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    CLJobe
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Timothy - 39. Chapter 39

Arriving back home, Randy jumped out of the car, opened the trunk, and carried the bushel of vegetables into the house. . “Want to bet he’ll try and take credit for the vegetables.” We laughed.

Walking into the kitchen, “When Tim told Mr. Parker he’s buying the farm, I took this bushel and filled it with vegetables. I know that Tim likes vegetables..”

Stephen tapped him on his shoulder, then he laughed. To his credit, he told them the truth. Aunt Clara swatted him as he walked past her.

Randy has developed a sense of humor that will probably help him to succeed in life.

 

Saturday dinner was a family affair. Eva and John were there, and miracles of miracles, Ann Marie joined us. She sat next to Stephen, and across from John, she ignored Eva and me.

Conversation is an important part of our dinner. It was a time when everyone were present. Eva informed us that their wedding would be in September. It was going to be a quiet affair, just family.

I mentioned that I had meetings with a lawyer concerning Ann Marie’s prenup. Everyone got very quiet. “Ann Marie, I believe you received a letter stating that from Mr. James.”

We waited for an answer. She said nothing and continued eating.

John looked at her, “Ann Marie, does that mean you will be leaving us?”

Again silence. Dad looked at her, “Ann Marie, did you hear John’s question?”

“Yes, Dad. I will leave when the estate has been resolved in light of the prenup being declared non-valid.”

John again, “Ann Marie, do you have a lawyer or law firm handling the details?”

“Not at this moment. I have sent a letter to the lawyer who notified me that the prenup was illegal. He hasn’t responded.”

John again, “Tim, why aren’t you handling this for her?”

“There is an outstanding unpaid invoice that needs to be paid. Lawyers, unlike merchants, do not like to extend credit to clients that have no sources of income. If Ann Marie wants me to represent her, all she has to do is pay the unpaid invoice and sign a contract declaring me as her lawyer.”

I notice Ann Marie becoming uncomfortable. So I changed the subject. “Randy, when you have some time, can you check on the Parkers. They may need some help packing for their move.”

The conversation moved from Ann Marie to the Parkers and what was I going to do with the place.

That evening in Randy’s room, “Ann Marie didn’t enjoy dinner.”

“No, I was surprised she even answered John’s questions.”

“Did he do that on purpose, or was he just showing his concern for her well-being.”

“Not sure, but I don’t think she liked his comment about asking me to represent her.”

“It did give you a chance to mention the unpaid invoice.”

“Yes, it did.”

 

Sleep didn’t come easy. Ann Marie was on my mind. I looked at her when John was talking to her. She had a defeated look on her face. “Donnie, if you can hear me help me. I know that Ann Marie never liked me, but she is my sister.” I eventually fell asleep.

 

I awoke early in the morning and decided to go to church. I took a shower, dressed for church, and went to the kitchen. I made myself a cup of coffee and toast. Our family church had two services separated by Sunday school. I wanted to go to the early service, it’s less crowded, and I didn’t want to answer a lot of questions.

I walked to church. I remember doing this when I was a kid. As I walked, the familiarity brought back memories of Donnie. Walking into church, I had tears in my eyes. I was early, and the church was empty. I sat in the pew where Donnie and I sat. It was quiet, I looked at the cross, and I heard a whisper, ‘stay the course.’

I was praying when I heard, “Hello Timothy.” I looked, and our Pastor was standing there.

“Hello, Pastor.”

“How have you been, Timothy.”

“I am fine, Pastor. How have you been?”

“Timothy, you have something on your mind. Remember that old hymn, Bring Your Problems to Jesus.”

“Yes, Pastor, that is why I am here.” It seemed, just as I said that, I felt better.

I watched as people entered the church. We are creatures of habit; I saw the same people sitting in the same pew as long as I came to this church. I also saw some heading toward where I was seated, stopping and sitting in a different pew. I guess small-town prejudices never leave. Before services started, I stood up, “I’m sorry, Pastor, I think I should leave.”

I walked around the town. It brought back memories and also sadness. Passing the hardware store, I remember being attacked by the football team. They chased us until we jumped into the river and swam to the other side. It seemed no matter where I walked. Something reminded me of the hatred that lived in this town. There is no question why Ann Marie is as she is. She has adopted the hate that lives here.

 

When I reached home, they were sitting around the table. Mom saw me as I entered. She got a cup of coffee for me.

“Tim, where were you?”

“I went to church, Stephen.”

“Church isn’t over yet.”

“I know. I left early.”

“Stephen, why don’t you plan on driving Mom and Aunt Clara to our home tonight. I’ll come up tomorrow with Randy.”

Later, when we were alone, “What happened?”

“I was sitting in church. As the people entered, I watched as they sat in their normal pews. Those that would’ve sat in the pew I was sitting in chose to sit in a different pew. After all these years, they still recognize me and hate me. I’m glad Donnie is in a better place. Ann Marie has been tainted by the hatred of this town.”

“You shouldn’t let these people affect you. Are you prepared for tomorrow?”

“I need to review my presentation and make sure I have the backup.”

“Focus on that tonight. Forget those people who shunned you. Come let’s go for a walk.”

And we did just that, holding hands.

After dinner, I said goodbye to Mom, Aunt Clara, and Stephen. “Call me when you get home.”

Copyright © 2021 CLJobe; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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It is amazing how people can be so horrible, time does not heal any hatred wounds , it can stay and fester for years, people can change but most seldom do , when the farm is theirs I can only imagine the backlash from the homophobes, that saying, "forgive and forget" is absolute b*llsh*t when you see the same people much later in life unless they apologize and mean it then things can change but otherwise the wound is just as fresh as it was years ago. I hope he gets it sorted out 

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So Tim has come to the conclusion AM doesn't like him because of his orientation AM also doesn't speak to Eva is that because she's close to Tim?

Did Eva tell John this?It would explain why John asked AM such a pointed question

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8 hours ago, Anton_Cloche said:

Old prejudices never really die or fade away as long as there are some bigoted believers to continue to spread lies, falsehoods and attack good people.

Whether in politics, medicine / health & wellbeing (includes Anti-Vaxxers who put others lives at risk such as children, family, elderly & even themselves), or in Timothy's case because of who he loved and loves.

🥺

It is as old as the hills. I always wonder if those that hate are more jealous than despising of those that choose to follow their hearts.  

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7 hours ago, mikedup said:

It is amazing how people can be so horrible, time does not heal any hatred wounds , it can stay and fester for years, people can change but most seldom do , when the farm is theirs I can only imagine the backlash from the homophobes, that saying, "forgive and forget" is absolute b*llsh*t when you see the same people much later in life unless they apologize and mean it then things can change but otherwise the wound is just as fresh as it was years ago. I hope he gets it sorted out 

With Tim's support group, knowing this community is stuck in the past, I don't think Tim will be back.  I wouldn't be surprised that he moves his mom and dad to be near him. 

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7 hours ago, bottomguy said:

Timothy reminds me of someone I used to have as a very good and close friend.  He had been shunned by many from his local area, because of who is was close to and his mindset of who he was.  He also kept away from those individuals who always made him feel for the lack of a better word, UNCLEAN.  I did not agree with how he was treated and of course I voice my opinion to a couple of the "my shit don't stink menality".  Seems my words of endearment to them sort of had a revelation for them.  Of course my not so quiet comments to them did not go unnoticed as well.  But my point was received by several and I did notice a change.  My friend had less issues after this.  But from my perspective, those of the world who are gay , bi, trans or what ever are just the same inside as anyone eles who thinks differently.  Timothy should not take what he sees as being the bad person.  Timothy is far from being a bad person.  Others would do well to even think they might be better than Timothy is.  I am sure he will find this out .

Timothy does have a good heart and wanting to keep the family together.  I do think he and Stephen will do just that.

Bigotry has been around a long time.  I think a lot of it is envy. Tim has risen above this, he has found acceptance and love where it matters most. 

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11 hours ago, Kev said:

I hate prejudices and know how Tim felt

I used to belong to the church that send young men out two by two, years later, when I was married,  I was.........

When I got home I was pretty roughed up, injured, and confused. They'd beaten and raped me but still the church excommunicated me.

Friends I had had for years literally turned their backs on me; I mean literally, turned. I was shunned by every one, including family. They even told me that I needed God more than any one. That was when she decided to trade me in.

Oh yes, I know the hurt Tim felt. 🤬🤬🤬

I am aware of that church. I could never understand that church with their elders. But they do look out for each other as long as you tow the line.

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Not a Christian bone in their body, so judgemental. 
religion is the root of all evil 

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