Chapter Sixteen
He held me under the moonlight until the tears ran out. He eventually helped me stand up. I hugged him tight all the way to the Jeep. I looked into his brown eyes while he wiped the last tear from my face. At that moment, I felt a bit of relief. I just made myself a friend I can depend on when the bad becomes worse.
Richard drove me to his house. I couldn't go back to the hotel. No one would pay the bill. I had to leave all the stuff I had there. I didn't mind. I took my guns out to the cemetery with me anyway.
Claudia was waiting for me at Richard's house. How does she always know where I am going to be? That completely freaks me out. Maybe it was the stop we made on the way to his house. Maybe that was when he called Shawn. And about Shawn. I've been wondering about something.
Richard's front yard was neat and trim just as I thought it would be. On the ground right in front of Claudia, who was standing on some steps, was Shawn. Just like magic.
I turned around to Richard and said the first thing that came to my mind. "How did you end up coming with me?"
He thought for a second then replied, "Once upon a lifetime, Shawn substituted for my class when I couldn't make it. He was busy that day, but he postponed all his appointments and did it anyway. He did, however, make sure that I would owe him a favor," he smiled, "therefore, I accompanied you in your time of triumph and pain."
"Well thanks. Always nice to know someone is out there watching over me."
He laughed and walked me into his house. Although I felt a little lost and confused, I knew I'd be all right. I have Claudia, Shawn, and a new found friend in Richard. Things were bad, but they could get better. Right? Maybe the cops won't even get on to me about the death of Chandra.
That night I stayed at Richard's house in his spare room. I knelt by the side of the bed and prayed. I prayed like I never did before. I prayed that my sister would be alright, that my soul would be saved, and that everything would turn out alright. I believe there is a God out there and that he makes things alright.