Page 21 of Love and Memories

“Oh! They have an amazing Philly cheesesteak sandwich at Sticky Sweets,” Olivia said.

“Gage loves their roast beef sandwiches,” Hadley added.

“You don’t have to bring me anything. I appreciate you stopping by,” Bella said.

In fact, she’d loved the visit with the women. She’d relaxed more in the last hour than in the whole time she’d been in the hospital.

“I can come back tomorrow,” Olivia said. “Hadley and Anna have to work.”

“I’ll send you some good shampoo and conditioner. That stuff wasn’t the best for your hair,” Anna said.

A surge of gratefulness threatened to choke Bella, and her words were hoarse. “I haven’t been very hungry, but thank you.”

“What do you need?” Anna asked.

Whatdidshe need? A brain that worked, a phone with contacts in it, and an address to her home. Oh, and a way to make the outrageous hospital bill she was racking up disappear.

“I don’t really know yet,” Bella answered honestly.

Olivia scribbled on a napkin. “Here are our numbers. Call us if you need anything.”

“Or call Travis,” Hadley added with a smile. She leaned closer to whisper, “You know you want to.”

Bella tried to hide the grin spreading on her face. She had too many insecurities and fears to date anyone right now, much less a handsome man who came with good references. “Thanks for everything.”

Anna finished braiding Bella’s hair and tied it with a band Hadley supplied. “All done.”

“We’ll let you get some rest,” Olivia said. “You look tired.”

Bella was tired, but she didn’t want the women to leave. “I’m glad you came. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Bye, friend!” Anna said as she led the way to the door.

The others said their cheery farewells, and Bella rested back against the pillow. Exhaustion hung heavy on her shoulders, but a smile lingered on her face, tugging at the bruise on her cheek.

Bella raised her head and looked around. The flowers the women brought were a bright burst of color in the monochrome room. The books by the bed drew her attention, and she reached for the one on top.

The deep-brown Bible had gold lettering on the front, and she brushed her fingertips over the embossed letters. It was a big book, but the size didn’t intimidate her like she expected.

Turning it over on its spine, she parted the pages and let the book fall open to the book of Psalms. The words were foreign, yet familiar and intriguing enough to pull her in.

She picked a random chapter and started reading. The heading called it a Psalm of David, but she could have written the words herself. They matched her own heart’s cry.

Protect me from my enemies.

Guide my paths.

Forgive me for my sins.

Bella’s eyes drifted closed, and she fought against the lure of sleep. The words were steeped in hope for a man who completely humbled himself before God.

She didn’t remember reading the passage before, but the assurance of a God who saved wasn’t a new concept. Did she believe in a God who could love and forgive anything and everything?

She wasn’t ignorant enough to believe she was blameless, but what kind of sins had she committed? How could she ask for forgiveness if she didn’t know what she’d done?

A dull ache slowly pulsed in her head, and the words on the page began to blur. Closing the book, she rested her head back against the pillow. Piecing together her memories screamed of urgency, but exhaustion pulled her into a deep sleep.

9

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