Invaluable

by Holly J. Wood

  • • •

  “Do you think she’s okay? I’ve never seen anyone so completely zonked out before.”

  It took me a minute to dispel the sleepy haze and get my bearings. Light seemed to scorch my eyes as I slowly blinked, and then sat upright. I heard a few snickers from behind me as the substitute teacher smiled at me.

  “Phew, you’re alive! I’m no expert, but I’d recommend you get a little more sleep at night, young lady. I was afraid we were going to have to leave you here until morning!”

  I attempted to smile back at him while my face flushed. “Sorry about that. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”

  He nodded sympathetically, and then returned his attention to the rest of the class, outlining the chapters in the Old Testament that Brother Carlton wanted us to read before tomorrow. With the spotlight mercifully diverted away from me, I was able to breathe again and collect my thoughts.

  This experience had answered some questions I’d had about my dreams. I’d often wondered if they really were dreams or if I was physically being transported. Now I knew that, as Grandma had said, they truly were dreams, because I was pretty sure someone in the class would have noticed if Grandma had shown up and magically whisked me out of the room. However, I knew that they were more than just an average dream because I still couldn’t explain how I was finding the value objects afterward.

  The bell rang, interrupting my thoughts. I quickly jumped up out of my seat, anxious to head back to my math class and set things right.

  I saw Luke sitting at his desk by the door, but I didn’t allow myself to think that he might be waiting for me. He looked up as I passed by, and I couldn’t decipher his expression. All he said to me was, “See you at the game.”

  My eyebrows rose in confusion. “The game? Oh, yeah. Of course! I’ll be there. Good luck!” And with that, I was out the door and on my way. I said a silent prayer the entire way to my math classroom, asking for forgiveness and also for the strength to do what I knew was right.

  I stopped outside the door and glanced in to make sure that Mrs. Bartlett was still there. She was sitting at her desk, sorting through a pile of papers. Test papers, I realized in dismay. I leaned against the wall for support, taking a few deep breaths to prepare myself. After saying one more quick prayer, I thought of Esther, and I stood up tall, squared my shoulders, and bravely walked into the classroom.

  • • •

  “Well, Eliza, I must say I’m shocked. I was really pleased when I saw you’d passed the test; I know how much you’ve struggled this year.” Mrs. Bartlett’s expression was full of disappointment.

  I looked at the floor and remained silent. After my full confession and apology, I didn’t know what else to say.

  She paused for a moment. “I do wish you’d tell me who was sending the texts, but I understand that you didn’t come here to be a tattletale. Besides, I think I already have a pretty good idea who it is.” She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “You know, when I started teaching twelve years ago, cell phones weren’t even an issue. Now, everything is different. All the students have them, and it sure makes life difficult for us teachers. This method of cheating isn’t new—a lot of the other departments are having the same problem—but it’s so discreet that we don’t really know how to handle it anymore.”

  Mrs. Bartlett looked worn-out, and I felt sorry for her. It did seem like an insurmountable problem. Almost every teacher asked us to turn off our phones in class, and some had even tried to make us put them in a bin before class, but everyone just kept it on silent or said they didn’t have one—including me. I realized with a twinge of guilt that I wasn’t being completely honest in these situations and resolved to do better.

  “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Bartlett. I didn’t realize how frustrating it must be for you. I can’t speak for everyone, but I promise I’ll be more respectful about using my cell from now on.”

  She studied me for a minute, as if trying to figure out if I was being sincere. “I would be within my rights to give you a failing grade, but I’m really impressed that you had the courage to confess what you did.” She shook her head. “In all my years of teaching no one has ever done that before. I’m going to let you retake the test tomorrow after school.” She held up a finger in warning. “Keep in mind that this test will have different questions. I want you to study as hard as you can, and if you still can’t come up with a passing grade, I think we should discuss the possibility of a tutor. I’d hate to fail you so close to the end of the year.”

  I blew out a breath of relief. “Oh, thank you! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you giving me another chance. I promise I won’t let you down.”

  She smiled at me and then waved a dismissive hand as she returned to the papers on her desk. “Good luck studying. I’ll see you here tomorrow right after school.”

  I felt a thousand times lighter as I walked out of the classroom. It felt so liberating to be honest, and I couldn’t believe she was going to let me retake the test! However, I knew that if I was going to be able to pull this off, I’d need help studying. I racked my brain trying to think of a person who’d be willing and able to come to my aid. One name came to my mind—and it just so happened he was the very person I was on my way to see play soccer.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Over here, Eliza!”

  I smiled and made my way over the bleachers to where Kelly Craig was sitting. Kelly and I had a few classes together this semester, and we’d become friends. Her older brother was on the soccer team, and I was grateful she was there. It was nice to have someone to sit by.

  “Hi, Kelly! Thanks for saving me a seat.” I sat down next to her, and she introduced me to her parents and her younger sister, who were also sitting with her. The bleachers were almost full, and I was pleased that the team was getting such great support. This was a big game for our school. So far we were undefeated, and if we won this game, it meant we would go to the state tournament this year.

  The crowd buzzed with excitement that erupted into a cheer as the players made their way onto the field. Kelly and I clapped extra hard for her brother and for Jason as they came into view. Luke received the loudest of the cheers—mostly from girls screaming his name—as he took his place among his teammates. I didn’t clap any louder for him, but that didn’t keep my heart from wildly flip-flopping when I saw him in his soccer jersey.

  I forced myself to look away and admire Jason instead. He was standing near the sidelines, and I saw him scanning the crowd. As soon as he caught my eye, a huge grin spread across his face, and he waved at me. I waved back shyly, feeling a little embarrassed, but pleased at the same time.

  A family of redheads sitting on the second row had noticed the exchange, and they were talking as they looked up at me, which only served to embarrass me further. They were obviously Jason’s family, and from what I could tell, they all seemed happy and friendly. His dad had a booming laugh I could hear from where I sat, and his mom beamed with pride every time she cheered for Jason. Meanwhile, his brother and sister kept poking each other and laughing as if they were close friends. After watching them for a few minutes, I found that I was eager to get to know them.

  It was a close game. My fingernails were completely ragged from my nervous biting, but the tension was worth it because in the end we won! It was a huge victory! Everyone was on their feet, and some people even ran onto the field to congratulate the team.

  After the frenzy died down, my cheeks ached from smiling and my voice was hoarse from yelling, but I was completely elated.

  Kelly and I made our way down the bleachers and onto the grass. Jason ran toward me through the crowd, and before I knew what was happening, he grabbed me in a huge hug and swung me around. I squealed as my legs came dangerously close to hitting Kelly, and I tried not to mind how damp his jersey was from sweat. He put me down, and I laughed as I sought to regain my balance.

  “Great job! You were awesome out there!” I exclaimed.

&
nbsp; “Thanks! I think you are my lucky charm.” He winked. “Come on, I want you to meet my family.” He pulled me by the hand toward the group of smiling redheads. On our way we passed by Luke, who gave Jason a high-five.

  “Good job, man. A bunch of us are going over to the Tasty Freeze to celebrate. Are you coming?” He only looked at Jason as he asked this.

  “Sure.” Jason turned to me. “That is, if Eliza wants to?”

  “Um, I wish I could, but I have a math test I really need to study for.” I wanted to add that I desperately needed Jason’s help to study, but I didn’t want to ruin his post-game celebration. “You go on ahead though. It sounds fun.” I smiled encouragingly at him.

  “Math, huh?” Jason said. “You know I’m pretty good at math. Do you need any help?”

  I smiled sheepishly and blew out a big breath. “Actually, I could use some help. But I don’t want you to miss out on all the fun because of me. Why don’t you go to the Tasty Freeze—we can meet up after.”

  Jason looked at his watch. “Nah, it’ll be too late if I go there first. Besides, I could stand to refuse an ice cream every now and then.” He gestured to the non-existent paunch at his stomach. “Gotta stay in shape for the big game coming up.” He turned to Luke. “Sorry, bro, looks like we’re out this time.”

  Luke quickly looked at the ground and then back to Jason. “No, big deal.” He gave me a half-glance. “Good luck studying.”

  “Thanks,” I said, wondering why he was avoiding me.

  “See ya.” Luke nodded and then walked off toward a group of his friends.

  I stared after him in bewilderment until Jason squeezed my hand and pulled me toward his waiting family.

  “Everyone, this is Eliza. Eliza, this is my dad, my mom, Ben, and Freckle Face,” Jason said as an introduction.

  His sister stuck her tongue out at him and then approached me. “I’m Christy,” she clarified, throwing Jason a dirty look. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Jason talks about you all the time—Ow!” Jason punched her playfully in the arm as he blushed crimson. “Well, you do!” Christy insisted, and Ben nodded in agreement. Jason’s dad laughed, but his mom saw Jason’s embarrassment and hurried to change the subject.

  We talked about the game for a few minutes, and then his parents asked me a few questions about where I lived and what I did for fun. Normally, I would have hated being the center of attention, but Jason’s family made me feel so at ease that I didn’t mind.

  “Okay, that’s enough interrogating for one day,” Jason said. “I’m going to hit the showers and then Eliza and I are going to study for her math test. We’ll see you later.” We said our good-byes, and Jason pulled me toward the parking lot. “Do you mind waiting for a few minutes while I clean up? I’ll be fast, I promise.”

  “No, I don’t mind at all. It’ll give me a head start on my studying. I’ll just wait right here.” I gestured toward the empty bleachers, and he smiled and nodded before running off to the locker room.

  As I sat there, I thought about Jill and wondered if she’d minded that I hadn’t given her a ride home today. I’d sent her a text explaining that I was staying for the game, but she’d never texted back. I was ninety-nine percent sure she’d gotten a ride with Nick—though she probably had him drop her off a block before her house so her parents wouldn’t know she’d ridden with him.

  I hated feeling the void that her friendship left, and I wanted so badly for us to be close again. I said a silent prayer asking that things between us could heal, and then I got out my math book and began to study.

  • • •

  We drove to my house and studied for an hour at the kitchen table until Mom came in and started getting dinner ready. She invited Jason to stay, and he seemed happy to oblige.

  Courtney was staying at Alexis’s house for dinner, so it was just me, Jason, and my parents. I wished that my Dad would act cool and relaxed like Jason’s dad had been. Instead, he spoke very little and cast an “I’m watching you” glare at Jason more than once during the meal.

  Mom came to my rescue by talking to Jason almost nonstop, and I made a mental note to thank her after he left—and to give Dad my opinion about his childish behavior. Why did he have to be so overprotective? If Jason didn’t have such a massive crush on me, he would have fled the house hours ago.

  After dinner, Jason stayed another hour, making sure I felt confident enough to pass the test. Surprisingly, with his help, I was beginning to understand the problems, and I finally felt like I was prepared. I walked him out to the front porch, thanking him profusely with every step, until he stopped and put his finger to my lips.

  “No more thanking me, Eliza. Trust me—spending time with you is thanks enough.” He leaned in, and for one paralyzing moment I thought I was going to get my first kiss, but he turned inches from my lips and kissed my cheek instead.

  As he pulled away, he smiled. “Call or text me if you have any more questions, okay?” I was too stunned to speak, so I just nodded. “Good night.” He winked and then turned and walked toward his car.

  “Night,” I said in delayed response, as I watched him get in his car and drive away. I stood in a half-trance, remembering how it felt when he’d kissed my cheek. The gesture was so sweet and unassuming; it made me feel warm all over to think of it. I looked up at the half-moon and sighed, listening to the crickets as they chirped.

  Life was good! The carefree, joyful sensation I was experiencing was such a contrast to the empty, sick way I’d felt earlier today. I knew I wanted to make good choices so I could always feel this happy inside.

  A car pulled up in front of our house, breaking me out of my thoughts. I recognized it as Alexis’s mom’s car, here to drop Courtney off. I headed into the house before Courtney could act embarrassed and ask me what I was doing by myself on the porch.

  I walked into the kitchen to find Mom and Dad sitting at the table, eating brownies and milk. They had stopped talking abruptly as I walked into the room, and the concerned looks on their faces told me something was up. I grabbed a brownie and sat down beside Mom.

  “What were you guys talking about?” I asked suspiciously.

  They shifted uncomfortably, and for a frightening moment I was worried they’d been talking about Jason and me. The thought seemed ridiculous! After all, we’d only been on a few dates, and it wasn’t like he was my boyfriend or anything—at least not yet.

  Dad cleared his throat. “Nothing that you need to be concerned about, honey. I was just telling your mom that the Foxglove Mortgage Company went under today. They’ve been extending loans to people who never should have qualified for the money, and I’m afraid the consequences have finally caught up to the company—and to the people.”

  He turned to Mom. “Grant Andrews came to see me at my office today. The poor man was completely distraught. It seems that he was already deeply in debt, and now that he’s lost his job, he’s not sure what he’s going to do. He admitted that his family has grown accustomed to having nice things, and this is going to be a major challenge for all of them.”

  “Oh, dear,” Mom said sympathetically, as she placed her hand over Dad’s.

  He nodded. “It was awful. He was almost in tears saying he should have followed the prophet’s counsel to get out of debt. He said he meant to work on it, but he never got around to it. Worldly goods were just too important to him, and he always wanted to have the nicest and newest of everything. He told me it was like an addiction. If someone he knew bought a nice car, he had to buy one that was nicer.” Dad shook his head. “It’s something we’re all susceptible to, I’m afraid. Once the desire for things gets into your system, it’s insatiable. You’ll never have enough because there will always be something better out there.”

  He sighed. “I felt so sorry for Grant and his family. I encouraged him to meet with his bishop and discuss his options, but beyond that I didn’t know what else to say. We’ll have to keep his family in our prayers.”

  Mom nodded, but pers
onally I felt a little mystified by Dad’s sympathy. Sure, it was sad that the Andrews family was having financial struggles, but hadn’t they brought it upon themselves because of greed? I couldn’t imagine praying for Chelsea Andrews, the girl who had everything and who’d made my life miserable on more than one occasion. As far as I was concerned, they got what they deserved, and part of me was even a little bit glad that Chelsea was finally going to learn a lesson!

  I considered sending Jill a text; she would be ecstatic over this juicy piece of news. I flipped open my cell, but at the last second remembered what Grandma had said about gossip and closed it again.

  As Mom and Dad continued talking, I finished my brownie and chugged down a glass of milk. After all the cramming I’d done for the test, I was beyond tired.

  “I think I’ll head up to bed now,” I said with a yawn.

  “I think I heard Courtney come in,” Mom said. “Let’s say family prayer first, okay?”

  We walked into the living room where Courtney was watching TV and simultaneously texting on her phone. She acknowledged our presence with a scowl and wordlessly flipped her cell closed as she knelt down beside us on the carpet.

  “Did you get any studying done at Alexis’s house tonight?” Mom asked, taking the remote and turning off the TV.

  “Yeah,” Courtney muttered. Her head was already bowed, clearly impatient to get prayers over with.

  Mom and Dad exchanged glances, and then Dad asked me to offer the prayer, reminding me to pray for the Andrews family. I cringed at the request, but tried to sound sincere as I prayed for Chelsea’s family. The words felt strange on my tongue, and I knew it was because in my heart, I really wasn’t sincere.

  After our prayer (and despite a few tired protests), Mom read a chapter from the Book of Mormon aloud. When she was done, we gave each other hugs, and I started to head up to my room, but then I saw Dad going into his study. I wanted to talk to him about his treatment of Jason, so I followed him.