Page 131 of Love on the Run

“I’m guessing you took that offer?” Anna asked.

“I’m sorry,” Brittany sputtered. “I haven’t been able to keep a job with any of the designers you guided me to, and I thought I didn’t have anything to lose.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t have a job. My parents haven’t called me in years. I don’t have friends. It’s just me, and I betrayed the only friend I had.”

Anna squeezed Brittany’s hand. “I’m still your friend. I understand why you did what you did. My mother can be intimidating, so even if you hadn’t been vulnerable, she might have still been able to convince you to do it.”

“But I shouldn’t have said yes. You were my friend, and I snuck around looking for you. Then I gave her the information. It felt wrong at the time, and I did it anyway. I’m so sorry.”

“I forgive you. Brittany, I forgive you. Do you understand what that means?”

Brittany wiped at her tear-stained face. “No. I don’t. Why would you do that?”

“Because we all make mistakes. You did what you thought was right at the time, and you didn’t know you could just come to me. If you needed money, I would have helped you. If you needed a friend, I would have been there for you. I’m here for you now.”

“I…I stopped taking my medicine,” Brittany said, low and thick as she held onto Anna’s hand.

“You don’t have to tell me what you take the medicine for. I love you no matter what it is, but I am here for you if you need support.”

“I didn’t think I deserved to feel normal after what I’ve done. Then I felt ugly on the inside after what I did.”

Anna took the mug of tea from Brittany’s hand and set it on the end table. Wrapping Brittany in a tight embrace, she focused on breathing deeply and evenly. “Listen to me carefully. You are not ugly, and you are not your mistakes or a diagnosis. You are human and flawed, but you are loved unconditionally by a Father who created you in His image.” Her breath rattled in her chest as she fought to keep control of the tears. “Can I pray with you?”

Brittany hesitated, then gave a small nod.

Anna bowed her head and closed her eyes, keeping a firm hold on Brittany’s hand.

“Father, I humble myself before You for my friend, Brittany. She’s lost and scared, but You are the one who can comfort us when we are alone and afraid. Please wrap Your loving arms around her. Let her feel your presence as she meets You in her darkest hour. I also pray that You will show me how to be a good friend to her. Thank You for the forgiveness You offer us whenever we come to You with our sins. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”

Brittany raised her head and sniffed. “I don’t understand that.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to right away. It’s still hard for me to wrap my head around too.”

Brittany fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. “I just got scared whenever you would stop responding to me. You were all I had, and even though I needed the money your mom gave me, I was still alone.”

“You don’t have to be. You have me. But I have to ask, why did you come to the wedding without telling me?”

Brittany crumpled the tissue in her hand and straightened it back out again. “Because I designed your dress, and I wanted to surprise you by telling you in person.”

“You did? TrueBlue didn’t mention the designer, even when I asked. I had no idea it was you.”

The dress was gorgeous. When TrueBlue sent her the design to approve, Anna loved it immediately. Brittany hadn’t even mentioned a partnership with the boutique.

“I asked them not to tell you because I wanted to be the one to tell you. I was so excited because I made it especially for you. I thought it would be the big break I needed too, but after you didn’t wear it at the wedding, they cut all ties with me.”

“And your beautiful dress was never seen. Brittany, I’m so sorry. I love that dress. It was perfect.”

Brittany’s tears began anew. “Nothing ever works out for me.”

Anna clasped her hands at her chest. “Please don’t give up. You are extremely talented, and I believe in you.”

The front door opened, and Dawson entered wearing his full police uniform. Though he usually wore a friendly expression, his jaw was set as he looked from Brittany to Anna.

“Everything okay here?” he asked.

Brittany tensed beside Anna. “You?—”

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