“Maybe we are not meant to have it all figured out, but rather we are meant to simply go with the flow.”
…
~ Elizabeth ~
The next day at school was different—silent, and a little bit awkward.
I caught Evie staring at me during English class, and I wondered why she kept looking. Either way, I focused on the class, and it ended just in time for break, as usual.
Packing my bags, I headed straight to the library, where I had secretly been having my snacks for days on end. But today... I wasn’t expecting company.
I was stunned to find Patrick already at the library when I walked in. What was he doing there?
I sat at my usual spot—three booths away from him—yet I could see him very clearly from where I was. Midway through munching my snacks, I felt a burning gaze on my face. I looked up—and froze.
Patrick was staring intensely at me.
I paused, food still in my mouth. I had clearly been caught. And as one of the “special” students in school, I wondered if he’d report me to the librarian, who was rather strict with unpopular students. Sadly, I was one of them.
Our eyes stayed locked for a few more seconds before he finally looked away and went back to studying. I turned back to my bagel, silently praying I wouldn’t be banned from the library for a week for breaking the rules. But I mean—can you blame me? The cafeteria had become way too suffocating.
I could be excused… couldn’t I?
After my meal, I cleaned my palms and dumped the little bits of trash into a secret compartment in my bag. I’d learned the trick of keeping all my refuse hidden until I got to the hallways—where countless waste bins were waiting to welcome it.
Then I went back to studying. Since I was still working at the café, I figured I could use my free time wisely by preparing for the upcoming SAT exams.
…
I had just gotten back from work on a Saturday when I noticed something unusual. And before I could say anything, Luke appeared in front of me—with a huge smile and arms wide open.
“Luke!” I rushed into his arms excitedly and held him tightly.
“Salut, Joli Beth!” His French sounded more fluent than before. Had he actually been taking lessons? He had once said he would, but since he didn’t have a big reason for learning French, I thought he was joking. Turns out, he wasn’t.
“I’ve missed you!”
“Moi aussi!” I chuckled. Did he really have to respond in French all the time? But I found it cute—regardless.
“You’ve become more beautiful, Beth.” He held me and placed a gentle peck on my forehead—so much like Dad used to. Wait... does that mean I have two dads now?
“And you’ve become more handsome and dashing!” I said honestly, reaching out to touch his locks.
Seeing the surprise in his eyes, I added, “Well, I love them.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s say they’re one of my favorite things about you.”
“Intéressant!” he replied with a grin, just as Mom walked in.
I stared at Mom—who was practically glowing. Unlike when I’d left earlier for work, she was now dressed in a long, silky spaghetti-strapped dress that fit her perfectly. On her feet were black wedge sandals, and her ears were adorned with her favorite oval earrings that suited her face. Altogether, she looked... radiant. And Luke? He looked equally dashing.
I looked from Mom to Luke, then back again, and immediately knew something was fishy.
“You should go freshen up so we can all enjoy a late lunch together, Liz.”
“Okay, Mom,” I replied with a nod before heading upstairs.
…
“Our Father in Heaven, bless this food… let it provide nourishment and comfort to our bodies. In Jesus’ name.”
“Amen,” I replied, a bit surprised by the sudden prayer.
“Well, I never saw you as a religious person, Luke,” Mom voiced my thoughts before I could.
“Let’s just say… I stumbled on it recently.” His response intrigued me, and I felt the therapist in me become alert.
“Care to share?”
“Sure…” He went on to tell us how, during a period of depression, he’d randomly walked into a church one Sunday morning. The pastor there spoke about a man named Jesus—someone willing to bear all our pain and burdens. With Him in our lives, we wouldn’t have to go through life alone.
“And how do we access His help and love?” I asked, genuinely curious. I’d never been religious. Neither had my parents. But I had once attended a summer Bible camp with Eliezer in middle school. So I knew the basics of Christianity—but not much about Jesus as a person.
“By surrendering our lives to Him, and letting Him take the driver’s seat.”
“Interesting…” Mom looked just as amused as I was.
“So, are you like a religious person now?” I asked, picking up a piece of sushi with my chopsticks. Who knew sushi could be made at home? And by Mom, after just one try?
“It’s called Christianity, Beth,” Luke said, ruffling my hair playfully.
“So you’re a Christian now?”
“Yup,” he said with a proud smile.
“And we are…?”
“Pagans!” he joked, and we all burst into laughter.
Dinner went on smoothly. Then we moved to the living room, where Mom finally dropped the bombshell.
“We’re getting married.”
“When?” I asked, still shaken by the news. I knew it would happen eventually, but this soon?
“In five months…”
“I’ll be preparing for college by then,” I sighed.
“That’s the point, Beth,” Luke said, holding my little palms in his large ones. “We want to give you time to process everything before you leave for college.”
“Um… okay,” I nodded.
“Also… we’ll be moving to Miami after the wedding.”
“What?” I turned to Mom, who was smiling brightly.
“Yes, Liz. I’ve always wanted to venture into fashion design but never had the chance because of our situation. Now that you’re older and more stable, I think it’s the right time for me to chase my dreams.”
“Really, Mom?” For some reason, I didn’t know how to react. Or more importantly—how I felt.
I should be happy. Excited, even. But instead… I felt numb.
“We know this is a lot to process, Beth. Take your time, okay?” Luke’s words made me love him even more in that moment.
“Yes, I will. Thank you,” I whispered, leaning into him. Mom joined in the hug, wrapping me up as if I were their only child.
I should be happy… but why do I feel incomplete? Like something is missing.
A missing piece still yet to be unraveled.
…
A/N: What do you think of the chapter, guys?