The Turning Point

CHAPTER TWELVE- THE FRIENDLY JOHNSON

Heloyse

It had been a month since I arrived in Clearwater. I had contacted Ashley and Margot, but neither mentioned Michael. I didn’t know if they had seen him or heard from him, and in a way, that was a relief. Sometimes I even forgot about him, but when I remembered, a subtle discomfort would invade me.

I had my difficult moments. At times, I longed for company; at other times, I preferred solitude. There were days when I felt happy with the Ferrels, but on other days, I succumbed to discouragement. Not because of Michael, but because of the same anxieties that always haunted me—those that made me cling to him as if he were my last refuge. The fear of loneliness tormented me, but it was so familiar that, despite the fear, it was the only real thing in my life.

I created a garden in the backyard of the small wooden house. I planted several flower seedlings that Thom had brought, and it helped me pass the time. On the porch, I set up a hammock, a table, chairs, and a rocking chair they weren’t using. I loved the result; the space became a welcoming refuge.

So far, I hadn’t been to the city, but I needed to go now to buy my pills, shampoos, and other personal hygiene items. I asked Cielo to come with me.

We got in the red truck Thom had left for me to use and set off together. We passed by Mr. O'Connor’s property. I still hadn’t met him, but the pasture in front of my house belonged to him. The main house, visible through the gaps in the large gate, was impressive. A road lined with towering trees and palm trees led to the house entrance. Everything there was breathtaking.

In town, we stopped at the market and then at the pharmacy. As we were leaving, we crossed paths with a young woman with shoulder-length red hair and striking green eyes. She wore a brown dress and delicate boots. She was taller than me, slim in an elegant and graceful way.

“Dona Cielo! How are you?” the young woman asked, greeting her with a hug.

“I’m fine, dear.”

“And who is your friend?”

“This is Heloyse Sanders! Heloyse, this is Patsy White!”

“Hi!” was all I managed to say.

“You’re not from here, are you?”

“No.”

She kept looking at me with a fake smile on her face before asking:

“So?”

“So, what?”

“Where are you from?”

“Ah... Boston!”

“Okay,” she paused for a few seconds, looking at my clothes, and then smiled. “The conversation has truly been pleasant, but I have to go. I need to do my nails. It was nice to meet you”—her face said otherwise—“and see you later, Dona Cielo.”

“See you,” Cielo said, rolling her eyes.

We walked to the truck. I turned around and smiled at her.

“She’s beautiful.”

“And sometimes she’s unbearable. She thinks she’s better than everyone here.”

“Beautiful the way she is…”

“Don’t be silly, Lisy. That gives her the right to feel superior to others. Look at you... You’re beautiful too, and you know how to be humble.”

“Me, beautiful? Oh, please, don’t make me laugh, Katherine!”

She put her hands on her waist and then pointed to a group of young men.

"Are you having trouble with your eyes? Don't you see them over there? They haven't taken their eyes off you since you arrived. And at the market, the men were practically breaking their necks just to look at you. If you can't see your beauty, I'll ask Thom to replace your mirror with a bigger one."

I laughed.

"They look at me because I'm not from here, and if they're flirting with me, it's because I'm something new."

"Lisy, you're even dumber than Megan," she said as she got into the truck.

I laughed again.

Not even ten seconds had passed when I realized that one of my bags was missing.

"You forgot this at the pharmacy."

I was startled when I noticed someone standing by the truck window. The man held my bag between his fingers, lifting it up. A smile adorned his face. A very handsome face, actually. He had dark hair, just like his eyes. His hair was cut short, military style, and his face was clean-shaven. His shirt, with a few buttons undone at the top, was tucked into a pair of tight jeans that made him look even more attractive.

"How are you, Johnson?"

"Very well! And you, Miss Cielo?"

"I'm fine, and thank you for bringing Lisy's things."

He stepped closer, still smiling, and extended the bag for me to take.

"My name is Johnson!"

"Nice to meet you. I'm Heloyse. But you can call me Lisy."

Johnson's smile widened even more, and before I knew it, I was smiling too.

"I definitely will. And whenever you feel like having lunch, you're welcome at my restaurant. It's on the house."

"Thank you."

"See you around. It was a pleasure meeting you. And send my regards to Thom, Miss Cielo."

"I will. Have a good day, Johnson," Cielo replied.

I watched him walk away and started the truck.

"He's handsome, isn't he?"

"Would you believe I didn't even notice?" I said, trying to hide my smile.

"Don't tell me you're trying to fool this poor old lady?"

I let out a loud laugh and turned on the radio.

On the way to the Ferrel ranch, a huge black truck sped past, kicking up dust and a few small rocks.

"There goes Will. Always like a storm. He is a storm."

I looked in the mirror, but there was no sign of the big truck anymore.

"This Mr. O'Connor, or Will, as you call him, is he married? Does he have kids?"

"Believe me, no woman can handle him. Many have tried, but his personality doesn't let anyone get close. He doesn't get involved with anyone. Old Will is going to end up alone."

"Old? So he was old?"

Cielo greeted some elderly men passing by on the road, and soon, Will was no longer the topic of conversation.