Heartbreaks, Prosecution, and Retribution

Chapter 16 : Back Home

Finally, after saving some money, once again, I had the money to travel back to the states for a visit. The process of leaving my wife and kid behind was hard. I didn't want to go, but I promised my family I would see them. Since this was my chance, I took it.

The day I left, I had to wake up early to catch the bus ride to the airport. The ride was an hour long, so of course, I had to do backward planning in order to wake up in time.

I finally got to the airport, so I called Rose and told her I was here and getting ready to board. I expressed my sadness over the phone of leaving them but told her, "I love you and I will see you soon."

As she encouraged me to go, she said, "Everything here will be alright. Plus, you will be back soon, so go see your family."

Once I boarded the plane, I was leery about the flight. I hate takeoffs and landing. I just never enjoy the feeling of my stomach going up and down. Of course, that wasn't the case. I also knew I would be sitting in a seat for thirteen hours and then changing flights for another two and a half hours.

The duration was a killer. I cannot really sleep on planes, and since I don't like taking sleeping medication, it looked as if I was going to be bored for a long time. I brought with me a few books to read and a crossword puzzle to keep myself busy. I got bored with these items rather quickly since I have short attention spans. I was just wishing that the time would go by quicker.

After the long flight, I finally arrived at my destination which was Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. My grandmother and aunt picked me up. My parents and sisters were at my grandmother's waiting for my arrival, which was about 30 minutes away. It didn't make sense to bring everyone to the airport anyway. It was late, and all of my luggage would take up most of the space anyway. Considering my grandmother and aunt knew how to get there, I waited for them.

Once I got home, I saw so much had changed in just the past few years I was gone. Certain stores have been built; others have been closed. There were even new streetlights put up in locations that weren't there before. And, much like when I went to Korea, the initial smell of the air was something to get used to. Well, now the same thing happened when I came home.

Since being back, I also found out that both of my sisters had graduated from school. One of them was living at that time with her boyfriend in the country about fifteen miles away from home. My other sister is still living at home with our dad.

Even though before I came home, I found out that my parents got divorced after twenty-two years of marriage. It was sad really. I had gotten a divorce, but only after four years and I am still young to adapt to whatever. Now, I am happily married to a good life and a beautiful caring wife with our child.

After a week of being back in my hometown, I borrowed my mother's car and was filling it up at the gas station. My mom told me to only put twenty dollars in it due to the gas prices, but I didn't care about the price. I was going to fill it all the way since I was paying for it and using the car for the time being.

As I was pumping the gas, I looked up and there, across from me, was Nikole. I quickly looked back at the gas pump, analyzing the price and gallons of the fuel it keeps going up.

Just then I heard my name in the distance "James . . . James is that you!" Nikole said.

"Yes, it is me. How are you doing?" I replied with a friendly gesture, hoping not to get into a conversation. She came over to me and hugged me gently as if I was a long-lost relative.

"How have you been? Have you been back here long?" she asked. "Only for a week," I replied. She asked, "Maybe we could go out to dinner later to catch up on old times. I know your ex-wife and I are best friends, and this could be awkward. If not dinner, then at least come by for a visit."

I replied, "Thanks, but no thanks. I am happily remarried with a child of my own. Plus, my visit is just for my family and not to get too distracted or intermingled with anyone."

Right then, she attempted to introduce me to her new boyfriend. He was poorly shaven. He was wearing worn blue jeans and a tacky unbuttoned shirt. I didn't have anything against this man. It just reminded me of the song "Scrub." Quite ironically, Nikole and Jessica used to play that song consistently. I'd never thought they would never stoop low enough to live in a trailer park with some broke bastard.

I said, "I am kind of in a hurry."

I just wanted to get on my way now. She still enticed me to do something as if I owed her. She kept talking to me. I was hoping she would just shut the hell up and leave. Then she asked, "Don't you miss this place here. We're your friends?" I replied "What friends, I hate this place; this isn't my home. I have family here, that's all."

This place made me feel unwanted. How could something that made me feel at ease now make me feel estranged? I have no friends anymore. They have either moved on or have become so ignorant of their loathsome lives that they do not recognize society. They are unappreciative and are in denial of their own performance in life. There were actually a few friends that I still communicated with here and there, but they, themselves, had their own problems to deal with.

"I am only here to visit my family whom I love and cherish," I told her.

She looked as if someone in her family had died. With such a face, she said in a soft, polite manner, "Alright. I guess I'll see you around. Take care," she then finally left.

I could now finally proceed to go pay for the gasoline. I looked at the total price. I was amazed at how much the gas prices had raised. Of course, that was probably why my mother told me to put in only twenty dollars, but since I was also using the car, I ended up spending close to $55.00 on a full tank.

When I got back to my dad's house later on that night, I called Rose to see how they were doing since I haven't called them in a while. I missed them so much. It was morning there, around 8 a.m. or so when I called. Since I couldn't find a place that sold international calling cards around here, I had to use my computer's Instant Messenger's calling service, which was something I was really glad to have gotten into at the time. With that, I had the capabilities to change the area settings on the computer for easy access and cost rates.

Finally, after about the five or six rings, Rose answered, "Hello."

"Hi, Sweetheart, how are you doing?" I said, asking how Nathan was doing as well. She replied, "We are fine. We are sleeping or at least were, but that's ok! How are you?"

I am fine. I can't wait to be back with you and Nathan in a couple of days."

"How is your family doing?" she asked.

"They all are doing quite well, and they are looking forward to meeting you in person and of course to see our baby, Nathan." I went on and on about my little trip as the evening drew more tiring. But before we got off the phone, Rose asked one last question. "Have you seen your ex-wife?"

"No, hell no! I don't wish to see her. I think she is in California." I told her. "That's good, I hope anyway," she replied, as she was assuming that I was going to go see her.

"Well, I guess I better let you go since I am nearly falling asleep here on the phone," I said. She agreed we should go so she could get ready for breakfast, and I could go to sleep.

"Well,I love you and see you soon, Ok. Don't worry, it is only a few more days," Isaid. "I love you too and good night," Rose replied with her soft voice. Thenshe hung up the phone.