Saving Evan

Chapter 16

Evan's P.O.V.
I was still in the hospital, healing. I had been in there for a month. My stitches had been taken out about a week ago, but the doctor wanted me to have the correct blood pressure and weight.

My stay also helped me grow closer to God. I would see Robin everyday; she would bring my homework and her Bible. I was also not throwing up after every meal! I was glad of it, because my throat wasn't sore anymore, and my voice wasn't as raspy.

I still thought about Robin and her dad leaving. It had bothered me a lot at first, but I hadn't been a strong Christian then, and I hadn't realized how much the people in Sudan needed more doctors.

I was lying on the hospital bed, Robin sitting next to me. She was leaving tomorrow at five in the morning, so she wouldn't be able to say goodbye.

"I hope you remember to write to me." Robin grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I felt really akward. Goodbyes weren't my thing.

"I won't." It felt really weird. Robin looked down in her lap. I saw her swipe a hand over her eyes.

"Hey...you won't be alone, Robin. Don't cry...you'll have Jesus with you..." I gently tugged her arm and pulled her into a hug.

She sobbed, and I could feel her tears falling onto my shirt. "It's just...I've seen you change from a...a bulimic person to a Christian...it's hard..." she continued to cry, me hugging her.

I rubbed circles in her back, doing something my mom had done when I or Yvonne was sad or having trouble.

Robin finally let go, and I leaned back on my pillows. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and took a deep breath.

"I got you something, Evan. Please read it always." she pulled a small square out if her tote bag and handed it to me. I took it, and stared at it for a second. "Well, are you going to open it?" Robin laughed shakily.

I opened the box and unwrapped a length of plain paper from a square-shaped object. When I got it out, I stared at it.

It was a Bible; black leather with my name inscribed in gold coloured lettering in the bottom right hand corner.

"You didn't have to get me one, Robin." she hugged me again and didn't say anything.

When she did, she was holding back tears. "I'll miss you, Evan Day." she pulled out of the hug and stood. "I'll never forget you."

I found myself blinking back tears. "I'll miss you more, Robin Halls."

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it once more, and hugged me again. She kissed me on the cheek, then scurried out of the room.

"Robin!" 

"Yes?" she came running back. 

I reached up a hand, her cheek soft in my palm. I sat up and pressed my lips against hers. I felt her smile. 

"I love you, too," she smiled, and kissed me again before leaving.

I sat in a daze. The thought of Jesus knocked me back to reality.

Help me be able to trust that my life is in your hands, I prayed.

***

After another week, I was allowed back home. I had gained a few pounds, which, according to the doctor, was a good thing.

I became a vegetarian, despite how much Yvonne and my dad teased me. It helped me eat right, and I would be able to maintain a healthy weight. I didn't make myself throw up after I ate.

I felt new and clean, something I hadn't felt in a long time. Exercising came easily to me, since Yvonne would go jogging every morning, I would tag along.

I thanked Jesus everyday for sending Robin. I missed her, but knew that God was watching over her, and knew what to do. All I had to do was trust Him.

The end of the school year was approaching, which meant that Yvonne would graduate.

She had applied to three colleges, all in our state, and two had accepted her. She had a difficult time deciding which one would suit her best.

The end of the year drew to a close. My sister graduated, and left to college. The summer flew by, and I was a senior.

Everyday, I still thanked God for Robin, even though we had long lost touch, since letters couldn't be sent, and phones were often abandoned.

I was glad Robin had stepped in my life, even if she left.