Episode 5: Redemption

Rick Stetson rode very faraway from Redwood City, he couldn't bear being called a murderer, he felt so guilty for what he had done, so he moved to a very distant land where no one knew him, so he could start anew.

He knew Iris loved him so much, and he loved her too, he wasn't always like that. But things changed when he was going through a lot.

The real reason was that he lost a lot of money and this got him to do things he wasn't used to.

He got addicted to alcohol and became a drunkard, gambled with hopes of winning his money back, it got to him that he could no longer differentiate between right from wrong anymore.

He was overwhelmed with grief, guilt and every ounce of emotions that comes with killing someone and in his case, his wife.

He decided then to change his ways and this was quite hard for him to do.

He started going to church, became more religious, hoping that one day he will overcome his addictions and lead a better life.

He changed his surname from Stetson to Solomon, he felt the name was tainted with blood.

TWO YEARS LATER

Rick Stetson who now goes by the name Rick Solomon was in a church, putting on a tuxedo suit, looking different and waiting patiently for someone.

The entire congregation was filled waiting as well, the door to the room church opened and a young lady dressed in white short dress walked in holding a flower, she smiled seeing him standing there looking beautiful and strong.

'She is so beautiful, oh Lord thank you for another chance at life.' he thought.

After walking elegantly, towards him, the priest began with his sermons after that he joined them both as husband and wife.

The entire congregation were thrown into laughter and rejoicing, but of them all, it was the couple who were mostly filled with excitement.

"Congratulations brother Rick." The officiating priest greeted.

"Thank you father." Rick replied with a warm smile.

"Linda darling, congratulations on being the newest bride in town." A woman greeted.

"Thank you mom." Linda replied.

"Oh I bet you are so excited, you got married to a man who is very religious and has a good upbringing just like you wanted my darling." Her mother said.

"Yes mom, the lord be praised." Linda replied.

"So where will you go to for your honey moon?" Her mom asked excitedly.

"Anywhere would do mum." Linda simply replied to her mother because she was getting shy.

"Well make sure the place is comfy, I need my grandchild to be born in a peaceful environment." She said.

*Coughs*

An older man walked towards them.

"Anastasia, for the umpteenth time, leave our daughter alone, I am sure you must be telling her about honeymoon because her face is all red, stop making her uncomfortable." He said scolding his wife.

"Luke, stay out of this, I am simply giving our daughter some tips to get me a healthy grandchild." Anastasia replied.

"Linda darling, go meet your husband." Luke said to his daughter, he had come to bail her from her mom's grip.

"Thanks dad." she mimed.

She was really shy when her mother was all over her, about getting pregnant.

So she signalled for the one person, who could intervene when her mom gets like this, her father, Luke Anderson.

Anastasia loves her daughter so much, but she had to let her go since she is head over heels for the most religious and simple man in the congregation.

They had no idea of his past dealings or past life.

If they knew about it, most definitely they wouldn't love to give their daughter out to such one.

Everyone took pictures with the newly weds and they had a wonderful time.

Rick Solomon took his wife home and consummated their marriage that night.

He forgot about everything and everyone from his past and focused on his new found family.

He never told anyone that he had left a son behind or that he been married at one point in his life, he totally had no inclinations to look for him. He simply moved on.

A year later, his wife Linda gave birth to a boy and he was glad, he swore to do right by him and teach him in ways he never got to teach Nicholas. He named him O'Brien Solomon.

He nurtured and cared for his son O'Brien like no other.

Meanwhile, in Redwood City Nicholas has become very strong he has received training from different martial art teachers.

Since he was determined to get powerful and strong he became very muscular.

He got home one evening, and figured it was time, he left.

He was running out of foodstuffs and he didn't want to touch his mother's savings, because they had a specific purpose and he was going to do all he can to accomplish that.

He brought out the box where his late mother's things were, he opened it and sighs.

'I promise you mother, I will make all of your wishes come true, I will travel around the world...'

He saw the letter and was desperate to know what was written in there but decided against it.

'Its just one year left and I will be able to open you.' he thought.

He carried his little belongings and went to meet Reverend Kevin, to tell him what is on his mind.

He got to the church and saw him praying he waited, after he was done he spoke up,

"Father I have something to say. *stomach growls*"

Kevin chuckled and said,

"Come on that can wait until after dinner, I made some porridge, let's eat that."

The two of them ate dinner after relaxing for a while, Nicholas spoke yet again,

"Father, it's time."

Reverend Kevin nodded, he knew this was inevitable, the young man has a great future ahead of him and little Redwood City was only holding him back from accomplishing it.

"You are leaving aren't you?" He asked inquisitively just to be certain.

"Yes there is nothing left for me here, it's time I did what mum wanted me to do, it's time I carried out her wishes."

"Will you be okay?"

"For mum's sake I have to be."

He gave him some money, after praying with and for him, he gave him his blessings.

"Go in peace son."

They hugged each other so tightly, even though they were not related by blood he was more of a father to him than his biological father had ever been.

He knew deep down he'll miss him but he had to leave, there has to be more to life than what he knew.

After they bid each other bye, he packed the goods he received and tied it on his horse and said one last goodbye.

Nicholas hopped on Breezy his beloved horse and only family, with his little back pack with just a map to guide him and off he went.

He headed far North, he needed to leave the city even though it was late, he covered more grounds he just wanted to be away from Redwood City, just like how his mother wanted, he had always wanted to travel the world.

He went to an inn just outside Redwood City.

"A room please." He said.

"Oh handsome, you are a traveler right, do you need any other services?" The owner of the inn uttered seductively.