A Long Road to Redemption

Epilogue

A month after Sidney left prison, she started working as a secretary at a small company in Warrenton. What she did not know was Mr. Brady had paid a visit to Jonathan Pierson to remind him of his father's promise before Sidney went away. Jonathan sent word to Sidney's employer to remind him of a favor he owed him, which was how she got her job. After he hung up the phone, Jonathan told Luke that this small deed started reforming the Pierson name. Luke decided to keep that information secret.

Sidney began attending church again a few months after her release. Still, she couldn't bring herself to attend the one her parents once held membership. She went to another church and became involved in the ministries there. She joined a Sunday School class for singles, and it gave her a place to fit in, and no one seemed to mind about her past. She was relieved but still a long way from beginning to trust people again.

One morning, Sidney heard an unusual noise coming from her engine. She called to work saying she had car trouble and would be late. She drove the car to a local dealership's service center and was met by the manager. She told him what was wrong, but she had a strange feeling about the man who ran the garage. "I'm sorry," she said to him, "I feel like I should know you. Have we met before?"

He smiled and told her that they had met. "I doubt you remember me since I haven't been there in a few weeks, but we are in the same Sunday School class." He seemed to blush a little, "I'm Jason," he said, pointing to the name on his uniform. "Jason Douglas. I recognized you the second you drove in. Not that I was staring you down or anything." Jason looked away for a moment.

Sidney smiled slightly, not knowing what to say. "Well, do you think you can fix my car today?"

"We are pretty busy right now, but tell you what. I'll take a look at it and see what I can do. Can I get your phone number so I can call you later?" he asked. Immediately, his eyes widened, and he stuttered, "So I can let you know about your car," he finally said.

"Uhm, yes, I would like that." Now it was her turn to be surprised, "So you can call me about my car, I mean." She thanked him and walked to the waiting area, where she called Luke Brady and told him about the car. He couldn't leave the office, but he sent his secretary to pick her up and take her to work.

The next day, the car was ready, but Jason was not at work when she got to the dealership. She drove home both disappointed and relieved. It's too soon, she thought to herself. I can't right now. Not yet. She put the thought out of her mind and went about the rest of her week.

That Sunday after her class, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Jason standing there and started a conversation with her. "Sorry, I didn't call. I had a lot of cars to work on, and we were short-handed," he said nervously. He seemed nervous, as if talking to her took a mountain of courage.

"Oh, it's ok, Jason. I'm just glad you got it fixed. Thank you."

"Well, I hope we did a good job on it." A silence followed before he continued. "Listen, I don't want to seem creepy, but I was wondering if uhm... Well, if you would like to have dinner sometime. I know a great little grill with the best steaks in town."

Sidney felt off balance. He seemed nice and sweet, but she didn't feel ready. She smiled slightly and said, "Yes, that sounds great." Instinctively, she put her hand to her mouth. "Wait, what?" she said, not knowing where that answer came from.

"I think I asked you out," Jason replied, almost in disbelief.

"Yes, I think you did," she responded. "Look, you seem like a really nice guy, so yes, I will go to dinner with you." You said it again, what are you saying? You're not ready for this; just tell him no. "Is Friday okay?"

"Sure. I'll pick you up at 7. How's that?"

"Sounds great," she said, surprised at what just happened.

The two met for dinner and watched movies together over the next several weeks. She told Jillian about what she had done. Jillian told Sidney she was happy for her. "You deserve someone in your life, Sidney. There's nothing wrong with that. You can't sit around that house all alone."

"I know Jillian, but I just don't think I'm ready. I'm not sure I can ever be with someone like that again."

"Give it time, Sidney. Take it slow, and give him a chance. Things will work out."

"I promise to try."

Jason and Sidney continued to date for a couple of months. That February, Jason came over to watch television and hang out with her. In his hands when he arrived was a small box of chocolates. "Oh gosh, Jason, I forgot it was Valentine's Day."

"It's alright," he said as he entered the house. The two sat on the couch, and she felt him place his arm around her. She flinched noticeably, and he quickly pulled his arm back.

"I'm sorry," Sidney said. "I just."

"It's ok. I thought this might happen. I like you a lot, Sidney. You're a sweet person, and I understand if we are moving too fast. It's ok even if you don't want to see me again. Well, not okay, but I understand."

"Jason, you don't know me or what I've been through. I've made some terrible choices."

"Sidney, I know a little about you. It's a small town, and people talk. I know where you've been, and I don't care. It doesn't matter to me where you've been or for how long. I want to be with you."

"How can you say that? You don't know me, I..." she was startled when he quickly kissed her on her cheek. She stared at him and placed her hand on the spot he kissed her. Something began to stir inside her. Try as she might she couldn't hide her feelings anymore.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I just..." Jason turned his eyes, stood to his feet, and started to leave.

Sidney grabbed his arm, stood up, and pulled him to her. "No, what you should have done was this." She kissed him and wrapped her arms around him. Though surprised, he took her into his arms. When they parted their lips, she rested her forehead against his, "I couldn't let that be my first kiss since I got out. I guess I still remember how after all," she said and kissed him again.

A year later, they were married in the church where they first met. Jillian's daughter, Lori, was the flower girl. Jillian complained that the dress Sidney picked for the bride's maids was not made for pregnant women. Sidney told her to pull it together and get dressed.

Luke Brady knocked on the door, ready to escort her down the aisle. Sidney hugged Jillian and waited for her turn to walk the aisle, where Jason stood ready for her.

On a chilly fall morning, Sidney found herself at the cemetery visiting her parents' grave. She tried to visit at least every other month. Most of the time, she didn't say anything; she just placed flowers from the garden and left. This time was different, though. She felt she had more to say.

"I wanted you both to know that I'm considering opening the print shop again. There are a few ideas I'm kicking around on how to modernize it. Jason supports me and says we make enough with his job at the dealership to get by while I get it running. That is, if I decide to do it, that is. I wish you could have met him. He reminds me sometimes so much of you, Dad. You would have liked him. He's good to me, and we care for each other." She drew a deep breath before she continued. "I wanted you both to be the first to know I'm pregnant. I just found out for sure a few days ago. I haven't told Jason yet, but he will be so excited. I wish you both could be here. I love you and miss you both."

Minutes later, she arrived home. Jason was already in the kitchen fixing dinner. As she closed the door, she thought about how lucky she was. Many people who leave prison are not nearly as fortunate as her. No, she thought, I'm not lucky, I'm blessed. She sat her things down and walked into the kitchen to help with dinner. Sidney kissed him on his cheek while he browned a pan of hamburger. At last, she felt like she was finally home.

Thank you all for reading A Long Road to Redemption. The story continues in Murder on the Strip, a short story, and Memories and Remorse. Please consider following me for these stories and more. Again thank you all.