His Perfect Love

Chapter 15

Two days later, Sunday dawned. Riley dressed in a light green paisley dress. She was a bit apprehensive about going into town because she didn't want to hear the gossip. She hated that Allison had to be subjected to it, but more so for Clayton. She could imagine all too well what people would think about him. He was an unmarried man and a pregnant woman was staying with him. People might assume that the child was his, even though he had an outstanding reputation in town. Riley could only hope that her own child would not be blamed and outcast like she was. Her parents' sin was carried on to her, even though she was innocent.

Riley remembered what Clayton said about the innocence and purity of children born into the world. She supposed it really wasn't her child's fault that its father was abusive and cruel. Or that its mother was young and inexperienced. No, she would not blame her child for the faults of its father. Riley would just have to raise her child to be different from its father, different even from her. She wanted this baby to be happy and successful. To be wanted and loved. Those were the most important things.

Riley rinsed away the thoughts as well as her face. It was Sunday, she should be cheerful, not morbid. She took extra care with her appearance, knowing that everyone would be looking at her. Riley twisted her hair in an elaborate up-do. She decided to ask Allison for some jewelry to borrow. Her boots were lying on the floor, in front of the wardrobe. Riley pulled the boots on, loosely lacing them. Out in the kitchen breakfast was waiting as were Clayton and Allison.

"You look very beautiful today, Riley," complimented Allison. "I love your hairstyle."

Riley touched it self-consciously, "Thanks. I was wondering if I could borrow jewelry to go with my dress?"

"Sure thing! While I set the table, you can go on in my bedroom and borrow anything you'd like from the box on my vanity."

She found the box right where Allison said it would be. Riley rummaged through the cherry wood box. She saw earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. A peridot and gold hanging teardrop pendant caught her eye and she pulled it out to inspect it close up. The gemstone sparkled brilliantly. This would be nice to wear. She unhooked the clasp, then fastened it around her neck. Riley looked in the mirror and smiled. Her face wasn't exactly what people would call stunning or beautiful. It was plain and sharp. When she was young she would always be jealous of the beautiful girls in school that caught everyone's attention. She often blended into the background when she wasn't being treated badly because of her parents' actions. Even now looking at Claire made her jealous of people's outward attractiveness. She wished that society wouldn't put so much on what was fashionable on the outside, but at what was truly beautiful on the inside.

Today though, she was happy with the way she looked. It was easier not to think about her appearance when people looked at her and accepted her exactly the way she was like Clayton and Allison. Riley finally rejoined the siblings for a breakfast of tea, scones, and fruit salad. The last sermon Riley remembered was the one about fear. That had stood out to her. In the back of her mind, she was still fearful about Wesley coming after her. Now she was fearful about what people would say to her. So far she hadn't heard the gossip and insults directly, but she knew that they were certainly out there. It was only a matter of time before someone whispered behind her back with her "coincidently" standing by them. Or, someone would call her a bad name to her face. She could only assume that the gossip level wasn't as bad as it could be because of Allison's friends that knew she had a husband. Though, not everyone knew that.

Riley wondered what the today's sermon would be about. Hopefully something she could relate to. The concept of God and Christianity still baffled her, but when she could connect to a teaching, it made her understand a little bit more. She was afraid now, but recalling what Dave said, she didn't have to be afraid. God gave everyone spirits of power, love and a sound mind. He helps people, so she shouldn't be afraid. Trust in him. Have faith, she told herself.