Crossroads To Avalon

By Laura P. Jones

How does one let go of the love he has when he finds it is the love he needs? And how does one find strength in the one who makes him weak?

After walking away from a dead-end relationship, Gihon (Ghee-on) struggles to put her life back together. She soon realizes it is easier said than done. Determined not to return to the life she had with her shrewd and calculating ex, Melchi (Mel-khi), she finds herself in the arms of a stranger, Avalon. Will the secret she hides stand in the way of them getting closer? Or, will she be destroyed by the secret he has?

Faced with some of life's most defining challenges, Gihon and Avalon find themselves at a crossroad and are forced to come to terms with the life-altering choices they must make. The experience tests their love and her strength to make it on her own. But, will she have to when a redeemed and financially secure Melchi re-enters her life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura P. Jones
• Release date: Apr 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781490430508

Laura P. Jones

Laura is a Jamaican native living in the US. She has a Ph.D. and is a Business Professor and entrepreneur. Growing up in a Christian home, the church was her social space. She draws from her church experience to develop characters and lend meaning to her stories. Laura is married and has two sons.

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DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my husband and our sons.

Thank you for your love, patience, and encouragement.

Also by Laura P. Jones

EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS

WHISPERS OF HOPE

DANCING IN THE RAIN: A BOOK OF POEMS

Read more of Laura’s books

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To My Readers:

This book was written to motivate all of us who, at some point, may have felt like our world was turned upside down. I hope that I am able to inspire you to stay on track and never give up when we come to those crossroads in life. It is those times that make us strong.

You will find many poems in this book that mainly reflect the inner thoughts of the characters and add some insight to their state of mind. I hope that you will enjoy the journey into the lives and hearts of these characters as much as I have enjoyed creating the journey.

Thank you and have a happy read!

Laura 

Chapter One

Gihon peeked into the kitchen and found Melchi flipping pancakes and whistling like a bird on the first day of spring. He had her apron hung around his neck and securely tied behind his back. He was certainly in one of his usual jovial moods.

She had come to accept that her tamed spirit was no match for his wit and charisma. He could charm his way out of any situation, and he often took very little care in avoiding challenges. In fact, most of the time it appeared that he created them.

Good morning, Melchi said when he looked up just in time to see her turning to walk away. Gihon looked back and nodded slightly. A faint smile crept across her face.

Good morning, she said and leaned against the wooden framed entrance to the tiny kitchen.

Melchi smiled and began to enchant her as she watched. Still whistling, he danced mischievously to the refrigerator for a bag of fresh fruit which he playfully tossed into the sink. She watched as he gallantly pulled back the curtains in the window, revealing the dark clouds cast against the early morning sky. Gihon looked in disbelief. It was as if the sun had decided to stay away a little while longer to fully accommodate nature’s rage that had set in the night before.

She stared out the kitchen window at the dreary clouds covering the eastern skies and wondered in her heart if it was a sign from God. Already, she was beginning to doubt herself; though she knew the time had fully come.

Fear crept into her as she agonized over her decision. She could barely hear Melchi pleading with her to take the day off from work so they could stay home and spend some time together.

So, will you? Melchi asked her again, reiterating how much he was looking forward to spending the day with her.

Making breakfast is just the start, he bragged, pointing to the kitchen counter where he had begun to lay out the product of his early morning tease. But she was barely listening. It’s been a while since I served you breakfast in bed, he admitted.

Gihon surveyed the countertop in full admiration of all her favorite morning delights. It- it does look delicious, she stuttered, but I have other plans for today. In fact, I need to get into the shower right away. I’m driving up to Bridge Way this morning," she said, glancing at her watch as she quickly headed out of the kitchen.

Melchi watched her disappear into the bedroom without offering a compromise, or at the very least, even giving him a chance to negotiate. He was not surprised. He had gotten accustomed to the routine that would follow the nights when he didn’t come home. She would always pretend that she didn’t care at first. But later, she would begin to detail all the wrongs he had ever done. He would figure out a way to justify his behavior and offer to make it up to her. She would give him a hard time, but he would become persistent and wear her down. Before long, it would all be water under the bridge.

Melchi smiled cunningly when she was out of sight and continued with his plans. He placed a few pancakes on a plate and decorated it with bacon and scrambled eggs. Then, he filled a matching bowl with strawberries, small chunks of watermelon and cantaloupe, topped it with whipped cream, and followed after her.

Gihon was already in the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her when he came into the bedroom. He placed the bowl on a table next to the bed and went in to her, carrying the plate in his hand.

She pretended not to be enthused when he got close behind her and passed the plate over her shoulder; dangling it playfully, back and forth under her nose.

Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? Melchi asked, planting rows of soft kisses on the back of her neck and bare shoulders.

Memories of the last time she took the day off from work to be alone with him flashed through her mind. He had surprised her early that morning with flowers and showered her with so much attention she could not bring herself to turning him down.

Gihon tried to pull away from him as she thought of all those times she had come home and found neatly wrapped presents on her bed. It was as if he always knew just what to do to soften her. No wonder it was so hard to resist him. No matter how late he had stayed out the night before, or even if he didn’t come home at all, it had become impossible for her to resist him.

From behind, Melchi gently coaxed her back into the bedroom, still passing the plate back and forth under her nose and whistling as he felt her body moved back with ease. When he had successfully gotten her into the room, he laid the plate on the table, picked up the bowl of fruit, and began to feed her seductively, piece by piece.

Gihon felt her body weakened as he licked the juice from her lips. Without hesitation, she responded back with a soft kiss that he eagerly accepted. Melchi continued to tease her, running each piece of fruit across her lips and helping himself to the juice that leaked from her mouth. She wanted so badly to pull away from him, but she had already so quickly surrendered to his will.

Slowly, he loosened the apron from around his neck and allowed it to fall to the floor, revealing his dark chiseled body underneath. Then, he loosened the towel from around her, and she fell helplessly into his arms.

Outside, the early morning skies darkened even more as he covered her with his body. Then, as if by some hypnotic power, nature gave way. She could almost feel the gush of rain that had already begun to pour down heavily. The sound of the loud thunder rolling across the morning skies erupted into a malicious trend that instantly left the room swallowed up in darkness. Her body quivered, but Melchi held her captive.

The rain continued to pour down harder and harder forbidding her escape. She felt trapped as beads of sweat dripped from his face onto hers. Soft cries escaped her lips. She could feel her heart pounding- weakening her even more as the vicious course of nature paraded contently across the dark sky. Then suddenly, and as if by a command, the lightning flashed through the window briefly giving life to the otherwise darkened room whose only source of light was a candle she had left burning the night before. Melchi laughed then buried his head into her shoulders. He could feel her secretly searching for an escape, so he released her.

You’re not still thinking about going out in this weather? he asked, casually placing a pillow under his head.

Gihon swallowed hard as she listened to the rain pouring down outside. I have to get to Bridge Way, she answered.

In this storm? Melchi asked and pulled the blanket over them.

She didn’t answer. She only listened as he cautioned her about the dangers of her decision. Then finally, he inquired as to why she had to go.

Gihon sat up in the bed. We’ve been in Lakewood way too long, and we haven’t done any of the things that we said we were going to do. It’s just time for me to move on.

Annoyed at the thought of hearing those words again, Melchi got out of the bed and put on a pair of shorts. Although hearing her say she was leaving him came as no surprise, he was getting rather tired of hearing about his failures. He felt he was doing everything he could do to honor his promises. And, he knew that as soon as he could find a job, one that would pay him his true worth, everything would fall into place. So for that moment, the topic was simply not up for discussion.

Gihon got out of the bed too, picked up her towel, and wrapped it around her body.  I’m not sure I’ll be coming back when I leave this time, she said, nervously tightening the towel around her.

Are you saying you’re leaving me for good? Melchi walked over to her and shouted. After all I’ve done for us, you’re gonna leave me?

I’m tired of pretending, Gihon said, tightening the towel around her still, as if to secure what was left of her dignity and strength.

Pretending about what? Melchi continued, and then quickly turned away from her.

Pretending that I don’t know where you are when you don’t come home at nights, she shouted back, forcing him to look at her. I know what’s going on Chi, and I’m tired of pretending if I hold on a little while longer, change is gonna come.

Gihon shook her head wearily as she tried to calm down. This was not how she had planned it. This time she was supposed to stay in control. She was supposed to maintain composure no matter what it took. This time was to be different. He was supposed to know that this time she was for real.

Melchi reached for her, but she refused him. He reached for her again and begged her to believe in him. But with each try, she pulled farther away. Finally, he stepped away from her. Pointing to the pouring rain outside, he laughed, You might as well enjoy the breakfast I prepared for you, ‘cause it’s gonna be a long time before you can leave me. Can’t you see what’s going on out there?

Gihon picked up the plate he had on the table and laughed along with him. Oh, you’re good. For years, you’ve fed me every line just to keep me on this roller coaster ride. But it’s not enough anymore, Chi, and neither you nor this storm will stop me. She put the plate on the bed in front of him and walked away.

Melchi returned to the kitchen and stood by the battery operated radio, listening to the weather report as the weather worsened. It didn’t sound like it was going to get better any time soon. A tropical storm was brewing in the ocean and heading toward them.

As he listened to the report, he looked up and saw Gihon standing by the front door. She was holding a small briefcase in one hand and her suitcase in the other.

Think this over, G, Melchi walked over to her and pleaded. Think about what you’re doing to us.

I can’t stay here any longer, she whispered.

Feeling betrayed, he looked deeply into her eyes. But her eyes said more to him than he could ever say to her. Something in them told him that this time he was not going to win. It was as if he was looking at her for the very first time, and he slowly backed away. I would help you with your bags but that would be too much like helping you to leave me. And I just can’t do that, he said bitterly and threw up his hands.

Fine, Gihon said calmly. Then she pulled her raincoat over her head and walked out into the pouring rain.

Nearly an hour passed, and the rain was still pouring down. The dark clouds completely dominated the skies far ahead of her. Gihon drove slowly along the long country road and tried desperately to reassure herself that she was going to be fine.

What was ahead of her though, told her differently. All the cars were being turned back, but she couldn’t see why. Gihon slowed as she approached the narrow bridge. She could see the policemen directing the traffic to go back, but she continued to make her way toward them. Soon, she noticed that part of the bridge was hanging loosely into the river below.

Damn! she yelled and glanced at her watch. It was already ten o’clock and Bridge Way was over two hundred miles away. Gihon pounded the steering wheel and pulled off the road.

She began to question her sanity as she tried to figure out what she should do. It would take over an hour to get to the only other road that could take her to Bridge Way, and with the rain still pouring down, there were no telling what other damages it might have already done to that road.

Gihon reached for her phone and dialed her best friend, Melea. They had known each other since the second grade and had become best of friends ever since. They had covered for each other in high school and were roommates in college. That was until she decided to move to Lakewood with Melchi.

Melea, I left Chi, Gihon blurted out when she answered the phone. Then just as she did, she broke down in tears.

Gihon, calm down. I can hardly hear you, Melea said.

But just being able to finally say those words gave Gihon so much relief she didn’t care whether or not Melea heard her. To finally let go of the tears she had