Forever Yours in Darkness
A Christine Jones Story
By: M.D.P.
Part One
Christine Jones, she’s a beautiful and
delightful person to have around.
However even with high expectations,
this young lady learned how difficult life
could be.
This is Tyler Villines, Christine’s boyfriend
at the time. Yes, lust pounded in their
hearts and such young people were both
foolish and selfish with life. But even as
much as Christine liked Tyler, she just
couldn’t love him.
Because she was in love with him,
Wesley, Tyler’s older brother. Wes no
longer lived in the Villines’ house, but
it seemed that every time he came to
visit, Christine was there to see his
darling face. Yes, she adored him.
But the reason why she was still with Tyler
was this—
“Congratulations, you’re going to have a
baby!”
WHAT?!?
The doctor was professional and calm about
the situation. She even gave a lecture about
what food groups to eat to have a healthy
baby.
But she didn’t understand. Christine had
dreams! And now they were going to be
crushed by a bouncing bundle of joy? This
16 year old would have to chose over her
dreams or feeding the baby by dropping out
of high school.
It was not a joyous family meeting. Amy
and AJ, Christine’s parents were not
thrilled, especially, her father. Christine
was definitely not a role model for her
little sister, Connie.
Amy calmly told her daughter that she
had to tell Tyler, who they assumed was
the father. But Christine was afraid. How
would he react? Would he send her to
the wolves? Or be her biggest support?
“Tyler’s not here,” Wes said as he
answered the door. “He should be
back tonight.”
“Ok,” was the only thing she could
say. She had to keep herself bottled
up with baby news until she saw
Tyler again and she hoped that it
wouldn’t be at school.
So she headed down the stairs, her heart
weighed down with sadness, her mind
filled with chaos, and her eyes filled with
tears.
Wesley saw she was upset and ran after
her. After all, he could not have a guest
leave crying!
She found herself telling Wesley
everything and for a moment he was
distraught but quickly calmed himself
down.
Talking to him was one of the best
decisions Christine had made in a long
time. Not only did she pour out her soul
and feel the pressure uplifted, but now
Wes felt he should support Christine with
whatever she needed.
By the time Tyler came home, Wes had
talked Christine out of telling him the
news that night, after all, it was very late
and Christine had a curfew.
So she said good-bye to her boyfriend
and his brother. Even though she was
only in Wes’s arms for a moment,
Christine thought it felt like an eternity.
Get some
sleep.
Christine’s best friend in the whole wide
universe was Clara Johnson. They’d been
through the coodies of elementary,
puberty of junior high and at the time,
hardships of high school.
Her lips curved into a half smile and
Christine knew it was time to let her
friend in on the news. “Guess what?”
What?
YOU’RE WHAT?!?
I’m pregnant.
Immediately, she asked if Tyler knew.
Christine shook her head.
“Good luck,” Clara said, the only thing
she could say. After all, Christine was
marked as the responsible one, whereas,
Clara is the dangerous one.
She had prepared herself for over a
week before she decided it was time to
tell Tyler. As she entered the living room
of the Villines’ house, her heart raced in
terror.
So this was where Christine was, sitting
with Tyler, her hand around her
stomach because of self consciousness
and staring at Wes, wishing he was
sitting with her, wishing he was the
father of the baby, not his brother
Wanna get outta
here?
They went outside, in the backyard.
Here they were all by themselves.
Christine was quiet for some time, letting
Tyler laugh and smile. She needed him
to be in a good mood.
But, she couldn’t stall for much longer.
He had a right to know. Then she
interrupted his sport’s story and said she
had something extremely important to
tell him. His eyes glittered with interest.
This was not good. Christine was already
crying as they came up the steps. She
used all the words she could, but nothing
seemed to ease Tyler. Then Wesley
stepped outside, surprised by all the
yelling, but he knew, she had told him.
“Tyler,” Christine sobbed. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?!?” Tyler shouted. “This is freakin
insane! You’re crazy!”
“Tyler,” Wes interrupted.
“I’m not responsible for this. I’m not going
to be blamed for this!”
I wasn’t blaming you—I
just—I just—
Even with all her heart she couldn’t say
the words, so Wes stepped in front of her,
protecting her from his infuriated brother.
Wesley tried to explain to him that some
times things just happen, but the boy was
too stubborn to listen. And Christine was
tired of it.
She ran down the stairs, shouting
something like it didn’t matter; she would
just kill herself. Wesley ran after her.
“Chris—” his eyes melted into hers with
apparent concern. “Don’t say things like
that. I promise, everything’s going to be
ok. You’ll see.”
Even though, she couldn’t see it herself,
she believed him. Wesley was always
right, in some way.
His hand was just as soft as his eyes and
he wiped away the tears. Then he
walked her home.
“I suggest you use the best soap in the
house to wash that mascara off, I know
how much of a pain it can be.” he
laughed, then his face fell serious.
“Don’t worry about Tyler. Just do what’s
best for you now, ok?”
“I will.” she stammered.
A few months have passed and
Christine bulge keeps growing and
she’s not excited about it. One of
her worst fears is getting fat.
The time has been rough for her.
She lost Tyler and respect of her
family. And of course, the baby
keeps growing.
At first Christine was going
to wear big jackets and
carry around a bunch of
bags around to hide it like
the movie stars do, but she
decided, whatever.
Even with swollen feet and an aching
back the hardest part of the day was
facing family time in the living room.
Actually her little sister, Connie thought
it was neat Christine was going to have
a baby.
Her parents did not. Their hostility
grew with Christine’s belly, but they
couldn’t help it. Their emotion was just
too grand to hide. Trust that they
would be harder on Connie more than
ever.
She had an escape though…
…with Wes.
She wasn’t sure what their relationship
was—just really good friends or
something more, but Christine was afraid
to ask. He may have runaway.
Nevertheless, She wondered if he
cherished each moment like she did.
But—she could never stay as long as she
wanted, either she had doctor
appointments or he had college
interviews.
However, it appeared that every time
they parted it was becoming harder and
harder for Wesley to leave Christine.
However it came to that day, when
Wesley was packing up and leaving for
college.
“Take care of your mom for me,” he said
to the belly.
“We will miss you!” Christine cried as
she felt tears forming in her eyes.
“Every thing’s going to be ok.” Wesley
claimed. “I’ll call you when I get there.”
It was months later, during family time.
Christine was feeling very odd. Her
contractions were starting to become
outrageous!
Connie, Christine’s little sister, started to
giggled. “Christine peed herself!”
“All right, everyone stay calm and let’s
move to the car.” Amy said, panic
trembling in her voice.
“Honey,” A.J. sighed. “Let’s just go.”
NOW!!!
The delivery was horrible. Christine lost a
tremendous amount of blood, losing
conscious. The baby, which later they
would call Carlos, was still born and had
not completely developed within the
womb. He did not survive.
They were all scared that they were
going to loose Christine as well, but the
doctors prevailed in her survival.
Amy did not know how she was going to
deliver the news to her daughter about
the baby. She hoped that she could be
strong enough for her daughter.
It had been a week since the delivery.
Christine had not let her parents tell
Wesley that she had had the baby. She
wanted to tell him personally, but fear
still captivated her soul as she dialed the
numbers.
He must have had night classes for he
sounded so sleepy.
Christine could not keep the news from
him any longer, but she felt a wave a
sadness pouring into her soul.
“Are you all right?” he asked. “Do I need
to come over?”
Though Christine protested and pleaded
with him on the phone, Wesley showed
up at their doorstep several hours later,
full of support.
He stayed for hours, trying to cheer her
up. They talked about his college, the
upcoming prom, her music studies.
Evidently, Wesley’s college had an
excellent music and art program that he
wanted Christine to consider as an
option for when she was filling out
college applications.
Months and months passed, Wesley
kept coming back to ensure that
Christine concentrated on her studies
and was positive.
However, Christine was distracted by the
very person trying to keep her
preoccupied with other things.
Of course, because they spending so
much time with each other, they were
becoming very close. Very close.
Clara also came around often and stayed
the night. They talked about many things,
including Christine’s new improved
relationship with Wesley.
Her friend could definitely tell the
change in mood of Christine.
Christine decided that it came to many
things. Wesley as a huge movement in
her life. She wasn’t dropped out of high
school, taking care of a baby. And, prom
was next week.
Prom—the day Christine had been
waiting for since the beginning of the
year. Clara and her spent all day doing
each other’s hair and posing for the
camera.
When they got there some of the
teachers were taking up the dance floor.
It was both horrifying and hilarious.
Christine pushed back the terrifying
images of her dorky teachers dancing in
the back of her head and concentrated on
Wesley. She was so happy he was able to
attend.
Of course, he was also keeping her from
doing something regretful to Clara, who
decided it was ok to suddenly date Tyler.
Christine could not believe her eyes
when she saw them together arm-inarm, lips-on-lips. It’s as if Tyler had never
done anything hurtful to Christine!
Their friend Aaron Faulkner decided he
was going to be a loner that year. There
was too much stress in trying to find a
date.
However, he had a front seat view of the
lovely, Miss Isa, the new P.E. teacher.
The band evidently decided there was too
much tension in the air, so they decided
to perform some slow music for the
students to dance to.
It was easier than Christine had
predicted, to stay distracted from Clara
and Tyler while Wesley was in her arms.
He was everything she ever wanted and
she had him.
He smiled. “And, I have you.”
Christine’s parents had taken Connie up
to Amy’s parents house for the week so
Wesley and her had the place to
themselves. And, what do adolescences
do when they’re home alone?
Nevertheless, Wesley was never one to
take advantage of anyone.
“Are you sure?” he asked, seriously.
Christine smiled. “Of course!”
Wesley had become very jittery over the
last few days of their week alone. After
dinner, he finally stopped for a moment,
hardly able to stand, or even breath, but
his face was never without a smile.
Christine’s
eyes
widened
every
centimeter he inched down on one knee.
She knew he was serious.
“Christine,” he began softly. “I only
know of one great thing in my life and
that is loving you. I can’t imagine a day
without you and that smile of yours. It’s
what I breath for, honey.”
“Will you marry me?”
Christine burst into tears and leaped into
his arms. “Of course, Wesley, yes!”
Of course, the week ended and Connie
and her parents returned to their home.
Christine was actually extremely nervous
about revealing the news that early, but
Wes insisted. It wasn’t something she
should keep from her parents.
A.J. was so happy he jumped up and
embraced Wesley. Christine and the rest
of the family were taken aback for a
moment.
Valerie and Garth, Wesley’s parents,
were very fond of Christine. Valerie had
once commented to Tyler that she was a
keeper. She had been devastated at the
outcome of their relationship,
However, once Wes had told his mother
that he was dating Christine, she could
not shut up about how perfect the girl
was. Tyler, of course, was not happy
about it.
Christine began to giggled as Wes turned
to her with a wink.
“Mom, Dad,” he began.
“I asked
Christine to marry me.”
The parents were silent for a moment.
“And she said yes.”
Valerie almost wetted herself with so
much excitement.
The school year ended smoothly. High
school was no more for Christine Jones.
Wesley and her were getting married in a
week. Everything was finally looking up
for Miss Jones…soon to be Mrs. Villines.
However, there was one annoyance that
kept poking at Christine and that was the
disloyalty of her friend.
Christine could not take it anymore. She
had to confront Clara and address her
feelings of her relationship with Tyler.
It was not handled how Christine
wanted it to be. Clara just would not be
convinced. Evidently, Tyler’s and hers
relationship was too strong to break.
And that was that…
Best friends since coodies of elementary,
puberty of junior high, and hardships of
high school were no more.
It was the night before the big day and
Christine and Wesley had the place to
themselves as her parents did last minute
shopping.
Wes had heard about Clara’s and
Christine’s fight from a very annoyed
Tyler. He congratulated his fiancée on job
well done.
“But he’s still bringing her as a date to
the wedding.” Wes said. “Will that be a
problem?”
Christine shook her head. “Doesn’t
matter to me.” she smiled. “After all,
everyone’s going to be looking at me,
even her.”
“I love you.” he chuckled.
“You better.” her grin widened.
“Because you’re stuck with me after
tomorrow.”
“Hmm, so I can get rid of you now?”
“Wesley!” she tried to move away, but he
pulled her into a kiss.
“I never want to be rid of you, Chris.” he
said breathlessly.
When it was time for Wes to leave,
Christine could not let go.
“Please stay,” she pleaded. “Please?”
“Honey, you know the rule. The groom
doesn’t see the bride until the carpet is
rolled out and the wedding march
played.” he kissed her good-night. “So I’ll
see you then.”
Honey, get
some sleep.
The wedding was held at local church. It
was simple, yet beautiful.
Wesley had suggested that the guests
wear baby blue for it was Christine’s
favorite color. The bride’s parents loved
his idea.
Valerie was glowing in such excitement
just as much as Christine was.
“I’m so glad you’re going to be my
daughter-in-law.” she said.
Kara, Wesley’s little sister, and Connie
were best friends and were so happy
that they were going to be double flower
girls.
As Christine finished getting ready in the
bride’s quarters, the rest of the family
seated guests and waited for Wesley
and Garth to arrive. Kara was ready to
tease her big brother.
An hour passed and the family was
starting to get worried why the guys
hadn’t shown up. Valerie and Amy joked
that men were always late, but apart of
them sensed something was wrong.
That’s when Valerie’s phone rang.
At first she didn’t understand. “No, my
husband was with him.” her voice
cracked. “Where is Garth?”
Mrs. Villines began to shake. “God.” she
gasped.
“Mom?” Tyler questioned as his mother
immediately hugged him. “What’s going
on?”
“There’s been an accident.” she barely
said.
She embraced her little girl then took a
few deep breaths before continuing.
Amy and A.J. stood waiting for Valerie to
say something, but she started to march
to the back rooms.
Standing at the bride’s quarters, Valerie
took a deep breath, thinking of what to
say.
And how to say it.
She opened the door to find Christine
boasting to herself about how great she
looked in her wedding dress.
“Oh, Valerie,” Christine smiled. “Don’t
cry. The wedding will begin and end
before we know it.”
“No, honey,” Valerie sobbed.
not going to be a wedding.”
“There’s
“W-what?” Christine stepped back.
“There’s been an accident.” she
continued, tears like rivers running down
her cheeks. “Garth and Wes—Wes—he’s
gone, Christine.”
Christine, for a moment, couldn’t breath.
She shook her head in disbelief. “What
do you mean?”
“Honey, Wesley’s—” Valerie exhaled.
“Wesley’s dead.”
Valerie embraced Christine before the
girl fell. “I’m so sorry.” she cried.
The family went back to the Jones’s
house and waited news from Garth. It
was quiet and solemn as the family
recognized Wesley was really gone.
A.J. didn’t leave his daughter’s side for
anything. She was in a very fragile state
and only her dad had the power to keep
her calm.
It was then that Garth entered the home.
Valerie immediately embraced her
husband, sobbing on his shoulder.
Garth was as white as a ghost, his eyes
full of tears.
Tyler was the next one in his arms.
“I love you, son.” he said softly.
Kara next. She really didn’t understand
what exactly was going, but her daddy
was crying and if he was, then the news
could not possibly be good.
Garth then turned to Christine. “I’m
sorry.” he shook his head. “I am so sorry,
Christine.”
She had not the voice to reply, but tightly
wrapped herself in his embrace.
After a brief session of everyone pouring
out their hearts to one another, the family
sat down. Garth asked everyone if they
wanted to know how and why. He hoped
he had the strength to explain.
“We’re ready, Dad.” Tyler said, taking his
hand in Clara’s.
They had just turned onto the highway
and were about 10 minutes away from
the church. Evidently, there had been a
football game that was letting out at the
college.
The police had shown Garth a digital
image of where the cars started and
where they ended.
The
kids had
beenvehicle
drinking
Theycollege
side swiped
another
on and
the
foolishly
got caused
behinda the
of their
road, which
chainwheel
of swerving.
truck.
Thattruck
vehicle
collided
a red
The
thenthen
veered
back, with
aiming
at
Blazer,
off the Villines’s
car.
the
backcutting
of theVillines’s
car.
Wesley had been in the back seat.
The drunk driver and his friend had also
died in the crash. After their vehicle had
done its damage to the Villines’s car. It
then lost even more control and rolled
several times.
Wes had died at impact the doctors and
other professionals said. His life taken in
a blink of an eye.
The other people in accident had minor
injuries physically, but what they saw
corrupted their minds in such a way that
there was no hope for repair.
The driver of the Blazer had
accompanied Garth to the hospital.
“That poor boy.” Garth shook his head.
“He was in one of Wesley’s classes. So,
he knew what day it was.”
Walking through that cemetery made
chills run up and down Christine’s spine.
This was the only way she could visit
Wes now by looking at his tombstone.
Garth and Valerie thanked everyone for
attending, but were sorry about the
occasion.
Their faces, both of them were good
people. They had taught their son well,
best manners, morals, and love; yet, this
tragedy happens to them.
Connie and Kara, both dressed in black,
Christine never wanted to see them in
that color again, never wanted to see the
sadness and loss in their eyes.
They were so young after all. Later in life
would they remember? Would they
understand why?
Amy finally broke down. It had become
all to real for her. Not four feet from her
was Wesley’s casket and guaranteed it
was not empty.
As the minister finished, Christine came
unglued. She collapsed on his casket,
crying and screaming.
Tyler fetched her up. He had not
stopped crying since it all began. He
missed his brother terribly too.
“We’ll make it through this some way.”
he barely said. “We will.”
It was hard for Christine to imagine for
the rest of her life she would never get to
spend another evening with Wesley
Villines. Never to see the up close
motion of his smile, or the light in his
eyes. Never to feel his hand caressing
hers or touch her lips to his. Never again.
Amy drove the Villines home. A.J. and
her had decided it was best that Connie
stayed with Kara for the week.
Nothing was said in the car of A.J. and
Christine as they drove home.
A.J. knew that Christine really wanted to
be alone. She wanted to be allowed to
pour out all the tears and sadness of her
heart and soul. But he had to let her
know someone still care.
“I love you darling.” he said. “I love you
so much.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
As she walked toward her door, A.J.
stopped her just once more. “Honey,
please, get some sleep.”
The
Get only
someway
sleep.
Christine
That
fell
hadasleep
been the
was
lastby
words
the
thought
that Wesley
that had
she said
might
to
dream
Christine.
of Wes.Get
Shesome
may
be
sleep.
able to Could
find some
you
peace
imagine
there.
the difficulty?
But, no, no
comfort was found
because in the morning
the nightmare began
again.
Forever Yours in Darkness
A Christine Jones Story
By: M.D.P.
Her heart is broken, but she will continue life, some how.