A Heart Beat Away and Other Stories

By Melita Samuels

The story A Heart Beat Away depicts the challenges of a Jamaican family as they resolve to overcome obstacles to solve their socioeconomic problems. Here we encounter characters promoting virtues and values of gentility within an emerging middle-class structure.

The story pivots around Janice Henlon, the main character, who is an ambitious girl with high hopes and aspiration. This story reveals her strength of character and determination to triumph over adversities as she wends her way to a successful encounter.

Dying with Love
This short story reveals the importance of parental understanding and guidance for adolescence as they traverse the pathway to adulthood.

Broken Dreams
Broken Dreams is a story filled with disappointments and heartache for a young couple. It reveals how trust can be broken and hopes can be flushed away, but the real joy will appear to bring back hope and love to a troubled wife.

Second Chance
This is a superb love story that will thrill your heart and leave you astounded. It is a story of two lovers trying to recapture a romance of twenty-five years gone by. Will it be possible? Are they too late? Is the fire still burning? Stay with them and find out.

Fatal Mistake
As the adage goes, One should not make the same mistake twice. If you do, there will be consequences, regret, misery, and fatality. Think before you act.

That Mango Tree
Love will always conquer all in the end. Three cheers for love. Let us make it love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546220558

Melita Samuels

Melita Samuels is a sincere Christian who resides in Jamaica, W.I. Her philosophy is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. Psalm 92: 4 As an artist, a playwright, a director and writer of short stories, she has touched the lives of all who have encountered her artistic skills. She has served the Ministry of Education, in Jamaica for many years as classroom teacher, school principal and lecturer. The Calvary Baptist Church and The ST. James Retired Teachers Association (J.T.A.) are still obtaining benefit from her expertise as Playwright and Director

Book preview

© 2018 Melita Samuels. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse    12/21/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2056-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2055-8 (e)

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.

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.

Dedication

DEDICATED TO MY LOVING GRAND DAUGHTER

SHENEQUA EBONY CHANTELL SPENCE

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Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the following persons, without whom this work would not have been possible.

My daughter Fern Grace Marie Samuels-Spence, who, after reading these stories, encouraged me to have them published.

Cordel Samuels, my son, who encouraged me to write what I so desire, and never for a moment prohibited me.

Mrs. Lois E. McNeil-Pearson, who, after reading my first novel,

"A Girl Called Anne’, gave me glowing tributes and encouragement.

Such attributions given by her, motivated me to publish this manuscript, which I had lying idle for a long time.

Mrs. Lois McNeil-Pearson was also instrumental in giving me some guidelines in acceptable expressions in this novel. She has been a thorough proof-reader of this manuscript.

To my faithful readers, who, after reading my autobiography, A Girl Called Anne, waited patiently (or impatiently) for my next novel. I love you all and thanks for waiting. Happy reading.

Contents

1.     Dedication

2.     Acknowledgements

3.     Preface

4.     A Heart Beat Away

5.     Dying With Love

6.     Broken Dreams

7.     Second Chance

8.     Fatal Mistake

9.     That Mango Tree

10.   Epilogue

11.   About The Author

12.   To God Be The Glory

13.   Thanks Readers.

Preface

Jamaica of Yesteryears

T here has been significant improvement in the development of Jamaica over the years. In former years, the main recognized means of transportation by the common people between the capital city, Kingston and the second city Montego Bay, was by the rail road.

This railway line had its exodus in Jamaica, from 1845 and continued until 1992. While linking these two towns, starting from Kingston, it would embark and disembark at stations such as Gregory Park, Grange Lane, Spanish Town, Old Harbour, May Pen, Four Paths, Clarendon Park, Porus, Williamsfield, Kendal, Greenvale, Balaclava, Appleton, Magotty, Ipswich, Stonehenge, Catadupa, Cambridge, Montpelier, Anchovy, and finally to Montego Bay.

There were always two vehicles on the railway lines, the Diesel and the regular Train. The Diesel, the more sophisticated of the two would exit the Montego Bay station precisely at 6:45 am daily to arrive in Kingston at 2: 45 pm. While the Train, the less expensive mode would exit Montego Bay exactly 7: 30 am to arrive in Kingston at 3: 30 pm. It was often the more crowded of the two.

Montego Bay, had its fair share of rich history. The town square then called the Parade, was the mecca of activities. In and around the square were stores, offices, and the grand Albert Market. All streets led to the town square then, as there were no one way streets. Drivers could drive on both sides of the road coming and going.

The stores were owned by people of East Indian descent and the Assyrians who specialized in selling raw materials, (cloth) and shoes.

The raw materials would be sold to dressmakers. Dressmaking was a popular occupation then.

The offices around the town square were being occupied by Doctors and lawyers. It was real privilege for one to obtain employment in one such office. One had to be highly educated to obtain such employment.

Education had become the number one priority in these formative years. In the Government schools the examinations to be acquired were, The First Jamaica Local Examination, The Second Jamaica Local Examination and the well sought-after, The Third Jamaica Local Examination. Upon obtaining such qualification one could enter a College to be nurse or teacher.

The most privileged students could enter the High schools. These were very expensive and few in numbers. Some were owned by the Government while others were privately owned.

The final examination at these High Schools, would be The General Certificate in Education (GCE). With this qualification students could enter a University to be Lawyers, Doctors or any of the professions of their choice.

Jobs were scarce and most uneducated person created employments of their own. One popular employment was the selling of the News Papers. The most popular News Paper then was the Star News Paper. This was a must for each home. It was always in short supply. In the evenings, one could hear the sound- Star News, from afar and everyone would rush out to get the coveted copy.

The Star News Paper was the least expensive of the other papers, and would carry the local news, foreign news and juicy scandals. The star boys were popular as they hustle in the evenings to supply their regular customers.

These were the situations surrounding Janice Henlon, as she wended her way to the world of work and later slipped quietly into the role of womanhood.

Janice grew up in a ghetto, with single parent, but refused to allow these circumstances to hinder her in her search for a solution to end her poverty and to achieve her ambitions.

By sheer determination, she was not only able to improve her socio-economic status, but to improve also, the lives of all those who came in contact, with her.

Not even the undying love for John could deter her in her quest to achieve her goal.

A Heart Beat Away

Chapter 1

Reminiscence

T he year was 1961. Janice stepped from the diesel light heartedly.

She searched the crowd for one familiar face. At her feet were her weekend bag, a few paper bags and a bunch of oranges, that in a moment of anxiety she had purchased from a woman at the side of the diesel. The diesel was now speeding away to Kingston. She was alone. Why did I come? she asked herself. He said he would be here to meet me.

She hurriedly opened her bag again, took from it a crumpled envelope, carefully pulled out a letter and began to read. She looked at the street sign in front of her and smiled.

Yes, she was sure the letter said, meet me at May Pen Station, on the fifteenth of December, and this was indeed May Pen Station. But what if he did not show up? The diesel was now gone…should she take a bus to Kingston? Yes, there was a bus coming. The Romance! That bus will do. ‘Romance?’ the word was like a needle in her flesh.

She turned away sadly. On second thought, why Kingston? She knew just a few persons in Kingston. There was Aunt Gloria, the glamorous one. She did not even have her latest address. Aunt Gloria was an exuberant, young Aunt. She would understand. If only she knew where to find her.

Lady you stand up bad. Move from before me stall. She turned, and looked in the toothless mouth of a seller of fruits. But why you don’t move child? was the woman’s last remark.

I am sorry Madam was all Janice managed to say as the tears ran down her beautiful cheeks. She was at a loss for words. The entire scene was strange and uncomfortable for her, coming from the second city.

Quickly she moved away and joined a group of young boys quarreling over the previous night’s sale of the Star Newspaper. You owe me One Shilling, now you want to give me six pence said one. I borrowed three pence and I took two of your copies of the Star, remember Beny? Don’t I had given him back his money?, said the other. Beny replied, I was not looking, I was selling my Star. But alright Bobby, call that dead for you will get more than that from Ken. Bobby said, I want my money, or you will be sorry Mr. Ken Gordon. Remember what you got the other day".

Gordon, she mused, Could they be related? No, he was only a News Paper boy. It could not be. She looked closely at him for signs of resemblance. Oh bother, negroes all look alike, but those eyes, she reminisced. The first day I met John Gordon, how he laughed with those same eyes".

She was on her way to work. The traffic was very heavy in the Parade. She tried in vain to cross the street, each time looking at her watch. She was already ten minutes late when she left home. How Mummy begged her to eat some breakfast. I can’t, I am late Mummy, see you later she said as she ran from the house. She was so light hearted that morning. No wonder when the red Avenger stopped to let her pass, she looked intently at the driver.

He was young and attractive. Their eyes met, and he said, hi there, having a problem? No, I won’t, she replied, if you will just give me leave to cross the street. Hop in, he said, you seemed to be in a hurry. I will take you wherever you are going.

The line of traffic behind was a sight. The driver behind the red Avenger, blew his horn. A large grin crossed the face of the driver in the red Avenger. It was then that Janice knew that late or not she had to get in the car. She hopped in excitedly. Where to?’ he asked. Oh! have we met before?" Again, that provoking grin was there as he sped away with Janice questioning his motives.

Once again he thrilled her with that ever-to- be remembered smile. No, we have not met, Janice replied. And I am sorry to disappoint you, but I work just across the street. He looked at her as he smilingly said, That is alright I’ll take you there in style. The name is John, although the boys on the football team call me Sticky, what’s yours?

Janice’s heart skipped a beat as she answered, Janice, Janice Henlon. A pretty name for a pretty girl, John said. He drove around the round-a-bout. By then they were right at Janice’s office door. She opened the car door and was about to dash to her office when John said, Hey, not so fast, how about lunch? Ok, I go at 12: 30pm. There was that grin again as he leaned towards her and whispered, twelve thirty, sharp honey.

Janice entered the office that morning with singing heart. Not even the reprimanding voice of her Boss could still her emotion. Good morning Miss Henlon, I see you are late again. The Clients are waiting, and I had to be doing your work and mine. Mr. Brown, she said, apologetically, I am sorry Sir. You don’t look sorry Miss Henlon, not with that smile on your face".

Oh Mr. Brown, I am really sorry. I will try to be early from now on, she said as she got busy to take on the day’s task. Alright, don’t waste time arguing, please find the file for Mr. John Smith he said grouchily. At the sound of the name John, Janice jumped. "What is wrong Miss Henlon?’ her Boss asked. She told him nothing was wrong and that she would be ok in a minute. In his usual grouchy way, he told her nothing would suit him better as he had a busy schedule in front of him and there would be no time for moping.

For the rest of the morning Janice was in a state of ecstasy. How she longed for the hours to pass quickly, and how the hours dragged lazily along. She kept looking at the large office clock. At twelve thirty, she checked the number of clients. Only four to go and with Miss Menzie inside, she could take some time to enhance her appearance by putting on a new speck of lipstick. She could even add a little eye shadow to match her blouse. No, let me not over do it, or look too interested, she thought. Besides what would my friends think…I never wore eye shadow before. She hurriedly put the make-up kit away as she settled for a dust of powder instead.

Janice was back at her desk before the buzzer