old house alone? Was it because he wanted to be alone, almost like falling back on his old ways? He had to know Shelby would have gone with him to help him get through this time of year. Maybe he didn't want to burden her with his pain, something she would have gladly shared.
We have yet to find out who those in Vermont get their heads handed to them. They took an oath to do no harm and broke that oath by hurting Johnathan because they decided he was guilty of killing his parents. They never seemed to learn about the black ice they hit, black ice that no one could have seen or prevented the same results.
There also seems an unfinished part with Jason and the other five. Almost like the time isn't right for them to get back at Johnathan.
There also seems as though there's another row against Shelby that's also waiting to enter the scene.
And then there's what Shelby and Johnathan do after high school. It seems Johnathan will be going to law school, and then join the firm.
The story is so well written that it's been very enjoyable to read. But it does need finished, if only to read more about the teens.
Others have feelings too.