Getting past the past…

Jeffrey Wold was shocked when he walked into a McDonald’s and a woman he didn’t recognize came running across the restaurant, yelling his name. ‘’Jeff, Jeff, I can’t believe it’s you, Jeff, Jeff.’’ He was trying to figure out who she was when she was finally standing in front of him. ‘’It has been years, I think about you all the time. How are you? What are you doing here? Are you married?’’

Jeff tried for facial recognition and then it hit him, it was his old High School girlfriend, Janice. Janice Keogh had been a very energetic and fun girl. He had asked him out in their last year of High School and they had dated for about four months. Things ended after Prom when Jeff went off to University in Southern California and she stayed home and went to a local College. She had always wanted to be a nurse and that’s where her career path took her.

‘’Janice Keogh, I didn’t recognize you at first. How is it that you look younger than when we went to school together? Can I buy you a bite?’’ Janice thanked him for the offer but declined. ‘’I’ve already had breakfast and I’m on the way to the hospital. Are you back here to stay?’’

‘’My parents are selling their place after almost fifty years and moving to Santa Barbara to join me there. That’s where I live. I’m here to give them a hand, I’m staying with them for the next two weeks. I’d love to get together with you if you’re available, I’m sure it would be fun.’’

‘’I would Love to go out, can you give me your phone and I’ll put my number in it.’’ Jeff handed over his Iphone and within seconds Janice handed it back. ‘’I have to run, I don’t want to be late. Why don’t you call or text tonight and we can figure out where to go. So good to see you, I am really happy we’ve reconnected.’’

She ran out of McDonald’s and Jeff ordered an Egg McMuffin and headed off to his parent’s place. His Mom and Dad weren’t one hundred percent certain about moving to California, but Jeff had done a good job of selling them on the weather and the lifestyle. His Dad would be able to golf every day and meet new friends. Santa Barbara had a very good scene for older Jewish women and his Mom would be able to get involved with a group like Hadassah very easily.

Jeff had done well in California, he had sold two screenplays that went on to become…