Gibby and Olivia: Soulmates:

By Lee Kronert

Gibby and Olivia is a story about two lovers who are separated for seventeen years. During their absence from one another there are marriages, children, careers, divorce, and even death. Yet they never truly forget about one another throughout the seventeen years of their separation. God always has a plan. Each of them experiences heartache and change; each does their best to honor their marriages, raise their children, enhance professional careers, and honor their lives by the Word of God. Author Lee Kronert shares a message of hope, health, redemption, and triumph as Gibby and Olivia takes the reader through a gamut of emotions until all is apparently resolved by a highly unlikely reunion. This story is not only entertaining but uplifting and filled with vital health information and a philosophy of life which reminds us that God is always in the drivers seat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490883878

Lee Kronert

Dr. Lee Kronert is a math teacher in Salamanca, New York. He deals daily with unruly, disrespectful, and undisciplined children in public education, yet continues to love kids and do his best to teach them math and about life. He is the father of three children and lives in Portville, New York.

Book preview

Chapter 1

MARCH 1983

This was it.

For months now Megan was trying to figure out just how to end this relationship. Sheand Jim had been living together for nearly two years and the spark was gone. It may have been fun in the beginning, but during the last year or so Megan began to realize there was no real future to be had with Jim Handley. She realized, too, that she was starting to hate him. He was so controlling. Megan didn’t even know who she was anymore. As Jim stood with his back against the kitchen wall, he was waving his arms and was about to spout out one of his favorite arguing lines:

Why do you have to see things this way?

Megan had heard this particular accusatory statement nearly every day for months now. Normally she would argue back, challenge his logic, and cleverly refute any and all accusations hurled her way.

But not today!

Today she refused to react but instead make a declaration of her own.

It was time.

I don’t want to be in this relationship anymore. Her voice shook slightly. I’m leaving.

That caught him off guard.

I need time away from you. No, she quickly corrected herself, it’s not just time away that I need. If I say that, then you’re going to think that after a period of time I’ll be back. I’m not coming back. I’m finished with this relationship. She paused and took a moment to calm her nerves. I don’t love you anymore. It’s obvious that neither one of us is happy in this relationship. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is.

She couldn’t believe she finally said the words out loud. Megan turned away and walked swiftly into their bedroom and came out a moment later with her suitcase, which was already packed. She couldn’t stop her hands from shaking.

Where are you going to go? Jim fired back.

Megan was all prepared with her answer.

I’m going to Florida with some friends. She still could not disguise the nervousness in her voice. And when I get back I’m moving in with my sister and Ted.

There, she said it.

Jim reached out to grab hold of her arm but she roughly pulled it away. This time, he wasn’t going to pressure her or make her feel guilty for her feelings. All she wanted to do was grab her beloved golden retriever puppy, Olivia, and get out quickly before anything else happened.

I’ll be back for the rest of my things when I get back from Florida.

It was snowing heavily outside. Snow storms in late March were certainly not unusual in Western New York, but Megan’s mood was tempered by her vision of palm trees and bright sunshine both of which were in her immediate future. The fact that she was going to Florida with her friends Peggy and Susie lifted her sour disposition, but not nearly as much as finally freeing herself from Jim Handley. That notion brought pure joy. It could snow all it wanted tonight. She was free! Her heart was still pounding and her legs were shaky, but at the same time, she felt such relief for finally doing it. As Megan Winters negotiated the mildly treacherous roads to her sister’s house, she couldn’t help but smile.

"I’m going to be me again, she told Olivia. The golden retriever wagged her tail in apparent agreement. Oh Olivia, I can’t believe I just did that. What a relief!"

Megan had already told her sister Pam weeks ago that a split with Jim was imminent. Pam, a year older than Megan and married to her high school sweetheart, quickly invited her younger sister to move in with them until she got her life back in order again. Megan took Pam up on her offer. It would be so much better than going back to her mother’s house. Tonight would be her first as a new member of their household. She imagined that her stay would be short and that she would have her own place soon after returning from her trip to Florida.

She wasn’t sure if she could afford to live on her own but she thought about it and said to Olivia, We can do this, Olivia. I can get a second job and take care of both us. I know we will be just fine. Maybe you can get a job too. When she was with Jim, he made her feel like she couldn’t take care of herself. Jim was always telling her what to do, how she should think, and during those times when she rebelled against his control, he would physically restrain her to make her adhere to his wishes. Megan was so relieved; she finally found the courage to leave Jim and tell him that it was over.

Settled in the spare bedroom, Megan eagerly unpacked and then began repacking for her vacation. She and her friends would be leaving early tomorrow morning. She hadn’t hung out with her girlfriends much lately which made the whole idea of going away with them even more exciting. They were going to have a great time. She could feel it. It was time to try on her summer shorts and dresses to see which ones would make the cut and go with her to the beach. She had a lot to choose from but she couldn’t bring them all. Only her favorites would do for this vacation. Megan slipped on a dress and looked at herself in the full length mirror that was on the wall adjacent to the dresser. Well, she thought, one good thing that came out of my relationship with Jim was that we always worked out together. Megan was in great shape.

Megan Winters was stunningly beautiful. Her long, naturally blond hair fell well down her back and was accentuated by loads of curls. Her round face and high cheekbones gave shape to an extremely pretty face. Her blue eyes often mesmerized not only interested males but were also the envy of her girlfriends. Megan was slender and shapely as years of working out resulted in quite a muscular frame. She was in a word: Hot!

Megan slept great at her sister’s house and the next morning her two friends, Susie and Peggy, arrived early and ready to go. They each grabbed a bagel and cream cheese and headed out the door. Megan was both thrilled and grateful for this invitation to join her friends for sun, fun, waves, and… perhaps the opportunity to meet some new cute guys. After two long years with Jim Handley, it would be a pleasure to meet and flirt with almost anybody. She hadn’t been allowed to hang out with her friends much when she was with Jim.

As the girls were loading up the car, Megan thought to herself, I am going to be myself again. I’m going to enjoy my friends and live my life the way I want. For her, this vacation was more than just a week of being with friends and having fun. It marked the beginning of her new, independent life.

Her companions, Susie and Peggy, were her best friends since grade school. Both girls were attractive, slim, athletic, fun, and were primed to have a good time on vacation. Susie was shorter, had long black hair, a smile that brightened the room, and a tanned complexion. She sunbathed constantly either at the lake or at a local sun tanning booth. Peggy, probably the most outgoing of the girls, was taller, thinner, and slightly pale. Yet her firm figure and pretty face gave her an appearance of sheer beauty. The three of them together were quite a stunning trio for the boys to admire.

The long drive to the beach was quite agonizing, but the girls made it fun by catching up on each other’s lives, laughing, and reminiscing. After a day and a half of driving, which seemed to take forever, the girls finally arrived in Fort Lauderdale. They found their motel, unpacked their luggage, and took showers and a long nap before they headed out for the evening.

Finally, the three were seated in an outdoor area of a restaurant with the sound of the ocean waves in the background. They ate pizza, drank beer, discussed the itinerary for their first night, and talked about meeting guys.

So girls, here’s what I think about this week. We are here to have a great time, party, dance, be a little crazy, and meet some guys. I’m pretty sure we are not going to meet the love of our lives here. Everyone here is on vacation and we will never see any of these people again. This is a perfect opportunity to be whoever we want to be! I am Adele, and I am a fashion designer in New York City. I have my own clothing line and I have the accent to go along with it, Peggy said, attempting to imitate a Jersey accent.

Susie and Megan laughed. Susie came up with her idea. All right, well, I am a professional singer and dancer on Broadway. My name is Zoey.

What if someone asks you to sing? Do you think it might ruin your disguise? Megan teased. I’m all for making up identities for ourselves. It will be fun, but maybe we should be a little realistic so we don’t blow our covers. Giggling at her friend’s inventive and fake vacation name, Megan said, I’m thinking, ‘Adele,’ that a fashion magazine editor might be staying at a fancier hotel room than ours. You won’t be able to bring any guys back to see our place if you give them that line.

I suppose, Peggy agreed. I guess I could make my career more believable. I will be studying fashion design in college. Maybe that is what I will end up doing anyway so I can get used to the idea now to see if it fits me. What about you, Zoey, any improvements in your made-up life?

No, my idea is great and that’s who I am for the week, Susie decided. I am resting my voice for the week so I won’t be able to sing for anybody. Now as for dancing, I can do that! I think once anyone sees me on the dance floor they won’t question my career at all!

Ok, what’s your plan, Megan? Peggy challenged her friend. Who is this newly single, mysterious blond beauty?

Megan laughed at Peggy’s description. I will be Olivia. I love that name. It is my puppy’s name and she is super cute. I miss her already! But I’m glad she’s with my sister and not Jim for the week. She will take good care of her. Anyways, back to our scheme. I’m not sure what my job will be. Is a gorilla trainer at a zoo too unbelievable?

The girls laughed. Well, maybe you could be the gorilla cage cleaner and you are working your way up to be the trainer, Susie mocked. You and your obsession with animals!

That sounds good to me! Megan took the teasing in stride. I wouldn’t mind that job at all and I’ll be an aerobics instructor on the side. That’s what I plan on doing to make extra money when I get back anyways. And maybe someday I will train gorillas. You never know! Ok, so let’s have a pact. We will use our fake names and identities for the week. We will reveal nothing about ourselves to any guys because we will never see them again. Are you ready for some fun, Zoey and Adele? The girls clinked their beer mugs in the center of the table, Let’s go!

The plan to lead fake lives the entire vacation week was underway. As Megan sipped her beer, she imagined herself really working at a zoo with exotic animals. She would love a job like that. Only, her true dream was much simpler and too mundane to share with her adventurous friends. The thing Megan Winters wanted most in life was to meet the perfect man, fall in love, and spend the rest of her days with the man of her dreams.

What young woman doesn’t want that?

The girls had an awesome week.

Megan forgot how much fun she could have with her girlfriends. The three girls followed basically the same routine daily. They slept in, made a healthy smoothie with yogurt, blueberries, and a protein powder, then put on their cutest bikinis and headed to the beach. Every day was between 80 and 85 degrees. The girls suntanned, ate tasty food, drank lots of alcohol, and got in a lot of sightseeing even though they rarely left their beach blankets. The type of sightseeing they did was watching guys tossing footballs or frisbees, jogging along the surf, or simply flexing their muscles on a blanket nearby.

At night, the routine was to try on each other’s clothes until they got the right look, sometimes cute, sometimes sexy, but always looking their best. They would pick out a cheap restaurant for dinner first before handing over their cover charge to the hottest bars on the strip. There, they danced off all the extra calories. Every night the three friends danced, flirted with new guys, drank a little too much, laughed uncontrollably, and had the time of their lives. They always used their made up names with the guys they met and there was never any sex. The girls were not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It was just their way of having as much fun as possible. Hey, they were on vacation! It was the time to live it up.

One night the girls decided to have a little contest.

Let’s see, Susie suggested, how many different guys we can kiss at the bar tonight.

Yeah! Peggy quickly chimed in. I’m in. I love that idea. Then she turned to Megan. What do you think? Are you ready for some intense competition?

Megan scrunched her nose, not too fond of the idea. Kissing a bunch of strangers was not her thing. But her reservations were only momentary. She was free. This was her new life. Her conscience was somewhat weary, but in her mind she was all set to go.

Why not? Bring it on! She challenged enthusiastically.

The evening started out innocently enough. The three girls did their usual amount of flirting and left each young man with a kiss. Every few minutes they would reunite and share their total thus far with the other two girls. It was all cute, harmless, and fun until Peggy made the mistake of sharing their little contest with one of the boys. Word spread quickly. Then things got out of hand.

Once the guys in the club got wind of the kissing contest there was practically a stampede. Things really got kind of scary. The boys were talking among themselves, planning just how passionately they would kiss each girl, and later came back to compare notes as to just which of the girls was the better kisser among the three.

It did not turn out how they planned.

Not a great idea! It was gross! Megan complained later when the girls finally escaped the bar. Let’s go to the beach before we head back.

Yeah, Susie admitted, it was getting way too creepy; definitely a bad idea. I didn’t think the entire male species would be that needy for a stupid kiss!

Susie laid out a blanket that she kept in the trunk of their car. The three girls sat together on the beach, exhausted from kissing so many strange men, yet at the same time a bit giddy about the memory of their silly contest. The moon was full and the stars over the ocean shone bright. It was great to be young, attractive, and on vacation in Florida. There was only a single day left before they would head back to their lives in Western New York, but tomorrow they would enjoy the beach one more time and tomorrow night they would get in one last evening of dancing and flirting. But for right now the three friends sat silently, grateful for the time they were having and feeling lucky to be alive following the kissing contest fiasco.

Anybody keep track of their total? Susie broke the silence with a question to ease their collective somber mood.

So many boys! The young men at the clubs came in all shapes and sizes. Some were outgoing, friendly, cute, and respectful, while others were rude, obnoxious and probably after only one thing. But the girls were not looking for one night stands. They were simply out to have some fun. And they had lots of it!

They were tired. A hot sun during the day and running from so many boys at night quieted them as they sat together on the blanket. For some time, the only sound they heard was the ocean waves crashing against the sand. It was too dark to see the water. They sat waiting for nothing in particular to happen next.

Peggy broke their shared silence.

So, she directed to Megan, are you and Jim over and done?

Megan grimaced slightly before responding.

I’m never going back to him, She began softly. I’ve wanted to break up with him for a long time now. Coming here was my chance. No, she sighed, its over and I really don’t know what’s next for me."

What’s next for any of us? Susie agreed.

Once again there was silence for a long moment. Peggy once again interrupted the stillness that hung in the air.

It’s so interesting that our lives are so much about what guy we’re seeing or who we want to date, or in your case, she said as she glanced over towards Megan, Who we just broke up with. It’s like we can’t even measure our worth and value standing on our own but instead only by who we have chosen to be romantically linked to. That’s what was so bizarre about tonight. We dance; we flirt; we laugh like we’re having the absolute best time of our lives. But are we really? I don’t know about you two, but I would give up all this partying and flirting in a second, in exchange for one man who I could trust with my life. All three of us have lived with some guy for a period of time. We’ve offered our hearts and our bodies to them, yet in the end, the same emptiness we experienced before we met them still waits for us when the latest relationship is over. I’m so sick of it! No man seems to be able to give me what I want. I enjoy them; they apparently enjoy me, but in the end, I almost wish the whole thing had never happened. And worse than the realization that my old boyfriends couldn’t give me what I wanted is a parallel thought that I don’t even know what I want.

I don’t know either, Susie concurred.

I do. Megan suddenly sat straight up and interjected. I want to meet a guy who I just love and adore. I want a beautiful man on the outside and inside who not only excites me, but is also my best friend in the entire world. I want him to love and adore me and think that I am the most special person he’s ever met. Sure, I hope he has lots of money. I need my new clothes, she smiled broadly, "and I want him to be really cute too. What girl doesn’t want that? But what I really need is for him to like me. Me! The real me. I want him to like the way I think and respect the things I value. I want someone to be my partner. I want us to do things together because we wouldn’t have it any other way. That would be our desire. I need to like him too. The real him! No secrets, no hidden agendas, just two lovers who are also the best of friends. And I’ll tell you what, she concluded, I know he’s out there somewhere. And someday I’m going to meet him, marry him, and spend the rest of my life with him."

Are you guys going to have kids? Peggy teased.

Megan shook her head and grinned.

I don’t think we’ll have children. I never liked babies anyhow. I’ve never even held a baby before. I wouldn’t know how to take care of a baby!

They all laughed at that comment.

I hope you’re right. Peggy smiled as she collected her thoughts. And I hope you meet him soon. Aren’t we all searching for that ‘Knight in Shining Armor’ who will just come busting into our lives, sweep us onto his horse, and take us away to a life of love, joy, and happiness? Then she switched gears and looked at Megan. How did you know Jim wasn’t him? You guys always seemed like you were good. You worked out together a lot and went on vacations.

Megan Winters shook her head sadly.

Right from the beginning, she stated forlornly, it probably wasn’t the best way to start a relationship. We met at a bar and though I certainly wasn’t drunk, I did have a bit of a buzz and we enjoyed each other’s company. We seemed to get along well together and had lots of fun for a few months. Anyway, she waved her hand as if to erase what she’d already said, I moved in with Jim because at the time, I just wanted to be more independent and I needed a place to go. I mean, it was good in the beginning but things changed when we moved in together. Jim and I rarely did anything while we lived together, except work, save money, and go on a few vacations. I guess I never really got to know him that well. He could be so weird and controlling! We definitely had our share of fights. When he was mad, he wasn’t very nice. A few times, he was physical with me. One time, during one of our fights, he literally picked me up in a tight hold and carried me to our car because he was upset that I was talking to some other boy at the mall who I knew from work. And another time, Megan continued to recall some interesting confrontations they’d had, Jim actually pushed my sister Pam against a wall because she came to my defense in an argument Jim and I were having.

Once again the three young women were silent.

"He pushed your sister?’ Peggy asked incredulously.

He’s a psycho!

Megan quickly explained. I’ve wanted to break up with him for over a year now. I just didn’t have the nerve or heart to do it. But now that I finally ended it with Jim, I feel so free! I am having the best week here with you guys. We had so much fun, didn’t we? I am not ready to get into another serious relationship anytime soon! I’ve enjoyed being Olivia for a week. It’s a great name and there’s no reason for any guys to know who I really am. I am here for fun and sun, and we will see what life has in store for me when I return home. I’m ready for something new and exciting!

That freaked me out tonight. Susie changed the subject. Why would all those guys wait in line to kiss us? At first it was kind of fun but when they started to rush at us it got a little creepy. She softened her voice. What is this boy-girl thing anyway? Why did we want to kiss them? Why do they want to kiss us? And, she sighed,Why does the whole thing make me feel so empty inside? Whose stupid idea was that?

The three friends left the beach, stopped for one more drink at a different bar, and then watched a little TV in their motel room. No guys were invited back to the place tonight. Peggy and Susie fell quickly asleep. Megan was not so fortunate.

Sleep did not come easily. Her mind was tormented by the memories of past failed relationships. Before Jim Handley there had been Rob Turner, a very cute and charming young man who had broken her heart when he suddenly told her that he no longer wished to date her. She knew it was coming but it still hurt. She cried over him for weeks. Why doesn’t he like me and what’s wrong with me, plagued her thoughts for months. But Megan’s first experience with love and a relationship with a boy came during her senior year in high school. Boxer was a wrestler and lots of fun to be with. New to romance, Megan gave her heart and soul to the boy. They dated for about a year but then Boxer began getting too serious for Megan. The excitement of a first love waned. She grew bored with Boxer and struggled for months on just how to break up with him. Telling a young man, especially a young man with whom she’d had a romantic relationship, that she was no longer interested in continuing together was not an easy thing for Megan Winters. Jim Handley was the latest in a line of hearts she would be forced to break. It was always hard. She didn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. In fact, her hopes and dreams were really quite simple and ordinary. Megan wanted to meet him: her dream man. Oh, she had no idea what he would be like, what he would do for a living, or even how cute he might be. The specifics really didn’t matter. She just wanted to meet him.

He’s out there, she thought to herself. I just know it.

The three girls’ last day together was definitely their best. The air had cooled slightly to about 75 degrees which made lying on the beach a lot more comfortable. They laughed about the things they’d done all week and made tentative plans to return again next spring. They decided the itinerary for the evening would be to dress up, go to a nice restaurant, and then take a drive to a popular club called The Sandbar that everyone was talking about. It was a few miles from their motel.

Before going out each night, the girls spent what seemed like hours choosing their wardrobe for the evening. Megan, in particular, was very focused on selecting just the right outfit to wear. Their last night of vacation was no exception.

How about this one? She directed to her friends.

Megan was wearing a short black dress with spaghetti straps and a neckline that plunged to her mid-breast line.

Wow! Susie appraised affirmatively. You look hot!

Megan blushed. The black dress had been her third choice in the last fifteen minutes.

I never realized you were so beautiful, Peggy complimented. Every time I saw you at the house with Jim, you were wearing sweatpants, your hair was in a ponytail, and you weren’t wearing makeup. Don’t get me wrong. You are a natural beauty, but I’m just saying.

It was true. Living with Jim Handley hardly inspired Megan to dress up.

I don’t know, it’s so hard to decide, Megan stated, ignoring her friend’s compliment. She studied her reflection in the full length mirror, turning and gazing at herself from all angles.

Look, Peggy came over and draped an arm around Megan’s shoulder, this dress is perfect. You go out looking like this and you will meet your dream-come-true man tonight. Peggy smiled and took Megan’s hand. Then she moved her face an inch closer. Can we go now, Olivia?

The girls had never been to The Sandbar before. Their motel for the week was closely situated in a beach area that contained lots of other clubs, so they went out each night to a place within walking