Consequences

By Edith Eveon Brown

At age fourteen, John Troy's life changed without warning. It would take years for him to discover the truth, and to learn that doors are often kept open by past memories. As the oldest living survival of a southern homestead and pastor of a church, John used his wits to lead his clan, teach youths, and stand against evil spirits - even in death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edith Eveon Brown
• Release date: Dec 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463231630

Edith Eveon Brown

Edith Eveon Brown, a published indie author, blogger, freelance writer, and publisher.She is the owner/operator of Jeteak Press, a short and long-term writing services company. Under her company’s name, Edith has authored and published an array of non-fiction and fiction books in electronic and printed versions under the following genres: how-to, literature, memoir, religion, self-help, and travel which can be purchased from your favorite book retailers.In January 2018, Edith sold her Maryland home, bought a motorhome, and set out to explore cities/states she had not visited during her career as a property inspector, researcher, and writer.As a full-time motorhome dweller and traveler, Edith Eveon’s continued desire to travel, meet/interview people, continues as she shares what she has learned, discovered, and observed as an author, blogger, freelance writer, and indie publisher while living on and off grid. As well as the pros and cons of motorhome ownership. Edith Eveon Brown, a published indie author, blogger, freelance writer, and publisher.

Book preview

CONSEQUENCES

Edith Eveon Brown

This book is dedicated with loveto:

Berry Davis

Bruce Martin

Candace Shelton

Ora Dillon-Carter

Phenomenal Ladies M/C Club of MD

Stanley Uncle Butch Caldwell

CHAPTER 1

The Beginning of the Troy Legacy

Rebecca Clark stood in the lobby of the Southern Georgia Regional Hospital, looking through the glass door at the pouring rain. She hadn’t brought an umbrella when she came to visit her friend and had about decided to make a mad dash to her vehicle.

A tall, dark-haired man walked up and said, Hi there. I’m Jacob Troy. Where did you park on this beautiful day?

Rebecca giggled and said, Today, I parked in the valley.

Jacob laughed but came back at her with, Okay, I forgot the donkey, but I do have an umbrella.

He extended his arm and guided her through the doorway. He raised the hand holding the umbrella and pressed a button. Suddenly they were standing under this thing as big as a canopy, which made Rebecca laugh even harder.

Which way, my dear?

She pointed toward her car, and he walked her to the vehicle without one drop of rain falling close enough to splash her.

Thank you, kind sir. She smiled and waved as she drove away.

A few days later, they arrived at the hospital lobby door at the same time. They looked at each other and smiled.

What a nice surprise, Rebecca said. "I came to visit my friend. What are you doing here?

I’m a minister, he answered. I came to see a church member.

A preacher?

That’s right. I’ll be glad to tell you more, but I didn’t have time for lunch, and I’m hungry. I was thinking about having something in the cafeteria before making my visit upstairs. It would please me to have you join me—my treat.

My mother told me never to talk to strangers, she said. But I’m sure she didn’t mean to include ministers in that. I accept.

During lunch Rebecca introduced herself, and they shared a little about themselves. They talked for two hours before they remembered they had people to visit in the hospital.

Jacob stood and pulled out her chair. I’d like to see and talk to you again. Is it too soon to ask for your telephone number?

Rebecca pulled a business card from her purse. Here’s my phone number. Feel free to call me.

They caught the elevator together and rode up to the fifth floor. Both got off the elevator and started down the hallway in the same direction. They ended up in the same room visiting the same patient.

The patient, Rebecca’s friend Sue, looked from one to the other. I didn’t know you two knew each other.

They just smiled and shook their heads.

Jacob and Rebecca discovered that time does fly when you feel a connection to another person and their presence in your space feels right. Neither felt they had to compete or impress the other. From that day on, whenever they were together, they both felt they were where they were supposed to be, and it felt comfortable. When they couldn’t be together in person, they were talking on the phone.

One beautiful spring day, Jacob took Rebecca to Shoney’s Restaurant for lunch, then he took her home to meet his dad, known to the family as Papa John.

Rebecca looked around the huge homestead house with its many bedrooms and sitting areas. Big homes and fancy stuff never impressed her—she could turn a chicken coop into something elegant!

People, though, intrigued her. She observed them, listened to them, and determined within a matter of seconds if they were real or fake. She immediately recognized that Reverend John Troy was an outspoken, honest man.

Matter of fact, he came right out and told her, Rebecca, I like you a lot and believe you will make my son a fine wife. I want you to think about marrying him.

Jacob gave his father a sharp look. Pops, you’re going to frighten her away.

It’ll take a herd of elephants to frighten her. That girl’s made from the same stuff your momma was made from!

Pops, stop showing off.

I’m trying to get you this woman for your wife. I’m telling you, Jacob—she’s the one.

Rebecca looked at the reverend and laughed. I like you, too. In fact, I feel right at home here.

Jacob said, With that, I think it’s time for us to go. Come on, Rebecca.

Rebecca grabbed her purse and stood up. Reverend Troy rose from his chair and followed them to the door.

At the door, he looked into Rebecca’s eyes. It was nice meeting you. I truly hope you’ll consider marrying my only son. He hugged her tightly and said, Goodbye.

Once they were in the vehicle heading towards town, Jacob apologized to Rebecca for his father’s comments.

Rebecca looked at Jacob and smiled. No apology is required. I like your dad and felt at home while in his home. Your Pops was right—a herd of elephants wouldn’t frighten me.

Now it was Jacob who looked at her and smiled.

Reverend John Troy couldn’t wait for Jacob to return home so he could talk to him about Rebecca. The pastor was a very good judge of character, and as soon as his eyes met Rebecca, he knew she was the one for his son. She was the one who could bring smiles to this old place, the one who could manage a household this large, as well as balance and coordinate activities and church affairs. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Rebecca Clark was the perfect match for Jacob. If she had any serious flaws, he would have identified them. Furthermore, it was time for Jacob to get married, or there wouldn’t be anyone around to help manage the homestead.

When Jacob returned, he smiled at his father, who met him at the door. Yes, Pops, I like her, too. I just don’t want to frighten her away.

Reverend Troy shook his head. Rebecca doesn’t scare easily—she can stand her ground. You have to understand that Rebecca is a very strong-minded, attractive, and independent young lady. I guarantee you; you won’t take her any place she doesn’t want to go.

As they walked towards the kitchen, Pops went on to tell Jacob that there was no set rule, timeline, or instructions on how to date. Couples have been known to marry after knowing each other for three days to a month. You might think it sounds crazy, but these marriages usually last while others fail. Your spirit will tell you who’s right for you, if you listen.

Being around Rebecca feels comfortable—like we’ve always been together.

That’s your spirit. I already told you that Rebecca is your wife, son. The only thing left for you to do is talk to her parents and ask for permission to marry their daughter and then propose to Rebecca. I’m more than sure her answer will be yes.

But suppose she says no. Jacob sat at the kitchen table in his favorite spot. After all, she's been a fashion model and a shopper for several high-end elegant women's shops.

Jacob explained that right after high school, Rebecca had applied for admission to the New York School of Modeling with her parent’s blessings. She had been accepted and after two months at the school, she had been offered a modeling contract.

The job entailed modeling a new women's clothing line to buyers from all over the world. Rebecca's beauty and sociability attracted designers and buyers alike. She soon became popular and in high demand on the runway. She had the most fun with buyers from Europe, San Francisco, and her New York City home base. One of her New York modeling firms pulled her into the fashion buyers’ market to prevent losing her to a European competitor. Although Becky probably would have enjoyed working in Europe for a while, she took the New York offer to be accessible to her parents. When they developed health problems, she had come to Darien, Georgia to care for them.

She traveled all over the world purchasing clothes for shops she represented. So she just might say No to living on a farm and being a preacher's wife.

I doubt she’ll say no, son, but if she does, ask her again. Each time she says no, ask her again.

Jacob didn’t follow his father's advice. He didn’t want to take a chance that he would get permission from her parents and then hear Rebecca say, No. Instead, he took her out for lunch the next day. He told her how he felt when he was in her presence and how he missed her when they weren’t together.

Rebecca leaned forward in her seat and looked at him intently.

He reached across the table and took her hands in his. Rebecca Clark, will you marry me?

She gazed at him with that beautiful smile he had come to expect while she was thinking about her response. His heart beat so hard that he feared she would see it and say no.

Her smile widened, and she said, Yes.

Jacob’s heart stopped its pounding, and he took a deep breath. Thank you so much Rebecca. You have made me the happiest man in the world.

I’m happy, too.

There’s nothing I’d like better than to jump up from this chair and take you in my arms. He looked around the crowded restaurant. However, that will have to wait until we have a little privacy. He asked her to arrange a meeting with her parents so he could ask their permission to marry their daughter.

When he called on the Clarks a few days later, Jacob could see Rebecca’s parents, who he knew to be in their seventies, had health issues. However, they were the kindest, most gracious folks he had met in a long time. In spite of their health they exuded happiness, and Rebecca was very attentive to them.

Benjamin Clark asked, Young Jacob, why do you want to marry our daughter?

Jacob didn’t hesitate. Mr. Clark, I’ve only known Rebecca a short time. However, when I’m in her presence, my world seems to slow down and become stress free. I don’t have to say a word or do anything. I’m at peace. When we’re sitting side-by-side, it feels right and comfortable. When I’m not near her or don’t see her, my world is lonely. I worry about her, pray she’s safe, keep checking my watch, and hoping it’s time for me to see or call her again. He looked from one to the other. Basically, Mr. and Mrs. Clark, I’m a mess without Rebecca’s presence in my life.

Mr. Clark looked at his wife, smiled, and said, What do you have to say about it, Josie?

Mrs. Clark smiled at Jacob, then turned to her husband. I honestly believe young Jacob loves our baby as much as we do. Realizing we can’t take her with us when we die, I give my permission for them to marry whenever they choose.

Me, too, said Mr. Clark.

Jacob thanked them both and promised to take good care of their daughter as long as he lived.

Mr. Clark laughed like he knew a secret and winked at his daughter.

Now, Jacob and Rebecca had to decide when that big day would be. Jacob couldn’t wait to tell his father he and Rebecca had her parents’ blessings to get married.

Instead of a church wedding with traditional bells and whistles, Jacob and Rebecca’s big day took place on the west lawn of the Brunswick courthouse under a huge old oak tree. Rebecca’s parents and her girlfriend Ertice Jenkins attended, and Reverend John Troy served as his son’s best man. A minister friend performed the ceremony.

The homestead came to life the day Jacob carried his bride over the threshold into her new home. Rebecca’s capable hands transformed the Troy house from plainness to grandeur. Her decorating abilities and keen eye for details could change a regular old bathroom into a serene haven of fluff and comfort-too pretty to be a bathroom. Entering certain rooms within the house was like stepping into a dream. Colors and themes were so vivid they should display signs reading Do Not Touch.

To Rebecca they were just rooms to be used and enjoyed by family and friends. Therefore, she threw dinner and holiday parties to fill the house with love and laughter as often as possible. Her poise and attentiveness to everyone she shared space with—at home or out during day-to-day activities—led people to like her as soon as they met.

Although Rebecca's career in fashion was short-lived, she had enjoyed every minute of it and learned a lot about style and the art of blending colors. Her decorating of the homestead showed off what she had learned, and she still kept in touch with many of the friends she made in the fashion industry. They showed up at every party Rebecca hosted—even the most jaded New York sophisticate loved to visit the homestead.

Rebecca’s parents were convinced that a career in fashions was their daughter’s calling, and they were delighted with her success. However, they were happy to have her home as their health deteriorated. She never minded being the only child of older parents and hadn't hesitated to give up her high-fashion career for them.

Rebecca never wondered whether her glass was half-full or half-empty. As far as she was concerned, the glass was always full. She had everything and more than her friends and peers, but material things never defined who she was.

She loved to think up slogans to live by. From about age twelve, she used to write them down and secretly put them in her parent’s pockets before leaving for school or camp. She was overjoyed when they found the slogan, remembered it, and repeated it to her. When she returned home, her slogan became Life is whatever it is. You can cry about it or accept it as it is. Rebecca accepted life as it was and had no regrets about giving up her career.

Her parents both had federal careers that required them to travel the world. Sometimes, they traveled together and other times they each traveled alone. But they had a good marriage, happy and committed to each other and to Rebecca's happiness. In spite of the excellent example her parents gave, Rebecca had never thought of herself as being anyone’s wife. She didn't have any particular reason for not thinking about marriage; she had just never thought about getting married. However, that had all changed when Jacob came into her life.

CHAPTER 2

The Daughters of Rebecca and Jacob Troy

Six years after their marriage, Becky and Jacob's life seemed to be charmed. Becky had turned the family home into a haven of peace and beauty. Although the homestead was only 154 acres, the family had become quite prosperous from raising livestock and growing crops.

Jacob held the front door for Becky and the new baby. His sisters ran to greet their parents and new brother.

Slow down, Papa John warned. You have to be careful around the baby.

Five-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Mary skidded to a stop in front of Becky. Jacob leaned down and hugged his daughters.

Girls, meet your new brother, Timothy.

Can I hold him? Sarah asked.

Yes, her mother answered, but only when you're sitting down. Go into the living room and sit on the sofa.

Me, too!

Jacob patted the top of Mary's head. Yes, you, too.

After each girl had held the baby for a few minutes and told him how much they loved him, Becky reached out her arms for Timothy. I need to put him to bed now. You girls are so good. I know you're going to be such a big help to me.

You'll be wonderful big sisters, Jacob said.

The girls beamed at their parents' praise.

For a few months, the girls lived up to the praise. They loved to sit by Timothy's crib and take turns talking to him. If the baby cried, they ran to get their mother. They gave him his bottle and brought a clean diaper whenever he needed to be changed.

Then suddenly they began to change. One night after stopping by the nursery to check on Timothy, Becky came into the bedroom fighting back tears.

What's wrong? Jacob asked.

I just found Sarah and Mary in Timothy's room, one on each side of his crib—pinching him! I'd already put them to bed, so they sneaked out of their room and went into the nursery. They were hurting the baby!

I'm sure they didn't mean to hurt him. They—

Jacob, I saw what they were doing. They were both pinching as hard as they could. Come look—Timmy has little bruises where they hurt him!

Although Jacob and Becky tried to convince themselves and each other this was an isolated incident, they both began to notice other changes in the girls. Not just hiding the other’s doll or stealing a ribbon or two kind of changes, but I’ll kill you! kind of changes.

They were both angels when they were one and two, Becky said. Maybe they're just going through the terrible twos a few years late.

I don't understand why they would change all of a sudden, Jacob answered.

Soon, Becky, Jacob, and Papa John found they were keeping a close eye on Sarah and Mary, and what they saw terrified them. Sarah and Mary were always arguing, fist fighting, pulling each other's hair out by the roots, biting, and threatening each other.

Sibling rivalry is normal, Papa John said. But what these girls are doing is way beyond that. What they do is a lot worse than what typical brothers and sisters do to each other. Besides that, they're not limiting their behavior towards each other and Timothy.

"I can't believe how disrespectful