IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

by Bechtel, Julie

  When she finally made it home her parents were not in bed. They were not even home. That was more than a little weird to her considered her mom refused to go anywhere. She pushed the thought out of her mind and headed to her room to turn in for the night. She had no trouble falling asleep that night. All and all the day hadn’t been nearly as bad as she thought it would be. Matter of fact in her mind it was kind of perfect. She woke up earlier than usual and to her surprise her parents hadn’t returned overnight like she thought they would. She was starting to worry, but there wasn’t anything that she could do until she heard from them. Even though she was worried she welcomed the peace and quiet. She decided to take advantage of being alone and fixed herself some breakfast.

  After she was done eating she headed into the deli for what she knew would be a long day. She went through her usual routine taking her time to get into work. When she arrived she had another surprise waiting on her. Joe was standing out front patiently waiting on her. He was knelt down leaning against the brick wall. When Ashley came into view he immediately jumped up into the standing position. She could tell by his actions that he had been very there for a long time. “Good morning beautiful woman. I was beginning to think that you quit your job and left town to get away from me.” He said toying with an unopened pack of cigarettes. “No, I was just taking my time getting here. Besides if I quit my job I wouldn’t have any money to leave town with.” She said with a giggle. “Well that’s a good thing then. I would hate to have to spend my hard earned money tracking you down.” He said as the smile disappeared from his face. Ashley didn’t say anything but that statement had creeped her out. After thinking about it for a while she decided that it was just his attempt at humor.

  After studying her face for a brief moment Joe decided that it probably wouldn’t be in his best interest to say something else like that.

  CHAPTER:8

  He could tell just by looking at her that Ashley was very mature for her age. He could also see that she wasn’t one for playing games. He knew that if it came to games she would be gone in the blink of an eye. That wasn’t an option for him. He had already invested time on winning her over and he always got what he wanted. To him it would have been a waste of time investing in something that you might lose interest in. “Did you sleep well?” he asked attempting to lighten the mood. “Actually I did.” She responded. She thought a minute about telling him about her parents not coming home. Then she decided against it. She hadn’t mentioned the fact that she still lived at home to him. She was certain that if she mentioned that he wouldn’t want her anymore.

  “Well I hate to cut this short, but I don’t want you to be late for work. We are still on for dinner tonight right?” He asked suddenly looking uncomfortable with his surroundings. “Sure, as soon as I’m off work.” She said. Just as she finished the sentence he was gone. Her only thought was how mysterious this man was from the short time that she had known him. That was okay though. She found his mystery attractive. She then walked into the deli prepared for what could be very well the longest day of her life. Today hadn’t been very busy especially for a Friday. The only people that where there were just a couple of the regulars. James Jenkins, one of the local farmers who had stopped for lunch because his wife was out shopping. Everyone knew him as the strong but silent type. I had never heard him speak of anyone. The only talking he ever did was of his farm. Other than that he would sit quietly and eat his meal. As soon as he was finished he would pay the bill and rush back off to the farm.

  Nancy Peters, she was known as the town busy body. She knew everyone’s business before they did. She was a short stocky Christian woman. She always wore her grey hair up in a bun. She was sitting in the back booth gossiping to a few other towns folk which was nothing new. I always wondered if she was so Christian why she spent so much time degrading others. Apparently she had never heard the saying let he who has no sins cast the first stone. Surprising enough the day didn’t go as slow as Ashley thought it would. Matter of fact it seemed to fly by. She had just finished with her shift when she noticed a red camaro pull up in front of the deli. It caught her attention because it wasn’t a car that she had recognized. One thing when you live in a small town like Peter Springs you get to know everyone whether you want to or not.

  Then the thought came to her head of old Nancy Peters and how she knew everyone’s business. She didn’t want to be known for that so she went about her business trying to put the car out of her mind. When she filled up the remainder of the ketchup containers she hung up her apron and headed out the door. As she walked out she noticed that the red camaro was still sitting there. The driver of the car which she couldn’t see because of the tinted windows then blew the horn. Ashley stood in the same spot as she was like her feet had been glued to the ground. She wasn’t about to walk over to a strangers car. Then after a brief moment the driver’s door flung open.

  “Didn't you see me sitting here? I was waiting here for over an hour.” The driver said. It was then that Ashley noticed who it was. It was Joe. She could tell by the look on his face that he was more than a little annoyed by having to wait so long. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean keep you waiting. I finished up with work as quickly as I could.” She explains feeling uncomfortable with his anger. Joe could tell that Ashley had started to feel insecure. That wasn't his intention. “It's okay you don't have to explain anything to me. I was just worried that something might be wrong is all.” He said flashing her smile. He could see that Ashley's mood had finally lightened.

  CHAPTER:9

  That put him at ease.

  “So I remember you saying something about wanting to go to Italy. I know this is short notice, but my dad has a private plane. If your game we can go. That is if you want to.” Joe said studying Ashley's face. Ashley just giggled. She thought for sure that he had been joking. After seeing the look in his face and seeing that he never cracked a smile she knew it wasn't a joke. Ashley had no idea what to say. She was flabbergasted by his impulsive nature. “It's so far away. That isn't a trip that you take just like that. Something of that magnitude requires preparation.” She explained to him. He seemed to be annoyed by her hesitation. “I know that. I guess I just get sick of playing by the rules all the time. For once in my life I just wanted to be impulsive instead of worrying about everything.” He explained to her staring at his hands.

  Ashley was completely speechless. She didn't think there was another person in this world that felt the way that she did. “I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. We can find something else to do, but I promise you we are going to Italy. We might not go tonight, but soon. I got you a present. Hopefully that will make you feel a little bit better. It's in the backseat.” He said as he started the car. Ashley recently the backseat and grabbed the bag. When she opened it she couldn't believe her eyes. It was a sweater. Not just any sweater it was the exact same sweater that she had fallen in love with. Soon as she looked at it she started to cry.

  Joe was confused by her reaction. He thought for sure sweater would make her happy not make her cry. “If you don't like it I can take it back. You don't need to cry about it.” He said trying to console her to the best of his ability. “It's not that. I love the sweater. It's just that no one has ever done anything like this before for me.” She explained as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “Sorry to hear that. You deserve that and then some. If you were my girl I’d do stuff like that all the time.” He said giving her a chuckle. “Since you won't allow me to take you to Italy tonight; how about we find an Italian restaurant instead.” He said focusing on his driving. Ashley thought about that for a moment. She didn't want to tell them no, but there was only one Italian restaurant in her small town and it was expensive. That was one thing that her parents taught her it was that money is hard to come by. “You have to do that. We can find something cheaper. I was just joking about the whole Italy thing anyways.” She explained hoping to deter him. �
��I don't understand. You don't want to go to Italy, or you don't like Italian? You are speaking in riddles to me.

  CHAPTER:10

  You have to be more specific.” He snapped. “It's not that. I would love to go to Italy and Italian food is my favorite, but it's expensive.” She explained hoping to calm them down. “Is that all this is about is money? If it is then you have nothing to worry about. I have a lot of money. You didn't ask me to use it I offered. There's a difference.” He explained. Ashley knew there would be no point in arguing so she reluctantly agreed. One thing was for certain. He seemed to be so similar to her yet different as well. It would definitely take some time for her to get use to his behavior. The rest of the night turned out picture-perfect in Ashley's eyes. He seemed to have finally loosened up enough to at least give her a glimpse of him. However there was still a lot that she didn't know. She figured that given enough time he would feel comfortable enough to let her in completely. She wasn't sure what it was, but something in his life had tried to break him as well. As hard as he tried to hide it she saw right through the cover-up. After they finished their dinner they paid the bill and headed out the door. Ashley thought that that would have been the end of the night. Joe however had other things in mind. The day didn't go as perfect as he had hoped and he wanted to make sure that he had an opportunity to make it up her. There was a place on the outskirts of town that he used to go when he had a bad day. In his mind it was the most beautiful place on earth and he wanted to share with her. “If it's okay I have another surprise for you.” He said hoping that he hadn't blown any chance that he might have had with her. To his surprise Ashley agreed without hesitation. They drove for what seemed like forever without speaking a word. After what seemed like the longest drive of her life. They finally arrived at their destination. Joe put the car into park and sat there for a minute and then he spoke. “I come here sometimes when life gets the best of me. I don't know why, but it seems to make me feel better. I hope it does the same for you.” He told her with a smile. Then he opened his door and walked around to the passenger side to open her door for her. Ashley couldn't believe how perfect this man was turning out to be. He then delicately took her hand in his and led her down the path. The first thing that caught Ashley's attention was a sound of the water in the distance. Then she saw the most amazing thing that she had ever seen.

  It was a lake with a Sandy beach. This wasn't any ordinary lake though. The water wasn't the color of any water that she had ever seen before. It was the most beautiful shade of blue that she had ever seen. The only thing she had to compare it to were paintings that she had seen. It was almost as though the water had been untouched by any humans before. Then she noticed the beach. There were candles placed neatly around a blanket in the sand. It was almost as though the place had known she would be here. She knew better than that though. She knew that it was him.

  CHAPTER:11

  He had known that he was going to bring her to this location.

  He left off her hand and positioned himself down on the blanket gently pulling her down beside him. He positioned his hands on her cheeks forcing her to look at him. He then pulled her close to him and passionately kissed her. Then he stopped and looked into her eyes. "Do you want me to stop?" He asked hoping she would say no as he slid his hand down to her breast. Ashley didn't want him to stop as her body tingled from his touch. Joe had been the first man to make her feel that way before. She whispered no as she softly moaned from his electrifying touch. He leaned in and gently kissed her neck. Ashley could feel the desire building up in her. He unbuttoned her blouse exposing her lacy black bra. Then he stared at her beautiful skin as it seemed to glimmer from the moonlight. There was no doubt in his mind that he was falling head over heals for this beautiful woman. He unhooked her bra exposing her breasts. He positioned his lips on her left breast taking her nipple into his mouth. Just as Ashley thought she could take no more he stopped. "That's enough. Get dressed. It's time to go home." he snapped as he got up and walked away from her. Ashley had no idea what had just happened. She was prepared to allow this man to take her virginity and now he was acting like he was disgusted by her. She quickly dressed herself and walked past him without giving him a second glance as she got into the car. After thinking about it Joe realized how it must have seemed to Ashley. He knew that he would have to explain his action or it would be over before it started. "I'm sorry that I snapped at you." He said gently putting his hand on her chin to make her face him. "It's just that I think I might be falling in love with you and I didn't want our first time to be like that. When we make love I want to make sure it is something that we both want. I didn't want you to feel obligated to do something that you would regret to lease me. Do you understand?" He asked gently squeezing her chin. As angry as Ashley was she supposed that his reasoning had been noble enough. She couldn't stay mad at him for caring about her. "I understand, but you could have explained it then instead of making me feel like that." she explained to him. "Truth is you are the first girlfriend that I have ever had. So if it seems like I do things wrong sometimes please be patient. I am a work in progress." he said giving her an innocent smile. Ashley was gleaming with excitement from what he had said. He had called himself her boyfriend. "By the way, I know that you still live at home with your parents. You could have just told me. I would have understood. I don't want you to keep anything from me." He said as he star gazed out the window. Ashley was shocked by his remark. "How did you know I still lived at home?" she asked him suspiciously.

  Joe sat there like a deer caught in the headlights desperately searching for an explanation to his knowledge. "I heard it from Nancy Peters." he said hoping she would except that answer and change the subject. Then he reached in his pocket and pulled out a key. "This is the key to my house anytime you just want to get away you are welcome to use it." he said placing the key into her hand and squeezing it closed. Then he released her hand form his grip and turned back toward the steering wheel. When they arrived back at her home the whole house was lit up. That meant that where ever her parents had been they had returned. Joe could see the uneasiness in Ashley's eyes as she stared at the house. "Just remember if things get too hard you have a key. You are an adult now. If you want you can move your stuff in. I live in a big house so there is plenty of room. We can even sleep in separate beds if you prefer. If you decide not to sleep in a separate bed I'm going to be taking a lot of cold showers." he said with an evil grin. Ashley hadn't really thought about taking him up on his offer. She knew that it was too soon for anything like that. Ashley held her breath and opened up the door. When she walked in she saw her father sitting at the table with a half drank beer.

  CHAPTER: 12

  Her mother on the other hand was no where to be found. "I tried to call you the other night. I guess you where out with your friends or something. That is if you have any friends?" Her dad says never taking his gaze off of his beer. "Is there some particular reason you were trying to call me?" Ashley asked uncomfortably. "I think you better set down." he said patting the seat next to him. Ashley knew then that something was horribly wrong. Her father wasn't being his mean nasty self. There was a part of him that almost seemed human. Ashley did as he asked not wanting to upset him. She fidgeted around in the seat few a few minutes. Then she made herself comfortable. "Ashley your momma killed herself the other night while you were away. I was out getting a case of beer. When I came back i found her. She has been sick for a real long time. I don't have to tell you that. I suppose the illness finally got the best of her." he said with no emotion in his face what so ever. As Ashley sat there the tears started streaming down her face. Her and her mom hadn't really been that close. Still there was a part of Ashley that hoped way day her mom would accept her. Maybe even show her that she cared once in a while. Now all of her hope was gone. "I can see you got yourself all whored up again." her dad spat. Ashley ran to her room and slammed the door behind her. She had completely forgotten what J
oe had told her. The next morning she wasn't feeling up to going in to work so she called Neil. As luck would have it Neil was down with the flu. He had no one else to cover for the two of them. Ashley didn't explain to him about her mom. She just asked for the day off. She knew that Neil was old and frail and he had developed an unspoken bond with her mom. After hanging up the phone she knew she had no choice. She would have to go in to the deli whether she wanted to or not. When she got there just like the other day Joe was waiting. He had himself propped up against the wall just like before. This morning was different though

  Ashley didn't seem so happy to see him. She seemed distant and withdrawn. He begged her numerous times to tell him what was going on, but she declined. "Ashley please, you have to tell me what is wrong." he begged. "There is nothing wrong. I'm just really busy and I'm running late." she lied. Thinking back about it now she probably should have told him the truth. The truth however would require her to tell him all of the messy details about her mom. That wasn't something that she wanted to do. Not yet anyway. When Joe realized he was fighting a losing battle. He stormed off without as much as a word. Ashley went in to the deli without knowing if she would ever see him again. At that point it didn't seem that important. Nothing seemed to be important. She worked her shift and locked up for the night. As she walked out the door there he was. Just like nothing had happened. She was prepared at that point to walk away from him and never look back for the way he acted. "I know you are angry with me and you have every right. I just got so frustrated when you wouldn't talk to me. I was terrified that I was going to lose you." he said as a tear streamed down his cheek. Ashley had never seen a man cry before; especially not over her.