Keeping Faith

Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Fresh Start

    Jonathan glanced over at the bouquet of roses that lay in the seat beside him. He hoped Sharla liked them. Things had been so good the past few days. They had finally been able to talk with each other about Devin's death when he came home three days ago.

It seemed that the time spend worrying about David had managed to numb their senses until they were able to speak about it rationally with one another. The time had done them good.

Kevin was growing like a weed and Sharla was as radiant as ever. Motherhood agreed with her and he had to admit, having Kevin around did bring him such joy. Joy that he didn't realize he needed until he was born.

With all the tragedy they had endured this year it was hard to believe they were only a few months away from his son's first birthday. Where had the time gone?

David sighed. Standing in front of him was his home. He closed his eyes and smiled. It was good to be back. There was a time that he feared he would never see this place again.

And yet, for all the time he'd spent in the hospital wishing he could be left alone, here he was dreading to enter his own home for the fear of simply that. Being alone. Yes, Max was with him, but it wasn't the same. For the first time he was truly feeling lonely.

As if understanding, Max instinctively jumped up and placed his paws on David's shoulders. Placing a hand on the head of his companion, he smiled, "Thanks Max. I'm glad I have you too."

Taking yet another deep breath, David entered his home. He tossed his keys into the blue dish sitting on the buffet table as he walked past. Glancing around the living room and then heading to the bedroom.

Max had already beaten him there and was in the process of making himself a comfortable spot on the top of one of the pillows. David flopped down on the bed and glanced at the photo beside his bed. The one with Faith.

He rolled to his side and smiled as he stared at the photograph. Remembering. Call her. His mind echoed. He sighed, she probably didn't what to hear from him.

He'd been a class act jerk. He'd acted the very way that he despised, and he was ashamed of it. Then call her and apologize. His conscience coached. He sighed and flipped his phone from its holster.

His finger hovered over the call button as he hesitated in placing the call. Finally, his better judgement won out and he pressed call. It rang twice. She answered on the third. Her voice was soft while bubbly, "Hello, David. I was hoping you'd call."

Relief flooded his soul. She had hoped he'd call. He was honest, "I was afraid you might hang up or not answer at all." A laugh seemed hidden in her words, "Why would I do that?"

He shifted his body upright till he was sitting on the edge of his mattress, "Well, I haven't exactly been myself lately." This time she laughed, "Oh really now, I would never have guessed." With the added touch of sarcasm, she then added, "What's up?" He played with a loose tread at the edge of his comforter, "I owe you an apology."

Faith said nothing, so he continued, "I, um, I don't know how much you know about what happened to me, but I know that I wasn't myself and I want you to know how sorry I am for treating you unkindly."

Faith's voice cracked through the receiver, "David, you never treated me unkind...and you currently don't owe me anything. I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you if you need me. You've always been there for me when I needed you. I'm just returning the favor."

The favor. David's mind echoed her words. Was that really all it was to her? Repaying a favor? He sighed, "Well, thank you, Faith. That um, that means a lot to me." You mean a lot to me.