Charmian eyed him up and down, her expression softening. "You're welcome to stay with me until you get on your feet. I have three boys of my own and I'm sure they won't mind sharing the house with you for a while."
Tears pricked his eyes. He pushed them back. "Thanks, but I'll be fine."
"If you say so, but the offer stands.” She gave him a warm smile. “I know what it’s like to be a teenager on your own. My parents were druggies and I wouldn't have survived if some kind people hadn’t helped me out. It isn't easy trying to do life on your own, so if you change your mind and need a place to stay and something to eat, my home is open to you." She picked up a notepad, tore a sheet out, and scribbled down her address. "Here, keep this in case you need it."
"Thanks." Jayden swallowed the lump in his throat. He took the paper and folded it into his pocket. "I'd better start work now, if that's okay."
She smiled at him. “Of course.”
Jayden walked to the first shelf that needed restocking. He took a deep breath. Was God answering his prayers already? The job, the offer of a place to stay until he could afford his own. He shook his head. No, he wasn't prepared to believe that God was behind it all, but he was thankful that there were people in the world like Charmian who actually cared about others. Not everyone was selfish and pathetic like Mum.
After working all day, he decided to accept Charmian's offer. She gave him a spare bedroom and told him he could stay there as long as he needed. Her three boys were much younger than him, but they, along with Charmian's husband, made him feel welcome.
He kept an eye on Mum from a distance and hoped that one day she’d see sense. He still felt a responsibility for her, even though she didn’t deserve it. Why she chose to stay with Buck was beyond him. But he couldn’t leave her altogether. She was his mother, after all.
Although he enjoyed his time at Charmian’s, Jayden was eager to move into his own place. After working hard for two months, he had enough money to pay for his own small apartment.
"I wish you’d continue with your education," Charmian said as Jayden ate breakfast at her house for the last time. He’d already packed his belongings and was ready to move into his own place. "You can at least go to school in the mornings and then work in the afternoons."
He shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'll be fine. One day I'll go to college and study for a proper job. I’d like to be a vet one day.”
“That’s a worthy thing to aim for.” She gave him a warm smile. “Make sure you do that. Don’t give up on your dreams.”
He nodded. She was right. He shouldn’t give up on his dreams, but right now he just needed to survive.
"You'll still come by and play with us sometimes, won't you?" the oldest of Charmian's three sons asked.
"I’ll try to."
Her younger two sons gave him a hug before he left. "Bye, Jayden, we’ll miss you."
He laughed as he returned their hugs. “I’ll miss you guys, too.”
Even though he’d bought a three-speed bike with part of the money he’d earned, Charmian insisted on driving him to his apartment. "A bicycle doesn't have a trunk. Where will you put your bags if we don't take my car?"
“Okay, you win.”
"I really appreciate your help," Jayden said when they pulled up in front of the apartment complex and he climbed out of her car.
"I'm glad I could be of some help on your journey." She smiled at him, her eyes glistening. "Take care of yourself now. I'll see you Monday at the store."
Jayden waved goodbye. He checked to make sure that his bicycle was securely locked to the grid bike rack and then went up the stairs, found his apartment number, and unlocked the door. It was only a one-bedroom apartment, and compared to all the places he’d lived in before, it was tiny, but it was his. He didn't have to worry about living with people he didn't want to live with. Especially people called Buck.
He worked six days a week and soon became familiar with many of the customers who frequented the store. In turn, they became used to seeing him there and often asked him for help finding certain items or taking things out to their cars. In particular, a pretty red-haired girl who seemed to be about his age, maybe a little older, caught his attention. He finally worked up the courage and made an attempt to get to know her. "Hey, I've seen you here a lot," he said one evening while bagging her purchases. "Do you live around here?"
"About ten miles out of town.” Her eyes were on him as he placed the groceries into the bag.
His hands shook as he placed a tub of sugar into the bag.
“What about you? Where do you live?” Her voice was soft like silk.
"Just a few blocks away." He lifted his head. "My name's Jayden, by the way."
The girl raised an eyebrow. "I know that. It's on your nametag." Her eyes twinkled.
"Oh, right.” He let out a nervous chuckle. “Well, what's your name?"
"Angela. Angela Morgan. "I know you said you live around here, but you’re not from here."
"No, I'm Australian."
“Thought so. What are you doing all the way up here?”
Jayden scratched his head and smiled. He should have known this was coming. "It's a long story."
"I like long stories. Maybe we can get together sometime and you can tell me. I found this new ice-cream place I'm dying to try. Maybe we can meet there, say on Saturday, and you can tell me your story then?"
"I'd like that, but I have to work on Saturday.”
She shrugged. "We can go on Sunday. I'm sure you don't have to work then."
"Sunday afternoon would be great." Jayden had finished bagging her purchases and she was ready to go. "Would you like me to take these out for you?" She nodded, a warm smile sitting on her pretty face. He walked outside with her, pushing the cart in front of him. She indicated the red car sitting in the middle of the car park. "It's actually my mom's car, but I’m learning to drive. She’ll be back in a few minutes."
Jayden loaded the bags into the back seat of the car. As he lifted his head, he noticed a cross hanging from the interior rearview mirror. He gulped. Why did she have to come from a religious family?
He straightened and nodded to it. "Are you Christian?"
Angela’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Are you?”
Jayden took a slow breath. If he was truthful, he’d have to answer ‘no’. But something had definitely been moving inside him of late, and he’d been wondering if it was God. She was waiting for an answer. He had to say something. “Kind of.”
Angela gave him a quizzical look. “What do you mean, kind of? You can’t be a ‘kind of’ Christian.”
“Dunno.” Jayden shrugged. “Maybe we can talk about it sometime.”
“I’d love to.” Her face lit up as she gave him another smile. “See you Sunday, oh, and thanks for your help.”
“My pleasure.” Jayden’s heart raced as he walked back to the store. He couldn’t believe it—he had a date with a pretty girl called Angela. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
The rest of the week passed ever so slowly. Sunday seemed to be so far away, but finally it came. Jayden finished work at one o’clock, and quickly rode back to his apartment and showered. He slipped on the new pair of jeans and a white t-shirt he’d bought for the occasion. Kind of boring, but Dad always looked smart dressed like that, and besides, he felt comfortable in them. He stood in front of the mirror and combed his hair, now much shorter because of the job. He looked pretty good for his first date. What would Dad and Tessa think if they could see him now? No time for regrets, Angela would be waiting for him.
The ice-cream shop was within walking distance, so he chose to walk instead of riding. It was a quaint blue building that sold handmade ice cream in a variety of flavors. Angela was already there, sitting outside at a table underneath an umbrella. She lifted her hand and waved. All of a sudden, his heart thumped and his hands grew clammy. He took a deep breath and joined her at the table. Angela had clear green eyes that seemed to sparkle all the time. Her r
ed hair was loose and bounced on her shoulders. She was beautiful, but he got the feeling that unlike Britney, she wasn’t even aware of it.
“Sorry I’m late.” He knew he sounded nervous.
Angela tilted her head. “You’re not late. I was early. Mom and Dad dropped me in town after lunch.”
“Oh.”
“I’m going to have Caramel Honeycomb. What would you like?”
Jayden quickly glanced at the board. “I’ll have Berry. But let me get them.” He rose and joined the line. His heart still hadn’t stopped thumping. He placed the order and then carried them back to the table.
“So, tell me the story of why you’re here.” Angela looked at him over her cone, her alluring green eyes fixed on.
Jayden took a breath and began the story of how he’d ended up in Hunters Hollow. Angela’s forehead wrinkled as he told her about his mother and Buck, and a concerned expression grew on her face.
“Do you miss your Dad and stepmom? I know I would.” She looked down at her hands and inspected her fingernails before lifting her gaze to his. “I don't like everything about my parents, but I don't think I could leave them and not have any contact with them. That would be pretty hard."
Jayden grimaced. Telling Angela the whole story had stirred feelings inside him; he didn’t know if he could talk anymore without breaking down. And he didn’t want to do that in front of her, especially on their first date. Truth was, he’d been thinking more about calling Dad of late, since he’d moved away from Mum and Buck. He did miss both him and Tessa, but did he want to admit that to Angela? Not yet. He drew a steadying breath, releasing it slowly. "I would like to see them again, I just don't know when."
Angela gave him a smile that told him she understood. "I told my parents about you, Jayden. They said they’d like to meet you. Would you like to come to dinner sometime this week?”
His eyes widened. Was she just taking pity on him? He held her gaze. No, he didn’t think so. But was he ready to meet her parents? He was about to say no, but then changed his mind. He liked her. There was something genuine about her, and he got the feeling her folks would be the same, as long as they didn’t judge him or try preaching at him. "Yeah, sure, that would be great. Thank you."
She smiled at him again. “How about Wednesday?”
“Works for me.”
“We’ll pick you up.”
“Thanks, but I can ride.”
She chuckled. “Suit yourself, it’s a long way.”
He straightened. “I’m trying to get fit.” And now he really had a reason to.
Any concerns that Jayden had of being judged by Angela’s parents quickly dissipated the instant he stepped into their house. They welcomed him warmly, and before long, he found himself opening up to them. They reminded him of Telford and Eleanor, even though they were a few years younger than Tessa's parents, and he felt he could trust their hospitable and sincere personalities. After Mrs. Morgan’s roast dinner had been served, he told them the same story he’d told Angela, but this time included how he felt about it all. It was a relief to finally be able to talk with someone about the choices he’d made, and he was glad to at last share his feelings with people who truly wanted to listen and understand.
"I really miss my dad and Tessa a lot, but it was my decision to leave." He paused, taking a breath. "Sometimes I wish I’d never gone, but I can't go back and change the past. But now I feel responsible for my mum, like I need to keep an eye on her, or at least be close by if she needs me. Besides, it’d be difficult to go home and face my dad and Tessa now."
"It's always difficult to say sorry," Mrs. Morgan said as she put her knife and fork down. "But we always feel better once we do."
Jayden remained silent, his mind spinning. Was he just making excuses for not going back?
Mr. Morgan leaned forward. "It's true you can't go back and have a new beginning, but you can start now and have a good ending." He paused, holding Jayden’s gaze. “Why don’t you start by writing them a letter?”
A sense of relief flowed through Jayden. He’d thought Mr. Morgan was going to start preaching at him. But a letter? Yes, he could do that.
On his ride home later that night, Jayden stopped at about the halfway mark and climbed off his bike. The moon was already high in the sky, just a half-moon, but still enough to shed light on the valley. Somewhere over there, up one of the smaller, hidden valleys, sat the cottage where Mum and Buck still lived. He’d seen her several times on the street, and each time he couldn’t believe she was the same person who’d whisked him away in that fancy private jet less than a year ago. She no longer looked like a model; her designer wardrobe had been replaced with charity store clothes, and her once shining blonde hair was now dull and tinged with grey. But he still couldn’t leave her. Not yet.
He gazed up at the stars, and began to wonder what life was all about. Could he believe in the God he’d learned about in Sunday School, the God he’d been told had created all of this? The God that Dad and Tessa believed in, that Angela and her parents believed in, or was there no God and it had just all happened like he’d been taught in school? Did God really exist, or was he just a crutch? Jayden couldn’t deny the feeling he’d had in that church that God was speaking to him, but maybe it had just been his imagination, his need at the time. He let out a huge sigh. Too much to think about tonight. He needed to go home and start that letter. He stood up and climbed back onto his bike and rode the remainder of the distance, composing it in his mind. Dear Dad and Tessa…
Chapter 24
When Tessa began struggling with all day sickness a few weeks later, she scarcely dared let herself believe she could be pregnant again, but the signs were obvious. She tried to hide it the best she could, but waves of nausea swept over her as she taught the children in the afternoons, a feeling made worse by the persistent humidity. When accompanying Penny on one of her medical rounds, she had to excuse herself and hurry outside to find a private place to vomit.
"Tess, are you okay?" Ben asked one evening during dinner. For the second day in a row, she was toying with her food and only managed a few spoonsful. "You’re not ill, are you?"
"No, I just haven't been very hungry lately. I think it may be the heat." She hadn’t wanted to get his hopes up, perhaps only to find out later it wasn't true after-all. But maybe she should tell him. She was almost one hundred percent sure.
He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. "Really?”
She pushed her hair off her face and lifted her gaze. Her heart raced. She needed to tell him. She took his hand and looked into his eyes, a coy grin growing on her face. "Ben,” she paused, “I think I'm pregnant."
His eyes lit up. He jumped up and threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly, laughing and crying at once.
"I only think," she said in a happy whisper. "I’m not completely sure."
"This is wonderful news. The best. We have to let everyone know."
"Not yet!" She leaned out of his embrace, gently touching his lips with her fingers. "Not until we know for sure and I'm past the danger period."
Ben’s expression sobered. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just wanted to shout the news to everyone.”
“I know, but it’s too early yet, and besides, I haven’t even been to the doctor.”
“Okay. Our secret for now. But we need to get you to the doctor.” He pulled her head forward and gently kissed the top of her head.
“Thanks.”
Elliott drove them to Guayaquil the next day. It just so happened he had to go to the city for a meeting, so it fitted in perfectly. They told him it was just for ‘women’s business’. The glint in his eye suggested he’d guessed, but for once he didn’t press them. Penny stepped in and took their English class.
"Well, you’re just over seven weeks and everything looks fine," the doctor said as he ran the ultrasound monitor over Tessa’s stomach. She held back tears as she studied the grainy black and grey image of the tiny fetus growing inside her. Seei
ng the heartbeat gave her hope that this time she could carry it to full term.
"Do you suggest we leave Ecuador and return home to Australia?" Ben asked.
The doctor glanced up. "I don't see a need at the moment, unless of course you’d like to. I can't foresee any complications, and as long as you take care of yourself, Miss Tessa, you should be fine."
Tessa smiled and nodded. Of course she’d take care of herself!
"Perhaps you should return to Australia about three to four months before the baby’s due, assuming you want to be home for the birth."
She caught Ben’s eye. Yes, that would be perfect.
Sitting in between Elliott and Ben on the return ride from the hospital back to the mission grounds, Tessa's heart was full. She linked her arm with Ben's, and ran her other hand over her belly that was still flat but held a special little person. Their baby.
Tessa was on cloud nine, although she had to force herself not to think about the possibility of miscarrying again. The doctor had assured her she was in perfect health, and there was no reason to worry. But that’s what the doctor had said the last time.
It was hard to hide the pregnancy from Penny. She was a nurse, after all.
“You’re very lucky,” Penny said to her one day in between visits as they sat under some shady palm trees beside the river.
“What do you mean?” Tessa looked at her, trying to act innocent.
“I know you’re expecting.” Penny’s eyes twinkled. “Congratulations, sweet girl. I’m so happy for you.” She reached out and squeezed Tessa’s hand.
Tessa gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you. We were going to start telling people soon now I’m almost past the danger period.” Tessa felt her lip quiver.
Penny narrowed her eyes. “Are you worried?”
Tessa sucked in a breath. Did it show that much? Her shoulders slumped. “Just a little. I miscarried last year, so it’s on my mind a lot, although I’m trying to stay positive.”
THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance Page 39