by Amy Clipston
“What was that?” Zander asked, pulling into his driveway.
“I told her I thought God had abandoned me, and she said that maybe God had been here all along.”
Zander parked the Jeep in front of his garage and turned to me. “What do you mean?”
“I think I’ve missed that God has been here, and he’s appeared to me through you, Chelsea, my family, and everyone who came to the waiting room.” I touched his hand. “He’s been watching out for me, and he’s sent me wonderful friends to guide me. He sent Darlene and Chuck to take care of my dad and me too.”
He smiled. “I think you’re right.”
“And there’s something else I finally understand.” I took a deep breath. “The night of the Halloween party when we fought, you said that I deliberately close out everyone who cares about me.”
He shook his head. “I just meant —”
I touched my finger to his lips to stop him from speaking. “Zander, you were right. I built a wall up around myself when I lost my mom. I did it to shield myself from heartbreak, even though Tyler managed to break it anyway. But in the past twenty-four hours, I realized that I was keeping everyone out— including God and you.” I paused, gathering my thoughts. “I owe you a thank you for showing me the way back to God.” I lifted my bracelet and examined the cross. “You were right all along.”
“I don’t know how much I actually did, but I’m glad I could help you.” He pushed his door open. “I think you need to get some sleep. We can talk more tomorrow.”
I climbed from the Jeep and met him at the hood. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close. “Thank you, Zander. Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” His lips brushed the top of my head. “See you tomorrow?”
I snorted. “I’m grounded until next year, remember? Literally. Even after nearly cutting his arm off and being all drugged up after surgery, my dad reminded me tonight.”
He grinned, his adorable dimple appearing. “You have to go to the hospital, right?” He gestured toward the Jeep. “The guys won’t be bringing your dad’s truck home from the shop until tomorrow.”
I smiled. “I guess you’re right. I can’t walk to the hospital, and my hand-me-down Honda needs some work. Whitney made some comments last week that make me think I’m in for some transmission work.”
“Then I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll charge my phone and text you when I get up.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against mine, sending liquid heat through my veins. “Sleep well,” he murmured against my ear. “Your dad is going to be fine. It might take some time, but I believe he’s going to be okay.” Looking down at me, he winked. “See you tomorrow, my Chevy Girl.”
I watched him saunter toward the house and I grinned. How ironic that despite all of the stress of the day, I finally was Zander Stewart’s girlfriend. I headed toward the house and stopped dead in my tracks when I spotted Darlene on the deck.
“Emily,” she said. “Let’s talk for a moment.”
It’s now or never.
I took a deep, cleansing breath and climbed the deck stairs. “Yes, Aunt Darlene.”
She sank into a chair at the table and motioned across from her. “Join me.”
Sitting across from her, I suddenly felt the most overwhelming urge to apologize.
Her expression was contrite, but I could tell this moment was hard for her. “I’ve thought about what you said last night.”
“Wait.” I reached across and touched her hand. “Before you speak, I have to say something.”
She raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry.” My voice was beginning to thin. “I said some horrible things last night, and I’m truly sorry. You and Uncle Chuck were generous to take Dad and me in, and I’m sorry for not appreciating you. So, thank you.”
She looked stunned. “You’re welcome, dear. That’s what family is for.”
I folded my hands in front of me, wishing my voice would stop quavering. “I should’ve realized sooner how much of an effort you’ve made to help my dad and me —feeding us and letting us live here for free. I’m sorry for not appreciating it. Thank you also for the car, the phone, and the clothes. You’ve gone out of your way, and I’ve never really acknowledged it.”
“It’s okay.” She touched my hand and then took a deep breath. “I need to apologize too. This morning when Whitney and I went shopping, she pointed out a lot of things I’ve been doing wrong lately.”
My eyes widened with surprise. “She did?”
She cleared her throat and clasped her hands together. “She told me that I haven’t been behaving like a Christian, and she’s absolutely right. I was wrong to criticize how you wear your hair and how you dress. You’re a beautiful girl, and nobody’s perfect. Maybe I was wrong to make the comment about giving you the Honda in front of all of your friends at the party. Whitney said that it was horrifically embarrassing for you. I should’ve considered my words before opening my mouth.”
I blinked, stunned speechless.
“So I too am very, very sorry.” She took my hand in hers. “You’re my niece, and I love you. I’ve treated you poorly.” “Aunt Darlene — “ I began.
“Let me finish.” She gave a weak smile. “Whitney has also pointed out that your grandmother and I ignore you when she’s in the room. She told me that she’s tired of being the center of attention, and she feels that you need to be recognized for how pretty, smart, and talented you are too. She said she’s going to have a talk with Grandma about it next Saturday when we go visit her.”
I gasped. Go Whitney!
“So even though I go to church and attend the women’s meetings,” Darlene continued, “I haven’t been behaving the way I should. I’m very sorry for hurting you. We have some things to work through, but I hope you can forgive me as well.”
“Of course I can,” I whispered. “Thank you.”
“Well, it’s late.” Darlene stood. “You need to get some sleep.”
I stood, and she hugged me.
“Emily,” she began. “You can rest easy, knowing that God is going to look out for your father. He has the best doctors in this area.”
“Thank you,” I said. “You’re right. God has been taking care of us all along.”
She headed for the door and then glanced back at me. “Are you coming in?”
“I think I’m going to stay out here for a few minutes and clear my head.”
“Well, don’t stay out here too long. It’s cold, and you really do need to get some rest.”
“Okay.” I smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night, dear.” She disappeared into the house.
I lifted my gaze to the sky above, taking in the beautiful, twinkling stars, and I wrapped my fingers around my mother’s cross. I finally understood how that little piece of gold gave my mother hope in her darkest hours.
“Thank you, God, for all of the wonderful people and blessings in my life,” I whispered before heading into the house.
When I reached my room, I changed into my pajamas. Sitting on the window seat, I opened up my journal and started to write:
Saturday, December 3
Dear Mom,
The past twenty-four hours have been the most emotional I’ve faced since we lost you. To say it was a roller coaster would be an understatement. On one hand, I could’ve lost Dad in a terrible accident, but in a wild twist of events, I also became Zander’s girlfriend.
When I found out Dad had been hurt, I was sure I was going to lose him like I lost you, and I felt so alone. But as horrible as it was today, it made me realize that I’m not alone, and I never was alone. God has been with me throughout this crazy journey. It’s kind of like the “Footprints in the Sand” saying that you used to have hanging in your bedroom. God was carrying me all along. He’s been guiding me and leading me to people who care for me. He sent me Chuck, Darlene, Whitney
, Zander, Chelsea, Pastor Keith, Jenna, and all of our friends at school and church. I’m so thankful for my friends, especially Chelsea. She’s become the sister I never had, encouraging me through the rough spots.
Dr. Stewart said that Dad is going to have physical therapy when he gets out of the hospital, and he may have a long road to recovery. If he doesn’t regain full use of his arm, will he be able to work and make enough money to move out? I’m not sure how it would feel to stay here and not have my own garage to tinker in.
But, on the other hand, I’m not so sure I want to move out either. It’s sort of strange for me to say that, because I was so upset when Dad and I moved here. I thought my life was over, and I was humiliated to have to live with Darlene and Whitney. But moving here has turned out to be a blessing for me. Although I miss our house and my friends back home, having Zander next door, along with Whitney and Logan here, has actually been very cool.
I realized that Whitney’s not who I thought she was back at the funeral. She’s not the self-absorbed snob I believed her to be. She helped guide me back to God and also made her mother realize that she wasn’t truly behaving like an example of Christ’s love. I know I can learn a lot from Whitney about what it’s like to be a Christian and show love and compassion. Besides, she’s a fun person to go out shopping with sometimes.
And Zander … What can I say about Mr. Mopar? He’s my best friend and a really great kisser. He is also a great guy; I mean, he was trying to help me reclaim my faith, even when he barely knew me. We’re experiencing different faith journeys, and hopefully we’ll be able to help each other down those roads from now on. I’m so thankful that God brought us together, and I look forward to many hours working in his garage, joking around, and talking about everything from God to movies, music, and, of course, cars. Maybe we’ll get that Dodge running and then someday build my Camaro.
Mom, you wrote in your letter to me that I need to remember that Dad loves me. I realized today that you’re absolutely right. Just like my faith journey was different than Zander’s, Dad’s grieving process is different than mine. I was wrong to yell at him and demand he talk to me. I need to let him grieve in his own way, just like I need to go out in a garage and work in order to work through my grief. I have to be patient with him, and I promise I will.
I also know now that I experienced a crisis of faith because you were my spiritual rock. I thought faith had to be strong and unwavering, like yours seemed to be. (Mom, did you ever have doubts?) Now, I’ve come to realize that my faith is not a static thing. My relationship with God will continue to change, I think, but I know he’ll always lead me and welcome me back when I seem to lose my way.
I may not know what’s next for Dad and me, but there’s one thing I do know for sure: I can face any of my problems with God’s help.
I love you, Mom, and I miss you. Thank you for leading me.
Love,
Emily
Acknowledgments
This novel was the most challenging I’ve authored so far in my writing career, and I’m indebted to many people who have helped me craft this story.
From the bottom of my heart, I’m so very thankful to my amazing husband, Joe, for enduring my endless technical questions about cars, trucks, tools, and body shops. Thank you for answering each of my questions with patience, especially when I repeatedly asked you the same questions about rebuilding engines. You’re my best friend and the love of my life. And I hope someday you can build me a metallic purple 1969 Camaro so we can cruise off into the sunset together.
Of course, I’m grateful to my mother, Lola Goebelbecker for her love, patience, and guidance with all of my writing. Mom, you’re still my best plotting partner! Thank you also for keeping the boys busy while I’m writing. I could never meet my crazy deadlines without your dedicated and unwavering assistance. I appreciate you more than words can express. Love you, Mom!
Zac and Matt, my amazing sons, are an inspiration in my life. Thank you both for your laughter, hugs, and kisses. You make every day rewarding. I’m honored to be your mom.
My critique partners deserve special recognition for their loyalty and guidance — Lauran Rodriguez and Sue McKlveen. I’m especially thankful for Sue’s suggestions with the faith element in the book and Lauran’s help with the diary entries.
Youth director Liz Fisher was vital in helping me craft Emily’s faith journey. Thank you so much for your time and guidance with the youth ministry component of the story. I wish you joy in your new career. You’re a blessing to the children’s lives you touch!
I appreciate Teresa and Cosmo Gigante’s advice on the little details of the book.
Thank you to William G. Larsen, M.D., of Northwest Family Physicians, in Charlotte, North Carolina, who helped me with the medical aspects in the story.
I’m grateful to John Smith, Auto Body Technician with Wilburn Auto Body and Emergency Medical Technician, for his guidance and suggestions.
Mary Sue Seymour is the best agent in the world!
Thank you to my editor, Jacque Alberta, for believing in this book and helping me grow as a writer. I also appreciate the rest of the Zondervan team who made this book a reality.
Thank you most of all to God for giving me the opportunity and privilege to spread his Word through my books.
About the Author
Amy Clipston is the bestselling author of A Gift of Grace and A Promise of Hope in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. She lives with her husband, Joe, and two sons in North Carolina. Roadside Assistance is her first novel for teens.
Also by Amy Clipston:
A Gift of Grace
A Promise of Hope
A Place of Peace
A Plain and Simple Christmas
Road side Assistance discussion questions
1. Emily lost not only her mom, but her house, her friends, and a lot of her freedom. If you were in her situation, what would you miss the most? How would you cope?
2. Emily journals and writes letters to her mother as a way to work through her emotions and vent frustrations. What do you do to help you deal with difficult situations?
3. Humiliated and lost after Whitney’s party, Emily was feeling pretty down. Thankfully she knew she could call Jenna. Who do you talk to when you’re feeling low?
4. After Whitney’s birthday party, Emily loses her temper. Was there a better way for Emily to vent her frustration? Do you think she was justified in yelling at her dad and aunt? Or would you have handled the situation in a different way?
5. After losing her mom, and almost every other constant and familiar thing in her life, Emily loses her connection with God as well. Have you ever doubted God? What do you do to build your relationship back up?
6. Zander, Chelsea, and Whitney all try to help Emily cope during a difficult time in her life. If you were Emily’s friend, how would you try to help her? What could you do or say to make her feel better?
7. Tyler, Emily’s ex-boyfriend, breaks up with her because he wasn’t attracted her “that way.” Emily thinks it’s because her knowledge of cars can be intimidating and oftentimes emasculating to guys. Yet despite the disparaging comment, Emily doesn’t try to change who she is and her interest in cars never wanes. Is there an aspect of your life that you feel this passionate about?
8. Both Aunt Darlene and Emily’s grandmother criticize her for the way she dresses and how little effort she puts into her appearance. If you were in Emily’s shoes, how could you handle the pressure to be something you’re not?
9. Emily uses cars as an escape, as a means to clear her head. Do you have an activity that helps you when you’re feeling down?
10. Zander admits to Emily that college is a sore subject in his family because Zander’s dad thinks working on cars is a hobby, and not a career choice. If you were Zander, how could you convince your dad otherwise? Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?
ZONDERVAN
Roadside Assistance
Copyright ©
2011 by Amy Clipston
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EPUB Edition MARCH 2011 ISBN: 978-0-310-57786-7
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