The Gypsy Cried: A Writer’s Fantasy

By Michelle Wynne

Suzie finds herself alone on Christmas eve and her thoughts wonder to the love of her life. She was still waiting for him to keep his promises. She decides to start writing a book about their love. She would make him bigger than life and no one would know what details were real. It would begin in the 60's, just prior to the sexual revolution.

The book continues until she finishes their story. She does not know how to end it because, in actuality their story hasn't ended. She sends the book to a publisher and luckily is published.

In the time they are not together, they have difficult lives and obstacles to overcome. She ends up in a bad marriage and he ends up on the front lines of Vietnam. They both have baggage placed on them by their fathers. She feels she must remain a virgin until she is married, and his dad told him not to buy a pair of shoes without trying them on because of his genital endowment.

The book is well written and easy to love. It has a fantastic ending. It spans a lifetime in the two main characters, beginning at the young age of 19. There is also an encounter with a gypsy who said they could only be happy, in the sunshine, by the sea.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796057409

Michelle Wynne

Michelle is a 76-year old divorced Christian Country Lady who finally has her children raised so she can pursue a writing career. She has many creative ideas, each using a different backdrop. Her stories have realistic characters, are well researched, and acknowledgments made when needed. Michelle has taken every English and/or writing course available at the local community college, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Her professors told her she excels in being able to tell a story through dialogue; and one of her writing assignments may be used in a future English textbook. She wrote a 3000-word essay using the poem, "Little Red Wagon," which only contains 15 words. By researching the poem, and looking up each word in the dictionary, she created a very unique connection. Michelle has worked in an office since she was 14 years old. Her senior year in high school, she held down two part-time jobs, as well as managed to graduate with honors. As time permitted, she continued her education by taking night courses. When she was employed for a national company in Tampa, Florida, she published their monthly newsletter. She never missed a deadline; and her efforts were praised by her supervisors, co-workers, colleagues, and the retirees who received the Newsletter. She has won awards for her poetry; and her writing has received rave reviews from friends and professors. Michelle is a serious-minded, well-organized, dedicated writer who is seeking publication for her first two novels: The Gypsy Cried and Take a Chance ...True Love Waits. as well as The Life and Times of Macy the Katt, Protected Heart and New Eden. She is currently working on her third endeavor: "Lotto Love." She has at least a dozen novels outlined, waiting for the time to get them written, including “Enraptured Mistress”. She is also working on a book of her poetry, “Michelle’s s Facets.” When she gets a creative urge, it's not unusual for her to stay awake all night to develop an idea.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Christmas Eve, 1988 - Tarpon Springs, Florida

A LTHOUGH SUZIE WOULDN’T allow any emotion to show on her beautiful face, she felt a sadness as she watched her youngest son, Jason, soon to be eighteen, leave to enjoy the holiday festivities with his best girlfriend, Sarah. Her oldest son, Douglas, had already left to spend the holiday with his fiancé, Tracy, and her parents.

Suzie glanced around the suddenly lonely room, admiring the Christmas decorations she had meticulously placed throughout the apartment. Although David wasn’t able to spend the holidays with her, she had outdone herself with the decorating. The tree was exceptionally beautiful with its twinkling miniature white lights, meticulously placed white and gold ornaments, gold beads, clusters of baby’s breath, and large gold bows.

The beauty of the room was wasted by the emptiness Suzie felt. Now that she was alone, her mind overflowed with memories of David. After all, it was Christmas Eve.

Christmas is a romantic time…. she whispered, taking a deep breath to fight the tears that welled in her deep blue eyes. David, if you really love me as much as you say, why aren’t we together tonight?

Suzie turned on the stereo and lay down beneath the Christmas tree. When Elvis’ Blue Christmas started to play, she closed her eyes to allow her tears to spill onto her cheeks.

Finally, exhausted and depressed, she fell asleep and started to dream. In her dream, David was holding her lovingly in his arms. The dream seemed real. His kisses awoke the long-neglected passion within the deep crevices of her soul.

Suzie was awakened as a climax racked her body, with relieving satisfaction. At first, she couldn’t believe what had happened. I didn’t think it was possible for a woman to be sexually relieved without manual stimulation or lovemaking! I thought only men had ‘wet’ dreams! she said to herself, mystified by what had happened.

The magnitude of her dream was overwhelming. It seemed as if David was actually holding her, making love to her. His body seemed to be pressed against hers in a never-ending embrace. Miraculously, the loneliness and depression was now gone. Suzie felt happy, refreshed, loved.

David, I love you too much! she whispered to herself. I want you more today than when we were twenty years old. Since the day we met, I’ve never stopped loving you, wanting you, and needing to hold you in my arms, to be held. But, maybe I’m not as special to you. You made the decision, not once, but twice, for us not to be together. You said we could have had a successful relationship; that we could have made it work. You said my children should have been yours. Oh, David, it’s not too late, is it?

Suzie pondered, savoring the dream, hugging herself as she remembered the sweetness of David’s love. If I can’t have you, David, I’ll remain alone forever!

Feeling inspired by her dream, Suzie picked up a pen and note pad. The words to a free-verse poem were flowing through her mind so rapidly that she couldn’t get the pen to write fast enough. She quickly jotted down the poem:

DREAMS

Tonight was so wonderful!

    Hearing you peacefully sleeping,

        Oh, the sensuous warmth of your skin,

            The faint aroma of your musky cologne,

                Your kiss as your lips crushed mine,

                    Inflamed by your massive embrace,

                        As we adventure passion beyond belief!

BUT

Then I awoke from my ravishing dream

        To the desolate darkness of this lonely room!

Since we no longer sing a lover’s serenade,

        Please visit me often — in my dreams!

Suzie read and re-read the lines of the poem, making minor changes. Yes, the words were a reality of her life. In her dreams, David was still her lover. He still held her in his arms in her dreams. Their passion had been so realistic; she actually had experienced sexual satisfaction.

Confused by it all, she began to pray: Dear Father, please help me. You created me in Your image. You’ve given me this sexual desire, which, at times, has gotten me into trouble, leading me astray. Thank you, Father, for forgiving my multitude of sins. Help me control this burning passion. I don’t want to be a carnal Christian! Lord Jesus, I don’t know what to think about my sensuous dreams. I feel as if I should thank You for the sexual release. I must have had a need. Your Word tells me YOU fulfill ALL my needs.

Suzie laughed at herself, and then prayed the Lord’s Prayer. She sat motionless for several minutes, deep in thought, staring at the Christmas tree, thinking about Jesus’ birth. He IS the reason for the season…."

She wanted to feel joyous, to put David completely out of her mind. She rebuked the devil… This is satan’s devious trick to steal my Christmas joy!

Praying again, Lord Jesus, why have You allowed so much love to be in my heart for David? Can we, will we, ever be together? Does he realize how much I love him? Oh, Lord, I pray for David’s salvation. Prepare his heart, convict him of his sins, and work Your Will in his life. Give him another chance to accept you as his Savior.

She sighed and continued, Your Word tells me You will give me the desires of my heart. It’s my desire for David to be with me in Heaven. Search my heart, Lord; see that my motives are true. If I have to, I can survive without him on this earth if I know we’ll spend eternity with You in Heaven. Thank You, Lord, for saving me, for giving me the assurance that I WILL spend eternity in Heaven. In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

The Carpenters’ song, Christmas Bride was now playing on the stereo. Suzie’s arms were prickled with goosebumps as she listened. Oh, yes, she wanted so much to be David’s Christmas bride. She didn’t want anyone else but him.

Still inspired, Suzie felt compelled to write a love story, using bits and pieces of her love affair with David as the basis for the novel. The story would be fabricated, of course, but the emotions would be real. She would write their story. The characters would be believable, but stronger than life.

David’s character will be an Adonis, she whispered, and the character I create for myself will be much stronger emotionally than I am. Let’s see, what kind of problems can I create for them?

There’s a problem, though, this will be a difficult novel because I don’t know how things will end up between us… the real lovers! She whispered, as she began to write:

UNTITLED

A Writer’s Fantasy

Written by Michelle Wynne

Spring, 1963 - A Small Town in Midwestern Ohio

(onset to the sexual revolution)

April Morgan was celebrating her twentieth birthday by going to Frisch’s Drive-in Restaurant with her best friend, Sandy.

Well, April, Sandy asked, How does it feel to be a woman?

What do you mean?

Well, Hey, you’re twenty years old today. You’re no longer a giggling teenager. You’re a woman, now!

I don’t feel any different. I wonder what the next ten years will bring us, Sandy. Who do you think we’ll marry? What do you think our wedding night will be like? You know, the big event! The night we can finally give in … lose our virginity?! April said wistfully.

Well, speak for yourself, Girl. I’m not planning to save myself until the wedding night. When I meet that special guy, he won’t have to wait until we’re married.

Well, you know why I feel so strongly about staying pure until I’m married. My Dad! Do you know what I heard from my cousin? She said my Dad requested prayer for me at church in Tennessee the other day because he thinks I’m sleeping around with a different guy every night. I can’t believe he did it ’cause he seldom goes to church. He thinks I’m promiscuous simply because I have my own apartment. Why does he say those terrible things, Sandy? I’ve always been good…

Gee, if he knew about your reputation, ‘Miss Cool Cucumber,’ he’d thank his lucky stars. He’s a bum, April. If he knew the truth, that you won’t let a guy kiss you until the third date, the shock’d probably kill him! Really, April, that’s pretty tough on a guy.

I’m afraid to let my hair down, Sandy…. afraid I’ll lose control of my emotions. It’s like I have a volcano smoldering inside me. I think about making love all the time.

What I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes, you lucky dog! You’re so cute. You’ve got a perfect figure … everything’s proportioned, a curvy figure eight. You’re not too tall, just the right size, in my opinion. Look at you, you get asked out all the time. You could have a date every night, if you wanted. Believe me, if I looked like you, and had my own apartment, I’d have a ball!

Well, Sandy, you know I had to get my own apartment when my parents split up. After all, I had a good job at the bank and didn’t want to move to Tennessee. It’s not easy making ends meet on my meager salary, though. You know I don’t make much money.

Well, April, from where I’m sitting, you have it all!

Sandy, I’d gladly give it up for the right guy. I don’t want a career. I can’t wait to get married, to have children. I’ve got so much to give a good man. I wantta be a good wife, a good mother, a good homemaker — in that order. But, for tonight, my birthday, let’s forget all those negative things my Dad has said and have some fun.

Yeah, put him out of your mind. It’s your birthday. The guys go ga-ga over you. Marty’s got a major crush on you. The guys keep asking you out, even though you keep telling them ‘no.’ Why don’t you date a guy more than once or twice?

Well, to be honest, by the second date, I know if he’s husband material or not. If he’s not, I stop seeing him. I’ve got to keep my emotions under control, so I’ll still be a virgin when I get married.

Why?

I’ve just got to … because of my Dad.

Well, good luck! You’re going to need it; but for tonight, you need to laugh. Maybe there’ll be some cute guys at Frisch’s.

Well, hopefully, we’ll see ’cause we’re almost there. I want to laugh, have some fun. Tonight, I have an overwhelming feeling that I’m being followed by a lucky star!

As April pulled into Frisch’s parking lot, she saw an old friend, Tom Wilson.

Sandy, I’m going to park next to Tom. You remember him, don’t you? He was on the wrestling team in school. He used to pull my pigtails in the third grade.

As soon as she had parked, Tom walked over to her car. Hi, Good Lookin’, he said, as he leaned into her car window to kiss her gently on the cheek. Happy Birthday! I was hoping I’d see you tonight, so I could give you a birthday kiss.

Thanks, Tom, for remembering. Good friends, like you, make it a special day. You remember Sandy, don’t you … from school?

Sure. Hi, Sandy. How’ya doing? he asked, still looking at April.

Sandy smiled and nodded and then continued to chat with a couple of friends who were parked on her side of April’s car.

Where have you been keeping yourself, Tom? April asked.

Oh, I’ve been around. I’ve been dating a new girl. She’s kind of special.

Tom’s attention was suddenly drawn away from their conversation. Everyone in the drive-in restaurant were laughing.

Well, I guess Jared Walker got his new car. Would you look at that nut? Tom remarked, pointing towards the car which had entered the parking lot.

They all watched as a shiny maroon Corvair convertible backed up in front of the security guard. The driver of the car sprayed the guard with water from his windshield washer, and sped away.

It was an amazing sight, and everyone laughed hysterically as the security guard wiped his face, shaking his night stick as he shouted, Don’t try that again, Walker!

April glanced at Tom, as the car drove around to where they were parked. Who is that, Tom?

Jared Walker. He’s our age, but graduated from Jefferson. His dad bought him that car for his 20th birthday last month. It was a special order. I guess he just got it today.

Jared parked his car at an angle behind Tom and said, H-e-l-l-o! April knew he was talking to Tom, but he was looking directly at her, with a broad smile.

Jared, do you know April Morgan? She’s a friend of mine. Tom said, introducing them.

No, but it’s a pleasure to meet ya’. Hey, April, how ya’ doin’? he said as he got out of his car and walked over to them.

April smiled, and then looked away as Jared and Tom discussed the new car. When she could resist no longer, she observed Jared as he talked with Tom. She liked what she saw. He was almost six feet tall, slender, built like a man is supposed to be built … broad muscular shoulders, and slim waist. He had curly, almost-black hair, with a light olive complexion, definitely had an Italian look. Jared and Tom were almost the same height and frame; but, Tom had straight blond hair, similar in looks and stance to Troy Donahue.

Come on, Tom, April heard Jared say. Let’s go for a ride in my new car.

April watched as they got into Jared’s car. She tried to refrain from turning her head to watch them leave; but she found she was captivated by Jared Walker’s natural looks. She escaped, momentarily, into a fantasy. Emotionally, she could never remember feeling so much so quickly after meeting a new man. Although she’d been sexually attracted to other men in the past, she was awestruck by this dynamic man, Jared Walker.

Hey, April, come on, let’s go to the restroom inside. Sandy suggested, breaking April’s trance.

Okay, I need to freshen-up.

Oh, pooh! You look great.

As they walked inside, April remarked, Jared Walker is really cute. Do you know him?

Well, I know about him. He has a way with women — makes them feel like they’re the most important girl in the world when he’s with them; but I’ve heard he won’t get serious unless a girl’s willing to go all the way with him…

Are you sure? Have you ever dated him?

No-o-o! But, he used to date Carol Simpkins. She told me all about him.

Oh, tell… April pleaded.

Well, we both know about Carol; she’s dated everyone who looks her way. According to her, she and Jared really got it on for a while.

After they had finished in the restroom, April and Sandy walked outside to return to her car. Halfway there, Jared drove his car alongside them.

April blushed, as he looked her over approvingly. He whistled softly, and sensuous chills swept over her. She tried to ignore him as she hurriedly got into her car.

When Jared dropped Tom off next to April’s car he smiled at April, and then said, Hey, Tom, I’ll see you soon.

April wondered if he was talking to her. After all, he was looking at her when he said it. She gave Jared a smile, and waved as he drove away.

April, Tom said, Jared asked me for your phone number. I told him that he couldn’t have it ’cause I have MY eye on you.

Oh, Tom, you know we’re too good a’ friends to date. she said, waving her hand, slapping his forearm playfully. You’re special … just like a brother.

Sometimes that’s the best way to start a love affair… by being best friends first, then lovers. Tom quirked hopefully.

And, what about this special girl you were just telling me about a few minutes ago? she smirked.

Sweetheart, I’d drop her in a minute if I thought I had a chance with you. Tom said seriously. You won’t even let me get close to you.

April knew Tom was serious, and that he had had a crush on her since grade school. But, she couldn’t let herself think about that right now. She was in a daze. Her mind was racing at the prospect that Jared Walker wanted HER telephone number. She didn’t say anything in rebuttal to Tom at first. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. It wasn’t in her nature to be cruel to anyone.

Oh, Tom, come on. You’re leading me on! You’d just break my heart! she teased.

No way, April, I care too much about you to hurt you. He replied, looking deeply into her eyes.

You’re sweet, Tom … just like a brother.

Okay, I give up for now. Well, then, do you want me to give Walker your phone number? He’s going to call me later.

Sure, I guess it’s okay. She said, not wanting to sound too anxious.

If he calls, be careful. I’m not at all sure you two travel in the same circles.

Oh, pooh, it’ll be okay, Tom. she assured him.

Well, listen, I’ve gotta go. Have a happy birthday! he said, as he kissed her on the cheek. Then, in a loving gesture, he kissed her hand, which was resting on the car door. Are you sure? It could be really great between us.

You’re the greatest, Tom! I wish things were different.

Darlin’, if you ever change your mind, if you ever need me, I’m all yours. It’ll be terrific, I promise.

She blew him a kiss and watched as he walked away. She had to admit Tom Wilson was a remarkably attractive man.

Hey, April, why don’t you go out with him? He’s a doll! Tall, blonde, and, oh, God, those gorgeous blue eyes. You two would make a great-lookin’ couple. Sandy said, urging April to reconsider.

Unfortunately, he’s too much like a brother. Besides, I prefer guys with dark hair, like Jared Walker. Do you think he’ll call, Sandy?

Oh, I’d hate to see you with him. Give Tom a chance, please. He’s more your type.

Why don’t I fix YOU up with Tom? He’s going to the University of Cincinnati. He’s going to be an engineer … says he wants to build bridges.

Maybe, I’d go out with him, if things don’t work out with Rick. We’ve been dating for a couple months now. But, really, April, why don’t you reconsider? Its obvious Tom’s crazy about you.

Well, who knows, maybe someday I’ll go out with him. I can’t think about that right now. Jared Walker’s crowding him out of my mind.

Tom would be much better for you than the likes of that Jared Walker. Sandy smirked.

Well, time’ll tell…. April said, confident that she’d have a chance to find out, first-hand, about Jared Walker.

Every time the telephone rang the next week, April jumped. Sandy called twice, just to gossip. Joe Sweeney, a friend from the bank called to ask April to see a movie with him on Friday night after work. She refused because she wanted to keep her weekend open in case Jared wanted to take her out.

Somehow she knew Jared would call. After all, she WANTED him to call! Positive thinking is nine-tenths of the battle, she reasoned.

Finally, on Thursday evening, as April was giving herself a manicure, the phone rang. Feminine intuition told her it was Jared. April answered on the first ring. Ut oh, a mistake, she thought to herself. I should have let the phone ring a few more times before I answered it.

As soon as April heard Jared’s deep voice, she said his name. Oh, no, another stupid mistake, she thought. I should have been coy, pretended not to know who was calling.

After several minutes of small talk, Jared asked, Would you like to see a movie with me on Saturday night?

Yes, of course, I’d love to…. she said quickly. Then, she closed her eyes in regret, thinking to herself that she’d goofed again by agreeing so quickly. She knew she should have been less available at this late date — just two days notice!

Great! What’s your address? Jared asked. I heard you live in an apartment complex downtown.

That’s right, she said, wondering who had told him. She surmised it must have been Tom, and she gave him the address and directions to her apartment complex.

Is seven o’clock okay? he asked.

Sure, that’ll be fine, Jared.

I’m lookin’ forward to our date, April. I’ll see you Saturday night at seven.

The phone line went dead. April cradled the receiver in her hand for several minutes. Imagine that! I have a date with Jared Walker. I can’t believe it! She said. She hung up the phone, got up and danced around the room joyfully. Me, April Morgan, she said, pointing to herself, I have a date with the handsomest man in the whole wide world….

April quickly called Sandy to tell her the great news. Sandy, to say the least, was not overjoyed by the news, but tried to be happy for her best friend.

Friday seemed like the longest day in history. April was amazed when her window balanced on the first count. All she could think about was her upcoming date with Jared Walker.

After work, she and Sandy drove to Frisch’s for Big Boys and cherry Cokes. Other than that, it was an uneventful evening. She had hoped to see Jared; but, he was nowhere to be found. Sandy agreed to go shopping with her the next morning to find a new outfit to wear on her dream date.

When April got home, she was too excited to sleep. Although she was extremely tired, and she knew she needed her beauty sleep so she’d look great for Jared, she couldn’t drift off.

When she finally fell asleep, she dreamt about a prince on a white stallion, who came charging in to slay the wicked dragon. The prince swept her away to forever happiness. Strange, she thought, that handsome prince resembled Jared Walker.

April woke up late on Saturday morning; but she immediately rejoiced — it was Saturday. That night, she had a date with Jared Walker. Glancing at the clock, she stumbled to the telephone and dialed Sandy’s number. Mrs. Reid, Sandy’s mother, answered the phone. She’s on her way to your apartment, April.

Just as April hung up the phone, the doorbell rang. She quickly let Sandy in and said: I overslept. Please fix us some coffee while I get ready.

Shopping was tedious and frustrating …. Everything seemed inappropriate or too expensive. April finally decided to buy a pale blue cashmere sweater with white piping. She’d wear it with her black wool skirt and black heels.

My budget doesn’t allow much for clothes, Sandy; but, this sweater is too beautiful to resist.

Yes, the sweater is very pretty; but, from what you told me, this is three months’ clothing allowance. Are you sure?

It’s soft and dreamy, and the same color as my eyes. And, Sandy, it’s on sale. If it wasn’t, I could never afford cashmere.

Is Jared Walker really THIS special?

Yes, he is. Luckily, I got some birthday money from my mom, or I wouldn’t be able to buy it. April remarked, as she handed the store clerk three twenty dollar bills.

Exhausted from shopping without breakfast or lunch, April suggested they stop for a bowl of chili at Frisch’s on the way home.

Then Sandy dropped April off at her apartment, saying, Well, Kid, I hope he’s worth all this trouble. I’m not sure you’re the same April I’ve known for the past ten years. I’ve never known you to be this excited about anything, ‘Miss Cool Cucumber’. Be careful.

He’s different, I just know it. April said.

Yes, I know; but, can YOU handle him?

Oh, Sandy, she smirked, ignoring Sandy’s remark. "I’ve got so much to do … my hair, my nails; my makeup has to be perfect. And, I’ve got to clean up my apartment.

Well, if you ask me, which you’re not, he’s nothing special … just an ordinary guy.

I’ve always heard love is blind… April said, nonchalantly.

"Well, then, put on your glasses, April. Take a good look; but, since you’ve got so much to