Ennis slumped in one of the flimsy metal chairs in Joe Aguirre’s office Monday afternoon. His left leg twitched nervously as he waited to learn his fate. He was scheduled to work with Jimbo that evening, but when he had entered the bar, he saw Frank was present also. With a sinking heart, Ennis managed a slight smile as he nodded his head in their ( Read more... )

~*~*~*~*~*

The following day had gone by in a blur as Ennis busied himself with chores. Now he sat on the floor with his jeans-clad legs folded under him, the sun having set a few hours ago, using the television as his only source of light. He fought with the thin, snowman covered, red and gold wrapping paper, trying to stretch it over the oblong ( Read more... )

             “You got it,” said Joe.

“I’d love to help,” said Frank enthusiastically.

“Now, Jimbo, I’ve arranged for you to help at, The Watering Hole. I know it’s a little further away for you, but you’ve filled in there before and are familiar with the clientele. Will that suit you?”

“If I’ll have money coming ( Read more... )

~*~*~*~*~*

Sleep eluded Ennis. He was in bed by three thirty a.m., a rarity, and though he was exhausted, he tossed and turned, stressing about Jack. He sat up, stuffing his pillow between his back and the wall, and remembered what it was like when he, his brother and his sister received the news their parents had died. His brother, K.E., was the ( Read more... )

 
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            With a lot of sweat, a few grumbles, several swear words and many laughs, Ennis and Jack moved all the furniture into the girls’ room. The transformation of the small space was amazing, and Ennis couldn’t wait to have his kids over night.
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Finally, here is the next installment of "Encounter." This chapter is long, so I split it into two parts. Hope you enjoy!

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From Jack's Point of View...

Jack slung his gym bag over his right shoulder, pushed the back door to the jeep closed and walked quickly toward the entrance of Aguirre’s. Neil was already there as was Josh. He didn’t see Tim’s or Doug’s cars yet, so he must not have been as late as he originally thought.
( Read more... )