Tormented Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 3)

by Juliette Duncan

  “And this here is the room for the lovely lady.”

  Jayden closed his eyes and gulped. What has Mum got us into?

  Buck left after a while, and as soon as his heavy footsteps faded, Jayden raced into Kathryn’s room. She was unpacking her bags and had started putting her clothes into the four drawer wooden dresser beside the window. “Mum, we can’t stay here.” Jayden kept his voice low but firm.

  “Oh Jay.” Mum reached out her hands. He ignored them. “It’s only until we get ourselves sorted. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”

  Jayden glared at her. “Fine. Two days, that’s all.”

  “I promise.” Mum resumed unpacking. “How about we freshen up and then go down for dinner? Buck said they’re having a Christmas Eve singalong around the fire.”

  “Sounds great.” Jayden rolled his eyes. He couldn’t be any more sarcastic if he tried.

  The evening dragged. Mum drank too much and played up to Buck all night. It made Jayden sick. He snuck out just before ten o’clock, but instead of climbing the stairs to his suffocating room, he slipped out the side door and headed to town.

  Not surprisingly, very few people were out. Freshly fallen snow crunched under his feet as Jayden walked briskly along the pavement. He passed shops and cafés, all decorated for Christmas but now closed for business. But up ahead, a familiar Christmas carol sounded from a small church on his right.

  He crossed the road carefully, not wanting to slip and fall, and sidled up to the window. The building itself reminded him of Gracepoint church back home, with its ‘A’-framed gable and cross sitting on the apex. A whole range of people filled the pews. Elderly men and women, some holding hands, and young children who probably should have been in bed. But they all stood and sang. As the words of “Silent Night” reached Jayden’s ears, tears sprang to his eyes. Last Christmas he and Dad and Tessa had gone to the Christmas Eve service with Tessa’s parents. But instead of snow on the ground and heating inside to warm the congregation, fans had whirred at full speed to disperse the thick, sweltering air hanging inside the chapel. But the carols they’d sung were the very same ones being sung here.

  A lump rose in his throat. Jayden shivered and lifted the collar of his jacket higher around his neck. He couldn’t keep standing there. He had to go in or keep walking. He was just about to move on when a hand touched his shoulder. A kindly looking man about the same age as Dad stood beside him.

  “Coming in, son? You’ll freeze out here.”

  Jayden looked into the man’s friendly eyes. It was tempting, that was for sure. He made up his mind, and followed the man inside. The warm air hit his face like a blast from an oven. He removed his jacket and hung it on a hook in the foyer. The man showed him to a seat in the back row and stood beside him as the carol continued. Jayden gulped and pushed back tears. If only it were Dad standing beside him.

  The song changed. The man gave him a song sheet but Jayden didn’t need it. He knew the words to ‘Oh Come, all ye Faithful.’ Jayden joined in, at first just mouthing the words, but then singing them. Something inside pulled at his heart as he sang, and tears rolled down his cheeks. He quickly wiped them away with his hand, but they kept coming. The man gave him a handkerchief and placed his arm lightly on Jayden’s shoulders.

  What was he doing here? He should be back home with his own dad. You’re here now, son. I’m with you. Jayden looked around. Where did that come from? Everyone was still singing. No-one had spoken to him. I love you. You’re precious to me. Jayden gulped. It had to be God, speaking to him. He squeezed his eyes shut and swallowed. He didn’t know what to do. The carol ended and everyone sat. He had to get out of here. Instead of taking his seat, Jayden slipped out of the end of the pew, grabbed his jacket and stepped outside. The blast of freezing air stung his face, but he was oblivious to it. His insides churned with a whirling jumble of memories, regrets and now the voice of God. He trudged back the way he came, trying to make sense of it all. But no sense came. His life was a mess, and now he had to sleep in that horrible room.

  Chapter 16

  Jayden’s mind was a-whirl when he woke the following morning. Had it all been a dream? Had he really walked down the street and found that church? Had that man really placed his hand on his shoulder and led him inside? Did God really speak to me? He climbed out of bed and checked his pockets. The man’s handkerchief was balled up inside one of them. It was real. It had happened. Jayden sat on the edge of the bed and hung his head. God, I don’t know how to talk to you, but if you want to speak to me, I’m listening. Nothing happened. But the words Jayden had heard last night played through his mind. ‘I love you. You’re precious to me.’ Jayden swallowed and let out a slow breath. God, I should know how to do this, but I don’t, but I thank you for being with me. I could really do with a friend right now, so if you’re up there, I wouldn’t mind hearing from you.

  A thump sounded from the next room. Jayden looked up. Had Mum fallen out of bed? The floorboards creaked, as if someone heavier than Mum was walking on them. Jayden’s shoulders slumped. Buck. A sick feeling grew in his stomach. Already he’d grown to hate that man.

  He lay back in bed and curled up, pulling the comforter tight around his neck to keep out the cold. It might be Christmas Day, but there was nothing joyous about it. Especially with Buck in it.

  He must have fallen asleep, because he woke sometime later to persistent knocking on his door. “Jay, wake up. It’s breakfast time.”

  He drew in a breath and sat up. “Give me a minute.” He climbed out of bed and pulled on some fresh clothes before opening the door.

  “Merry Christmas, Jay.” Kathryn gave him a huge hug. Her over-the top smile had returned.

  “Merry Christmas, Mum.” He couldn’t summons any enthusiasm.

  “Let’s go down.” Kathryn linked arms with him and pranced down the stairs as if she was a madam and he a gentleman. It made him sick.

  Only two others ate breakfast in the dining area of the hotel. A middle-aged man and woman who nodded as he and Kathryn entered. At least Buck was nowhere in sight.

  “Well, this is nice, isn’t it, Jay?” Kathryn flashed another smile.

  Jayden forced one in return.

  Kathryn chatted non-stop, as if she were trying to cover up the fact that Buck had been in her room all night.

  “Come to church with me?” Jayden interrupted her.

  Kathryn stopped mid sentence.

  “I haven’t set foot in a church for years, Jay. Besides, Buck has asked us to have lunch here with him.”

  Great. Jayden steadied his breathing. He could get really angry if he wasn’t careful. “There’s plenty of time before lunch.” He checked his watch. “The service starts in half an hour.”

  “You go if you want, Jay, I might catch up on some sleep.” Kathryn yawned.

  “Mum, it’s Christmas.” Tears welled in Jayden’s eyes. How could she be so thoughtless?

  Kathryn reached out and touched Jayden’s wrist. “I’m sorry, Jay. I’ll make it up to you.” Her expression brightened. “But at least we’ve got a place to stay for as long as we want.”

  Jayden’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Buck’s got a cottage on the edge of town we can stay in if I work here for free.”

  Jayden glanced at the man and woman before leaning closer. “I don’t like the sound of that, Mum. Can’t we find somewhere for ourselves?”

  “It’ll help us out for a while, Jay.” She squeezed his hand, holding his gaze. An embarrassed look grew on her face. “Besides, we don’t have enough money for anything else.”

  “What happened to the money, Mum?” Jayden couldn’t believe he was hearing this. The condo, the boat, the fancy car, the private plane—all gone. What had she done? She hadn’t even given him a Christmas present.

  Kathryn gave a half shrug, her eyes moistening. Squeezing his hand tighter, she leaned closer and lowered her voice. “You don’t know what it’s been like, Jay.” Her voice caught in h
er throat. “I’ve been so lonely since Luke left. And I may have … ” she sniffed and turned her head away, holding her free hand to her nose.

  “Done what, Mum?” Jayden drew his eyebrows together and stared at her. Did he really want to find out?

  Mum sniffed again and turned her head slowly. She plucked at a piece of fluff on her sleeve before raising her eyes. “I may have … gambled it.”

  Jayden’s eyes widened. He ripped his hand away from hers. How could she have gambled all their money? How dare she? “I’m out of here, Mum. Sorry.” Tears stung his eyes as he pushed his chair back and raced for the exit.

  Jayden felt, rather than saw, Buck’s eyes on him. She’s all yours, Buck. I’m outta here.

  Jayden’s heart thumped as he entered the street. He looked both ways. The only place he knew was the church, and that was to the left. But did he want go to back there? To be pitied by people who wouldn’t understand? People in normal families sitting together singing Christmas carols, looking forward to a big Christmas dinner in houses that were warm and safe, having hugged and kissed each other as they opened lovingly wrapped presents this morning? No, he couldn’t go back there. He headed the other way.

  Snow fell lightly as he walked, and by late morning, Jayden had reached the other end of town. He couldn’t keep walking. His feet, cold and numb, felt like they didn’t belong to him and would fall off at any second. Aromas of roast Christmas dinners wafted out of all the houses he passed, tantalizing his taste buds. With very little money and nowhere specific to go, Jayden had no real plan. Stopping outside a derelict building, he peered through the boarded up, dirty windows. It had once been a shop of some sort, a café, perhaps? He could hang out in there for a while. A lump formed in his throat. What was he thinking? How could he do that, especially in this weather? But what option did he have? He knew no-one, apart from Mum. And Buck. And maybe that man at church last night.

  Jayden blinked back tears as the lump rose higher in his throat. Sliding to the ground, he buried his head in his hands and burst into tears. He’d never felt so alone in all his life. A nauseating feeling grew in his stomach. He had no choice—he had to go back to Mum. And Buck.

  Picking himself up off the ground, Jayden trudged back to the hotel. He peered inside the window. Unlike the other more salubrious establishments in town that Jayden passed on his way back, ‘Hunters Hollow Hotel’ had few Christmas decorations, and the few that were up were gaudy and old. Even the Christmas tree was small and fake, just a token effort. Several people sat in the dining room finishing their lunch, but not Mum. He slipped inside and up the stairs, his heart pounding. Buck was nowhere to be seen, but what if he ran into him? Jayden reached the top floor safely and paused outside Kathryn’s door. Silence. He knocked tentatively.

  “Jay, is that you?” Kathryn’s sleepy voice called out.

  Jayden opened the door and peeked in. Mum looked terrible. Her make-up had run down her face and her eyes were red and swollen. She threw back the covers and held out her arms.

  “Jay, I’m sorry. Come here.”

  Jayden drew in a slow breath. How pitiful she looked. So different to the trendy, well-dressed woman who’d whisked him away from Dad and Tessa only months before. He stepped slowly towards her. What would life be like in this town with a broke mother and a brute of a man lurking around? Jayden gulped as he tried to push down the apprehension growing deep inside him. But how could he leave her now? God, I have no idea what’s ahead, but please be with me.

  That afternoon, after Kathryn had showered and made herself presentable, she and Jayden took a drive to check out the cottage. Although only two miles out of town, it seemed to Jayden they were driving for hours. The road wound up a valley that narrowed with each corner. In some places snow blocked their way. Jayden got out and shoveled it off the road. They only passed two other houses; one abandoned, but outside the other, a number of cars were parked. Jayden breathed a sigh of relief—at least they’d have neighbors.

  As they rounded yet another corner, the cottage came into view. Jayden’s heart fell. If the outside was anything to go by, the inside would be a mess. The yard was littered with rusting farm equipment and old car tires. A derelict barn sat to the right of the one-storey cottage. Paint was peeling off the outside walls, and the bushes surrounding it were all over-grown and heavy with snow.

  Jayden slumped in his seat, folding his arms. “Don’t like the look of this, Mum.”

  Kathryn remained silent, her eyes fixed on the cottage. After several seconds, she turned to Jayden. “I don’t either Jay, but we don’t have a choice.”

  “I’m not going in.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  Jayden shook his head. “How can you even consider living in this run-down hovel?”

  Kathryn shrugged, her lip quivering. “Jay, please don’t talk to me like that.” She sniffed, sounding like she was about to cry. “I’m sorry, Jay, I really am.” She reached her hand out to him. “We’ll stay just until I make some money. Okay?”

  Jayden let out a resigned sigh and opened the car door. The gate wouldn’t budge when he tried to move it—snow was piled up on both sides. He took the shovel from the trunk and started shoveling.

  A few minutes later, Jayden pushed the gate open and led the way up the stairs and onto the porch. “Have you got the key?”

  Kathryn held it out.

  He inserted the key into the lock and opened the door. At least it had furniture, but the smell of dust and stale urine made him gag. He held his hand to his nose.

  “We can clean it.” Kathryn placed her arm on his shoulder as tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Jayden drew in a breath. He knew who’d be doing the cleaning. As they wandered through the house, Jayden couldn’t believe his mother would lower herself to live in a place like this.

  “We’ll come back tomorrow and start cleaning. Buck said he’ll chop wood for us. It’ll be okay, Jay.” Kathryn stood, a blank look on her face. She’d resigned herself to living here, and involving Buck in their lives.

  Jayden couldn’t believe it. The heavy weight grew in his stomach.

  Jayden cleaned the cottage with a token effort from Kathryn. It took all day, but by the time he’d finished, it looked almost livable. Buck turned up mid-morning with a load of wood and lit the fire. Jayden kept his distance. He didn’t like the way the man seemed to think he already owned his mother.

  The first night in the cottage, Jayden lay in his bed and put on some music. At least the cottage had electricity even if it didn’t have Internet or phone. He put his earphones in and tried to pretend he was anywhere other than here. Buck had stayed and was with Mum. Seemed that was payment for the cottage and the job.

  Chapter 17

  "Amigos, la bienvenida a Ecuador!" Elliott greeted as Ben and Tessa quickly ducked through body scans and came towards him at Guayaquil's International Airport.

  "Let me guess," Tessa said, hugging him tightly. "Friends, welcome to Ecuador."

  "Right on," Elliott said. "You must have been studying."

  "We've been trying." Ben put his hand forward and shook Elliott’s hand. "So far, I've managed hola, buenos días, adiós, si, gracias, and of course amigo, but everyone knows that."

  "I didn't get much further." Tessa pulled a face.

  Elliott laughed. "At least it's a start. I've learned to speak it quite well, actually, but there's still some room for improvement. A few of the locals in Daule, where the mission grounds are, know a bit of English, sort of broken, but they'll understand you quite well."

  Tessa took a step back to take a good look at her younger brother. The last time she’d seen him was when he’d flown back for their wedding, just over a year ago. He’d slimmed down, but packed on more muscle, and his skin was lightly tanned. His smile was still bright and his eyes sparkled with purpose. Being on mission was doing him good.

  "Everything okay, Tess?" Elliott asked. "You're staring at me like I've turned into a ghost."


  "Oh, no," Tessa laughed. "It's just that you look a bit different."

  "Yeah, I guess Ecuador will do that to you. Who knows? By the time you two leave, you'll probably look and feel different too." Elliott picked up one of her suitcases and led the way outside to where his red jeep was waiting.

  Tessa was used to warm weather, but she gagged at the hot humid air that hit her as they left the terminal.

  "Most days are like this, sis. You’ll get used to it." Elliott flashed her a cheeky smile. "Even when the sun isn't shining, it's still hot, being so close to the equator. And it can start pouring anytime without warning, but don't worry, it's usually just a gentle rain, not huge thunderstorms."

  “Glad to hear it. I see you haven’t slowed down talking at all.” Tessa ducked in case Elliott decided to give her a playful whack.

  With their luggage in the back seat of the jeep, the three rode in the front with Tessa squeezed in between Elliott and Ben. The air conditioner wasn't working, and in its place a mobile radio kit had been installed. "So I can keep in touch with the folks back at the grounds. It operates just like an intercom system. If something goes wrong or if there's an emergency while we're apart, I can call them or they can call me."

  “I’d prefer air-con.” Tessa fanned herself and took a sip of water.

  Elliott shrugged. “A luxury we can’t afford. Sorry.” He glanced at Tessa as he pulled onto a busy highway. “I was quite surprised to hear from you. But you know, we'd been praying for extra volunteers, so I see it as an answer to prayer."

  Ben and Tessa looked at one another. Should they tell him the real reason they’d decided to come? Eleanor had left it to them to tell Elliott about Jayden leaving. "I guess Jayden wanted to stay in Australia and enjoy Mum's good cooking." He gave a small chuckle. "How is he?"