Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett

Author:Cathy Liggett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Christian / General, FICTION / General
ISBN: 9781414378756
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Published: 2010-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

26

Hearing Cassandra slowly plod her way up the cement steps, Gabby poked her head out the bedroom door. “How’s Daniel?” She spoke softly, not wanting to wake anyone up.

Usually the epitome of poise and put-togetherness, Cassandra had never looked so undone to Gabby. Black smudges underscored her eyes. Gray lines streaked her white capris.

“He didn’t eat any of the food Mrs. Olomi gave him. But thankfully he was sleeping by the time Sipho came to pick me up. Jaleela decided to stay with him tonight at Mrs. Olomi’s. I offered to trade places with her. She was so tired; I could tell. But you know her.” Cassandra sighed, then rolled her eyes. “The woman has a mind of her own.”

As if Casssandra didn’t. Gabby almost smiled.

“She assumed Nomvula and Tumi would already be asleep and wouldn’t miss her till Sipho picked her up tomorrow.”

Gabby nodded. “Apparently Katie wore them out. They were all bedded down by the time Heidi and I got back.”

“It’s been one long day. I can’t believe I’m actually looking forward to my lumpy bed.” Cassandra shook her head and started for her room.

“Cassandra, I . . .”

Cassandra turned and looked at her, her brow furrowed as if she couldn’t imagine what more needed to be said. “Yes?”

“You know, earlier today, when you came upstairs and Heidi and I were talking . . .” Gabby found herself stammering under Cassandra’s gaze. “I was telling Heidi something, and I sort of acted like . . . well, I didn’t want you to think—”

“It’s okay.” Cassandra held up her hand. “You don’t have to tell me. I’m fine.”

“I had a miscarriage.” The words came out despite Cassandra’s protest. “No, it’s more than that. I’ve been trying to have a baby for all the years of my marriage. And it’s just not going to happen for me. For Tom and me.”

“I don’t know what to say,” she replied in honest Cassandra fashion.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know.”

“Oh. Well, thanks. I mean, thanks for trusting me. And I’m, uh, sorry.”

Gabby accepted the condolence with a nod, then offered a faint, tight-lipped smile. “Well, like you said, it’s been a long day.”

“Yes, it has.” Cassandra headed for her room again, but this time she was the one who turned and stopped Gabby. “Will you pray?”

“For you?”

Cassandra chuckled. “Oh no. If there’s a God, I don’t think He cares to hear from me or about me. It’s a little too late for that. But will you pray for that little boy? for Daniel?”

Gabby tilted her head, taking a moment to consider Cassandra’s request. “Yes, I’ll pray. For him, I’ll pray.”

As soon as she closed her bedroom door, her stomach tightened. Pacing the dust-covered floor, she suddenly felt trapped in the small space with her thoughts and regrets.

Could she? Could she really pray for Daniel? Why had she said she would? Would God even listen to her?

Obviously it hadn’t been right to pray over the food on Jaleela’s table, not when the words rolled off her tongue with so little meaning.

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