~ Chapter Two ~

Madison snapped the lid on a plastic bowl filled with chicken soup—her grandmother’s recipe. She giggled inwardly. She’d often burned the food and herself whenever she cooked, but the house still stood today, and neither did she add a fresh scar on her body.

Settling the container in a tote, Madison snatched her pink sweater off the bar stool. Her mother sat sentry over her kitchen whenever she cooked, either in the family or formal dining rooms. Regardless of the outcome, the woman loved her kitchen but wouldn’t discourage her daughter from trying her hand in preparing a meal.

“Mom, I’m headed out to Abbi’s. I hope this soup will make her better so she can go with Jimmy John and me to the Mud Bogs tomorrow.”

Her mother met her at the backdoor and glanced toward the kitchen. “Do I need to clean up?”

Madison patted her arm. “No, ma’am. I took care of it. See you later. I won’t be home for supper. Did you hear me tell Dad I’m meeting Jimmy John at Toodie’s Burger Heaven tonight? I left a batch of soup in the fridge if you’d like some for lunch.”

“I can’t have anything to eat.” Her mother padded into the kitchen.

Madison almost let that slight remark go unchallenged. “What do you mean you can’t eat?”

“Sorry. I said it wrong. I meant to say I must fast for my doctor’s appointment, that’s all. You go enjoy your meal with Jimmy John. I hope Abbi gets better so she can join you guys tomorrow.”

She eyed her mother about the miscue of words but didn’t believe her for one minute. She’d always said what she meant. Somehow, her demeanor seemed off or different.

Madison shut the door, stopped, squatted, and ran her hand the length of Bandit’s body. Whenever she left or returned home, she petted the old family hound. Lately, he’d become lazier than usual. Is he sick? He shouldn’t be—his coat is shiny black, and his eyes are bright. “Bye, buddy. Keep an eye on the place. I’ll bring you a treat later.” The day her dad brought the puppy home, she bounced on her toes and drew the small animal into her arms.

She headed to her truck and set the tote on the seat. “I hope Abbi is up to me visiting. If not, she’ll have the soup to get her on the road to recovery.” She pulled around the circle drive and headed out on the county road and straight to her best friend’s house.

Her mind replayed her strange morning with her parents. A sudden honk drew her out of her muse. “Whoa. That was close. Better keep my mind on the road.”

The doorbell pealed. Abbi sat straight up and grabbed her tummy. “Ugh.” Slowly, she settled one foot on the floor, the other followed with uncertainty. The clock on her dresser read ten o’clock. Two hours of sleep since her last trip to the bathroom, where she’d spent most of the night hugging the toilet. Whatever she’d eaten from the fridge before she went to bed didn’t stay down. It must be the leftover casserole Mom told me to eat two days ago. Guess she was right when she gave me definite directions on when to eat each meal she planned. Wouldn’t surprise me if it were bad when she made it. Lord, help me get rid of these awful thoughts, but I can’t help it with the way my parents and brother treat me.

Challenged by her awkward stride down the stairs, she gripped the banister. Despite the pain in her tummy, she kept going. The doorbell pealed again. My head will explode if the silly thing rings once more. She regained what little composure she had left and trudged onward. At the door, she leaned a cheek against the coolness and whispered. “Who’s there?”

“Me.”

Abbi blinked. “Madi?”

“Yeah. Come on, open the door.”

“I’m sick. Go away.”

“I’ve made you a batch of soup. Come on, girlfriend, open the door.” Madison knocked.

Another pain pounded behind her eyes. “Okay. Just stop beating on my door.”

Madison greeted her with a smile as she peered around the gap. She held up a tote. “Granny’s chicken soup. It’ll fix you right up. She had a saying, but I can’t remember it. Something about rain. Oh, well.”

Abbi cupped her mouth. “Can’t eat. Go away.” She turned toward the kitchen but stopped, and her eyes widened. “Nope. Don’t want to go in there. I got sick in there.” She detoured to the family room and flopped on the sofa.

Madison set the bag on the counter and followed Abbi. She laid the back of her hand on her forehead. “No fever. Are you dizzy?”

“Yeah.”

Madison gripped her hand. “When will your parents return home?”

“Sunday afternoon.”

“You’ll be way better by then. I’ll make sure of it. Jimmy John texted me about going to the Mud Bogs tomorrow, and I won’t go without you. We are three friends—forever.”

Abbi attempted to flail a hand in the air, but the gesture failed miserably. “Doubtful I’ll be better by then. You guys go without me.”

“Have you had any water since you got sick?”

“No.”

“Oh, no. You need hydration, but first, we’ll settle your stomach enough that you can hold something down. Let’s start with crackers and hot tea. You lie back. I’ll get a pillow and blanket from the other room, and we’ll start making you better. Don’t worry one bit about anything. That old bathroom is bound to be a mess. I’ll handle that too.” She patted her hand.

Abbi’s mother had never taken care of her when she got sick, and it felt nice to have someone who cared.

Madison rushed down the hall and returned with the items and a robe. “You lie here and be comfy, and we’ll have you back on your feet by evening.” She tucked the thin blanket around her friend’s shoulders. “I’ll find you a pail—just in case.”

Abbi nodded as her friend headed to the utility room. She closed her eyes, and a sense of peace washed through her soul with Madison in the house. I’m blessed to have a friend like her. Thank You, Lord.

Although she was only six months younger than Madison, her friend now and then wore her mothering hat. Sometimes it rankled a bit, but today Abbi was grateful for Madison’s nurturing.

An hour later, the crackers and tea settled Abbi’s raging tummy. Within another half an hour, she sat up, taking in and keeping down the nutritious hot soup. God indeed blessed Madison with a servant’s heart, and she’d make a wonderful mother one day.

“Abbi, is your brush in the bathroom or on your dresser?”

“Why?”

“Your hair is a mess. I want to brush out those tangles before they get too matted.”

“Upstairs on my dresser.”

“I’ll be right back.” She waggled her finger. “Don’t go anywhere.” Madison took the stairs two at a time and returned in short order.

“Sit up so I’ll get behind you, and brush those long brunette tresses. Your hair is so shiny when you step into the sunlight. Beautiful…just beautiful.” She dragged the brush through her hair as Madison hummed.

Abbi relaxed under her friend’s nurturing. Then an image of a young woman with dark hair popped in her head doing the same thing—brushing her hair from behind and humming. The picture faded as fast as it appeared. She bit her lower lip trying to understand. Within thirty minutes, the tangles were gone from Abbi’s hair and Madison had styled it into a long, side braid.

“Thanks. I’m feeling better. Maybe by tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be good to go with you guys to the races.”

“Good. I’ll get me a cup of tea and join you in a second.”

Abbi ran her hand along the braid and smiled. Yep, Madi, I hope you and Jimmy John will have a girl someday.

Upon Madison’s return she lowered herself into the chair across from the couch. “I came not only to make sure you’d be able to go—but to help my friend. No one else seems to take notice when you’re sick, so I must.” Madison ran a finger around her teacup’s rim. “Are you feeling better enough to talk a bit?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Tell me the truth.”

She reached across and laid a hand on hers. “Never doubt that, my friend. Shoot.”

“Mom confided in me about a lady who moved next door to us. The woman inherited the property from her grandfather. She has limited funds and is on disability. Not certain of all the specifics. I am aware that she goes without food, heat, and, I’m guessing, the necessities we women need. I’d like for us to help her. I doubt if she’ll accept charity. Mom noticed a Bible on her porch. She won’t go to church because her clothing is not the best. You know what I mean.” Madison held eye contact and gave her a knowing look. The threesome had volunteered for the last four years at the homeless shelter and helped serve meals. “Would you consider helping me with this venture?”

“Anything to do with our Lord and loving others, I’m in. So yes, my friend.”

“If I can get Jimmy John to join us, we’ll be three. You think we can recruit others...church members? Or Jeanne and Roland? They’re a friendly couple. We recently visited at the store, and they’re both taking online classes at Tech. She didn’t tell me her major. Hopefully, it’s not all the Internet, but she can get a few physical classes. I’ll miss you since you can’t meet Jimmy John and me at Toodie’s tonight. But, being alone, I might convince him to help with our new venture.”

Abbi smiled. “He’ll do it. He’s refused nothing you’ve ever asked of him.”

“Really.” Madison laughed. “Yes, he has. Besides teasing me in the fourth grade, it’s been never-ending with this guy. He’s constantly doing things. Remember when he tossed a ball to me, and I missed?”

“Yeah. You had a black eye for a week. I thought he’d never stop apologizing.” The two shared a laugh. I must be feeling better. The Mud Bogs sound good. I’m glad you came, Madi.

“Oh, I almost forgot. After Dad and I return from our fishing trip next weekend, we’re putting together a fish fry. Only a few of us. I asked Mom if we could invite Taylor, the woman who needs help. Do you remember any of the Sandersons, their parents, or grandparents?”

Abbi tapped a finger on her chin. “No. When Mom and Dad return on Sunday, I’ll ask them. Never can tell who remembers who around this small town. Talking about small-town locals. You mentioned Roland earlier. Roland’s father made our dining room set about six or seven years ago. I was thirteen, I think, and I tagged along. Roland was a much older teen back then. I think he has a set of gorgeous eyes—blue-violet, which would be the right name for the color.” Abbi patted her heart. “I had a crush on him, but it soon vanished when he left home. Jeanne is a lucky gal to be dating a man with a heart for God and entering the ministry to boot.”

“Wednesday evening, I attended Jeanne’s church. Roland and Jeanne taught a youth class. All I can say is they are meant to be in the ministry. Jeanne and I taught the girls, and Roland the boys. The class was great, and I took away things and understandings I’ve missed from our youth groups. Who’d thought that Renee’s sister and Winston’s brother would date? They make a cute couple. I’m glad Roland came home and did an about face with his life. Can’t wait until they marry.”

Abbi’s eyes widened. “Did he ask her yet?”

“Nope. But you can see how much they’re in love. It’s a matter of time. Do you think the church will sponsor their education?”

“We can only hope they will. To be in love would be great. How about you, Madi?” I already know who is in love with you. When are you going to open your eyes and just see the guy?

“I don’t have time to fall in love. Too much of my effort goes to my education. Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to any guy. I can’t give him a hundred percent of me. Well, God has my heart first.”

“Roland and Jeanne have God in their hearts and are working through His will daily, but look at them. They fell in love and are pursuing a career the Lord directed them toward. What’s the difference between you and them? You can do the same. God wants us to be in a relationship with Him first and have a life partner in marriage. Otherwise, why did he give Adam a mate...a female partner to marry? No, I don’t believe God wants us alone.”

“Hold up, sister. You’re not in a relationship, either. Don’t give me any lip about me putting my nose to the grindstone with my education. You aren’t with anyone.”

“God hasn’t put a special someone in my life yet. My job at Toodie’s is temp. If Mom and Dad can find the funds to take a vacation and not help me with college, surely God has my plan in motion. I’ll apply for some grants and take online courses. I figure can’t out what I’m good at yet.” Abbi dropped against the pillow. “Someday, I’ll figure it out. I’ve been working there since I was sixteen. The management part interests me. On the other hand, the employee stuff is unappealing. They make me nervous. Do you think Jimmy John’s dad will send him to college?”

“I hope so. He’ll confide in us someday.” Madison glanced at her watch. “Better get myself in gear. Meeting Jimmy John for supper. The rest of the soup is in the fridge if you get hungry. Keep on talking while I clean up.” Madison strolled to the kitchen. She clambered around while Abbi continued to chat.

Abbi repositioned on the sofa. “Thanks for coming by. I needed your help. No telling how long I’d still be hugging the silly toilet.” She huffed out a breath. “I’ll call you in the morning and tell you how I’m doing. I’d like to go with you guys to the bogs.”

A few minutes later, Madison grabbed her tote from the kitchen. “Remember to drink plenty of water. We don’t want you dehydrated again. I left the crackers on the table beside you.”

“I will. Talk to you tomorrow. Bye, and thanks.”

Madison left, and Abbi closed her eyes and wondered if and when God would direct someone special across her path. Over the years, she’d noticed Jimmy John had fallen in love with Madison but had no guts to confess his true feelings to her. One day, he would, but when?