The Best of the Worst Times

By Kowanda Stroud

Janiece gets an education in just three short months.  In October she learns tolerance from her father's new helper Jay Sims.  In November she learns to forgive her parents for being human.  In December she learns patience from Doug Sherman when he finally kisses her for the first time on Christmas day.   Just as the seasons change, so does Janiece.  She changes from a silly girl to a teenager with real problems, and yet, she finds a way to deal with each one of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597052603

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

The Best Of The Worst Times

The Best of the Worst Times is a delightful depiction of life in a small Oklahoma town in a simpler time, when everyone knew their neighbors and doors were left unlocked. Kowanda Stroud weaves the story of Janiece Addison’s coming of age amid the struggles and joys of everyday life. Those of us who grew up in any small town in the late fifties will remember fondly our days at the local movie theatre and sodas shared at the Rexall. Stroud’s story will leave others longing for memories of life in a town like Love, Oklahoma.

—Linda Rettstatt

And the Truth Will Set You Free

August, 2007

Wings ePress

POLISH UP THOSE SADDLE oxfords and shake out your poodle skirt! In The Best of the Worst Times, author Kowanda Stroud takes the reader on a nostalgic tour of small town life in the 1950’s. In Love, Oklahoma everyone has a secret or two and teen-ager Janiece Addison knows most of them. Though her life is full of the teen trials of the day, such as winning a lock of Elvis’ hair, getting a brand new mouton coat, or getting a kiss from the cutest guy she knows, others in Love don’t have it so easy. Many of the small-town folk who pass through Janiece’s life are flawed but possess the strength to remain hopeful and, as a reader, you find yourself cheering for them.

Ms. Stroud has a wonderful mastery of the language and tone of the times and captures the essence of small town life beautifully. I heartily recommend this wonderful book.

—Rita Thedford

Author of Tempted (Wings ePress)

One Dependable Man (The Wild Rose Press)

The Best Of The Worst Times

Kowanda Stroud

A Wings ePress, Inc.

General Fiction Novel

Edited by: Dianne Hamilton

Copy Edited by: Shonna Brannon

Senior Editor: Dianne Hamilton

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: Richard Stroud

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

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 publisher.

Copyright © 2008 by Kowanda Stroud

ISBN  978-1-59705-260-3

Published by Wings ePress, Inc.

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my husband and that first kiss 47 years ago.

One

October, Lawton, Oklahoma

D ang I wish they’d hurry up, we’re the only ones here, Janiece said and looked to the corner again. I wonder why Mama and Daddy are so late picking us up?

Well, don’t worry they’ll be here soon, her best friend Jessie told her. She peered into the window of the jewelry store next door to the Lawton Theater. Look at this ring! I’ll bet it costs a fortune.

I don’t care about any dumb ring, Jessie! She was too worried about the shadowy figure on the next corner to window shop.

It had been warm all day but it rained while they were inside the movie and now the night air was chilly standing on the wet sidewalk. Janiece shivered against the October evening breeze and held her arms across her chest. She wished she had brought a sweater with her.

She scanned the deserted street again. It seemed they were the only people in Lawton, except for that man she spotted earlier.

He came around the corner just as the movie’s bright marquee lights went dark. When he saw her looking at him he stepped away from the glow of the streetlight and hid against the building. She was never afraid in Love when they walked home in the darkness after a movie; but she was afraid now. If he had walked to them it wouldn’t have been scary, but he had stopped so quickly and now it seemed as if he was trying to hide from her.

Let’s walk to the Rexall Drugstore on the corner. I think someone might still be there, she whispered to Jessie and tugged on her arm.

Well, what if they come while we’re down there? Your folks won’t know where we are and they said to wait in front of the movie.

Yes, Janiece said trying to keep the panic from her voice, I know what they said. She glanced over her shoulder to the man watching them.

Well, Jessie argued, I don’t think that drugstore is open, it might just be the janitor cleaning up.

Yeah, but maybe he’ll let us in and we can call Donna and see why they’re so late. Besides...

What’s wrong? Jessie asked when she heard the fear in Janiece’s voice.

She looked in the direction Janiece nodded and she saw him. Oh, okay.

They tried to walk casually, but when they heard footsteps behind them on the wet sidewalk they knew the unknown man was following them. They gave into their fear and walked faster, but his steps quickened too and even after they ran as fast as they could, the splashing noise he made told them he was getting closer.

The only sounds over the beating of their hearts seemed to be his footsteps echoing in the darkness behind them.

When they reached the nearly dark drugstore, they screamed and banged on the locked glass door. A tall thin man with a broom appeared and after he unlocked the door they rushed inside.

Just as he locked the glass door behind them the door started to shake.

They ran into the darkness of the room to hide themselves. They wanted to hold each other and scream, but they could only pant, gasping for air, hearing their hearts beating in their ears.

They could barely make out the face of the man who had chased them as he shook the door trying to open it.

Get the hell out of here! The janitor shouted at the man pushing on the door. I’m getting ready to call the cops right now. He held his broom in front of him as if ready to use it as a weapon.

When the man backed up a few paces, on the sidewalk, and raised his leg as if to kick the door down, Janiece and Jessie screamed in terror.

He stopped when the headlights of a car turning the corner shone on him. With one last menacing look inside the dim building, he turned and ran in the direction he’d come.

A 1957 Ford parked in front of the drugstore and in a few moments Nick Addison, Janiece’s father, stood at the door and looked inside.

Sh-h-h, Jessie, she whispered, it’s okay. Daddy’s here, and he’ll take care of us.

The janitor shouted to the tall man at the door. We ain’t open. Go on home.

Sir, Janiece said in a shaky voice, that’s my daddy.

Huh! He’s a poor excuse for a daddy to let his little girls stand out in the dark like this, he told her in a disgusted tone and unlocked the door.

He shouted at Nick. What do you mean leaving these children on a dark street like this?

Janiece cringed. Not many people were brave enough to talk to her father like the skinny janitor just did. But then he didn’t know them and didn’t know Nick Addison’s temper like she did.

Why, some man just chased them down here at a dead run. He was after these little girls and he damn near got them.

Nick barely glanced at him and went straight to Janiece and peered at her face anxiously. Are you all right?

Yeah, she said still crying, but, Daddy, that guy chased us from the movie all the way down here. I don’t know what would have happened if this man hadn’t been here and let us in. Why would that man chase us, Daddy?

I don’t know, her father told her. He patted her on the shoulder with his crippled hand. You okay, Jessie?

Yeah, Jessie answered and wiped the tears from her face.

Then both of you stop that damn crying. Stay here until I talk to this fella a minute.

Both girls dabbed at their faces and tried to get their emotions under control.

The janitor glanced at them and went back to his sweeping, still angry.

Listen, Mister, Nick said reaching for his wallet in the back pocket of his khakis, I’d like to give you something for helping these two girls out. I feel real bad we were late picking them up.

I don’t want your money, the janitor said. Anybody would have done the same thing. He pointed towards the door. That fella was up to no good that’s for sure.

When Nick noticed a Masonic ring on the janitor’s finger, he held his hand so the janitor could see his 32nd degree Masonic ring.

The janitor smiled and they exchanged the Masonic secret handshake.

I’m Nick Addison, he said pumping the janitors arm up and down. We were at our other daughter’s house, and she and her mama got to talking about the new baby on the way. Of course everybody’s all excited about that and she and her mama were making plans. I have to admit I’m a little excited I’m going to be a grandpa. He smiled self-consciously and then shook his head in disgust. You know women. Then the movie on C Street was late getting out, that’s where our boy and his friend was, so I’m mighty beholdin’ to you for what you did.

He motioned for the two girls to join him at the door but he paused before he opened it for them. I’m the Public Service area manager for Love, Taylor, and Sanders and if there’s ever anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask.

You’d better be careful what you offer, cause I might just take you up on it. Do you do wiring too?

I sure do, Nick told him with a trace of pride in his tone of voice. I wire on my own time and do most all of the wiring around there.

Well, the janitor said, I know it doesn’t look like it right now, he gave the broom in his hand a disgusted look, but it just so happens I’m an experienced electrician myself. You ever need anybody to help you wire?

You’re damn right I do! I have a couple of helpers that just about drive me crazy. I’m trying to teach one of them how to wire and he could be a pretty good hand at it but he likes his beer too much and the other, well, he’s a poor old retarded fella. I try to keep him busy and out of his mama’s way. But, the truth be known, he does a pretty good job once he can remember to do it. I just have to tell him every little thing. He just can’t think of stuff on his own or remember to do it most of the time. You want to work for me? But if you’re a drinking man, I’m not putting up with another. I got one already and that’s enough for me.

I used to drink and I might as well tell you right now I ain’t been out of Big Mac but a few months.

Nick frowned.

Just to ease your mind some I didn’t rob anybody or anything; but I had a wreck while I was drunk and it killed my wife and a man and his baby in the car I hit. So you know why I don’t touch it now at all. I sure could use a job. I’d make you a good hand. I love to wire, did it all my life up until I got sent off. Would you give a fella like me a chance? It might be too much to ask since you don’t even know me.

When can you start? Nick asked without hesitation.

Well, I gotta finish this up, he said, looking at the pile of dirt at his feet.

I didn’t think you’d start tonight, Nick chuckled. By the way, what is your name?

A smile covered the janitor face. J.D. Sims is my name, but some people call me Jay.

Nick nodded his head as if he’d made up his mind. Well, okay then. Do you need a place to live J.D. or would you just drive back and forth?

Well, he grunted, what I got here ain’t worth bragging about for sure, but I don’t have much money for rent.

That won’t be a problem, Nick told him. I have some rent houses and the Wells’ house has some odds and ends furniture. You’re welcome to use what you want of what’s there. We’ll work out something on the rent. When do you think you could move and get started?

Tomorrow, Jay grinned, if that’s okay with you. How do I find you?

Well, just meet me at the City Café in the morning. You can’t miss it. It’s right there on Main Street. Nick nodded at the girls. Y’all better thank J.D. for saving your lives and all.

Thank you J.D, Jessie said with a forced smile.

You’re really going to love living in Love, Janiece told him.

I will? Jay smiled teasing her. Why do you think I’ll love Love?

Well, Love’s just the best town in the world. And I really do thank you for opening that door for us, cause I know you didn’t have to do it.

I’m just glad your daddy got here when he did. I thought that guy was going to kick this door down and I don’t know if I could have whipped him by myself or not. He looked at Nick and winked. Having your daddy here relieved my mind a great deal!

Nick grinned. Thanks again J.D. and I’ll be looking for you in the morning.

Jay stood at the door and watched them walk to the 1957 Ford. At the car they turned back to him and waved. A woman waved from the front seat. He thought she must be Nick’s wife.

The dead bolt of the door sounded loud in the quiet building when he slid it in place.

The broom seemed to fly in his hands now, and the dust didn’t make him sneeze the way it usually did. A smile replaced the scowl his weathered face usually wore. The frown returned to his face when he thought of his children. He knew he had to take his life one day at a time, and he would, just as soon as he finished sweeping this floor.

Two

Love, Oklahoma

Janiece felt the car shudder when she hit something in the road.

Oh no, she told Jessie sitting in the passenger side of the front seat. I hope I didn’t run over that mutt. She looked towards the Stinnett’s porch where the monster dog lived. The dog raised his ugly head and looked in her direction. No, thank goodness it was only a box.

Why do you sound so happy? Jessie asked. You threatened to run over him before you even knew how to drive.

Yeah, I know, but I didn’t really mean it. She shouted in the direction of the porch. I didn’t get you this time mutt, but next time you’d better watch out because I might not be in such a good mood. Good thing for you I have more important things on my mind than pestering you today. You flea-bitten hound!

Jessie shook her head.

The monster dog deserved all the hatred Janiece felt towards him. He’d terrorized the children of Love for years.

Well, at least he can’t chase me from his old corner like he did when I was a kid. Janiece revved the motor of the family Ford and dared him to bark at her now; but he only glanced in her direction and then rested his ugly head on his paws. His yawn indicated he was bored with her now that she was all grown up.

Jessie glanced over her shoulder at two boards resting in the back seat with insects pinned in neat rows. I’m glad today is the deadline for these stupid bugs. I hope Mr. Zisman’s in good a mood. Just because he’s our science teacher he shouldn’t stay in a bad mood all the time. We’re so well behaved and all. He must be stressed since he’s the basketball coach too.

After last night we shouldn’t complain too much about bugs or Mr. Zisman. Janiece turned the corner at the Assembly of God Church. I was never so scared in all my life.

Me either. I know something bad would have happened if that man hadn’t been there to let us in the drugstore.

Do you think that guy would have killed us? Janiece grew somber when she thought about the seriousness of their close call. Well, I guess we don’t have to worry about him now. Our biggest worry is to get these bugs to the gym before the bell rings. I’m so glad I made straight A’s in English and Donnie Callahan flunked. It was a good trade we made. He caught my bugs for me, and I did his English homework. Just the thought of catching fifty bugs makes me turn green.

And since he’s not very good in math and I am, you and I didn’t have to catch a single bug between us. Jessie chuckled. And that’s a really good thing since we thought that crawdad we found in Mrs. Thomas’s goldfish pond was an exotic bug.

I didn’t think that crawdad deal was nearly as funny as Nickie did. He thinks he’s so smart making fun of us like he did. Janiece became angry when she remembered her younger brother laughing hysterically and calling them dumb girls just because they thought a crawdad was a prehistoric bug.

Even though Donnie caught the bugs, we did all the rest. Of course it helped when Daddy found just the right boards at Arthur’s hardware store. I’ll bet we both make A’s.

Do you think Donnie will tell anyone he caught our bugs for us? Maybe we could get in trouble for trading bugs for homework. Jessie asked brushing her hair from her face.

No, he won’t tell because Mr. Donnie Callahan wouldn’t want anyone to know we did his homework for him! Besides we did part of the work, we did the killing, the pinning, and typed up those fancy names for them too.

Jessie said in a dreamy voice, Donnie may not be very smart, but he is sure a good basketball player and a good kisser too.

How would you know about his kissing?

I ought to, you tell me often enough. Jessie turned in the seat and looked over at the two display boards. She tilted her head perplexed and then leaned over the back seat mumbling, forty-eight, forty nine... hey Janiece you only have forty nine bugs!

The car lunged forward when Janiece stepped on the brakes causing the tires to sink into the sandy road.

What? Janiece screamed. I only have forty nine bugs? How could that be? She leaned over the seat and counted, forty eight, forty nine.... that damn Donnie Callahan! I’m going to kill him!

Jessie tried not to laugh but couldn’t help it and giggled, Don’t blame him, you knew he flunked math! Besides remember to say durn and not damn.

That makes me so damn-eh, durn mad! Now what am I going to do? I don’t have time to track down some bug and kill it humanely, like Mr. Zisman says we have to, much less type up a piece of paper to pin under it. Oh, I’m doomed! She glared at Jessie, If I flunk it’s all your fault!

My fault? How could it be my fault?

Didn’t we type up those little pieces of paper together? Janiece asked in a reasonable voice.

Yeah, Jessie answered sullenly.

AND didn’t we stick them on the boards together?

Yeah, Jessie repeated.

Well, when you counted yours, why didn’t you count mine too? You’re so brainy in math and all.

Well, I didn’t know you flunked math too. Jessie laughed and stomped her foot in the floor of the car.

Very funny, Miss Smartie! I’m not in the mood for your witty remarks so just knock it off. Now, since you are so smart and I’m so dumb, you can come up with a solution to my problem. She started the car and tried to dig out but the sand made the car fishtail.

Uh, Jessie said suddenly serious, if you don’t want more problems you’d better knock off driving like that. Nick will skin you alive if you get this car stuck in the sand plus it would give Mr. Hart a reason to make you stop driving again.

I don’t plan on having another wreck, Jessie! Besides Mr. Hart is just Daddy’s insurance man, not God Almighty.

Just give me a minute to think, Jessie answered thoughtfully. Okay, we have to cross the baseball field to get to the gym.

So, how will that solve my missing bug problem?

Well, there’s that big red ant bed back there and you can catch one. You’re right, you don’t have time to kill it the right way; but surely the pin will kill it. Oh wait what about a pin?

I have some safety pins in my purse. I don’t have time to go back home and type up one of those little papers with the proper identification.

Can’t you just print RED ANT on a piece of paper? You know I don’t do my best thinking under pressure.

Janiece felt a little better now that she and Jessie had decided on a plan. Do you think the highway patrol will come and check driver’s licenses today? If they aren’t coming I could just park in the parking lot like everybody else.

You’d better not take any chances, Jessie warned. Cause if they come and you’re parked in the school parking lot, you’ll get a ticket, your daddy will get a ticket, and even the school might get a ticket. No, you don’t want to chance it, because there’s no telling what Mr. Miller would do to you.

Janiece parked the car behind the school grounds. Across the street was the baseball field with the gymnasium in front. She looked at Jessie across the front seat and shook her head, and then she got out of the car and pulled the front seat forward so she could reach her insect collection.

Calm down Jessie. No one's going to get in trouble! Even if there were trouble it would be me in trouble and not you. You are without a doubt the most nervous person I’ve ever met, outside of Mama that is.

Well, I’m relieved to see that you have some sense and parked back here. I just don’t want you to get into any trouble.

I’m not going to get into any trouble. Besides, after my wreck, a ticket would be a piece of cake.

Really, Janiece I don’t think that’s very funny! You and poor little Tammy Marks could have been killed. Don’t you know that? Then what would I do?

When Janiece reached for the insect display from the backseat, a big gust of wind picked up the back of her full skirt and lifted it over her back. Well, isn’t that just swell? I just had to wear my new cancan today of all days, she said tugging her skirt down.

That is a pretty cancan though, Jessie said trying to keep the envy from her voice. She looked down at her limp skirt and added, They never starch up right after they’ve been washed. She looked at her reflection in the car window and applied lipstick carefully and then smacked her lips together.

Janiece glanced in Jessie’s direction. She thought Jessie’s lips looked unusually large. What have you got on your mouth?

Oh it’s the latest fad in Lawton. My cousin, Janell, says everyone’s wearing it there. Do you like it? It’s white lipstick. Jessie tried to catch another peek at her large white lips in the car window.

Uh, well, Janiece tried to keep her voice noncommittal, it is different. Janell said everyone in Lawton is wearing it?

Uh huh, Jessie answered.

They held their insect displays close to their bodies as they crossed the street.

Okay, I’ll try it but it sort of looks weird. Now watch out for stickers back here. Janiece told her in a bossy tone. Sometimes Jessie just didn’t use her head right. White lipstick?

The two walked to the deserted baseball field and found the ant bed located between third base and home plate.

I don’t know about this after all, Jessie said looking at the busy ants working on the big hill of red dirt. You might get stung.

Yeah, well, what choice do I have since you and Donnie can’t count to fifty twice! You just print red ant on that scrap of paper and please none of your fancy loopy writing. Look in my purse and get that pin ready!

The ant bed was swarming with huge red ants traveling in all directions. Janiece wondered how they knew where they were going, and how they kept from running into each other. For one brief moment she thought maybe she should have paid more attention in science class. One ant seemed as good as the other and she grabbed one between her two fingers.

Oh! My God that thing stung me, she screamed.

Jessie looked helpless and held on tightly to both of the insect displays.

Hurry, Janiece shouted holding the stinging ant. Set down my bugs and give me that pin from my purse. Help me for goodness sake!

When Jessie plopped the two displays onto the hard ground the wind blew a cloud of red dirt over them and caused them to cough. She struggled with her full skirt and searched in Janiece’s purse until she found a pin and handed it to her.

It’s hard to get the safety pin through, Janiece said stabbing at the squirming ant trying to escape. The crazy thing acts like it’s fighting for its life. Boy you’d just better stay still and take it like a man. I’m sorry I don’t have time to gas you the humane way! Her teeth were gritted together, and her face was flushed when the pin finally slipped through the ant’s body.

Here’s your identification slip, Jessie said handing her a scrap of notebook paper.

Janiece frowned at Jessie’s elaborate handwriting.

"It looks weird since it doesn’t match the