by Leah Atwood
Zach stood to the side. About me, I’m sure.
Chapter Four
Most of her irritation with Lily had worn off by now, but Melanie was glad dinner was over. Her nerves were fraught and had the food not been so appetizing, she probably couldn’t have forced any down. As it was, a good portion of her meal was in a takeout container for later, and she’d only ordered dessert so that Zach wouldn’t have the satisfaction of knowing his effect on her.
She watched with pangs of envy as Lily walked to her car with Pastor Dan at her side. Lightning struck in the distance and Lily increased her gait to a run. Dan stuck by her and opened her door for her. They had such a wonderful friendship—like what she and Zach once shared, but with the benefit of them both having God in their lives. She couldn’t help but wonder what prevented them from starting a relationship.
Over the years, she’d teased Lily about her affections, but only one time had asked why she and Dan weren't a couple. Lily had shown such an uncharacteristic display of defensiveness that she never asked again.
Melanie sighed, pulled the hood of the raincoat over her head and ran to her car. A short break in the downpours kept her from getting too wet. She shrugged out of her coat and draped it over the passenger seat. Turned the key but nothing happened. She made a second attempt, but her car refused to start. Great, just what I need.
A knock on her window made her jump. Turning her head, she saw Zach standing there.
He peered inside, resting his eyes on the dash for a second. “Everything ok?”
“Beulah won’t start. She won’t even pretend to turn over.”
“Still naming your cars?” He chuckled until she shot him a glare. He sobered quickly and offered to help. “I have jumper cables in my truck. I’ll be right back.”
Her gaze didn’t leave him as he walked away—still the knight coming to her rescue. Had he been watching her as she left the restaurant? Regardless, she was grateful for the help. The restaurant crowd was thinning out at this hour, and no one lingered due to the weather. The least she could do was be nice to him.
He pulled his truck in front of her car and popped both the hoods, then proceeded to connect the cables. He gave it a few minutes for the cords to work their magic then instructed her to try to start the car. She turned the key. Nothing.
“Your battery is probably shot.” He glanced at his watch. “Does the auto store still close at seven or have they extended their hours?”
“They still close at seven.” She bit her lip out of frustration. “I’ll call Lily and have her turn around and pick me up. Randy won’t mind if I leave my car here overnight.”
“Randy?”
“Randy Stoltz, Sally’s grandson. He runs the restaurant now.”
“I am glad to hear it’s stayed in the family.” He hooked his thumbs through his belt loops and rocked on his heels. “Look, I know you’re not comfortable around me, but I can give you a ride home instead of having Lily come all the way back.”
She hesitated, quickly debating the pros and cons. “The weather’s turning bad again, and I’d hate to call her back out in it. Besides, it’s not that long of a drive. I think I can survive you for that long.”
Zach smiled at her answer. What went through his head? He opened his passenger door for her, and she moved to his truck. After he’d packed away the jumper cables and dropped her hood, he climbed behind the driver’s seat.
His body language reminded her of their first real date when their relationship had changed from platonic to romantic. Both of them had been nervous and unsure of the new road they were forging ahead on. Could this be the beginning of another new road they would travel together?
It was too soon to tell, but on that short drive home, she lost all her resolve to stay mad. She wanted to release the anger and hurt she’d held toward him for too long. They might never regain what they had shared, but they could at least move forward and put the past behind them, possibly even form a new friendship.
Last night, she had been too emotional to accept a walk home with him. Shock had numbed her, and the open air provided a wide berth for her thoughts to clear. Now, inside his truck, his presence was unavoidable. She was an arm’s length away from him and farther apart than they had sat in the booth, but the enclosed truck created a snugger atmosphere.
Neither of them spoke a word on the drive to her house. For her part, she was uncertain what he was thinking and how she should feel. When Zach pulled in her driveway and put the truck in park, an awkward moment passed with both reluctant for the night to end, but neither sure what should come next.
“Would you like to come in for a few minutes?” Once the words were out, Melanie was positive her expression must match Zach’s for surprise. The invitation had crossed her mind briefly, but she’d never imagined following through with it.
Chapter Five
Zach studied Melanie’s face, trying to determine if she was offering a truce or being polite. As much as he wanted that private conversation, he had no desire to impose his presence on her, and further unnerve her. Unable to discern her true intent, he decided to accept her offer. In the old days, Melanie would have never made a polite gesture with him because their friendship left no room for pretext.
“Sure.” He purposefully kept his answer casual to keep the expectations light.
She jumped out and ran up the walkway before he had a chance to exit. By the time he caught up with her, she’d turned on the porch and interior lights, and was opening her blinds. The day may have turned to night and with it the sunlight to moonlight, but Melanie wanted to avoid any image of impropriety.
Some things never change. He’d thought it a silly habit when they were teens, but he’d respected her wishes. Looking back, he saw the wisdom in the small, but meaningful, act.
“Would you like some hot chocolate?” She stayed by the window, her arms crossed over her chest.
“In the summer?”
A smile bloomed. “It never stopped you before.”
She remembers.
His heart did flips in a delighted overreaction. “Only if you have those tiny little marshmallows to add.”
“Is there any other way to drink hot chocolate?” Her arms fell to her side. “I’ll be right back.”
Sensing her need for a few moments alone, Zach settled on the sofa while Melanie went to the kitchen. He looked around taking in his surroundings. For the most part, the house looked the way it always had but boasted more improvements and personal touches than the last time he had been there.
Soft yellow curtains with embroidered daisies blended well with the sky-blue walls. He had never been a fan of those blue walls, but the curtains transformed them into a bright and inviting room. There was also new furniture in the living room, but the dining table remained the same.
He picked up a travel guide for Ireland and thought of the opportunity Melanie had five years ago. When the opportunity arose, they had discussed in depth what it would mean for their future. In the end, they decided that if she were accepted, she would go and they would be married when she returned. Had she gotten into the program? Had she gone?
Melanie walked in with a tray holding the hot cocoa, marshmallows, and oatmeal cookies.
“I know we just ate, but I didn’t know if you still enjoyed a cookie with your hot cocoa.” Her smile was shy and reserved.
“I sure do. Thanks.” Though his stomach was at capacity, he wouldn’t reject her offer. His reasons had nothing to do with his love of cookies.
She set the tray on the coffee table, and her line of vision immediately shifted to the book in his hands. An odd expression shadowed her face.
“Were you accepted into the teacher exchange?” Maybe he shouldn’t have asked, but he had to know.
“Yes.”
Pride, five years delayed, lifted his mouth to a smile. “How was Ireland? Was it all that you imagined?”
“I didn’t go.” She focused her gaze on the table, averting contact with him
.
Guilt shocked Zach to his core. She didn’t have to say why she didn’t go. The look in her eyes told him he was the reason she’d turned down the opportunity. If only he’d stayed and been honest.
“I applied again this year,” she whispered. “I just sent the application in today.”
“That’s wonderful.” Genuine happiness sawed away the edges of guilt. “I’m sure you’ll get in again. I will be praying you are accepted.”
“Since when do you pray?” She sat down on the opposite end of the sofa and eyed him with intrigue.
“I’ve been a Christian for almost a year now.” He watched her as a myriad of emotions played on her face.
“When? How? You never showed interest in attending church with me, let alone having a relationship with God.” The questions exploded from her mouth until she clamped a hand over her lips. Pink circles formed on her cheeks, and she lowered her hand. “I’m sorry. I just never expected to hear those words from you. To be honest, I never expected to hear anything from you again. But I am so happy you have found the Lord, Zach. I am really happy for you.”
Zach flinched at her comment about not hearing from him, even though it was warranted. There was no malice in her tone now, and she seemed willing to give him an opportunity to talk. That was the first step in forging ahead and restoring a part of their past friendship. One day he’d have to be completely honest and tell her everything, but how much should he reveal tonight?
He twisted his hands in his lap. “Thanks. I learned God meets us in the most unlikely places.”
“That he does.” Her eyes asked the questions her voice didn’t speak.
Dragging in a deep breath, he prepared to tell his story. Not all of it—some was too personal to delve into now. “When I left here, I went south. Without a destination in mind, I just drove.”
“Where did you end up?”
“Alabama at first.”
“At first?” She turned sideways and crossed one leg over the other.
“I stayed there for a year. Found a job that I hated, selling office equipment.” The memory of long hours convincing people to buy inferior products sent a shiver through him. “I was miserable and lonely. Time came to move on.”
“Why didn’t you come home?”
“I couldn’t. Not then.” He pressed two fingers against his temples. How could he make her understand without telling her the full story? “A part of me was missing. I had to find my birth parents.”
Her mouth gaped for a split second before she regained composure. “You… you’re adopted?”
“My dad told me three weeks before he passed away. I think he knew he didn’t have much time left.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? You knew for two years before leaving?” A thin line of restraint veiled her hurt.
He ran a hand through his hair and stopped at his neck. “In all ways that matter, my adopted parents were my parents. The news didn’t bother me because I grew up with two parents who loved me unconditionally.”
“What changed?” Compassion and a will to understand pushed the pain from her voice.
He didn’t deserve it from her, but he’d take it.
Air pushed through his teeth, creating a hiss in its escape. “The closer we got to our wedding date, I couldn’t stop thinking about my birth parents. What if there was something in my background I needed to know about? A rare genetic disease I could pass to our future children or worse. At the prospect of starting a family, I found myself not knowing who I was.”
“I would have helped you.” No condemnation, only a stating of facts.
“I know that, now, but I was confused. In a convoluted way, I thought by leaving, I was protecting you.” He leaned against the sofa’s back and stared at the ceiling. “Have you ever had a thought that started off small, but then you couldn’t stop thinking about it until it became a force that controlled you?”
She nodded slowly. “After my mom died, my anger consumed me. I wanted to stop it, but I couldn’t.”
“That’s how it was. I wasn’t angry, but I had to find out who I was.” He lowered his head so that he looked directly at her. “I’m not making excuses for how I left and what I put you through. It was wrong and cowardly, and the only explanation I can offer is that I wasn’t in my right mind.”
“I understand, yet I don’t.” She wiped away a tear. “But neither of us can change the past.”
“I’m sorry, Mel. For everything.”
“I. Forgive. You.” The words came out excruciatingly slow, but heartfelt. “Life’s too short for grudges, and if you’re sticking around, we’ll have to learn how to get along.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you planning to stay in Hope Springs?” Her voice wobbled. With nervousness? Hope?
He couldn’t tell.
“That’s my plan.” Straightening his back, he pointed out the window. “Hope Springs, this community, it’s home.”
“Home is a good place to be.” Her mouth stretched in a yawn as soon as the words came out. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I should be leaving anyway. Thank you for everything.” A stray crumb from the long-gone cookie fell from his shirt when he stood, and he caught it mid-air. Unsure what to do with it, he shoved it in his pocket and kept his hand there as though that’s how he wished to pose. “Do you need a ride to the auto parts store in the morning? I can take you and install the new battery for you?”
“I’d planned to ask Lily, but it’s too late to call her now.” She drew her bottom lip between her teeth, and her chest rose with a heavy sigh. “Is eight o’clock too early? I took off tomorrow for an appointment. It’s in Frederick, but not until ten.”
“Eight o’clock is perfect. I’ll see you then.” Elated she’d accepted his offer, albeit out of necessity, he smiled at her.
Awkwardness stumbled between them as they weren’t sure how to say goodbye. After the depth of their conversation just walking away seemed too detached but an embrace, too personal.
As a compromise, Zach extended a hand.
Melanie shook it as they said goodbye, then followed him out of the living room and to the front door.
A warm hand touched his shoulder when he turned his back and opened the door. “For what it is worth, I am glad you decided to come home.”
He walked to his truck feeling lighter than he had in five long years.
Chapter Six
Melanie changed her outfit for the sixth time since she’d woken up at five o’clock. Never having been a fashionista and preferring comfort to style, she could only blame her compulsive outfit changing on wanting to impress Zach.
Her previous outfit still lay strewn across her bed—a burgundy sheath dress that flattered her frame and color but the wool material would be impractical for the weather. The forecast projected the temperature to reach in the high eighties with continued humidity.
She tugged her favorite pair of navy capris over her hips and buttoned them before slipping on a forest green V-neck T-shirt which had just enough shimmer to dress up the outfit. The shirt darkened her eyes to an emerald shade, which in turn accentuated her long lashes. One look in the mirror confirmed she had on the right outfit. Sitting at her vanity, she styled her hair, and then applied a light layer of make-up.
Once satisfied with her appearance, she plodded to the kitchen for breakfast. Two empty mugs with remnants of hot chocolate still sat in the sink, a reminder that last night hadn’t been a dream. Full of emotion and exhausted from the enormity of last night’s events, she’d gone straight to bed, though slumber had eluded her for some time.
When sleep finally took over, promising dreams had filled her night. Her cheeks warmed just remembering them. Last night had brought a break-through, and she and Zach had crossed a bridge she’d thought long burnt.
After a lot of prayer and willingness to forgive, Melanie resolved that today was the birth of a new friendship—a friendship built stronger from the fragments of what they’d onc
e had, along with the new foundation of a family in Christ.
There was only one niggling detail. Why had Zach stayed away so long with no contact? Surely it hadn’t taken four years to find his birth family. She’d wanted to ask him last night, but his body language suggested he wouldn’t offer more information than he’d already given.
For all her hopes and resolutions, she knew that question must be answered. Instinct told her she could trust him again as a friend, but until she knew why he abandoned her, she could not and would not trust him as anything more.
She had just finished boiling water for tea when the doorbell rang. Peeking out the window, she saw Zach standing at the door with a bag in one hand and a drink carrier in the other.
“You’re early,” she said after opening the door. “I was just about to have some breakfast and a cup of tea.”
“Would you settle for a vanilla latte and a glazed strawberry donut?”
“How can a girl say no to that?”
What a difference forty-eight hours made. Two days ago she was running through the motions of life, unconsciously festering years of bitterness and anger toward a man who had left her. Now, he was standing at her door, treating her to her favorite indulgences, and they were joking like old times.
She eyed the pastry bag and her taste buds watered with anticipation. “Would you like to come in or eat on the go?”
“I thought we could eat on the go in case the store is busy.”
“Good thinking. Let me grab my purse, then I’ll be ready to go.”
She went to the kitchen, turned off the stove burner, and grabbed her purse off the counter. They walked to the truck and drove to the restaurant in relative silence as they ate their breakfast. Zach asked Melanie for her keys and once received, jumped out and took the old battery out of her car. He laid it down in the bed of the truck then they proceeded to the auto parts store.
When Zach pulled into the parking lot of Hope Springs Auto, Melanie’s heart took on an irregular rhythm. Maybe she should sit in the car so no one would see them together. Not that they were together in that sense, but they had ridden to the store in the same vehicle. Rumors had spread from the gossip mill with far less provocation than that.
