Final Destination

By Jacqulin Gilbert

Joselyn Raybon is just like any other sixteen-year-old girl in New York: outgoing, successful, and ready for college. Even so, she hides a terrible secret. When that secret forces itself into her life in a way that cant be hidden, her future and plans change in an instant.

Joselyn is forced to leave her home, and her stepfather, Carl, hides her in Florida, where she is given an apartment of her own and cash to spend. She manages to find a job and make friends. Through this, Joselyn holds her secret tight, and she thinks about making her stepfather pay. After all, shes the one hiding the truth. Shes the one with the power.

Joselyn is determined to make a good life for herself, despite her painful past. With the help of the church and a supportive group of friends, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Still, in the rearview mirror is Carl, waiting for her to spill his secret. Will Joselyn finally escape her past, or will she spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Dec 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781466939165

Jacqulin Gilbert

Jackqulyn Gilbert is a native of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. She currently lives in Virginia with her son and is at work on her second novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

W e pulled into the parking lot of what looked to be a small apartment building: I turned to look at him. We hadn’t spoken since we left home days ago, except when I needed to use the bathroom. He turned to me and said,

This is where you’ll be staying. You’ve got an apartment and your rent has been paid for a year. Your utilities have been paid and the telephone company will be out to install the telephone tomorrow.

Apartment? I was supposed to be going to your sister’s until after… I paused. You don’t have a sister do you? So who was the lady that mother spoke to on the telephone? Let me guess, one of your floozies. I should have known. So you’ve paid the rent and I have utilities. Tell me, how am I to pay these bills and eat?

Open the glove compartment, there’s something in there for you.

I opened the glove compartment and saw a thick white envelope. I took it, opened my Aigner purse, and dropped it in. Opening the door of the car, I turned to him and said, Well let’s go see what this apartment looks like.

We found the rental office and walked in. The young lady behind the desk looked up and smiled, then asked,Can I help you?

Yes may I speak with Mrs. Abram? he said.

Your name sir? the young lady asked.

Tell her Joselyn Raybon is here. he said.

The young lady dialed a number, spoke, and then looked up at us.

Have a seat; Mrs. Abram will be with you shortly.

Thank you. I responded then sat on the couch across from the desk.

Within minutes an older, well-dressed woman came through the door behind the secretary. She smiled when she saw us. I held back wanting to see how familiar Mrs. Abram was with him. I needed to know if Mrs. Abram was to be considered an enemy.

Mrs. Abram, I’m Mr. Carbon, I made arrangements with you for an apartment for my niece. You called last week and left a message that all was ready. This is my niece, Joselyn Raybon. He said as he turned to look at me.

Nice to meet you both, especially you Miss Raybon. Mrs. Abram said.

Thank you. Can we have a look at the apartment?

Yes, your aunts came over with the furniture last weekend and decorated the bedroom and living room. They told me to tell you they left the kitchen for you to decorate yourself. Mrs. Abram said.

I looked at him with raised eyebrows then asked, Which one of my aunts did you have to decorate the apartment? Uncle Carl"

Both of your mother’s sisters. When I called and told them you wanted to relocate to Florida they offered to help find you an apartment and get it ready for you. Let’s go and see what they did. Uncle Carl said not looking at me.

Mrs. Abram lead us out of the door and back to the front where the parking lot was and up the steps that I hadn’t noticed before. At the third door, she stopped and unlocked it. She stepped in and moved to the side. I stepped in and kept going.

The little room had a coat rack in one corner and a small table with a clear vase filled with colored marbles. The walls were the palest pink, the floors were wooden and waxed with a high gloss. A few more steps bought me to the kitchen. On the left was a two-seated dinette table. Hanging above it was a chandelier with a potted plant beyond it. To the right was a counter, the sink with cupboard above and below it, then the refrigerator, and beyond that a little nook. Beyond the kitchen was the living room. This room was very spacious and the bay window let the rays of the sun in. The first thing I noticed was the chair hanging from the ceiling. I walked to it and sat down. Yes, I like this I thought. I looked around. The carpet was mauve and the couch was a beige background with flowers in mauve and green leaves, the lamps on the end tables which were on each end of the couch had pale pink shades, the center table looked like a wicker basket with a glass top. On the opposite side of the room a space saver of natural color blended in well with the couch, so did the two wicker wind chairs in each corner with cushions that matched the couch.

The bedroom is beyond that door. Mrs. Abram said pointing.

I rose, went to the door, and walked in. On the left was the biggest window I had ever seen in a room. No, not a window, but a sliding glass door. I looked around, to the right was another door, I walked to it and opened it. It was the bathroom. My aunts had decorated it with yellow towels and bathroom accessories. The mirror had lights around it and there were four tiny shelves coming down the corners. Mrs. Abram walked into the bathroom and opened the door in the corner. It opened into the kitchen. Good! I turned back into the bedroom. The room was spacious even with the bed, and the matching dresser drawer. Walking to the sliding glass door I opened it and stepped out on the patio. Turning to my left I noticed it ran along the entire side of the apartment. I smiled to myself. I like it.

Walking back in I turned to Mrs. Abram, I’ll take it, it’s beautiful, then I turn to Uncle Carl, Uncle Carl, will you take me shopping for groceries and a few things?"

You can do that tomorrow, I want to get back on the road tonight. he said.

But you promised that you’ll make sure I’m all squared away before you leave. I responded.

There are several small grocery stores, fruit stands, and meat markets on Washington Avenue, three blocks over and Woolworth is further down at the square. Here’s the key. Go shop and then you can sign the lease when you get back. Mrs. Abram said.

Taking the keys I turned and headed to the front door, Come on Uncle Carl you’re wasting time. I shot back over my shoulder.

Getting to the car I opened the door and slid in. Uncle Carl sat in the driver’s seat and turned to me.

Before you say one word, remember my situation hasn’t changed. You’re planning on leaving me here to fend for myself and keep your secret. Well, everything costs. Either we go shopping and you give me what I want, or your little family back in New York will know all about how much you love your niece. Let’s go to Woolworth’s first. I need personal hygiene items as well as plates, pots, and pans. I said then turned toward the window.

This will be the last time I do anything for you. Don’t think you’re going to blackmail me into doing whatever you want.

Whatever!

Lord I’m tired, I just got through putting everything away. Uncle Carl was furious he spent well over two thousand dollars between Woolworth and groceries. My refrigerator and cupboard are stocked. I have everything I need. While he was paying for the items at Woolworth’s I went to the bathroom and got two hundred dollars out of the envelope he had given me earlier. I had noticed a bank at the corner of Washington Avenue not far from my apartment. When we pulled up to the meat market, I told Uncle Carl I wanted to open a bank account, and headed in that direction. I filled out the application and looked at him when the teller told me I needed fifty dollars to open a savings account. He ended up putting two hundred in the account.

I’ll go back tomorrow and deposit what’s in the envelope I told him.

I counted nine thousand eight hundred dollars in the envelope; I still had the two hundred dollars I took out earlier in my purse. Right before I left, mother gave me five hundred dollars. The money I had saved from my babysitting job totaled three hundred and seventy-two dollars. I have a nice little nest egg until I find a job. I’ll start looking next week. This week I’ll get familiar with my surroundings.

As I laid there letting my body relax, I thought about mother. I can’t believe she allowed Uncle Carl to talk her into sending me away. We were always there for each other. After dad died it was me and her. We did everything together. Now I’m on my own, but I’ll show them all. I’m going to create a good life for myself. I’m going to make it I thought as I ran my hand over my flat stomach.

The next morning I awoke early, it was still dark out. The clock I had purchased yesterday read five-thirty. I got up, went to the bathroom, then into the kitchen. After putting the kettle on to boil some water for tea, I wandered into the living room. Sitting on the chair hanging from the ceiling, I planned my day. First, the bank; I’ll deposit eight thousand and keep the rest in the apartment. Uncle Carl told me not to deposit it all at once. I’ll walk along Washington Avenue to see where everything is. I don’t have a washer and dryer so I need to find a laundry mat. I also need transportation, but I don’t know how to drive so it’ll have to be public. Once I get the small necessities taken care of I can then focus on the big task, finding a job.

The kettle whistled, interrupting my thoughts. I turned the stove off and got a teacup and teabag out of the cupboard. I then placed two slices of bread in the toaster. It would be nice to have a patio set to sit on while I ate breakfast and finished planning my day.

After fixing tea and toast with jelly, I sat at the dinette table with a notepad. I have no one to depend on, but I have me, and from this day forth I will be responsible for me and accountable to no one but me. After breakfast, I took a leisure shower, then donning my panties and bra I sat at the vanity table Uncle Carl bought me yesterday. I brushed my hair back from my face, letting my natural curls fall down my back, then placed my leather headband on to hold it in place. Going to the closet, I pulled out a big yellow camp shirt and a pair of pale yellow pants with pleats. I then pulled on a body shirt, blue in color, then the pants I had selected. I then walked to the mirror and looked at myself. How much longer I thought as I ran my hands down my side and over my stomach. Oh well. I looked at the time while I slipped my watch on. It’s now seven-thirty and the perfect time to take a walk on the beach. I grabbed my keys, took a twenty out of my purse, and headed out the door.

Hitting the street I made a right on Pennsylvania Avenue. At the intersection were the Drexel Arms Hotel and the end of the apartment building before the one I lived in. Ahead was the bank I opened the savings account at. Across the street was the post office, and across the street in front of the post office was a fruit stand and someone, a man, putting the fruits out. In front of the bank across the street was a building that didn’t look to be occupied. I crossed the street and made a left at the post office. I passed one shop after another. I noticed a few elder Jewish couples walking along the same strip. I made a left at the corner where Woolworth was. Four blocks from my apartment at the intersection and two blocks down was a big parking lot. In front of it was Burdines. I walked to the window and watched a man and woman redo the display. I looked at the sign on the door to see what time they opened. Nine a.m. I continued walking and turned right at the corner and continued on until I got to Collins Avenue. Making another right, I saw the art deco style hotel buildings. Crossing the street I walked onto the sand of the beach enjoying the warmth and sound of the waves rushing upon the shore.

I thought about all that had happened five days ago. I was living at home with my mother and stepfather. I had graduated high school and planning on going to college once I got my situation taken care of. I never thought mother would agree to send me away to strangers. I wondered if she knew what Uncle Carl had planned on doing. In spite of everything, I miss my mother and wish I could talk to her.

I sat on the sand and allowed the tears to fall. In that instant I became upset and decided Uncle Carl will rue the day he placed me in the predicament I now found myself in. I dried my tears and headed home. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

CHAPTER 2

I just got in from my first interview. I applied at Burdines Department Store for the sales clerk position. I think I blew it, I was so nervous. I stumbled over every question. Now that I know what questions they ask, I’ll be better prepared.

Last week I ventured downtown Miami and saw a help wanted sign on a jewelry store door. They were looking for a part time inventory clerk, I applied. Hopefully they’ll call me for an interview I thought as I walked up the steps to my apartment.

As I walked into the door, the phone started ringing. It startled me; it was only the second time it’s rung since I’ve gotten it.

Hello.

May I speak with Miss Raybon please? The person asked.

This is she. I answered.

This is Mrs. Craig from Burdines. Could you come in tomorrow morning at ten o’ clock to see Mrs. Hope in Human Resources?

Ten at o’ clock at Human Resources. Thank you, I’ll be there, I said hanging up the phone. Wonderful, I spoke aloud. This could only mean one thing, I got the job.

The next day I took the escalator up to the third floor. As I stepped off at the top of the third floor, I paused to look around. On my immediate right was an electronics department and on the opposite side were the house ware department. Straight ahead was fine china and beyond that were Human Resources. Nervously I walked up to the window, introduced myself, and asked for Mrs. Hope. The lady at the window told me to have a seat. Ten minutes later a slim, well-dressed woman came around the corner. Miss Raybon, I’m Mrs. Hope. Follow me please. Once in her office she informed me that I was hired and could start working as soon as my paperwork was completed.

Please take your time filling these out. These are for taxes and insurance purposes. You’ll be starting at four dollars and seventy-five cents an hour with ten percent commission on everything you sell. Your commission check is paid monthly. You’ll get it at the end of each month. Your regular check will be on Thursdays’ of each week. You’ll have an opportunity to buy stock in the company as well as saving bonds. Do you have any questions?

Yes ma’am, what department will I be working in?

You’ll be in the shoe department and the week after you start they’ll be having one of the two biggest sales of year for that department. The faster you learn, the more opportunity you’ll have to earn a nice commission check at the end of the month.

Will this be all? I asked handing back the papers I had filled out and signed.

Yes, let me introduce you to the supervisor of your department. She’ll give you your schedule and let you know when you’ll start working.

Walking to the escalator, Mrs. Hope introduced me to other employees in the departments we passed. At the bottom of the escalator to the left was the shoe department.

Laura, this is the young lady we told you about this morning. Miss Raybon, this is your supervisor Miss Laura Faitour, Laura, Miss Joselyn Raybon. Both of you has a good day, I have work to do. Miss Raybon welcome aboard.

Thank you and have a wonderful day, I said to Mrs. Hope with a smile.

Miss Faitour turned to me and told me, You can clock in right now and I’ll train you to use the cash register, introduce you to your coworkers, and explain what is expected of you from day to day.

Returning from the second floor, after clocking in, Miss Faitour explained, "You’ll get an hour for lunch and two fifteen minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We usually rotate lunch so that no one is always first or last. Let’s go look at the storeroom. This is the area you must get familiar with if you’re to make it in this department.

I can’t believe I’ve put in five hours today on my first job. I’m going to like it. I’ve learned how to operate the cash register and made three sales. I took some time on my break to put tags on the shelves in the storeroom to help me remember where each vendor was. I will work Wednesday, then be off Thursdays, Fridays, and every other Sunday. For the rest of this week I’ll only work half a day and starting Sunday I will work from eight to six. The best part is I can walk to work in fifteen minutes. The ladies I work with are friendly, much older than me, and are very helpful. One is pregnant, four months from having her second baby. She is excited about her pregnancy and hoping to have a girl. Her name is Janice Cortez and I think we are going to get along very well.

I received my insurance card today in the mail. Now I can go to the doctor for a checkup once I find one and make an appointment. Maybe I’ll ask Janice about her doctor tomorrow since our lunch break is at the same time. I do know that I can’t put off having a checkup much longer.

Right now however, I need something to eat, a hot shower, and my bed all in that order. The work is not grueling but I find myself so drained and tired at the end of the day.

The next day Mrs. Hope called me to her office and handed me an envelope. Inside was a listing of all the doctors that accepted Av-meds insurance. Tomorrow, on my lunch break, I’ll try to get an appointment with the gynecologist that’s a couple blocks from here. I hope everything is okay and I can move on with my life.

I’ve got an appointment for Thursday afternoon with Doctor Rosenthal. I hope he doesn’t have a problem with my age. I’ll be seventeen in three months. And I hope he doesn’t need my mother’s consent in order to see me.

I thought Thursday would never get here. There are three other women waiting to see the doctor. I must be his last appointment for the day. I filled out the necessary paperwork and handed it back to the nurse. I’m nervous. This will be my first checkup, and I wish they would hurry up.

Miss Raybon, come this way please, The nurse standing at the door said.

Thank you I said as I started towards her.

I’m Margaret. Go into room number three, undress, put one of the gowns on, and I’ll be with you in a minute.

After getting undressed I sat on the examining table and Margaret soon came in. I’m going to take your vitals and then the doctor will be with you in a minute. After she left, I sat there thinking about what I would or could do. There’s three options to my situation and none of them are comfortable at this time, but I know my time to make up my mind is running out.

Someone knocked on the door. An elderly Caucasian man stuck his head in then the rest of his body followed.

Miss Raybon, I’m Doctor Rosenthal. He said as he walked to and sat on the stool in front of the counter.

Hello Doctor Rosenthal. I responded.

Let me ask you a few questions before I examine you. When did you start your menstrual cycle and when was your last one?

I started right after I turned fifteen and I haven’t had a cycle a little over two months.

Have you taken or used any kind of contraceptives?

No.

Is your mother here with you?

No, my mother lives in New York. I moved here about a month ago.

Okay. Let’s see how you are doing physically. Dr. Rosenthal said as he stood and went to the door. Margaret, I’m ready.

Miss Margaret walked in and removed the gown from my shoulder. Dr. Rosenthal started examining my breast, I pulled away.

Do your breasts feel tender? He asked.

Yes. By the end of the day they are almost unbearable. I responded.

Umm, He said stepping back and looking at me.

I dropped my head.

Miss Raybon…

I’m pregnant, I said before he said anything else. I found out right before graduation, and it’s the reason I live in Florida and my mother in New York. I’m on my own.

Let me finish examining you, and then we can talk about prenatal care. We’ll also need you to go to the lab upstairs and have some blood drawn.

After examining me, Dr. Rosenthal told me to get dressed and Miss Margaret would bring me to the conference room.

Tears were streaming down my face. Silently I cried embarrassment and shame washed over me. Margaret turned to me and after wrapping the gown around me, enfolded me in her arms.

"It’s okay. We’re going to take very good care of you. Finish getting dressed and let’s go have a talk with the doctor.

As we walked into the conference room, Miss Margaret pulled out a chair from the table which the doctor was sitting in front of. I sat, head hanging low with my hands twiddling in my lap.

Miss Raybon, you’re nine weeks pregnant I believe. I’m going to give you a prescription for vitamins. You’re healthy and all seems well. Doctor Rosenthal said.

I’m thinking about having an abortion. I said defiantly.

What about the baby’s father? Miss Margaret asked.

"There’s no baby’s father. He doesn’t even want anyone to know I’m pregnant.

Miss Raybon, there are other options beside abortions. Dr. Rosenthal piped in.

No, I want an abortion. I answered.

"We do not offer the service, but I