Mercy Town

By A C R

The year is 1999 and Tonya Sommers' life is as promising as one could imagine. Graduating Valedictorian, popular among the students, and well known in her church; she spends Friday nights caring for her invalid grandmother. Engaged to a prominent real estate broker and headed for a top University with legacy ties to one of the larger sororities, it appeared that she had nothing more to do but enjoy the ride. The halls of higher education will many times take the form of a moral, social labyrinth and Tonya finds herself caught in an emotional, spiritual, and intellectual whirlwind of conflicting beliefs, voided convictions, paper thin assurances, and the disturbed realization of her own sexuality…

Manipulation in life's entirety marks the devious archetype of Glen Forrest. His motivations are singular and egocentric while his words are rehearsed and inauthentic. Once you understand his business, his actions won't surprise you; but when the perversions of a middle-aged man spill from the beach bars into this University schoolyard justice, amends, and redemption find definition without the help of a courtroom…

Jason Lancer has a problem he doesn't have a clue how to fix. Instead, he surrounds himself with the simple objective pleasures afforded by money and drugs. The little University town in which he lives enables his delusions of grandiosity. As each graduating class departs, the newest students always bring a fresh set of opportunities with them that Jason's refined cool has had no problem exploiting. Yet when he is introduced to Tonya his cool gives way to a genuine yearning, and he finds himself driven beyond all limits…

Waves, women and weed are Raymond Meyers' three favorite things. So, a University near his home beach with a five to one girl to guy ratio, minutes from a major spring break destination, seemed to him a no-brainer. When he meets Jason, he settles into a school connection and when he meets Tonya, he thinks he falls in love. Love, as seen from a school boy's perspective can be devastating and Raymond plays the role precisely…

William Barrett excels at two things: He knows how to survive on the leftovers and he knows his drums well enough to get him into college early, on a full ride, even when the chair of the department will swear, "He is only fifteen-years-old and I've seen his middle school transcript. He is a discipline problem."

Welcome to Mercy Town

• Language: English
• Publisher: YouthWide
• Release date: Nov 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781537864679

Book preview

PREFACE

ACCORDING TO THE NHSDA, of high school students in the United States in 1999:

49% REPORTED DRINKING to intoxication regularly.

24% reported episodic heavy or binge drinking.

27% reported regular marijuana use.

4% reported using cocaine.

16% reported using inhalants.

11% reported using ecstasy.

9% reported using methamphetamines.

2% reported using heroine.

13% reported using hallucinogens.

20% reported abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Several students declined participation in the survey.

The characters and events portrayed in this story are, for the most part, fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is entirely coincidental.

The story itself is very real.

STEREOTYPES

THE GOOD GIRL, TONYA SOMMERS

...AND WITH THAT SAID, I suppose now would be the right time to conclude. Today marks the last day, the last page of a chapter in the great novel that is our lives. The greatness of this novel is that each of the students of the Melbourne High School's graduating class of 1999 has played his or her own lead role. We have grown up very much over the past four years, and it has been to each other that we turned when there was needed a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or a laugh to share. Much has been won, much has been lost, and much has been learned both inside and outside of the books and the classrooms. So we go our separate ways, carrying with us the memories that will play the greatest role in deciding who we are to become... Tonya looked down for the first time during the speech to her classmates. When she lifted her head again, her eyes were red like her hair and her gown. Tears welled and pooled among the shimmering emerald lenses. Her chin quivered. She brushed away the lavender tassel with gold trim the breeze had put into her face and forced herself to continue, I had the end of this thing all planned out, she whispered into the microphone and folded the words she had written while her voice grew louder, Now I am here and I'm looking at your faces. I'm remembering the things we've done together and this lump in the bottom of my chest keeps trying to push its way out. I need you to know that I love you guys, Tonya's voice was full, warm, and genuine. She paused and ran her vision along the crowd of parents and faculty. You all knew that when I got up here, I would end up saying something about the Word so, nobody should be surprised, Tonya spoke while smiling and wiping away tears. A few lighthearted chuckles and murmurs were heard and then a silence as she continued, In the sixth chapter of Hebrews it starts out explaining leaving the elementary teachings and pressing on to maturity without losing the foundation. So, we're on our way to grow up, but please guys, please never lose the children we were, she turned to the side, speaking to the student body.

Don't worry about that one Tonya! One of the football players, a good friend of hers, called from a row in the back, and everyone laughed.

Thank you Robert, Tonya said while rolling her eyes and went on, In the nineteenth verse of that same chapter, in talking about the hope set by a foundation's teachings, it says that this hope we hold as an anchor of the soul. I know now that wherever I go and whatever I do, I need not fear, as my soul has been anchored. It has been a privilege to be your class president and a great honor to stand as your Valedictorian. Thank you, Mel High class of 1999 for giving me a place to anchor my soul. There was a pause before the audience exploded, cheering in a standing ovation as Tonya stepped down from the podium to rejoin the other robed students and a group hug ensued.

I should have expected something like that from her, The principal spoke, wiping her own tears with a handkerchief she continued, Since there are no more speeches and I don't think there is any way to follow up Tonya's beautiful ending, I again just want to say congratulations to everyone. Ladies and gentleman, I give you the Melbourne High School graduating class of 1999! She turned with her arms opened and the students cheered as they threw their tasseled hats into the air. The clapping subsided and the new graduates dispersed from the stand to mingle with the audience. Random flashes from cameras built to record such events were amongst the crowd. For a moment or two, as families relocated, Tonya stood alone. Her father had left an hour before she woke that morning and, since her grandmother was incapable of leaving home, Tonya had driven herself to the ceremony. It wasn't long until she found herself surrounded by friends and, after a few pictures had been taken, Tonya delivered her last goodbyes for the day.

Tonya, your speech was awesome, Lily smiled bright while hugging her friend. Lily, Rob, Nikki, and Tonya stood next to the large pond circled by bricks at the center of the school's interior courtyard. Scaffolding was placed to create a small bridge that connected the two coasts of the pond at the most narrow point. The students, after receiving a diploma, would walk across the bridge to symbolize a crossing to the next scholarly stage. The water was murky blue, tainted by dyes and chemicals, creating an artificial, surreal ambiance to the courtyard of grass enclosed by concrete. Regularly added chemicals kept algae from growing.

When you cried, I couldn't keep from crying too, Nikki whispered, when it was her turn for a hug.

I already said enough. Great speech, Rob embraced her.

Don't worry about it. You were great, Tonya grinned.

What are you planning to do today? Nikki asked Tonya.

Well, I'm supposed to meet Pastor Keith and his wife for lunch. He called me yesterday to apologize for not being able to make it, but said that he insisted on celebrating. I think I will go to the beach afterwards. You will have fun at the dinner tonight.

Aren't you coming? Lily spoke up, surprised.

Yeah, and Trevor is holding a huge party at his dad's river house.

No, no, you go and you will have fun, I'm sure. After the beach though, I will cook dinner for my Mi-Ma, like I do every Friday, and then wait at home for my dad. If things go well, he will be home by midnight. I haven't seen him yet today.

Okay cool, um, maybe we could hang out tomorrow, if not tonight, Lily chirped, while the others nodded in agreement.

Definitely, but I've got to run so I'm not late to see the Pastor, Tonya excused herself, and walked to her car.

PASTOR KEITH FARRELL and his wife Amanda sat side by side in a booth at the Hibiscus Boulevard Olive Garden restaurant. Amanda swapped her attention between the house salad she had in front of her and the breadstick she held in her left hand. The pastor was a quarter of the way done with a chicken parmesan dish. Tonya sat on the other side of the table, nursing her manicotti, poking at the food more than eating it. What's wrong Tonya? You just graduated high school at the top of your class and you have a good meal instead of that horrible cafeteria food you're always complaining to me about. You should be smiling right now. I've known you your entire life Tonya, so don't try to pull one over on old Keith. The pastor smiled large while still expressing concern, the way a good pastor does. He put down his fork and put his hand on Tonya's.

Well, I'm not sure. I mean, you're right. Of course you're right, you're always right. I'm just uncertain what is bothering me. I'm overwhelmed, I guess. On the way here I was thinking about the speech I gave and about how much is going to change over the next few months. I'm moving to a new town and starting a new school. My dad won't be there and I won't have Mi-Ma with me. It sounds childish, but I'm sure I'll be coming home every weekend. That's why I'm looking at the University in Deland. It's less than two hours away. I'm not even sure what I want to study yet. I keep praying pastor, but I am so confused, she had put down her fork, full of emotion.

First calm down and listen to me Tonya. I know just how you feel, Amanda was the ever empathetic pastor's wife, When I started college, I had no clue what I wanted to study my first year, let alone what to do with the rest of my life. The first years are about figuring that out. I was just a freshman and Keith, who had changed majors twice, was a third year junior when I met him in an introduction to theology class.

I remember, grinned the pastor, It was during that class Amanda and I became close. With her help I was able to get through the math courses I had been avoiding. I focused and again changed my major, but for the last time. I keep building my faith and doing my best to share the Word ever since. Just go take as many classes as you can and let God and your heart lead you in your interests. Don't worry so much. You are a great student and a very gifted girl. Besides, isn't the school you are looking at attending in the same town where your fiancé lives?

You two are great, said Tonya relieved, right when I start to worry, you pull everything back into perspective. Yes, Glen lives about forty minutes from the school and although I am looking forward to seeing him often, I'm worried about that too. He has been a good colleague of my father's and I have known him for years, but... Tonya paused and looked down at her plate.

What is it Tonya? Amanda coaxed, gently.

But we were engaged so fast. It just seems too good to be true. He has always been great to me. I was always able to talk to him and he is an attractive man. Then he comes down here, takes me to prom, makes this perfect evening, and proposes. He told me I could take my time and that he wanted to be there for me through school but he had fallen in love with me over the years and that he didn't want to lose me. He said he had my father's consent to ask, and that it was up to me. He said he would wait for me for as long as it took. The only thing I have ever wanted is a family. He is established, but he is twenty years older than me. I mean, is it wrong to doubt? Tonya blurted out the explanation, exasperated. The pastor sat silent with his wife for a few moments.

The way you always spoke about him, I thought you had been together for years. I had no idea, Keith began, but was interrupted.

Of course it's not wrong to doubt, Amanda spoke firm, well aware that this was the time for neither a lecture nor a sermon.

Look at how many people doubted Christ, chuckled the pastor, humbly taking the hint from his wife. He was a large man with long white hair that resembled a heavy Jesus when he preached and a thinner Santa when he laughed.

This is different, Tonya's face was far from humor.

I'm sorry Tonya, but you are so young and there is so much left for you to experience. Your father loves you, your grandmother loves you, we love you, and you are not going into battle, you are going to school, Keith continued, firm and endearing, Most of all Tonya, the Lord loves you. I've watched you grow. When you were a little girl and you would stay after class on Sundays to help with the younger children, Amanda and I knew you were very special. Your soul is full of love and I believe that you will prosper wherever you go. I don't want you to be afraid. You will always have a home here and open arms waiting for you at the church. Now, enough of this serious talk, we're here to celebrate your graduation and welcome the beginning of what is sure to be a tremendous future. So everyone smile and let us toast to one of the most incredible young women I have had the pleasure of knowing! Keith spoke powerfully and his voice commanded attention from nearby tables. He stood and raised his water glass into the air. Tonya blushed with embarrassment.

Yes, let's toast, Amanda held up her glass as well. After a second or two of noticing amused stares from the other tables, Tonya raised her glass in celebration and because she was sure it would be the only way to get the pastor to sit back down.

BOARDWALKS WOULD BE the unofficial name granted the beach access where SR192 met SRA1A along the eastern edge of Indialantic. A large parking lot, earmarked by two or three outside shower spouts and a large carved sign painted with red letters, dedicated the wooden walk to some forgotten community figurehead. The metered lot facilitated a chain hamburger joint and a small mom and pop restaurant situated beside the worn boardwalk that led to the beach. Longboard House surf shop splashed the scenery of passing traffic with nine foot, two inch shaped foam brushed with fiberglass. The swell had been increasing, and the tide was heading out. By three in the afternoon the place would be riddled with teenagers: The guys carrying surf or body boards, and the girls dawning designer swimsuits and see-through pullovers. Boardwalks had a reputation for being a relatively good surf break, but one frequented by the girls looking to show off their new clothes and the guys looking to impress the girls showing off. It wasn't a beach for real surfers the less affluent of the local youth would explain. Tonya went on unaffected by such social politics. The beach access was the first parking lot she came upon when driving over from the mainland representing a place for her to