And Along Came Jake (14 page)

Jake gave his friend a sharp elbow to his ribs. "Hey, I think Ashley's lookin' at ya!"

"Ashley B-Brierly!" Edwin quietly said under his breath, "sh-sh-she's b-beautiful!"

Jake waved the girls over. "W-W-Whatcha' doin' Jake, d-don't invite them over h-here…d-do I l-look okay?" Edwin asked licking his palm to smooth his hair.

"You'll be fine pal!" Jake replied chuckling.

"Ashley" Madison said, introducing the two boys. "This is my boyfriend Jake––Jake, this is my cousin Ashley Brierly."

"Nice to meet you Ashley." Jake said shaking her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

"She's told me a lot about you too." Ashley replied, as she giggled.

"And this is Edwin Birch!" Madison smiled, introducing her friend.

Both Edwin and Ashley spoke the same words at the same time. "Nice to meet––" they said simultaneously. "I'm sorry you go–– no, you first––" All four began laughing, immediately lightening the mood.

"How about we try this again?" Jake said, introducing them a second time "Ashley, this is Edwin—Edwin, this is Ashley."

"It's very nice to meet you, Edwin Birch." she said, shaking hands once more.

"It's v-very nice t-t-to m-meet you A-Ashley!" Edwin said, as he smiled.

"How are you youngsters doing this evening?" A familiar friendly voice called.

Everyone smiled when they turned to see Paul Sutton. Madison's face lit up as she went and gave him a big hug. "Hi Big Paul!" she said "There's someone special I'd like you to meet."

"Oh?" he replied.

"My cousin, Ashley." she continued "She just moved back to Blackwater. Her father…my uncle, will be the new foreman at the railroad!"

"Oh yes," Big Paul said "Mr. Steven Brierly I presume?"

"Yes sir!" Ashley said, a puzzled look on her face. "How'd you know?"

"Well" Big Paul grinned "Madison's parents just introduced me to him."

"They're here!" Madison exclaimed.

"Yep, right over there." He said, pointing in their direction.

Madison and Ashley let out a joyful sequel as they ran to their parents, excited to say hello. "It was nice meeting you Mr. Sutton!" Ashley turned and yelled.

"This place is getting really crowded" Big Paul said, turning back to the boys.

As the three looked around, they saw many familiar faces at the festival. They took turns calling out their neighbors and friends by name; Mr. Dobbins and his family, mean ol' Smitty and his girlfriend, Chad Westfield and Misty McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb––then, as Jake was scouting the area, he saw his mother at the entrance.

"My mom's here!" He said with excitement "she looks so happy, have you been talking to her or something Big Paul."

"She just needed to sort a lot of things out, and the past few months she's been coming to the store after you'd leave to talk out her problems. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner Jake, but she needed time to make things right, I told her about the fair tonight and that you'd probably be here."

Jake couldn't believe his eyes, he hadn't seen his mother look so good in years. She had a smile on her face and was as pretty as he remembered when he was younger. Jake smiled and looked up at Mr. Sutton.

"Thanks Big Paul!" he said.

Jake ran towards his mother, waving his arms. "Mom, mom, hey ma'—over here!"

"I'll be back Maddie" Jake said, running past the Brierly's. "Look my mom's here!"

Madison and her parents looked to see Maggie Patterson; Madison's eyes welled up, remembering how fragile Jake's mom was, and how she was always down, defeated and unhappy. Now she appeared bigger than life itself, a changed woman.

"You look wonderful ma'!" Jake said as the two warmly embraced. "I haven't seen you smile like that since I was little—what happened?"

"Well, I've spent the last few months talking to Mr. Sutton about my problems, about my guilt—about everything, and he helped me realize we all get a second chance in life, if we're willing to take it, truth is son," she said looking up to the sky, "The truth is—I got my smile back Jake, can you believe it?"

The two embraced once more, and were soon greeted by Mr. Sutton, Edwin, Madison, Ashley and the Brierly's.

As the night continued, the teens went from ride to ride. The Brierly's all sat on the grass listening to a band play, and talking about old times.

Meanwhile, Paul Sutton and Maggie Patterson walked around talking. Maggie noticed Jake and his friends in line for the ring toss game. When it was their turn, Maggie focused on Jake, as he took the rings. She remembered the day when she and her late husband brought Jake to the fair when he was a boy. She remembered him tossing the ring, rubbing his lucky marble, hoping it would land on one of the pegs.

She watched him look at Madison with a smile, no doubt hoping to win her a prize. As he tossed the first two rings, both missed their intended target. She saw him take a small object from his pocket, and rub it between both hands, blowing on it at the same time.  A tear slowly ran down her face as she watched her son toss the last ring, barely making it on one of the many pegs.

Mr. Sutton's heard this story before, and now he witnessed it with his own two eyes, just as Maggie described. Mr. Sutton heard her say under her breath,
"You did it son...you did it!"
she slowly closed her eyes, remembering when he was little, and pictured herself spinning him around and around, being so proud of her son.

"He's still your little boy, Maggie" Big Paul said, as he gently put his hand on her shoulder. "That will never change."

"Here you go Maddie." Jake said, handing her a stuffed animal. "I won this just for you!"

"I guess it really is a lucky marble!" she acknowledged, smiling, thanking him for her prize.

"Oh, that wasn't my lucky marble." Jake said.

"No?" she questioned. "Then what were you rolling between your hands?"

Jake opened his fist to reveal a small rock, the one she gave him the day before, just after their first kiss. Madison Brierly was close to tears, but not wanting to make a scene, she held back just enough, allowing a single tear to run down her cheek.

"I don't need that old marble anymore—I have you!" He exclaimed, wiping the tear from her face.

"Awe, that is so romantic!" Ashley said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Th-th-this is way too mushy f-f-for me!" Edwin said, not wanting to be left out. "W-Why don't we g-g-go on the f- ferris wheel?"

On the way, they stopped to invite Paul and Jake's mother along, who happily agreed; the Brierly's were already in line.

Nate and Abigail sat together, followed by Ashley's parents, then Big Paul and Maggie Patterson sat together. Edwin and Ashley took their seat, and finally Jake and Madison got on the ride.

As the Ferris wheel went round, it seemed to be the perfect ending to a perfect evening. When the ride ended, they all left the fair and went back to their respective homes. Edwin walked Ashley to the Brierly's, securing a date for the following evening. Mr. Sutton, who'd been somewhat of a father figure to Maggie walked her home, then went home himself.  Ashley's parents followed the Brierly's to their house, and Jake and Madison took the long way home.

He walked her to the porch and gave her a soft kiss goodnight.  Madison held tight to her new stuffed animal as she watched her boyfriend slowly walk the quarter mile to the old barn.

As his silhouette disappearing into the night, Ashley stepped out on the porch, and talked with her cousin about the fun filled evening. They sat there talking about Jake and Edwin until they were called inside by Madison's mother.

When Jake arrived at the old barn, he emptied his pockets, placing the contents on his nightstand. The small rock Madison gave him, rolled off the nightstand, and dropped on the floor. Jake picked it up, and laid in bed inspecting it, thinking about Madison, and how much he loved her. He thought about those closest to him, like Mr. Sutton, the Brierly's and his best friend Edwin. He thought of his mother, and also the faint memory of his father. As he lay in bed contemplating life itself, he closed his eyes, and peacefully slipped off to sleep.

—

Sign Me Up

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It was December 7, 1943, two years to the day since the attack on Pearl Harbor, causing America to enter World War II. As Jake woke on this cold, peaceful morning, he placed some small logs in the wood burning stove, hoping to take the chill out of the crisp morning air. After dressing, he walked in the snow to Big Paul's furniture store and noticed numerous American flags flying at half-staff, in remembrance of the tragedy at Pearl Harbor.

Jake and Madison were now twenty years old. He assumed responsibility as manager of the furniture store, and ran it like a well-oiled machine. Big Paul came in at least twice a week, spending most of his time in the back room, giving advice, reading, or catching a short nap when he could.

Big Paul was getting older, and more tired than usual, but he always found time to give advice to anyone who requested it. He relied on Jake for just about everything that went on in the furniture store.

Jake approved all sales, ordered any necessary parts and supplies, kept up with the books, and in addition, made and repaired furniture when business was slow. However, he looked to his best friend Edwin to do most of the furniture repairs and builds. Over the last few years, Edwin worked at Big Paul's, and became very proficient at making and rebuilding furniture.

Edwin worked with Jake during the day, and coached the high school's baseball team in the evening. He successfully took the Blackwater Bloodhounds to the championship the last two years, winning both. Ashley Brierly was always with him at every practice and present at every game. In fact, wherever you'd find Edwin, you'd find Ashley. They were inseparable, like Jake and Madison.

Madison taught painting classes at the recreation center, but spent the rest of her time at Big Paul's store, waiting for Jake to finish up whatever needed to be done. After that, they would normally go out, and enjoy their evening together.

The Brierly's were doing extremely well. Their crops were thriving, and Ashley's parents bought some land just about a mile down the road from Nate and Abigail's place.

Maggie Patterson was also doing quite well, as an official new citizen of Blackwater. She moved about a year ago, securing a job at a factory, They were contracted out by the U.S. Army making uniforms, field clothing and various equipment for the men fighting in the war. Shortly after being hired, she began dating James Tatum, a man the Army contracted to oversee production of the factory.

Surprisingly, in the last few years, Jake and Smitty actually became friends. Not many men from Blackwater went to war, in fact, the only recruiter assigned to Blackwater, spent most of his time at other locations.

While not many men went to war from Blackwater, the citizens heavily supported its efforts. Store owners, farmers, and other small businesses, regularly donated and contributed supplies, food and other goods to the troops overseas.

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Jake arrived at the furniture store, unlocked the door, turned on the lights, and went to the back to make some coffee, his normal routine at the furniture store. As the coffee began to brew, he heard the familiar bell chime.

"I'm in the back Edwin!" Jake yelled. "Making some coffee, it'll be ready in a few."

When Jake didn't hear a response, he walked to the front and was surprised to see someone other than Edwin. Instead there was a man, who looked to be in his early forties, using a walking cane. Jake extended his hand to greet him.

"Good morning sir, my name's Jake, and welcome to Big Paul's furniture store; how can I help you today?"

"Hello Jake." the man replied, stretching his hand to shake. "My name's Holliday—Tommy Holliday. My wife Sarah and I recently moved to Blackwater, we're renting that small apartment above Smitty's store. Anyway, I was wondering if you're hiring here? I'm an expert at crafting furniture, been doing it most of my life."

"That's great, Mr. Holliday!" Jake said "Let me take down your information and I'll pass it along to the owner, Big Paul, we'll see what he thinks."

"Thanks very much, and please, call me Tommy."

"Okay Tommy." Jake nodded "So, how'd you hear about this furniture store anyway?"

"I saw the 'apartment for rent' sign outside of Smitty's store. As my wife and I were getting acquainted with him and signing paperwork for the apartment, he referred me here, so I came right over looking for a job doing what I love."

Jake smiled "I love this job too, and Smitty––well, let's just say he and I go way back!"

Tommy gave Jake his contact information, they shook hands and said goodbye. As he walked to the front door, Jake noticed Tommy had a severe limp.

"Excuse me, Tommy—I don't mean to pry, but did you injure yourself making furniture or something? I only ask because I've had a few close calls myself, with all this unforgiving equipment we use.

Tommy slowly turned, smiled, took off his hat and leaned on his cane. "It was November 1918; I was nineteen years old and involved in the Battle of Meuse-Argonne in the first war. I'm forty-four now, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Our mission was simply to break through German lines. When it began, we got out of the trenches and rushed towards them as quickly as possible. While I was advancing, a mortar round hit close by me, shrapnel ripped through my leg. Amazingly, the chunk of shrapnel was so hot it seared my blood vessels, which stopped me from bleeding out. I remember lying there for a few seconds, then without thinking, I stood up and noticed I was still able to walk. I continued to advance toward the enemy––but to make a long story short, we lost a lot of men that day, but we still completed our mission and successfully broke through German lines. Jake, it was horrible, I'll never forget the events of that day, or all the countless friends I lost."

As Jake stood speechless, the bell above the door rang. Edwin walked in, a pep in his step and a smile upon his face. Jake was trying to soak in what Tommy said, but instinctively, he turned his attention to his friend.

"Edwin, where've you been? Jake asked. "You're never this late!"

"I f-f-finally did it!" he said "After all these y-years of t-talking about it, I f-finally did it; I w-w-wanted to t-t-t-tell you right away." Edwin paused to take a breath, "J-J-Jake Patterson, you are n-now officially looking at a s-s-soldier in the United Sta-States Army. I just s-s-s-signed up and I leave f-for basic t-t-training in January. I-I'll probably head off t-t-to Europe after, and p-put my two cents in this w-w-w-war!"

Jake kept silent as Tommy put his hat on and waved goodbye. "Nice to meet you, Jake." he said "Please see that Big Paul gets my information, and tell him if there's ever an opening, I'm real interested."

He smiled, tipped his hat to Edwin, and slowly limped out of the store heading back to his new home.

Jake turned his attention to Edwin. "Are you crazy?"

"I-I-I'm only a f-few minutes l-late Jake." Edwin replied, with a puzzled look on his face.

"Not that!" Jake yelled as he threw his hands in the air. "Joining the Army? Are you crazy? Do you know who that man was?"

"N-Nope" Edwin said shrugging his shoulders. "N-N-Never seen him before in m-my life, so is th-th-the coffee ready?"

"Edwin!" Jake exclaimed, as he began pacing back and forth. "That man who limped out of here was in the first war! His leg was almost blown completely off! Don't you care?"

"Oh w-wow!" Edwin exclaimed. "N-Next time I s-s-see him, I ga-gotta thank him for his s-s-s-service."

"Don't you get it, Edwin?" Jake said angrily. "You could be killed over there, and what about me? Or Ashley? You're telling me after two years you're just going to leave her like that?"

"I t-told her first, I t-told her I w-w-would be s-signing up y-y-yesterday, and sh-she totally supports m-m-my decision."

"I thought I was your best friend!" Jake shook his head. "Why didn't you tell me first?"

"I told h-her b-because I knew y-y-you'd act th-this way. I-I-I knew you'd t-try to talk me o-o-out of it. J-Jake we've known e-e-each other since w-we were l-l-little, and y-you always knew I wanted to s-s-s-serve my c-country and j-join the Army."

"I know Edwin, but there are lots of ways to serve your country."  Jake said as he began to calm down. The bell on top of the door chimed.

"What's all the fuss about?" Big Paul asked, walking in the shop "I can hear you two all the way down the street!"

"He joined the Army!" Jake said as he pointing at Edwin. "My best friend just joined the United States Army in the middle of a war! Let him have it Big Paul!"

"Is this true Edwin?" Paul asked, removing his hat, walking towards him.

Jake smiled, knowing Big Paul would set him straight. "Y-Y-Yes sir it's t-true!" Edwin looked Mr. Sutton right in the eye. "I j-j-just joined the U. S. A-Army!"

"Edwin Birch!" Mr. Sutton said in a firm voice, giving him a firm handshake and looking him square in the eye. "I'd like to personally thank you for your service to this great country!"

"Huh?" Jake shook his head. "You were supposed to scold him about joining the Army, not thank him for it!"

"I sure am tired boys." Big Paul said, looking around, then sitting on one of the display chairs. "I'm not able to stand as long as I used to." He motioned to the young men to have a seat. "Sit down for a while, let me talk to you. Jake, what's the real reason you don't want Edwin to go?"

Jake replied without hesitation. "Who's gonna help around here, and who's gonna coach the baseball team? They won't win any more championships without him. Who's gonna visit me at the old barn, and who's gonna––."

"Who's gonna fight for our country, and for our freedom?" Paul Sutton interrupted. Then he pointed his finger. "Edwin Birch, that's who!"

"Why can't someone else do it?" Jake said, as he lowered his head.

"That's a good question Jake." Big Paul said, taking a deep breath. "But, if everyone thought someone else was going to do it, maybe nobody would." he reached over, and put his hand on Jake's shoulder "What's the real reason Jake? Come on, you can tell me."

"You're my best friend, Edwin." Jake looked at him and sighed. "I don't know what I'll do without you around here. Edwin, I really am proud of you, that you'll be serving our country, I just don't want you going to war and end up like Tommy Holliday."

"Tommy Holliday? Who's that?" Mr. Sutton asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

"A man came in just before you arrived, asking for a job. I told him I'd give you his information to see if you wanted to hire him. He said he's been making furniture all his life. He was injured in the first war, and almost lost his leg."

"W-Why don't y-y-you join, Jake?" Little Edwin said, before Big Paul had a chance to reply. "Y-Y-You'll get to see the w-world and everything!" The bell on the door chimed again.

"Join what?" Madison asked as she walked in the store, holding a brown paper bag with Jake's lunch. "What's going on here?"

Mr. Sutton got up, greeted Madison then walked over to his office. He didn't say a word, knowing this was a decision Jake needed to make on his own. "Well Maddie, Edwin joined the Army today, and asked if I wanted join too."

"Jake Henry Patterson, are you crazy?" She yelled tossing the sack at him, and storming out of the store. "Jake Patterson, you're gonna ruin everything!"

"G-Go after her!" Edwin said. "I'll l-look after the s-s-store."

"Okay" Jake nodded and sighed deeply. "Wish me luck, I'm not even sure what to do."

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Jake ran after Madison, hoping to calm her down, and reassure her he wasn't going anywhere. When he caught up to her, he found her sitting on the curb, sobbing. He sat down beside her and took a slow, deep breath.

"Edwin and I were just talkin', that's all." he assured.

"I don't even know what to say, Jake." she replied

"You don't need to say anything." he said "I'm not going anywhere.

"What do you wanta' do?" She asked wiping her eyes.

"I don't know Maddie, I mean––to tell you the truth, I've always wanted to be a soldier, but never as bad as Edwin. That boy is Army through and through, he––."

"Just tell me Jake!" she said, interrupting him. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you one hundred percent."

He stood up, rubbed his face, and began pacing back and forth, contemplating his decision. He took a deep breath, and sat back down.

"I think I wanna join Maddie" he said "Not so much to see the world, or for the benefits or anything, but I wanna join to give back to America, what America's given to me."

"What would that be?" she asked sniffling.

"Freedom." he softly answered, looking towards the sky. "Just freedom, that's all."

As he looked at Madison, he noticed tears streaming down her face. She suddenly stood up, and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Well, come on then, if this is what you want then I wanna be with you when you enlist."

"Right now?" he exclaimed. "I don't know, Maddie."