Jacks Destiny

By Michael Paterson

A heart jerking true story of how a young boy of one-year-old was abandoned by his Mother who thought that it was better to be out partying and taking drugs, His father is killed in a car crash and leaves guardianship to an old friend who was also his ex-girlfriend, until the child's birth mother comes back and a court case ensues for custody of the child.

• Language: English
• Publisher: michael paterson
• Release date: Oct 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386401179

Michael Paterson

I write from my childhood for the love of adventure. My imagination has never changed writing is part of who I am.

Book preview

Jacks Destiny

michael paterson

Published by Michael Paterson, 2018.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

JACKS DESTINY

First edition. October 18, 2018.

Copyright © 2018 michael paterson.

Written by michael paterson.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Jacks Destiny

© 2005 Copyright By Michael Paterson

Jacks Destiny

Prologue

The loving over, she sat up and began to put her shirt back on. He pulled her back. Don't do that, he said. I like looking at you. She lay against him, her head on his chest. You know, you're the only guy who's ever seen me naked, she said.

What about Jonathon?

He and I haven't made love. He's too scared. He's a virgin. For a moment, he was laughing too hard to speak. Does he know you aren't?

I told him about the other guy last summer. He kissed her. That was incredible, he said. I've been waiting a long time for you to finally let me love you.

Was that all it was, a good romp? she asked, trying to sound as though she was joking. No way, he said, very serious. You should know better than that. You know with you it was making love.

If it was making love, why do you keep calling it Romping?

Sarah, come on. You know that's the way I am. I'm not very good at acting like I give a shit, but that doesn't mean I don't.

I know.

You do know how much I care about you, don't you?

Yes, she said. Not really, she thought. He grinned. So how come you never let me love you before?

We tried, she said. You know, I always thought you should have been my first.

Why did you sleep with What's-His-Name last summer, then?

Because Jonathon wasn't speaking to me, and you were going out with What's-Her-Name.

So it was a revenge thing, huh?

Something like that, she said. He got up then, and sat in the chair across the room. He lit a cigarette. Sarah, you know you're going to have to choose.

Choose?

Between me and Jonathon. I don't think Jonathon would be too impressed if he knew what's going on with you and me.

What do you think about Jonathon? It took him a few minutes to answer. It's your life, he said finally. Personally, I don't think he's good enough for you. But I don't really think I'm good enough for you either. I admit, I am jealous of him. But you have to make your own decision, Sarah. You can't base your life on what I think.

I know. Jonathon's going to propose.

How do you know?

Hints and signs.

He nodded. This made perfect sense, coming from her. What will you do?

What do you think I should do?

Whatever you want. I want you to be happy, Sarah. I love you.

I want to be with you, she thought, but didn't dare say. I love you, too, Sean, she said. When he spoke again, he wouldn't look at her. You'd better go, he said. I know your parents. You're an adult, but they'll still be wondering where you are. Let me know what happens with Jonathon.

I will, she promised.

He hugged her good-bye, and she left. As she drove back to her parents' house, she burst into tears. How could she choose between him and Jonathon? On the other hand, what choice was there? She didn't love Jonathon. She knew that, although Jonathon hadn't figured it out. She loved Sean more than she would have believed possible.

She was sure that Sean knew how she felt. For two years, she had allowed him to kiss and touch her as though they belonged to each other. But during those two years, their involvement had only been during the times that Sean didn't have another girlfriend. Sometimes, Sarah hated herself for running to him every time he called, but she still always went.

And he had spent the last two years telling her not to fall in love with him, that he wasn't good enough for her, that he would only hurt her. That he could never love her because he couldn't love anyone. She knew this was a lie. Hadn't he just told her that he loved her? But maybe he had only said that in the heat of the moment.

By the time she got home, she knew what she would do. Jonathon wanted to be with her, to spend the rest of his life with her. He treated her well, Seant over backwards to show her how much he loved her. He acted, in fact, exactly the way she had always dreamed of Sean acting. She couldn't wait forever for Sean to admit, to himself and to her, how he really felt about her. So she would marry Jonathon, if and when he asked. Maybe she could learn to love him the way she loved Sean. At least she wouldn't be alone.

Sarah and Jonathon were married six months after he proposed, seven months after her last night with Sean. Thank God, Jonathon had never found out about that. With Jonathon's blessing, and despite the protests of his family, Sean was Sarah's person of honor at the wedding. That's ridiculous, Jonathon's mother had said. The maid of honor is supposed to be the bride's best friend.

Sean is my best friend, Sarah had insisted.

The wedding went well. Sean stood with Sarah, and Jonathon's brother Steve stood with him. Sean's girl-of-the-week was among the guests, although she had never been officially invited. Sarah couldn't deny the jealousy she felt when she saw Sean with her. At the receChapterion, Nikki, one of Sarah's bridesmaids, took her aside. I think you really hurt Sean, she said.

How?

By marrying Jonathon.

What are you talking about? Sarah asked. Sean loves you, Sarah, Nikki said. It's killing him to watch you marry another guy. Sarah laughed bitterly. Get real, Nikki, she said. Sean had more than enough chances to tell me that he loved me. I even asked him if he thought I should marry Jonathon. He certainly could have said something then. And if it bothers him so much, he didn't have to come to the wedding.

He only came to the wedding because he knew how much you wanted him here. And he thought you'd be happy with Jonathon. I don't think you are, though. Sarah would never admit it, but Nikki was right. In the last six months, she had come close to breaking the engagement at least that many times. But she had gone through with it, ultimately, because she didn't want to hurt Jonathon. I'm fine with Jonathon, she said.

I think you and Sean belong together, Nikki persisted. Well, the universe has a fine sense of symmetry, Sarah said flippantly. If Sean and I are meant to be together, then someday we will be. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to dance with my husband.

After a token amount of time, Jonathon and Sarah left for their honeymoon. Sarah never forgot the last glimpse she had of Sean, standing apart from the other guests with his head down, looking away as she and Jonathon were showered with confetti. Sarah couldn't be sure, but she thought Sean was crying. "

So how's it going with Jonathon? Sean asked. He sat on the floor, watching Sarah's two-month-old daughter try to reach her feet. Not well, Sarah admitted. I've been thinking about leaving him. He acts kind of abusive sometimes."

He doesn't hit you, does he?

The anger in Sean's voice startled her. No, he hasn't hit me, she said. But he swears at me a lot, and sometimes he throws things. He's started yelling and swearing at Cassie, too. You need to get away, then, Sean said. She doesn't need to grow up with that shit. And you deserve to be treated better, too."

I know, Sarah said. But I'm afraid of what he might do.

Don't be, Sean said. Guys like him are all talk. Besides, I won't let him hurt you. Sarah smiled. I know. Thanks.

So you'll leave? I'm worried about you, Sarah. I don't want to find out that you stuck around and he ended up hurting you or the baby. I know your parents will back you up. I haven't talked to them about it. You're the first one I've told. Well, you'd better do something about that. If you don't tell your parents, I will. Promise me you'll leave."

I promise, Sarah said. She knew she would have to leave now. She never broke the promises she made to Sean. Good, Sean said. Hey, I have some good news.What's that?" Sarah asked, glad of the change of subject.

Steff's pregnant.

Congratulations, Sarah said, ignoring the jealousy produced by this announcement. She had Jonathon and Cassie; Sean and his girlfriend had been trying for a baby for a few months now. She should be happy for them. When's it due?

April.

I'll save some of Cassie's stuff for you.

Thanks. But I think it will be a boy.

Probably, Sarah agreed. But I'll save stuff anyway.

On the phone, Sean was crying. Even though he tried to hide it, Sarah could tell. Steff left me, Sean said. I'm so sorry, Sean, Sarah said. Good riddance to the bitch, she thought. What about the baby?

She's seeing another guy. She says he wants to adoChapter the baby.

How can she do that? Sarah said. What are you going to do?

I won't sign over my rights, Sean replied. Her parents said they'll make sure I get to see the baby.

I can't believe she did that to you.

I can. She told me she only used me to get pregnant. She's been pregnant by two or three other guys, but she's miscarried every time. She wants a baby so bad that she tries to get pregnant by every guy she goes out with. Of course, I didn't know all this when I got involved with her.

I hate to say it, Sean, but if that's the way she really is, she isn't good enough for you.

Jonathon wasn't good enough for you, but you married him, Sean pointed out. And I'm not with him now, am I? Sarah countered. Which goes to show that you were right.

Yeah, well, don't get any ideas, he said, suddenly sounding annoyed. I'm not looking for another girlfriend, especially one with a kid.

Where the hell did that come from? she demanded. I didn't say a damn thing about us getting together!

I know you still love me, Sean said. Steff was jealous of you. You're part of why she left me.

Go to hell. I hope you get to see your kid. She hung up.

The announcement was in the newspaper on April 14. Jack Joseph Roland, born April 3 to Steff Roland of Ohio. Although no father's name was listed, and Sarah had never known Steff's last name, she knew this was Sean's child. Joseph was Sean's middle name.

Cassie, age eighteen months, tried to sing along with the radio as Sarah tried to negotiate the traffic on I-295. She swerved to avoid a white station wagon coming off the on-ramp, then looked in surprise as the driver of the wagon beeped at her. It was Sean.

She motioned for him to pull over, and did so herself. She hadn't seen or heard from Sean since the night she had hung up on him, and she had missed him. When he got out of his car, he gave her a rib-cracking hug. It's great to see you! he exclaimed.

You too, she said, unable to stop smiling.

I heard you and Jonathon got back together. How's it going?

All right. He's in anger counseling, and he joined the Young Fathers' program. He still loses it sometimes, but he calms himself down and we talk about it.

No more swearing and throwing things?

No.

That's great. I'm glad it worked out for you.

They made small talk for a few more minutes, then Sarah found a scrap of paper and a pen. She wrote down her phone number and handed it to Sean. We've moved to a better apartment, she explained. Give me a call sometime.

I will, Sean promised.

Cassie started screaming then, and Sarah opened the car door. I'd better go, she said. When you have kids, you'll realize how impossible it is to have a real conversation.

See you, Sean said.

Sarah saw the look of pain on his face, but didn't connect it until later with what she had said. Sean did have a child, one who, since Sean hadn't mentioned him, he probably never saw. Sarah wanted to apologize to Sean for saying something so insensitive, but he never called. Sarah never saw him again.

Chapter One

Damn it, Sarah, where are the CDs?

In the box that says 'entertainment center'.

Where the hell is that?

I didn't move the stuff, Jonathon. Ask one of your brothers!

A few minutes later, the CD player blared into life with Sarah's favorite Steven Curtis Chapman CD. Jonathon appeared in the doorway of Cassie's room, where Sarah was trying to sort out Cassie's clothes from those of her baby sister, Lexi. I'm sorry, honey, Jonathon said. I didn't mean to snap. It's been kind of a stressful day.

It's all right, Sarah said, getting up to give him a hug. It's our first house, and moving's always hard. Just remember, I'm on your side.

I know, Jonathon said. He kissed her, then disappeared again in response to a shout from downstairs. Three-year-old Cassie and her cousin Denise raced into the room. Mommy, is this really just my room? Cassie asked. It sure is, Punky, Sarah replied.

Where's Lexi going to sleep?

In her new room.

Me has my own room, Denise said.

Yeah, but you don't got a baby, Cassie said. Let's go outside and play!

Okay! Denise agreed.

The girls ran off again, to Sarah's relief. Cassie was a good girl, and so was Denise, but it would be easier to unpack with them out of the way. By the next evening, almost everything was unpacked, and the house looked like a home instead of a pile of boxes. Jonathon's brother Steve and his wife Robin, and Denise, came over for the pizza they had been promised for helping with the move. While the adults were eating and the two little girls were playing with four-month-old Lexi, the phone rang.

Sarah answered. Sarah, it's Nikki, said the voice on the other end. Nikki, hi, Sarah said. You must have gotten my letter. She had sent letters to all her friends, letting them know her new address and phone number. Yes, and I'm glad I did, Nikki said. Sarah, I have some really bad news.

What is it?

I don't know how to say this. Her voice was breaking. Sarah, Sean was in an accident last night.

Oh, no! Sarah said. Is he going to be all right?

No. For a moment, Sarah could hear her sobbing. Then Nikki said, Sarah, I- Sean didn't- He's gone, Sarah. He- he didn't make it.

Oh, God! Sarah cried. Jonathon looked up, surprised. His surprise turned to concern when he saw the look on Sarah's face, and he went to her. She leaned against him. I- thank you for letting me know, she said to Nikki, trying to keep her voice calm.

It happened just down the road, Nikki said. Sarah could tell she was crying. Frank was off duty last night, but when he heard about the accident on the scanner, he went to see if he could help. It sounded pretty bad. Then he got there, and it was Sean.

Oh, Nikki, that's horrible! Sarah said sympathetically. Nikki had known Sean even longer than Sarah had. Sarah couldn't imagine what it had been like for Nikki, finding out about the accident that way. Yeah, well, that's what I get for living with a state trooper, Nikki said, trying to make a joke. Anyway, I'm sorry to have to break the news, but I thought you should know.

No, no, I'm glad you told me, Sarah said. Is there- She broke off, not knowing how to finish the question. The funeral's going to be tomorrow afternoon, Nikki said, answering what Sarah hadn't asked. His stepmother's arranging it. It's at the funeral home on Cottage Street in South Ohio.

I'll be there, Sarah promised. Thanks, Nikki. She hung up the phone and turned to Jonathon. Sean's dead, she said, bursting into tears. I'm sorry, Jonathon said. He put his arms around her, but there was a ring of insincerity to his words. He had never acceChaptered that Sean wasn't a threat to their marriage. The funeral's tomorrow, Sarah said.

Do you want me to go?

She could tell from his tone that going to Sean's funeral was the last thing he wanted to do. You don't have to, but could you stay with the girls so I can go? she said. I'm their father, Sarah, not a babysitter. Of course I'll be here. Just remember, I have to leave for work at four.

I know, Sarah said. She couldn't believe that getting to work on time seemed more important to him than the fact that she had lost her oldest friend. I'm sorry, Jonathon repeated.

Thank you.

Mommy, where are you going? Cassie asked the next afternoon. Cassie, don't bug your mother, Jonathon said. It's all right, Sarah told him. She picked Cassie up. Do you remember when we talked about how people die and go to Heaven?

And see Jesus, Cassie said.

That's right, Sarah agreed. Well, when someone goes to Heaven, people have something called a funeral. A funeral is when you talk about the person who's gone, and say goodbye to them. A friend of mine has gone to Heaven, and I'm going to his funeral.

Can I come?

Sarah kissed the little girl and put her down. "No, Sweetie. People get very sad at a funeral. It isn't a good place for a little girl. You'll stay here with