Katie took a deep breath. “Holly? This is Katie Brenneman.”
“Oh. Hi.”
Katie frowned. Holly sounded hoarse. “I just called to let you know that I visited Brandon last week.”
“I know. He told me.”
“You were right to encourage me to see him, Holly. I’m glad I visited him. It was the right thing to do.”
After a few seconds passed and Holly didn’t offer any more information, Katie cleared her throat. “So, uh, how is he?”
After a lengthy pause, Holly whispered, “I’m sorry…I thought you knew, though now I don’t know why you would have. He passed away the day after you came.”
Gripping the phone harder, Katie felt her world shift and sway. “What?”
After a ragged sigh, Holly said, “I’m sorry to tell you like this. Um, it was sudden, though the doctors said not completely unexpected. And, well, he’d been in a lot of pain.”
Katie had seen the pain in his eyes. “I’m sorry. He…he was such a special person.”
“He was. I’m just glad he got a chance to see you. It meant a lot.”
“It meant a lot to me, too. When I saw him, I realized how special he was to me. How special you both are.”
“I…I had thought so, too.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No. You already did what I asked of you. That was enough.”
“Would you mind if I called you again?”
“Why?”
Because she didn’t want to abandon her again. But because that sounded a bit too much, Katie simply said, “Because I care.”
“Oh. Well, then. Sure. Call again if you want.”
Gingerly, Katie replaced the receiver. Once again, it felt as if her world had shifted. Closing her eyes against the flood of tears that threatened, she prayed. Dear Lord, please be with Holly as she grieves. And help me know how to move beyond the past and into my future…whatever it may hold.
Slowly, Katie began to see that He had always been beside her. Guiding her. It had only been her insecurities and fears that had held those things at bay. It was time to tell the truth and face whatever consequences came. Even if she failed.
Even if people were disappointed in her.
Even if Jonathan didn’t want her any longer.
Decision made, Katie picked up the phone and dialed Holly’s number again.
“Katie? What’s going on?” Holly asked.
Before she lost her nerve, she said, “I know it is short notice, but…perhaps if you are not doing anything…perhaps you’d care to come over this afternoon?”
“What? You want me to come over? To your home?”
“Yes. Well, to my parents’ inn.”
“Why?”
Holly deserved honesty, even if they never spoke again. Even if friendship now meant that she had to do a very tough thing. “I’d like us to be friends again. I thought…I thought you might need me.” She swallowed. Oh, this was so hard to say. “I thought you might need a friend, since Brandon is gone.”
A moment paused. Two. “You’ve already apologized. That was enough. I really can’t think of anything else for us to say to each other.”
“I believe there is more than you might think. Please, Holly? I’d love to introduce you to my family.” Finally.
After what seemed like forever, Holly spoke. “When, this afternoon?”
“Whenever you want.” She felt so relieved, a half chuckle, half sob escaped from her. “What are you doing now? Can you just come on over?”
“Yeah. I’ve just been sitting here, trying to sort out some of Brandon’s things, but I just couldn’t do it. Your call came at just the perfect time.”
It did feel perfect. It felt like it truly was time for her past to meet the present. “Do you have a pencil? Let me give you directions,” Katie said. After Holly’s promise to come out shortly, Katie hung up the phone with a huge sense of relief.
“Katie? What are you doing? Why were you on the phone?” Her mother approached, her expression one of concern and irritation. The phone was only used for guests’ emergencies and to make reservations. Katie could hardly remember ever using it for herself.
It was time to face the truth. Slowly, she said, “I had an important phone call to make. To Holly Norris. I invited her to come over. She’s on her way now.”
“Who is Holly Norris?”
“She’s an English girl I met during my rumspringa. I was once good friends with her. With her and her brother, Brandon.”
Her mamm put her dusting rag down. “Yes?”
Taking a deep breath, Katie said, “Mamm, I have a story to tell you and Daed, if you’ll let me.”