Ezra

By Jim Black and Jim Lewis

Twelve-year-old Ezra Jerome Baker came from the stars. He’s sure of it. He just has to convince his two best friends, Ollie Jansen and Maple McWhorter. Meanwhile, in 1965, in the tiny Texas town of Darling, the three youngsters tackle the world together—unaware their summer is racing toward a shocking climax that will change their lives forever.

As they did in their debut novel, Life with Bingo, authors Black and Lewis tell their story from the perspective of two characters in this, their latest heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Jul 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977266156

Jim Black

A lifelong Texan, Jim Black was born in Center, Texas, and grew up in Archer City. Today he resides in Wichita Falls with his wife, Lorrie. He is the author of several books and plays.  For more information visit www.jimblackbooks.com. 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

EZRA

IF YOU’VE NEVER heard of it, Darling, Texas, sits about halfway between Dime Box and Nickel on Hwy 77, and only about a thousand people live here. I’m one. My name is Ezra Jerome Baker. I’m not from Darling. Or anywhere near here for that matter. I came from the stars. About as far away from this town and our rickety, old clubhouse in Ollie Jansen’s back yard as you can get. Ollie’s real name is Butch, which he hates. So one day he just plucked Ollie right out of the air because he liked the way it sounded, and that’s what we call him. A lot of kids though, call him Shoe because he has a horseshoe-shaped scar on one side of his head left over from surgery when he was little. Most don’t know about the operation and think he was kicked by a mule. My other best friend in the whole world is Maple McWhorter. Maple is skinny, has short black hair, the bluest eyes on the planet and this big, toothy grin that could light up a stadium. The two of them were sitting inside on our clubhouse’s red shag carpet waiting on me when I arrived. Late for our meeting, I slid to a stop, jumped off my bike and hurried in.

About time you joined us. Where you been? Ollie asked.

Mowing Mrs. Bell’s yard, I replied.

"What’d she pay you with this time?"

Homemade Pecan Sandies! I said, holding up the bag.

Ollie grabbed it. Cool! He removed three cookies and handed the bag to Maple.

I think that’s sweet, she said, taking a bite of one. Her not having much money and all.

Me too, I replied. She’s a nice lady. Mom says she was a real beauty back when she was younger.

Ollie looked up. Old Lady Bell?

Maple frowned. Her frown was almost as cute as her smile. That’s not nice!

Yes, Old Lady Bell, I said.

"Dang. Wonder what happened to her looks? She ain’t that old."

A hard life, my mom says. Lost both her sons in the war and then her husband shot himself.

Maple shook her head. Breaks my heart to think about it. Let’s change the subject. OK?

After a silent pause, Ollie announced, My dad called yesterday.

Maple and I stared at each other.

Your dad? she asked.

Yep. I didn’t talk to him. I wasn’t there.

What’d he want?

Money. Told Grandma he was in a bind and would pay her back. Never mentioned me. She hung up on him.

Dang. When’s the last time you saw him? I asked. "You never talk about him. Or your mom."

There ain’t much to tell. We didn’t have insurance when I had my operation, and the hospital bills were big. My old man was always a drunk, but he got mean after that. He started hittin’ my mom. Grandma says he hit me too, but I don’t remember that. She says that’s because my mind is blockin’ it out.

Could be, I said I don’t think your grandmother would fib about something like that.

What happened to him? Maple asked. And your mom?

He just up and left one night. I was seven and haven’t seen him since. But I remember that night like it was yesterday. I heard ‘em arguing and snuck partway down the stairs to listen. He said he was leavin’, she asked where to and he told her, ‘As far away from this hell hole as I can get.’ I went down and asked him what I did wrong that made him wanna leave and he just said, ‘Get your ass back in bed!’ He then picked up his suitcase and headed for the front door. Mom yelled, ‘You’re not even going to tell your son goodbye?’ He looked at her and said, ‘Just did.’ Then he left.

Maple was about to cry. "I am so sorry, Ollie. I can’t imagine what that’s like."

And you’ve never heard from him? I asked.

Nope.

And you’re mom left soon after that?

Ollie nodded. "She hung around for a month or so, and then she split. But at least she told me goodbye. And to be good and do what Grandma says. I asked her if I could come with her but she said no. Then she kissed me, said she loved me and left."

It was quiet for a while. Finally I spoke.

What about your grandad?

He died a year later. Cancer. That was really tough cause he loved me and treated me like a son.

Well, your grandma’s a sweetheart, Maple said.

Darn sure is, I added.

Ollie nodded. You know what’s really hard? My dad’s worthless and he’s out there walkin’ around somewhere while Ezra’s dad, a really good guy, is dead because of some danged ol’ drunk driver. Go figure.

Don’t worry about that, I said. I don’t. Neither should you.

"I feel guilty because I have two great parents." Maple’s eyes had suddenly filled with tears.

Don’t you dare! Ollie and I said in unison. I guess great minds do think alike.

No more feeling guilty or sad talk in this clubhouse, I said. That’s the rule!

That’s right! Ollie said. Enough of that. The important thing is we have each other. That’s all that matters.

Maple wiped away a tear. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys, she said softly.

And we wouldn’t be worth a flip without you. Ain’t that right, Starman?

Sure wouldn’t.

He looked at me. You don’t still believe that, do you?

What? That I came from the stars? Yes sir I do. Seeing as how I don’t look anything like my mom or pictures of my dad.

Lots of kids don’t look like their parents, Maple suggested. Neither of mine have blue eyes like me.

I know, I said. "But it’s more than that. I just feel different. Like I don’t belong here. And I’ve always been fascinated with the night sky. It’s hard to explain."

Maple, what’re you doin’ hangin’ around goofballs and weirdos like us? Ollie kidded. How come you’re not practicin’ to be a debutante or somethin’?

I chuckled and asked, Do you even know what that is?

Ollie grinned and shook his head. Not really.

Three reasons, Maple said loudly. One, I’m only twelve. Two, I have no interest in such things. And three, I like hanging around goofballs and weirdos. That’s why.

What do your folks think? I asked.

They love you guys, you know that. Mom says Ollie is a sweetheart and calls you an ‘original’. So it looks like you two are stuck with me.

I reckon there’s worse things, Ollie said, leaning back in defense. He didn’t lean far enough and Maple punched him in the shoulder.

Ouch! That hurt.

There’s more where that came from, she threatened.

Here, have another cookie, he said. Consider it a peace offering.

"Just give her one, I kidded. She’s watching her girlish figure, remember?" I knew what was coming—a big toothy smile and raised fist.

Get him good, Maple! Ollie cheered.

And she did.

CHAPTER 2

Maple

I HAD TO pedal fast to make it home that evening. Daddy always wants to eat right after the news. He insists on watching the news. Sometimes he watches Cronkite. Sometimes he watches Huntley-Brinkley, but he always watches the news. I don’t know why. It is always so boring and it usually makes me sad. Gosh, I hope Mom is making that spaghetti in a box for dinner. That is my favorite.

My mind was moving as fast as my feet. Saturdays and Sunday afternoons are my times of freedom. Hanging out with Ezra and Ollie is so much better than setting in some stupid school room. I always make an A in all my subjects but school is just about as boring as the news. Those two are my friends, my best friends. We tell each other everything. But they still treat me like a girl sometimes. All they ever talk about is bikes, ball, and bait. I can ride my bike as fast as they can. And I can throw a ball harder and farther than either one of them. And what is the big deal about worms and minnows? I guess that they think I’m supposed to get all grossed out because I’M A GIIRRL! But Daddy is the same way. He is always wanting me to wear shiny shoes and frilly socks and dresses! How am I supposed to ride my bike wearing all of that stuff? He just doesn’t get that my PF Flyers are the best!

I thought about all the things we talked about. About Mrs. Bell who has lost her kids and her husband. I can’t imagine what I would do if I lost Mom or Daddy.

And Ezra doesn’t have a dad. And Ollie has one but never wants to see him again. That must be terrible. I get mad at Daddy sometimes because he doesn’t understand me. He wants me to be his little girl forever but I am not a little girl, I am a big kid just like my friends. And Mom is always getting onto me for not cleaning up my room. She makes me put all my stuff up and then I just have to get it out again. Does that make any sense to anybody? But still, I know they love me and will always take care of me. They may make me mad occasionally but I’m not scared of them.

And Ezra thinks he came from the stars. What a couple of goofballs. I’m not sure either one of them has ever had a serious thought in their lives. We laugh. We have fun. We don’t want to hurt anybody. There is too much sadness in the world. There is too much meanness. Daddy’s news is filled with people being mean to each other. There is a war somewhere real far off. And a bunch of people are being mean to other people because they have darker skin. Why? I hate meanness. I hate mean people. And when I grow up I am going to stop it.

Home. Time for dinner. Spaghetti in a box! Mom, you’re the best!

CHAPTER 3

EZRA

EZRA! TIME TO eat!

Coming, Mom! I quickly put away my copy of Astronomy: A Beginners Guide that I’d gotten from the school library, washed my hands and took my seat at the table. Something smelled good. Fish sticks and French fries! And iced tea.

Did you get Mrs. Bell’s lawn mowed? Mom asked as I dove in.

Yes ma’am. She paid me with Pecan Sandies this time.

Any left?

I think so, but I left them at the clubhouse. Sorry.

That’s fine. Lord knows I don’t need them anyway. I think she uses a pound of butter when she bakes her cookies.

Where was I born? Tell me again.

She looked up surprised.

What?

How did I come to be here?

You were born right here in this house. That’s how. In my bedroom. You know that.

You didn’t go to the hospital?

No, I didn’t. Mrs. Lanford helped deliver you. She was a midwife. Still is, I think.

And my birth went okay? No problems?

Went off without a hitch. You know all this. We’ve talked about it before.

I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that, well, I don’t look anything like you or Daddy.

Mom smiled at me and said, If it makes you feel better, you do resemble your uncle Bob—your father’s brother.

Have I met him?

No you haven’t. He lives in Arkansas, I think. Is something wrong? Something happen? Why the sudden questions?

No. I’m fine. I just feel weird at times, that’s all. Like I’m . . . displaced or something.

I feel that way too at times, honey. I think everyone does.

Really?

Really.

Following supper I washed the dishes and went to get my fishing gear ready. Maple, Ollie and I were headed to Mr. Davis’s tank the next morning after church. Mom and I attended the Methodist church while Maple and her folks went to the Baptist church. Ollie occasionally attended with me or Maple but usually spent his Sunday mornings picking up Coke bottles for money. Each bottle was worth two cents over at Lee’s Grocery. I was pretty sure Ollie wasn’t going to hell for doing so and knew Maple would never do anything that might be considered a sin. As for me, I figured I