Redemption

Chapter 8

Katarina walked slowly up the steps to her neighbor's porch. The cheerful white curtains of the living room greeted her as they fluttered in the breeze, which was coming through the open windows. She didn't really feel as though she could interact with anyone today, but something about Mrs. Trenton's story made her want to know more. How could a woman who went through what Mrs. Trenton had be so positive? And how could she be a Christian now when she behaved the way she had as a teenager? Katarina simply didn't understand it. That in and of itself compelled her to search out her neighbor to hear more of her story on a Saturday afternoon.

For a long moment, she hesitated on the front door step, unsure if she should ring the bell. This is ridiculous. I'm scared of ringing a bell and talking to an elderly lady who's been nothing but kind! Sucking in a breath, she reached out and pressed the button beside the door. The stringent sound of the bell buzzing seemed at odds with the still, peaceful environment that the house exuded. She resisted the urge to wince.

The front door swung open, and Mrs. Trenton smiled at her cheerfully. "Come on in, Kat. I have some coffee brewed if you'd like some."

Coffee sounded wonderful. Felix had spent all day lounging about the house; he usually took off on Saturdays and came home late with the smell of alcohol clinging to him and an angry fire in his usually distant eyes. While it was nice to know he wouldn't come home drunk tonight, it had been draining because she had felt on edge and fidgety all day as she tried to decide how to respond to his presence.

"I would love some if it's not too much to ask," Kat said, smiling weakly.

Mrs. Trenton gave her a once over as she ushered Kat into the house. "Dear me, what's the matter? You look drained, Kat. What happened?"

Kat shook her head with a sigh as she pulled off her shoes and left them by the door. "Felix stayed home today; he never does that anymore, and it's had me on edge all day."

"Well, that'll do it, I suppose," Mrs. Trenton mumbled. "But why didn't you try to spend some time with him or explain how you were feeling."

"We aren't close anymore. I'm not sure that he necessarily hates me, but he's certainly bitter towards me."

"But why?" Mrs. Trenton turned a perplexed look to her.

"Because I lost the baby." Kat swallowed back the anguish that was making her throat constrict. "He blames me, saying that if I'd just done what the doctor said a bit more carefully, I never would've lost her."

"Oh, Kat... You don't really believe that about the situation, do you?" Mrs. Trenton asked.

"What else am I supposed to believe? I know I didn't take it as easy as I should've once I found out the baby was in a weakened state." Kat looked away and tucked her fingers into the front pockets of her jeans. "You'd believe it too if you were in my position."

"Maybe, once upon a time, I would've," Mrs. Trenton agreed.

"But not now?" Kat asked, eyes widening as she looked back to Mrs. Trenton.

"Not now," Mrs. Trenton agreed.

"Why not?"

"Well, it all ties into the next part of my story. Would you like to settle down in the living room? I'll get the coffee and bring it in. What do you like in your coffee?"

"Just black, please." Kat smiled as she followed Mrs. Trenton into the living room.

"Make yourself at home, then, and I'll be right back."

Kat settled down on the velvety soft sofa and curled up. The warmth of the house and the ray of sunshine that was drenching her in light made her feel safer than she had in quite some time. She shut her eyes for a moment and let herself imagine what it would be like if she could go back in time to the point where she and Felix had been happy together. If only things worked that way...