Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) Read Online Free Page B

If you need to go somewhere, one of us will take you. We can’t take any chances that Paul will find us. Our survival depends on the location of this home being kept a secret. Now that you have had some rest, let’s discuss some ground rules.”
    Laney kept quiet, waiting for Sheila to go on.
    “The most important rule we have is, no telling anyone where you are. Not your parents. Not your sister. No one.” Sheila waited for the information to sink in. “If you tell anyone, you will be asked to leave. I hate to be so direct, but I have to be. The rules are the same for everyone. Every woman here is counting on us to be discreet, to keep them safe. We cannot do it unless this rule is followed to the letter of the law. Do you understand?”
    Laney shook her head before answering. “Yes. I understand.” She wiped a tear from her eyes. Her parents were getting older. They would be concerned.
    Sheila knew from experience the types of thoughts going through Laney’s mind. “It won’t be forever. They will understand.”
    Laney smiled through her tears. She wasn’t so sure they would, but she had to do this. She had no choice. “I’m doing this Sheila. I’m not going back. I can’t.”
    Keisha opened the screen door with her hip and stepped onto the porch. “Ms. Sheila, Mary Beth told me to bring this-here plate a' sandwiches to you. You done talkin’ yet?”
    Sheila took the sandwiches and passed the plate to Laney. “Thank you, Keisha, we’ll take those and no, we’re not done talking. Is there something you need?”
    “No, I jus’ wanted to know, that’s all. I’m leavin’, no worries.” Keisha headed back into the house.
    Laney managed a smile. “Thank you, Keisha.”
    All Sheila and Laney heard in response was mumbling and they both started to laugh. Laney realized just how hungry she was and took a bite of the sandwich.
    Sheila sat back and relaxed. “She’ll grow on you, you know. You watch and see. She has a heart of gold. She may be a little unpolished, but she has a good heart. Now as for the rest of the house rules, pretty basic stuff. Everyone pitches in and helps with the cleaning and cooking. Also, all the ladies take turns watching each other’s children during individual counseling times. We have an in-house advocate who will be meeting with you one-on-one starting tomorrow morning at ten and then each day afterward for the first week. She will discuss your second-week schedule with you once she sees where you are. We also have group sessions at 8:30 each night, after the kids are settled into bed. This is where you will build relationships with the other ladies. It really is a time of healing.
    Sheila looked at her watch. “We do have some pretty strict schedules to adhere to. Why don’t you call in the kids and get them bathed and ready for bed. I’m sure they are exhausted. Then you can join us for our group discussion this evening.”
     
     
    *  *  *  *
     
     
    Laney looked around the room that would be their home for the next few weeks. Melanie and Matt were already sound asleep and Joy was curled up on the top bunk with a book. “Night, honey. I love you.”
    “I love you too, mom. How long are we going to stay here? I like it.”
    “I don’t know. A few weeks I think. I’ll let you know for sure when I find out. I’m going to head downstairs. I have to go to group therapy.” Laney winked at her daughter and started for the door, then turned around. “Thank you, Joy. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
     
     
    *  *  *  *
     
     
    The library had ten chairs arranged in a circle. The house was big, but Laney didn’t realize there was room enough for ten ladies and their children. Well, eight if you subtract Sheila and the counselor, although Sheila did live there as well, so nine.
    Laney took one of the four open chairs and quietly waited for things to get started. Keisha came through the door huffing and puffing, talking to whoever would listen.