by Ancelli
“If you were hired you would have to oversee all of the home’s daily operations, manage client services, including intake and discharge procedures,” Mr. King stared at him. “You would also manage the home’s finances, including budgets and billing, which I see you have experience in,” he picked up his file. “Your team would also ensure that the home meets local and state regulations covering health, safety and capacity requirements. You would do all the hiring, managing staff, and overseeing volunteers.” He watched Jesse through narrowed eyes.
“I understand.” Jesse cracked his neck. “Thank you for the opportunity, but we already know the outcome of this interview.” He didn’t have time to waste.
“Mrs. Valle didn’t tell you what you were interviewing for?”
“No.”
“And you didn’t ask?”
“I did, sir, but she said I was more than qualified for the position, so I assumed it was something in the medical field.” Jesse pushed himself up, and stood. “I made a fool out of myself coming here.”
Mr. King laughed, causing Jesse to glare at him. He didn’t say anything funny. “You were hired before you even sat down, young man.”
Jesse’s eye widened, “What?”
“I heard everything you said to Mr. Williams when you had him admitted to the hospital. I work with the Veteran’s Affairs here in the city, when it comes to homeless veterans. I’m the one they usually call to do the initial interview to see where we should place them if need be, or try to locate any relatives they may have,” he sat back down behind the desk. “I read everything on you, young man. All the good you did on your tours overseas, and here at home. You should be proud of all you accomplished while you were in the force and out. Not everyone would’ve survived what you did. In my eyes you are a hero,” he wrote something on a notepad. “Mr. Harvey, people open up and react better with others who have been in their position. The position is yours, if you want it.”
“Yes,” Jesse grinned. “When do I start?”
“Right after the new year.”
***
Jesse sat in the uncomfortable chair waiting for Sandra to finish her session. She was running a little late. He glanced at his watch again, and then the door opened. “Jesse,” Sandra looked over at her receptionist, but she wasn’t there. “We’ve been waiting for you to start our session.”
“We,” Jesse pushed himself up out of the chair, and stood. “Is Maya coming?”
“No,” she opened the door wider. “I spoke to you about joining a group session, remember?”
He walked into her office, and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw three pairs of eyes staring back at him. Jesse clenched his jaw, “You’re full of surprises today.”
“I thought I mentioned it,” she closed the door behind him. “Everyone this is Jesse Harvey,” Sandra pulled out another chair, and Jesse sat.
“Jesse, this is,” she went around the room. “Brandon Stokes, Tyler Hill, and Skye Neal.”
“Hi everyone,” Jesse waved. This was his first group session; he didn’t know what to expect. His mission today was to tell Sandra thank you for everything she’s done for him and his family, but once again she had something up her sleeve.
“I’m going to start off this session, and each one of us will have a minute.” Sandra stood in the middle of the circle. “I’m Sandra Valle and I’m a survivor,” she shouted, startling some of them. “I went from being a sailor to being a wounded warrior. Shutting everyone who loved me out of my life, feeling sorry for myself until, I found someone who saw something in me that I hadn’t seen. I stopped feeling helpless, I actually got out of my bed and hit the floor running. I got my legs back, literally got both my legs back,” she jumped up. “Then I became an elementary teacher, but I needed to do more, make a difference, and now I’m your therapist,” she smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “We come from different ways of life, we don’t even live in the same state. I brought you all together because we all have something in common. Who wants to go next?”
Brandon stood, taking Sandra’s place in the middle. “I’m Brandon Stokes, and I’m a survivor,” he raised his voice. “I wasn’t wounded physically, but mentally. I went years without seeking help because I thought that meant I was weak,” he took a deep breath. “I was successful in my career, but not my personal relationships. A series of events led me to this wonderful lady,” he pointed to Sandra making her blush. “And the love of my wife and kids have given me the strength to go on, to be better,” he smiled. “You’re not alone.”
The beautiful woman with black curly hair stood next, “I’m Skye Neal,” she said, smiling. Her left eye swollen. “I’m a survivor.” She seemed nervous as she played with her hands. “I wasn’t wounded at war, and I don’t think I’m mentally ill, but someone thought he had the right to put his slimy hands on me, using me as a punching bag,” she spat. Jesse clenched his jaw, no man had the right to hit a woman. Skye pointed at her eye, “This happened last week,” her eyes flooded with tears. “It wasn’t my fault,” she repeated three times. “I’m here because a friend made me see that I’m not alone.”
“I hope he’s in jail?” Jesse asked. Skye was the only woman in the room other than Sandra, and all the testosterone filled men were feeling overprotective of her.
Skye didn’t answer, that meant he was out.
“How many times did he hit you?” Brandon asked.
“One too many,” Skye sat down. “He won’t be putting his hands on anyone else.”
“Scum bag,” Brandon said under his breath. “If it’s one thing I hate is a woman beater.”
“Motherfucker,” Tyler said under his breath. “Do you need us to pay him a visit?”
“I’m in,” Brandon stared at her.
Skye chuckled, “Nah, my friend already took care of him.”
“I’m not even going to ask,” Sandra smirked. “Tyler, you’re up next.”
Tyler rolled his wheelchair to the middle. “I’m Tyler Hill and I’m a fucking survivor. I was off duty minding my own business, laying down in the back of a Humvee, when a suicide bomber attacked us. It left me partially paralyzed. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I’m still fucking alive,” he chuckled. “My heart,” he touched his chest, “is still beating. My injuries have made me stronger. My brothers and sister,” Tyler stared at Skye, “you’re not alone.”
Sandra glanced over at Jesse, “Are you ready?”
Jesse took a deep breath, and stood. “I’m Jesse Harvey, and I’m a survivor,” he softly said.
“You better say that louder, Jesse,” Skye stated. “You are a survivor. You’re standing in front of us for a reason. Say it proudly, Chief.”
“I am a survivor!” Jesse shouted, feeling relived. He was a fucking survivor, look at him now. A few months ago he was homeless, and now he had his life back. “Like the song said, I started from the bottom now I’m here,” He chuckled. “I was hurt on my last tour, lost my foot and my son. I lost myself in my own depression, I let it consume me and I pushed everyone I loved away, and I did the unthinkable.”
“What did you do?” Tyler asked.
“I up and left,” he sighed. “I was homeless for almost three years, until my loving wife saved me again. I found out I was a father to an energetic two-year-old daughter.” He turned staring at Sandra, “And thanks to this amazing therapist, I now have a job.”
“You got the job?” Sandra squealed, and ran up to him.
He wrapped his arms around her, “Yes,” he grinned.
She cupped his face, “I knew you had it in you, you just needed a push in the right direction.”
“Congratulations,” Brandon was the first to get up and shook his hand. “Dude, if you ever need any help contact me,” Brandon handed him a business card. Tyler and Skye also congratulated him.
“Thank you,” Jesse placed his contact information in his front pocket.
“Brandon is the editor-in-chief at a newspaper, he might be able
to help you get sponsors to help out with shelter,” Sandra said.
“You got my number,” Brandon sat back down. “I’m all about giving back.”
Jesse shook his head, watching his friend. “Thank you, Sandra.”
“You also need to say thanks to your wife,” Sandra blinked. “Okay, let’s get to it.”
Everyone sat back down in their respective chairs, and the group started talking about coping with depression, stress, and PTSD. Sandra’s office phone rang, “Do you mind if I get that?”
“No,” Skye answered, and Sandra walked over to her desk. Skye took that opportunity to look at her cell phone, and started texting as the guys started talking.
“Terrible twos,” Brandon looked at him, “if you need any advice hit me up. I have a three-year old daughter and a one-year old son at home. Never a dull moment in my house.”
His heart didn’t hurt as much when he thought of his son anymore. “I can imagine,” Jesse chuckled, imagining having Jr and Bella running around at the same time, getting him in trouble with Maya for spoiling them.
“It gets better,” Tyler watched him closely. “The pain never goes away, but it gets better, believe me,” he moved his right leg a bit. “Last year I couldn’t even feel my penis,” he laughed, “and now I get boners all the time.”
They all laughed, except for Sandra as she sat back down. “Where were we?” She eyed Tyler, shaking her head. “We all have something in common,” she looked at each one of them. “We are united by a sisterhood and brotherhood that will not break. Each one of us have been at our lowest, but with each passing day we will get stronger, and stronger. And like Tyler said, the pain will never go away, but we will learn to cope with our triggers and stress.”
Jesse looked around the room, and smiled. He was comfortable around them, and they were all right when they said he wasn’t alone. Sharing their experiences was an eye opener for Jesse. When you think you have it bad, someone else has it worst. Jesse glanced over at Tyler. However, they all seemed to have a reason to smile through their despair.
Chapter Fourteen
Do you remember the first time we saw each other? Maya read Jesse’s text.
Yes, I do. Maya replied as her lips curled into a smile. He knocked the breath right out of her chest when she looked into his mesmerizing eyes.
I waited forty minutes for some Motrin, lol. (Maya)
I need a favor. (Jesse)
Sure. (Maya)
Can you please pick up my prescription at that hospital? (Jesse)
Maya stared at the screen, did he just ask her to drive two hours after work to get some pills?
Why was your prescription filled at that hospital? (Maya)
They made a mistake, but I need it. Please Love… (Jesse)
Maya raised her eyebrow, she wanted to ask him why he couldn’t go get them, but decided not to.
I’ll get it when I get off work. (Maya)
Thank you Love. Oh by the way wear something sexy. (Jesse)
Why? (Maya)
She waited for his reply, but he didn’t respond. “What are you up to, Jesse?” Maya said to herself. “YN1,” she yelled, and Yeoman First Class Peterson walked into her office.
“Yes, Chief.”
“I’m leaving early,” Maya picked up her purse and stood. “You can let the office go early once everything is done.”
“Yes, Chief.”
“YN1, thank you for everything you do around here,” she walked up to her. “And stepping up to the plate when I have to step out of the office.” Maya stood at the doorframe. “I appreciate you.”
Peterson smiled, “Chief, I’ve learned from the best. Have a great weekend.”
“You too,” she waved leaving her office. “Have fun, Peterson, you’re only young once.”
***
Maya went home and slipped on a long black dress Jesse had bought her years ago. It was simple, and sexy. She wrapped herself in her coat as she walked through the hospital’s general parking lot, and all the memories came back. Little did she know that she would meet the love of her life that night all those years ago. The glass door slid open, and she stepped in. Maya walked over to the pharmacy counter and pulled a number, and sat in the waiting area. She glanced at the number in her hand, and then at the number on the wall. “Great,” she sighed.
“Maya Harvey,” someone called from the window, making her raise her eyebrow. How did they even know she was there, they hadn’t called her number? Maybe she heard wrong. “Maya Harvey, window five.”
Maya stood, and strolled over to the window and smiled when she saw Mrs. Wendy. “Hi, Mrs. Wendy, how are you?”
“I’m doing good, ready to retire in a year.” Mrs. Wendy was a civilian that worked with Jesse while he was stationed at the hospital. “You haven’t aged a bit.”
“Well thank you,” Maya smiled. “You either,” she placed her hand on the little counter.
“Stop lying, I didn’t have all this grey hair,” she patted her hair, “when you last seen me.”
“My mother says that’s years of wisdom.”
“You mother is right,” the older lady laughed. “How can I help you?”
“I’m here to pick up Jesse’s prescription.”
Mrs. Wendy chuckled softly, “I have it right here. Make sure you open it and make sure it’s the right one.”
Maya looked at the lady weird. She just asked her how could she help her, and then she had the pills right there and ready. Hmmm… okay. “You’re not going to ask me for my ID card?” Maya studied the older woman.
“Nope,” she handed her the brown paper bag. “I won’t have you waiting for forty minutes,” she smirked.
Maya took the bag, “Nice seeing you again, Mrs. Wendy.”
“Take care, sweetheart,” she waved from the window. “Your daughter is beautiful.”
Maya turned back a little confused. “Thank you,” she continued walking and opened the paper bag. There was a piece of paper. Do you remember our first date? Meet me there… J. She read it out loud, and couldn’t stop smiling. Waffles, Soul and More. Maya dug into her purse, grabbed her cell and started texting.
Do you have Bella? (Maya)
Sandra is babysitting for us tonight. (Jesse)
What are you up to? (Maya)
Love, stop asking questions and come on (Jesse)
***
Maya pulled up to the restaurant it, and it was jam packed. She hoped Jesse made reservations. She strolled up to the entrance and a man stood right by the door blocking her way in. Maya thought he was going to open the door for her but instead he stood there talking to his friends. “Excuse me,” she said, and the guy moved, letting her pass by, pulling the glass door opened. She'd become so used to Jesse doing things like that for her.
"Hello, do you have a reservation?" The young man asked.
"I think so," she studied the waiting area, but no Jesse. "It should be under Jesse or Harvey."
"Oh yes," the guy stated. "The hostess will take you to your seat."
"This way, Mrs. Harvey," she followed the hostess to the same table where they had their first date, and where Jesse proposed. "Your server will be right with you."
Maya glanced around the restaurant, Jesse was nowhere to be found, and he was never late. She picked up the menu, and surveyed the items.
"Ma'am," the waiter came up with a bottle of pills on the tray in his hand. He placed it in front of her and walked away without even asking her if she wanted a drink or appetizer.
"Well okay then," she grabbed the bottle of Motrin and covered her mouth with her hand, chuckling as she read what it said. This was the beginning of the rest of our lives. I knew then you would be my forever. You made me the happiest man alive when you said yes... Open.
Maya pushed and then twisted the medication bottle open, and turned it over on her palm, a diamond band ring dropped from the bottle, making her gasp. It was a stunning piece of jewelry, and it sparkled with radiant colors, shining as the
light from above reflected off the stones. "Oh Jesse," she grinned, slipping the ring above her wedding band. "Where are you?" She whispered. Maya found another piece of paper. Do you remember our third date? Meet me there, J. She was loving this game, a trip down memory lane. It was the simple things that made her happy, not money or material things. Well, not only material things she thought, as she stared at the rocks on her finger. He loves me. She got out of her seat and rushed out of the restaurant to her car.
After about twenty minutes, Maya pulled up at the barracks where she used to live. The place looked abandoned, or it was being remodeled. She turned off the ignition, and slowly got of out the car. She strolled up to the empty basketball court. Maya studied the empty area, and all of a sudden the lights turned on. In the middle of the court there was a small table, with a champagne flute and a small white box. She ran up to the table and picked up the glass, taking a gulp of the pink bubbly champagne. Under the glass there was another piece of paper. “Really Jesse,” she laughed. Remember when wearing a t-shirt and jeans, or basketball shorts was sexy? Maya looked down at her clothing, and smiled. “Yes I do.” She continued reading, sensing Jesse near by. It was weird, but her heart always knew when he was close. Meet me where we said I do, J… She opened the box and it was a bouquet of wild flowers exactly the same as the day they got married. Maya gently touched the petals. “You remembered.”
