He explained about the importance of asset building in the lives of troubled students and went on to give Michelle a list of suggestions along that line provided by the district. Activities listed included organized sports, scouts, clubs, and church youth groups.
Michelle’s heart sang as she left his office, certain that God was going to be able to provide Amber with a wonderful support system through their young church. I hope Amber’s mom will be okay with this, she thought as she hurried back to her classroom.
That night she called Bonnie and gave her the go-ahead to talk to Amber’s mom. “Be sure she knows that she’s welcome to join us, too,” Michelle offered, noticing Steve’s raised eyebrows in the background.
“Are you sure you want to do all this?” he asked after she hung up the phone.
“Positive,” she replied. “This could be a whole new start for both of them, Steve.”
“I guess.”
“You don’t sound very convinced.”
“I just don’t want you getting your hopes up, honey. Amber and her mom have lots of baggage. And there’s more on the way,” he added, clearly referring to the baby.
“All the more reason the church could be just what they need,” she countered.
“Hey, you don’t have to convince me, honey. Just don’t be too disappointed if they don’t jump into this full force. Sometimes God’s timing isn’t our timing.”
“I know,” she replied, wishing he were more enthusiastic but understanding his practical perspective. It wasn’t that long ago that she and Steve lived a life independent of God and faith. She knew it sometimes took a life-shattering event to show someone his or her need for Him. For now, she’d just pray that Amber’s mom gave the thumbs up for at least Amber to attend church.
Her prayers were more than answered when Bonnie called two days later to tell her that Stacy Gamble had not only approved Amber’s attendance, but had tentatively agreed to accompany them as well. She explained that she’d told Stacy about Amber’s pregnancy and her decision to go ahead with having the baby.
Amber’s mother had been overwhelmed. The idea of a teacher reaching out to them and offering to take them to church was like a life raft in a sudden storm.
“Can I talk to you after school today?” Michelle asked softly as she leaned over Amber’s desk.
“Sure,” Amber replied in an equally hushed tone. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, nothing like that.” Michelle continued on her patrol of the classroom, observing her students at work on the assignment for the day.
After the final bell had rung to dismiss school for the day, Michelle began to feel a knot of nerves forming in her stomach.
What’s the matter with me? I can’t believe I’m so nervous about this.
“Here I am,” Amber said, as she walked into the room.
“Great,” Michelle replied, retrieving her water bottle from her desk and swallowing some of the cool liquid to clear her throat. “Have a seat.”
Amber sat down and plunked her backpack on the floor.
“I talked to Bonnie Blackwell the other day. She told me about your decision about the baby.”
Amber looked at her, watching for her response.
“I’m really proud of you, Amber. This isn’t going to be the easy way.”
Amber seemed relieved to hear her verdict. “I know. I just couldn’t do it – I mean the abortion. Not after I saw the baby in the ultrasound.”
Michelle nodded. “I remember that moment with Madison – how she looked so perfect even in her tiny form.”
“Yeah. They told me at the clinic that it wasn’t even a baby yet.”
“Well, that’s how they make it easier for women to decide to terminate their unplanned pregnancies, Amber. But I’m glad you got to see for yourself.”
“Me, too.”
“So, what’s your boyfriend – Adam, right? – What does he say about your decision?”
“He thinks I’m crazy. He basically broke up with me.” She paused then added, “Jerk.”
“Guess it’s a lot easier for him to walk away from this,” Michelle observed.
“Yeah. No sweat for him. He’ll just find another girlfriend and go on with his life.” Amber took a deep breath and then exhaled loudly. “Whatever. He acted like he cared about me until all this came up. What a loser I am to fall for that crap.”
“He’s a kid. He’ll grow up someday. I’m not excusing his behavior here, but it doesn’t surprise me either,” Michelle explained. “Don’t be too hard on yourself about that relationship. I’m sure at the start, you both cared about each other. But this is a big deal, even for adults, and you’re making some tough decisions for a fourteen-year-old to have to make.”
Amber nodded. “Thanks for understanding.”
“You got it,” Michelle replied, with what she hoped would come across as a warm, non-judgmental smile.
“Was that all you wanted to talk to me about?” Amber asked. “My foster mom is getting pretty freaked out these days if I don’t punch in right after school.”
“Well, there’s actually one other thing. But before that, would you like to call home?”
“Sure.” Amber flipped out her cell phone and dialed. After a pause, she said, “It’s me. I’m still at school. My English teacher wanted to talk to me.”
There was another pause, then, “No. I’m not in trouble. Here, talk to her yourself.” Amber handed the phone to Michelle.
“This is Mrs. Baron,” she said.
“Is Amber in some kind of trouble again?” Cecilia asked.
“No. I just wanted to talk to her for a few minutes. It won’t take long.”
“Okay. No problem. And hey, thanks for taking her to the park to meet up with her brother. I know that means a lot to Amber.”
“My pleasure,” she replied, handing the phone back to Amber, who said goodbye and flipped it shut, then asked, “So what else did you want to talk to me about?”
“Well, I know you’re going to need a lot of support over the coming months, and my husband and I were wondering if you and your mom might like to come to church with us some Sunday. We go to a pretty small church with some great young people, and I think they could be good friends to you.”
“Really? Even though I’m pregnant?”
“Yeah. Even though you’re pregnant.” Michelle smiled.
“Isn’t that against your religion? I mean getting pregnant when you’re not married?”
Michelle paused before answering, praying for the right words. “That’s a tough question, Amber. First, I guess you’d say our church isn’t really about religion.”
“What do you mean? Isn’t that what a church is? Where people talk about religion?”
“The people in our church aren’t about religion or judging other people, Amber. They’re about trying to love people the way God loves us. They’re about helping people get to know God for themselves.”
Amber’s eyes were big, and Michelle could see that she was soaking in every word. “Wow. I’ve never heard of a church like that.”
“So, do you think you’d like to come with us sometime?”
“Yeah, I guess. But wouldn’t you get in trouble if you took me? I mean isn’t there some law about separation of church and state or something?”
“Actually, that’s why I had to wait ‘til after school to talk to you. But I checked with Mr. Durand, and he said it was okay as long as your mom agreed.”
“So you have to ask her first?” Amber looked skeptical about the response that might come from her mom.
“Bonnie already talked to her, and she said yes. In fact, she said she’d like to come, too.”
“No way,” Amber said incredulously.
“Way,” Michelle countered with a smile. “I’m serious. Ask Ms. Blackwell yourself.”
“Uh, okay, so when would we go with you?”
“To church?”
“Yeah.”
“How about during Christmas break
? Ms. Blackwell says that your mom can get a ride from the rehab center, and we’ll pick you up if your foster mom can’t bring you and drop you off.”
“Okay. I’ll ask Cecilia and tell you tomorrow.” Amber seemed to be getting really excited about the idea. She picked up her backpack and before she left, she added, “Thanks, Mrs. Baron. Thanks a lot!”
Michelle gave her a quick hug, backpack and all. “You’re welcome, Amber. I’m praying for you, and for that little baby.”
Amber nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she turned and walked out of the room.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The holiday break finally arrived. It was the Sunday before Christmas, and Michelle was on edge as she hurried her daughter. “Just pick out something,” she said, holding out a couple of outfits for Madison’s approval.
“I don’t want those,” her daughter pronounced. “I want my new jeans.”
“They’re dirty. You’ve worn them the past two days.” Michelle placed the outfits on the bed and turned back to Madison. “You’ve got five minutes to be dressed.” She turned and walked out of the room, almost colliding with Steve in the hallway.
“Easy there,” he said. “What’s the problem with Maddie?”
“She won’t get ready for church, and I’m tired of arguing with her,” Michelle replied.
“Mommy won’t let me wear my new jeans,” Madison whined from the bedroom. Michelle’s parents had sent their gifts up early, and they’d allowed Madison to choose one to open before Christmas. She’d been glued to her new, glittery jeans ever since.
Steve looked at Michelle and raised his eyebrows in a silent question.
“I’ve already gone over this with her,” Michelle said. “Those jeans are dirty. I practically had to peal her out of them last night.”
Steve sighed and walked into Madison’s bedroom. “I’ll take it from here,” he said over his shoulder.
“Thanks,” Michelle replied curtly. Then she hurried downstairs to get their breakfast.
Fifteen minutes later, the waffles were on the table, and Madison and Steve appeared. “Smells great!” Steve offered.
Madison gave Michelle a stoic expression and took her seat.
Really? Michelle thought. Purple leggings and a red and green tee shirt? She was about to say something when Steve caught her eye. Shaking his head, he warned her not to make it an issue. At least Maddie had relented on the jeans.
Michelle retrieved the butter and syrup from the counter and sat with her family. After a brief prayer of thanksgiving, she quickly downed her waffle, keeping one eye on the clock. “Hurry up, honey,” she urged Madison, but the little girl slowly swirled her waffle on her fork.
“Madison,” Steve spoke sternly. “Listen to your mother. We’ve got to hurry, or we’ll be late for church.”
“Fine,” the little girl replied sourly. “I’m not hungry anyway.” She pushed away from the table.
Michelle looked at Steve, who shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, then. Let’s clear our plates and brush our teeth,” he directed to Madison, who sullenly complied.
By the time they got to church, Michelle was exasperated. “Not the best mood for welcoming Amber today,” she muttered under her breath.
“What?” Steve asked.
“Nothing.” She peeked in the mirror on the visor and touched up her lipstick. Plastering a smile on her face, she turned to Madison in the back seat. “Here we go.”
Madison pointed out the window and said, “Mommy, I think I see Amber.”
Michelle followed her gaze and spotted her student standing alone by the walkway. She wondered how long the girl had been waiting. “That’s her. Let’s go,” she said.
Madison jumped out of the car and ran toward the lonely figure. “Amber! Amber!” she called.
Michelle could see the relief wash over Amber’s face as she spotted them coming.
“Hi Maddie! You look cute!” Amber said, as the little girl threw her arms around her waist.
Madison turned and smiled smugly at her mom. “Hold my hand and I’ll show you where we go,” she said to Amber as she released her grip.
Smiling, Amber replied, “Okay. You show me.”
Steve took Michelle’s hand, and they followed the girls to the auditorium that served as a sanctuary for the little church each Sunday.
“Have you seen your mom?” Michelle asked, glancing around at the people who were seated in their folding chairs.
“Nope. Probably won’t come,” Amber replied.
“Time to go to your Sunday school class, Maddie,” Steve said, holding out his hand to her.
“Can’t I stay with you in the big church today?” Madison begged. “I promise I’ll be good. Please.”
Michelle could see Steve’s resolve softening. “What do you think?” he asked her.
“I guess just this one time,” Michelle replied, seeing the first genuine smile directed at her from Madison that morning.
“Thank you, thank you!” Maddie exclaimed. “I want to sit by Amber!”
Amber looked pleased, but didn’t say a word.
“Okay, pumpkin, but if you start talking or goofing off, I’ll take you to your class,” Steve warned.
Shortly after they took their seats, the worship team began playing an upbeat song of praise. They all rose to their feet, and Michelle noticed Madison taking Amber’s hand in hers as she sang loudly. Although the words were displayed on a screen next to the band, Amber seemed shy about singing. She watched Madison and smiled, but did not join in.
Soon it was time for Ben to deliver his message for the morning. Directing them to the second chapter of the gospel of Luke, he spoke of Jesus’ mother, Mary, and the dilemma she faced. He explained the Jewish culture of the day and how many in her village had probably shunned her.
Amber was engrossed in the message. Michelle saw her place her hand on her abdomen a couple of times, and she knew Amber was probably thinking of her own baby and the ways her peers at school would respond when her pregnancy became obvious to them.
Madison behaved fairly well, seeming to follow Amber’s lead by carefully focusing on what her friends’ father was saying. Once or twice, she tugged on Amber’s sleeve and whispered something to her, but Steve’s stern eye quickly put a stop to it.
After the service, Michelle asked, “So what did you think?”
“I really liked it,” Amber replied. “Too bad my mom didn’t show up. No surprise there.”
Michelle didn’t know what to say. She’d also hoped Stacy would come, but from all she’d heard so far, it didn’t seem like Amber’s mother was very good with following through on things, especially when it came to her kids.
“I’m sorry, too,” she said. “Maybe next time.”
“Yeah,” Amber replied, but she didn’t sound hopeful.
“Can Amber come over?” Madison asked.
Steve shot a concerned look at Michelle. Amber must have noticed it because she replied, “I have to go home, Maddie. I’ve got homework to do.”
“Oh.” Madison looked deflated.
“Maybe we could get a quick bite to eat together before we take Amber home,” Michelle suggested. The idea seemed to go over well with everyone, and they headed to a local eatery for lunch.
When they dropped Amber off in front of her foster home an hour later, Michelle could see that some of her shell had fallen away. She looked a little happier, a little more at peace than Michelle had seen her at school.
Between their park days and now church, she knew God was giving her an opportunity to make a difference in Amber’s life.
It seemed only a few days had passed since their last trip to California for Thanksgiving. Now they were traveling again. Although the plan had been for Michelle’s family to come to Sandy Cove to celebrate Christmas, the tail end of a bout with bronchitis left her father too depleted to make the trip.
There was no way Michelle was willing to forego this special holiday with Maddie’s grandpare
nts and great-grandparents. So Steve booked their flights, and they headed south for a weeklong stay that would take them from Christmas to New Year’s.
While they gathered for meals and gift exchanges, Michelle savored the time with these people she loved so very much. Noticing a definite slowing in her grandfather’s movements, she couldn’t help but wonder how many more Christmases they’d have with this precious, godly man.
Thank you, Lord, for his love, compassion, and spiritual leadership in our family, she prayed silently, tears pooling as her heart swelled with emotion.
Madison was walking on air throughout their stay. The princess to all, she especially loved the playfulness of Uncle Tim, who taught her to ‘surf’ on a sofa cushion on the living room floor and promised to one day get her a real board of her own.
Michelle noticed how well her father had overcome so many hurdles in his long road to recovery. She winced inwardly as she recalled the moment she’d first heard of his attempt to take his own life. Had it really been eight years since then? In some ways it seemed like yesterday. In other ways, it felt like a lifetime ago.
Now she saw a man who had found a solid foundation compared to his once sifting sand. No longer did he rely on self-sufficiency and pride to navigate life, but had turned to the God of her grandfather, who’d become Michelle’s foundation as well.
Watching him interact with Madison, she hoped he would become for their daughter what her grandfather was for her – a role model of deep, abiding faith throughout life’s varied circumstances and challenges.
By the time they got settled back into their home in Sandy Cove, school was about to resume.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Amber was walking to class the first morning back from break, when she overheard some of her friends talking.
“Did you hear about Amber?” one asked.
“Yeah. She got knocked up by Adam.”
Into Magnolia (Sandy Cove Series Book 3) Page 17