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Woven Paths
By D. L. Widek AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2015 Deborah Widek
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5049-2703-1
CHAPTER 1
I, Marcy Franks, walked home on the drug-infested street after the trip to the nearest corner store on Fifteenth Street, NW in Washington, D. C. and thought about the mess that needed cleaned up at home. Mom and Hannah are always on the drugs that Tyron gave them, I never know what to expect when they are high on drugs. Walking pass the different gangs on the street was the same as playing Russian roulette each day, with me holding the gun to my own head. The gangs try to lure me into their world, but God's angels protected me. At times, I would walk by the gangs as if they never saw me. I know God is protecting me from them.
Mom's pimp and drug dealer, Tyrone, wouldn't give Mom money for fear she would try to run away from him. After all, she brings in the most money by running drugs and prostitution. Mom pulled Hannah, my sister, in also. Pimping her out to get us a few extra bucks to buy food. Mom said when I turn eighteen; she will put me out for prostitution. Mom's pimp keeps her and Hannah high as long as Mom never crosses him. Hannah tried to get me hooked on drugs so I would work for her. I ran away until it was safe to come back home. The only safe time I can rest is while they are high. I go to my bedroom and lock the door behind me. I fear for my life daily. I grab my comforter and sat in the corner of my closet at night. I miss my Dad and now my sister and Mom are gone in their own way. I want my old life back.
When I walk home, the gang boys holler to me that they could make my life better with drugs and sex. I keep walking a fast pace to get past them. Every step I take gets me closer to our apartment. It made me sick to my stomach, not knowing what to expect.
Oh no! I saw the apartment door ajar! I quietly ran to the door to peek into the room. Mom's body laid on the floor, beaten badly with cuts and blood over her face and Hannah's face beaten beyond recognition! I swung the door wide open. Rushing to my mom, I saw a man run out of the bedroom to the opened window in the living room. He crawled out to the fire escape and down to the alley. I went to Mom and I was not able to find a pulse, I knew she was dead and my heart sank, sending tears streaming down my face. I called for an ambulance; the operator said it would be over an hour wait for the area we live in. I called for a cab. I grabbed my backpack and savings, and then grabbed Hannah by the hand dragging her downstairs to wait for the cab. The cab arrived and I gave the address to the cabbie for the ER. At the ER, I went to sign Hannah in and then left her to be treated. Knowing that if I stayed, Tyrone would have me working for him, now that Mom was dead. I could not stand to do what they did. I found a pay phone and called the Police telling about what happened to Mom and Hannah with a man rushing out the window when I swung open the door. No one can help Hannah, but herself. With Mom dead, I am all alone. We live in the slum part of town-not very pretty, just many row houses. The area known as Murder Bay before is now Federal Triangle. There are drugs, pimping, and prostitution; with other bad stuff going on while, the cops look the other direction. Someone has paid the cops off. It has to be the Drug Lords because of the huge drug problems and they are the only people I can think of with that kind of money.
I saved all the money I could get my hands on by buying off brand groceries and keeping the change for myself. I planned to leave when I turned eighteen, but this sad and terrifying event changed things for me. I don't want to be like Hannah, I want more out of life. I want to be someone, to know love, and have a family, the way it used to be when Dad was alive.
I had enough money that I can get far from here. I walked ten blocks to the Greyhound Bus Station so I could get far away. I looked at the fares in the pamphlet book for a one-way ticket. I counted my money and had enough to get me to Davis, West Virginia, with some change left. Sounds like a quaint place to be.
"Sir, I would like a one-way ticket to Davis, West Virginia, please."
"That will be fifty dollars and it has to be cash."
"Here's the fifty dollars sir, thank you."
"Go sit with the others over there Missy," the ticket man said pointing to the elderly couple.
"Bus to West Virginia is now boarding at terminal eight," the teller announced over the loud speaker.
The married couple, I sat beside said they were on their way home to their children.
"Who are you visiting?" The woman asked.
"I am visiting my sister." I thought, God please forgive me for lying.
Standing in line, I let the older couple go before me. I boarded not finding a seat until the very back of the bus. I found a seat next to a woman with a baby. I smiled and sat down closing my eyes and leaned back in the seat. The baby started to cry, and I reached over letting her play with my fingers and started to talk to her.
"Hi, my name is Gail and this precious one is Rose. She really has taken to you."
"I'm Marcy. How old is Rose?"
"Rose is one month old," Gail explained.
"Can I hold her for a while?"
"I would love that, I feel like I haven't slept in days. Here's her bag."
"Where are you heading, Grace?"
"I am heading as far away as I can from my baby's Father."
"What?" I gave a questioning look. "I don't understand, is he mean to you?"
"Oh Marcy, he is the worse person I know, let's leave it at that."
We rode for hours; the sun was starting to rise when I saw the sign Welcome to West Virginia. I woke Gail to take Rose. I rushed to the restroom. Back at my seat, Gail lovingly placed Rose upon my lap.
"You must keep Rose and raise her as your own, she likes you and I have no one else to turn to."
"What do you mean raise Rose? I can't raise Rose, I am only 17 and have no one to help me, let alone a baby ... I am running away from home. Don't do this to me Gail!" I babbled on going into hyperventilation.
"Please Marcy, please! Rose needs a future and you are the one she trusts!" Gail choked back tears. "I am running from some very bad people who won't give up hunting for me, they don't know about Rose and this is why you must raise her. I do not want her life to be short, like mine. You see Marcy; I had an affair with this man, of which I am not proud. Later, I broke away from him when I found out that I was pregnant. I, too, am running away from a man. I found out that he runs drugs and has connections with the mob."
I bit my lip and pondered for a few minutes. How will I be able to do this and run from my past? God, please help me to do the right thing about Rose, I asked God silently.
"I'll take good care of her Gail, and I will make sure Rose will know about you." I said to Gail after hearing the reason behind the entire story.
"The bus is stopping and we aren't at the terminal, what's wrong." I said to Gail.
"No, this can't be! Take the baby Marcy and tell her I love her, thank you for helping Rose, and God Bless you!"
Everyone is questioning the driver and he said he would check it out.
"Quite please folks! It appears we have a flat tire, please stay calm and another bus will be here to pick us up soon."
Waiting on the bus was nerve racking now that I heard Gail's story. I never gave thought that Moms' pimp might come looking for me, I must be careful what I say. Please God keep me safe from Tyrone and watch over Hannah, another silent prayer said.
"Gail were you into prostitution? My Mom and sister were. They killed my Mom, Tyrone has my sister strung out on drugs, and this is why I am on the run, to better myself Gail. I don't want to live like them."
"No Marcy, I was a drug runner trying to get away from the mob. They put a hit out on my life," said Gail as tears started to flow.
"I understand Gail. I will do my best to take good care of Rose for you." I said not realizing the demand of raising a baby.
We waited about two hours before the other bus came. I told Gail about my life. When Gail started to tell me of her life again when the driver came back on the bus.
"Ok everyone! The bus has arrived. Bring all your belongings and watch your step."
Carrying Rose in one arm and Rose's diaper bag and my backpack in the other, I boarded the other bus and found a seat in the back again. The bus started to move and Gail hadn't boarded. I looked out the window and saw some men pushing Gail into the trunk of a car! This means I am now a Mother to Rose. I slid down in my seat with Rose not wanting the men to see us. My body couldn't stop the tremors and Rose is innocent to what just happened to her Mother.
Taking care of Rose is not going to be easy. I must find a lawyer to change our names and somehow get a birth certificate for Rose. Reaching into Rose's diaper bag for a diaper, I came across an envelope. I opened the envelope and inside was Rose's birth certificate and lots of money! The birth certificate had Rose Williams on it. What a pretty name she has. The bus is entering the terminal and our new lives start. Please help me Lord as I am going to need it!
We were the last ones getting off the bus and I went to the newspaper stand and bought a newspaper to check out apartments for rent. The rooms were too expensive. My stomach is flip-flopping and I must take care of Rose, what will I do?
The older couple I met at the bus station in D.C. asked, "Are you in need of help, child?"
"Yes, I need a place to stay and I need to buy supplies for the baby.
"Look no further child, you can stay with us. I'm Kevin Kline and this is my wife, Joan. We are in need of help to raise twins. We can provide you room and help with the baby. In return you help with chores and teenagers."
"I don't want to impose on you or your wife."
"It's all done, we will need help raising two kids and you could help my wife and me in return for your rent and supplies. It's a good start for you, I promise."
Do I trust this couple? On the other hand, do I run? Oh, God help me to do what is best for Rose!
I prayed silently biting my lip. I feel assured that this couple meant me no harm.
"Thank you for helping me and I promise to pay back everything owed to you."
"It's settled then. Call us Joan and Kevin."
"Joan, Kevin, I am Marcy Franks and this is Rose Williams."
"Ok girls, our cab is awaiting for the next part of our journey. I promise you and Rose will have a good home to live in." Kevin assured me patting my shoulder.
I got in the cab holding Rose tight with Joan and Kevin; something felt right being with them. Thank you God for hearing my prayer. We drove up a long driveway to a ranch style house with a nice yard. I feel like God placed Rose and me in this family, and I am grateful for this.
Joan informed me that I would have a bother and a sister and I gave her a puzzling look because Kevin said twins. She explained to me that I would see what she meant shortly. Two kids came out of the house and looked at me with smiles. I thought, is this a dream or what? They don't know me and they're this happy.
"Marcy dear, our twins, Jenna and Jon. Oh what a joy it was when they were born getting the best of both."
"Jenna and Jon, this is Marcy and Rose. Marcy will be helping us with the chores and raising the baby."
The twins were so excited to have Rose and me staying, I didn't expect that at all. What is wrong with the picture I thought? I'm taking in all Joan and Kevin are telling me. Seems like a dream and I don't want to wake.
"Marcy this will be your room and Kevin will bring a crib down from the attic for Rose."
We sat down to dinner with the neighbor who cared for the kids until Joan and Kevin arrived. We ate and Kevin told what all happened to the kids' parents. The will states everything entrusted to Kevin to raise Jenna and Jon. We all helped washing and drying dishes while Joan put the dishes away. Saying good-bye to the neighbor, we went to the family room to get to know each other better.
"Joan, I don't understand something."
"What's that, Marcy?"
"First Kevin said your twins and now you said our twins, but you stated about a will left for the twins. Why a will if they are your kids?"
"We will explain later. Now let's get acquainted now, please."
"Jenna would you mind telling me what your likes and dislikes are and Jon will you do the same?" I asked of them to change the subject.
Jenna spoke stating her likes, "Dancing, school, writing music and playing on the keyboard. My dislikes are a teasing brother, spinach and nosy people."
"I'm truly sorry for offending you with my question Jenna."
"I didn't mean you Marcy. A girl at school is nosy! I'm sorry for hurting your feelings."
"You're fine Jenna." I smiled at her.
"I like skateboarding, video games, guitar, basketball and picking on my sister!" Jon stated.
"What are your dislikes Jon?" I asked him.
"Oh yeah, I dislike school, not able to explore things on my own and a nagging sister."
"What was your life like before you came here?" The twins had asked of me.
God, help me say something, but not the whole truth to these kids, please? I thought.
"I like kind people, God, and a good family. My dislikes are people pushing drugs, spinach and nagging siblings," I said with a shaky laugh and the two joined in.
"Marcy, please come to the kitchen."
"Coming Joan."
"I called you in here as I knew you couldn't reveal the truth. I would like you to trust us and please let us help you. Kevin and I already know the truth about you, Rose and her Mother. We were sitting in front of you on the bus and overheard, sorry for the baby's Mother and we are here to help. Tomorrow we will go to the lawyer, and have you take on our last name. We will change Rose's name also. The Lord has laid this on Kevin's and my heart to do this for you. You and Rose now have a true family to live with."
Sitting and sobbing, I thanked God for what these two people want to do for Rose and me. It is His work. Thank you God for sending these two people to me. This is all I remembered from church on praying and thanking God. I thought about Hannah and if she ever ran away to clean herself from drugs and Tyrone, her pimp. I came clean with Kevin and Joan tonight telling them everything and it made me feel better. Thanks again God for helping me!
I slept well for the first time in a long time. I am excited today with the four of us heading to the lawyers to change Rose and my names. We walked into the Law Office when a woman led us to a large room that held many books and a huge oak table with many chairs around it. Quit impressive, I thought this was in the movies. The lawyer came in a few minutes later and apologized to us for being late. I thought of names for Rose during our ride here and couldn't come up with one that I liked. Joan told the Lawyer about the situation and he pondered for what seemed like hours.
"All right, we will change Rose to Hope Kline and Marcy we'll change to Faith Kline. Faith you changed your married name back to Kline when your husband Russ Smith died in an auto accident. You were pregnant and had Hope four months after Russ had his accident. That is how Rose became a Kline. I will need a week to have all the paper work done because you both need new birth certificates. You both are now in the Witness Protection Program for safety, since you both have come from the mob and drug backgrounds. Remember your past is gone Faith, and Hope will only know her life as she grows up. God was on your side for you finding these good people. See you in the next week. My secretary will give you a call."
"Thank you sir for doing this on short notice for us." Kevin extended his hand to shake.
"No problem Kevin. Glad to do this for you and Joan. Hope and Faith are in good hands, welcome to the Witness Program."
I like our new names and the second chance God gave me. I am now Faith Kline with her daughter Rose.
I listened to the conversation and had the opinion that Kevin and Joan had done this before. What are they doing in the witness program? My mind raced with all that is happening and having to remember the new past and forget the old past. At least Hope has never to forget her past. I often think of what happened to Gail.
The ride home Joan rambled on what the twins would do and I drifted off into my own thoughts again. At home, we went inside and Joan announced to the twins, "Meet your new sister Faith and her daughter Hope!"
I'm happy for the two of you being with us. I always wanted an older sister," Jenna said smiling.
"Yeah, I now have another sister to pick on," Jon said blushing with a grin.
I thought that I should jump with both feet into my new family saying, "I am glad to have a brother to pick on and to change diapers!"
We all were laughing and teasing each other like a family forever when Kevin and Joan started in on the teasing!
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Woven Paths by D. L. Widek. Copyright © 2015 Deborah Widek. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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