Forever Friends

by Murray, Tamela Hancock

  Kassia smiled and hoped her expression looked convincing. Truly she was happy for her friend, but Lexie’s good news only reminded her that her own life wasn’t nearly as full.

  ❧

  That evening, after she had spent a few hours shopping with Lexie and running errands around town, Kassia was ready to drop in front of the television and relax. Yet as she flipped through the channels and saw nothing appealing, she grew even more restless. She turned off the television, leaving the room silent. Despite her happiness for her friend, Kassia had bitten back envy at Lexie’s rich family life. Her husband was loving and supportive, her little girl was adorable, and her parents and extended family members were always there for her. Plus the anticipation of a new life would only increase her happiness. Lexie never boasted or threw her joy in Kassia’s face. On the contrary, she celebrated every victory of Kassia’s with her. But Lexie didn’t need to say a word about her fantastic life. Radiance exuded from her.

  “Why can’t it be like that for me?” she asked an invisible audience.

  In her heart, Kassia knew the answer. She realized she had something much more important to do than stare at the television. No amount of stalling would change that.

  She shivered with fear and wonder as images of the prodigal son popped into her head. Kassia recalled another time and place, a time of innocence, when she fully trusted God. Before she entered her teen years and began to resent her parents’ heavy involvement in their church activities. Before she seethed with rage at being thrust into the church youth group. Before she found a new group of friends, with attitudes about life that were different from the ones she knew. Before she rebelled.

  She reached for the phone. Maybe it was time to talk to her parents. Not just a conversation where she would share the latest news with her mother and receive a lecture, but a real, two-way exchange. Maybe even face-to-face. At present they lived three hours away by car, and she hadn’t seen them since Christmas. And now she was going to change that.

  She drummed the receiver with her fingers, hesitating. If she wanted a right relationship with God, though, she knew she needed to make her relationship right, or as right as it could be, with her parents.

  “With God all things are possible.” In minutes she would be testing that verse for herself.

  Thirteen

  The next week, Kassia was glad for Teague’s company as she drove to see her parents. Even though he still had a few more days left before his walking cast would be removed, he had agreed to go with her. She could see by the way he observed the passing scenery that he was glad to be out in the world.

  The season lifted Kassia’s spirits. Spring, a time of rebirth, renewal and new beginnings, always filled her with optimism. Large trees were budding, with fresh green leaves about to pop out so each would soon bear its unique umbrella of glory. The more ambitious flowering trees and shrubs already provided their own contribution to the picture.

  Kassia rolled down her window. Pleasant air with a slight chill entered the car.

  She thought about her traveling companion. “You don’t mind the air, do you?”

  “No,” Teague answered. “I was about to ask if I could roll down my window.”

  Even though the breeze brought with it the smell of exhaust fumes, she could still breathe in the light aroma of the season. The highway department had apparently just mowed, for newly cut grass in the median emitted a crisp scent. The fragrance of flowers blooming alongside the road softened the atmosphere. She thought back to her neighbor’s reference to Mother Nature and could understand why some people might look at the world as the work of a random force. But God, the Alpha and the Omega, encompassed all aspects of heaven and earth. Kassia was no longer willing to give one iota of credit for this creation to anyone other than Jehovah Himself.

  She could only hope her family would sense the change in her and offer their welcome.

  “What are you thinking about?” Teague asked.

  “Oh, nothing.” Guilt shot through her. She needed to let him know. The time had come. “Well, okay. I am thinking about something,” she admitted. “A lot of somethings. Things that maybe I should have told you about when I asked you to come along with me today.” She glanced at him then returned her attention to the road.

  She could see him staring at the road with as much intensity as if he were driving the car instead of her.

  “Well,” he finally ventured, “I get the feeling you aren’t close to your family. If I remember correctly, you may have even mentioned it at some point.”

  “Unfortunately you’re right. We don’t get along too well.”

  “I wondered if you were bringing me along as reinforcement.”

  She gulped. Was she really so transparent? “Maybe there was a little bit of that. I know they’ll be on their best behavior in front of you.”

  The giggle that escaped her lips was more nervous than happy. She had another reason for wanting him to come along on the trip. For better or worse, she wanted Teague to meet her family. Her time of nursing him along as he recovered from his surgery was drawing to a close. He would soon be able to move around freely, and he had already told her he’d be pursuing a new job with all his energy. His time for her would be more limited, and with so many excuses, she could easily evaporate from his life.

  She didn’t want that to happen. She wanted to be there for him as a friend—maybe more. Okay, definitely more. To be fair to Teague, she wanted him to see what her family was like before he pursued her any further, if he decided to do so. And she hoped her invitation would show him her interest in him extended beyond sympathy.

  “I’m sure we’ll get along great.”

  “I hope so, since you can’t run out of the house too fast.” She laughed then became serious. “Teague, I guess you know I’ve been trying to learn more about the real meaning of salvation—and the Lord’s plan for my life—since you and I met.

  He reached his hand over and laid it on her shoulder. “Yes, and I’m proud of you for that. I can see you’ve come a long way in a short time.”

  “Thanks, but I still have a long way to go. Part of the process for me is to try to get on better terms with my parents and sisters. I know it won’t happen overnight, but I’m hoping to start today, at least with my parents and older sister, Deidre. My little sister, Mona, won’t be there.”

  “You said her college has midterms scheduled this week.”

  “You remembered.”

  “Sure. Why wouldn’t I remember what you say?” he asked.

  “Don’t most women complain that men don’t listen to them?”

  “You’re not most women.”

  “And obviously you’re not most men.” She glanced at him and smiled.

  “I hope that’s a good thing.” He smiled, too.

  “I do believe it is.”

  ❧

  Kassia was nervous as she stepped out of the car. She paused by the open side door and regarded her childhood home. The two-story brick Georgian-style house that had once seemed so large appeared modest to her adult eyes. The side yard where she had spent hours running and playing had changed. An ancient oak tree had been replaced with green boxwood and azalea shrubs starting to show promise of brilliant blooms.

  Teague’s head popped up over the roof of the car. “Nice place.”

  “It used to be home.” Her voice quivered.

  “Are you ready?” Teague asked.

  Kassia nodded and shut the door.

  She walked around the car, and Teague hobbled up beside her. “Don’t try to heal old wounds too fast,” he said in a low voice. “Just treat this like any other visit. The reconciliation will come in time.”

  Teague’s wisdom and assurance strengthened her, along with a silent prayer that all would go well.

  She noticed him heading for the side door. “No. This way.”

  He stopped and gave her a quizzical look. “We’re going to the front door?”

  She clenched her teeth. “M
other is a bit formal. She wouldn’t want anyone entering the house through the side door.”

  “Oh.” Teague complied, but his puzzled look remained.

  Soon they were standing on the front stoop. Kassia lifted the heavy brass door knocker, shaped into the head of a lion, and let it drop. The familiar thud of metal on metal sounded like home, though the thought occurred to her that other families might have run out in the yard to greet their daughter and sister rather than waiting for her to knock on the door.

  After some time had passed without a response, Kassia glanced at her watch. “We’re right on time, at least by my watch. I have no idea why they’re taking so long.”

  “Try again. Maybe they didn’t hear you.”

  She nodded in outward agreement, but her heart told her the delayed greeting was a preview of coming attractions.

  Before she could lift the knocker a second time, Mother opened the door. “Kassia. You’re here.” Her thin lips barely moved as she spoke.

  “Yes, ma’am,” she answered. “We’re on time, I hope.”

  “You’re only a few minutes late. But we’re used to you by now, Kassia.” Her mother gave her an embrace that managed to be cold. She never had been touchy-feely, least of all with Kassia.

  Mother raked her gaze over Teague as though he were a distasteful object she was being forced to examine before discarding. “And this is your friend?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he piped up with more cheerfulness than Kassia could have mustered. “Teague Boswell.” He leaned his weight on one crutch then awkwardly extended the other hand in greeting. Kassia doubted her mother welcomed the gesture, but she shook his hand stiffly nevertheless.

  “Come in,” Mother said, as though the invitation was necessary, and turned for them to follow her. “Deidre and your father are in the living room. I’ll be serving lunch at noon.” She disappeared through the doorway.

  Kassia knew her mother would keep her word. Her life was one of productivity, punctuality, and order. As usual, the house looked as though the rooms were ready for a photographer to enter any moment. Her mother could never abide clutter. Deidre and Mona happily became neatniks themselves. Kassia, without meaning to, always frustrated her mother with her mellow attitude toward time and her indifference to housework. At least they weren’t meeting in her apartment. No matter how much she cleaned, Kassia could never live up to her mother’s standards.

  Quickly Kassia made the introductions and was pleased her prediction about her family being on their best behavior was true. At least, as good as they could be. Kassia felt grateful when her father seemed to take a genuine liking to Teague. She knew she had cleared the first hurdle when he took Teague into his study to see his collection of Native American fetish stones, small figurines of animals carved out of rock.

  Their absence left Kassia alone with her older sister. Deidre was expecting her second child, but she didn’t let the extra weight stop her from looking her best.

  “Nice haircut,” Kassia noticed.

  “Oh, thanks.” Deidre touched her shorn locks, which were flipped upward. “I think this makes me look more friendly and flatters my face.”

  Kassia noticed Deidre hadn’t abandoned her bangs, a styling trick she had used for years to cover a scar she acquired from a long-ago fall from the swing set. “That style is very attractive on you,” she agreed.

  As the strong midday sun shone on her sister’s face, Kassia noticed Deidre was wearing a thick coat of her usual foundation. For the most part, she had succeeded in covering the ravages acne had left. Kassia was attentive to her own appearance but not vain. She knew Deidre had long believed she wasn’t as pretty as Kassia and that those feelings contributed to her cold attitude.

  “I had scheduled an open house today,” Deidre said, referring to her work as a real-estate agent, “but as soon as Mother said you’d be visiting, I decided to let my assistant handle it.”

  “I’m sorry I caused you to change your plans.” Kassia bit her lip. Why did she always feel the need to apologize to her sister?

  Deidre sat on the edge of the couch striped in green and beige as though it were a throne rather than a modest sofa. The knobby material blended well with textured beige wallpaper Mother had recently installed herself. Kassia’s sister clasped her hands over her knees. “I suppose she has to learn how to conduct an open house sometime. That sometime might as well be now.”

  “I understand you’re selling quite a few houses.”

  “Yes. I’m the top seller in my office, although I do try to leave as much time open as I can for the family. Can’t let the marriage wilt for lack of nurturing, you know.” Deidre leaned forward as though she were about to take her into her confidence. “The only reason I had scheduled the open house for today was because Matt wanted to take little Tyler camping. That’s why they’re not here, by the way. Matt sends his regrets.”

  “I’m sorry I won’t be able to see them, especially Tyler. I brought him a present. A toy truck.”

  “Matt’s parents just gave him a truck, but I’m sure yours will be fine.”

  Kassia struggled not to grimace. No gift would have pleased Deidre unconditionally.

  “We so often prefer to buy him educational toys,” Deidre stated. “Tyler is quite the prodigy, you know. No doubt he’ll be able to identify every species of flora and fauna on his return.”

  “No doubt.” Kassia held back a sigh and painted a smile on her face.

  “They’ll be back in time for the dinner at church tonight. Our women’s group is putting on a talent show to raise money for missions.”

  “That sounds noble. I hope you succeed,” Kassia said in all sincerity.

  “How are things at your church?” Deidre raised her eyebrows.

  “Great. I’ve been attending a church with a lovely Christian fellowship near my apartment. You’ll have to go with me the next time you visit.”

  “Oh!” Deidre leaned back suddenly. “Well. That’s nice.” She still seemed to doubt Kassia’s sincerity. At least Teague wasn’t in the room to see how small her sister could make her look—and feel.

  Deidre glanced at the doorway leading from the living room into the hall. “There you are, Teague. I hope Father didn’t bore you to death with his collection.”

  “Not at all. I learned a lot.” Teague made his way slowly to the chair beside Kassia. She knew from experience the chair looked more comfortable than it was.

  “I was telling Teague how our church funded a mission program to the Native Americans years ago, and that’s what inspired me to collect the figurines,” Father said as he took a seat on the couch next to Deidre. “Only for amusement, of course.”

  Deidre touched her father’s shoulder. “That was a wonderful mission trip. Remember what a great time we had in Arizona?” Deidre launched into a series of stories that were part of their family lore. Family lore for everyone but Kassia. She had studied in Europe that summer.

  “So, Kassia, we’re so glad we finally get to meet Teague,” Deidre said. “I do hope it wasn’t too much for you to come all this way with that cast still on.” She looked at Teague’s ankle as though it offended her.

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “Lucky you, for being able to take off so much time from work. My boss would have my head on a platter if I tried to pull such a stunt.” Deidre’s laugh was hollow. “So what do you do for a living, Teague?”

  Kassia rushed to answer for him. “Teague is in software development.”

  “Well, I was,” Teague said. “Right now I’m looking for a job.”

  Kassia groaned inwardly. All she needed was for Deidre to know Teague was unemployed. Now her whole family would think he was a bum. Deidre’s raised eyebrows only confirmed Kassia’s suspicions.

  “Oh, really?” Deidre said. “Kassia never said anything about your bad luck. I’m so sorry. I would certainly be worried if I lost my job in this economy. I hope you can find something else soon. Do you have any good prospects?”


  “I sent out a bunch of resumes, and I’ve had one job interview, but that didn’t work out. I hope someone will respond favorably soon. I have to say this ankle has slowed me down. When I get the cast off next week, I plan to broaden my search.” In spite of his brave assurances, Teague’s face clouded for the first time that day. Apparently he found Deidre’s probing questions discouraging.

  Kassia attempted to come to his rescue. “Teague will find something else soon. He is extremely talented at what he does. You know what? His pet project is one you’ll want Tyler to play when he gets older—a Christian computer game.”

  “Oh.” For one sweet moment, Kassia had shut her sister’s mouth.

  Deidre recovered quickly. “We’re so lucky. Matt has never been unemployed a day in his life.”

  “It doesn’t hurt that Matt works for his dad,” Kassia couldn’t resist pointing out. Ignoring her father’s knowing smile and her sister’s harsh expression toward her, Kassia broached another topic. “Father, did Teague tell you he’s a youth leader at his church?”

  “No, but you mentioned it when you told us about his accident.” The older man turned to Teague. “That’s the reason you got in trouble with your ankle, isn’t it?”

  “I was on a trip with the youth,” Teague admitted. “But I can’t blame the kids for my accident.”

  Kassia cringed. “It was just an unfortunate accident,” she told her father. “I saw it happen. His ski hit a rock or something else hidden under the snow on the trail.”

  At that moment, Mother summoned the family to the dining room. Kassia couldn’t remember a time when the prospect of lunch was more welcome.

  Kassia wasn’t surprised to discover her mother had prepared her best meal for them. Deidre and Kassia would have helped her, but Mother always wanted the kitchen to herself. The roast beef and several fancy accompaniments proved her prowess in the kitchen. She basked in the compliments she received.

  As soon as he finished a generous slice of apple pie, Father turned to Teague. “Why don’t you come on into the study where you can sit awhile? We can watch the baseball game.”