A Saved Friendship (cont'd)
By Eowyn HorseCrazy

Chapter Three:

That night after Adelaide on down where in bed, I waited for a break in the discussion.  Samuel and Dad where discussing the principle uses of the GSD.  Dad had just paused for breath, when I said, “Hey, Dad?  You got a minute?”  

Dad looked over at me. “Yes?” 

I looked at the floor and then back at Dad.  “Well...” 

I explained the whole thing over again without any interruptions.  After I had finished, everything was silent, save a goat bleating off and on and General’s breathing.  Dad stared into the fire, Mom ripped a seam from something she was making, Samuel stared thoughtfully at General, and William just looked at everyone. 

“Do you think you’re right?”  Dad asked at length. 

I hated it when he asked me questions like that.  I shrugged.  “Well, I think she’s wrong to start slandering God and getting angry at him.” 

“So you think you’re right?” Dad persisted. 

“Yeah, I think I’m right in telling her not to be angry with Jesus.” 

“Hmm.” 

“Am I?” 

“Yes, but you do need to be sensitive to the fact that she just lost her horse, Beth.  Think how you would feel if you...” 

“I know how she feels.” 

“What?” 

“I know how she feels.  Keeta was mine, just as much as she was Rae’s.  We shared her.  Rae said that since I couldn’t have my own, she would share Keeta with me.  I know how she feels,” I repeated. 

“Oh.” 

“What are you going to do?” Mom asked me. 

“Yeah, what’re you gonna do?” Samuel added. 

“Go over to Rachel’s house.  And, if that doesn’t work, let God handle it,” William said calmly.  

I looked over at William. “No way am I doing that!  She wouldn’t listen for a second!” I said. 

He shrugged.  “You you always do what I suggest.” 

I stared at William.  “Well not this time, William Zechariah!  I don’t...” 

He laughed, “Don’t think I don’t know you enough, Beth.  Last time it was whether or not you should name the kid Faith or Hope.  I suggested Hope.  You named her Hope.” 

“I think William’s idea is the right one,” Dad said.  “What do you think, Rebecka?” 

Mom nodded.  “That sounds like the best way to handle the situation, I think.” 

“Beth?” Dad asked.

I shrugged.  “I don’t know... I’ll think about it.” 

“Good... but for now it’s bedtime.” 

We gave hugs and then walked up the old, creaky stairs.  I stopped at my door, waited until Samuel had passed, and then grabbed William’s arm.  “Will?  Do you really think it’s the right thing to do?” 

In the pale light coming from the window at the end of the hallway, I saw him grin.  “What do you think?” he replied.  

“I don’t know what I think, Will.  I’m tired right now, though.”  I gave him a hug and then went in my room.  I changed into my pajamas and climbed in bed. 

Jesus, I need your help!  I prayed. Please help me!  Show me the way!  Is Will’s idea what I should do? 

I turned on my side and pushed the blanket down to my waist, trying to cool off.  I finally drifted off to sleep and dreamed that I was drowning in the middle of a deep river, with Rae standing there laughing at me and not helping.  Just as I slipped under the water for the last time, I felt somebody grab my shirt and drag me ashore.  I gasped for breath, and opened my eyes to see Keeta standing over me, dripping wet.  I hugged her and cried, thanking her over and over...  And then, I was in the barn with Rae, trying to talk to her.  She wouldn’t look at me.  Finally, she turned and shouted, 'You killed Keeta!' and I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face.  

I shot up in bed, breathing hard.  I realized I was uncovered and my pillow and blanket were on the floor by my bed.  I waited until I was calmed down, and then reached out and pulled my pillow and blanket back up onto my bed.  All the rest of the night I tossed and turned; dreaming the same dream over and over, always waking as I fell to the floor.  Each time I fell back asleep, I would start dreaming the same dream again, then waking again.  And I couldn’t keep it from happening. 

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