Morning for Lou

By Winnie Ace

The small, conservative town of Alton, Pennsylvania, is an unlikely choice of location for a beautiful woman with Lou Metcalfs background. She has moved here from New Jersey. Its known that her three children were born outof-wedlock, fathers unidentified. Otherwise, her life is a mystery.

A troubled youth in ninth grade, her son, Derek, came under the wise counsel of Cal, the school janitor. Now a senior, Derek is student representative on the prestigious Alton Advisory Board. When Freddie, a new student and known trouble-maker is blamed for the school break-in, Derek comes to Freddies aid. Cal is a helpful influence.

Tell me about my father, Derek asks his mother one evening.

Lou finally opens the hidden box under her bed and faces her past.

A surprising visitor unravels a period of which even Lou was unaware.

And Dereks long-unknown past finds him!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512747140

Winnie Ace

Widowed after 52 years of marriage, Winnie purchased her first computer. She was determined to write something, perhaps a magazine article, that would express her thoughts on our society’s struggles in education and marriage. She was surprised that her earliest effort at writing became a novel, Lou’s Boy. Morning For Lou, is the second book in this series. Lou, and subsequently her family, has been damaged by a painful past, poverty, broken relationships. Some of her difficulties are the result of her own bad choices. Some are caused by the sin of others. Their problems are common today. The author believes that, to solve the problems of the home and education, our troubled society can find positive solutions with the help of the Lord, the guidance of His scriptures and a willingness to submit to His principles.

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Copyright © 2016 Winnie Ace.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scripture taken from the King James version of the Bible.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4715-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4714-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016910323

WestBow Press rev. date: 8/09/2016

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Dedicated to our children,

Connie, Ted and Steve, who

are the Lord’s wonderful

blessing on our marriage.

One

PENNSYLVANIA CARVES ITS TERRITORY FROM the rugged foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Native forests cascade down the steep inclines to meet with rivers and creeks that crisscross the green state. On the eastern end of Pennsylvania is the largest city, Philadelphia, and on the western side is the steel city of Pittsburgh, the state’s two, most prominent metropolises. A myriad of little communities hug the hills in between, and a sturdy population of country-folks is scattered on the outskirts that once served as farmland. Visitors catch their breath as they travel these rural areas on the paved roads, some of which seem to be little more than enlarged, goat paths that wind around the neighboring mounds.

Alton, Pennsylvania is one of the little communities that embrace those hills. The citizens of Alton are inclined to be as robust as the nature that surrounds them. Bill Tonkins and Derek Metcalf are two, young men of that town. They are together this evening and in serious conversation.

She’s been seen with him, Derek, said Bill. Derek’s head was down. That he did not respond evidenced the impact of Bill’s words. Finally, Derek said in a quiet voice, We don’t have any ties. She’s free to talk to other guys. He was trying to sort through this news from his friend.

She was at the movie theater with him on Friday night.

Derek looked up when he heard that.

C’mon, Buddy … Chuck wouldn’t lie about this, Bill insisted.

Bill Tonkins has been Derek’s best friend since eighth grade. They had been co-leaders of a small gang of enthusiastic but harmless, high school students who declared themselves Zealously Obnoxious but Not Criminal … or the ZONCS. True to that title, these good friends had enjoyable but harmless fun together throughout their student years at Alton High. Time and age has brought an end to their gatherings though not the friendships.

This evening, Bill and Derek are seated at a table in Louie’s Pizza in the neighboring, larger town of Burnswick. Much is changing. Bill is preparing to leave for his first year of college in Florida. This will be their last evening together before Bill’s departure. Derek had worked at Skinny’s Market in Alton until 10 p.m. After the market closed at 9 p.m., Derek spent an hour cleaning, stocking the shelves and preparing the place for the next day’s business. Bill hung around until he was done, and then the two drove to Burnswick. Derek had only obtained his driver’s license this past summer. Tonight, he drove Bill’s car, as he had done anytime they were together this past summer.

The woman they are discussing tonight is Penelope Crawford … Penny. She is Derek’s girlfriend. At least, she used to be his girlfriend. They’d been seeing each other since last spring. Bill had just informed him that Penny was seen with someone else. And not just anyone, but Michael Houston! Michael is in Derek and Penny’s class at school. Derek always thought him nice enough. But it was known that he liked to have a good time. Derek knew that Michael smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol. Alton, like a number of the little towns surrounding it, had voted to exclude liquor establishments within the borough. But just beyond the border, in any direction, there are flourishing bars. With a short drive, the drinkers of Alton have ample choice. Michael and friends boasted of visiting Brutus’ Bar outside the village of Houghton, where one, older guy was inclined to slip them a beer.

That’s as far as these young men ventured into the darker side of life … thus far. Even so, it concerned Derek to hear that Penny was involved with Michael. She had previously chosen her friends carefully.

Bill and Derek have been as close as brothers. They have little similarity in physique. Bill stands several inches taller than Derek’s five-foot-eight frame. Unlike Derek, Bill is inclined to be heavy set; his weight control requires unrelenting self-discipline. Bill’s brown hair is cut short; his eyes are hazel-green. He stands straight, is confident, principled and much respected by the townsfolk, his teachers and fellow students.

Derek has darker hair that waves off his forehead. His eyes are as blue as the sky, and he has the natural physique of a well-conditioned boxer. Derek is a handsome, young man. But Alton is a small town and notably conservative. There has been scandal attached to Derek’s mother, and Derek bore the stigma of that in his grade school years. That experience tempered any pride he might have had in his good looks. He gives that little thought.

The two, young men aren’t kids anymore. Bill is about to begin college. In just a few weeks, Derek will be in his final year of high school. They are close and have, for years, shared everything, both the good and the bad. The news Bill was sorry to share with Derek tonight was not good. Derek and Penny had been an established couple until recently. He knew there was nothing Derek could do about this matter of Penny dating another. But Bill felt the need to warn him. Having done so, he also knew that he should wisely abandon the subject now. So, he turned the conversation to other things.

It’s hard to believe I’ll be in Florida next week.

When do you leave, Bill?

My suitcases and boxes are packed, Bill responded. I hope to be on the road early Friday morning. The dormitory, where I’ll be living, is just a mile or so off Interstate 295 at Jacksonville. It should be easy enough to find.

Derek didn’t respond to Bill’s statement. Personally, he found the thought of traveling to Florida alone and finding the location of the school there rather intimidating. Derek has no known relatives other than his immediate family. He had only recently acquired his driver’s license and had no vehicle of his own. Any travel he had done in his lifetime has been confined to the nearest towns. And that was only through his friendship with Bill. The ZONCS had traveled in Bill’s car.

While Derek still has another year of high school, Bill had graduated this past June. Bill’s father, Mr. Tonkins, is owner of NELCO Chemical, an established firm presently located in Burnswick. This past summer, Bill worked for his father in the business. In that job, he had traveled rather extensively. Derek could believe his friend would have little trouble finding the school in Florida.

He knew that Bill was eager to begin college. His friend had set his sight on Bible College many years earlier. Derek’s heart was pierced by the information about Penny. Even so, as Bill shared his excitement tonight, he rejoiced with him. They understood that each must inevitably move on to their different futures.

It was late when they journeyed to Burnswick, and they couldn’t stay long. There was much laughter, as they reminisced on the return drive to Alton. When they arrived back at the Tonkins’ house, Derek drove up to the garage and parked.

Can’t I give you a ride home? Bill asked.

Derek’s home was still a good distance away. He lived on the furthest outskirts of Alton with his unmarried mother and two, younger sisters.

Even though it was late now and the walk was long, Bill knew what Derek’s response would be. His friend would refuse the ride, as always. For most of his years, Derek had ended his days with this long walk home. The daily exercise was evident in his physique.

Tonight more than ever, Derek welcomed the walk. He needed to sort out the news Bill had shared. It was a warm night, and the sky was full of stars. He didn’t notice that. His mind was consumed with Penny. He tried to find a reasonable explanation as to why she might have been with Michael Houston at the movies. He did believe Chuck, and he knew that Bill had shared the news out of concern for him.

My concern is Penny’s welfare … isn’t it?

Ah, no … I love her, thought Derek.

Derek’s mother, Lou Metcalf, had birthed all three of her children out of wedlock. Lou is a beautiful woman. In this small town, her beauty and the illegitimacy of her children produced much gossip and much consideration of who might be the fathers. During Derek’s early years, his mother’s, troublous reputation had been the cause of taunting and rejection.

But things had begun to change for him in high school, especially this past year when he began to date Penny. She sat beside him in English class. Penny is small in frame and delicate in features. She has brown eyes, and her short, brown hair curls around her ears. Derek always found her attractive. He had always been impressed with her modesty and even thought of her as a bit shy. He didn’t know of any of the other guys who had dated her before she started to date him.

Derek had been attracted to Penny, but it was only after he won the Student Council seat, this past spring, that he finally had enough confidence to walk with her to her home one afternoon, and then many afternoons after that.

Penny became his girl. They were both in eleventh grade when they began to be together this past March. His life seemed to turn around at that time. So many good things happened that spring, and Penny was surely the best. Their close relationship had brought a peace into his life.

Be honest, Derek, he thought tonight. My confidence has grown this past year, but I’m still defensive.

Mrs. Rudolf’s afternoon stop at Skinny’s Market today, was evidence of that. He was never pleased to see Agnes Rudolf, come through that door.

Why Derek! she had exclaimed. I’ve been missing you lately. I guess I shop at the wrong hours. Mrs. Rudolf was gushing with friendliness.

Maybe, Derek had replied. Maybe wrong for you, but not for me, he thought. Anytime he could avoid Mrs. Rudolf was a good time. Agnes Rudolf had taught him in eighth grade. She praised his classwork all that year. He had liked this teacher. Her daughter, Debbie, and he had become good friends that following summer.

One afternoon, Derek had taken a shortcut through the lawn between the Barkley and the Rudolf houses. Just ahead, he saw Debbie and her mother seated on their porch. They were deep in conversation and not looking his way. He instinctively slowed his walk. But he could not help overhearing them discussing Debbie’s plans to have a party before the new, school year started.

You have Derek Metcalf’s name on your list! Debbie’s mother spoke in disbelief.

Derek heard her tone of voice and stopped short of stepping into their view.

We’re friends, he heard Debbie say in a small, uncertain voice.

No, my child, you may not invite Derek Metcalf to your party! He’s not a suitable friend. And you must not continue a friendship with him. Is that understood?

Derek had turned immediately and hurried in the opposite direction.

He knew it was his mother’s reputation which inspired the social stigma. I should have been accustomed to that by then, he derided himself. Once again, I had naively supposed I’d be judged by my own character.

Derek had always liked Debbie. But he avoided her after overhearing that remark by her mother. The incident was especially troublesome as Debbie was in the same crowd of friends as he. She and Penny had long been best friends. And Derek suspected the affection between Bill and Debbie went beyond friendship. Thus, Derek and Debbie, inevitably, found themselves together often. But following that incident, both of them managed to keep a space between them.

How’s your lovely mother? Mrs. Rudolf had asked today. Not waiting for an answer, she continued, We’re all anxious for her shop to open. Dorothy says that will happen very soon. We ladies will be so happy to have a store in town to buy our sewing goods.

Mrs. Rudolf was speaking of Dorothy Price, the pianist at the Baptist Church. The elderly Mrs. Price had befriended Derek’s mother last spring, and Lou had begun attending that church. She and her youngest daughter, Joy, had been baptized by Pastor Lowe this past July.

It was Pastor Lowe who had encouraged his congregation to use their Benevolence Fund to help Lou open a sewing shop on the main street in Alton. His mother’s shop, Remnants was scheduled to open in September. She would sell cloth goods, thread, yarn and other sewing needs. She expected to give lessons on sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting, as well as rug making. And she would continue doing mending for others.

I guess if the Baptists favor my mother, she has become acceptable to Mrs. Rudolf, was Derek’s thought this day.

Mom is well, he answered Mrs. Rudolf but offered nothing more. He hoped that would end the conversation.

When she stated her order, Derek turned, without comment, to fill it. Fortunately, his boss came out of the back room just then.

Well … Agnes, how are you? Skinny asked in his friendly manner.

I’m fine, Albert.

As Albert Skinny Briscuit is tall, small boned and thin, the nickname was surely inevitable.

But Mrs. Rudolf never would have called the proprietor by his common nickname.

I was just telling Derek how anxious we are for the opening of his mother’s shop, said Agnes Rudolf.

I understand things are moving along real good, Skinny replied pleasantly.

Derek returned soon with the supplies she ordered. She continued her conversation with the proprietor. It’s doubtful she even noticed that Derek was saying nothing.

But there are some mighty fine people in Alton, too, Derek thought tonight, as he walked. Bill Tonkins has been my good friend since near the end of our grade-school years.

Bill is an only child. His parents are financially solid, and well respected. With an insightful eye for character, they encouraged the friendship of these two.

When he finally progressed to Alton High School, Derek found that the teachers were more interested in one’s learning disciplines than family background. He much liked the teaching staff and did well in his studies. Especially, he profited from the friendship of Calvin Carson, the high school janitor. Cal is a wise, unofficial counselor, and his friendship has been priceless to Derek through these, high school years.

Last spring, the tenth and eleventh grade students elected Derek to the Alton High Advisory Board.

That was amazing, Derek thought, tonight, in remembrance. He had been interested in Penny even then. But he still had inhibitions about his family background and couldn’t imagine any girl would be interested in him. During the council campaign, he had been so proud to see Penny wearing a campaign shirt with his insignia on it. He won that seat in a campaign that was hard fought with Carl Cross, who was the sports’ hero at school.

After his election, he walked Penny home from the market one night, and their relationship grew quickly. They had walked together and talked and shared all through this summer.

Tonight, Derek’s mind was flooded with these memories. They were good memories. This had been a good time in his life.

Derek had been anxious to begin working with the Advisory Council. He was to finish Richard Carlson’s term last spring. Then, he would remain in that seat in his senior year. His friend, Bill, was the other, Student Council representative. There had been one more, council meeting in that school year. It was to be Bill’s last meeting before he would graduate in June.

That evening, Derek had walked up town and met Bill at his home. They both liked to walk and chose to do so that night.

Derek had never held a position at school before. He had questions.

What will I be asked to do? he wanted to know.

"Mostly just be available to listen and to encourage. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a student from the lower grades, especially those who are bused in from a rural area, to feel friendless as they enter high school. Simple matters you can easily handle yourself, and that’s the thing to do. Most of the matters will be simple.

"But I’ve been presented with harder problems, too. Earlier this year, one of the girls in tenth grade had a concern about her health textbook. ‘The pictures,’ she told me, ‘are totally graphic. I’d be embarrassed to sit through this class discussion.’

"Neither she nor I wanted to open her health book for my consideration. I walked with her to Mr. Ashton’s office to give my support, as she broached the subject with him. He glanced at the photos, quickly closed the book and asked if she’d be willing to discuss this with our school board.

"She looked at me rather timidly, and Principal Ashton noticed. ‘You really must have your parents … at least one of them … attend that meeting with you. I’ll ask Bill to attend, too,’ he said. ‘You have put forth a reasonable concern. We need to discuss this with the Board.’

"Later, Principal Ashton said, ‘I’d like you to attend that meeting, Bill. I think you should be informed of the sort of problems our society is facing today and how these matters are decided.’

"The School Board discussion was heated that night. Bud Cross was president of the school board. As the town’s most prominent businessman, he speaks with much authority. The members examined the book in question. Mr. Cross adamantly upheld the propriety of the textbook material.

‘Kids see things like this every day,’ Mr. Cross asserted.

‘Maybe so, but they don’t need to see them at school,’ said Pastor Simpson, the Methodist minister.’

Mrs. Hartle, the insurance lady, agreed.

‘Textbooks are becoming a problem,’ she said. ‘The thinking in our country has changed, and we find ourselves challenged today by previously trusted sources. We recently had to rescind a history textbook that we had purchased from our usual company. They had rewritten the history of our nation’s beginnings and were making George Washington a villain!’

Vice Principal Conrad was present that evening, said Bill.

The Vice Principal, Ms Conrad, is the wife of Ralph Towers. She had chosen to retain her maiden name professionally.

The Vice Principal was very vocal in her support of the health book in question.

‘We need to give the children all the information available. We’re not in the dark ages anymore’, she said. ‘Or in the blindness of the twentieth century, either!’ And she looked directly at Principal Ashton when she said that."

Does he get angry with her? asked Derek.

You know our principal, said Bill. "He just smiled in response. He once told me that he appreciates Ms Conrad’s views and that she brings a necessary balance to the decisions made at Alton High.

"Finally that night, Mr. Barkley asked our principal to please express his opinion on this matter. Principal Ashton said, ‘With the advent of technology, it’s reasonable to suppose the young are going to be exposed to all this anyway. Even so, in the school, we need to find ways to present the right amount of material in the least offensive way.

‘I found the material in this book to be offensive,’ he said. ‘I propose a search be made for a more appropriate textbook. It’s too late for that this year. I’d suggest that any school child who brings a slip from the parent will be permitted to take a study period until that chapter is finished.’

And that’s how the Board ruled on that health book, said Bill. I’ve found my participation on the Advisory Council has been a great, learning experience for me personally.

That evening, Bill and he had climbed the steps of the outside stairwell and entered the room, where they were heartily greeted by the other members of the Advisory Council. The school principal, Mr. Ashton, and vice principal, Ms Conrad, were present. The two teachers, who were serving that year, were Miss Roberts and Mr. Harrison. As the newest member here, Derek received a pat on the back from Mr. Ashton and Mr. Harrison. The others all shook his hand. Then, they moved into the meeting.

The serious discussion this night had involved the graduation service that would take place on June 4. Across the nation, schools wrestled with the mandate against prayer in the school. What to do?

It needed only a little time for this group to decide. This was Alton, Pennsylvania, and there had always been prayer for the graduating class at Alton High.

I suggest we offer the prayer, said Miss Roberts. I suspect we will have the hearty approval of all.

Do we need to put this before the School Board? asked Mr. Harrison.

I will be the speaker this year, Bill interjected. He was the class valedictorian. Why not let me work it into my address? I think that could spare the town and school any possible hassle.

Do you think you can? asked Principal Ashton.

Yes, sir, Bill answered.

I’ll bet he can! said Mr. Harrison. I move that we take Bill’s suggestion.

There was total agreement. The brief meeting was adjourned. After some discussion with Bill regarding his future plans following graduation, and after some hearty fun with Derek to assure that he knew he was accepted, the group disbanded. Bill and Derek exited as they had entered, on the outside stairwell.

That wasn’t so bad, was it? asked Bill as they walked through town. Bill’s parents lived along the same route Derek walked each day. You will like these members. They can teach you a lot about relationships and solving problems. You’ll be good at it, too,

Thank you, Derek said.

The remainder of the walk, he and Bill had talked about other things. That was the night Bill suggested Derek needed to get his driver’s license.

Are you free after school tomorrow night? Bill had asked.

He sounded thoughtful when he asked the question No, said Derek. Skinny has me working tomorrow night. I’m glad to have the job … real glad. But he sensed Bill’s thoughtfulness. Did you need something?

Bill removed a brochure from his pocket and studied the dates there. Well … how about Wednesday after school? he asked.

I can arrange to be available Wednesday afternoon. What can I do for you? Derek responded. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for this good friend.

I’ll meet you after school, said Bill. Have your birth certificate with you, he said.

What! Derek looked at Bill dubiously. You want to see my birth certificate? he asked.

Derek, said his friend. I want to take you up to the License Center in Clairton to apply for your driver’s license.

Derek was stunned and could say nothing. He had supposed he had no possibility of getting a license, as he had no vehicle to drive. His job at Skinny’s Market didn’t pay a lot. He saw little prospect of getting a car before he graduated next year.

I graduate in a few weeks, said Bill. I’ll be away from here much this summer. But you need your license, my friend. I’ll have a few weeks to teach you before I leave. My folks will want me home some this summer. We’ll take advantage of those occasions and get you driving. You can learn in my car. Maybe, with your job at Skinny’s and other work this summer, you can get yourself an old vehicle after you get your license.

Well …, Derek said quietly. I’d sure appreciate that.

Why was I surprised, he wondered? Bill has always been that kind of friend.

I’ll talk to my mother tonight, Derek had said.

Don’t forget, said Bill in parting.

I’m not likely to forget that.

Not likely at all, he thought, as he continued his walk home. I want my