Ben sat down and flipped through the papers, stopping every now and then to read some of the information. "I guess it might be good.” He raised his head.
Tessa’s pulse raced.
“I agree we should get away, but Ecuador? What if Jayden does decide to come home? It’s so far away.”
She sat and took his hand, holding his gaze. "I fully believe Jayden will come back, hopefully sooner than later, but to be honest, I don't think it’ll be for some time yet, even with his ninety days almost up.” She paused and took a breath. She was talking too fast. “Jayden knows where we are, and if he wanted to come back by now, he would have done so. He wouldn't be ignoring us the way he has if he was wanting to come back soon. And if he does come back while we're away, we’ll just jump on a plane. I’m sure Elliott and the others would understand. And maybe we could try to visit him on our way back… it’s not far from Florida.” She was being a little cheeky throwing that in, but if it helped?
Ben set the papers aside and rested his chin in his hand. After a few minutes of silence, he lifted his head and met Tessa’s gaze.
Her heart beat louder and faster. She sensed God was at work in both their hearts. Just the fact that Ben’s outlook had improved so much over the weekend was encouragement enough, but now…
"Okay, as long as we can maintain email contact just in case Jayden does decide to come back, I think going on a mission trip together will do us good.”
"Oh, Ben!" Tessa threw her arms around him so suddenly he nearly toppled over. She could hardly put her happiness into words.
The next month or so was a flurry of activity as Ben and Tessa prepared to leave their house in New Farm and fly to Ecuador. Christmas came and went. At least planning the trip helped to take their minds off the empty chair around the table when they had Christmas lunch with her parents. They tried to call Jayden late on Christmas night, but his phone didn’t even ring—the number was no longer active. And there was no reply to the email Ben sent. The Facebook message also remained unseen.
Ben wrapped up the projects he’d been working on and left his clients in Walton's capable hands. Tessa put Harrison back in charge at the clinic and left Bindy and Sparky with her parents who happily agreed to look after the dogs while they were away. They decided to sublet their house to a couple who’d recently moved from Canberra to be closer to their daughter, assuring Ben and Tessa that the house and yard would be kept in good condition. After applying and being accepted through Mission to the World, Elliott's mission agency, and after getting some tips from Elliott on what to expect and what they should bring, Ben and Tessa were soon packed and on a plane ready to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives.
Chapter 11
A month had passed, and Jayden still felt like a fish out of water at Miranda High. Keith had snubbed him—the school's unspoken rule was clear; sophomores and seniors didn’t mix. The only sports teams they had were basketball, football, and baseball—none of which he played. Some of the students, and even some of the teachers, still asked about his accent which they thought was either funny or cute. He didn't understand why the way he talked was such a big deal.
But at least he’d made one good friend, although hanging out with Raymond Astey wouldn’t help him make any more. Quiet and bespectacled, Raymond was the nerd of the class. He wasn’t into sport, but loved Science and Math. Dad would be happy about that.
"Can you show me your jet ski today?" Raymond asked him one day after school as they took their books out of their lockers.
"Sure. Mum's not picking me up, so we'll have to walk."
Raymond shrugged. "That's fine. My parents never pick me up. I usually walk home anyway."
The two boys slung their bags over their shoulders and began the twenty-minute walk, chatting the entire time about the physics assignment that was due in three days’ time.
Jayden’s eyes widened as he and Raymond rounded the corner and entered his street. A large moving truck was parked beside Mum’s car. A lump grew in his stomach. What was going on? Maybe it’s for the people next door. But they had their own driveways. The truck was in theirs.
“What’s wrong?” Raymond looked at him, forehead puckered.
“Not sure.”
They approached the truck. The back was open. Jayden peered inside as they squeezed past. A row of stacked boxes filled the back, and on the side, several large pictures that had been hanging on Mum’s bedroom wall were covered in plastic and strapped to some framework. Jayden blinked. What was happening? Surely they weren’t moving? He ran to the elevator and punched the button for the second floor.
Raymond followed. “Should I leave?”
"No. Come up. I just need to find out what’s going on.” Jayden tried to keep his voice lighthearted, but knew he wasn’t succeeding.
He took his key out but didn't need it. The door was already open and Mum stood just inside it, talking to one of the movers. "What's going on, Mum?" He tried to keep his voice calm, but his heart pounded.
"Oh, hi Jay. How was school?" She placed an arm around his shoulder. He shrugged it off. How could she sound as if nothing unusual was happening?
"Fine." His brows hooded
"I see you've brought a friend." She gave Raymond one of her over-the-top smiles.
"Yeah, this is Raymond. I wouldn't have brought him if I’d known all our stuff was being packed up."
"I meant to tell you yesterday, Jay, but there were still a few loose ends that had to be tied up. I’ve sold the condo and the boat, and we’re moving to Texas."
"Texas? Why?” Jayden strode past her and stared at the empty walls and rearranged furniture that was being broken down and packed away.
"I found a job with a golf fashion magazine. It starts in a week, so we have to move tomorrow. Sorry for the short notice, Jay, but I had to make a quick decision. I hope you understand."
No, he didn’t understand. Why should he? She’d told him she was rich. Didn’t need to work. So why all of a sudden did she need a job? And what about the private plane? Wasn't that hers?
"Whatever," he said quietly, more to himself than to her. He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “Guess I’ve got to go?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t leave you here on your own.”
“I was going to take Raymond for a ride on the jet ski. Have you sold that too?”
Her expression gave him the answer. She grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry, Jay. It had to go.”
He shook his head. “I don’t believe it. Bet you’ve sold my guitar, too.”
“I’ll leave.” Raymond backed out of the door and disappeared down the hallway. Jayden didn’t blame him. How many mothers would do this to their children?
It took Kathryn and Jayden two days to drive from Florida to Austin, Texas, stopping only for gas, food, and an overnight stay in a hotel. Jayden slunk in his seat most of the way, listening to his music.
Arriving on the outskirts of the city in the early afternoon, Kathryn nudged Jayden awake. “Come on Jay, be interested. We’re almost there.”
He pulled himself up and removed his earphones. They were still on the freeway, but in the distance, high-rise buildings poked their heads out through a haze of smog, as if they were floating in thin air. Cars whizzed by on either side as Mum slowed a little.
“Know where we’re going?” Jayden turned his head.
Sitting forward in her seat, his mother had a tight grip on the steering wheel, the veins in her neck as taut as the strings on his guitar which for some strange reason she hadn’t sold. She still wore her large sunglasses, but her whole demeanor was strained.
“Following the navigator. Should be there in ten minutes.”
‘There’ turned out to be a nondescript apartment building in the middle of suburbia. Nowhere near the water, and nothing like the condo they’d just left.
“How did you find this place?” Jayden’s nose wrinkled as he opened the door to the second-floor apartment not much bigger than the be
droom he’d just left.
“On the Internet.” She pushed past him and drew in a slow breath as her gaze travelled around the room. “It’ll do.” Her mouth was set in a hard line.
“Why did we have to move, Mum?”
Her lower lip quivered, her eyes misting over. “Let’s just say that Luke didn’t keep his word.”
As much as Jayden didn’t want to be here, he felt sorry for her and softened his tone. “Guess it’ll be okay.”
She held out her hand to him and smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Jay.”
Jayden shrugged. Whatever. He sighed as he carried his bag to the smaller of the two bedrooms and opened the window to let some fresh air in. Instead of the sound of boats and jet skis and children splashing in water, the drone of traffic reached his ears. Somewhere in the distance a siren wailed. Mum had told him that Austin was a great place to live, but if he was honest, he just wanted to go home to Dad and Tessa. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he began unpacking. It was all such a mess. And what was worse—he had to start another new school.
Chapter 12
On Jayden’s first day at Hillview High, a boy called Roger befriended him. Roger lived in the same apartment building and was in the same class for most subjects. They caught the bus to school together each morning and back each afternoon. Jayden probably wouldn’t have chosen Roger as his best friend if he’d had a choice. He was a bit too cool for Jayden’s liking, but still, it was better to have a friend like Roger than none at all.
Kathryn began her job but often worked late, some nights not arriving home until after Jayden was in bed. Sometimes she woke him when she stumbled in well after midnight. After several weeks, Jayden had had enough and sat up and waited for her. He fell asleep on the couch, but was awakened by the key turning in the door. He opened his eyes and watched her come in.
She swayed on her feet as she made her way towards the couch. She dropped her purse on the coffee table and kicked off her shoes, and was about to flop onto the couch on top of him.
Jayden moved out of the way quickly. She jumped back, startled, nearly losing her footing.
“What are you doing up?” Her voice was slurred.
“Waiting for you to come home.” Jayden’s eyes narrowed as he took in her bloodshot eyes and disheveled appearance.
"You should be in bed." She wobbled on her feet.
“And you should have been home hours ago.” Jayden’s chest heaved. So this is what she does every night.
“I was working.”
“Until one in the morning?”
“I was with clients. Let me sit.”
He shifted and made space for her. She flopped onto the couch and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Be a good boy and get me a drink.” She hiccupped.
Jayden lifted her head off his shoulder. “No way. You’ve had enough to drink already.”
“Don’t be a spoil-sport.” She reached up, draping her hand over his head.
“I’m going to bed, and so should you.” He tried to stand. She pulled him back. He glared at her. “When are you going to stop doing this to yourself, Mum? You were late for work yesterday because you were out drinking the night before. If you keep this up, you're going to be out of a job, and then what are we going to do?"
She sighed wearily and patted his hand. "Stop worrying, Jay. I'm not going to lose my job." She hiccupped again.
"You will if you keep drinking." Jayden crossed his arms, his glare holding firm.
"Go to bed, Jay." She rubbed her forehead. "I have a headache. I need to sleep it off." She pulled herself up and held on to the furniture to steady herself as she moved past him and stumbled down the darkened hallway and into her bedroom.
Jayden blinked back tears. What would happen if Mum did lose her job and their money ran out? Already things were tight and often the pantry and fridge were next to empty. Back home, he’d never even paid a thought to shopping for groceries or paying bills or having a place to stay. He’d never been concerned about Dad or Tessa losing their jobs. He’d just taken it all for granted. If he could bring himself to admit to Dad and Tessa that he’d made a mistake, maybe he could go home. But how could he leave Mum on her own now? Jayden sighed heavily as he plodded down the hallway to his bed.
Several hours later, Jayden woke to his alarm buzzing in his ear. It didn’t seem as if he’d slept at all, but he must have had at least a few hours. He dragged himself out of bed and knocked on Mum’s door. She didn’t stir. Why should he have to wake her anyway? She was his mother, and she should be the one waking him, not the other way around. He drew a breath and walked the few steps to the bathroom.
Once showered and dressed, he opened the fridge. An open bottle of wine, some butter, a milk bottle with only a tiny bit of milk left, and a few bits of stale bread were the only contents. He closed it. He already knew what was in the pantry, so didn’t even bother looking. He’d go without, again.
Roger was standing at the bus stop eating a box of breakfast tarts when Jayden arrived a few minutes later, his bag slung over his shoulder.
“Hey Jayden. Want some?” Roger held the box out.
"I won’t say no. Thanks.”
“No problem. Hey, d’you want to come over for dinner again tonight? We're having spaghetti and meatballs." Roger stuffed the last piece of his breakfast tart into his mouth, and then squashed the box under his foot.
“As long as that’s cool with your mum.” Jayden pulled open a tart and held it in front of his mouth. “Cause my mum won’t mind.” She probably won’t even be home.
“You mean my mom?” Sometimes Roger teased him about his accent, but jokingly. He was never mean. “Yeah, she's cool.” Roger cocked his head. “So what did you think? You don't look any different. Do you feel different?”
Jayden popped the tart into his mouth and then opened his bag, pulling out a Ziploc sandwich bag containing several pills from an inner compartment. "I didn't take any."
"Why not?" Roger drew his eyebrows together.
Jayden shrugged. "Just don’t see the need, that’s all. I told you that.”
"Suit yourself, but you know what the other guys are going to say. You won’t even have a drink. You need to loosen up, man.”
Jayden's shoulders slumped. How much longer could he stay strong? Taking drugs and getting drunk was wrong, he knew that. He couldn’t forget the time he’d overdosed and was rushed to hospital. No way did he want that to happen again. His Sunday School teacher at Fellowship Bible Church had talked a lot about the difference between right and wrong, and how important it was for young people to stand up for what was right, even when their peers pressured them to do the opposite. Even though he hadn’t been to church of late, every time Jayden felt pressured to join in with his new friends, a voice in his head told him not to. But he certainly wasn't about to tell Roger that.
Jayden handed the pills back to Roger. "Whenever my mum drinks, she acts weird. I don't want to turn out like that."
"That's probably because your mom drinks too much. You don't have to get drunk. You can just drink a little. C'mon, just a taste isn’t going to hurt you."
Jayden shrugged, breathing a sigh of relief as the long, yellow bus turned into the street. Why did he have to have conversations like this with Roger? And why couldn’t he just fit in without being pressured? It wasn’t right.
Roger climbed into the bus behind Jayden. "There's a pool party at Britney's house tomorrow. You should come."
Jayden’s face sagged. Just as well Roger couldn’t see it. He probably couldn’t get out of going, having made excuses for every party he’d been invited to since arriving. If he didn’t go, he’d really be on the outs with Roger. And he didn’t want that. Taking his seat, Jayden lifted his gaze and forced a smile. “Okay. It sounds great. I’ll be there.”
Chapter 13
The pool party was in full swing when Jayden arrived at Britney's expansive, two-story house the following evening. Music blasted from a portable
stereo system, and about a hundred young people, spread between the patio and the yard, danced or stood in groups chatting.
"Glad you made it." Roger clapped him on the back and handed him a red plastic cup.
Jayden sniffed the semi-clear liquid, jerking his head back as the whiff of alcohol reached his nose. Roger and some other boys from his class stood watching. He didn’t want to do this, but took a sip just to keep face. The liquid had a tang, stinging his taste buds and burning his throat as it slid down. He spat most of it back into the cup.
Roger laughed and clapped him on the back. "You'll get used to it. Take it slowly."
Jayden took another sip. This time it went down easier.
A girl wearing very short hot pants ran by and linked arms with Roger, dragging him away.
Roger looked back over his shoulder, spilling the drink he was carrying in his free hand. “Sorry. I’ll be back soon.”
Left to himself, Jayden wandered across to the pool area. A game of volleyball was in full swing.
"The girls are totally winning this." A blonde in a hot pink swimsuit stood beside him.
Jayden couldn’t help but admire her curves. And her long legs. And her sparkling blue eyes. He swallowed hard. “You must be Britney.”
Her eyes twinkled as she flashed him a brilliant smile. "I am. And you must be Jayden. Roger told me about you. You have that neat accent thing going on. Are you going to finish that?" She pointed to the cup in his hand.
"I don’t think so."
She took the cup and sculled the remainder.
Jayden’s eyes widened. How did she do that?
“What?” She gave him a quizzical look and then laughed.
THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance Page 33