Love Knows No Boundaries

By Pat Elliott

I actually wrote my book between 1986 and 1988 in Aiken, South Carolina, while my late husband was battling leukemia. Ive always wanted to write, so one day I just sat down and started jotting down notes. To my surprise, the words began to flow. I used bits and pieces of my real-life experiences, but for the most part, the book is fiction. The people are actually real people with fictitious names. The places are somewhat real.

I have written short stories for the most part until this book became my first real writing experience.

I did not complete the book until August of 1988 after the passing of my husband, but it just lay on my desk unpublished until I heard about Xlibris.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543417173

Pat Elliott

I have lived in Lexington, Ky for over 14 years now but prior to moving here I lived in South Carolina for about 19 years with my late husband and step-daughter. I did not attend college until I was 38 when I decided one day to go back to school with my major being Psychology. After my first year studying at University of Kentucky extension college in my home town we, (my late husband and myself,)moved to SC where I enrolled in the University of South Carolina only to have to put that on hold when my late husband became ill and I had to go to work and take care of him and my step-daughter. It was during those 2 1/2 years that I decided to write my book.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Pat Elliott.

Library of Congress Control Number:         2017906128

ISBN:                     Hardcover                     978-1-5434-1715-9

                                Softcover                       978-1-5434-1716-6

                                eBook                            978-1-5434-1717-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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.

Rev. date: 04/21/2017

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

I would like to dedicate my book to my late significant other, Art Herman and to his sister, Mildred Sweeten, who has become my Sister, as they encouraged me to finally ‘do something’ with my book.

CHAPTER 1

Charlene sat gazing out the window as the gentle, comforting breezes beckoned her to come frolic in the warm sunlight. Her thoughts were drifting as she saw young and lively couples twirling about in her mind. The girls were like fairy tale princesses, all arrayed in their ballgowns of silk, lace and ruffles. The boys were the princes who had come to claim them at this grand ball. They were dressed in all the finery of black tuxedos and stiffly starched shirts of varying colors.

The scene took her back to another time when she, too, was a princess who twirled to the soft love songs that were played and sung by her own high school vocal group. Her prince had been the captain of the high school football team.

Charlene Alterman, now a high school English teacher at the ripe age of twenty five, was daydreaming about the upcoming senior prom at Langley High. Just yesterday Mr. Tilson who was the principal at Langley, along with the remainder of the school board, had elected her to be the head of the decorating committee for the grand gala this year. They all knew that Charlene was the one for the job for she was so devoted to the youth of Langley, and had a way of coaxing them into attacking a project such as the prom decorating with all the fire and drive of an accomplished architect. In like manner, the youth of Langley High were just as devoted to her.

They not only respected her as a teacher, but also as a warm and compassionate humanitarian. She was forever listening to and advising them on their everyday personal problems. Sometimes she felt as if she involved herself too much for her own good. Her own personal life had been put on a shelf for some time now, but then that was Charlene Alterman. That’s what made her so special. She had always been one who could put her needs in the shadows while giving of herself to others. However, there were those secret times when she wondered if she would ever fulfill her own hidden desires, for she had a dream of finding her own Mr. Right and living happily ever after, wrapped safely in a cocoon of love. Once she had allowed her dreams to surface only to have them shattered before her very eyes. Never again, she reminded herself. The next time I won’t be so quick to give away my heart. In the days ahead, she would find herself eating those words.

Ms Alterman, Ms. Alterman, are you all right? A voice from out of nowhere rang in her ear. Startled, she turned to find one of her star pupils standing before her desk. It was the young Brent Hartley, vice president of the senior class who had drawn her attention back into the huge empty classroom. What has he come back for this time, she thought to herself. The bell had rung over an hour ago and she had dismissed her class for the week end, and now here stood Brent, a tall, bronze statue of a boy with dark auburn hair and dark brown eyes that looked like swirls of the finest chocolate and caramel, and a smile that would captivate the coldest of hearts. One could see at a glance why he was so popular with the girls at Langley High.

Why, yes Brent, I am fine. Just a bit of daydreaming. I’m afraid it seems to be one of my treasured luxuries in life these days. Now, what can I do for you? she asked. Well, I was wondering if you could give me a few pointers for this composition that you assigned us for Monday? Brent answered.

She told him to take a seat and that she would be with him momentarily, as she busied herself with the papers on her desk. As he walked over to the nearest seat, she thought to herself, Surely he doesn’t need much help with this work, he’s a straight A student, always perfect papers handed in. I could not be more pleased with a student’s work.

However, for months now, she had noticed a change in Brent. He had grown more and more serious, and appeared to have withdrawn himself from the rest of the students. Almost every day he would stay after school to help her with odd jobs. He would clean the blackboards, straighten the chairs, carry her books and attache case to her car. He always opened the door for her before she could reach out for the handle. Until today, it had never crossed her mind that he had deeper intentions, but for a reason she could not put her finger on, she felt quite uncomfortable as he sat there gazing at her.

Now where were we Brent? she asked as she nervously walked over to the desk where he was seated. In what way did you need my help?

Oh, it was really nothing Ms. Alterman, I think I have it figured out now, Brent replied, but may I walk you out? he continued as he stood up to leave. Standing so close to him, Charlene could almost feel the heat radiating from every muscle in his taunt bronze body. Feelings welled up within her that she had not experienced in quite some time. Shocked and embarrassed by this sudden outbreak of warmth she was feeling, she quickly turned to gather up her papers and her brown leather purse. Of course you may walk me out, she answered abruptly, trying to cover up her nervousness. The thoughts that were rushing through her mind were absolutely intolerable. Was he actually flirting with her? her thoughts raced on. "No, it can’t be, I’ve imagined it all, she concluded.

Brent took the books from her grip and they slowly proceeded to the parking lot and over to her red Cougar convertible. As usual, he opened the door and helped her inside. The softness of the warm leather seat made her feel safe and secure.

Ms. Alterman? Brent asked.

Yes Brent, what is it? she replied curtly.

Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say how very lovely you look today, he continued.

Why, thank you, Brent, she said, as she placed the key into the ignition and pulled quickly away from the curb.

See you on Monday, Ms. Alterman, Brent called out loudly as Charlene drove away. Relief, pure relief, she sighed as she drove down the highway, the wind blowing through her long brown hair.

It was the weekend and Charlene had planned to spend it leisurely for a change. She had lingered in the class to finish grading some test papers just for this purpose. She did not intend to carry her work home with her, nor did she intend to leave the sheltering walls of her modest cottage if at all possible. With this thought, she whipped into the little corner market to pick up a few items that she needed to make it through the weekend.

Back in the car, she hurried on down the highway. While she drove, she began to make a list of the many things she wanted to accomplish the next few days. She had longed to work in her flower garden for weeks now and had not had the time. She wanted to curl up in the warm summer sun with a good novel and just lose herself. Of course, she must not forget that Frosty, her adorable but feisty Old English Sheep dog was due a good shampooing and a long promised walk in the woods adjacent to her cottage. Frosty had been her trusted companion for three years now and it seems that he knew her better than anyone. He was always there at the end of the lane to welcome her home. He enjoyed chasing her speeding car up to the cottage. He would then greet her as she got out of the car with a huge leap and a lick on her cheek. Charlene wondered how she ever got along without such a companion. She could reveal her darkest secrets to Frosty without a worry of them being repeated. What a luxury! she said out loud to herself.

After Frosty’s hearty welcome, Charlene went into the house and dropped her books along with her purse onto the sofa and then proceeded to the small but adequately furnished kitchen and placed a kettle of water on the stove to heat. A cup of hot tea would be just the thing to relax her after a trying day at Langley. While the water was heating, she took a soothing hot shower and put on her cuddly yellow terrycloth robe. The folds of it felt so comforting as it draped her body. She turned to see herself in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. The sunlight was streaming into the room through the yellow organdy curtains that hung delicately at the window. Charlene studied the form she saw in the mirror. She was not an absolutely gorgeous creature, yet she was attractive enough. She stood five feet seven inches, had a medium frame that carried 125 pounds quite nicely. As for her upper torso, she had not been overly endowed, but she did have a tiny waist which eased into ample hips. Why couldn’t some of this have been placed up here? she spoke out loud as she patted first her hips, then her chest. She had never been quite satisfied with the course nature had taken, but then she did have a few good features. Her hair was a luscious, deep brunette that looked like the mane of a well groomed Tennessee Walking Horse. It was almost shoulder length and fell in lovely, soft waves that framed her face ever so gently. Her eyes were like brilliant pools of emeralds with a twinkle in them that would put Santa Claus’ to shame. Her nose was small and tilted upward just the right amount. She had a full, pouting type mouth that seemed to say, Kiss me!, but she had always tried to play it down to keep her out of trouble.

Charlene was a well-bred young lady who hailed from Burlington, Vermont. She had been taught to be a lady at all times and to never even think of sex before marriage. This she had accomplished quite nicely and she was very proud of her virginity. However, she had been through some ribbing from her older sister about it. Sam, as Samantha was called, had not been so eager to stay a wholesome girl. She had graduated from high school, left her hometown of Burlington and had been quite eager to indulge in all that life had to offer.

Nature had endowed Samantha with looks that would stop a jet airplane going 600 miles an hour and she played them to the hilt. She was not really wild, she merely enjoyed life to the fullest. She was now living in New Orleans where she was running an antique shop and doing quite well for herself. Why couldn’t I have just a touch of Sam’s charisma and charm? Charlene thought aloud to herself with a sigh.

It had been three years since she had seen Sam, and she missed her big sister very much. Three years ago they had buried both of their parents after a terrible plane crash. The incident had left Charlene devastated.

The teakettle began to whistle, letting her know it was time for that cup of tea she had promised herself. Frosty, let’s go make some tea and give Sam a call, she motioned to her friend.

With teacup in hand, she dialed the number 1-902-366-1192. I do hope she is home Frosty, she said as she turned to give him a pat on the head.

Good afternoon, Old South Antiques, came the voice on the other end of the line.

Samantha, how are you? It’s been so long since we’ve talked, Charlene replied with longing.

Charlene! So good to hear your voice. I was just saying the other day that I should ring you up and get the latest news from the home-front. Me, I’m doing just fine. The shop is doing great. Wish you could come for a visit. Maybe when school is out, Sam rattled on.

That’s a good idea, really sounds refreshing. I’ll think about it. Meanwhile, we are getting ready for the good old senior prom and guess who is being held responsible for all the decorating for it? You got it. Me again. Got any ideas? I didn’t think so. Oh, I have so much to tell you, but it will just have to wait. It would take too long on the phone. Hope to see you this summer. Take care of yourself and call me sometime, Charlene signed off.

Charlene and Frosty had built a small fire in the stone fireplace and the living room was all coxy now. The two of them were settled in for the late show on Channel 12. The network was showing an old love story, April Love, with Pt Boone and Shirley Jones. Charlene loved the old movies although, more times than not, she could not control her tears at the happy endings. She decided that she and Frosty should have some hot buttered popcorn to help the viewing of the movie, so off to the kitchen they went. The smell of the corn popping was almost too much for Frosty to bear.

Woof woof, he sounded off so abruptly that Charlene almost burned her hand on the hot pan.

Darn you, Frosty! she exclaimed in anger. If you don’t behave yourself I will eat all the popcorn by myself.

At this moment Frosty had tucked tail and run for the sofa. He knew better than to be too close around when Charlene raised her voice. If he were quiet for a while she would give in and share the treat. As Charlene entered the living room, Frosty let out a sigh that was so pitiful for her to refuse.

"Okay pal, I’m sorry I yelled at