The Longing

By Preston Common

"The Longing is based on some actual events. Jackie is a fictional character who goes through a series of misfortunes in her young life. She becomes the target of her husband and mother-in-law due to the fact that she is not wanted anymore. Through their conspiracy and purgery she looses her children and marriage along with hope and livelihood she has.
Now alone and depressed she desperately tries to regain her sanity through the passing years by trying another life and another place. Yet things were never the same. Then as day changes into night her life took a course that led her back in the direction to reclaim what she felt she could never have again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 12, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462842599

Preston Common

I have written many poems and short stories throughout the years. This is my first publication. I’m a family man and like to oil paint. I’m from Louisiana and I’m a construction foreman. This book was inspired through some actual events. And I will continue to write more books.

Book preview

The Longing

Preston Common

Copyright © 2008 by Preston Common.

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.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

52195

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Dedicated to my father and mother,

Linton & Essie Common.& to my wife Julia

Preface

It seemed she walked miles but had to keep going. Nervous and disoriented she kept looking over her shoulder. In everyone she saw, there was skepticism and suspicion. She felt like a wounded wild animal running for its very life.

She heard foot steps behind her. She picked up her pace and began to run. Stumbling on the sidewalk she falls. She felt a hand reaching to help her up, and she pulls away. Are you alright Miss? Are you alright? Her head spins, she faints.

Chapter 1

It was eleven thirty-nine am. She began to stir. Yawning, she stretches out her arms. Eyes opened. The sun was peering through the lightly draped window. The pain, a headache, she thought to herself, why, why couldn’t things be better, always the same. It starts out smooth then all hell brakes in. Sure she felt for the man sleeping next to her. Yet it’s always the promises that it would stop. He would do better.

She moves. She gets up wearing only her panties and bra makes it to the bathroom. Looking at herself in the mirror she saw bruises, a black eye, and swollen lips. Still very attractive, Jackie had smooth lovely dark skin, an apple butt, hips, and boobs to match. Her hair was shoulder length. She stood five seven definitely an eye catcher.

A voice came from the bedroom. Jackie, where you be at girl?

What do you want?

Haven’t you’ve done enough last night?

What do you mean woman? What the hell are you jabbing about?

Oh that’s just it Steve I’m talking about hell.

Look wench now you know I don’t like you tripping with me. Fix me something to eat and bring me a beer.

Steve I don’t have time for this. There’s nothing to eat and no more beer and I’m late for work.

Well look baby, you gotta little cash?

I’m broke you spent everything we had to party and hit me in the front of your so call friends.

Steve getting aggravated knowing he’ll need a fix soon begin to yell at Jackie. Just shut up bitch! Get out of here. Get out of my face. Jackie hurries and dress, grabs her purse, and is out the door. Although she walks to work about twenty-one blocks, she doesn’t mind, especially to get away form Steve when he is giving her a hard time. She knows she’s a little late. This is the lunch hours and they’re pretty busy at this time. Hope the boss is in a good mood.

She thinks to herself, I’m tired of it all, the job, the city, and that man. I probably could be doing better. I haven’t seen my kids in quite awhile. I am twenty nine years old and I feel so depressed. Somebody help me!

Entering the diner, Late again Jackie?

Sorry Mr. Woods.

Sorry won’t make the time. We’ve got plenty of customers, get to it babe. Wish he wouldn’t call me that, but what can I say I’m always late. One day. One day.

Hey girl.

Oh no not again.

Look girlfriend this got to stop.

It’s ok Cherry.

No its not. Girl one day that man gonna hurt you real bad.

I won’t let that happen.

That’s what they all say. By the way Skip was looking for you earlier he said he would be back later. Jackie he’s a nice guy. You should talk to him.

I have someone.

Jackie, Steve is just a junkie, and he beats you.

Look Cherry it’s my life, okay. I know what I want beside Skip is just a player.

Well, he’s got that money you know.

Then why don’t you be with him Cherry?

Oh, I got a man you know and what a man. Jackie Mr. Woods wants to see you in his office.

Wonder what he wants?

Oh, oh better watch him girlfriend.

Come in Jackie make yourself comfortable.

Are you firing me?

No Jackie I don’t want to. You know I’ve been watching you girl. Most of the time you’re late, bruised up, things can’t be going too good for you. I’ve been hearing some low down about your man slapping you around, taking your money.

Look Mr. Woods I didn’t come in here to talk about my private life. That’s none of your business whatever you heard or how you heard it.

Now babe.

I’m not your babe. Stop calling me that!

You know Jackie, right now I think you’re an ungrateful person. I put up with you being late and you have excuses all the time. Sure you’re a good worker but everybody pulls there weight around here. I called you in here to help you out Jackie. I want to offer you a chance to make extra cash.

Doing what?

Well, your hours are from ten til five. I was thinking you could work cleaning my house. Let’s say two or three days a week. Look, I’ll just pay you a flat rate, cash, say twenty five a day. It shouldn’t take you too long and I’ll even give you a ride home.

I don’t know, I mean, I could use the money.

Well you think about it. I’m just trying to help you out.

Another work day comes to an end. After leaving the diner, Jackie makes her way to a deli in the mood for chocolate ice cream. She reaches in her bag and pulls out her change purse.