Love Knots

By Nell Griffin

Jerome and Sara Ann are young and in love. They believe their love will last forever. But, is the joke on them or have they discovered the secret for making a relationship last?
Lifelong decisions are made based on a relationship at a moment in time.
But, how can a person know what a relationship will be years down the line?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nell Griffin
• Release date: Aug 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452359236

Nell Griffin

Biographical Sketch Nell Griffin Anyone can do wrong. The real challenge is doing right. I create characters that want to do what's right and are trying to do what is right. I write novels for readers who love romance and relationships. I enjoy creating stories that ignite reader's imagination and inspire them towards strong healthy relationships of their own. If you want to feed your desire for loving and passionate relationships, I write for you. Thank you for purchasing and reading my books.

Book preview

Love Knots is Published by Nell Griffin at Smashwords.

Copyright © 2010 Nell Griffin. All Rights Reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you wish to share this book with another person, please purchase additional copies for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

INTRODUCTION

The Ties That Bind

Written by Nell Griffin

Strong as steel and light as a feather

Are the ties that bind family together

These ties can hold you so tightly you won’t be aware

That you are trapped, hopelessly caught in a snare

Between love and hate, there is a thin line

Conflicting emotions carry a heavy fine

Blinded by what cannot be

All you have, you fail to see

Desire can burn deep; it’s an intensely hot flame

Desire gone wrong causes the worse kind of pain

Generation after generation will pay the toll

Some will pay with their very soul

Water is thin when compared to blood

But, both can sweep you into a flood

Spending your life looking for that missing part

Seeking to fill the empty desires of your heart

All kinds of emotions, you feel a lot

Confused and unclear you’re tangled in a knot

Although some form of love may be there

Friendship is not something all families share

Strong are the ties that bind you to your family tree

It’s only through love you can hope to be free

CHAPTER 1

The Meeting

When a man and a woman meet, their mutual attraction quickly moves to lust

But, secrets lurking in the background are posed to stall their forward thrust

They want this romance to grow into a relationship of success

But, will hidden secrets block their path to happiness?

With lies and secrets a romance is destined to go wrong

It takes love and truth for any relationship to grow strong

Smiling, she carefully placed the large sealed white envelope on the newly delivered desk. Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked into her bedroom. She let her bathrobe slip to the floor, and decisively selected her attire. A few minutes later she returned to that same spot by the desk fully dressed. With her keys in her hand and purse on her shoulder, she stared down at the envelope for another second before picking it up and leaving the apartment.

Greeted by a warm breeze and blindingly bright sunlight as she exited her apartment building, Sara Ann Jacobs had an epiphany. She squinted and tossed her head backwards attempting to look upward at the sun. She loved the sky and the feel of the wind softly whistling through her hair. Caught in the moment, she stretched out her arms and twirled around basking in the warm breeze. A broad smile crossed her face. She realized that she was really and truly free. Free to live her life as she pleased. Free of her driving desire to have what she will never have. She was happy, and she was free. The sunshine broadcasted it and the gentle breeze whispered it.

The silk of the white dress twirled around her. She had put on and taken off that white silk dress twice before finally deciding to keep it on. Wearing white before the month of May was one of the many things her mother had forbidden her to do. On this March day when Sara Ann had decided to mail her application for nursing school, she decided to wear her favorite white dress. It was her declaration of independence. On this day, she was finally pursuing her lifelong dream. The bright sunlight, the unseasonably soft warm breeze, and her flowing white dress were assurances of her happy future.

She was happy in mind, body and spirit. Unable to contain it, she erupted in smiles and twirled like a giddy young girl. Realizing a water delivery man was watching her, she stopped. Grabbing her purse, she opened it and pretended to focus on searching its content.

Beautiful day, he greeted as he approached her. How you doing?

Fine, she mumbled. To avoid looking at him she removed her sunglasses from her purse and put them on.

I can see that, he replied with a smile as he passed her balancing the five-gallon jugs on the dolly.

Now that she was wearing her sunglasses, she wasn’t blinded by the sun. She raced to her car. Embarrassed but also anxious to get to the post office. She quickly started the engine and drove off. A few minutes later, she noticed a police car in her rearview mirror. Instinctively, she checked her speed and slowed down. The police car was driving closely behind her. Approaching a stop light, she continued through. The light was clearly green, but the police car flashed its lights. She pulled to the side of the road and stopped. Putting the car in park, she rolled down the window and removed her sunglasses.

She turned to watch the two policemen approach her car. One was an older man perhaps in his fifties, medium frame very healthy and fit looking with graying hair that complimented his golden light brown complexion. His partner was a younger man, about her age. She was mesmerized by his firm body, his smooth caramel skin, his perfect teeth and his inviting full pink lips. What is it about a uniform? As he approached her car, she appreciated the way his uniform accentuated his chest and as he walked pass her towards the front of her car, she enjoyed his tight buttock. Standing in front of her car, the sunlight seemed to dance around him. The older officer appeared at her window, interrupting her thoughts.

Suddenly she was terrified! All the happiness drained out of her and she prayed. It occurred to her that this could be her worst fear coming true! She reminded herself that she was now twenty years old and would not have to go back. She reminded herself that she was free of her mother.

Can I see your license and proof of insurance, ma’am? asked the older policeman.

Why are you stopping me? she asked as she reached in her purse.

Well ma’am, you don’t have a rear license plate, he replied. He watched as she removed her license and insurance card from her wallet.

You’re kidding, she exclaimed with obvious relief. Here is my license and insurance.

No front plate either. Sorry ma’am, we didn’t mean to frighten you, announced the younger officer who had joined the older policeman at her open car window.

It’s just that this is the first time I’ve been stopped by the police, she explained. I recently moved here, and I guess they must have fallen off somewhere. So, what do I do now?

You have to go to the DMV and get new plates. It won’t be that complicated. There’ve been a string of license plates and tires being stolen off cars lately, replied the younger officer as he removed his sunglasses. My partner will complete the report. Don’t worry, pretty lady, we’re not going to arrest you or anything like that. He seemed to notice how nervous she was and felt a need to put her at ease. His partner returned to the squad car to complete the report.

Why would someone steal my license plate or a car’s tire for that matter? she inquired.

We don’t know yet, he replied.

This is probably just kids playing pranks, she reasoned.

Could be or it could not be, he smiled as if he was amused by her theory.

You don’t think so? she pressed.

We’re checking all possibilities.

What’s your theory?

I can’t say.

Sara Ann was very nervous, but she couldn’t help noticing the handsome young officer. Their eyes locked. She was afraid that her heart would explode it was beating so fast. She couldn’t catch her breath. But, it wasn’t fear she felt when she looked at him. After what seemed like an eternity, she found the strength to look away.

OK, no theories, Sara Ann finally replied. He put his sunglasses back on and attempted to be casual, Where you from?

A small town in Arkansas, she guardedly replied. As she fumbled to place her sunglasses back on her face, she managed to ask, How much longer will this take?

Relax, he stated. You aren’t in trouble.

OK, officer. Thank you. It’s just that I have to pick up my little sister from school and she’ll be frightened if I’m late. You know, new school, moving and all, she attempted to explain while skillfully avoiding eye contact with him.

You married? Did your husband or parents move with you? he asked.

No, she nervously replied then added. I’m not married, and our parents are dead.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, he replied. She sensed that he didn’t quite believe her. His partner appeared with the nearly completed form.

When was the last time you remember seeing your plate? he asked.

Well, I’m pretty sure the license plate was there yesterday. I went to the grocery store and I put the bags in the trunk. I think I would have noticed if the plates weren’t there yesterday when I put the bags in the trunk. Then again, you’d think I would have noticed the plate was missing when I got in my car just now, so I’m not sure, she stated as she looked at her watch.

You late for something? asked the older officer.

She has to pick up her younger sister from school, interrupted the younger officer. They just moved here from Arkansas.

Oh, replied the older officer. Well that explains the Arkansas address on your driver’s license. We’re just about done here. You need to read this, fill in the top portion and sign the bottom. Then you just go by the DMV and get new plates. You can also change your address on your license while you’re there. He handed her the form to read and sign. She quickly read through the form. Somehow, she managed to keep her hands from shaking as she signed and handed the form back to the officer. After comparing signatures, he returned her license and insurance card. I’ll go by the DMV as soon as I can.

Well, you just do that. Where do you live? Do you know where the DMV is? he asked.

I live in Hyde Park and yes I do know where the DMV is. Thank you, officer, she politely replied. Attempting to relax, she looked out of the window and her eyes locked with the younger officer who was standing in her full view. An involuntary smile embraced her lips.

You drive carefully now, stated the older officer as he handed her a copy of the form. The older officer walked towards his squad car leaving her to focus entirely on the younger officer. Nice smile, he declared. He smiled and tipped his hat before walking to the squad car.

She was feeling so many different and conflicting emotions. She was tied in knots. She didn’t reply. She couldn’t. As she watched him walk to the squad car through the rearview mirror, she felt relieved. The closer he got to the squad car, the easier it became for her to breathe. She was relieved that she was not in trouble. She was relieved that her worse fear had not come true. But, mostly she was relieved to be able to breathe again.

Sara Ann had recently made some life altering and life affirming decisions. She was committed to her new affirmations and had changed her entire way of thinking. When her thoughts changed, her actions and behavior changed. When her behavior changed, the direction of her life changed freeing her of her self-destructive ways. Because of these affirmations, she felt hopeful, optimistic and peaceful for the first time in her life. She was determined to hold on to her new life. Her first affirmation was that if she didn’t know what to do, she would seek more information. Her second affirmation, which was really the first, was to pray before she did anything. The third was to write everything down. She always kept a journal with her.

She glanced in her rearview mirror and saw that the squad car was still there. Praying they would leave, she grabbed her purse. She was sure the two policemen could see through her exaggerated attempt to appear as if she was searching for something in her purse. Repeating, Please let them leave, please let them drive off, repeating, Jesus, please let them drive off, she pulled out a pen and her wallet making sure the two policemen could see as she replaced her driver’s license and insurance card. The police car finally pulled off. She sighed and reached in the back seat for her journal. She opened to the next blank page and began to write.

Happy Thoughts

New born babies and colors that are bright

Avoiding the darkness, staying in the light

Smiling and laughing finding what was lost

Not spending more then what it should cost

Cooking foods that make people sing

These are some of my favorite things

Writing in rhyme relaxed her. Sara Ann slowly exhaled. She felt better and could now focus. Closing her journal, she gently tossed it onto the backseat, put the car in gear and drove. Glancing at the clock she realized she could go by the post office, mail her application and still pick up her sister on time.

Her home computer was not connected to the internet yet and would not be connected before the application deadline for the nursing school. Chamberlain was the nursing school she wanted to attend and there was a branch located in the Chicago area. She had gone by the nursing school and spoke with an admission advisor as soon as she signed the lease for her apartment. Going to nursing school was her dream. It was one of the first things on her new life, ‘to do list’. After speaking with the advisor and explaining her situation, she was given a hardcopy of the application. Now that her dream was within her reach, Sara Ann wasn’t going to let anything stop her. She was no longer merely existing from day to day. She was ready for life to begin.

Alma ran to the car. Hi, she exclaimed as she opened the door and bounced inside. I think I made a friend today! Her name is Tameka and she invited me to come to her house sometime. She has two parents, both her mother and her father and she was really nice to me!

So, your first day at school went well, I take it, Sara Ann sarcastically replied.

I’m glad we came here, Alma enthusiastically continued, oblivious to Sara Ann’s sarcasm. I like my new school. I like our new apartment but mostly, I like being away from mama. Thank you for bringing me with you. I’m happy for the first time in my entire life! Are you happy, Sara Ann?

Yes, I’m happy too, Sara Ann replied. And it looks like fifth grade will be a good grade. What about the homework? Our deal was that you must keep your grades up.

Well, the work is the same as my old school and we’re using the same books in two of my classes. They do believe in homework here. I have homework in all my classes, but I don’t mind.

You’ve always been a good student, stated Sara Ann. Speaking of students. I just mailed my application to nursing school.

Good! beamed Alma. We’re both finally going to get what we’ve always wanted! You’re going to be a nurse and I’m going to stay away from mama.

We’re both going to stay away from mama, corrected Sara Ann.

Life can be good! Did you know that? teased Alma.

NO! laughed Sara Ann. I suspected it, but I never dreamed life could be good. They both laughed as Sara Ann carefully merged into traffic.

Life is funny. I got stopped by the police today, announced Sara Ann.

No! exclaimed Alma, What did you do?

Nothing, I didn’t do anything. The rear license plate is missing so they just stopped me to let me know. I have to go to the DMV to get new plates and driver’s license with our new address. Recalling the images of the two policemen Sara Ann subconsciously remarked. One of the cops who stopped me was really cute.

Really, you never talk about men like that. Did he ask you out?

No! Why would he do that? Why would you ask that?

Because you’re so pretty, men would always ask about you and want to take you out, but mama wouldn’t let them.

Really how do you know this? inquired Sara Ann.

You know, mama always forgot I was around, but she usually took me with her when she went shopping or something, so I could carry her stuff. People always asked about you, especially men, remarked Alma. Everyone talked about how pretty you were and that you should be a model or something. Mama didn’t seem to like it much.

Mama didn’t seem to like me much.

She didn’t like me neither, but men really liked you.

That’s not true, denied Sara Ann.

So, did the cop ask you out since mama wasn’t around to stop him? asked Alma.

I told you, No!

I bet he will. It will be different because mama can’t stop you. If she was here, she wouldn’t let him near you because of Mr. Smith.

That’s not true, Sara Ann weakly denied.

Yes, it is. I’m not a baby. I know what mama made you do. Because you are so pretty every man who sees you wants you, so mama said we should all profit from your looks. I think that’s why you’re so unhappy about being pretty? Women on TV and stuff pay money and do all kinds of crazy things trying to look like you, but you don’t seem to be happy about being so pretty, and it’s because of mama?

Why are we talking about this? Sara Ann declared. That cop didn’t even notice me. So, I guess I’m not that pretty! Are you really hungry? I want to go to the DMV first. I’m cooking chicken, rice and broccoli for dinner, so it won’t take long for me to prepare dinner.

I’m ok, we can do the license stuff first. Did my desk come today?

Yes, it’s there. So now, we have a fully furnished home. Our life has really come together in just one short week.

Yea, we should have left mama a long time ago. You suppose she knows we’ve left yet? inquired Alma. Sara Ann focused on driving. Forcing back all the emotions trying to erupt inside of her, she gripped the stirring wheel tightly and replied calmly, No, I doubt that she is back from Vegas yet.

Sara Ann? cautiously asked Alma, If I hadn’t put the sleeping medicine in his drink, would you have done it?

What? Sara Ann hesitated.

Would you have done it with Mr. Tyrone just ‘cause mama told you to? boldly asked Alma.

What makes you think mama told me to do anything? Sara Ann silently repeated to herself, Focus on Alma. Focus on driving.

Sara Ann, I heard her. You don’t have to pretend, declared Alma, I heard our mother tell you that you owe her and me and Bobby. She said that you were born pretty so that you could take care of your mama after all that she had done for you. And that you had to take care of me. She even said that you had to do it, so you could pay the bills at Bobby’s school. I heard her Sara Ann.

You misunderstood, Sara Ann tried to deny it, but she knew she wasn’t convincing. Mama wouldn’t… Feeling that familiar emptiness, that pathetic need, Sara Ann decided that she couldn’t handle this discussion any longer. "I don’t want to talk about mama. Let’s see what’s on the