Chapter Six, A Friends Advice

Beth slapped the alarm clock…the one that wasn't there. What? Huh? Rising on her elbow, she switched on the lamp and blinked twice. My phone…

"He-hello?"

"Good morning, sleepy head!" a familiar voice chirped.

"Tiffany?"

"Yep. Sorry I didn't return your call last night. Justin had a basketball tournament."

"No problem," she stifled a yawn.

"So how's your trip?"

"Fine…though, I ran out of gas about a mile from a station yesterday," she giggled.

Tiffany groaned, "That's exactly what I was afraid of. What am I going to do with you?" She laughed.

"Not much you can do right now…unless you've decided to get back into the praying business."

"Right! Have you called Kyle, yet?"

"No, but I sent him and my parents a postcard yesterday."

"Chicken! You're afraid he'll haul you home."

"You know it! The whole purpose of this trip is to be alone…have time to figure things out. Please! Don't give this number to an-y-one."

"Boy! Don't I feel special!"

Beth laughed, "I know you aren't going to hunt me down and drag me home."

"I'll try to keep the hounds at bay. Just make sure you keep in touch with me and try to enjoy yourself. You need a vacation. I called in a sub for you. I'll hold your position as long as I can."

"Thanks, Tiff. Hopefully, I won't need more than a couple weeks."

"That remains to be seen. Listen, I need to go. A wave of customers just flooded through the bank doors. Call me if you need a job reference."

"A job reference?"

"Yep! If you stay away very long, you'll need a source of income. I can't see you working this out in two weeks and I want you to take your time! It never pays to rush into marriage, Beth…especially one you already have qualms about. You don't want to end up like me…raising kids alone. Make sure the love you share with Kyle is the kind that lasts a lifetime."

"Thanks for the advice, Tiff! I won't forget it. I better click off and get down the road. I'm hoping to make it to ---"

"Don't tell me where you're going." Tiffany cut her off. "That way I can plead honest ignorance."

"Ok. Thanks, Tiff!"

"Anytime! Take care of yourself and no more running out of gas. Watch that gauge!" She reprimanded.

Beth laughed, "I'll try, but you know how bad I am about that."

"Yeah! Like, how many times have I had to bring you gas twenty minutes before opening the bank? Ugh!"

"I know…and you're always so good to do it without complaint," she grinned.

Tiffany laughed, "Right! Take care…catch you later.

"Alright…b-bye."

Beth glanced at the clock. "7:15? Argh! I better shower and hit the road."

Her stomach knotted with worry. Kyle must be on a war path by now.

Stepping into the shower, the remembrance of Adam's reassuring smile…his deep, soothing voice…I'll pray for you…bathed her soul, washing the tension down the drain…


~Linnette R Mullin