A Turn in the Road

By Beatone Hajong

Poppy Lyne, a soft-natured girl, takes on her life to face the difficulty in choosing her future path. As she grows, her maturity guides her to follow her heart. Eventually, she cant forget John but shatters into pieces when she discovers about Johns disease, leukemia. She holds onto her faith and keeps waiting for Johns recovery. However, things changes, and her life changes too.

As years passed by, she gradually learned to live without his presence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Sep 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781482885811

Beatone Hajong

The book depicts the deep social relation that we encounter each day. Whether it’s the relation between Father and a Son or the one we seek to love. It gives us every element that we once in our life come across. Followed by dreams to chase and finally learn the meaning of life.

Book preview

Prologue

Y ou know a woman’s heart is a deep Ocean of Secrets. At least it was for me, which finally, I could tell the world about the story of my life. It’s isn’t like any other story neither, you may find it to be mesmerizing but this was what I had gone through in my life, and I’m sure everyone, some way or the other experienced something call love in their life. I was thinking to myself seated at the front veranda of my house. Over with the long gone days of my life, I tried to recall John once again. I’m married now with the kind of man who could be the whole world to me. Three years back, I last visited John’s gravestone. From then on, I never ought to see him anymore. That morning, I had a vision approaching toward me taking me into my past life. I still do live in Fort Myers. I’ve grown quite old now. Everybody do grow old, just their memory still remains the same.

I was interrupted by my husband. He was supposed to take me to church. It’s Sunday, I nearly forgot about it. Along with me, Alex and Savannah showed up at the church. There, I met up Sheriff Matt Hugh, he wasn’t the caretaker of the town anymore. But, his son Josh took up his responsibilities. But me, I still work at the restaurant at the beach. And it’s been the best place for me in the entire world. And I knew in my whole entire life, I’ve met up with best people who changed me to be a better woman today. I don’t even have any picture of John now. He only existed in my memory. Neither, I told about it to my Husband. He never cared to know about my past life, and that’s generosity that he had. But on that certain day, after the church prayer was over, he suddenly happened to quest which wasn’t expected. Although I stood surprise, after marrying for a year it’s now he had been interested in knowing about my early life. I couldn’t deny, for I wanted him to know about John and the people around here who were with me.

He took me to the beach and made me sit at a lone and silent place. I could watch at our restaurant. Alle saw me and waved her hand. We were no more the same, all have grown at their age. Then my husband asked me to narrate the story. The memory flashed before my eyes, John was rightly standing before me, that’s how it made me feel that instant of time. I was enveloped with the past picture of my life. I couldn’t even imagine from where to begin. I closed my eyes and pictured John for once. It gave me hopes and courage to get on with my words.

So, on kind urge of my husband, I’ve decided to narrate the story to all. But to let you know, I wouldn’t be disclosing his name here, for he had taken a special place into my heart and I don’t want him to lose again. He wanted a story to hear and, here I was to make him hear all my words with endurance and pain.

I began watching at the mesmerizing sunset that lasted our story forever. And he was the reason that I could once again smile for me and for John too. And then the narration began while he kept his mind open to grab each moment.

1

F or me, it wasn’t the same life anymore. I woke up like the last Monday again. This was my third dream, I had dreamt about him. I failed to realize every time I tried, what made me so fascinating about him? Does John Watson think about me? Does he ever think about Poppy? Poppy Lyne, that’s my nice name since my birth. I have been in love with him since my Senior High School Graduation. But, for present we moved to the same college. He never looked at me like the way I desired. Neither, he had any girlfriend. I never could know what kind of guy inside he was, he’s still single and alone. But, a kind of girl like me had finally fallen for him. I could remember he talked once to me at school days. Here at Springfield we are lot different now. We were no more that kid, used to be at high school. John had been pursuing his different field of academics, while I took up biology as my major subject.

The morning gleamed out. I wasn’t yet ready for the college. Fortunately, I had a picture of John in my phone which I had clicked hidden the last time. My inner thought clinched to have a glance of him once. I knew, I would get the least chance to get his sight at the premise hence forth, I always kept his picture preserved safely in my phone. My friend Savannah, we left together that morning. John did used to stay few blocks away from us. But, the last time he shifted his apartment some long distance away. Son of a rich business man but never boasted about his richness. His Father had been a well known business person at St. Louis. Each morning, I waited for John to see him driving the luxury car. It was his way to blow horn before he would line his Lamborghini at the parking lot. That’s the moment, I blinked my eyes like it never used to do. I fall in love with him much deeper than each day. I stand and wait to see him walking away with his stylish sunglass on and his black leather Jacket. Am I the only girl who stares at him that way? No, there were many in line. He passes through all, giving no sort of observation to anyone else. The kind of guy that every girl wishes to make their boyfriend as John seemed to be. His deep blue eyes and the sharp jaw even make him more beautiful and gorgeous to look at. The only boy in the town with the silky hair shining in light brown was John. Savannah and I walked to our respective classes. My mind always had him inside me. Till now, I haven’t got the chance to introduce myself to him. Savannah never paid her interest on him, because she knew I was in secret love with him. Often, she told me not to indulge thinking about him for she found him to be useless. John was not a talkative guy, perfectly crafted. He sounded soft, calm and cool. His Father always visited him at every end of the week. Up till now, I could never figure out John or read his mind. I even had the least thought whether he knows that I have been in intense love with him since senior high. The only period of time, I find him in real was the morning session of the day, rest he seemed to disappear until the next day would come. I would wait patiently each day just to see him walking out of his Lamborghini. He had been the most attractive guy in the premise since the start of semester.

The summer semester just began. And for me with no reason, was feeling the kind of ecstatic attachment to John. One week passed away watching him walk out of his luxury car. Savannah was always there to give her company. However, Springfield was way lot different place than that of St. Louis. We both knew, we belong from the same place, yet there was always a sort of hindrance between us. Neither John, nor I spoke for weeks after we reached here at Springfield. I needed the courage to talk to him. But, there came always a question, will he ever show his curiosity in talking to me. I knew, he wasn’t that talkative guy but, I needed the initiative step to proceed. I thought for the whole week how should I proceed to him. He had few friends who are countable. But, lot a more I do found him spending his time with his newly classmate, Travis.

Like any other day, he came driving his car. I stood watching him at the entrance. He clunked his door and shuffled ahead. I was in state of nervousness, I needed to say him. But, than a miracle took place, he mistakenly happened to look at me. I knew, I was flying out of my mind with the bloom of hearty attributes protruding out of my soul. His hair flipped and eyes blinked in slow motion as if I was witnessing the hero of Hollywood movie. He smiled briefly and, I was gone in complete numbness. He headed his step walking toward my way. I stood with my heart beat beating faster and adrenaline rushing quicker into my veins. As he walked passed by, I was few steps away behind him. I gathered the strength to speak out.

Hey, John I squinted hastily.

He turned to look back and gestured through his head gently like every gentle guy does.

Poppy he muttered.

So, how have you been these days? I asked him.

Fine and you said John casually.

We were heading toward the main building.

So, did you find your Mr. Right? he questioned me.

Nope…not yet I didn’t know what he meant by that.

It’s good to see you he said.

He bade bye for that session. That was the first time we had talked after long period of time. He headed toward his section. I kept watching him like the shooting stars blew before my eyes. I could say nothing more that day. I ended my day with that small conversation that lasted between us. Back in my room, Savannah inserted her interest to know the little talk I had with John. She was anxious to know what the small chemistry we had gone through. But, to my part there nothing I felt from his side. Although, I knew inside of me, I have been into him since my school days.

I’m no more a teen now. The last Friday, I celebrated my twentieth birthday and now, I look much better and fine with my age. John must have been twenty one, that’s the assumption I had on my mind. Often I see dream about him. Poppy is in love, I smile thinking to myself. But, reality was never close to it, by now, I hoped I knew it. Here at Springfield a way of changes appeared in my life. I wasn’t that outspoken, a frightful heart with the fear of expressing was the kind of girl I was. But, as the days moved away, I overcame all of it. And presently, I was proud to see myself as that out growing girl.

It was the weekend. John’s Father Mr. Norman visited him. For some reason, Savannah wanted to stroll down the lane which led to John’s house. Mr. Norman Car’s was parked outside the house. We passed by giving our slightest glance wishing John to flip out of his house at least for a fraction of second to receive his one glance. We headed to move ahead crossing the other side of the street.

Did you share your feelings to him Savannah questioned.

I nodded negative peeking at her. She giggled and passed a smile. We reached back to our room. John’s Mother died few years away battling cancer. That affected his emotions and sentiments since then. He’s the only son to Mr. Norman. Neither, he had any siblings nor any cousins. Like every American dreamer, I too had one concrete dream to settle myself along a beach side house. And most of all, I wanted John in my life. What attracted me about him, his decent nature and the kind behavior he had. I never saw him getting violent or angry at any issue. He was always calm and cool with an extravagant out flow as a best guy I could ever say to him. A helpful hand when in need and a respectable lad his nature depicted him. But, until now, I couldn’t reciprocate to him. I was in great need to expel my hearty attributes to him else I shall end up with nothing. I never found a girl going crazy about a guy, it’s always been the opposite. Maybe, that’s the reason that reflected me different from the rest of the other girls at Springfield.

My Mom passed away when I was seven, and Dad took the toil to raise me up. But now, I have no one who would look after me. Dad passed away two years back. I was over with the terrible time I had. Savannah, the best person known to me and to me she was more than being a best friend. These days, it’s only the two of us who talk nothing more of valuable rather John had become an important subject of discussions between us. The beginning of new week knocked in. Like every other day, we walked to our premise. John’s car was kept parked. Few steps away the staircase led us to the front porch of our building. He stood waited for someone. It wasn’t revealed perfectly in his face, but Savannah and I could make out his curiosity. As we reached the spot John called out my name.

Poppy….hey he spoke.

I was overwhelmed with joy and contented mind. My expectations proved me right. Savannah left for her regular class. She would join me back at the end of the day.

So, how have you been? John questioned.

I’m good.

I actually saw you both the last week walking through near my house John spoke.

Oh! yeah….We were on evening walk that day just to recreate the feeling of boredom I squinted.

That’s fine, sometime do visit my house, it’s only me.

Sure…sure I muttered with great ease.

So, can I go to my class John gestured.

Yeah! you can.

I stood watching him walking toward his class through the long length corridor. He turned back once and smiled out. I passed a smooth silent gesture to him. I was no more that Poppy, of course I was a newly girl in deep love with a very kind guy. I wanted my college year to get over as soon as possible. When the end of the day arrived, Savannah joined me back and headed back to home. The end of summer semester was just about to begin. All through these college years, John was very quiet person. It was just the passing few days, he began to speak to me. I knew his nature wasn’t that rough and untidy but with the most sober and gentle sense he carried. A month away, when then the summer vacation would begin. We needed to waste our last few days in preparing for our finals. I never saw John for that one month.

It’s the beginning day of finals. As the day kept on passing, I kept thinking more about John. When the last day arrived, I was desperate to know about him. On that last day, maybe for the last time, I wanted to see him before the vacation begins. I walked out of my finals with unsettling heart. I ignored to wait for Savannah that day. I knew it was wrong to do but, I couldn’t take the control of my inner desperateness in seeing John. As I processed to take my steps down the stairs, I witnessed an unexpected miracle. My hope raised high again. I felt glad to see John waiting in his car. I walked closer to him. He showed a gentle gesture and focused out his glow in his face.

Hey! John.

Hey…how was the final? he asked.

It was good I answered.

Would you like to hang out this summer? he asked hastily.

Sure why not.

I’ll let you know he said switching the key to start his car.

Would you mind if I drop you? he asked again.

No…thanks….I will meet up Savannah.

Well then…..see you later he said and geared his car. He drove away through the street road.

I stood under there under the shadow of trees. When then Savannah joined me. She didn’t appreciate me leaving her back there. I made my apologetic statement and we walked back to home. Our vacation began and I had no idea where to leave to spend my time. Savannah left for Jacksonville the next day. For now, I had no company given to me. I waited for John’s concern about the last discussion we had. Few days passed away. On one sunny day finally John called me. He wanted me to come over his house. That following evening, I shuffled to his street. He waited for me. Somehow, he wanted to make this summer a memorable and wonderful weekend. He offered me to come with him to Miami. But, I knew one very important thing, I had no money then. However, I couldn’t decline his earnest request. In quest of that, I needed an urgent financial support to have a good weekend. I wanted to make an apology to him for I couldn’t settle up with the money problems. A day later, I spoke to him once again, declining myself to go with him. He began to persuade me hard, talking about nothing to worry. John needed me like I needed him. It’s the only two of us who since beginning lacked the number of friends in life. Even though there was Savannah alongside me. But for him, he had no one so close.

It was the day we were supposed to leave for Miami. John had come to pick me up. I was so glad he had come. We flew down to Miami from Springfield. Now that inside I knew, it was growing much bigger and deep. How I needed to reciprocate my thoughts to him. On reaching Miami, we hired a beach side cottage for a week. Our vacation finally began. Thus, there was nothing more now in my life than wanting the side of John alongside me.

It’s the early morning at the beach. Miami always had the essence of crowd along the coastline. I was early to wake up that day. I had a cup of morning tea on the table with the most beautiful and exotic view before my eyes. The rising sun brightened out immensely. While the restaurant owner finally prepared for her day. When the timed fizzed out, John was out into the open sunny shore. I had my eyes pointed on him within shortly. I walked out of the restaurant seeing him.

Hey I signaled my voice.

Hey…how was the night? he concerned.

Good I answered.

Poppy…I want you to enjoy here he said glancing sharply at me.

With that small statement he walked into the water. I kept watching him. I couldn’t really get that why he would say such things to me for I knew, he wasn’t into me. I nodded my head on his statement. I took my way back into the restaurant. I paid my tea bill to the owner and returned back where John had been seated. I sat by his side and stretched my long gaze across the ocean.

So, John what you thought next on completion your college I intended to know.

I would shift to some other place that’s the first thing I would do he chuckled.

We had talked the whole day along the shoreline. The rest of the day we were inside the beach restaurant. Within shortly, the owner had become a good friend with us. She was a lady and introduced us as Mrs. Holmes. We were seated on one table.

So, both of you on holidays? the owner asked.

A kind of like I added.

She served us with the plates. Few seconds later, another waiter began to serve us. John glanced his eye on me with the decent sense of gesture. I wasn’t that sure what was rounding up on his mind. For seconds, I kept myself with no hint of asking him.

Is there anything wrong? I inquired.

No.

The atmosphere allured with the romance of air which I could feel indeed. But, for now I knew John was by my side or just before my eyes sipping another glass of martini. As the time passed on, we were finally out into the open air. The rest of the remaining hour we had viewed the most exotic sunset for the first time in life. Of course, it was the first time for both of us, watching the setting sun below the horizon. We returned back to our beach cottage. When the time approached to be 10:00pm we both were out for the dinner. John looked beautiful that session of the time. I was waiting for him down the restaurant table. When he descended slowly through the staircase, I was genuinely overcast by his appearance. That moment of seconds, I knew I was wonderstruck or bound under a spell. He was passing out smiles out of his pinkish lips. I felt the charm inside me. He landed his last step and proceeded toward me.

Why you looking at me like that? he inquired.

I don’t know I hissed.

He handled the empty chair and sat right before my eyes. I gently took the other and gazed at him. He was tremendously exotic to look at. I have never seen a guy like that attractive earlier. Of course, he was a blonde guy. We were served with the dining. The lobster was kept on the table. Nothing ran on my mind that moment, but most of all somehow, I was watching John secretly like I never did.

You may proceed with your fork he suddenly uttered out.

Yeah I gestured.

We began with our dinner. In interval, he peeked at me perhaps like he had some tempting thoughts which he wanted to disclose. But, every time it seemed he was failing at it. I wasn’t testing him. Poppy Lyne, could never do such thing to a man she loves. When we were over with the dinner, like every people at the beach does, we strolled down to walk along the shore. The shore claimed to be cool and the effect of chilled breeze from the North of Atlantic gave the mixing vibes of emotional feelings that surrounded us at that moment. We walked for an hour. John was seriously a man of silence. Until now, he haven’t uttered a word. And I could never knew, how I fell for him. The last thing he said to me that day was the good night wish.

We had another semester to go. The winter semester was way some different for every final year student. Finally, I would see myself out of the college by the next six months. On completion of my college life, I wanted to shift myself to Chicago in search of a medical job. I never had the idea about John where he would go. But, I always prayed him to be near me if not close at least not miles away. It’s been way more than ten years we were together since our childhood. Springfield was like paradise to both of us and we could never think of leaving the place. But, as we grew up our desires and want changed us, made us more ambitious and hunting. I knew, I wanted to fly out from the place as soon as possible. Back at St. Louis, we both grew our childhood each day seeing one another’s face.

2

T he week passed away. We were back at Springfield. Although, John never showed his inner vibes but, I could follow he had the same feeling about me like I do. He was little shy and timid in case of love and war. But, I liked his nature. Few more days were left till the vacation would be over. Savannah didn’t return until now. I waited for her. But the remaining days, I had nothing but to step out into the open sun of Springfield and take pictures of my nearest garden. Few days later, Savannah was back from Jacksonville. She gave me her first embrace as she saw me. She was the best friend I ever got in my life. She had always been there for me. Since, she knew every history of my life moreover being a girl like her one could know each other well. So, for the last passing days, I never saw John until it was the first day of our new semester. The winter semester finally began with sincere notice from all of us. It was the first day in college and I made my presence with interest to meet up my friends. As usual, I waited for John. Few seconds later, after my patient wait, I heard his car sound. He blew his horn and parked. He stepped up through the stairs and waved me his hand.

Hey Poppy he greeted.

Hey John I called with ample love.

So, how was the vacation he chuckled.

Well, If it was not you I would have ended boring I smiled as we walked up toward the main building.

Hey John said Savannah.

Hey Savannah…it’s great to see you back John replied.

Well have a great day she said and walked off.

She waved her hand at us. In reply to that we gestured back to her. We stepped in to our respective class rooms. This semester we had nothing more than to complete our project. John’s Father Mr. Norman came to visit him on the very first day of new beginning. Like always, the richest man in the town had always something new for his Son, John. Besides, the most decent thing, I liked about John was that he never had that pride of being a son of a rich man. Like any American, he was a way lot like a dreamer. I only wished somehow, he could make up his life. Outside of Savannah it’s John, whom I had been known since long years of my life. When my mother died, it was only Dad who took care of me. So, for me I could tell that I was far more deprived of mother’s love. It’s been for the last few years of my life, I had been thinking about my Dad. He was a kind man. In fact, I could still remember how he used to love my mom more than anything. I spent every evening taking a walk around the surrounding, yes Savannah always gave her company. Few days later, when the winter began to grow much chill John called for me. I wasn’t aware much with the reason. It was early Sunday morning, he made a visit at our yard. Savannah received him at the front gate. She called for me. I hurried to see him.

Anything for me I inquired.

I was asking if you both could come for dinner to my house tonight John gave his invitation.

I accepted his invitation. Later that evening, Savannah and I joined him in his mansion. Though his house was triple in size than that of ours, I wondered around how he had been staying all alone in such silence and solitude. John showed his chivalry as every man intend to show. He served us with wine, decoratively on the dining table. He was never the other kind of guy. It gave me hope that someday, he would do something different in his life. He had his mother’s picture hung at his bedroom. With the ongoing dine, he had shared lot of his inner life. Perhaps, that moment of my life, I was really startled to hear all his sayings. All through these years, he had been enduring the call of hard life in his chapter. But, I could never know yet, why he was the other kind of guy who always seems to be long away from the world. His college friends hardly visits him at his house. It’s the only moment of friendship during the college period else he always alone where ever he went. He came to drop us back to our house. I was taken aback by the way he had been living his life. He needed someone who could love him. I wasn’t the intentions for such but something always put me into such circumstances that I always thought about him more than myself. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I began to love him secretly. I never revealed it to him. No matter, how the things would go between us, the only choice of my life I had was him. And the only known world to me was Savannah. Right the next day, we three met once again at the premise.

It’s the beginning of winter fest. We had only few more months to be over with our college graduation. Petrified with the inner fear to lose John for the rest of my life, I couldn’t handle what I needed to do. I urged myself to let him know what I had for him. But, my fragile and weak heart never stepped me forward with the sign of strong courage and fearless mind. Although, Savannah always kept telling me, to tell him someday before it’s too late. I promised to myself that a day would be right when then I shall confess to him. But, I could never think from his path if he would love me back the same way I do. The winter fest began, and every people in the college showed their immense interest in bringing up this season as the best day of their life. It would last for a month. And there would be every chance to spend my time with John.

Few days later, Savannah fell in love with a guy. I only could wish her luck with him. They began to spend most of their time together. I was finally happy for her in finding her true love. Perhaps, he was the fifth person in her life. But for me, I had different perspective about love. I could only think about John. Nothing more than that a picture of anyone’s face would revolve around my mind. It was on one day of the winter fest, John was handling a series of book in the college library. On seeing him, I took my steps closer to him. It’s been more than a week we haven’t seen each other.

Hey John I muttered.

He turned to look at me dropping the stack of books on the table.

Poppy his voice charmed out.

Where have you been? I questioned him.

I was right here he said with no fuss.

So, you have been working in the library I smiled shortly.

He peeked at me and nodded his head Yeah.

I took a chair and comforted myself pulling out a novel from his stack of book. He sat just next to me facing his face toward me.

Are you enjoying the fest? he asked.

Yeah!…it going good.

Well, the other day, I saw your room mate with a guy John spoke.

Oh! Savannah….She’s in love with him I added gently.

Really he sneezed.

Are you ok? I intended to know.

I’m good.

We walked out of the library and took the pass way through the long length corridor. The fest was on a smooth run. Even the winter in Springfield always had the gratified fragrance unlike it used to be at St. Louis. We were out into the open field. The college crowd was always a cluster of chirping sound with everyone as the sign of rejoicing moment with the ongoing winter fest. Creative stalls were established with several versions of talent show. John wanted to insert his name in like one of those stall, wanted to participate in the competition not for any other reason to win but just to feel the fest. He gave his name in one of the singing competition. I have never heard him signing yet, but that day, I thought I should listen to him once if he really had that talent in him.

So, you sing huh! I chuckled

Well, not…it’s just for entertainment he added.

We entered at a stall and handled a chair. He sat just front to me. We were served with the cups of coffee. In the meanwhile, I had been gazing out with a thought that Savannah had been dating her Guy. Since, for the last few days, we were not much in touch with each other. Perhaps, I needed to be aside her to make her comfortable without indulging in her personal life. John took his first sip of coffee and glanced at me.

I expect you to come to see the competition he mumbled.

Sure…I would love to attend the show I spoke.

We were out of the stall by then and walked to have a look where the show was being conducted. The announcement was being made. They called out John thrice, on the fourth call he made his present. I was by his side. He walked onto the stage and stood before the mic. He grabbed it and stepped forward. The cheers from the audiences were out like the mumbling bees swarming around the whole place. John began to sing his song. I was taken aback seeing him singing. Never knew, he could but that day, I felt something different about him. Indeed, he wasn’t like any other guy. I heard him singing for the first time in my life. In fact, I saw him so open for the first time. When he was over with his performance, he instantly walked off the stage and shuffled toward me. Without much warned or prediction, I felt his lip locked onto mine. It lasted for a minutes and I could feel it very close to me. John kissed me for the first time. I was surprisingly noted by his act for I wasn’t expecting a scene he would commit to do so. He fell in love with me, I knew on that day. But, he never spoke about it. Later, we were on our way. He dropped me to my house on his luxury