“Well, have you seen her interact with other people?” George asked. Liam thought about her maid and how vicious she was but Katie seemed to change immediately about it, then Liam’s thoughts drifted to Rosie and how Katie saw a need and met it.

  “I have…” Liam said waiting for what he was going to say next.

  “Oftentimes, when believers are attracted to other believers in the faith, it has to do with a piece of God they see in that person. I don’t know this girl or how she handles herself, but I know you Liam. For this girl to pull your interest, it has nothing to do with the typical looks and lusts, it has to do with matters of the heart.”

  “Matters of the heart?”

  “You are a man of God Liam, you aren’t a boy with hormones raging out of control. You need a woman in your life that is solid and that you can rely on. My guess is she is a servant of the Lord and you’ve seen her exercise it at one time or another. Your spirit of God inside of you is drawn to her because she has that spirit also. Looks and whatnot play a role too, but this draw you feel is on a spiritual level.”

  “Dad…”

  “Yes son?”

  “You are too deep sometimes…” Liam chuckled.

  “I know, but I just want to make sure you have as much information that you are willing to hear. I want to try to steer you in the right direction.”

  “Thanks Dad… I still don’t really know what to do about this girl…” Liam said. Looking up at the night sky, Liam saw a shooting star streak across the sky. “I am leaving tomorrow and she’s going to be here.”

  “That’s one thing I can’t help you out with son. You have to figure that out on your own.”

  “Thanks for talking to me Dad,” Liam looked back at the entrance to the masquerade ball. “I better get back in there.” Liam hung up with his father and walked back into the masquerade ball. Finding Katie at the punch bowl with Derek, Liam grabbed her hand and led her through the French doors off the back of the hall onto the balcony. Closing the doors behind them, they found solitude in the evening’s quietness and peace in the moonlight as it lit the ocean only feet away from them.

  “What is it Liam?” Katie asked with a sparkle of hope in her eyes. Please Lord, I don’t know what to do. Liam grabbed her hands and kissed the tops of them, the left hand followed by the right.

  “I care about you deeply…” Liam said softly looking her in the eyes. “But… I got to go back to Spokane. I have to figure this out… This isn’t me at all. I’ve been focused on God and building out His kingdom. I thought I wasn’t ever going to want anything with anyone or at least not for a while…” Katie looked at Liam with her sorrowful eyes and shook her head as she turned and looked out into the ocean vastness.

  “I hear a bunch of I’s and very little of anything else…” Katie said quietly. Liam could see her eyes were no longer shedding tears.

  “What does that mean?” Liam asked placing his hand on her hand on the railing of the balcony. Katie turned and looked at Liam with a half smile.

  “It means you aren’t ready… I don’t want to hold you back from whatever is back in Spokane for you. You have a life there, go live it. Go be happy and free and enjoy your life. I’d like to keep in contact with you though… because I feel something for you Liam that I haven’t found before. The way you care for those kids and the way you just talk to people… You have so much kindness inside of you.”

  “I want to keep in touch also…” Liam said. I don’t know what keeping in touch really means. I’d hate to do long distance, but I don’t want to lose this, whatever it is, I don’t want it to go away. Liam broke away from the railing and embraced Katie. As Liam hugged Katie, he felt warmth rush through his body. They released and Katie kept a smile on her face as he stepped back inside to leave. She’s going to be okay, she’s going to be okay, Liam thought as he walked towards the exit. Derek stopped Liam before he left.

  “Hey man, did you get things figured out with Katie?” Derek asked.

  “Yeah. Can you check in on my grandpa’s place every week or so? I just don’t want the place to get trashed,” Liam asked.

  Derek patted him on the shoulder, “Sure thing bud. Have a safe trip.” Liam nodded and patted him on the shoulder as he headed for the exit. Glancing back at the masquerade ball, he saw Katie walking back in from the balcony. Turning away quickly so he didn’t have to leave her all over again, Liam headed out of the building for his truck.

  **

  Getting up at day break, Liam packed the remainder of the clothing and a few personal belongings of his grandfather’s that they had to bring back with them to Spokane.

  Getting into the truck, Liam’s grandpa put in a CD that he wanted to listen to while they drive through town. Specifically, he wanted to listen to the song that reminded him of all his years of living in Lincoln City, ‘I Giorni’. “When do you plan to come get the rest of my stuff?” Lenny asked as they drove through town.

  “I’ll probably have Derek bring the remainder of the stuff when he swings by Spokane for the next auction in the late summer. He’s already going to be checking in on the property from time-to-time to make sure nobody has broke in or vandalized it,” Liam said.

  “Okay,” Lenny said. Driving by Taft High School, Liam thought back to the dodge ball night and all the fun he had with the youth. I’m going to miss those youth. Then he thought about last night with Katie on the balcony. I’m going to miss that girl like crazy. Pulling out of Lincoln City, they headed North on Highway 101 leaving Lincoln City in the rearview mirror.

  16-Katie

  Grabbing her mother’s keys from the counter, Katie got a text from Derek. It was Liam’s grandfather’s house address. Katie said, “I’m going out, I’ll be back in a bit. I want to wish Liam off.” Her mother and sister were picking out colors at the kitchen table for the bedroom make over for Elana.

  “Sounds good honey, be back in time for breakfast at ten,” Lisa said. Her mother made plans last night at the ball to have a large breakfast for welcoming back Elana to the family. Derek, their grandfather, father and aunt and uncle were all coming to celebrate the return of Elana.

  “Will do,” Katie said smiling as she ran out the front door. On the way to Liam’s grandpa’s house, Katie’s heart started to flutter. Why am I so nervous to see him? I wonder if we will have a goodbye kiss? I wonder if he would stay here or if he would want me to come to Spokane? That’s crazy, I couldn’t just go to Spokane… but maybe?

  Pulling into the driveway of the house, Katie found Liam’s truck gone. This can’t be right, they are already gone? Looking at her phone, she saw it was eight fifteen. Dang it. Running up to the house, she thought, Maybe Liam just went to the store for something and they hadn’t left yet. Knocking on the door, she found no answer.

  Running, she went and got back into the car. Flooring it in reverse, she kicked up gravel as she spun around in a circle turning around. Getting back onto the road, she made her way to Highway 101. Maybe he’s still in town. Going down the road, Katie scoped out the various businesses along the road and didn’t spot Liam’s truck anywhere. Ugh!

  Katie pulled over and parked in front of Pier 101 and shut off the car. Laying her head against the steering wheel, she began to cry. Why didn’t I get to say goodbye? It’s not fair! Pulling out her phone, she sent a text to Liam.

  Not cool, I came to say goodbye and you were gone.

  I’m sorry Katie. We left at daybreak; it’s about an 11-12 hour drive. Need to get back home at a decent time.

  He didn’t even think of me… he just got on the road and went back to his home in Spokane. How is this ever going to work long distance? Katie loaded a text up but didn’t hit send. It read: I don’t want to do this long distance thing, it’s best if we just not talk. I have feelings for you and I want to be with you… but you are far away and doing your own thing. That’s fine, but I can’t do it. Looking at the send button, Katie moved her thumb to hit send and then backed it away. Her phone suddenly rang, it was Tristan.

  “Hello?” Katie answered.

  “Hey girl, that ball was so beautiful and magical. Derek and I danced and shared a kiss…” Tristan said excitedly. Katie pushed her feelings of sadness away so she could be there for her friend in her time of excitement.

  “Wow! Really? That’s awesome Tristan!” Katie said excitedly matching Tristan’s tone. Katie glanced out her window to make sure no oncoming traffic was coming but missed the truck that was hidden from her view in her blind spot and pulled out.

  Smash!

  “Hello?” Tristan said into the phone, Katie didn’t respond. “Hello?? What happened? I heard a big boom and then there was nothing…” A man ran up to the shredded mess of the car that was on the side of the road. Katie hung upside down in the driver seat car. Barely conscious, Katie could hear the man.

  “Oh my gosh,” the man said crouched near her. Rain began to fall and pelt Katie in the face as it blew sideways into the smashed car window. She heard an ambulance and more people surround the scene.

  “Back away, back away,” a paramedic said pushing through the crowd. Checking Katie’s pulse, he found a faint one and began to analyze the wreckage. The car had Katie pinned inside and they were going to need the Jaws of Life to get her out of the wreckage. The paramedic called on his radio for a fireman to bring them over. Crouching close to Katie’s head, the paramedic brushed her hair out of her eyes and whispered.

  “Dear heavenly Father, we come to you right now at this time for this girl. Please keep her safe and watch over her.” His prayer was interrupted by a fireman tapping him on the shoulder. They had the Jaws of Life and began cutting through the car.

  After a few moments, they were able to retrieve Katie out of the car and onto a gurney. Loading her up into the ambulance, her sister Elana was there. She kissed Katie on the forehead before they lifted her up into the ambulance and said, “You know I’m sorry for freaking out on you at the house… I love you sister; I didn’t mean to ever make you so upset. I love you!” Elana said as they put her into the ambulance.

  Arriving at the hospital, they wheeled her directly into surgery. Fading out of consciousness as they put a mask over her face, she closed her eyes.

  **

  Opening her eyes, Katie looked up at the ceiling of a hospital room. Her whole body hurt and her back throbbed in extensive pain. Turning her head, she saw Liam sitting in a chair next to her. He jumped up and grabbed her hand.

  “Katie!” He said excitedly with tears in his eyes. “I’m so sorry this happened to you!” Liam brushed her hair out of her face and grazed a gash on her cheek.

  “Ouch!” she said cringing in pain. “What happened?” she moaned in discomfort. This pain is so unbearable! Myyy back! Ahhh…

  “You were in a car accident… and you had to have a spinal fusion because you broke a vertebra in your back,” Liam’s tears dropped onto her bed sheet as he spoke.

  Grabbing his arm, Katie said, “Don’t cry… I’m okay now. I’m okay.” Liam shook his head wiping his tears away in his sleeve. Just then, Katie’s parents, sister and family came into the room. Elana ran up and pushed Liam back as she hugged Katie.

  “I’m so glad your okay!” Elana said with tears in her eyes. “You were in surgery for hours!” Katie’s mother Lisa pulled Elana back and looked at Katie.

  “My angel… I’m so sorry this happened,” Lisa said. Katie recalled she was driving her mother’s Lexus.

  “I’m sorry about the car mom…” Katie said softly.

  “It’s just a car, it doesn’t matter darling,” she said kissing her cheek. Katie noticed Liam in the back of all her family. Lisa turned to Liam, “Could you leave us with our daughter?” Liam nodded and exited the room. Elana smacked her mom’s shoulder.

  “Why would you say that to him? He’s been here all along…” Elana said.

  “What do you mean?” Katie asked irritated that her mother had him leave. “What do you mean that he’s been here all along? Doesn’t he have to go home?” Elana looked at Katie and grabbed her hand.

  “He’s been here since Derek called him; he turned around and drove straight back. He had a cab driver pick them up and take them to the airport in Portland. He’s been by your side ever since. He hasn’t eaten or slept, just stayed by your side waiting for you to wake up,” Elana said smiling. He did that for me?

  “Please get him back in here… I don’t want him to think I agreed with your choice mother,” Katie said. Elana ran into the hallway and then came back in.

  “I don’t see him, I’ll go check the cafeteria,” Elana said.

  “You know Katie, he’s not family, and that’s why I didn’t think he should be in here with us all…” Lisa said.

  “Well he’s been here for me… I don’t really understand your sense of family. You treat Helga poorly and I adopted that behavior, but really she’s more family than you are. She’s around and she spends time with me and cares about me.” Looking past her mom, Katie continued, “You didn’t even have her come up here… Family extends beyond blood. As far as Liam goes, I like him mom… and I care about him, he obviously cares about me.” Lisa looked astonished at Katie’s choice of strong words.

  “I’m sorry dear… I have failed. I don’t know why I don’t think of Helga as family. It’s true she has spent more time with you than your father and I over the years…” Folding her hands in front of her face, she bowed her head as tears filled her eyes, “I’m a horrible person.”

  “No mom… you aren’t horrible. We all just need help sometimes… You are a wonderful woman of God, a great mother and an excellent wife…” Lisa leaned down and hugged Katie.

  “I’m sorry,” Lisa said as tears dropped onto Katie’s cheek from her mother’s eyes.

  17-Liam

  Climbing into his truck outside the hospital Liam thought to himself, I should have just kept going after Derek called, this was a stupid idea. Turning over the key of his truck, it fired right up and reminded him of Katie. That’s not true… I can’t let her go like this. Looking out his truck window up to the fourth floor of the hospital he thought, how do I get her family to be okay with me though? They didn’t even appreciate me being there with her. Liam’s thoughts were interrupted, he didn’t know if it was God or what it was, but it was pressed upon him.

  Your little difficulty is nothing compared to the people Jesus was dying for… he was beaten and hung on a cross by them. A little dislike, a little struggle is nothing in comparison. Listen to yourself Liam, you are thinking about only you. You chose to come back for Katie, not her family or yourself… but Katie.

  Liam felt invigorated and recharged. Bowing his head, he prayed.

  Please Lord, help me have the strength I need. I cannot do this without you. I’m scared and I’m nervous beyond belief, but I know you will strengthen me in my time of need and that time of need is now.

  Interrupting his prayer, his phone buzzed. His mother was calling. She won’t understand my choice. Deciding not to answer the call, Liam got out of his truck to see through the hospital window into the cafeteria, Elana. She was looking frantically all around and talking to the cafeteria workers. Wonder what she’s doing? Maybe she went back for seconds. Walking in through the sliding doors, he went into the cafeteria.

  “Hey Elana,” Liam said.

  “Liam! There you are!” She said rushing up to him. “I thought you might have left, I was worried! Please don’t leave yet… I think you and Katie are cute together and you really care about her.”

  “I wasn’t leaving. I am going to grab some food, I’m starving,” Liam said walking over to the food windows, he grabbed a tray. Elana joined his side but didn’t get any food.

  “How come you care so much about my sister Liam? You were already on your way back home and came back…” Elana said. “Was it a pity thing?”

  “No… I,” Liam hesitated as he grabbed a sand which from atop the food window and set it on his tray. “I have felt drawn to her since I first met her…”

  Encouraging him to continue, Elana said, “And?”

  “I don’t really know you Elana… I don’t know why I need to explain it to you,” Liam said paying for his food. They took a seat at a booth.

  “I’m her sister. I care about her even though you might not think that from me being gone for so long…”

  “That’s true…” Liam said as he began to eat.

  “Okay. I’ll tell you about my last boyfriend, Kevin. He was addicted to pills and a tool beyond belief. He would beat me if I didn’t go sleep with other men to get drugs and money for him…”

  “Why would you even be with someone like that?”

  “Because I thought he cared when I first met him. He was kind and gave me free drugs… which was what I really wanted. The drugs got old after a while though and when he began to hit me, I just lost my will for myself. Then I convinced him to let me come down and visit Lincoln City in a moment of clarity… and that’s where I’m at.”