Chapter 3
Sally decided she had to go back and get at least one of her jobs back now that she was back. She hoped that they would at least give her part-time to begin with. She also wanted to be able to spend time with Johnny, so full-time wasn’t something she wanted. Just in case he really did have to go to jail on these false charges.
Another thing she wanted to do was to go and see Mary. It was bad enough Mary had said the things to Sally that she had when they had talked when she was in Paris. But now Mary was lying about a man that Sally wouldn’t mind spending the rest of her life with.
She had thought about it overnight and had decided that she would stay beside Johnny, even if he went to jail for a lot of years. It would only be right on her part, and she had to admit she had learned to love him even more than just the bad boy image he had created.
Sally was still shocked when she thought about that kind of love he must have to change himself completely. Well not completely, she could still see a lot of his old self underneath the outside layer. But even she would admit that there were just slight glimpses of that person now. Some of her missed that old Johnny, but not enough to say anything to him.
“Now onto the job search, I’ll call my old jobs now.” She was saying to her mom.
“I really wish you would consider this relationship you have with Johnny.” Her mom began to lecture. She had heard it many times since she’d been back. But like all the other times, she stopped her mom quickly.
“Look mom, I know what you think. But you only know one side of the story. If you wouldn’t automatically jump to conclusions like everyone else, you might just see that. You’ve known him for the last 10 years now; do you really think he could be that person they say he is?” Sally questioned her mom.
“You didn’t see old man Denton after Johnny beat him. If you would have you wouldn’t be so sure about him anymore either. If that wouldn’t have happened and it was just the girls, maybe I would still believe him. But honestly I think I would still have doubts. He was different right after you left. He wasn’t the same little happy boy that I remembered seeing so many times in the past.” Her mother explained.
“How could someone change that much though?” Sally asked.
“I don’t know Sally, but you know that I wouldn’t lie to you. He was no longer the boy who was over here every day and making googol eyes at you. I’m not really sure how to explain it. He stopped saying hi to us; he never came over to ask about you or anything. He was out all hours of the night, and would often come home and be loud and drunk. I just wish I could be sure that you were safe with him. That’s all I want is for you to be safe and happy.” Her mother stated.
“Mom, he wouldn’t hurt me I’m sure of it. Plus I am happy, really happy for the first time in a long while. I don’t even mind being in Kearney anymore, not like I used to be. Sure a lot of that has to do with my bad experience in Paris, but thanks to him I’m happy here. So don’t worry about me mom, and please stop lecturing me on my choice of men.” Sally said.
“Fine honey, I’ll do that. I just hope you are making the right choice. You know a lot of people here are talking about him. If you are with him, they will think badly of you too. It may not be right, but they will.” Her mother said.
“Its okay mom, I’ll be fine.” Sally responded and picked up the phone to start making phone calls.
“Hello Mr. Samuels it’s Sally Leach. Yes I’m back in town. I was wondering if you had an opening still, anything, part-time would be great. Sure I can stop by later today, say 5:00? Okay great I’ll see you then.” Sally hung up the phone.
“Well that will be nice, I know their system and he said he’s only hiring part-time for now.” Sally told her mom.
“Great sweetie. Just remember this town gossips. That’s all I’ll say, but I hope I’m wrong about these things.” Her mother said.
“Mr. Samuels has known me for years; he won’t be like that even if he’s heard anything.” Sally commented.
“Everyone has heard about this in town, it’s the story of the year. It really doesn’t look good for Johnny. Are you sure you’re ready to see him go to jail? I would imagine it would be hard on you, and him.” Her mom questioned.
“Johnny and I talked about this already and yes I am ready. Aren’t you supposed to stand beside the one you love, even in times of trouble?” Sally asked.
“Yes sweetie this is true. But I don’t know if they were using it this way. If he’s in jail, oh I don’t know honey. Do what you feel is best, I just hope for you to be happy.” Her mom said.
“I know mom. Hey I’m going to go out and shop a bit. I have some extra money since I didn’t stay in Paris long. Oh I’m also going to give you and dad the money back, well most of it. I’ll pay the rest back as I get paid from work.” Sally stated.
“Oh honey you don’t have too.” Her mom commented.
“I want too though.” Sally said. “I’ll be back in a little bit.” She said and headed out to go to the mall.
At the mall she ran into a few people she knew who were shocked to see her back.
“Hey Sally, I thought you want to Paris?” Tom asked he had been a friend in high school.
“I came back early, it just wasn’t what I expected it to be.” Sally told him and the other friend who was with him.
“Oh hey did you hear about your neighbor?” Tom questioned.
Sally decided to play dumb and see what they would say. “No, what about him?”
“He is a psycho, they say he raped 10 girls, one of them was Mary. He beat up old man Denton, and a few other guys at the Southside bar. I don’t know he used to seem pretty normal in school. But that’s what they say about the quiet one’s they are the ones you watch out for.” Tom shook his head as he talked. His mind had obviously been made up about Johnny’s guilt already.
“I don’t know about that, he isn’t the type of guy who would do those things. I’ve known him far too long, I don’t believe it.” Sally commented.
“Yeah that’s just because the guy always had the hots for you.” The other guy who was standing with Tom commented. Sally couldn’t even remember his name, but she looked at him with a glare that shut him up quickly.
“No I’m not saying it because of that.” Sally stated. “I just don’t think he would be capable of those things.”
“Well you were gone, so you didn’t see it all happen. It would have been different if you were here. Then you wouldn’t be so quick to defend him. Jack Denton is my cousin and I saw his dad after Johnny beat him. He had to be in the hospital for almost a month because of it.” The other boy said to her.
“I don’t know, I guess it’s possible.” Sally gave up trying to convince them that Johnny was innocent. Honestly, she did know he had beaten old man Denton, Johnny admitted that, but he hadn’t said how badly.
She had to wonder again about how honest Johnny was being with her. He seemed to be hiding some things from her, but it could just be the doubt that other people were putting in her mind too. She wanted to believe in him. But what could you believe about someone who you seemed to know so little?
“No I don’t think he did those things. I know he beat up his old boss. But really, how bad was it? Are you sure you aren’t exaggerating those injuries just to make it sound worse?” Sally looked at the boy intently.
He looked down as she continued to stare at him. “No he was bad.” The boy said, but not very loudly.
“Did he actually go to the hospital and stay in for that long?” Sally continued to question. She was searching for the truth, she had a feeling this boy was adding some falsities into the real story.
“He got checked out at the hospital.” The boy said.
“So did they keep him?” She pushed.
“Well for a couple of hours.” The boy finally admitted.
“So you were lying? I thought so, and you don’t wonder what those girls might be lying about?” She commented.
“I don’t know Mary was your friend. Are you saying she lied about it?” Tom asked her.
“I don’t know honestly. But I’m telling you I don’t believe the story.” Sally stated.
The boys left her standing there; they seemed to actually be wondering about the story now. Sally knew that wouldn’t get him out of the charges. After all, these two wouldn’t be on a jury, if they even had one. She wasn’t sure how big of a trial it would be, or even if Johnny had decided to do the plea bargain.
She hated the fact that he might have to do that; it would be like admitting you were guilty. Sally hoped that somehow she could get Mary to change her story.
Sally called Johnny and asked him if he would meet her for lunch.
“At the mall? I don’t think that’s a good idea really. People will all know you are with the town rapist, as they are now calling me.” Johnny said.
“I don’t care what they think Johnny. Come meet me please?” She asked.
“Fine, but if it backfires on you I don’t want to hear it.” He said and hung up.
She shopped for a bit and bought a few things. Her phone buzzed and she looked at it.
I’m here.
The text message was from Johnny. She headed over to the restaurant area and looked for him. He was standing by one of the doors. She noticed several people looking at him and whispering. Sally fought the urge to say something to them all. Instead she walked up to him and kissed him.
“Hey how are you?” She asked.
He pulled away from her. “You really don’t care. I don’t know if that’s so smart.” Johnny commented.
“Let’s eat, screw these people. They’ll know the truth one day.” Sally stated.
“I don’t know about that. If I plea bargain they’ll all think I’m guilty. If I go to trial my attorney says I don’t have much of a chance either.” Johnny commented.
“I was thinking of talking to Mary.” Sally told him.
“For what? You think you can get her to recant her story? No chance, she loves the publicity.” He stated.
“I don’t know I’ll appeal to her as her best friend for years now.” Sally stated.
“I doubt it will work, but if you want to try it, good luck.” He finally gave in.
“Yeah maybe after I go talk to Mr. Samuels. I got one of my old jobs back!” Sally told him.
“That’s great! Congratulations.” Johnny said.
They ate most of the rest of the meal in silence. Sally looked around and saw people talking about the two of them. She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to Johnny. “So what are you doing after you leave here?” She asked him.
“I think I’ll go work out at the gym. It’s usually not too busy during this part of the day and people leave me alone, the few that are there anyway.” Johnny commented.
“Do people often say things to you?” She asked.
He looked up and she turned to see what he was looking at. There was a lady of about 30 standing there. “You should be ashamed of yourself. How could you rape those girls? I hope they throw the book at you.” She spat at him. “Don’t you know what he is? He’s a rapist; you really shouldn’t be with him. You might get hurt like one of those girls did.” The lady said to Sally.
“You do realize that there are two sides to every story and that what you’ve heard may not be the truth right?” Sally begun. “Remember you aren’t supposed to judge other people either. Let thee who is without sin cast the first stone.” Sally stated.
The lady turned red and made a noise and walked away.
“I hate people like that.” Sally commented.
“Wow that was amazing, you handled her very well.” Johnny had to laugh. “Can we please go now? If one person comes up they usually start coming up more and more to me. It’s just the way it goes. One person breaches the gap and they all jump in. Even with what you said, I’m not sure we will be safe from another visit.” Johnny explained.
“Sure let’s get out of here. I have a little time before I have to go see Mr. Samuels, would you like to go back to your place?” Sally asked.
“Sure, let’s go.” Johnny smiled knowing what they would be doing when they got back to his place.
He took his Harley and she drove her car, the trip seemed to take forever for her. But soon they were back at his place and inside. She smiled at him and closed the gap quickly. Sally kissed him deeply and he undressed her quickly.
Johnny looked down at her and smiled. He lowered his head between her legs and lapped at her pussy opening. She arched into him and moaned loudly as her juices flowed quickly. He bit her clit and she climaxed and yelled loudly.
He moved up and pushed his cock into her with one quick thrust. He slowly thrust into her and pinched her nipples as she arched her back to meet him. She rang her fingers down his back and scratched him.
Sally screamed out as she felt his orgasm coat her walls with his sperm. Her pussy started to quiver as another orgasm hit her body hard.
They fell together sweet pouring down their bodies. He kissed her and pulled her closely to him. “I hope you never leave me again.” He said to her.
“I won’t Johnny, I promise. I’ll be beside you the rest of our lives if you want me.” Sally stated.
“We’ll see this may be a tough few months or years, depending on what happens.” Johnny said.
“After I’m done at Mr. Samuels I’ll go talk to Mary and see what I can do, she’ll be reasonable I’m sure of it.” Sally said.
“Like I said, I don’t think she’ll change his story.” Johnny stated.
“We’ll see.” She replied.
She didn’t see any reason why Mary wouldn’t listen to reason, and she had known Mary for so long. They had been best friends since they were 4 years old and first met in nursery school. She smiled remembering the good times she had with Mary through the years. However, she knew that Johnny thought Mary wouldn’t budge, Sally had more faith though.
Sally looked at the time and said, “I have to go and get a quick shower before I leave.” She kissed him. “I’ll see you later Johnny, I love you.”
“See you later honey, love you too.” Johnny said as he kissed her.
She ran next door and got her and shower and got dressed. As she drove off she smiled thinking about Johnny. She was positive she would be able to talk Mary into changing her mind and recanting her story. If she did, perhaps the other girls would follow along.
“Hi Mr. Samuels how are you?” She said as she walked into her old work.
He smiled at her. “Come back her Sally.” He led the way to his office. “I just need to talk to you about a few things.”
“Sure no problem.” She answered.
“Tell me how was Paris, I see you didn’t stay long. You know they say a Nebraska girl will always come home, it’s in their blood!” He laughed.
“Yes I’ve heard that too. I guess that’s what happened. Paris was okay, but I really missed everyone so much.” Sally said.
Mr. Samuels rubbed his chin for a second. “I have some bad news though Sally. I think I spoke too quickly in offering you the position. They hired another girl just yesterday for it; I really can’t take you back on.” He explained.
Sally had known him for years and could tell when he was lying. “Is that the real reason?” She asked. “I mean if it was for something else you could ask me about it, you know I’ve always been honest with you.” She told him.
“Well I know that Sally and honestly I wish I didn’t have to even ask you about this, but I should. You know we have a reputation we like to keep, as far as the type of people we hire. That can even go for the people that our employees are associated with, if you can understand. But I’ve heard rumors that you and the Young boy are hanging out, actually very close. Is that true?” He asked.
“Well yes, it is true, but what does that have to do with me? He hasn’t even had a trial yet, and he’s innocent.” Sally stated.
“Sally, I hate to tell you this, but he’s guilty. Everyone knows this, and we can’t have you as the face of our store and be associated with him. It just doesn’t send the right message to our clientele. We’ll surely lose a lot of business, and it would break us. I can offer you the job but only if you aren’t with him. I know you are neighbors and you’ll see one another, but I’m talking about the type of relationship I’ve heard it was. You know people talk in town, and well this isn’t a good business decision for us.” He explained.
She sighed heavily. “I understand, but I don’t agree with this decision. When everyone finds out the truth and learn he’s not guilty, they’ll change how they are talking. I can’t believe so many people are judging him without the full story.” She said.
“Perhaps my dear it’s you that hasn’t heard the full story yet. But I’m not the one to tell you. I know you were good friends with Mary Sims; you may want to talk to her about it. When you find out the truth and have left him, then perhaps I can hire you again.” He apologized.
Sally shook her head. “Really I thought people were better than this.” She walked out of his office, upset and angry.
“That’s it I’m going to visit Mary now.” Sally said to herself. “This is going to end now. I’m tired of people lying about him.” She smacked her teeth in anger.
By the time she had reached Mary’s house her anger was boiling over. She knocked on the door and it opened.
“Oh hi, it’s you.” Mary said. “I heard you were back in town. So did you see Johnny yet? Oh don’t worry I’ve heard all about you and him at the mall. I know why you’re here.” She added.
“So will you tell the truth?” Sally asked. “I mean as my best friend why would you lie about the man I love?” Sally added.
“The man you love? Since when? All those years he looked at you with his little puppy dog eyes and you couldn’t give him the time of day. You really are something else, you know that Sally.” Mary shouted at her.
“I think I’ve known it for some time actually, but I realized it once I was gone.” Sally admitted.
“Is that right, isn’t that nice.” Mary looked at her with eyes that could kill.
“Look Mary I didn’t come here to fight with you. I just want you to tell the truth and have those charges dropped against Johnny.” Sally explained.
“You don’t want to know the truth; you want me to tell you he’s innocent. But he’s far from innocent. He broke my trust more than one time and that night was the final night he did it.” Mary stated.
“How in the world would he break your trust? You set up the party right? He performed for you and your friends, what happened that made you mad?” Sally questioned.
“Oh so he told you I set it up. I was wondering just how much he would actually tell you of the truth.” Mary laughed.
“Remember Mary I’ve known you since you were a little girl, I can tell when you lie.” Sally reminded her.
Mary’s face turned red. “You think you know me so well do you. Well do you know that the whole time I was with Johnny he always talked about you? No you didn’t. I can tell by the look on your face. I bet you didn’t know that he often screamed out your name in his sleep too. I know you two had sex before you left too. He didn’t want to tell me, but he talks in his sleep sometimes.” She stopped to try and regain some of her composure.
“So you lie on him because he loved me? How does that make any sense?” Sally asked.
“I’m not done telling you everything. He told me he hated you many times when I talked to him about calling your name out while sleeping. He said he would never go back with you. But I could tell he was seeing you, not me when we had sex.” Mary stated. “That’s what ruined it with us, you and your memory. He called me that last night right in the middle of his orgasm. He yelled out I love you Sally. Can you even imagine what that’s like?” Mary began crying.
“I’m sorry Mary, I really am.” Sally hugged her friend.
Mary fell into Sally’s arms and sobbed. “I really thought he loved me and hated you. He had me convinced of it. But then that happened, and all the other girls heard it. Everyone looked at me; I had tried to ignore it. However, someone else asked him what he had said. He didn’t even know he had shouted out your name either. He tried to apologize, said he was under so much stress and all this, all lies. He lied to me the whole time, why shouldn’t I lie now?” Mary stated.
“Because you’ll ruin his life, his reputation. I couldn’t even get my old job back because of your lies. Why did the other girls go along with you?” Sally asked.
“I asked them too. Some of them might have backed down during the trial, but just a couple of us would have to keep up the lie. Sally I want to hurt him, it’s not right he lied to me.” Mary said.
Sally sighed. “I know he hurt you, but really when it comes down to it, I’m just as much to blame as him. But so are you, you knew how he felt about me for all those years. You used to yell at him and tell him to leave me alone. So why would you think it all changed?” Sally asked.
“I wanted to believe it. He’s really good in bed, and I was all alone. David had broken up with me to move to Colorado. I didn’t have anyone, and Johnny was looking really nice. That Harley of his only adds to his sex appeal. He’d been working out in the gym and well he told me he hated you. I really thought he was being truthful with me.” Mary said again.
“Mary why can’t you forgive him then? We always wanted the best for each other. I think he’s the best for me. I really never doubt that he will protect me and keep me safe. He makes me happy, and well he’s really a good person.” Sally said.
“I don’t know Sally, it really hurt to hear him say those words that night. But I guess I could forgive him. I don’t know what the other girls will do. I can talk to them. I’m sorry Sally; I was mean to you when you were in Paris too. But I felt like you were trying to take Johnny, the sad thing is I never even had him even when I thought I did.” Mary cried.
“Mary, I’m sure you’ll find someone. Heck maybe David will come back home. Look how quickly I made my way back. Maybe it is true what they say about Nebraska people, both girls and guys. We always want to come home, it’s in our blood.” Sally tried to cheer her up.
“I did love him so much. It was a hard breakup, he didn’t want to go. But he couldn’t find any work here.” Mary said.
“Why didn’t you go with him?” Sally asked out of curiosity.
“He didn’t ask me. He just said that it would be far too tough for both of us.” Mary explained.
“Maybe you should call him and talk to him, have you tried?” Sally asked.
“No I didn’t I was far too upset about Johnny.” Mary admitted. “I had thought about it but was sure that he had found someone else.” She added.
“I think you should call him, once you’ve fixed this other mess that is. I’m really sorry Mary, I didn’t mean for you to get hurt. I tried to tell you from Paris, but you wouldn’t listen to me. Then you told me he didn’t like me anymore and he said the same thing. I don’t know it made me very upset.” Sally explained.
“I think we both wanted something different than what we really needed.” Mary stated.
“I think so too.” Sally agreed.
“So tell me about Paris, what was it like?” Mary asked.
Sally sighed. “It wasn’t what I expected, but well it was my own fault. I was upset and confused from the start; all I could think about was Johnny. But then he turned me down and told me you two were dating. I thought another man there was interested in me, but he wasn’t. He slept with me once and left told me I was just a child.” Sally told Mary about Pierre.
“Oh so you experienced kind of the same thing. Was he in love with someone else too?” Mary asked.
“No he just wanted to sleep with me. I think he does it with all the tourists who show up.” Sally stated.
“Was he at least good looking?” Mary asked.
Sally told her about Pierre.
“Oh he sounds cute; at least that’s one good thing!” Mary said.
“I would have rather skipped the whole experience. But honestly, it was the push I needed to come back home. It must be one of the shortest trips in the history for a student who wanted to study fashion design.” Sally shook her head.
“Did you go to school at all while you were gone?” Mary questioned.
“No I couldn’t bring myself to sign up for any classes.” Sally admitted.
“I’m sorry; I know you’ve wanted to do that for years now. Maybe you can talk Johnny into going later on.” Mary commented.
“I don’t know, I’ll think about it, or I might just intern with someone in the states. There are several that I wouldn’t mind learning from. But for now I’ll wait and see what happens.” Sally stated. “So you’ll call them and have your charges dropped today?” Sally asked, making sure that Mary would remember.
“Yes, I’ll do it right now. But I’ll call the other girls after, or they can hear from the DA.” Mary hugged her. “I’m sorry Sally.”
“Thank you for telling the truth.” Sally got up to leave.
The first thing she wanted to do was talk to Johnny. She picked up her phone when she stopped at a light.
She’s going to call and tell them what really happened? Why didn’t you tell me you said you loved me while you two were having sex?
Sally typed in and hit the send button. “It would have explained so much and she would have known right away what had happened. Not that she would ever accuse someone of rape who didn’t do it, but she would know any female would be hurt. Some would react in ways that perhaps were evil, like Mary did.
I don’t believe it, wait until my attorney calls me then I’ll know for sure. I think she is lying to you. She’s really good at doing that, if you hadn’t noticed before.
Johnny responded back.
Sally shook her head.
I’ve known her since she was four years old, I know when she lies. I reminded her of that and she knew that I would be able to see through anything she said. Just be happy, she was calling as soon as I left her house.
She replied.
We’ll wait and see what happens. What about the other girls?
His message came back.
She thinks many of them wouldn’t have even made it through the trial, but she will talk to them. Or maybe she will let the DA do it, she wasn’t really sure. She was embarrassed about it. You know that is something that a female will hate. I hope you never say another person’s name to me.
She sent back to him.
Come over, I’m home.
He sent her. Sally headed to his house. She figured a celebration would happen soon. She didn’t know how long it would be before the DA would tell Johnny’s attorney, but she hoped she was there when he got the news.
Before she went over to Johnny’s she ran inside to see if her mom was there. Sally wanted to let her know that Mary had admitted Johnny hadn’t done a thing that night, well except upset her. But her mother wasn’t there when she walked in.
Instead she went over to Johnny’s and knocked on the door. He came and answered the door, and gave her a hug and a kiss.
“Welcome home.” He smiled.
“Well close enough to home right.” She smiled back at him.
Johnny got down on one knee and looked at her. He pulled a small box out of his pocket. “Sally Leach would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He asked her.
She felt her knees get weak. “Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting this. Yes I will marry you Johnny Young.” She said.
“Are you sure? Just in case Mary doesn’t call the DA, or one of the other girls goes through with the charges.” Johnny asked.
“Mary can testify that you didn’t rape any of them, right? So why would we have to worry about it?” Sally asked.
“I’m not sure how that works, I’d have to ask the attorney, but it seems like that would work. But again I know you swear she will do it, but I don’t believe her. You didn’t see her that night, or when she was putting on the show for everyone. I got jumped a few times by some of the guys from school. Thankfully, I’ve been studying martial arts and could protect myself. Unfortunately it didn’t help me much because I would get in trouble for fighting. Thus I must be violent.” Johnny explained.
“Why didn’t you tell me all of this at first?” She asked.
“Why? What good would it do for you to hear it? It wouldn’t make anything go away.” Johnny commented.
“I know but at least I would have known what you went through while I was gone.” She stated.
“I don’t want to drag you through it all. I can just tell you it was a living hell; I really thought I hated you for a while. But my love for you is far too strong for it to just disappear. I guess that night with Mary proved it to her, but to me as well. Honestly, before that night I would swear that I was over you. I know Mary thinks I lied to her the whole time, but I really didn’t. You messed me up bad when you left to go to Paris.” Johnny explained.
“I’m so sorry Johnny. I wish I would have realized how I felt before I stepped on that plane too. It would have solved a lot of problems, or at least changed this situation, and a few others. I wish we could go back to that day when we were in the woods. I would have said something else to you, would have talked about how it made me feel. I was nervous; I was shocked that we had just had sex. I mean how many years did I put you off? Suddenly I’m feeling all these emotions for you that simply make no sense to me.” Sally admitted.
“That wasn’t my problem. It was when you told me you were leaving in 3 days. I knew how I felt for you, and I had hoped it changed your mind. I know they say that a relationship shouldn’t be built on sex. But I don’t think I would change that happening that day. I would change what you told me right after though.” Johnny said.
“I would too Johnny. I wouldn’t have left. I missed you so much when I was gone. When you told me you wouldn’t talk to me anymore, I just died a bit inside.” Sally said.
“Imagine how I felt when you said you were going to Paris right after we had sex the first time?” He commented.
“No I can get it. Really Johnny, I’m so sorry.” She stated.
“Well now it’s in the past. If Mary does what you think she will, I don’t even know what I will do. I don’t know if people will believe the girls even after they change their stories. What I’m saying is that we may have to move someday. Otherwise I won’t be able to get a job, and you’ll have to support us.” Johnny said.
“How would you feel about going to New York or maybe LA? I could intern with one of the fashion designers there, and maybe still be able to do what I’ve always wanted to do.” She asked.
“We’ll compare the options and see what looks like the best choice. But I haven’t given up hope on staying here either. Both of those cities are so dangerous, I don’t know if I want to take a chance of you getting hurt.” He commented.
“I’ll be careful no matter where we go.” Sally stated.
“We have to get past this whole thing first. You would think that if Mary did what she said I would have gotten a call by now.” Johnny said looking at his watch.
“It hasn’t been that long since I left her, maybe 10 to 15 minutes now.” Sally tried to cheer him up.
“I just have this horrible feeling that it won’t go that way. That she won’t call, and the attorney won’t be able to plea bargain and I’ll be in jail for years. You’ll be out here by yourself and will get tired of waiting for me. Eventually, you’ll leave me for another man.” Johnny commented.
“Is that why you asked me to marry you, because you thought I would stick around longer?” She asked.
“It might have a little bit to do with it. But it is mostly because you told me I needed to decide what I wanted from you. So today I went to Grand Island and went ring shopping. I couldn’t buy anything in town, they wouldn’t sell to me. Can you believe that? Don’t answer it.” Johnny told her.
“I can believe it honestly.” She began.
He put up his hand. “I told you not to answer it. I know you’ve seen it.” He stated.
“I’ve unfortunately found out just how judgmental people are in our little town since I’ve been back. The lady in the mall wasn’t the only one. I meet a couple of other guys we went to school with before that, and they were the same way. Mr. Samuels wouldn’t even hire me because he had heard a rumor about us.” Sally said.
“Well that isn’t shocking to me.” Johnny said.
His phone rang and he answered it. “Yes sure Mr. Wallace.”
Sally watched as Johnny listened and talked to his attorney. She kept her fingers crossed and watched his face to try and figure out what he was hearing.
“Okay, yes sir. I understand sir. Alright, I’ll come down there in an hour. Sure, I appreciate it.” She heard Johnny say.
As soon as he hung up she asked. “Well, what happened?” She asked.
“She did call and rescind her story. The charges from her are going to be dropped. The DA is dealing with the other girls right now as well. In an hour I’m supposed to go to my attorney’s office and I’ll find out what happened with them.” Johnny stated.
“I told you she would call.” Sally said.
“Okay so you were right about that. But I am telling you we need to decide what to do now. I don’t think anyone will hire me here. So what place would you like to move too?” Johnny asked.
“I don’t care; either of the bigger cities would work. I’ll look up to see if there are any more in different cities as well. Maybe Chicago that might be a good place too.” Sally suggested.
“Look them up when I go to see Mr. Wallace. Do you want to get married before we go, or after we get to where we are going?” He asked.
“Well I would like my parents to come, but so many people in town have really made me upset. They judged you for a rumor, based on lies. We have to move because of those lies too. As far as I’m concerned there aren’t many people I would even want to come now.” She stated.
“Where ever we go we can fly them out. I don’t mind that, are they going to be okay with you marrying me though? You’re mom stopped talking to me after she found out about the charges, I don’t think she likes me very much.” He said.
“She will change her mind once she finds out that Mary was lying.” Sally said.
“No don’t believe it. I’m telling you Sally; people will still talk and think I’m guilty. But your parents can come if they want. I agree with you there are too many people who I wouldn’t want to see at the wedding. Look up the places and let me know where you want to move when I get back though. It may be a quick move though; I want to start our new life together on an up note.” He stated.
“Alright sweetie, I’m going to go home and talk to my mom and do some research. Let me know when you get back okay.” She kissed him and walked out the door.
Sally went inside and called for her mom. “Mom, are you home?” She yelled out.
“Yeah sweetie, I’ll be right down.” She heard her mom call from upstairs.
A few minutes later her mom was downstairs. “Hey honey, how was your day today?” Her mom asked.
“It was very nice actually. See what I got?” She showed her mom the ring.
“Oh it’s beautiful. Oh wait, is that from him?” Her mom’s eyes closed a bit.
“Yes it is mom. It’s from Johnny and I said yes. By the way so you know I also talked to Mary today, and she lied. Sit down and let me tell you the story.” Sally said.
Her mom sat and listened intently as Sally explained what Mary had a little earlier in the day to her. She left out details about sex and all that, but gave her mom enough of the story so she could understand Johnny was not guilty.
“Well I guess you were right to begin with.” Her mom said once Sally had stopped talking.
“I also need to tell you that we will be moving as well. Johnny will always have people looking at him like he’s guilty.” Sally said.
“What? Where will you move? When are you going? I just got you back from half way around the world.” Her mom cried out.
“Mom, its okay, maybe we’ll go to Chicago. It’s not that far away really, and you and dad can come out for the ceremony. We aren’t going to get married in town.” She explained.
“Oh my little girl, she’s all grown up now. I’m so happy for you. You’re sure though that he’s not going to hurt you. Even though he didn’t rape those girls he was always in trouble for beating people up. They even said that old man Denton was in the hospital for a few months after he was done beating him up.” Her mom commented.
“Mom I talked to a guy today who told me a month. Then when I began asking him questions he admitted that old man Denton wasn’t even in overnight. People are over exaggerating things when they talk about Johnny. It was all a case of just making him look worse than what he is. Yes he did beat him up, and he knows he was wrong. But mom really I caused a lot of that anger in him when I left.” Sally explained.
“Well he did always love you so much. I guess you leaving would make him upset. But really he seemed to change right after you left so much.” Her mom said.
“Mom he was mad at me for leaving. We had gotten a bit closer a few days before I left and well something happened. We, well, had sex. I know mom, I know, I shouldn’t have sex before I’m married.” Sally said.
Her mom held up her hand. “I never said that, but I would think waiting would have been a good idea. But I know kids of your generation don’t look at marriage the same as us old folks do. But go ahead, so before you left you two had sex.” Her mom said.
“Yes and right after I told him I was leaving to go to Paris. He was hurt and upset. I was confused because I didn’t know why I found him so attractive. I got over to Paris and found out about him and Mary. It hurt me a lot, and made me realize just how much I cared about him. Now that I’m back I’ve already seen his attitude change.” Sally stated.
“My little girl, you did hurt him. Well I guess I owe him an apology too. I can understand why he was angry. It puts a whole new perspective on it.
***
Sally looked out the window of their little house in a Chicago suburb. Her belly was rounded and she was 9 months pregnant with their first child. She waited for her husband to come home from work.
“Hey honey I’m home.” Johnny said walking in the door. “How’s the most beautiful girl in the world?” He asked.
“I’m great. The baby has been really active today. I think he’s ready to come out soon!” Sally commented.
“Good, come on slugger, we can’t wait to see you.” Johnny kissed her belly and felt the baby kick.
THE END