Page 47 of Love and Memories

Bella belted out the chorus of “Goodness of God” alongside Anna as they drove toward Cody. Listening to the radio when she was alone had led to the reemergence of quite a few memories already, but singing with Anna was good for Bella in a different way.

Anna was the friend Bella hadn’t known she needed. The picture-perfect blonde beauty was so down-to-earth and genuine that Bella had given in to Anna’s draw before she even realized what was happening.

If nothing else, Anna had led Bella to explore a relationship with God. She’d attended church–a place she’d greatly misunderstood–and found even more kind people who welcomed her in with open arms.

Anna’s Christian music playlist was enormous, and the songs tugged at Bella’s heart in a new and amazing way. Music had always been her solace, but these songs demanded she listen to more than the notes or words. They explained the importance of a relationship with God better than any of the sermons she’d heard so far.

As the song faded away, Bella rested her head back and closed her eyes. “I love that song.”

“Oh, yeah. The first time I heard it, I was at a women’s conference and cried like a baby in front of everyone. I was a snotty mess by the time the song was over.”

Bella laughed–a new freedom she’d come to appreciate. “I bet you weren’t the only one.”

“Not by a long shot. You sing a song like that in front of a bunch of women, and we’ll all be scrambling for the tissues.”

Bella’s heart was overflowing. She’d been faced with so many difficult situations lately, but there had been a helper everywhere she turned. It had to be God. There was no way she’d stumbled into so many coincidences.

“I love God,” Bella whispered as she stared out the window at the long road ahead.

“Good. I love God too,” Anna said.

“No, I want to be saved. I think I already am, but how do I know?”

Anna gasped. “That’s amazing! When you know, you know.”

A soft assurance covered her thoughts. It was the only thing she hadn’t questioned since the incident. “A lot of the way I feel when I think about God or study the Bible you gave me just feels familiar.”

“Eeekkk! This is amazing! We have to tell everyone. We can call Bro. Higgins when we get to the doctor’s office.”

“And maybe ask him for prayers,” Bella added. “I hope I get a good report.”

“Definitely. Don’t worry about anything before we have anything to worry about. You’ve been getting some memories back, and you’re doing great. There’s no reason you should get a bad report.”

“I know. I just feel like I’m finally on the mend…”

“And you’re afraid to backslide. I get it. Keep your chin up,” Anna said.

Bella slowly rolled her phone in her hands. She’d made friends, gotten a job, found a church. Everything was looking up. The only thing she didn’t have that she still wanted was Travis.

Travis was an absolute dream. He was attentive, sweet, and checked on her constantly. He was outrageously attractive, but he was never conceited or cocky.

If she’d been the praying kind during all the years she’d forgotten, Travis was the answer to all her prayers.

Every day they spent together brought them closer, but he hadn’t made a move yet. Maybe he was just reasonable and knew she didn’t have anything to bring to a relationship. She couldn’t even support herself yet. She was still mooching off her new friends who’d been strangers less than a month ago.

“Just call him!” Anna said, jerking Bella out of her daydreams.

“What? Call who?”

“Travis. You’re staring at your phone like it might turn into a looking glass and reveal your one true love. News flash, it’s Travis.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Ha! I know you want to call him. Press the button, babe.”

“I texted him earlier to let him know I have an appointment today. He’s working at the fire station for the next two days, so he can’t just talk all the time.”

“I’m sure he can take a personal call at work when he’s not saving lives or putting out fires,” Anna said.

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