The Test of Faith

Some Dreams Coming True

As the event’s celebration was closing to its end, Abi could already feel butterflies in her stomach as she knew that in a matter of few days, she will be launching herself into the most exciting adventure of her life.

This is the journey she has been dreaming for so long. She is scared, yet she feels courageous and excited.

Abi spent her remaining days at home and with their usual routine. She devoted all her time to be with her dad, Andrew and her grandma Helen. They are all feeling sad as the days passed but Helen and Andrew kept it to themselves as they don’t want to give Abigail any reason to doubt her decision anymore.

Now that she’s twenty-two, perhaps, it wouldn’t do any harm and it was just about time to give her some liberty and choice. Both of them have complete trust and confidence in Abi's judgment and decisions for herself.

Thursday, Friday… Little by little, Abi packed some of the things she wanted to bring with her in the city, few things in a day. And Saturday came.

Rachel offered to come over and pick Abi herself just so Andrew and Helen would feel more comfortable letting Abi leave. After a few more reminders from Andrew, tight hugs and little sobs, they were finally able to let go of each other.

“Dad, grandma, please… This is just for a few weeks, okay? It’s not like I’m not coming home at all.” Abi is coaxing them.

“It’s the first time you’ll be away from us this long, Abi. I’m sorry for reacting like this.” Helen was trying to compose herself and smiled. “But we’ll be fine sweetheart. We’ll just miss you.”

Andrew wanted to say something but did not continue. Instead, he gave Abi a confident nod as if he was assuring her not to worry. But at the back of his mind, he doesn’t want Abi to be away in the last weeks before her operation. He couldn’t tell her that he wanted to savor the days as she might not wake up after the surgery. That is not a good thing to say to her at his time.

“Don’t worry Uncle, I will take care of Abi. Trust me.” Rachel tried to cheer the atmosphere around them.

Abigail boarded the car while waving with a wide smile and eyes saying thank you to Andrew and Helen. The car got smaller and smaller from Andrew and Helen’s sight, and they could only hug each other while watching the car be completely out of sight.

They arrived at Rachel’s place close to lunch time.

“What do you want for lunch, Abi?”

“Anything, Rache. What do you have in your fridge?” Abi replied with a chuckle.

“I’ll have something delivered instead. You know I don’t cook.”

They unloaded Abi’s things and unpacked them as they waited for the delivery.

“Are you going to be fine here, Abi? I’ll check what’s left downstairs.”

“Yeah, sure. This room is actually too much, Rachel. I’ll sort my things out and settle them in the closet. I’ll be just fine. Go on.”

Abi was left alone as Rachel went off. She was feeling some stomach upset due to the newness of all this to her. She’ll be staying in one of the guest rooms at Rachel’s apartment.

Rachel’s family is quite more than an average one; thus, giving Rachel a life a lot comfortable of the ordinary. This is very different from Abi’s simple life. She still feels a little overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the extra luxury around her.

She did not bring too many of her things as she will only be away for a few weeks. She fixed her things in the wardrobe quite easily and she settled on the bed to rest bringing with her one of her favorite books.

Ding dong!

She instantly heard the doorbell and went to check who it was. It was the delivery they’ve been waiting for. As she opened the door, Rachel was also walking down the hallway bringing the last luggage left in the car.

They had their lunch while endlessly chatting about all the things they could talk about. There were a lot of laughs and chuckles inside the dining area.

“You should rest Abi. I’ll take a shower.”

“Yeah, I feel like I wanted to take a nap.” And she went off to her room.

Abi continued to read the book she brought out earlier. She lay on the bed as she read.

The novel is a story of unconditional love between an angel and a demon. Abi, naturally having a good heart, strongly believes in true love.

Especially, that she has grown to the kind of love her dad has for her mom. It was special and magical for her as she believes in the stories she had read all her life. However, she doesn’t have any idea on the harsh reality and different shades of what falling love could mean.

“I wish I could buy time. I could buy life. Mom, I want to fall in love too…” She was speaking to herself and probably to her late mother. And she fell asleep as her eyes got tired of reading.

“Abi… Wake up darling…”

Abi slowly opened her eyes and was blinded by light. She can only see a soft hand holding her. She just found herself being dragged into an open area of flowers and butterflies.

She heard the voice again “Abi, from now on, he’ll be watching you for me.”

And she saw a man with a perfect figure slowly turn around to look at her. Abi doesn’t recognize the man but hell sure; he was the most handsome being Abigail has ever seen.

Wooossshhh!!!

A phone was ringing. She then realized she was dreaming. She moved to find her phone and found that it was already close to 5:00 pm. Abi answered the phone, it was her dad.

“Abi, have you arrived safely? You didn’t give me a call.”

“Sorry dad. Rachel and I got tired, and we rushed to get our lunch. We both fell asleep after settling my things. But don’t worry, I am totally okay. I actually had a good nap.”

“Don’t do that next time, Abi. You have to at least let me know every day. And if anything goes wrong, call me.”

“Yes dad. I’m sorry for making you worry. I love you.”

And then there’s a knock on the door.

“Abi? Are you up now?” It was Rachel.

“Yah I’ll be out in a bit. Dad, I’m fine. I’ll be out now in my room. Rachel is waiting.”

“You take very good care of yourself Abi. I love you. Grandma said she misses you and we hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”

“Love you both!” and she hung up.

“Was dad calling you? He was dead worried.” Abi asked Rachel as she came out of the room.

“Oh, let me check. I left my phone; its batteries are empty. He might be calling while I’m out. I bought us some food.”

“It’s okay. I also got into a deep sleep. Didn’t notice it was almost supper time. I didn’t even know you went out.”

“I took a peek in your room, and you seem to be sleeping soundly so I decided to let you be. I just secured the door’s lock. I was just in the grocery store a few blocks from here.”

“Wow! You did what? The grocery? That’s new.”

“I’m trying Abi, please don’t make fun of me. I hate you! I got us something fresh. Uncle Andrew would kill me if I fed you pizza and silent killers all the time.”

“Thanks Rache, but you shouldn’t bother. I can take care of myself. You should’ve taken me with you in the grocery store, so I could’ve helped you out and shared the bill.”

“Don’t mention it, Abi. Money is not a matter, okay? Salad? I got really good lettuce here and some salmon. What do you say?”

“Of course. I’ll do the salmon and you prepare the greens.”

“Ok!”

They prepared their dinner together and finished just in time. The meal they had was great and they felt satisfied and happy with it. While they were washing the dishes,

“Rache, I dream of a man.”

“Huh? You dream of a man? Literally? Or you sort of want some kind of a guy?”

“I literally had a dream of some man. A guy. I saw him in my dream. I can feel mom’s touch dragging me. And then I saw that guy look at me. He is… out of this world. I think he is the most handsome man I have ever seen.”

“You are so naïve. You can’t just get infatuated with some guy that appears in your dream. This is ridiculous. That’s just some lame fairy tale thing.”

“I’m not saying that I like him, Rachel. I’m just telling you that I dream of him, and it feels magical. He looks unreal in the eyes. Why do you have to be so bitter?”

“Because he is not real, Abi.”

“How does it feel to love, Rache? Is it wonderful?”

“I never fall in love. Sure, I dated but it was not love. Love is stupid.”

Abi feels discouraged by Rachel’s bitterness, but she is somehow wishing within her heart.

“When will you finish your painting? The exhibit is in two weeks.”

“I’ll start tomorrow. But I needed to visit the gallery where the committee is. I needed to formally apply for it before the actual viewing. I also have some things to buy.”

“I’ll drive you there.”

“No need. I can manage. I know you also have things to do. You can’t just leave your business behind. You’ve been gone for more than a couple of days now. I’ll be fine, okay? I’d also like to see around.”

“You sure? Uncle Andrew will strangle me if anything happens to you.”

“I’ll be safe. You can’t probably babysit me all the time. I won’t be out for too long since I wanted to start my piece already. I can take care of myself.”

“As you say.” Rachel could only make a surrender gesture and zipped her mouth shut.