10) Moonlight

Thoughts swirled in the soft dark of night as April lay awake still, her mind yet again mulling over any possible hope or support to offer their neighbors, deep in their looming debts.

"You know," April proposed her thought to Drew aloud, "we could always lend James and Jenny some money-- until they're able to get back on their feet once again." 

Drew did not give an immediate reply, than reminded her gently, "You know James.  He would never accept any charity."

April sighed, rolling over on her side-- an effort difficult due to her bulging stomach.

"I just wish there was something we could do," she said helplessly.  "If only... if only he weren't so stubborn."

"He's always been stubborn.  You can't take that out of a man when it's gotten into his system."

"But if... if only he could see that it was not charity, but the mere kindness of a friend-- repaying him for all he's shown towards us."

Drew only shook his head, fingers of silence encircling them now.

It wasn't until a few minutes had passed that her gentle voice pierced through the darkness.  "Isn't there anything we can do?" April asked, her voice soft and gentle, with only a hint of the slightest hope.

"There is nothing else we can do, but pray," he answered gently, patiently.  "It's in His hands, now, and, whatever His will, it will be for the best."  His voice sounded so assured, so confident in whatever, good or bad, would happen.  

Why is it that I feel so lost in such situations?  So doubtful and unsure...

She deeply pondered his words, feeling comforted by his solid faith.  Then, settling down beneath the covers, she fell into a relaxed slumber.

~*~

"Hey, in there, baby.  How're you doin'?  Doin' good?"  

Ella, while inquiring the unknown being within, settled a loving hand against April's abdomen.  Her gentle gesture of love kindled a sparkle of happiness in April's eyes.

The children had finally been given the knowledge of the "new addition" that was soon to arrive, and, with it, came constant chatter to the little one, and a delightful excitement for when it would make its anticipated presence.  April was relieved, thankful that the joy in her heart was mirrored in their wide grins and eyes that danced and glowed like fireflies.  Their happiness seemed contagious, and bounced in every corner of the room when the child was mentioned.

April's thoughts trailed off, and then were jolted by a sudden kick, making Ella jump back in surprise.  April seemed in a moment of bewildered shock, as Ella's face immediately turned to glee, exclaiming, "Did you see that?  He said hello to me!" 

April managed a smile at the "he."  Any child that kicked as hard as the one she was carrying, she wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a "he."  What a burst of nonstop energy!  April only shook her head, chuckling.

She, then, turned her attention, again, towards Ella.  She reached for her small hand, and smiled.  "That someone is very excited to meet you."

~*~

Shadows rippled across the walls in a playful dance that twilight, only the crackling fire lit in the room.  Drew settled down into his easy chair, and April began to take up some knitting, all the dishes washed and dried, and the children playing a bit before snuggling into bed.  It had been a long taxing day for the both of them.  April still felt the bit of tension, the same that she knew was there, unmistaken, when Drew had returned home that evening.  She knew something was different.  The moment the door had first creaked open and his steps were heard, and she had looked up, a welcoming smile upon her face.  His response was a smile of his own, though tight and strained.  He didn't join her in the kitchen to tease her about her cooking as he most always did, or ask about her day.  Neither did he take her in his arms, and kiss her gently.  He sat in silence, seeming to be a million miles away, unaware that the plate of food set before him was beginning to cool.  

She wasn't sure just what it was that made him so distant, so strange.  Perhaps it was their debt, ever slight, that still hung above them, though April thought it nothing to worry about.  There house was all bought and paid for, and they were keeping steadily up with their credit at the store.  Yet, still, she was especially careful, saving each penny she earned.  Who knew when they might be needing it...

Or, April observed, it could be the strain of their forlorn Great Depression, constantly written and talked about in the streets, and daily newspapers.  It was a bitter world they faced each new day.

Then again, it could be the thought of losing his job, like so many others.  Like James and Jenny.  April had seen young children roaming the streets, filthy and ragged, having to wander away from their close-knit families, and off into the world, looking for some kind of work.  It always sent a stab of pain through April's tender heart, watching them shiver in the biting cold, their eyes frightful and begging.  Often, she wondered if circumstances would throw them into their world-- living off of the streets, scrounging for food.  What if... her heart would whisper in fear.  What if...

Before April could thrust the troublesome thoughts away and concentrate at the task at hand, there was a slight movement that caught her eye.  She looked up.  It was Kate, hobbling towards Drew, nightgown flowing behind her, hands outstretched.  His worn Bible was disclosed in her hands.  Though she didn't speak, she tipped her head slightly, her eyes seeming to say, "You forgot all about our Bible story."

A light flickered past his gaze, and April couldn't help the smile that began to form.  Drew retrieved the Bible, and gently hoisted Kate's small frame up upon his lap, unlocking the wonders that the great Book held.

Ella and Jonathan soon joined her, and Drew began another story from the Old Testament.  He kept it simple, yet fascinating, and the children were already reeled in, their eyes widening at every word, asking questions of all sorts. 

April merely smiled through it all, as the moon shed its light upon their little cabin nestled in the wood. 

Author's Note

:)

So, what are your honest opinions on this book so far? Is it boring you? Let me know what you think! :)

P.S. Sorry it's so short!

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

Awh why is Drew distant:(

[~Lizzy♬]

Nope! This book is so not boring me. You're descriptions make me want to actually be in the book with them. You have the talent I need...

~Lizzy~

[Karli]

I have more thoughts on this chapter too. Mostly, your descriptions are fabulous. I found my heart growing as I read them. You have powerful writing.

[❤ Maggie ❤..]

It said, "Her thoughts werejolted by a suddend kick, making Ella jump back in surprise, matching Aprils own." Aprils own what? Other than that, Great chapter!!!! :D

[Karli]

The first part of this chapter was just beautiful. Not that the rest wasn't, because it definitley was, but the first part just really got me even more hooked. I love Ella and April is so good with her!