THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  Ben called the number on the card given to him by the taxi driver, and within fifteen minutes they’d arrived at the local Police Station. It took an hour for the report to be lodged. With very few details available, they were given little chance of having Jayden and Kathryn found, but the police would put the alert out. They were officially listed as missing persons.

  “I’d like to look for them,” Ben said later that night after they’d settled into their hotel.

  “And where would we start looking?” She held his gaze.

  He exhaled slowly. “I have no idea.”

  “God knows where Jayden is. And he’s okay. I feel it in my heart.” Tears rolled from her eyes as the assurance that Jayden was truly okay settled deep within her.

  Chapter 21

  The next day, Ben and Tessa sat in the boarding lounge of Austin International Airport, waiting for their return flight to Guayaquil. Ben rubbed his forehead and drew a slow breath. “I feel like we failed him. If we’d gone earlier, we might have convinced him to come home.”

  “Oh Ben, don’t start beating yourself up again. You know as well as I that we can’t change the past.” She squeezed his hand and gazed into his eyes. “But I have a sense of peace. I really believe Jayden’s okay, wherever he is.

  “You’re always so confident, but I have my doubts.” Ben drew another breath, letting it out slowly before lifting his chin. “But I’m determined not to let it get me down this time. I’ve learned a lot by being at the mission, and I know that all I can do now is leave Jayden in God’s hands.”

  Tessa gave him the warmest smile, her eyes sparkling like they had when they first met at puppy classes which now seemed so long ago. Too much had happened since then.

  “Ben,” Tessa shifted in her seat, her expression growing serious. “I think I’d like to extend our time at the mission if we can. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to go home yet.”

  He held her gaze, his mind ticking. The thought of going home to Brisbane without Jayden left a heaviness in his heart. Maybe Tess was right. Maybe they should stay longer. Images of the happy, smiling faces of the village children floated through his mind, bringing a smile to his lips. The children had brought such joy into both their lives, and the prospect of going home to a sterile, empty, quiet house held no appeal. His pulse quickened. Was this God’s providence and leading? He’d never been one to actually feel God in his life; he was too practical for that, but being in the village where God was so real had helped him to open his heart to the spirit of God, changing him slowly from a facts and figures man to one who could feel. One who had compassion. And joy. And peace. Yes, despite some lingering doubts about whether Jayden would ever come home, peace was growing in his heart.

  He took Tessa’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m not either. I’d like to stay.”

  Tessa’s eyes lit up. “Oh Ben, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy!” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she threw her arms around him and hugged him.

  Back at the mission, Ben knocked tentatively on the office door.

  Elliott and Larry had their heads down, deep in conversation.

  “We’d better come back later,” Ben whispered to Tessa.

  Elliott looked up, his mouth curving into a smile as he caught sight of them. “Come in, come in.”

  “We don’t want to intrude. We can come back later.” Ben turned to leave.

  “No, it’s fine. Come in.” Larry stood, motioning for them to take a seat.

  “Thank you, Larry, Elliott.” Ben shook their hands and took a seat. Tessa sat beside him. Since their discussion earlier that day, she hadn’t been able to sit still, but he’d convinced her to let him take the lead.

  “Sorry to hear about your son, Ben. It must have been heart-breaking for you.” Larry’s eyes were soft and his tone quiet.

  Ben gulped. So much for his resolve to be strong. He cleared his throat. Tessa squeezed his hand. He drew a breath and let it out slowly. “Thank you, Larry. Yes, it was very disappointing, but we just have to trust he’s okay and that he’s eventually found.” Ben swallowed the lump in his throat.

  “We’re all praying for you.” Larry gave them both a genuinely warm smile.

  “Thank you, we appreciate it.”

  “So, only a week left for you guys. We’ll miss you.” Larry straightened, crossing his legs.

  Ben glanced quickly at Tessa. She gave him a nod as their eyes met. He turned his attention back to Larry and cleared his throat. “That’s what we’ve come to talk about.”

  Elliott leaned forward, his eyes widening. “Have you decided to stay?”

  Ben couldn’t help himself—Elliott was so like Tess. He let out a chuckle. “How did you know?”

  Elliott shrugged. “It gets in your blood. Once you get to know the people, it’s hard to leave.” His expression grew serious. “Plus I know how hard it must be for you to think about going home still not knowing anything about Jayden.”

  Ben drew a breath. “Yes, but we don’t want to use the mission as an escape. We need to be useful. If you don’t need us, we’ll go home.” He paused and glanced at Tessa. Her eyes were bright, filled with emotion. “We don’t want to be a burden.”

  “You’d never be a burden. Either of you,” Larry said quietly.

  “Thank you, Larry. That’s so kind.” Tessa sniffed.

  “Penny would love you to stay, Tessa. She’s enjoyed having you here.” Larry gave her a warm smile and turned his gaze to Ben. “And Ben, we’ve appreciated you, too. As far as I’m concerned, you can stay as long as you like. You’re part of the family.”

  Ben’s eyes flickered as a sense of belonging flowed through his body. It was nice to be appreciated and wanted, but what role would he play now that the playground and school were finished? Tessa had so many more skills than he. Maybe he could offer to do the mission’s books. He returned Larry’s smile. “Thank you, Larry. But what would you need us to do now that the playground’s finished? I’m not sure I’m the best person for any more construction work.” He let out a small chuckle as a memory of his first few days on the job flashed through his mind. They must have wondered why he’d volunteered.

  “Oh, you did all right, Ben.” Tessa slapped him fondly on the arm.

  “Not so sure about that.” He let out another chuckle before turning his attention back to Larry. “Any thoughts?”

  "Well, the school needs English teachers. Most of the parents want their children to learn English as well as Spanish. The children already love you, and you’re both highly educated, so I think you'd make a great fit."

  “But we hardly know any Spanish!” Tessa straightened, her voice elevated.

  “Time you started learning, sis.” Elliott raised his brow, as if throwing out a challenge.

  Larry leaned forward. “Sometimes it’s good not to know too much. Children often learn quicker if they don’t have a choice and they’re forced to talk in English.”

  Tessa cocked her head, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Guess that makes sense.”

  “And you could also take one of the mid-week Bible studies,” Elliott said.

  “As long as we don’t need to take it in Spanish.” Tessa chuckled. “What do you think, Ben?”

  Ben cleared his throat. He’d never led a study group. Maybe he should have, but for whatever reason, he hadn’t. Would he be up to it? Was his faith strong and genuine enough to be able to lead a study in God’s word, and to encourage the people in their walk? He drew a slow breath, but his heart quickened. He’d be stretched, that was for sure. Definitely out of his comfort zone. Why did I think they might want me to do the missions accounts? Tessa squeezed his hand, her gaze fixed on him. She was waiting for an answer. He swallowed hard. Okay God, if that’s what you want me to do, I guess I’ll do it. “I think it’s a great idea.”

  Tessa’s face expanded into a beaming smile. If they’d been alone, Ben was sure she would have thrown her arms around him and kissed him.

  “
That’s sorted then,” Elliott said. “The new classrooms and playgrounds officially open next week, so it’s a great time for you both to start.”

  * * *

  Ben and Tessa settled back into village life, thankful for the friendship and support of the team and the villagers. Jayden was never far from their thoughts, and they prayed for him continually, but their hearts were full of God’s love and peace, confident that he was not only caring for them, but for Jayden too, wherever he was.

  On Monday morning, they were on hand to welcome the children attending their first day of formal learning. Mayta, Santiago, Juan, and the others whispered and giggled as they filed into the school in freshly cleaned clothes.

  Maria took the morning classes of basic Math, Science, Social Studies and History subjects. The children were eager to learn and quick to memorize any number of facts or figures placed before them. After lunch, Ben and Tessa commenced the English lessons. Tessa quickly grew to love the time they spent teaching the children, and looked forward to being with them every weekday. She enjoyed being around their happy, innocent spirits, and cheered just as loud as they did when they learned how to correctly pronounce a new word or write their names without any help from her or Ben.

  They also readily stepped into their roles as midweek Bible study leaders. After the first few times, Ben's concern soon subsided. "I don't see why I was so nervous, really," he told her one afternoon as they cleaned up the school building at the end of a long day of teaching. "The people here have such genuine faith, and they aren't expecting perfection from me," he continued. "They’re happy to simply study the Word and learn more about God. I’ve learned more from them than the other way around.”

  "You aren't the only one." Tessa rubbed the last bit of chalk off the board and then turned around, blowing hair off her forehead. “I’m glad we stayed. I really am.”

  Ben stepped towards her, a glint in his eye. “You look very appealing with chalk all over your face, Mrs. Williams.” He lifted his hand and brushed her face with the tips of his fingers.

  Tessa’s body tingled. “Ben! Remember where we are!”

  He glanced around and stepped closer. “I don’t see any kids, do you?” He cupped her face gently in his hands and lowered his mouth against hers.

  Happy sounds of children’s laughter from the playground outside filled her ears, but love for Ben filled her heart as he kissed her tenderly.

  Chapter 22

  Jayden's school was in town, and at first, Kathryn dropped him off on her way to work. He mostly kept to himself, not bothering to join any sports teams or extra school activities. After school, he avoided going home until he absolutely had to, hanging out at the mall or the park, and then, if Mum didn’t pick him up, he’d trudge the two miles home. When Buck stayed over, which he often did, Jayden took to eating his meals in his room.

  Angry, slurred words often came from the living room. One night, Buck was particularly obnoxious. "Where’s the kid. Katy?

  Jayden jumped out of bed, made sure his door was locked, and pushed his small nightstand in front of it. His heart pounded as Buck fumbled with the doorknob, and then started banging on it. "Open the door, kid. Let me in."

  "Buck, leave Jay alone." Mum's voice sounded so pitiful against Buck’s. "He's sleeping. Don't bother him."

  "Shut up, woman. I don't need you telling me what to do."

  Mum said something back to Buck, but Jayden couldn't hear her words. He covered his head with his pillow to block out the rest of their arguing as they moved away from his door. Several loud crashes made him jump. His heart raced. It sounded like they were throwing things at each another. They got louder.

  “Stop it, or I’ll call the police.” Mum sounded scared.

  Buck laughed and swore. “And then what’ll you do, Kate? I own this house, don’t forget.”

  Jayden huddled under his blankets, praying they’d stop.

  He must have drifted off to sleep, but the sound of the front door slamming woke him. A car started in the driveway and sped off, sending gravel flying as the wheels spun out. Had Buck left, or was it Mum? He hoped it was Buck. He didn't want to be left alone in the house with that creature.

  Jayden slid out of bed and carefully pushed back the table from in front of his bedroom door and unlocked it. He peeked out and listened before stepping fully into the hall. "Mum." His voice was little more than a whisper. No answer.

  He checked her bedroom. The bed was a mess and the air reeked of cigarette smoke, but it was empty. He crept along the hall towards the kitchen. He gasped. Both the kitchen and living room were a disaster. Chairs and dishes had been thrown every which way and broken glass lay strewn all over the floor.

  "Mum." Jayden called louder this time. Seemed Buck wasn’t there, but Mum didn't appear to be either. His mind raced. Where was she? What if Buck had done something terrible to her? He carefully stepped over some glass and checked the bathroom. Empty. Nowhere else to check but the barn. He retraced his steps and looked inside her bedroom again.

  A faint whimper sounded from the direction of the closet.

  "Mum, is that you?" He switched on the light. The closet door was slightly ajar. He flung it open. He gasped. Crouched in a corner, sobbing, Mum looked up, her face swollen and bruised.

  "Is he gone?" She gulped back sobs.

  "Yes." Jayden helped her to her feet.

  She wobbled before sinking onto the bed and wrapping her arms around her middle.

  "How could you let him do this to you?" Jayden sat beside her, placing his arm around her shoulder.

  Mum shrugged. “He'll be okay when he sobers up." She closed her eyes and breathed slowly. "I'll be fine.”

  "We need to get out of this town. I told you he was nothing but trouble.” Jayden sucked in a breath. “You need to get rid of him, Mum. If you don't, I'll be leaving."

  "Jay, please don't." She wrapped her arms around him and clung to him. "We can all live together just fine."

  "No, we can't." Jayden pushed back angry tears. Why couldn’t she see that Buck was no good for her? "Look at yourself. Look what he's done to you. You need to get rid of him."

  Mum lifted a hand and touched the bruise on her swollen lip. She shook her head. "I can't do that, Jay. I wouldn’t survive without him."

  Jayden let out a frustrated sigh. This was it, then. "Fine, if you won't make Buck leave, I'm going." He left her room and went back into his bedroom. He pulled out his old lime-green and black duffle bag and began stuffing his clothes and other belongings into it.

  “Don’t leave, Jay, please.” She collapsed in the doorway and sobbed.

  Jayden sighed, his resolve weakening. Mum needed him. What would that creep do to her if he wasn’t there to look out for her?

  “Fine, I’ll stay until I get a job and we can afford a place of our own.” He glared at her. “But you need to find another job, too.”

  “Thank you. Jay. I will.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Jayden felt like vomiting.

  Jayden spent all his free time scouring the newspapers for jobs. A number of stores and restaurants had ‘Now Hiring’ signs in their windows; the one at Value Village said they needed stockers, so he applied for that one.

  For the next few days, he continued going to school while he waited to hear about the job. As expected, Mum hadn’t looked for anything else.

  One day his phone rang. It was the Value Village thrift store manager. He’d got the job.

  Chapter 23

  I’ve got a job, Mum, and I’ll be leaving as soon as I can afford a place of my own.” Jayden waited for her reaction as he buttered some toast that evening. Buck wasn’t there, and for once Mum was sober.

  Mum drew her eyebrows together. “Jay… you can’t do that.”

  “I am, and you can’t stop me. I’ll have enough money within a week or so. I’d like you to come with me, but that’s up to you.

  A shadow crossed her face. “I can’t, Jay.” Her voice was quiet, timid.

  He s
topped buttering and crossed his arms. “Buck is no good for you. When are you going to see that?”

  “He loves me, Jay.”

  Jayden sighed heavily. “Yeah right. That’s why you’re covered in bruises.”

  She rubbed her arms. “He doesn’t mean it.”

  “Well, I’m leaving as soon as I can. You can choose what you do.”

  Jayden started his job the next day. The manager welcomed him and introduced him to a middle-age woman with glossy black curls standing behind one of the registers. "Charmian will do your orientation and give you a tour. Welcome aboard." The manager shook his hand and left him with Charmian.

  She gave him a tour of the store before signing him in and doing the paperwork. His hand shook as he handed her the fake ID Mum had given him a while back. Charmian didn’t blink and handed him a navy blue polo shirt with his nametag on it. "We're also in need of baggers in the afternoons, so if you want to work double time you can. Don't worry, you'll be paid for it."

  "I'd be glad to do double-work. I really need the money. I'm trying to pay for my own apartment."

  Charmian’s eyebrows came together as she studied him. "You’re a bit young to be living on your own."

  "It's complicated." Jayden shrugged. Should he confide in her? It’d been so long since he’d had someone he could talk to, and Charmian seemed nice enough. Maybe he could tell her just a little. "I can't live with my mum anymore, so I'm trying to find a place of my own."

  "I see.” Charmian drew a breath. "Where are you staying now?"

  Jayden gulped as the to-do he’d had with Mum that morning flashed through his mind. He’d tried once more to make her see how bad Buck was, and had tried to convince her again to be rid of him, but she’d refused, and he’d stormed out. He lowered his gaze and fidgeted with his hands. "I don't exactly have anywhere to stay at the moment. But I can probably stay with one of my classmates for a couple of days, just until I get sorted."