A Shift in the Stars

By Dr. Antonio Carvajal and Marlon Jensen

A Shift in the Stars is a novel that involves several, different families. Some individuals within each family have unique challenges, experiences, and triumphs throughout their intertwined lives that stretch from Texas to California.

This novel paints a portrait that has contrasting highlights and shadows that surround love, marriage, faith, culture, family, career, and health. When changes happen very suddenly and unexpectedly, it leaves the characters struggling to maintain their faith in the expression that everything happens for a reason.

The challenges of relationships, mental health complications, childhood disabilities, and familial dysfunctions are paramount struggles that unfold throughout the novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543421699

Book preview

A SHIFT IN THE STARS

A Novel

BY

DR. ANTONIO CARVAJAL AND MARLON JENSEN

Copyright © 2017 by Dr. Antonio Carvajal and Marlon Jensen.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2017907193

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-5434-2171-2

            Softcover      978-1-5434-2170-5

            eBook         978-1-5434-2169-9

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: 05/15/2017

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

758137

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PART ONE

Chapter 1   It was love within seconds

Chapter 2   Tenacity has its reward

Chapter 3   Dinner at seven for seventeen

Chapter 4   No more shoes for Saint Estelita

Chapter 5   Graduation days

Chapter 6   The river walk

Chapter 7   Hello again

Chapter 8   The Abduction

Chapter 9   Punitive consequences

Chapter 10   Don’t mess with Texans

Chapter 11   The art of adding insult to injury

Chapter 12   Painful reflections

Chapter 13   The penalty

Chapter 14   Into the cage

PART TWO

Chapter 15   It is funny and sad how time slips away

Chapter 16   Friendships

Chapter 17   Finding the meaning of life

Chapter 18   The wedding plans

Chapter 19   The wedding

Chapter 20   A farewell to arms

PART THREE

Chapter 21   Inevitable Changes

Chapter 22   Wrong dreams

Chapter 23   Meeting of the hearts

PART FOUR

Chapter 24   The agony of reality

Chapter 25   Free again

Chapter 26   Another Healthy Turn

PART FIVE

Chapter 27   Yesterday arrived again

Chapter 28   Necessary trust

PART SIX

Chapter 29   A five ring circus

Chapter 30   The morning of the carnival

Chapter 31   The party is over

Chapter 32   Seven happier days

Chapter 33   Brutal realities

Chapter 34   A slant of sun

Chapter 35   The proof is in the pudding

Chapter 36   Welcome home Andy

Chapter 37   A Season to remember

Chapter 38   Assessments

Chapter 39   Post assessment parental conference:

Chapter 40   Healing steps

Chapter 41   In search of meaning

Chapter 42   The long and wonderful summer

BIBLIOGRAPHY

END NOTES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Completing a novel written by co-authors was just short of being a miracle. It required immense self-discipline and commitment from the authors, along with the abundant support and dedication from very special individuals that believed in the importance of the story we have created.

Marlon Jensen, the co-author of the book, took on the responsibility to review the initial drafts that were read by my wife Joan, my daughter Carmela, and my son Marc Anthony. Because of their literary talents and meticulous critiques, Marlon and I were inspired and encouraged to move forward. We read and studied their literary critiques, chapter-by-chapter. After the second cycle was completed, the final product was scrutinized and completed by us. We repeated the same cycle for each of the forty chapters that unfolded our story.

After three years of preparing and completing the final product, each of us is proud of our literary product and hope that you value and embrace the story with the same genuine passion in which it was written.

doodad2gray.tif

To the memory of my mother

Consuelo Lopez Carvajal

doodad2gray.tif

How did I slip and fall, without any thought at all.

This should have been my time, it’s over, it never began.

I tried to blame it on fortune, some kind of shift in the stars.

But now I know the truth and it haunts me, its flown just a litle too far.

Verdi: Aida

doodad2gray.tif

PART ONE

doodad2gray.tif

Author’s note:

In some situations in this book, names have been changed to protect identity.

CHAPTER ONE

It was love within seconds

No Pa! She is the most fantastic girl I have ever met!

Joseph’s best friend, Ruben, told him exactly that, each time he went to the burger place after their games that she is always on the lookout for him.

Joseph rattled on to his father, Ruben says she goes there to wait to see if and when I go through the doors…I don’t know who she is or where she lives, but I do know that I like her very much and that she likes me too.

Joseph was desperate for an audience. Lorenzo, his arrogant attorney father who always spoke with a flare of legal jurisdiction, sternly responded with his usual firm, Cayate! Whenever his dad uttered the Spanish word for ‘shut up,’ he meant it.

The family dog, Golon, concealed her face with her paws, hoping to remain invisible to the merciless conflict. The dog may have been fearful that Lorenzo knew that she was expecting a third litter of puppies. Lorenzo had warned her the last time she had a litter of nine puppies, as if she could understand, that it would be the last straw. The next straw would break the camel’s back and she would have to leave the home.

After five minutes of awkward silence, Joseph’s mother, Estela, walked in with her usual demeanor of confidence and cheerfulness. What is happening here? she asked.

She probed further, I heard the word ‘Cayate’ and knew it was addressed to my Jose.

Immediately, Estela’s eyes focused on Joseph’s father. Lorenzo, what is my Jose saying this time that is so upsetting to you?

Estela then waited for his Lorenzo’s reply before speaking her piece. When his time to respond had expired, she poured out, All of a sudden I walk in and both of you clam up. Tell me, what was he saying that required him to stop the conversation so suddenly?

Joseph felt confident that he could respond to her question, after all, Lorenzo probably didn’t think she was done yet. Joseph quickly intervened on his father’s behalf, Ma, I was just trying to tell Pa that I had met a very nice girl at the charcoal burger place and I felt that she also…

Lorenzo snapped his fingers, causing Joseph to cease mid-sentence. Joseph knew it was time to leave the room after having the usual snap in front of his face. Estela was disappointed. Lorenzo, why are you so unreceptive anytime he wants to talk to you?

Once again, she didn’t wait for him to respond. No tienes pacensia! Dejalo que hable! she barked. (You have no patience! Let him talk to you!)

Estela’s intense gaze forced Lorenzo’s response, Vieja, this is my business. Anytime he goes out anywhere he comes back with a stupid topic of meeting a new girlfriend.

Lorenzo continued, I wish he would bring us news of how he did at school, but every time I ask him, he just shrugs his shoulders as if he was a mute. He is already sixteen years old and should be thinking about college. Estela resisted the urge to defend her son while Lorenzo continued, When I was sixteen and a sophomore in High School, I already knew that I was destined to be an attorney. Even Xavier had started talking about college at his age and now that he’s 18 he has already applied to several colleges.

Estela was about to interrupt Lorenzo when he cut her off, He has never talked the silly way that Joseph does about falling crazy in love. Joseph should be talking about looking crazily for a summer job…not about some high school brujas (witches).

Estela respectfully listened to his plight as he went on.

Perhaps my education at St. Vincent, with the guide of the wonderful priests and nuns, was what gave us the opportunity to be thankful for education.

Lorenzo’s input had gained much vigor, That is why I have accomplished my goals in life. Each year I was awarded honors for perfect attendance, best grades in math and language, and I remember to this day, the certificates of achievement I was given for the excellent grades…

Estela couldn’t endure the speech any longer and decided she had to interrupt him. She had heard his song and dance of perfection for years. She stopped him by insisting that everyone get busy and to help set the table to prepare the prayer readings prior to dinner. At least once a week they were expected to recite the rosary.

Even though Estela had also had the privilege of attending Catholic private education, she knew that her husband’s inclinations for obligation and responsibility were extreme. His rigorous Catholic oratories were intense and unyielding. The family knew when it was time for the dinner hour. Estela looked forward with great anticipation to the hour when everyone prepared for prayers. It was only then that she could escape to the kitchen, her temporary sanctuary.

Estela had an uncanny ability to swiftly leave Lorenzo talking to himself. She wondered if this was the way attorneys learned the art of dispute and intimidation in a live courtroom. She also wondered how Lorenzo could inspire Joseph and his younger brothers; Francisco, Martin, and Xavier. It was during these times of complex wonderment when she would gesture her favorite Valgme Dios, ayudeme Diosito. (Oh my God, please help me.)

doodad2gray.tif

After dinner, Joseph was intent on continuing his rambling. He had learned that being selected as a dish washer for his mother allowed him the time to resume their private conversations. He knew that his mother would listen. She always did. Even so, he meekly murmured, Mom, mami, mamasita, yo me muero sin verla. (Mom I feel like dying when I don’t see her.)

Estela’s curiosity had been piqued, Oh really? Does this mystery girl have a name?

Joseph replied, Si mama, I think she was named after an angel. Her name is Katherine.

Unlike her impatience with Lorenzo, Estela was patient with Joseph’s need to speak. Joseph continued as she listened, I feel no pulse. Please listen to me. I don’t know nothin’ about her, but sometimes I catch a glimpse that she is looking at me through the corner of her beautiful green eyes.

Joseph’s murmur changed to an excited bursting, She has two eyes and I know that she reserves one eye just for looking at me and the other eye she uses to see her friends when they chatter.

Estela worried that he could pass out mid-sentence as his babbling continued, One day when I walked to the counter to order a burger, I made sure that she would notice me by walking right in front of her table to play the juke box.

Joseph spoke of an occasion where he was asked by one of her friends to make the song selection connected to the ‘D4’ button. He told his mother that he always selected ‘D4’ for two months after that. I will never forget the song as long as I live, he told his mother.

Estela asked him what it was called. Joseph was clearly intoxicated with love and responded, I don’t remember what it’s called, but she seems to like it a lot.

Joseph told the love story with unwavering detail, I started the song and looked over to the booth where they sat. He paused with a smirk and placing his hand over his heart he said, It was at that very moment that I knew she felt the very same way that I do because I saw her staring at me with both of her loving eyes. Estela was not prepared to hear him say, It was at that time that I thought I was going to die.

Joseph’s mother was an angel of mercy on earth. In her own mind, she reminisced on how and when she met Lorenzo and thought of the power of love they both felt for each other. She refused to steal time from Joseph’s rambling about his precious memory of locking eyes with his dream girl. She knew that he would have gone on for an eternity if her other three sons would not have rescued her from the conversation by arriving with their rambunctious buddies.

Estela promised Joseph that another chapter would soon continue. She promised him that some evening they would find time to talk. It was that very night that Joseph unrealistically imagined that his wonderful mother would arrange to meet Katherine’s mother to plan a wedding. He even planned to search for a summer job.

The Charcoal Broiler hamburger place was the usual hang out for Joseph’s Friday nights. It became a haven for high school kids to hang out. His home town of Richardson, Texas, had three very small High schools; Richardson High Independent School, The Crowning King Baptist High School, and St. Vincent Catholic School. Both of Joseph’s parents had graduated from St. Vincent.

doodad2gray.tif

It was clearly evident that during the time that Joseph was enjoying his teenage years, dating relationships were established more quickly than they would have been in his parent’s youth. Joseph knew they had grown up with different values and traditions. He felt helpless to make them accept or understand his love life.

By the time Joseph was entering his sophomore year at Richardson High, Xavier was starting his senior year. Joseph had made enough progress in knowing and learning about Katherine and still remained madly in love with her. Katherine had a sister named Nelda who was her confidante and provided remarkable assistance in sharing the personal information about Katherine that Joseph desired. She reported to him on a weekly basis. She informed Joseph that Katherine was a sophomore at The Crowning King Baptist High School. It was sponsored by the very church where her dad was the pastor.

Joseph absorbed his secret information by becoming sort of a ‘Columbo’ himself. He researched what the pastors valued, and why they were not priests. Two of his closest friends even attended church to gather information about Katherine’s father, Pastor Gregory Miller. They learned that Katherine’s mother, Doris, listened respectfully and admirably each time that her husband spoke during his sermons. The importance of family values was reiterated each time he spoke. Doris was the music director and also served as a social coordinator for the congregation. The church, under the guidance of Katherine’s parents, Gregory and Doris, was a reflection of Love and comfort for the Baptist Community.

The importance of Family was a value both of Katherine’s parents and Joseph’s family stressed in their homes. The teachings of the Baptist Doctrine and the Catholic Doctrine both embraced the inculcation of the importance and sanctity of marriage. There was no doubt that this aspect in life was of paramount importance in building spiritually healthy families.

CHAPTER TWO

Tenacity has its reward

The emotional confrontation Joseph attempted with Lorenzo, left him feeling sour for about a week. Joseph knew he had to come back to win the second round. He was determined not to surrender to his dad the way he usually did. With the strength and confidence he gained from his mother Estela, he felt the power to push forward. Still, he knew that he had to prepare himself mentally by speaking to his mother first.

Mom, I know why I have never seen Katherine at our school. You know why? He answered before she had a chance to speak. My brother, Xavier, and his buddies learned that Katherine goes to a different school, kind of like the one that you and dad went to.

Joseph elaborated, Her father is not a priest where she goes to school. He is sort of like a priest and works at the church.

You mean he’s a Pastor? Estela asked.

Si, Mama. Katherine and her sister, Nelda, work there too. Katherine is sort of like a secretary, and her sister Nelda helps their mother decorate the church…oh and she belongs to the pastor!

You probably mean that the pastor is married to Doris.

Yes, Doris and the pastor Gregory are married.

Estela stressed firmly, Joseph, Doris does not belong to the pastor. A wife does not belong to a husband. You have to get that straight. Women are not cattle. Please understand that, Mijo.

Joseph knew he had to give his mother a minute to chill out. Joseph knew his mother’s temperament. Two minutes later, she was back to fishing for information. Do you know what church it is? she asked.

Oh, I don’t know the name of the church. I know where it is though. I have walked ’round there many times. One day Katherine and I even met each other in front of it. Estela could tell that he was day-dreaming again as he continued, She smiled at me and asked me to come in.

Estela did not approve of Joseph’s next expression, I felt like dying completely. He always spoke to her with detailed exaggeration and added, I could not move a muscle.

All of a sudden, Estela could see Joseph’s demeanor change as he said, Then the priest came out and invited me in, to come to God’s temple. Joseph confessed, I fibbed to him Mama. I told him I had to get groceries for you. I was shaking all the way back home. I even forgot my bike in front of the church school. I was too scared to go back, so I waited two days. By that time, Katherine’s dad, the priest…I mean pastor… had placed my bike in the basement of the school.

Estela was always warm with Joseph, Goodness Mijo, what did you do?

Well, her mother brought the bike to me.

That was kind of her.

Yes, she is a very nice and clean lady. She invited me to come in for lemonade.

Estela listened patiently while Joseph explained the scenario, I felt like that was going to be my last day on earth, but I told her that I had to get back home to get a list for groceries for you because you needed to make dinner. Estela could see the love sickness in his eyes again when he said, I looked back and saw Katherine looking at me with a smile on her face.

Over time, Estela learned exactly who Katherine was, who her parents were, and that Pastor Miller and his wife, Doris, were well known and much respected in the Baptist community. Their leadership in fundraising for their church and school was well known and respected by the small town of Richardson. During the summer months they coordinated festivals and picnics which were attended by families throughout the community.

doodad2gray.tif

Joseph’s entire family visited one of the festival events initiated by Katherine’s church. Joseph found the festival boring. That particular week, through his school’s athletic department, he was required to attend and be part of the team that helped construct the booths for various attractions. He had planned on participating for two hours and then would return to his high school for early football practice.

I hope Katherine is impressed with my participation.

During his ‘Houdini’ escape, he was suddenly encountered face to face with the girl of his dreams. Katherine was lovelier than he remembered. They were both in a sudden state of shock. He quickly rushed to his mother, Estela, took her by her arm and together they walked towards Katherine. Joseph introduced his mother to Katherine and silently slinked away. Moments later, after pleasant socializing, Katherine and Estela were confused by Joseph’s sudden disappearance.

Joseph panicked when he saw his dad and his two younger brothers, Martin and Xavier, walking towards Katherine and his mother. He suppressed his instinct to run. Instead, he reappeared back into the presence of his mother and Katherine as quickly as he had left. Estela, realizing Joseph’s emotional uncertainty, placed her hand around his shoulder. Lorenzo seemed to be walking in slow motion towards them. Finally, Joseph heard his dad utter sounds of courtesy, What a day for a festival!

Estela humored Lorenzo with small talk, Yes… Oh by the way, this is Katherine, Joseph’s friend. At that very moment, Xavier became some sort of savior to Joseph as he grabbed a nearby girl by the hand and brought her over. She was a girl the family had not seen or heard of before. Joseph was relieved that his father’s attention was redirected. Xavier introduced his friend, Gwen, to his mom and dad. Estela, being the master of etiquette, turned to Lorenzo and mistakenly introduced Katherine to him for a second time.

Before Lorenzo could begin interrogating Joseph about his friend, Estela encouraged the group to move to a shady spot under an elm tree. Like his father, Joseph knew how to seize an opportunity. He quickly attempted to excuse himself to provide assistance to folks that were struggling to keep a nearby booth from collapsing. No such luck. Katherine interrupted and joyfully announced, Oh, you know who I see? My mom and dad are here with my sister, Nelda.

Katherine’s exclamation marked a catastrophic moment of pure disaster for Joseph. Total hell. He knew that not even the members of the United Nations, which he had recently learned of in his history class, could have dealt with the intricate social and political dynamics that were forecasting his doom.

Papa! Joseph exclaimed, That is Mr. Miller. Joseph nervously watched as his father gallantly introduced himself to Gregory and his family. Joseph released an inaudible moan of discontent as his father unfolded his shirt sleeves to show off his expensive cuff links. It appeared as if he were about to go for the kill in front of a jury. This was Lorenzo’s forte and he knew exactly how to unfold the drama. Gregory gently reminded Joseph, It’s Pastor Miller, young man.

Lorenzo was attempting to vocalize a defense for Joseph’s naivety, when a large black bird shat a huge dropping on his head. The pastor and his wife, Doris, quickly offered to clean the white excrement from his head. The kids, every single one of them, laughed with sincere appreciation for the bird that broke the ice. Estela erupted with laughter, and the illustrious lawyer joined in to save face.

When the debacle ended, Estela invited Katherine’s entire family for dinner. It was a perfect way to redefine the complexity of the day and her elegant way to extend her courtesy to the entire group. She sent out a formal invitation to everyone for the following Saturday.

doodad2gray.tif

Three days before the dinner, Doris had called to inquire if there were any items she could bring aside from the seven pies she had already baked or the homemade ice cream she’d bring for dessert. Estela was grateful of her generosity. Estela’s English delicacy, beef wellington, which was served with simmered gravy, homemade rolls, and three other side dishes, would be enough to serve an army. Doris knew that Estela and her daughters would be enormously busy for hours.

Estela was an artful planner. She had been accustomed to host various exquisite dinners for numerous attorneys and legal personnel for her husband. She was a master of organization and management, which was possible for her to accomplish almost anything by assigning the family to perform tasks, which she had meticulously identified for each member. Xavier was put in charge of writing names in calligraphy, mailing the invitations, preparing the table settings, and arranging the dining tables and chairs. Joseph and Martin were obedient assistants to Xavier’s reining management.

Joseph’s sisters, Rebecca and Jane Ann, were assigned to assist their mother in the kitchen and complete the decorations in the immense dining room. Estela assigned Lorenzo to be responsible to prepare the pre-dinner cocktail and wine glasses to be served