(Please read previous chapters first)
Sometimes the fear of the answers prevents asking the right
people the right questions. Such was the case while Larry pondered calling Joni
to find out what she had told Roy about their relationship that ended with heartache
on both sides.
For Larry, there was the regret he had placed himself and
Joni in such a horrible situation at the motel. He knew what the two of them
had agreed to was wrong and he was ashamed of his childish behavior he displayed
when Joni had the courage and moral sense to say No. He also had much fear
about what she might have told Roy about the two of them. He was fearful too of
how his relationship with Roy might be permanently damaged. He remembered what his grandpa often said, “Two
wrongs never made a right.” After several hours of unease, he called Joni
because Roy had not sufficiently answered his admittedly prying questions.
Finally, he called Joni. After the predictable pleasantries,
Larry started his questioning.
“Yes, I did. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, I was just curious.”
“Curious about what?”
“You know, how we got along and stuff like that.”
“Larry, it is very impolite and most dishonest to play mind
games. What do you really want to know?”
“Joni, did you tell him about our motel incident?”
“I sure do not remember anything other than you saying you
wished the whole sad event hadn’t happened. I did not hear much sorrow or
regret in that. I was wrong to even agree to go with you knowing what was
planned. And you sure were wrong in calling me names that hurt me, hurt me real
bad. And if that was not enough, you would not lend me the money to get a
separate room which made me spend a night in the same room with you. “
With voice breaking and sobbing just a couple of seconds
away, Joni spoke very loudly, “Mr. Larry, you shouldn’t worry about what I may
have told Roy as much as you should worry about what you never told me!”
Larry thought to himself how he really messed that call up.
But he also knew, for the very first time, he had not ever really been sorry
for the way he had treated Joni.
To be
continued……
