Sunrise in Savannah

By DH Park

Sunrise in Savannah follows the highs and lows of the life of Jeremy Byron.

Having been removed from the home of abusive parents, Jeremy was sent to live with his less-than-enthusiastic grandmother in Savannah. Despite a difficult start to his life, Jeremy excelled in high school, gaining him admittance to Georgia Tech. Scholarships, and hard work allowed him to pursue his love of architecture.

The family of his college roommate, the Millers, all but adopted Jeremy as a third son. Graduation permanently took Jeremy back to Savannah where he joined a small architectural practice. Suddenly being left in charge of the practice at a young age, Jeremy grew and prospered.

Betrayal by someone close shook Jeremy to the very foundation of his being and threatened the family harmony he had grown to love.

A sudden visit from an unexpected visitor to his office forever changed Jeremy’s life.

Following the highlights and tragedies, the joys and sadness of this young man’s life will test all your emotions in Sunrise in Savannah.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796014051

DH Park

As a human resources executive for over thirty years, the author brings an extensive background in working with and counseling people. The son of a newspaper journalist, Park grew up in a family where travel to the south was a regular occurrence. This continues today. Drawing from personal experiences, family and friends, the characters are closely aligned to people who have come into his life over the years. Park strives to bring warmth, caring, and the importance of interpersonal connections to his writing. His successful books My Lifelong Friends, A Family of Friends, A Partnership of Friends and A Coming Together of Friends have been well received with excellent on-line reviews. The author has lived most of his life in southwestern Ontario, close to the American border. His extensive travels have taken him throughout the world. Decades of travel in the southern USA have included exploring Georgia, the south’s low country and Florida. Park has spent a considerable amount of time in Savannah, leading to the setting of Sunrise in Savannah.

Book preview

Prologue

A tropical storm battered the house. Rain that resembled horizontal waves howled past the partially covered-up windows.

I hope the roof holds, Maureen Reynolds said to her grandson. This seems a lot worse than they said it would be. I hope the power holds.

I wouldn’t count on the power, Jeremy replied. We stocked up on ice so hopefully we will be okay for a while even if it fails.

The house creaked and moaned under the pressure from the winds.

Jeremy Byron was seventeen-years-old and lived with his sixty-seven-year-old grandmother in a small post-war bungalow southeast of downtown Savannah Georgia on East 42nd Street.

Jeremy was one of those young men where people would ask, ‘how did he turn out to be such a fine young man, given his parents?’

At age twelve, he had been removed from an abusive home environment in Statesboro and sent to live with his grandmother in Savannah.

Maureen Reynolds was Jeremy’s mother’s mother. Maureen’s husband Ted had died of cancer at age fifty-seven.

Jeremy’s mother and father had been regularly high on various drugs and booze, typically unemployed and both neglectful and abusive to their young son.

Maureen had not seen her daughter in years when Jeremy was placed in her custody. She was a widow at the time, struggling to make ends meet. She really did not want what she perceived to be the burden of having her young grandson live with her, but, as he had nowhere else to go, she brought him into her home. Ted had left her with a small pension and some life insurance. The house had been paid for while they had both been working.

Maureen was not a doting, loving grandmother. She treated Jeremy well, but he was on his own a great deal of the time. He had been assigned chores around the house and ever since he had been fifteen, he worked after school some nights, plus some weekend hours at Wendy’s. Half of what he made went to Maureen.

Jeremy was good at accepting life as it presented itself. He never felt sorry for himself. He was extremely busy with school, chores and work.

The most important trait about Jeremy Byron was that he was smart; very smart. His IQ was above average. He excelled at school and was a straight A student. Math and sciences were his real strength. Architecture was his passion and he found Savannah to be fascinating. He was mature beyond his years. He loved to debate. Although somewhat quiet by nature, he had a dry sense of humor and a witty charm. Maureen had no idea where any of that had come from. It certainly was not from his mother or his father.

There goes the power, Jeremy said as Maureen groaned. It was almost dark outside, and Maureen turned on two of the four battery-operated lanterns she had always kept for times like this.

The wind seems to be easing a bit, Maureen said. Let’s hope the storm is moving out to sea.

There was very little damage. Power was restored the next day.

Autumn passed into winter. Christmas was quiet and uneventful. There was little open love or excitement in the house. Maureen did cook a turkey and two of her old friends came for dinner. Jeremy worked some of the day.

The following January, right after Jeremy’s eighteenth birthday, Marcus Schmidt flagged Jeremy as he was leaving class.

Can I talk to you after school or are you working? Marcus asked Jeremy.

Sure, I’m not working tonight, Jeremy answered. Where?

Just come here after your last class, Marcus suggested. I am free last period and will be here marking those tests.

See you then, Jeremy smiled.

Marcus Schmidt was Jeremy’s favorite teacher, a mentor and somewhat of a friend. High school had been Jeremy’s sanctuary for a normal teen life. It was a good school. Jeremy had many casual friends, no best friend.

Marcus was in his early thirties, married with two small children. He taught physics, one of Jeremy’s favorite and best subjects. He provided some adult male guidance to Jeremy.

At three-twenty, Jeremy entered Marcus’ class room.

Hey man, how was your day? Marcus asked.

Good, Jeremy smiled. What’s up?

I have those three scholarship applications here, Marcus replied. You have done all you can do. I have attached my glowing recommendations as have Mrs. Beadle and Mr. Cohen. They are signed and ready to go.

I really appreciate it, Jeremy said. No scholarship, no college for me. The student loans I can get still won’t pay my way to Georgia Tech. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

When he got home, Maureen showed little interest. She would have preferred that Jeremy just finished high school and got a job. At least with his choice of Georgia Tech, she would finally have her home back to herself as he went off to Atlanta. They hadn’t talked about it, but Maureen also expected Jeremy to find his own place if he stayed in town and got a job.

Maureen enjoyed her card games with her friends and spent time in activities at the seniors’ center. Having a now eighteen-year-old grandson boarding with her had somewhat disrupted her life. She certainly wasn’t close to Jeremy.

Before high school ended, Jeremy received the two pieces of news that would forever change his life. He was accepted to Georgia Tech in the architecture program and he received two large scholarships. One, the Eric McNeil Scholarship was for four years of funding. Even with the second scholarship, Jeremy would still have to work part-time somewhere and have a good summer job each year to manage without a massive student debt at the end.

Jeremy was disappointed with his grandmother’s reaction. She appeared to care less.

So, you will be leaving me and moving to Atlanta, Maureen stated. Will you be around this summer or are you moving before then?

That’s it? Jeremy asked. I know it has been a pain having me living here. For that I am sorry. Never the less, I thought some words of congratulations might be forthcoming Gram. I got admitted to a prestigious school and I got two good scholarships. With that he went to his room and did something he very rarely did. He cried.

Maureen knocked a couple of minutes later. Jeremy opened the door. I’m sorry Jeremy, she said. I am happy for you. Not many good things have happened in your life. You should be very proud of yourself. I have trouble understanding today’s young people. You are fifty years younger than me. I know living here has been difficult. You have somehow become an outstanding young man who deserves a life much better than you have had so far.

With that, they hugged. That was the first time since he had been taken there by Family Services six years previously.

Later that week, Marcus held a small celebration for his star student. Jeremy’s classmates and teachers attended after school. Usually quiet Jeremy beamed with excitement and pride. No one had ever done anything like that for him in the past.

Chapter 1

G raduation was a quiet affair. Maureen attended the ceremony with two of her friends. They took Jeremy out for supper to Olive Garden that night. The fact that Maureen did that surprised and pleased Jeremy.

High school was over. After thirty applications, Jeremy had a full-time summer job at a Savannah waterfront hotel’s coffee shop waiting tables. His fast-food experience was key. He let it be known that he wanted as many hours as he could get. He needed money. He did not have a social life.

Maureen agreed to a small monetary contribution for groceries as his only payment to her from his earnings. He would be gone in a couple of months.

Jeremy worked long and hard. His supervisors were impressed at his energy and commitment to doing a good job. He was friendly and very accommodating to the guests.

With his scholarships, a grant, a small student loan and his summer earnings, Jeremy could manage financially for his first year of college.

Maureen agreed to drive him to Atlanta to check into residence in August. She and her girlfriend Harriet were making it into a mini-vacation for three days.

Move-in day at Montag Hall was like scheduled chaos. Jeremy had far less than most people setting up their rooms for the year. He had a suitcase, a duffle bag and his laptop. Jeremy had bought a new pair of Asics and two new pairs of jeans plus a winter jacket that he never needed in Savannah.

Jeremy’s room was on the third floor. All rooms were double, and washrooms were communal in the center of the floor in the square building. There was also a small shared kitchen on the floor.

Jeremy was first to arrive in his room. He had little to unpack. Maureen dropped him, kissed him on the cheek and fled. Twenty minutes later, a tall lanky young man with a broad smile arrived, accompanied by a family unloading possessions.

Hi, I’m Jonathon Miller, Jon to the world, he greeted Jeremy.

I’m Jeremy Byron, Jeremy smiled back. Glad to meet my roommate.

These are my Mom, Dad and little brother Cameron, Jon said. Jeremy shook their hands.

Jon had a flat screen TV, microwave and mini-fridge plus three large suitcases of clothes.

Where’s all the rest of your stuff? Jon asked out of curiosity more than anything.

I don’t have anything else, Jeremy said.

Jon’s mother quickly dealt with the awkward situation. Well, Jon has more than enough for both of you. I didn’t know where all his stuff would fit.

I’ll be back shortly, Jon said. I have to get rid of these folks. The family said goodbye to Jeremy and everyone left.

Jeremy sat at his desk, connecting his laptop to wi-fi. He emailed a couple of his Savannah high school buddies who had gone off to other colleges.

In fifteen minutes, Jon was back. Well that was a tearful event for my Mom. Her first little baby leaves the nest.

Jon kicked off his Adidas and started unpacking his clothes.

They exchanged basis personal information. Jeremy briefly gave Jon a condensed summary of his rather sad life. He told it in a matter-of-fact tone, not in a woe is me tone.

Jon had a rather normal positive life growing up in Perry Georgia. His Dad was a plant manager and his Mom was an elementary school teacher. He shared Jeremy’s love of architecture. They would be in the same program. Jon had been a decent high school basketball player and loved watching football. He looked forward to the Georgia Tech home games.

Jeremy was much quieter than Jon. He hoped Jon would help him become more outgoing and sociable. He had never had the time or opportunity to party or socialize a great deal. He didn’t really know how to have fun.

Frosh week was a chaotic time of parties, activities, frisbee in the hallways, noise and laughter. Jeremy was exhausted. He was getting along well with Jon who hung around with Jeremy most of the time. They spent some alone time sharing more about their pasts and their aspirations.

Classes began. They could easily walk the short distance to the School of Architecture buildings east of their residence hall. Getting lost was common to most first-year students.

Jeremy rarely heard from Maureen. She did email every week or two but never called. Jeremy called Maureen weekly during September but ended the practice as they struggled for conversation topics. She showed very little interest in his life. He did keep in regular email contact with Marcus Schmidt, his former teacher.

Thanks to a glowing reference from the Savannah hotel, Jeremy managed to get a job two evenings a week plus one weekend shift at a good Atlantic Station restaurant waiting tables. Tips were excellent. It was not too far from the school.

In mid-October, Jon and Jeremy went out together for dinner on a Friday night.

I really like you Jeremy, Jon said. We have become good friends. I was nervous as to what my roommate would be like. It would be awful to be stuck with someone with who you didn’t like. Being the first time away from home, you have really helped me not feel lonely. I guess guys aren’t supposed to say this, but I was scared coming here all alone.

I never had many friends, certainly no best friend, Jeremy said. "You know my background. I struggled with no parents around and no real identity. You have become my best friend and have given me more of a sense of being normal. I had no expectations regarding roommates. It looks like they matched us up well."

I’m struggling with some of my classes, Jon said. You are a lot smarter than me. I’ve got to cut down on the weekend parties. You work and study all weekend. I party. I guess it’s easy to see why you do well.

I go to some parties with you, Jeremy smiled. You make me sound like a monk. I’m having fun. I just have never had a very active social life. I want to have some fun, but I am here to learn and excel so I can have a hell of a lot better life ahead of me than I have had behind me. I enjoy working part-time but I mainly do it to survive. I can try to help you with class material if you want.

I would appreciate it Jeremy, Jon said. Have you found any special female friend yet? I haven’t seen you bring anyone back to the room.

Unlike you, Jeremy smiled. I appreciate you coordinating your entertaining with my work schedule. No, I know the same group here in residence as you do, but no one special. I hope you don’t laugh at me, but I have never slept with anyone. Cripes, I’m eighteen.

I wouldn’t laugh, Jon said. I’m not much better. Prom night was it for me. I sure wasn’t the aggressor on that occasion, but it happened. She went off to school in Gainesville. Never heard from her again. No one here. All I’ve done in the room is make out a bit.

Mid-terms were upon them. They were tough. There was a need to filter out the serious students in the large first year class to a more manageable size for second-year and third-year classes.

Jeremy did very well. Jon did not.

What am I going to do? Jon asked, not necessarily to Jeremy, more to himself. Mom and Dad will kill me if I flunk out. They are footing most of the bill and I’m letting them down.

Jeremy was laying on his bed wearing a t-shirt and boxers. He was excited by his own grades.

I think you are letting yourself down as much as your parents, Jeremy said. He sounded more like a seasoned psychologist than a fellow student. I’m sorry Jon, but you still spend more time on your social activities and sports than on school work. The program is difficult. It takes a lot of work.

Yes mommy, Jon scowled. He got up and stormed out. He wasn’t going far as he was in his socks.

It was their first minor skirmish as roommates. As Jeremy was tying up his black shoes to head off to work, Jon returned.

Sorry Jon, Jeremy said as he stood to leave, It wasn’t my place to say that.

I’m sorrier Jeremy, Jon replied. You are right. I need to refocus here. There is still time to salvage this.

I’ve said before, I’m glad to help, Jeremy said. You just never ask. With that Jeremy headed off to work.

Jon buckled down and cut his social life to almost zero; football games and the odd night out with Jeremy and friends were all he did.

Jeremy’s contact with his grandmother had become a monthly email. He updated her on his life, she updated him on hers and neither really cared much anymore. For all intent and purpose, Jeremy was alone in life.

Jeremy spent at least two hours a week tutoring Jon. That combined with Jon’s new study routine was paying off. Jon was doing somewhat better on tests and lab work.

In mid-November, Jon asked Jeremy, What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

Nothing, I will be here, Jeremy said. I will work if they are open.

My parents are inviting you to our house if you would like to come, Jon said. I would like you to.

Jeremy’s initial reaction was to say thanks, but no thanks. He was a loner by nature and due to his background was used to having no one in his life. However, he needed to push himself.

That would be good, thanks, Jeremy smiled. I’ve never had a family Thanksgiving dinner.

Jon found that itself to be very sad. He realized how much he took for granted in his life.

On the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving Jon and Jeremy packed up a few things and went to the Greyhound bus station downtown for their ride to Macon. Jon’s Dad would pick them up there and drive the half-hour to Perry.

Adam Miller and his youngest son Cameron met Jon and Jeremy at the Macon bus depot just before noon.

Welcome boys, Adam smiled. I’m glad you came Jeremy. Let’s get out of here and we will stop for lunch out near the highway.

They stopped at Cracker Barrel. Jeremy tried to pay his own and Adam would have none of it.

By one-thirty they pulled into the driveway of the beautiful Miller home in Perry. It backed onto a golf course. Jeremy felt intimidated for some reason. He had never even been in a house like this.

Your home is beautiful, Jeremy said to Jon as they took their bags from the trunk of the car.

Thanks, Jon replied. I guess I’ve just taken it for granted.

Amy Miller came through to the foyer. Welcome Jeremy. We are so glad you came. She hugged Jon tightly. I miss you so much.

Jon lead Jeremy up the stairs to the guest room. It had its own bathroom. Jon and Cam shared a Jack and Jill bathroom between their bedrooms.

Dump your bag and shoes and I’ll show you my room, Jon said. He led Jeremy across the hall and did the same in his room. I’m glad the folks haven’t turned this into a den or sewing room," Jon laughed. He showed Jeremy some of his high school trophies and his portfolio of sketches of buildings that were impressive.

They went downstairs, and Amy asked them what they would like to drink. Both asked for Diet Coke.

Everyone gathered as Jon updated them when they asked him questions about school and his life in Atlanta. Cameron was sixteen and obviously an athlete too. Jeremy found him to be humorous and interesting.

Adam barbecued pork chops for supper. Anything homemade was a treat for Jeremy and Jon.

Jeremy was amazed at how much sincere interest Amy and Adam had in his life. No one other than his teacher Marcus Schmidt ever shown that before.

Thanksgiving was a fun day of visits from relatives and a huge dinner attended by two sets of grandparents. Jeremy felt good.

On Friday, Jon showed Jeremy his high school and they drove around Perry. Dinner was again a barbecue.

On Saturday, they played touch football with some of Jon’s friends who were also home for the holiday.

On Sunday, they packed up early for the trip home.

Thank you so much for inviting me here, Jeremy said as they left. I had a great time. It was so good to be with a happy family. That was a new experience for me.

We loved having you here Jeremy, Amy smiled. Jon really lucked out having you for a roommate. You are a fine young man. Please come back. She hugged him.

In Macon, Adam said goodbye as they boarded the bus.

By two in the afternoon, they were back in their dorm room. Jeremy was very quiet.

Are you okay? Jon asked. You are very quiet this afternoon.

I’m fine, Jeremy answered. Being with your family just really brought to the forefront how much I have missed in life. Things you take for granted are alien to me. I had never even been inside a house as big or nice as yours, even though I realize it is a relatively normal suburban family home. Having loving parents and a brother are something I just can’t relate to. I appreciate you giving me the chance to be a part of it for Thanksgiving.

My parents really like you, Jon said. Everyone was glad to have you there. When my Mom said you would always be welcome, she meant it.

A week after Thanksgiving, Jeremy got an email from Jon’s mother asking him if he would join them for Christmas. Jeremy had nowhere to go. Maureen had indicated she was going to Florida with her friends.

Your Mom invited me for Christmas, Jeremy said to Jon. I don’t want to infringe on a family celebration like that.

It had better be you, not me, telling Mom you are turning down her southern hospitality, Jon laughed. They want you to go, as do I. You’ve quickly become my best friend.

Thanks Jon, Jeremy replied. I feel the same way. I would like to go. I don’t have any good clothes. I need to get some presents.

You idiot, Jon replied. You don’t need either. They certainly don’t expect presents. Although we have never swapped any clothes, we are similar sized. I can lend you anything, although I can’t imagine any real need to dress up.

And so, it was set. Exams finished. Jeremy managed to buy small gifts for everyone, including Jon’s younger brother Cam, and they set off to the bus station again on December twenty-third.

As Adam was working, Amy picked them up in Macon. Her school term had ended the day before.

We are so glad you came, Amy smiled and said to Jeremy as she gave both Jon and Jeremy a hug.

Thank you for asking me, Jeremy said. This will be a new experience for me. Inwardly he was nervous. He couldn’t really explain why.

Jon’s aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents visited over the holiday period.

On Christmas Eve, they all went to church. Jeremy had never been a regular church-goer, but Maureen initially insisted he accompany her for the first few years he lived with her. Jon loaned him a tie and dress shoes.

Christmas morning was a new experience for Jeremy. Everyone had risen by nine in the morning. Jeremy showered and pulled on his underwear and socks. He stuck his head out the door to make sure no one was in the hallway and knocked on Jon’s door. Jon was up and dressed in a t-shirt and sweat pants.

I didn’t know what to put on this morning, Jeremy said. And, Merry Christmas.

Jon looked at him, laughed and said, A little more than that. I’m going down like this. So, anything you want to wear will do. And, Merry Christmas to you too.

Jeremy went back and pulled on a blue t-shirt and jeans and joined Jon to go down to Christmas.

Amy had made coffee; orange juice was out, and muffins and bagels were set on a platter.

Merry Christmas boys, Adam and Amy said at the same time. Adam asked, Did you see any sign of that slug of a brother up there?

He was in the shower when we came down, Jon replied.

They sat and had breakfast. Cam joined them before they finished.

Presents! Cam hollered after everyone had eaten. They all went through to the family room where the Christmas tree was lit. Piles of gifts lay under the tree.

Adam, as per custom, sat on the floor by the tree and played Santa.

Jeremy had bought chocolates for Amy, an LED flashlight set for Adam, a McDonald’s gift card for Cam which was taped to a box of cookies, and a Georgia Tech scarf for Jon for the odd cold winter day in Atlanta.

Jeremy could only ever remember receiving one gift each Christmas with Maureen. It was always the same, a box of mixed candied nuts. She bought the same gift each year, presumably because she knew he liked them. As a child with his parents there had been Christmas’ when he received nothing, particularly the last three years with them. Nothing.

Well there seem to be things here for Jeremy, Adam said as he passed gifts to Jon to give to Jeremy who was seated next to him.

The Millers gave Jeremy a blue Nautica shirt and Nautica crew socks. Jon gave him a faux leather school portfolio case. Santa gave him a gift card for Target.

Jeremy sat in silence. A tear rolled down one cheek.

What’s wrong Jeremy? Amy asked. Don’t you like your gifts?

I’m so sorry, Jeremy said. I didn’t mean to spoil this happy Christmas morning.

You certainly haven’t spoiled it, Adam said. What’s wrong? Talk to us.

It’s just that I’ve never really had Christmas presents, Jeremy said quietly. Before I was taken from my parents and sent to my grandmother’s place, there were Christmas days when I didn’t receive anything. Then, during the six years at her place she gave me one box of nuts, the same ones every year. There was never any real Christmas joy or love. Then I come here, and you welcome me to your family in your beautiful home and give me all these gifts. I have just been overwhelmed. It means so much to me. Thank you all.

Jon started it when he turned to Jeremy and, for the first time since they met, hugged him tightly. Adam pulled Jeremy up and Amy and Adam hugged Jeremy. Even Cameron gave him a loose, brief hug.

You make us appreciate how blessed we are, Amy said. You made our Christmas very special. You brought us lovely gifts which you shouldn’t have done but we so appreciate. We know funds are tight for you. It was so nice of you. You have made our holiday special. Thank you for being with us.

Adam knew the mood needed lightening. Okay you slugs, help me clean up all this paper and crap. Then we can all work to help Mom get things ready for the dinner later. There is a lot to do.

Christmas dinner included Adam’s parents plus Amy’s sister, husband and son. There were ten of them. A huge turkey. Laughter. Love.

On December twenty-seventh, Jon and Jeremy returned to Atlanta to focus on school work.

Chapter 2

T he new year did not start particularly well for Jon. His marks were mediocre at best. Jeremy had typically superb results.

I don’t know if I can stay in this program, Jon said to Jeremy the night that he had received his marks. They were sitting on their beds looking across at each other. Jon buried his face into his hands. I don’t see how I can work any harder. I study. I do the work required. You help me. I am giving it everything I have.

I don’t know what to say, Jeremy replied. I know you are working hard. You do okay in the design courses. It’s the stats and math areas where you seem to struggle. You have really improved. Have you talked to a counselor? I think you need to take that step. I will butt in personally and say you should talk to your folks. I know you haven’t.

I don’t want to disappoint them, Jon replied. They knew how much I wanted to be an architect and footed most of the bill for me to be here. I will talk to a school counselor first. Thanks for your support.

Jon, you know I will do everything I can to help, Jeremy said.

The options were few for Jon if he was to try to change programs. He could change his architecture major to a minor, but that isn’t what he wanted to do in life. He could look at other colleges and other program but didn’t want to do so, nor did he want this to be a wasted year.

As the school year wore on, Jeremy continued to help Jon who was doing somewhat better. Jon took Jeremy out for Jeremy’s nineteenth birthday.

An added bonus of Jeremy’s Eric McNeil Scholarship was a guaranteed summer job in the Jacksonville Florida offices of AB&D & Associates. This was the firm that sponsored the scholarship in memory of their former co-op student from Georgia Tech who was killed in a car accident near campus. All he needed to do was maintain a minimum of a B average, something of no concern to Jeremy.

Jon would go and work all summer in his father’s manufacturing plant in Perry on a packing line. He would get no additional architectural exposure.

For Easter, Jon and Jeremy again went to Jon’s parent’s home.

The school year ended. Jeremy was near the top of his class. Jon managed to make it to the middle of the pack.

Jon and Jeremy decided they would rent an apartment together next term. They sourced a place within sight of their residence, across the major street and barely off-campus. It was theirs on August first.

Jeremy would be working with a third-year architecture student at AB&D. As a first-year student, he would be assisting and doing leg work with no projects of his own. The company rented him one of the studio apartments that they owned almost next door to the office at a very low rate. As they had grown significantly over the years and regularly had students working for them they increased their ownership of small apartments in that complex from two to four this year. Jeremy would have his own home for the first time ever.

Jon and Jeremy left for their summer jobs early on a Saturday on the bus and said goodbye in Macon. Jon’s parents picked him up there. Jeremy changed buses to go to Savannah, then to Jacksonville. The Millers took many of Jeremy’s possessions to their home for summer storage, so he only had to take clothes and his laptop to Jacksonville on the buses. He had bought a few more clothes to dress in business casual every day.

I will come down soon, Jon said. Dad said I can borrow his or Mom’s car if I am a good boy.

I look forward to seeing a friendly face, Jeremy smiled. Don’t work too hard.

Jeremy endured the grueling bus trips and arrived in Jacksonville at five-thirty that night. He splurged and