Read Online Nila's Hope by Kathleen Friesen - Free Book Online

shut and tossed it onto her desk. It landed open, pages crumpled, but she left it there. She curled up with her head against her knees.
    Was this some kind of cruel joke? Did Jesus save her just to throw her away again? Everyone who cared for her was in danger. Why would God let this happen?
    Even through her whimpers, she heard a quiet whisper in her heart. Read the rest of the psalm.
    But she couldn’t.
    Nila turned off the light and lay on top of her covers, fully clothed.
    What should she do? If she didn’t tell anyone Nick was out of prison, would he leave them alone? Or would he still go after them? What kind of cruel game was he playing?
    She didn’t hear a response, and a cold numbness settled into her heart. She curled into a fetal position and watched the glowing numbers on her alarm clock count the minutes until morning.
     
    ****
     
    Will watched as Nila maneuvered her way to his truck. The steps looked as though someone had already shoveled them, but drifting snow made a mockery of those efforts.
    She slipped as she opened the truck door.
    “Careful.” Will stuck his hand out for her to grab, but she ignored it, head down and silent.
    He tried again. “Good morning.”
    No response. She hoisted herself into the truck, placed her lunch kit and thermos on the floor at her feet, and fastened her seatbelt.
    What was her problem? He shifted into reverse and backed out of the driveway. Could be a long day.
    By the time they’d reached the turnoff to the highway to Warman, blowing snow obscured the roadway. Will eased off the accelerator and muttered under his breath.
    “What did you say?” Finally, Nila spoke into the darkness, but her voice sounded flat.
    Will risked a glance at her. The dimness didn’t hide the dark shadows under her eyes and pale skin.
    “Just that this isn’t looking good. I hope they don’t close the highway before we can get home again. Did you hear the forecast?”
    “Sorry.”
    “Me neither. Hey, are you OK?”
    She just nodded, her gloved hand covering a huge yawn. “Sorry,” she said again.
    “Well, if you’re too worn out to help install the cabinets, maybe you could start cleanup.”
    He could feel her sudden tension.
    “I’m fine. I’m a little tired, but I can do my job.”
    Will held one hand up in surrender. “OK, OK. I’m just trying to be nice.”
    The bundled-up figure beside him deflated. “I didn’t need to snap at you. I’m sorry. I’m not good company this morning. It was a rough night.”
    He didn’t know how to respond to that.
    His brow creased as he concentrated on the swirling snow in his headlights. “Man, I can’t wait for spring.”
    Nila responded with a faint chuckle. “It’s not even Christmas. I’m afraid you’ve got a long wait.”
    Will turned his head to smile at her when a strong gust of wind pushed the half-ton onto the shoulder of the road. He stomped on the brakes, fishtailed, and fought to regain control. His tires skidded on the ice.
    “Hang on!”
     
     
     
     

8
     
    “Whoa, that was close.” Will flexed his fingers on the steering wheel, one hand at a time. “Good thing we’re nearly there. I wonder if Jim’s going to make it with the cabinets. It’ll be a short day if he doesn’t.”
    Nila must have been holding her breath because it let out with a whoosh. “I wonder if we should have stayed home.” She paused. “No, we’ve got to get this finished. For Claire’s sake.”
    The house was dark when they arrived, and no one answered the door. Will frowned as he used the key Daniel had entrusted to him.
    “I’m surprised they went in today. Nasty weather—especially for a pregnant lady.”
    But when they stepped into the kitchen, they were greeted by a note scrawled on the paper-covered floor in large letters.
    3 AM BABY’S COMING! GOTTA GO. DIDN’T GET CRIB SET UP. HELP! THANKS, BLAKE & CLAIRE.
    Will grinned at Nila, but her smile wobbled.
    “I’m so happy for them,” she said.
    His grin disappeared.