Nila's Hope (5 page)

 

****

 

The sun peeked over the broad horizon as Will pulled into the church parking lot for the early service. He switched off his headlights and admired the streaks of brilliant orange and red painting the sky.

He'd be glad when the days started getting longer again, but those sunrises almost made up for the long nights. God's artistry was breathtaking.

Pastor Dave's car was already there. Dave and Lydia spent at least half an hour in prayer before the service started, and Nila usually sat in a back pew like a little church mouse. Quiet and still. He'd slid in beside her one time and asked what she was doing. “Listening for God,” she'd said. He liked that about her.

As he entered the foyer, he looked for Nila. He wondered if he'd imagined the sparks between them at the wedding.

He peeked into the sanctuary. Empty. Maybe Nila was downstairs in the nursery. She spent a lot of Sundays down there. He hoped she wasn't hiding from him today. He wondered about that as he hung up his coat. It wouldn't hurt to check downstairs. He'd taken two steps toward the basement when a chirpy voice halted him.

“Will! Will Jamison. Just the man I'm looking for.”

Not now. He stifled a groan.

Hayley Blankenship had made her interest all too obvious since the first Sunday they'd met.

Will had tried to make his disinterest just as clear without being rude. What did he have to do to get through to that girl? He pasted a smile on his face and turned. “Good morning, Hayley. How are you?”

“Fantastic. I hoped I'd see you this morning. Do you have a minute?”

Will glanced at his watch. “I guess so. What can I do for you?”

“Ooh, I like the sounds of that. Is that an offer?”

She could be so irritating. He wasn't interested. Didn't she get it? He wanted to go find Nila.

Some of his annoyance must have shown on his face, because Hayley backed up half a step.

“I'd like to hire you to remodel my house.” She flipped her highlighted auburn waves behind her shoulder. “It's my Christmas present to myself.” She looked up at him and smiled, eyes wide.

“I work for Daniel Martens.” Would she take the hint?

“Oh, I know. But he's away, right? So you must be free while he's gone. And I really just want to hire you, not a whole crew.”

Will looked around. People bustled into the church, but no one seemed willing to interrupt this awkward scene.

“It doesn't work that way. Nila Black and I apprentice under Daniel, and while he's on his honeymoon, we have projects to finish. I don't have the time or authority to take on more jobs. Excuse me, please.”

He stepped around her and walked into the sanctuary. He sat with his head bowed. What was he supposed to do about that girl? Something about her really bugged him.

He felt the pew depress beside him. He glanced over, and his shoulders sagged.

“You can't get away from me that easily,” Hayley whispered. She scooted too close and pulled out a hymnal for the song Lydia had begun to play on the piano. She thrust the book toward him. “Here, we can share.”

Will tried to move farther away, but the pew was now full. He clenched his jaw and took the offered book by one corner as though it might bite. Usually he enjoyed singing with the congregation, but the rather shrill soprano beside him grated on his nerves.

When it was time to light the Advent candles, Faith and Jason carried Jessica and Tommy to the front. Jason steadied Jessica's chubby arm as she leaned forward with the long lighter. Several people laughed when, as soon as the candles were lit, baby Tommy tried to blow them out.

The family walked down the aisle after Faith read the Advent selection, and as they passed Will's pew, Jessica waved vigorously. “Hi…!” Faith clamped her hand over her daughter's mouth.

Will waved his fingers at the imp. His gaze met his sister's. “Thanks,” he mouthed.

“Ooh, they're so cute. That's your sister and her family, right? The kids are adorable. That little girl
really
likes you, doesn't she?”

Pastor Dave stood at the podium. “This is the day that the Lord has made!” His rich baritone silenced Hayley's chatter.

“We will be glad and rejoice in it,” the congregation responded.

The pastor introduced his sermon by explaining the meaning of the third Advent candle, the Shepherds' or Joy candle. Even though Will knew the symbolism of the Advent wreath and candles from his childhood, Pastor Dave somehow made it sound fresh.

“I just love his voice, don't you?” Hayley whispered. “And he explains everything so well. He's one of the reasons I come here, you know.”

He was trying to listen. Wouldn't she ever shut up? Will looked straight ahead, but the whispering continued every few minutes through the entire sermon. By the time the pastor gave the benediction, Will wanted to run out of the building. He wished his mom hadn't worked so hard to drill good manners into him.

Instead, he ground his teeth and waited for the elderly couple on the other side of him to gather their things and make their way out of the pew. Hayley continued her chatter, her volume rising, drawing attention to the two of them.

“I'm so glad we got to sit together this morning. That was fun, wasn't it?”

Will just looked at her.

When he finally reached the coat rack, Hayley put her hand on his arm before he could grab his coat.

“Hey, would you give me a ride home? I must have lost my bus pass. I can't find it in my purse.” She slipped her arm through the crook in his elbow. “I don't know how I'm going to get to class in the morning. I'll have to get someone to drive me until I can get another bus pass. You'd do that for a friend, wouldn't you?”

Will scowled and shook his head.

“Oh, right, you probably start work early. But can you take me home this morning, at least? That way I can show you what I want done in the house.”

He shook his head, opened, and then shut his mouth before he said something he'd regret.

One of the ushers approached them. “Miss Blankenship, I think you accidentally put this in the offering plate.” He held out a bus pass.

Hayley closed her eyes for a moment and then smiled brightly as she took it. “Thank you so much.” She beamed at the man. “I don't know how that could have happened.”

Will grabbed his coat, nodded to the usher, and strode out to his truck. As he started the engine, he realized he hadn't seen Nila anywhere.

 

****

 

Nila heard Dave and Lydia enter the house, but shame confined her to her room. She'd pled illness again so she wouldn't have to go to church.

Wouldn't feeling heartsick count as being sick?

The weight of guilt told her otherwise. Sighing, she threw off her blankets and wrapped her terrycloth robe around her. Staying in bed didn't help anything, couldn't change reality.

But she couldn't tell them about Nick. They might smother her with protectiveness—or get hurt.

The memory of Nick's last attack flashed before her eyes. When he'd found her reading her Bible, he'd gone wild. He'd vowed to kill her, but somehow she'd slipped past him and had run to Melody's house. Melody had stood between her and her knife-wielding boyfriend, and if an angel of God hadn't rescued them, she and Melody would probably be dead.

God had sent an angel to save them that time, but she knew she couldn't depend on that every time she faced danger. And since she couldn't forgive Nick, she couldn't expect God to listen to her prayers.

As she passed her desk, her glance landed on the marked newspaper with its circled phone numbers. Her shoulders sagged. There was no way she could move out on her own now. Nick would find her. But did she dare put Dave and Lydia in danger? She pulled out the chair and sank into it.

God would hear her landlords' prayers. He would guard them.

But since she couldn't forgive, she couldn't count on his protection. Tears welled and ran down Nila's face as she picked up the paper. She touched each marked ad, like a kiss good-bye, and then began to rip the page into tiny, wet pieces, as torn as her heart.

She grabbed a tissue and wiped her face. She'd get over it. She'd survived crushed dreams before, and she'd do it again. But that resolve couldn't ease the hot ache in her heart. She shoved the mess into the wastebasket, straightened her shoulders, and headed for the stairs.

Out of habit she felt for her braid, and her hand brushed her shoulder. She put both hands to her head. She'd really done it.

She went to the mirror, smoothed a few wayward wisps, and put the brush down. Her short cap of waves framed her face, bringing a faint smile. Why hadn't she done that a long time ago? Her smile disappeared. She knew all too well, and now Nick was out of prison. Free to torment her again.

“Nila, are you hungry?” Lydia's voice reached her from the basement door. “Lunch is ready. I could bring some down to you.”

More guilt. She slipped her feet into her moccasins and climbed the stairs. “Coming.”

A rich, cinnamon aroma greeted her as she entered the kitchen. She sniffed and closed her eyes in pleasure.

“That smells good.” Nila crossed the room to stand beside Lydia at the stove. “May I set the table?” She looked at Lydia's embroidered red sweater and black slacks and then down at her robe. “I'm sorry I'm not dressed yet.”

Lydia reached over and gave her a quick, one-armed hug. “Yes, you may set the table, and you don't need to apologize.” She placed one hand on Nila's forehead. “How are you feeling? Any better? Your face looks a little blotchy.”

Nila looked away. “I'm fine, thanks. Maybe I was just tired. I slept most of the morning.” Well, some of it, anyway.

Lies piled on lies! She was such a liar
.
Her conscience protested so loudly she wondered if Lydia could hear.

But Lydia just smiled. “I'm not surprised. It's been hectic the last several weeks, and we did have a busy day again yesterday. I'm glad you could catch up on your sleep.”

Dave walked in and smiled broadly at Nila. “Oh, good, my sunshine girl is up. Now my day is brighter.”

Nila blushed and ducked her head. Sunshine girl? Not likely. Ever since that phone call she'd felt as if life held only shadows. Dark and dangerous shadows.

They sat at the small table, and Nila bowed her head as Dave asked the blessing.

“Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your good and gracious gifts. Thank You for this delightful meal. Thank You for my beloved wife, Lydia, and her talents that bless our stomachs. And thank You for Nila and her trust in You. You have blessed us in so many ways. Grant us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.”

Lydia's delectable, golden brown french toast and fruit salad reminded Nila that she hadn't eaten breakfast. Hunger rumbled her stomach, and she dug into her plateful with enthusiasm.

“Mmm, this is delicious.” She wiped a bit of egg-soaked bread from the corner of her mouth. “Will you show me how you make this? My recipe isn't nearly this tasty.”

“Of course,” Lydia said. “Maybe next Saturday? My man does enjoy a good brunch.”

Dave reached over and patted his wife's hand. “You know me well. And you spoil me.” He pushed his chair back from the table. “As good as it is, I'd better stop. Mrs. Forester is certain to have some kind of waistline-expanding snack for us this afternoon.” He turned to Nila. “Did we mention we're going to her house this afternoon? Do you have plans of your own?”

Nila stacked dishes and silverware as she answered. “Yes to both questions. Mrs. Forester is a sweetheart. Please give her my love. And I'm fine. I planned to do some laundry, and my favorite movie
is on TV at three.”

“Ah, I know which one that is,” Dave said. “One of my favorites, too. A real classic.”

He got up from the table and patted Nila's shoulder as he walked by. “Sounds like a relaxing and productive afternoon. We'll be back before supper, so you've got the house to yourself.”

He bent and kissed Lydia's cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart. I'll be in my study. Could you give me a shout when it's time to go?”

“Yes, dear. We don't have to leave for an hour, so I think I'll start a batch of spritz cookies.” She smiled up at him. “Especially since two little ones will be here for Christmas.”

She turned to Nila. “Would you like to help this evening? The dough has to chill, so after supper we could try out my new cookie press, if you'd like.”

“I'd like that very much. Thank you.”

The phone on the counter rang, and Lydia answered. “Hello? Yes, she's here, Will.” She looked at Nila. “No, she wasn't feeling well this morning. I'll let you ask her.”

Nila took the phone. “Hi, Will.”

“Lydia said you're sick. Are you going to be able to work tomorrow? We need to get the Fehrs' kitchen painted. The cabinets are going in Tuesday. But if you don't feel up to it…”

“I'm fine. Really. I'll be ready at seven.”

“I tried your cell, but it must be turned off.”

“Oh, yeah. It is. Sorry.”

“I'll pick you up at seven sharp, then. See you.”

Nila hung up the phone and tried to suppress a shudder. Yes, she'd turned off her phone right after that call telling her Nick was free. Free to torment her again.

Lydia noticed. “Is everything all right?”

Nila nodded without facing her. “Yes. Will just wanted to make sure I'd be ready for work at seven tomorrow.”

Lydia's hand stroke her spine. “You know you can talk to me, don't you? About anything at all?”

Nila manufactured a smile and turned to her benefactor and friend. “Yes, I know, and I appreciate it. But I'm fine. Excuse me, please.”