Keeping Faith

Chapter Fourteen: A Piece of Her Heart

     Jonathan took a deep breath as he took a step towards Amanda and Bryan's house. Little Jonathan William ran toward him from the yard, "Uncle Jay!"

Calling him uncle was far easier than 'Godfather', and Jonathan didn't mind a bit. He relished the nickname and all the fun that came along with it.

Amanda opened the door, "Jonathan! What a pleasure it is to see you! Bryan's inside. Please, come in." She hugged him and led him to Bryan.

Bryan smiled and shook Jonathan's hand pulling him into a hug. "Good to see you, Jay! What brings you out this way?"

Jonathan managed a smile, "I just needed to talk." Bryan nodded, "Yeah, no problem. Have a seat." He gestured to the couch. Amanda smiled, "Jay, would you like some coffee or anything to drink?" Jonathan smiled, "I would love a cup of your coffee, Amanda. If it's not too much trouble."

She stood and waved him off, "Oh hush such nonsense, of course it's no trouble." She took little Jon with her to the kitchen while Bryan questioned, "What's wrong Jonathan? What's troubling you?"

He sighed, "How did you do it Bryan? How did you make it through losing Billy?" Bryan leaned back in his chair, "You never really get over it Jay, if that's what you're asking. But it does become easier to bear as time passes. I'm sorry we weren't able to speak at the memorial service. But I knew that wasn't the time."

Jonathan nodded, "I mean, I know the loss you suffered is greater than my own — I mean, you had Billy for seventeen years and we only had Devin for a few seconds."

Bryan shook his head, "That doesn't mean the loss isn't the same. To lose a child — at any age — that will tear you apart if you let it. I don't think a parent is ever meant to bury their child. I don't think that's what God has planned."

Amanda returned with his coffee and placed it on the coffee table then took a seat beside him on the couch.

Jonathan thanked her for the coffee and continued on in his conversation with Bryan, "I don't think it's God's plan either — but I don't know if I can get past this."

Amanda laid her hand on his shoulder, "How is Sharla taking it?" He cocked his head towards her, "She is actually doing very well. She was really struggling with it at first, but God gave her peace. I just wish I could find the same."

She nodded, "Have you shared with her how you're feeling?" He shook his head, "No. I am trying to be strong for her. I don't want her to fall back into that depression state she was in right after it happened."

Amanda took a deep breath, "I think she is probably still struggling Jonathan. Even if she doesn't say so. Your loss is great, but she carried him for months. A part of her died too and that piece is one she will never get back. Devin and Kevin are the only ones that know what her heart sounds like from the inside — they were a part of her. Devin took a piece of her heart with him when he died."

Teresa huffed as she sat on the curb waiting on the bus to pick her up. She was ready for Anthony and David to get back home.

Anthony and David always took turns taking her to school in the squad car. She loved it. Now that they had been gone for three months she had to ride the bus to school. And it was, needless to say, not nearly as much fun.

She fiddled with her braid as she waited, it sure was taking a long time today. She glanced up when she heard a horn honk. Could it be?

A smile spread across her face until she saw him. There was Daniel Thompson, smiling and waving at her, "Teresa, come on! My mom said we could give you a ride!"