Finding a Way to Love:Forever Yours (Book two of The Finding Series)

Chapter Four

Chapter 4

I sit across the table from Annabel; eyeing her warily. She is acting weirder than usual. We are at Mc’dees eating after the movie. So happy to be out of that theater. We saw a romantic comedy and Annabel cried through the whole thing! I mean it wasn’t really sad, but it was supposed to be funny. I am pretty sure she is pregnant. I have never seen anyone this emotional; and that person not be pregnant. If she is pregnant I will be so happy for Annabel and Jamie, they have been through so much in the past three years. Well Annabel has been through a bunch… Two years ago she learned the secrets; we have had to keep from her. That her mom wasn’t her mom, and so much more. It was amazing that she found Jamie. Or more likely that Jamie found her. God knew what he was doing when He had them meet at the hospital that day.

I look back at Annabel as she devours her food. She is so thin, you wouldn’t think she would be able to each this much; and she usually doesn’t so that is why I think I know what’s going on.

As she shoves the last piece of her burger in her mouth; she looks at me. “What? Do I have something on my face?” She says with a mouthful. A smudge on mustard sits on her chin and I smile, shaking my head.

“Okay. What’s the deal with you? I know I walked in on you and Jamie getting freaky and I am sorry, but what was the freak out for?” I eye her intently. She swallows and wipes her hands on her pants; something she only does when she is nervous. “I don’t know what you mean Rache.” She says eyeing me right back. “Why don’t you tell me what is going on with you and Sam?” She says changing the subject.

Crap. I knew she was going to go there. She knows about my “date” with Lucas, but she has no clue about my little show I put on at Mc’dees over three weeks ago. “I have no clue what you are talking about.” I say nonchalantly. She raises her brow…

“Rachel I saw how you two acted at church Sunday. You didn’t even speak to each other.” I swallow. It’s true. We ignored each other like our lives depended on it.

“And when am I going to meet Lucas?” She questions. Ugh… I was hoping to avoid any of my family meeting my—whatever Lucas is… I feel bad enough already for using him; and God reminds me every day how I should have listened to Him.

I sigh. “I don’t know Rachel, we haven’t even been dating that long.” I slump back into the booth. “Not even sure if I even like him.” I mumble. She raises her brows. “What did you say?” She asks.

I shake my head. “Nothing… I didn’t say anything.”

“Yeah you did… I heard you. Don’t start lying to me, Rachel.” I let out a breath. God what am I doing to myself.  “It’s nothing… I mean…” I trail off; wishing the tears that are now burning my eyes would leave. I don’t know why I am being so dramatic.

I take in a deep breath and let it out. I pull a strand of hair out from behind my ear and play with it profusely; something I only do when I am nervous.

“I love him, but he had to bring HER to the wedding…” I say, fuming. “Did you know a few weeks ago he asked me to eat lunch with him, and when I get here; Paige is with him.” All the anger and hurt built up from that day is slowly coming out.

Annabel’s hand comes across the table to mine. “He’ll come around… I know he will, but why are you acting this way? You’re dating Lucas right?” I pull my hand back and go back to the routine with my hair. “You want the truth, Bell?” She nods. “You know I do. I don’t like lying, Rachel.” And I know she doesn’t; she was lied to her whole life.

“Not really.” I say ashamed. I take my face in my hands and rest my elbows on the table. “When I saw him with her that day, something inside me broke and I had to make him jealous; so I called Lucas… I have never been so mad in my life Bell… Never.” She grabs my hand again, showing me she cares. “When Sam saw me come in with Lucas he kisses Paige.” Annabel looks at me and raises her brow. “You didn’t do what I think you did; did you?”