No Wasted Tears (7 page)

Turning her head toward the window Destiny’s eyes filled with amazement
realizing why Tina, her best friend from college, and her husband
Richard were so in love with Seattle. They had been living in Seattle since the Seahawks drafted Richard in his senior year. Tina told Destiny that she would love it here when she begged her to relocate. She looked out the window, and in the distance she could see the rolling hills that looked as if they had been sprayed with a soft mist. Tina told her about the trees and the misty, grassy fields. She described the summers as being soft and relaxing caused by the rushing of the river that ran behind their home on Mercer Island. That’s where Adam said Cynthia’s parents lived, which also meant that Cynthia’s parents had money. So why had Cynthia been living like a pauper? It made no sense to her. But maybe when Cynthia was comfortable they would really talk. It was easy to sense she needed a friend. Maybe they could become good friends especially since they’d be living in the same house. That thought brought a genuine smile to her
face.

“I never get tired of the scenery here,” Adam commented. “It’s like looking at the face of God and being in awe of his
majesty.”

“I agree. I didn’t know it would look like this. My college roommate, Tina, lives here with her husband and their daughter. You may have heard of him. Richard
Wilson?”

“The Richard Wilson? The all-pro running back for the Seahawks?” He looked at her in
awe.

Laughing, Destiny said, “They’re one and the
same.”

“Wow, he’s an awesome running back and a great person. He’s done a lot of charity work throughout the
city.”

“I’m not surprised. Tina and Richard were very active in the Fellowship for Christian Athletes during college. They started dating during their junior year, and later the same year they both became born-again Christians. They’re my closest friends, besides my
aunt.”

“I hope that one day you will consider me a friend, Destiny.” Adam glanced over at her. Destiny tried to picture it but her mind continued to be a blank.
Could he?
she asked herself as soon as the thought settled into her
head.

One of the last messages she heard from her bishop in South Carolina was about God knowing the plans for her life, and if he knew the plans, then surely it was all going to work together for her
good.

When her mother could not be there for her during childhood, Aunt Sara showed up to raise her. When she needed a friend in college, Tina was there. Looking back on the events of today, she knew that God sat her in that seat beside Adam. So yes, she was certain he’d become a
friend.

As far as anything else, that would have to be seen. As she looked over at Adam, she responded, “Yes, I believe I will one day consider you a friend.” That lightning-quick movement came and went in his gaze again, it was like the hand of an illusionist making something disappear before the audience could see how it was
done.

They both heard Cynthia saying goodbye, indicating she’d gotten off the phone. Destiny saw her hit the off button on the little white cell phone and then she sat back in the deep, black leather seat. Whoever she’d been talking to seemed to calm her because her face seemed to relax as she closed her eyes. That thought pulled her eyes away from the back seat. They all had a multitude of issues to sort
out.

A melancholy mood settled in her spirit. Although her aunt and her friend Tina were here, it felt like they were as far away as the moon. She felt a sadness she couldn’t explain. She hated leaving South Carolina for more reasons than she could name. But to let a relationship destroy her life was humiliating. Of course she’d had some rough patches, but it was home—the only home she had ever known, and there was still some uncertainty about whether or not Stanley would be looking for
her.

Her gaze drifted out to the hills of the green covering across the landscape in the distance. Tears of unwanted frustration threatened, but she beat them back. She hadn’t been here two hours, and already she was worrying about what life would be like here. She could still hear Stanley’s voice reminding her she didn’t belong anywhere. 

The thought that she didn’t belong anywhere cut through her spirit like a sharp dagger. After all of these years she still had difficulties dealing with the abandonment of her father. If he had loved her, wouldn’t he have stayed or at least have tried to find her? But in all of these years there had been no contact whatsoever. That’s why she appreciated Uncle Willie; although he wasn’t a blood relative, he’d been there to support her, for that she was
thankful.

The phone in her bag beeped to life, dragging her away from her thoughts. She glanced down at it. With a sigh, she touched the on button and lifted it to her ear. “Hi, auntie.”

“Oh, Destiny. Good. So you’ve
landed?”

There was no pause to let her answer, and she didn’t bother to try. She knew there wouldn’t be
one.

“Yes, and we’re in route to the
house.”

“Are you excited about being here; isn’t it beautiful?” The sigh said more than she’d been able to say so far. Her mind had ways of betraying her at the most inopportune moments. But she said nothing. Her gaze slid to the vast expanses of the land beyond. “I don’t know. Everything is just hills of green but it is
beautiful.”

“Good, at least you noticed. You can’t be more than twenty minutes out. When you get here, I’ll have dinner waiting for you and Cynthia. I know you both connected right
away.”

“We did and we can’t wait to see
you.”

“I’ll see you in a
few.”

“Okay.” Ten more words, and Destiny hung up. Glancing over at Adam, she too relaxed now. All she wanted was to get a great meal and find a nice, soft bed where she could finally
sleep.

As Adam pulled into the driveway, she saw a welcoming pot of bright pink geraniums beside the doormat and a garden filled with sunshine. Destiny could already picture her life here. In the mornings, she could bring a book, cup of tea, or her laptop and sit to watch the sun come up across the horizon. Yes, maybe this was going to be a wonderful place to call home after
all.

Chapter 5

Humming happily, Sara reached for the drying cloth that lay on the kitchen counter. She had been getting things together at the house all day. She knew that with Cynthia and Destiny arriving, they would at least want their beds ready. She had put David and Jonathan down for a nap. That had given her a little time to finish up with the girls’ rooms and fix them a light dinner. She was sure they would be hungry after such a long flight. She smiled while walking out of the kitchen into the living area. The four-bedroom craftsman was the cutest little home, and it would be perfect for her, the girls, and the
twins.

Looking in on the twins, she couldn’t help but think to herself. This was perfect for two high-spirited boys. They would be happy in this room together. Especially since both of them were so much alike. There was a cushioned window seat that could be used for storage. It was the perfect place to store all of their cars, trains, and games. The window looked out over the front yard. It was small but just large enough for them. The backyard was fenced in, and the children had enough room to run and
play.

Leaving the twins’ room, she went to the kitchen where she heard the car door slam. With excitement and anticipation, she took off her apron and then hung it on the hook behind the kitchen
door.

She barely had time to straighten her hair and smooth her yellow blouse over her dark-green corduroy skirt when she heard small footsteps running down the hall. The boys wasted no time opening the door. They thudded across the planking of the front porch. Already smiling and stifling the urge to hurry, she moved through the dining and the living room, crossing to the entry. Looking out the door, she said, “Welcome, everyone.”

“Mommy!” the children shouted in unison, throwing the gate open and running to their mother’s waiting
arms.

“You glad to see us, Mommy?” Jonathan
asked.

“I sure am,” Cynthia answered, closing her eyes and hugging both of her children
tightly.

“We had a good trip, Auntie,” Destiny said as she got out of the
car.

“Cynthia, are you all right?” She noticed her watching the gentleman coming around to help Destiny out of the
car.

“I’m fine, Miss Sara. Just a little tired and hungry. I’m glad to be here. This is such a beautiful house.” She looked around at the house while watching Adam get their bags out of the
car.

Destiny made her way over to give her auntie a warm embrace. “I second that, Auntie. It looks lovely, and I know from the pictures you sent that the inside looks just as gorgeous. I love it
already.”

She took the opportunity to look around the front yard. It was well manicured with a lot of flowers. Smiling, she knew what her aunt liked about the beautiful brick craftsman with its rustic wood shutters. Her favorite was the porch that had a cute swing that would be perfect for relaxing; the entire home was fenced in, which would be good for the
twins.

Adam walked over to where Destiny was standing. “Where should I put these bags, ladies?”

One of the twins he saw hanging on to Cynthia ran over to him, reaching for one of the bags. “Hi, mister. I’m David. I’m real strong. Can I carry one of those
bags?”

“So you want to help, huh?” Adam hunkered down eye level with David. “I’ll be glad to let you help if we can get your brother to help as well.” He saw the other boy standing off to the side, watching their interchange. “What’s your brother’s name, David?”

“His name is Jonathan. Jonathan Wheeler.” He glanced over to look at his brother while yelling, “Come on, Jonathan. He said we could help carry the
bags!”

Adam, after straightening, shifted his gaze to the approaching figure. “David and Jonathan, I’m Pastor Adam
Wheeler.”

Sara, overhearing the conversation, walked over to officially introduce herself. She extended her hand. “Pastor Wheeler, it’s nice to finally meet you. We’ve attended your church a couple of times since we have been here. You have a wonderful church, with a powerful word and a wonderful
congregation.”

Sara looked over to Destiny. “Destiny is my niece, but she’s really a daughter, as well as
Cynthia.”

“Well, come on, guys,” Cynthia interrupted. “Let’s get in the house so Mommy can see your
room.”

“Oh boy, Mommy! Me-ma let us have our own room. She said we were big boys now,” David said while grabbing her hand and forgetting about
Adam.

“Yeah, Mommy, and guess what else?” Jonathan said, grabbing her other
hand.

Laughing, Cynthia said, “I give up. What
else?”

Jonathan looked at her and responded, “We have our own bed. Me-ma said that they were twin beds just like us. So I call mine
Jonathan.”

David interrupted, saying, “And I call mine
David.”

Destiny grabbed two bags and started walking ahead of Adam. Turning, she said, “You can come on inside. My aunt always cooks more than enough. I know you’re hungry.” Destiny spoke over her
shoulder.

Sara laughed. “The boys are always hungry. I made a salad along with some spaghetti. You are more than welcome, Pastor.”

Adam spoke as he entered
the
small foyer. “Thank you, Miss Sara, but I’ll be leaving. I have to stop by another pastor’s house before I turn in
tonight.”

“Well anytime you’re in the area you’re welcomed to stop by. We don’t know too many people. So it’s always nice having company. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to show Cynthia the boys’ room, and then hers.” With that said, she turned and walked down the hall to the boys’ room.

Destiny returned from her room. At least she assumed it was her room. There were some of her personal things
inside.

“Well, Pastor Wheeler, will you be staying for
dinner?”

“Not tonight. Remember I told you about my friend Warren, the pastor who lives in the area? He’s expecting me, so I’d better get going.” He started moving to the front door. Before he opened it, he turned to Destiny. Extending his hand to shake hers, he gave an infectious smile before saying, “It was a pleasure keeping you company today. I really enjoyed our time
together.”

“I enjoyed meeting you as well. I think I’m really going to like it here,” she said with exhaustion clearly in my voice. “I’ve already met one kind person here, but now the real work begins. I’ll be up to my eyeballs in unpacking and helping to make this our home.” She
responded.

Adam nodded his head in obvious understanding. “I’ve been here for years, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.” He then added, “Why don’t you come to church on
Sunday?”

“Thank you, I’d love to come, as a matter of fact, we’ll all come.” She paused for a moment. Shifting her weight, she felt fatigue sinking into her bones, although the conversation was interesting, it was time to bring it to an
end.