Quiet Strength: Book IV, Called Home

Quiet Strength - Book IV

Called Home

Tina Hawkey Baker

Copyright 2015-Tina Hawkey Baker

Smashwords Edition

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Discover other titles by Tina:

Quiet Strength-Book I-Loves Mission

Quiet Strength-Book II-The Offering

Quiet Strength-Book III-Eli’s Journey

When God Said No

In Self-Defense

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Dedication

Dedicated to my loved ones who were called home:

To my Momma, Beverly Adams Wolfe, you left me way too soon. Thank you for your continual reminders of God's love. I can still hear your words when I am weary and missing you. You would say, Tina, only God could love you more than me and I may not see everything, but God does. I believe both of those sayings to still be true. Since you left this world a week after 9/11, I always feel the world mourns with me on every anniversary of your passing. You would be proud of your grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren, I wish you could have met them all. I miss you Momma. By the way, I am following my dream of being a writer and loving it. When I see you again in Heaven, feel free to say, I told you so.

To my grandfather, Reverend William Adams, I started my relationship with Jesus under your ministry. I was blessed to call you Grandpa and pastor. You used to say, I know that I know that I know there is a God and His son, Jesus saved my soul. I believe you are hanging out with them in Heaven and having a good ole time!

To my grandparents, Reverend Cletus and Nova Hawkey, I always loved visiting you in my home town, Sidney, Ohio. I miss your laugh, Grandpa. Grandma, no one will ever make better chicken and dumplings than you. Your soft voices and gentle ways gave me wonderful examples of God's love for people. You are loved and missed by us all.

Thank You

This is the last book of the Quiet Strength Series. It has been a wonderful two years of developing these characters. I have prayed, laughed, and cried with Amy, Ryan, and Elijah. They are part of my heart and hope for those who long to do more for God. This last book has been bittersweet to write.

Thank you God for loving me when I didn't love myself and showing me more love and mercy than I ever deserved; this series in my offering to You.

Thank you Robert; you are my hub. Thank you for your patience with the long nights and early mornings. Thank you for believing in me and for doing a great job on the book covers.

Lane Pullins and Frances Cooper, you have been there for me and with me since book one. You are truly amazing women of God. You faithfulness to editing for me has given me the encouragement to keep going. I would still be on chapter one, book one, if it weren't for you two.

Jackie Mounts, I can't thank you enough for what you do for the Lord. I was wrapped up in the mission’s aspect of writing and questioning you about the many missionary trips you have been on, when you said something that will forever impact my life. I am not called to missions, I am called to souls. Your quote is in this book and forever in my heart. The mission field isn't a place you go to; it's where you are every moment of every day.

My son, James Kerns and Mark Day, his best friend, there isn't anyone better I could have modeled Elijah and Jamie after. Your faith and devotion to God is evident in your daily walk. I am proud of you two for living God’s mission. When asked how you get people to talk to you so easily, you simply say, We just listen and love on them.

Thank you MCLC East, my friends and co-workers for not thinking I am crazy! You have been a part of these books as I have often bounced ideas off you and given you proofs to read. You are a wonderful group to work with. I have been blessed by you all.

Contents

Chapter One - It Starts with One

Chapter Two - Open Hearts and Wounded Souls

Chapter Three - Picture Of Hope

Chapter Four - The Unseen

Chapter Five - Things Can Get Worse

Chapter Six - Boundaries

Chapter Seven - Now

Chapter Eight - Move It!

Chapter Nine - Called To Light

Chapter Ten - There Was More

Chapter Eleven - Without Vision, People Perish

Chapter Twelve - Safe

Chapter Thirteen - United

Chapter Fourteen - Open House

About the Author

Chapter One

It Starts With One

Elijah was thrilled not to be visiting the hospital anymore. He had stayed faithful to both Vic and Ben during their recovery from that one impulsive night that changed the dynamics of many people’s lives, including his. It all seemed like a nightmare brought on by food poisoning or an Oscar worthy drama-thriller flick in which Elijah’s friends starred. First there was Ben, who was taking up for Helena, only to be stabbed by her brother, Vic. Then there was Vic running from the scene, only to be hit by Jamie, who was driving to the restaurant to meet up with Elijah and Ben. If that wasn’t bad enough, thrown in the mix was an absentee father, emotionally shut down mother and a young lady who is raising a teenage brother bent on self-destruction. It had been over three weeks since the night all that happened, but the effects continued. The wounds would heal for everyone, but there would be scars.

From what Helena understood Vic didn’t really have the option of pleading not guilty and probably not win a trial since witnesses were present and would be summoned to testify against him. There were so many specifications to consider, nothing seemed cut and dry. It all depended on the situation and any related exceptions, such as drugs or alcohol were involved, if a weapon was used, if shoplifting occurred, etc. It all depended on what the prosecuting DA believed that they could get a conviction on. Since it was clearly not a matter of self defense, the prosecutor could charge an offender with almost anything, up to and including aggravated assault.

Helena’s head was spinning from all the rules and exceptions. For now, the focus was on Vic. Two days after getting out of the intensive care unit, he was read his rights and charged with felony aggravated assault. Vic was hospitalized a total of two weeks before being toted away to the Juvenile Detention Center. There wasn’t any stop at home or drive thru fast food after a long hospital stay. He went straight to jail. There wasn’t anything he or Helena could do.

Elijah didn’t like feeling so helpless. The only positive thing he had accomplished so far was Helena’s allowing him to pray for her. He would take her hands and hold them gently as he prayed. He always thanked God that matters weren’t any worse. He asked God to bring His good into what seemed a bad situation. Helena was respectful and closed her eyes while Elijah prayed. She listened with her heart and deep inside, she begged if there were a God, to please listen to Elijah’s prayers. After the events of three days ago, Elijah was more determined than ever to pray with her.

He and the guys had met up at JR’s and spent hours drinking soda and talking about everything from sports to miracles. Helena was there, but didn’t interact with any of them. Her boss teased, at least she thought he was teasing, about charging all the guys for another drink because they had so many refills. If Jamie had not come up and ordered himself two meals at separate times, the guys would have had to pay again. JR’s never made a profit off of them.

It was closing time. Jamie took the others home and Elijah waited to say goodbye to Helena. He walked her to her car and tried to have a conversation with her, but he could tell she was too tired. Helena shivered, so Elijah opened her door and waited for her to get inside. He closed the door and stepped back so she could start the car and go home. He saw her turn the key, but only a loud click sound could be heard. The engine wouldn’t even turn over. Helena slowly lowered her head onto the steering wheel. Her shoulders shook, but not from the cold; she was sobbing. Elijah opened her door, reached across her and took the keys out of the ignition. Get your purse, Helena. I am going to take you home. Elijah helped her out of the car. Other than providing him with her address and apartment number, she sat in silence.

Elijah was somewhat familiar with the apartment complex. He had used the playground there for some of his free-running adventures. It resembled an obstacle course, at least in Elijah’s mind. He drove slowly, trying to read the apartment numbers on the side of the building. Helena had said 11232, but the number was too high for the complex. He sighed when he realized that the building number had to be 112 and her apartment number had to be 32. "She is on the third floor;’ he said softly. His thoughts took off as he thought about her being so exhausted and climbing three flights of stairs. He parked his truck and walked to the other side to open the door for her. She was sound asleep.

He didn’t want to be inappropriate in any way, but he couldn’t stand the thought of waking her up. He held the keys he had taken out of her ignition up toward the street light; there were only two keys on the plain silver key ring. One obviously belonged to her car and the other, he hoped was her apartment key. Elijah picked up Helena’s purse and sat it on her lap. He slid one arm under her knees and his other arm around her back. She didn’t wiggle, much less wake up. He carried her to the front of the building and hit the handicap button to get in. The stairwell was to the left. He carried her up three flights of stairs and to apartment number 32, the first apartment on the right. He fumbled blindly with the keys until he finally got the right key into the door knob. He twisted the handle slightly and the door popped open. Not very secure, Elijah said as he entered the apartment. A low light cast shadows down a small hallway that led to the living room. He laid her gently down on the first soft piece of furniture he found. The futon was old and the mattress had decorative buttons missing in places, but Elijah settled for it instead of looking for a bedroom. He found a blanket waded up on a reclining chair across the room and placed it over her.

Now what? Elijah had to talk to himself because Helena was sound asleep. He felt awkward to say the least. He didn’t feel right staying or leaving. The apartment was small. Elijah could see everything from where he stood with the exception of what was behind the three closed doors. He assumed they went to the bedrooms and a restroom. There wasn’t much furniture in the apartment. The futon, recliner, two end tables, and an old television were all that was in the living room. There wasn’t a dining room table either, only two bar stools that were tucked under the counter in the kitchen area. It wasn’t the lack of furniture that stood out in the apartment though, it was the walls.

A dark chair rail, three feet up from the carpeted floor, ran the whole perimeter of the room. Someone had precisely measured a foot down from the ceiling and nailed nicely framed pictures of smiling, happy faces in every space available between the rail and marked wall. Elijah walked closer. All four walls contained one of the same four people or any combination of them together. It was Helena, Vic and their parents. There was no doubt. Vic had his father’s coloring and Helena had her mom’s big smile. Elijah looked at every picture several times. He had never seen the happy and carefree looks on the faces of Helena and Vic before. Something broke the trust and spirit behind those smiles. What ever happened still haunted them.

Even though Elijah had drunk enough soda to last a year that night, he became thirsty. Water would be good for a change, he thought. He looked around for a cup he could use, but all the dishes were put away. And behind door number one... Elijah said as he swung open the cabinet closest to the refrigerator. BINGO! He pumped his fist in victory. On the first try we have glasses! He shuffled around the glasses looking for a disposable or plastic cup that he could carry around safely. He finally found a character cup with a big blue and purple monster on it standing by a big green eye. It was a little freaky to him, but he thought he recognized them from a movie. He opened the freezer in hopes of finding some ice for his tap water and to his surprise, he found some. Well the ice wasn’t the surprising part. The surprise was that ice was all that was in the freezer. Elijah opened the refrigerator door and saw it was almost as empty. There were outdated condiments that hung in the door and a few cheese slices in the crisper. He closed the door and knew what he had to do.

Elijah called a tow truck to pick up Helena’s car and take it to his mechanic. Then he went grocery shopping. His goal was the essential and healthy foods, but other things kept jumping in the cart, like pop tarts, chips and pizza rolls. He did manage to pick up some milk, eggs, juice, and bread along with whole wheat bagels, cream cheese, and oatmeal. He didn’t know what to get, but he felt better knowing that there was something to eat if she got hungry. If it were breakfast time, she had it made! Elijah packed the groceries himself, and remembering that he had to carry everything up three flights of stairs had him packing things very strategically.

When he got back to Helena’s apartment, he unpacked the groceries and stood silently in the kitchen. It was now one in the morning, Now what, he asked himself again. He knew he couldn’t leave Helena without an explanation about the groceries and her car. The only open seat besides the bar stools was the recliner. He took his jacket off when he sat down and laid it across his chest and arms. He leaned the recliner back into a full stretch position and quickly drifted off to sleep.

There was only one way for natural light to get into Helena’s apartment and that was through the sliding glass door that led out to her 5 x 8 patio. Every ray that could possibly break into the living room came through the small gap in the venetian blinds and straight into Elijah’s eyes. It was morning, early morning too. He took his cell phone out of his pocket to check the time. 7:30 in the morning on a day that he could have easily slept until nine was not a funny thing. He raised the recliner up into a seating position.

Helena was still curled up in a fetal position and presumed asleep. Elijah had watched her struggle to be there for Vic, and keep up with her studies and her job over the last couple of months. It was taking a toll on her. She was losing weight that she didn’t have to lose. Her small body had shrunk to skin pulled over bones. He was truly concerned about her health and mental state. Suddenly, the covers that were wrapped around Helena flew off and onto the floor, making Elijah jump to his feet. Helena jumped just as quickly. She was confused and shocked to see Elijah standing there.

What’s going on? Why are you here? Her face turned white as she looked around. Oh no, what time is it? Helena searched frantically for her cell phone to see the time.

It’s 7:30 and everything is fine, Elijah tried to comfort her.

Things are far from fine, Eli! Helena sat back down on the futon and ran her fingers through her tousled hair. I have no idea how you or I got in my apartment. I have a feeling that it involves my car, which means it’s broke. Just like me BROKE! I have to be at the Detention Center to see Vic in an hour and a half for visiting hours and... And I can’t figure it all out anymore.

She didn’t need words right now, she needed action. Elijah walked into the kitchen and searched for a frying pan. A good breakfast was in order.

What are you doing? Helena joined him in the kitchen. Where did the groceries come from?

I went to the store while you were sleeping. I didn’t get much, but we can go together later for more. Elijah cracked the eggs into the bowl added a little milk, salt, pepper and started whisking everything together. The secret to fluffy scrambled eggs is getting air into the mixture, he poured everything into the warmed pan then plugged in the toaster. Do you like your toast light or dark? Do you want butter, jelly or both?

Helena was speechless. It took Elijah’s questions for her to find her voice. Both, was her simple reply. She turned and left the kitchen, disappearing behind one of the closed doors. She returned 15 minutes later with wet hair and in different clothes.

I covered your eggs and I’ll make you fresh toast. I kind of ate yours while waiting. Elijah grinned at her when he confessed. Helena smiled and sat down at the snack bar.

Do I want to know what happened last night, Eli? Helena accepted the eggs Elijah handed her and thanked him.

The toast popped up so Elijah buttered them and handed the jelly to Helena. I would put the jelly on, but I have been accused of over doing it. My mom used to say that if I could get away with it I would eat the jelly right out of the jar. I agreed. I only needed the toast to keep my fingers from getting sticky. Helena smiled a second time and Elijah liked it.

Elijah hated to ruin the moment, but he knew time was limited. "About last night, well your car wouldn’t start so I brought you home. You were exhausted. You didn’t even move when I carried you up the stairs.

Helena’s eyes got as big as the saucer her toast was sitting on. You carried me up three flights of stairs!? She was caught between being shocked and horrified.

You weren’t much of a challenge. You are pretty tiny. Elijah stopped there because they both were getting embarrassed. Anyway, none of that is the important stuff.

"Where is my car? I have to visit Vic and then go straight to work afterwards. I close on Saturdays. I don’t want to take the bus at midnight, unless... The look on Elijah’s face must have given her insight on her car’s condition.

Truth is, he started explaining slowly, Your car isn’t worth the money needed to repair it. I had your car towed last night to my family’s mechanic. I called Jon while you were in the shower. He said your starter and alternator both need replaced. He ran a quick scope on it and well, there is more that should be done too. The car is fifteen years old, it’s tired. Elijah tried to get another smile from her, but it didn’t work.

It was my mom’s car. Helena pushed her half eaten eggs and toast away from her then finished her sentence, It’s all I have.

Elijah emptied her plate in the trash and put the dishes in the sink. I made another phone call too. He turned to lean on the snack bar opposite of her. I talked to Jamie. He is coming here to pick me up in 30 minutes. I am giving you my truck keys to go see Vic and go to work. Jamie will bring me back to JR’s tonight and I will take you home after work. He gave her an It’s as simple as that" look.

At this point, she was too tired to argue. I’ll pay you back or something as soon as I can. Helena got up and went toward the other rooms. Her words, Thank you for your kindness, softly floated back to Elijah.

Jamie showed up at 8:30 promptly, which was very unusual for him. It didn’t take long for Elijah to know he was in for a long game of fifty questions. Jamie had picked up Trent and Max before coming after him. Oh, I see, Elijah said as he got in the front seat of Jamie’s car. You guys couldn’t be on time to save your souls, but can show up on time if you think you’re going to hear some gossip. Elijah knew them well.

Now, now my brother friend, Max leaned up to the front seat and added, I am ashamed of you thinking so little of our true concern for your well being.

Yea, what’s with this? You calling us nosy or what? Trent reached up and pushed on Elijah’s shoulder in an attempt to show disgust.

Jamie started to pull away from the curb, and then stopped. Okay so save us from anxiety! What was you doing at Helena’s house all night and just where is your truck?

You three guys are worse than my mother! Elijah had to laugh at them. You want to know every detail? he asked.

As a matter of fact, yes, Max said as he continued to lean over the seat to hear every word that Elijah spoke.

It’s going to be a long day for you then, Elijah teased.

Just what happened that it is going to take you all day to explain? Jamie asked.

Absolutely nothing, but I am going to make you drive me around to several places before I put your minds at ease. Elijah gave Jamie directions to Jon’s garage. He then sat back and let the guys stew in their thoughts.

Max threw himself against the back seat. You are cruel, Eli. So cruel to us nosy people, he proclaimed.

Jon showed Elijah the results of the diagnostic test he had done. Look at these tires, he also commented. It needs tires all around. I looked underneath and this car has maybe three months before the whole muffler system needs replaced. Jon shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. If it were me, I wouldn’t put the money into it.

Jon had been the family mechanic ever since he could remember. He had no reason to doubt his opinion. Do you know where I could get a decent used car? Elijah’s wheels were spinning in his own head.

The guys were listening intently to the conversation. Are we going car shopping, Eli? I love car shopping! Max made his voice squeak for affect.

Jon gave Elijah some suggestions on car lots. The guys piled back into Jamie’s car and took off. We have to look quickly, guys. It’s after nine and the banks close at noon on Saturday. Elijah told Jamie which car lot to try first. It’s important that this is taken care of today, Elijah was deep in thought and prayer. The guys left him alone for the ride to the used car lot, but they had at least 50 more questions to add to their original 50 from earlier.

The first car lot was a bust. All the decent cars were all over-priced. Elijah didn’t mind spending the money, but he didn’t want to embarrass Helena by doing too much. He wasn’t trying to be a hero, only a friend, which is