Mandy

Chapter 49

You're gonna make it
The night can only last for so long
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   Jason smiled as he thought back to the beginning of his story. "My mom moved to Wisconsin right before I started my senior year of high school. I hadn't really met anyone here yet, but on the first day of school; I got paired with this amazing girl. She was beautiful, and smart too.

   It took me all year to gather enough courage to ask her to prom, and I was really surprised when she agreed to go with me."

   Jason smiled again. "We dated for three years before I asked her to marry me. She said yes, and we got married a year later."

"We were married for six years when I went out one night to go get some groceries. I took our daughter, Jaylee, with me."

He sighed. "I didn't remember all of what happened. A friend parked, and I left Jaylee sleeping in the car while I walked about five feet away to talk to him. I heard a bang, and I don't really remember what happened; but I know that I was arrested."

"I only had a couple court dates before the jury declared me guilty of setting a bomb with the intent to hurt people."

Jason looked over at Mandy and met her gaze. "I know how much it hurts to lose a child. I remember the pain."

   Mandy nodded.

   "I met Commander Robin and he told me about Christ while I was serving time. At first I didn't understand; or want to... but after awhile I got to thinking about what he was saying. I gave my life to Him about two weeks before I got the news that the man who had set the bomb had been caught setting another one."

Jason frowned. "I was a free man, but I'd signed everything I owned over to my wife. Commander Robin was there, and he told me there was a place he was sure I could get a job. So, here I am."

Mandy frowned. "So how does Jezette know you?" She asked, missing the glance that passed between the two men.

"Ann..." Caleb trailed off, glancing over at Jason.

"Jezette...I...I..." Jason sighed. "She was the love of my life."

Mandy looked shocked. "You were married...to her?"

Jason nodded slowly.

Mandy froze.

   Caleb hugged her closer to him.

   Mandy met Jason's gaze. "I'm sorry." She whispered softly. "I'm really sorry." She said again, then broke free of Caleb's embrace and left the room.

   "What?" Jason watched her leave, the confusion he felt echoed on his face.

   Caleb sighed. "If she wouldn't have left, she could have helped Jezette and you realize you weren't made for each other." He explained.

   "How in the world do you know that?" Jason asked, now looking shocked.

   Caleb smiled. "We're twins." He replied simply.

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I know most of y'all are silent readers, (and that's just fine!) but I would really like to hear what y'all are thinking right now. Did Mandy's story surprise you? Caleb's? Jason?