Dying Wish

Chapter 20

Laura went back home and slammed her bedroom door and mourned in her room, upset with her losses. Aubrey came in promptly.

"Honey? What's wrong?" Aubrey asked, concerned.

"It's all wrong. My life is collapsing," said Laura.

"No, it's not," Aubrey assured.

"Yeah?" Challenged Laura. "I was left as an infant by a man who became wealthy, yet never cared about me enough to invest in me, even a little. So, I was raised by another man, whom for years I believed was my father. Not to mention, while infected by stage four cancer. The man and my mother divorced, making me feel sad for a while. The only constant I had was Tobias, but he's changed too."

"You know, Laura," said Aubrey, a little hesitant. "You've always told me that God is constant. Right?"

Laura sat up a little. "I thought you didn't believe in God."

"I'm not sure I do," shrugged Aubrey, "but I know God is important to you." She then went on to say, "I've carefully listened to everything you've told me about God and the Bible. I have. Something I remember you told me is about, what's his face, Job? A man who had everything taken from him, but still feared God. You know, baby, maybe you're Job right now."

Laura was silent, listening to what her mother was saying, absorbing the words. "You still remember my wish?"

"I do."

"Good."

Silence.

"I should probably meet Steven," said Laura. "And please let Dad know I still love him. And I love you."

"I love you too," said Aubrey. "And what about Tobias?"

"I think I owe him an apology."

The thing she felt worst about was Tobias. Although she only wanted best friendship from him, she felt awful about friend zoning him in the worst way. Laura composed herself and made her way to his house. After arriving, she rung the doorbell only to see his aunt.

"Is Toby here?" asked Laura.

His aunt sighed and then called his name. "Wait," she instructed Laura while Tobias came down.

A minute later Tobias went outside to talk to Laura. "Hey," he said shortly.

"Hey," sighed Laura, "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I want you to know that I still really value you and I'm so very grateful that God has given me someone as wonderful as you."

"I appreciate that," nodded Tobias, "I feel the same way. Thank you."

They were quiet a while, as the tension didn't completely diminish. "I decided to meet my father," Laura said, breaking silence.

"Really?" Toby sat up straighter. "When?"

"I still have to work that out. I also need to talk to Dad. I want him to know I still see him as my actual dad because he stepped in and acted like it," informed Laura.

Toby nodded, "Good idea."

"I really don't want to break my relationships," explained Laura, "I guess stress just makes me flip out sometimes. And change. Definitely change."

"Understandable," Tobias shrugged.

"Well, I better get home and call Dad and arrange something with Steven," sighed Laura, "I just wanted to apologize, and I thought it would be best to do in person."

"I agree. Thank you. Let me know what happens," said Tobias.

"Thanks, Toby," Laura smiled sweetly, and even a little blushy. "You're really great."

At that, Tobias blushed and smiled while Laura waved goodbye.

She's amazing, thought Tobias.