Introduction of Francis Stein

By Patricia Bradshaw

Francis wanted a love to call her own until death do us part.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890611338

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

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

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Next

Vengeance Is Mine, Says Rose

About the Author

cover.jpg

Introduction of Francis Stein

Patricia Bradshaw

Copyright © 2023 Patricia Bradshaw

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-89061-132-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89061-998-3 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-89061-133-8 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

In loving memory of Paralee

Chapter 1

Not these, Francis muttered, shaking her head at the bright blue box. Not these either. Why is it so hard to find the pads that you actually want? Francis walked back and forth down the narrow aisle, searching for the brand she wanted. It seemed to her like every time she came here, things were in a different place. She couldn't understand why they didn't just leave things be. While roaming the aisle, her mind slipped back to her very first period. She could hear her grandmother's voice like it was yesterday.

Hello? Mama, I'm bleeding, Francis had whispered through the phone, looking over her shoulder to make sure no one in the counselor's office heard her. As far as she could tell, everyone was otherwise occupied and not paying her any attention at all. She could hear her grandmother's soft laughter on the other end of the line. Oh, baby, her grandmother said and continued to laugh.

Francis was confused and upset by her grandmother's laughter. I am bleeding. That means something is wrong. Mama! What do I do? she asked, raising her voice slightly in her frustration. She turned again to see if anyone was listening and saw a few of the other students glancing in her direction. She turned her head back around quickly, trying to avoid their gazes.

Her grandmother had stopped laughing, but Francis could still hear the smile in her voice. Baby, just put some toilet paper in your panties until you get home. Are you hurting? The smile was still there, but Francis could also hear a gentler tone of love. She breathed in deeply.

No, but this is so bad. She sighed. Okay, let me go back to the restroom. She hung up the phone and sprinted out of the counselor's office before anyone could ask her about her phone call.

Francis shook her head and frowned as she thought of her original shock. She didn't realize that she had stopped and was standing completely still in the middle of the aisle. Her frown deepened as she thought of the immediate embarrassment afterward.

After stuffing as much toilet paper as possible into her panties, Francis washed her hands and ran out the bathroom door. She kept her head down and hoped that she wouldn't see anyone on the way back to class, so of course she ran headfirst into Johnathan. She mumbled an excuse me and tried to move around him, but he stopped her before she could take off again.

Hey, Francis. What's wrong? Is everything okay?

Francis was so embarrassed. Why did he have to be right here, right now? She couldn't stand to look him in the eye. She kept her focus on the black-and-white tiles in the hallway. She tried to pretend like she was counting them, anything she could do to avoid him and get back to class. Nothing's wrong. I just have to get back to class.

"Something is wrong. He started to walk away, but then suddenly turned to look at her again. After studying her for a few moments, he said with wide-eyed understanding. Oooooh, I know."

What do you know? Francis demanded. Her embarrassment was overwhelming, and she wanted nothing more than to escape this conversation and get back to class. She could feel the heat rising in her face; she wanted him to go and leave her alone.

He smiled at her sweetly and said, You started your period, didn't you?

Francis's embarrassment finally overcame her, and she started to cry. She just knew that he would tell everyone, and she would be everybody's joke for the day. Please don't tell anyone, she said softly through her tears.

Johnathan put one arm over her shoulders and flashed her another sweet smile. "Don't worry about it. Haven't you heard that all things work together for the good of them who love God? Now, do you love God, Francis?"

Francis looked at him, slightly puzzled. Of all the things he could have said to her, this was not at all what she expected. What did her period starting have to do with loving God? She said the only thing she could think of at the moment: Please don't tell anyone.

Francis shook her head again and began to smile. He never did tell anyone, as far as she knew, and she had always loved him for it.

Francis was still standing in the aisle, wrapped up in her thoughts, when another customer walked up and stood beside her. Francis was finally shaken from her memories by the young woman's voice. Excuse me, what did you say? Now that she'd emerged from her thoughts, she realized she'd been standing there for quite some time and that the package she was looking for was directly in front of her.

The young woman looked at Francis, smiling slightly. I said with all these options, it's so hard to choose.

Francis smiled back at her. Yes, it can be hard to choose, unless you know what you're looking for. With that, she grabbed the pads she wanted and went on her way.

Chapter 2

After making her way slowly down the long, winding driveway, Francis arrived at the construction site that would soon be her new home. The driveway, like everything else about the property, was completely private. The area was totally secluded and surrounded by trees. A person wouldn't know a house was there unless they were looking for it, and that was exactly the way she wanted it. She glanced around, nodding approvingly at the progress, and waved down the foreman to get his attention. He made his way over to her, and she couldn't help but notice that he was smiling.

How are things coming, Joe? Remember, I need my house to be move-in ready in two weeks. Francis couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice. She had worked so hard, and this house would be one of the first real fruits of her labor.

We are on schedule, Ms. Francis.

Although she was attempting to appear calm, Francis could no longer hide her excitement about the soon-to-be finished home.

What about my lab? Can I go down to see it today? She knew she sounded like a child asking to see her Christmas present early, but she couldn't help it. The lab was by far the most important part of her new home, and she wanted so badly to see it finished.

Not yet, Ms. Francis. Give us another week, and it'll be ready for your inspection.

Francis sighed with disappointment but smiled at Joe. I'm going to hold you to that, Joe. I'll be back in a week to set eyes on my lab. She said this with a smile, but she knew Joe could see the seriousness in her eyes.

Yes, ma'am, Ms. Francis. It'll be ready for you by then.

Francis looked over the site one more time before turning back to her car. In her mind, she could already see the finished house and what her lab would look like. She thought of all the plans she had and the wonderful work she would do. She wondered which of her men would appreciate it the most. Justin, she thought, smiling again to herself. It'll definitely be Justin.

Thinking of Justin brought up the memory of when they first met. Francis could still remember the eager smile he was wearing when he introduced himself on that first day of Biology.

Francis looked up from her stack of books and notebooks to see a handsome young man smiling at her.

Hi, I'm Justin, he said with a bright smile. What's your name?

She smiled back at him. My name is Francis. Nice to meet you, Mr. Justin. Where are you from?

Utah, and you?

Louisiana.

There was a brief silence while they both took each other in.

What's your major?

What's your major?

They both laughed at each other and themselves, and in that moment their friendship was born.

You first, he said, grinning at her.

Research Biology. And yours?

Research Biology, he laughed. I really want to know more about God's ‘In the beginning.' He is the master biologist!

They both smiled at each other a little longer, until the professor came in and started class.

Francis pulled herself out of her memories and realized she was still standing and staring at her soon-to-be home. She also realized that Joe was looking at her with quite a bit of concern.

Ms. Francis, are you all right?

She smiled at him reassuringly. Yes, Joe, I'm fine. Just imagining how great this place is going to be when it's all done. Joe smiled in return and tipped his hat. He turned back and headed toward his crew, yelling instructions as he went.

Francis lost herself in the drive back to her apartment. Visiting the site of her new home always stirred her up. She couldn't help but think of all the plans she was making and the things she was going to do once the house was completed. As she drove slowly back into the city, she thought of how nice it would be to have her own private lab where she could work and experiment. A small smile touched her lips at the thought. She pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building and looked up at the small light shining from her bedroom window. Soon, she thought, I'll be out of this one-bedroom hellhole and be in the home of my dreams. Francis got out of her car, crossed the parking lot, and climbed the stairs to her tiny apartment.

*****

Francis drove slowly toward the large white house in front of her. She hadn't been home in over three years, and she was nervous about the reception she would get. She pulled up in front of the main house and saw her father sitting on the porch in his favorite rocking chair. The house hadn't really changed at all since the last time Francis saw it. The white paint was as pristine as ever, and the large wraparound porch still looked new, although it had been there since she was a child.

She parked in front of the house, jumped out of her car, and ran into her father's arms. Hi, Daddy! she squealed excitedly.

Baby girl! I'm so glad you decided to come. Why didn't you tell me you were even thinking about coming?

Francis pulled away from him slightly and looked up at him with a small frown. Daddy, you know how busy I am. I didn't want to promise anything and then not show up. I'm having my house built, so I have to be there to oversee the project and make sure everything is right. Francis took another good look at her father, and her frown softened. She said with a small smile, Truth be told, I've missed you so much, Daddy. I've missed this house too. It's so peaceful here. I especially miss that. That's why I'm putting my dream home on a thousand acres, so I can have the peace and seclusion you've always had here.

He looked at her and smiled back. Well, baby girl, you'll have your cup running over in land. I'm leaving all of this to you. I was hoping one day you would come back home, you know—he winked at her suddenly—after you became a big success.

Francis shook her head at him. Daddy, let's not talk about that right now. Where is everyone?

The womenfolk went into town to get what they call ‘a few more things.' He chuckled good-naturedly. If I know my sister, a few more things will cost me way more than a few more dollars.

Francis laughed at her father's little joke, but she knew it was true. Her aunt and cousins would come back with a ton of stuff that none of them really needed but swore they couldn't live without. She rolled her eyes at the thought. Okay, well, I'll get my things and take them to my room, she said. She wanted to relax and freshen up after the long drive.

Her father's smile faltered slightly. Baby girl, someone is already in your room. You didn't respond to me about coming this year, so I didn't think you were. I let your cousins have the room. They drove all the way from California for this reunion, and like you, I haven't seen them in over three years. I'm sorry, baby.

Francis couldn't hide her disappointment, but she knew she only had herself to blame. She was so wrapped up in her house and her plans, she forgot all about getting back to him. She expected to just show up and have everything be like it used to be, and now she had to deal with the consequences of her arrogance. Francis sighed. Don't feel bad, Daddy. It's my fault I didn't respond. Do you think I can get a room in town?

I think I can make that happen. He grinned at her slyly. Do you remember Johnathan? Of course you do. How could you forget? You and he had a pretty bad breakup, and I believe he is the reason I haven't seen my daughter in over three years. Francis stared at her father but didn't say a word.

Well, he continued, he owns that really fancy hotel in town, and I'm sure he would be willing to give you a room. Let me give him a call.

Daddy, why do you even have his number?

Her father looked surprised. Johnathan is my friend. He comes out here to check on me, and sometimes, when I want a professional haircut, he comes and takes me to town. Father God says you must show yourself friendly to have friends. Johnathan is my friend.

Francis stared at her father a moment longer and then rolled her eyes at him. You never told me any of this before.

You never asked, baby girl. You only call every once in a while, and while you are the most important person in my life, there are people here that I deal with all the time. They come by or call to check on me at least three times a week. They make and spend time with me. I'm not trying to make you feel no type of way, baby girl. I know you love me, but if you really want to know what's going on with your father, you have to put in more of an effort, put in some time. Now, let me make this call before it's too late.

Yes, sir, was all Francis could say in response as her father turned to make his phone call.

Francis tried her best to find the right spot next to her father where she could overhear the conversation without looking like she was listening. She moved from the sofa to the small chair next to the table, just walking around aimlessly, pretending to look at her mother's old knickknacks. Her father saw what she was doing and laughed at her. He shook his head and put his cell phone on speaker.

Hey, Johnny, he almost yelled when Johnny answered the phone.

What's up, Pops? How are you doing? I was just about to call you.

I'm blessed, Johnny, but I called to ask you a favor. I need you to get my daughter a room at your fancy hotel. Please and thank you.

Uh, which daughter?

Francis's father chuckled. Man, you know which daughter. Francis!

They could both hear the excitement in Johnny's voice. When? What time? It doesn't matter. I'll have the Presidential Suite ready for her. He paused suddenly and then asked quickly, Wait, wait, why isn't she staying at the big house?

Francis's father looked at her and winked. Well, she didn't let me know she was coming, and I ended up giving her room to her cousins from California.

Ah, that's too bad. I will make sure she has the best so she won't miss her room. Is she there? Can I talk to her?

Her father took the phone off speaker and held it out to Francis. She shook her head at him. Daddy, I'm not prepared for that, she whispered to him.

He looked at her again and nodded. Instead of putting the phone back on speaker, he yelled out, Francis, Francis! After a few seconds, he put the speakerphone back on and said, Johnny, she's not answering, but she's back there somewhere doing something. You can talk to her later.

Okay, sir. I'll wait. But let her know she has the best waiting for her.

Her father chuckled again. I will, son, I will.

Francis couldn't believe what she'd just heard. She gaped at her father with disbelief.

Son! When did he become your son? she demanded.

Young lady, he said, ignoring the look on her face and the tone in her voice, Johnny has the Presidential Suite awaiting you at his fancy hotel.

Daddy, you do know Johnathan broke my heart, she said angrily, continuing to stare at him.

Yes, baby, I know, he said quietly, but I taught you forgiveness. Give people a chance to learn from their mistakes and grow into a better human being. I honestly believe not being able to forgive is what killed your mother. He sighed heavily. Even after I apologized, she could not forgive me. She felt like she gave up her family to be with me and that I betrayed her, even though it was only one time. When she came to me about it, I didn't even try to lie to her. I told her the truth because I loved her, and I knew that I'd made a mistake. He sighed again. That didn't change anything in her eyes, though. We were never the same again.

Francis looked at her father closely. She could see that this subject still hurt him, even after all these years, but she couldn't agree with him that it was just a lack of forgiveness that killed her mother. Daddy, maybe it was heartache, a broken heart, that killed Mama and not a lack of forgiveness, she said softly.

They looked at each other for a long moment, and then he nodded. I see your point, baby girl. I guess we'll never really know. But I do know forgiveness is mandatory if one desires to be forgiven.

Francis smiled. Don't tell me. God said it, right?

You know it.

She hugged her father tightly as she prepared to leave the house. She kissed him on the cheek and promised to be back bright and early for the family festivities. As she turned to head back to her car, she noticed the wistful look on his face and wondered what he was thinking. She was still wondering when she waved to him on her way back down the driveway.

Chapter 3

Francis had to admit that her little town had grown in the time she'd been away. Although it was the same little city, it seemed bigger with all the new businesses and shops. During her drive, Francis saw many new restaurants and shopping centers, and even a few specialty shops and boutiques. She was impressed with the growth she was seeing.

When Francis finally arrived at what her father had referred to as the fancy hotel and pulled up to the main entrance, she had no idea what to expect. She had worked so hard to recover from the hurt this man had caused her, and she hadn't seen or spoken to him for over three years. She wasn't sure what she would do or how she would feel when she laid eyes on him. She did know that she didn't really have many other options for a room, so she took a deep breath and prepared to go inside.

A valet quickly met her at her car door and offered to take her vehicle. A porter also quickly arrived to assist with taking her bags inside. Francis was pleasantly surprised with the service and was more than happy to have the help. She followed the porter inside to the front desk, where he left her bags and turned her over to the desk clerk. The clerk immediately picked up the phone and murmured a few words. Seconds later, Johnny appeared at Francis's side.

Dr. Francis Stein, he said, unable to hide his pleasure at seeing her.

Mr. Johnathan Winters, she replied dryly. She was doing her best to keep her face calm and expressionless.

You are truly a sight for sore eyes. You look beautiful.

Francis smiled a little at that. You don't look bad yourself. She looked him up and down, carefully. I see you've been taking good care of yourself.

So have you, he said huskily. He stared at her for a few moments before he seemed to realize what he was doing. Excuse me. He grinned sheepishly. Let me take those bags for you.

Thank you. Francis couldn't help but grin at his reaction. Which floor is this Presidential Suite on?

He looked at her and smiled again. It's on the thirtieth floor. At the absolute top.

And what's the room number? Do I just say the Presidential Suite? She smiled back at him. That's a bit much.

"The entire thirtieth floor is the Presidential Suite. So you can just say ‘the thirtieth floor.'"

Francis tried her best to hide that she was impressed with the hotel. She had done her best while coming in to avoid showing the delight she felt at the decor. She didn't want him to know that she thought the place was beautiful and that she was glad to be staying here. Even though she didn't want to, she had to admit to herself that Johnny had done well for himself while she'd been away.

The rest of the elevator ride was silent as they were both lost in their own thoughts.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened onto a short hallway. The floor was carpeted in a rich gray shag, and the walls were lined with a beautiful silver wallpaper with a fleur-de-lis pattern. He led her down the hallway to the only door. Using his key card, he opened the door and ushered her inside.

Francis looked around the room in disbelief. Although he'd already told her that the room took up the whole floor, she was still surprised by how large it was. She was also surprised by the decor of the room. There were fresh cut flowers on the beside tables, the coffee table in the study area, and every other available tabletop. The curtains were thrown open wide, and she had a breathtaking view of the city below. The bed was large and inviting, and Francis thought she had never been so eager to sleep in a bed that wasn't hers.

Francis, do you remember that day in junior high school? Johnathan asked, breaking the silence as he brought her luggage into the room.

She turned to him, genuinely confused. What made you think about that horrible day?

"Then yes, you remember. I don't remember it as a horrible day. I remember it as comforting a young girl who had stepped into womanhood. I remember helping her to not feel so awkward. I remember she and I became best friends. I believe I told you that all things work together for them who love God." He smiled at her, and she could almost see the young man he had been on that day.

That's how you remember it, she asked, shaking her head. Well, I will agree, you did all that for me on that day. I was actually thinking about this the other day. Of course, I had no idea I would be seeing you a few days later. She sighed wistfully. I can also agree we became best friends. However, the memory that sticks out the most is your supreme betrayal of our friendship and how you never gave me any type of explanation for it.

Johnny put all her bags down and turned to meet her gaze. Okay, Francis, he said. Let's keep it real. You never gave me the opportunity to give you an explanation. I tried calling you, but you would not answer. You would not talk. If you saw me on the street, you walked the opposite direction, and as soon as we graduated high school, you were gone. I made a mistake, and I felt so bad. I have felt bad for years now. I really hope this is my opportunity to, at the very least, try to make things right. And to let you know my mistake had nothing to do with you. I want you to forgive me.

You're right, I didn't give you a chance at all. I was so hurt, and I just wanted to disappear. I was embarrassed because you were my world, but I apparently was not yours. Getting as far away from this place was the only thing on my agenda. But as they say, time heals all wounds, and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I accept your apology, and I forgive you, Johnathan Winters.

They stood there in silence for several moments before Francis turned and led him back to the elevator door.

The remainder of Francis's trip home was pleasant and uneventful. She spent time catching up with her family and all the aunts and cousins she hadn't seen in years. She spent more time reconnecting with her father, promising she would stay in better contact with him. She relaxed and genuinely enjoyed herself for the first time in years. When the weekend was over, she was almost sad to go home.

Just a little while longer, Francis thought as she arrived back at her apartment. Her trip had given her an even stronger desire to be in her new home. In her mind's eye, she could imagine how beautiful it would be and all the things she would be able to accomplish by having her own lab. While she was unloading her bags, a familiar figure walked up behind her and offered to give her a hand.

Hey, lady, good to have you back. Let me help you with these bags.

Thank you, James. How have you been? Francis tried to hide her annoyance with him. She appreciated that he wanted to help her, but she really hadn't wanted to see him tonight.

I'm doing better now that you are back.

Francis smiled at him wearily. It's nice to be missed, I suppose.

James smiled brightly back at her. I would like to see you later, if that's okay.

Francis bit back a sigh and said, James, I have a lot to do to prepare for work tomorrow. I've been out of town and haven't gotten anything done. I don't have the time tonight.

But you have to eat, don't you? he asked, tilting his head to look down into her face.

Yes, I do, and I will, she said matter-of-factly. One of those bags has all the food I can eat from the family reunion.

Oh, you were at a family reunion? I thought you were on a business trip. I would have loved to meet your family.

Francis silently cursed to herself. She hadn't meant to let it slip to James that she'd gone to a family reunion. She was tired and had too much on her mind. All she wanted to do was get up to her apartment and relax after her long drive. Maybe one day, James. She hesitated. But bringing a man to my family reunion is a no-no for me. They would be asking so many embarrassing questions that I, personally, have no desire to answer. You know how family can be, right?

Would that have been so bad? he asked quietly.

In fact, it would. The first thing they would ask is if we were getting married soon.

Are we? I would love to be your husband. The Bible says, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing.' He smiled at her again, but she could tell that he was only half joking.

See, there you go again. You know our relationship is not like that at all.

He looked at her again, all smiling and joking gone from his face. I'd like it to be, he said seriously.

James. Francis paused, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. You are old enough to be my father. I like you, but I don't want you for a husband. And to tell the truth, I'm not really looking to be a wife. My career and what I'm trying to accomplish come before marriage and a husband.

He looked at her silently for a moment, then sighed. Okay, lady, I give up. Maybe I will see you around. I've got to go. I have an appointment.

Thanks for helping me with my bags, she said to his back as he walked away. She watched him go until he disappeared back into his building and then turned to finish gathering her bags from the car.

Once Francis had everything unpacked, she sat down and thought about James. She didn't like having to hurt his feelings, and she knew, overall, he was a good man. I have to admit, he is fine for an old man. I would love to have his swagger, his knowledge, and his wisdom in a man closer to my own age. One day…

Francis stared intently at the slide on her microscope. She specialized in gene identification and extraction, and her current project was finding a way to implant genes harvested from one DNA source into another. She was mainly focused on transferring and combining certain personality traits. She was making progress, but it was a slow process. She tried to keep the thoughts of finishing her work in her new lab out of her head and concentrate, but it was getting harder every day.

Francis paused for a moment to look around her lab. Three walls were covered by large refrigerators. Each refrigerator contained hundreds of DNA samples that had been harvested and used for Francis's research. The fourth wall, the one where she was currently working, was lined with testing equipment and microscopes. Francis spent a good majority of her time in this area, attempting to perfect her techniques and complete her research.

Good morning, Francis. I see you're here early and already at work on your project.

Francis turned to greet her supervisor. She'd heard the squeak of his shoes on the tile before he ever got close enough to greet her. She'd grown used to his checkups and could almost always tell when he was coming in to see her.

Good morning, Adam. Yes, I'm already working. This is such an amazing project! It could change everything we know!

"I can hardly wait for you to present it to us. How much longer do you think it'll be