A New Beginning

By Daniel Piller

Ten years have passed, and Jack and Kristyn live in the city. Jack’s life changes and he and Kristyn have two children. Cassie ends up in the hospital. Everyone comes to Cassie’s house as bad news comes back. Jack and Kristyn decide where their future may go. Joy enters the story in the form of a kitten. Time changes, but the family stays together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369400128

Daniel Piller

I have been writing for over twenty years and have found a healing sense in putting my thoughts on paper. I started with poetry and slowly graduated to writing stories. I love writing and letting the Holy Spirit flow. I have been in a wheelchair for a while now and I see it as a blessing. I may not be able to walk but I’m happy I’m a child of God now. I play on our local wheelchair rugby team and love playing it. I have been all over the county and met so many great people.

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Copyright © 2023 by Daniel Piller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 06/13/2023

Xlibris

844-714-8691

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Dedication

This goes out to my little brother Justin. I will never forget your smile. Thank you for all the great times we shared together. I hope one day to meet you again on the heavenly plain.

Chapter 1

Our story carries on ten years from where we left off. It’s early morning and the sun is just starting to rise in the distance. There’s a tall condo complex, and someone is standing on a balcony. Jack is standing there, looking out at the city before him. He takes a sip from his coffee and smiles.

This view never gets old, says Jack happily.

Kristyn walks up behind Jack and hugs him. She is wearing a pink housecoat and holding a cup of coffee.

It sure doesn’t, replies Kristyn.

Kristyn takes a sip from her cup, sits on a chair, and looks up at Jack.

It’s a big day today. Are you ready? asks Kristyn.

I guess there’s no better time than now, replies Jack as he stares at the view. That last season was a real grind. We just made the playoffs and lost to Seattle in the super bowl. I don’t know how much more I can do.

Jack turns and looks at Kristyn and smiles.

Yeah, I’m ready, and now I can spend more time with you and the kids, says Jack.

Jack sits on the chair next to Kristyn, takes her hand, and kisses it. He looks deep into her big brown eyes and smiles.

You’re my love and my life, and I can’t see anything better than that, says Jack.

Samantha walks into the bedroom. She is nine years old and has long blonde hair and blue eyes.

Daddy, are you ready? asks Samantha.

Samantha steps into the doorway with a frustrated look on her face.

Hi, sweetheart, I’ll be right there, Jack smiles.

Jack turns, leans in, and kisses Kristyn.

No, Daddy, we need to go now, says Samantha as she grabs Jack’s leg and pulls.

You better go, honey, Kristyn smiles.

Jack turns quickly, lifts Samantha, and carries her inside on his shoulder. Kristyn laughs at Jack, looks at her wedding ring, and smiles.

We flash back seven years, and Kristyn stands in front of a big mirror. She is wearing a beautiful white dress, and her bridesmaids surround her. She smiles as the ladies beside her drink from their glasses and laugh.

Cassie walks into the room. She is wearing a blue dress. She looks at Kristyn and her jaw drops in amazement.

Oh my, Kristyn, you look so beautiful, says Cassie.

Thanks so much, Cassie. How are things going out there? asks Kristyn.

Cassie walks over to the other bridesmaids while looking at Kristyn’s dress.

We’re almost ready for you, replies Cassie.

Here, Cassie, have a sip, says Chelcie as she hands Cassie a glass.

Cassie takes the glass and drinks all of it.

Wow, Cassie is it that bad out there? asks Kristyn.

No, I just wish John were here, replies Cassie.

Oh, I know he is, says Kristyn.

Awe, thanks, Kristyn, Cassie smiles.

Cassie hugs Kristyn and walks out while wiping a tear from her eye.

A few minutes later, Kristyn is standing in the church’s foyer and her music begins to play. The doors open, and everyone is standing. She looks at her dad, and he smiles at her. She turns and looks to the front, smiles, and walks.

A few moments later, at the front of the church, Kristyn stands with Jack. She happily holds his hand and looks back at the people. Suddenly she sees those same lights from her dream. She smiles as she feels her heart fill with love. Bentley barks, and she turns back to Jack.

A few minutes later, Kristyn looks at Jack and smiles.

I do, says Kristyn.

I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, says Max happily.

Jack smiles and kisses Kristyn, and suddenly he tips her back. As he does, Kristyn is shocked and smiles.

We flash back to the present, and Kristyn smiles as she sips her coffee.

Ten minutes later, at the big park, Jack and Samantha are running along a path. Jack keeps a steady pace as Samantha struggles but is still beside him. As they run, the morning dew is still on the trees and shines as the sun rises. They go up and over a big hill overlooking the pond in the middle of the park. Then over Lover’s Bridge and through a forested area that opens to a big field.

Thirty minutes later, Samantha runs as fast as she can. She runs down the sidewalk and suddenly touches the door handle of their building.

Ah-ha, I won, says Samantha as she catches her breath.

Jack jogs up and smiles to see Samantha celebrating.

Great job, honey, says Jack as he opens the door.

So, who won today? asks Charlie, the security guard.

I did! shouts Samantha as she skips to the elevator.

A few minutes later, they walk into their condo.

Okay, honey, go get your school stuff. We don’t have much time to waste, says Jack as he takes off his shoes.

Okay, Daddy, replies Samantha as she slips off her shoes.

Suddenly there is yelling coming from Mat’s room. Jack walks over to see Kristyn standing at Mat’s doorway when the door slams shut in front of her.

Hey, honey, he’s not having a good morning? asks Jack.

Kristyn turns and walks away with a frustrated look on her face.

I can’t deal with this. He’s all yours, replies Kristyn.

Okay, I got this, says Jack.

Jack kisses Kristyn on the cheek as they pass. He walks up to Mat’s bedroom door and slowly opens it.

Hey, buddy, you okay? asks Jack.

When Jack opens the door, he can see toys everywhere.

Mat, where are you? asks Jack as he looks around the room.

Dad, why must I go to school today? asks Mat.

You need to so that you can be as smart as Mom, replies Jack.

Mat walks out of his closet with his hair all a mess. He has short brown hair and brown eyes.

It’s just those guys are still bullying me, says Mat.

Have you told your teacher? asks Jack.

Daddy, I’m no rat, replies Mat.

Come over here, says Jack.

Jack sits on the bed, and Mat sits beside him. Jack takes Mat’s hand and closes his eyes.

Close your eyes, Mat, says Jack. Oh, heavenly Father, we need Your guidance and protection of Mat. Please fill him with Your grace and love. Help him with these boys to show love and not hate. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Amen, whispers Mat.

Ten minutes later, by the front door, Jack is waiting for the kids. Samantha walks up and begins to put on her shoes. She is wearing a flower-styled dress.

Hey Mat, it’s time to go! shouts Jack.

We’re coming! shouts Kristyn.

Mat walks around the corner with his hair brushed nicely. He is wearing jeans and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T-shirt. Kristyn walks behind him and kneels in her nurse’s outfit.

Where’s my hug? asks Kristyn.

Suddenly Mat turns around, walks over, and hugs Kristyn.

Oh, sorry, Mom, Mat smiles.

Samantha smiles as she notices them. She quickly runs over and hugs them both.

I love you, guys, says Kristyn as she stands up.

I love you more! shout Mat and Samantha.

Jack opens the door, and Samantha and Mat rush toward the elevator. Just as Jack walks out, Kristyn grabs his arm and pulls him toward her. She gives him a very passionate kiss.

Daddy, the elevator is here! shouts Samantha.

Okay, babe, I’ll see you tonight, Jack smiles.

Jack turns and walks to the elevator.

Have a great day, and I love you, replies Kristyn.

I love you, too, have a great day, Jack smiles.

Thirty minutes later, in front of Mat and Samantha’s school, Jack pulls to a stop. Kids are walking all around and playing on the equipment.

You two be good, says Jack.

I will! shouts Samantha as she gets out.

Samantha smiles and runs over to her friends standing by the front door.

Mat looks out his window, sees those boys, and looks back at Jack.

You got this, says Jack.

Mat takes a deep breath and gets out. He walks into the school with his head up and confidence flowing through him.

Twenty minutes later, at the football stadium, Jack is pulling up to the security gate. He rolls his window down and smiles to see Spencer walking up.

Hey, Spencer, how’s it going? asks Jack.

Hi, Jack. I heard the news. I’m so sorry to see you leave, replies Spencer.

I think it’s about time, but I’ll definitely be back to check on you guys, says Jack.

Spencer laughs and waves at Jack as he drives in.

Thirty minutes later, inside a big conference room, Jack stands behind a podium as he announces his retirement. There in front of him are about twenty news reporters. He looks at each of them and answers their questions.

Thirty minutes later, Jack smiles and takes a deep breath.

I just want to say one thing. I’m grateful to have the best fans in the world, says Jack. You were the reason I stepped out on that field, that electric atmosphere. You guys were great. So, to you, I thank you.

Jack walks off the stage and into his old locker room. A lot of his old teammates are still waiting. He walks through the crowd, shaking hands and talking to a few.

Five minutes later, Richard suddenly walks up and tugs on Jack’s pants. Richard is four years old and has short blond hair and blue eyes. Jack turns around, and when he sees Richard, he smiles.

Richard, how did you get in here? asks Jack.

Hi, bro. I see you found my little monster, says Jared as he