HIS JUSTICE

BOOK – 1

Chapter 1

Sally Leach looked around her room, and sighed.  She had such a boring life and was looking for much more in life.  Her dream was to go to Paris one day and study fashion.  Perhaps even stay over there and find a husband.  But for now she was stuck in her hometown, Kearney, Nebraska.  “Oh if only I could get out of here and find something more!”  She said wishfully.

“Hey Sally, Johnny from next door is here to see you.”  She heard her mother yell out.

“Alright mom, I’ll be down in just a few minutes.”  She called out.

Sally sighed once more, Johnny was the next door neighbor and he adored her.  The problem was he wasn’t her type at all.  He was a gamer geek, who was skinny and too straight for her.  She had to admit she simply gravitated towards the men and boys when she first started dating who were bad boys. 

It wouldn’t be bad if Johnny would simply understand that, however, he didn’t seem to understand.  He would still come over every day or at least three times a week and talk to her.  At least one time during the conversation he would swear he loved her with all his heart.  “I could give you anything you wanted, I swear, you’ll always get what you want.  Sally I love you like no other will love you.” 

Those words and much more had come from Johnny’s mouth on more than one occasion.  Sally didn’t want to be mean, but she just didn’t see him in any romantic way.  She would explain to him that she saw him as just a friend, that she was sorry, and that it would never work.

But here he was yet again, and most likely to ply her with adoration and words of love.  Sally wasn’t really up for this today.  The truth was she was more depressed about still being stuck here in Kearney. 

She was still saving up every cent she could from her job to go to France.  But with the lack of funds, and her hours being cut back, she felt as if her life was ending quickly. 

“I’ll die an old lady in this same town, most likely living in a house close to my parents.  I don’t want that, I can’t just have that.”  She cried out to the room. 

Finally, she composed herself and went downstairs to see Johnny.

“Hey Sally, I brought you these.”  He said and pulled some flowers from behind his back.  “It is your birthday right?”  He added when she had a confused look on her face.

“Oh yes it is.  I kind of forgot about it.”  Sally stated.  She had not forgotten, but the fact was it made her sad.  Another year in her hometown, now she was no longer 19, but the big 20. 

“I would never forget your birthday.  This is the day my angel was born into the world.”  He smiled at her.

Sally shook her head; it was going to start early today.  Sometimes he would at least wait for a few hours and then start being sappy.

“Johnny, I told you were just friends.”  Sally said to him, her face serious.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tell you how I feel.”  Johnny said.  But she could see his face fall.

“Look, I’m sorry Johnny.  You’re such a great guy and one day you’ll find a great girl too.  It’s just not me.”  Sally added.

“You are a great girl.  But I know you don’t have to explain it to me again.  I’m not your type.  I get it.”  Johnny said, his voice holding an edge of frustration and anger.

Sally hesitated to say anything else.  Johnny had never really seemed angry before.  He had always been the guy who was calm and wouldn’t raise his voice to anyone.  He was very close though to it, or so she thought.

“So what do you have planned for the day?”  He asked her. 

She took a deep breath, thankful that he was moving on from the other topic.  “I don’t know.  I think Mary and Susan want to go out later on.  But I didn’t plan anything at all.”  Sally answered.

“Why not, this day is supposed to be one to celebrate.”  Johnny said excitedly.

“I’m just not feeling it.  They told me last night my hours were going to be cut back.”  Sally stated.

“Oh no, that means you won’t be able to save up for your trip?”  Johnny asked.

“You don’t have to sound so excited about it.  I know you and several people don’t think I should go.  But even if I have to take a second job, I’ll save up and be out of here before another year is gone.”  Sally pulled her shoulders back in a stance of stubbornness.

“Hmm, well just keep in mind that if you go to Paris, you’ll not have friends and family around to help you out.  There is no one there to help you.”  Johnny commented.

“Now you sound like Mary, she says the same thing to me.”  Sally said.  “But you know what; I’m old enough to make my own decisions now.  So when I have the money, I’m getting my ticket and leaving.”  Sally stated.

Johnny looked down at the ground. 

“I’m sorry Johnny; it really hasn’t been a good couple of days for me.  I don’t mean to take it out on you.  So what are you doing today?”  Sally said, trying to change the subject once more.

“Well I was wondering if you would like to go out to lunch or something.” He asked.

“Like a date you mean?”  Sally replied.  “I don’t know I really don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”  She added.

“No not like a date, just two friends.  I swear you’ve made it abundantly clear that you aren’t interested in more.”  Johnny stated.

“Well I guess we can go then.”  Sally answered.

“Great, hamburgers sound okay?”  He asked.

Sally felt more relaxed, at least he hadn’t said Red Lobster or somewhere fancy.  If had suggested that she might have declined and back out of the meal.  It would feel far too much like a date.

“From Lenny’s, I love those?”  She questioned.

“Yeah, and there cheese fries, those are so good!”  Johnny laughed.

“Let’s go!”  Sally said and headed towards the door.