“Yes, I did. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it through this time. When none of the others stuck by me, you did.” Her own eyes teared up. “It meant everything to me.”
“Should I open it now?” Rysa grabbed a tissue and dabbed her tears away.
“Yes, please.”
Carefully, Rysa unwrapped the paper and lifted a rustic wood sign. She read what it said. “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” A few sniffles later she moved across the sofa and hugged Sybil. “Thank you so much.”
Sybil lost the fight against ugly tears. “I’m so glad God brought you into my life.”
“You know, I really do believe that He brought us together.” Rysa sat up straight. “I’ve seen how He’s worked in your life, and how you’ve changed. It’s made me realize I want that again, and I’ve been trying to work through my past and forgive my parents, and the church. More than that, I’ve realized just because they left me, doesn’t mean God did.”
“That’s great. I’m happy for you.”
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long to figure it out.”
“But you got there, and that’s what counts.” Sybil glanced at her phone, reluctant to end their time together. “One last plea to come with me?”
Rysa chuckled. “I’m only a call or text away.”
“Wish me luck, say a prayer, send good thoughts, say another prayer.” Anxiety tipped her voice to a higher octave.
Rysa clutched her purse. “Want a ride to Jared’s?”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ll walk. My body needs movement, or it stiffens.”
“Call me when you get a chance and let me know how it went.”
“I will.” She walked Rysa out and locked the door.
The winter air nipped her skin. She turned back to retrieve a jacket then left for the second time. One, two, three steps until she started to hurt. Pressing a hand to her lower back, she continued walking to Jared’s. A cold sheen broke out on her forehead. Everything these days took extra effort.
She rang Jared’s doorbell and leaned a shoulder against the vinyl siding while waiting for him. What was wrong? That short of a walk shouldn’t have worn her out like that, no matter how pregnant she was. Maybe so. It’s not like she’d been pregnant before to know.
Jared opened the door, dressed casually in faded jeans and his favorite hoodie. His relaxed attire alleviated the edge of her nerves. His family couldn’t be too formal if he weren't dressing up more to pick them up. Granted, he’d told her many times they were laidback people, but her brain liked to argue and doubt.
“Did you walk?” Jared’s gaze fell on her hand, still pressed into her back.
“Yes. I needed the exercise.”
“I mean this in the nicest of ways, but you don’t look so good.” His forehead wrinkled. “Are you feeling okay?”
“My back’s hurting, but other than that, I’m fine.”
“We don’t have to leave right away. Come sit a few minutes.”
She shook her head. “That will only make it worse.”
“Whatwillhelp?”
“Having this baby?” She shrugged. “I’m okay. Really.”
He didn’t look convinced. “My truck has heated seats. Will that make it any better?”
“Actually, that sounds perfect.”
Within minutes, the leather passenger seat cradled her tired body. Heat warmed her back, providing a small measure of comfort.
As they neared the airport, Jared glanced at her. “We’re early. Want me to drive around a few minutes, so you don’t have to stand or sit on a hard-plastic chair for longer than necessary?”
