Lady Justice and the Magic Dragon by Robert Thornhill

Author:Robert Thornhill [Thornhill, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-01-29T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

It had been two weeks since our memorable Christmas party at the Mayview Center. I figured it was time to check up on Billy, Cindy, and Samantha. All three had been through a very stressful ordeal.

My plan was to stop by the center in the late afternoon after Billy and Cindy returned from work and Sam was out of school. Maggie and I would go together, then have dinner out. Maggie readily agreed. You can only eat so much tuna casserole.

When we arrived, Marsha greeted us warmly. “Walt, Maggie, so good to see you.”

“Same here,” I replied. “We just wanted to stop by and see how things are going.”

“Couldn’t be better,” she replied, smiling. “You wouldn’t believe the change in Billy since his confrontation with those two muggers. He’s more confident and I think some things that had been dormant for most of his life have begun to stir.”

“What kind of things?” Maggie asked.

“Well, I’m sure you noticed how Billy took little Sam under his wing at the Christmas party.”

We both nodded.

“No doubt there was a connection there. Now I think there’s something going on with Billy and Cindy.”

“You mean ---?”

“Yes, it’s pretty obvious. The three of them spend a lot of time together, and you should see the way Billy looks at her.”

Again, I was reminded of the line in Puff the Magic Dragon, ‘painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.’ Billy is a twenty-eight-year-old man. Once freed from his childhood prison, it was only natural that he would discover the allure of the fairer sex.

“Any idea how Cindy feels about that?” Maggie asked.

“How do you think? She has spent the last seven years with a possessive, abusive pig. Suddenly, a kind, caring man, who adores her daughter has come into her life. It’s a great fit. I just hope they don’t move too fast. After all, Cindy is still married to that creep.”

Just then, Billy spotted us. “Walt, Maggie! What a surprise.” He gave both of us a big hug.

“We just wanted to stop by and see how you’re doing.”

“Doing great!” he replied. “In fact, I have some good news.”

“Really? What?”

“I’m going to attend GED classes in the evening after work. I’m going to get my high school diploma.”

“Congratulations,” I said, putting my arm around his shoulder. “We’re very proud of you.”

“After I get my diploma, I’m thinking about taking some classes at Penn Valley Community College. I think I’d like to be a social worker like Miss Coe, and help other kids the way she’s helped me.”

“Fantastic! With what you’ve been through, I’m sure you’d be a great counselor.”

“Great to see you both. I’d better get washed up. I don’t want to miss supper.”

When he was gone, I remarked, “What a change from the person I first saw rocking back and forth on the street curb.”

“Yes,” Marsha replied, fighting to hold back a tear. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t turn out that way for a lot of kids, but just seeing someone like Billy makes it all worthwhile.

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