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Memories of the past

By KeggercastPublished 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago 3 min read
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Photo by Button Pusher from Pexels

Author's note: This story is based on characters and situations created by Paula Shablo and is the second in a series by members of Vocal Creators Saloon group on Facebook. Please read the first story in the series: "The Calling".

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Lester hadn’t seen Ruben Delacroix in years, but Ruben was still sitting at the same exact location, doing the exact same thing as he was the day Lester left: sitting on the middle dock, a fishing pole in one hand, a beer in the other, and his feet in the water.

“Ruben Delacroix, have you ever in your life done anything other than fish and drink on this here dock?” Lester asked jokingly.

“O’course I’ve, Lesta. I also fished and drunk on that dock der,” Ruben pointed at the next dock over and laughed.

“I’d love to have a sit-down with you, Ruben, but my daughter Leslie is tired and needs some rest. Let me settle her in and I’ll try to come back here quick.”

“Understood. Leslie, I’m Ruben. Nice ta meet ya.” Ruben tipped an imaginary hat.

Leslie smiled sheepishly and hid behind Lester.

“Ruben is an old friend, kiddo. He’s a good guy” Lester assured Leslie. “See you in a bit, Ruben.”

“I’ll have a beer ready fer ya.”

Lester walked up the gravel path that led to the stairs in front of his mother’s house. Leslie followed closely behind him.

As they walked up the path Lester was flooded with memories of his youth and young adulthood. Lester realized that, just as in the water, landmarks on the land hadn’t changed very much, even after all these years.

Lester saw the large natural depression that would fill up with water every time it would rain. All the local kids would jump in the water and swim. It was their own backyard swimming pool.

A little further up Lester saw the familiar sight of a lone tree at the top of a hill. Lester would never forget that tree on that hill. That was the tree under which Lester lost his virginity to Michele Leigh.

Michele. The memory of her always brought a smile to Lester’s face. Michele was Lester’s first love. The love of his life. He, of course, loved Leslie’s mother, Ivette, but he never felt as strong an attraction, as deep a love, for anyone the way he did for Michele.

Lester met Michele in biology class their sophomore year in high school. They hit it off right away. They were inseparable for the remainder of their high school years. They were complete opposites. Lester was shy and reserved. Michele was an extrovert and a free spirit. Everyone loved Michele. Nobody else even knew Lester existed. Michele was super smart. Lester wasn’t smart at all. Michele went to college and, well, Lester didn’t. Lester broke up with Michele before she left for college. Lester didn’t want her wasting her time thinking and worrying about him. So, he broke it off and told her not to call him ever again. And that was the last time he ever saw or heard of Michele Leigh.

“You ‘kay, Pa?” Leslie interrupted Lester’s reminiscing.

“Yeah, kiddo,” Lester answered. He patted Leslie on the head and smiled, “Your pa is okay.”

It wasn’t just the natural landmarks that held memories. Mama’s house held too many memories for Lester. Both good and bad. It was the bad memories that made Lester decide to leave here in the first place.

As they got closer to the front door, Lester started feeling a touch of anxiety. He started to regret the decision to come to the house. But he was here now. He didn’t want Leslie to notice how uncomfortable he felt. He flashed a smile at Leslie, took the house key out of his pants pocket, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

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Thank you for reading! Please read the third story in the series, "Memories" written by Sophia Duarte.

Series
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About the Creator

Keggercast

Keggercast is an entertainment company. We book comedy and music shows in Imperial Valley, CA. and Yuma, AZ. We interview local entertainers and businesses.

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