Secrets of the Past

Chapter One - A Whisper in the Night

A flash of light, darkness surrounded him... there was the sound of a gunshot. A voice echoed his name repeatedly... Jonathan... Jonathan. He jerked awake. His heart pounded rapidly, he breathed heavily as sweat poured down his face and neck; it was happening again. He thought it was over¾little did he know this was just the beginning.

He leaned over the sink and splashed cool water on his face. He stared at his reflection in the mirror; his eyes were bloodshot and the circles under his eyes made it appear as though he had been in a fight. Perhaps he had been. Not a physical one, but a battle with his mind, or more accurately his past; this was going to be a long night.

The sunlight shimmered through the blinds of his hotel room as he rose from his bed and glanced at the clock...5:35 a.m. 

He ran his fingers through his coal-black hair and stopped at his neck as he began to try to massage the soreness out. He let out a sigh. He just stood there with his eyes closed in the hot shower, trying to let the steam and heat wash away all the filth that he felt was choking him. This had been going on for over three years... he just had to find a way past it.

He watched himself in the mirror as he tied his pinstriped tie. As he put his silver tie clip in place, he glanced in the mirror again and smoothed his collar down.

Although he didn't think about his looks, it was evident to all those around him that he was indeed a handsome man, jet black hair, eyes as blue as the ocean, deep dimples, an olive complexion, a tall, muscular figure, mellow voice, and an amazing smile to boot.

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"Egg's over easy with bacon?" "Yes, right here." The waitress set the plate down in front of him, "There you go, hon. Enjoy." He smiled, "Thank you." As he ate, he read over the morning paper... it seemed like the normal thing to do in the morning. While sipping his cappuccino, he glanced over the rim of his mug and saw a beautiful young woman. She was fair-skinned with auburn hair. As she stood, he couldn't help but admire her the way her snug dress showed off her slim waist and thin hips; she had a beautiful figure, yet she remained modest and conservative.

As she casually sashayed out the door the hem of her dress hung in the doorway causing her to stagger and fall backward. He immediately rushed to her and gently held out his hand. "Are you alright?" He asked as he helped her regain her footing.

She froze. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. She tried to say something but nothing came out. He smiled, she was far more beautiful up close. Her chestnut eyes were soft and tender; as were her delicate hands. They both seemed to be lost in a trance in each other's eyes; however whatever spell they were under was quickly broken by the voice of another young woman, "Sharla! Are you alright?" "Oh, Faith...yes, I'm fine. Thanks to this gentleman." Jonathan extended his hand, "Hi, I'm Jonathan." "I'm Faith Johnson. Nice to meet you." "Likewise." Sharla glanced at his left hand. No ring. 

She smiled, "Uh, thank you...Jonathan. My name is Sharla. Sharla Livingston."

He smiled and nodded, "It was my pleasure, Miss Livingston." "Oh, please call me, Sharla." He smiled again, this time revealing his deep dimples, "Alright, Sharla it is."

He watched them walk to their car, then as he sat down again, he reached in his suit jacket and pulled out a pen. He hastily wrote down her name on the corner of the newspaper: Sharla Livingston.

* * * *

"Sharla, hurry! The guest speaker is going to be here any minute!" shouted Faith. "I know, I'm trying. I don't understand why the entertainment committee decided to have a speaker on the effects of crime on the teenagers of America though. Everyone knows crime affects people of all ages." "Well, they say this guy is really good at what he does. Who knows he might even be cute." Faith teased.