Amanda's Song

By Marsha Blackford

Tossed out by her husband and rejected by her father, Amanda discovers, to her horror, that on top of everything else, she's pregnant!

She's at her lowest and rushes to get an abortion. That doesn't stop Amanda's compassionate Christian boss from praying for this lovable but miserable girl. Can prayers work?

Travel wi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Apr 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640886360

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Amanda’s Song

Marsha Blackford

Trilogy Christian Publishers

Tustin, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2019 by Marsha Blackford

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For information, address Trilogy Christian Publishing

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, Ca 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/ TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Characters in this work are fictional.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-64088-635-3

ISBN 978-1-64088-636-0 (e-book)

Contents

Acknowledgements vii

Prologue ix

Chapter 1 1

Chapter 2 9

Chapter 3 19

Chapter 4 33

Chapter 5 41

Chapter 6 49

Chapter 7 57

Chapter 8 65

Chapter 9 75

Chapter 10 85

Chapter 11 97

Chapter 12 109

Chapter 13 117

Chapter 14 125

Chapter 15 137

Chapter 16 147

Chapter 17 157

Chapter 18 167

Chapter 19 183

Chapter 20 195

Chapter 21 203

Chapter 22 217

Chapter 23 227

Chapter 24 237

Chapter 25 245

Chapter 26 255

Epilogue 269

Discussion Questions 279

The Characters 283

In Christ Alone (lyrics) 287

About the Author 289

To Roger, who told me to write a book.

Acknowledgements

Somewhere around December 1, 2018, the Lord told me to write His stories. I ignored Him. I didn’t even bother to enter this command into my journal. Then, on January 29, 2019, He clearly told me this: Why aren’t you writing? You have been lazy! Get to work. I have so many stories to feed you. Don’t worry about what happens to them. Just do it and I will feed you.

Still, I ignored Him . . . until He said, If you don’t write My stories, I’ll get someone else to do it. Provoked to jealousy, I marched to my computer, let my hands hover over the keyboard, looked to the ceiling, and waited. Out flowed this story. Bam! Done in less than three months, all while I was working, going to college, volunteering, and taking care of my little farm.

Midway through the download, I fell in love with the characters. As paragraphs erupted onto the screen, I’d cry hiccup tears and giggle like an idiot. What I discovered is that this story, like so many others that come through the hearts of believers, is truly His story because I am His. Our stories are really His.

I thank Jesus Christ, my God, for allowing me to do this for you, dear friend, and for patiently working through this reluctant story teller. May Amanda’s Song sing His redeeming truth into your heart and bring you great joy. You are so loved and wanted! Trust Him and know His mighty victory in your valuable life.

Prologue

Rest. I just need rest. Amanda trudged up another hairpin turn on the Rainbow Mountain trail and then stopped. Looking around, she saw nowhere to sit. She just had to sit down and breathe. Over her right shoulder was the drop off to the Pacific. To the left, sharp volcanic rocks amid a tangle of ferns, vines, and grasses.

Her companions were now so far ahead of her she saw no use in calling out. Besides, what did they want with her? Amanda and her sort-of boyfriend, Prince, had picked up a hitchhiker on the Coastal Highway. Immediately, he started flirting with the perky redhead.

Well, he found a hiking buddy who can keep up with him, Amanda thought, scooting her sore toe further back in the borrowed boot. Deciding to rest right where she was, Amanda slipped the heavy pack off her back to the ground and sat on it. A fly buzzed by as she considered how her present scenario reflected on twenty-four years of life as a loser. She was recently divorced, no children, and estranged from her parents since she dropped out of college—what had she accomplished? What did her life stand for?

She had the car keys. The idea that she could simply maneuver down the slippery descent to the lot miles below tickled her mind. No, that would be wrong, to just take off and leave him here, she chided herself. But hadn’t he taken off and left her? What if she twisted that trick ankle? Why didn’t he care enough to watch over her?

It was getting to be late afternoon on the eastern face of the mountain. The extinct volcano’s shadow brought a chill to the air. It would be dark soon. Great.

God, if you’re there, I need help, she whined half-heartedly.

A bird sweetly beckoned to its mate, signaling the time of roosting. And resting. Amanda took a deep breath and looked around. Even way up here she could hear the ocean waves careening in turn against the rocks far below. She found it soothing.

Take a deep breath and exhale slowly, echoed words of a nightmare lived.

That was months ago. I am here now, she scolded herself as she slumped her back against the stone cliff. Fragrant air filled her lungs and she wondered at the necessity of breathing. And the fragility of life.

Faint voices wafted down from above. Amanda strained to hear. Was he coming back for her? No, that was a much deeper man’s voice, too soothing for Prince. Amanda turned, carefully eyeing the edge, and scrambled to her feet as pebbles pinged on the trail from aloft. Looking upward, her eyes met the rounded face of a huge Hawaiian woman, oddly graceful on her feet as she came to a stop. The man behind her, with soft, dark features laid one hand on the woman’s shoulder. A small bag swung from his other hand. No backpacks. Just quiet sorrow.

Aloha, the woman’s rich voice crooned.

Hey, Amanda answered.

After a long pause and evident appraisal of the pack still lying on the trail and the stricken face of the lost girl before him, the man simply said, You betta go down now. You come wi’ us.

Tear trails on the woman’s fat cheeks outlined a genuine smile as she nodded to Amanda and clucked. She glanced at the pack. Okay my man carry dis, yeah?

Okay, yes, I guess. Thanks, she stammered. I, I couldn’t keep up with my friends.

The man snorted, You betta off wid us. With that he edged around his wife, picked up the pack and extended the straps to fit around his broad shoulders. Amanda marveled at how dwarfed and light it seemed to be on his back as he led the way smoothly down the slick trail.

You all right now, yeah? My name Leilani. Him Kealu, the woman soothed, as she patted Amanda’s shoulder. Melted brown eyes looked deeply into her own dark blues and a wobbling smile of gratitude sprung up on Amanda’s pale face in response.

I’m Amanda, she answered and turned to descend quietly between her new friends, the throbbing toe forgotten at the wonder of deliverance.

Chapter 1

Hitting the brakes for the umpteenth time, Amanda wondered why she, of all people, was creeping like an ant in rush hour traffic. Didn’t she swear to herself she would never, ever live in the suburbs to be one of the multitude routinely following the crowd to and from work?

A driver, without signaling, swung from the right to enter her lane, barely clipping the hand-me-down Ford’s bumper. Quickly glancing in the rear view at the truck on her tail as she jammed the brakes, Amanda swore and clenched the steering wheel tightly, bracing. No bump from the back. Relaxing a bit, she punched the radio on and wondered: why oh why was she here?

I should’ve stayed in college, she complained inwardly. Now her selfish, immature husband was enjoying the freedom of attending university while she worked to support him. And he just announced yesterday that he decided he was gay!

Tires finally crunching over layers of snow of her in-laws’ driveway, Amanda’s mood sunk lower.

He still hasn’t shoveled the drive, she muttered.

Rob’s parents had retired to Arizona and left the house to him with the understanding that Amanda would work while he got his education. After his graduation, it would be her turn to finish school and he would be the bread winner. He complains that I’m too fat while he could use a little muscle himself, she groused, kicking at the slick crust of ice at the door.

Layers of winter clothing landed on hooks as she entered the hallway and headed for the kitchen where one of Rob’s forever soups simmered.

Smells good, she said as he looked up from his bowl and then glanced to the young man seated beside him.

We’re going to California, Rob announced.

We are! When? she exclaimed.

Not you. Us, he corrected, nodding to the lanky blonde youth beside him slowly spooning up soup.

What? What about school? Who is he? What are you saying, Rob?

I’ve been offered a job and I’m quitting school. By the way, my dad said you’ll have to move out because he’s selling the house.

Rob’s eyes flickered over her face briefly, then glanced over to his companion, who shrugged slightly.

I. Don’t. Understand! she shouted. Trembling, Amanda turned on the blonde shadow. "Who are you?" she bellowed. What are you is what she meant.

Violently pushing the chair back so that it fell, Rob poked a finger at her face and hissed, You’ll hear from my lawyer. Start packing. C’mon Randy, we’re going out to eat.

Immediately, Randy stood up, smiled at Amanda and followed Rob to the hallway. The door didn’t exactly slam, but the solid click felt like a bullet to her heart.

Later that night as she got ready for bed, it occurred to Amanda that her period seemed late. Checking her calendar, she counted six weeks. And promptly threw up.

A week later, Amanda grudgingly drove Rob and Randy to the Detroit airport. Look, Rob said, I know this is hard on you, but I have to do what’s right for me. You’ll be okay. My dad will settle up with you. Don’t worry about it, was all he said on the cold drive to Metro. The day before the pair’s departure to California, Amanda heard from his lawyer all right. She had to take off work to meet with her husband and the attorney. You should be glad you don’t have to pay him alimony, the man instructed. Just sign here and you’re off the hook. Have a nice life. No handshake, just a quick dismissal with the promise that he would handle the court documents for their no-fault divorce.

On the way back to the city, reeling in a numb cloud of mixed disbelief and bereavement, Amanda reflected on her three years of matrimony. This is how we’re going to do it, Rob had explained as he handed her a book titled Open Marriage. The premise of the title sounded good to her. She liked people to be open and honest about their feelings and thoughts. So, she read it and dismissed the check in her spirit that this was a very bad idea. After all, her parents had the ideal, traditional marriage which allowed her and her siblings to enjoy peaceful, secure childhoods. That was not what the book promoted. By open, it meant not exclusive, not monogamous. But it sounded so free. Why not give it a go? And besides, she was in love with her handsome, smart boyfriend. And at least she’d be married. They’d live together and have so much fun.

I’m an idiot, she thought. And then the nausea rose again.

By settling up with her as Rob promised, what his dad did was serve her notice of eviction. So, she called her mom and sobbed out the awful story. I don’t know. I’ll have to talk with your father, she replied. That didn’t sound very positive, but Amanda had a month to work it out. Surely, her parents would let her come back home until she saved up enough for an apartment.

Amanda timed her arrival at her parents’ perfect suburban home only a mile from Rob’s dad’s house so that she got there a little past six, after her father pulled in. Dr Leonard Court, distinguished ophthalmologist, had earned his success the hard way. His grandparents raised him with the values of immigrants who had survived oppression and the Great Depression by thrift, hard work, and family unity. Janice, her mom, answered the door.

Who is it? she heard her father call from the dining room.

It’s Amanda, dear. I think she wants to talk with us.

Tell her it’s dinner time, he retorted.

Amanda blinked, and then stepped back. She couldn’t breathe. Heart pounding, she pivoted towards her car. She knew that tone of voice. There would be no talk tonight. Barely registering Janice’s plaintiff plea to call her later, Amanda gulped air and sat in their driveway, fumbling for the car keys and then collapsing against the steering wheel. Heaves of grief erupted from her throat and eyes. No one loved her. She was nothing.

A tap on the window brought her head up. There stood Janice with no coat on, crying, Your father warned you about that boy. What are you going to do?

Amanda just shook her head, still gasping with the squeeze of panic pressing her chest.

Janice, get in here, you’ll catch your death! her father bellowed from the door. She should have stayed in school. Let her learn that her parents know best.

With that, her mom turned sadly back to the house and closed the door. Eventually calming enough to drive, Amanda thought about what had just happened. Janice would clear the dinner dishes as normal. Leonard would read the evening paper and reassure his wife that things would work out. The truth will rise to the surface, he’d say. Her parents never fought, not that she or her two brothers ever saw, anyway. They always presented a solid front of what was expected, of what was right. Her older brothers were happily married with kids and living the good life, their careers and reputations in tact. Did she dare confront them with her dilemma? Not now, she was too upset. Besides, it was dinner time for their busy households. No one needed her drama.

Not at all able to eat, herself, Amanda sat down on the edge of her bed. She was cold and queasy and altogether confused. She would call in sick to work tomorrow. Just then, to prove the point, she sprung up and gagged into the waste basket. Head pounding, she walked to the bathroom and took a good look in the mirror. Pretty deep blue eyes stared out from long lashes. Strings of straight brown hair clung to damp cheeks and pale lips thinned in a grimace. Then her eyes widened and her pointed chin dropped in sudden realization. With an unladylike oath, she pronounced her condition with robust disgust: Pregnant!

Chapter 2

Shuffling invoices into chronological order at her desk at Master Equipment Company was a rote job Amanda didn’t mind. It allowed her the freedom to think of other things. As she punched in the numbers, her mental trail continued on last week’s grim reality. When she had called Rob last week to tell him about the results of the drug store pregnancy test, he had retorted, Your problem. I don’t want it. Things are already so cool here and I’m not going to let you mess it up!

Right, like you’d make a good father, she thought, mashing on a key a little too hard.

You look like the world is on your shoulders. Her supervisor, Eleanor, glanced at the computer screen as Amanda deleted the extra numbers.

You have no idea, Amanda quipped.

Hmm. Why don’t you take a break? I’m hungry and Marty brought in donuts. With that, Eleanor smiled and led the way to the break room. No one