Finding a Way to You (Book One of The Finding Series, going through revision)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

~Annabel/Becca~

A few days later I am released from the hospital. Aunt Kay and Uncle Tommy have taken me in. Jamie doesn’t leave my side either. Tomorrow is his mother’s funeral. I want to go; but the reminder of how ugly I am; sits on my arms, legs and face. Burns. Little pieces of charred flesh reminding me that my life was a lie. The nightmares of the fire have gotten better. The first few nights in the hospital after I woke from my coma were pretty severe. Dreams of never ending flames tearing at each part of my body.  Tami sticking a lit lighter on me; scorching my legs, arms. But after every one of them, I always find peace in Jamie’s arms. He didn’t leave the hospital, and this time I didn’t beg him to like I did before. Probably afraid we might lose one another. I know I am; afraid to even leave his side. I guess this is what love is? Never wanting to be separated from the one who protects you; keeps you safe. I wonder if that is how God feels about us? His children. It amazes me that He can love me that way. After Jamie prayed with me at the hospital, I got a renewed love for Christ. I know it will be hard sometimes but I will never run from God again. Never.

“Bell?” Jamie says knocking on the door of my new room at Aunt Kay’s. “You can come in Jamie.” I smile as he enters the room. He is dressed in a plain t-shirt and his denims.

His face stretches when he sees me. “Hey baby bell.” I cringe at the new nickname. Ever since I told him I didn’t want to go by Becca anymore, but by Annabel; he will not stop calling me Baby Bell. He pecks my lip and sits down beside me on the bed.

“Why do you have to call me Baby Bell?” I groan. He smiles again and pulls me close. “Cause you are my baby Annabel. And I love you.” He lowers his mouth to mine and we kiss for a few minutes. He pulls away first. “Okay the real reason I came up here is you have a visitor.”

Who could be wanting to see me? “Who is it, Jamie?”

He frowns for a moment. “You father. He wants to see you.” I feel dull. Like a dull knife has passed through my body. My heart aches, but that is all. No reminder of the crazy woman who I thought was my mother…

“Okay.” Is all I say. He kisses me once more and leaves the room.

I burry my head in my hands. “God I am sorry. Let me forgive my father. I love you Jesus. Thank you for finally showing me who you are.”

A peaceful calm settles over me. I cry for a few minutes. Then the door opens and in walks my father. “Hey Becca.” I shake my head.

“No. I am not Becca anymore. Don’t call me that. I am Annabel.” My father smiles. His eyes don’t look tired today. They look almost happy. Bright blue irises.

“I never liked Rebeka anyway. When your mom named you Annabel I thought it fit you just right.” He frowns at the mention of my birth mom.

He throws the blankets off me, and pulls on my good wrist.

“Come on, I want to show you something.” I nod and follow him out the door.

Jamie wasn’t happy when we left. Can someone be so protective? I guess they can when your life has been threatened twice. Thirty minutes later we pull up to a one-story house. The exterior is a pale blue and the blinds on the outside windows look like they can fall at any given moment.

“Dad? Where are we?” I ask getting out of the car. He smiles for a minute.

“You ready to meet your sister Rain?” I nod. I didn’t know he was going to bring me here. I am not prepared to find out anything about her. Scared to, almost.