7) Thankful

Ever so slowly, Drew became stronger, and had fully gained consciousness.  The doctor reported that he was recovering well with no sign of infection.  But April knew something was wrong for Drew wasn't himself.  He rarely spoke, but sat motionless, staring out the window where the trees were, now, barren, and life looked empty and bleak.  April had a feeling that he was comparing his life to the picture of hopelessness out his window.  This worried her, and she wished to find out why.  Her wish was soon granted.

~*~

"It's a beautiful morning.  It snowed last night, and everything is glistening in white.  How about a walk outside?" April asked him cheerily.  "You can use the crutches Doctor Owens gave you."

He looked away in silence, and April brought up a chair beside him.

"Drew," she began softly, "will you tell me what's wrong?" 

His brown eyes looked into her soft, concerned blue ones.

"Remember what today is?" he asked her softly.

April, perplexed, nodded.  "It's the first of November."

"We were going to be married."

April felt as though she had just been slapped in the face.  She had been so busy that she had forgotten.  Now she understood why he had been so quiet.  So distant.  He felt helpless not being able to finish their home so they could be married.  Tears welled up in April's eyes.

"Oh, Drew," she whispered, intertwining her hands with his.

"I'm sorry," he said, tears coming to his own eyes.  "I let you down."

~*~

"Jenny, I don't know what to do.  If only he'd believe me when I tell him it's

fine.  All I want is the man I love back again.  Something's missing, now.  He feels-- like he's useless.  But what can I do?  How can I show him that all I care about is him to get well-- is him in my life?  It doesn't matter when or where we get married.  I just-- I just want him."

They were sipping steaming cups of coffee outside where inches of snow glistened on the frozen ground.

"I don't know what to say," Jenny replied honestly.  "After a time, he should forget and move on-- hopefully."

"But that's the problem," April said with a sigh.  "The more time goes by, and Drew sits in that bed, the more he feels he's letting me down.  I think he feels like he failed me.  If only I could properly explain to him that even though we have to wait, we can spend the rest of our lives together."

"Then why don't you?"

April sighed.  "I'm just afraid I'll make things worse."

~*~

April prayed each day for Drew, praying he would understand that nothing else mattered.  All she wanted was Drew back.  That was all.  It wasn't until a week later her prayer was answered in a way she had never expected.

~*~

"April, you have visitors," Jenny called from the doorway.

Wiping her hands on her apron, April hurried to the door, and was welcomed by neighbors with strange looking tools and planks of wood.  April could only stare, completely baffled why they would be there.

"Uh-- I'm sorry, but Drew isn't expecting visitors at the moment."

An older man, whom she didn't recognize, gave her a gapped tooth smile.

"We are here to ask your permission to finish Drew's and your fine home," he explained.  "Drew is a good man, and always was helping us.  Now, we'd like to repay him for his kindness.  I know it's not much, but we want to do something, and it would give us great appreciation if we had this chance to do this small favor."

April stood in complete amazement.

"I don't know what to say," she whispered.

"Say yes," they shouted.

April looked over her shoulder, and met Jenny's eyes that were full of wonder, then turned back to the expectant faces.

"I can never thank you enough."

Author's Note

:D

What did you think of this chapter?

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

OH YAY their doing the house for them , YAY

[halflives]

Yay for happiness! Sorry for my short reviews, I NEED to read more!
-Livs

[~Lizzy♬]

Aww this book is so great! I love that the people are so nice to come and offer to finish their home and that Drew is getting better. It's very well written and you're progressing in your writing, I can see it very well. It's like you're a little kitten and your now a young cat, but still growing. :) LOL! It was a beautiful chapter and great write!

~Lizzard~

[Erinne S.]

Great chapter! I'm so glad April and Drew will be able to have their own home now! I hope Aril can explain to Drew that he did not fail her and that she still loves him no matter what, then he can feel better about getting injured and not being able to finish the house.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

~Erinne

[Karli]

Oh, how I loved this chapter and this book! Drew is so sincere and he truly loves her. I love how each chapter leaves you with questions for later chapters. Can't wait to read more! :)

[Krystal Nicole]

I loved this chapter! So sweet!!! I cant wait to read more!

[Miss Sally Sunshine]

Awwww!!! I love the chapter! It was really sweet, and April should tell Drew!! He needs to know that she still loves him and that he didn't fail her!!! Anyways! Sweet chapter!!!