The Price of Trust

by Amanda Stephan

  "So? Why would that make it to where you couldn't stay here?"

  "He told me that he would follow me wherever I went, that he wouldn't let anyone else have me, and that he'd kill me if I tried to marry anyone but him. That's pretty much it in a nutshell."

  "Are you serious?" Kelly stared. "He loved you a lot then, right?"

  "Love? Ian didn't love me. He felt that I was his property, and he can't stand for someone else to have what he wants. It isn't romantic. It's frightening. I've had to keep running, because he keeps finding me and trying to force me to come back to him. I've lost everything I had because of him. When I tried to leave the first time, he took the car he bought me away, and he locked me in my apartment for a while. He's crazy. Obsessed."

  They finished their meals, paid their bills, and left without another word. Kelly was quiet until they arrived at the hardware store.

  "Carly, I'm sorry you've had it so rough, and I wish you felt safe here. I want you to stay here, and I know Joe wants you to stay here."

  "I would love to stay here, but Ian will find me and will hurt anyone that he thinks I'm interested in. I can't let that happen to Joe. I'll just leave before he likes me too much," Carly said simply, shivering. The wind was cold and whipped through her light jacket.

  "I think you should tell Joe and see what he thinks. You should give him that option before you leave," Kelly said stubbornly, refusing to see it Carly's way.

  "Thanks for listening. You're the only person I've told, and it feels like a load has been lifted off my shoulders." Carly smiled sadly, giving her friend a hug.

  "I'll see you later, girl. If you need anything, let me know," Kelly said, walking away. Carly watched her go, thankful for her friendship.

  Todd called Kelly that evening.

  "Hey, babe! How are you?" He always acted like it was the best part of his day to call and talk to her.

  "I'm good. How was your day?"

  Todd told her about his day at the farm as she listened patiently.

  "How's Joe been today?" she asked, wanting to tell him about her experience with Carly.

  "Joe? Let me see. How can I describe Joe? Hmm. Grouchy? No, too nice. Grumpy? Sounds too much like the Seven Dwarfs. Just plain cantankerous. He's grumpy, grouchy, crabby, irritable, and he's just not happy with anyone or anything. In fact, I'd have to say he's miserable. He spends a lot of time out at the horse corral though, which is good for the rest of us. Makes me feel sorry for the horses. Why do you ask?"

  "I had lunch with Carly today."

  His curiosity was piqued immediately. "Oh really? Did she have anything interesting to say?"

  "Yes, she had some pretty interesting things to say, but I'm not going to tell you everything. Just the important things. It's not my business to tell you the rest; she'll have to do that. Joe doesn't need to be so miserable. She cares for him, but she's really scared, like I thought she was. And tell him that she's jealous when Angie sits next to him at church, that should make him feel better."

  "Good. Maybe it'll cheer him up finally. He's been awful to be around." They continued talking for a while, said their good-byes, and hung up.

  Todd went to look for Joe. He found him outside at the corral, scratching behind Ashes' ears. He was deep in thought and didn't hear Todd walk up. Todd rested his leg on the bottom rung and leaned his chin on his fist.

  "I just got off the phone with Kell," he started. Joe kept scratching Ashes silently. "I thought you'd want to know that she had lunch with Carly today."

  Joe looked over at him. "Really," he said evenly. He waited.

  "Kelly said that Carly was jealous that Angie sat by you at church."

  Joe nodded his head approvingly. "That's very interesting." He was thoughtful. "Thanks," he said finally, turning back to the horse.

  "Welcome," Todd answered, walking back toward the house. He stopped and turned back toward Joe. "Oh. I almost forgot. She told Kell that she cares for you, but she admits that she's scared." He turned and left before Joe could reply.

  Joe's mood had changed drastically when he finally came into the house. He hugged his mom, punched his dad on the arm, and tousled Todd's hair, which he knew he hated with a passion.

  "How do you like that?" Todd asked, looking at his family. "You give the guy some good news, and he comes in and treats you with no respect. That's the last time I tell you good news!" Joe laughed.

  "Good news? What good news?" their mom asked hopefully.

  "Nothing," Joe said as he walked out of the room whistling.

  They looked over at Todd. "What's got him so happy?" his dad asked.

  "I just told him that Carly likes him."

  "Carly? He's been in a bad mood because of a girl?" his dad asked, surprised. "Hmm. I thought he'd never like another one of those after Amy. Well, I guess that's good news after all."

  Penny looked at Todd thoughtfully, then went and finished the dishes.

  The next morning, Joe got up earlier than usual. He showered, shaved, made coffee, ate some cereal, and waited for Todd to come down to the kitchen.

  He had lain awake the night before, wondering what he should do. Should he go talk to her? He didn't want to scare her anymore than she already was, but he had to talk to her. He wanted to know what she was afraid of and how he could help her. She might not even know that Kelly had spoken to Todd and told him any of their conversation and would still avoid him.

  Todd came to the breakfast table yawning. "What are you doing up so early?" he asked, stretching. He helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat down opposite Joe. "Mmm. Good coffee."

  "I was wondering if Carly knew that Kelly told you about their conversation yesterday."

  "Wow, no beating around the bush with you, is there? No. I don't think Carly knows anything. Why?"

  Joe was disappointed.

  "I wanted to go talk to her, but if she didn't know Kelly told you anything, then she'll still avoid me."

  "Well, for some reason, I don't think she'd really want to talk to you anyway at five in the morning. Most people don't wake up with the chickens, you know." Todd's large grin suddenly stretched bigger. He had an idea.

  "It's supposed to be really nice weather for riding today and tomorrow. We probably won't get too many more of these days this year, and Ashes looks a little fat, you know. You should really exercise her more often. Maybe I'll get Kelly out here later on and have her help me exercise the horses. We could take care of Ashes for you if you wanted to."

  "I wonder if Carly would like to ride," Joe mused, taking the hint. "Do you think Kelly could entice her to come out here for a ride?" he asked hopefully.

  "I could have her try, but Carly's probably got to work until five tonight, and by then it'll almost be too dark to ride. Or would you rather have Kelly ask her for tomorrow when you have all day?"

  "Try for tomorrow so we won't be so rushed. Thanks for the idea, little brother." Joe smiled, put on his hat, and went out to the barn to start doing his work.

  Kelly went to see Carly around lunchtime.

  "Hey there, Kell. How's it going today? Any mean people yet?" Carly teased.

  "Boy, do I have a story for you! There was a couple in this morning, and all they did was fight, fight, fight. It was embarrassing. Most of the guests were eating in the dining room, and everyone could hear what they were saying, they were so loud. Man, I hope Todd and I never fight that way." Kelly laughed, leaning her elbows on the counter.

  "Anyway, on to more important stuff. I was wondering if you would like to go horseback riding tomorrow morning. We would have a picnic in the afternoon, and we could ride all day." Carly was frowning. "Don't you like to ride?" Kelly asked, disappointed. She had hoped their scheme would work.

  "Where?" Carly asked bluntly, crossing her arms. She knew Kelly wouldn't lie.

  "At the Bairds'," she said quietly. "Come on, Carly, please? You'd have fun," she pleaded when Carly shook her head.

  "It's no good, Kelly; I can't go out there when I've
been trying so hard to avoid him here. What good would that do?" Carly asked, exasperated.

  "All right. I understand. But you know, the Bible says that we're supposed to bear one another's burdens, and you're not letting anyone else help you with yours." Kelly was just warming up. "Have you even prayed and asked God what he wanted you to do? What if he wants you to stay? Would you? Or would you be too scared? Give God a chance to tell you what he wants, Carly," Kelly ended in a storm. "I've got to get back to work. See you around." She stomped out the door.

  "Kelly! Wait! Kelly!" Carly called, following her. "Kelly! Stop!" Kelly stopped and turned around. She was furious.

  "You know, Carly, you haven't even given God a chance to take care of your needs. You've just kept running and running," she sputtered.

  "Kelly." Carly grabbed her by the shoulders. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you so upset. You're right. I've been running so long that I think that's the only thing I know how to do. I'm sorry. Please don't be angry with me," she pleaded.

  Kelly softened. "Okay. I'm sorry that I yelled at you like that. I usually don't do that."

  Carly smiled and gave Kelly a hug. "Yeah, but you haven't dealt with a stubborn old mule like me."

  "Please say you'll go tomorrow. Please, Carly. Joe's been so miserable and hard to live with," she begged.

  "If I say I'll go, are you going to yell at me like that again?" she joked.

  Kelly smiled. "No, I won't freak out on you again." They laughed and hugged again. All was well.

  "Are you sure he wants me around? I'm not going to be unwelcome, am I?"

  "Of course he wants you around! He's been unbearable! You'll definitely be welcome. I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow, okay? And be sure to bring a jacket."

  "All right, sounds good to me. I'll see you then." Carly walked back to the shop, shivering in the brisk wind. She was excited and scared at the same time. She could hardly wait for today to be over so tomorrow could begin.

  Lord, please forgive me. I haven't asked you lately what your will is for me, and I've made a mess of things again. Please let me know what to do, and help me not to operate on my emotions. Help me to seek your will in all things, and do it. No matter what. She smiled as the peace that passes all understanding enveloped her.

  Just before closing, the short, ugly man came in. Carly was still at peace and felt that nothing this man could do would bother her.

  "The nails are in aisle three," she said automatically.

  He scowled. "What if I wanted something else?"

  "Do you need anything else?" Carly retorted, looking up from the receipts she was tallying.

  He leered at her. "Yeah. I need a hammer now."

  "You'll find those in aisle three as well. Right next to the nails." She stared steadily back at him.

  He dropped his gaze first and went to find the hammer. He came back promptly with a small hammer and set it on the counter.

  "Is that all for you?" Carly asked sarcastically. "Seven fifty-eight please." He paid her, walked to the door, and turned around to glare at her one last time before leaving.

  "Good-bye," she called sweetly, waving.

  The next morning, Carly was up and ready way before Kelly came to get her. She had been unable to sleep very well the night before. She was apprehensive about the day. How would Joe treat her? Would his parents act differently toward her?

  Finally, she spied Kelly's uncle's truck in the street below. Grabbing her denim jacket, she ran out to meet her. "Good morning," she said as she climbed into the passenger seat.

  Kelly backed out and started toward the Bairds' farm. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"

  "I slept like garbage. I just couldn't seem to concentrate on sleeping because I was worrying about what to expect today."

  "Everything will be fine. Did you eat breakfast?"

  "I had some applesauce." Carly was self-conscious. Since she'd left Ian, she'd had to eat very differently. She couldn't afford the expensive foods that she had become accustomed to, and she didn't want to spend any more money than she had to.

  Kelly looked over at her in surprise. "Is that going to be enough? We're going to be out all day."

  Carly smiled amiably. "I'll be fine. That's all I usually eat for breakfast. So how did you sleep?" she asked, changing the subject.

  "I slept wonderful. I love it when Todd asks me to help with the horses. We ride all day, have a picnic by the pond, skip stones, and just talk. Joe usually comes with us, but he's a little quiet and stays to himself quite a bit."

  "How come Joe goes?" Carly asked, surprised that Todd would allow a chaperone if he could get away without one.

  "I ask him to go. If I'm out alone with Todd, that's just a reason for people to talk, so I always ask Joe to go with us. Todd doesn't mind either. They talk rough to each other sometimes, but they're best friends."

  They talked agreeably for the rest of the ride. As they got closer, Carly became more quiet and reserved.

  There were lights on in the kitchen when they pulled into the driveway.

  "Kelly, why did I let you talk me into this?" Carly whispered, so nervous she could hardly breathe.

  "You'll be okay. You're with people who care about you and like you. You're going to have a good day, I promise." She got out of the truck and started walking to the porch before she realized Carly hadn't gotten out yet. She waited for her. Carly opened the door reluctantly and stepped out.

  Todd swung the door open, smiling broadly before they had the chance to knock. "Good morning," he called as he gave Kelly a hug. "Carly! I'm glad you could make it. It's been a long time since we've seen you. Come on in."

  She muttered a quiet "good morning" and "thanks" as she followed them into the kitchen. She smiled shyly at Joe, who was seated at the breakfast table. He beamed.

  "Good morning, girls," called Penny as she prepared dough for biscuits. "How are you this morning?"

  "Great!" was Kelly's exuberant reply.

  "Here, Carly, have a seat. Sorry we're not ready to go. We got up late, and we haven't had breakfast yet. Would you two like some?" Joe said kindly as he pulled out a chair for her.

  "Oh yes please," Kelly cried out. "Carly only had some applesauce this morning. She might get hungry." Carly blushed with embarrassment.

  "Only some applesauce?" asked Penny in surprise. "That's why you're so thin, you poor thing. You're staying for breakfast, and that's not a question. That's a command." She laughed, waving a doughy hand at her.

  "Thank you, but I'd feel better about it if I could help you with something," Carly said, putting her jacket on the back of a chair.

  "Me too," chimed in Kelly.

  "I don't think you should let Carly help, Mom. I remember the last time she was here she said she could only make macaroni and cheese, and that doesn't sound so good for breakfast," Joe teased.

  "I said that's about the only thing I've been able to make," she retorted.

  "Is there a difference?"

  "Yes!" she said playfully. "What can I do to help?" she asked as she washed her hands.

  "You're a dear. You can fry the bacon and sausage, and Kelly you can fry the eggs while I finish up with these biscuits, if you don't mind. The pans are already out," Penny directed them.

  Joe came over to stand at the counter next to Carly and started cutting potatoes into an electric skillet and she couldn't resist a sideways glance at him. He grinned at her, his eyes twinkling. She turned quickly and started the bacon. She'd always been a sucker for the tall, dark, and handsome sort, and he was definitely all of those.

  He finished with the potatoes and started on the onions. They started to cook, and she remembered how much she loved the smell of fried potatoes and onions. After her mom had died, that's what they had for dinner every night, until she learned how to cook other things. He reached over and flipped an onion into her pan and bumped her arm, making her drop her spatula.

  "What?" she asked, smiling. She scooped the onion out, tossing it back in
to the skillet.

  He was grinning mischievously. "Nothing."

  "Are you purposely trying to aggravate me?" she asked, waving her spatula at him menacingly. "'Cause if you are, I'm going to swat you!"

  He laughed and went back to his potatoes and onions. They worked in companionable silence, listening to the conversation around them.

  He leaned over toward her and whispered, "I'm glad you came today." It wasn't much, but it made her stomach flip-flop and her face turn red.

  Breakfast was ready just as Tom came in.

  "Smells good," he bellowed, smacking his lips and holding his stomach. "I'm famished! Good morning, Kelly, Carly. How are you girls doing this fine day?" He grabbed hold of Penny and started dancing around the kitchen.

  "Good morning," they said in unison, laughing.

  They all sat down amiably in the same spots as before, but this time Carly sat down next to Joe. Todd winked at Joe, and Carly made a face back at him. It was a cheerful breakfast with much talk, laughter, and eating, but it was over so soon. The girls helped Penny clean up while Joe and Todd went to saddle the horses.

  "Carly, how have you been? I haven't seen you at church for a while," Penny asked, running the dishwater.

  "I've been sitting in the back, but I've been pretty good," she replied. She wasn't too sure of her position with Penny. She was very kind when she spoke to her, but Carly felt that she was reserved and unsure of what to say. "Just keeping to myself pretty much." Carly rinsed the dishes as Kelly dried and stacked them on the counter.

  "I've noticed," she said quietly. "I wondered where you were when I saw Angie sitting beside Joe. Have you met Angie?"

  "Yes, I have," she answered evenly.

  Penny was silent for a moment. "She seems nice, but I think she's jealous of you, you know," she said with a smile. "Do you have any other relatives living?" she asked, changing the subject.

  "I don't think so. My mom's parents had already passed away before I was born, and my dad's parents never forgave him for marrying my mom. I guess they had words and split company. The only family I had was my parents. They were everything to me."