She gently shook Matt awake. “Matt, honey, wake up.” He was not going to be compliant. “Matt, come on, wake up. Do you want some pancakes?”
Melanie started to get excited. Pancakes were her favorite. “I want pancakes. Me too!”
Laney shook her son. “Come on buddy, it’s time to get up.” She pulled him to a sitting position and began putting his shoes on him.
Matt rebelled “Ah mom, I’m still sleepy. I’m not hungry.”
Laney corralled Matt into the truck stop while Joy held on to Melanie’s hand. At two, she wanted her independence and loved to walk. Joy, the eldest, was used to helping her mom. Laney got them settled into a booth, ordered a cup of coffee and tried to relax. Driving all night was taking its toll. She was tired and still had to drive for several more hours. Coffee would do her well. Her adrenaline was beginning to subside. The farther away she got, the more relaxed she had become. Rest would come. Just a little while longer.
After breakfast all four of them went into the family restroom and dressed. That is when Matt realized they weren’t at home and dad wasn’t with them.
“Mom, where are we? And where is dad? He’s going to be mad.”
Laney wasn’t ready to answer his questions, at least not fully. “We are going to see a friend of mine. Kind of like a vacation. It’s going to be fun.”
“Why isn’t dad coming?” Matt loved his dad. Matt always forgave. It was his nature. He loved unconditionally.
“Well, your dad has to work. He couldn’t come with us this time.”
Joy smiled at her mom, encouraging her.
Laney continued, “We need to get going. Finish getting dressed. We will be at my friend’s house by lunchtime. She is really nice. You will like her.”
Once they were on the road again, it seemed more like a true family vacation. Joy and Matt played I Spy while Melanie played with her doll. Only Laney remained quiet, wondering what their life was going to be like. What was she doing? How was she going to provide for her children? How was she going to keep them safe? The questions continued to run through her mind as exhaustion set in.
It was eleven thirty when she pulled into the driveway of a white two story Victorian house. Sheila, her dear friend from college, came out the front door and greeted her with a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.” She whispered in her ear, “You’ve done the right thing. You will be safe here.”
Laney took Sheila’s hand and allowed herself to be led up the porch steps and into the house. Joy, Melanie and Matt quietly followed their mother, taking in their surroundings as they went.
Once inside, Laney sat on the couch and managed to introduce her children to Sheila. “Sheila is one of my very best friends. She and I went to school together. We have known each other for a very long time.”
Laney was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. She smiled apologetically toward her dear friend.
Sheila came to the rescue “It’s nice to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you. Are you hungry? I have lunch ready. Why don’t we let your mom lay down while we eat? She looks really tired.” Sheila looked to Laney, “Your room is upstairs to your right…third door on the left. I’m sure you will find it just fine while I get these three fed.”
Once upstairs, Laney headed straight for the bed, crawled into the crisp sheets and laid her head down. With her children safely in the hands of her capable friend, she instantly fell asleep.
About the Author
Darlene Shortridge is the best-selling author of five Contemporary Christian Novels. She is an accomplished vocalist and a compassionate speaker. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Dan, and their two children. Darlene is overjoyed with the birth of her first grandchild. She, along with her husband, Dan, owns 40daypublishing.com, a self-publishing consulting company.
Darlene is blessed to be able to share the wonders of her faith with women who are yearning to know Him more. Her heart is about pleasing her Savior and bringing Him glory.
One of her passions, as well as gifts, is hospitality. She loves to cook and entertain friends and family in her home. When she isn’t speaking or writing, you will most often find her with her nose in a book. Although these days, holding her granddaughter takes precedence.
You can connect with Darlene on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Google Plus. For more information or to contact Darlene about speaking at your next event, visit her website at www.darleneshortridge.com
BOOKS BY DARLENE SHORTRIDGE
Please enjoy these other books by Darlene Shortridge available at your favorite online retailer or by order at your favorite store. Thank you.
Until Forever
Forever Blessed
Forever Loved
Forever Faithful
The Letter
The Perfect Gift
40 Day Publishing
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