Personal Crossroads

By Gary Alexander

Personal Crossroads is a story about two youths, their friendship, and through their friendship a budding romance while realizing that God is truly in charge of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781639615513

Book preview

cover.jpg

Personal Crossroads

Gary Alexander

ISBN 978-1-63961-550-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63961-551-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Gary Alexander

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Surprise! Surprise!

No Group Home! No Hospital!

Changes Can Be Good

A Step into Personal Newness

Her Again

Good Times at the Trib

VISE and the Crossing

Marital Bliss

An Injury

The Coverage

Coverage toward Prayer

My Tribute

About the Author

Chapter 1

Will this be all, ah, Mr. Clarick? Unique name, sir. What nationality is this rooted in? the salesman asked.

But the attempt appeared unsuccessful. I realized that the clerk's question was serious, so I muttered, Oh, I'm not really sure. Welsh, Slavic, Icelandic, Swedish? Please forgive me for I am not sure. There was an air of hesitation in my response.

After the purchase was completed, I walked away, but the salesman's curiosity intensified. I assured myself that the customer behind me was in another world, and an answer wasn't forthcoming. Maybe, even a bit unclear.

Mr. Clarick's taste in clothes showed inexperience, more specifically in ties. The salesman turned his attention to the next customer.

I appeared to be talking to myself as I walked out of BenJays' Men's Clothing Department Store toward the mallway.

What's so important as to my name's origin? Just a name, like Smith or Garcia, isn't it? Would it have been important to proudly state the name's origin? Oh, well! I could tend to it later. Heavens! My parentage was never discussed. What if I had told the salesman? Would I have won a prize? Naw, and besides, there was a customer behind me. The timing was all wrong! Oh, well. How could I boastfully introduce myself as Benton Pierce Clarick? Not as simple as Bob Jones or Jim Williams, yet Benton Pierce Clarick is my name. Why, I do not need to know. I could have used nicknames such as BP or BC or even be called Ben or Bent. I can't find this topic to be of any importance. Oh, well! Hope these clothes would assist me with the interview. Mr. Charles always said that anyone would look good when wearing a white shirt and a multicolored tie. Oh, and blue must be one of the colors.

*****

The Tribuneous sounded something a bit like Roman, maybe Greek, or Mediterranean. The name could have meant very little to new customers. As they viewed the eatery, they would see large displays of pizza, spaghetti, and meatballs brightly painted on the back wall. A menu listed the availability of other popular Italian food. Much of the foods were kept warm in metal containers floating on hot water. Tad said that the pay was good and the manager was fair with the work schedule. It sounded good to me.

As the worker handed me the application, I observed potential customers that I could be serving. While completing the form, a slender male of medium height approached and stood alongside the table. I hope that you are not finding this application difficult, he said. Many suggestions have been faxed to the corporate office to simplify this entry form. What a mouthful from this person with a manager's tag stenciled onto his shirt pocket and whose cross on his tie was crooked. His modest clothing made my tie wild in comparison.

Mr. Charles taught me not to judge a book by its cover for in that book might be a valuable prize. Diamonds came from pressure, and rightful living came from trials. So, at Tribuneous, I sought small diamonds. Small prizes. A rewarding life. Money!

Tad informed me that you had an opening, and I needed a job. I have been living in a group home for youths. Due to age restrictions, I must go out on my own. I studied a little music, though this is not necessary for this job. I guess that I was an average kid. I learned to age well. My education was average to above average. I knew that this kept me out of trouble. I met Tad at the Pirate's Cove a couple of Fridays ago. We started talking as if we had known each other for some time. That particular night at the Cove was my farewell party from the home, the Walker-Whey. Tad spoke about an opening with the restaurant, so I asked him some questions. Since this is my first job, I'm hoping you will hire me. I can prove my value and—

Whoa there, ah… He paused as he stared at the application. Benton! He spoke with a tone of surprise. I have hired others from your group home. Alexander Charles was a good influence on me and has referred people to me before. I have seen that they do good work. Clarick. What nationality is that anyway? First time I have heard the name.

Second time today. My mouth opened with the purpose of responding when he continued. "Anyway, what hours of work were you looking for? This mall opens