Tommy

         Mary went through her box of keepsakes. This was the day that she was going to clean her attic. And she had to do it before she went to the Christmas party tonight with her friends. They had decided to get together at Shannon’s house and celebrate the holiday season before life got busy with sparkling apple juice, music, games and laughter. Mary shook her head and chuckled at her friends. They could get really crazy at times. As she went through a trunk of memories, she came upon the letter, the letter that had changed her life forever. She sat down and opened the yellowed envelope.  Looking at the words, Mary started to remember everything as if she had just been there in that stage of her life.

        Mary laughed as she sat talking to Tommy. Tommy had been her friend since childhood. He always there as her father beat her mother, as her father beat her. He was never around and when he was, he was abusive. He was mean, and took everything they had and left them. It was just her and her mom. Then one day when her father came home and got drunk and started beating her mother, he didn’t stop. He always stopped after a while. But he didn’t stop this time, Mary watched as her mother looked her in the eyes and smiled through each blow. Then she closed her eyes and stopped breathing. Mary shook her head looked at Tommy.

     “What’s wrong Mary?”                                                                    

     “Nothing Tommy, please, I want to hear the rest of your story…”

       The phone rang and Mary jumped up. “Hello?”

      “Hi, Mary, it’s Shannon. What are you up to?”

      “Oh, I’m just cleaning the attic. I was going through the trunk Shannon, and I found the letter.”

       Shannon heaved a sigh. She remembered how her friend had suffered all those years ago. “Hey remember how you would talk to Tommy and throw a fit when I denied he was there? That was funny huh.” Shannon chuckled, and listened as Mary laughed.

   “Yea that was funny wasn’t it? I was a little crazy back then.” Mary laughed as Shannon said,

   “Not any more crazy than the rest of us honey.” Shannon paused before continuing, “You’re still coming tonight right?”

  “Of course, I have been looking forward to this all week!”

   “Good. I’ll catch you later then…bye.” Shannon waited for the click of her phone before she hung up. Shannon leaned back in her chair and lost herself in thought.

     Shannon watched through the window of the mental institution as Mary sat on the edge of her bed with her head tilted to one side as if she was leaning on someone’s shoulder. She was talking and looked happy. It was Tommy. Mary had imagined him when she was young. He had been an imaginary friend, an older brother to look after her in a lonely cold world. She felt safe with this pictured relationship. As she got older he became more of a reality to her. She would hallucinate him being there. And now she couldn’t tell that he was only a figment of her imagination and not really there. She lost her grip on reality and he became her reality. She was stroking her hand back and forth in mid-air, as she laughed about something. People laughed as they walked by. She was so lost that it was comical to watch. She was everyone’s personal entertainment. Shannon slipped the letter under the door and walked away.

   Mary watched as a letter flew to her feet from under the door.

  “What’s that?” asked Tommy.

  “It looks like a letter.” Mary opened it and began to read it. She laughed. “It’s a story.”

 “What is the story about Mary?”

 “It’s about a man, and he thinks that this girl is a real. But she’s only in his head. But he thinks she’s actually there. It’s really funny. Listen to this, ‘Ben was crossing the street with Amber, when a truck came speeding toward them, Ben watched in horror as it headed toward Amber. He ran and jumped in front of the truck and rolled just in time out of the way, as the truck came rushing by. “Are you ok Amber?” Ben asked. He watched as she shook her head.’ Mary laughed, and then they just continue walking as everyone watches this, isn’t that funny Tommy."

  “Mary.”

  Mary looked up. With a sharp intake of breath, she understood the meaning of the letter. “Is this me?” There was no answer from Tommy. She kept talking to him, but he was gone. “No….this….no…it’s not true, right Tommy?” But there was no answer.

    Shannon shook her head and came back to the present. After that letter, Mary changed. She no longer talked to Tommy, and she got herself into counseling and worked out her issues. Eventually she was released from the mental institute and attended Shannon’s church and came to Christ. She was a new person. She was back, and now they looked back and laughed about, and praised God for the change that he had done in her. Shannon smiled and got her house ready for tonight.

   Mary shook her head and giggled. It was funny to her now, but it had seemed so real to her at the time. And she couldn’t conceive that Tommy wasn’t real. She was thankful now that he wasn’t. Mary finished cleaning her house and got ready for the party. At exactly 4:30pm, she got in her car and drove the fifteen minutes to Shannon’s house. She always came early to just catch up with her real best friend before the others arrived. Marry parked her car and went and knocked on the door.

    Shannon opened her door and greeted her friend with open arms, “Mary! Come in and warm yourself by the fire.”

   “Thanks Shannon, I brought some sparkling apple juice for you.” Mary handed it to Shannon.

   “Thank you Mary, that was thoughtful of you.” Shannon set it down on the table and turned back to Mary who stood there smiling at her. “What?”

   “Thanks for everything Shannon. Thanks for being there-for being real. Thanks for being my Tommy.” Mary laughed.

   Shannon wrapped her arms round Mary. “You welcome Mary.”

  Later that evening as Rita was telling jokes, Mary watched with a smile on her face as her friends laughed, once again shaking her head at their craziness. She said a prayer of thanks to the Lord for her real friends and laughed at Rita’s facial expressions.

     

     

Isolation...

Hey guys, I was supposed to write a convincing story from a character's past. So I wrote a short story on a character I created whose name is Teddy. She had a difficult time growing up due to some events that scarred her. Sorry it's dreary...I seem to be good at writing dreary stuff. But anyway this was an assignment for school that I did. A persuasive short story done in first person's. Meaning, I was to write it, as if it happened to me, I was supposed to write it in a way so that If I was telling people this, they'd believe that it actually happened to me. So if I did a good job of it, lemme know! I love comments.  I hope you you like it, Enjoy.

Isolation

       The story of which I’m about to tell, takes place between the time of 2001 and 2010. It’s a sad and heartfelt tragedy about a young gal whose life takes a nasty turn during continuous events at school. These events cause her to become withdrawn, lonely and aggressive in silent signals she gives off with her eyes and physical presence. This is the story of how she put herself in social isolation…not trusting any soul in the world. Bear in mind that this story is also about me. My name is Teddy, and these events have transpired in my life as a young girl. My only hope is that through my testimony others who have struggled through similar fates…can see, that though I am a famous speaker, I too come with a story, just as everyone else does.

       2001 was the year that I planned to remember forever. Grade one.  I was graduating from kindergarten and finally starting some real school, meeting new friends, and catching up with the old ones. I had been so excited. I felt so proud and on top of the world. I felt responsible and important. I was not popular, I was not cool…I was an average student doing well in school. I made friends, had fun, and loved doing my school work, even math! But then again, what math isn’t fun at that age. Then it happened. I, Teddy, was in love. Halfway through grade one, a new kid moved to town. Todd Matherson. He was the cutest boy in all of grade one and two. He was 4.5 foot tall, and in grade two. (He was a whole year older. I was so bad.) He was popular from the start, and quickly made friends with the other popular boys in grade two. He was also a lean boy, he was Todd Matherson.

      As I was playing one day in the playground, we met. He had been playing ball with a few friends. And the ball landed by my feet. So I threw the ball back to him. That is how our friendship began, we made introductions and from there on out, I hung out with him and his friends. His friends weren’t real nice, and sometimes Todd wasn’t nice either, but I was hanging out with the popular boys! I wasn’t going to give that up because of a few off moments with them. So I continued to play with them. But soon I found out that I should have never hung out with them, we should have never met. He began to act weird, I was star-struck, so I fell for all the lines, “We’re going to get married one day.” We always sat together real close. I believed we were best friends. “I plan on being a trucker, I’m going to get a big sleeper cab, and we’ll travel together.” But I was so blind, and was about to be broken and used. I don’t know where a boy in grade two knows these things, but he started making physical contact in uncomfortable ways. He became controlling and manipulative. I started disliking him, and I became quiet. I remember one thing quite clearly from all these years. I had gotten myself a unicorn charm bracelet at a book sale. It was my favorite, and I wore it everywhere. One day, he took it from me, said that if we were real friends, I’d give it to him. I was too scared to do anything about it, and gave it to him. To this very day, I believe he still may have it.

       After grade one and two, I was different. I was no longer out-going, or fun. I was quiet and withdrawn. As we moved and started a new school, I made some new friends. Little did I know that these were not friends, they were bullies. I was bullied through all my years in school. I was used, and manipulated, and then thrown away…dug out of the trash only when they needed me to do something for them. I was easily convinced of their love for me. But eventually I became angry and wounded. I was broken. I isolated myself from people. I wore dark and baggy clothes to hide my body and the eyes of steel were born. I struggled through four years of depression, and struggled through thoughts of suicide. I came close to doing it a few times, but there was always this still small voice, “don’t do this Teddy. I can help. Just take my hand.” And so I’d leave it alone, until the next time, but Always, that voice would say, “don’t do this Teddy. I can help you, just take my hand.”  That continuous persistence by some inward source finally broke me…I took Jesus Christ as my savior on January 4^th of 2010. My past still haunts me to this day. But it is by the Grace of God that I can get past it, and forgive those who have persecuted me. “You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

     

     

The Whole Rough Draft Copy of my First Finished Book!

                                                Here is the finished product of my novel. Keep in mind that it is a rough draft. But it is the whole book. I know that I have chapters posted. But this is the whole book in one post. Plus some of those are chapters have been re-written so this is the real deal. Lemme know what you think of my book!



                            Tragedy Amidst Healing                           Book One

 Author’s Note
          This book is a non-fictional story about Marie, a girl who goes through some horrifying tragedies. Tragedies we’d rather goes through some horrifying tragedies. Tragedies we’d rather want to stay in stories, tragedies we wouldn’t want to go through in real life. This story is about how through all that happens Marie learns to trust in God, to keep her faith and to keep her whole mind and heart and soul fixated on Christ. The events that transpire in this book did not actually happen in real life. Rather, they portray emotional stages in my life, due to other less tragic events. I have written this book due to a point in my life, where I changed. And the tragedies in this book, is a picture that I painted to show you all what was happening inside of me. It was an emotional and mental battle, than that of a physical one. This book also tells us, that through all the battles we fight in life…we are never alone. God is always there. And Marie learns-much like I did, that everything happens in life is for a reason. God has a plan mapped out for every single one of us. That everything that happens is to further his will for us and that it and we bring glory to God. God is always there. And God is always good. Everything that God allows us to go through is meant for our own good. And lastly, the characters in this book, portray people in my life, who have always been there for me. That includes family, even though in this book, we see that Marie loses her family. Thank you to all those people who have helped through difficult times, and who are still helping me in the walk of life. I couldn’t have come up with this story, if it hadn’t been for the hand that you have played in my life. And a huge thank-you to Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer and Friend…without him I’m nothing. I hope you enjoy this story, and that you see the message throughout the entire book. God bless.
                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                           








     Tragedy Amidst Healing 
                   
Prologue                                                           
        "WHAM!" The door to the 2004 dodge ram pick-up truck slammed shut.
Dad looked sharply at Marie from the review mirror. He was on his last nerve with this girl. It was one in the afternoon, and the family was getting ready to go home. It was a three hour long ride back to their home in Virginia. Marie was mad at him for leaving early in the day. But the truth was that he needed to rest, because of work in the morning. Also the camping trip was just what he had expected with his brother’s friends, alcohol and language. They themselves weren't so bad. But the crowd they had invited was not a good choice. He had to take his family out of that situation. Marie didn't understand that, and it broke his heart.
     "Why did we have to leave so early?” Marie slumped down, and whined from the back seat.
     Dad breathed a heavy sigh and looked once again, in the review mirror. "You know why Marie.”
     Marie understood, but still, she'd much rather be hiking and quading than to be at home. She turned up the volume on her Ipod, trying to keep her tongue to herself before she said something she would regret. She felt as though she could breathe out here. 'I mean its fresh mountain air', she thought to herself. Not to mention hanging out with her favorite aunt and uncle was much more fun in her opinion. 'Oh well, the sooner I forget about the mountains, the better!' She changed her train of thoughts to the song she was listening too, "Oh glorious day...Oh GLORIOUS D-"
"HONK! HONK! HONK!"
       From behind a huge gasoline truck sounded. Everyone turned with confused faces to look for the final time...in the review mirror! A large semi was swaying back and forth. You could see the driver's face perspiring as he tried to control the large metal beast! He was fighting the wheel, while tring to pass the family of six at the same time. Hard as he tried, the semi would not be controlled as it tipped over. Time slowed down as everyone watched with tense muscles and knit brows. With no warning, the semi was on top of them. The impact was massive as the glass shattered and the truck was forced inward. Then all went still. Marie looked around her to find that tommy, her nine year old brother, was dead. She just stared at his precious face…now covered in blood. The wounds were so extensive, that she couldn’t look at him. Marie turned away. Her mind reeled as she looked to the others. Turner who was fourteen was dead as well…his head cracked open…and his eyes open, were staring right at her. There was terror there. The sight caused her eyes to burn, so she looked away. And Alisha, sweet eleven year old Alisha...looked to be unconscious. Marie turned to find her parents sending prayers of help to God. She forced herself to think of ways to escape. Her mind unable to think, but she forced herself to focus. Marie brightened at the thought of an idea. She flipped her body to get to the window. Her leg shot sharp pain up through her body. It was purple and badly swollen. She had no other choice but to ignore the pain and to move forward with her plan. She sent a plea to God and took in a deep breath, and-
" CRACK!"
           Marie punched the back passenger window with her bare fist. All the while the anger seeping in at how of all windows...this was the one spared! She clenched her teeth as the flesh on her hand ripped open. The pain was fierce. She tried not to stare at the blood dripping from the wound. She then proceeded to climb out. As Marie turned back to help her parents, the semi exploded. This lead to a double explosion as the dodge followed suit, with the camping trailer...
"WHOOSH! CRACKLE...KABOOM!"
        "NO!" Marie shouted as the realization of what just happened hit finally hit her. The last image she saw was her dad's burnt hand reaching toward her...for help. The help that she was unable to give...
          "Oh, Lord, no..." her body trembling, she fell to the ground in shock. She made no movements as she took in whole the scene. The camper was burnt to a crisp. So much so that the whole exterior was missing, and the insides of the unit were exposed. The truck was crumpled in a ball…no one would have thought that it had once been a great truck…and the gasoline truck, was no more. Fire lit the whole area, and her family was dead. All she could think of in that moment was, 'what have I done...' A minivan passing by screeched to a halt. A man got out and asked Marie if she was all right. All she managed was a very faint,
"I need a phone."
     The man gladly gave it to her. She dialed a familiar number. The phone rang three times before a deep voice answered,
"Hello?"
    "Uncle Ray? I need…I need-" With that the phone dropped to the ground. Her body made contact with the hard cement, causing her to blackout from the horrible impact. Her hands were unable to catch her as she tumbled over. Her head hit the ground with a heavy thud. The last thing she heard was the strange man, giving her uncle directions, followed by a 911 call.  
                         



                                   Chapter One
          Ray watched as his fifteen year old niece shifted in the hospital bed. He fought the tears that threatened to spill over. He took another swig of his coffee, to keep the nurse from seeing his tears. His mind went to three days before as his brother’s daughter Marie had called him. He had known something was wrong as soon as he heard her voice. He hadn’t been able to make out what she said, but he had heard the phone drop to the ground accompanied by the sound of her laboured breathing. The stranger on the phone had given him directions, as he had driven to the scene. The police and paramedics were already there when he arrived. He had tried to get to her, which had lead to five police men holding him down, threatening to lock him up if he did anything stupid. Marie had been unconscious…still was. He remembered asking if there were any other survivors. They had told him no, and that the truck driver had been killed as well. Ray shook his head, forcing his mind to leave the image of Marie's broken body, lying on the road. She had been in terrible shape. It was a nightmare alone, just to see her bloody, beaten up form. In fact she had made little improvement, since arriving at St. John’s Hospital. He sat up now as she called out to someone.
    "No...NO!! I don't want to go home! Why can't we stay?"
     She was pleading with someone, though with whom, Ray wasn't sure.
    "How is she?" asked Mary-Lou-Ray's wife.
    "I don't know honey," Ray looked from his wife to the hospital bed. Than to Marie battered, and sleeping.
    "Maybe we should try praying for her?" Mary-Lou asked hesitantly. Neither were Christians, but both were strong supporters of Marie's faith.
   "Why not… She's too important to us, not to try." With that he bowed his head and struggled to find the words as he prayed aloud for his niece. "Dear Lord...I, Um...don't know why, this happened. And frankly I don't know why she loves you so. Because after what happened, I don't know if I ever could. But she does, and I beg you, to please heal her broken body, and crushed spirit...amen." Ray opened his eyes, and rubbed his hands over his worn out jeans. He felt different as he finished the prayer. But put that feeling aside for now, focusing instead on the present situation. He needed to refill his coffee. They were going to be here a while… 
.................................................................................................
          Marie tried to open her eyes. It felt as though someone had glued them down. She tried several attempts to open them, but to no avail. With a last attempt, they finally flickered open. It was dark, she felt lost. Where was she? It dawned on her that this…this was a…a hospital. She looked around herself, what happened? Why was she in a hospital? Something moved to her right! There was a sleeping form on a chair. She kept very still, her body tense. Who was he? It took a few more moments for her to realize that it was her uncle.
    "Uncle…uncle Ray?" Her throat burned! It was so dry. She struggled to swallow. Her uncle lay still sleeping. She was just about to try again, when he lifted her hand. He was crying, she could faintly hear him speaking. Marie strained to hear what he was saying. Unable to hear, she twitched her hand. His head flew up as if something had spooked him.
     "Marie?" His voice rasped, as the muscles were aroused.
     "Hm..." she couldn't manage anything else.
     "Oh! You're awake! Oh, Marie...Marie are you in pain? Can I get you something?" He was so thrilled that she had finally awakened.
     "Wat-...thi-...dry...hurts." She was so hoarse it was unbelievable. This was worse than the time she went bowling with a really bad dry cough and cold.
     "What hurts? What do you need?" Ray wracked his brain for what she was trying to say. "Water…you want water?" Her head motioned the smallest movement of yes. He helped her to sit up, and tried to ignore her gasp of pain. The doctor said she had three broken ribs. They also said that it was a miracle that they were able to save her leg. The whole right leg had been shattered. When she finished drinking, he helped her to lie back down again. That was when she asked the question that he dreaded to answer.
"Uncle Ray?" she asked with hopeful eyes, unable to finish the rest of the question. It seemed like forever, but he finally managed a small shake of the head. Her eyes sank closed again, as she fought every ounce of her body to refrain from tears. Her body trembled with the agonizing news. Once she regained control of her body, she met the eyes of her uncle.
"What now?" Was all managed as she once again fell into a heavy sleep. 
                        











                         
                                 Chapter Two
Two Weeks Later
                  It was the day of the funeral...Marie wore a pair of black sweats and a black sweatshirt. These had been the closest pair of clothes at the hospital, fit for a funeral. She hated sticking out like a sore thumb! Always did, and always would. Uncle Ray helped her up the stairs. She gasped in pain, as her toes brushed the top of the stairs. She despised crutches. She didn't like being babied. But she allowed it just this once, for her heart was broken and her spirits crushed, along with the fact that she couldn't walk. She didn't know when she would ever feel whole again. Aunt Mary-Lou stayed behind with Nickolai and Ginger. The funeral wasn't due to start until two this afternoon. It was one now. She wanted to come early, and in some way, prepare herself emotionally. To give her some time to become stable. She was trying to move on. She hadn't confided in anyone since that day. Le-Roy Brown, the pastor of her church wanted her to release her tears and to confide in someone of what happened, to ask God to heal her and to help her to move on. But, somehow she was unable to bring herself to do all of the above.  She just wanted space….she wanted an escape route.
    "Are you ready?" Ray asked as he peered down at her covered face. She was wearing a ball cap, no doubt trying to hide herself. She seemed to be good at that.
     "No," was all she gave him. He tried to get her to talk, but she would have none of it. He finally gave up. But that didn't stop him from putting his arm around her in a comforting gesture. He smiled to himself as he noted the way she growled at his touch. So protective was she of herself, that even the smallest intimate touch bothered her. As they reached the door, Le-Roy opened it. They had met each other on occasion. Clearly one being the baptism day of Marie and Turner…Ray's heart saddened at the thought of Turner. He only hoped that his son would be as good a man as Turner had been.
    "Good to see you Ray," Le-Roy meant it with a joyful heart. Even knowing he wasn't a Christian, he was glad at the way he took such great care of his family, and Marie.
     "Like wise! I'm glad that Marie is in the care of such fine folks as you."
     "It's all God Ray...well don't just stand there come in, come in! It's a little chilly." It really wasn't chilly at all. Though a little crisp, it was a beautiful Virginia day. It was only August. He tried so hard to lighten the mood, for Marie's sake. The doctor said she was only allowed to go if she stayed off her leg. It was still in critical condition and in no doubt a lot of pain. He also said that in order to regain the muscle back, she was going to have to undergo physical-therapy when the leg was in better shape. They went inside and waited until the funeral was to begin. The coffins were lead to the foyer, and the place began to fill. Marie said her silent goodbyes, than let her Uncle help get her to the front pew, where they were later joined by Aunt Mary-Lou and the kids. Lexi and Robin came and sat with her for support. Than Le-Roy went to the front and started, in Marie's mind, a long, painful healing process.
   "Let’s bow our heads to pray..." Le-Roy closed his eyes and began.
..................................................................................................
     After the ceremony Marie stood by the door as people came and told her over and over again how sorry they were to hear that her family was gone. One man even said, “I’m sorry to hear about the tragedy that happened.” She was a part of the tragedy. She didn’t need people reminding her constantly about the tragedy. Yet at the same time, she knew that people were only trying to comfort her. To let her know that she wasn’t alone…but the truth was, she wanted to be alone! She felt a hand on her shoulder and found Le-Roy standing there. He stood there with her until the flow of people died and when she could finally breathe again. Marie turned around and gave Le-Roy a long hard hug, her body shaking from the pressure of the tears that she was keeping at bay. After the foye was empty, she went to the burial site where only family and close friends were invited. They then proceeded to the gym where they all ate supper together. The room was quickly filled with laughter, now that the service was passed and as people were moving on with life. Yes, these people knew her family, but they hadn’t lived with them. They hadn’t been a part of their daily lives…like she had been.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
        Weston watched Marie from a distance as she struggled to block out the noise. She was doing her best to put a smile on her face, trying to keep from having a breakdown. He watched as she finally stood and walked out the door. No one noticed her slip away. Weston excused himself from the table and followed at a farther distance.
      As soon as she was able, Marie excused herself from the table and slipped away. She avoided eye contact and kept going even as Lexi called after her.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
      Robin noticed Lexi going after her, so she went and touched her on the shoulder, signaling that she needed to give Marie some time. The silent communication left Lexi torn, as she watched Marie leave. She wanted so badly to comfort her, to just sit with her. But Robin was right. She needed to give Marie some space. There would be time later to keep her company as she grieved. And Robin had seen that Marie was overwhelmed with all the people. She was glad that Robin had noticed that, because in the rush of the moment, she had missed that small hint
………………………………………………………………………………………………...
       Marie went outside to the back of the church, just inside a hedge of trees. She dropped her crutches on the ground and sat against a large tree trunk, letting the tears take control of her body. Pastor Le-Roy had asked her to come up and say some final words. Marie had hobbled up to the podium and had started out okay, and then she had just gotten angry, almost in a loathsome manner. She had just stood there and thought back to the very day. Tears had rolled down her face. Her knees gave way and she let herself drop to the floor in a sitting position. Not even moaning as her leg made contact with the floor. Not crying or moving. Just sitting there in a daze…time nd life had slowed down as she played and replayed images in her mind like a motion picture…after about ten minutes, Pastor Le-Roy had come up and told her that it was alright. Without a word she allowed him to pick her up and sit her down on the pew beside her aunt. She sat there, with a red face; red with embarrassment, red with anger, red with shame and regret. So many mistakes, so many things she wanted to make right.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
    Weston watched from ten feet away as Marie cried. His heart broke at the sight. She may not want company now. But he wanted to make sure that she was alright. That she was not going to do anything drastic. He remembered the first time they really made any connection. They had gone bowling on a trip with the church’s Sunday school senior high youth group. He had started teasing her about bowling. She had engaged and from there they had been friends ever since. She had been there for him through rough patches. And now it was his turn to be there for her. He walked over and leaned against a tree…
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
     She heard the snap of a twig and looked up to find Weston leaning against a tree. There was care and understanding in his brown eyes, and also a determination. She looked away.
      "Mind if I join you." He stated rather than asked, but still made no movement until she indicated a yes or no answer. When she did so, he sat down beside her and prayed aloud,
    "Dear Lord...I ask that you be with Marie. She's hurting, more than she knows…even if she doesn't want to admit it. Help her Holy Father, with your almighty strength. Bring her close to you in this time, when she feels empty, and alone. Lord, help her to see your will in what happened here not long ago. You have a plan, Father. You know that in the end, she will know that it was for her good. That you’re looking out for her well-being...amen." After he finished he kept his head bowed and said a second prayer. This time it was a silent one. He prayed a prayer of strength for Marie, as well as for him and all the others who would be with her in this time, that when she finally pulled herself together, they could rejoice together. When he finished, before he opened his eyes, he felt his shoulder being weighed down. He looked over to find Marie's head on his shoulder. He smiled a weary smile. He felt her pain. He knew she was crying. Weston knew all about her motive for being tough on herself. It was her way of moving on with life, her way of healing from pain. After a while her head slipped from his shoulder. He caught her just before her head hit the ground. She was fast asleep. So he laid her head gently in his lap. She was getting thinner and thinner each day. Today marked the tenth day since the accident. Ten days was not enough time to be done with grieving, no matter how hard a person tried. It would be easier, but it was too soon to be done grieving, or to already be moving on from this moment. Most people could see that, but Marie herself did not. He watched as someone came towards them, it was his sister Robin.
     Robin smiled at her older brother. Weston. And saw Marie asleep. She didn't look at all peaceful but at least she was able to sleep for the moment. "Are you alright Weston?" Robin's expression held great love for her older brother.
    "Yes. But I'm not sure she is...why Robin?"
     Robin was surprised that her brother had asked her this. He had a deep connection with God and often helped not only her in her struggles, but Marie and others as well. Plus, he was the Sunday school teacher for the senior high kids in their church. "You know the answer to that one Weston. God allows circumstances to happen to further his perfect plan. Something good that we can’t see now is going to happen through this. Marie knows that, whether she accepts it or not." Robin finished as she sat down beside Weston. She put her arm around him and hugged him. "I know you two have become closer lately. So I understand your concern for her. But she's in God's hands, not yours."
   "I know," Weston went on, "I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else...thanks little sis." He gave her one his knowing smiles and kissed her head...
   Marie listened to them while they talked about her. Her heart lifted at the reassurance of this being in God's plan. Though she didn’t understand why and it hurt her...but to hear it…she knew that He had something great planned. And when that day would come, she would be grateful that she was a part of whatever was to come. She just hoped she realized it was too late and did something she would regret...
                         




                               
                                   






                                   Chapter Three
         "Okay." Doctor Morris said two days later. He was looking at the x-rays and then to Marie's leg. She shot him a daring look when he touched it. "Sorry." He grimaced, giving Marie a warm smile. After some time he continued,
      "Well, you're looking better than you did a month ago. I would like to put you through physical therapy in about another month. I would have liked to get you into it sooner. But your leg still needs a chance to heal some more. Your leg is still quite fragile, so even though you hate the crutches…you need to use them. Understand? Your leg needs to get stronger before I can even put you through the program. It will re-build your lost muscle and strengthen them. So I would suggest that you at least think about it." He finished by looking at Ray.
    "Alright…I’ll do it. I want to be able to at least to run again. Whether I have a limp or not," Marie's poker face was nerving. She was happy to do this, but it made her sad to think that she was the one who would be able to run again. To be fully physically healed in really no time at all. Even though it would take a year or more, she was getting a second chance. Meaning God was not finished with her. That it wasn’t her time to go. But why it was her family’s time to go and not hers…bothered her. Was she not as strong a Christian as she thought? She turned her sad smile to the doc. "Will it be like it used too?" She was hopeful in waiting for the answer.
    Doctor Tyler Morris looked her in the eye and gave her the truth, "You most likely won't," he paused, "but I've been wrong before." With that he patted her on the head and made his way out the door. He turned to face her again, “You’ll be alright Marie. I can feel it. It may hurt like a bugger now, but it’ll pass and you’ll get along just fine. Okay?” He waited.
    Marie nodded and tried to manage a decent smile. She heard more in that sentence than just the surface. And to prove it, he winked at her. She nodded again.
   “Okay then.” With that he was gone.
   "So…you ready?" Ray shot her a glance. He was going to stick to her. He didn’t want to lose her too. The pain of his brother’s passing was enough, not to mention his brother’s family. Only one out of four children managed to escape. He needed to step in and protect her now. He needed to be the support that she needed.
    Marie was silent a moment, watching the rain fall outside. "I am. I need to support myself now. You're like my human crutch." She said this lightly, but her heart lay heavy. She was trying to appear as if she was moving on, but inside she was a loose cannon. Her phone buzzed. She looked to see who it was and smiled. It was from Robin. It read; 'You still alive?' Marie flipped open the keypad and replied, 'yes, my friend...still alive.' But Marie refrained from adding, 'sadly.'
"All right then...let's go home." Ray picked up her bag and allowed her to lean against him. They still had a long road ahead of them.
   Home…what was home these days? Marie picked up her coat and followed silently behind her uncle.
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         The next day she woke up to find Lexi watching her, eating a bowl of cereal. She glared at her best friend and growled. Lexi just laughed and threw a cheerio at her.
        "Good morning sleeping beauty. I have strict orders to take you out today. How about a good old trail ride, like we used to? Prince misses you like crazy.”
        Prince was Marie's five year old black Lippizzaner stallion. He had been abused and neglected by his previous owner. She had been walking out in the woods one day when she had come upon him. He was in an old broken shed. It had smelled of feces and mold. She had heard his wheezing and saw hus gaunt face. His body covered in mold, and his bones showing everywhere. No fat at all. He had looked at her with lifeless eyes, not even calling out for help. Too broken to care he just threw his head over the stall door and closed his eyes. His wheezing and laboured breathing showing signs of death if she didn’t get help, and fast! Marie had called her uncle at the Veterinary Healing Hooves Clinic in West Virginia. He had raced out here and picked him up without a warrant or anything. Luckily his owner hadn’t been home. They later found out that his owner had been smuggling drugs across the border through not only one horse but nine others as well. The police went in with warrants and found the rest. They rescued five of them. The other four had been deceased. Their corpses rotting in a pile farther into the woods behind the man’s home…the stench had been so powerful that anyone within two hundred feet had to wear body suits, to keep the gases out. She had been mortified that someone could do this without a second thought. There had to be no heart in a human like that, they had to be robots of some sort. Marie had a passion for these creatures and had gained a deep respect for them-An understanding no other human understood aside from the horses themselves. She had made an instant connection with Prince, as she taught him that not all humans were bad. That love was worth living for. At the thought of how she had just neglected him herself. Her heart saddened. She turned her attention back to Lexi who was still waiting for an answer. "I would love that Lexi." Her throat croaked with sincerity.
       Lexi knew that the mention of her horse would get her attention. She loved that animal with all her being. Alongside Levi of course…that dog was never more than five feet from Marie. As if to prove her point, Marie got up, patted Levi awkwardly on the head as she tried to stay steady on her feet. She put on an old flannel shirt and a pair of really worn wranglers. Marie ate a muffin, grabbed her jacket and boots, and headed out across the two minute walk to the barn on her crutches. The process was slow and painful. But just being out in the fresh mountain air, caused her to forget her pain for the moment. Her uncle owned fifty acres of Virginia land. He was also a livestock vet, which explained why he could afford this place. Lexi was right beside her as she pushed open the huge red double door. This caused all the heads of the horses to turn and look at who had interrupted their breakfast. Marie was looking around her at Lexi, when she heard a loud shrill whinny.
   "Prince!" Marie laughed as she dropped her crutches and un-cautiously hobbled to his stall. That horse thrust his head over the stall door and nuzzled Marie affectionately. "Haha, oh Prince…I'm so sorry boy..." she murmured praises to him when Lexi finally spoke up.
   "I told you." She held a smug smile on her face.
   Marie ignored her. "You can ride cricket. He loves you so, and someone's been giving him way too many oats. He's a lot chunkier than I remember," Marie didn't even have to look at Lexi to see that she was beat red and guilty! Lexi had been doing Marie's share of the chores since...well, not anymore she decided. Starting today she was going to pick it up again. No sense moping around the house. It had been a month and life had to move on. Robin also worked here, but only part time, and because she felt obligated to. Robin boarded her horse Inky here. She was a seven year old buckskin quarter horse, the sweetest thing you ever could look at. After they saddled up, they headed out onto the old familiar trail. Marie texted both her aunt and uncle to let them know where they were, and also how long they would be gone. Once out on the trail they fell silent. It felt so good to be in the outdoors again. She had to admit that she had been annoyed to find Lexi in her room this morning, but there was no sense in arguing with her. She could win an argument with a coyote on how shooting him was the right thing to do! If she really wanted to…this caused Marie to laugh, which brought Lexi's question,
    "What?"
    "Oh…nothing," but Lexi wouldn't take that for an answer.
    "Come on Marie! What were you laughing about!?"
     Marie finally gave in. "I was just thinking about, how funny it would be if you persuaded a coyote to see that it was all right to shoot him. Because of him being a pest to farmers and all." Lexi looked flabbergasted but Marie held her smile and knew that Lexi thought it was funny. And it didn't take Lexi more than two seconds to holler out with laughter.
    "Just like the old good old days Marie. You've got your charm back."
    "Yeah, maybe I do." But Marie was not convinced and knew she felt more and more detached from life each and every day she got up.
                            



                                        Chapter Four
     "Rap, rap...RAP!"
      Ray woke up to the sound of loud knocking at the door. He looked over at the time. It was 7:00am Saturday morning. He walked to the door in a bit of a daze. He happened to notice Marie lean against the door frame, waiting patiently, attentively, for him to open the door. He did so, and found Pastor Le-Roy Brown, and a man in a suit standing behind him.
    "What can I do for you at this time of day?" He implied hesitantly, emphasizing on the words 'time of day.'
    "Good morning Ray-Marie." Le-Roy said not even looking at Marie. "We have come on professional business...concerning the Henderson’s house and will." He finished, this time looking squarely at Marie.
     Marie was confused. She had thought that all of that had been taken care of already. She had been glad to know that she wouldn't have to take part in the legal finalizing, since she was sixteen, just a minor by law. So this was news to her and it caught her attention.
     "Well. Go on!" Marie almost snapped, though her sarcasm had indeed been noticed by Le-Roy and the lawyer, they went on as if she hadn't snapped at them. Ray gave her a sharp glance. Marie apologized and looked away. Though was fully tuned into the conversation before her.
    "This is Mr. Sanderson, he is here to speak to Marie, on the behalf of a will. We found it going through your house, Marie. It was well hidden and they were surprised in the finding. But it holds some important facts that we need to take care of...Marie I have been named as your legal guardian. You are going to have to come and move in with us...immediately. I will give you two weeks to get your things together. And then I will come and get you. We will than discuss the situation, and living arrangements with your aunt and uncle." Le-Roy finished.
       Marie felt like the ground had been ripped from under her. She had just been getting the feeling that life would go on as normal as it could. But now...Marie's eyes suddenly filled with tears. She didn't even bother to get a coat or shoes as she hopped to the barn as fast as she could on her one good foot. She thrust open Prince's stall door and leaned against him and cried. It wasn't that she didn't like pastor Le-Roy. In fact, she loved him! But to just barge in and take any normalcy she had started to feel? That had to be wrong. She tried hard not to blame him. Because her parents had written that will. So she wouldn't have even been living with her aunt and uncle from the get-co if they had found the will sooner. After a while, her crying ceased. It didn't take long for her to hear someone approaching. She didn't even bother to look up. She knew who it was.
    "Marie…I'm so sorry to have to do this. But I have to. I have to respect that your parents wanted this for you. And I feel honored that they thought that Linda and I were the right people to take care of you. But-"
"I understand. I really do. It's just...I had finally started feeling like life was going to go on. And now God, just like before...has ripped the floor out from under me! Why!? Pastor Le-Roy…why…" She fell silent then. Le-Roy put his hand on her shoulder and prayed. She felt good after that, but still, her heart lay heavy with burden.
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         Lexi and Robin came over the next week Sunday, to help her pack. They had bantered and laughed and listened to music to lighten the mood. But Marie had hardly spoken a word since she had opened the door to let them in. They had just packed up the last box, when Aunt Mary-Lou came in.
     "I made pizza for dinner? Is anyone hungry?" She asked, already knowing the answer to her question.
    "I'm starving!" Lexi and Robin said in unison. They both cracked up with laughter.
    "Come on Marie!" They left the room then. They were trying so hard to ignore her mood and to make the best of it for her. They both knew that she did not need another deep heart to heart talk. She needed light in a dark place...laughter, love and normalcy!
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          The next day came and went. Marie knew that Le-Roy would be coming any time now. He hadn't specified which day he would be coming. She knew she couldn't avoid it, but that didn't stop her from wishing for a miracle...that somehow she could stay here. She loved being out in the vast wide open, running around in the pen with prince, going on good ole trail rides with Lexi and Robin. That was her. She needed space to be herself. She loved having the freedom beyond a fence. Not trapped behind one. Who would have thought that her parent’s death would have allowed her dreams to come true. I mean she had always had Prince. She had always lived on a ranch. She wanted to live at home...her home. Her uncle was gracious, allowing her to visit anytime she wanted. Even Levi had the time of his life here on the open land. Though she had never minded being in town, it was because she never lived there. And Le-Roy had told her she could still visit here anytime and keep her job at her uncle’s. But even in all that, she didn't want to leave...she couldn't. With that thought in mind Marie finished her chores, and went in for lunch.
                                  





                             
                           
                        Chapter Five 
     Before he could even knock on the door, it was thrust open. He was face to face to a very unhappy sixteen year old girl.
  "Are you ready?" Le-Roy asked, ignoring Marie's mood.
   "Yes.” She replied. "Let me just say goodbye to everybody, and to Prince." With that she went to the barn.
    Le-Roy turned around and saw Ray standing there in the background, watching the exchange that had gone on.
   "I apologize for that Le-Roy, I told her to be polite. I know that it is hard for you as well. But it has to be done. I don't want her in an orphanage or Adoption Agency, just because she didn't move in with your family.
    "That's quite alright. She'll settle down...life has started to move on, even if she hasn't..." he finished what he had to say.
    "Would you like to come in? She'll no doubt be a while.'' He said this as though it was a regular thing for her to disappear into the barn for long periods of time.
    "Sure. I smell coffee, and I could use some." He came in and the door was shut.
       They talked about the weather, and about work. Eventually it lead to scripture. Ray was interested, Le-Roy could tell. But he could also see that Ray wouldn't allow himself to grasp it, even though he had an interest in God.
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         Marie was sitting on a hay bale behind the barn. That's where Ray found her about an hour later. She knew it was him, because no one else came to this spot.
    "Hey kiddo. You okay?" He asked.
   "What does it matter Uncle Ray.”
    "Oh Marie, It matters so much to me. You know how special you are to me...to Nickolai, Ginger and Aunt Mary. You’re love and passion for God and life…is simply amazing!”
      "Then why does the bible bother you so, when you are happy for anyone else who believes and obeys scripture?" Marie asked.
     "I don't know kid...I really don't. I guess I kinda walked away from it as a youngster, and haven't considered it since."
     "But who am I to talk, right? I'm a hypocrite for encouraging you to God, when I myself have fallen off the path...I'm going to miss being here all the time." Marie looked away, she hated tears.  
     Ray wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "You're not really leaving. True you'll be about thirty minutes up the road, but that's all! You get to come whenever you want, plus you'll be here every day due to your job here. It's not all bad, if you think it."
    "But it'll still be different, a new lifestyle, a fence when you walk out the door, no privacy, with three other kids around. Ha..." Marie leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed a tired, sorrowful sigh.
    "Alright, I guess we shouldn't waste any more of his time. He has work to do...bye Uncle Ray."
     "Bye Marie. You want to plan on a breakfast together? We can go to the Cozy Nest and have a sausage mcmuffin, with coffee?"
     Marie's face brightened up at this and nodded her head with enthusiasm.
   "Alright, let's plan for next Tuesday. Say 6:30?
     Again she nodded her head up and down.
   "Alright then, see you." He gave her one last hug, and then they went to the house. She said goodbye to Aunt Mary-Lou, and hugged and kissed Nickolai and Ginger. Then she turned to Le-Roy brown and off they went.
         The family felt like a piece of them just got ripped away. But that was life. It took things without warning…even life.
                                  


                                       Chapter Six
          It had been another month since she moved to town. Three months since the accident. School started so life had some sort of normalcy for her. She was homeschooled and thoroughly enjoyed it. She had slipped behind a bit, but still held an B+ average. Physical therapy had started as well. Her uncle came every day and brought her to the hospital for her early morning sessions. She was exhausted at the end of the two hours. But at least her leg was slowly healing, though not without a limp. And her muscles felt stronger and stronger each day. Marie was staring at her ceiling.  It was 4:30 am. She finally put on her wranglers, a hooded t-shirt, put on her boots and grabbed her leather jacket. She left a note on the kitchen table. Telling that family where she was going to be, and assuring them not to worry. She left her phone at home. She would not be disturbed...not today.
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         Ray looked out his kitchen window. It was a beautiful morning.  Though still dark, light was starting to peak through the mountains. He was finishing his coffee before he headed out. Marie was going to show up in about two hours to do chores. It was 5:00am. As he was turning from the window, a reflection caused him to keep looking. A bike was coming up the long driveway, Marie’s navy blue Kawasaki ninja. His heart squeezed at the sight of Marie coming into view. She removed her helmet, leaning against her bike for just a moment before walking into the barn. She looked distressed and thoughtful, and no doubt trying to avoid the tears. When she came out into view, she had Prince behind her. She saddled him up and pushed her bike behind the barn, before hoisting herself up into the saddle. She took off down the driveway at a gallop. Her head low over the horse’s neck. Ray raced out the door eager to see where she was headed. And to make sure she did nothing foolish!
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           Marie tied Prince to a tree and walked through the rows of tombstones. She was at the Eternal Rest Cemetery. She felt some sort of peace when she walked into this cemetery. Most people normally think it’s creepy to walk in a cemetery with a bunch of old and fresh corpses beneath you. But she felt a sense of respect and peace. Like she was paying her respects or something like that. At last she came to a halt...not ten feet away she was staring at five tombstones, they were facing towards her. She felt the tears spring to her eyes as she sat in the damp cool grass. She put flowers on the graves before her. Flowers she had been keeping in her saddle bag. She felt anger, pain, relief, sorrow, remorse, and guilt as her body heaved wrenching sobs.
         "How, could this happen…why would you take them from me!?" She shouted angry words to the Lord above. Unable to stop her tears she screamed at the top of her lungs. Birds flew up from everywhere. Shrieking and squawking as they went…thoughts of death assailed all her senses. "Do you know…how easy it would be just to give up, right here? Not to have to face the worrying eyes of friends and family...the look of stricken sorrow on the pastor's face...how simple to escape the heartache of my uncle's pained expression, as he mourns the loss of all he’s lost..." she closed her eyes and knew. “I know that you have kept me alive for something, but what!? WHAT!?" Her heart weary, she sank down to the ground.
"Why lord...why am I here...." her voice broke and the tears came again, this time silently running down her face...
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              Ray was leaning against a tree watching in thoughtful silence. He had heard the whole exchange between her and the Lord. It broke his heart that she couldn't accept what had transpired. Besides that, he was saddened that his worrying about her caused her more stress and grief. He saw her sobbing and tears sprang to his own eyes. His wife was having a hard time with the family's passing as well, but she was trying to stay strong for Marie's sake.  He watched as she turned to find him standing there. He had left his horse farther behind, so as not to have her hear him come. She was sincerely surprised. This kind of pleased him because she never started and she always seemed to know when someone approached. She hugged herself and looked away, her face red from the cold weather. She was embarrassed that he had caught her crying. He hated her feeling this way about tears. It was not a weakness. He himself learned this a few years ago. He walked over and sat as close to her as possible, she let out a growl. And he smiled
           "It's okay to mourn, and to feel anger Marie. But you need to make sure you keep it a righteous anger, and not an unrighteous anger." He finished this by saying, "I'm here for you. When will you get that Marie? When..." He sighed a sad sigh. "Life has started to move on, and you're still stuck in the past. What will it take for you to see that...” He stated this sentence as a thought, rather than a question.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
         Marie just sat there listening. Her uncle had a lot of wisdom and biblical sense. Why he didn't just surrender to Christ was lost on her. She ducked her head as tears reached her eyes again. She was in misery. How many times had she wished for solitude when her family had been loud or noisy. How many times had she thought to herself that life would have been better if they had not been here. And now that this had come true, all she did was wallow in regret. 
   Ray noticed that she was clenching her teeth and keeping her head away from his view.
"Look at me...Marie." He let several seconds pass before he grabbed her chin in his hand and turned her head so that she was looking right at him. Her eyes were piercing as he looked at her. "It's all right! Let loose and cry...a lot if you have too! Okay?" He waited until she nodded before he dropped his hand. He saw an immediate change in her stance and demeanor as she got up, dusted herself off and acted as though nothing had happened,
         "Let's go. I gotta do chores and I'm starved!" She untied Prince, mounted and waited for her uncle to do the same. She wiped her face when he wasn't looking and hoped against all odds that he'd drop the subject. He did thankfully. But they kept it to a slow ride all the way back. It had been two hours since she'd left Le-Roy's. She stayed silent all the way. And when they arrived half an hour later, Lexi and Robin were already there starting their own share of chores. She resolved to have a good day today, if it was the last thing she ever did. And to start if off she thanked her uncle for his advice, kissed his cheek and greeted Lexi and Robin with an enthusiastic hug, and disappeared inside the barn with the two horses in tow. Both friends were puzzled and looked to her uncle in the hopes of an explanation. He just threw his hands in the air, and backed away just as puzzled. Something had happened, and he didn’t know what. He walked back to the house deep in thought. He was going to figure out what had happened. IMMEDIATELY!
                      




                      

                         Chapter Seven
                 It was 6:45am. Marie stared at her bible and decided against reading it. She got up brushed her hair into a ponytail bun and put on her running clothes. She always went for a 20k run every morning. That is, If her leg wasn't too tired from therapy. She went upstairs, saw that a light was on and took a deep breath. She walked the rest of the way up the stairs, and froze for just a brief moment.
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
        Le-Roy knew Marie was up. Every morning he heard her get ready and go for a run. He usually did his devotions at that time, and had a cup of coffee. This time however, he made sure that she would have to go right past him in order to go for her run. At last she appeared. She didn't look all too happy that she was going to have to talk to him. But he decided to ignore it.
      "How did you sleep?" He asked, acting as though he weren't really interested. He did this whenever he asked her these types of questions, knowing that they could set off any number of emotions still going through her body.
           "Fine," she lied. Truth of the matter was…that the nightmares were always there when she closed her eyes. They never went away, and she was losing more sleep than gaining it.
          "Uh-huh." He replied, knowing the answer to that one. "Are you headed out for your run?"
        "Trying to," She bit back.
       "Marie, you need to stop giving me this attitude. It's getting old and quite frankly, it's enough!" Le-Roy's voice had raised significantly as he spoke..."Forgive me Marie. I shouldn't have raised my voice at you...you want to talk about it?”
"Nothing to tell, you know what happened."
"I may know the facts. But I don't know the mood set, or the emotions that were hanging. The fear, and the terror...listen Marie, don't lose your faith over this, alright?" He waited and when she didn't respond or look at him, he let her go. "Have a good run." With that he went back to reading the word. He knew that she hadn't been reading her bible lately either. This bothered him. But he didn't want to force it on her, because that would just cause her to walk away completely. Instead he just prayed.
    Marie only hesitated a moment before going out the door. She let Levi and Nikita out of the pen and off she went. She started her Ipod and started out at a light jog.
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                Weston watched from his window as Marie ran past his little farm. His heart still ached over her loss. He was keeping tabs on her through Robin, and knew that Marie was not doing good. He bowed his head right then and started praying. He prayed with all his heart, that she would find her way back to the path, and God's light. Rather than wander off of it and follow darkness...
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                Mari was unaware of the change from her B-93 pop songs to Brandon Heath. She listened to him in the past, he was her favorite artist of all time, and had all of his albums. As she jogged, she allowed the song to play through. As he was singing, she started to pay attention to the words;
     "Love does not run, love does not hide. Love does not keep locked inside. Love is a river that flows through...love never fails through..."
    She had forgotten that this song was on her playlist. Marie's mind focused as the next set of lyrics picked at her heart strings,
   "when my heart won't make a sound, when I can't turn back around...when the sky is falling down! Nothing is greater than this…greater than this...because love is right here. Love is the life. Love is the way, the truth, the life. Love is a river that flows through…love is the arms that are holding you! Love is the place you will fly to...love never fails you..."
               With those final words, Marie's eyes burned from the unreleased tears. She picked up speed. She had been at a dead run for thirty minutes, when she collapsed in a pond behind a house. She had been so focused, that she hadn't realized that there was a pond of water right in the path where she was running. She had managed to come off the road onto a field. She gasped as the shock of the frigid water hit her warm body. Hitting her like a thousand needles, the water jabbed into her skin. She managed to crawl out, only to stand up in pain. She tried to walk it off, but the pain of one step was so intense in her ribs, that she fell back in. Who's pond this was she couldn't place her finger, but the last thing she noticed before she blacked out was; the smiling face of man with kind eyes and wearing a bright white Robe. She closed her eyes and her heart filled with a serenity and peace that she hadn't felt in a long time...this what she had hoped death would be like...











                                         Chapter Eight
                 Weston noticed someone in his field. He was on top of his grain bin. He watched in horror as Marie clutched her side, gasping for breath. She tried to get back up off the ground, but collapsed once again in the pond. Her nose just poking above water as her face was rested on a sheet of ice. She was facing in the direction of his house. He grabbed his jacket and ran as fast as he could. He reached her side and pulled her out. Luckily she was close enough to the edge that he could pull her out, without having to go in. Her face seemed surprisingly calm. Almost as if she was smiling at him. Weston picked her up, and then heard the low rumble coming from out of Levi's chest, followed not far behind with Nikita. They too were wet. They had obviously tried to save her, before he had arrived on the scene
          "Come on boy, its ok." He cooed as he jogged back to the house with Marie in his arms. He thrust the door open, and put her on the couch in front of the fire. He turned on the furnace, which had been made to look like a fireplace. Without even thinking he tore off her clothing and put her in an old t-shirt of his and some sweats. He rolled her up in a thick wool blanket and called 911. It wasn't winter yet, but there was frost on the ground, and water almost at below freezing temperatures. Marie was turning blue, her body shivering violently. She was unconscious, mumbling sorry over and over again. Before he could pin-point why, the paramedics arrived. They found them on the couch, Weston rubbing her arms fiercely. They took Marie and left with Weston in tow. On the way to the hospital he called; Ray, Le-Roy, robin, along with Lexi and her family of course.
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         Ray received a phone call that caused him to fly out of the veterinary clinic in the middle a surgery on a dobermin pincher. He grabbed his keys and flew down the road and landed right in front of the hospital.
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         "Where is she!?" Ray yelled at the top of his lungs, as he let the door hit the wall with a bang. Weston had noticed Ray approaching and had been expecting this reaction.
           "She's alright Ray," Weston spoke up from the far corner of the room. "She's being treated and looked after as we speak. Her heart rate is back to normal, and her body temperature is climbing steadily. "
           Weston noticed Ray's intake of breath, his own heart was relieved.
           Ray inquired of Weston what had happened. And he told him that he only knew what he had witnessed. "I saw her from my grain bin. She fell into the pond out back in my field. I came upon her, put her in some of my old clothes and warmed her as much as I could before the ambulance arrived." He finished.
         "Thank-you Weston...you saved her life. I am truly grateful that you were standing in the right place at the right time." He wanted to say more but the doctor showed up just then. He told them that she was doing great. She'd be out of here by noon tomorrow…if everything goes smoothly.
                                  








                  
                              





                          Chapter Nine
                 Marie woke up to the touch of Weston's hand. He was holding it and appeared to be sleeping. She saw the concerned look on his face and tried to remember what had happened. It didn't take long for her to realize bout the incident. She twitched her hand, and this slowly brought Weston's gaze up to her face.
          "Weston? I'm so sorry. I hadn't realized that I had gone off the road and onto your field. I hope I wasn't any trouble to you."
            Weston just stared at her in shock. He knew her to be this way. Thinking she was a nuisance even when she was the one in danger. Always putting others before her, and ignoring her own welfare. She hated attention and wouldn't even allow anyone to look at her, when she damaged herself. She was such a kind and tender hearted young woman.
           "Don't ever think like that again! Marie." She looked away from him as he said this. "Look at me." He waited until she obliged before moving on. "You are never a nuisance...I thought I lost you out there yesterday. You were so cold, and blue...you looked dead. You're a good friend and I couldn’t stand it if I lost you." Though he was a couple years older than her…they were good friends, and would continue to be so, until the day of death.
      "Weston…I can’t understand why it is that all five of my family members are dead." Marie barely whispered.
       This statement caused Weston to again study her profile. It was going to take a lot more than a simple friendship to get her to trust him and to believe him. He just squeezed her hand, and prayed…just sitting in silent encouragement and strength.
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              Ray watched the exchange between Marie and Weston. They were tight friends. Ray genuinely liked Weston, and thought quite highly of him. They were a good pair. Ray thought not for the first time that he was getting too old for this. He was doing his best to be there for her. But he did have four other family members to keep in touch with. He sure hoped that she would get back on her feet soon. He needed her life to go on for his sake as well. And not just for him, but his family as well. With a sigh, he walked down to the cafeteria to refill his coffee. He needed to fuel up if he was going to get through the day.
                                                                                                          






                                                   Chapter Ten
         Lexi was eating cereal when she heard a knock at the door. She told her mom she'd get it and excused herself. She went to the door and found Marie standing there. She looked better than she did two days ago, but still looked a little pale. The doctor told her she had been stressing her body and her leg by the way she had been running so much. She was not allowed to go for 20k runs anymore. Start at 5k only once a week if she felt the need to run, but for the next 6 months…no more than that.
     "Can I talk to you Lexi?" She looked miserable, nothing new there.
      "Of course Marie, come on in." She widened the door, to let her in. But Marie made no move to enter.
        "No. Can we go for a walk in the woods out back?" She sounded distressed with what she wanted to talk about. So Lexi obliged.
        "Yes, just let me grab my coat, and tell my mom where we are going. Hold on a second." It didn't take her long to return. "Alright, let's go." She shut the door and headed out with Marie. It had been close to ten minutes before she spoke.
        "I would like to apologize for the way I've been acting. Lexi. It wasn't right." Marie was watching her face intently.
"Marie you have a right, your-" Marie cut in with a sharp
"No! It's not okay. God says it's not okay. Lexi, while I was grieving I was totally blind to the fact that you and turner were just as much best friends as me and you." Marie had tears now, again. It hurt her that she had been so blind to this. "I am so sorry Lexi..." Marie was so choked up that she couldn't speak. Instead she just grabbed Lexi and pulled her into a hug. After a while she spoke again. "You know, the day I fell into the pond...I made my relationship with God right again. I've moved on, I’m pulling my life back together. I'm going to be there again for you and Robin, alright? After I realized what I had been like, how I had neglected you guys…it tore my heart open again. I am so sorry...I will never let that happen again, alright?" She waited for Lexi's nod. They started walking, and remained silent. Finally Lexi spoke up.
          "Promise me something Marie." She had stopped and Marie knew she wasn't going to like what she had to say.
            She judged her friend's face and finally said, "Okay."
          "Promise me that if anything ever happens to me, you'll talk about it to someone. That you'll explain how you're feeling. Ask for help. Promise me this one time Marie." She held the gaze of her best friend Marie. But it was indeed hard. They had been best friends for about 6 years. And she had quickly learned that Marie had this piercing gaze that could penetrate deep into your soul. It seemed like forever and finally she agreed,
    "I promise Lexi." With that Marie dropped her gaze and started walking down the path back to Lexi's house. She didn't like making that promise. But for her treasured friend, she'd jump the moon. She was also impressed with the way she was able to hold her gaze to Marie.
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               Marie got back on her horse and headed to her uncle's house. She still had some chores left to do and she was eager to sit in the pasture with the horses. They always made her day. Such majestic animals had God created. They were strong, and gentle, yet could be very mean and hostile. Gentled by man, these beasts were life-long partners. Abused by man, these beasts were broken, and your worst nightmare. She patted Prince's neck as she rode along. He in turn, turned his head to rub her leg. He had come along way, since Marie's uncle saved his life. He reminded her of a horse when she went on a mission's trip to Brazil. There had been a horse who had been neglected and abused. She had sat with the timid creature. That mare had just stood there hanging her head. Not even eating the grass as she breathed in the fragrance. She remembered kneeling down and just holding the horse's head in her lap, gazing into her eyes. There had been sorrow there. You could tell she had not wanted to go on in life. This broke Marie’s heart. Her mind came back to reality as Prince picked up speed when he saw her uncle.
          Ray laughed and waited patiently as the horse jogged to his side. He thrust his head at him and nuzzled him. Ray gave him some oats and murmured to him. He looked up to see Marie smiling at him.
    "What," he asked with hesitation.
    "Nothing…”  She was silent then. Then she started to walk past him on Prince. “I’m going to go sit in the pasture with the horses for a while, if that’s alright with you?”
       “Sure.” Ray said, with a little confusion. But he quickly shook the feeling away as he called to her, “Marie?”
           Marie stopped and waited.
         “I have a new patient for you to nurture and spoil. She's a red sorrel mare. She was beaten with a 2 by 4 that had a nail stuck in the end. She's got some nasty scars. She's a bit vicious, so be careful."
  Marie looked thrilled at the new patient, but angry at the same time. Before she could even ask where the horse was, her uncle answered her question.
              "She's in the corral behind the barn." With that he turned and left, as Marie cooled down Prince, put him away, and went to go see the new mare. Sometimes she swore that she could kill whoever did this to these animals. God created them to. Not just to be food; or our punching bags, but to be companions…to be loved. She prayed right then, that God would help her with these thoughts.
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                Weston found Marie just where her uncle said she would be. He watched from a distance as she sat on the ground. She paid no heed to the horse. Whenever she did, the horse would shy away. Eventually she stopped paying attention altogether. He watched in amazement as the horse finally ambled over to her and sniffed around in her hair. She gave out a giggle and the horse bucked and ran away. This time Marie stood up and turned away from the horse. Noticing him standing there, she ignored him as the horse again was out won by his curiosity. This time Marie walked away from the horse and she followed behind her at a steady pace as she walked around the corral. She stopped. Turned and held out her hand, the horse was cautious and made no move toward her. Marie walked away again. The horse let out a loud shrill whinny. Marie once again turned around, held out her hand and waited. The horse pranced toward her, staring her right in the eye. Marie gently brought her hand up to the neck of the sorrel mare. The horse nuzzled her affectionately and Marie rewarded her with a carrot.
        "Wow Marie. That’s amazing." Weston said once he closed the gate behind her.
        "Thanks Weston. What brought you over here?" She was in high spirits since the day she fell in the pond.
        "I came to see how you were doing. I'm glad to see you up and about. You scared me half to death." he finished with extreme emotions.
     Marie was quiet for a while before saying, "Thank you Weston, for saving me…for everything. I could have died if you hadn't spotted me." Marie broke off, and looked away. She had tears in her eyes again. This had to be the millionth time since her family's death.
     "Marie, you're ok. You're alive. God still wants you here
    "I know Weston, but...I miss them so much. And I know that this is God's plan, but I still struggle with why I'm the one left alive....why me." She didn't ask this. She just stated it. Because she couldn't go back and change what happened. So why ask.
    “Tell me a story.” Weston waited. Marie just looked at him for a long while…
     “Why?”
    “I don’t know. Just tell me a story…any story. He went and sat down on a patch of grass in the shade behind the corral. He patted the spot beside him and looked at Marie.
     Marie looked deep into his eyes, and knew that he wasn’t kidding. So she huffed at him, walked over and sat down behind him.
    They say there, back to back, head leaning against head, as he waited for her to begin. He could feel her heart thumping as she sat with her back to his back. Her rhythmic breathing as she fidgeted with her hands. The silence seemed never ending, and Weston was ok with that. He waited, patiently. Finally she began,
    “Well…I don’t know what to tell, I don’t know what to say Weston”
   “Will you tell me about that day Marie…that weekend?”
   Marie told Weston everything. He was like a best friend to her. So…why hadn’t she talked to him? She did not know. But she decided to tell him this, “Well….um…it was really hot that weekend. We played jackpot, went hiking, quading, and even a couple of chess games. I beat my uncle for the first time. Haha, you should have seen his face, the utter astonishment!” Weston laughed. It felt good to hear the sound of his laughter, feel his body shake with the pleasant sound. So Marie told him. Told him of all the fun things they did, the stories shared around the fire. The wisdom of the elders and what she had learned from them…Marie grew a bit silent as she came to Sunday. The day that everything changed in her life…the day that caused her feeling empty for months and the physical and emotional scars that would forever remind her of that horrible day.
         Marie dove right in, not sparing any detail or recap of emotions. When she was through she sat in silence, her body shaking like a leaf, and the sensation vibrating through Weston’s skin as well as he shared this moment of grief with her. She rested her head on his shoulder.
     “I realize now that this was in God’s plan. That something is going to come out of this. And I have grown in the past six months. Trying to keep myself focused on Christ. But sometimes it’s just so hard. It’s a battle every single day to not let satan overtake me…”
    Weston reached around and grabbed her hand. She was getting there. She was beginning to see that God allowed this to further His will for her life. But understanding it didn't make it any easier.
                                   








                              




                                       Chapter Eleven
                     Today therapy was harder than most. Marie's leg throbbed with pain. The doc said that it was because of the trauma from falling into the pond. Her body had gone into shock causing the leg to put on stress. He watched Marie like a hawk, making sure that she would not take on too much during her session. After an hour, he said that they could stop for the day. He took another quick look at her leg, before he left them with a precaution to minimize movement.
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              Thomas injected the key into his office door at the church. He was new here, been here only a year and a half. He was an associate pastor and counselor of the small Mennonite Brethren. He pushed the door and hung up his coat. As he did so, something caught his eye. He turned to see that Marie was sitting in the back corner of his office. He nearly jumped out of his skin, but sat down as though he hadn't noticed. He didn't say anything. There was a reason she was in his office. And he didn't want her feeling uncomfortable and leaving. They weren't yet friends, but she was coming around and slowly talking to him. The accident had put their friendship in the making of a hold. He wanted to maintain the trust that was growing between them. He didn’t know how to react. She was staring out the window. So he just started on his studies. He wished he knew what she was thinking.
                     "I can’t seem to wrap my head around why God would remove my family from earth. Were they in the way of a plan? Was it meant to help me grow and mature? I don’t know Thomas. I can’t figure it out.” She looked at him then, looking into his eyes for an answer.
    Thomas couldn’t break the connection as he stared right back and said, “I don’t know why these things happen, Marie. We just have to have faith. Believe that whatever happens, it was meant to take care of us, was meant to bring glory to God. That he loves us and that if we’re patient with him, he will show us the purpose of it in the right time. Does that make sense?”
   Marie nodded her head in his direction.
   Thomas prayed for her then, a Prayer that she would hold on just a bit longer. Wait to see what was in store for her. After he finished, Marie thanked him, but she didn’t leave for another two whole hours. Just sitting there, looking out his window, drawing a sketch. Then she got up, gave him a small smile and left.
                         
                                 
                            



                                Chapter Twelve
One Week Later
                   Marie was trying to untangle herself from a bush when she heard a familiar deep rumble. Marie turned to find her uncle Ray laughing at her embarrassment.
       "Could you by any chance come and help?" He was still laughing. "Yeah, ok! Take your time. I didn't mean to intrude your moment of amusement. Forgive me," said Marie with a huff.
      "I'm sorry. I was looking all over for you," he paused as he yanked on some branches, "finally I asked God to find you and bring you to me." He started laughing again before he managed to finish his thought, "Now you're caught in a bush!" Ray finished with a final tug setting her free, before he grabbed his middle. He wrapped her in a hug and started them walking toward Prince and old Charlie-Ray's horse. Once they were mounted on their rides, they made direction back to town.
   "You want to go for coffee?" Ray asked his niece.
   "Yes." Marie simply stated. She would never refuse her uncle.
  "Alright then,” once they were at the ranch, they let the horses go and got into Ray's chevy truck.
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        They were seated at Clair's Cafe, when her uncle spoke,
   “So, what’s happening? How’s life? I haven’t seen you in a while, what with being busy at the clinic and running my ranch.”
    “Nothing much really, I finally realized that God does not hate me, but rather loves with a fierceness that only he could manage. And I’ve finally let go of my selfishness, moving on. Letting go as they say,” she smiled at her uncle and took a bite out of a donut.
           Ray let the silence hang. Marie…are you sure you have totally surrendered everything?”
        Marie looked over at her uncle, and could honestly say, “Yes.” But with that being said, she also knew that she was struggling over one single thought that she wasn’t sure, she’d ever be able to get over. "But…I still can’t help feeling like it's my fault they died Uncle Ray. I couldn't save them. I caused them stress on the way home." They were tears in her eyes. She let them flow and kept on with her story. "I wanted to stay and go quading with you guys one last time. And I was angry at dad for not staying…but when the semi fell on us...and I was able to get out. I turned. I turned to get dad, mom and my siblings.  But try as I did, I was unable to get to the truck as it exploded out of nowhere… When I looked back, I saw dad press his burnt hand against the window. That's how the guy from the minivan found me." She looked away than, not bearing the hatred in her uncle's eyes. But when she finally turned to look at him, she didn't see hatred. She saw compassion, and Love. He was so sorry that she had been living to that lie. The lie Satan put in her head.
     Ray’s heart filled with an overwhelming sense of love, and loss. This girl was important to his family. He silently let his own tears roll, and pulled her close. He didn’t say anything, he couldn’t…but he managed to croak out, “it’s not your fault…it’s not…”
                                       











                                  Chapter Thirteen
 2 years later                   
                           Marie sighed in contentment. She had finally graduated from high school. She was eighteen, and was enjoying this last summer as a teenager, before college started in the fall. Lexi was sixteen, and had just two more years left. The two of them had decided to come out to fish, and have a day just to themselves, just as they always had done every other weekend as kids. They had been friends since childhood, and still were. Alongside Robin who was home for the summer from school. She had been in the Toronto Bible Institute for a year, and was preparing to go back a final year in the fall. That’s where Todd was, this would be his third year going back. The four of them were a close group of friends, along with Weston and Samuel as well, making seven of them. Now with two of them missing, it was hard. Lexi and Marie were tighter, then Robin, Tracie and Todd, and then Weston and Samuel. But with all of them together…it was a family. They were all tight, and it was odd not having them here with them.
                “What’s that look on your face?” Lexi asked Marie from where she was standing with her own fishing pole. They had hiked up a steep trail to do some trout fishing. Though Marie was not much of a fisher, it was an enjoyable time for relaxation, and companionship, and to enjoy the serenity of the mountains. The beauty captured by God himself.
     “What? Oh…I just thinking about how blessed my life is, I have come such a long way in two years….it’ll be two years, next month…” Marie went silent. Her family had died last August on the 15^th. The day she had gotten baptized three years previous. She hadn’t completely moved on, and was becoming weary, because of it. It was still all so fresh in her mind, and even though she was finally at peace with what happened. It was painful, and she didn’t think she could take any more loss…  
    “I’m proud of you Marie. You have come a long way, and it does my heart good…to see you finally happy. To see that they’re not forgotten, but that you have moved on….”She looked at Marie then.
      “Hm.” Marie looked as worn as she felt.
     “Marie?” Lexi jumped in.
     “Yeah.” Marie didn’t bother asking, she knew what her friend was going to say.
     “You’re so tired…” Leix was so overwhelmed with love and compassion for her friend, that she couldn’t get her voice around the lump in her throat.
      “Uh hum.”
       “Marie.” Lexi said with a bit more authority after she composed herself.
         Marie finally turned to look at Lexi from where she stood, almost opposite of Lexi. Her eyebrows were raised. Her shoulders ached from the intense pressure of her tight muscles…she let her shoulders droop.
        “You have to stop working so hard, you’re wearing out…and there is no more need or excuse to think it was your fault that they died. You’re still holding onto that self-made guilt. You need to look at all the bright times, and let go of the notion that it was your fault. It was not your fault! Focus on God Marie. He has a plan mapped out for you.” Lexi waited for an answer.
     “I know Lexi. And I’m trying to. Honestly. It’s just that, when I get to thinking about it….I uh, lose it. Sorry. I’m having fun, really.” Marie said it with conviction, and Lexi seemed to relax instantly. Marie smiled for added affect…it worked. Lexi nodded and went back to her usual humming, with Marie always happy to listen to her angelic voice…
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     Striker crouched low in the bush. He had taken off his glasses an hour ago, and was now looking at two deer. He took aim and fired.
   “POOO! POOO! POOO! POOO!”
      Four shots rang out. He put his gun aside, his glasses on and peeked from behind the tree. His smile turned to one of panic. “OH NO! NO! What have I done!?” He decided to run. He was not going to get caught. He was not going to get his licence taken away! Not again!
……………………………………………………………………………………………
       Marie heard the shots, followed by a yelp of pain. It was quick. She didn’t really know what had happened. She just knew that she was hurt. Ignoring the pain with every fibre of her being, she ran to where her old friend stood. Lexi had been shot. Marie called out to her and ran. Remembering to call 911 in emergencies, she did so. It took her all of two seconds to reach Lexi, who by now had fallen to the ground, moaning in pain. She threw off her sweater and ripped it in two. Then searched for the wound…she found it…Lexi was shot in the chest just above her heart…Marie tried not to think about the severity of the damage. She wrapped the sweater tight around her chest. She then put the other half of the torn garment under Lexi’s head. Marie was in shock, she was unaware of her own injury, only aware of Lexi’s. Her mind recalled everything she learned in school. She was hopefully going to school in the fall to become a paramedic. Now wishing her mom hadn’t pulled her out a year in kindergarten. Because then maybe, just maybe, she would be a medic by now and would have the situation under control. She felt for Lexi’s heart beat and found it quickly slowing down. She began CPR, trying to pump the heart back to life. After what seemed like forever, Lexi’s heart finally stabled. Marie made sure that Lexi was comfortable. She then flushed the wound with water, to see the extent of the injury. It was deep. It was a through and through shot. It was clean but efficient. She prayed, prayed hard that Lexi was going to make it…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
             There was a tree nearby, so Marie leaned against it, with Lexi’s head resting on her fishing vest not three feet away from her. It had been twenty minutes. She let out a long painful sigh. The adrenaline had begun to subside and that’s when a paralyzing pain set in. In her belly just under her rib cage, she found three bullet holes. She had also been shot. She pushed her condition aside and made sure Lexi was alright. She went unconscious a while ago probably from the pain. And Marie hoped she would stay that way until hospitalized.
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       Burk came up onto the top of the clearing. He was a heart surgeon at Virginia hospital. They were short paramedics, so he volunteered to step in this day. He quickly scanned the scene and found a woman leaning against a tree. She was aware of him, she indicated to her left, and he obliged. He found the other woman in worse shape than this lady. He called to his buddy on the radio and ran to the passed out woman.
     “What’s her name?” Burk asked the woman sitting against the tree, as he examined her friend’s injury.
      “Lexi,” escaped a haggard rasp from that lady.
       “How old is she?” Burk waited for her response.
      “She’s 16…we came out to do some trout fishing…we were….talking. Than some shots rang out….next thing I know she’s on the ground. She has a bad chest wound. She was slipping so I did CPR. Her heart beat is steady but slow, bout 62 counts per minute.” Marie gasped in pain. “She also has two broken ribs, but that may have been me when I did CPR.”
       Burk was impressed. “What’s your name?
       “Marie Henderson. I’m a graduate from fountain High.”
       Burk’s partner showed up then. He went to Lexi and took over. Burk moved over to where Marie was sitting. He touched her abdomen and she growled, flinching backwards, causing her to react in frustration and pain. He backed off immediately.
      “Sorry, but I need to examine the wound.” Burk waited for the go ahead to do so. She watched him wearily and guarded, but she nodded, and he proceeded.
     Marie held her breath as his hands touched the wound. His face looked grim. But she didn’t even notice. All that mattered to her was that Lexi was alright. She had to make it…she had too. Marie swallowed the lump in her throat, and clenched her teeth. They started moving Lexi, and that’s when she awoke. She thrashed in pain as the adrenaline wore off.
      “Lexi!” Marie shouted. “Lexi,Lexi no! It’s okay, you’re okay Lexi. They’re going to get you better….” Marie tried to get to her friend. Burk stepped in and held her back. “Please no! She needs to calm down. She’s stressing her body. Please, she needs help! Please! No….Lexi…” Marie’s rage was evident on her face.
    “Mam! We need you to stop moving, because you are doing exactly that to yourself. You’re stressing your body too much. Understand?”
    Marie nodded and stopped moving.
    Burk let her go, and as soon as he did so, she lunged toward Lexi, he was unable to restrain her as she stumbled and rolled to Lexi. She was unaware of the blood gushing out of her body in a constant flow.
   “Lexi? Lexi look at me!” Lexi finally responded and looked to Marie. She was frightened, unaware of what had happened. Marie got her to slow down, and lie still as the other medic put a needle in her arm. She went limp not thirty seconds later.
    Burk watched as Marie’s face contorted in pain. Her arm went to her middle and she fell over. He ran to her as fast as his long legs could carry him.
     Marie’s world slowed down. She lay flat on her back, looking at Lexi’s limp form. Tears rolled down the side of her face in a gentle stream. Her eyes went heavenward. “Not again,” she whispered. She begged the Lord God to heal Lexi and bring her safely to the hospital. Her vision was clouded then with the sight of a tall, dark stranger. Burk. He was calling her name, but she couldn’t hear him. Everything was in a haze. She didn’t know what to think, how to respond. Her mind was not registering. Her hand gripped Burk’s arm, feeling the firm muscle underneath as she squeezed it. “Please,” She rasped in agonizing pain. “Please, help her. Please…”
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       Burk watched as she went unconscious. He felt for this woman, there was something about her that stirred him. He was going to do everything in his power, to make sure that she and her friend were going to live to see the next day.
                            
             

                            









                              Chapter Fourteen         
      “We need to get her into surgery now!” Doctor Preston Burk made clear to his nurses. “Prep her and get her in OR Two.” The nurses rushed off. Marie came into consciousness during the ambulance ride back to the Hospital, and was now limping toward the wall. Nothing that the paramedics tried could get her into at least a wheelchair. She was unmanageable until she saw for herself that Lexi was getting the medical attention that she needed. Marie made it to the wall and leaned heavily against it for support. Burk saw this and strode toward her and tried one last time to get her into surgery, before she died. “Marie…you will die if we do not get you into surgery right now. Your friend is being prepped for surgery. She is safe, and we’ll do whatever it takes to save her.” He waited for her response. After a short time, she nodded her head in the affirmative.
    “Alright,” She then proceeded to sag against the wall. Holding herself just enough so that she would not to fall to the ground in a crumpled heap. Burk yelled for help. Once she was under, Burk made certain that Doctor Shepherd would tell him as soon as he was done. He then rushed to Lexi, to begin major open chest surgery.
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         “Scalpo….spacer……suction…” Burk was in the middle of open chest surgery on Lexi Hampton. She was a sixteen year old senior in high school. Her friend Marie was undergoing surgery as well, on her abdomen. She had taken three shots to the gut, while Lexi got a bullet lodged in her major artery just above her heart. He found the bullet and was preparing to remove it when she started flat lining.
“BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP”
       The monitor was alerting them that Lexi was slipping, and fast. Burk wasted no time in hooking Lexi up with wires. “Put the electrical charge to two hundred!”
   “All clear,” a nurse told him.
    Everyone held their breath as Burk pressed the pads around the chest wall of Lexi’s heart.
“Pumph!”
“BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP”
“Put the electrical charge to three hundred!” Burk shouted.
“Clear,” the nurse again, stated.
“Pumph!”
“BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP”
“Put the electrical charge to four hundred.”
“But sir-“
“Do it now!”
“…clear,” that nurse whispered
  “Pumph!”
    “BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!”
          “Damn it!” Burk ripped of his lucky cap. Time of death-“
           “Beep…beep….beep.”
      Burk watched as the monitor showed Lexi’s heartbeat. He clenched his fist, sent a smile heavenward, and said, “alright people, let’s finish what we started. Lexi Hampton is going to live.”
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       “You’re doing great Marie. I’m proud of you and how far you’ve come…look to God Marie…there is a time to mourn and a time to rejoice...He has a plan mapped out for you. Marie, Marie, Marie…”
         Marie thrust up in bed. She was sweating all over, her hair matted and pressed up against her face. The nightmare had been so vivid. She had been fishing with Lexi and then they had been shot. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that that could happen.  She looked around her room, and found it to be a hospital room instead of her room. The shock hit her a moment later that this nightmare had indeed come true. She tried to get out of bed, and the pain that entered her middle was fierce. The pressure of the pain caused her to go into ceizures .
       A nurse walking by saw this and rushed in. She pressed the emergency button and tried to get the patient to lie still.
      Burk and Shepherd rushed in and started to bark orders
       “Give her some morphine. She’s in shock. Her body can’t take the pain.” Shepherd said.
       “Lay the bed flat down, and strap her arms and legs down.” She needs to lie as still as possible in order for the morphine to work through her body.” Burk put in. They got her to lie still. But they were losing her. The monitor gave out a shrill ring not for the first time that day.
      “Not again!” Burk ordered, “Not on my watch!” He began CPR. She was not going to die…
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       Marie’s eyes flickered open and were immediately forced shut again by a blinding light. Her chest hurt. It felt like someone had dropped a brick on her. She opened her eyes again, this time succeeding. She looked around and met the eyes of Dr. Burk. Her eyes unexpectedly filled with tears. She clenched her teeth and looked away.
      “Marie you almost died, again…you need to rest.” Burk looked miserable as he watched her.
      Marie lay still. She couldn’t speak. She didn’t want to form the words. After several minutes, she asked, “Lexi? Did she, ah, is she…” She couldn’t finish the question. She looked away, clenching her fists and teeth.
         Burk smiled, and said, “Marie…she died.”
         Marie couldn’t bear the pain that filled her.
        “But then she came back to life, Marie…God brought her back.” Burk swelled with joy.
         Marie’s face changed with different emotions. “When can I see her?”
          Burk looked at her and felt compassion. “You can see her, as soon as you are able to walk, and are clear of infections and sickness.” He waited, “Marie, she’s in bad shape. She’s in a coma. She will be here for an indefinite time of recovery. But she’s alive, and God-willing, she will make. She’s fighting Marie...she’s a strong girl.” Burk paused and finished with, “We’ve contacted her parents, and they are here now. But I couldn’t find a number to contact in your record. The number I tried was disconnected. Do you know who we can contact?”
       “You can contact my Uncle Ray.” Marie answered. She was so happy that Lexi was alive. She couldn’t wait to see her.
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     After Burk made sure she was alright and that Lexi was still stable, he went out into the hall and called her uncle. There were three rings before someone picked up.
  “Hello.” A man answered.
  “Hello, this is Dr. Preston Burk. There was a horrible accident this morning…your niece suffered from three shots to her abdomon.” He waited. There was nothing for a while. Then a pain filled voice asked,
  “…um…is she. Is she alive?”
  “Yes. We had a successful surgery and she is recovering as we speak. We will need to keep her here for a few weeks, to make sure she is indeed going to make it. She is still at great risk for infection. But you can come and see her. It is to my understanding that you were only expecting her to return just now?”
   “Yes. She and her friend-is her friend alright?” he asked with rising concern.
    “Her friend was also shot…Mr. Morgan. She was shot in her major artery just above her heart…she made it, barely. She’s in a coma…because her heart was so strong and she’s young, she made it. I can’t say that many adults would have made that surgery. She will be here for an indefinite recovery time. Marie will be fine. She should be able to leave in a few weeks.” Burk finished
   “Alright. When do you suppose that I could come see them?” Ray asked.
   “They are both in ICU. They are both at great risk of infection and all the flus that are flying around. It will have to be quick, but you can see Marie today if you wish. We’re only allowing the Hamptons to see Lexi, because she is in such critical shape.”
    “Ok. I’ll tell my wife. Thanks Dr. Burk. I’ll be there in the next hour or so.”  Ray finished and then hung up.
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          Burk watched Marie open her eyes…and then watched them close again. Records showed that Marie had been hospitalised in the past. Some three years ago. She had undergone major operation on her leg. Broken in three places, the record said that they had just barely saved it from amputation. She had spent two of those years in therapy. She had also suffered from two broken ribs. Records also said she had been in a massive car accident at the tender age of fifteen. But the records said nothing of family. One year out of those three years she had had her life back. And now she was in the hospital again. Burk wanted to get to know this lady. He wanted to know about her life, and to know her secret past. He left the room after checking to make sure all was well.
                   




                                  Chapter Fifteen                                                   
         Ray walked into the hospital with ease. He was used to this place, and that scared him. He went up to the reception desk and asked to see a Marie Henderson. The receptionist put a call through to a Dr. Preston Burk. Ray paced impatiently as he waited for this Doctor to arrive.
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       Burk came around the corner of the hallway. He saw a man who must be in his early forties. This had to be the man that he had been speaking with on the phone. He took a deep breath and walked right up to the man, thrust his hand out to him and said, “Hello. I’m Dr. Preston Burk. You must be Ray.”
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        Ray had not been expecting this at all. He had thought that this was going to be an older white doctor. At least that was the image he had painted in his mind as he talked to this man on the phone. The voice had held wisdom, and confidence. The man before him was a six foot tall, dark, man in his late twenties to early thirties! But none the less, Ray did not judge him. Surprised maybe, but not in the least bit put off.
 Burk saw a wave of emotion cross his face, as this man seemed to be studying him, sizing him up as they say. “Follow me.” With that he turned around and walked down the hall to the ICU wing of the hospital.
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     Ray opened the door to the dark room. He heard the sound of a breathing machine, and knew that she was on oxygen. His throat felt constricted as he looked to the sleeping form on the bed. She seemed to be sleeping. Memories from the past came flooding back as once again he saw her broken body. She had been here just two floors down two years ago. And then another time, two months after that. And now, a full year later, here she lay again, even worse, in another gown and bed. He stared at her, and couldn’t bear the pain, and hurt in her. He couldn’t bear another long recovery road ahead. He couldn’t cause anymore pain in his family with this tortured soul. Ray kissed her forehead ever so gently, whispered words of goodbye and left.
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    Burk saw this and immediatly knew that the man was running. Why, was the question that occupied his mind as he watched him leave...
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           Halfway down the hallway, Ray turned around and returned to the ICU wing. “You need to contact Le-Roy Brown…he’s the pastor of her church and she’s been staying with that family for some time now.” He wrote down the number and handed it to the receptionist. He then shoved his hands in his pockets and never looked back. He had a family that needed him, and his protection from harm. His only hope was that he had done the right thing just now.
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     Burk was confused about this situation and this woman who was fighting life. He looked into the window of the room. He felt pain for her, confusion about what had just happened. He shoved these emotions aside. He didn’t even know her. Burk got out his cell phone and called the man that the nurse brought to him, saying that her uncle had handed this information to her. This man was in for a surprise, and not a good one at that.

                           








                                         Chapter Sixteen           
Two weeks later                                     
              Today was the day. Marie was going to see Lexi. She slowly made her way down the hall. Right now she was so thankful for; sweats, t-shirts and not to mention sweaters! Marie had missed her comfort clothes and was glad that her belly had healed enough that she could handle the elastic. She went past the nurse’s station and smiled at their compassionate faces. She finally made it to Lexi’s room and took a deep breath. Marie made her way slowly inside and just stood there for a moment. No one was in the room. It was just her and Lexi. She shuffled her way to a stool at Lexi’s bedside. She slowly adjusted herself, her face in a painful grimace as she did so. Lexi was still. Not moving at all. The only thing that indicated that she was alive was the breathing machine that she was attached to. Tears rolled down her face, “hey friend…It’s been a while huh? I miss you Lexi…I know you can’t talk to me. But I know you can hear me...Lexi, I’m going to play you a song. Ok?” Marie’s voice quivered as she reached into her pocket. Her hand took hold of her harmonica. She lifted it to her lips and closed her eyes. She let out her breath as the familiar tune filled the room…
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     Burk was doing rounds when he heard the music. He stopped and listened. It was a beautiful song. He walked down the hall and turned the corner. The melody was coming from Lexi’s room. He slowly crept to the door and leaned against the door frame. Lexi’s parents stood to his left looking into the window. His heart swelled at their happy tears. Marie’s eyes were closed as she played, ‘Amazing Grace, my Chains are Gone’ on the harmonica. Tears were rolling down her face as she played.
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      Marie was unaware of her audience. Her focus was solely on Lexi. She played the final note of the fourth verse and let it drag on for eight counts. She started shaking as she lay the harmonica in her lap. Her stomach was in a great deal of pain. “I’ll be back later Lexi…I promise.” She bent down and let her forehead rest against Lexi’s. She quietly said a prayer of thanks to the Lord. She squeezed her hand, and turned to leave. She froze…
                 Burk smile at her. It was a gentle smile, one of compassion and understanding.
                 Ronald and Sandy Hampton went in and wrapped Marie in a crushing hug as the tears rolled. They truly were blessed.
                  Marie returned the affection and watched Burk turn quietly and left the room.
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               It was the next day. Le-Roy had left an hour ago. And it was Weston’s turn to visit and try to be of comfort to Marie. The whole church family had decided to start a list of daily visits to the hospital, to stop in and make sure that Lexi’s family was comfortable. Everyone wanted to help as much as they were allowed. Weston entered the dark room. He had heard about her accident and his heart ached for his friend. He could see that Marie was awake and knew that he was there. But she wouldn’t look at him, or speak. She was staring out the window. Her hand on Lexi’s fishing vest. Her face was expressionless. “Hello my dear friend.” Weston said as he neared her side. He sat down on the edge of the bead, and waited. He picked up her hand and held it. “Lexi is ok Marie. Lexi is ok.” That touch and those words seemed to make her relax, and let reality and the severity of her emotional and mental state of mind show. The tears finally came, slow and quietly…but they came. Weston never left during this, and he was not put off in the least by the tears. He was her friend and there for her, tears or no tears. He knew that more now than ever before. This was the first time he had ever seen her so emotional and worn out. Weston stayed for a whole two hours, before he got up, and kissed her cheek. He murmured soft words and headed toward the door. When the door closed behind him, Burk stepped forward. “Hello. I’m Dr. Preston Burk.”
     “Oh, hello, I’m Weston, Scott Weston. But everyone has called me Weston for as long as I can remember.” Weston grinned and asked, “Will she be able to leave soon? Is she doing  better?” His eyes were hopeful, probing him.
     “Yes, she’ll make a nice recovery.  She’ll be back to herself in no time.” Burk closed this sentence and saw the opportunity to open another topic. “Scott...I hope you won’t find me intrusive, but when I looked into her medical history. I read some of the hospitalisations she’s had in the past that were quite severe.  There is no more history of any family.” Burk hoped that Scott would fill in the blanks.
     Weston just looked at Burk with an aggrieved expression.
    “Could you help lighten this confusion for me as well as for the other nurses and doctors monitoring her? We need to make sure she is not allergic to certain medicines and so on.” He waited…the other man wiped away any expression on his face. He let out a deep breath and looked at Marie…then,
    “…three years ago, Marie was on her way home with her family from a camping trip. They were about two hours from home…” Weston cleared his throat before going on. “A gasoline truck was driving behind them. From my understanding, he was struggling to keep his truck from falling over, and as he tried to pass the Henderson family…” Weston went silent. He blinked rapidly and reigned in her emotions. “The truck fell over and hit their dodge truck and crushed the vehicle inward. Only her mom, dad and sister were still alive when this happened. Her brothers died instantly from the impact. Um…Marie was able to get out…she turned back to get her family out, when the gasoline truck exploded and everyone in it that was alive, burned to death, or blew up...the last image imprinted in her mind, before she went unconscious, was her dad’s burnt hand pressed up against the window.”
               Burk couldn’t believe what he had just heard. His hand went to his mouth as he looked to Weston, who was composing himself, and then to Marie through the window. She was watching him. Her teeth clenched and she looked away from him, her body trembling. Scott was saying something so he focused his mind on his words.         
               “After that, she was different. She didn’t speak. She excluded herself even more than the usual. She just, she wasn’t…she wasn’t Marie.” Weston finished. “You know she’s not very social. But she’s funny, smart…she’s just a beautiful person. During the time she started getting her charm back, or so we thought, lawyers came and removed her from her uncle and placed her in the home of the Brown’s. They had found a will saying, ‘any and all living children are to live with the Brown’s on the death of the parents.’ Burk they removed her, from what she was used to and was familiar to her! After that, she was once again, not herself. One morning I spotted her out for a jog. It was a cold day. There was frost on the ground, and a sheet of ice on the water. Her leg was damaged so badly in the crash that she had to go through physical therapy. And so she’d jog to strengthen the muscle. As I went out to start my day…I noticed something laying in the water…It was Marie, she was laying with her face resting on ice…her body submerged in the water. I ran, as fast as I could. When I reached her side I lifted her body out of the water, carried her inside, thrust her in some of my old clothes and warmed her up by rubbing her arms and legs…that’s why she’s been hospitalised those times…that’s why her family is no more. That’s why her uncle won’t come back…” Weston finished with, “You know, I don’t blame her uncle…but I certainly don’t think she should be abandoned at a time she needs him the most. Yes, he’s been through a lot, having her in this state more than once. But she didn’t call for all of this to happen. And I’m certainly not going to leave her now.”
      Burk was mute. He could not manage anything to come out of mouth. “Thanks for telling me. That helps me to understand her better. Thanks Scott.”
    “You’re welcome. But if you don’t mind I need to get going. I have to get to my fields. I’ll be back in a few days. We are all taking shifts to see her, so that she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by all of us at once.” Weston turned to walk away, and then turned back. “Oh! Almost forgot, she is not allergic to anything…not even a peanut.” He smiled at his own comment, and then walked away.
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       “Alright Marie, I have checked your charts, and you are now free to go.” Burk smiled at his patient the next day. He had grown quite attached to her. She was a quiet sort, understandable after all she’d been through. But even then, she was just content. Burdened, and mourning…but content.
        Marie smiled at the doctor. It had been three weeks. She was glad to be out. Since finding out about her uncle’s leaving, there was a pain that ran deep. She still loved him and the family, but she was going to have to take a step back…give them space. She looked around and found Le-Roy’s kind eyes. “I’m ready.” She grabbed her bag, thanked the doctor once again and followed Le-Roy out to the parking lot. Today she was going to go home, it felt good. She needed to start working on her studies.  She wanted as much information under her belt as possible before going to school in the fall.
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     “You okay?” Le-Roy asked from the driver side of the car.
      “I’m better than even I expected. I’m okay. Saddened a little, but I’m good. I need to be there for Lexi and her family, as well as for Robin. And I need to be there for Weston now. He’s done so much for me already. I need to pull it together for them. It’s not about me anymore, in fact it never was. And I’m glad that I pulled myself together last year. I’m glad that I finally opened my eyes and really saw my heart.” Marie hummed to an old familiar tune. The Hymn was called, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’ Tears sprang to her eyes. She was alright. She was going to make it. She was back in the race for the prize.
                     


                           
                        Chapter Seventeen
                      Sandy Hampton heard the knock on the door, just as she finished her prayer for the day. She reached the door and opened it. Her hand flew to her chest and she started to cry. “Oh, oh my dear child!” With that, she grabbed Marie in a hug, and wept. She was so happy that Marie was had come. Her mind went back to all the times that Marie and Lexi used to have every Thursday set aside, to play games and hang out.
                 Marie’s own tears threatened to roll. She greatly returned the affection. Sandy was the closest mom she had ever known next to her mom. And now that she was gone, Marie was thankful every day for Sandy Hampton. After a few minutes in a hug, Sandy led her into the kitchen, where she put on a pot of coffee. They spent that whole afternoon, crying and laughing.
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               Ronald stood at the window. This was the sight he had needed to see. He had asked God to give him a sign that things were going to be alright. His dear wife, Sandy…and Marie were sitting at the kitchen table. Talking and laughing. Praying for one another, just like old times. He set his thirty odd six against the wall after entering the mud room. He took off his coat and cap, he then walked into the kitchen. Marie’s eyes were already on the door where he now stood. His wife was not far in the motion. He walked in and went right to Marie and said, “welcome home.”
         “Thank-you Ronald…It feels good…it feels right.” Marie tried to regain composure as Ronald washed his hands in the sink.
          “What’s for supper darling?” Ronald asked his beautiful wife.
          “I was thinking a big pot of gumbo.” Sandy said as she received her husband’s hug and kiss.
          “Gumbo sound good to you Marie?” Ronald asked Marie.
        “Yeah, um…yeah, I love gumbo! In fact you guys already know it’s my favourite.” Marie gave them a knowing look with a wagging finger.
     “Then gumbo it is.” Sandy declared.
      The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and deep thought as they recapped the day, talked about Lexi’s progress in the hospital and listened to Ronald’s latest invention for hunting traps...
       Marie sat by the fire and watched as Sandy told Ronald about her plans. And in turn as Ronald talked about the lates weather report, as if she was a daughter to them. They talked as they would with Lexi sitting her instead of her. She prayed for her friend. Prayed she would get better and soon…she was missing out on life.
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         Ray woke up early and put on a pot of coffee. He loved getting up just before dawn to just take in the quiet, and the stillness of the household and at the clinic. The day was filled with noise and people. This was his most favourite time of day. He looked out the window. Ray did a double take as he saw a familiar bike leaning against the barn. His gut turned with sadness and guilt as Marie came in and out of view. The barn doors were wide open, as she fed the horses, cleaned the stalls and led the horses out to pasture. After all that was done, she sat against the fence post stroking Prince’s head. The horse was contentedly standing there with his eyes closed, while his head leaned against her chest. Half an hour later she kissed his forehead, looked around and backing up slowly went to her bike and rode away. Ray grabbed a mug of coffee, pulled on his jacket, grabbed his gloves and went to the barn. He knew that Marie’s chores had been getting done, but he didn’t know that she came two hours before she had too to do them. He just assumed one of the hands did it for her. His heart broke knowing she was respecting his space, but with an obvious hardship. He strode to the pasture and noticed that she had been working on the new mare as well. She had been chained to a post, and whipped. She had scars all over her rump, and therefore had a vicious temper. But she seemed calmer, and didn’t give off any warnings today. She was ok with Ray standing there. He sighed, finished his coffee and went to go open the clinic. There was work to be done, starting with a heart murmur on a newborn foal.
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       Robin was humming to a tune as she helped brand the cattle. Her dad Jeff worked alongside her, and kept medical supplies nearby in case of infection. She heard the truck before she knew who it was. Not a moment later, Marie stepped out of the truck and leaned against it. Her hand went to her heart as a smile beamed across her face. They were indeed very close. Not close in the way Marie and Lexi were close, but they had a different kind of relationship altogether that no one else had with either of them. Robin handed the rod to her dad and walked to where Marie stood, they embraced in a tight hug, laughing with wet faces as they re-united. Robin had given Marie space all summer, waiting for her to show up. She had gotten here just before Marie and Lexi’s accident. They hadn’t even seen each other. Well, Robing had seen Marie, while she was unconscious, but that was about it.
     Marie’s own heart did a funny little dance, when she had seen Robin. They had a friendship like no other. Marie missed her so fiercely that she had to let go of Robin, because she was unable to breath. “Sorry.” They burst out laughing. Marie was always quick to apologize.
   They spent that day, helping her dad Jeff and her brother Weston, on the farm.
                            


                               Chapter Eighteen
             Marie watched as Lexi breathed on her own. They had taken her off the machine the day before, telling family and friends that her vitals were stable and that she would wake up any day now. Marie had spent the night at the hospital after showing up at ten pm. Finding Ronald half asleep in the chair by her bed. Marie had encouraged him to go home and get some rest. And promised that she’d stay and keep Lexi company for the night. Ronal had been hesitant, but exhaustion and gratitude for the offer had out-won him in the end. She now sat there watching Lexi with a mug of coffee at six am. Her eyes intent and focused as Lexi continued to stir for another thirty minutes…She stopped. Today was not the day…Marie sighed. ‘Come on Lexi. I’m here, waiting.’
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           The clock read 5:00am. Marie got up and read her bible. Her mind focusing as the words hit her. ‘There is no peace,’ say my God, ‘for the wicked…’ Isaiah 57:21. Marie looked up and thought about how close she came to forgetting about God. Forgetting about life and friends and the family she had here. She truly was blessed that she did have peace! And it was only because God had chosen her…Marie bowed her head, ‘Father…woe is me, for I am weak and poor and obscure…blessed is you Holy Father, for choosing me, for setting me apart. Thank-you for the grace you have bestowed on me. May I bring glory to you forever and always…thank-you, for peace. As your humble servant, pray in your Holy everlasting name…amen.’ It was time   to do chores. …………………………………………………………………………………………                                                          Marie drank a mug of coffee as she drove to her uncle’s. It was    too cold to ride the bike today, so she took the dodge, the family truck that had been through the accident. The insurance covered for all the damages. They rebuilt it from scratch and there was still money left over that Marie used to pay for her college fee for two semesters of college. It looked just like it did before the crash. She loved this truck and was not going to sell it. Marie approached Uncle Ray’s house, and turned off the engine. She parked down by the gate, so that no one would awake. She walked the two minute walk to the barn and opened the door. She was greeted with nickers and whinnying’s of joy. She laughed and got straight to work.
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     Ray saw it again. There she was, doing her chores and running around the pen. Laughing as the new mare followed her. He was amazed at the hard work that had been put into that horse. It was her job of course, but he had just assumed that she would have left it for him. He should have thought better of her. He knew how much she enjoyed her work, especially when it came time for her to work with the horses. She patted her neck and left the pen. She then went around and opened the side gate to let her roam with the other mares. He was amazed, that the mare didn’t lash out at any of them, like she normally did. She calmly went over and grazed right next to them.
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       Marie was beaming from ear to ear. Mission accomplished. She looked toward the house again. Then turned on her heel, went into the barn to grab her coat and keys. When she came back out, there he was…now what.
     Ray watched her freeze, and knew she wasn’t sure what to do.
     Marie didn’t know how to handle this situation. She decided to wait for him.
     I just wanted to tell you, thanks. I wasn’t sure if I would need to hire someone. I certainly don’t want to…” Marie just nodded. “I have your cheque here.” He handed the cheque to his niece. She nodded her head in thanks, and gave him a small smile. It quickly faded, and was replaced with a sadness. She turned on her heel and started walking down the driveway to her truck. Once she reached the truck, she turned to look at him. She just stood there, observing him. After a few more moments, she got in, turned it on and drove away. Ray stood there until the truck disappeared from view. What had he done…he dropped to his knees, unable to hold up his body any longer, and hid his face in his hands and cried. He had hurt her. He had hurt her deep. He looked up into the sky and cried. ‘Why Lord. Why, does it have to be this way!?’
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       Mary-Lou watched from the window. Her husband was trying so hard to protect her and their family. But without realizing it, he was only hurting family. She tried comforting him…she knew he felt terrible for driving Marie away, but nothing gave him comfort. Maybe it was time for a change. She looked at the bible, and for the first time in years, she sat down and read it.
                                            
                                 
                            










                              Chapter Nineteen
         Marie stopped halfway down the driveway. She looked in the rear view mirror and saw her uncle on his knees, crying as his hands pressed into the gravel. His body heaving tears from the guilt and sorrow and pain. Pain that had built up over years of rejecting the Lord, and making mistakes he had tried to fix on his own strength. Marie drew in a shaky breath, put the truck in reverse and came into the view of her uncle.
    Ray looked up to see his niece return. He didn’t bother wiping away the tears. She would see through him anyway and know that he was a mess. She sat there a long time in the vehicle; praying, and staring him dead center in the eye, her gaze never wavering. She held the look of severe exhaustion, pain, anger, and rejection. She was guarded, the barrier was set, challenging him to even try tearing it down.
     Marie composed herself and stepped out of the vehicle. She avoided eye contact until the last second.
    After standing for what seemed like forever, his niece knelt down in front of him and just stared into his eyes…
    Marie was losing it, slowly the rocks crumbled. Her dad was dead, and though she had many father figures, her uncle came closest to being a father to her than anyone else. But she couldn’t give him that satisfaction of caving. She had forgiven him, she had let go of the fact that he had abandoned her…or had she? She knew that he had only been trying to protect his family. But rejection hurt, no matter how noticeable or subtle.  After she decided against throwing her arms around him, like she so desperately wanted…she reached into her back pocket, pulling out a little black bible. It was marked with her life, her pleas to the Lord, her prayer’s and meditations. She handed it to her uncle. She looked him square in the face as she handed over her life’s most important possession.
     Ray knew what it was without even looking at it. He knew what she wanted him to do. He slowly nodded his head, never letting his eyes leave hers. She looked down to the ground for the first time since kneeling In front of him. Her body rigged with tension, finally eased the painful grip on her injured stomach. She looked up at him again, her eyes now filled with tears. She hesitated for only a few moments before quickly rising, the movement causing her to wince. Heading back to the truck, she got in and left without even a word of goodbye. Ray’s heart filled with hope. Hope that they would get back to the relationship they once had. He looked down at the little worn book flipping through it he found it was not just her bible. It was her life, the key to her heart. The strength she must have had to muster to give him this…had to have been great. He sat down right where he was, and opened the worn cover to genesis one verse one. ‘In the beginning…’

                             


                       Chapter Twenty
           Lexi opened her eyes to a dark room. Confusion set in, as also did a lot of pain. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes. The pain ceased, and she opened her eyes for a second time. Where was she? What was going on? She tried to think of what happened to her. Why was there a needle sticking in her arm. She pondered long and hard before realizing that she had been shot. She had been fishing with-MARIE! She looked around the room frantically for any sign of her. The bed next to hers was empty. So what happened, did she die?
  “Oh no….no no no…” She shut her eyes against the flood of tears. She sank back, and bit her tongue to avoid the piercing cry trying to escape. This couldn’t be she couldn’t die. She couldn’t remember if she was shot as well. As soon as the gun went off, everything went black. A nurse walked in to check her charts, when she noticed that she was awake, she came and checked her vitals, making sure that she looked strong. She then left with the promise of return. Lexi watched as the nurse skipped out into the hall and grabbed the phone. She seemed to be beaming. How long had she been out? But what did it matter if Marie didn’t survive? Not five minutes later a talk dark man walked into the room…
    “Hello, I’m Dr. Burk Preston. You took quite a hit to the chest. If it hadn’t been for your friend, you would have died. She saved your life. You are blessed to have her…”
       Did he say have? Not had? Hope surged through her veins as she zoned out everything the doctor was saying. What happened to her? Was she okay? Then it came, a memory. She remembered a beautiful song….Amazing Grace! Marie had played for her, as she talked to her. She smiled, Marie was alive. She was well. “When can I see Marie?”
    Burk watched every hope on this young woman’s face. She hadn’t been listening to a word that he said. He smiled ever so tenderly as he thought of the beautiful friendship these two had. “She has been released. She has come to visit you every day at exactly 10:00pm. Right when the visitors are supposed to leave. But we allow her to come, and be with you in the quiet of the night. She stays until 12:00pm. And a couple times of the week, she spends the night, relieving your parents so they can go home and sleep. ”
     Lexi smiled. Good old Marie, the faithful and loyal friend. Lexi didn’t deserve her. But she was grateful to have her anyway.
      “You’re looking strong. You have made a miraculous recovery. You should be able to go home any day now. I will call your parents. Do you want to call your friend?”
    “No…don’t call her. I want Marie to come at her normal visiting time. I want to surprise her.
    “Alright,” he turned to leave.
    “Dr. Burk?”
    “Yes Lexi?”
    “How long was I out?” Lexi’s face showed the uncertainty of a child.
    “…three weeks Lexi.” He bowed his head, and tapped the file and looked up, “I’m so sorry Lexi.”
       He held the wisdom of an old man, who had experienced years of trial, and horrific injuries. “Did they find the man who did this?” She asked as she held his gaze.
        Unlike Marie, Lexi had a soft gaze, one of understanding and of wisdom beyond her years. Whereas Marie had a penetrating gaze that could slice into your soul, it was captivating and terrifying at the same time. “Not yet. They have a lead and will call us as soon as they have information.”
      “Thank you…for everything.” She smiled a tentative smile at him.
      His eyes were soft as he smiled back, “No problem Lexi. It wasn’t me…it was the Lord who did this.” He then left to call her parents.
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        Marie parked her truck in visiting parking at exactly 9:58pm. She grabbed her harmonica and carefully made her way to the hospital doors. Her stomach was slowly making a complete recovery. It was now only sore when doing heavy lifting, running, or walking for long periods of time. She made her way past the front desk and walked down the long hallway. Thankfully it was empty and she could take her time getting there. She gave a wave to the nurse on duty at the nurse’s station. She was new here, but very friendly and knew what she was doing. Marie continued to walk down the hall and stopped at the door of Lexi’s room. She took a deep breath, exhaled, and made her way into the room. Lexi looked peaceful. Marie sighed and came to sit beside her. Today had been a long day. She was exhausted. But she needed to stay strong for Lexi. She had too…
    “Hey Lex, I’m here. You’re probably sick of me already. I decided to play you another song. I hope it comes across as a wonderful and welcomed encouragement. You know the tune, and I hope you’re listening.”
   Marie picked up her harmonica and held it. She was thankful for the staff at the hospital, and to Burk for allowing her to come after to visiting hours to enjoy the quiet. Most people would find it creepy to find peace in the hospital at night with sick patients. But Marie saw this as a mission field, and a place to come and think about your problems, to bring them to God. No one here bothers to ask you if you’re ok, because they have enough problems of their own to deal with. Marie smiled and said a prayer. She then brought the harmonica to her lips and began to play, ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ tears running down her face as she recalled her and Lexi singing this song together in church.
     Lexi heard the song and her throat closed with the rush of tears. She opened her eyes slowly and looked over at Marie…she was beat up. She looked thin and pale, she had a scare over her forehead. Through her sweats, you could see the knee brace that she had to wear. But she was well. She was alive! Tears rolled down her face as she watched her friend play a melodious song. The song ended and Marie put the harmonica in her lap. Her expression was pained, and she was breathing heavily. Her arm was wrapped around her middle, and she was clenching her teeth. Lexi slowly reached over and reached out her hand and rested it on Marie’s knee.
      Marie patted Lexi’s hand. Her mind lost in thought, “will she ever wake up Lord? How-”
     Lexi had to keep from laughing. Marie, who never missed anything, not even when lost in thought, couldn’t see that she was awake!
   “Lexi?” Marie stared her in the eyes, and finally it clicked, “LEXI!” Her mouth dropped open, and she couldn’t even say anything.
   “Hi friend, it’s been a while.” She laughed.
     Marie jumped out of her chair and climbed into bed. She wrapped her arms around Lexi’s neck and gently hugged her. As tenderly as her excitement would allow!
     Lexi her arms tight around Marie just cried. They had survived, they had made it. They’re friendship got put to the test, and now they knew that they would indeed take a bullet for one another. “Thank you for saving my life.”
   Marie pulled back. “NO Lexi, thank you, for saving mine…God used you to keep me alive in the darkest time of my life.”
     Nothing was said after that. They lay there in the hospital bed. Both content to stay where they were, sided by side, they slept. Lexi closed her eyes, and was out before the nurse could even enter the room.
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     Burk watched from the window and smiled. The sight caused his own tears to fall. It was for moments like this that he was a doctor. Through countless hours of frustration, tension, and many times tremendous heartache over the loss of a patient. It was because of small victories like these that helped him do what God intended for him to do. He pushed himself away from the wall and went to finish some paper work.
                                 







                           Chapter Twenty One
              Summer was slipping by at a fast pace. Lexi was home again. And life got back its feel of normalcy. Marie stared out the window of the Brown’s home, as she drank her cup of coffee at 5:30am. The past summer had been the best and the worst. Marie had been surprised by a grad party as she graduated with honors, despite everything that had happened. She still smiled as the memory came rolling back unexpectedly. Lexi and Marie had both made full recoveries from accident, as well as the police found the man who had shot them. As it turned out, it had been a mistake. He had taken off his glasses while hunting and had mistaken them for deer. Deer! Instead of coming forward to clear the situation…he was facing prison for attempted murder charges. His sentence was five years. Life was back. Also the bank called on her eighteenth birthday, and told her that the house was now legally in her possession. She was the permanent owner of her parent’s house. The house had been fully paid off before her parent’s passing, leaving Marie; set for school with the rest of the money left over for her, as well as enough to come home and survive off of while she looked for a job after she graduated, and also a fully insured vehicle to drive to and from places. Today was the day she was moving in. She had spent the past week preparing the house for this day. Weston was coming today with Todd and Samuel. They were going to take care of loading and unloading the furniture for her. Marie’s girlfriends would be coming later in the afternoon to help unpack boxes, after the furniture was arranged and taken care of. Then after that, they would all stay for pizza and movies. Life would take them different places after today, and so they would savor their time together. She was so grateful for the friends God had provided for her. He knew full well that she would need people that would stick by her even as the hard times hit. And hit her they did. She was blessed to be surrounded by a community of strong Christians, mentors, and in a way, sets of parents as well. She had family. During recovery, she learned that family was the people you surrounded yourself with. Family was the people you made family. What an amazing God she had, and whom they all had. Marie sighed a contented sigh, “time to go to work Marie.” She whispered to no one in particular.
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     Weston sat on the top step attached to the Henderson home’s front deck. It was a spacious bit of land with surrounding wood, a beautiful place to call home. With neighbors who didn’t invade your privacy, but that weren’t too far down the road either. Marie wasn’t here yet. And he was ok with that. Though it was 5:45 in the morning, the sun was pretty well shining as he sipped his coffee. He admired the way she was maturing as a woman of God. Instead of running away from God, she chose to trust Him. She wasn’t perfect, but neither was he. There were times he worried that she would walk away from the love of God, and the security that He offered. But she made it, and now she was closer to God, then ever before. He smiled. She was strong. She didn’t give up easily in a fight. Anyone who didn’t know that about her before knew it crystal clear now. He looked up at the sound of an engine. Marie came and slowed into a park behind his Chevy pickup truck.
     Marie saw Weston on the deck as the view of her home came closer. He had come early before any of the other guys. He had said that he would, but she hadn’t really thought about it. Thinking it was alright if he didn’t. She was touched that he kept to his word. Marie smiled and waved at him as she threw her cell and keys into her spacious brown leather bag.
    Weston waved back as she made her way to him. She sat beside him on the step and threw her bag aside. He handed her a coffee that he had picked up for her from Timmy’s (Tim Hortons). She thanked him as she took the cup. She was wearing an old pair of loose jeans that had cuts and stains from hard work, and a very loved flannel shirt that was showing its age. “Hey you.” Weston looked into her eyes.
    “Hey.” Marie smiled a big smile. “You ready to show some muscle today?”
   “Haha. Why yes I am. It’s always a yes when I get to show off my manliness.” He chuckled. “When are the young men showing up?” His eyes twinkled mischief.
   “Now Weston, behave yourself! You may be older, but you still have the same maturity level as the ‘young men’ speaking of which you are a young man. Not an old one, when you’re not working at least.” Marie chuckled and winked at him. In answer to his question she said, “they said they’d be here at 6:30. It’s 6:00 now.” Marie checked her watch for confirmation.
   “Yes mam. I will behave.”
   “Good man.” She patted him on the back. “I have the first load of furniture ready. It’s just the light stuff. We could grab it and still make it out here before they arrive. I had the house ready yesterday. So I don’t need to do anything.” Marie suggested.
    “Sure, we’ll go with my truck. It looks better.” He giggled.
    “Hey! Watch your back Weston. I’ll tell your sister.” Marie threatened.
   “Oh no, not Robin!” He faked an attempt to look frightened.
   “Oh stop it.” Marie commanded.
     “Yes mam.” He repeated.
     “Stop calling me mam. It makes me feel old.” She complained.
   “Ok Miss.” He challenged.
     Marie stuck her tongue out at him as they climbed into the truck and headed toward the Brown’s place. After that they would head to her uncle’s where most of her stuff was. She hadn’t seen her uncle since she had given him her bible a couple of weeks before. They kept in touch via calling and text messaging. She had needed the week off to prepare the house and send off her letter to Virginia Mountain Streams Bible School, telling them that she would be attending their school in the fall. It took them all of ten minutes to get to the Brown’s place. There they loaded up her bead, night stand, desk and chairs. They also loaded up her bookshelves, which was the last of the furniture she had at their place. As they made their way back to the house, Todd and Samuel passed them on the road. They pulled in behind them and stopped.
    “Hey! You were supposed to wait for us.” Samuel said in a funny tone.
       Weston rolled his eyes. Leave it up to Samuel to make any situation into a fun filled time. “We decided to start. If you could go to Marie’s uncle’s place and load up the kitchen table, chairs and hutch. That would be great. We’ll be right behind you.”
    “Will do captain.” Samuel said with Todd in tow. They climbed into the old dodge and sped off.
    Weston climbed onto the box of his truck and moved the furniture forward. He handed Marie the desk chair. Her expression showed her discontentment that he was obviously giving her the easy stuff. “Marie, you told us to come and help. So let us do the hard stuff, okay?” He waited.
     “Yes sir.” She gave him a mock solute and grinned.
      Weston ruffled her hair and laughed as she walked off with the chair, her hair sticking straight up behind her as she went. After they unloaded the furniture and put it all together. They made their way back to the truck.
      Marie got in, and hooked her Ipod up to the stereo and put on Skillet for the half hour drive. She looked at Weston and he gave her the thumbs up, as he rolled down the window, letting the breeze fill the vehicle.
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          Ray watched from the barn as Todd and Samuel loaded up the old kitchen set that he was giving to Marie. They had it sitting in the shed all dusty, but Mary-Lou had polished it up for her last night. Marie had sold the old furniture that was already in her home. Not wanting the smell of her dad’s cologne, or the smell of her mom’s laundry, smelling clothes. She didn’t want other reminders besides the house itself. Another truck pulled up behind Samuel. He recognized it as Weston’s. Marie sat in the passenger seat.  His heart ached at the sight of her. He missed her.
      Marie climbed out the truck, already knowing that her uncle was watching her. She looked at him and waved. His face lit up like a Christmas tree as he came over to help. Aunt Mary-Lou also came outside to see what was going on. She brought over cookies and milk. They ate it willingly, and prepared to leave. But not without the promise of coming to visit once she was settled.
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    Later that afternoon Lexi and Robin came over. They got everything unpacked and put away. Everything looked clean and smelled clean. They all stood at the front of the house when the last touches were put into place, and gave their approval.
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      Halfway through the movie Marie lost herself through her thoughts. She looked around the room, and into the kitchen. The house finished, her parents gone. Her heart ached for them whenever she thought of them. But though they were gone, their memory would always remain in her heart as well as in the hearts of those that knew and were dear to them. Marie smiled as she looked at her wonderful friends. Robin and Weston cuddled up on the floor. Samuel and Todd on the couch flicking popcorn at each other…and Lexi stretched out across her legs. She wiggled her toes and Lexi swatted them. She smiled. They were a family, a circle of friends that could always depend on each other. What a great way to end the summer, and what a great way to start the new school year. Marie was still in thought when a piece of popcorn came hurdling at her face. She looked to the culprit. Weston. He stuck his finger in his ear and stuck out his tongue. She smiled and repeated the motion. He used his hands to sign if she was okay. She signed back that she was great. He winked at her and turned his attention back to the movie. Marie followed his move and also turned to watch the movie. Life was good, because God was good...
                                  

                                          Epilogue
Three Years Later
            “I’d like to call Marie Henderson up to the platform. Marie has graduated from Virginias’s Mountain Streams Bible School with honors. She’s an excellent student, and we are excited to inform you that she has been accepted to St. John’s Mercy Hospital where she will be a fully certified paramedic.” Spencer Shay called out.
     Marie walked up to the stage and shook Professor Spencer Shay’s hand. She thanked him and accepted the graduate certificate. She stood beside the other graduates as the crowd began to clap, her friends whistling and hollering.  She rolled her eyes at them.
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    After the ceremony she took pictures with her friend, individually, and then altogether as a big happy family, all six of them. “I’m ready to go to the beach. Who’s coming?” Marie demanded.
    In unison they all said. “I.” Weston laughed as they piled into his truck. Once they arrived they ran for the water, a race to see who could make farthest out. As he ran he threw Marie and Robin over his shoulders. He threw them as far as they could, and they won.
    “Hey that’s cheating!” Samuel cried with playful outrage.
    “You wouldn’t have won anyway!” Weston hollered out with laughter.  Up ahead Robin and Marie were doubled over laughing as Lexi jumped aboard Marie’s back, causing her to fall under the water. When they rose, they were laughing and flicking water at one another. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. What a good God. And what a blessing his friends were. Weston bowed for a moment of prayer then he ran into frigid waters to join his friends.
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          Marie walked up to the hospital and stood in front of the big double doors. She wore the uniform that let others know that she was a paramedic. It was official, as she watched people mill around inside. She took a deep breath, ‘this is it.’ A pang of sadness hit her as she thought of how proud her parents would be of her. She prayed, prayed for the beginning of her life. When she opened her eyes, she saw Burk. He looked at her with a tender gaze. He nodded his head, and she returned the motion. It was time. Her new job awaited her. She put a smile on her face. She felt a peace grip her as she walked. God was with her. He had always been with her. What a relief to know that she was safe. She was in the hands of mighty God. What can man do to her?