Lost Love

By Stephen Reid

Dale Youngblood searched through some old photographs, when he came upon a friend by the name of Diane Williams. Though he heard she had died, his old feelings were revived. Dale returned to Diane's hometown to answer questions and ease his mind. Arriving in Butler, he found that Diane's parents Don and Mary were still there. Don and Mary were suspicious of Dale, but in time they became hopeful Dale would help bring Diane back into their lives. Dale worked with Doctor Jackson, the psychiatrist, as Diane began to turn the corner of recovery. In the mean time, Don and Mary became fearful of losing their daughter, and began taking action to stop Dale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Reid
• Release date: Oct 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301142224

Stephen Reid

Stephen's career as a graphic artist in commercial printing was the beginning to his current work as a creative artist and writer. After twenty years in commercial arts, he pursued the brush with paint and the pen. Stephen's vivid imagination create worlds that reflect his experiences in life.

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Lost Love

Published by Stephen Reid at Smashwords

Copyright 2009 Stephen Reid

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CHAPTER ONE

This story began many years ago. Dale and Diane met in their teenage years, at summer camp, where they fell in love. Living in separate towns, writing each other every week until summer camp came around again. As the years passed, they become too old for summer camp, and the letters dwindle to a stop. However, through the years, Dale never forgot her. Dale decided to take a quiet weekend at home. He found a box of old photographs. While he looked through them, he came to an old photo of his girlfriend Diane Williams. Memories came flooding back to him, filling his heart with the love he felt for her. He thought back to the days at summer camp and the times Dale visit Diane in her hometown. He closed his eyes to envision her in his mind, the first time he saw her at summer camp, walking up the road to the mess hall. Her tall slender body moved gracefully with her long dirty blond hair moving in rhythm with her body. Diane walked up the steps to the mess hall porch and as she walked toward him. Dale smiled. When she saw him, she smiled back. Her big brown eyes sparkled when she smiled. Diane’s smile gave Dale a loving feeling in his heart. Then he remembered he had heard she died. The vision in his mind disappeared, and Dale sat looking at the photo wondering why. He thought it might have been drugs, she was using them the last time he saw her. Dale did not know for sure if she was dead or alive, he just knew it had been a long time sense he had seen her. He put the photo back in the box, thinking he would keep the good memories of her. A week passed and Dale found himself thinking about her every minute of everyday. Dale tried to put her out of his mind. With each new day, Dale became more flustered every time he thought about Diane. One evening, Dale was so upset about the memories of Diane running through his mind. He went to the phone, called long distance information for the number to her brother Robert. While he thought about calling, he became fearful of letting Robert know where he lived. Robert was the type of person that would invite himself for a visit, or just show up one day, and stay as long as he like.

Dale put the number away. The next weekend Dale called his brother. The phone rang several times before his brother answered. Hello Sam said. Sam, how are you? Without letting Sam speak. Were you out? Dale it is good to here your voice. Nancy and I were out shopping. How are you doing? Oh, okay I guess. Is there something wrong Dale? Every time Dale had a problem, he would always go to Sam. Sam would always listen and try to help. Well Sam, I am not sure if you remember a girl I knew in Butler, a town just north of Madison City, her name was Diane. It was quiet for a few seconds. Sam spoke, The name is not familiar. Well, we were good friends, and before I left for Florida I heard she had died. How did she die? Ask Sam. They did not know the answer Sam. Just listen for a minute, okay? Sam heard irritation in Dale’s voice. Okay Dale, tell me about it. Well, I was looking through some old photos. I found the last photograph she sent me. For weeks, I have not been able to get her out of my head. I got her brother’s phone number, but I cannot bring myself to call him. Why can’t you call him Dale? I think it is because I am afraid if he knew where I lived, he would turn up on my doorstep one day. He was that type of person. Have you thought about going back to Madison City to find out what happen to her? No Sam, I have not thought much about it. I just would like to stop thinking about her. Dale, I think you need to go back to Madison City, so you can make closure with this problem. This may never go away until you know what happened to her. Sam, I like to think I left that part of my life there. Well Dale, it sounds to me, like you did not leave this part of your life behind when you moved. The conversation went on for an hour. After talking with Sam, Dale was still troubled. Whenever Dale would relax or lay down to sleep, her face would come to mind. A few weeks pasted, he was still fighting with his emotions. Dale went to work on a Monday morning ready to talk to his boss Bill about some time off. Dale was working on one of his many projects, when he saw Bill across the room. Dale shouted out. Bill! Bill came over. Good morning Dale, what can I do for you? I have something personal to talk to you about. Bill took Dale to his office. What is wrong Dale? I need vacation time to take care of some business. Dale, I have noticed you have not been yourself for the last two weeks. Yes Bill, I have had a lot on my mind, I would like to have a week or two to take care of it. Do you think it is possible? I believe I can let you have a week. Where do you plan to go? I really would like to keep that to myself. But when I get back, I will tell you the whole story. Okay Dale, would next week be good for you? Dale became very excided. Next week would be great Bill. Thank you for understanding." They shook hands and Dale went back to work hoping the trip would give him some closure.

CHAPTER TWO

That evening Dale purchased his airline ticket, reserved a car. As the week progress, Dale arranged for a friend to pick up his mail, and he washed cloths and packed. Dale was nervous about the trip, but felt confident this was the right thing to do. He got to the airport on time and boarded. The jet departed on time, and arrived that afternoon in his hometown. Dale rented the car and went to the nearest hotel.

After resting a few hours, he pulled out the road map to check the route to Butler, Diane’s hometown. The morning seemed to arrive quicker than usual. Dale showered and shaved, ate breakfast and left for Butler. Dale tried to find a radio station, but there was nothing on he enjoyed. It was the same way when he left, four years ago. While he drove, thoughts of good times with Diane came to mind. Like the time he met another girl from Diane’s hometown. She asked him to come up to see her one weekend. Dale stopped by to see Robert and Diane. The three of them went to a restaurant to eat. After, Robert had an appointment with someone. Dale offered to drive him there. Dale and Diane sat in the car waiting. She kissed him and tried to get him to drive to the lake, so they could make out. Dale turned her down. After all these years, he wished he had gone to the lake. Dale thought to himself. That’s water under the bridge. Dale realized he was just outside of town and started looking for landmarks and roads. He was hoping the town had not changed much, so he could find everything by memory. He had no difficulties finding familiar landmarks. He founded the old church where he always met Diane when he came to see her. He drove into the parking lot and parked the car. Dale sat for about a half an hour looking at the map and trying to remember the way to her parent’s house. While he searched the map someone knocked on the car window. It was the pastor of the church. Dale let the window down.

Hello. Can I help you young man? replied the pastor. Dale got out of the car, and said. Oh no, I was just sitting here reminiscing about the times I came to youth rallies at this church. The pastor gave him an odd look. You came to this church for youth rallies? There has not been a youth rally here in years. Yes sir, it was many years ago. The pastor had a harsh look on his face when he asks. What are you doing here now? I have come back, hoping to find some old friends. The pastor’s face relaxed and he asks, Is there anything I can do to help? Oh no pastor, I will be moving on now. I think I have my bearings straight. Well, good luck. The pastor said. The pastor walked back to his house and stood on the porch until Dale drove away. Dale was looking for Canyon Street. He drove a few blocks from the church, and found it. He noticed it had not changed very much. He saw the number on the house and parked the car on the curb. He thought to himself. It looks about the same. The old red brick house with the cracked and dirty concrete walkway. The wooden porch was still white, and the old porch swing was still hanging. Feeling edgy, Dale got out of the car. Walking toward the house, he could see someone watching him from just beyond the screen door. Dale was about half way to the door, when he heard a harsh voice. Can I help you? Dale just stopped and looked. Yes, my name is Dale Youngblood. I am looking for the Williams’ family. I am Chris Williams. What can I do for you Mr. Youngblood? Dale remembered the name as Diane’s youngest brother. Do you have a sister by the name of Diane? How do you know that sir? I knew her years ago, when she went to the church just up the road. Wait right there, I will be back in a minute. Chris disappeared from the doorway. Dale could hear voices, but could not see whom he was talking with. A woman came to the door. She stood there and just looked at him for a moment. Then she asks, Are you Dale Youngblood from Madison City? Dale answered, Yes Mrs. Williams. Why are you here?" Dale started walking toward the door as he talked. He told her the story about hearing Diane had died.

He found a picture of her a few weeks ago, took time off from work to find out the truth. Mrs. Williams started smiling opened the screen door. Please come in. Have a seat in the living room. I just made a pot of coffee. Would you like a cup? Dale answered, Yes, thank you. Dale entered the living room. Looking around the room he saw above the sofa, family photos covered the wall. A few minutes later Mrs. Williams came in the room with a tray, sat down across from Dale, placing the tray on the coffee table and poured the coffee. Still a little edgy, Dale sat quietly and watched her. Mrs. Williams looked up from the tray handing Dale a cup and asks. Dale, why after all these years, did you come back to find my daughter? Dale looked at her like he did not know the answer. To tell the truth he did not know. However, he knew he had to answer her. It’s a feeling that has been haunted me, the feeling told me, go find the truth. When I would sleep a voice would wake me in the middle of the night saying. You need to know the truth. The more I tried to get away from it, the more often it would come to me. You see Mrs. Williams. I need to know, so my heart, soul, and mind will rest. Do you understand what I am saying?

Mrs. Williams looked at him as if she was confused, Have you got a hotel room? Dale answered, No. Well, this is what we can do. You go to the hotel, get a room, and freshen up. You come back here about four o’clock. My husband will be home. We both will sit down and talk to you. Is that all right with you? Dale thought quickly to himself. She must be alive. Dale answered, That will be fine with me. They both stood, Dale shook hands with Mrs. Williams asking. What would be a good hotel nearby? Mrs. Williams gave Dale directions. Dale found the hotel, checked in, and got unpacked. He started to feel hungry, so he walked down to a restaurant he had seen when looking for the hotel. While walking down the street, Dale noticed how this part of town had not changed much. The old brick buildings made him feel good the town’s people had preserved them. Dale walked up to the door of the restaurant. Read the lunch special on a chalk broad decided to order it. While he waited for his order, Dale looked out the window of the restaurant, he thought to himself. Are they going to tell me the truth? Or will they give me some little white lie to save my feeling from the truth. I wonder if I can find Robert. The waitress came with his order. Dale asked. Do you have a telephone book I may use? The waitress looked down and smiled saying. Yes sir, I will be right back. In a moment, the waitress came back with the book. Dale looked up Robert’s name. When he found it, he took out his pocket notebook and wrote down the address. The waitress came back to see how Dale was doing. Dale asks her if she could give him directions to the address. She told him how to get there. Dale paid his bill, and he felt so good about what was happening. He rapidly walked back to the hotel, got in his car drove off to find Robert. Dale followed the directions. He stopped in front of the old house. The house was elevated; six steps lead to the porch. The old house looked as though it had not been painted for years. Dale went to the door and knocked. No one came to the door. He knocked again. He stood at the door for a few more minutes. He looked at his watch, time was running out. Dale got back into his car and headed back to the Williams’. Dale arrived at the house on time. He knew the whole family had to be inside. There were more cars in the yard than there was earlier. He got out of the car and walked toward the door.

Before he could get to the door, Robert saw him, and came rushing out to greet him. How are you doing Dale? Long time sense I saw you last. What year was that, about 1974, or was it 1975. Who cares, it’s still really good to see you. Dale stood speechless. Robert was the same. He never let a conversation die. Dale you look real good, you are still tall and you have muscles now. You still have your thick black hair. You see mine is getting thin. Robert lowered his head, rubbing it with his hand. I like the mustache too. Come on in, we will have to talk after my parents get through with you. You are going to have to tell me all about what you have been doing. Robert just kept on talking. Dad you remember Dale? Robert’s father turned around. Dale saw the same average height man, with gray hair, and a little more plump in the middle. With the same cold hard look on his face. Mr. Williams never failed to get to the point. I have to ask you one question. Do you do drugs? Dale