After the Rock: The Sequel

By Karl A. Francis

After any traumatic event, there will be a time for recovery and a time for healing, followed by a renewed spirit. Time will tell. There must be a will to move forward in a new light. There must be a desire not to make the same mistake again. One has to change their attitude for their sake and no one else. This is going to be a new day with a new beginning and with different struggles. Find that path and make it straight. Walk with your head up high. Make new goals and look to fulfill them every day. Take one day at a time, and youll be alright. You press on.

By chance, one could relapse. But know thisyou have to stay in your path and conquer those demons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543440331

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Karl A. Francis.

ISBN:                        Softcover                        978-1-5434-4032-4

                                  eBook                              978-1-5434-4033-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/28/2017

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Foreword

After any traumatic event there will be a time for recovery and a time for healing followed by a renewed spirit. Time will tell. There must be a will to move forward in a new light. There must be a desire not to make the same mistake again. One has to change their attitude for their sake and no one else. This is going to be a new day with a new beginning and with different struggles. Find that path and make it straight. Walk with your head up high. Make new goals and look to fulfill them everyday. One day at a time and you’ll be alright. You press on.

By chance one could relapse, but know this, you have to stay your path and conquer those demons.

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God thank you for waking me up this morning. Let the words from my mouth be pleasing and acceptable said Dorian when he woke up later than usual this morning. Since the beginning of his search for Eve, every morning Dorian would thank God for awakening him so he could search and find her. It was going to be a beautiful and refreshing morning for Dorian. He didn’t know it, but his new lease on life had finally started and he was unaware that it had. The mere fact that he got up and out of bed was his beginning. He couldn’t have planned it any better. But we know who the plan came from. Going to the market to pick up a few things for a late breakfast by fate he ran into Eve as she departed the same marketplace. His entire morning agenda had drastically changed because he spoke to Eve about their unsettled matter and he didn’t bother to go inside. He was in the moment and was finally going to put a period on their moment. He was truly scattered this morning, but at least he kept himself together. Returning home (that is to Jill’s place), he flung open the door with excitement. There Jill stood in foyer noticing a change in him as he walked down the foyer. He seemed to be babbling something that sound awful good to Jill, but she really couldn’t make head or tail of what he was actually saying. He was talking very fast and holding his forehead from time to time pacing up and down the foyer. Imagine winning a twenty million dollar lottery and the thought of winning is not soaking into your brain. Dorian was confused like that. He finally calmed down enough for her to understand what he was saying.

It was just that easy Jill Dorian said.

What was just that easy? said Jill. You’re rambling and haven’t given me the subject of what you’re speaking about. Can you be clearer?

Okay, okay. As I was walking up to the market to buy something for breakfast, I bumped into Eve walking out with her bags. Well, not really bumped into her. You know what I mean? he said.

And where are your bags if you went to the market? Jill asked.

Not now Jill. Let me finish. Of course we (Eve and I) exchanged the kind pleasantries for the morning and in the absence of not contacting each other.

Dorian! she exclaimed. "Where have you been?

I was wondering the same about you Eve I said.

I’ve been around she said.

I have also just been around. I’m over at Jill’s place. She has been caring for me since my ordeal. Maybe we were both trying to make the other feel jealous about what we had been doing since neither had contacted the other.

Then reality came into play and Dorian awakened quickly from a deep but pleasant sleep. He was dreaming about his prior day conversation with Eve. He had relived an event that happened twenty-four hours prior. Cleary in his mind it was over. His new life was beginning and it would be with Jill.

It was truly morning and Dorian thanked God for awakening him and being in his right mind. He laid there in bed feeling relieved. He needed that first and only cup of coffee to get kick-started for the morning. He had something to do and with a clear head he was able to do so. He got up and went into the bathroom to take care of his early morning needs and freshen up. He then proceeded to the kitchen. He put his rob on and walked towards the kitchen. Dorian was what we can call a romantic person. Music made him feel good and it made him think of the good times. If he wanted to get in the mood he would listen to music that made him feel good. When the music stopped it didn’t change the effects that it had already given him. Maybe a little unusual, but he was a mellow person. Eve’s situation was his first ever really stressful moment. As he walked out the room he grabbed his cell phone and immediately pulled up his smooth jazz application just to start his day with a good feeling. Now you might think it was a little early for jazz, but that was Dorian. He was really a smooth guy who liked smooth jazz.

While making a cup of coffee he gazed out the window at the neighbor’s yard. He liked where he was mentally. He felt strong. He felt able to handle the problems of the day. He felt empowered to say what he was feeling. He was sure about moving forward and he wanted to do it with Jill. She had no real idea that his feelings were so strong, but they were. It was time for him to settle down. This is what he wanted with Eve, but things didn’t turnout that way and he moved on. Dorian had everything going for himself. He had a great job, friends who loved him, a supportive family, he had God in his life and he was financially stable. He and Jill had a budding relationship. She really cared for him and he felt the same about her. Be mindful that he was very appreciative for her coming to his aid when he needed someone the most. He wasn’t trying to pay her back for what she had done. His love for her was genuine. It happened the day they visited her sister and brother-in-law at their mountain home. He knew that they could take it to the next level.

Good morning Dorian she said as she walked into the kitchen.

Good morning Jill. How are you feeling this wonderful morning?

Well, I think I could have slept for another hour maybe. We drank enough wine last evening celebrating your disconnection from Eve. That must have bothered you for some time. Did it?

It actually did. I awaken this morning thinking it was happening all over again. When I came to my senses I realized that it was a dream. I could have slept a little longer also.

The coffee was ready so Dorian poured a cup for Jill and added cream and sugar as she liked. He placed her cup of coffee in front of her on the table. She stirred it a couple times more and then got up from the table. She walked up behind Dorian and held him around the waist. This was unusual. She placed her head on his back as she held him. Her eyes looked towards his left shoulder. He truly noticed the affection that she was displaying towards him.

You’re really not awake. You think this coffee is going to do the trick? Maybe you should lay back down and rest or sleep a bit more. There’s nothing that you have to do today is there? I don’t recall you saying that you really have to do something. It may be the perfect time for you to get that extra rest.

I really could go back to bed and just be a vegetable today. There’s nothing that I have to do. Besides, it’s Saturday. I don’t know if I want that coffee now. It feels so good standing here, holding you.

Dorian’s eyes opened with surprise when she said that. He thought that she was really feeling it this morning. He wondered what was going to be his or her next move.

Now my coffee is ready.

He turned around as Jill still held him around the waist. They were face to face. Well I guess I should say they were front to front. She wasn’t that tall, but tall enough to say face to face. There he stood holding his coffee in the matching cup Jill had bought for him. Somehow and non-intentionally his robe had opened exposing his bare chest. She laid her head against his chest after he completed his turn and she didn’t let the embrace go. Imagine, there he stood holding that cup of hot coffee out from her so he wouldn’t burn her and she looked up and kissed him. Oh hell yes, he was surprised. Was this the after-effects of the wine they had last night into the wee hours of the morning or was it the real deal. She, they didn’t carryon like this last night. They did a lot of laughing and talking, but nothing this sensual. The kiss was just a bright light or I have an idea light bulb kiss. You understand that. It was a spur of the moment kiss that lingered from last night, that he wanted to do all evening but, never had the chance and there was my chance to kiss him type kiss. It was the take advantage of this moment type kiss. It was effective with more impact than she knew at the time.

Okay, take a seat and have your coffee made especially for you.

Thank you she said.

And thank you he said. What was the kiss for? You’ve never done that before. Has this relationship moved further than I know?

What do you think? she answered.

He was caught between his heart’s answer and the brain’s answer. He wanted it to move forward. In his mind he moved forward and in his heart he was already there. Before falling asleep last night after his celebration he began to have all kinds of emotions that he wanted to express to Jill. He actually wrote something down when he was in that state of infatuation. He just needed the opportune time to say it. He didn’t want to be a failure because he misjudged someone else’s heart. So he answered.

I hope it has. That’s what I’m feeling.

She turned and sat down at the table. He sat across from her and stared at her.

"A penny for your thoughts’ she said.

Oh it’s nothing. I was just amazed at the dream that woke me up. I’m glad yesterday is done. I’m truly moving forward. I feel it. Thank you for being so patient and caring. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I have so many feelings for you. I just feel so grateful. Any man would want a woman to take care of him when he’s down. Any man would want a woman who wants the best for him. I see that in you. Would that be a true statement?

Yes it’s true for me. That is, if you’re the man. I feel that a couple has to help each other. Happiness in a relationship is important. Nurturing the relationship, nurturing the other back to health is all a part of a healthy relationship. I hope that you would feel that way. Also reaching each others full potential and personal goals is included. They should be honest and share their feelings about what the other is doing and if they’re making a mistake in their eyes. There are ups and downs, but keeping your minds on the goal and your heart in the relationship is the key.

Hey I like that. I couldn’t have said it any better. You know I care a great deal for you.

You mentioned that a moment ago. What’s with that?

Let me finish this thought. Not because you were my caretaker, but because you were my caretaker and showed so much love for me. Believe me, I noticed and I enjoyed the feeling. My feelings began to grow more for you. I’ve liked you since the first night we met in the club. What a weird place to meet. It’s not my normal pick up spot.

He laughed. He continued.

Emotions are driving me crazy and I feel that the one comfort that I will get from them is to tell you exactly how I feel. Get ready because this is going to be a whirlwind of thoughts. I met you that night by accident. I was feeling horrible because I had lost Eve. I had given her up in my mind but, she wasn’t totally gone. The thought of her leaving me still lingered. I thought the only way to rid myself of her was to enjoy life and maybe one day there would be someone else. There was someone else. It was you and I knew it. It happened that evening when we sat at the table and had a cocktail. I felt so at ease, so comfortable and so alive once again. Needless to say, I thought of you from that moment on. I tried hard to remember everything that I could about you. I remembered your smile, your eyes, your lips the sound of your voice and even your height when I danced with you. After we went our separate ways I had only one thought. How was I to get back with you? I remembered that I had you telephone number, but that took at while to remember. For at that moment the single thought was of you. I hoped that I was handsome enough to ever have you look at me again. I doubted myself. I could only think that you had to find me in some way attractive. Of course, in my mind, I thought I was a pretty good guy for anyone. But that was my selfish thought and maybe not what you were thinking. At that time it was really easy for me to lose my confidence. I was ready for failure if you want to call it that. Somehow I figured and hoped that this wasn’t the time. The more I talked to you the more interested I was in you. I wanted to be completely honest with you because it was the right thing to do. I liked you for who you are. Now that I know you better, you’ve proven to be the same throughout. I thought that I was taking a big chance trying to talk to you. I didn’t know how you felt, but I did notice the change in you the more we talked. Even then I didn’t think I had your heart secured. In short, I’m ready for this to happen and be official.

Thank you. I knew you had feelings but, to this magnitude, no. I care for you also. You’re a good person. I wouldn’t have taken you to my sister’s if I didn’t think so. I wouldn’t have offered or taken responsibility to care of you. I can read people a little I think and I think that I’m sure of whom you are. I’m so very positive of myself about you. I don’t want to be hurt again. I’ve been alone for some time and meeting was one of the brighter and smarter choices in my life. Don’t disappointment me. I too have all these bottled feeling for you.

It makes me feel good to know that you still care for me he said.

Wow, this coffee isn’t doing a thing for waking me up. I think I will go lie down for a while longer. I’m afraid that I’m a little out of it still. There’s no rush to do anything. I could stay in bed all day and recuperate from our fling last night or this morning I should say. Wake me up for lunch will you? I’ll still in bed until this wears off. I can’t do that too many times. You were so much fun. I’m sure you were just being yourself.

Jill got up from the table and placed her cup in the sink and headed to her bedroom. Dorian looked and stared at her. He felt that she had gotten his message.

I know how you feel. I’ve been there before. I’m going outside and wash the cars. I’ll enjoy the sunlight and a fresh new day. A little early for smooth jazz but I’ll bring the radio out and listen while I clean.

That sounds good. Or would you rather relax with me in my bed, holding me and telling me sweet things to make be fall totally in love with you?

This relationship had moved to another level without Dorian’s knowledge. Jill seemed to be on the same page as Dorian. She had