6) Patience

"I-- I feel like everything I've ever learned to love and enjoy is-- is just tumbling down before my eyes," April told her mother, trying to keep the tremble from her voice.  "My world seems to be spinning out of control.  And I-- I can't stop it.  No matter how hard I try," she whispered.

They were sitting out on the Carter's porch, rocking quietly as April related the days' events.  A soft winter breeze blew the fallen autumn leaves, and ruffled April's hair as the tears stung at her eyes.

Her mother began very slowly.  "Life is like that sometimes.  Everything is sweet and happy, and the next moment tragedy falls.  That's just how life is," her mother said with a sigh.  "It's not perfect.  It will test your faith in God, and your very surroundings.  But you have to trust.  Have to be patient.   God didn't make Jack die or Drew get hurt because He doesn't love you."

"He did it because He's testing my faith," April finished for her, a new softness in her voice. 

Her mother nodded, and patted her hand.

~*~

A week went by, and there was still no change in Drew. April was becoming

more concerned, yet was constantly reminded of her mother's words, and 

tried to be patient.

Finally, on a cold Monday morning when the doctor had given Drew another

examination, there was a slight movement of his hand. April watched, holding 

her breath. Then he moaned, and half opened his eyes.

"April," Drew whispered.

"Yes, I'm here," she said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze to assure him.

He moaned again, and then went back into an unconscious state. April was 

relieved when the doctor said it had been a good sign.

~*~

Three days later, April and Jenny silently washed the dinner dishes, neither 

one whispering a word. April took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do.

"Jenny, I want to apologize. I've acted really rude towards you the past few 

days. Will you ever forgive me?"

Jenny looked up, her eyes relieved.

"If you can forgive me," she murmured, dropping her eyes. "You were right 

about me, not knowing how you feel. I should've been more of a friend to you. I 

knew you were hurt about everything, but I guess I didn't know how to help you."

April rested her hand on her shoulder. "We're even then."

Jenny smiled, and gave April a quick hug.

"I'm glad we can still be friends."

"And soon sister-in-laws," April reminded her.

Just then a deep, painful cry came from the living room. They dropped their 

dish towels, and hurried to where Drew lay, tossing and turning in pain.

"Jenny, call the doctor!" April shouted, kneeling beside him.

~*~

The clock ticked by as April paced the kitchen floor, glancing at the door to 

the living room. She could hear Drew's moans of pain, making her stomach get 

tangled in knots.

"Have a cup of tea," Mrs. Dawson, the elderly owner of the house, offered.  

April, though reluctant, took a seat beside Jenny and her parents, sipping the

steaming cup of fragrant herbs.

"You have no idea how thankful we are for letting us stay here," Jenny said to 

Mrs.Dawson, trying to distract the others from what was happening in the other 

room.

Mrs. Dawson smiled. "I'm an old woman with a big house. If anyone can 

make use out of it, I'd only be too obliged."

Just then the living room door opened, and the doctor appeared, his face 

tired and perspiring. April quickly stood to her feet.

"I've given him something to ease the pain. He's asleep now."

April was relieved.

"Will he be alright?" Jenny asked softly.

"He's getting stronger," the doctor replied, taking a welcomed seat, "but he 

certainly won't be able enough to work on that house."

"How long?" April whispered, sinking back into her chair.

"Early spring perhaps," he replied, "but it all depends on the patient."

That was when all of April's dreams of marriage seemed to fade away.

Author's Note

What do you think of this chapter?

P.S. It's about to get happy... a few more chapters later. :)

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

He's getting better!

[halflives]

Amazing new installment. Finally, happiness. :D Poor April, but shouldn't she be worrying about her soon to be husband other than when they will be married? They can't be married with him in the hosptial, can they now? Just to be clear, what time period does this take place?
-Livs

[Miss Sally Sunshine]

I love the book!! It's fabulous! I hope that Drew and April still get married soon, even if they can't move into the house just yet!! They should get married as soon as Drew's well enough!

[Erinne S.]

loved it! Even though it is a sad story so far, the way you write expresses hope for the future, which draws in the reader's attention. I loved the detail you gave this chapter and I am glad that Jenny and April are on good terms now. I'm hoping Drew gets better soon!!

~Erinne

[~Lizzy♬]

Omg! This book is sooo clutching!! :D I loved the way you didn't rush it too much this chapter. Also, I loved how you kept us informed on what was going on with the characters. I'm loving each chapter as you write!! :)

~Lizzard~

[Karli]

Loved it! Even though this book is really sad, I love reading it because the way you write just gives me hope for later chapters. I think it's so beautiful that he came out of unconsciousness and said April's name. They are truly meant to be, in my eyes. Hope to see more chapters soon!:)

[Krystal Nicole]

I loved it. Cant wait to read more!