Crystal Lies - Melody Carlson [122]
Instead, I begin to walk, and that’s when I notice that I have stopped next to a small neighborhood park. I’ve probably driven past it before, but I honestly don’t remember seeing it. I’m sure that’s because I have always had other things on my mind as I travel back and forth from Hope’s Wings. But the park is old and quaint with metal swings and an ancient-looking merry-go-round. Other than an elderly woman walking a small dog on the other side, the park is deserted. But all the lovely blooming trees and flowers seem to beg to be enjoyed. And so I slowly walk through it, and as I walk, I begin to pray And, once again, I surrender Jacob to God.
“You’d think I’d know this by now,” I admit. “That you created and designed Jacob. That he’s as much, or probably more, yours than he is mine. And I believe you know what you’re doing in his life.” I stop and take a deep breath. “And so I give him back to you, God. Do as you like with him.”
I continue to walk until I come to a quiet little neighborhood that borders the other side of the park. The houses are small and old-fashioned, but something about them draws me, and as strange as it seems, I almost feel at home here.
And then I see it—a For Sale by Owner sign pounded into the dirt in front of a rather forlorn little house that’s painted the color of a dirty old sock. I pause and look at the sad little house and its neglected yard, and I know I must have it.
Of course, I’ve never purchased a house before and don’t even know if I can afford one now, although I have offered to sign a divorce settlement with Geoffrey that I think, along with my savings, might just cover the price of a modest home. But how does one go about something like this? What are the proper steps? And is this crazy?
Suddenly I know who to call, and by four o’clock that same afternoon, Sherry is leading me through the vacant house and pointing out all of its weaknesses as well as its strengths. Unfortunately, according to Sherry, the weaknesses seem to outweigh the strengths. Although she does admit that the house has potential.
“It’s a good neighborhood,” she says.
“And how about that guesthouse in back?” I remind her. “Wouldn’t that be great for Jacob?”
“But it’ll be a lot of work,” she tells me as she locks the front door.
“Work is good,” I say with determination.
“And it’ll take money to make the repairs.”
This gives me pause. “Don’t you think I can do a lot of it myself?”
“Maybe…”
“Well, I want it,” I finally tell her.
“Now, Glennis, you need to realize that some people make decisions to buy houses with their heads, and others make decisions with their hearts.”
I nod. “Then this is definitely a heart decision. But, really, I have a strong feeling that its the right decision. Just call it a God thing.”
“Well, I can’t deny that it’s a good location, Glennis.” She glances over to the little park. “I can’t believe someone hasn’t snapped it up by now.”
“Well, let’s not waste another minute.”
She smiles now. “Okay, let’s go to my office and write up an offer.”
We meet at her office, and after the paperwork is finished, we go out for coffee to celebrate, although she reminds me this is premature. Naturally, I have to give her the latest news on Jacob, and she is understandably disappointed. But I take the high road, and, sounding a lot like Marcus, I explain that it’s just part of the recovery process.
“The good thing is that it was totally his choice to check into treatment this time,” I finally tell her.
“Well, I hope that it works.” She sighs. “I’m still praying for that boy.”
“Thanks.” I want to ask how she’s doing. It’s been several months since losing Matthew. But I’m afraid I’ll only make her sad if I bring it up.
“Mark’s getting excited about graduation,” she tells me.
“He’s graduating this year?” I shake my head. “How did that happen so soon?”
“Yes, but now he’s decided to go for his master’s.”
“You must be so proud of him, Glennis.”
She smiles. “I am.”
We chat some more, and it occurs to me how perfectly normal and happy we must appear to a casual observer. Just two