“Let her sleep,” Bekah ordered quietly. “She’s been having nightmares; you can imagine why. Just let her get a little rest before we have to go home.” She looked at George, “Perhaps we should excuse ourselves, so we don’t wake her?”
George followed her lead. “Yes, I think you’re right.”
Bekah followed him from the room.
Jackson put the book of Genesis back on the table and retrieved a blanket for Evelyn. After he laid the blanket over her, he stood and watched her. She looked peaceful, but he wondered if she was battling nightmares beneath the calm facade of sleep. He wished he could save her from every nightmare, every horror that ever threatened her; but he understood that wasn’t his job. He was not her Savior. He never knew it could be so hard to trust someone’s safety to the Lord, even though He’d shown His faithfulness time and time again. He was still so weak in some areas of his faith. He wished he was like David as he faced Goliath, fully confident in the strength of God.
Oh God, why do I doubt You? Who else loves her like You do? Who can protect her like You can? Forgive me for my weakness. I entrust her, and her safety, to You.
He sat back down on the couch and let himself rest his eyes. He must have fallen asleep because he woke with a start. Evelyn had curled up in her chair, like a child trying to keep warm. Her head was moving, tossing about like she was trying to get away from something.
“Evelyn,” he whispered at her side, praying he wouldn’t startle her. “Evelyn, wake up.”
Evelyn woke with a gasp. Her breathing came easier, steadied when her eyes locked with Jackson’s. She stayed focused on his face for a moment before she laid her head back against the chair, letting herself relax with a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“You apologize for too much,” Jackson said, kneeling down beside her.
The lights had been turned off in the room, and only a faint glow shone from the entryway. “What time is it? And where’s Bekah?” Evelyn asked, looking around.
“It’s just barely eight,” came Bekah’s voice nearby. “And I’m still here.”
Jackson and Evelyn smiled at each other. “She’s very good at keeping an eye on me,” Evelyn sighed.
Bekah walked into the room then, followed by George. “So,” she said as George turned on a light. “Who’s up for a game?”
“Depends on the game,” Jackson answered, noting the amusement in Bekah’s eyes. He’d never known George to be one for mischief, but something told him that Bekah could bring it out in him.
Bekah smiled widely. “I’ve Never. But, we’ll change the rules, because I don’t drink.”
“I don’t know that game,” Evelyn admitted.
“And I’m not sure she’ll like the game,” Jackson added.
“She’ll love it,” Bekah said, waving her hand about, dismissing Jackson’s concern.
“How are we changing the rules,” George asked, though Evelyn assumed he already knew the plan.
Bekah and George sat on the couch, and Bekah explained. “First,” she said, “We’ll just play until someone’s lost five times. So, someone will say, ‘I’ve never’ and then say something that they’ve never done, that they think everyone else has done. If no one else has done it, then they lose a point. If someone else has done it, then they lose a point, and the person saying it doesn’t. Make sense?”
“That sounds easy enough. But what happens if you lose?” Evelyn asked.
“The person who loses has to let everyone ask them one question of their choosing and,” Bekah leveled her eyes at Jackson. “They have to answer honestly.”
It sounded like a harmless game to Evelyn, and she figured that she had done far less than the others had; she had to be safe. “Okay, I’m in.”
They all agreed to play. Jackson brought a chair in from another room, and Bekah started.
“I’ve never been early to a class,” Bekah said, setting the tone of their game. Jackson and Evelyn lost points.
“I’ve never been caught past curfew,” George said. Bekah lost a point and glared at George.
“I’ve never climbed a ladder at a library to get a book for someone else,” Jackson said, smiling and looking at Evelyn. Evelyn lost a point.
“Well,” Evelyn said, “I’ve never been drunk.” The others all lost points.
“I’ve never gotten a tattoo,” Bekah said.
To Evelyn’s surprise and embarrassment, she was the only one who lost a point. Bekah was the only person, aside from the tattoo artist, who knew she had tattoos. The girl was up to no good.
“Seriously?” Jackson asked in surprise. “You have a tattoo? Where?”
“Uh-uh-uh,” Bekah reprimanded. “No questions. She hasn’t lost the game yet.”
Evelyn’s stomach twisted at the word yet.
“I’ve never worked at a library,” George laughed.
“Now that’s not fair,” Evelyn protested. “You’re all just ganging up on me now!” She only had one more point until she lost the whole game.
“Yes,” Jackson laughed loudly. “And you’re one for being fair at games; so no complaining from the cheat in the chair. It’s my turn.” He had to take a moment to think. He wasn’t sure what he had never done that Evelyn had; though he never thought she would have had a tattoo either. “I’ve never worn a skirt,” he said, smiling at Evelyn, who was presently wearing a skirt.
“Well I’ve never met such wicked people in my life!” Evelyn exclaimed. She couldn’t believe she let herself get into this situation, and so easily.
“Oh, Evie,” Bekah said, faking tenderness in her voice, “I’m so sorry, but the game’s over. On to the questions!” She gave Evelyn a piercing stare. “And remember, you have to be honest. I’ll go first. I’ve been wondering, how many tattoos do you have now?”
Evelyn glared at her friend. “You are a wretched, abhorrent person, Bekah.” Bekah smiled proudly. “To answer honestly,” Evelyn swallowed. “I have three tattoos.” She saw Jackson’s gaze go down her, intrigue written all over his face.
But it was George’s turn. He sneered and rubbed his hands together. “What’s the most annoying thing about living with Bekah?”
She could just kiss the man!
“That’s easy,” she laughed. “She knows too much. You can’t hide anything from her.”
And now it was Jackson’s turn…and she was terrified of him.
Jackson couldn’t get his mind off the fact that sweet Evelyn had not just one – but three hidden tattoos. But it’d be cruel, and probably inappropriate to ask to see them. And the poor girl looked so frightened. No doubt she’d noticed his interest in her body art.
“Don’t worry, Evelyn,” he soothed. “I’ll behave. My question is: what did you think the first time you met me?”
Evelyn’s brow furrowed as she thought back to that day. She’d thought a lot of things during that meeting. “You mean, besides the thought that I was going to fall to my death because you snuck up on me while on a ladder?”
“Oblivious to the world,” Jackson teased.
“I had wondered if you were hurt. You carried yourself differently, and you favored your left side, even though you’re right-handed.”
Jackson stared. Aside from the fact that he’d never in a million years have thought that would have been what she’d been thinking when they first met, he was dumbfounded that she’d noticed so much in such a quick meeting. His silence stretched, knowing he couldn’t enlighten her to the story of his injury…at least not yet.
George stood, breaking the silence. “You did well, Evelyn. You’re a much better loser than Jack. I am impressed. Now,” he said, addressing everyone. “Would anyone like anything to drink?”
They each told George what they’d like, and Bekah followed him either to help, or to flirt. Evelyn wasn’t entirely sure. Jackson went to the brick fireplace to start a fire.
Evelyn watched his capable hands work. They were the same hands that held hers, that protecte
d her from so much, that comforted her, that even tickled her playfully.
“I can’t believe you have three tattoos,” Jackson remarked, laying another log over the growing fire. “And that you never told me about them.” He turned from the fire and saw her watching him. “You know I’m going to ask you to show them to me.”
“Just because you ask something, doesn’t mean you’re going to get your way,” she answered in jest and joined him by the fire. “And you said you would behave.”
“Hmm…” He looked her over boldly; more boldly than he had the right to. “Three tattoos hidden away somewhere…”
“Jackson,” she gasped, crossing her arms in front of herself and blushing with the heat rising in her cheeks. “Don’t look at me like that!”
“You look at me that way,” he argued. He stepped towards her and placed his hands about her waist. He was tired of waiting. Or maybe he was just tired. But he was tired of just being friends.
Evelyn’s heart was beating fiercely in her chest and she wasn’t sure if it was because they stood near the fire, or if it was his touch that made her feel aflame. She looked up at him and spoke quietly. “You’re scaring me.”
He didn’t let her go. “Evelyn, you never need to be scared of me.”
“I’m always scared of you,” she laughed nervously.
He kept his eyes on hers and could feel her body nervous at his touch. She shook slightly when she exhaled. “Why are you scared of me?”
Her eyes dropped. She didn’t want to tell him why he scared her; that she loved him and was too afraid to tell him, that she was terrified of the day when he would fall in love with someone and she would lose her best friend. “You’re not playing fair, Jackson.”
“You never play fair,” he argued, speaking softly. He slipped his right hand around to her back and her eyes closed with his touch. She pressed her lips and looked back up at him. “You’re being mean.” Even his frown was handsome.
“How am I being mean?”
“You’re trying to intimidate me,” she answered. “You’re using your hands, and…” Evelyn let herself put her hand against his chest. “You’re using your body, to tease me. It’s not nice. I need you Jackson,” she confessed. “I need to know I’m safe with you. You’re the only thing keeping me from falling apart. I’m so scared, all the time. Please,” she begged, “Please don’t tease me…not tonight.”
Jackson could see the fear in her eyes as she confessed to it. He cursed Tom for the fear he’d put in her heart, then asked God to forgive him for cursing him. His temper was a never-ending struggle. Tonight wouldn’t be the night he told her how he felt. He’d have to wait. Maybe if they were alone he could tell her, or just kiss her until she was convinced; but they weren’t. George and Bekah would return from the kitchen soon. So, he kissed her forehead and it drove him crazy when he felt her hands grip his shirt. He could feel her desire for him, but he would wait. She was worth the wait. He let her go. “You know you’re safe with me. I didn’t mean to scare you, or tease you.”
She smiled weakly. “Thank you, Jackson.”
Jackson kept her close, with his arms still around her.
“You never mentioned you thought I was hurt when we first met.”
She didn’t fight their closeness.
“Were you hurt?”
“I was.” His mouth went dry at the memory, and the knowledge that he’d have to share what happened with her eventually. “Why didn’t you ask me about it?”
“It didn’t seem like a kind thing to do. I got the impression that you didn’t want anyone to know, that maybe the story of the injury was worse than the injury itself. And,” she added, “I was too scared of you to ask you anything…especially something personal.”
“You really are something else,” he smiled. “Do you know that?”
Evelyn was glad when she saw George and Bekah return with drinks. Her head was spinning.
Bekah was eyeing Evelyn suspiciously when she took her glass of water. “What were you two talking about while we were away?” she asked.
“Nothing, really,” Jackson answered quickly. “I was just telling her I was surprised I didn’t know so much about her.”
“Mmm-hmm,” George retorted. He clearly didn’t believe Jackson. “Well, we had a more interesting conversation. Bekah agreed to go to the ball with me,” he said proudly.
At nine thirty, George offered to walk them home. Bekah willingly accepted his offer, and his arm.
Before they left, Jackson gave her the book of John to take with her and he hugged her close. “Don’t be scared,” he had said. “God tells us He has given us a spirit of power, not of fear. He’s with you. There’s safety in His arms.”
She thought about his words on their walk home and as she drifted off to sleep. George respectfully declined Bekah’s invitation in, but the two stayed at the door and talked long enough for Evelyn to get to bed without any questions or conversation about the night.
Lord, she prayed, please help me to know You’re here with me, even as I sleep.
She slept a wonderfully dreamless sleep that night.
Chapter 31
Evelyn didn’t see Jackson for the rest of the week; though she couldn’t get him off of her mind. She caught herself slipping into daydreams, remembering how he looked at her by the fire. Hope began to grow. Maybe he hadn’t been teasing her. Maybe, even for just that moment, he saw her as more than just a little sister. But such hope hurt, especially when George would come to visit Bekah with no word from Jackson.
Finals were a few days away now. Jackson would be done next week. Evelyn had a few days off from school, dead-days they were called, to study for exams and prepare their final papers due the week after. She still had work, but planned to spend the rest of her time studying and editing her essays so she could hand them in at her finals. But today was dress shopping day.
Bekah dragged Evelyn into a store through the double doors. It was, by far, the most elegant store Evelyn had ever been in. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings and the sales staff waited to greet each customer, offering their personal assistance. Bekah had apparently been to this store before, because she hugged one of them and started talking a mile a minute about what they needed.
Bekah paused her monologue long enough for a simple introduction.
Maxine smiled and Bekah continued jabbering. Evelyn followed as they walked deeper into the store.
Maxine looked to be in her forties, maybe fifties, and had beautiful russet skin with black hair that, even tied back, hung down to her waist. She showed them to a dressing room, sat them down, and turned her attention to Evelyn.
“Now,” she said. “Bekah has told me what she’s looking for. What are you looking for?”
“Besides a dress?” Evelyn asked.
“I told you,” Bekah said. “She needs our help, Maxine.”
Maxine sat on a stool and crossed her legs. “You’re going to the Officer’s Ball, correct?” Evelyn nodded. “Tell me about this officer that you’re going with.”
“Well,” Evelyn started. “His name is Jackson. He’s a captain and well respected. He’s tall, and strong, and handsome; and he’s older than me…I’m not sure what I’m supposed to tell you about him.”
Maxine had a kind smile. “How do you want him to see you?”
“And be honest,” Bekah ordered.
She looked at her hands and thought. “I’d like him to see me as worthy to be on his arm. I don’t want him to be embarrassed about having a younger girl as his date.”
“Very good,” Maxine said, and she stood and left.
“Where’d she go?”
Bekah laughed. “She’s gone dress shopping for us,” she explained. “Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon with the perfect dresses. She’s amazing at what she does.”
Evelyn wasn’t sure how Maxine could have gotten anything from what she’d said. She also thought it was quite odd to have someone else doing her shopping. But sure en
ough, moments later Maxine was back. She had an armful of dresses for Bekah to try on, and one for Evelyn.
“If you don’t like it,” Maxine explained, “There are plenty more I can bring you. This just seemed to fit you when I saw it.”
Evelyn looked over the dress while Maxine helped Bekah into one of hers. It was stunning, made of a silver-gray lace that hung in tiers down the body.
“Do you need help getting into it, dear?” Maxine asked.
“Oh, no thank you. I think I can manage.” Evelyn changed quickly out of her clothes and stepped into the dress. After zipping it up the side she looked at her reflection in the mirror. The dress’s thin straps sat delicately on her shoulders and the neckline fell modestly across her chest, but still plunged lower than she was used to. The dress was tight, but comfortable, against her body, until it met her hips where it draped close, but loosely, about her legs.
Bekah squealed from behind her. “It’s perfect!”
Evelyn looked behind her in the mirror and saw Bekah, standing in her underwear, and Maxine looking at her.
“And it doesn’t even need altering,” Maxine added. “Fits you like a glove.”
“Do you think he’ll like it?”
“If he doesn’t like it,” Bekah said, “He’s an idiot and you’ll have officers lined up to take his place.”
“I don’t want a line of officers. I just want him.”
Bekah laughed loudly. “It’s about time you admitted that! Don’t worry. The dress is perfect, and he won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”
Evelyn looked at herself one last time in the mirror and turned around to face Bekah. “Have you decided on a dress?”
“Not hardly! I’ve only tried on one, and I’m not nearly as easy to figure out as you are,” Bekah stated, stepping into another dress.
Evelyn changed back into her clothes and settled in for Bekah’s exhaustive search for the perfect dress. Evelyn couldn’t find a single fault with any of the dresses She wasn’t sure if the search continued because Bekah was unsatisfied, or if it was because she was enjoying herself so much.
Unspoken Words (Hope and a Future Book 1) Page 21