Author's Note and My Thanks

      When I started this book I was trying to encourage myself. My dream is to own a B&B and devote it to God. Writing it, I grew more and more excited at the thought of greeting customers and guests into a welcoming environment. In my present state of plans I have no idea what I will accomplish in my business. I only know that I will work at it to make it happen and create an imaginary life in my book(s).

   When I first started I had no idea that I would actually finish my book. I wrote a few chapters and didn't get around to adding more, until one day, Chester came up to me and said that he dug up my folder and I needed to write more, because I left him at an edge. So, I continued my adventure and new ideas popped into my head, which lead to more ideas. That's what you are reading now, ideas, dangerous in their own way, that I successfully put onto paper without injury. On the internet I have a certain spunk. In life I am quiet, some say I am boring! I tried to add some of each into A Winter Wonder For The Avé Maria. I am not a professionally educated writer. I'm educated, mind you, but I have a limited talent to writing being only fifteen, but I will only say that much to explain any of my shortcomings at writing. I was tempted to add smiley faces just to make sure anyone reading could understand that I wasn't serious, but that's for other sites, not MY book. Speaking of other sites, I had many supporters encouraging me. I owe thanks to:

  

Mimi,

For encouraging my every step.

Uncle Rob, 

For being an adoring fan.   

My Parents,

For reading and complementing me on my talents.

Savannah,

For laughing at it.

Destiny,

 For inspiration.

Chester,

For starting the engine.

Heidi,

For loving it.

Shiloh,

For joining my B&B.

God,

For creating my yearning.

Thank you one and all for your part in creating, hopefully, a well-loved book called 

  A Winter Wonder for The Avé Maria!

~Chapter 15~ A Task Completed And A Story Finished

   I woke up this morning to Kenna and Sebastian jumping on my bed.

   "Get up! Get up! Get UP!!" Kenna ordered. I sat up groggily. 

   "What time is it?" I asked, still not sure if she was serious about getting up.

   "It's time for you to get up!" Sebastian answered. I looked at the clock. It was 8:00 a.m.

   "Why are you jumping on my bed? And stop jumping!" I said, accentuating the word, stop.

   "Mommy told us to!" They chorused. Why would my sweet cousin who would let me sleep till noon if I wanted, tell her son and daughter to jump on my bed? I thought. Still yawning, I had no idea. I rolled out of bed and after assuring Kenna and Sebastian that I would come down soon, I got dressed. I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and put my hair back in a high ponytail. I went down stairs and looked for Heidi. She wasn't in the living room. Or the den. Or the kitchen. Nobody was anywhere, which I did find odd, considering that eight-fifteen was a good time to be out of bed. Also neither Sebastian or Kenna could be found.

   I checked their bedroom and they weren't there either. I finally put on my coat and opened the front door. As soon as I stepped in the snow off the steps- WHACK! A snowball smashed into my arm. I looked toward the direction of the giggling and stomped over brushing snow off my coat.

   "Kids! If you threw that-" I turned the corner of the house and saw Heidi building another snowball.

   I was lost for words for a second, "Wha- What was that for?"

   "When was the last time you loosened up and had a snowball fight?" Fair question I guess.

   "I just had a- I a-" I gave up. "It's been awhile." I hadn't been in a snowball war since I was teen.

   "So," She threw her snowball in my direction. I just dodged it. As I stood back up my blood ran cold.

  "Fire!" I heard Jack Matthew order. All at once seven snowballs flew as I ran for shelter. PANG! SMASH! WHAM! Three of the balls it me in my back, and the other four smashed into the house wall as I turned it's corner.

   "Now they did it," I said to myself. I created dozen snowballs when Sebastian snuck up on me and threw a fast one. Luckily for me it missed. I sent one of mine his way and is collided into the back of his shoulder as he ran away. 

   Half of the morning was spent outdoors in a snowball war or just plain fun. (I pushed Chester in a snow-mound and he repaid the favor). We finally either got too cold, or too tired, or too hungry to continue much longer. We went in and had a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and potatoes. To most people it would look as if a simple family get-together took place and sat down to endless chatter, a breakfast mess, and a crowded dining room. Nothing unusual there! But to me, I loved every one of them for covering me in snow. And not that I would admit it, but I enjoyed them ganging up on me and getting me to have fun for once. My chest was bursting with happiness, I think I shed a tear in the bathroom. Even though I loved every one of them for dragging me out into the freezing, snowy, freezing, blindingly sunny, cold (did I mention freezing?), I will think up a way to get them back. But that can wait until later, I thought.

   And later was at lunch devouring a delicious meal of stuffed chicken and an assortment of vegetables, from the labor of my cousin Heidi, her sister Guen, and myself working hard in the kitchen. When Heidi wasn't looking, I shocked even myself! I added a half of a tablespoon of cayenne powder to the stuffing. Heidi never noticed, or anybody else for that matter, until they all started eating. I delayed my eating by fetching the water jug from the kitchen, and when I returned Kenna was close to tears, Heidi and Guen had their mouths in small O's fanning their hands, the boys had their tongues out, panting, and everybody was refilling their glasses. I had the hardest time trying to stifle my giggle, and I had the urge to shout "Got ya!" but seeing their faces, I said nought. Soon enough Chester caught sight of me in the doorway.

   "What have you done?!" He practically shouted through gulps of water.

   "You've known me long enough to know that dragging out of bed into the cold would not have gone unpunished." I replied in a teasing manner.

   "Was the spice really necessary?" Juliano wanted to know.

  "Maybe not, but the bottle was calling my name!" I said, laughing. And laughter never goes without being passed along. Soon Guen started laughing, then Hazel, then Jack Matthew, then the dining room was filled with the music of laughter. Everyone was laughing despite their burning mouths, except for poor Kenna, who was trying to rub the cayenne pepper off her tongue. She ended up only giggling.

   A few hours later we were all assembled in the living room with the TV on. I sat with my head on Hazel's shoulder remembering the highlights of the holiday season, sighing with happiness. I must have dozed off there because Jack Matthew woke me.

   "What are you doing?" he asked impatiently.

   "But it's past my bedtime!" I complained in my childish way I acquired while raising Hazel when she would try to get me out of bed before I was ready. Now Jack Matthew was looking at me funny. I looked at the TV, and there were only two more minutes to go.

   "Goodness! Why didn't you wake me earlier?" I asked my nephew. He was completely puzzled now. I make no sense to kids his age.

   "Two minutes!" I announced while I ran to the kitchen to get my champagne. When everyone in the  living room every one was assembled, we watched the television with anticipation, and after agonizing seconds, we counted down.

   "10!...9!...8!...7!...6!...5!...4!...3!...2!...1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" We cheered. Then drank from our glasses. I hugged my niece and nephews. Heidi and Juliano kissed, while the kids buried their heads against a collection of pillows and made gaging sounds. Chester came around to wish me a Happy New Year. He isn't the hugging type. I embraced him anyway.

   "Don't ever change." I told him. Guen walked around the room giving hugs and when she got to me mine was extra long.

   "Thank-you for a wonderful holiday," she whispered in my ear.

  "Thank-you for spending it with me," I replied. "It would've been lonely in such a big house, and only the three of us." She smiled. As I took another sip of my champagne Hazel wished me a Happy New Year. My life felt complete. I'm sure everyone has had a time where they think they can't fit another drop of happiness, pleasure, or contentment into that moment. I'm sure I felt that way when I looked around me right then and looked back on my life. I didn't think this night, or should I say morning? You never know which on New Years Day. Anyway, I didn't think this- um... time could've been any more wonderful, until Jack Matthew came up to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and said: "Thank you." I didn't need an explanation. In return I embraced him back and said, not from my mouth, but from His: "You are most certainly welcome Jack."

~Chapter 14~ A Miracle In Full

   

   My mind wouldn't stop to rest. I decided to try writing down my thoughts, though it was only three in the morning. I found my old diary and made another entry:

   December 29th, 2028                                                                                                                             

   Well, it's three in the morning. I can't sleep because of the events of late. My mind is reeling! I guess I'll start at the beginning: Jack Matthew has been hurt, I understand that.  But what I don't understand is how can he have such an objection at ten?! I mean, he was four when his parents died. I just wonder how deep his objections go. (I sighed) This morning we; me, Shiloh, Hazel, Chester, JM, Guen, and the Rodrigues', went for a walk in the Birch Trail. We walked about a mile and when we turned back we saw what we didn't on the way up. On the way back we saw a formation of ice creating a view of the cross. I was mesmerized! It renewed my love for Jesus. When we reached the entrance of the Trail and it started snowing. It snowed harder and harder until by the time we reached home it was a full-fledged snowstorm. But when we got inside we realized Jack Matthew was still out there! How could we have lost him? Somebody should've been holding him or watching him! I know blaming anybody will result to an angry holiday season. Anyway, he's home now and that's what counts. Oh, God! Why couldn't we have had a normal Christmas where everyone was in high spirits and no injuries? Bodily, emotionally or spiritually? What do my dreams mean?! Since I received them, I have been feeling a tornado of emotions and pondered over a million curiosities.                                                                   

   Maybe this is what it means to dedicate your Inn to God. Maybe I will find a treasure in all this. A discovery that will change my life. Maybe a sign as to my next move on God's chessboard. I might find a greater treasure then I already know. I know what I treasure now. I treasure my life as a hostess for all who find my door. I treasure what it means to love God. I treasure my family. I treasure--                 

   Just then I heard the patter of bare feet in the hallway. They were running. I got up and walked to my bedroom door, as I opened it I saw Jack Matthew running down the hall. When he reached me, he swung his arms around me tightly, his head against my robe.

   "Mpshuply iclr mphood!" 

   "What?" I whispered. He looked up at me, his eyes twinkling. 

   "I understand!" He shouted.

   "SHHH!!" I didn't want to risk the chance of anybody waking up at this hour. 

   "I don't care if the whole world wakes up! I BELIEVE!!!" He shouted.

   "Well, then shout in my bedroom," I pulled him in my room and shut the door.

   "Alright, what are you talking about?"

 Then I heard the best story of my life.

   Later... 5:24                                                                                                                                             

I just tucked JM in bed. I'm in such a state. Don't think I'll sleep anytime soon! My nephew just told me the most wonderful miracle! He told me he had a dream that changed his life! He was in a garden. His guardian angel walked with him. He said that they went all over God's Garden as the angel said it was and then a bright light appeared speaking to JM.                                                                                       

   "Hello Jack," said God, "I understand you have many questions that no one on Earth can answer."   

   "Why am I alone?" asked JM in an angry voice.                                                                                     

   "You are not alone. I gave you another family on earth. I gave you Chester, who is blaming himself for your disappearance. I gave you Avé, who I have commanded to help you. I gave you Destiny, Savannah, and their kin. You are not alone, for I am with you always."                                                    

JM gave this a think. He decided God was right.                                                                                         

   "Why did you take my parents?"                                                                                                             

   "I give and I take away. All thing have their purpose. Matthew and Marie fulfilled their callings and their time had come to return Home."                                                                                                       

   "I want to see them again. I- I-"                                                                                                               

   "You want to stay in this beautiful garden forever and accompany your parents here. Oh Jack, I have plans for you that only you can fulfill. You are needed on Earth. You are needed to be a son to Chester, you are needed to be a nephew to your aunts, you are needed to be a cousin and a friend." As God said this, JM's parents were walking toward them. Son ran to mother and father and all three collapsed in a heap.                                                                                                                                                    

   "I miss you," said JM, when they sat back up. "I love you."                                                                  

   "We love you Jack." Mr. Carson said.                                                                                                        

  "We will be together soon, but not now." Mrs Carson hugged her son dearly. "Our love is with always son." Then they disappeared. There were tears in my eyes as he related the story. He finished by saying, "I feel loved by everyone! I love you and Dad and Destiny and Savannah and Jack and Kenna and Xavier and Sebastian! I love everyone!"                                                                                  

   "And I love you," I replied, after I recovered my voice. "Now off to bed!"                                              

   I laid my head down on my pillow, closed the book, and after a thankful prayer, finally went to sleep. That night I dreamt of a holiday like no other, and when I woke up the next day, I realized it wasn't just a dream. 

~Chapter 13~ The Lost Are Now Found

   "Where is he?!" Chester was frantic. We all tried to calm him down as well as trying to decide what to do next. Donning their coats and winter apparel once again, Juliano and Chester headed out into the freezing rain that stung their faces, wind that deafened you, and slippery footing. That bundle I saw my brother carrying was his pack that I forgot he had brought on the walk. He didn't want to bore anyone with the particulars that related to his multi-million dollar job, but the fact that he brought it made my brother blame himself. Our amazing discovery of the icy cross was all but forgotten as we prayed Jack Matthew would be found soon.

   The men came back in some half-hour later, with no luck finding Jack Matthew. The rest of us were sick of doing nothing. Chester and Juliano warmed themselves for two minutes, though Chester would have hurt himself if we let him have his way by staying out in the (I'm not going to sugar-coat it) very scary storm. Then we all went out into the ever increasing storm. I stepped out and immediately I hobbled like a drunk chicken. The wind pushed and pulled at me and I stumbled many times in the first five minutes. Our flashlights made no difference except maybe to shed light on the ice and snow in front of us. Though it was only mid-afternoon the sun was gone and the clouds showed no sign of letting up. The snow was only ankle deep this morning when we went for that walk, but now it was several inches higher. 

   The freezing rain was making the search all the more difficult, and stinging my face even through my scarf that covered it. My figures were getting colder and colder, as well as my ears, though everything was covered! I could hardly hear myself think, but one thought definitely howled over the wind. God, help us find him! Please! I begged our Lord over and over in my mind. Help us find him! Then I saw it, several flashlight beams over three yards away. I tripped and stumbled my way to the lights and I saw Heidi, Juliano, Shiloh, and Guen standing around a little figure.

   They found him! I ran and fell, got up and ran again embracing Jack Matthew, but he didn't respond. I didn't know if he was too cold to move or- I didn't let myself think of it. Heart beating wildly, I waved my flashlight with theirs, calling to Chester who was still lost in the storm. Soon Chester joined us, much to my relief. 

   With Chester carrying our freezing and unconscious (at least, I hoped he was unconscious) Jack Matthew, we followed our ever-fading tracks in the snow. By the time they disappeared completely the dim glow of the lamp post was in our view, inviting us back to a warm, cozy, warm fire. His dad laid Jack Matthew on the couch and stripped him of his wet freezing clothes. Shiloh went upstairs to get him new clothes and when she returned Jack was awake. Chester clothed him, hugged him, and kept him close for warmth. When I went to get them for our supper of chicken and waffles, the son was asleep, and the father's cheeks were wet. 

   During supper we all told our own part of the story to Hazel, Kenna, Sebastian, and Jack Michael. They were like sponges, taking in every detail of our adventure. Apparently Juliano found him first, tripping over the very same rock Jack Matthew must have tripped over, because he soon found him lying right by it with a few inches of snow over him. Nobody noticed him missing because each assumed the other had him. 
   Tonight we ate in the kitchen, it was warmer than the rest of the house from Hazel's cooking. Shiloh wrapped up the story by saying, "I'm just glad we found him before it was too late." Her statement put us all in a melancholy. 

   When Juliano went to get second helpings I noticed him limping ever-so-slightly. Heidi must have notice it too because she asked, "Juliano, what happened to your leg?" There was a deep concern in her voice. 

   "Oh, nothing. I just tripped rather hard, that's all."  I couldn't tell if Heidi was convinced or not. Just then, Chester walked in and said that Jack Matthew was in bed. Hazel gave him some supper and embraced him. 

   "It's not your fault," she told him, "He's home now and that's what matters." I thanked the Lord for bringing my nephew home that night.

~Chapter 12~ A Reminder Amist The Storm

  When was the last time you went for a walk down your street? I ask this because there is nothing like a walk in the freezing cold to get you to see what you're missing. Then after you ears freeze you run in the house to the warm, antique fireplace, satisfied that you've had your adventure for a while, at least until Spring. 

   This was how I felt, walking down our road: Wisdom Rd. I was wearing my favorite pine green beanie, but my ears were still cold. We hadn't been walking all that long. My gloves matched my hat, and my scarf was unlike any other, flamboyant, colorful, and plush. 

   About 500 yards down the road lived our neighbors, the Towaga's. As we passed the their cabin-like house, Mrs. Towaga burst through her small maple brown door and invited us inside for some leftover Christmas pie. Before I could reply, our three youngsters ran through the door at full speed, Thank the Lord Kenna's feeling better, I praised God. It was then I could smell the cookies in the oven.

   "What kind of cookies are you making?" I asked.

   "Snickerdoodles," she replied, "Our son and his family are coming for a late Christmas party."

   "Oh, how nice. I hope were not intruding." said Heidi.

   "Oh! Not at all!" I followed her to the kitchen where everyone else was chatting with Mr. Towaga. It took a few followed sentences to realize they were discussing the weather.

   Juliano spoke. "So, Mr. Towaga-"

   "Please, call me Bill."

   "Ok, Bill. Do you think the weather will permit our walk?"

   "Where you all walkin' to?"

   "Um-"

   "Birch Trail." I interrupted. 

   "Ah!" I assumed by his expression that he enjoyed that trail, since he was the trail officer. "There was a watch for snow, but I don't think that will be a problem." We chatted and nibbled on our pie. When Millie Towaga said she had leftovers, I supposed she had half-a-pie or maybe even a whole one, but I couldn't imagine she had three pies left. The Chocolate was a popular pick in the children's minds, and Chester's. The pumpkin was mine and Juliano's pick, while Heidi had a piece of peach pie. We finished our pie and bid the Towaga's a good evening with their son's family. Then we were off to walk another 200 yards to Birch Trail.

   The trees were white from the trunk to the tips of the branches, with some evidence that the deer have been in this area. The trail lay twisted and curvy from Wisdom Road to Drusle Street. Drusle Street was a lone little street on the outskirts of Shamokin. With Wisdom Street being two miles from Shamokin that was how far the trail was from Road to Street. In a small drizzle of snow we walked a mile in the wood and decided that it was time to travel back. At the 3/4-mile mark exhausted, half-asleep Kenna, from gazing at the sky and branches from her daddy's arms, spotted a particular branch that had ice hanging from it in an odd way. I looked up and saw what she was so excited about. The limbs and branches were arranged in a way that made them look like the Cross. Amidst this arrangement of the Cross, the ice gathered to make a figure hanging from the center.

   "Wow," was all I could say. This was one of those reminders from Mother Nature telling us that God sent His own son to die in our place. We deserved to die, but He took our accusations, punishments, and death sentences. Every time I see something like this my heart thanks the Lord and my thanks roll down my cheek. I wondered why we didn't notice it until now. We wouldn't have seen this on the way here, I realized. I wiped my tears before anyone noticed, and went to Kenna. It was quiet in the white woods, though the oversized flakes of snow seem to the silence echo. I broke the silence.

   "You have a good eye, Kenna."

   "Thanks." It started snowing harder and by the time we reached the opening to the trail it was a small snowstorm. We were practically running the distance back to the Inn. Blindly running down the road in the general direction. Tiny ice droplets stung our faces, and the snow clung to our eyelashes. I could see some length ahead of me, but as we got closer to warmth, the storm progressed stronger and more threatening. By the time I could see the light-post we had a full fledged blizzard. Kenna was tucked safely as can be in her father's embrace, Sebastian was pulled along by Heidi and I could see a huddled bundle in Chester's arms, so I assumed my brother had his son. We finally pushed ourselves up the steps to the veranda and opened the door with surprising easiness. With some effort Juliano finally shut the door, leaving the snow, wind and ice outside. I turned to count heads. Hazel ran upstairs to get more blankets, as Heidi instructed her. Guen was helping the little ones out of their white sprinkled coats. I checked and checked again. I looked at Chester. His eyes were mixed with surprise and alarm. We left Jack Matthew in the snow, the wind, and ice.

~Chapter 11~ To Understand Takes Heart

   I was flabbergasted. I've never heard such words in my entire life. Granted, I have heard words like "I don't believe in any god," or even, "I have never heard of God," but I have never with my own ears comprehended these words. I suddenly understood the dream I had had a few weeks ago. I understood every word the angel was saying. I sighed. I guess I understood his reasons, his mother dying in the very building that he sat crying in. What a way to end the season. Poor Kenna had tears in her eyes when she saw her brother and cousins playing without her. I felt so bad for her. Seeing her propped on the couch reminded me of my days as an almost-invalid. Luckily for me, those lasted only a short time, (though each day felt like an eternity). I couldn't bend my leg much for weeks. But I healed, I thought. And so will Kenna. 

   New Years Eve was only a week away, and the Rodrigues' didn't have plans for the occasion. So I asked Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigues if they would like to spend some more time here in the Avé Maria B&B. I thought it would cheer their daughter up a little. They readily agreed and now I was on the floor with a plethora of cook books and magazines laid before me, each page turned to the desserts or cookies section. I had bookmarks disguised as pieces of paper tucked between the pages of each of the possibilities that I would send home with my sisters. Kenna, propped on my favorite armchair, looked over and eyed me curiously.

   "What are you doing?" she asked, grazing over each book laid open. I saw her eyes widen at every recipe, until her eyes were the size of, well, the size of your eyes when their as wide you can get them. I didn't think they could get any bigger. But they did. I picked up the page she was staring at. 'Double Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies' it read.

   "How 'bout these for a 'Please get well soon' treat?" I asked.

   "Will you make them?" she squealed.

  "Absolutely! There are some upsides to being the only girl and having a sprained ankle on the holidays," I smiled. She smiled back, "Besides, I haven't baked on such a long time."

   "I thought you baked those?" She pointed to the kitchen where the last of the holiday cookies were laid out.

   "That was for Christmas, so that doesn't count. And I didn't bake the cookies, Hazel did." Just then Guen walks in. I told her about staying for a few more days.

   "Oh! Wonderful!" She exclaims. She spots the recipe magazine in my hand and asks about them.

   "I was just about to start making them," I said, standing up. My knees were complaining, forcing me to slow my movements. I made a mental note not to sit cross-legged for so long ever again. Though I was in good shape, my joints gave me trouble sometimes, thanks to having juvenile arthritis as a child. I made my way to the kitchen with Kenna's arm around my waist, to keep herself up while walking with me, Guen close behind. I set Kenna on a stool by the island and set to work getting a bowl out onto the island. Destiny, and Heidi come out of hiding in the den to watch. I supposed the men were out on the veranda  discussing whatever they can when we women are not around. I turned my gaze at the floor where Jack Matthew, Sebastian, Xavier, and Jack Michael were playing our old game of Risk. I ask Guen to get the first ingredients out while I get the aprons. We hardly ever needed them, when your making cookies for the whole family with your two aunts, I figured Kenna would enjoy them. I give her Hazel's and Guen, Shiloh's. I found that ironic, because Shiloh and Guen were the best of friends growing up, and still are. We followed the recipe like good little girls and end up with a deliciously good looking batter. So good that when Savannah walked in she couldn't resist sticking her finger in the bowl despite our complaints. I sighed, and Kenna made a face at her mother's cousin. I gave her a warning look which she interpreted as 'Nice girls make nice faces, otherwise they get in trouble.'

   "Mmm! That's good!" Savannah's comment won Kenna's smile. While the first batch of those Double Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies were in the oven, we started another mix of sugar cookies. I chose these because I love using the cookie press and so did Kenna. We chose a variety of shapes of wreaths, stars, and Christmas trees. I took the chocolate cookies out and gave Kenna and Guen each one.

   "Careful, they're hot." They devoured them so fast that I was afraid they would burn their tongues. Fortunately they knew not to do that again. In the next few hours the chocolate and sugar cookies finished baking, the sugar ones got decorated, and set out on pretty plates, and passed among the party. I sent some home with my twin sisters, and mom and dad, and said 'Good-bye' to them and the boys, including Tim.

  That night Heidi, Juliano, Kenna and Chester were sitting in the living room when I came in with the boys. I had to call them in from playing outside. These boys would stay outside until dawn if we let them. We snacked on cookies, and hot chocolate while talking about the old days. Some of the memories brought tears of laughter and made cheeks blush. When we sobered and the moment was gone, we listened to a story from Jack Matthew. A story of a family moment about when and why his parents decided to go to the movies. It was a treat for doing well in school, cleaning his room and being an all around good boy. I was in tears for some of it, but tried not to show it. Then he finished by asking no one in particular, why did his mom and dad have to die? I tried to keep the sob from my voice when replying,

   "Because He thought it better now then later." He had a puzzled expression and I guess Chester thought it best to tell him about his mother now. And he did, "Your mom was sick Jack. Her illness was going to be painful and their was nothing the doctors could do. But when she-" He couldn't bring himself to say it. "She was in no pain at all."

   "God is merciful," I said. "Your father might've been heart broken to see you mother pass away in pain. The car accident was a blessing in disguise." Understanding dawned slowly. As slowly as the dawn itself, but he did understand.

   "I guess so. Maybe there is a God, but I don't like him." I sighed. Well, I thought to myself, at least he doesn't deny Him anymore. An idea popped in my head.

   "Who want's to take a walk tomorrow?"

~Chapter 10~ The Heartbreak

   "Why did I see Jack on the couch this morning?" Chester asked me, stuffing a mouthful of waffle into his mouth. Both Jacks looked up from their plates at the mention of their name, then looked at each other. I, from the other end of the table, saw Jack Matthew mouth the words, he means me.

   We had a small problem with the seating for breakfast. In the end, our alternative was that half of us eat in the kitchen. Me, Chester, the Jacks, Xavier, Tim, and Sebastian were eating at the table, while the rest of the party was out in the kitchen.

   "I had a bad dream, and Aunt Avé helped me fall back to sleep," answered Jack Matthew for me. I could see my brother was going to ask something and I knew what the question would be. I also knew that Jack wouldn't want to talk about it, so I leaned over to whisper in his ear that I would tell him about it later. He nodded in reply, understanding. We finished that meal with a chat about Jack Michael's and Xavier's dog, Butter, and cat, Biscotti.

   "Check," Juliano and Tim decided to play chess after breakfast. Juliano was looking for an escape from Tim's check and found it. His knight took Tim's bishop.

   "Why'd you go and do that?" Tim asked in a light-hearted manner. His rook was moved into another threat.

   "Check," I turned my head away from the battle and gazed outside to watch the kids playing in the snow. Kenna, being the only girl, convinced Hazel to go outside with her, and make a snowman. They just got the middle ball onto the first when Hazel looked up and saw me in the window. She waved, and Kenna, looking in the direction Hazel was waving, did too. I waved back and turned my attention to the boys who were throwing snowballs and chasing each other. Sebastian fell face first in the snow. I caught my breath. I watched to make sure he was alright. Then, as it turns out, he was laughing. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding. Heidi heard my sigh and said, "He tougher then he looks," apparently she also was watching my little show. 
   I glanced at the snowman, and now the girls had his head on and were on their way inside to get the accessories for him. I looked back at the boys. Jack Matthew dashed behind one of the willow trees, laughing. A snowball smashed into the tree half a second later. The other three boys discovered that the tree made great cover and each hid behind his own. Four boys, four trees to hide behind. I heard Kenna and Hazel come inside and select a scarf and a hat for Frosty. I walked into the hall and asked, "Who chose the name Frosty?" 
   Kenna was the first to reply, "The snowman did," at my puzzled expression Hazel explained, "The snow was making our fingers frosty, so I said to Kenna that I thought he was trying to tell us something, then Kenna said he was trying to say he needed a name. We named him Frosty."

   "I see," they went back outside and I went into the living room. I saw Tim and Juliano shaking hands.

   "Who won?"

   "Tie," Destiny and Savannah said, at the same time might I add. Destiny continued and said, "Each took out the other's pawns, knights, rooks,"

   "bishops, and queens," finished Savannah. Shiloh came into the room with the coffee pot and asked if anyone wanted refills. After those who wanted got poured we all sat around and talked of whatever we grown-ups talk about.

   I was doing my favorite past-time, gazing out the window, when I saw Amy and Jason Pfleegor drive up.

   "Mom and Dad are here!" Hazel called out to no one in particular. I couldn't tear my eyes from the beautiful white wonderland. Even though it was only three-thirty the sun was setting giving the snow a warm feeling. 
   I went to the bottom of the stairs and called up to the children, "Gran and Pop's here!" Almost immediately an avalanche of kids came running down the stairs. Poor Kenna, being in the middle of everybody, tripped and slid the last five steps.

   "Are you okay?" I asked, picking her up and onto my lap as I sat on the bottom step. Trying to choke back tears, she told me that she's fine. She tried to stand up, but as her feet touched the ground she winced and plopped down on me again.

   "No, Sweetie, you're not fine. Juliano!" I called her dad. Heidi and Juliano both heard the banging, but figured someone jumped the last two steps. After hearing his name, Juliano thought something had happened and brought his wife with him.

   "Are you all right?" he asked his daughter.

   "She can't stand up," I replied for her. He picked Kenna up and carried her to the living room where my mom and dad had just greeted everybody.

   "You poor baby," Amy crooned over her grandniece. Thanks to his medical instincts, Tim got up and went to the other side of the room where Kenna was.

   "Where's it hurt?"

   "My leg," he began to examine her legs and after a minute or two he said, "She appears to have mildly sprained her ankle. Shiloh could you get some bandages? Hazel could you get some ice?" The girls went and came back with their things and Tim wrapped her ankle and set ice on it.

   "Would you like me to pray for you?" I asked Kenna. She nodded her head, so I placed my hand on her shoulder and closed my eyes and prayed for a quick recovery. When I opened them again I could see tears in Heidi's eyes.

   "She fine," I assured her. "She'll be right as rain in no time," she nodded her head, comforted by the words. 

   I was making Kenna some Hot Chocolate when Jack Matthew came into the kitchen.

   "Why did you pray for her?" he asked.

   "I prayed because I know He hears my prayers," I could understand why he might be against God. I didn't want to hear the story of how he decided his spiritual path, nor did I want to harm him further, so I didn't ask. But I was going to hear the story anyway,

   "I prayed once," he began, "When my mom was dying. I prayed for my mom to get better, I prayed that she wouldn't die. But she died," he looked at me with heartbroken eyes. And with eight words I knew what my guardian angel was talking about when he said I needed to help this boy. 

   "There is no God to hear our prayers." Jack Matthew said, then walked away.