A McCormic Project: The Unfinished Project

By Chase R. Hollie

Welcome to my world as I open my heart to everyone in sharing my own life experiences through storytelling. I want to navigate you through the life of Kyle McCormic as he deals with his identity crisis, troubles with forgiving those from his past, overcoming the obstacles of life ahead, and more in the second part of his life story, The Unfinished Project.

Now that Kyle knows the truth, what will he decide? How will he deal with what he has discovered? He now has the power to shape his environment around him. It is on Kyle to decide what path he will choose to produce the future he longs for. It is my desire to share with you many twists and turns that we all have gone through, giving you a plethora of viewpoints. Allow yourself to open your heart by not only placing yourself in the shoes of the main character but to also identify with many others in this story.

The Unfinished Project is the second book in a trilogy of stories that deal with love, forgiveness, identity, redemption, and so much more that we face in our lives today. Let this story bless you as you enjoy this read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887517377

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A McCormic Project

The Unfinished Project

Chase R. Hollie

ISBN 979-8-88751-736-0 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88751-737-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Chase R. Hollie

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

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

About the Author

Chapter 1

Ihate waking up like this. Here it is two o'clock in the morning, and I am downstairs in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. Only a couple more hours and I will have to get ready for work. I remember when John and I used sit up and drink coffee in the mornings. Before he passed, it seemed like we had spent more time in our coffee cups and conversation than we ever had. The man loved his coffee. It seemed like he had a different coffee cup for any kind of mood he was in. He would load it down with sugar and creamer. The staff at the nursing home said you could tell he was in the building because you could smell his coffee a mile away. He would sweeten it so much that it smelled like maple syrup over hot pancakes in the morning.

It has been almost six months since the funeral, and some things just still seem off about the absence of my father. Growing up, I always felt like I had an absent father, that is until I found out that Mr. Robinson was my biological father. That feeling was none compared to this that I was feeling. This feeling made me realize that I had felt the presence of my father more than I had known. Now I am feeling the absence of a father more than I could ever imagine.

Kira had noticed how I have not been resting here lately. She thought that maybe I should be placed on medication. Surely this soon shall pass like all other things. Mother says I should pray and get counseling. Why should I seek counseling when there is nothing wrong with me?

Mrs. Sharon had noticed how I had not been sleeping one day when she had come to check on me in my office. She had found me fast asleep in my chair. She recommended that I take some time off to get myself together, but I would not have it—that is, until she told my mother. Mother demanded that I take some time off.

A couple of weeks after the funeral, I noticed myself starting to drink heavily. I had developed a drinking problem that did not go unnoticed by Kira. We had a little discussion on the matter. I decided to throw out all my bourbon. We kept the wine for our date nights. Bourbon nightcaps were my way of winding down before bed. It never occurred to me that I was drowning some of my issues with bourbon. It felt more like a sophisticated way of ending my day. That may have been the case early on, but the drinking worsened during those couple of weeks. Before I knew it, I was drinking as soon as I had gotten home from work. Now, I just watch TV until I fall asleep.

Suddenly, I was not feeling ready to return to work. I think I will just call in and stay home. Besides, I was still supposed to go clean out my father's office once I returned. This is a task I was not ready for right now but know it must be done to obtain a little bit of closure. The nursing home has committed to keeping it clean until I was ready to get his things, and for that, I am thankful.

I was telling everyone that I was okay, but I could feel the depression settling in. I know that I had all the time in the world with my father, but there were still so many unanswered questions lingering. I know Mom and Kenneth filled in the gaps the best that they could, but something felt like I was not over it yet. I decided that I might as well fix me some breakfast since I was not going back to bed. I need to get out of this funk. It is not me.

JACS and Marcus call or come by every day to check on me. They have been more than a blessing. I really love it when JACS visits. She loves food as much as I do. She never fails to have something in a bag when she shows up. We started making it a custom to eat Chinese every Thursday night. It was just she, Marcus, and I—until Trenton started joining in. Now, it is a kitchen full. I look forward to those nights. This house is full of laughter. Trenton has always been the group's sense of humor since we had first started hanging out.

Kira and I have family dinner night as well. We always switch up. Either we will have it at my place or her parents' house. They came to the funeral, Kira's parents. There have been a couple of times when her father has stopped by to check on me when he was in town. He and I would walk around the property and just talk. We also started having breakfast periodically at Alice's Café. It was like the altercation at the pharmacy never happened. I think that old man is really starting to grow on me. Outside of having a job, my schedule was booked.

I called Kira as soon as I could see the sun peeking through the curtains. I really appreciate everything that she has done for me during this devastating time in my life. I feel like some of it has brought us closer. I love and adore her, but part of me is scared that the woman I can see myself spending the rest of my life with may leave me if I do not get it together. Who would put up with such a wreck of a person like myself? I do not know if I could give my time and energy to someone if the shoe was on the other foot.

Our family has never really had an issue like this. I have always felt like I have had enough problems on my own. I have never liked dealing with someone else's problems either. Thinking like that kind of makes me sound selfish. That seems like a heavy load, but I know that no one is perfect. Everyone comes with some type of baggage.

Mom took it hard when my father Kenneth died, but it did not seem like she grieved long. I remember her faith being so strong in that moment, and I can vividly recollect her spending a lot of time in prayer. She would lock herself in his study for hours, reading the Bible and those old books that he had lining the walls. I still have all his old books that he had received from his father. She still worked on her projects as well, but for a brief time, it just was not the same.

I was finishing breakfast as I heard the front door being unlocked. It was Kira, of course. She had her own key. I had recommended that she and Chelsie move in, but she did not feel that it was right, being that we were not married. She stayed for a little while but eventually went back home. She and Chelsie were just reunited, and I understood how she felt. There was not much more time before Chelsie would be getting ready to leave for college.

Something sure smells good in here! The smell of breakfast in this house always reminds me of when we first met. I fell in love with the scent of your home and the smell of breakfast in the mornings as the rising of the sun would wake me up. I guess you had yourself another long night? Kira was in good spirits this morning. She was quite the morning person. That girl could beat the sun to rise in the morning. She would always be up and going without hesitation. During her short stay, she was always the first one up and in the kitchen, cooking breakfast.

I guess the early-morning phone call gave it away. It was not the first time that I had called her early in the morning. I was a morning person as well. I just did not get up as early as she did. I would linger a bit before I hopped out of bed. What could have possibly given it away?

What did you dream about this time, or was it one of the same ones you've been having? I was having weird dreams some nights. Other nights, I just could not shut my mind down. Kira would get up shortly after me in the middle of those nights. We would sit on the couch with a cup of coffee and discuss the dreams I was having. One of the dreams that I was having was of me cleaning out my father's office. I would always end the day with the album that I had seen him tuck away in his desk drawer. I do not know why I would be dreaming of that specific album because he had given it to me already.

The other dream was of me and Mr. Robinson playing basketball in the gymnasium of his old college. Other than those dreams, I would just lie in bed wide awake, thinking about my father. I missed him, and I could not shake it. I just felt like something was left behind, and that something was me.

Mr. Robinson and I were playing one-on-one again in the gym. That game never ends. It is like I always wake with me having the ball last. The game is tied up. Last one to score wins, and the ball is in my possession. In the dream, I am too tired to continue playing, but I am determined to beat him. He and I were always competitive. I miss him so much that I have dreams of my most memorable memories. Do you believe that our dreams have ways of trying to tell us something?

Sometimes I do. My dreams generally consist of me finding a hefty sum of money in some hidden area in my home. The funny thing is that it isn't there when I wake to go look for it. Kira spilled over with laughter as she was telling me about her dreams. I thought that was a bit hilarious myself. It is just that the issues I was having were no laughing matter at all. I loved having her around. She could always take a serious situation and turn it into something funny. Kira and Trent had that special gift. Either one of them could have you crying laughing at something you had no business finding comical in the first place. I truly think Trenton missed his calling as a comedian.

Well, one day, I hope you do find that secret stash when you wake up. I would love to never have to work another day in my life.

She cut her eyes at me after I finished the comment. I know she would still have me working while she stayed at home and sat on her money. Of course, I know better. Kira was amazing in my eyes. There was no woman greater, except for my mother. She reminded me a great deal of my mother. Like I had said earlier, Kira has been nothing short of an angel in these times. She captured my heart from the first night we went to Alice's after the football game. I have every intention of being with this woman for the rest of my life.

When do you plan to go to the nursing home and cleaning out your father's old office? Don't you feel like his things belong in this house? Have you decided what you're going to do with his house? I remember Ms. Brenda telling me that he left it to you. Isn't your father's house paid for?

I was truly dreading going to the nursing home to clean out his office. My fears were also keeping me from the one true person whom I have loved and known wholeheartedly since birth. Mother and I were making the best of things. She would come and stay at the house at least two or three nights out of the week. She would stay family night and go back to the nursing home Sunday or Monday.

Yes, his house is paid for. It is a beautiful home. It is sentimental to me. I do not want to let it go to nothing. Why don't you and Chelsie move in it for the time being? That way, you two can have your own space. That would give you guys a fantastic opportunity to bond even more before she leaves for college. I knew it would be a short while before Kira and I took things to the next level as far as marriage. I know she and Chelsie could make use of the space. John Robinson did have a charming home with a beautiful landscape. Besides, I think he would have liked that. Kira and Chelsie stepped right in during the last moments of my father's life. They were a tremendous help.

Kira turned and smiled. You know what? I think you're right! My father-in-law would have loved that.

It made me feel good to hear her call him her father-in-law. Once this whole thing settles, I plan to ask Kira to marry me. I am sure that she will make a fantastic addition to the family and our group. JACS just loves her.

Well, I am glad you accepted the offer. Today would be a good day to get the ball rolling and things ready to transition. I could see what the guys are up to. We all could help get things ready. I am sure Mother would love it as well. I could not wait to break the news to my mother. I wonder if she would not mind coming to stay for a while. Surely, she would love to be home. I know she loves it here.

Kira grabbed my plate as I finished my last bite of bacon. She washed the dishes as I went upstairs to get my shower and clothes together for the day. I really wanted to make it a smooth transition for Kira. I knew that we needed to clean out my father's house first.

No sooner than I had the thought, Kira sent me a text message about getting the house organized. She thought it would be a good idea for me, her, and Chelsie to clean out the house. Dad had a lot of furniture, but he did have a building out back that we could use to store all his stuff in. Besides, this was one of the two things on my dreaded to-do list. I could only imagine all the emotions involved during the process of cleaning out my dad's house. I was not looking forward to thumbing through all the memories. I know Mother wanted all the photos that he had. She did not want to let one picture go to the trash or get lost.

I noticed Kira had let herself out while I was upstairs getting ready, so I headed out the door to go to my dad's house. On the way there, I sent out a group message to Marcus, JACS, and Trenton about the move.

As I pulled up in the driveway, I received a message from Trenton about moving the furniture. He said that he could loan out one of the furniture trucks from the store to help with the transition. As I sat in the driveway, I started to somewhat feel the way I felt once I had found out that Mr. Robinson was my father.

As I sat there looking at the house, a pit swelled up in my stomach. It all felt like I was reliving it all over again. I missed John so much. He was such a great inspiration and huge part of my life. I knew that he was in a better place, but there was something missing, and I could not quite put a finger on what it is.

I finally got out of the car and began to enter the house. Upon entering the house, I noticed it smelled like it did the last time I was here. The last time he and I were here, we drank coffee and watched movies. The house still smelled like the cologne he would often wear. I would buy him many gifts for Christmas, but a fresh bottle of his favorite cologne would always be amongst them. Cologne and coffee were something that he was known for.

I wandered around the living room. I sat in his old recliner. I went from room to room. Everywhere I traveled in this house brought back so many good memories of John Robinson. It felt like I was being reminded that he had been trying to be the best father that he could be while playing the part of my best friend. Although I do not have any children of my own, I thought to myself how hard it must have been trying to maintain that secret.

I then thought about Kira and Chelsie. I thought about how a person would have to hold back the pain of their heart wanting to cry out the truth. How could a person carry that weight for so long? Mr. Robinson said that the McCormics agreed to raise me until he was able to take care of me, but that day never came. He always seemed like he was doing well as I could remember coming around him while I was growing up. Who made the decision to just keep the secret and wait until I was not only an adult but a grown man?

At this moment, I felt like this had been explained to me, but I needed someone to explain it again. I knew just the person to talk to, but we must get this house in order first. I started to gather up the smaller things around the house and putting them into some totes that I had found in the spare bedroom. I then started stripping the beds. I am gathering up all the sheets, folding the blankets, and getting his clothes together to store in the building.

Once I had gotten the totes ready to head out to the building, I heard a truck pull into the driveway. It was one of the furniture trucks from Lacy's. I reckon Trenton had sent them early because the furniture would have to come from Kira's parents' house, not here.

No sooner than the guys were getting out of the truck, Trenton pulled into the driveway behind them. Not only are you early, but you are at the wrong address too, I said, laughing as he was walking up to the porch coming into the house.

Why would you say that? What do you plan to do with his old furniture, Kyle? Trenton had a point as he took his observation of the house.

Well, I had actually planned on just putting it all in Dad's building out back to get it out of the way. As I was telling him my plan, I realized that it was not a good one. What would I do with it then after it was relocated to the building? The truth is that no one else is going to be using it. It would go into the building and probably never come out again.

Why don't you just let us have it? I could use it as some sort of credit to you and Kira. We generally give a credit for people's old furniture when they make a purchase of new furniture. It is a special service we do for the community. We work with an organization that helps build homes or houses those with low income. The furniture that we take from you will be refurbished and go to someone in need. That way, Mr. Robinson's furniture wouldn't go to waste but serve a purpose for someone in need. Trenton was on to something. I must admit that he had a better idea than I had come up with.

That idea does sound better. I think Dad would have taken that choice as well. Plus, it would save me all the trouble and space. Lord knows I did not want to be lifting and packing all that furniture in the first place.

Trenton flagged for the guys to get the furniture. Dad had so much furniture that the movers had to make two trips taking it back to the furniture warehouse, where it would be refurbished. Even with their making two trips, they had the house cleared in no time. Trenton stayed back and helped me with some more of the smaller things around the house.

We almost had it all cleared out before Kira arrived. No longer than I could finish my thought, she and Chelsie were pulling in the driveway. The two of them looked like they were ready to do some serious moving. Well, here we are. Where is all the furniture? Kira was looking around the living room as though she had planned on furniture being here. I know we discussed cleaning out the house, but I could not remember specifically if we had mentioned getting rid of the furniture.

I donated it all to the furniture store Trenton owns so we wouldn't have to store it in the building. I thought it was an innovative idea, and it would make room for everything that you guys had to move in. At this point, I kind of had started to feel like this may have not been the right call.

Uh, Kyle, I live with my parents. I sold all my furniture when I moved back here. I do not know how much you think I had to move into this house. Kira looked as though she may be a little concerned about not having any furniture for her and Chelsie in their new home.

Suddenly I started to feel bad. Honestly, it was not a big deal. If she needed new furniture, I did not mind going and buying whatever they needed.

Trenton chimed in. "Kira, I am glad that you do not have any furniture to move. After Kyle had brought it up this morning, I wanted to do something special for you and Chelsie. I just did not know if I would be able to do it not knowing if you had already had furniture or not. I had mentioned taking all of Mr. Robinson's old furniture and using it for a credit to Kyle in the future.

Of course, we ended up hauling off way more than I had expected. The ticket for the furniture that we did take to the warehouse would produce a large credit at the store. Also, as a gift from me to you and Chelsie, I will cover the difference on whatever you guys pick out at the store. Technically, all you guys need to do is show up, pick out whatever you want, and I will have it delivered—no worries at all and free of charge.

My and Kira's jaws were on the floor after Trenton had finished saying what he had said. Chelsie was in tears as I looked over at her. Kira leaped into Trenton's arms. She was soaking his shirt with tears of joy as she thanked him repeatedly.

The house was just filled with so much emotion at this moment. I was overwhelmed with the family I had before my eyes. No one in this room was of blood relation, but we were all family by the love we have shown each other in times past.

Trenton has always been a great guy. There is no denying that at all. I am glad he was able to do what he was doing for Kira. I remember him being the first to be supportive of my pursuing Kira. His words today showed how supportive he was of my and her being together forever. All that was going on in front of me gave a newfound respect, love, and admiration for my friend Trenton Lacy.

After we all finished hugging it out, Trenton and the girls headed down to the furniture