Finding Hope

by K Broas

  “Yeah, I’m hungry and could sure use a little dinner. What would you recommend?” Isaac asked the clerk outside his room.

  “We have so many things. What are you in the mood for?” the cheerful order taker asked. “Do you like lemon? We have the best lemon tarts.”

  Isaac looked at the menu and finally selected a slice of carrot cake.

  “Ok sir. I’ll run this down. Give us ten, maybe fifteen minutes. Someone will bring it up.”

  Isaac signed the slip and assigned a generous tip. “Is there anyway Joy could bring it up? We’re old friends,” Isaac explained.

  “That should be no problem. Just give us a few minutes,” The clerk responded.

  Returning to his room, Isaac became nervous as he waited for Joy. He went to the bathroom to freshen up – brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and making sure he looked his best. Shortly after Isaac placed his order, the moment finally came. He heard a soft knock on his door. He opened it up to see Joy’s beautiful smiling face.

  “Hey sweetie, couldn’t wait could you?” Joy said in her usual confident way.

  Isaac, overwhelmed with the moment took the tray, set it down on a table nearby, and embraced Joy. She looked at his kind smile and fell into his bright green eyes. He slowly moved in and kissed her waiting lips. Shutting the door behind Joy, he held her close feeling her firm soft body on his chest and pelvis. She held him tightly, kissing him deeply, and feeling the connection she knew was there. Isaac ran his hand down and wrapped his arm around the small of her back pulling her to him completely.

  After several moments of passionate kissing, Isaac broke free from the embrace.

  “I had to see you. You’re all I think about,” Isaac said dizzy from the kiss.

  “That was nice. I could’ve done that all night,” Joy said still clinging on to Isaac’s lean body. “What took you so long?”

  “I’ve never been with someone like you. I wasn’t sure what to do. You mean so much to me, and yet we’ve just met,” he replied lost in the desire to kiss her lips again.

  “You’re all I think about, too. It must be our past lives. We’re drawn together,” Joy said sliding her fingers through his soft red hair.

  Isaac smiled and gave Joy another warm kiss. “I can’t wait to see you later. I’ll be right here waiting.”

  Joy stumbled out of Isaac’s room feeling drunk from his kiss. Her head was spinning as she thought about his face. She knew she had spent time with Isaac in the past. It was the kind of memory that was hidden deep in a distant area of her mind. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she knew it was there. It felt like it was from her childhood. Maybe middle school, like he was her first love. The longer she thought about the memory, the more fleeting it became. For the next two hours she tried to uncover the mystery while she completed her shift.

  Around ten-thirty, Joy settled up her orders and completed her shift. She quickly changed her clothes and hurried off to Isaac’s room. As she reached the lobby and the front staircase which led to his floor, she found Isaac standing alone waiting for her.

  “Hey stranger, I thought you’d forgotten about us,” Isaac said leaning against the front desk.

  Joy smiled and responded, “I could never forget this glorious night. Why are you down here? I thought we were going to meet in your room.”

  Isaac revealed a bottle of wine and a blanket he had taken from the hotel room. “I thought it would be nice to sit by the ocean and talk in the moonlight. I want to relive our past life,” Isaac said mysteriously. Joy smiled and grabbed Isaac’s hand, leading him out onto the beach.

  When Mr. Howard returned home earlier that day, he was quickly surrounded by people connected to the upcoming election. It had been six years since the current president suspended elections during the collapse of the country. Since then, the winds of change were strong. The people of America were strong from living through the darkest days this country had ever experienced. Despite the nationalistic trends fanning the flames of war and revenge, the country was quite polarized. The two primary parties were split between those who were fighting to return America to a place of global dominance and those who wanted to move forward learning from the mistakes of the past. There was so much at stake in the election next fall, and powerful leaders knew it. Members of influential groups were sinking money into both campaigns hoping to have a seat at the table for the rebuilding of America.

  “So Mr. Howard, do you have your talking points for tomorrow’s speech? We want to make sure everything goes as planned. Mr. Dranias is polling well, and he’ll be hitting on foreign policy throughout the debate,” one of Mr. Howard’s aides explained. “We should try to avoid the topic and focus of domestic issues whenever possible.”

  Mr. Howard put down the stacks of papers he was reviewing and looked up, clearly annoyed by the state of the campaign. “I don’t know why we have to run from the issues. There are many like me who believe a non-interventionist approach to foreign affairs is appropriate. We need to rebuild our infrastructure and capital is short. Even if we still have one third of our military available, now is not the time to get ourselves caught up in war and conflict. I know the European Union is pushing for the new colonies, but isn’t that what got us into this mess in the first place?”

  Another tall man dressed in a fine Italian suit interjected, “People just want to get their lives back. Energy is going to be a central issue. We have to plan for how we’re going to address that.”

  Mr. Howard anticipated his words. He knew very well that the global financial markets were a mess and that cheap energy was a real problem. America had made real progress with shale from the Rockies, and the tar sands are finally recovering some sizable oil reserves, but coal was the primary resource in his campaign. “I don’t think securing vast amounts of energy is the key here. It comes down to smart growth and how to use the resources we have available,” Mr. Howard said feeling the frustration of the situation. “It needs to be about keeping things local – local food, local products, and local governance. These are the things people need to understand. That being said, I know this is very unpopular among the global think tanks.”

  Mr. Howard had become a huge proponent in conservation by limiting the flow of oil and gas to utilize natural gas and electricity from coal. “We’ve spent so much time rebuilding the grid, and we finally have natural gas fuel coming online. Why do we want to take these steps backwards? While the world clamors for oil, we need to sidestep the old fossil fuels and look to the future,” said Mr. Howard. “These solutions work in a localized economy. Rail can move so many products efficiently if we spend the time to develop the supply chains. We just have to be smart. Use that ol’ American ingenuity to live with the resources we have left.”

  Even though Mr. Howard’s campaign was doing well gathering support from people across the country, finances were running low. Mr. Howard was a principled man always standing strong to his convictions. There had been many opportunities to align with wealthy men, but since they didn’t share his views, he avoided the partnership. The Conservative Party, led by Sariel Dranias, was also doing very well. In addition, Sariel’s campaign was well funded, receiving donations from global leaders. Their primary issue was to re-establish America as a world power and secure cheap and abundant oil for those who cooperate. They felt growth was required to stimulate the economy, and without a steady stream of energy, that growth was impossible. Business leaders were doing everything in their power to re-engage the American consumer at all costs. Without American consumption, profits were non-existent. The friction between the two parties was palpable, consuming the debate. With so many interests to be served, the election was important for many countries. It was a dangerous time to be in politics and an even more precarious time to be a party leader.

  The moon was high in the crisp November night painting sparks of white across the rough and endless sea. Isaac and Joy walked along the shoreline wrapped in the blanket he had brought from the Chez Moerae.
They walked for almost thirty minutes holding on to one another in silence. When they found a small stretch of the coast covered with ammophila, they sat down in the tall beach grass. They sat quietly looking out across the ocean feeling as if they had done this many times before. Isaac opened the bottle of wine with a small cork screw he had taken from his room, and passed it to Joy. She took a healthy pull from the bottle as the spirits danced across her tongue.

  “Were you ever able to figure it out?” Isaac whispered. “Do you know how we met?”

  Joy remained deep in thought looking at the curves of the black water as they came alive in the moonlight. “I haven’t,” she whispered back. “That doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here with me now.”

  Isaac tipped the bottle back and swallowed the fine fermented grapes letting the aroma spiral around in his nose and sinuses. “I feel it too. This was meant to be,” Isaac added.

  They sat together with Joy’s back pressed firmly into Isaac’s side holding each other like kindred spirits.

  “Your dad went back to Dover today, right? Was he mad when you stayed behind?” Joy asked snuggling deeply into Isaac.

  “I think he understood. He just needed to get back because my mom hasn’t been feeling that great,” Isaac responded.

  Sliding her petite fingers along Isaac’s arm, Joy asked, “Is she sick?”

  “Not really. She’s been struggling with her recovery for quite some time. She had ovarian cancer several years back and still struggles with the aftermath. She had a long history of polyps, and then one day we found out she had cancer,” Isaac in an expressionless tone. “She’s struggled with it most of her life.”

  Joy continued to caress Isaac’s arm and asked, “Were there any complication when you were born?”

  “Well, not really. Actually, I’m adopted. They took me in and raised me when I was five years old,” Isaac hesitated obviously avoiding any further questions about his parents.

  “What do you remember about your folks?” Isaac asked looking down at Joy. “I can only imagine how painful that must have been.”

  “I try not to think about it. The memories are too hard to live with. We maybe didn’t see eye to eye, but without them, I feel lost sometimes. It’s like I no longer have a home. Nowhere to turn to and feel safe, ya know,” Joy answered. “I miss them every day.” Joy looked up at Isaac and put her hand softly on his cheek. Looking into his kind eyes Joy said, “I feel at home with you. There’s something I can’t explain when we’re together. You make me feel safe.”

  The cold autumn wind blew off the ocean forcing the young couple seek refuge in each other’s arms. “It’s so cold but lying here with you I feel so safe,” Joy said feeling her defenses melt away. “I could stay here forever.”

  Isaac felt emotions stir within his soul as he held Joy. “I know how you feel. There’s no place I’d rather be. You’re so amazing,” Isaac again whispered.

  Joy slowly rolled over and held onto Isaac, her eyes locked on his. She kissed him. Isaac kissed her back with his soft lips open in the dark salty air. Lying on his back, Isaac continued to taste the wine from Joy’s tender lips and mouth, their tongues gently touching. Warm in the blanket, rolled up on the beach, they continued to kiss in the darkness.

  The splendor of the heavens shed its light down all around Joy and Isaac as the shared each other’s passion. The heat from their bodies blazed amongst the cold sand.

  “You feel so right,” Joy said as Isaac explored her neck with his kiss. “I want to feel your body next to mine.”

  Isaac removed his shirt and pants down to his boxers as the continued to move their lips together passionately. Joy then removed her shirt, bra, and skirt exposing her caramel skin beneath the blanket. With arms wrapped around one another, they felt the heat of their bodies as their skin caressed each other.

  Joy was lying on top of Isaac, her breasts pressed against his muscular chest, tasting the anticipation on his lips and tongue. She leaned up and slid forward showing Isaac her firm body and young breasts as he began to carefully kiss and explore with his mouth. She could feel his cotton boxers become firm through her silk underwear as she slid back and forth in ecstasy.

  “Joy, are you sure you want to do this? I don’t want any regrets,” Isaac said breathing heavily.

  “I do. This moment is all that matters,” she whispered in his ear with him throbbing between her legs.

  “I want you so badly. You’re so beautiful and you mean so much to me. I love you,” Isaac exclaimed.

  “I love you too Isaac. This is where we should be tonight,” Joy responded.

  Joy continued to slide back and forth straddling Isaac, as he licked and kissed her naked chest. She reached down into Isaac’s shorts and grabbed him firmly. She then climbed up, slid her underwear aside, and sat down on him in complete satisfaction. Their skin tingled with pleasure lying among the sand, surf, and stars.

  “I love you so much Isaac,” she moaned feeling him deep inside her.

  Isaac, fully alive in the perfection of the moment, tried to remain strong, “My Joy, I love you so much.”

  Lying together, covered by the blanket, their bodies moved in and out of one another. Joy slowly sat up and started rhythmically pushing Isaac’s firm body deeper inside her. Faster and faster she moved as he rubbed her breasts in his hands. Isaac felt her warm wetness cover him entirely as she rode him tenderly and completely. Her body trembled in the midnight air. In and out they moved, Joy accepting every inch of Isaac. Her eyes locked on his. She began to groan as their bodies moved faster. The blanket fell to the side as Joy sat upright, her firm naked body exposed in the moonlight. She slid onto him over and over as he held her hips tightly thrusting himself into her with his muscular hips and stomach. Joy cried out in pleasure and released completely as Isaac reached his climax in the purity of the moment. She collapsed on him, exhausted and in love, while Isaac held her close feeling the same emotions.

  Chapter 14

  Finding Strength

  As December rolled into the tiny town of Chapel Hill, the small community of families were preparing for winter. The children were equally hard at work getting ready for the Christmas pageant. Hope was enjoying her time with the children. She’d watch them rehearse their lines and sing their glorious carols. The costumes were complete, and everyone marveled at what Hope had accomplished. They had become authentic works of art with the quality of a multi-million dollar Hollywood production.

  Hope was beginning to feel at home in her new community. She enjoyed her work but after spending so much time with the children, Hope had grown to love them. She was proud of them as she’d watch them perform. One little boy in particular stood out to her. He was a little red haired boy who was just six years old. His name was Billy. He was playing the part of a shepherd in the upcoming play. A last minute addition, he was struggling with his lines, and his oversized costume just wasn’t fitting him at all.

  As Hope sat watching the children rehearse, she spotted Stephanie crossing the auditorium. Hope liked Stephanie but had never been able to fully connect with her. As she headed in Hope’s direction, it was clear she had another favor to ask.

  “I know you’ll be catching the train next week, but I was hoping you could help me out with one final task,” Stephanie asked wincing with guilt. “Billy’s costume is just too big. It needs to be hemmed up and brought in on the sides. Do you think you could set time aside to help with that?”

  Loving the feeling of being needed by the children, Hope answered, “Not a problem at all. I should have plenty of time to get him measured and will have it tailored before I go.”

  Stephanie then looked at Hope as a melancholy expression fell across her face. “Do you know how many people are going to miss you Hope? You’ve impacted so many of us. Your strength and determination is so uncommon. I know that I admire you,” Stephanie admitted with a small tear clinging to the corner of her eye. “I wish I had gotten to know you better.”

  Hope
felt her heart break a little at the thought of leaving this town and the people she had come to know. It was unexpected and caught her off guard. Hope’s eyes filled with emotion as she stood up to give Stephanie a tender hug.

  “I’ll miss you guys too,” Hope admitted. “I’m not that strong. This town, the people here – you guys have real strength. And I’ll miss each and every one of you.” Hope emotions poured out uncontrolled as she held the person she thought she had no connection to.

  After a long day of helping Stephanie with the pageant, Hope headed back to the place where she was staying. The time she’d spent with Chris and Grace had been one of the high points in her time in Chapel Hill. They were so kind and giving, always trying to included her and make her feel at home. As Hope approached the front door, she noticed Chris and Grace leaving with one of their many guitars strapped across Chris’s back. Hope had seen them play many times before, but always quietly watched them play not willing to be involved.

  “Hey Hope, we’re heading out to the worship service tonight. Do you want to come along?” Grace asked. “I know you have a lot going on, but if you could come, we’d love to have you.”

  Hope had avoided the invitation on several occasions. They’d asked so many times, but Hope had always found a reason to stay behind. This time was different. She wasn’t sure if it was the connection to the children or if she was just beginning to trust the people in town, but she felt more comfortable. Rather than coming up with an excuse, Hope decided to go along with Chris and Grace.

  They walked in the brisk December night all bundled up both physically and mentally. Even Hope was feeling the spirit of the occasion, humming along while Grace sang an old hymn. They reached the church as the sun began to set hearing music and laughter pouring out of the building.

  “How many people from town do you think will be here?” Hope asked as starting to climb the wooden stairs to the church she once abandoned.