Second Chances: The Power of Hope

Chapter 1

Alana looked at her daughter as she played in the sand, and thought that there was no better sound than her giggles as she attempted to catch the seagulls. Her daughter had the power to help her relax and see life with hope and optimism on days she felt life had punched her in the gut. Today was different though, as she was close to her goal. Soon she would have enough money to move to her own place. She had already seen it. It was a small studio. It had one room that she would share with her daughter, a small kitchenette and a bathroom, and the best part was that it was furnished. It was perfect for them. She felt so blessed to finally reach her goal; all she needed was five more days of work to complete the rent money required.

She knew that things at home had been going from bad to worse, and the one most affected by it had been her daughter, but it had been so unexpected she had not known what to do or who to ask for help. The new bruises on her daughter’s legs and buttocks really bothered Alana. She had felt desperate and alone. It had been hard to be optimistic, but little by little she had been saving money and now all she needed was one more week. She prayed that God would protect her daughter. Her sweet baby had gone from a carefree, mischievous child to a quiet, morose child. She wanted her daughter back. Five more days and their nightmare would be over. She was so excited.

This morning they had gotten up ready to celebrate, and nothing was going to ruin this for them. Their first stop had been to visit their new place. Then they had gone to the store to get things for an impromptu picnic, and from there they had gone to the beach, a natural choice for them. It was a place that gave them freedom to play and relax and forget their circumstances.

The weather was still cool, but not cold enough to keep them away. The sky was clear blue with random fluffy clouds. They did not need jackets today, but their clothes, meant more for cooler weather than the beach, were a hindrance to their fun. They had made snow angels in the sand, collected shells and finally, when temptation had been more than they could handle, they had rolled their pants legs up and ran to the water to get their feet wet. They made a game of taunting the waves. Their laughter, every time a wave got too close to them, could have been heard a mile away.

Alana looked at the sun as it was beginning to descend, giving the optical illusion that it was going into the ocean, where it would be extinguished. It was so beautiful to see all the shades of red, orange and blue reflected on the ocean as the sun set on the horizon. The different colors reminded her that there was a God out there who loved her, and no matter how tough things were, He was in control. She knew that no matter what, things would turn out to be okay in the end, but right now as the sun was setting, she was reminded that it was time to go home and get everything ready for her work week to start.

Unfortunately, her daughter was never ready to stop the fun, and today was no different. On the way to the beach, her daughter had been excited, talking nonstop, and skipping and hopping all the way to the beach area from the car. She had also helped carry her beach toys while Alana carried the towels and food for their picnic. It was always a pleasure to come to the beach. Going home was a different story. Grace Alexandra refused to listen or help. She was just running away from Alana, trying to capture the last few minutes of fun.

Grace Alexandra, it’s time to go. Come help me carry this to the car. As expected, Alana’s command had been ignored. What else was new? She thought to herself. Alana tried to pack everything, but then her daughter had started running toward the parking lot. She pushed as many toys into the beach bag as possible and carried the pail full of shells they had collected in addition to a couple of toys in her hands. Between the towels, the pail and toys, Alana knew that she was carrying more things in her hands than she did in the bag.

Grace Alexandra, please wait for mommy! cautioned Alana as she was trying to catch up.

She dropped another toy, and as she bent to pick it up, this man dressed in loose jeans, a pullover, and boat shoes with no socks bent ahead of her. Sorry, you dropped this. he said.

Thanks, she smiled, and continued to walk, attempting to ignore the uneasiness that arose in her heart.

The man, being a perfect gentleman, stretched an arm out to take her things, May I help you carry those.

No thank you, I have it. She gave him a weak smile, but her apprehension increased a hundred fold. Strangers in isolated places made her feel uncomfortable, especially those who appeared from nowhere. I need to catch up before she makes it home without me. Excuse me.

He laughed and stood there watching her as she hurried away. She could feel his eyes on the back of her neck and she increased her speed toward her daughter and the safety of her car.

She hated the uneasiness she felt. She hated strangers, and could not understand why. She knew there were good people in this world, but perhaps she had not come into contact with many. All the people her mother exposed her to were jackasses, who took advantage of their circumstances, and today’s man of the season was worse than any of the past men her mother had brought home.

In the past, when she had been young, her mother had always protected her, not letting any of her boyfriends come near her. Alana understood that Nancy had become a slave to the bottle. The more she drank, the less control she had. Now, their once imperfect, but happy home had become a place of uneasiness. Her mother’s new boyfriend terrified her. The only solution she saw was to move away, but she needed money for that. Every place she looked at demanded three months of rent, and on top of that she had to find someone she could trust to help with her daughter. All of that took money she had been saving. It had been difficult, as she was the only provider in their home. Most of her mother's boyfriends came and went, not the last one. He came and stayed. Well, soon they would have to fend for themselves. Alana could not help the bubble of excitement she felt at finally being free of their situation.

****

Today had been a wasted day. He had left his hotel early in the morning in search of an isolated place to rent. His whole purpose in life was vengeance. He had to get even with the three bozos that had barged into his life and destroyed everything. They had even taken his brother away. Now he had a list of things he had to accomplish before he did to them what they had done to him, and an isolated place was a must.

When his search had been futile, he had come to the beach on a whim. He had been frustrated and angry, but the beautiful sight that waited for him had taken his breath away. She was so beautiful. She was his already, she just didn't know it yet. He could not wait.

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!

Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!

Psalm 144:15

Chapter 2

Maria Esperanza, taking advantage of the few moments she had alone in the house, found herself in the kitchen. She loved to cook and loved to see everyone at home enjoying with 'oohs and aahs' whatever she placed in front of them. Today she felt an over abundance of energy and excitement. Her older brother had called to tell her he was coming for a visit. Other than her children, her brother was her very favorite person, and she wanted to show him how important he was to her. She had gotten up early to plan his favorite meal.

Today she was making bread, and while she waited for the bread to rise, she had decided to get all the ingredients ready to cook chicken Parmesan, Caesar salad and for dessert chocolate mousse.

As Maria Esperanza was cutting the chicken, she heard the doorbell ring. She froze. Could that be him already? It was too soon. She took a deep breath and looked at her hands. They were full of chicken juice and she needed to wash them before she went to the door. Then her phone rang. Did everything have to happen at the same time? She ran to her phone first, without looking at the caller ID, she answered it.

Hey sister do you not know how to open the door? I know you are home, she heard on the other line.

The confusion she felt at hearing him on the other line was immediately taken over by the excitement she felt at seeing him. It had been over a year since she had seen him last. He had always taken care of her and he was probably the only person she could trust with her life. She ran to the door.

Oh my! Is that you ringing the bell nonstop? I'm going to kill you! She opened the door with the phone still on her ear and threw herself into her brother’s arms. I've missed you so much. The kids are going to be so happy when they see you. How long are you staying?

Marcus laughed, squeezed her waist and gently pushed her away. I need a place to crash for a few days. Do you have extra room with all the kids you have now?

Of course, your old room, you know mother won't let us use it. Is everything okay? Did you have a falling out with Andrew and John? Because if you did, Mother would be ecstatic.

No, nothing like that. I just needed a couple of days off, and business is slow right now. I’ve missed you and mother.

Is that so? Since when have you ever missed us?

I’ve missed you, but anyhow, business is slow. John and Rosalyn had their baby and you know how much I like babies.

Well, come on in and get comfortable. The boys are in the backyard with Mother. They are going to jump all over you when they see you, and Mother is going to freak. Silently she prayed that their mother behaved. This was something to pray about. Their mother never wasted an opportunity to let them know that they could choose better friends that would eventually lead to better choice of marriage partners. She did not mind her mother's nonsense talk, but she knew Marcus did. Maria Esperanza smiled at her brother and decided not to let it worry her.

I'll settle in my old room then. Don't let them know I’m here until after my shower. I need to rinse this sand off. He replied as he walked in with his duffle bag in one hand and his laptop in the other.

You went to the beach, before you came here. Now I know there is something wrong.

Nothing wrong sis. Just let me get cleaned up.

When did you get here? It's a twelve hour drive and right now it's barely eleven.

I arrived yesterday, and decided to wait until today to come. He could see the disappointment in her eyes, but he had never lied to her and he was not going to start today.

Maria took a deep breath and continued to smile.

Okay, go; and Marcus, watch out what message you send our mother. She still hopes you move back home and take over the company.

As if that would ever happen? I hate that place!

I know big brother, but you were groomed for it. It is your duty.

I thought Fred was going to take over.

If he has no choice, he will. But that does not stop mother from hoping you take over.

I won’t stay long, so don't worry about what message I give her.

You know very well, that I did not mean for you to leave soon. Just be careful what you say. She will turn it around to fit her ideals.

Thanks for the advice, sis. Marcus took a deep breath. This was the reason he did not visit his family more often. He had to be in constant control of his actions and his words, and he hated the duplicity.

****

It took me so long to find out everything about them. Three friends growing up in the same neighborhood was too perfect. Right now I need to find their weaknesses. They took my brother; I will take their families. Who would have thought that it would be this easy? Patience will bring me victory.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,

who walk in the law of the Lord!

Psalm 119:1

Chapter 3

Where have you been?

Alana froze. She was not expecting anyone to be home. The house had been dark and their car was gone. Both her and her daughter had a wonderful day and now she needed to get everything ready for her workweek to start. She did not want to ruin her wonderful day dealing with garbage, and he was garbage. She straightened her shoulders and continued to walk toward her room, ignoring the man.

The next thing she felt was a sharp pain in her lower back. She continued to walk toward her room. She would not let this man intimidate her. She already gave him her money to leave her daughter alone. How funny, this was not even his place and she had to pay him.

I am speaking to you Alana, and you will not ignore me.

She stopped and looked at him, I am not ignoring you. I do not want Grace Alexandra to wake up. It was a long day.

Next time, when I speak to you, you’ll stop and you will show me some respect.

She did not stop this time, but nodded. She knew from prior experiences that things could get ugly if she did not give him the attention he wanted and it did not hurt any to show him some respect in order to keep her daughter safe. Five more days and this will be all over.

Don’t make me wait. She heard him say as she closed her bedroom door.

As Alana placed her daughter on her bed, she could not help the tears that were pooling in her eyes. She refused to cry. This animal enjoyed intimidating the women he encountered and she was not going to be intimidated.

How could her mother do this to them? She loved her mother, but she did not understand her weakness. The bottle consumed her and now both her and her daughter were paying the consequences with the new guy she had brought to the house. It had been three months of torture. Alana wanted to scream in frustration.

After Alana changed her sleepy daughter and placed her on the bed, she went to look at her back. What ever Carlos had thrown at her, had left a mark, but did not cut the skin open. She will be okay by morning. Now she needed to go and face the music. Soon, this will be over. She almost had enough money to be able to move.

Alana smiled at her reflection. Then she laughed at her circumstances. She felt that she was putting all her hope in the five days. She had forgotten that nothing was as she predicted. She needed to pray and hope. The one Bible verse she remembered from her childhood was found in Psalms 71:14 Hope continually and praise Him more and more. She had held on to that one verse all these years and now she needed to remember that she was not in control.

The next day at work, Alana felt apprehension all day long. She had this feeling that things were not going well at home. She should have woken Carlos up to give him attention and appease him. In the past all he had wanted was to talk. Now she was here wondering if he would get even with Grace Alexandra. Carlos was unpredictable and vengeful.

How she wished, her mother kicked him out. She had never allowed another man to take the liberties this monster took. Nancy had many problems, but she had always been a good mother to her. The bottle had changed her. She had not seen her mother sober in ages.

****

He felt the frustration growing in his soul. His brother had told him that patience was the key to success. Well, he had been patient. He had watched her go. He paid closed attention to her car and license plate. He had driven this miserable town from one end to the other and he had not found her. He needed her. She was just what the doctor ordered for his peace of mind.

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!

Psalm 134:2

Chapter 4

Maria Esperanza stood by the door of the playroom looking at her three kids playing with their uncle. She had not heard them laugh this hard in forever. Boys needed to play rough and for that they needed a man to be around. Both her and her mother gave the boys attention and played with them, but it was calm and organize play, not rambunctious and loud play. She loved to hear their excitement.

It would be so wonderful if her big brother moved closer to them. The kids loved their uncle and she missed her brother. In her kids’ eyes, their uncle was the fun one, while she was the boring one. He broke every rule ever implanted and Maria Esperanza knew he did it on purpose. It was okay, as sometimes, she went overboard with her strictness. Her brother was the opposite. He’d had a problem with rules ever since he was a child in elementary school.

She continued to watch them as they played. Her brother was in the middle of the chaos, with one kid pulling one of his legs, trying to knock him down while he lifted the other in a flying motion and the third was jumping on his back. She will save this moment in her mind. Her brother was making memories. Maria Esperanza ran to get her camera and capture this moment for the future.

Marcus was glad he had come home. He loved his mother and sister, but his nephews were his favorite by far, probably because he did not expect to ever have children of his own. He could not be happier with his decision. He did not want to have the responsibilities that married life demanded; being single was the perfect choice for him. He loved having the freedom to come and go as he pleased. If he was so happy why was he feeling so down?

He hated when his subconscious spoke to him, but this time his subconscious was wrong. The only reason he was feeling out of whack was because his life was changing and he could not do anything about it.

Andrew had been his best friend since elementary school and they had shared so many adventures together. Now, he had to ruin it all by falling in love and getting married. Marcus did not feel ready to share his best friend. He did not resent his friend's happiness; he was just going to miss the freedom they had.

Marcus, unaccustomed to his current state of mind, decided to go out. He needed a break from his loving mother, his caring sister and his three rambunctious nephews. He needed to get out of the house. The walls were closing in on him. He would stay the weekend and then go back where he could make a difference in the lives of others. No more of this 'pity me' behavior, he told himself.

As he drove around the town, he remembered all the good things about his childhood, but with the good came the bad. He had hated his childhood and the struggles he went through. The worst feeling had been the loneliness he felt when he was isolated from the other kids. He did not remember ever participating in recess. For him, recess was a time to catch up on things he did not finish on time. Those assignments were not completed during recess either as he spent that time wondering how nice it would be to get to play and have friends. The more time he spent completing assignments, the more lonely and isolated he felt.

Once he met Andrew, things changed. His foster family taught him how good it felt to be loved, wanted and accepted without any strings attached. As a child, it seemed to him that every bit of attention he received from his parents was attached to something he accomplished. He only noticed his parents' pride on those special occasions he excelled at something, but it was not easy.

His parents’ first priority was their work. They were always too busy to come to a game, or an open house at school. In their eyes, in order to be good parents they had to be good providers, and that meant working sixteen-hour days. Besides the normal demands of their jobs, they travelled. They were constantly out of town, and Marcus and Maria Esperanza had been raised by the tutors and housekeeping staff.

His dad was a prolific businessman and his mother a journalist. There was no doubt in his mind that his parents loved each other, and that they loved their kids, they just had different ways of showing their love. Unfortunately, as a child he had seen their absence as his fault.

He remembered how desperately he wanted his father’s approval, but he never experienced it. He had tried his best at his schoolwork, but no matter how much energy he invested in the homework, it