Page 115 of Love in the Storm

Lyric nodded.

“Say it,” Olivia demanded.

“We’re gonna pray, and I’m gonna focus on breathing,” Lyric repeated.

Olivia bowed her head. “Lord, You are in charge of everything, and right now I bring both Lyric and Wendy to You. They’re hurting and confused and scared. I pray that You lift them up. I pray that You remind them of Your part in their lives. I pray that they let everything else going on in the world go and hit their knees at Your feet.”

Lyric inhaled a breath that tingled throughout her body. Olivia knew exactly what to do. She guided all of Lyric’s frustrations and worries to the One who could read her heart.

“Lord, we love You, and we trust You. Calm thestorms inside of us, and help us to help each other. Amen.”

Lyric wrapped Olivia in a hug and held on. She’d known Olivia for a few months, and they’d grown to be good friends. Now, Lyric could see the Lord’s handiwork in her life. He knew she’d need Olivia, Kendra, Camille, and Asa. He even knew she needed Dawson today.

She had plenty to be grateful for, and she wouldn’t let today’s events overshadow the good that the Lord had built in her life.

The door opened, and Wendy walked in with Asa right behind her. She wasn’t restrained in any way, but her slow, dragging steps implied a heavy weight resting on her shoulders.

Lyric stood, and the whole room tilted. He’d gone to get Wendy. That was his plan. If Wendy claimed the drugs, Lyric could have her freedom.

Why was the realization bittersweet?

Wendy looked up at Lyric before turning her attention back to the floor. That one small glance revealed a hollowness in her eyes. She wasn’t the same happy woman that Lyric had chatted with on the way to the flower shop only a few hours ago.

Lyric moved to meet Wendy, enveloping her in a hug that squeezed Lyric’s heart.

“I’m sorry,” Wendy said as she buried her face in the crook of Lyric’s neck. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m sorry too. I should have been there for you more. It’s been so tough for you lately.”

Wendy pulled back and wiped at her eyes. “I didn’t use. I just…had it. I don’t know. I thought about it, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.”

“I believe you. They’ll probably test you. At least, that’s what they did to me,” Lyric said, hoping the information didn’t strike some kind of fear in Wendy.

Instead, Wendy just nodded. “Okay. I really didn’t use.”

Lyric wrapped her friend in another hug with all the power of her relief. “I’m so glad.”

Asa stepped up beside them. There was a guarded look in his eyes as he addressed Wendy. “We have a few questions for you.”

Wendy sniffed and nodded. “Okay.” She turned back to Lyric. “I’m really sorry about getting you into this.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Wendy looked at Asa, then back at Lyric. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

Lyric reached for Wendy’s hand and clasped it between hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“But they’ll release you now.”

Lyric shook her head. “I’m not leaving you.”

Dawson stepped up beside Wendy and extended a hand to her. “I’m Officer Keller. If you’ll take a seat right here, we have a few things to talk about.” Hepulled out the chair Lyric had vacated and gestured for Wendy to take it.

Once Wendy sat, Lyric turned to Asa. Everything inside her was too full—too pressurized by the series of events.

Asa pulled her to him, wrapping her in the safety of his arms. “She’ll be okay. It’s a small amount. A misdemeanor. If she’s clean, she might only have to pay a fine.”

Lyric pressed her face to Asa’s chest. Not being arrested was great for Wendy, but there was no way she’d have the money to pay a fine. The war of relief and sadness swirled in Lyric’s middle.

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