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.”