The Truth Come Out

Chapter Four

“Are you okay?” Bell asked softly moving over to me and holding my hand.

“Yeah. God will take care of things and make them the way he wants.” I promised moving to sit beside Eli.

“I’m going to be taking over more in the shop until Andrew can help more.” Eli promised me and I nodded. I stayed still just looking at Andy and barely even noticed when a sandwich was put in my lap.

“Honey, you need to eat.” Mom whispered smoothing my hands and apron out. I nodded and started to pick at the sandwich but mostly ended up tearing it into pieces.

“Alex?” Andy whispered and I jumped up running over to him.

“I’m right here.” I promised him and he reached across his body to take my hand. I smiled up at him and he offered me a smile himself.

“How are you feeling Mr. Williams?” The doctor asked.

“Kind of out of it.” He admitted and I smiled some.

“That’s what we expect. You won’t be driving for a few days while you’re on this medicine… even your horse and buggy…” The doctor added when Dad started to correct him, “It will make you drowsy and I don’t want any accidents.” He warned and Andy nodded. “Then you can go home.” He promised as a nurse wheeled in a wheelchair for him.

“I don’t need that.” Andy shook his head.

“Hospital procedures Mr. Williams.” The doctor smiled and Andy stood up at Dad and Bishop Joshua’s looks though he took a seat in the chair instead of being stubborn.

“You will be staying with me for a while.” Eli told Andy. “That way you can keep taking the pills.” Andy did not answer and I looked over at him worriedly.

“We just passed Mom.” He whispered to me and I knew my shock showed. “Don’t let anybody know she’s in town. I don’t want to see them right now.” I nodded slowly and squeezed his hand promising to keep the secret.

We got home soon and Mom helped us finish our dresses so that we could finish everything else soon. The next morning though I headed to the shop and Andy was sitting in my usual spot at the counter.

“Alex…” He smiled and I smiled happily back.

“How do you feel?” I asked worriedly when I was beside him.

“Useless.” He shrugged and I smiled.

“At least you’re feeling better.” I explained and he reached under the counter to take my hand.

“I love you.” He mouthed.

“Love you too.” I smiled happily but then Bishop Allen walked in and I pulled away quickly.

“Hello Andrew. I was hoping I would find both of you here.” Bishop Allen smiled.

“I couldn’t convince him to stay home and take his pills.” Eli laughed joining us.

“Well can we go to the back and talk?” Bishop Allen asked quickly and Andy stood up gesturing for me to lead. I stopped as soon as we were back there. “I would like to discuss moving your wedding up.” He told us.

“Alex’s dad told us we had to wait for the last date.” Andy told him.

“So it wasn’t just the date of our last opening?” He checked and I nodded. “Then I guess I should go speak to Bishop Carmicle before we discuss anything else.” He walked back to the front and when the door chimed his leaving I moved so that my arms were around Andy.

“How do you feel?” I asked.

“I’m okay.” He promised before kissing my head and leaving. I ran after him and pulled him to a stop.

“What’s wrong?” I whispered.

“Nothing.” He shook his head.

“Don’t lie to me.” I begged.

“It’s nothing. I can handle it.”

“You’re hurting.” I accused. “Please take your pills.” I whispered.

“No.” He shook his head again, “I’m not taking them.” He warned and I backed away at his tone. “I’m sorry.” He promised taking my hand, “My brother just…” He trailed off and I suddenly understood his determination to be places where he could not take the pills.

“I’m sorry.” I promised, “I should have thought about that.”

“Why would you?” He questioned, “It wasn’t me.”

“But I was with you when it happened.” I whispered trying not to be hurt by the fact that he would not look at me. “I know that you won’t let yourself get addicted though, Andy. If you need the pills please take at least one. Or some ibruprophen.” I suggested a compromise.

“I’ll take the Ibruprophen.” He promised and so I hurried out of the shop and to the store.

“What are you doing?” Andy’s Mom, Theresa, asked.

“Picking up some Ibruprophen.” I whispered, “I thought you were still at the other community.”

“I am.” She sighed, “I needed to come check on Andrew though.” She admitted.

“Oh well I’m heading back to the shop now.” I promised, “We’ll walk together.” I smiled at her and she sighed. She had never liked me and so I always tried extra hard to make her happy.

“You and Andrew are getting married I heard.” She said curtly.

“Yes.” I smiled not needing to fake this smile. “I think he misses you.” I added thinking that it would make her happier. She did not say anything just waited for me to buy the medicine and then walked with me to the shop. Andy just looked at us silently but I noticed that he was hiding his arm and looked over at Theresa realizing that she had no idea that Andy had had surgery.

“What are you doing here?” Andy asked her ignoring the fact that I was trying to give him the Ibruprophen.

“Andy.” I begged and he looked at me. “Please take the pills.” I whispered and he nodded. He only used his good arm to take them and then he took my hand holding me close.

“Mother?” He questioned again obviously still waiting for her answer.

“I needed to see you.” She whispered looking at me pointedly.

“She’s not leaving.” Andy warned and I tensed understanding the problem as things clicked with me.

“You were mad at your parents.” I whispered and he looked over at me, “You were mad at them because of me… this is all my…”

“No.” He interrupted quickly, “None of what happened was your fault. And yes you were in the fight but you were nowhere near the only factor.” He promised and I relaxed some.

“You need to come home Andrew.”

“I am home.” He warned, “And I’m not fighting with you right now. Just go back.” He snapped and I looked up worriedly.

“Andy?” I started.

“Don’t.” He warned and I just nodded walking away. “Alex…” He groaned following me after a second.

“What’s wrong?” I whispered worriedly.

“I’ve hurt you again.” He sighed looking at me.

“I was just trying to give you the space to think that you obviously needed.” I promised, “I’ve got to head home soon anyway.” I added and he pulled me closer.

“You’re not hurt?” He questioned.

“I didn’t say that.” I shook my head pulling away at the chime above the door. He obviously wanted to say something else but I looked up at the counter to find Dad. “Hi Daddy.” I smiled walking up front. I was so used to hiding when I was hurting from everybody that I knew that even Andy was confused.

“I wanted to talk to you and Andrew.” He told me and Andy walked up to the counter. “The bishops voted.” He started and I just looked up curiously at him, “You two will be getting married tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I asked.

“Yes. So your mother asked me to come and see if you could come home early. I know we said you could stay all day but…” I felt Andy tense but I nodded at Dad.

“I was about to head home anyway. I wanted to work on the wedding.” I shrugged and Dad smiled taking my hand.