Three types of love
By Samantha C Sinclair Note from Samantha
I pray you enjoy these three stories about three different kinds of love. We need more love in this world. If we all loved like Jesus did when HE walked upon this earth, and now, wouldn’t it be a much better place?
This is a short stand alone story about a police officer who sees potential in a young visually impaired woman when no one else does. Her family has turned their back on her, most of them anyway, and no one in town thinks she should be hired for the job she so wants. Can he convince her she is worth it, and help grow Cinthia’s support system? She clings to her faith in God. But he isn’t sure. Can she convince him God can be trusted?
Other books by Samantha
The God’s Silver Lining Book Series
- Emergency Romance
- One Step Toward Faith
- Over and over again
- THE KEEPER OF MY SOUL
- God’s Shining Through
- Amazing God
Prayer Closet Devotional Series
- Prayer Closet subtitled January
- Prayer Closet subtitled February
- Prayer Closet Subtitled March
Stand alone title
A Glimmer Of Hope
No sight required to love me
By Samantha C Sinclair
Vince watched the last of the sun set. God had to care to create such beauty, right? Vince Wall put his patrol car in drive. He had a job to do.
He called in service on his police radio. Then he went through the coffee shop drive through to grab his favorite coffee. He picked up two extra cups for Sarah and Jennie. They were his dispatchers, his life line, for this shift. As he turned on to the street that led to the dispatch center, his mother’s name popped up on his phone.
”Hi mom.”
”I just wanted to remind you about Sunday dinner. Your sister and I expect you to be here. Your dad does too.”
”Bad wolves couldn’t keep me away,” he smiled.
”Good son. I can tell you are driving. Love you bye.”
”Love you. Bye Mom.”
His mother might be nearing ninety, but there was nothing wrong with those retired dispatcher ears.
As he entered the radio room, he caught the end of a hushed conversation. He paused to listen.
”She has no business working here.”
”Right. What could she bring to our well working team?”
He walked around the corner at that time.
”Who we talking about ladies? Did they find a new hire?”
”Well, not yet.”
Sarah threw Jennie a look that said more than enough.
“Some blind person put in. Walked up in here with that long stick thing. Looks like she could trip you.”
”But as for the job,” sniffed Jennie, “Why would they hire her? We don’t need an in the way person during emergencies.”
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Vince thought of taking the coffee to his mother and sister. He sat them down a little harder than usual, splashing coffee on the desk. Jennie grabbed a napkin.
”What was that for?”
”I think you two are the ones who don’t deserve the job. What is her name?”
”Cinthia Greenwail,” Jennie snorted, “Greenwail.”
”You two need help.”
He left the building as the ladies continued their rude laughter. He never thought them to have been so rude.
When he climbed back in his patrol car, he looked up Cinthia Greenwail. She was a nice looking young woman, about thirty. So was he. She had a lot of things posted on her social media about God. The fact her faith remained strong despite her eye sight said a lot.
The next morning at seven, he headed back to Dispatch. Mary Anne, the supervisor was working today. He called, and let her know he was coming in for a serious talk.
Five minutes later, they were behind her closed office door.
He told her about events the night before, and his feelings on the matter.
”I’m with them. I don’t have time to train her.”
”Whom ever you hire, unless they are experienced, you are going to have to train.”
”Look Sheriff Wall, if you want my job you can have it. I am ready to retire now. But as long as I’m in charge, we are not hiring someone who needs supervision twenty four seven. She probably can’t even make her own meals.”
”This is flat out discrimination. You know that, right?”
”She will never know. We will hire someone with more experience, or who has reliable transportation.”
’You don’t even know Cinthia or her situation.”
”I don’t care. End of this. If you get involved in any way, I’ll see you lose your badge.”
An hour after the get me no where talk, Vince walked in the local diner. Milley waved from behind the counter. He nodded to confirm he wanted his usual. He headed to join Jack, his deputy, and Ray. Ray was a seasoned dispatcher, and sometimes he let it go to his head.
When Vince sat down, Ray asked what he thought on the topic of some blind person dispatching.
“Not you all too. I feel sorry for you both. Jack, right this minute I’m sorry I hired you.”
Vince shoved back and stood.
”Milley I’ll take my food to go.”
”You running to arrest someone?”
”No Milley, I’m headed to meet a future Dispatcher.”
Vince easily found the address. A fence surrounded the small house and yard. A little girl with brown curls played. As he drove up the little girl grabbed hands with a tall slim woman. A woman with the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen. That had to be Cinthia. He hardly noticed the white cane in her right hand. She swept it back and forth to the end of the drive.
”Can we help you?”
”Are you Cinthia?”
”I am, and you are?”
”He is a cop Mommy. Just like my Daddy.”
At that, the woman had to compose herself.
”Your daughter is right. I am the Sheriff. I was wondering could I speak to you for a minute?”
“What about?”
She swung the gate open.
He followed her to the front porch. Her daughter went back to her game of fetch with the puppy.
”Cinthia you applied for the dispatcher opening, right?”
”I did. Did I get turned down?”
”Well that’s what I’mhere about. Cinthia people are not very welcoming to change around here. Also, people forget people with disabilities are capable.”
”I get what you are saying. I’ll look elsewhere. Thank you for coming by.”
”Please hear me out.”
She sat back down.
”Something tells me you are not like the rest of them.”
”You thought right. Cinthia, I want to help you fight for this job. Are you in?”
”If you will tell me exactly what we are fighting against.”
He filled her in.
”I’ve heard most of it all before. My Mom lives in the next town over from here. That’s funny they say I can’t make my own meals. Not only do I make three meals a day for my daughter Sophie and I, but I help Mom with her catering business. I use Ride Grin, our local transportation to get us where we need to go, most of the time. It’s not affordable if you use it often or long distance. There should be better options in small towns for disabled and elderly. But yea, I can fight back with truth.”
”Let’s go.”
”On one condition,” Cinthia let her smile take up her face.
”And that is?”
”Stay for dinner.”
”Good,” he rubbed his stomach, “I’m hungry. And, I can say I’ve personally ate your cooking.”
The next morning Vince was on the Mayor’s door step before the office opened. Unfortunately the Mayor had already gotten wind of the situation.
”Vince this job is to important to get messed up.”
”Like a sighted person doesn’t ever goofe it up?”
”Come on Vince. You know what I mean.”
”Yea Mayor, I do.”
”Good..”
”Yea.”
Vince stood.
”I’m ashamed to work for this county. You should all be ashamed for your actions.”
”Now hold on. You don’t know her.”
”Had dinner with she and her little girl last night, that Cinthia cooked. That was the first time I have ever met her or her daughter. But she deserves a fair chance.”
”A single mother living off the government,” the Mayor muttered.
”She is the widowed wife of a police officer who was murdered in the line of duty. She is a mother trying to provide the best life she can for her little girl who misses her Daddy very much. Now Mayor, what do you have to say?”
”How would she get to work? How would she go to the academy, who would watch her kid?”
“Is she even going to be given a chance Mayor? I know you know.”
”No.”
The Mayor pounded his fist on the desk as though it were a gabble. Poor desk.
”Fine. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to do it this way. See you all in court Mayor.”
”Vince.”
”Yea Mayor?”
”This will cost you your badge.”
Vince walked out to his patrol car, retrieved his extra clothes, and slipped into the men’s room. A couple minutes, and a prayer later, he returned to the Mayor’s office.
“Here Mayor.”
Vince dropped his uniform, keys to his county car, and informed the Mayor he would return the rest to the department.
“You are crazy Vince.”
”No. I’m not. This is the best decision I’ve made recently. I’ll be getting her a lawyer.”
The Mayor yelled something as Vince walked away, but he was to busy praying for the next steps to hear him.
The next morning, they dropped Sophie at school. Then headed twenty miles North to the best Lawyer Vince knew. It had taken some pleading to get her to let him pay all costs involved. But on the topic of it leading to a better life for Sophie, she caved.
Over the next month, he, Cinthia, and Sophie were growing closer and closer. She had begged Vince to attend Church with her. It had taken him three weeks, and Sophie Lyn begging. He was going today. Her Mother was pretty much the only family member who gave Cinthia and Sophie the time of day. Her Mother had also hired him as a grill cook. Cinthia’s aunt spoke to her via phone once or twice a year. But that was it. Friends were just as few for mother and daughter. Sophie had a few friends at age five.
Vince enjoyed the Church service. After dismissal prayer, Sophie went with her Grandma for the afternoon. Vince took Cinthia on a picnic.
”How do you stay so strong?”
”God,” she beamed.
”That’s what I mean. Your Dad leaves, your sight is the way it is, and all this. You cling to Jesus.”
”Don’t you? Vince if it weren’t for HIM, I wouldn’t be here.”
Vince pulled in a quick breath as she spoke.
”When my Dad left, I thought no one loved or wanted me. All my friends turned their back on me when I lost my sight, or most of it, in the accident. It was pretty much my Mother and me.”
”What happened in the accident?”
”I was a cheer leader. My first week at the top. I was a flier. They missed, and didn’t catch me. I hit the ground, headfirst. You get the rest. There was a small brain bleed that grew into the night. Praise God HE took it away.”
”But your sight went along with it.”
”That’s okay. You know why?”
”No. Tell me.”
”After I realized God was truly the only one on my side. I prayed and asked HIM to save me from my sin. But I also asked HIM to save me from my depression. HE did with a promise I would one day see. Vince, that is a promise from my FATHER, and HE doesn’t break them.”
Vince sat speechless.
”I believe in God, I really do. I just have a hard time letting go. But I’m ready now.”
Vince lowered his head, and took her hands.
“Pray with me?”
”Of course.”
They prayed the next hour, sometimes silently. Sometimes out loud.
After hours spent with the lawyer, and it was clear Cinthia wasn’t interviewed they proceeded with the case. Both praying for an impactful outcome, they walked into the court house hand in hand.
”Everyone who puts in for this job is interviewed, is that correct?”
Their lawyer was standing his ground.
”Well…”
”It is a yes or no question.”
’Yes.”
”Then why was my client disregarded?”
”We didn’t feel your client was capable of performing the job duties.”
”How would you know? That’s all the questions for now. Your Honor, may my client approach?”
”You may.”
Cinthia let Vince lead her to the spot. Despite her calm manner, she was shaking.
”State your name for the court please.”
After she raised her right hand, and made known she would tell the truth and nothing but, they continued.
Their lawyer asked Cinthia a series of questions involving her capabilities. Yes, she could type fluently. She could use technology to do her job. She could use public transportation or other reliable sources to arrive on time. She was willing to work nights, holidays, and weekends, and overtime as needed.
”One more thing. Cinthia, what do you feel you could bring to your emergency personnel and community?”
”As a visually impaired person, my hearing makes up for my sight loss. Hearing is very important skill for a dispatcher to have. Hearing background noise, such as if someone is in a car, or indoors or out. Maybe it’s listening to multiple things at one time. I can bring the hearing.”
”Thank you Cinthia. That’s all for now.”
Using her cane, she returned to their seat. Vince cleared his throat so she knew which way to turn.
”I have one more person to call if I may your Honor.”
”Proceed.”
The Mayor and several others sat on the front row on the opposite side. Their faces looked as though they were steaming.
”Former Sheriff Vince Wall, would you come forward please.”
Vince went through the usual.
“Mr. Wall happened to have his body cam running in a couple cases where these people willingly made it clear they would willingly discriminate against my client. Is it true you did not realize your cam was recording?”
”True Sir.”
”May we show the footage your Honor?”
”Your Honor,” the counselor for the county stood to his feet.
They had brought in a special judge for this case.
”Sustained. Sit down counselor. Continue.”
After the footage of Vince’s conversation with Jennie and Sarah was shown, the one with the supervisor followed.
”It is my understanding you had some other conversations with others who have influence in this case.
”Yes Sir. My former deputy sheriff, a shift supervisor, and finally the Mayor.”
”Mr Wall,” the Judge spoke up, “Who is Sarah and Jennie to this case?”
”Jennie is a Dispatcher who has no formal say in hire. Sarah on the other hand is involved in the interviewing and HR process of things.”
”Thank you. Continue Counselor.”
”When did you first come to know my client?”
Vince told the story to the court.
”That’s all I have your Honor.”
Vince returned to the seat with Cinthia and her Mom.
”This clearly is a instance of purposeful discrimination. It is not excusable. The law will be upheld in this case.”
Following the judge’s announcement of punishment for those involved, some losing their jobs, he closed the case.”
Outside the court house that evening the sun was setting. The parking lot was pretty much empty. Cinthia’s Mother stood waiting by the car.
”Wait Cinthia. Can I ask you something?”
”Sure.’
He took her hands, and knelt on one knee. He could see her Mother videoing.
”I know it has only been three months. But I feel as though I’ve known you my entire life. I feel like Sophie is my own child. I wish you would marry me, and let me adopt Sophie Lyn. Will you walk through this world with me. No sight required to love me.”
”You give a convincing pitch Vince Wall. Yes, I’ll marry you and let you adopt my daughter. But, I need to talk to her about this. At least … “
”I already randomly asked her if I could marry her Mother. She said yes.”
”I did Mommy. Say yes, please say yes!”
”How did you get here?”
”We have our ways, right Dad and Grammy?”
”That’s right pumpkin.”
Her Mother’s laughter sounded like twinkling wind chimes. Cinthia laughed. Music to his ears.
”How about it Cinthia?”
”Yes yes. A million times over.”
Just as the moon was rising, he slid the ring on her hand and kissed her lips.
”God you gave us a beautiful day,” she whispered and kissed him.
We survived
By Samantha C Sinclair
This is a short story about a family who walk through an unthinkable tragedy. Only with the help of God and the love of each other can they survive.
Maddilyn Erica O’Malley led her two youngest children to the family van. They were ahead of schedule. Just maybe Doctor Wall would get Melladi Makya in early. She still had shopping to do for Meladi and her twin sister’s birthday party on Saturday. Mallorie Mariah had blond hair, and Meladi’s was red. She wondered how time flew so quickly as she buckled her two year old daughter, Abagail Jennifer into her car seat. Her baby had red hair, just like Meladi and herself.
Just as Madilyn turned the van onto Sugar Drive her worst night mare slammed into the van’s left side. That was all the mother of eight saw before it went dark.
Ryan Shane O’Malley sat at his desk in between patients. His wife and daughters should be at the doctor’s office about now. She would call soon and let him know if Meladi had an ear infection. She had already suffered four that year. Ten minutes later when his cellphone rang, he glanced at the number. It wasn’t his wife.
”Ryan O’Malley.”
”Mr. O’Malley this is detective Jenkins. Are you at your office?”
Had he done something?
”Yes sir. I’m at O’Mally dentistry. Have I done something Sir?”
”Nothing like that Sir. I will be at your office in fifteen minutes. You need to clear your schedule.”
What in the world? He obeyed. He didn’t have anyone else in the practice to help, so he had his receptionist cancel the remainder of the appointments and let his staff go home. After the longest fifteen minutes of his life, Detective Jenkins entered. Right away by the look on the officer’s face, he knew it was going to change the rest of his life.
”I am sorry to bring you the news. Your wife and two daughters have been in a car crash.”
”They didn’t make it, did they?”
The officer had driven him to the hospital. The doctor came to him instantly.
”Come in this room.”
He closed the door and the silence gripped Ryan with a force he could not get out of. Memories hit like a current. He forced himself to face Doctor Laing. This man and his family had gone to church with Ryan, Madilyn, and their kids for years.
”Ryan I’m sorry. Madilyn and Meladi didn’t make it. It hit on their side. Jennie is critical Ryan, it will be a miracle. We know God does them everyday.”
”HE didn’t save my wife, or my daughter. Will HE save Jenny.”
”Can we pray?” The kind man asked.
Ryan could see this was hurting him also.
”Please. But first, give me the details.”
”Ryan. A dump truck hit them. He never braked. He had a heart attack.”
”Is he going to survive?” Ryan choked out.
”I don’t know.”
After Ryan had sat beside and prayed over his two year old daughter, he called his son. Alexander Shane was nineteen and working for a construction company. Thankfully his son was on lunch and picked up on the first ring.
”What’s up Dad?”
”Alex I need you to go pick up your sisters and get to the hospital now. Don’t speed, but don’t terry. No questions, just get here.”
In an hour, a nurse stepped into Jenny’s ICU room.
”Your children are here. We put them in the room at the end of the hall.”
He took one glance at Jenny lying there with a breathing machine, and headed to do the hardest thing in his life. How did he tell his kids their mother and sister were gone. The only comfort was they were with Jesus.
When he entered the small family room, his kids sat motionless. Had someone told them?
”Dad?” Alex spoke first.
”I,” Ryan thought he might pass out, “There is no easy way to tell you children this. Let’s pray. We’re going to need it.”
Pray they did. Ryan simply asked God for strength and peace, and the words. He also thanked God for being with their family. Then said, “In Jesus Holy name, amen”.
They all took their seats.
He looked at each of their kids. Barbra sat next to Alex, with Mallorie on her lap. Barbra Justine eighteen, and bound and determined to become a nurse. Just like her mother.Baranda Morgan age seventeen, also desiring to be a nurse looked as though she already knew. The girls had been consumed with their mother’s nursing school books. Madilyn had answered everyone of their questions with a smile. Naddilie Leann age fourteen, and Jessica Marie age thirteen sat huddled together.
Ryan breathed in deeply. With God, with God he could tell his kids.
”Your mother and little sisters were in a car crash today. Your mother, and Meladi are with God. Jenny is critical.”
He gave them enough detail for them to know it was an accident, and to pray for the man and his family.
In the coming days, Ryan, Alex, and Baranda made the arrangements. Barbra cared for the younger children. The Grandparents took turns around Jennie’s bed. Maddilyn’s parents were broken, and Ryan’s parents also. Both sides of the family were very close.
Following the service and grave yard, the Church had a meal for the family. With Maddilyn and Meladi gone, the house seemed sad. Jennie was still in the hospital, in a coma. A cousin had been so kind to sit with her. Ryan and Alex took the night shift.
That next morning around seven, Jennie showed some movement. With Ryan, Alex, nurses, and her doctor looking on Jennie opened her eyes. She still needed some help to breathe, but she was alive.
Ryan lay down that night, allowing Barbra and Baranda to sit with Jennie.
“LORD, I am sorry. Sorry I doubted. Sore I was angry. I loveYOU LORD, and I know YOUR will is perfect”
Jennie slowly improved. She was blessed to come home three weeks later. Understanding that Mommy and Sissy weren’t coming home was going to take a long time for Jennie.
Barb took charge of the younger children while Alex and Ryan worked. Baranda helped. However, after a short time she made a life changing choice. She gave up her senior year, and took her GED. Her Daddy begged her not to. But she passed and went to work. Ryan knew Maddi would have been blessed to have seen how their children were handling life. Malory now slept with Naddilie. She had always shared a room with hr twin sister.
Jennie improved. With a lot of work, Jennie was growing stronger.
Twenty years later.Alex stood next to Emily. She had come into their lives five years ago. Emily was a receptionist at his office. He was slowing down, and planned to retire maybe in the next ten years. He now had three of his sons’ in laws working for him, and two of his daughters’. They were celebrating his and Emily’s wedding. At first some of the kids had been cold to the idea. They were all about their dad being happy. But Dad spending time with a woman who wasn’t their mother was a difference to marrying her. Emily was the first woman to turn his head. Maddi was still his only low. Emily respected that. They all sat down, and Emily shared they should talk about their mother anytime. She was so sweet about Maddi’s birthday, and even on what would have been Ryan and Maddi’s wedding anniversary. Ryan made it known to Emily just how much he loved her. He made sure she knew where she fit into his life.
Alex was now married to Heather. They had been blessed with three children. Allison Maridith age five, Camdon Eric age ten, and Ashley Maddilyn age sixteen. Alex owned a concrete business. Heather worked as a history teacher. Heather had come into Alex’s life five months after the accident. She had quickly become part of the family. She helped with the kids, and so much more. One year later, she and Alex married.
Barbra focused completely on her family. She rarely left the younger children. About a year after the accident, her dad encouraged her to go out with her friend. It was at the Coffee Place that night she met Jeff. Jeffery fell hard and fast for Barbra. But still yet, she focused on her family. Jeff jumped right in and supported her. He was at the time pursuing law, but changed his mind. He went into dentistry. He and Barbra married five years later. It wasn’t until Jeff finished dental school that she began working toward her nursing degree. Her husband had encouraged her to do it sooner, but like usual Barb put others before herself. She and Jeff had two children in the midst of Barb’s school. Chloe Elizebeth age age four, and Noah John age twelve. Noah was born in the middle of Barb’s first year of classes. Their daughter was born five weeks before graduation.
Baranda married Tom six years following the accident. By that time she was an dental hygienist. A year after meeting, the couple married. One year later their daughter Lucy Machelle was born. They adopted her. Baranda’s dream of nursing had never died, but she had not pursued it until her sister Barb began her nursing journey. While Barb wanted to become an RN, Baranda desired to be an LPN.Her husband Tom began working for Ryan at the dentist office.
Naddilie became a social worker. She was fourteen at the time of her mother and sister’s death. At age twenty two she met Harold and married him six months later. The couple had not been able to have children. Fourteen years after the marriage, he was killed in a boating accident. Naddilie was hit hard by the loss, and moved in with her sister and brother in law.
Jessica was thirteen when she lost her mother and sister. She desired to become a counselor. She did. Fifteen years later, she married her high school sweet heart, Ronny. A dentist, he had began work for Ryan. It was here that he and Jess started talking once again. Two years later they married. They had a daughter not long after. Willow Leann.
Mallory had only been eight years old at the time of the heart break. Now twenty eight, she was a grief counselor for children. She worked with their families as well. She and her husband owned a ranch. On this special I piece of land, they brought horse therapy to these hurting clients. they were not just clients to this couple. Mallory and Ronnie considered each client their own family. She knew what it was like to face grief as a child, and intended to do her best to pour her love and her own pain into someone else to help them and that only God could make happen.
Abby now age 22 was working towards her social work degree. She desired to help children anyway she could. She had no lasting effects from the accident, except the pain and scars that no one could see. She often let her tears fall on her Dad’s shoulder.
Ryan prayed for his children day and night. It left him breathless to see how God had turned into good what the devil ment for bad.
Did you get a blessing from the fictional story of Ryan and his family? I did. Wow. It amazed me where God took that ending. HE had been developing this story in my heart for years, and I didn’t know it was for this moment. Isn’t God truly Amazing?
When I was a child, I don’t remember exactly what age, I had a crazy amount of Barbie dolls. I would make families, and the family in this fictional was one of these.
Some how or another the heads of two of the dolls got broken off. It happened to be the dolls I was using as mother and daughter. I had to have a story. So over the years it developed. God laid it on my heart from time to time. I am glad HE saw fit to allow me to write this. I pray it gives someone some hope.
Life is hard. But GOD is stronger than every mountain.
Golden Years
By Samantha C Sinclair
I stood looking at the darling blue sky and white puffy clouds. Outside was my happy place. That was a good thing because Camden wasn’t home again. Mom wasn’t either. But neither was a shock. Jenifer Josepher rarely thought about anyone outside of herself, unless you count every other man she was with. I was eleven. But I had learned to take care of myself long ago. No one at school suspected anything because I knew how to wash my clothes, cook, and use the food stamp card to purchase food. My brother was sixteen. He had a girlfriend, and had no time for me. I sat down on the front stoop to wait for my brother to come home to change after basketball practice. He would probably eat dinner with Sophie and her parents, leaving me to fend for myself. Maybe Mom had left some money on the kitchen counter again, wherever she got it.
An hour later Camden still hadn’t shown up. Great. He probably took his things with him. This was Friday, so he would probably stay at Mike’s. I would have to walk the mile and a half to Susanne’s house. Just as I picked up the backpack, heavy with books, I noticed the elderly lady looking at me. I decided to say hi. She kind of appeared lonely too. What was her name?
”Hi.”
”Hi. I’m Mrs. Jenkins, but you can just call me Bonnie.”
We chatted for a while. At first I just told the nice lady I had forgotten my key, which wasn’t a lie. The woman made the statement my mom must work a lot. Before I Knew what hit me, the truth was out. I begged Bonnie not to call the police, and she agreed. For now.
I spent the weekend at Bonnie’s house. Hugs every morning, night, and through out the day. We baked, laughed, and watched some old Tv show. I liked it. On Sunday afternoon I watched my mother walk into the empty house. She came out frantic. I knew it was because she feared one of her children, her slaves, had blabbed the truth. There was some man on the porch next to Jenifer.
“I’d better get home.”
”Darling, you come back any time. We won’t say nothing for now, but if it continues or gets any worse we will have to do something. I wish you were my little girl. I worked in the system for years. I could probably get temporary custody of you. If you wanted.”
”I would love that. I’ll think on it.”
”I’ll be praying for you.”
No one had ever said those words to Clare before. Nor, “I love you,” as Bonnie did and hugged me.
When I walked in my front door I got anything but love. My mother was yelling at Cam on the phone to, “Get yourself home this instant”. What did she expect, prize children?
One week later nothing had changed. It was Sunday afternoon again. This week, Bonnie bought me a dress, and brought me to Church with her. I loved learning about Jesus Christ. I never knew who that was. I’d heard my mother use that name, a lot. I told this to my Sunday School Teacher, and Bonnie. They explained things to me, and said we only use God’s Name when talking to God or about HIM. I understood fine, but was certain my Mother didn’t know that. Maybe didn’t care. That afternoon when my mother showed up with another man, Bonnie and I were eating ice cream on her deck. My mother whispered something to the man, and jogged over. She put on a happy expression.
”I hope my daughter wasn’t a bother.”
Alcohol and smoke rolled off her.
”Not at all. In fact it gets kind of lonely round here with out Rodger. He was my dear husband, and we were never blessed with no children. He died…”
”I’m sorry. Come along Clare, where is your brother gotten off to?”
Jenifer had cut off the elderly lady before she could say her husband died of a stroke. I thought that was rude.
I was sluggish to obey. My mother grabbed my arm, and jerked.. I let out a yelp.
“Please, that is not…”
”Shut up old lady. They are my kids, and I’ll do as I please. Call the cops, and watch what happens.”
”We’ll see,” Bonny slammed her front door.
My mother had met her match. I sent up a real prayer for what was it the Preacher said, deliverance?
At home my brother and I both got the belt. My brother took it, and went to lock himself in his room. I on the other hand moved around a bit. She hit my mark. If I wore shorts to school someone would have to notice.
The next day I did just that. She was dragging around the kitchen, so I threw a pair of shorts in my bag. She never checked my homework, she never makes my lunch. Once I found a note from her in my bag. But it wasn’t the loving kind. I dashed off the bus, and into the bathroom. I wanted everyone to know what she did. Can went about his day, and I didn’t bother him about my plan. I walked into home room with that blue and black shining on my leg. Students started whispering. It didn’t take long until I was in the nurse’s room. It was during third period.
”Clare,” she sat down in front of me.
The guidance counselor, Mrs. Grandan joined us too.
I breathe in deeply, here is my chance for freedom. My leg was so badly bruised the nurse wanted me seen at the hospital. The Counselor came with me. When my mother arrived she was babbling something about I’d fallen at the neighbor’s house. When she asked to see me, they declined. Bonny arrived two hours later. She had been in a Lady’s meeting at Church. I could hear my mother again. She was bad mouthing Bonny. I wanted in no way to go home with her. Bonny was allowed in to see me.
”I told them everything Clare.”
”Me too,” I say bursting out crying on her shoulder.
I had to stay in the hospital that week. I had tried to feed myself right, but I was still missing some things according to my blood work. They said they could tell Bonny had been taking care of me. One week later I went home with Bonny. Mike’s parents took my brother in. His rules were going to change. But that would be good for him Bonny said. My mother was now housed in the local jail. She told the judge she didn’t want us anymore, and signed away her rights. After some work, Bonny adopted me. I got saved ten months after I came to actually live with her. This was her golden years, and the starting of mine.
SamanthaCSinclair.com 