Chapter 14 ― Rachel
As Rachel tossed and turned in her bed, a tear fell down her cheek. And it had nothing to do with the nightmares that plagued her.
With the verses her doctor had written down for her and the help of Shelly, she’d read each one. It was strange that those same verses, the ones about God’s forgiveness and love, had never been mentioned by the elders at their sacrament service.
The one that hit her the most was in John. It told her that God did not wish for her to go to hell. That He wanted only the best for her.
Even though she’d believed the preacher when he’d said there was no unpardonable sin, sometimes the old words crept back on her, and she’d allow herself to fall into a deep depression. The confirmation Dr. Paine had given her, took a serious weight from her chest. But nothing would ease her suffering completely until she gave birth to a child without horns, a tail, and red glowing eyes.
But that morning, her pain was something entirely different. It was physical, not emotional. Her body was so big that she could hardly move. She was about to have a baby, so of course, that was to be expected. But the roaring headaches that came and went along with the rapid pulse of her heart scared her beyond measure. As she lay in bed, she wondered if maybe Shelly and Dr. Paine were wrong. Was God punishing her?
The elders had always told them that. If you were struggling physically or otherwise, God was punishing you for something you had done. She’d been told that was not true. She’d been shown the verses. But if it wasn’t true, why was she in so much pain?
The aching intensified as Rachel clenched her teeth. Her entire body felt as though she would ignite into flames. Her ankles were the size of grapefruits, and her wrists were not far behind. But the worst of it was her head. It was agonizing to even open her eyes. It had started the night before when she’d gone shopping with Shelly. By the time they got back to the car, her body felt stiff and ached. She’d been afraid to tell Shelly, knowing she would make her see a doctor and excused herself to her room. Later that night she’d vomited the contents of her stomach into the toilet and went straight to bed. This morning she woke up swollen and her head pounded.
“Are you okay?” Shelly peeked into the room. “You’ve been in here all morning.”
“I don’t know,” she whispered, barely able to find her voice.
Shelly came further into the room and flicked on the light. “Rachel! You're swollen up like a balloon!”
Rachel nodded. “I don’t feel so well.”
“You don’t look so good. I think you should see a doctor.”
“I am okay,” Rachel answered, turning away before a tear fell to expose her lie.
“Get up. Come on. I will help you.”
As Rachel sat up, her heart beat wildly in her chest. Her breathing was shallow, and her head pulsed. A rush of saliva filled her mouth. She knew the signs but couldn’t stop it. She swallowed the saliva as it came, trying to hold off the inevitable, but it was no use. Before she could make a move for the bathroom, she vomited uncontrollably all over the bed and the floor in front of her. Even after her stomach was empty, she continued to heave as Shelly rubbed her back. The odor that assaulted her nostrils was not helping.
“We’ve got to get you to the hospital.”
Rachel didn’t have the energy to argue. It was all she could do to allow Shelly to coax her into the bath, help her wash up, and get dressed before they got into the car to head for the hospital.
“WHAT YOU HAVE IS A condition called Preeclampsia,” the doctor said. “The exact cause of it involves several factors. Basically, when you are pregnant, new blood vessels develop and evolve to send blood to the placenta. In women with preeclampsia, these blood vessels don't seem to develop or function properly. They're narrower than normal and react differently to hormonal signaling, which limits the amount of blood that can flow through them. That accounts for your swelling and elevated blood pressure. The headaches, those will happen when your blood pressure gets too high.”
Rachel understood zero of what the man explained.
“So, what do we do?” Shelly asked. “She still has eight weeks left before her due date.”
“Unfortunately, the only way to get control of Preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. With Rachel still being so far away from her due date, the only thing we can do is put her on bed rest. It’s important that we try to keep the baby growing inside of her for as long as we can.”
He turned to Rachel. “You, young lady, are to go home, get into your bed, and do not get out for any reason other than to use the restroom. Try to drink a fair amount of water but not too much. You are swollen as it is. A good balance is key. And stay away from too much salt.” To Shelly, he said, “I have ordered you a blood pressure kit. You will need to take her blood pressure several times a day. If at any time, her pressure rises above 160 over 100 twice within a twenty-four-hour period, I want you to bring her right back in.”
Shelly nodded. “Why no salt?” she asked.
“Well there is no proof that salt is harmful, but generally, salt will make you retain water. Since she is already swollen, I don’t want to give her any reason to retain more, so we will just play it safe.”
They didn’t know the reason for her condition, but she did. God was punishing her for her sin. Since she’d been going to church with Shelly, she’d been sure the elders were wrong. That there was no unpardonable sin that pertained to her. That she was forgiven. She’d asked. And the preacher told her that was all she had to do. And she had believed it. God was gracious and forgiving. But now, she was sure of it. He was punishing her for her iniquity.
As Shelly drove back to her house, Rachel sat with her face on the window and stared out. She was so alone. She missed her family, her siblings, her sister. What was Abigail doing now? Was she okay? She hadn’t even heard from Jonathan and Luna in a while. She understood that they were busy getting their lives together. But they had each other . . . and she had no one. She missed Jacob more than anyone. How would she live without him? How would she raise a child?
Her emotions swelled with her body. Both ready to burst.
Chapter 15 ― Malachi
Malachi stared at the young boy who rummaged through the boxes in the storage building. His long hair and bright red robe gave him away.
The color of his robe signified the boy had to be between the ages of ten and thirteen. He’d learned about it in class. As a child, the heir to the throne wore green robes until the age of ten, then red until he was thirteen. After his thirteenth birthday, he would be in training to take over the leadership, at that time he wore the same color robes as his father. Golden. But what was he doing wandering so far away from his home?
“I came to speak to you,” the boy said.
“Me? Why would you want to speak to me?”
“Do you know who I am?”
Malachi chuckled. “I have a good idea.”
“I came to warn you.”
“Me? Why? And how do you know me?”
“I was listening when my father spoke to you. I have a secret place and, well, that does not matter, but I have heard things.”
“What things?” Malachi came closer.
“That your brother, Jacob, is dead but—”
“I already knew that.” Malachi placed his arms around his chest.
“But did you know that the rest of them live? The other two did not die.” Daniel shuffled and looked away. “And Rachel, she lives as well.”
Malachi stared at him for a long time before he spoke. “How do you know?”
“I told you. I have a hiding spot where I hear and watch everything . . . there is more.”
“I’m listening.”
“The High Prophet has hired a man to bring them back to the community where they will be stoned. And that is not all, Abigail is—”
“Stoned? That is impossible. That place has never been used.”
“There is a place?” The boy gave him a quizzical look.<
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“Yes, in the center of town, but it is only a reminder. No one has ever been— wait, what about Abigail?”
“A witness has come forward identifying her as the one who started the fire. And her sister’s covering was found outside the barn. The High Prophet will have her brought to him in the morning. I fear what he might do to her.”
“Will they flesh her out?”
“No. The High—”
“Why do you call him the High Prophet. He is your father, is he not?”
“Yes, he is. But I must only refer to him by his title. That is just the way it is.”
Malachi shook his head. “Tell me about Abigail.”
“She will be brought to the High— my father, by tomorrow night. I do not know what he will do to her. I believe she is in grave danger.”
“I will make a way to get to her. But—” Could he trust this boy? He was, after all, the son of the High Prophet. He stared long and hard at the boy. “Why are you telling me this?
“It is not just. The ― my father is not doing God’s will. I have read the Bible. This is not what he was meant to do. We are The Chosen. You are . . . while we sit up there with electricity and indoor plumbing, you people are down here without. If I am to be the future leader, how can I lead like that? It is not right.”
“You are telling me?” He’d seen the comforts the High Prophet had in his home. “But what can I do?”
“I do not know. I just wanted to tell you. Maybe you can think of something.”
“What were you looking for when I came in?”
“I wanted to find you, but I could not do so in these.” He pulled at his red robe. “I was looking for something to wear.”
“And how did you think you would find me?” Malachi waved a hand for the boy to follow and headed off toward the section that held the community clothes.
“I do not know. I was going to figure that out after I found what did not make me stand out like a sore thumb.”
“A what?” Malachi turned to look at the boy who spoke outlandish words.
“Never mind.”
Malachi turned around and continued to walk. The boy was certainly strange. He stopped at the shelf that contained boys' clothing.
He grabbed a pair of jeans. “Try these.” He tossed them to Daniel. “Or would you rather wear this?” Malachi held up a dress. “With that long hair, this may be a better disguise for you.” He withheld a grin as he spoke.
Daniel frowned.
Malachi shrugged. “Okay, never mind. Here.” He grabbed a white button-down shirt and tossed it to him. He then tossed him a straw hat. “Push your hair up inside, and maybe no one will notice.” Malachi shook his head. He’d just better not get too close to anyone. “So, what now?”
“I must get back before I am missed. How can I get in touch with you again if I need to?”
“I am here most every night.” Malachi turned and headed for the door. “Next time just don’t be so obvious.”
“If I hear anything more, I will come.”
“You gonna put those on?” Malachi nodded to the clothes in Daniel’s arms.
“I will save them for next time.” He tucked them under his robe.
“Suit yourself,” Malachi said and headed out into the windy night with Daniel following behind.
Chapter 16 ― Abigail
“I will be back shortly,” Elder Aaron had said as he closed the door.
The click of the bolt had sounded as he locked her inside. That had been hours ago, and no one had returned since. The room was now dark, and the only sound was the whistling wind as it brushed up against the exterior walls of the church.
Abigail stood to look through the one small window in the room. Dust devils swirled around in the night air. Off in the distance, a red image floated through the thickening wall of dust. She pushed closer to the window, but the dust was too dense to get a good look. The red figure seemed to be that of a person. A child? The stature was too short to be a man. But red? No one in the community wore red.
Abigail’s mouth opened and closed again. It couldn’t be. She’d never seen him before, but everyone knew that the young son of the High Prophet wore red. As she stared out the window, the image drifted out of sight until it was no longer visible. Surely, she was imagining things.
The door opened behind her, and she turned from the window. It was Elder Aaron, and he was holding a covering. “Do you deny this belongs to your sister?” he asked
Abigail looked at the covering. “I am sure it does,” she spoke cautiously. “Could she have lost it the day you fleshed her out to die in the desert, Elder Aaron?” It was no use. They had their mindset, and she would be punished. But still, if she were going to be in trouble ... “Maybe that night was windy when you threw her in the back of a truck and―”
“That is enough.” Elder Aaron rubbed his arm where the scars still showed from where Rachel had scratched him. “You may go home to pray. Do not go to work tomorrow. Someone will be there to retrieve you after your supper. Your parents have already been informed of your misdeed.”
“What is my misdeed, Elder Aaron?”
“Abigail Pence! You are excused.”
Abigail dropped her head and turned to leave. Her disrespect toward an elder was already enough to get her fleshed-out. She just couldn’t seem to control the wrath inside of her after all that had happened.
She walked out into the heavy wind and was immediately assaulted by the harsh dust. Her heart was so heavy that she welcomed it. Nothing would ever be the same again. Her once normal, peaceful life had been turned upside down.
She sighed and slowly climbed down the stairs and headed for home. What would they do to her? Would they flesh her out like they did Rachel? So many questions plagued her mind as she pushed her way through the dust and wind to what would most likely be her last night in the safety of her home.
“Abigail?” a voice questioned.
Abigail strained to see a man coming her way. It was Malachi.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked sternly.
“I am on my way home.” She covered her face to avoid the violent dust. “What are you doing out in this weather?”
“I was loading the truck for PSP, but I have learned a bit of news about Rachel. Come. I will see you home safely.” He took her arm and led her through the community.
“What? What have you heard?” A wave of dirt thrust up into her face, and she coughed.
Malachi grabbed her arm to stop her. As he shielded her with his arms, he said, “Rachel is alive.”
Abigail opened her mouth and stared at the man before her and then closed it quickly as the rough wind slapped her face. Hadn’t her father said so? But how could Malachi know such a thing? “How do you know?”
“I have been informed. I cannot reveal my source at this time.”
The red image she’d seen earlier came to mind. There was no way it had been what she thought it was. But how else could Malachi know such news? “Did you speak to ― What was he doing here, among the community?” It was true. It had to be. But how?
Malachi placed a finger to his mouth. “That is not important. What is important is that Rachel is in danger, and so are the others.”
“Others? What others? I thought they were all—”
“Only one died in the crash. They have lied to us.” He pulled on her arm. “Come, we must keep moving.
The wind died down, and Abigail could see the way more clearly. “Who died?”
“Jacob. The others live, and they are in danger. And so are you.”
She’d known she was in danger, but she did not worry for herself. She worried about her sister and the others.
“You must get word to Rachel, Malachi. You must find a way.”
“But what about you? The High Prophet has some kind of plan for you. He will send for you tomorrow.” His eyes saddened. “I fear he will harm you.”
The kindness he showed was startling coming from such a rash man
, but she was grateful for it nonetheless. Maybe he was not as harsh as she’d thought.
“Thank you, Malachi.” She touched his arm then pulled back. “You must get word to Rachel and the others. Please, Malachi. We must ensure their safety.”
They stood in front of Abigail’s home as she pleaded with him. She did not fear him as she once did. Malachi was the least of her worries.
“I will think of something. Do not speak a word of this.”
“How will I know when you have succeeded in your plan?”
“We are to be married, Abigail. I am permitted to court you freely, am I not?”
Abigail shuddered at the thought of marrying Malachi. She no longer feared him, but she was too young to be wed to anyone.
“You are,” she conceded with a shy smile. “I must go now.”
Abigail rushed away and into her home. Something about his warm breath on her face made her heart flutter.
Stop it! You are too young to have feelings for a man. That is the very thing that got Rachel in trouble.
As soon as she entered her house, her father stood in the foyer and stared at her with glossy eyes. She stood stock-still and looked down at her feet. Shame engulfed her.
“I cannot help you now, daughter,” he spoke quietly.
“I know, Father. I am sorry.” She looked up at her broken father as her own heart shattered. He’d already lost one daughter to sin, and he was about to lose another.
He nodded, excusing her to leave, and she rushed past him to the stairs. When she made it to her room, she flopped down into her bed, clothes, and all, and cried into her pillow.
Chapter 17 ― Luna
“That was the hardest test I’ve ever taken.” Luna sighed as she and Jonathan jumped into her mother’s car.
“You? I don’t even think I passed. There were words in there that I didn’t even know.”
Luna giggled. “I thought boys were allowed to go to school.”
The Forsaken (The Chosen Series Book 2) Page 8