Hope | Two √

22

Anthony had picked me up so we could meet up with Nat and Alex. I was so anxious and nervous and happy all at the same time. Which also initiated a small asthma attack. So Anthony quickly handed me my pump and helped me calm myself down.
By the time we finally did arrive at the restaurant I had counted the 5 asthma attacks I had in the past half hour.

Lord, I just had like 5 attacks, which proves that I'm not trusting that everything is going to be ok because you are in control. So please take all this anxiety and nervousness away and guide me through this night. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

After the small prayer before exited the car, I took a deep breathe and smiled as Anthony opened the door for me.

"You ok?" He asks, looking concerned. "Yeah I'm feeling better." I reassure him. He kisses my forehead and we enter the diner and almost immediately I make eye contact with Nat. I smile awkwardly and she giggles. As usual she would make fun of me.

We both walk over to the booth Alex and Nat were in and sit down opposite them.
"Long time no see..." Nat begins slowly. "Just a little..." I reply, giggling a little. She smiles awkwardly looking down at the table.

"Why don't me and Anthony go order while you guys talk? Make this a little less awkward." I smile and slightly nod. Nat does the same. They get up and walk away and I turn back to Nat.

"I want to start over..." She begins. " I am so sorry I overreacted over my parents divorce. I am so sorry I pushed you away. I mean your my best friend and you stayed by me no matter what I would say. I stopped speaking to Alex, but he kept on calling until I finally answered and we talked for hours and hours about me, God, you and just basically everything I needed to let out.

When he hung up, I immediately fell to my knees and started to speak with God asking for forgiveness and asking him for help. The next day it was like an immense weight was taken from my shoulders and my parents signed the papers on good terms. I mean they're not together, but they're not completely separated and I thank God for you, Alex and I especially thank him for teaching me and helping me to trust in him. Thank you Jess, really..."

I didn't notice before, but I felt a tear form in my eyes. I smiled stupidly and let out a small chuckle. "There is nothing to thank me for. You know I would do anything for you and I am so happy that you you're happy and... Ugh... I'm just full of happy emotions right now.." she laughs and I laugh along with her.

We get up at the same time and give each other a tight hug of reconciliation.

"We should go to the bathroom and breathe..." She jokes. "Yup." I reply giggling. We signal to the boys who are still ordering. They nod. Indecisiveness is big with these boys.
"I can't wait for you to meet Lena." I mention.
"Yes! Alex told me a little about her. I need to thank her for being there for you." She exclaims. I giggle.

Thank you Lord for taking control and bringing Nat back to me. Thank you thank you thank you so much! I love you holy spirit!

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8:30 pm

"By your smile tonight was really great." Anthony mentions breaking a small silence in the car.
I turn to him and don't stop smiling. It was great. It was more than great, it was special.
After eating our food we all decided to walk through the botanical garden of the city and just catch up with each other's lives. It was really fun and we took a million pictures as usual and it was just like the old times.

"It was."

He reaches over, eyes on the road, and holds my hand. "I love you Jess." He says. "I love you more Anthony."