Page 88 of Rescuer
When he got there, Swanny was waiting with an ice-cold can of Mountain Dew. “What’s on your mind?”
Jackson told him about the call, the students and the drugs belonging to the assistant superintendent. When he was through telling his friend about the night, Jackson found himself telling Swanny about Mia. Both past and present.
“Can I speak truth to you?” Swanny gazed at him. “Biblical truth?”
This was exactly what he needed. “Do it.”
“You’re right that you need to find your brother. This other stuff with the drugs…it’s frustrating, but it can’t be your focus. The cops are there to find the drugs and to put the criminals away. Focus on Dylan. But…” He paused. “I think you’ve forgotten something really important.”
Jackson leaned forward. “What?”
“You are not alone. Hebrews 13:5. ‘He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”’ And then there’s Isaiah 41:10?—”
“‘So do not fear, for I am with you,’” Jackson murmured, hope stirring.
“Yeah. How many times do we read that we shouldn’t fear? Jackson, dude, you are a son of the King. No matter what happens, He’s got you. He has a plan. For you, for Dylan, and for Mia.”
“What if Mia isn’t part of His plan for me?” He wanted her to be, but he admitted that maybe God didn’t plan for them to be a couple. Maybe he was meant to help her get closer to God, then step back.
Could he do it? Lord, You know Your plan. Help me to do the right thing.
“Pray about it. You know that. Hand everything to the Father. He’ll work it out. We just have to follow His lead and obey.”
Jackson shook his head. “That’s the hardest part sometimes.”
“True. But in the end, it’s always the best way.”
Jackson sighed. “You’re right.”
“Of course. But I’m not done.”
Jackson leaned back against the kitchen doorframe. “Yeah?”
“I think Mia needs you too. It sounds like she hasn’t had anyone to show her what living for God looks like. You can be that person.” He set down his can. “Now, there’s a game on television. Why don’t we watch it?”
Jackson drove home after the game, his mind swimming with Swanny’s advice. He would try and help Mia, and he would be open with her. And in the end, if she wanted to walk away, he’d let her go.
Knowing she’d take a part of his heart with her.
“I’m sorry about everything with Jane,” Mia told Gus, setting aside the paperback she’d tried, and failed, to read.
“Jane isn’t your fault. She’s been indulged. Taught the world owes her something. You can’t change that.”
Mia stood up and stretched. “Maybe not.” Suddenly, she stopped and whirled to face Gus. “Oh! I meant to tell you. I talked with my mom today.”
Gus closed her crossword book. “Oh? That’s wonderful!”
Mia nodded. “I can’t promise anything, but I think we might have a chance to build a relationship.”
They talked about her mom for a few minutes before Gus yawned. “Goodness! I need to go to bed.”
Mia watched her. Gus seemed to be moving slower this evening. No doubt worn down by the events of the day. Mia followed her aunt to her room. “Can I get you anything? Do you need help?”
“No. You’ve done so much. I just need to lie down.”
Mia closed Gus’s door and quietly walked down the hallway to the kitchen. She needed a hot cup of tea. Pulling out her tea box, she selected a raspberry pomegranate herbal tea. That should soothe her hyped-up nerves.
Poor Gus. After kicking Jane out, the woman had broken down into tears. Mia genuinely feared for her. Jackson had checked her aunt’s vitals before he’d left. Gus’s heart surgery was still a couple of weeks away, and Mia didn’t want to stress her out. Part of her felt bad for exposing Jane, but she knew the situation could have gotten much worse if she hadn’t.
