Author's Note: Thank you all so much for the reviews. I really do appreciate them, and I am glad you enjoy this story. Also, I know y'all want more Adrian/Evelyn scenes, and I promise they are on the way, just not this chapter. Here is the next chapter, and again, please let me know what you think, thanks.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
Once a month Hamilton House holds a worship service, followed by food and games for the teenage parents. It has gone rather smoothly, most of the teens attending, but only four have brought their children. On multiple occasions James has informed the parents it is perfectly fine to bring their children, but most of them prefer to leave their children with a sitter. For just a short amount of time, the teens enjoy not being mom or dad, simply kids playing games and snacking on whatever food is available.
Three of the four children that are in attendance are somewhere between the ages of two and four. Evelyn is appalled that thirteen and fourteen-year-olds are having babies. That isn't something one encounters in Beverly Hills. On occasion there is a sixteen or seventeen-year-old that ends up pregnant, but between the ages of twelve and fourteen, the young girls are much too busy with cotillion, fashion, or a list of extracurricular school activities to find themselves pregnant. The teens in Beverly Hills also have access to better healthcare and education, preparing them to make more informed decisions when they choose to have sex.
The fourth child in attendance is in fact a baby. At five-months-old little Ayda Cox has everyone's attention. Her mother, thirteen-year-old Zoey, is a delightful young girl, very smart but dealt a dreadful hand in life. Despite all the challenges facing Zoey and her baby, Ayda is very well taken care. It is Zoey Evelyn wants to wrap her arms around and apologize to for all the wrong that has been done to her. How James deals with this, and much worse, on a daily basis, Evelyn isn't sure. She is just glad he does. Hamilton House is the only positive outlet most of the teens have.
"What are you thinking about?" James asks as they stand to the side watching a rather intense game of ping-pong.
He wondered how she would handle all of this when she informed him she would be joining him. Instead of judgmental glares or a crinkled nose, she has reacted with sympathy and a hint of anger that James is rather familiar with. It is so unfair the atrocities that have befallen these children. Most people only see irresponsible kids who have managed to find themselves in adult situations. That simply isn't true. While poor judgment has played a part in the teens finding themselves with babies of their own, there are many more factors in play. Poverty, lack of education and healthcare, substance abuse in the home, and neglect are just a few of those factors.
"They are good kids," Evelyn mutters.
"They are," James nods in agreement, wrapping his arm around Evelyn's shoulders. "They have a lot of odds stacked against them, but they are making their way in the world. Hamilton House is here to help them any way we can."
The youth, more than anything, is why James does all of this. Evelyn nods, offers him a smile, then a quick peck on the cheek. She is amazed by this man and all the good he does for others.
Knowing this group of young people so well, James excuses himself when he notices a young girl and an even younger boy arguing. For some reason Evelyn didn't expect to see teen fathers in attendance. Much to her surprise, there are three and they actually appear younger than the girls.
"Where'd the Reverend go?" Zoey asks, pulling Evelyn from her thoughts. She seems upset.
"He's talking with those two over there." Evelyn tilts her head in the direction of the two young people who have now begun screaming at each other. Zoey bites her lip nervously. "Is there something you need?" Evelyn asks gently, for some reason the desire to reach out and wrap her arms around this child is overwhelming.
Zoey is momentarily unsure of how to respond. She doesn't know this woman. This beautiful, well put together woman who exudes wealth and class, but she seems to be close with the Reverend so she must be all right. Zoey opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. Her eyes fill with tears and for just a second her tough as nails exterior slips, revealing the frightened little girl she is, that her life will not allow her to be. Without thinking about it, Evelyn wraps her arms around the child, the girl clings to her as she begins to sob. Evelyn tightens her grasp, stroking the girl's back as sobs wrack her body.
"Sorry," Zoey apologizes, pulling away from Evelyn once she realizes what she is doing. "Oh shit," she mutters, noticing the tear stains on the silk blouse. "Sorry," she says once again. The Reverend doesn't allow vulgar language.
"It's all right, it can be cleaned!" Evelyn gives her a reassuring smile. The last thing this girl needs to worry about is a blouse.
"I'll pay for it," Zoey offers, unsure of where she will scrape together the money. It is hard enough affording everything for Ayda. Evelyn waves away the suggestion and shakes her head.
"What has you so upset?" Evelyn asks, for the first time considering she should probably get James. He knows these children; she doesn't. Fresh tears spring to the girl's eyes at the question.
"My Granny, she just got put in the hospital. Aunt Tawny just texted me." Zoey looks absolutely miserable as she explains.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Evelyn's heart aches for this child.
James watches Evelyn and Zoey from where he was just standing with Bella and Tucker. Once that situation was diffused, his attention turned towards Evelyn and the latest drama unfolding. It isn't uncommon for these monthly gatherings to take a dramatic turn, he's accustomed to it, but Evelyn isn't. Surprisingly, she is handling it well. What is even more surprising is the fact Zoey seems to be talking with her. Both women are forces to be reckoned with, but they seem to be doing well together. He decides to go over anyway when Evelyn begins searching the room for him.
"Is everything ok?" James asks as he nears the two.
Zoey is immediately in his arms crying. Between sobs she tells him about her grandmother, scared that she will lose her grandmother, the death of her grandfather still fresh. While James attempts to calm Zoey, Evelyn stands by watching. He is constantly amazing her, but the way he is with these children is breathtaking. For a moment Evelyn allows herself to wonder what he will be like with her child. Assuming everything with the pregnancy goes well and he remains in the picture.
Zoey is not allowed to linger in James' arms, and Evelyn is roused from her thoughts, when Ayda begins to wail. The baby has been napping peacefully in her little umbrella stroller for the better part of an hour. Apparently, she is rested and ready to get out of the stroller. Zoey sighs heavily, reluctantly moving away from James. It is so nice to have someone take care of her, to worry about her, but her baby needs her.
"I'll get her," Evelyn offers, noticing the girl's inner battle. It is obvious she is torn between being a child in need of comfort or taking care of her child.
"Thank you," Zoey sighs, burying her face in James' chest once again.
James continues to soothe the upset girl, but his eyes track Evelyn. He has never seen her with a child before, but she is a natural. She handled Zoey well, a feat most cannot claim, and now she is carefully lifting the baby to her shoulder, patting Ayda's back as she whispers to her. He can't keep the smile off his face as a look of joy washes over Evelyn's face when she rests her cheek against the baby's. She will be a wonderful mother.
"She needs changing," Evelyn says, hating to intrude on Zoey's moment of solace.
Zoey moves away from James and nods. She reaches for the diaper bag she has left on a nearby counter then holds her hands out for the baby. She forces a smile as she looks at the baby. She loves her daughter, but right now she needs a few minutes to be the young teen she is.
"I can change her," Evelyn suggests with a shrug. It isn't like she's never changed a baby before.
"Thank you," Zoey smiles, gladly takig her up on the offer.
With the baby in her arms and the diaper bag over her shoulder, Evelyn heads off in the direction of the bathroom. She noticed a changing table in there earlier. James is very impressed with the way she has handled herself tonight. Hopefully, she will realize that she isn't the cold socialite she prefers people to think she is.
Evelyn emerges from the bathroom a few minutes later, a dry, happy Ayda in her arms. She is a bit surprised not to see Zoey. Spotting James, she heads over to him, patting the baby's back as they make their way.
"Where's Zoey?" Evelyn asks once she's in front of James.
"Trista gave her a ride to the hospital. Her boyfriend is on the way to pick up Ayda." James smiles as he watches her, the way she so easily transfers the baby from one arm to the other.
"What?" Evelyn asks with a lifted brow. Why is James looking at her like that?
"You're good with kids," he tells her, closing the gap between them.
"I loved being a mother," she smiles at the memories. Those were the happiest days of her life.
"That's good to hear, all things considered." James smiles at her then looks at her stomach. He gives her a chaste kiss, gently squeezes her shoulder, pats Ayda on the back, and once again heads over to Bella and Tucker. The two have begun screaming at one another again.
Evelyn simply stands there, watching as James handles the situation between the two teens. The feel of Ayda's weight in her arms keeps her centered as thoughts of all the things that could happen run through her mind. She tries to keep them at bay, not wanting to dwell on all the possible bad outcomes, but at the same time she can't afford to let herself imagine what life will be like with a healthy baby. She has to stay somewhere in between the two. It is tiring, almost as exhausting as the round the clock nausea, but for now it is what it is. She has suffered the loss of a child, the pain is with her every day, but hopefully soon she will have another child to love. Not to take Barrett's place because he is irreplaceable, but another child to nurture and watch grow. A child to fill the void that for so long has consumed her.
No! No, no, no, it can't be true. That woman is pregnant with the Reverend's baby? How could God allow the Reverend to be so stupid? No, one should never question God and his infinite wisdom. But, what could possibly be the reason for this? Is Satan testing the Reverend? Trying to pry the man from his loyal flock? Possibly, but it will take more than the red headed bitch to separate the man from his congregation and his beliefs.
Whether it is God or the Devil, a test of faith or one of God's mysterious ways, a life has been created. A baby is a gift from God, one that should be cherished; celebrated. The mother, that harlot, is trash, but as long as she is carrying the Reverend's child nothing can be done to her. Physical harm is out of the question, but pranks, like the mutilated feline, might be enough to drive her away from the Reverend.
Once the baby is born it probably won't take much to convince her to leave the baby. She might have put on a good performance for the Reverend, but she isn't the type to be a mother. She is much too busy worrying about herself, her needs, and her wants. It wouldn't take much at all to convince her to leave the baby with the Reverend; a good, kind, God-fearing man.
The sound of the text notification fills the dark room, but thankfully it does not disturb James. Evelyn is already awake, unable to fall asleep even though she is exhausted. Sighing, she rolls over and reaches for the phone, momentarily considering just who is sending her a text at not even two a.m. Hopefully it isn't Gail, drunk texting her yet again. The last time that happened, Evelyn received a photo she would rather forget. That woman is insane.
The light from the phone illuminates Evelyn's face as she taps on the message notification. A blocked number has sent her a message, and for no other reason than boredom, Evelyn read it.
Proverbs 5:3-5 3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.
Evelyn stares at the phone, squinting. Who is sending her bible verses? Are they calling her an adulterous woman? She has been before, but not now. She is technically still married to Adrian, but their relationship is over. Her fling with Tony, when Adrian and she were still together, was purely sexual. Sneaking around behind Adrian's back only heightened the thrill of the affair. That was adulterous. With James, it's more than just sex. The sex is mind blowing, but there is a connection between them. She didn't expect it, wasn't even looking for it, but she has found it. Even if some may view it as adulterous, their relationship isn't. It is based on so much more than just sex.
She refuses to defend their relationship to a text message, especially if the person sending it isn't even going to allow her to rebuke the claim. Besides, people infer from the Bible what they want. This might be a taunt, or it might be a wrong number sending a verse to an acquaintance. She has received much stranger messages than this.
Evelyn places the phone back on the bedside table, rolls over, and snuggles into James' side. In his sleep, his arm wraps around her protectively, pulling her closer. Evelyn smiles contently and rests her cheek against his bare chest. It is so nice to have this connection with this kind, wonderful man.