Second Chances

By Teal MacNeil

This delightful book will take you back to the 1950s, when family and church were everything, to a simpler time in life when family celebrated the good times and worked through the trials together, through two generations. You will laugh. You will cry. You will become involved in the triumphs and challenges that life brings through our choices and the twists and turns that life takes us on.

Barbie carries a life-changing event with her to her senior years. The twins, Kara and Tara, navigate love, family, and even the heartache of not being able to have a family. Angelica dreams of becoming a nurse from the age of five, to the challenge of raising a child on her own.

After an hour on the trails in the gardens, Tessa suggested they take a rest on the benches ahead. It sounded like a great idea to Angelica. As they approached the benches, a man stood up, facing them. The sun was in her eyes a bit, so Angelica put her hand up to shade them. She smiled at the man politely and walked past him. She was about to sit down, when suddenly she stopped. Quickly, she turned around to take a second look at the man. He was turned, facing her in this direction now. Her mouth dropped open, and she would have fainted if he hadn't caught her. He guided her to the bench, fanning her with his trail map. He retrieved her water bottle, opened it, and handed it to her. She stared at him the whole time she took a drink. Recovering somewhat, Angelica looked at him. "Mark...is that you?" she asked tentatively.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9781662479311

Book preview

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Second Chances

Teal MacNeil

Copyright © 2023 Teal MacNeil

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 978-1-6624-7930-4 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-7931-1 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Second Chances

Chapter 2

Tara and Kara—Second Chances

Chapter 3

Angelica's Love—Second Chances

Second Chances

Chapter 4

Anne's Mom—Second Chances

Chapter 5

Life Goes On—Second Chances

About the Author

To the Lord for giving me the imagination to write the story He gave me one night and for the mercy and grace He gives me every day that I don't deserve.

To my best friend and husband who believes in me, encourages me, and loves the story as much as I do.

To Judy and Steve Merrill, Don and Leona Lucas who made this story come to life for me, whose characters I borrowed and for being the wonderful people they are every day.

This book is about several love stories that take you through two generations and their trials and tragedies in life. It is Christian-based, full of faith, love, family, commitment, emotions, and laughter. It spans from 1953 to now. As you read through these pages, see how many second chances there are. You will want to read the entire story to get the full picture and all the twists and turns it takes you on. I think you will be surprised.

Sincerely,

Teal MacNeil

Chapter 1

Second Chances

The first day of the junior year of high school rushed with excitement for Barbie. She loved school, loved all the activities, loved the people. This morning, the first thing Principal Johnson had called for was an assembly. He always liked to start the year on a peppy welcoming note.

While everyone was settling down Principal Johnson, a big man in height and girth, stepped up to the microphone. He tapped the microphone and cleared his throat, which everyone took as the sign to quiet down. Welcome, everyone. he said tentatively, making sure the microphone was working.

Once assured that it was working, he started in with a booming voice fitting for his size. Welcome to a new school year! We are excited to have you all here. This is going to be a great year! We have the honor of having the champion chess team four years running! At which time, members of the chess team stood. The students cheered them!

Good. Good, Principal Johnson said, quieting the crowd down. Our choir came in third at nationals last year, thanks to Mr. Homer!

Once the cheers and clapping settled down, he continued, Yes, we have a lot to be proud of here at Robert Harrison High. We are all looking forward to a great year. The fall formal is just a few weeks away. And our Wild Mustang football team will lead us to another championship!

The crowd roared, rising to their feet, cheering and clapping. Their football team had been undefeated six years in a row!

The cheerleading squad headed out onto the floor. They formed two lines from the gym door to the middle of the floor. With pompoms of yellow and black held at their hips, they stood ready in their crisp uniforms. Barbie was on the end of one of the lines. The crowd settled down, anticipating whatever was next. Coach Peterson took the platform. He was a short man, balding on top with intelligent eyes. And he knew football! He was a God-fearing man that knew how to motivate young men, along with being able to read them. Everyone liked Coach Peterson; he was firm but fair and kind.

The head cheerleader and her assistant held tight a large sheet of paper between them as the football team lined up on the other side of the paper. Coach Peterson moved up to the microphone. He nodded slightly, signaling the team to start.

Brad Higley! Coach announced loudly. Brad was team captain; he broke through the paper the cheerleaders had worked so hard on decorating with the team logo. He ran through the line of cheerleaders as they shook their pompoms, then he stood in the middle of the gymnasium. Peter Jones! on and on, the coach went announcing the team as they ran through the torn paper that somehow stayed intact all around the three edges. The last name announced was unfamiliar to Barbie and to the rest of the school, as he had just transferred in that summer. James Ashburn! He got as big of a cheer as the rest of the team because he was on the team. He smiled at Barbie as he ran by to take his place with the rest of the team.

By now, the whole crowd was on their feet cheering and yelling. Presenting the 1953, Robert Harrison High, Wild Mustang football team! Coach announced over the noise of the gym, then stepped back. The crowd erupted into more cheers, whistles, and clapping while the team took it all in. Coach Peterson was proud of his boys. As he stepped up to the microphone again, the crowd sat back down. Our first game is this Friday night on our home field against the Hornets at 7:00 p.m.. Be sure to come cheer your team on! With that, he stepped down to the front of his team and led them out of the gym. Principal Johnson dismissed the assembly.

Did you see that dreamy new boy on the team? Julia asked Barbie after the assembly. Julia was the head cheerleader, tall and thin with dark brown hair and one of Barbie's good friends.

Yes. Barbie smiled.

Julia was a bit boy crazy, and now there was a new fish in the sea. Do you know anything about him? Julia pushed.

I just heard about him when you did, Barbie informed her patiently.

Oh, Julia answered, disappointed momentarily. Well, we will get to know him at practices! she said, tugging on Barbie's sleeve.

Okay, quit or you are going to tear my uniform. Barbie laughed. We better get to class now. Barbie was five foot six with a petite build, light brown hair and a glow of happiness and love about her.

Stopping at her locker, Barbie picked up her books for her first couple of classes; history was next. Walking into the room, the first thing she noticed was the new guy sitting in the first row, second seat back. She smiled politely at him, returning his smile. Barbie usually sat in the front herself. She decided to sit across the room in the front. The rest of the day went smoothly. After the last class, she changed clothes for practice. Grabbing her pompoms, she headed for the field along with the rest of her cheerleading team.

The girls had been practicing for half an hour before the guys came onto the field. Coach Peterson was going over strategy for the upcoming game, and before releasing them to practice, he always led them in prayer for safety, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. One thing the coach insisted on was good sportsmanship with each other and the other team. Play hard and play to win, but he had no use for being mean or angry with each other or the other team, and he never tolerated foul language. He told his team using foul language was for immature, uneducated people.

Julia was moon-eyed over the new team player, James, which made Barbie smile. Barbie was friends with everyone, boys and girls alike, but she wasn't ready for a serious relationship yet. James noticed Julia's attention but seemed unfazed by it.

Over the next few days, James and Barbie crossed paths in the hall and history class. They smiled at each other or said hello in passing. James was not the tallest or biggest guy on the team, he was only five foot ten inches tall and thin, but he was fast and all muscle. He had dark, short cut, wavy hair and hazel eyes. She noticed his eyes sparkled with mischief when he smiled.

On Friday, everyone was charged with excitement and anticipation. Posters were plastered throughout the school halls to keep the energy high for the first football game of the season. The cheerleaders were dressed in their crisp uniforms, as were the football team in their team shirts. It was all the teachers could do to instruct the classes; the energy was so high.

After school, Coach Peterson made the team take some downtime until he took them to an early dinner. It was tradition that he took the team to dinner before the first game of the season. He knew the first game set the tone for the year, so he liked the team to relax and have dinner together. Coach also insisted they not act like a bunch of animals at the restaurant; they had to be on their best behavior and polished manners. After dinner, they went back to the locker room for some instructions and pep talk, still in a relaxing environment.

An hour before game time, the football team was out on the field stretching and warming up. The cheerleaders were out practicing along the sidelines. The rival team's bus pulled up and unloaded equipment. People started arriving, finding their seats. The announcer tested the system to be sure it was working. The band was on the sidelines tuning up instruments. The lighting crew made sure the scoreboard numbers and pole were in place and turned on the field lights. The energy was mounting, anticipation high. Coach Peterson did everything he could to keep his team relaxed and loose.

Finally, it was time. The band marched onto the field, playing to its fullest. Then everyone stood as the national anthem was sung. At the home goalposts, the cheerleaders stood in ready with a huge banner of paper held by four girls with the football mascot of a wild mustang painstakingly painted on it. As the announcer started reading the names of the players from the home team, they rushed through the paper held by the cheerleaders. The crowd was on its feet, cheering wildly! Next, the rival team members were announced. The cheering for them was just as wild by their loyal fans and classmates.

The captains met at the fifty-yard line and shook hands, then ran off to their huddles. The game was fierce, but Robert Harrison High came out on top. James Ashburn helped the team with two touchdowns. His lean, muscular build helped him in two ways; it threw the other team off, and because he was in such great physical condition, he was agile and fast. At the end, the two teams lined up to shake hands with each other; Robert Harrison High team members sincerely congratulated their opponents on a great game. Coach Peterson was very proud of his team and how well they had learned sportsmanship.

* * *

On Saturday, Barbie studied all day; she was very dedicated to her schoolwork. On Sunday, she woke early, excited to get the day started. She helped her mother make breakfast—pancakes, her father's favorite. It was her turn to lead the morning prayer. After the breakfast dishes were cleaned up and put away the family headed to church. They always arrived early enough for meet-and-greet.

Good morning, Barbie! James smiled.

Good morning, James, she managed to say, surprised by his sudden appearance.

He was looking very handsome this morning in his church clothes, Bible under his arm, eyes sparkling. She looked down for a moment to compose herself. She wasn't expecting to see him at church.

He was smiling at her when she looked back up. Embarrassed, she asked, Is this your first time coming?

To this church? Yes, he answered.

You will love Pastor Bennett, he is wonderful! Barbie informed him passionately.

I look forward to hearing his sermon this morning, James told her.

There you are, son. James's mom exclaimed; she had been looking all over for him. His mom was small in height and build, with perfectly styled dark-blond hair. She was dressed in her Sunday best.

Mom, I would like to introduce Barbie. She is in my history class and one of the cheerleaders.

How nice to meet you, Mrs. Ashburn said sincerely, reaching for Barbie's hand.

Nice to meet you too, Barbie said, shaking her hand.

Do you mind if I steal James? I want to introduce him to Pastor Bennett. They haven't met yet, Mrs. Ashburn asked.

Sure, go ahead, Barbie replied, watching them leave.

The service was inspiring, as always, to Barbie. She loved the way Pastor Bennett related the Bible to life now. He always gave her a lot to think about. She loved church, the people, and God.

At the young age of seven, Barbie had accepted Jesus Christ into her heart. She was always a loving child, but her love grew even more once she glowed with Jesus's love. She would see the good in others and shine Jesus's love to everyone. As she grew up, she became more involved in volunteering; she collected canned food for the yearly food drive, she used her own money to buy toys for less fortunate children at Christmas. And she was very involved in youth group now that she was older.

See you tonight at youth group, Pastor Dustin told James as he was leaving the building after service.

Yeah. Seven o'clock, right?

Yup.

Great! See you then, James replied, holding the door open for his mom.

* * *

That evening as Barbie reached for the door at church to go inside, James came running up just as she was about to grab the handle, and he opened the door for her. After you. He smiled.

Thank you, she replied, breathless from being unnerved by his sudden appearance.

Once inside, he walked beside her. He wasn't paying attention and almost walked into the ladies' room with her.

Umm. I'll wait out here. He blushed. She just smiled at him.

So how long have you been attending church here? James asked once they were on their way to the gym where youth group was held.

Oh, all my life. I grew up in this church.

My folks have come for the last couple of Sundays since they settled in. I have been in Montana all summer helping my uncle on his ranch until school started. I'm saving up for college.

I think you will like it here. Everyone is really nice. We learn a lot and have fun, she told him.

There were about thirty youth mingling around in the gym, some sitting, some standing. Pastor Dustin came over to welcome James. Pastor Dustin was in his late twenties, six feet tall, with light-brown hair trimmed short. He was always very pleasant and loved his job.

Everyone, this is James Ashburn. He just moved to the area and will be attending church here, Pastor Dustin said, introducing James. For the next several minutes, James was surrounded by kids welcoming him. Okay, let's get settled in for a little God time. Pastor Dustin interrupted the welcome session.

When James looked around for Barbie, he found she was on the other side of the gym seated with a group of girls, so he just took a seat where he was.

Pastor Dustin started off with prayer then went into his sermon on faith from Ephesians 2:8–9: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Pastor Dustin was very good at getting his message across to the youth. All eyes, ears, and hearts were open to his words. He always gave them something to think about for the next week. There was a good discussion on the message, and questions were asked and answered.

For the last part of the meeting, they played group games. The first one was called Cups Up and Down. Twenty plastic cups were set spread out in the middle of the floor, half up, half upside down. Two teams of two people each were chosen. The object of the game was one team trying to turn all the cups upright, while the other team was trying to turn all the cups upside down. At the end of the time, whoever had the most turned their way won. Pastor Dustin gave the ready, set, go! and the teams were off.

A couple of guys ran, then slid into the cups and started turning cups like mad. The other team of two girls were grabbing fast and furiously at cups to switch them. The crowd watching was as caught up in the game as much as the players, shouting encouragement, telling them about cups behind them. Everyone was laughing.

Finally, Pastor Dustin blew a whistle. There was no way he was going to be heard over the noise otherwise. No one moved. They sat still like statues for a few moments. Then everyone backed away for the pastor to count. Team Down won! Everyone cheered. It was voted for one more round with new team members. The second game was just as crazy and exciting as the first.

Next, they played Poison Stick. A broom was laid across a chair. A group of several people held hands around the chair. The object of the game was to try and get one of the other people to touch or bump into or knock the broom off by whatever means. Anyone who touched, bumped, or knocked the broom was out, and they were down by that many people. Tonight, because there was such a big turnout, they had two groups of people with a chair and a broom. Those knocked out of the group were cheering the others on and yelling strategy to the ones left. There was a lot of laughing, tugging, pulling, and twisting. In the end, with only two or three people holding hands around the chair, it became tougher not to touch the broom or handle.

An exhausted group trooped over to the refreshments laid out by many of the mothers; there was punch, cookies, and cupcakes. It had been a great evening with fellowship, learning and innocent fun. James had been accepted into the fold as if he had always been a part of the church.

Pastor Dustin announced next week was bowling. Bring the appropriate attire, funds, and equipment if you have it. He closed in a prayer of thanksgiving and dedicated the coming week to the Lord, entrusting each person present into His loving care.

Now that was a lot of fun! James announced with a smile. And I like how Pastor Dustin explains things.

Barbie smiled in agreement. See you at school. She waved as she headed off to find her parents.

* * *

At school the next week, Julia was all moon-eyed over James, but he seemed not to notice. James would smile back at her and reply Hi, but that was all. Julia was after James, but he wasn't interested. He did seem to seek out Barbie often; she was just as nice to him as she was to everyone else.

Why won't James ask me out? Julia asked, frustrated.

Barbie just shrugged. I don't know.

Well, he seems to like you. Maybe you could put in a good word for me? Julia asked, hopeful.

You know I don't go for dating. I prefer group activities. I'm not ready to get serious about just one guy.

Yeah, yeah. I know. It seems silly to me, but it's your life.

Julia sighed, her eyes ever watchful of every move James made. Barbie just shook her head and headed to class.

* * *

Wednesday night found the youth group at the bowling alley. Pastor Dustin had reserved four lanes for the group. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the teams; some had more girls than boys and vice versa. A few of the teens were on leagues and knew what they were doing, while the others were thrilled when the ball didn't end up in the gutter. There was a lot of ribbing and laughter, along with some antics, but everyone had a great time. After two games, they headed to the soda fountain for soft drinks and then visited at the tables. They were all a bit worn-out by the time it came to leave, but all had a great evening.

* * *

The next youth group get-together was a bit more serious; Pastor Dustin liked to speak on group activities versus couple dating at least once a year to introduce the young teens, new to the group, of this concept but also to refresh active members. He wanted them to understand the fundamentals of dating. Dating was for the purpose of finding a lifetime mate, and for Christians, a mate with the same commitment and love of Jesus. However, many other things come into play when considering a lifelong mate, in addition to the same belief—like compatibility, morals and values, goals, strengths and weaknesses. You needed to know how your potential mate might handle different situations. Are they patient and kind, caring and understanding? Do they fall apart or worse—blow up, get angry at the small things? Typically, when people are dating, they put on their best face, their best behavior. You want to know how they are going to handle life situations, tough times—not just a night out to dinner and a movie.

He liked to help them understand they needed to be financially set to handle budgeting and a family also. You need to discuss things, like when will you start a family? How many children will you have? How about where will you live? There is so much more to dating than I love you, and most people don't get past that part.

But above all, they need to be socially ready for dating. Pastor believed dating was for when you were ready to find a mate, which is not while you are a teen! He knew that teens needed to enjoy this time in their life to start learning to relate and understand each other and the differences between boys and girls emotionally and in their thinking.

As a matter of fact, he didn't like the term dating; it was a concept of going out with any random person or persons without much knowledge about them or their beliefs. It was also emotionally exhausting and potentially heartbreaking.

Group activities put no pressure on any two people. It was just an enjoyable time out as a group. The group rarely was an equal number of boys and girls; most times, there was an odd number. There was no pairing up. The activities could be bowling, movies, board games, sledding, scavenger hunt, hiking, ice-skating, touring a museum, and so on. Once the teens in the group experienced group activities, they loved it and really had no interest in couple dating. Group activities were so much more fun.

He encouraged courtship when they were ready, which he tried to persuade them to wait until after college. Christian courtship was different than dating in that through group activities, you found someone whom you connected with and who had the same love of the Lord, the same commitments and beliefs. In addition, both sets of parents gave their blessing to the pair. They prayed if the relationship between the two was God's will before continuing to marriage.

Pastor Dustin felt very strong on the subject that every chance he had, he reinforced the notion to his group. Of course, some of the kids agreed, while in youth group, but dated anyway. He could only do his best and pray. He knew everyone had free will and must make their own choices in life. That was why he set up so many group activities throughout the year. He could work in the direction of their best interest, even if they didn't want to.

* * *

The Fall Formal was set for the third week of October; the theme was A Million Stars. Barbie was on the decorating committee. The committee met, for planning twice a week since the first week of school. Once they came up with the theme, everyone worked on making various sizes of stars. All the stars were then coated with silver glitter, and a string was added. The stars were hung then from the ceiling at various lengths; some hung just over their heads, while others were inches from the ceiling. Strings of Christmas lights were hung from the ceiling to help the stars sparkle. Sheer chiffon was used to create clouds among the stars. Posters were made promoting the dance. Excitement was building. It was all anyone talked about the week of the formal.

James knew Barbie was going, not with a date, with a group of friends from church. He and some of the guys from the youth group were going stag also, although Julia was forever dropping hints for him to ask her.

Barbie, he isn't taking the hint to ask me! What am I going to do? I can't go to the dance without a date! Julia was complaining.

Julia, just come with me to the dance. There are several of us going together, and we don't have dates.

Why not? You're so popular. I can't believe no one asked you, Julia stated.

I'm going with a group because I want to, not because no one will ask me. I'm not looking for a date. I will have a great time without one, Barbie tried to explain.

Julia just shook her head in disbelief. Well, I'm not going if I don't have a date! Julia finally retorted, stomping her foot.

The night of the formal was filled with anticipation for the whole school. The gentlemen were dressed in handsome tuxes, while the ladies were beautiful in gowns of various colors and styles. Barbie's father had bought all the girls in the group a corsage so that they didn't feel like they missed out on any of the things the others girls got with having a date. They all felt special.

The gym was so beautifully transformed. Every detail was perfect. Walking in, everyone was in awe of the twinkling stars hanging from the ceiling. The music was already in full swing. Barbie's mother was tending the punch bowl and dessert table, which was decorated with flowing white chiffon with silver threads through it, catching the light and sparkling.

Although most people came with dates, most switched dance partners throughout the night, and enough people came stag, that no one missed a dance unless they wanted to. It was a breathless evening, watching the stars sparkle above and the colorful dresses flowing on the dance floor. James managed to get several dances in with Barbie. He even danced with Julia, who had come with one of the other football players, when James hadn't asked her. It was a magical night, that everyone would remember.

* * *

The school year flew by. James ran track and played baseball after football season was over. Barbie was also a cheerleader for the basketball team. She managed to cheer James on at several of his track events and baseball games too. Before they knew it, summer was upon them.

One of Barbie's favorite activities was helping at the church camp every summer vacation. She loved camp! Tonight, there was an orientation meeting for all camp workers and volunteers at the church. Pastor Dustin was in charge of the orientation meeting. Altogether there was a staff of twenty; four of which were adult men and four adult women counselors, seven teenage volunteer counselors (three girls and four boys), and the hired kitchen staff. Pastor Dustin led the meeting off with a prayer. He went on to explain everyone's role for the week of camp.

Camp Pathfinder consisted of one large building that was used as the cafeteria during meals and also a gathering hall for indoor activities, group meetings, and services. There were several sleeping cabins and two buildings with restrooms and showers, one for boys and one for girls. Camp is focused on the kids having fun, learning about Jesus, and trying new things. It should be warm enough to swim in the lake. We also have canoes for trips across the lake, hiking, crafts, and music—just a lot of fun packed in for the week. The main thing to remember is do not push anything onto the kids. We will have services and worship and be available should anyone have any questions, Pastor Dustin explained. He felt the best way to introduce a person to Christ was not to push it on them but to see by example how a person acted on a daily basis. Let them find their way themselves, not just follow the crowd.

How do we know what to say? one of the adults asked who hadn't volunteered for camp before.

I'm glad you asked, Pastor Dustin replied. We want to be honest and genuine. Answer to the best of your ability and knowledge. If you get stumped, let the child know you will find the answer for them and come to me, or another counselor, with the question. We will help you and the child understand. He looked at each person to make sure they felt comfortable with his answer. We don't have to know all the answers or have any special talent for speaking. You will be amazed how much you know and how well you will be able to say it so they understand. Mostly let them see you being a Christian, living and walking the Word in your daily life. There were sighs of relief around the room. Hey, we are going to have fun! We are going to be outdoors! And we are going to be telling them about Jesus! There isn't anything more fun than that! Pastor Dustin smiled. He loved his work.

The following week was the last meeting before the summer camp. We have an assignment sheet in front of each of you for the week of camp. It includes your cabin assignment and charges that will be staying in the cabin. We have activities scheduled and will try to follow them, but things happen, and we like to go with the flow even if it doesn't follow the schedule. Remember, we are going to have fun! Pastor Dustin made sure to remind everyone.

Included in your assignment sheet is a list of what you will need to bring, such as a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, a variety of clothes, a towel, a flashlight, and of course, your Bible. We have given the parents this list along with the consent form for the kids. Any questions? He paused long enough to give everyone a chance to speak up. Great! We will meet Monday here in front of the church at eight in the morning to load up and head out. Let's bow our heads in prayer.

Pastor Dustin was silent for a moment, then spoke, Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to expose this group of entrusted children to your word and to you. Give each person here the right words for each child they come across. Give them patience and understanding. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Amen, echoed