The Novelist Portent
Johnny E. Mahaffey
October 4, 2018

JOHNNY MAHAFFEY IS... SORTA 40

This year was good. I had the best possible birthday today. I have been given the gift of family, and nothing compares to that.

First, Jaime Beth ordered me copies of Stephen King's The Dead Zone and From a Buick 8, two of her favorite books that she wants to share the experience of reading with me. She said that they remind her of me. She's sent me photos of her and of the kids. I get to call daily. I exchange letters daily with the kids. I love it.

But... it was at approximately 9:56 PM that she gave me my TRUE gift: her. She went quiet, got all serious, and said that she doesn't know how to put it into words. I told her to just say it and not hold back. There's nothing she could say or do that will make me think any less of her. But I must be honest and say that I wasn't sure what to expect.

What came next changes EVERYTHING!

"Johnny, I want you back. I want my HUSBAND! The man I married. I want him back."

I was born on October 4th at 10 PM. She said those words at the very minute of the 40th year of my life. She doesn't yet know the significance of this. So as she reads what I am typing, it will be news to her as well.

I made myself a promise a very long time ago that, if I was single at 40 (or at any year after), I would REMAIN single for the rest of my life. When I got out of prison, I would just work, help my kids in every way that I could, and help each ex if needed. But I would remain single, enter into a purely physical relationship with some women who wouldn't want love. Just my physical and financial presence. Keep things simple. Expect nothing. Just live out my days.

40 was my deadline. My "give up on love" mark. I NEVER told it to ANYONE because I didn't want it to affect anyone's decisions, entice them to come to my rescue, or feel like an ultimatum in any way. It was either going to happen or it wasn't. I was going to leave it at that. In fate's hands.

Of all the possibilities, it was, in the end, my Jaime Beth who came through. In the last minute of the last hour of the last year of the last possible chance, my loving wife showed back up in my life and called dibs! It's amazing. SHE is amazing. I will devote the rest of my life to her.

Happy birthday to me, indeed. I will never forget this day. Best birthday ever...

M