Beach Escape

By Mary Ann Olsen

This book shows there are always possibilities and hope for the future if you never give up. It is possible to pull yourself out of despair and reach for something better which will give you peace. Terri felt that she wanted so much to have her son grow up with love in his heart and good memories to keep.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890911964

Mary Ann Olsen

Raised in Winchester, VA and as a teen entertained in the 3 state area - sang pop and tapped danced (a number of times at the same time Patsy Cline was entertaining - she was about the same age and also from Winchester. Later I wrote, produced and directed an outdoor musical on the 100 steps of the high school. The last year there were 1,400 people in the musical. All intros of the numbers were introduced in poetry form. Later I was selected Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival which is held every year with a Grand Feature Parade, Fireman's Parade, Dances and Luncheons and Sports Breakfast.Many celebrities have attended this festival such as a Bing Crosby, Bob Hope along with the President Ford. I wrote a promotional book called, "My Apple Blossom Times", they were completely sold out. More recently I wrote a children's book, "Little Cousins Birthdays" which got a 5 star review on Amazon. Little Cousins was based on true story. I have a poetry book I am currently working on called "Walking Through Life in Poetry and Special Thoughts." I have three grown children - Bambi, Gina and GeorgeMy husband Fred and I have enjoyed traveling in our motorhome and camped in every state with the exception of Hawaii and Alaska. We followed the Lewis and Clark Trail all the way to Fort Clatsop, Oregon.

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Beach Escape

Copyright © 2023 by Mary Ann Olsen

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-89091-195-7

ISBN eBook: 979-8-89091-196-4

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of ReadersMagnet, LLC.

ReadersMagnet, LLC

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Book design copyright © 2023 by ReadersMagnet, LLC. All rights reserved.

Cover design by Ericka Obando

Interior design by Daniel Lopez

Contents

CHAPTER I Breaking Point

Chapter Ii A New Beginning

Chapter Iii Period Of Adjustment

Chapter Iv Laying A Foundation

Chapter V Decisions

Chapter Vi In The Daylight

Chapter Vii

Chapter Viii Laying A Foundation

Chapter Ix Good & Bad Times

Chapter X A Good Night With Good Tomorrows

CHAPTER I

Breaking Point

Terri Lynn was in hysterics as she drove in the blinding rain—where, she did not know. Her frightened young son sat stiffly on the back seat of the car. All she knew was that she wanted out. Out of this marriage, out of this town, and the way she felt this moment, maybe even out of this world. Only one thing kept her from losing her sanity… her little boy, Brad. He needed her. At present, everything seemed so very hopeless.

Just about three hours ago she recalled a drunken husband coming home and smashing the lamps in the living room, throwing chairs, as usual, for her to receive the blows and verbal abuse of his own frustration. She remembered Cal chasing her through the house, stopping in the kitchen to take another drink, then she heard a loud thud. Terri returned to the kitchen to see what had happened. Her husband was passed out on the kitchen floor. At that very moment, Terri decided this was the breaking point. Terri screamed out loud, Enough is enough!

She decided that if she did not help herself, no one else would. She went to the bedroom closet, pulling the largest suitcase out with anger. She quickly threw some clothes from the bureau into the case. Crying uncontrollably, she also took several dresses from the closet without even removing the hangers. Terri then went into her son’ s room. She was so glad Brad was taking an afternoon nap while she packed some of his clothes.

Shaking, she leaned over and kissed him, asking him to be very quiet because she did not want to wake Daddy. She told him they were going on a trip. As she looked around the room regretting the way things had turned out, she recalled the first years of their marriage and how very perfect their life seemed to be. Before she left the room, she realized Brad would want his stuffed dog, Brownie. Terri took Brownie from the bed and gave him to Brad as they moved quietly down the stairs.

She told Brad to stay near the front door and not to make a sound. Terri made her way quietly back to the kitchen. She saw her that husband showed no signs of coming to. Gently, she pulled Cal’ s wallet from his pocket and saw he had placed the car keys on the kitchen counter. Evidently, he had just cashed a check because the wallet was full of fifty-dollar bills. She started to just take half, but no, she said to herself, I need this for Brad and me. Terri started to leave, and then she remembered the savings book in the desk drawer. She had the checkbook with her because she just wrote checks to pay bills that day. Hopefully the savings book would be there. Oh. yes, thank God, she said as she removed it. She stuffed it into to her pocketbook along with the checkbook.

She then made her way to the front door, took Brad’ s hand and the suitcase. She closed the door, hoping that she was closing the door to her marriage and maybe opening a door to a new life. Terri was determined she would never be hit again.

On the way out of town, Terri decided she would stop by the bank. She desperately looked at her watch, hoping she would get to the bank before they closed. Thank goodness, it was Friday and they were open until 6 PM.

She recalled a similar situation several years before. She thought then that maybe the law could protect her or make him leave. Terri remembered having Brad with her when she drove to the sheriff’s department. They informed her that if she did not swear out a warrant and take him to court, they would not assist her ever again. Terri Lynn naively believed them. She needed an answer, any answer, just so she could stand to live and get some peace. She sarcastically laughed through the tears as she also remembered the day in court when her husband pleaded guilty to hitting her. The next word from the judge was, You are fined a court cost of $200 and one year probation. The judge added, You are also urged to seek help. This was no protection and no guarantee he would not do it again.

Tears streamed down her face as hard as the rain on the windshield of the car. Terri headed south, but she did not really realize where she was going, or where she would wind up. She just had to get hold of herself, if for no other reason than for Brad, for her darling little boy.

Another hour passed before she realized that Bradley had curled up on the seat of the car and had fallen asleep hugging Brownie, his stuffed dog.

Thank God, he can sleep; he does not need to live in this turmoil. She knew she would not keep her sanity living as she had been for years.

She never knew what kind of mood her husband, Cal, would be in when he came home. If he was mad with someone or something at work, he would take it out on her. The weekends were maddening. Cal needed a reason to get mad so he also could justify leaving the house. Most of the time, he went to Washington, DC, to the burlesque shows and did not come home until two or three in the morning. During those years, Terri wondered what was wrong with her as everyone else thought she was attractive. She simply did not understand why she was to take the beating and Cal still felt that she should let him make love to her. You do not hurt people you love. At least, I don’ t, she thought.

How and why did I put up with this? Maybe I am sick, too! This is definitely not normal, Terri thought to herself as she drove. The radio brought her back with a song, What Kind of Fool Am I? How very appropriate, she thought.

All of a sudden, she heard a little voice from the back seat say, Mom, I am hungry.

Well, she thought, it probably would be a good time to eat. OK, honey, mom and you will look for a place to feed, my boy, Terri answered.

She had been on the road for some time, although she was not even sure how long.

It was like she was in a fog, trying to see her way through. Terri saw a small restaurant to her right and put her turn signal on. She and Brad ran quickly into the little restaurant because the rain was coming down in torrents. She took Brad to the restroom to wash his hands before dinner, then returned to the dining area. Terri found a table close to the window where she could see the car.

Mommy, I want a cheeseburger and fries, Brad said.

OK honey, Terri replied.

A blonde waitress in her 50’s came over and took her order. Terri said, I’ ll have cherry pie ala mode and coffee. My son will have a cheeseburger, fries, and milk.

Terri looked up and saw a name tag that read Goldie.

He is a darlin, she said with her southern drawl. Reminds me of my grandson, she added.

Terri realized Bradley was tired and she thought they could use some rest; perhaps tomorrow she could think straight. Goldie soon returned to their table with the order. As she placed the food on the table, Terri asked her where they were.

You are near Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, ma’am.

Could you tell me if we are close to a motel, not too expensive? Terri asked.

Yes, ma’am, there is a nice little motel around the corner from the restaurant that my brother-in-law runs, Goldie replied.

Brad devoured his cheeseburger and fries. Terri took her time eating her pie and drinking her coffee, trying to relax. The waitress came over to pour her another cup, but she declined. Terri thanked Goldie as she paid the bill. Brad waved to her as they both left the restaurant.

As Goldie had said, the motel was only a short distance from the restaurant. Terri took Brad and went in to register. Behind the desk, there was a balding man in his mid-fifties with a very pleasant smile. He hung up the phone as they both walked in. He looked at Terri and said, I just got a call from Goldie at the restaurant to treat you and the boy right.That was nice of her to be so concerned, Terri replied.

Oh, Goldie is like that, so I will give you a special rate on that room, he added.

I cannot wait to get some sleep, we are both very tired, and it has been a trying day sighed Terri.

The owner explained where their room was. She registered; she took the key and Brad’ s hand. Terri drove around the corner of the office to the room. Brad helped with the small bag and Terri got the other two, dragging both of them. Thank God, they had wheels. The room was clean, but nothing special. All they both needed was a good night’s sleep and a bright sunny day tomorrow to face this unpredictable world.

Finally, this day was going to end! Perhaps Terri could gather her senses together in order to make some good decisions —decisions that affect both of their lives. Terri prayed that night she would make the right decisions for them. Looking at her little son sleeping gave her the strength she knew she would need.

Surprisingly, they both slept well. Perhaps it was because she did not have to worry about her husband coming into the room drunk and exploding with fits of temper. At least, they were safe.

The sun peeked through the crack of the drape that Terri evidently did not completely close last night. She got up quietly so as not to wake Brad. Perhaps she could get her shower and dress before he did wake up. She looked down at him; he was sleeping very soundly. Off to the shower, she brushed her teeth and put on a little make-up. As Terri left the bathroom, Bradley was beginning to stir around in the bed.

Brad, you must get up and get a shower and brush your teeth, Terri whispered in his ear as she leaned over the bed.

But I want some breakfast first, he said as he rolled over in the bed.

We are not at home. First, you must get ready and we will go over to the restaurant and get some breakfast, then we will be on our way, Terri told him.

Way where? her son asked.

I do not know right now, lets’ get some breakfast, then we will discuss it, Terri answered.

It was a bright sunny morning so Terri decided she and Brad would walk to the restaurant. Perhaps the walk would be good for both of them and give them some needed exercise before they continued. Brad looked around and saw a cute little puppy sunning himself on the entrance to the motel office.

Mommy, why couldn’t I have a puppy? Brad said, very excited.

Perhaps when we find a place of our own, we will definitely get a puppy for you to play with, Terri answered.

Before they knew it, they were at the little restaurant and went inside to order. They were surprised to see Goldie back so early. She recognized them and brought their menus. Terri said, Goldie, I am surprised to see you again this morning.

Well, Goldie replied, one of the girls got sick and they called me to come in. Young man, what will you have this bright, cheery morning?

Brad answered her quickly, Bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and orange juice.

And you, ma’am? Goldie asked as she shifted her glance to Terri.

Well, I believe I will have the same as my son, but now, coffee please, Terri said with a look that showed her need for caffeine immediately.

Coffee first, Goldie replied.

Terri thought to herself, should I discuss where we might go with Brad, or make the decision on my own? She then proceeded cautiously with Brad in mind.

Brad, Mommy is trying to decide where we should live. Is there some place special you would like to live? Terri inquired, looking at him with great concern.

I am not sure Mommy, but I would sort of like living at the beach. I remember you taking me to Virginia Beach last summer and we had so much fun. We went to the beach every day, Mommy, we played in the sand and at night, you took me to the rides, Brad said excitedly, all in one breath.

Terri thought for a minute that perhaps Brad did have a good idea, for she did not have a better one, so she replied, You know son, I think maybe that may be great! Finish your breakfast, we will pay our bill here and check out of the motel. Then we will find our beach escape.

Quickly, Terri and Brad returned to the motel and packed to leave. Don’t forget Brownie, Terri reminded Brad.

Gas was the next thing on the agenda, then south on I-95. What was ahead just had to be better than what they left behind. Terri hoped and dreamed of the possible peace their new life could have without Cal and all of the upsets he cast on them almost every week of their lives, especially the last few years. Today, Brad was sitting on the front seat of Terri’s new car that she purchased with the profit-sharing from her job.

Oh, my! Terri shouted.No one at work even knows where I am. I must call Sharon.

Terri pulled off at the next rest stop and called her office.

Horizon Real Estate, this is Sharon speaking, the receptionist replied.

Sharon, this is Terri, may I speak to Mr. James? she asked.

Terri, he is really upset, you were to meet some clients at 9 a.m. this morning, but I will put you through, Sharon remarked.

This is Ted James, how may I help you? he asked.

Ted, this is Terri and please hear me out. Cal got drunk yesterday and it was an awful scene; I just could not stand another day in that house or anywhere near him. I am somewhere in the middle of North Carolina and I will not be back. I did feel I owed you an explanation, Terri said, now at the point of tears and sobs.

Terri, you know I will help you if you need me, Ted said.

I know you will, and I appreciate what you have done in the past.

Brad and I are going to try to start a new life if that is possible, Terri sighed and added, would you do me a favor and call my mom for me? I really do not want to go into this with her right now. I will call her when I get settled.

You have my address and phone number if ever you need a friend to talk with, Ted said, hanging up the phone very slowly.

He really thought a lot of Terri, perhaps more than either he or Terri really knew. ‘Maybe I could have helped her more if she had stayed,’ Ted thought. It was too late now, or was it?

Terri got back in her car with Brad in hand and she felt better that she had at least let Ted know. He had been a good friend on many occasions. She recalled how caring he was when they called from Brad’s school saying he had broken his arm when he fell off the monkey bars. Ted had driven her to the school because he said she was too nervous to drive. He had comforted both her and Brad. Not even Cal, his own father, had bothered to come to the school when he was notified, or show up at the emergency room when Brad was getting the arm set in a cast. Ted signed the cast and drew a smiley face on it in hopes it would make Brad smile, and it did. She recalled Brad telling Ted it was really cool!

For the next 25 or 30 miles, both Terri and Brad sang. First they sang Row, Row and then Ten Little Indians.Which beach, Terri thought as she drove down I-95? After another hour and a half, they saw several billboard signs declaring the best route to Myrtle Beach. She had heard so much about Myrtle Beach; why not try it? It was getting close to lunch time when she saw a very large sombrero from the highway. What in the world, Terri thought. She had never been this far south on I-95, although she had flown to Florida several times for vacation. Coincidentally, the exit to where the sombrero appeared was also a route to Myrtle Beach. It would probably be fun for Brad to get out here and maybe have lunch. The area had a certain flashy appeal to children, so Terri parked the car and went in search of a restaurant and a bathroom. They got a sandwich, a soda, and a package of chips, and elected