Jacksonville Summer

By M. Doctor

Jacksonville Summer is the story of a girl full of hope and dreams on her first vacation away from home. Who could have imagined that a summer vacation would bring so much joy and so much pain?

Love and a strong family foundation are so important to help you cope with tragedy. That love and support can also become an oasis of hope that can bring you back from the brink of despair.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685172763

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Jacksonville Summer

M. Doctor

Copyright © 2022 by M. Doctor

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

Chapter 2

My name is Julia Richardson. I am sixteen years old. I’m traveling to Jacksonville to spend the summer with my momma’s sister Bea. I’m from a little town called Eutawville in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. I live with my momma, Jane, and my dad, Willie, who have twelve children. I’m the baby of the bunch; but, contrary to popular belief, I’m not spoiled. Since my sisters and brothers are all grown and have moved out, I get to do all the chores around the house. Then, there’s school and tending to Grandmamma Richardson and babysitting for my thirteen nieces and nephews scattered all over Orangeburg County. So, as soon as the bell is rung signaling the end of school for the summer, I’m ready to go! Little did I know that I would not return home the same and that this summer trip to Jacksonville would change my life forever.

This year I’m gonna get a job in a factory and make my own money to spend as I please. Momma said I could. I have my plans all set: First, I’m gonna buy materials and make my own dresses and, then, maybe a new pair of shoes. This will be the first time in my entire life that I’ll wear something new, something made just for me. The big chifforobe in the bedroom is the only store I’ve ever been in; and, while the dresses that were passed down from sister to sister were made well, they are out of style. I mean, who wears shoulder pads anymore?

Taking the bus to Aunt Bea’s is exciting. I love riding through towns, watching fields and streams and people go by. It’s an adventure, and I always enjoy the feeling of peace I get just watching. I try to imagine their lives behind their front doors. Who lives behind the house with the red door? Or what kind of family lives in the house with the big yard and tire swing hanging from the oak tree?

The breeze that caresses my