Short Stories of Life and Its Consequences

My name is James Cornwheel and I am a reporter for the New York Gazette. I am here in Queens, New York City where the La Bella family live. My boss, the editor, John Clark assigned me to cover the accident and a follow up family story. My personal interest in this story is, five years ago I lost my only son in a similar automobile accident. The La Bella family consisted of three sisters, Jean, June and Julia. Julia was the oldest sister. She was very close to her sisters and at times over protective of them.

Julia was an achiever in school with high school grades in the "A" category. She was in the chorus, a cheerleader for the school football team. She was a beautiful young girl and won beauty awards in school and elsewhere. Her parents' mom, Carol and dad, Bob were proud of her. Dad would say, "Julia! I am so excited about your achievements that I cannot thank you enough. Please keep up your good work." She was proud to be her father's girl. He adored her. Julia being close to her two sisters would always say, "If anyone in school hits you or teases you, let me know. I'll stop them from bothering you. That is a promise."

Jean was the middle-aged sister she was in middle school. Jean was also a popular child in school. She excelled in art, science and math. She was on the school newspaper staff. She was the school queen in the homecoming games. Like Julia, Jean would say, "June! If anyone gives you a hard time let me know and I'll beat them up. No one bothers my sisters. June was in elementary school in the sixth and final year. She was on hall patrol and a teacher's helper. She was good in all her classes. Her report card always read "excellent and she was on the honor roll."

Their mom, Carol was a former teacher who retired to be a full-time mom. She was a beautiful person always cracking jokes and being playful with her family. She would help the children with their homework. It was her loving spirit that made the girls achievers. Carol had blonde hair and blue eyes with dimples protruding out all around her face. She possessed an easygoing, laughing way about her.

Dad, Bob was a chemist for a drug company. He held many college degrees and had ranked fifth academically in his graduation class and appeared on the Dean's list. He was offered many college scholarships. Bob was an athlete in college. He was a member of the track team he won medals for his school. He loved to joke around with his family. He had a muscular physique, and had brown colored hair. He had a smooth clean-looking face and boyish smile.

Jean said, "Julia and dad were close. They went many places together. Dad would take Julia to the movies and when we were old enough to behave, we went along." Dad spent a lot of time explaining about life to us. He was not afraid to teach us what is proper about sex, religion, and moral decency. Dad established a set of rules for us on daily behavior and expectations. We dared not violate them. We did not want to anger dad. We loved him dearly and did not want to irritate dad.

Dad was a worrywart. He worried about satisfying our needs and desires. Mom considered him a good husband and father. We agreed. Mom added, "Julia was exceptional for her age. She refused to drink liquor or smoke cigarettes. At sixteen she did not go crazy for boys. They ran after her. She was attractive, outgoing and loveable. We find it hard to believe that at her young age she is gone." Mom continued in tears of anger, "Her life stamped out by a no good drunk." Her crying made all of us feel sad and we joined her in crying.

Jean said, "My sister Julia was too young to die. We miss her and find it hard to go on with our lives without her presence." At this point I said, " It is sad that Julia is gone, but life must go on for you young ladies. I am certain that your sister, Julia would've wanted it to be this way."

I would like to describe the La Belle family further. Julia was the oldest at sixteen. She had a picturesque figure. Her hair was the color of gold. She had a radiant smile with protruding dimples. She loved to volunteer her time to help people. She did a lot of volunteerism for senior citizens and children. She volunteered to read to both seniors in retirement homes and young children in preschool programs. She enjoyed making people laugh.

Jean is thirteen years of age and possesses a beautiful slender built body. She is a runner on her school track team. Jean has hair the color of strawberries, with a tinge of blonde. Her face has freckles to match, and cheeks with protruded dimples. She is a warm-hearted person and loves to volunteer her services to neighbors and local volunteer organizations.

June who is eleven is also slender. She has red colored hair with lots of freckles on her face and body. She is giddy in that she is always laughing at something or someone. June excels at spelling and has won many spelling bees for her school. She is the youngest of her family.

The family goes to church every Sunday and that includes the girls. They are devout Catholics and the girls attend Sunday school. Carol and Bob are active members of the church. Carol is a choir conductor and Sunday school teacher. Bob serves on the board of directors in the church. Carol and Bob molded these three young ladies into beautiful well-disciplined children.

Carol told me about their growing up and the tragedy that took the life of Julia.

Julia was born with a heart murmur. I watched her carefully as she was maturing. At times I admit to being too overprotective of Julia. Julia was a tomboy in her younger years. She loved to climb fences, play softball and wrestle with the boys. She beat the guys into submission. Julia was tough on herself.

One day a young man cut her lip and she was bleeding, she took her fist and gave him a black eye. Julia said, "You girls follow me and I'll show you how to have fun." Jean replied, "I'm coming! Wait for me." She would come home with her pants torn. June would say, "I don't know if I should do it. Mommy may not like what we are doing." Julia would respond, "Don't worry your with me and I won't let anything happen to you. I promise!"