@esther-c
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ahhhh, Cody’s “Tantono” sent such a warm feeling through my heart… that was so cute!! ❤️
Aww, yay! ☺️ That was a scene that wasn’t in the first draft, but when it came together, it made me smile inside. 🥰
Hallie… you know why. don’t give me that.
😐
🤫
😂
Excuse me? In front of her father’s house?? Uhm, absolutely not! lol kidding kidding
Lolll. That was me trying to get into a guy’s head, based upon stories I’ve heard. So I was like, Bro’s gonna ask. But I knew what Autumn’s reaction would be. 🤭
Just a little note-ish question… is it kinda strange to have another Easton/Autumn scene right after Hallie just saw him in bed? It feels a little off………………
Hmm, i think I meant to switch that and forgot. Or maybe I did switch it and I meant to change the ending. idk 🤣 Taking note on that for the third draft! XD
Hallie’s side of the story with Katrina and all feels so relatable in these past few chapters… I’ve never been in any situations like hers, but still. I really feel it. Good job, Esther!
Aww, thanks! That makes me so happy! <33
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
I filled it out, but I honestly don’t know if I would truly be able to make it or not. I actually haven’t asked permission yet 😂 But I also don’t know for sure if we have anything going on. I just know that I can’t do the 26th because that’s prom and I don’t want to be any busier that day, lol
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Oh man, I have friends who have moved around a lot, so to an extent, I understand. 😣 I’ll be praying for you! <3
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Oh yes! Sorry for not updating 😂
The Lord kept us safe, even though there were some tornados and damaging winds in our area. We didn’t lose power and the actual severe part of the thunderstorm didn’t last very long for us at all.
Thank you all for praying!! <33
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
We’ve got some severe weather/tornado warnings. Prayers please! 💕
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
THIS is why I’m not dating until college. 😂 I think I’d be allowed before then…but the sibling awkwardness is too much.
For real thoughhh 😂 I know in some family’s it’s not awkward, but I decided to go for it with Hallie’s family. XD
*squealing* I can forgive him for not taking her. He has a good reason.
🤭
*tries that* Can you really smile when biting your lip?
🤣
Yeah I think so. I’ve done it before. XD XD
I didn’t think Willow was in the room when that conversation happened…
Oops… I’ll have to mention something about her eavesdropping, lol
Thanks for pointing that out! I’ll try to keep that in mind!
@ducktator @shadow @trailblazer @savannah_grace2009 @grcr @smiley @keilah-h
next chapter dump! I’m actually finished with the second draft, so I’ll just continue slowly dropping the chapters chunk by chunk
Also, I apologize if there’s a spot that seems like it needs to have italics. I don’t think I caught them all XD
Chapter 13
Tonight was going to be amazing. After finally settling on an outfit—quarter-sleeve baby blue sweater, acid-wash jeans, and her favorite Nikes—she hurried down the stairs, bringing with her the scent of coconut, eucalyptus, and oak, her favorite body spray.
Antonio would arrive any minute. When he had called earlier in the week asking what time to pick her up, she had told him five, if he could only fit five other people in the car. It was decided that Antonio would come over to their house at five and Easton would drive all of them in the transit van to the game.
Antonio made no mention of all the extra people tagging along and treated it like they had planned it like this all along. Hallie appreciated his attitude, especially when both Willow and Cody insisted upon sitting next to him on the car ride there. They arrived at the field later than they had planned, courtesy of Courtney being unaware they were leaving at five instead of five-thirty.
As Hallie hopped out of the van, she took a deep breath, grabbing Cody and Willow’s hands. She tried to ignore the fact that it could have been Antonio’s hand she was holding instead of her little siblings’. All that mattered was that she was here and she was still with Antonio, even if she had to keep an eye on the littles.
Cody begged Antonio for a piggy-back ride and Antonio graciously complied. Hallie gave him an apologetic smile, but the only hidden message in his smile was telling her that this was great and everything was totally fine.
Being the oldest, Easton led the way to the gate and made sure everyone got their tickets. The smell of stadium food greeted Hallie’s nose and the deep sound of the marching band met her ears. As soon as they found their seats, Blake and Courtney ran off with a group of friends, leaving Easton and Hallie to make sure Willow and Cody stayed out of trouble.
Easton expertly maneuvered the seating arrangement, putting him at the end, followed by Cody, Willow, Hallie, and then Antonio. Hallie gave Easton a grateful smile. He understood.
Within a few minutes of sitting down the two littles started whining that they were hungry. Hallie stood to take them to the concession stand, but Easton took over, letting Hallie stay with Antonio. She sighed as she sank back into the seat. Finally a moment to breathe now that the littles were solely in Easton’s hands.
“What’s it like having so many siblings?” A piece of dark hair fell across Antonio’s forehead as he tilted his head. Hallie couldn’t hold back the smile that started to grow.
“It’s never boring at home, I’ll tell you that,” she answered with a short laugh. “You don’t have any siblings, do you?”
“Nope. Just me and Mamá. And our perrito.”
“Perrito? Oh, puppy?”
“Sí. He was hanging around our house all the time when we moved, so when nobody ever claimed him, we took him in as our own.”
Hallie scrambled for something to carry on the conversation.
“Oh! Hey, Hallie girl!”
Hallie’s brow furrowed at the sound of Katrina’s voice. She turned around to greet Katrina and her loyal duo.
“Oh, hi, I didn’t know you guys were going to be here tonight.”
“Every game!” She answered with a little laugh. “I see you brought along a friend. Tonio, right?”
“Um, Antonio,” he corrected with a friendly nod.
“Right.” She smiled, climbing over the row of seats, making herself comfortable next to him.
“Except, I brought Hallie.” Antonio gave Hallie a warm smile, melting some of the icicles of anxiety that had sprung out of nowhere the moment these girls had joined their conversation.
“Oh, I see.” Katrina gave Hallie a knowing look. “I guess this isn’t the type of football you’re used to, is it, Antonio?”
“I guess you are right. I’m more familiar with fútbol. Not American football.” His laugh seemed so nonchalant in the light of the fact that Katrina was clearly trying to steal his attention. But Hallie didn’t know what to do about it. She had thought Katrina would back off if she knew Antonio truly had an interest in Hallie.
“I bet Hallie knows nothing about it either.” Katrina’s giggle made it sound to the casual listener that she was making a joke, but Katrina’s words cut a little deeper than Hallie expected them to. She felt her defenses rise.
“That’s not true. I have brothers, you know.” She matched Katrina’s casual laugh, making sure to catch her eye.
“Oh, right. Well, my brother’s the quarterback, so I can tell you everything you want to know about American football, alright, Antonio?” Her smile was poisonous.
“Alright. But, um, you might not want to sit next to me during the game. We Mexicans sure know how to cheer.”
Katrina gave another laugh that sent a shiver up Hallie’s spine. “Oh, I’ll be alright. So do we Americans!” She gave him a playful nudge in the arm. She scooted closer to him, opening her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a burly young man who walked up behind her.
“You sitting here?”
Katrina whipped her head around. “Of course.” Her playful tone had vanished.
“That’s my seat.”
“Does it have your name written on it?” Katrina’s high-pitched laugh did nothing to change this guy’s expression—or his mind.
“We bought tickets. Will you move already?”
Katrina sighed and climbed back over the seats, picking her way over people’s knees to get to the other side of their row. The guy, who Hallie thought was a senior from their school, took the seat with a grunt.
“She’s not very good at it, is she?”
The soft voice made Hallie jump and whip her head around.
“Oh, sorry,” Lori said, tucking a wispy strand of brown hair behind her ear. “I was talking about Katrina. Her plan’s not really working.”
“What plan?” Hallie felt her eyes narrow, almost like in a spy movie or something. She softened her expression. “What do you mean?”
“She saw you guys down here and—”
“Move it,” Katrina said, under her breath, but just loud enough that only Lori and Hallie could hear it. Lori scooted a seat down and Katrina plopped herself between them with a frazzled sigh.
“Seniors. Pffsh. They think they have all the rights in the world.” She patted down her hair and nestled into her seat. But after only a few moments of silence, she shot right back up again. “I’m hungry. I think I’ll head to the concession stand. Anyone wanna come with?”
Hallie was sure Katrina’s expectant gaze lingered a little longer on Antonio.
“I’ll go with you,” Renee offered. It was as if Katrina didn’t even hear her.
“Anyone else?”
“I’m okay. Thank you though,” Antonio answered with his always friendly smile.
Hallie tried to be just as polite. “I’m good too, thanks.”
“Alright.” And with a tiny shrug and a turn of her heel, she was marching up the aisle with Renee close behind.
Hallie let out a sigh she didn’t she had been holding.
Antonio bent his head closer to her, lowering his voice so Lori wouldn’t hear. “Do you really hang out with those girls?”
“Sometimes.” But now Hallie was beginning to regret it. Katrina’s odd behavior tonight had her doubting her friendship.
“…Okay.” Antonio still had that faint smile on his lips, but this time it wasn’t as strong, like something was on his mind.
“Why? Do you think I… shouldn’t?”
Antonio shrugged. “It’s up to you who you hang out with.”
Hallie hated the awkward silence that followed. Maybe it was only awkward to her. Did Antonio feel that way too? She felt like there was some unresolved conversation here, something she was missing.
“But you must tell me…” Antonio leaned over to her again, this time a playful smirk dancing across his lips. “Is that what you Americans call flirting? Because that would turn any guy off.”
Hallie laughed, one that wasn’t tense or forced. And it felt good. “That’s Katrina for you.”
“It’s okay. I am proof of bullets to her flirting.”
Hallie tilted her head. “You mean bullet-proof?”
“Oh yes, right. I am bullet-proof. Her words wash over me like water on a chicken’s back.”
“Ok you’re doing this on purpose now.” She smirked.
“Ok, you’re right.” He mocked her expression, then let out an easygoing laugh. “That’s because you looked a little tense. How do they say it? Loosen up. Chillax. Besides,” he pointed behind them where Katrina stood, talking with another guy, constantly tilting her head and giggling. “I think Katrina has found someone to sit next to tonight.”
They shared a laugh until Hallie noticed Lori watching Katrina with a look of dejection.
“Hey, Lori, we both know Katrina’s not coming back. You can stay with us.” Easton and the kids wouldn’t mind sitting one seat down.
“What will she think?”
“I think she’ll be too preoccupied to care.”
A smile crept onto Lori’s face as she slowly scooted down a seat. “Okay. Thanks.”
“Now tell me… Does Katrina really know as much about football as she says she does?”
Lori laughed. “Only when it’s convenient.”
Hallie smiled. Yes, this was going to be a great night after all.
Chapter 14
“What do you mean you’re not coming tonight?” This had to be a joke. Easton took the wireless phone to his bedroom.
“I just… I wish I could tell you, but I’m—”
“Tyler, I hate to break it to you, but you can’t just not go. We’ve been planning for weeks and you can’t let Miranda down like this. That’s just not cool.”
A heavy sigh from the other end. “Easton… you know how you said I’ve been acting odd for the past few weeks?”
He gripped the phone tighter, lowering his voice. “Yeah…”
“Well, with everything going on, I don’t think it will be worth it to take Miranda. I don’t want to… let her down.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why don’t you just tell me?” Easton tried to keep his tone light, but he felt his frustration rising.
“I don’t want to tell you until I know for sure.”
“You’re keeping this pretty vague. Should I be concerned?”
“No,” Tyler’s answer came before Easton could barely finish his question. “No… Don’t worry at all.”
“Then what’s all this about disappointing Miranda?”
A pause… “Nevermind. Skipping was a stupid idea. I’ll go, I’ll go.”
“So you’re telling me that all this talk was just because you’re nervous.” Easton smirked.
Tyler laughed, a good sound after the tension in his voice only a moment ago. “Naw, I’m not nervous. Why should I be?”
“Because you’ve never taken a girl out before.”
“What?! Not true.”
“Pretty much.” Easton leaned back in his chair, satisfied.
“I’m not arguing that again.” Easton could hear Tyler’s smile through the phone. “Thanks for talking me out of not going.”
“That’s what I’m here for—keeping you from chickening out.”
“You jerk.” The line clicked as Tyler hung up. Easton set the phone on his desk, a smile playing on his lips, but worry still nagging at his heart. This was the weirdest Tyler had acted yet and now he had Easton truly concerned. Once more, Easton brought his worries to the Lord. But he still felt a burden of concern on his shoulders. Tyler was his best friend and Easton needed to know if anything was wrong. Then maybe he could help.
He hated this familiar feeling of helplessness. This urge, this drive, to do something, but being completely unable too. He didn’t know enough of what was going on with Tyler to have even a glimmer of an idea of what to do. All he had to do was sit and wait. And he hated it.
Easton walked back downstairs, returning the phone to the receiver with a soft sigh.
“Easton, you look sad.” Cody’s big blue eyes looked up at him.
Easton swept Cody up in his arms, pasting on a smile. “Of course not buddy. Why should I be?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I have a question.”
“What’s that?”
“Does Hallie love Tantono?”
Easton suppressed a laugh at Cody’s mispronunciation and his assumption. “I don’t know. That sounds like a question for her.”
“I think Tantono does. He held her hand.” A satisfied little smirk twisted his lips.
“Oh.” Easton raised his eyebrows, debating whether that information should be broadcast through the household later. He thought about how Hallie would feel and decided against it. “Well, maybe Antonio’s hand was just cold.” Easton winked and set Cody down.
“Then is your hand always cold?”
Easton cocked an eyebrow.
“Because you hold Autumn’s hand a lot.”
A laugh finally escaped. “You know what, I think it is.” Easton walked away, still laughing. If Cody was noticing, then maybe he should keep the hand holding to a minimum. He wanted to be gentle with Autumn’s heart and keep their emotions from becoming too entangled.
He smiled at the thought of Autumn. He wanted to be like her. She made a difference wherever she went. If only he could figure out how to do the same thing, just on a larger scale—make a worldwide difference.
He felt a pinch of stress inside. The scholarship. His unfinished essay had sat on his desk for the past few days, untouched. He needed this scholarship. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that would open the door to hundreds more opportunities in the future.
Even though it was Saturday and he knew he’d have a long night tonight, he went back up to his room, sharpened is pencil, and started writing.
***
“Hallie girl!”
Hallie forced a smile from the other end of the phone. “Hey Katrina. What’s up?”
“I know this is last minute, but some people from our homecoming group are doing their own thing, so I was wondering if you and Antonio wanted to join us.”
The sincerity in her voice was undeniable, but it also worried Hallie. Katrina had been acting odd around Antonio and Hallie was struggling to read what it all meant. “Oh, well, I already have plans set with another group.” It had been decided that Hallie would go with Jennifer and her date, along with Javier, Danielle, and their older sister Monica. She didn’t want to drop out on them. “And, um… I’m not going with Antonio.”
Hallie wished she could have seen Katrina’s expression, but she could only guess it through her tone of voice. “Oh…” A little bit of surprise. Maybe satisfaction? “Really?”
“Yeah. He had family in town and they’re celebrating a Mexican holiday together.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.” But Katrina didn’t sound too disappointed. “Listen, I know I said Antonio really likes you, but…”
“But what?” Hallie’s walls immediately rose.
“I don’t think he’s good for you.”
Who was Katrina to tell her who was good for her or not? She kept the annoyance out of her voice. “Why do you say that?”
“He’s got his focus on the wrong things. You want people to like you, right?”
“I guess.” Hallie spun back and forth in the chair at her desk.
“Antonio won’t help you with that. He’s not exactly the popular type, ya know? If you want to have a good standing in this school, you have to hang with the right crowd.”
Hallie bit her lip. What was that supposed to mean? Antonio seemed like a great guy to her.
“That’s why I wanted you as my friend, Hallie. You have so much potential, but when you spend time with the wrong people, you’re not reaching that full potential.”
Katrina sounded genuinely concerned for Hallie’s social standing. Was it really that important? “I didn’t know I had so much potential,” Hallie replied with a small, nervous laugh.
“Yes, Hallie girl!” Katrina laughed. “If you let me help, you’ll be everybody’s idol at school in no time. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life being a nobody, do you?”
Hallie found herself chewing on her bottom lip again. “I guess not.”
“Perf. I’m glad you’re seeing things from my angle now.”
But what exactly that angle was, Hallie wasn’t sure. She sat at her desk for the next ten minutes, mulling over Katrina’s words. Katrina had been treating her like one of her own. She complimented her outfits and hair often, giving suggestions on how to do her makeup to enhance her natural features. She would invite Hallie to sit with them at lunch if Hallie’s usual group wasn’t there or ask her to come along when their friend group was going out. Maybe Hallie did have more potential than she realized. But there was no way Antonio was the one holding her back. Katrina’s opinion of him didn’t explain why she had been trying to steal his attention. Maybe she was trying to bring him into the right crowd too.
She decided right then and there that she would let Katrina help her out. But no matter what Katrina tried to do, Hallie determined that she’d keep her long-time friends close. As long as she kept her priorities straight, then being a little more popular wouldn’t hurt anybody.
Chapter 15
Easton took a deep breath, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. Why was he so nervous? It was just Autumn. This was normal. He was simply taking her out for the night. They had even gone to homecoming and prom together last year. Maybe it was because this was his last homecoming dance. He didn’t think he’d get all sentimental. If anything he should be excited to finish high school.
No, the nervousness wasn’t from his own sentimentality. He wanted to make sure Autumn’s last homecoming dance was perfect. They still had prom—that would be a big night—but Easton decided to look at this as the warmup.
He pulled up by her house, taking one more deep breath. He walked up to the front door, adjusting his tie, straightening in his suit jacket. Then knocked.
“Come in, Easton!” Autumn’s mother greeted him with a smile, opening the door wide.
Easton stepped inside the familiar home. “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor.”
“Autumn will be here in just a moment.”
“And he’s back again.” Mr. Taylor sauntered into the front room with an exaggerated sigh.
“Yes sir. You know how your daughter is. Always dragging me to these fancy events.”
The two laughed, Mr. Taylor giving Easton a friendly pat on the shoulder. “I know we’ve been through this, but a reminder won’t hurt.” He winked. “She’s to be home by two, and I’d better not see you parked outside my house with her for more than five minutes.”
“Of course.” Easton nodded, containing a smile.
“And I’m sure you’ve got this down by now, but don’t forget to treat her like a princess.”
“Like a queen.”
Mr. Taylor gave him a nod of confirmation.
“I think her majesty is coming now,” Mrs. Taylor said with a small smile.
Easton held his hands together in front of him, a smile growing on his face as Autumn rolled her wheelchair slowly down the hallway.
Her light golden hair was pulled up into a soft, glamorous bun, a few strands left out to frame her glowing face. The silky, emerald dress she wore fell across her lap in gentle folds. She looked beautiful.
Easton went one knee and grabbed her hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “Your highness.”
Autumn laughed softly. “You look like royalty yourself.”
Easton stood, smiling. After Mrs. Taylor got pictures she was satisfied with, the two were off, with the radio accompanying them on the short ride to school. After they got there, they were able to find Hallie and the rest of them in the dimly lit room.
Music blared from the stage set up at one end of the gym where a DJ bopped his head along with the requested songs he played. Colorful lights sprinkled across the gym floor, illuminating faces and reflecting off of dresses and shined shoes.
“Would you believe me if I said I brought a date tonight?” Javier asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“No, why?” Easton cocked his own.
“Man, I was wondering if I could trick you.”
“We all know you’re hopeless J,” Hallie said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
“Woah, woah, woah. Hopeless?! That seems like an exaggeration.”
Hallie’s expression made it clear she didn’t agree.
“I bet I can get more than five different girls to dance with me tonight.” He crossed his arms.
“Alright, you try that.” Hallie laughed.
“I will. You’ll see.”
Hallie shook her head, then turned to Autumn. “You look gorgeous! That color looks amazing on you.”
Autumn smiled and grabbed Hallie’s hands. “Thank you! You look so lovely too! Is Antonio here?”
Hallie’s shoulders fell slightly. “No, he couldn’t make it.”
“Aw man, well, I’m sure you’ll still have a wonderful time.”
Hallie smiled and nodded.
“Have you guys seen Tyler and Miranda yet?” Easton asked.
Hallie pointed over to the table lined with food and drinks. “Over there.”
“Thanks.” Easton walked Autumn towards the punch bowl where Tyler and Miranda stood.
“‘Sup guys,” Easton greeted them with a chin-up gesture, trying to speak loud enough to be heard over the music.
Tyler slapped him his signature high-five. “Hey guys. Did you just get here?”
“Yeah, a few minutes ago.”
“Cool, cool. We’re about to head back onto the dance floor. Wanna join us?”
Easton exchanged a look with Autumn. “Sure, let’s get this party started.”
They found a spot on the dance floor with enough room for Autumn’s wheelchair and joined the other high schoolers jamming to Cotton-Eyed Joe.
“Maybe I should wait until the slow dance, so you don’t feel left out,” Easton said.
Autumn tucked her chin, raising an eyebrow. “I think you’re just trying to avoid dancing, aren’t you?”
Easton smiled. “Maybe.”
“Dance. It will make me happy.” She straightened in her chair.
“You just want to laugh at me.”
Autumn matched his clever smile. “Maybe.”
Easton complied, following along with the others, taking Tyler’s advice every now and then. And yes, Autumn did laugh at him. But it made her eyes sparkle just so perfectly that Easton didn’t stop.
The night wore on, the music kept playing, laughter still echoed every now and then through the gym. Easton and Autumn sat at their table for most of the time, talking with friends and eating some snacks. It wasn’t what most everyone else was doing, but as long as Autumn was content, so was Easton.
The first slow dance song of the evening started playing and Easton again bowed playfully by Autumn’s wheelchair. “May I have this dance?”
She smiled, a beautiful, slow, steady smile. “It would be an honor.”
He pushed her onto the dance floor, spinning her gently to the swaying music, bending his head close to hers. He let his head hover just above her shoulder, gently pressed against the side of her head. He breathed in the fresh scent of her hair—she smelled like she had just run through a meadow in full bloom shortly after a spring rain.
“What’s that?”
“Lilac.”
“I like it.” He pulled her closer, just so slightly. This was perfect. Everything was perfect.
After the song ended, he led Autumn back to their table, a warm smile on his face that matched her own.
“How does something to drink sound?”
“Wonderful.”
“Will Coke be fine?”
“Whatever you want.”
Her sweet smile didn’t leave his mind the whole way over to the refreshments table.
“You guys looked so sweet out there.”
Easton only smiled at Tyler’s comment. He leaned against the wall beside him, turning his head to look at him. “Where were you and Miranda?”
“We were there.”
Easton paused, tilting his head. “Is something wrong?”
When Tyler turned to look at him, the colorful lights reflected off of fresh tears that lingered in his eyes.
“Tyler.” Easton set the two Cokes down on the table and grabbed Tyler’s shoulders, forcing their eyes to meet. “What is going on?”
“I’m fine… right now.” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “It’s just… You won’t tell Miranda?”
Easton looked over his shoulder, where Miranda stood across the room, chatting with Autumn. He shook his head.
Tyler sucked in a shaky breath, tilting his shoulders back and regaining his composure. “There’s a lot going on in my life right now, but I want to make this one of the best nights of Miranda’s life. It’s just hard to do that when there’s a million other things I’m thinking about, you know?” Even in the dim lighting, Easton could see the crease between Tyler’s eyebrows that had been there for the past few weeks deepen.
And although Tyler’s shoulders relaxed, he rolled his foot back and forth on the heel and his fingers tapped against his soda can. His explanation may have been true, but maybe it wasn’t the whole truth.
Easton hated the feeling that crept inside of him as he studied Tyler. Something was seriously wrong and Easton was incapable of helping. It was the same exact feeling he had gotten the past few years whenever world crises came to mind. Incurable diseases, not enough clean water, starving children… The world couldn’t escape the consequences of the Fall, and at this moment, Easton was convinced that Tyler hadn’t escaped them either.
“Just…” Easton didn’t know how to pry without being rude. He had prayed and prayed and he had thought it did something. He thought Tyler was okay now. But apparently, he had been wrong. “I want to help.”
“I know you do, but you just…” Tyler sucked in a breath and let it out with that painful word, “can’t.”
Easton let his arms drop to his sides and turned to watch the couples and groups of people on the dance floor. He shoved his hands into his pockets, rising up and down on his toes a few times.
“Easton, I know you’re frustrated but—”
“Do you not trust me?” Easton didn’t take his eyes off of the dance floor. His voice was low enough that no one could hear it but Tyler.
Tyler let out an exhausted sigh. “Easton, I trust you. I trust you as much as my own family, but—”
“So why won’t you just tell me what’s going on?” He spun on his heel to face him. “I’m not trying to pry. I just want to help.”
“You can’t.”
“I know but…” He tilted his head back, taking a deep breath as he carefully considered his words. “You don’t understand… I want to help so badly that…” he shook his head. “I don’t know why I’m like this, but when there’s something wrong I want to fix it so, so badly. When I hear about children in Africa starving, I want to send them fleets of ships that have the most amazing food they’ll ever have. When I hear the statistics of people who die every year from incurable diseases, I want to go create that cure. When I hear about pointless wars and conflicts, I want to go resolve those somehow. When I— When…” He felt the energy drain from his mind and body. What was he saying? None of this mattered. None of it mattered because he was only complaining about things he’d never be able to fix.
Easton hadn’t noticed that during his useless rant he had stepped forward until Tyler stood against the wall, his jaw set, his eyes carrying a look of hurt.
“Tyler… I’m sorry—” He backed down.
“No.” He held up a hand. “You’re right. I should have told you from the beginning, I know how much I hurt you.”
“You didn’t really, I only—”
“You want to hear what’s really going on?”
“No, no, I was rude. You can keep it to yourself if you want.” He waved a hand through the air and turned, trying to regain his wits.
Tyler scoffed. “Are you kidding?”
Easton furrowed his brow. Tyler’s tone worried him. It was a mix of frustration, but also hurt… maybe even confusion?
“You know what, I’ll just tell you anyway. Because… because…” As Tyler’s voice rose, he placed himself in front of Easton. “Because I can’t fix it either, okay? You’re not the only one.”
The intensity in Tyler’s voice made Easton back down, taking a step back. “Tyler—”
“You want to hear it?”
He was seriously waiting for an answer. Easton gave a slow nod.
“I’ve been diagnosed with stage four cancer and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Easton felt a rock drop to the bottom of his stomach. “No…”
“No? Well, yes.” Tyler’s nostrils flared, his chest heaving. “And I feel the exact same way you did just a second ago. I’m completely helpless, Easton.” A tear slipped down his cheek. “Completely helpless.”
“Tyler, I’m so sorry.”
“But you still can’t do anything about it, and neither can I.” His voice finally broke and he backed into the corner, sliding down the wall until he sat on the floor, burying his face in his hands.
Easton crouched beside him, tears blurring his vision. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you. I shouldn’t have complained.”
“No, no.” The strength had completely left Tyler’s voice. He shook his hanging head limply. “It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have gotten mad.”
Easton wet his lips, trying to hold back the sobs that choked his throat. “I… Tyler, I don’t know what to say.”
“I know.” He lifted his head, wiping away tears. “Neither do I.”
Easton felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, just as he placed his own on Tyler’s. He looked behind him where Autumn sat in her wheelchair, a look of concern on her face. She studied Easton’s face for a moment, then reached out to rest a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. Miranda, who stood nearby, did the same, although she looked a little more confused than Autumn.
And then Autumn prayed.
And prayed.
She didn’t care about the weird looks from the students who passed by, or the gossiping whispers. She only prayed over Tyler, not fully knowing the situation, but her words were like a balm to the wounds of their hearts.
Easton didn’t know how long it had passed when her gentle voice finally faded away. He stood, pulling Tyler up with him and into a tight hug. “I’ll be praying. We’re going to get through this, okay?”
Tyler stepped back with a nod. “Okay.”
Easton squeezed Autumn’s hand. “I think we should be getting home now.”
She nodded.
“Us too,” Tyler said to Miranda.
“I’m not the only one who’s confused, right?” Though her question brought tight laughter, her expression was genuine.
Autumn smiled. “Don’t worry, I am too.”
“There’s something I need to tell you,” Tyler said, gently guiding Miranda towards the exit. He turned back and waved at Easton, then disappeared out the door.
“Here’s your Coke,” Easton said, a lopsided smile making its way onto his face.
Autumn cocked an eyebrow. “Thanks, but what I also would really like right now is an explanation.”
“Oh I thought you knew. Led by the Spirit to pray and all,” he said, repeating what she had said earlier in her prayer.
Her jaw dropped. “Do not mock me.”
Easton smiled and started pushing her towards their table. “I guess I’m just trying to make light of the situation.”
“But you shouldn’t?” Autumn finished for him, casting him a questioning gaze.
He sighed. “We’ll talk about it in the car.”
Chapter 16
Biting down on her lip, Hallie watched the four clustered in the corner. Something was wrong. Definitely wrong. Tyler sat in the corner while Easton, Autumn, and Miranda surrounded him. And only moments before it had looked like Tyler and Easton were having an all-out argument.
Someone scoffed beside her. “Can you believe them?”
“Hmm?” Hallie turned to look at Katrina, her blonde hair like silk drapes over her shoulders, her baby pink dress falling in folds just above her knees.
“Have you not heard?”
“No, what?” Easton and Autumn made their way towards the exit. Hallie turned to watch them.
“They were praying over there.” Katrina laughed.
Hallie’s gaze whipped back to the conversation. “Praying?” Yes, something must be seriously wrong if it called for an impromptu prayer meeting. Although with Autumn involved, it shouldn’t have surprised her.
“Yeah. Weirdos.” Katrina scoffed again, sharing a laugh with the guy who stood close behind her. Hallie recognized him as the guy Katrina had sat with during the football game last night.
Hallie offered a weak smile, watching Easton and Autumn disappear out the door and out of sight. She was tempted to follow after them and see what was going on.
“Hallie girl.”
“What?” Hallie met Katrina’s shocked expression.
“Don’t tell me you’re sympathetic towards those Jesus freaks.”
Hallie stared at the floor, shifting her gaze from her shoes to the condensation on her soda can.
“You’re not one of those Jesus freaks, are you?” Katrina lowered her voice, sounding almost offended.
“I don’t think that freak is the—”
“Hallie. If you want to have any standing in this school, in life, then you need to spend your time on more important things. Not praying over people and washing feet. We already talked about this.”
Was that why Katrina thought Antonio wasn’t good for her? “Katrina, we don’t—”
“Do you get what I’m saying?”
“Yes, but—”
“Now that we’re on the same page, come with me. I want to introduce you to somebody.”
Hallie reluctantly followed her, scanning the students to see if Tyler and Miranda had left too. Yep, no sign of them either.
“Hallie, this is Patrick Stevens.”
Hallie forced a smile and looked up at the six-foot something guy standing in front of her. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing him play basketball last year. And that last name sounded familiar… Actually, his whole name sounded familiar. He had hair the color of a latte and a spattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose and under his deep-set, striking blue eyes. In fact, he looked a lot like Lori. Her brother maybe?
“Patrick, this is Hallie Woodbury.” Katrina took a step back, casting a smile between the both of them.
“Nice to meet you, Hallie. You’re friends with Lori right?”
She nodded.
“Yeah, she’s my sister.”
That’s why that last name sounded familiar. “Your sister is great,” she said with a smile. Which was true, but if it was Katrina’s brother… maybe not so much… “I’m hoping it’s hereditary?” She hoped her joke would turn him off.
“Let’s find out, shall we?” He motioned to the dance floor, then held out a hand. Hallie reluctantly accepted his offer. She needed to get home. She was still worried about what was going on with Easton and Tyler.
It felt weird to be dancing with a guy she had only just met, so she made sure to keep a comfortable space between the two of them. Sure he was good-looking, but— A thought bounded into her head like a deer through the forest.
Patrick was her middle school crush.
Except in seventh grade he had gone by Trick because of his prankster personality and she had never known his last name. Her heart started pounding and she hoped her palms weren’t beginning to sweat.
She remembered hoping back in middle school that if she could get his attention she’d be one of the most popular girls in school. But he had given her less than a passing glance in the hall or lunch room. Since he was a grade ahead, he had reached high school before her. After that, she had given up hope of ever getting his attention.
But here she was at her sophomore homecoming, dancing with the guy she had liked for two years.
Maybe a friendship with Katrina wasn’t going to be so bad after all… Just because she hung out with her didn’t mean she’d start acting like her. And getting to know Patrick wouldn’t be so bad either. She felt petite next to him, although she had never been the tallest girl around at five feet four inches.
Antonio wasn’t that tall. Hallie guessed that he couldn’t be over five feet ten inches. Although she found his dark hair and eyes and his defined facial features attractive, Patrick’s freckles and expressive blue eyes—eyes bluer than the New Mexican sky—gave him a playful, boyish look that made her want to smile every time he did. He looked like a little boy who had just come in from playing in the forest.
“Hallie?”
“Sorry, did you say something?” She looked up at him, grateful that he had interrupted her comparison session.
He grinned, a boyish grin that sent her heart into a fluttering frenzy. “I asked you if you’ve been having a good night so far.”
“Oh, yeah, definitely.” She smiled. She tried to forget about what she had seen go on between Tyler and Easton and enjoy the rest of her night. She ended up dancing with Patrick the rest of the evening and found that he was actually really nice and not as snarky as he was in middle school. Conversation flowed between them easily. Patrick never let an awkward silence last for too long and always seemed to know what to say to make Hallie feel like she was being listened to. It made her listen to what he had to say more intently every time he spoke.
As the dance began to come to a close, Patrick walked her off the dance floor, collecting their trash and tossing it into a nearby trash bin. “Hallie, would it be okay if I drove you home tonight?”
As much as she wanted to say yes, she knew Mom and Dad wouldn’t approve. “Thanks, but my parents don’t know you so…”
“I understand.” He smiled down at her. “That’s what I appreciate about you, Hallie.”
“What?” She tilted her head.
“I’ve only known you for a few hours, but you’re honest. Authentic. You don’t put up any pretenses. It’s like I can trust you.”
Hallie smiled, flattered with the compliment. She felt like it had more layers than one and planned to think through it later.
But a million other thoughts took up her brain space on the ride home with Javier, Danielle, and Monica. The whole ride home Javier was bragging about the fact that he had danced with five different girls, one of them more than once, but Hallie tuned it all out as thoughts of Patrick floated through her mind. Her attention snapped back to the present when she heard Easton’s name though.
“Easton?”
“Yeah.” Javier cocked his head. “What was going on there with him and Tyler? Miranda and Autumn too.”
“I’m not sure,” she mumbled. But she definitely planned to find out. Her worries about them that had been buried earlier tonight resurfaced and fiercer than ever. As soon as she got inside, she got a drink of water, rushed up the stairs, and tiptoed down the hall towards Easton’s room, holding her shoes in one hand.
But instead of a light coming from underneath his closed door, the door was wide open, only his lamp on, and him laying on top of his covers, his legs dangling over the edge of the bed.
Hallie couldn’t help but smile and pulled a blanket over Easton, switched off the lamp, and slowly crept out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Apparently he had a tiring night as well.
Hallie changed quickly and quietly in the bathroom and tiptoed into the room she shared with Courtney. After a few minutes of trying to sort out her thoughts, she succumbed to her exhaustion and fell asleep with a mind and heart full of hope, confusion, and worry, with a side of guilt for what she couldn’t quite figure out.
***
“I know this wasn’t exactly the kind of night we had planned,” Easton said, reaching over to touch Autumn gently on the shoulder.
She shrugged, wiped her eyes, and smiled. “I suppose God’s plan was different from ours.”
Easton smiled softly. Always trusting the Lord. “Yeah. I’m not sure if I really like it though.” He signaled to turn at the intersection. They had been driving around for the last half hour discussing what had gone on that night.
“It’s like that a lot isn’t it?” She leaned back on the headrest.
“What do you mean?”
“God’s plan is often the way we don’t want to go. At least to begin with.”
The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“This.” He gestured towards her. “I just told you life-altering news and you seem so calm.”
“I know the One who holds our lives in His hands. And…” she rested her hands on her lap. “I’ve had practice.”
Autumn’s legs had been paralyzed ever since a car accident when she was ten. Easton was aware of the fact that it had been hard for her, but they had never discussed it in detail.
“Did you… Was that… hard?” He took another corner instead of heading straight home as he had been planning to only a moment ago.
Autumn sighed. “Yeah.” A heavy weight clouded the car, but Easton didn’t regret what he had asked. “Really hard. I fought God’s will for so long. After the first year or so I pretended like everything was okay, but it wasn’t. Inside… I couldn’t get over the fact that God had let that happen to me. Me. I thought I was one of His most faithful followers.” A sad sort of smile made one corner of her mouth tilt up.
“How did you come to terms with it?”
“The Lord brought me back to Him. Through my parents, my friends, and other family members. I was even squirming during some church services because I knew what the pastor was talking about I needed to listen to. Eventually, I was so torn up inside that I finally decided to listen to what the Lord was trying to tell me. He softened my heart over time and brought me where I am today. And…” she sighed. “I also had to realize that I couldn’t make my situation any better or change the past.” At the stoplight, red light filtered through the windshield, reflecting in Autumn’s dark green eyes.
“Once I got over the fact that I never could have prevented that other driver from running into us, I found peace. I trusted in the Lord’s plan. I also realized that God let that happen on purpose. So instead of focusing on trying to change my circumstances or the past, I focused on how I could make others’ lives better, bring a little more light into their circumstances even if I didn’t understand it.”
Easton slowly let out a sigh through his nose, swallowing down Autumn’s story. Finally he said, “Really?”
Autumn laughed softly. “Really.”
“It didn’t kill you to think that there might have been one way that you could have changed or prevented what had happened?”
“Well that’s my point. I couldn’t. I can’t change the will of the Lord. It’s pointless to fight the Ruler of the world. So I chose to trust Him and make the most of my situation. I don’t mind missing out on sports if I am able to bring God’s love and light into someone’s life because of where He’s put me.”
Easton let her words roll around in his head, yet again amazed by this godly young woman. It was what had first attracted him to her. He found her gentle spirit, her unconditional love, and her non-judgemental and fair mindset some of the most beautiful things about her. He kept glancing at her as they drove home.
She finally noticed and cocked an eyebrow at him.
He just smiled, shrugging one shoulder. He pulled up beside her house and helped her back into her wheelchair and wheeled her up to the porch. They stood in front of the door, the two of them illuminated by the one porch light and the faint glow coming from the half moon in the sky.
He crouched down in front of her, holding her soft hands in his. How beautiful she looked, her pure heart and her face.
I could spend the rest of my life with her.
His own impulsive thought shocked him and he quickly buried it. He wasn’t thinking straight after all the emotions that had rocked his good judgment these past couple of hours.
Yet one question still nagged him until he could no longer keep it to himself. “Can I kiss you goodnight?”
Autumn seemed shocked for a moment, but her expression quickly formed to a little, gentle smirk. She leaned forward and offered the side of her face.
Easton bent forward and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. He pulled back, the two smiling at each other. Easton reluctantly stood and wheeled Autumn into the house. With one more smile and a hug he backed up to the door. “See you at church tomorrow.”
“Bye, Easton.”
He drove home with a contented smile on his lips, but his heart still raged with turmoil. Too many emotions and thoughts to consider in one night. He sat on his bed and bent down to untie his shoes, but before he knew it, he had lain back and fallen fast asleep.
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Guess what?!?! We’ve already had two possible clients reach out to us!
No way!! That’s awesome!!!
I shared the link over on KDWC, so that could possibly be where they’re from! 🤷🏻♀️
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Ahh, Ellette this is so exciting!!! 🤩
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Yeah contacting someone who used to be affiliated with KP might be a good idea. Idk how busy Josiah is, but it’d be great just to know that the site will keep running.
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende