“Lorena, honey, you’re their daughter. And how many times have I heard your dad describe you as ‘his baby girl, the joy of his world’? Way too many times to count.”
Lorena sniffled and blew into the tissue Anna handed her. Both eyes now sported dark circles much like a raccoon as the makeup spread and blended.
“Lorena, they’ll be disappointed, but our situations are different. You haven’t lied to them.”
“Yes, I have, Auntie, many times. How do you think I had time with my boyfriend? He would pick me up outside the church after they dropped me off for youth group, and he would get me back before the end, or I would say I was staying at a friend’s house overnight but be at Joel’s place. His parents didn’t have any hang-ups about us sleeping together.” Sighing heavily, she admitted. “Yeah, I lied a lot! I know only too well what my mother thinks of whores and liars!”
Anna grew strong. A protective spirit rose up within. “Well, she’ll just have to learn that with God’s grace, we’re redeemed and forgiven too. Until she grasps that fully, we’ll choose to forgive her. More importantly right now, you’re going to get all the love and support you need and that’s a promise.
“You let me handle your mom. All I want you to worry about right now is eating properly—enough for two—and getting some needed rest. If your parents aren’t supportive, which I don’t believe is how this will go, I’ll help you with your doctor’s appointments and anything else you need. You’re not alone in this world, Lorena. Both God and I love you very much.”
Lorena visibly relaxed. The woman-child sank deep into the cushions and closed her eyes. Anna lifted her legs onto the couch and covered her with a nearby blanket. “Sleep for a bit, Lorena.” She smoothed the hair from Lorena’s face and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “Sleep.”
Anna had never taken on her sister before. Lana was a force to be reckoned with, but in this case, not even the very gates of hell would stop her. Her sister could shun her, gossip about her, and call her whatever names she pleased, but Anna would support Lorena.
While Melody and Lorena slept, Anna prayed first and then set out to take on the giant. Her big sister by a whole few minutes had always played that role far too well, but Anna would no longer allow the usual intimidation. Lorena’s future depended upon it.
“God, give me wisdom.”
What she first thought would be a discussion with Lana, quickly changed to a new idea. Anna would talk to Tom. If there was to be harmony in their home and a safe landing for Lorena, Tom would have to be the one who stepped up. She dialed Tom’s work number with steady determination.
His secretary placed the call through as Anna waited and prayed. How did one tell a brother-in-law such news about a daughter?
His deep voice resonated over the phone. “Hello, Anna, is everything okay?”
She couldn’t remember the last time she dialed him directly. Little wonder he would ask if everything was okay.
“Hi, Tom. As a matter of fact, the answer to that question is no. Lorena is with me. She’s fine for the moment, but I’d like you to stop by after work before heading home.”
“Lorena? I knew that something was wrong, but I haven’t been able to get her to talk,” he admitted. “I’ve noticed huge changes in the past few months, but somehow neither Lana nor I can get through to her.”
“Come and get her, Tom, she needs you … she needs the both of you. But please pray before you come, and at this point don’t bring Lana. See you then.” She hung up the phone before she had to answer any questions. Lorena’s situation was not something she wanted to discuss over the phone.
Melody’s soft sounds filtered through on the baby monitor as she woke from sleep. Anna loved the coo and gurgle as her baby awakened. She waited a moment before heading down the hall.
“Come to mama, sweet pea.” Anna was rewarded with a big smile. She picked up the baby and entered the living room.
“Wake up, Lorena. I have someone who wants to see you.”
Lorena rubbed at her eyes and sat up. She held out her arms as Anna brought the tiny child close.
“Hold her a minute while I grab her diapers.”
Anna came back to see Lorena smiling down at the infant, gently rocking her back and forth. Melody was wide-eyed and smiling back.
“Do you need to change her?” Lorena asked.
“In a moment, but first I have to tell you I called your dad. He’s coming here after work.”
Lorena sprang to her feet with Melody in her arms. “Take the baby, I’m leaving.” She held Melody out to Anna.
Anna ignored her tirade. “Sit, Lorena, you’re not going anywhere, and here’s a diaper to change her. You’ll need the practice.”
A pair of flashing eyes were the only indication Lorena was not happy as she sat back down on the couch and unsnapped the baby’s sleeper.
“I hope you believe I meant what I said. You’ll never be left alone to handle this pregnancy, nor will you be left alone to raise this child. Can you trust me on that?”
Lorena turned from her task of putting on the fresh diaper to nod.
“I trust you, Auntie. That’s why I came to you.”
“Good. Now that we have that out of the way, the reason I want you to tell your dad first and then your mom is because we want to give them a chance to process and do this right. If they respond as I believe they will, with a whole lot more grace than they extended to me, then you’ll have the best scenario. But rest assured, if they don’t … I’ll be that person for you, and my home is
