To Be Made Whole (A Christian Romance) (On Hold)

Chapter 16: Bad Temper

The lush mattress felt nothing like the one I had at home. My body sunk into this one and it hugged each side of me like a cozy mitten. It was much larger than any bed I'd ever seen. Even my parents had humbly purchased a Queen sized bed for themselves, but this- this must have been a custom made King. I tossed and turned that first night. The extravagant and comfortable bed wasn't to blame for my restlessness, but my whirling thoughts were to blame.

It had now been five nights since I'd arrived. Saturday came and went along with my volunteering. I underestimated the pressure of working around food while fasting, but I made it through. Sadly, the kind homeless man that I had met that day, didn't show up. I found it to be odd, but I had yet to accomplish the goals I had set pertaining to him.

The Hawthorne's were as accommodating as their children and gladly arranged a chauffeur to bring me to and fro whenever I needed to exit the home. I found it impressive that although they had enough riches to make Jessica and Ben spoiled and heartless, they instead taught them proper manners. The only spoiling that took place was within the residence that was grand in size, but they made them work hard for everything else.

Even my privacy was respected. Throughout the days, I would pray and read my Bible. I had been so eager, that since I began to follow the Lord Jesus, I had nearly completed the New Testament. Especially now, since all that I did was focus on God. The days and nights felt as though they morphed into one as the time passed seamlessly hour by hour. My mind remained steady on Christ.

Only a few times, did I have to battle with the beautiful distractions that the architecture offered me. If it weren't admiring the tall and detailed walls, then it was stealing glances at the art pieces that were so carefully displayed across them within the room. The gold embroidered frames glistened beautifully during the day almost completely stealing attention from the paintings themselves. The larger temptation was the modestly sized bookshelf on the other side of the bedroom. It had many books that I had craved to read in my teen years, but never had the chance to.

I definitely wouldn't now. I knew what had been on those pages from the quiet giggles and mysterious whispers of the female student body during my senior year. I knew it was something God would not be pleased with me reading.

The sun had long since set and the natural light that generously poured through the windows had been replaced by a softer white light from the moon and stars above.

Ben had come to my room door on more than one occasion on this day alone. Yet he'd never say a word before walking away. I knew it was him each time because he'd always stop by when his parents were out doing business. I felt a little bad for him. I had nothing that I could do or say to help him to move on. The best thing that I could do for him now would be keeping my distance.

I fluffed the large pillow behind my head and felt extreme gratitude that the growing hunger had simmered down. On the large mahogany bedside table, sat the pitcher of water that I would go through on a daily basis. It was extremely beneficial to have a bathroom connected to my room for once. I learned that bubble guts could be one of the side effects to consuming no food, but plenty of water.

I swept back my curls with a satin headband to get them out of my face and pulled the rest into a sturdy bun that was held together by a satin scrunchie. My head had just hit the pillow when a knock came to my door. My eyes that were happily closing, jolted open and I fought the sigh that wanted to fall from my lips.

It was their home after all. I thought as I pulled away the thick blanket in record time and softly sprinted to the door. The wooden floors were usually freezing at this time of night, so I felt grateful for packing my fluffy house slippers.