I close my eyes to take that leap and text back.
I’ll be finished a little later.
How’s dinner at my place sound?
Sounds perfect.
I respond, feeling slightly guilty but trying to move past it. I’ll have to figure something out—and quick.
He texts back the rock-star-hands emoji as his thumbs-up, I presume, making me laugh out loud as I set my phone down and get ready for bed.
As I’m dozing off a few hours later, I hear my phone ding.
Are you awake?
Yes.
I just wanted to say thank you.
For what?
For opening my eyes.
My heart pounds as I read the words over and over again. If he only knew how much he was opening my eyes as well.
When I don’t respond, he texts:
Good night, Sarah.
Through my ridiculously large smile, I send him the heart emoji, and he sends it right back to me.
This isreallyhappening. Fate has brought me the kind of man I’ve dreamed of. A man who loves life, music, and wants to be a father.
I close my eyes and pray.
I’ve asked you over and over again to show me the way and to guide me through my days of darkness. I see now that you’ve heard my prayers. Please, Lord, give me the strength to fight for what I want. I ask that you guide my father in your same light of forgiveness and acceptance. Amen.
16
Sarah
I wake up the next morning to multiple messages from Maggie pointing out that my picture is all over entertainment news sites. I guess I should have expected it since we were out in public together, but I’m still surprised news of us at a zoo would spread so fast.
I can’t imagine living this way day in and day out. Everyone wanting to take a picture of you must get old real quick.
After scrolling through multiple sites, all questioning if we’re a couple, I drop my phone and get ready for church.
When I arrive, I feel a buzz that seems to be circling around me. My father is in a meeting in his office, and Emily is busy with Emma on the playground, so I walk around, greeting people as they enter, but something just feels off.
The way a few people look at me from afar or seem to be whispering about me makes me pause.
They’ve seen the photos.
My eyes meet Cindy’s, and her expression tells me she’s the one showing everyone they exist.
Why does she care? Why is my life anyone else’s to judge?
I know Cindy wouldn’t go straight to my father, so I walk out to my sister to get a feel of what she knows and how far the word has spread.
