“No you wouldn’t have. You may have wanted to but you would have done the right thing.” Robert reassured him.
“What makes you so sure? If the gun had been in my hand I would have fired without a second thought.” Patrick raked a hand through his hair and stood up. “Robert, I’m not like you or David. Klara—Judy or whatever she calls herself, deserves to pay for what she’s done,” he said gruffly.
“She will pay, son. Klara is answerable to God, not to you. Yes, what she did was wrong—but so is thinking about killing her in revenge. Patrick, let it go.” Robert held his hand out for help up.
Patrick eyed it, reached out and hoisted Robert to his feet. Robert stood gripping Patrick’s hand. He felt Patrick tug to free himself but he tightened his grip. Robert’s eyes welled up and his other arm circled Patrick’s shoulders.
“Patrick, I believe in you. You’re a good man—you’ll get there. I’m praying for you, son.” Robert slapped Patrick on the back and stepped back.
“Uh—thank you.”
Both men turned as Mia and David walked towards them. Mia’s face was drained of all color and her eyes were puffy and red.
Robert’s heart squeezed to see his little girl’s face.
“Mia,” he whispered.
She looked up and ran to him. His hand patted her back and he soothed her. “There, there, Mia, we’ll get through this,” he promised.
~~~
Jonathan’s body had been taken to the morgue to extract the bullet and discover time of death. Alex assured them he would arrange for the body to be picked up and transported to the funeral parlor.
Mia knew she had to process what had happened but for the moment she didn’t want to think. Terri, Patrick and her uncle were making a racket in the kitchen and Mia’s mouth lifted slightly.
Butterflies circled her stomach. She glanced at her watch and stood up. Her overnight bag was packed by the front door and she was anxious to go.
She wanted her sister.
Mia heard David’s car arrive, picked up her bag and left the house.
~~~
The happy sounds of girls laughing pulled Mia’s eyes to the volleyball courts. She scanned the faces and looked back at David and shook her head. They’d spent ten minutes searching the respite camp for Polly and Mia wanted to scream out her name in desperation.
David pointed across the field towards a group of trees. Polly sat cross-legged and alone under a massive gum tree.
Mia lifted her hand to David and saw him turn and head back to the car.
When she reached the tree, Mia sat next to Polly and stretched her legs out in front of her. She leaned back against the tree and sighed.
“Nice tree, Polly. Hope you don’t mind if I share it with you.” Mia asked gently.
Polly glanced at her and her eyes appeared like saucers. “Where’s mum?’ she whispered.
Mia laced her fingers through Polly’s hands. “Honey, your Mum’s in trouble and couldn’t come to get you.”
“I thought so. She’s not been well, that’s why I had to come here,” Polly explained.
“Polly, I want to show you something. Something very special and precious to me.” Mia carefully took out two photos from her bag and handed one to Polly.
Glancing at the photo, Polly smiled. “That’s me when I was about two or three. It’s not so special, Mia.” She laughed.
“Yes, it is. Here’s another photo. Who do you think this is?” Mia gave her a small smile of encouragement.
Polly looked at the photo and glanced towards Mia, then back at the photo. She held the two photos together for a moment. “It looks like me, but I’ve not seen it before,” Polly stated.
“It’s a photo of me when I was three,” Mia explained.
Polly’s eyes widened and she glanced at Mia, then her gaze swung back to the photos.
“Honey, I’m your sister.” Mia’s hand rested on Polly’s arm.
“How can we be sisters when we have different mothers?” Polly asked.
“We have the same father. My dad and your mum told me the truth last week. I was stunned when I found out, but now I know—it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me—having you as my sister.”
“Your father is my dad? I thought my father was dead.”
Mia sucked in a breath and dipped her head.
Polly touched Mia. “Are you okay? Did I say something to upset you?” Her small hand grasped Mia’s and squeezed.
“I’m sad, Polly, but I’m awfully glad we have each other right now, cause I need you to help me. Can you do that?”
Polly nodded and spontaneously hugged Mia.
“Your Mum is sick. She’s not been well for some time and no one knew. Sometimes people get sick in their head and their thinking gets all mixed up—the doctors say they have a mental illness.”
Polly blinked several times and her eyes swam with unshed tears.
Mia continued. “When someone has a mental illness it can affect the brain and interferes with how a person thinks, feels and acts. I think this happened to your mum and she did stuff that normally she wouldn’t. Does that make sense?”
“Sometimes Mum went away for days without telling me and I wouldn’t know where she was. She’d come home acting like nothing was wrong. Is that what’s wrong, has Mum got a mental illness?”
“I think so. I’m not sure what the doctors will say, but I think your mum is very sick.”
“I need to help her. Can you take me to her?” Polly jumped up with a sense of urgency.
Mia pulled her knees under her, squatted back and briefly closed her eyes.
“Mia?” Polly demanded.
“Can you sit down, Polly? Please.” Polly dropped down beside Mia and scrunched up her forehead.
“While your mum’s been sick, she did some very bad things. So bad, that the police have had to arrest her. We need to pray for her, honey.”
“What bad things?” Polly asked in a small voice.
With tears running down her face, Mia pulled Polly into her arms. Holding her tightly she whispered, “She killed my mother and father, honey.”
Polly tried to pull away but Mia wouldn’t release her. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Mia whispered.
Polly lay limp in her arms and Mia circled her hand gently on Polly’s back.
Slowly Polly’s slim arms wrapped around Mia and she clung to her, as if her life depended on it.
Chapter 49
The wind caused the ocean to dance and a fine mist blew through the air. Gray storm clouds hovered, threatening rain. Mia stood facing out to sea, her hair billowing unhindered around her face.
She blinked several times and rubbed her eye to remove a grain of sand. Sighing with relief her finger removed a small speck, which had felt so huge in her eye, but in reality was only minuscule.
Problems were like that she thought, they seemed huge when you were in the middle of them but time brought perspective.
A small smiled lifted her lips as she thought of her uncle’s trust. He’d taken her hand and told her to have a nice walk and to watch the weather. He recognized she needed time alone. Time to reflect and find solace for her soul.
Lord, I’m not frightened any more.
Mia hunched forward as she walked into the wind. Her steps were slow, labored. Her teeth caught at her lower lip as she thought of Klara.
So much pain, loss and deception. Lord Jesus, I don’t know how to handle this. I’ve lost both my parents—sadness pulls at my heart.
Mia’s head lowered and tears flowed unchecked.
My heart calls out to you Lord, my heart lifts to you alone. My father came to you broken, guilt ridden and now—Mum and Dad are truly together for the first time with no barriers between them.
Her heart pounded as she rejoiced at the thought of her mother’s face.
Mia squatted down, her fingers scooping up a handful of sand. She allowed the grains to fall slowly through her fingers. Her eyes widened and she gasped.
Standing, she dusted her hands on her jeans. I will sift the evil things that Klara did and focus on the good. I will speak of your faithfulness to Polly and lean not on my own understanding. I will always have hope, I will always praise your holy name.
Turning, she began to retrace her steps. The wind pushed at her back, making her steps light.
She felt carried, lifted high above all that had happened.
~~~
Her uncle sat with his feet up enjoying the view from her deck. How quickly life changed, Mia mused. She’d moved back into Werrina Parade with Polly and Terri after her father’s funeral.
Klara’s house had sold within a week of being listed and Mia marveled at how good God was.
A shadow crossed Mia’s face briefly as she thought of Klara. She would always call her Klara, Polly’s mother. She would remember her as a woman her mother loved.
“What are you thinking about, Mia? You have a pensive look on your face,” Robert said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I can’t help but reflect on all that’s happened. Did I tell you I have an offer on my parent’s house?” Mia asked.
“Jonathan would be pleased.” Robert shuffled in his seat.
Mia stood and leaned on the railing. Her eyes surveyed the toss and swell of the ocean and then swung to her uncle. Her breath exhaled and her lips curved slightly. Her hand rested on her chest at the greatness of God.
“I finally understand what you were trying to tell me. It doesn’t matter how many waves hit me or how strong the wind is, I’m tied—anchored to Jesus. I’m His. Nothing can change that,” Mia said in a firm voice.
“Mmm.” His eyes watered and he nodded at her comment.
“I read the verse in Hebrews again last night. I love it, especially the part that says we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Mia closed her eyes, visualizing the hand of God reaching down to her.
Strength pulsed through her body and she knew—God would never leave her. Slowly opening her eyes she turned and smiled at her uncle.
“Good feeling, isn’t it?” Robert’s hand reached over and lowered his leg off the stool. He slowly stood to his feet and opened his arms.
“How about a hug for your old uncle?”
~~~
Polly was thumping away at the piano and Mia grimaced. She would have to suggest Polly have lessons. Either that or purchase earplugs.
Thank goodness it was Saturday. The children at the preschool had seemed manic this week, and she felt out of sorts. She’d tossed and turned last night and now suffered for it.
Mia decided a lazy day at home was called for. She hadn’t heard from David for three days and a small part of her was irked that he hadn’t called.
Shrugging, Mia made a chamomile tea and settled on the deck to read her book. She’d read five lines when Polly plopped down beside her.
“Hey, Mia. Do you want to go for a walk? I’m bored.” Polly’s fingers tapped restlessly on her knee.
“No. I want to sit here, drink my tea and read my book. Sorry.” Mia turned a page.
“What about a board game?” Polly asked hopefully.
Mia closed her book and sighed. Having an energetic thirteen year old around the house definitely changed the dynamic on a Saturday morning.
Lifting her cup to her lips, Mia’s closed her eyes and allowed the warm liquid to flow down her throat.
Loud banging caused both Polly and Mia to turn their heads towards the door. Polly sprang off her seat and raced to investigate.
“Don’t you open that door without finding out who it is,” Mia called out. She didn’t feel up to a visitor. She just wanted to sit here and soak in the sun. Mia hoped it was one of Polly’s friends at the door.
David walked onto the deck and his eyes smiled down at her. “Mia, get up, you and I are going to the beach.” David stated.
Mia’s eyes widened and she shook her head. Bruno chose that moment to brush up against her and slobber on her top. Could this day get any worse? She wondered.
“Polly wanted to go for a walk, go with her.” Mia opened her book and attempted to ignore him.
David reached over and flicked the book out of her hand. “Polly is going to stay here and look after Bruno—you and I are going for a walk.”
“I don’t feel like taking a walk with you. You can’t just turn up here anytime you choose and expect me to drop everything.” Mia stormed and reached for her book.
“She’s been grumpy all morning,” Polly announced.
“Polly! Whose side are you on?” Mia asked.
Polly pointed her finger at David. “His. Come on Bruno, let’s go.” Polly giggled as she ran out of the room.
Mia swung her legs around and faced him. “Where have you been? You disappear for days and not a word.” Mia shrugged her shoulders with indifference and went to walk past him.
David’s hand stopped her. “Get your shoes, sweetheart, we don’t want to hurt your tender little feet now, do we?” His face split with a teasing grin.
“Oh very well.” Mia stalked off to get her shoes and change her top.
When she got to her room she closed and leaned on the door. She felt conflicting emotions. Why hadn’t he told her he was going away? Where had he gone? Surely if he really loved her he wouldn’t act this way.
Her eyes smarted as she imagined a life without him. Pulling her shoes on, she took a deep steadying breath to prepare herself for the conversation she was about to have with the man she loved.
David hummed as they walked and Mia fumed.
“You look particularly beautiful today, Mia.” His hand reached out for hers and swung it between them.
Mia tried to pull away.
“Why don’t you try and relax, you might even enjoy yourself.” He crossed his eyes and laughed.
Mia untangled her hand from his and the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. She walked ahead of him and attempted to create some distance between them. As they reached the beach, David spun her around to face him.
“Now who’s in a hurry to go for a walk?” His hands remained on her arms and his eyes smiled at her.
“This isn’t working, David. You don’t take me seriously and I’m not interested in an on again—off again relationship. I need to focus on Polly and get on with my life.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.” Mia dropped her gaze and attempted to turn away.
David’s hands tightened slightly and her gaze lifted to his. “David, it’s all right, I understand. I know things have changed. I have responsibilities, demands on me that don’t fit with you and that’s—okay.”
Mia thought she saw his eyes warm but then shrugged thinking she must have imagined it.
David nodded and released her. He put his hands in his pocket and walked towards the water.
Mia frowned, sucked in her bottom lip, and slowly followed him. She drew up beside him and sighed. He meant so much to her.
He lightly placed his arm over her shoulders and drew her close.
Mia closed her eyes and wondered how she could tell him she couldn’t settle for friendship only. She loved him, wanted all of him. It was time he knew.
Squaring her shoulders she braced herself. She would fight for him as if for her very life.
“David—”
“Hush, Mia. Listen. What do you hear?” David tilted his head, closed his eyes and brushed his lips over her hair.
“I—I don’t hear anything. The ocean, birds—I don’t know.”
“Nothing else?”
“No—I need to tell you something,” she whispered urgently.
“Don’t you hear the sound of my heart beating?” He cocked his head. “It’s saying how much I love you.”
He took her hand and pressed it to his chest. “You’ve stolen my heart. I love you in so many ways. I love the way you look for the positiv
e in situations and the way you love Jesus—you inspire me to seek God more. I love the way you don’t give up on people and how you reached out to your father even though he hurt you so badly. I love the way you look at me, which by the way makes me want to take you in my arms and never let you go!”
Mia went to say something but David’s hand touched her lips.
“No, please don’t say anything, let me finish.” He moved his finger and gently brushed away a tear that appeared on Mia’s cheek.
“You’re loyal, generous and I can’t stop thinking about you. When I’m not with you I want to be, when I am with you I don’t want to let you go.”
David dropped to one knee, took a ring box out of his pocket and flicked it open. “Marry me?”
Mia blinked quickly, she didn’t want to cry. All the time she’d been telling herself no one could ever love her, yet God had this beautiful man for her.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, oh thank you! “Yes— I— yes.” She flung her arms around him and they toppled over.
Laughing, David held her for a moment and then hoisted them both to standing. Taking her hand he tenderly slipped the ring on her finger and Mia glanced down at it.
“David, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” Her voice caught. “I didn’t believe it was possible for me to—love you like I do.” Mia’s eyes sparkled through her tears. “When you told me you loved me the first time, I rejected it. I didn’t believe you would stay in love with me. Even when I gave my life to Jesus and believed how much he loved me it was difficult to let go of the lies my life had been built on.”
Her hand reached up and gently touched his face.
“Did I tell you I found a scripture written out in Dad’s handwriting by his bed?” Mia asked.
“No. What did it say?”
“Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Mia gave a watery smile.
“I’m glad I got to meet him.” David’s voice softened and Mia noticed a sheen of tears in his eyes.
Looking up at the sky they became quiet. Words were not needed between them, they both knew—God was real and with them. He was no stranger or distant statue but actively involved in every minute of every day.
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