One Boy's Journey Chapter 62 The Final Chapter

Written by Brianna Demonet

Three years after the parole hearing, My family and I, along with my parents, were heading to Korea.

It's been a long time since John and I traveled there. Caleb had just turned 14. He was fighting for the American Martial arts teams against the Koreans. He was a first-degree Black belt! He earned his black belt a full year earlier than John did!

We were very proud of him. Caleb's sisters were very proud of their big brother. John said Caleb had a focused energy that succeeded his own.

John was a 5th-degree Black belt and the hand-to-hand combat instructor for the San Francisco field office. He made several trips a year to Quantico, training new agents and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. John trained most of their instructors.

To make a long story short Caleb won his match by such a large margin the American team won. He beat Ji-ho's team almost single-handedly. Ji-ho's son was two years younger. It would be a long time if they ever faced each other.

The Park family again had a huge party in their plantation home in the mountains. We were greeted with love and respect. Soo-Min and Mi-Lee were as gracious as they were at our wedding. Our children all spoke Korean.

Soo-Min pulled me to the side to talk.

Rianna! I'm very sorry for everything. I see now I was wrong! I'm not very good at saying I'm sorry, but I am very sorry for everything. She bowed to me looking down.

I returned her bow

Soo-Min, You, and Mi-Lee were right about one thing! The children! If you hadn't forced us apart we would not be here today! There would not be a next generation! I would not have children that I love as my own!

Yes, you were wrong about several things, but you and Mi-Lee were right about the most important thing! The children. Lin-Soo's death was tragic. But she left behind three beautiful children that we can all be proud of. I said.

We are a family now; families forgive each other. I hope you and Mi-Lee can make it to Ria and Alexia's Ballet recital at Christmas this year!

The girls would love to see you both! I have to tell you they are very talented ballerinas!

Soo-Min looked at me, in shock! But how? The travel restrictions?

They'll be lifted by the time you're ready to book a flight! I know a federal Judge. He's a friend and the only person that can do it. All I need is your word and Mi-Lee's word no funny business!

We're family! Like it or not. We need to be there for each other.

Mi-Lee!! Soo-Min waved her over.

I told Mi-Lee the same thing.

And John is alright with this? Mi-Lee asked with disbelief.

Yes, we've talked about this through and through. Provided we have your word!

Yes of course! Mi-Lee said. She and Soo-Min bowed. Mi-Lee apologized to me as well.

They both complimented John and me about the children and their cultural education and use of the Korean language they used.

Just wait until Christmas! They are great ballerinas. Better than I was! I said.

You danced? Mi-Lee said.

I sure did! I was the lead dancer in Swan Lake two years in a row. I danced the lead once in the Nut Cracker as well.

Believe it or not, Hap-ki-do and Ballet helped with my cheerleading and dance routines.

I had no idea you were so well-rounded! Mi-Lee said. I knew you were a good fighter!

I smiled and nodded my head. We went back to the party and mingled. It was a great trip.

Christmas in San Francisco was great. The girl's recital was nearly flawless. Ria and Alexia were great. Soo-Min and Mi-Lee were terrific guests. They brought homemade kimchi, several jars of Korean pepper sauce, and a case of Soju. My Dad loved it.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee even cooked Korean one night for everyone. I helped! It was a lot of fun.

It's been five years since the last parole hearing. I got a 30-day notice in the mail saying that Bill and Paul were up for parole again. John and I booked a flight and made arrangements.

Two days after the notice came in the mail. I received letters from each of them. Apologizing to me for their actions on that fateful day.

They also sent a list of their accomplishments within the last five years as well as a history of their prison records.

Both of them had earned college degrees in literature and Journalism. They also completed several anger management courses. They were teaching prisoners how to read and write.

I called the prison and confirmed the information they sent me. A week later, I got a letter from Mr Bond and Mrs Jeffiers, both apologizing to me for the attack. Mr Bonds was very eloquent in his apology.

The last time I was here I wanted them to rot in prison! This time I wasn't sure how I wanted this to go! John and I talked several times about it. It was a sensitive subject, to say the least.

Myself, I wanted to hear what they had to say this time!

We arrived early at the prison. The two of them were in orange jumpsuits that said trustee, clean shaven. I was evaluating everything they did. They were holding papers to read to the board.

The Parole board started asking them questions about their ability to reenter society and if they were willing to commit to living as law-abiding citizens.

This time I heard more honesty and less bullshit. They read their statements and they both looked at me and apologized to me and said they regret their actions that day. They took full responsibility for the effect they imposed on everyone.

Bill said it was his fault and apologized to Paul as well for dragging him down with him. They both explained that the last time they were there, they were angry with me for my statement and thought hard about it, waiting for this opportunity to prove to me they regretted the attack and the damage they caused.

Bill and Paul had spent the last five years attending anger management courses to learn how to control their anger. They admitted that their anger and hate was the reason they were in prison.

So you feel you are fully reformed? The chairman of the parole board asked.

I am far more reformed than I was 5 years ago sir! Am I fully reformed? I can't honestly say fully, it's difficult to tell living in prison! I am far better behaved.

We've both completed two bachelor's degrees in prison and I am constantly trying to improve myself to prevent making mistakes like this again! Bill said.

Paul said the same thing only it was worded differently. It sounded like it came from the heart!

I wanted to believe it. I looked at John he nodded yes. Nodding of John's head meant he believed them.

I got up and read my statement. I looked at each of them. I looked for signs of hate and disdain they had shown me in the past. They both looked genuinely sorry for the first time since their conviction.

I looked at Mr Bond. He looked ashamed and regretful.

Honorable board, we have all suffered from this tragic event. If the board sees fit to release them I will support your decision. I feel for the first time they are regretful and told me the truth.

I can only hope they have learned from their mistakes and will work to become solid citizens of society again. Thank you for your time today!

Thank you Mrs Stevens-Park. The board will be in recess while we make our decision.

We waited outside in the hallway. Mrs Jeffiers and Mr Bond both apologized to me for the very first time. Mr Bond's attitude was much improved. He must have taken my advice seriously.

30 minutes later we were called back in.

Mr. Bond, Mr. Jeffiers, please rise!

They stood up, their parents stood with them. We have evaluated your records and taken into account the victim's statement.

You are hereby granted parole. You will remain on parole for the remainder of your sentence. You are to report to your parole officer by 4 pm today by appearance or phone and a follow-up in-person appointment the following day.

You are not allowed to travel outside the state of Ohio without prior permission for any reason. You must secure employment within 60 days of your release or risk returning to prison.

Do you understand?

Yes sir! They said in unison.

You are to be processed for release. This case is closed!

Mr Bond shook my hand. Mrs Jeffiers hugged me. It was a bit uncomfortable but she meant well. Bill and Paul said they were very sorry and thanked me.

John had the look of focus, looking for a threat! We drove back towards the hotel. I took John by Mom's old salon; it was still in business and still looked in pretty good shape.

We drove into the trailer park and I showed John where I used to live. The trailer was showing its age again. It still looked better than when I left.

It's been over twenty years now. I'm 34 years old. I have everything a person could want and need. My life is great now. I have three beautiful children and a loving and protective husband.

We both have great careers and a nice home. I have what I always dreamed about since I was 3 years old a real family with a mother and father that love me.

A year after the parole hearing I heard that Bill started working for a production company doing documentaries for PBS. Paul was working as a counselor for at-risk children.

The Newhouse brothers finished college at Ohio State University and were working in their family business. They were both married with children.

My Aunt V's book was a huge success. She did interviews on all the morning shows and even had a short run as a late-night talk show host on the LOGO Network. It was similar to Doctor Phil! But aimed at the transgender community.

My mom graduated from Law school at UNLV and started working for Mr Fountain. Dan, AKA Dad is mostly retired. He occasionally works at a custom car shop but it's more of a hobby than work. He fixes breakfast and dinner for my mother on most weekdays.

Hank and May are still making wine and providing their hospitality to all of us when we need to slow down and reset.

Cheryl was a federal prosecutor for ten years in the federal courthouse in Las Vegas. She was their go-to heavy hitter. She successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases. She is now a senior partner in Fountain and Fountain Law Firm. Cheryl never lost a case to Michael Walker.

Anita wound up working for Matt Elgin in Los Angeles. I didn't even know until she told me.

Shelly is a successful orthopedic and sports surgeon. She treated many high-profile athletes.

Lexi has pretty much taken over Aunt V's practice, allowing Aunt V to work part-time now. Lexi is slowly buying out Aunt V.

Taylor sold two of her three businesses and strictly concentrated on the Salon. Lori is Managing the salon and is preparing to buy Taylor out.

Julius worked with John and Blake on gun running and human trafficking operations in the port of San Francisco. Julius was undercover for 9 months. It was one of the biggest busts in the history of California. Over 80 felony convictions.

Penny and Blake got married after dating for almost 10 years. They went to The Little White Chapel in Las Vegas and eloped. Every time they tried to get married something always got in the way. They have two boys.

Emma and Evan had two girls. They're as beautiful as their mother. Emma has her own law office and does very well. Evan is a Network Engineer and private contractor. He specializes in fiber optic installations.

John and I made it to my twenty-year high school class reunion. We had a great time. Most everyone showed up. All of the cheerleaders wore our Mustang necklaces. We are still in touch to this very day.

I don't think about being a boy anymore. I've lived longer as a girl now than I was a boy. At one time I thought it was the end of the world. I was very wrong.

I've come to realize how much better my life is now! As traumatic as my start was I realized I was blessed with the challenges that I fought through. I was blessed with opportunity and good people to guide me.

I'm very grateful to everyone around me. It was well worth the fight to get where I am. When I wake up in John's arms I know I'm not just lucky, I'm blessed.

My advice to anyone who reads this is to fight! Fight with your head, heart, and soul. You can fight physically too, but it won't get you very far. The positive role models I was surrounded by are a huge credit to my success.

I wouldn't change anything in my life! A big thank you to God and my guardian angels. I hope I made you proud!

The end.

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