If the topic wasn’t so heart wrenching, she’d laugh at the sputtering coming out of her friend’s mouth. Instead, it made her cry harder.
“Oh, Chelle, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was so ashamed,” she cried out.
Jo wrapped her arms around her, but for once, the hug did not bring comfort. She was afraid nothing would.
GUY OPENED HIS FRONT door and waited as Evan maneuvered inside. He was thankful the girls were asleep, because he had a feeling this conversation would require his undivided attention.
“Hey, Ev, how’s it going?”
Evan smiled at him and held out a crutch. “Surprisingly, well. I’ve decided to embrace the crutches.”
He nodded, unsure what to say. What did you say to a man who wasn’t able to use a prosthetic? Evan seemed to be in good spirits, but Guy knew how easy it was to fake the funk.
“Did you eat yet?”
“Yeah, JoJo made dinner tonight. I just wanted to come over and see how you’re doing.”
Guy rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m here.”
“I get that. You mind if we sit?”
“Oh yeah, sorry ‘bout that.” He led the way into the living room.
The cushions enveloped him as he sat down, tempting him to lean his head back and close his eyes. Instead, Guy sat up, knowing he needed his wits. Evan would bring up Bible study. It was a given. Even though he promised to keep an open mind, his feelings still felt too raw. Too close to his hurt and angst.
Guy watched as his friend settled into the recliner and leaned his crutches against it.
“The girls sleeping?”
He nodded, wariness seeping into his bones. He hated that he was no longer 100 percent comfortable with Evan. They had been best friends since childhood but now, Guy constantly guarded his words to figure out which to let free.
“Missed you last Friday.”
“I’m sure you guys did fine without me.”
Evan nodded. “Of course we did okay, but that doesn’t mean your presence wasn’t missed.”
Guy leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Look, Ev, I know I said I would consider going to Bible study, but I just can’t.” He ran a hand across his stubble, picturing Michelle’s tears as she sat on their bench.
Their bench. Talking about the goodness of God had stuck with him since.
“Penny for your thoughts, man.”
He let out an audible sigh. “Man, I’m just tired of struggling. Whether it’s struggling to get out of bed, struggling to be sociable...” Guy shrugged. “You name it, it’s a struggle.”
Evan leaned forward, matching his pose. “G, I feel what you’re saying. I really do. The only reason I keep bringing it up is because I don’t want you to go down the same path I did. It’s so much better with God by your side instead of you fighting Him every step of the way. It’s exhausting to purposely ignore Him when your being wants to align itself with the Creator.”
He looked away, emotions threatening to slip out of his control.
“Please, turn to Him, G. Let Him help.”
Guy swallowed, the rising tide of his emotions threatened to overcome him. “He let her die, man.” He sniffed and stared at his hands, but instead of his palms, Guy saw Charlene being carted away on a gurney.
“But she’s not gone forever, G. She’s free of pain. She’s received her new body and is with God now. The best place to be.”
He sniffed harder, trying to keep tears away. “I still need her.” He couldn’t meet his friend’s eyes, but he knew Evan was listening.
“G, you need to surrender to God. God is able to be all we need. He knows you need help with the girls. He knows you need a partner here on Earth. But until you recognize that He should be first in all things, you’re going to continue to struggle. Not because He wants to punish you, but because denying Him goes against what we were made for. Think of it like a swimmer going against the current. He will exhaust himself. All his efforts are futile. But when he goes with the current, he gains more speed and covers more space than he ever imagined. Right now, G, you’re going against the current and it’s wearing you down.”
Guy nodded and tried to swallow, but it was like all his emotions had lodged themselves in his throat. He was so tired. If he trusted in the Lord again, how did he know God wouldn’t fail him again?
“Because, God promises never to forsake us nor leave us.”
Surprise jerked him from his thoughts. Had he voiced his thoughts aloud?
“He will not forsake us nor leave us. Remember that if you don’t remember anything else, man.”
Guy sat motionless, too overcome to speak. He watched as his friend gathered his crutches and then rose to stand.
“We’re meeting this Friday. It’s an open invitation, G. We’ll welcome you whenever you chose to come and we’ll be waiting.”
He watched as Evan made his way to the front door. With a silent click, he was left alone with his thoughts.
Chapter Seventeen
Michelle knocked on the door. How she had managed to slip out of Jo’s house was beyond her, but she needed to talk to Guy. Desperately. Especially after last night. She couldn’t believe they had broken their rule and gotten carried away.
She knocked again.
The door opened and Guy’s mother stood at the door, a frown covering her face. “Yes?”
“Good morning, Mrs. Pierre. May I speak to Guy?” She held her breath hoping the woman wouldn’t slam the door in her face. Guy’s mother never cared for any girl who expressed interest in her only son.
“He is probably sleeping. Can’t you come back?”
“I’m sorry to disturb you. It’s just that, my parents...” her teeth started chattering as she thought about the previous day’s events. “My parents were killed last night and Guy...I just...please can I speak to him?”
Mrs. Pierre’s eyes widened. “Come in.” She closed the door behind her and tightened the sash around her robe. She opened her mouth and
