Part 4
It’s not my problem
The Black Mountain community was good about keeping the Go Fund Me, for the Osbornes a secret. The Osbornes posted that their last day open would be December 20, which was two days away. Linda decided to call Joseph, the Osbornes son; he hadn’t been home in ten years. He had a fallen out with his parents and hadn’t seen them in person, since. He and Linda are friends on social media, so she reached out to him, hoping that he could help save Miracle Beans.
Linda had been sending messages via social almost every day, for two weeks, but Joseph never responded. Donations had now totaled seventeen thousand dollars, but they still had thirteen thousand more to go, with only a week’s time. Despite her desperate phone call attempts, Linda couldn’t reach Joseph. “What’s his social media info? I will reach out to him,” John said.
“But the two of you don’t know each other. No offense, but what makes you think he’ll respond to you, if he won’t respond to me?” Linda said. “Well, the only way to fail, is not to fight,” John said. “You’re right, we’ve come too far, but what are you going to do?” Linda said. “Well, seeing that he’s our last hope, I’m going to Atlanta to speak with him personally,” John said.
“I don’t know how to feel about this idea, John,” Linda said. “Trust me. Everything is going to be okay. I promise. My parents are flying in tomorrow, and I need to get out of the house anyway.
Two whole weeks with my mom, and I might lose it. So the more days away, the merrier the holiday,” John said. “Oh, don’t be a Grinch. Your mom isn’t that bad,” Linda said. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but yes, she is.
I’ve known her my whole life. She’s very stubborn, nosey, and bossy. I love her, but I have to take her in moderation, and in very small doses,” John said. Linda laughed, “Okay, doctor. If you say so, but it’s a good thing she’s all those things, because if she wasn’t, you wouldn’t see her or your father,” Linda said.
I just think it’s hilarious that you tried to move away from her, knowing she’s stubborn, nosey, and bossy; your words, not mine,” Linda said. “Yeah, you’re right, I moved away, and she’s planning a visit here for every month in the year,” John said. “Oh, that’s hilarious,” Linda said, with a laugh. “Just be grateful that you have family that would go out of their way to be with you. I think that your mother’s heart is in the right place, it’s just that the delivery can be off at times,” Linda said.
December 19, John flew to Atlanta. “Osborne Real Estate Sales and Property Management, How may I help you?” a receptionist said. John told the receptionist that he wanted to make an appointment with Mr. Joseph Osborne, to see a house in Buckhead. The next day, John met with Joseph.
“Hey! John?” Joseph said, as he walked down the porch steps to greet John. “Yes, I’m John. How are you?” John said. “I’m good man, so you’re looking to buy a house?” Joseph said. “I am,” John said.
“This is a nice size home. Do you have a big family? Wife and kids?” Joseph said. “My wife passed a few years ago,” John said. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Joseph said.
“Thanks. So, yeah, it’s just me and my daughter, and sometimes, my parents. I can’t get rid of them, and trust me, I’ve tried,” John said, as he and Joseph walked back up the stairs. Joseph begin to show John around. “What about you?
Do you have a big family?” John said. “No, I have a fiancé, but no kids yet,” Joseph said. “Congratulations,” John said. “Thanks,” Joseph said. “My mom has been hounding me about dating again.
She wants me to hurry up and get married, because she wants more grandkids,” John said. “Well, you’ll certainly have the room for more, if you choose to,” Joseph said. This home has eight bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, kitchen, recreation room, sunroom, laundry room, dining room, family room, living room, and a theater. You have everything you need right here,” Joseph said. “You’re right,” John said.
“I love the house. I just don’t know if it’s a good idea to move my parents in. What do you think? Are you close to your folks?” John said. “Not really.
We speak occasionally, but I haven’t seen my parents in person, in about ten years,” Joseph said. “Been busy making a living, huh? I know it must be hard trying to juggle work life and family life, with you being the number one Broker in Atlanta,” John said. “Work doesn’t have anything to do with it. My parents wanted me to follow in their footsteps and become owner of their coffee shop, but I wasn’t meant to stay in a small town, managing a coffee shop.
I had bigger dreams. It caused a lot of tension between us, and I felt like I disappointed them, but at the same time, I had to live my life. I couldn’t stand being around them knowing I’d broke their heart by refusing to continue their legacy, so I moved,” Joseph said.
“Well, we only get two parents. The past two months have shown me that I have to love and appreciate them while they’re here.
They may not be perfect, especially my mom, but they’re mine. God gave them to me, so he must see something in me that I don’t, because I don’t even know how I deal with my mom sometimes. Although she gets on my nerves, I know that she just wants what’s best for me, and you know what, as much as I hate to admit it, I need her just as much as she needs me. She keeps me on my toes, you know?” John said. “I hear that.
My mom’s the same way,” Joseph said. “You should go back. They need you. Besides, there’s nothing like the love of family,” John said. “Nah, man.
I can’t go back there. Wait? What do you mean, they need me? You know my folks? Wait, don’t I know you?
Yeah, I do know you. You’re friends with Linda. I remember seeing a picture of the two of you online. I believe it was on Thanksgiving. Did Linda put you up to this?
Let me guess, you’re not really here to buy a house either, are you?” Joseph said. “No, I’m not, but your parents are losing Miracle Beans. Come on man, I know you must care. “I don’t. It’s not my problem.
Maybe it’s for the best. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other homes to show, and if you’re not interested in buying a home, you’re wasting my time,” Joseph said. “Okay, but before I leave, I just want you to know that Linda didn’t put me up to this, and your parents don’t know about any of this either. Your parents are the most kind and welcoming people I’ve met in a long time. I know they’d love to see you.
Even if you don’t help them get the coffee shop back, go home. They care more about having you in their life than losing their cafe. I’m sorry that I’ve wasted your time. Have a Merry Christmas,” John said. Yeah, bah humbug to you too,” Joseph said.
Shubricca L Bell 