Johnny’S Journey

By Malachi Gibson

Since John Johnny Johnsons early childhood, he was plagued by an inner force that was determined to be rebellious. Although he was loved and nurtured by his parents and loved by his siblings and other family members, he could not bring himself to be obedient, not even to his own conscience.

His teen years began the era of alcohol indulgence and petty larceny. He decided that a life without rules was what he wanted, so he ran away from home.

Soon his life became more complicated. He was arrested and sent to a reform school for boys. A life of crime resulted in several arrests and convictions. His family was still there for him. After being paroled from his last incarceration, his siblings helped him to start a business, which included counseling for teens and anyone else that was seeking help to better their lives.

In the process of shaping his life as well as others, he met his wife, JaNae, and they started a family. What seemed like a doomed life had become a productive and prosperous one.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503553736

Malachi Gibson

He is a person that attacks every situation with tenacity. He believes that setbacks should not be an excuse to accept failure.

Book preview

C hapter 1

John Johnny Johnson had been wandering the streets for hours trying to understand how his life had gotten to this point.

He recalled a few years earlier at his sister Betty’s wedding. His mom had come into the kitchen to get a couple of minutes rest. Oh, my God, Johnny what are you doing with that beer? She took the bottle from his hand. Johnny I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.

Now he ran away from home after his father had disciplined him for ditching school and later threatening one of his teachers, Mrs. Jones.

I remember the first time a teacher got me in trouble, Johnny mumbled.

One evening when Johnny got home, his dad, Harry Sr., confronted him about his absence from school. What’s the idea of you not going to school for three days?

I went to school, he replied.

Then why is this note from Mrs. James, saying you weren’t there? He read the note out loud. Mrs. Johnson, I don’t want to alarm you. I’m just informing you that Johnny has been absent three days this week. He couldn’t produce a note from you stating the reason for his absence. I’m sure you will look into this matter. Mrs. James. His father slapped the note down on the kitchen table. What do you have to say now?

Johnny just stood there quietly twisting his thumbs.

Well I’m going to beat your ass and see if you can remember why you didn’t go to school and where you were.

Harry took Johnny into the bedroom where his leather belt pounded against Johnny’s skin. Johnny tried to forget the pain by thinking of things that made him happy.

A few minutes later his mother, Betsy, entered the room and said in a low voice, Don’t let your head be so hard, Johnny. You’re only ten years old.

Three years later Johnny found himself in the same predicament. He got beatings and punishment but they just didn’t seem to do any good.

Mrs. Jones, his present day teacher, had a legitimate concern for him, so she decided to visit his parents. She was greeted at the door by his sister, Wilma.

Hello, I’m Mrs. Jones, Johnny’s teacher. I would like to speak with your parents.

Oh yes, come in. Wilma turned away and shouted down the hall. Mom, Dad. Mrs. Jones, Johnny’s teacher is here.

Mrs. Jones came into the living room. Johnny’s mother asked her to sit. She settled herself on the flower-patterned couch, folded her hands in her lap, and said, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Johnny’s behavior in school has not improved. I’m afraid he won’t be allowed to pass to the seventh grade. I’m also very afraid he will get himself into serious trouble outside of school. I’ve sent you several notes but I didn’t receive any answers.

Well, we would’ve answered but we never received the notes, Betsy replied. Mrs. Jones, I’m glad to see you have so much interest in Johnny. We’ve tried everything to help him. He just doesn’t seem to be interested in anything positive.

May I suggest something? There’s a new program in the school where a psychologist comes a few times a year to speak with students that have special problems. Perhaps you will allow him to speak with Johnny.

His parents agreed that Johnny should see the psychologist from the school board. Later that evening they spoke with Johnny.

Johnny, your dad and I have decided that you will meet with the school psychologist, Betsy said. They’ll let you know when your appointment is and expect you to be there.

So, everybody thinks I’m crazy or something, Johnny said.

We don’t think you’re crazy. We want to do everything possible to find out what is troubling you.

A few days later the doctor arrived at the school and it was Johnny’s time to see him. Johnny entered the doctor’s office.

How are you young fella? the doctor asked.

Johnny didn’t answer for a long time. He just stood there turning and twisting his fingers the way that he did since he was a small child. Okay I’ll just answer his stupid questions so I can get out of here, he thought.

The session lasted only thirty minutes.

Mrs. Jones entered the doctor’s office after Johnny left. I’m Mrs. Jones, doctor, I would like to speak with you about the boy that just left. John Johnson. I would like to know the results of your examination.

Well Mrs. Jones, I can’t discuss the case with you, but I can say he’s intelligent, he answered every question with near perfection. His parents should be very happy. I’m going to review his case further and speak with him again on my next visit. That’s what I’m putting in my report.

Frankly doctor, Mrs. Jones said, he is very puzzling. He’s absent from school a lot but he does well on his work when he does it. He doesn’t communicate well with other students. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t get along well with anyone.

Well, I can’t say my findings confirm your feelings about the boy. I believe he just likes to be by himself…like thousands of other people.

Mrs. Jones saw Johnny later in the hallway. I want you to wait for me after school and I’ll take you home.

I’m not waiting for you, and if you come to my house again I’ll throw a brick on your head. Do you hear me? Johnny turned and strode away. I guess that will get her off my back.

The following day Johnny didn’t go to school. Mrs. Jones located Johnny’s sister Sara’s classroom and gave her a note. I want you to please give this note to your parents for me.

Yes, Mrs. Jones, she said.

When Johnny’s mother read the note she began to cry. Oh my God. I just don’t know what we are going to with this boy.

When his dad got home from work, he was given the news. He’s not in the house right?

No, Harry, Betsy answered.

Johnny spent the day hanging around a street corner with older guys, listening to the stories of their illegal activities.

Around ten p.m., Johnny went to the back of the house and started tapping on the window of the room he shared with his younger brother Harry Jr.

His dad appeared at the back of the house. What are you doing out here? You are just bringing your ass home, right? I asked you a question, boy.

Before Johnny could answer, his dad punched him in the face, knocking him down. Get up and take your behind in the house before I kick your teeth out.

The following day Johnny didn’t go to school, nor did he return home.

After wandering the streets for hours, hunger got the best of him. He decided to visit his friend, Mr. Willie, who worked at a car dealership.

Johnny walked to the dealership, his hands tucked in his pockets. His anger toward Mrs. Jones grew more intense by the minute. He gritted his teeth. This wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t sent that letter to my house.

C hapter 2

Johnny sat in a chair near the window with his hands folded in his lap. Mr. Willie stood across the room talking to a man with a fancy suit and very shiny shoes.

What would Mr. Willie say if he knew Johnny had run away? He was the kind of man that always tried to do what was right. He’d probably send Johnny home. No he wouldn’t send him home, he would take him home.

Johnny imagined his father’s reaction, seeing Mr. Willie standing behind him on the stoop. He would say. Where were you, boy? Your mom and I were very worried about you. Thanks for bringing him home, mister.

And when the door shut, well…Johnny didn’t want to think about what would happen then. So, he sat back in the chair and listened to his stomach rumbling.

Well, Johnny it’s six-o’clock, time for me to go home, Mr. Willie said. Shouldn’t you be on your way home, too? You’ve been here a couple of hours.

Yes sir, Johnny answered. I sure hope my mom has started dinner, I’m really hungry.

Why didn’t you say something? Here take these two dollars and get something to hold you until dinnertime.

Johnny took the money. Thank you.

Now you hurry home before your folks start to worry about you.

Okay, Mr. Willie. Good-bye. And thanks.

Johnny walked slowly out the glass dealership doors, he heard Mr. Willie locking up the place. Johnny picked up his pace.

The sky had clouded over; a slight warm spring wind, which often brought a sudden downpour, began to blow. Johnny stepped between a blue Chevy and a Ford pickup truck, and quickly out of sight of the dealership.

Mr. Willie had four kids, which he spoke of with great pride. One was a straight A student in school. Johnny had never gotten As. He had a lack of interest in going to school. And Johnny had felt the results on his behind more times than he could count.

He realized he had passed a grocery store and retraced his steps. He used Mr. Willie’s two dollars to buy a soda and a bag of cookies.

Johnny’s mom and dad were out driving around looking for him. Well, there is no one we can call to ask about where he might be, his dad said.

We have to find him, Betsy said, hysterically.

Okay honey, there’s only one thing left to do. Harry drove to the police station.

Entering the station, his mom burst into tears. Our son is lost, she said to the officer at the desk.

I’ll handle this, Harry said. When we woke up this morning our boy wasn’t home and he didn’t show up at school. We’ve been looking for him for the last few hours but we can’t find him.

Okay, how old is your boy? the officer asked.

He’s thirteen. Just a child, Betsy answered.

Just a child! the cop yelled, in a white southern voice. Why the hell can’t you people keep up with your kids?

Now just a damn minute, his dad yelled. Don’t you talk to my wife that way. We came in here to get help finding our son. I pay taxes. I want you to find him.

Listen nigger, do you want your head bust open?

You try it, damn you.

Suddenly another voice said, What the hell is going on here? It was the police chief just entering the station house.

We came here for help finding our son, his mom, said. And this officer started yelling at us.

I’m sorry for the officer’s behavior, the chief said. The other officer over there will help you.

Johnny’s parents stepped across the tile floor to the other desk.

I’ll need some information, the officer, a balding white man with wire rimmed glasses, said.

We’ll try to answer all of your questions, Harry replied.

Oh, one other thing. I’ll need a picture of Johnny.

I have one in my wallet. Here you are. His dad handed it to the officer. They answered his questions and filled out the appropriate paperwork.

Thank you officer and goodnight, Betsy said, as they left the station house.

The couple spent a long sleepless night, either pacing the living room floor or bending to look out the front window.

Good morning, honey.

Good morning, Harry. Please speak with Harry Jr. before you leave, you know how he feels about his brother.

Listen Betsy, I want you to take the day off and go see that officer. Maybe he has some news.

Well if he did, wouldn’t he call? She gave a long sigh—not the first she’d given over the last hours. I guess being there in person would be better.

So, she changed her clothes and headed for the station. Unfortunately a different officer was at the desk. That meant she had to explain the situation all over again. Hello, I’m Mrs. Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson. What can I do for you?

I was here last night about my son, who is missing. I don’t remember the officer’s name that is handling it.

I’ll check and try to find out who’s on the case. The officer thumbed through his papers. Nothing’s here.

Well, your chief was here. Maybe he knows something.

At that moment the officer in charge of the case walked in. Oh, Mrs. Johnson. I’m sorry we haven’t found your son yet, but rest assured he’ll turn up.

Okay, thank you. You will call me if you hear anything?

Yes, I certainly will, Mrs. Johnson. By the way, my name is Officer Bayne.

Ah gee, morning already, Johnny grumbled. What can I do today? I need money and food. Maybe I should go home and take my punishment.

As he said the words his empty stomach churned up a mountain of acid. Heck no, I’m done with the beatings, I’ll think of something else.

The noonday heat of this late southern spring day and the growling of his stomach weren’t pleasant. Hey I know where I’ll go.

Within a few minutes he reached his destination. Hi Mr. Willie, how are you?

Hey, Johnny. Shouldn’t you be in school?

I’m out for the day. We didn’t have to stay all day so they didn’t serve any lunch.

Here Johnny, get yourself something to eat. Mr. Willie handed Johnny a dollar.

Thanks sir. I’ll be right back. Johnny hurried off to the store.

Moments later, he returned to the dealership swinging a bag in the air. I have a soda and some cookies, Mr. Willie. Would you like some?

Oh no thanks, kid. You enjoy that. I’ll be okay until I get home.

As the afternoon became evening, Johnny and Mr. Willie talked about many things.

What time do you have, Mr. Willie?

Wow, it’s five o’clock. Almost time for me to get out of here.

Okay, thanks Mr. Willie. I guess I’ll be going now. I’ll see you later.

All right kid. You go straight home now and don’t get into any trouble.

Don’t worry I won’t.

I can’t go in for the night without some food. I’ll hit this grocery store as soon as it’s dark enough. Other guys do it and not get caught. There’s no reason why I can’t get away with it, Johnny thought.

The darkness set in. Johnny found the back door to be the weakest point to enter. He quickly plundered the store taking assorted foods, sodas and candles. He carefully scouted his way to the vacant building where he’d slept the night before.

Hey, that went smooth, he thought. I’ll have something to eat and lay back at ease. Okay let me light these candles.

Hey boy, came a voice from the other side of the room. We’ve been waiting for you. Three black boys stepped into sight. They wore dirty jeans and short spring jackets. The tallest one spoke. We decided to let ourselves in while you were out shopping.

Johnny didn’t answer.

So, the three of us decided we’re going to move in and you out. But leave the food.

Without uttering a word, Johnny’s fist flew, pounding the heads and bodies of the intruders.

All right. All right, man. You are crazy. We’re out of here. You can keep your hideout.

Hey, what are you guys doing out here anyway? Johnny asked.

We just finished doing thirty days for shoplifting and our folks aren’t exactly happy about having us around. So here we are.

Anyway we’ll find another place before you beat us to death.

Yo, wait, you guys. Maybe we can work together. I’m Johnny.

Okay, I’m Bobby. These guys are Rafe. He pointed to his friend, with the big afro hair style. And this is Jackie. He indicated the third boy. Yeah, we can do that. With a leader as tough as you no one will give us any trouble.

You guys stick with me and you’ll make more money than your folks. Johnny walked to the other side of the room and sat on a milk crate facing the other boys and crossed his legs.

C hapter 3

Johnny and his crew sat relaxed in their hideaway sipping beer.

Hey guys, we’ve been together for a couple of months now and we’ve done all right ripping off some houses and stores, but I’m thinking we need to step it up.

Hey Johnny, Bobby said, I’m not complaining or anything because we’ve made some good loot with you, but I’m not sure we’re ready for anything big right now.

Yeah, I hear you, Johnny answered. I’ve been hanging around the corner with some of the older dudes who use to be in the game. They talk about their scores, big ones but I listen to why they never got caught, so if we follow their steps we can be better than them.

Just as there is good luck, there is bad luck. Today Johnny was hanging around the corner with a different crew of seasoned criminals, who the police knew well because of their many arrests.

Hey kid, one of the men said, you’re Johnny right?

Yeah, that’s my name—what about it?

Take it easy kid, we’ve heard about you and your little crew. You guys are doing pretty good.

Yeah, we do all right.

Yeah kid, but leave some for us. He laughed. Here kid, have a beer and some smokes on us.

Okay, thanks.

Suddenly a voice yelled. Police don’t move!

Everyone scattered in all different directions. But Johnny and a few failed to move fast enough. To the station house they went.

Put this one in that room over there, one officer said, he’s just a kid.

All right kid, this way. Sit down. What’s your name, where do you live?

Johnny just sat there twisting and turning his fingers.

Maybe this will open your mouth. The officer took his nightstick and hit Johnny two times across the fleshy part of his legs.

Still he did not speak or make a sound.

Another officer entered the room. Did he give his name?

No, nothing. Maybe a few more strokes with this night stick will open him up.

Hold it, he’s just a kid. I’ll check and see if he fits any runaway descriptions.

He’s so tough, I’m going put him in the cell with the other tough niggers and see if he can cut it.

No, we better leave him here while I check the list.

Well he’s not going to tell us anything. One of the officers left the room. So, I’ll pull one on him. All right here’s a missing person’s description that fits him.

Entering the room the officer yelled, John Johnson.

Johnny turned around and looked at them.

"So, that’s your name, Betsy and Harry’s boy. We’ll just get hold of them to come down here."

No, don’t call them! Johnny yelled.

"Oh, you can talk. Well how about that, the little nigger can talk. Well kid, that’s the law and we can’t break the law now, can we?"

Betsy and Harry hurried to the station house. We’re Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, we’re here to get our son.

Oh yeah? the officer at the front desk said. He’s in the room over there with the officer that arrested him.

They walked over quickly and knocked on the door, it opened slowly.

You must be the Johnsons.

Yes, we are, Harry answered.

Betsy ran over and hugged Johnny. Where have you been for six months? You’ve had your father and I worried sick. Well, answer me, Johnny.

No answer.

Can we take him home now? Harry asked.

Sure, just sign this paper and have him in court in the morning at nine a.m.

On the ride home, nobody spoke a word.

Oh, it’s Johnny! his sisters yelled, as they hugged and kissed him. His little brother, Harry Jr. didn’t say anything.

Johnny was followed to their bedroom. Are you all right? he asked.

Yeah kid. I’m all right.

Where have you been? I missed you.

Shut up, Johnny said. Don’t talk so much.

Okay. He didn’t mind his big brother yelling at him, because he was really crazy about Johnny.

His sisters entered the room. Are you all right, Johnny? they both asked.

Yeah, I’m okay.

They didn’t say anything else but they loved him just as much as Harry Jr.

After dinner, Johnny’s parents called him into the living room. We’re trying to understand what your problem is, Johnny, his mom said. We work hard to give you kids what you need, but you won’t go to school. Now six months later, you’re arrested for stealing. Johnny you’ve gotten yourself into big trouble and I want you to tell me why.

Well don’t just stand there, boy, his father said. Answer your mother.

I didn’t do anything, Johnny answered.

What the heck do you mean, you didn’t do anything? Like the man said, you got money, you’ve been eating and you have new clothes. Where did you get those things?

Johnny didn’t answer. This made his dad very angry. He jumped up and started toward him.

Harry no, that’s not going to help. We have to work things out somehow. God will help us.

I didn’t do anything, Johnny repeated. We were just standing on the corner and they arrested us. He walked slowly to his bedroom.

The following morning, Harry and Betsy sat patiently in the courtroom waiting for Johnny’s case to be called. Finally his name was called. He got up and walked to the judge’s bench as he had seen the other defendants do. Beside him stood the two cops that had arrested him.

John Johnson, thirteen years old, the judge said. You’ve been truant from school. You haven’t been home for six months and you’re charged with loitering and burglary. Are your parents here?

Yes, we are. Harry got to his feet. They walked to the judge’s bench.

Your son is in serious trouble here, he said.

Harry spoke quickly, Judge, Johnny isn’t a bad boy. He just started hanging out with the wrong boys. Then suddenly he didn’t want to go to school, he wanted to do what they did.

Mr. Johnson, I’ve heard your plea from every parent that came to this courtroom with their child. Believe it or not, there are white kids that get into the same kind of trouble. I’m afraid I have no choice but to sentence him to the state school for boys. Where he’s sure to go to school and stay out of trouble. He turned to face Johnny. John Johnson, I sentence you to not less than one year or until you’re eighteen years of age, to the F.G. Reinhold State School for boys.

Oh my God, what’s going to happen to my baby? his mother cried out.

Harry didn’t say anything he just turned and stared at Johnny. They were given a few minutes to say good-bye to their son.

The court clerk gave them the address to the state school and the schedule for visiting periods.

C hapter 4

The drive home was very quiet; the