Against the Odds: A Love Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

of lemonade. For the first time in my life I enjoyed little moments of contemplation and meditation. I was becoming like most of the people in Roswell. I was in no hurry to get anywhere, and I actually took the time to relax and take mental pictures of the world around me. Even something as simple as tying a quilt with Caroline and one of her friends, or helping to bottle fresh peaches added to this new level of contentment in my life. I was now doing meaningful things.
    And of course, Hayden was always near with a warm smile and a sincere compliment for all my efforts. He was a good friend, and it was nice to feel appreciated for a change.

    I spent that afternoon on the phone with Mama. It was so good to talk to her. She was truly the only thing I missed in Atlanta. I had no siblings and there was no other family to speak of, just Mama.
    I knew Mama had been disappointed in my decision to leave because she was so used to having me close, and it didn't help that Jerome was rubbing my 'desertion' in her face every chance he got. But I also knew that Mama understood. She knew what it was like to have to deal with an unfaithful man. She knew the heartache of having to make the decision I did. She knew the questions every woman who has ever been in that situation has to ask.
    Do you turn your head away and just let things go on or do you finally take a stand and say no more? Do you continue to be walked over or do you finally begin to respect yourself?
    Mama had been faced with that decision with my own father. It had been hard, but she chose to respect herself and end the charade. That fact alone made the bond she and I shared that much stronger, spanning the miles between us and strengthening our connection.
    Sometimes it still pained me to think about what Mama went through. She had been forced to endure my father's late nights, as well as the phone calls that would mysteriously and automatically result in an abrupt dial tone when she answered the phone. She had endured the stress and whispers of the neighborhood, yet she always held her head up high. She has always been an inspiration to me.
    Little did I know I would one day find myself in the same situation . . . but there was one major difference; Mama truly loved Daddy, heart and soul. She truly deserved happiness. My own decision to marry hadn't been motivated by real love, a fact that I will always regret. And now I was facing the consequences of that choice. I suddenly wondered if I would ever know real love. Did I even know what real love was? Would I know it when it came? If it came? This was a department I was sorely lacking in.
    Rein it in, girl, I mentally scolded.
    Abruptly ending another pity-party, I again gave my full attention to my mother.
    Mama was once again filled with questions.  How are Caroline and David? How are things going for me? Am I happy? She put more emphasis on the last question.
    I told her the change had been good for me and I was happier than I had been in a long time. Surprisingly, my answer seemed to satisfy her. I told her that I missed her and suggested that she come out for a visit. She promised me she would think about it. We talked a few minutes longer.
    Before ending the call I felt the need to apologize to Mama for Jerome's behavior. I couldn't understand why he felt the need to annoy her. Mama said she was glad I had moved away because Jerome wouldn't have left me alone had I stayed. Even now he was still an unwanted part of my life because he was annoying my mother. He knew it would bother me, and it did. Still, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much it bothered me.
    I again urged Mama to come out to Roswell and again she said she would think about it. Then I told her I loved her and we hung up. I smiled as I thought about our conversation and decided to make getting Mama to come out for a visit my goal.

    Hayden called from his place that evening and told Caroline he wouldn't be there for dinner. It