The bitter-sweet chocolate lingering on my tongue brought an engaging smile to my lips. With each repetitive motion the pieces crumbled inside my mouth becoming smooth while rejuvenating my senses. Everyone knew I enjoyed the occasional chocolate bar, but no one knew how necessary my desire for chocolate had become.
Not only did I crave a daily piece, but I couldn't go without it. Having become a requirement for me to cope with the days demands at the station or home for that matter. Lucky for me I had two places to stash a treat I could get my hands on unnoticed. At the station I had a top desk drawer and in the cruiser the glove compartment held anything that wouldn't melt from the desert heat.
Only on one occasion had I left a candy bar in the scorching heat of the cruiser, instead of throwing it out I chucked it into the station's fridge. Sure, it discolored the chocolate, but to me the taste wasn't any different. Chocolate was chocolate and I craved it, like some of the junkies I'd arrested. Being sheriff in these parts didn't go without a bit of trouble. Following bored and delinquent kids was part of my daily tasks. I'd grown up in the valley and could understand how boredom lead to alternative entertainment.
Not until the day I took notice of Sharleen had I even remotely cared about any future. We'd grown up together, but like a switch being flipped, the day she walked past me in her ponytail and cheer uniform I opened up my eyes to the possibilities of her being more than just a friend. I wanted her for myself.
I thought we would end up together, but those where childish fantasies, when Joe moved to town, my life crumbled, along with every dream I once thought would happen and didn't. For me watching her life change while mine was still in shambles forced me to find my own happiness. Two years after her marriage to Joe I married Shannon. I was content with the life I'd built, by then I was working for the police station. Shannon wanted children and so to pacify her I gave in.
By the birth of my second son Sharleen gave birth to her first child, a daughter. Like a rocket, Joe walked out on Sharleen and his three month old daughter. Although I wanted to believe she was getting what she deserved, I couldn't. I felt sorry for her. My marriage vows kept me from comforting her.
Instead I looked over her daughter from a distance. When I could, I did small things for Riley, Sharleen's girl. Once while on a multi-grade field trip with my own son Riley had fallen and scraped her knee. I helped clean her up and even got the opportunity to wipe a tear. She was beautiful. At that moment I wanted her to be my daughter, not Joe's, he didn't deserve her.
Her sweet six year old voice echoed my regret, "Thank you, Mr. Parker," melting my heart. I've watched her grow up, even when she's struggled, like last year with her little adventure, I did what I could to keep her from getting a record.
Sharleen's done a good job raising her. Although we've not had many conversations together. The one we did have, Sharleen came down to the station after Riley had served her last hour of community service.
"Thank you, Keith." she said. The quiet tension between us was broken once Riley walked in, she looked at the two of us confused. Sharleen distracted her, "Riley, thank Sheriff Parker for helping."
Riley looked at me, "Thanks, for making me do community service," in a sarcastic and bitter tone, standing there with her arms crossed in front of me.
Sharleen looked at me, " Really, thanks. Giving me a smile that lit up her eyes, that's when I knew Sharleen was still as sweet as she'd always been.
