Chapter 19: Reconciliation and rescue.

 

Monday evening 

Jason had finished his quota for the day and was about to pack up his gear, and meet the other men on the ground floor to make his report, when he received a text on his phone. When he retrieved his phone from his jeans' back pocket, he was surprised to see that it was his dad telling him to take over the review for the day. Jason texted him back and asked if he had an errand to run, to which Bello replied that it was time Jason grew into the responsibility of running a crew, and that from now on he would do the reviews. 

Jason was stunned to say the least, but he replied with, "Okay."

He sent out the text alert to all the men, then waited downstairs at the centre of what would be the foyer after the apartment was finished. Jason smiled at them and thanked them for their hard work thus far and then went into asking each man what they did and if they experienced any set backs. 

One by one Drenz, Beano, Calvin, Kareem and Nardo did their review of what they had done and what they needed to finish up. Khemar hadn't come to work today, he had a job interview elsewhere. 

When they were nearing the ending of the review, Bello came downstairs and also shared what he was able to do. After he had finished, Jason looked at Bello to signal if he should dismiss the men. He nodded. Jason thanked the men again and dismissed them for the day. After they had left, he approached his dad. 

"You good?" he asked.

Bello looked at him and smiled. He said, "Is this your way of saying you care or something?" 

Jason smiled at him. "Or something," he said.

"Jasey, I'm gonna say something I rarely say, but I think it is appropriate now," Bello said turning to his son. "I'm proud of you. I've always been proud of you. I didn't have my father in my life for enough years, as far as I'm concerned. He died when I was thirteen. He was a hardworking man, but he had very little time to show kindness. 

"I guess I believe that is how a man should be. He taught me a lot of things, but he never showed me how to be a compassionate father or a good husband. He loved my mother and was never harsh with her, but he wasn't very affectionate either." Bello leaned against a wall. "Maybe that's why I was the only child," he said chuckling.

Jason smiled sadly. He came closer. Bello saw what he did and smiled at him, "Let's get something to eat. Okay?"

Jason nodded. "Okay," he said. 

"You can tell me more about Carli and how you met," Bello said picking up his work gear. He reached out and gave Jason a pat on his shoulder. 

It was a long shot, but Jason was gonna try anyway. If he pushed him away so be it. He leaned forward and hugged his dad. Bello stood frozen for a few seconds, then slowly he reached his arms around his son and embraced him. He felt Jason go limp. Bello held on to him tighter and closed his eyes. He hadn't hugged anyone in years. It felt better than he expected. 

****

Tuesday

Carli was getting dressed in sweat pants and a t-shirt. She was going to clean her cousin's room. She pulled her hair into a gentle ponytail. She had her hair done only a few days ago and wanted to be gentle on the curls and her scalp. She went into the kitchen and and took out a chamois from the vanity cabinet as well as a fragrant cleaning solution. 

She went back to the room and started wiping off the surfaces, starting from the night table and the bed posts. She also wiped off the windows. She then remembered that she needed to deal with the bathroom. She went downstairs, went into the vanity again and retrieved a small bucket and filled it with water at the kitchen sink. There was a small bristle brush in her shower so she figured it was used to scrub grime from the shower tiles. She went back upstairs to finish cleaning. 

There was a small corner at the end of the hall of the upstairs rooms where her aunt stored a dry mop and a house broom. Carli used the broom to brush off the carpet. It was a rough fabric carpet that hid stains very well. Then she took the mop and swept under and around the bed, under the work station her cousin used for playing video games, that she now used to do assignments.

When she was done she took everything downstairs. She put the bottle of cleaning solution back in its place, washed out the chamois at the washstand outside in the backyard and pinned it on the clothes line to dry. She shook the dust from the mop and hung it over the sink of the washstand but put the house broom back in its place. 

Afterwards, Carli took a shower. She came out of the bathroom and got dressed in pink shorts and a blue and white tank top. She changed the bed linen and placed the sweaty ones in the laundry basket. Laying comfortably on the clean sheets, she thought of her sweet baby. She really missed him. Tomorrow will be New Years Eve. She remembered he told her that December 31st was when he gave his heart to the Lord. She closed her eyes and prayed for him:

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for being a good God to me and to Jason,
Thank you for your love and,
Saving us from this world,
And all its issues
I pray for my husband-to-be Jason,
I love him so much,
Please Lord, protect him,
Keep him safe from any hazards or dangers
Watch over him for me please
If anything were to happen to him
My heart couldn't bear it.
Lord please, be merciful to him,
 and help him to be reconciled with his dad,
They are so much alike, 
Even just by looking at them
 Standing together they are like twins, 
Except for Jason's eyes.
Please help him and his dad to forgive each other,
Help them to have a good father-son relationship.
And Lord please help Jason and I to wait 
until we're married to make love again.
I love him Lord, but I want us to honor you.
I know we messed up, but I want us to be good before you.
Please help us,
Give us the strength to wait,
I pray in your name.
Amen.

Carli went on the internet and scrolled through her phone looking up on salvation and Jesus Christ, and started reading an article she found on the topics.  She wanted to know more about this God who loved her enough to die for her.

**** 

Monica didn't like how her daughter looked lately. She was moping around the house and looked a shadow of herself. She came home from work to see her daughter's room door locked, but she was still inside and it was the middle of the day. She had knocked on the door. Marsha answered but didn't open the door.

"Baby, you okay?" Monica asked.

"Yes mommy, I'm okay," Marsha said.

"Open the door sweetie," Monica said.

There was a pause then she heard the door being unlocked. She looked in to see Marsha still dressed in her pajamas. She entered her daughter's room and sat on the bed. She looked around. The room needed some cleaning up. There were clothes on the bed, on the floor, a few sweetie wrappers and an empty water bottle. 

She patted the space on the bed beside her. Marsha came and sat beside her.

"Baby, I love you. If I could take away whatever it is you're feeling ... the hurt, I would," Monica said. "Baby, it's time you let him go. It's a pity he's blocked you, but you just have to move on."

She touched her daughter's hand and squeezed it. "Honey, I've seen the change in you these past couple of weeks. You have changed so much, baby. When the time is right God will send you someone who can love you and cherish you. Someone who can appreciate the love you have to give."

Marsha leaned on her mom's shoulder and cried silently. Monica sighed and put her arms around her. She stayed with her for five minutes more then she left Marsha in her room. She walked into the kitchen, retrieved her phone from her work bag that was resting on the counter and dialed Jason's number. The phone didn't pick up right away. Alarmed, she wondered if Jason had blocked her too. The dial tone kicked in then the phone began to ring. After the fifth ring Jason answered. He sounded so mature. His voice was deeper to her ears. She was surprised. 

She cleared her throat and spoke, "Jason?"

"Yes, aunty Monica. It's me," he said chuckling. "How are you?"

"Jason, so glad to hear your voice," she smiled as she spoke to him. "I'm just reaching out. I haven't heard from you in awhile."

She heard Jason sigh. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I've been busy. Actually, I'm not in Kingston. I'm in Montego Bay doing a painting job with my dad. I won't be back in town officially until March," he told her.

Monica felt gutted. "Oh, okay," she said in a hollow voice. 

Jason could tell something was wrong. "Is everything okay?" he asked.

"Well kind of, but no. Marsha ... It's Marsha. You blocked her, and it's really affecting her. It's not your problem, but she's beating herself up about the last time you guys spoke. The argument you had and you brought her home. I think she's accepted the fact that you will never see her in a romantic way, but she misses her friend Jason, please speak to her. If not for her, for me. I believe she also wants to apologise to you. Jason, she needs closure."

Jason sighed. He had blocked her because he knew Marsha was relentless when she pursued something she wanted. He didn't regret giving her a piece of his mind. He however never expected that blocking her would affect her so much. "I'll be back after next week for a few days. I'll stop by for a few minutes and talk to her, okay?" he said.

Monica smiled. "Thank you Jason."

"No problem," he replied. Monica and her family were there for him when he needed a safe place to thrive. He would always be grateful to them for that. 

Monica ended the call. She would prepare some comfort food for her baby. Marsha always liked chicken soup. She would make some for her. 

****

Carlos smiled at his beautiful wife. He had taken two weeks leave to spend time with her. She was cooking something for lunch. For some reason being pregnant made her want to cook more often. He didn't know why but he was happy with it. Sharon was an excellent cook. He took a slice of the potato pudding she had just taken out of the oven. He put it in a plate. It was too hot to hold in his hand. He took out a fork and cut off a nice piece, blew on it to cool it down and popped it into his mouth and chewed. He closed his eyes. Perfection, he thought.  

Just then he heard his cellphone ringing. He went into his bedroom and looked at the phone screen. It was Red Man. He swiped up, pressed the green phone icon to answer and placed Red Man on speaker.

"Red Man?" he said.

"Yah man. Is me man. Me have another $150k fi yuh, y'ere," Red Man said. Carlos noted that his old friend sounded cheerful. Business must be going well, he mused. 

"Okay, sounds good. I want to change my mind on that though." Carlos said. 

"Weh yuh mean?" Red Man asked.

"I know you're a business man and sometimes capital is hard to come by, especially in this economy. Tell you what ... keep the money and turn it over in what you're doing, whether it's toys or clappers or whatever. I'll give you a year to pay me back my money and I would like to get 15% extra on whatever you make from it," Carlos said.

Red Man chuckled. "Suh is true weh me hear then?" 

Carlos was amused and curious. "When yuh hear?" he asked.

"Seh yuh have a little one on the way?"

Carlos chuckled softly. "Yes, it's true. A man's got to think differently. Matter of fact, I've been thinking ... what would you think about a business partner?"

"Business partner?" Red Man repeated what Carlos said as a question.

"Mhm, yes." Carlos said smiling. "I've known you since I was a kid going to college. You're a good person. By the way, I never thanked you for what you did those years ago. Making sure the don and his friends never hurt me. Thank you."

Carlos heard silence. "Eugene?" he inquired.

Red Man cleared his throat. He laughed softly. "Yeh man. Yuh good man. Appreciate weh yuh just seh."

Carlos smiled.

"So this business partner thing. How would that work?" Red Man inquired. 

"I'll be off work by 5:30 this evening. Meet me downtown at 'Teetee's Wholesale' I usually stop by there to get my groceries. See you by 6 o'clock?"

"Yeh man. Okay. Mi know the place," Red Man said. He wouldn't tell Carlos that Teetee also known as Tina was his daughter, not yet anyway. He smiled and thought, maybe he could funnel some of Carlos money into that business as well. She was doing well and since Jason helped her stock it out better, sales were coming in much faster. 

"Arite, mi will see you then," Red Man said. "Later." He hung up.

Carlos smiled as he put down the phone. It was time for him to work smart not just hard.

****

New Year's Eve 

Carli was excited. Today was Jason's spiritual birthday. The day he committed himself to the Lord. She hadn't heard from him yesterday but she wasn't upset. She knew he was busy working but she would try to contact him today. First she sent him a text and voicenote via Whatsapp, then she tried calling him but didn't get through. She would try later in the day. She decided she would do breakfast for everyone. She felt like oats porridge and maybe some scrambled eggs with bread.

She went downstairs, washed her hands and started working. She had tucked her phone in her pajamas pocket. While she was stirring the porridge, she felt her phone vibrate on her thigh. When she took it from her pocket she heard it ringing. She answered. It was him. 

"Hello. Good morning darling," she said. 

"Good morning sweet baby. Sorry I missed your calls earlier. Just checked my phone and saw your messages," Jason said. "Thank you for the 'spiritual/Christian birthday' greeting. I love you." He blew her a kiss. 

Carli giggled softly. "I didn't hear from you yesterday and I wasn't sure if I should call," she said.

Jason chuckled. "No man, you could have called. I was spending some time with my dad, after work we went for beer and some food. We're talking to each other..." Jason paused then said, "He said he was proud of me. I didn't know I needed to hear it until he said it."

Carli felt her heart stir. She smiled. "Baby, I am so happy for you. I prayed that you and your dad would be okay," she said happily.

"Remember I'll be up there next week for about four days to sort out my school registration, pay fees, ecetera," he said smiling. He was just happy to talk to her. 

"I want to talk to you about something related to that, college I mean," Carli said feeling a little nervous.

"Okay, sure. Go ahead," he said, curious.

"I'm thinking of dropping out and getting a job," she said waiting to hear what he would say.

Jason thought about what she said. He would support whatever she wanted to do, even if it meant he would fund it himself. "So you wouldn't go back to school?" he asked her.

"Actually, I would," she said. "I would go do a culinary course part-time maybe at UTECH or somewhere else if possible, but work full-time. I would want to work in a restaurant environment if possible. I'm willing to do it the other way around too, as in work part-time and go to college full-time but doing something around food."

Jason was happy to hear it. In fact, he would do all he could to make sure she could do this. 

"Baby, I love you. Yes, this is a good idea. Remember, I told you if you want to I will fund you. I only have one semester left. When I'm done I will be willing to send you to school. I also need to tell you something..."

"What?" Carli asked excited. She was happy to know Jason was one hundred percent behind her decision.

"My dad has asked me to be a part of the company full-time. He wants me to take over from him when he retires, which means his company will be mine, which means it will be ours," he said.

Carli was ecstatic. "Baby that's great! I'm so happy for you. I'm glad you and your dad are getting along."

"Yeah," he said laughing softly, "I have so many ideas." He was happy and felt fulfilled. His dad was trying to mend fences, and he was more than willing to meet him halfway. This gesture of him taking over was big for him. For both he and Bello. 

Jason always wanted to be at the helm of the business one day, but he never felt his dad would look his way. Now that he told him he wanted him to lead the company, he was humbled and grateful. He would do his best to manage all they owned and continue the good reputation of the business. This new responsibility wouldn't take full effect until the next five years but in the meantime his dad would entrust some of the business operations to him, especially those in Kingston/St. Andrew. 

"Baby, I can't wait to see you again. I wanna wrap my arms around you and not let go," he said with a sigh.

Carli laughed softly and said, "I miss you too baby."

Jason chuckled. "A few more days, then I'll hold you close to me and kiss your sweet lips," he said his voice husky.

"Which ones?" she teased him.

Jason laughed. "Hmmm ... that is food for thought," he said smiling. Little vixen, he thought to himself, I'll soon give you what you want. "For now I'll kiss the ones below your cute nose. We're supposed to be waiting, aren't we?" His voice was low and sensual.

Carli chuckled. "Yes, we are. It's just that I got a taste and now I'm addicted. I think I need it like I need food," she answered him her voice dipped low.  She looked at the stove and turned off the fire under the porridge. 

She went and sat in a chair. She was gonna give him something to think about, while she thought of him. "Jason I love the way you love on me. How you kiss me all over and your lips down there. If you were here I would push your head between my thighs so you can make my eyes roll over again."

Jason's eyes opened wider in surprise. Was this shy, innocent Carli? Had he inadvertently created this little vixen who was now teasing him with her words?

Jason chuckled softly. "You would push my head between your thighs?" he asked his voice deep and sensuous to her ears.

"Yes, been thinking about it since I got back. It's a miracle I didn't try to get you to do it to me when we were together," she told him.

Jason bit his lip. "Hmmm ... when I get back do you want me to?" he asked.

Carli made a sexy little sound that touched him to his core. "Yes," she said, "I want you to so bad."

"You know what, I will take the challenge, but I'm gonna decline the invitation for now. Not because I don't want to, believe me I want to," he said aroused. "I'm gonna make sure the next time I go between your thighs is when I put a ring on your finger, a wedding ring."

Carli sighed. "Baby, I love you. I want you so bad. It's hard to wait, but I'm gonna try."

"It's hard for me too Carli, believe me. It's really hard," he said chuckling.

Carli giggled. She figured he was telling her he was aroused. 

"But I wanna try to do the right thing. Only a few more months left baby and then I'll give you all the loving you crave for," he said reassuring her.

Carli sighed. "Okay. I will try harder for you, but I just wanted to let you know I'm crazy about you," she told him.

"As I am crazy about you sweet baby," he said. He blew her a kiss. "I gotta go now. My dad and I just arrived at the site. I love you sweet baby."

"I love you Jason," she said blowing him a kiss. 

He ended the call.

Carli resumed cooking breakfast for her family.

****

Bello looked over at his son and smiled mischievously. Jason did not hold back in his conversation with his girlfriend. It was as if he didn't care who heard what he said. He looked at him with new admiration. 

"I see your Carli wants more of what you've been giving her?" Bello said grinning. He parked his vehicle and turned to his son. 

Jason laughed softly. He wondered if he should have told her his dad was with him earlier, but when she told him about wanting his head between her thighs he didn't want to rebuff her. This was her first attempt at talking sexy, he was not going to discourage her, or spoil the mood. Plus, he loved what she was saying and the sensual tone of her voice was hypnotizing. He loved hearing how she talked when she was in the mood. Her voice was warm and sexy.

"You plan on marrying her, you say?" Bello asked amused.

"Yes, I do. Planning to do so in April, maybe late April," Jason replied.

Bello nodded and sobered up. "Make sure you do so. I was a scoundrel for not marrying your mother or even Antonia. My parents were married. My father, your grandfather wasn't a man of many words. He always believed in action. I want you to be better than me and make sure you protect the love this young lady has for you. Make sure she becomes your wife. Keep your promise to her," he said.

Jason smiled. "Yeah. I will make sure I keep this promise. She means so much to me," he answered.

"Okay. Alright Jasey, let's do what we do best," Bello said patting his son's shoulder. He opened the door of the pickup truck and stepped outside. He slammed the door shut. Jason looked at him. He was happy he and his dad were getting along. 

Jason chuckled softly. "Gimme a minute," he said ruefully. 
Bello looked at him curiously. Then he noticed Jason's awkward expression. His son was hiding his arousal. 

Bello laughed heartily and said, "You got a little too excited, eh?" He shook his head still laughing.

Jason could live down the embarrassment, but he would rather not have his dad tease him about it for the rest of his life. He took deep breaths and thought about the work he needed to get done. After a few more minutes he felt comfortable leaving the truck.

He opened the passenger side and stepped out closing the door. Bello looked at him and smiled mischievously. Jason smiled back at him. Bello chuckled, shook his head and walked towards the site. Jason followed him smiling. His baby girl got him thinking thoughts. Jason shook his head smiling. 

He needed to ask his dad about the cancer diagnosis: how sure he was. He would ask him about it during the weekend, when the other men weren't around. For now, being able to chat freely and joke with his dad was a nice feeling. He would deal with the bad stuff later.

Eight Days Later ...  

Jason pulled up in the driveway of the Miller residence. He was just coming in from Montego Bay and had made arrangements to see Carli later that evening at her aunt's house. He however would honor his promise to see Marsha and resolve their differences if possible. 

Chayelle had opened the gate for him so he could park his vehicle inside. It was 4 p.m. It was a work day but Monica was at home. High schools were still on holiday. She had spent the previous week marking test papers, preparing the syllabus for the term, as well as having meetings with her teacher colleagues. Chayelle closed the gate and ran to him wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Jason hugged her back.

"Hey munchkin," Jason said caressing her head. He was surprised to see that she had it chemically altered. It was straight, silky and black. "You cream yuh hair?" he inquired. 

Chayelle nodded enthusiastically. "Yes Jason, I'm sixteen in a week's time, so this is a part of my birthday gift," she said. Jason looked at her. She was maturing into a smart, kind, beautiful young woman. He hugged her close to his side. She was like his little sister. He just realised that he missed his chats with her. 

"Mommy, Jason is here," Chayelle shouted. She walked with him to the front door and opened it for him. Chayelle moved away from his side and led him into the kitchen. 

When he entered the kitchen Monica and Marsha were there preparing dinner. "Jason," Monica said smiling. She went to him and gave him a hug. She squeezed him to her for a few seconds then let him go. She stepped back and looked at him. He looked more mature. He seemed to be growing out his beard. She liked it. She glanced behind her at Marsha. 

Jason looked up from her and looked at Marsha. She looked thinner but still beautiful. Her hair was longer, brushing passed her shoulders, and looked thick and healthy. He smiled at her tentatively. She smiled back at him shyly. He went to her and stood in front of her. He looked at her. If things were different, yes, he would be with her. She was gorgeous. Her warm, beautiful eyes looked sad. 

"Jason," she began, "I'm ... I'm sorry for everything: What I did that day when you caught me at your place. I was irresponsible." She sighed. "And for the times I have been selfish and self-serving, I'm sorry." She took a deep breath and released it. 

Jason saw she meant what she said. He bent forward, lifted his arms, circled them around her shoulders and pulled her in to him. Marsha leaned into his hug, but she did not circle her arms around him. Jason noticed and felt sad. He missed her as a friend. She was always fiercely loyal to him. He cupped her face with both hands. 

"You will always be one of my dearest friends. If you need anything, I'm here for you," he said sincerely. 

She nodded. She smiled a little at him. Though it was difficult, she had grown to live with the knowledge that he would only be a friend. She saw that he was growing his beard. He looked even more rugged and sexy. She felt sad that he would never be hers, but she was glad that they could talk. Jason took out his phone in front of her, he unblocked her number and showed her he did it. She smiled more broadly at him. 

Jason's heart skipped a beat. There was the gorgeous smile he was used to. He sighed inwardly. There's my Marsh, he mused. He pulled her into his embrace again and this time she put her arms around his neck. He sighed audibly as he hugged her. She smelt really nice. He turned his face sideways to her neck to take in her perfume. He squeezed more tightly. "I have missed you, Marsh. I'm sorry I blocked you," he said quietly.

"I've missed you too. It's okay. We're good now," she said with a satisfied sigh. 

Jason pulled away from her and squeezed her arm. She looked thinner. He wondered if she had been sick recently. Monica cleared her throat behind them. Jason turned around and smiled. 

"Would you be able to stay for dinner?" Monica Miller asked.

He looked at his watch. "If it's ready now I can eat a little bit. I need to be somewhere by 7," he said.

"Okay," Monica said nodding. 

"There's actually something I need to tell you guys," he said smiling broadly.

"Oh? What?" Chayelle said coming closer.

He walked towards the living room, they followed him, curious about what he was going to announce. He sat down on the couch. Monica sat in her husband's arm chair while Marsha stood beside her mother. Chayelle however sat beside him.

"I'll be getting married in April," he said smiling nervously.

"What?!" Chayelle and Monica shouted.

Marsha was surprised but said nothing. He would never be hers, she needed to just be happy for him. She smiled weakly. "Okay. If that is what you want, then I'm happy for you Jase," she said.

"Who's the lucky girl?" Chayelle asked enthusiastically.

Jason looked at Marsha. He felt awkward but he needed to say it. "It's Carli," he said.

Monica looked over at her daughter. She was doing a good job of masking her feelings. Monica remembered Marsha mentioned the name 'Carli'. So she was indeed the one who won Jason's heart. Marsha sat on the back of her dad's favourite chair. Her legs felt weak. Jason noticed she looked a little shaky. He wished he could take whatever pain she was feeling away but he couldn't, his heart belonged to Carli. 

Monica sighed and laughed nervously, "Well, I am surprised. Are you sure you're ready? I mean you're so young  --twenty-one? You sure?"

Marsha answered for him, "He's ready mommy. I can see it in his eyes. He's ready. He's in love." She wished it was with her but she saw his expression when he called Carli's name. He was smitten. She was happy for him. It was time to move on just like her mom said. This time she would be more cautious. She walked towards him, bent forward and gave him a brief hug. 

His eyes were at the level of her chest, but he realized he couldn't see her cleavage. Marsha stepped away from him and sat beside her sister at the other end of the couch. Jason looked at her carefully, taking her in. She was wearing a pair of comfy cotton shorts that brushed her knees, and a cotton blouse that covered her up to her neck. It was loose fitting. He was surprised. She never used to dress like this. 

Marsha was proud of her breasts. He also had to admit they were beautiful, from what he got to see. Her cleavage teased smooth, dark brown, glowing and delicate skin. Before he met Carli, he had often thought of his face between them, but he respected her parents not to do anything crazy.  Unfortunately, Marsha used to push herself on him, and he didn't want that. He wanted things to happen between them organically, but she never understood that, and ruined any chance he had of exploring more with her. He was surprised at how she was dressing now. He wondered if something had happened recently.

"Gimme a minute," he said. He took out his phone and texted Carli. He told her he would be late, around 8/8:30. He apologized but told her he would explain when he saw her. He put his phone in his pocket and looked at Marsha. He stared at her face. It dawned on him that she wasn't wearing any makeup.

 Even at home she would wear a little eye shadow, but nothing this time. She was fresh faced. It was refreshing to see, but also puzzling. "I think I'll stay a little bit longer. I'll leave around 8 o'clock," he told them. He needed to know what was going on with his friend. He heard the ping of the notifications on his phone. He took it out of his pocket and opened it to see Carli saying, "Okay." She sent him a heart emoji. He replied with a kissy face with hearts emoji and put away his phone.

****

During dinner Jason watched Marsha carefully. He was admiring how her skin glowed without the masking of makeup. She was definitely beautiful. Marsha saw him looking at her intently and felt awkward. There was a time when him looking at her like that would have made her blood boil hot for him, but now she felt empty and sad. 

Monica observed how Jason looked at her daughter. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time. It was a pity he was getting married soon. 

Monica's husband was coming in late from work so he wouldn't get to catch Jason, but he got to speak with him on the phone. Monica had called him on her phone so the two men could speak. The older man was always gracious and kind to him. Jason told him what his plans were and also mentioned he was getting married. Mr. Miller never skipped a beat. He congratulated him on finding his 'biblical rib' and wished him well. Jason gave Mrs Miller's phone back to her. Monica kissed her husband through the phone then hung up. 

While Monica was cleaning up the used plates and glasses from the dining table, Marsha stood up to help her. Jason found that intriguing: the Marsha he knew never helped her mom clear the table. He cleared his throat. "Marsha I'd like to talk to you, if that is okay?" he said. He looked over at her mother who nodded. 

"No problem. Chayelle usually helps too," Monica said looking at Chayelle, who stood up and went with her. 

There was a swing at the back of the yard. He motioned his head towards the backdoor. He smiled at Marsha and said, "Let's go to our hang out."

Marsha nodded her agreement. she knew where he was talking. He headed to the backdoor. He turned the knob and opened the door. He stepped aside so Marsha could exit before him. She walked over to the swings and sat on one. 

There were three swings on the set. Jason sat in the one next to hers. He moved himself back and forth slightly, rocking himself in the swing with his feet. Marsha just sat and didn't move the swing. Jason got up, went behind her and started pushing her gently. She held on to the ropes but said nothing. 

"Marsha, I don't like when you don't speak to me. As a matter of fact, you being silent is new," he said.

Marsha sighed. "What do you want me to say Jason? You're getting married. I guess I'm a little surprised. Also, when you blocked me, I had a lot of practice being silent."

Jason grimaced. "I'm sorry I blocked you, but Marsha you know yourself, you are relentless when you're pursuing something or someone you want. Plus, I was angry at you for the risk you took. You put both our lives in danger. I didn't feel like talking to you at the time," he replied. He pushed the swing a little harder.

"Jason, it's okay. You've apologized. I don't blame you. Thinking about it, I was acting crazy, but I'm not like that anymore,' she said quietly.

This new quiet, soft spoken demeanor of hers was driving Jason crazy. What was wrong with her? She seemed so sad. 

He stopped pushing her. He walked around to the front of the swing to face her. He looked down at her. She looked up at him. 

"Did something happen? I know you felt bad about me blocking you, but I can't believe that's why you are so sad," he said. His eyes bored into her. While searching her face, he saw an emotion emerge then she suppressed it. Her face was placid again. He was getting angry. 

"Marsha tell me! Please don't shut me out," he urged her.

Marsha sighed. "There's nothing to say," she said. "I guess I'm sad about how things are," she told him. 

She wouldn't tell him that she was assaulted, not even her family knew about it. Only her best friend and the young men who came to her rescue. She thought of Matthew, the young man with the gentle eyes and wondered if he was doing okay.  She wanted to see him again, but was also feeling wary of an encounter with him.

"Yeah, I know that could be something to be sad over, but Marsha you're such a resilient girl. Me rejecting you would never knock you down," Jason said puzzled.

"How do you know, Jason? I've spent the past few weeks since you blocked me being depressed, spending most of my time in my room, not caring about anything. I didn't even want to get my hair done. My mom was the one who dragged me to the hair dressers yesterday," she said looking at him with a sarcastic look on her face, "I guess you told her you were coming by today. She was adamant yesterday I get it done."

"It looks lovely," he said. He meant the compliment. Her hair was shiny. 

Marsha nodded. "Thank you," she said.

"You've lost some weight," he said matter of factly.

Marsha nodded. "That I did," she replied.

"And you're saying I was the reason?" Jason asked skeptically.

"I am ashamed to say it, but partially, yes," Marsha said sadly. "The things you said to me were harsh, but I needed to hear them. I did a lot of soul searching and I didn't like what I saw inside me. So it kind of made me realise what a perfectly good friendship I messed up. When I tried to call you to say sorry I realised you blocked me."

Jason observed that she was wringing her hands together. Another thing he never noticed her do before. "Your mom called me last week and told me you were not yourself; you were beating yourself up about what happened between us, so I came to see what she meant," he said going to sit beside her on the swing again.

"I thought I ruined our friendship, that I would never speak to you again. It messed with me mentally," Marsha said turning towards him. 

Jason reached for her hand and squeezed it. "You wouldn't lose me. I thought you would be pissed and not want to speak with me. The way you looked at me when I dropped you off that day, I figured you wouldn't want to speak to me again," he said. "But I was giving you space. I would have come by eventually when I thought you had cooled off. Marsha, you know your wrath is epic." He looked at her and chuckled.

Marsha laughed a little too. She nodded. "Yeah, you are right, I can be very vindictive, but I'm not so bad anymore," she answered smiling.

"How come?" Jason asked curious.

"You. After you cussed me out, I thought about what you said. I want to be a better woman, if not for you, then for someone else."

Jason's eyebrows shot up. "Is there someone else?"

"No. Not yet, but hopefully soon," she said smiling sadly at him. 

Jason sighed. "Marsh, you are very beautiful. You will find someone who will love you unconditionally," he said smiling at her sadly. "It's just not going to be me."

Marsha nodded. "I understand that now," she smiled sadly.

Jason reached out his right hand and touched her face. He kind of half wished things were different, but there was no turning back. Maybe he could comfort her a little. 

Gently, he pulled her closer. With her torso bent towards him on the swing he cupped her face with both hands and pressed his lips on her forehead and kissed her softly. Marsha closed her eyes when she felt his lips on her skin. He bent his head and rested his brow on hers. Her perfume was intoxicating. He never felt these emotions towards her before, but her perplexing behavior intrigued him and made him see her differently.

"You will find someone Marsh. You're a very beautiful girl. And very tempting," he said. 

Softly, he kissed her eyelids then put his arms around her. The closeness of his body and the smell of his cologne made Marsha weak. She wanted to kiss him, but knew better. "Jason, I want to kiss you," she said. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Reluctantly, she pulled away from him.

Jason stared at her. He couldn't believe how much he wanted to kiss her too. He brushed his hand on her cheek and leaned back from her.

Marsha smiled at him and said, "I wish you much happiness with Carli. She is a good girl from the little I've seen. I'm happy for you."

Jason nodded and smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that," he said. 

Marsha smiled broadly at him; nodding. He would always hold a special place in her heart, but she had to let him go.

They entered the house, chatting a little bit. He gave Monica a hug, then Chayelle. The women followed him out to the driveway and were surprised to see that he now owned a vehicle. Marsha was even more happy for him, and she told him so, "I'm happy for you Jasey. Glad for you."

She smiled at him and he smiled back. He pulled her to him and held her close. She felt fragile in his arms. "Please promise me you'll take care of yourself. Make sure you eat and put on back those curves," he teased her. He nuzzled her neck gently and squeezed her waist. Marsha wished he would kiss her neck and lips but said nothing. 

She nodded.

When she pulled away, Jason could see her longing for him. 

He wondered ... Nah, he couldn't and wouldn't. 

He kissed her forehead, stepped back, opened his car door and slid into the vehicle. He waved at her. Marsha waved back at him and smiled. Jason smiled at her. His eyes told her that he found her attractive, but would never cross the line. 

He started his car. Chayelle ran to open the gate for him. Jason drove carefully out of their front yard into the street. He looked at her one last time then drove off.

Monica came up behind her daughter and put her arms around her waist. "You okay baby?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. I just realised if I had played my cards right, been more demure, I could have had him, but I let my ego get in the way. There's no hope between us, he's too loyal to cross the line for me. But he reminded me that I'm still desirable and that is something I will always love him for, even if we can't be together." 

She turned to her mother and smiled. Monica saw a little of that spark she was used to return to her daughter's eyes. She smiled back at her. "Let's get inside. It's chilly out here," she said. Monica called to Chayelle who locked the gate and came forward. Monica wrapped her arms around her two daughters and they all entered the house.

****

Carli was helping her aunt prepare dinner when she heard the landline ring. She went into the living room and answered the phone mounted on the wall. "Good evening, Dixon's residence," she answered the phone cheerfully.

A raspy voice came on the line. She heard coughing and slight wheezing in the voice. "Hi," the voice said, "I'm trying to locate Sandra Dixon. Is she there?"

"Yes, she is," Carli said, feeling concerned. She didn't know who was speaking. It was a male's voice but he sounded very ill. "Okay. Let me give her the phone."

She rested the phone on the back of the grey couch and went to the kitchen. "Aunty, there's a phone call for you. Don't know who it is, but it sounds like a man."

Sandra nodded. Maybe it was one of her clients. She turned down the stove under her stewed beef. "Monitor that for me, okay?" she said to Carli.

Carli smiled and replied, "Sure aunty."

Sandra went to pick up the phone. She cleared her throat. She didn't want to sound broken down on the phone. She was feeling distressed. It was almost 30 days since she heard from Marcus. She had asked a friend at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to look into finding any info he could for her. He hadn't gotten back to her yet. 

She picked up the phone and said, "Hello. This is Sandra."

"San San," the voice said, "Oh my sweet darling! I have missed you." Cough! Cough! 

Sandra shrieked and dropped the phone. Could it be?!  She picked up the phone. "Marcus?!" she queried nervously. 

Cough! Cough! Cough!  "Yes baby, it's me," Marcus said, his breathing laboured. 

"Oh my baby!" Sandra said crying. "My baby!"

Carli ran into the room. She heard her aunt scream. Sandra turned to her. "It's your uncle Marcus!" she told her. Carli was shocked. She couldn't tell it was him. He sounded tired and sickly. She stood beside her aunt and listened.

"Baby, where are you?" Sandra asked him. 

"I'm in Singapore. I'm in a hospital here." Marcus said between raspy breaths.

Sandra was confused. What was he doing there? How did he get there? "Baby, how? How did you get there?

"It's a long story. Baby, I need you to come get me. I'm too sick and I don't know anyone here, not really. The people here are friendly, but I need someone to come for me so they can release me. Baby, I lost my passport."

Sandra's eyes widened in fear. She gripped the back of the couch. She felt like she would faint. Carli grabbed her arm and helped her to sit down. Just then they heard a knock on the front door. Carli figured it was Jason. She hurriedly went to let him inside. 

Jason entered the house, reached for Carli and hugged her. She hugged him back, but she seemed agitated. "Carli, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Jason, my uncle Marcus is on the phone with my aunt. He's really sick. He was supposed to be in Thailand, but somehow he's in Singapore!" Carli said her eyes wide with fear. 

She moved off towards the living room. Jason followed her. He saw aunt Sandra sitting on the grey couch talking on the phone. Her face was pale and she looked scared. Jason sat beside her while Carli stood behind them.

Sandra turned to him. "Get me a pen please?" she asked.

Jason had a pen in his car. He got up and rushed through the door to get it. Carli went for a piece of paper. She ran quickly upstairs and tore a page from one of her notebooks. She arrived downstairs to see Jason handing her the pen. 

Sandra took the paper from Carli and started scribbling something on the paper. They watched her, feeling concerned.

"And you're saying they'll allow me to enter their country with just my passport? Okay, got it. I should call Mr. Liam Kim? Oh okay, I should tell immigration my name and that I wish to speak to Mr. Kim, Liam Kim. Okay, baby, I'm coming to get you. I love you," Sandra said hanging up the phone. Sandra bent over and started crying. Jason moved closer and put his arm over her shoulders to console her. Carli came around to the front of the couch, went down on her knees and hugged her aunt. Sandra held on tight to her niece and cried. Carli held her tight as she felt her aunt trembling. 

After ten minutes had passed, Sandra calmed down. She dried her eyes then went upstairs to wash her face. She returned to the living room. She remembered she was cooking dinner. She hurried into the kitchen to see Carli just turning off the stove and Jason sitting in a chair watching her. They both looked glum. Sandra sighed. "Carli, I called your mother to let her know what's going on," Sandra said. 

Carli nodded. "Aunty, let's eat something then we can figure out what to do," she said.

Sandra was about to approach the cupboards to remove clean plates when Carli blocked her path. "Aunty, it's okay. Let me do it."

Sandra nodded. She was feeling disoriented anyway. She sat beside Jason who briefly rubbed her back. She looked over at him and smiled sadly. 

Jason smiled back at her. He wished there was something he could do to help. He thought about it. Maybe he could. He looked at the women and stood up. "I'll be right back. Give me a minute," he said. 

He dialed uncle Pat's number. 

Uncle Pat answered after the fourth ring. "Uncle Pat, thank God. I'm sorry, but I really need your help, please. This is important."

Jason heard Uncle Pat say, "Go ahead."

****

Carli couldn't bear to see her aunt like this. She looked shell shocked and scared. She shared food on their plates but covered Jason's. She sat down but decided to wait on Jason. Her aunt on the other hand hadn't even looked at the food. No one had called Lissa. She was still at work. They all knew she loved her daddy dearly. She believed everything was okay because Sandra never expressed her concern to her. She also thought her parents were in regular contact with each other. Sandra didn't know what to say to her now. 

Jason entered the kitchen and sat at the dining table. He looked at aunt Sandra. "I think I will be able to help, not me directly, but someone I know. His name is Patrick Blake, he used to be in the JDF, and also served in the US Army for a little while when he was younger. He has a friend who can assist you with getting to Singapore and back. You'll have to tell our government what's happening."

Sandra nodded sadly. "I have a friend," she said. "Give me the details and I'll pass it along."

Jason took out his phone and went into the call log to retrieve uncle Pat's phone number. "Uncle Pat's friend will need clearance to land and take off."

"I understand," Sandra said. "What sort of plane is it?"

"Small aircraft. A jet I believe," Jason said handing her his phone to write down uncle Pat's number.

Sandra saved his number, then pressed call. She spoke to uncle Pat and gave him the details her husband gave her. Uncle Pat told her his friend could arrive in Jamaica by about 2 p.m. tomorrow. She told him thank you and hung up. 

Sandra returned to the dining table, and they sat and ate their meal in silence. 

Jason decided he would sleep over and make sure everything went okay. He went outside and gathered his bags and brought them into the house. He carried them upstairs and placed them in the guest room. On his way downstairs, he heard Carli speaking to Lissa. She was standing in the hallway, telling her cousin that her dad was in Singapore but he was ill. Aunt Sandra didn't have the heart to tell her.  Jason came near Carli and circled his arms around her waist. 

Carli leaned into him. She hung up the phone. "Lissa said she'll try to make it home in the next hour. I'm gonna call Brandon next," she said sighing. She suddenly felt tired.  She felt her legs give way. Jason caught her and helped her into the living room. 

"Carli, are you okay?" He looked at her concerned.

"I guess so. I just felt really tired," she said leaning on him. Jason lifted her feet onto his lap and removed her sandals. 

"Lay down," he said. Carli positioned herself so that her head was in his lap and her feet stretched out. They were on the big grey couch. Jason took one of the cushions, placed it on his thigh and made her rest her head on it. 

"Where's your aunt?" Jason asked.

"She went upstairs to pack," she replied. "She's bringing clean clothes for uncle and some change of clothes for her, just in case there's a delay. She also gonna call her friend at the Ministry." 

Jason sighed. "I'll do the dishes. Okay?" he told her rubbing her lower back. 

Carli nodded. "Thank you baby," she said.

"Wanna go to bed now?" he asked her.

Carli nodded. "Okay," she said. 

"I'm sleeping over tonight and for however long you guys want me here for the days I'll be in Kingston," he said caressing her hair. 

"Thank you baby," she said tiredly. She reached her hand under the cushion and rubbed his thigh. Jason smiled. Carli sat up and called her cousin Brandon's number. She told him what was happening. He said he was in London working. Carli didn't know he was in England. Brandon told her he would try to make it back in three days. He told her thanks for letting him know and asked her to keep him posted. She told him she would, then hung up. She looked at Jason. Her eyes were watering. Jason pulled her into his arms and tenderly placed soft kisses on her forehead, cheeks and eyelids. Carli cried quietly. Jason held her tighter but spoke no words.

Jason lifted her into his arms and took her to her room. He left her sandals downstairs. He would fetch it for her later after he washed the plates, pots and cleaned up the kitchen. He carefully placed her on the bed and  lay beside her for a few minutes looking into her eyes. He loved her so much. He could appreciate the beauty Marsha possessed, but Carli was the love of his life. Carli smiled at him. 

"I went to see Marsha before I came here," he told her.

Carli's eyes looked puzzled. He turned fully to her. He wasn't going to hide anything from her. "Her mother, the woman I told you helped me ..."

"The guidance counsellor who took you in?" Carli asked.

Jason nodded. "Mhm, yes, her. She called while I was in Mobay and told me that Marsha wasn't herself. Remember, I told you that Marsha and I had that big fight the night she snuck into my house?"

"Mhm," Carli said. She remembered.

"Well after I brought her home, I blocked her number. Apparently, Marsha was trying to call me to apologize, when she realised that I blocked her, she got depressed ..."

Carli's brows knotted slightly as she listened. She would never take Marsha as the type to have self esteem issues. "Is she okay?" she asked. She didn't hate her, just didn't like her attitude. 

" ... so when I got there earlier today Marsha apologized to me. To be honest she has lost weight, and she isn't the Marsha I know. I can't say she is okay."

"What do you mean?" Carli asked curious.

"She's quieter. You know Marsha loves to flaunt her curves: she was wearing this baggy t-shirt, and spacious shorts. Marsha does not wear shorts, Carli, that's not her. She only wears skirts. She doesn't even like jeans pants. She said it was because she was hurting because I blocked her. Although, she did say I was partially the reason why she was behaving differently."

Carli looked at Jason. She could see he was concerned about Marsha. What he described did sound different from the Marsha she encountered at university months before.

"You think something else is happening with her?" Carli asked. She had to admit she was curious too.

"Yeah. I have a gut feeling. I guess what I'm asking you is to trust me. I want to swing by her house a few days from now and find out what's really going on with her," Jason said. He touched her face.

Carli smiled at him. "She's your friend Jason. I won't stop you as long as that's all there is, friendship," she told him.

"That's all there is honey. Nothing else," Jason said leaning forward to kiss her. Carli kissed him savoring the commanding way he kissed her. 

After holding her close for a few more minutes, Jason left her room and entered the guest room. The bed sheets were recently changed. He was glad for that. He sat on the bed, removed his shoes, shirt and pants. He lay back in his underpants. He was feeling worried for his friend, but he was also concerned for Carli's uncle. He felt like he was getting a headache. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. 

Sighing he opened his eyes, picked up his phone and scrolled through it. He remembered that Marsha's best friend's name was Fallon. He had followed her social media accounts sometime ago, but he hadn't been on the sites for a while. He signed in to one of them and scrolled through his feed. He typed Fallon's full name. He found her. 

He scrolled through her page and looked at a post she published about some men being creeps and how men overall were pervs. He felt his demeanor change, becoming dark and glowering as he read what she wrote. He read to the part where she said her friend was assaulted, almost raped by an old bastard. Jason felt like a spear was plunged into his chest. His grip tightened on his phone. 

He thought of Marsha today. The way she acted. The clothes she wore, how she covered up, she was... Jason swore angrily. Why didn't she tell him? You blocked her Jason, remember, even if she wanted to tell you she couldn't.

Jason swiped off Fallon's post. He dialed Marsha's number.  She answered immediately. "Hello," she said.

"We need to talk," Jason said trying to sound calm. He softened his tone. He didn't want her to suspect anything.

"About?" she asked.

"I want us to hang out. I have only four days before I go back to Mobay. Carli has some stuff going on with her family, but I can meet you on Saturday. What do you say? I'll come get you and we can get hotdogs like old times."

There was a pause. "Okay. Okay. What time on Saturday?" she asked him.

"I'll come for you around 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We can chat and have the hotdogs."

"Okay. Alright," Marsha said. She sounded happy.

Jason smiled sadly. He needed to make it up to her somehow.

"Okay, later Marshie, good night," Jason said playfully.

Marsha laughed softly. "Good night Jasey." She ended the call. 

Jason stared at the phone. He needed to apologise to her for not being there when she needed him most. Jason turned on his side and closed his eyes. He fell asleep.

 

**** 

At 1:30 p.m. uncle Pat's friend landed and called him to tell him he arrived in Jamaica and was waiting. Uncle Pat called Jason and told him that Major Dwayne Simpson was at the private Tinson Pen Aerodrome waiting for Sandra. Jason was in the kitchen helping to prepare an early dinner. After he had fallen asleep last night, he woke up 5:30 a.m. and washed the plates and pots, and cleaned up the kitchen, then he made breakfast. Lissa had come in after 5:00 o'clock in the morning and was still sleeping. When Carli came downstairs, she hugged him from behind and helped to finish breakfast. 

Now he handed the phone to aunt Sandra so she could listen to uncle Pat's instructions. She listened carefully. Then she rushed upstairs. She called her friend at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and told him what was happening and the name of the pilot in the aircraft. Sandra jumped in her vehicle while Jason packed her bags in the trunk of the SUV. Both he and Carli slid in the back of the vehicle. She sped across town to meet the Major. 

Sandra arrived at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome at 1:58 p.m. Jason carried her bags for her, while Carli held her hand. She went to a young woman who she told her name and asked to speak to the person in charge. She, Carli and Jason were guided through a door. 

She went to the person in charge of the airstrip showed him her ID and told him she was meeting the private jet that had landed. He nodded and gave her documents back to her. But Jason and Carli couldn't go past the point where he intercepted them. She turned back to them; hugged them both throwing her hands around them. They hugged her. She released Jason and held on to Carli. "I love you," she said. She looked fearful. Carli squeezed her hand. "Aunty, don't worry I will pray that everything will be okay," she said.

Sandra nodded and looked at her. She touched her face. She looked up at Jason. "Take care of my ladies for me," she said to him. Jason nodded. He would ask Bello if he could get more time. He needed to be here for Carli and her family.

"I should be back with Marcus by tomorrow, but just in case," she said. She leaned forward and briefly hugged him then stepped away from them both. She went through the door and into the back of the room to the airplane hangar. They watched her leave.

Carli leaned into him. Jason held her to his side. He pulled her closer and walked with her back to the SUV. Sandra had left the key in the ignition. He started the vehicle and drove them home.