A Long Journey Home

By Olivia Shepard

Hurt by her past, Jessica has moved on with her life. She had decided long ago that she wanted nothing to do with her family, and her nana was the only one she still talked to. She cleared all the people from her past, never wanting to return to a home she clearly did not belong to. But with, the sudden death of her nana made her change her mind and return to the place she grew up. Among the trials and issues she deals with by returning home, she meets up with an old friend, Kevin.
Once a geeky young boy, now turned man, Kevin had wished that Jessica returned home. He had missed his best friend from high school. Little did he know that when she did cross his path, the now beautiful woman was his friend from the past. He cannot hide the feelings that amount within him.
Can Jessica clear her past and make a future with Kevin? Or will her past haunt her too much, and she runs again? Will forgiveness and love win?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Shepard
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201910105

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Table of Contents

A long journey home

Chapter  1

Grabbing her mail from the mailbox, Jessica McKinney went to open the door to her beautiful Los Angeles apartment. With two relatively large rooms, one her bedroom and another, an office. Then there was a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Extremely pricey, but she was a big-time lawyer and had plenty of money to spare. She liked to live in luxury somewhat, which was a significant improvement from her youth.

Filtering through the mail, a postcard caught her eye. It was from Texas, where her family lived. It had to be from Nana, her grandmother, she thought to herself. The rest of her family did not speak to her. On the rare occasion, her mother did, but no one else seemed to care. And that was okay for Jessica. She had no desire to deal with any of them. She could not care less about them.

Jessica had strived to stay away from her family for the past ten years. They never really coped with each other well. Her sister was always beloved by everybody, except for her Nana. Nana was the only person who cared for Jessica, so they wrote to each other all the time. Jessica even bought her Nana a cell phone. She wanted them to talk to each other anytime they wanted to. She did like the closeness she had with her. She turned the postcard over. It read,

NANA’S DEAD

Isabelle

Jessica just stood there, staring at the words on the postcard. She could barely believe this. It was only a week ago that she had called Nana. She had sounded fine. She could not believe it. This must be some cruel trick her sister was playing on her. Nana could not be dead! She was all Jessica had left in her family that she cared for.

Finally, she tore her gaze off the postcard and vigorously searched for her cell phone in her purse. She was angry. How could her sister be still this spiteful after all these years? Does her sister even have a nice bone in her body? She never did think her sister had any. She was going to stop this nonsense once and for all.

Dialing Nana’s phone number, she impatiently waited to hear her speak. She wanted to hear her Nana’s voice again, to ensure she was okay. She had to be okay. Hello, someone answered, but it was not her Nana. This angered her further. No one had any business using Nana’s phone, which she paid for.

Hello, who is this? Jessica seriously asked. She was not just upset but worried. What if someone robbed her, Nana? Or if she was sick? Or something else? This worried her. Or was this a part of the ruse that only annoyed her more thinking about it?

Isabelle, why? Who’s this?

All Jessica’s worries left her at hearing that, and only anger stayed. Belle, why do you have Nana’s phone? She replied with a question. Thinking to herself, she probably stole it to make her scam more real. That is how much Jessica hated her sister. She just could not leave her things or her alone. Belle always had to be mean to her.

Because I need one. Why do you care anyhow? Her sister unfeelingly said. Belle did not care for her sister either. They had not spoken in years. She did not understand why her sister could become upset and leave her for no apparent reason. In her mind, her sister abandoned them and her. So that meant she was not really a part of this family. Why should she care about her sister if she never cared about her?

Jessica did not trust her. She never had. Her sister always evaded other people’s feelings by doing whatever she wanted. She never cared that what she did could affect others like her. Not now, Jessica would not pay for anything her sister did not deserve, and in her mind, her sister did not earn anything from her but her contempt. You better not use that phone, Sis, because I pay for it. Where’s Nana? Jessica ordered her sister. 

You should have gotten that damn postcard I sent by now, she uncaringly responded. Belle loathed that her sister had money and never wished to give her any or help her out. This she found unfair. They were sisters though they acted like enemies, and it was all her sister’s fault.

Shocked that her grandmother was dead, Jessica barely could accept it as true. She had planned to pay for Nana to come and visit her. Now she will never see or hear her again. This could not be real. Sadness overcame Jessica. The last person she deeply cared for was now dead. She wanted it to be some horrible scam on her sister’s part. This news just could not be honest. You mean that’s not some cruel joke? she suspiciously asked. This would not be a first for her sister to play some cruel joke to hurt her even more.

Do you think I’m that mean? Oh, I guess you do. Yes, Nana is really dead. She died days ago. Heart attack, I believe. We are preparing her funeral right now, so I can’t talk long, Belle nonchalantly said. She wanted no more to do with her sister. Why should she speak with her sister when she never wished to discuss anything? Belle believed that if Jessica cared to have a relationship with her, she would have made an effort to build one. Belle believed that her sister had much to apologize for.

Jessica was not going to miss out on the funeral no matter what her sister said or did. Nana deserved her there, even if it meant going back to the one place she despised. She had never thought she would return to the one place she once called home. But now, she did not see much of a choice. She had to, for her grandmother. She had to be there. How can you be so cold? When is the funeral? she quickly demanded.

This weekend, you’re not invited, Belle quickly declared. She did not wish to see her sister, nor did she want her sister to take what was not hers. Jessica did not earn anything that belonged to their grandmother. She did not wish to fight what they all received in the will. And with the money Jessica had, it would be a simple task to take everything away from them. Belle could not allow it. They may not have much, but it was theirs and not Jessica’s.

Jessica was too fond of her grandmother not to pay her respects. Belle would never stop her, nor could she. Nothing her sister said would detour her from going. She had to see her grandmother one last time. You think that will stop me!? Why didn’t you call me when it happened? she said, alarmed that her sister had no emotions toward Nana’s death. Or was all Belle’s unresponsiveness meant for Jessica? That would not surprise her any. In Belle’s eyes, Jessica should never have been born. 

Didn’t think you cared about your family anymore! She heartlessly told her. Belle did not like the fact that their grandmother favored Jessica over her. Their grandmother always took Jessica’s side in everything. Nana placed the blame on Belle’s shoulders for everything that happened to Jessica. And she did not deem it all her fault, not that anyone ever cared for the truth. Belle was the one there, helping Nana out daily, not Jessica. She would never understand why she could not get some credit for the good she has done instead of continuously hearing how much she should be like her sister.

You know Nana and I ....

Look, I don’t want to talk, and I have lots to do, so goodbye, Belle interrupted Jessica. She was in no mood to deal with her sister and her heartless conversations, nor did she wish ever to see her. She could not stand by and again be the confrontation of everyone’s anger. Don’t come because you’ll regret it, With that, she hung up on Jessica, praying that she would not show up.

Furious, Jessica called the airport. She bought a ticket to Houston, Texas, and she would leave in a couple of hours. She marched to her bedroom and packed stuff for a week. After everything was set, she called Bert. Hey there, girl, what’s up? Bert cheerfully inquired. He was one of the people who forever stayed in a good mood. He had been Jessica’s best friend for years. His motto was ‘roll with the punches.’

Can you come pick me up right now? Jessica questioned. She knew that he would be there for her whenever she needed him. He had done so in the past countless times. She loved him for that. She just wished for no questions about what she was doing, which she knew would not be an option. Bert would want to know all, and if he helped her out, that would be his right. Actually, as a best friend to Jessica, it was his right to be nosy.

He knew her well. Jessica was up to something. He could hear it in her voice. Sure, where are you going? Bert was curious.

Texas, Jessica despondently replied. She was having second thoughts about going. She did not wish to see her family again. But she could not stay there and not go to her grandmother’s funeral. She needed to pay her respects. She did care for her Nana a great deal, but also to make sure she was dead. She still did not trust her sister. This could be just a massive scam to trick Jessica, but for what purpose? Would her sister go this low for just a phone? Or was it just to hurt her again?

This was not going to go well. And what would Bert think about her sudden leave? He knew all about Texas and what would be waiting for her there. Maybe it would be better for her to stay, but she could not out of respect for her Nana. It was something she had to do.

WHAT? Bert knew about her family and that they came from Texas. He realized a long time ago how much she disliked them. She never really talked much about them, except for her grandmother. He could sense the indifference she had toward them. So why did she need to go now?

Jessica realized that he would need an explanation. He always did whenever she chose to do something. She was unsure how this would be perceived. She slowly enlightened him on the main detail. My grandmother just died. I have to go. You know how close I am to her.

Bert did understand her attachment to her grandmother. Her loss saddened him. Jessica had already lost too many important people in her life. To lose another was disheartening. I’m so sorry, she had told him why she left her family and never returned. He understood the hurt she had been through. He knew she did not genuinely wish to go. But not going to her grandmother’s funeral would be out of the question, even if that meant braving the family. However, Jessica was tough now. He believed she could do it.

Just get here quickly. My flight is in two hours, Jessica promptly demanded. She was ready to go and have this affair done as quickly as possible. She expected fighting when she arrived there and anticipated the anger and resentment. Prepared this time, she would not back down as she had so many years ago. She was a much stronger woman now.

He was glad he could help her in her time of need. Be there in just a bit.

Thanks.

No problem, you know I would do anything for you, sweet pea, Bert contentedly said. He loved her like a sister and treated her as such. She was very much a part of his family, and he would always see her that way.

They hung up. Jessica smiled. Walking out the door, she kept a lookout for him.

Bert Pearce was another lawyer who worked with her. They were both current partners at the same firm and greatest friends. She always had a soft side for him. He was skinny and tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. His features were not extraordinary. Still, it was fun to be in his company. He loved to joke around and go places and was by no means afraid to try new things. He enjoyed life with all its chaos and surprises. He may prefer the same sex, but he was a good guy. He never lied or cheated. She trusted him with everything. And he was one of a few who knew the truth about her past, every last bit of it.

Jessica did not have to wait long for him. He was there in a couple of minutes. She stepped into the car and sat in the passenger seat. To the airport? he asked. Knowing her answer, he still had to ask. It shocked him that she would depart for that town, even for a death. The way she spoke of her family, nothing could ever get her back there. Yet she was leaving to see them again, although not having too much choice in the ‘seeing them’ department. He was confident that if she could do this without encountering her family, she would.

Yes, Jessica answered. She had no choice. She had to go, even if every fiber of her being told her not to. She could not disappoint her grandmother, even though she was dead. She knew she would regret it if she did not go. This was not a choice, but she had to ensure that her grandmother was dead out of necessity.

Bert could not believe his ears. It amazed him that she would return. If it had been him, he would not have. Are you going all the way to Texas? He thought it could be a joke, although she was not for that kind of joke. Jokes were his job. That was how he saw it between him and her. She was the serious one. He was the one that made her laugh.

Yes, Jessica sighed.

You do know that you will meet your family there. Bert wanted to be definite. She realized what she was going into. It was not as if she could go there and not see them because their family member had also died. Meeting them was unavoidable.

She deemed herself quite capable of dealing with any situation. This one would be no different. Why would her family still be able to hurt her in any way? Yes, I know that they will all be there. I’m a big girl now. I’ll deal with them, she smirked at him.

It has been eight years since you have seen them? He was sure she could not anticipate everything that could happen. He also believed that everyone needed a shoulder to cry on once in a while. He would be that shoulder if need be. He did not mind. In the past, he had taken this role up for her. And this time, it seemed needed, very much needed.

Jessica glared at him. She hated being treated like a child. She was more than able to handle them. Ten years. Is there a point you are trying to make? She understood how overprotective he could become toward her. She never minded it before, but now was not the time for it. This was another kind of ball game, not the usual stuff he helped her with. This was about the family’s wrongdoings, not boyfriends leaving.

Bert trusted she would need support eventually and who else besides him would take up this role of support? He did not think there would be anyone over there who would. He wanted he be in range when she did need someone. Want me to come with you? He kindly suggested. He would be there if she required encouragement.

No, I’ll be fine, but if I need you, I’ll call, he tried to be a good friend, which she adored him for. This time she had to go alone. She had something to prove. She needed to show them that she was no longer the meek, submissive, compliant pushover. She was better than that, better than them. Jessica would show them, and tagging along would not help her.

You better. I have already called Dirk. He says that they can cover if you need a couple of weeks, Bert told her. He wanted to be as helpful as he could. He realized how much this death would affect her, though she attempted to hide it.

This trip was going to be done as quickly as possible. She should not need his assistance in any of it. I won’t need that long. I don’t think I can stay over there that long. But thanks for calling him. I haven’t been able to think straight since I found out. I even forgot the call the phone company, Jessica uttered. She would not allow her sister to use her phone a second more.

What’s wrong with your phone? he curiously asked. He was a bit confused by that remark. She had the best phone there was.

Nothing, it’s the phone I bought for Nana. I want to turn it off. My sister thinks she can keep it, and she wants me to pay for it, she crossly blurted out. She would teach her sister a lesson. She would never pay for anything her sister wanted.

Bert smiled. I see, already fighting, huh!? Are you sure you don’t want me to go? To be a buffer for the two of you? He found this amusing. She had not even arrived yet, and she was already fighting with her sister. This was a start to a whole lot of trouble. He was positive about it.

I said I would call if I need you, she responded. Rolling her eyes at him, he could be such a nuisance, but she loved him anyway.

Alright then.

Jessica quickly called the phone company and told them to turn the phone off that same day. She turned the phone off as they pulled into the airport. She moved out of the car and acquired her bags from the trunk. Turning to face Bert, she said, Thank you so much. She left him with a hug.

This was something she had to do on her own. She prayed she was as strong as she believed she was. To face her family and all those people in her past would be a huge step in her life. She only hoped it was a step in a good direction and not a tormented direction.

Chapter  2

After all the security procedures, she finally stepped onto the plane and found her seat. The plane took off, and she sat there thinking. How foolish she was by jumping onto the plane and going to Texas without thinking it all through. What was she going to do or say when she met her mother and sister? Furthermore, what was she going to do about Spencer?

Spencer Johnson, what a man, attractive, powerful, clever, and respectable. She was flattered when he had requested to date her. And then, after six months, he asked her to marry him. Honored, she said yes. But her sister, Isabelle, had to ruin it. Isabelle, a young beauty, could have had any guy she wanted. Nonetheless, she always wanted what Jessica had. Never could she be satisfied with what she had. She never understood why her sister needed to have everything.

One night, the traitorous Isabelle urged Spencer to become drunk and have sex with him. Inevitably, allowing herself to become pregnant by not protecting herself. Spence, a dependable and honorable man, married her. It was painful having this happen to her, having her wonderful life ripped up from under her.

Jessica had completely not forgiven Isabelle for a betrayal of this magnitude. She despised Spence for allowing Isabelle to flee by doing this. In addition to it all, her mother, who has and will continuously fancy her sister over her, gave her sister permission for them to tie the knot and even pushed it. She detested her mother for continually regarding her like trash and her sister like an angel. Like as if she were a big mistake, her mother wished by no means had occurred, and Belle was a gift from God. This was something that she never could understand.

Jessica never understood why her mother disliked her. She had asked a couple of times throughout her childhood, and all her mother would say was that she loved her daughters the same. However, everyone could see that was not true. Even her Nana told her mother to stop the favoritism that it would destroy her relationship with her daughters, with Jessica. Her mother did not seem ever to care. But that was life, her life. Not that it mattered now, she currently had a good life, and she did not need them.

The plane landed in Houston, and Jessica disembarked. She rented a car and made her way to the small town where her family lived. She had a long drive ahead of her because the small town was over an hour away. She, at last, arrived at her exit and drove into town. Since it was night, she thought nothing of speeding. She wanted to reach the only motel in town promptly. She was ready to have this nightmare over with and to return home.

Unexpectedly, Jessica saw blue, white, and red lights flashing behind her. Sighing, she pulled over and stopped. She had not thought a cop would be out this late. She hoped it was not someone she was acquainted with, for she did not want anyone to know she was in town yet. She was not ready for confrontations. She was not prepared for them yet.

Rolling down the window, Jessica could see a man walking in her direction in her mirror. He approached her and asked for her ID and insurance. Looking at him, she eased some. She did not recognize him. Sighing in relief, she handed her information.

He looked at her license and then looked back at her. He could not believe who this was. She did not look at all like she had when she was young. My, have you changed, but I bet you don’t recognize me either, the cop stated. He had a massive grin on his face. This was the last person he thought he would see, but he was glad about it. He had missed her a lot over the years.

Obviously, you have the upper hand here because I have no clue. Who are you? Jessica smiled weakly. She did not wish to be seen yet. Nor did she care much about who this person was. Not many who lived there that she gave a damn about. She only had one friend growing up. Spencer, who she also was connected to back in the day. She did not wish to see him at the moment either. Any other person never regarded her as anything other than a reject, as her mother's trash.

He bent down and leaned on the door. Of course, she would not recognize him. She left before he completely grew up. I’m Kevin, Kevin Russell. You must remember that name, don’t you? he grinned back at her. She should remember him very well, or at least the name. He never thought of seeing this woman again. What a great surprise it was.

Kevin, you’re kidding. Of course, I remember, she looked him over. Wow, you have changed, shocked, this was not the Kevin she remembered. He was a completely different person from what she recalled.

The guy Jessica remembered was the scrawny nerd who was her only best friend throughout her high school. He was the kid everyone made fun of, the only other kid like her, an outcast. The only motive she had to befriend him was that her sister was one of those who made fun of him. 

But looking at him now, he was intimidating. With his broad chest, his body was exceedingly well built. She could almost compare him to a superhero. He almost looked like a Nordic god with golden-brown hair, beautiful blue eyes, and a perfectly structured face. Never would she have pictured that her gangly, geeky, braced teeth and greasy-haired friend would have turned out to be so attractive, charming, and flawlessly handsome in his uniform.

For old time's sake, will you let me off with just a warning? Jessica optimistically inquired. She was hoping he would. They were great friends once upon a time.

Do you normally speed around town in the middle of the night? Kevin questioned, though he believed he knew why she did. She did not wish to be seen. He could not blame her. He understood her feelings about this town and her family. He had been there when all hell broke loose. But if she wanted to be inconspicuous, she should have chosen a less luxurious car.

It was not an everyday habit, but she did enjoy it that night. Jessica slowly explained why she speeded. No, I just found out a couple of hours ago that Nana died. I’m in a hurry to settle at the motel quickly to deal with Belle. Sorry, I never meant to speed, but no one was out. I thought I’d be safe, she had not expected anyone to be out, let alone this man. It was something unexpected.

I am sorry about Nana. It’s been about a week. I didn’t think Belle was going to tell you at all. I guess she took my threat seriously, Kevin told her. When he had learned that Belle had no intentions of informing Jessica, he had intimidated her. He was glad it had worked. She deserved to know. It would have been merciless on Belle’s part not to let Jessica know about their Nana’s death, and he could imagine how hurt Jessica would be not to have been able to be there if chosen to.

She did not realize anyone in this town gave a damn about her. But she should have realized that he would. Threat? You threaten her with what? Jessica curiously asked. This was interesting. What did he say to her? That he would shoot her with his gun? Now that she could go with.

I told her that if she didn’t inform you about Nana’s death, I would give her a ticket every time she made an infraction against the law. I knew she couldn’t afford it, Kevin kindly replied. He had no intentions of following through with it, but it gained the desired result. He had hoped she would come back. Indeed, it was time for her to make peace with her family again. He was also tired of his friend Spencer not getting a grip on his life. Maybe seeing Jessica again will allow him to get over her finally.

Jessica did not think anyone cared. She was glad she had at least one person in her corner in this town, not that she needed anyone. This could help when things did get out of hand between Belle and her. And she was aware it would happen. Really? I didn’t think you cared or that anyone did, she beamed.

Nana was very attached to you. I thought it unfair for her not to tell you. However, I didn’t think you would ever come back here, Kevin kindly explained. He had prayed but never believed it would happen. He was glad he was wrong.

How could I not? Nana was extremely important to me. We still stayed in touch. I even bought her a cell phone for us to talk to each other. I was just on the phone with her about a week ago. I know she was old, but, Jessica paused and stared sorrowfully at him. She never did want this to happen. Never did I think she would die, not yet anyhow. I guess I believed she would live forever, she sadly