As Dylan helped me out of the car, I heard the screen door slam. "SAM!!!" oh. my. gosh. "HENLEIGH!" I jumped out of the car and ran into my best friends arms. my eyes started to fill with tears. I was struggling to find words, I was so shocked yet ecstatic to see her! "what on earth are you doing here? and how did you know where I was?" Henleigh released me from her warm, hug. "Dylan called me." that was enough for me. we walked inside the house with Dylan trailing behind. Ryan and his wife, Bethany, were sitting on the couch watching tv. "hey guys! is it cool if Henleigh and I go sit out on the back porch? we have a little bit of catching up to do." Dylan was hesitant to answer. "Sam, can I talk to you for a second?" I walked quickly towards Dylan. we took a seat in Ryan's office. "look Sam. I know you want to talk with Henleigh, but I don't want you sitting outside. it could be dangerous and the one thing that I want more than anything on this planet is for you to be completely safe." "then why don't you just come outside with us?" "I want you guys to have your privacy." classic Dylan. always thinking of others. "Ryan and Bethany were going to grill for dinner so they'll be outside anyways. you can help them by the grill and we will sit by the pool." "I guess so. anything for my girl." I could feel my face getting hotter by the second. why does he always have to make me blush? we slid open the back door and went to sit by the pool. "so Leigh, tell me everything that's been going on!" I said excitedly. "well, Chase finally asked me out." "go BFF. that's my BFF." "oh and I brought a letter from Coach." Henleigh handed me a crisp envelope. "is it cool if I read it now?" "of course. I'll give you a minute." I opened the letter:
Dear my sweet Sam,
I hope you're doing great. I wrote down some addresses of some bible verses I think would help give you some comfort. Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 23:4-6, Psalms 30:5, and Psalms 147:3. you know how the bible says to pray without ceasing? I have not stopped praying for you and Dylan. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about this earlier. I wanted to, I really did. I just... I just couldn't. I love you so incredibly much and I thank God every day for blessing my life with you. I want you to know that no matter what happens, it's in Gods plan. I hate to have to cut this letter short, I will try my absolute best to get another letter sent out soon, but I want you to know how much I love you and I can't wait to see you.
with all my love,
Coach Matt
I folded the letter and put it in my pocket. I was going to treasure it for forever. as I started to walk towards Dylan and the rest of the group, darkness suddenly surrounded me and calloused hands gripped my waist.
