Hailey's Heart (Young Adult Christian Fiction) (The Valley Meadows Series Book 1)

by Cindy Adkins

  “Twenty-five thousand dollars,” answered Pastor Rick.

  “It really is a miracle, isn’t it?” asked Nellie.

  “Indeed, it is,” he agreed.

  “Could I ask you for a special favor, Pastor?” she asked.

  “Sure.”

  “If you were to build a room for the school, could you add a plaque with my father’s name on it?” asked Nellie. “I would like for his gift to have special significance.”

  “Absolutely,” he assured her. “It would be an honor and you can choose it.”

  “Thank you so much,” said Nellie. “That would mean a great deal to me.”

  Pastor Rick turned to Chris and asked, “How on earth did you find this young woman?”

  “Actually, I think she found me,” Chris smiled. “She was giving a private Hawaiian beach tour one day and I signed up for it.”

  “That must have been your lucky day,” replied Pastor Rick.

  “It actually was,” admitted Chris. “That day I realized that no matter what happens, we may not understand God’s ways, but we have to be accepting of them because He knows the future and we don’t.”

  “Well, Nellie, on behalf of everyone here and all of the future children who will benefit from your generosity, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said the pastor.

  “You’re welcome. But, it’s really not from me. It’s from my father, John Martin,” Nellie reminded him.

  * * * * *

  The next day, Nellie worked with Hailey and Emily in the classroom. When they took their mid-morning break, Hailey was excited about an idea that she could not wait to share with her friends. As they sat together on the tile patio outside of their classroom, she began to reveal her plan to them. She talked a mile a minute and they could sense her enthusiasm immediately. “You know, the children love to sing so much. I would like to help them put on a fabulous performance for their parents one night next week. They could sing many of their favorite pieces that we have been practicing all summer. Then, I can choreograph a dance for their final number.”

  “That’s fantastic,” encouraged Emily. “It would be fun for them. You know how to choreograph?”

  “Oh, I’ve had dance lessons since I was five. I used to attend a dance camp every summer. I helped with the choreography for our team,” Hailey assured her.

  “That’s amazing,” said Emily. “Your skills will really come in handy.”

  “Actually, I will keep the steps very simple,” she said. “They should be easy to learn.” All of a sudden Hailey noticed that Nellie had been quiet. “What do you think of the idea of a performance, Nellie?”

  “I think it’s completely wonderful,” she smiled. “It’s something that they’ll feel so proud of and their families will enjoy it immensely.” Nellie always admired Hailey’s talent and energy. She could not help thinking how special it was that her friend would use them to provide such an incredible opportunity for the students. The children would definitely be afforded the chance to be a vital part of something extremely creative.

  The show represented something Nellie believed in wholeheartedly. She looked forward to being a part of their little production. Perhaps it would help her focus on something other than her recent loss as she was still having difficulty coming to terms with father’s death. She thought that her involvement in the performance might help her heal and she was grateful that she could throw herself into something positive at that moment. Maybe it was escapism on her part, but she needed it right then.

  “Well, I have another idea, too,” Hailey continued with marked enthusiasm in her voice. “You know all of those costumes that you sent in the boxes? Some of them are beautiful.”

  “I forgot all about them,” Nellie admitted. “Someone from the church in Hawaii owns a costume store and donated them.”

  “They are exactly what we need,” Hailey insisted. “In fact, they’re perfect.”

  “There are face paints and glitter in one of the boxes, too,” Nellie added.

  “There are?” asked Hailey. “I didn’t go through all of them. I had no idea. But, the minute I saw the costumes the other day, that’s when the idea came to me about putting on a show. I am hoping that the kids will remember this event for a long time.”

  “No doubt, they will,” Emily assured her. “When they go home from class today, we can sort through the boxes and find everything we need.”

  “Do you think that Chris and James would be willing to play the music that night?” asked Nellie.

  “Oh, most definitely,” asserted Emily. “We have never done something like this before. I’m sure they’d be glad to be involved in it.”

  “I think that this will give the children something special to look forward to,” said Hailey. “It’s sort of like an end-of-summer salute to their families.”

  “You’re right,” agreed Nellie. “It would be great if we had invitations for them to take home, too.”

  “Yes, it would,” said Hailey. “We can get started on those tomorrow morning. The children would enjoy making them. We have plenty of construction paper.”

  “I can work on a design for them tonight,” offered Emily who was extremely artistic.

  “Oh, would you?” asked Hailey. “I imagine that it will be beautiful. There’s one other thing I would like to ask you about, too. I would like to add some special introductions to be read before each segment of the show. If I write them out in English, could you translate them for me?”

  “Oh, that’s no problem at all.”

  “Thank you,” replied Hailey. “That would be so helpful. I’d like to have the lines spoken first in English and then, in Spanish. There won’t be many, but I think that it could be very meaningful. By saying them in both languages, I think that it creates a sense of unity.”

  “I agree with you,” said Emily.

  “It sounds like this is going to be a big success.” Nellie was excited about participating in such a worthwhile endeavor. “It appears that we have all that we need. But, which night do you want to have it on? I have to go home on Thursday.”

  “How about if we plan it for Wednesday?” asked Hailey.

  “That would work out great because then I can be here to help with everything,” Nellie replied. “Does that give us enough time to prepare?”

  “The kids already know the songs, so those won’t be a problem,” Hailey assured her. “All they’ll need to learn is one dance. I’d say that we’d be more than ready.”

  “In a way, it appears as if they’ve been rehearsing all summer for this performance and didn’t know it!” exclaimed Emily.

  Hailey laughed. “I never thought about it like that, but you’re right. Before we proceed any further, I’ve got to run it by Pastor Rick and see if it’s okay with him. In fact, I’ll go over to the construction site and ask him right now. If I’m not back in time, start class without me.”

  * * * * *

  The night of the performance, all thirty children gathered in the classroom and waited in anticipation to begin. Hailey could barely get them to settle down. There were over one hundred guests gathered outside on the lawn at the volunteer camp eager to see the little performers. They sat in the large grass clearing waiting for the show.

  Hailey and Nellie stayed with the students inside. Emily was headed outdoors to start the performance. “Break a leg!” Nellie smiled at her.

  “Thanks,” she said with a grin. Emily walked out and stood in front of the audience that started to applaud the moment they saw her. “Welcome to this night of joy. Welcome to this night of happiness,” she greeted them. She said her lines in the two different languages just as Hailey had suggested. Then, she exited the area. Everyone was completely still.

  James and Chris stood to the right side of the performing area and began to strum their guitars. The children came out of the classroom in single file order. They were between the ages of five and ten. Their colorful costumes took the spectators by surprise. The girls
were dressed as butterflies and ladybugs. The boys wore bumblebee costumes. All of their faces were painted and the girls wore glitter in their hair. It was a sight to behold. When they made their entrance, the cheers from the crowd were deafening.

  The children assembled in three rows and sang several songs with enthusiasm. Some were Spanish tunes that the audience knew well, while others were in English. All of the families beamed with pride. Then, Emily appeared once again to speak to the on-lookers. “Welcome to this night of music. Welcome to this night of dance. Please join us in singing this next song,” she said to the audience. Again, her delivery was in both languages so that everyone present could understand her. Then, she made her exit. The children began to sing. All of the guests joined in. When the song finished, everyone clapped and had clearly enjoyed participating.

  Then, Hailey and Nellie appeared in front of the audience together and stood side by side. Nellie said, “Welcome to this night of blessings.” Hailey added, “Welcome to this night of love.” They said their lines in English first and then tried their best to say them in Spanish, too. After Nellie spoke, she giggled nervously as she had trouble saying the last sentence correctly in Spanish. She tried to conceal her embarrassment. The audience smiled. They all knew that it was not easy for the young American. Then, they began to clap because they appreciated her attempt at speaking to them in their own language. Afterwards, both young women walked back toward the classroom. Emily was waiting outside of it for their return.

  “That was embarrassing!” Nellie said as they arrived by the door to the room.

  “Oh, they loved it,” Hailey reassured her with a big smile.

  “I’ve never been in a production before,” she explained. “I was shaking.”

  “I thought it went great,” remarked Emily. “I could hear it from here. You said everything correctly. You’re being too hard on yourself.”

  “You did a terrific job,” Hailey told her. “We have English classes here for the adults, so everyone knows how difficult it is to struggle with a new language. They deal with it every day. Many of the people seated out there tonight are our students. There you were in front of a large crowd of people speaking. Believe me, they must have been very impressed.” All three of the young women turned around to view the show. It was in full swing. They had to be ready for their cues.

  The students had already walked across the grass to get into place. They formed a perfect circle. The music started to play and they began to sing and dance. The choreography was astounding and everyone in the crowd was clapping to the rhythm. As the children got part way through the song, the tempo of the music slowed down and they started to hum the tune. Then, they stood very still. A hush fell over the audience. They did not know what to expect next. As planned, Hailey made her way from outside of the classroom and walked to the middle of the circle very slowly. In her hand, she held a candle.

  Emily and Nellie came walking out and joined her there. Each of them was holding a candle, too. Neither of their wicks was lit. They walked toward Hailey and lit theirs from her flame. The children swayed back and forth and hummed. Then, Pastor Rick came forward and spoke in English. “We can pass this light of love to each other. Thank you for being part of our circle of faith.” Then, he repeated the words in the audience’s native language.

  The little performers began singing once again as they moved in the circle. But, then something happened that the crowd did not expect. The children moved slowly until were positioned in the shape of a heart. They continued to sing and sat down in their places. The three young women stood in the middle of the heart clutching their candles. The song finished, and then, the children blew kisses through the air to the audience. Everyone applauded and gave them a standing ovation.

  * * * * *

  Later that night, Hailey and Nellie talked in their room. “Everyone enjoyed the show,” said Nellie smiling as she packed some last-minute items.

  “It was so fun,” added Hailey sitting on her bed brushing her hair. “Did you see how excited everyone was?”

  “I know. It was amazing,” Nellie agreed. “When we finished, I was so self-conscious. But, then everyone came walking up to me saying ‘Gracias, gracias.’ I never had so many people hug me in my whole life.” She was beaming.

  “They were ecstatic,” said Hailey. “I’m really glad that we decided to do this.”

  “You had an awesome idea and it went off without a hitch. I am only sorry that I have to leave in the morning. I will miss everyone so much.” Nellie put her backpack on the floor and sat down on the chair across from her friend.

  “I hate to see you go,” admitted Hailey putting down her brush. “You and I have known each other since we were in kindergarten, yet I feel like I’ve gotten to know you better this week than in all those years combined.”

  “I feel the same way,” Nellie told her. “Funny that we would have to come all the way to Oaxaca for that to happen, isn’t it?”

  “I know,” replied Hailey. “I feel the same way. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don’t know if you heard, but James can’t go to the airport tomorrow because he has to drive with Pastor Rick to pick up building supplies.”

  “He told me about it right after the performance tonight.” The expression on Nellie’s face revealed her disappointment. “I’m so sorry that he won’t be able to come. But, he promised that he would see me in the morning before I leave here.”

  “Well, I have a little surprise for you,” said Hailey smiling at her.

  “You do?” asked Nellie. “What is it?” She could not imagine what Hailey was up to.

  “Emily is going to work in my classroom tomorrow and one of the high school volunteers agreed to help her. I’m coming with Chris to drive you to the airport.”

  “Really? That would be great!” replied Nellie. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all,” Hailey assured her.

  “I’m so glad that you will be with us.” Nellie was excited. “I have to tell you, this trip has been an experience that I will never forget. I remember when I first got here and Chris told me that it would make such a difference to see the faces of the children. He was right. I had to see them first-hand. From a distance, I could not grasp their enthusiasm. Just watching how they love participating in different activities here is incredible. They get excited over the simplest things—things that many children in other parts of the world take for granted. I’ll miss them so much.”

  “I know,” agreed Hailey. “I will, too. But, at least I don’t have to leave for another two weeks.”

  “The minute I arrived, I could tell that they had made such an impact on your life,” Nellie told her. “You had such a glow.”

  “I did?” Hailey was surprised.

  “Definitely,” said Nellie. “You just looked so happy. Whenever you would mention them, your face would light up.”

  “The children have all touched my heart in such a profound way,” said Hailey. “It’s hard to explain.”

  “Believe me, I could see it,” Nellie told her. “But, you have touched each one of theirs, too.”

  Just then, a bolt of lightening shot out across the sky and lit up their window. Before long, they heard thunder. “It sounds like quite a storm is coming,” said Hailey. “We were fortunate that the weather was clear for the show tonight.”

  All of a sudden, they heard heavy rain on their roof. “It looks like we timed it just right,” smiled Nellie.

  Chapter 5

  On a Moment’s Notice

  Kip got up late that Friday morning in August and had ten minutes to get ready for work. After taking a quick shower, she put on some navy blue shorts with a white tank top. She tied a bright yellow scarf loosely around her neck. Slipping into her favorite sneakers, she grabbed her purse and headed toward the hallway to go out the front door. Her parents had already left for work earlier.

  It was a beautiful California day. The sun was shining through the tall palm trees in the front
yard. But, Kip was in too big of a hurry to notice. She got into her small black car and drove to get coffee at a nearby drive-thru restaurant, which had become part of her daily routine. Then, she headed directly to Jackson Elementary School. She made it on time to hear the eight-thirty bell ring. Hurrying across the small campus, she finally met up with her students on the playground.

  “Good Morning, Everyone,” she greeted them with a smile. It was the end of her first month serving as the summer playground coordinator. As much as Kip longed to be in Mexico on the mission trip that she had anticipated for the last year, she enjoyed her summer job at the school immensely. It was close to home and she loved working with the children.

  After Kip took roll and did a head count, she let the students play different games while her assistant, Ashley, watched them out on the playground. Ashley was a first-year college student. She was very conservative in her dress and manner. Her short dark hair always looked perfect, even when she played sports with the students. Ashley stood by as some of the girls jumped rope and others played hopscotch.

  Kip walked over to the shelter to prepare for her morning activities. She gathered musical instruments from the outdoor supply closet for the children to play. She needed to make sure that she had enough for everyone.

  Kip noticed Kelly, the other playground coordinator, sitting nearby at a table with her students. “Hi, Kelly,” she waved. Kelly was one of the friendliest people that Kip had ever met and she truly cared about the children. She was planning to finish her teaching credential in the next year. The kids at summer program all loved her.

  “Hi Kip,” replied Kelly smiling. “How are you doing?”

  “Still trying to wake up,” laughed Kip holding up her coffee cup that she bought earlier on her way to work.

  “Me, too,” admitted Kelly. “Where do these kids get all their energy?” Kelly always dressed in sporty clothes with her blonde hair up in a ponytail.

  “I don’t know,” replied Kip, “but, I wish they’d give some to me.”

  “I think they’re born with it,” giggled Kelly. Her students were coloring pictures and sat at four tables like they did every morning. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed, which made the summer program very enjoyable for everyone. Kelly’s assistant, Jennifer, was getting a map project ready for the children to work on after snack. Jennifer was a young mother whose own children participated in the program, so it was very convenient for her to work there for the summer.