Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:02:37 -0800 (PST) From: John Michaels Subject: Discovering Jayson - chapter 3 DISCOVERING JAYSON BY JM Email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com Disclaimers and other info: see chapter one Please do your part to help keep Nifty a free site. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html Thanks!! CHAPTER THREE Jayson was quiet as we headed out, but this time, it looked like it was more that he was thinking rather than shyness he'd shown earlier. Finally, he realized the direction we were headed. "I thought you said you lived out past me," he said. "That's the other direction." "I know," I replied, "but I want to make a quick stop here in town first. It shouldn't take too long." "Oh, OK," he said. By now, we were traveling down Main Street of the small town, and I pulled into a parking space in front of a typical small-town store front that had a weathered sign over the door announcing it as 'Bernie's Emporium'. In a bygone era of a past that wasn't all that distant, every town had a variety of businesses that catered to the locals, offering anything they'd need that wasn't so big or exotic that it needed to be ordered from a catalog. And in every town, there was always one store that offered a large assortment of all manner of things, from fish hooks, screws, nails and other hardware all the way to basic clothing. The original Bernie was long gone, and the present owner had wisely seen the things that local folks would buy without having to travel the long distances to one of the big box stores and was able to make a reasonable living with his business savvy. I knew that Al, the present owner, had some clothing items that, while maybe not the big brand names, were at least acceptable to the local teen population for "hangin' out". He also carried sneakers, which is why we were here. Jayson deserved to have something on his feet that wasn't held together by tape. Once he's had a few days to settle in, I plan to take him to the nearest shopping mall, about 50 miles away, and get him properly outfitted. "Hi, Al," I called to the man at the register. "Afternoon, Eric," he responded. "How are things at the Center?" "Busy, unfortunately," I said, shaking my head. "And seems to get busier all the time." "It's a blessing we have that place," he replied. "The work you folks do for the communities around here, I'd hate to think what life would be like around here without it." This conversation was a variation on a theme. Al always had good comments about the Center, and was actually one of our largest local supporters. With his contacts with different retailers, he was sometimes able to get "seconds" - items that had some defect that prevented them from being marketed but were perfectly serviceable otherwise. Sometimes, these came free of charge, since he was a good customer of the supplier. Other times, it would be at a hugely reduced price, in which case, he'd simply donate it to the Center or split the cost with us, if it was too much. The most welcome"seconds" he got was clothing - something that we always needed, it seemed, especially with families with growing kids. "And who's the young man with you?" he asked, smiling warmly at Jayson. "This is Jayson Brant," I said. "He and his grandmother just moved into town about a week ago. Jayson, this is Al Crandall, the owner." "Pleased to meet you, sir," he said, shaking Al's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jayson," Al replied. "I hope you'll like it here. It's kinda quiet, but it's a nice place to live. Real fine folks around here." "I don't mind quiet," Jayson said, with a shy smile. "I like to be able to hear myself think." "Then I think you're gonna like it here," Al chuckled. "You'll be able to hear yourself loud and clear." Jayson smiled back. "Jayson, why don't you look around a bit," I said. "You might be surprised by what all you find. I have to talk to Al for a minute, then I'll join you." "OK," he said, still smiling. "Just from what I can see here, I don't know how you can keep track of it all." "Computers and scanners," Al replied. "It may look like an old-fashioned store, but underneath, we're pretty high tech." "Neat!" exclaimed Jayson, as he headed off on his exploration. "I hope I don't get lost in there." "Just holler", I laughed at his retreating back. "We'll find you. I'll catch up with you in a few minutes." I heard him chuckle, as he headed down an aisle. Once he was out of sight, the smile left Al's face as he turned to me. "OK," he said. "What's the story with him?" He came around to the front of the counter and lifted himself up so he was sitting on it facing me. I filled him in on everything we knew about Jayson and his grandmother and the plans we had made for them so far. When I told him about Jackie's no-nonsense, take-charge attitude, he couldn't keep the smile off his face. And when I told them that the Brants would be staying with me while his grandmother convalesced, his features softened even more, and I could see his eyes getting moist. "Eric," he said, softly, "when I talk to people about the Center and all the good it does for the folks around here, I'm really talking about YOU. You are the heart and soul of that place, and if it wasn't for you, it wouldn't even exist. It really pisses me off when I hear some of the board members crowing and bragging on THEIR "good works", when all along, it's you that is the force behind it all. And you won't take a bit of credit for it or allow anyone to say anything about your involvement. This thing that your doing for the Brants is a good example. You give and you give and never take one ounce of credit. But I'm giving you fair warning, Eric. One of these days, folks around here are gonna know about all you do behind the scenes. I can appreciate you wanting the privacy an anonymity, but there's gotta be a limit. People need to know and fully appreciate the force behind the Center - who the real Eric Clarkson is." "I know I'll probably be found out eventually," I sighed, "but I want to make sure that all the programs and safeguards are in place first, without any way of undoing them, either locally or beyond. There's still so much work to be done, and it's folks like you that make my job easier. Thanks for saying all that, though. It means a lot coming from you." "You're a good man, Eric Clarkson," he said, getting off the counter and hugging me. Then he abruptly stepped back. "OK. Enough of this mutual admiration society bullshit. You brought Jayson in here for a reason, I assume." "Yeah," I said, regaining my composure. "I don't know if you noticed or not, but he's wearing a pair of sneakers that are literally being held together with duct tape. I was hoping we could find a pair here that fit him. I also wanted to get him a couple of pair of shorts, some T's and maybe a pair of jeans to tide him over 'til I can get him to the mall. He and his grandmother have very little, but I'm going to let Jackie deal with her. She'll know better what's needed for another woman." Al shook his head. "Saint Eric strikes again," he said, smiling. "Tell you what. I do believe I just got a load of "seconds" in with just about everything you just mentioned. I think there's even some socks and underwear in that batch, and I'm almost positive I have his size in everything. And since there was no cost to me, I was going to donate most of it to the Center anyway, so it won't cost you anything." While he had a very serious expression on his face, his eyes were twinkling. I had a very strong feeling that everything we left with would be first quality, not "seconds", but I knew that there was not only any way I could talk him out of it. It was one of those unspoken gentleman's agreement not to say anything about the lack of cost. "Looks like there's enough room on my pedestal for Saint Al, too," I said, trying to keep a straight face. "Care to join me?" He started laughing uproariously and clapped me on the back. "I'd be in damn good company," he said, still snickering. "Now, let's see what we can find for young Jayson." We found him in the section of the store that had shelves of used books that most folks had read maybe once, and that Al would give them credit toward whatever they purchased in the store. There were several shelves filled with an eclectic mix, from astrology to zoology, and everything in between. He was looking at a book in his hand that I immediately recognized as one that I had written, and when he saw us, he looked at me quizzically. "I didn't know you wrote books," he said. Since there was a picture of me on the back cover with a brief bio, as well as my name on the front under the title, I was busted. "I guess you do now," I said, smiling. "I thought you just worked at the Center," he said, slightly awed at knowing an author. "When do you find time to write?" "I usually work at the Center 'til about 1:00 or 2:00," I answered. "Then, if I'm working on a book, I'll write 'til about 8:00 or 9:00, with maybe a break for dinner, although sometimes if the writing is going well, I'll eat after. Right now, though, I'm not working on a book. I just sent one off to the publisher a few weeks ago, so it won't be too long before I have to do the rounds of signings and interviews. I try to get that all scheduled within a 2- or 3-week period, which makes for a pretty hectic travel schedule, but it gets it all out of the way. Then, when I get home, for the next few months I just work at the Center while I clear my head so I can see about the next book. Sorry. TMI." "No, it's not," he replied, quickly. "I think it's way cool!" "Thanks," I said, putting my arm on his shoulder. I thought I felt a small shudder, but it could have been due to the way he was dressed and the store's air conditioning. "I think so, too. And when it stops being cool, that's when I stop writing, although I don't see that happening any time soon. By the way, if you want to check out one of my books, I have copies of all them at the house, but please don't feel obligated to read any of them. And if you find you don't like them, you won't be hurting my feelings at all. Everybody has their own tastes in reading material." He thanked me, and placed the book back on the shelf. Then, we headed to the clothes section. It was there that I found out he has a stubborn streak. Jayson had a deep sense of pride, and anything that smacked of charity was anathema to him. I gently told him that this was all part of the Center outreach, and that while I understood his feelings, that he had to accept the fact that he and his grandmother needed some help right now. I could tell that underneath, he really would like the new things and was covering it up with false bravado. Between Al and me, we finally convinced him, and we ended up with another pair of basketball shorts similar in style but different colors to the ones he was wearing, a pair of khaki shorts, a pair of jeans, several T's, socks, underwear (he was a briefs guy) and sneakers. He almost teared up when he tried them on, and didn't want to take them off. That was fine with Al and me, and we finally left the store, with profuse thanks from Jayson, happily chucking his ratty old sneakers in the trash on the way out. He was lost in his thoughts and quiet during the ride home, and the only time I saw any reaction was when he turned his head to look at the road to his grandmother's as we passed. He did look around curiously at his new surroundings as I pulled up to my house. I think he might have been a little surprised at my rather plain looking house, probably figuring that a published author would have some fancier digs, but he didn't say anything as we got out of the car. I had the bags of clothes from Al's while he held the bag of food that had ridden on the floor between his feet. As I started toward the house, I noticed that he wasn't following, so I went back, set the bags on the ground and placed my hands gently on his shoulders. His eyes were wet and he was trembling, so, taking the bag of food from him and placing it on the hood of the car, I took him into my arms and hugged him. He grabbed onto me fiercely and buried his head on my shoulder. I could feel my shirt getting wet - again - while his body shook in silent sobs. I rested my cheek on top of his head and rubbed his back, as he slowly calmed down. My heart constricted in sympathetic pain for everything that this young man was having to face all at once. With a final sniffle, he loosened is death grip on me but didn't let go and lowered his head, looking at the ground. Placing my hands on either side of his face, I raised his head so that he was now looking at me with puffy, tear-laden eyes. What I saw before me wasn't a confident almost 18-year old. Instead, I saw a young boy, lost, confused and beyond the ability to cope any more. Using my thumbs, I gently wiped the tears from his cheeks. "I know you're hurting and overwhelmed by everything right now," I said, softly. "But I promise you, Jayson, everything is going to get better. I personally guarantee it. You have a group of really great people who are going to help you and your gramma get your lives together. And you'll always have a home here with me for as long as you need or want it." His grip tightened again, and his head was back on my shoulder. "I met you a few hours ago, I haven't even seen the inside of your house, and I already don't ever want to leave," he said, softly. "You just make me feel so safe and lo... cared for." "I'll do all I can to make sure you're safe and cared for," said, ignoring what he had almost said. For now. "We better get inside and get ready for your gramma. They should be here before too long." I hope! If Grannie is as prideful as her grandson, Jackie is going to have her hands full! We gathered up the bags and went into the house. "Wow!" he exclaimed, as we stepped into the foyer. From there, you could see all the living area of the house. "I sure didn't expect this from the way it looked outside." "I designed it that way," I said, as I headed toward the kitchen, with Jayson on my heels, rubber necking along the way. "Generally, people around here don't have a whole lot of money and have to make do with what they've got. I wanted my place to blend in and not stand out, even though you can't see the house from the road. Let me put the food away, and I'll give you the nickel tour and show you where you and your gramma will be sleeping." I quickly got things put away and with a glance at my watch, saw that I had about 2 hours before getting the food into the oven. Jayson, meanwhile was just looking around, and when he glanced out the windows in the kitchen, he let out a gasp. "Damn, Man!" he exclaimed. "That's one big-ass pool!" I had a 3/4 olympic-sized pool that sat in the space between the two wings of the house. I guess a description of the layout and design would help about now. When you approached the front of the house, you saw a one-story structure that could pass for a double-wide, manufactured home, which was a look that wasn't uncommon for the area. But, like the Center, it hid a lot of features that made it just as weather/storm resistant, since I had used the same architects, engineers and construction crew to build it. The only feature that made it a bit different in looks was the field-stone chimney for the large fireplace, which definitely got used during the colder months. What you couldn't tell from looking at it from the front is that the house was a large "U" shape, with the two wings angled slightly inward, so they weren't noticeable until you went inside or walked around the side of the house. The front entrance was slightly to left of center that brought you into a small foyer that opened up to the main part of the house, which was a completely open floor plan. On the left, was what could be called the library/den area, with shelves of books, a small sofa and several comfortable well-padded wing-back chairs for relaxing and reading. And snoozing. There was a built-in desk that had a computer set-up with a 24-inch flat screen monitor and a printer/scanner. I had this for when my family visited, so they could have Internet access without having to use my personal pc, which I used for my writing and personal as well as Center business. There was also a 1/2 bath (I HATE calling it a "powder room"!) on the wall toward the back of the house. To the right of the entrance was the living room with the fireplace and a 60" flat screen HDTV mounted on the wall to the left of the fireplace. There was no formal dining area, so the living room ended with a long counter, which divided it from the kitchen, with bar stools on the kitchen side for informal meals. On the wall to the right, was a double-sided refrigerator freezer, and to the left of that, was what looked like a small closet. When you opened it, however, it revealed a pantry with multiple shelved fold-outs that had an amazing amount of storage capacity. To the left of that, were stacked wall ovens, the top one a convection oven. Below them, were pull-out drawers that held some of the cookware. Then there was an "L"-shaped counter that wrapped around to the back wall of the kitchen that held the microwave, with cupboards above and below for more storage for canned and packaged goods. To the left of this, was a 6-burner stove top with more storage drawers below for pots and pans, then a 6-foot counter for food prep, with the dishwasher below. Then, a double sink and another short counter with glass-front cupboards above for plates, glasses, etc, and drawers below for silver ware. The remaining kitchen space was taken up by a large country-style table that could seat 8 comfortably. The wing to the right had the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, my study/office that had a connecting door to the bedroom, an exercise room with treadmill, weight bench, weight rack and stair machine, and beyond that, a steam room for when I needed to sweat out the kinks and stress. All were accessed from the 6'-wide hallway, and there was also an access door to the pool area located in the middle of the "U". Hallway access to the pool is the same for the wing on the other side. Just before entering the hallway on the left, just beyond the dining table, there was another access door to the pool/patio area. The wing on the left held the washer and dryer behind folding doors, followed by two bedrooms, with a full bath in between, then another bedroom on the end with en suite. I planned to put Jayson and his grandmother in the adjoining rooms, with Gramma in the one closest to the kitchen, so that they'd have a sense of still being together, although in a new place. My folks always stayed in the end room when they visited, and held some of their clothes and personal items so they wouldn't have to pack as much whenever they came. When I built the house, I made sure that it was fully handicap accessible and friendly. The hallways and doorways were all wide enough to easily accommodate a wheelchair, and there were handrails in all the bathrooms. I figured that my parents aren't getting any younger, and I wanted them to be able to get around whenever they came to visit, or if they ever ended up living with me. I also thought that I could be an extension of the Center's emergency shelter if the need ever arose. The house is totally self-sufficient and off the grid with a large array of solar panels and batteries that provided more than enough electricity and were hidden from sight behind a long hedge toward the back and sides of the property. I also had a 1000 gallon propane tank for the stove top, ovens, main a/c unit, heat pump, refrigerator and dryer, and which also supplied fuel to the large back-up generator should the solar panels or batteries ever fail. I kept the tank topped off every month, and estimated that it would last almost 3 weeks if there was ever such a need in an emergency, the generator being the heaviest user. I also had my own septic system, slightly over-sized "just in case", and I had gotten extremely lucky when drilling for water and hit a natural artesian with enough natural pressure, that I didn't need a pump. I actually needed a reducer! I was told by the drilling company that there was enough water to supply a small town. And not too far from the house, I had a small peach orchard. This IS Georgia, after all. There was also a good-sized, fenced-in vegetable garden beyond and to the right of the pool that provided me with fresh produce almost year round. In all, I was very happy with my home and was actually looking forward to having some house guests once Jayson and his grandmother got settled in. I showed all this to Jayson, dropping his new clothes off in what would be his bedroom, and he got particularly excited when I showed him the solar set-up. We weren't back in the house 5 minutes, getting something to drink, when Jackie and the others arrived. Putting down our drinks, we went to the door, Jayson rushing ahead, and when we got out side, saw Jackie and Jesse wrestling a wheel chair out the back of her truck. Just as I got there to help, they managed to get it set on the ground, and Jackie went about pulling out the left leg rest so it was almost vertical. In the meantime, Jayson had managed to get into the truck and was hugging his grandmother for all he was worth, both of them with tears flowing down their cheeks. "Let's give them a minute," Jackie said, as she wheeled the chair up to the open truck door. "But we shouldn't take too long. That poor woman needs some food and a whole lot of rest as soon as possible. And just so you know who you're dealing with, her name is Mavis Brant, but she prefers folks to call her Mae." Jayson and Mae finally broke their clutch, and, once he was out of the way, Jackie and Jesse gently eased Mae out of the truck where she'd been reclining against the far door with her heavily casted left leg stretched out in front of her. With all of us helping, it was surprisingly easy to slide Mae out of the truck and into the chair with Jackie supporting the leg straight, until she was finally settled with her cast resting on the raised foot rest. I waited until we had reached that point before kneeling in front of the slender, African-American woman. "I'm Eric," I said, taking her hand and holding it gently. "And I understand you're Mavis Brant but prefer Mae. I very glad to meet you, although I wish it was under better circumstances. I want you to know right up front that I want you to consider this your home for as long as you want or need to. And we're going to do everything we can to help you get back onto two good feet." "Angels!" she declared, tears still running down her face. "All of you...angels! I'm a stupid, prideful old woman who doesn't deserve such kindness, but for my boy, Jayson, I gratefully and humbly accept your offer." "You're neither stupid nor prideful" I said, gently. "Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, and we're more than happy to help you now. You're simply someone who has had some bad breaks...no pun intended." This actually got a ghost of a smile from her. Jayson, in the meantime, had knelt on her right side, his arm around her shoulders. "Let's take this all inside," Jackie expounded. "It's hotter than the hinges of Hades out here. We need to get Mae settled and get some fluids and food into her. C'mon, guys. Let's move it. I'll wheel her in, and you fellas can grab the rest of the stuff from the back." Although unplanned, we three guys snapped to attention and saluted her, which got a chuckle out of Mae. "Knock it off, you bozos" Jackie retorted, trying desperately not to laugh. "Which room had you planned for her?" "I figured we'd have Mae use the first of the adjoining bedrooms on the left," I replied. "Jayson's already got his stuff in the second one." Mae raised a quizzical eyebrow at her grandson, clearly wondering 'what stuff'. "I tell you inside, Gram," he said, with a visible blush under his dark skin. "You need to get out of the heat." "Mmhmm," was all she said. "I'll take her in and you guys get the rest," said Jackie, already headed toward the door pushing the Mae's wheelchair. We each grabbed an armload, even though there wasn't much to grab, and followed Jackie and Mae into the house. There was still some sort of hardware left in the truck, but I'd ask Jackie once we got the basics inside. Jackie had pushed Mae into the bedroom by the time we came in, so we all trooped in, setting the bags off to the side. Suddenly realizing that I needed to get fresh linens for both rooms, I went out to the linen closet that abutted the bathroom and grabbed 2 sets, as well as wash cloths, bath and hand towels. Returning to what would now be Mae's bedroom, I set the pile on the bed, sorting out a set of linens for Jayson's room. "Why don't you take these on into your room," I said, handing him the sheets. "And would you drop these towels off in the bathroom on the way?" He nodded, and headed off with an arm load. Just then, I noticed that Jesse was MIA and asked Jackie. "He's getting the trapeze assembly out of the truck," she replied, while stripping back the comforter on the bed, getting ready to make it up with the fresh sheets. I stepped to the other side of the bed to help her, while she continued. "I decided to stop at the Center before coming here, figuring it would save time, and we can get Mae settled in quicker. I should have everything we'll need, but if I did forget anything, I know we at least have the basics. Once we get the trapeze set up, you'll be able to pull yourself up to a sitting position, in case no one's around at the time to help you." This was obviously directed at Mae, who had a bemused expression on her face that was still getting wet with silent tears. Jayson returned at this point and again dropped to his knee beside his grandmother and put his arm around her. I stopped what I was doing, and with just a slight shake of my head toward Jackie, went out to the linen closet again, where I had other bedroom accessories stored. Grabbing a box of tissues, I opened it on my way back to the bedroom, placing the box gently on Mae's lap. She gave me a small smile of thanks, grabbed a tissue and wiped her face, while I took up my previous position on the other side of the bed just as Jesse came in, carrying an armload of metal and plastic rods, and the trapeze. "We'll have you high flyin' from the rafters of the Big Top in no time," he said, with a wink and a chuckle to Mae. This even got a chuckle from her, and Jackie and I just winked at each other. We soon had the bed made up and ready for occupancy, but first, we had to get the trapeze assembly attached. Jackie knew exactly how to put it together, and we soon had Mae settled, sitting up so she'd be able to eat lunch finally. Jayson got on the bed on the other side from her cast, scooted close and rested his head on her shoulder as she wrapped her arm around him. "We're gonna be all right, now, Gramma", he said, quietly. "Everything is gonna be all right." And he started to quietly sob. Hugging him tighter, she kissed the top of his head. "Yes we are, Baby. Yes, we are," she softly said. Jesse, Jackie and I left them alone. They needed a few minutes together, and we went to the kitchen to get some food and drink for Mae. "I know there are some things I forgot," Jackie said, as she started putting together a plate for Mae. "One thing we'll need is a monitor for when you're at the other end of the house in your office. Jayson can probably handle most small things, but there are some that I think would be best if you helped, Eric." "You don't have to do that," I said. "There's a phone in each room that also acts as an intercom. I'll just have to make sure that anything she might need while I'm at the Center will be stuff Jayson can do. When I'm home, I'll take over to give him a break. Between the two of us, I think we can handle just about anything." "You know you can always call me anytime," Jackie replied. "Right now, I'm planning to be here on the mornings the county nurse is in at the Center, unless there's some kind of emergency. I can help her with her sponge baths when I'm here, and I plan to come in at least one day on the weekend, so you better get your cooking skills up to speed." "Yes, Ma'am," I shot back, earning me a slap to the back of my head. Jesse was almost pissing himself, laughing. "And don't think you're getting out of this, mister," she said, giving him a similar smack, which got me giggling and an evil eye from Jackie. "I'm going to need both of you when I start her on some physio therapy. That cast she has on weighs a ton, and I'm going to need some muscle to hold it while I manipulate her hip and foot." She sighed. "Look, guys", she said, "I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all you do for everyone, and especially now, with Mae and Jayson. I feel privileged to know and work with both of you. You both have the compassion and the passion to help folks like these two, something that is so needed and so very lacking just about every place else like the Center. Eric, I know I sort of bullied you into this, but I also knew that it was something you'd do anyway. And Jesse, you've never backed down from any challenge since I've known you. Thanks. Both of you. The next three months aren't going to be easy for any of us, especially Mae, but I think we have the best damn team right here to pull it off." She pulled us into a 3-way hug, and you could feel the strength and love flowing among us. Jackie went about finishing getting Mae's lunch, while Jesse and I talked shop about the Center. When everything was ready, we all trooped back into the bedroom to find Jayson and Mae sitting quietly with their arms around each other. "Here you go, Mae," Jackie said, setting the tray down of the bedside table and handing her a large glass of water. "I want you to drink this slowly, but drink it all now before you eat."' "Umm, I hate to be more of a bother," Mae said, shyly,"but I need to go to the bathroom." "That's perfectly OK," said Jackie, in her best professional manner. "Guys, if you'll give us some privacy here, we'll take care of things. I'm sorry to say that because you're so weak right now and have been moved around more than you should have, although it was necessary, you'll be riding the bedpan for a few days." "Oh, Lord!" exclaimed Mae. "I hate those things!" "They're nobody's favorite," Jackie replied. "But until we can build up your strength a bit, that's the best we have to offer. I'm going to try and get a movable trapeze unit for the bathroom so you can use the facilities in there and, hopefully, so you can get into the tub for a shallow sitz bath. But it's going to take me a day or two to get it, so for now..." She held up the bedpan, designed for women. We three guys beat a hasty retreat, closing the door on the way out. "Shit!" I said, quietly, as I slumped into a chair at the table. "I forgot about that part." "That's OK," said Jayson, patting my shoulder in a consoling manner, but grinning like a fool. "She took care of that stuff herself back at the cabin for a few days. All I had to do was empty it out and clean it." "Thank God!" I sighed, sliding my arms out in front of me and lightly banging my head on the table. Jesse was having a severe fit of the giggles, and Jayson rubbed my back, trying to suppress his own amusement. His hands felt good. REAL good! The door to the bedroom opened, and we all went back in, Jayson taking his place beside Mae again. With a few final instructions from Jackie, she and Jesse left to go back to the Center and to get the rest of the plans for Mae and Jayson in motion. I saw them to the door, and with another round of hugs, they left. I saw that I had about an hour before having to put the meatloaf and potatoes in the oven, so I went back to the bedroom to get to know my new guests/friends better, and sat down on the foot of the bed on the same side as Jayson, opposite her bad leg. Jackie had told Mae to eat slowly and not necessarily feel like she had to eat everything. As she ate, she filled me in on Jayson's and her life up to the time they moved into town. Mavis Stephenson (her maiden name) had been the first in her family to go to college. She graduated with a degree in early childhood development with the intention of running her own day care center for underprivileged kids, regardless of race. This was a very risky thing to do in those days in the deep south, but she went about it with a determination and with an open and genuine caring heart for all the kids in her charge, regardless of race. That eventually won her the grudging respect of her white neighbors, and her day care was moderately successful. She had been in business for about 3 years, when one day, a good-looking man came in with a 2-year old boy on his hip. He was there to see if she had room to add his son to her care, and for him, as soon as he was able to get a good look at her, it was love at first sight. Mae had dated casually all through college, but when she opened her day care, she put dating aside, as she didn't want to take any chance of a scandal to hurt her business or cause people to think anything but good about her. But when she laid eyes on Jaspar Brant, she felt her heart flutter. They got the paperwork for getting the boy, Joseph, or Joe, as he was called, completed, and over the next few months, Jaspar managed to get Mae to go out with him for dinner and local dances. They married a year later, and the honeymoon phase seemed to go on forever. Both father and son adored this woman in their lives, and, since he was so young at the time, young Joe had no problems accepting her as his mother, especially since he had no memory of his birth mother. Life was good, except for one major flaw. Both Jaspar and Mae desperately wanted another child of their own. It certainly wasn't for lack of trying, as they were both very passionate lovers. Finally, in desperation, Mae went to a doctor for a fertility test, and to the utter dismay of Mae and Jaspar, found that she was unable to conceive. The devastating news didn't change their love for each other, but from that day forward, there was a sense of resigned sadness in the house. Mae's day care was a great solace for her, and she lavished her love on them as though they were her own, especially young Joe. Life and love were still good in the Brant household until that fateful night 13 years into their marriage. Jaspar was a truck driver who made mostly local runs that would have him home every night. He could have made more money on long hauls, but his family meant everything to him. Between what Mae made with her day care and his local job, they had a comfortable life. They certainly weren't rolling in dough, but they had just enough income for everything they needed. At this moment, they needed a new car, so Jaspar agreed to a one-time long haul to Texas that carried a bonus for early delivery that would give them the money they'd need for the car. Mae was concerned about the long hours Jaspar would need to be driving to make the early delivery, but he assured her he'd be fine. Right after he had set out, a massive freak storm raged across the southern states, causing flooding in some places, icing in others. They said that he died instantly when his rig jack-knifed on an icy stretch of interstate. Mae felt like her heart had shattered, but she knew that she had to be strong for Joe. There was a small insurance settlement that came as a result, but without Jaspar's steady income, she found herself having to dip into it just to pay the bills. She managed, through some serious budget cuts, to put aside some of the settlement for Joe's college, but when he graduated high school, he told her that he wanted to be a trucker like his dad. So with what she had saved for him, he was able to get his own rig,with about $3000 left as "just in case" money, and was soon working for the same company his dad had years before. One of his runs extended into Florida, where one of his stops was a store run by a Seminole family. One of those who worked in the store was a girl about 17 or 18, who was the most beautiful girl Joe had ever seen. Her slender, but curvaceous figure, her long, black hair hanging down her back, her snapping, dark eyes set in a beautiful face, along with her Native American coloring captivated the young man, and he always tried to find time to at least say hello to her. She seemed to be equally taken with the tall, dark young man who delivered to their store every two weeks, and it wasn't long before they developed a friendly rapport. He learned that her name was Jenny, and he found himself falling hopelessly in love with her, as she found herself feeling the same about him. Jenny's parents were not happy with what they were seeing and tried everything they could think of to try and make sure Jenny wasn't around when Joe made his bi-weekly deliveries. Little did they know, that those times when they managed to keep her away from the store, she would meet Joe when he finished his delivery just down the road. Both Jenny and Joe lost their virginity on the long seat of his truck, and the trysting continued for several months, until one time, Jenny told Joe she was pregnant. The two made plans that on his next trip, she was to have her suitcases ready and sneak them to their meeting spot, and they would elope. Both were of legal age by then, and they planned to get married In Georgia so that Joe's mother, Mae, could be there. Joe had told Mae all about Jenny, and she was very happy that he'd found love at his age. Everything went as planned, and the happy couple moved in with Mae and tied the knot at city hall 2 days later. When Jenny's parents learned what had happened, they immediately disowned her, instructing her that she was no longer welcome in their home, and, as far as they were concerned, neither was her child. Joe was able to switch routes with another driver, so he was able to avoid any confrontations with her parents. With Joe's income, household expenses were now on an even footing, and Jenny's pregnancy was fairly easy until the last month. She awoke in the night with a terrible stabbing pain in her stomach and there was some bleeding. She was rushed to the hospital where the doctor told her she was to spend the remainder of her term in bed with NO exceptions. Relieved that everything seemed to be OK, they returned home, where Jenny followed the doctor's instructions to the letter. When she finally went into labor, it was only a week away from her scheduled due date, and everyone was happy with that fact. Once in the birthing room at the hospital, her labor was long and painful. She valiantly refused any pain killers as they might affect the baby, but finally, it became too much and she agreed, at Joe's frantic insistence. 36 hours later, Jayson was born. Jenny gave a weak smile of love and satisfaction at her new-born son just as the monitors all started shrieking. Her body convulsed, and a flood of blood poured out of her. Joe was unceremoniously shoved out of the room, as the nurse hurried off to clean the baby, who was perfectly healthy. Joe could hear the sounds of frantic activity behind the closed door as he slumped against the wall, tears pouring down his face. Mae was there and just as worried and upset, but knew that she had to be strong for her son. She wrapped him tightly in her arms as her own tears flowed, having a very fatalistic feeling in her gut. This was confirmed a few minutes later when the doctor stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. You could see on his face that this was the hardest part of his job, as he told Joe and Mae that they couldn't save her. With an anguished howl, Joe ran out of the hospital and straight into the path of an oncoming bus. It was quick. It was painless. And it was witnessed by Mae, who had gone after her distraught son. Without a sound, she simply collapsed to the floor. She awoke in a hospital bed and was immediately aware of all that had happened, and for the second time in her life, it felt like her heart shattered. She sobbed and moaned uncontrollably as she grieved for her son and daughter-in-law. A nurse heard her distress, and paged a doctor, before going into the room to offer what comfort she could. She was a seasoned professional, but knowing what Mae was facing, she, too, was crying, as she held the grieving woman in her arms. The doctor gave Mae a sedative that sent her into a deep sleep. It was during that sleep that she saw her son, her beloved Jayson, standing by her bed. Taking both of her hands in his, he told her how very much he loved her, and how badly he felt leaving her like this. He then told her that she needed to be strong for Jayson, that she was all the helpless infant had now. He said that he'd always love her and would always be in her heart. With that, he bent down, kissed her cheek and faded away. When Mae awoke the next day, her heart still hurt and grieved, but she was determined to see that Jayson would receive all the love she had for as long as God allowed. She would do everything she could to see that he grew up to be a man that would make his father proud. Mae and Jayson left the hospital later that day, and from then on, she raised him with all the love any child would need. As time went on, her day care business began to drop as the neighborhood began to change into a landscape of abandoned houses and gang turf wars. Mae struggled for as long as she could, but as business dropped off, so did their standard of living. Although they always had food on the table, it never seemed to be enough, and their clothing now came from Salvation Army and other thrift stores. The day there was a gang war on the next street, was the day Mae decided to return to her hometown. She still had a little over $3000 that she had managed to save from her late husband's insurance which she refused to touch, hoping now that it would be there to help jump-start Jayson's college career. She still owned that old shack and some land around it. They would go there to get away from the violence that was creeping into the neighborhood. They left the day after Jayson got out of school for the summer, and when they finally made their way to the old homestead, it really was no more than a shack. They managed to get it cleaned out enough to be able to spend their first night there. The next day, Jayson said he was going to spend the morning seeing about getting a job, at least for the summer, and then he'd help on some of the repairs that were needed. While Jayson was gone, Mae decided she'd get on the roof to patch the large hole by the chimney. That's how she broke her leg. She slipped off the roof, and Jayson found her on the ground, two hours later. He ran to the nearest neighbor, called 911 and went back to wait for he ambulance at the head of their road, since Mae's property wasn't listed, as no one had lived there for years. It was with great difficulty that the ambulance was able to get to the shack, but they managed to get in and out by going very slowly. At the hospital, it was found that Mae had broken her leg in three places, one of the breaks requiring surgery to set. She would be in a full-leg cast for at least 3 months, and the hospital bill wiped out the $3000 she had so carefully saved. With that, her narrative ended. "Wow!" I exhaled. "I simply can't comprehend the losses you had to face. First, your husband, then both your son and new daughter-in-law in the same day. I can't imagine the struggles and hardships you had to go through." "I have the greatest incentive in the world, right here," she said, as she reached up and stroked Jayson's cheek, causing him to blush. "I'll do anything for my Jayson." "Aw, Gramma!" he said. Even though embarrassed, it was clear that he was inwardly pleased. "Umm, Eric?" he asked, trying for a change of topic. "Do you know anyone around here that would hire someone my age, at least for the summer?" "Actually, I do," said, getting a sudden idea. "Really?" he asked, perking up. "Is it around here? Will I need some way to get there?" "Let me ask you this," I continued. "Do you mind working outdoors, mowing lawns, that sort of stuff?" "Hel...Heck, no!" he exclaimed, with a quick glance at Mae, to see if she noticed his slip. "I like working outdoors." "Then I have just the job for you," I replied. "I need someone to take care of my yard work - mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, weeding gardens. Stuff like that. It would be almost a full-time job. Think you'd be interested?" "Yes!" he shouted, as he launched himself at me and wrapping me in a bear hug that almost toppled us off the bed. He suddenly let go and was blushing furiously. "Sorry." "For what?" I asked, as I grabbed him and hugged him back. He tensed for a moment, then seemed to melt into me. "I like an enthusiastic employee." Mae was positively beaming. "We'll sit down after dinner and get things worked out. OK?" "Yeah," he said from my shoulder. "You're the best, Eric." "I think you're pretty special, too," I said, pulling away, noticing his teary eyes. "Umm, excuse me. I gotta go to the bathroom," he said, as he got up, walked into the bathroom and shut the door. "If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it," said Mae, softly. "In just one day, that boy adores you, Eric. This is the most life and the happiest I've seen him in a long, long time." "He's a wonderful young man," I said, trying to take in what she had said. "You've raised a mighty fine grandson." "I did the best I could with what I had," she said. "But I have to agree with you. He IS a mighty fine grandson AND a wonderful young man." "Well," I said finally, "I'd better go and see about dinner. I know you just ate, but we have to try to keep you on as normal a schedule as we can. How are you feeling? Do you need to take another pain pill?" "I'm fine," she replied. "Could I have another glass of ice tea, though?" "Coming right up,"I said, getting up and heading to the kitchen. When I returned, Jayson was back sitting on the bed beside her, their arms around each other again. When he saw me come in, Jayson gave me a shy smile. Setting the tea down beside her, I showed Mae how to operate the remote for the TV and radio, and went out to the kitchen to get dinner started.