Finding Him (Him Series Book 2)

5-Friends

"Izzy, do you believe in heaven?"

I looked over at eight-year-old Sam, a cancer patient, and my heart ached. "Sure, I do."

He was quiet a moment, then looked up at me with tired but hopeful eyes. "I'm going to heaven."

"Of course, you will. Someday."

Sam's steady gaze held on to mine, and I saw a deep understanding that belied his tender years. "You know I'm out of remission. I'm sick of always being sick."

"I know." I reached over and took his hand. "Sam, you can't quit fighting. Find something to be happy about every day. It's not easy, but you can't give up hope." Inwardly, I cringed at the meaningless cliché of words.

Sam's gaze dropped. "Sometimes I'm not sure I'll ever leave here. I want to go outside and play. I want to see the sun."

I went to the window and pulled the curtains open wider so that beams of sunlight filled the room. "What else can I do?"

"Do you believe in God, Izzy?"

Uncomfortable, I swallowed hard and glanced away. I didn't know how to respond. Sensing a hard no would upset him, I thought quickly.

Taking a sheet of paper from my pocket, I tore it up and placed the pieces beneath Sam's pillow. Tapping twice on the pillow, I asked him to look for the paper.

He peered curiously beneath the pillow. "Where is it?"

"Look again."

Sam looked under the pillow and his eyes widened when he saw the tiny paper airplane. "How did you do that?"

"Magic." I smiled.

"Not really," Sam said with wisdom beyond his years.

"Anything is possible." I touched his hand. "You just have to believe." I was on a roll with the empty words.

"You have to believe in Jesus. If he wants to take me home, there's no other place I'd rather be." His eyes closed a moment and when they opened again, they locked with mine. "If anything happens to me, Izzy, remember to believe in Jesus."

My chest tightened at Sam's confidence. A peacefulness settled over him like he knew the secret of life and the rest of us were still searching. Good grief, this kid was as disillusioned as Lucy. "Sam, your parents will take you home when they can."

He nodded, but I had the feeling he was disappointed. "I know. See you later, Izzy."

"Absolutely." My phone vibrated as I headed to the hospital cafeteria to meet Lucy. Glancing down, my heart lurched as I read the text.

Scott: Who's the guy you left with last night?

He was following me. It was creepy, stalkerish. I was confused as to why he'd bother. Hunter had called a buddy to pick him up at my place last night, and the text messages started up as soon as he was gone.

I'd turned off the phone, but I couldn't sleep. Every noise played havoc on my nerves even after I'd doubled checked to make sure the doors were locked.

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked, frowning.

"Life." I forced a smile and glanced at the two cups of coffee set in front of her, and reached for one. "Thanks, you're the best."

"It's Scott again, isn't it?"

Lucy knew me too well. I shrugged like it was no big deal. "He'll get tired of this eventually."

"It's been a month, Izabelle. Maybe you should talk to someone. My dad might be able to help."

"It's just a few texts. Look at me. I'm a clown. Scott is a respected doctor. No one is going to take me seriously."