Hailey's Heart (Young Adult Christian Fiction) (The Valley Meadows Series Book 1) Read online

“Nellie, if you want, we can take care of that baptism thing.”

  “What?” she asked.

  “On Sunday. At the church where Kimberly goes, we could ask them to baptize you,” Chris suggested.

  “That might be something that I would consider.” She had put it off a long time.

  “Well, think about it,” he said.

  “I just did,” replied Nellie smiling. “It would mean a lot to have you here for that.”

  “I don’t leave until Monday, so you can plan on my being in the front row of the church to witness it,” vowed Chris.

  “Thanks,” said Nellie as she left the kitchen.

  * * * * *

  Nellie was glad that Chris and Kimberly invited her to church with them on Sunday. Pastor Gerald was a friendly man who made her feel very welcome. Nellie was baptized that morning and was beaming when she came out of the water.

  Chris and Kimberly were standing there to give her a big hug in the church hallway when the services finished. So was Kip. She had flown in for a couple of days so that she could see Chris before he left on his mission. Kip hugged her tightly. “You are my sister in Christ.”

  For the first time in her life, Nellie felt like she was part of a close family, even if they were not related. She could truly understand why Chris had fallen for Kip while he was in Mexico the year before because she was a very special person. Kip was petite with long brunette hair and a glowing California tan. Her friendly demeanor put everyone at ease and she seemed to have a natural way with people like Chris did. Nellie thought that they complimented one another and could understand immediately how they could be so in love.

  “I say we all head to the beach,” Chris proposed. “This calls for a celebration and we can barbecue there, too.”

  “What a great idea,” agreed Kimberly. “We can go home and get everything we need and then head over there.”

  Nellie needed to change out of her baptismal gown. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll meet you outside.” Nellie was so happy that she felt like she was walking on air. She went and changed out of her wet clothes and put on her light pink summer dress with white high-heeled sandals. She brushed her hair and walked outside while it was still wet.

  When Nellie got out to the car, Kimberly was standing by it and motioned for her to her to come to the driver’s side. “I have something for you, Nellie.” She pulled out a small black box tied with a pink ribbon.

  “What is this?” asked Nellie.

  “A little surprise I had planned,” smiled Kimberly.

  Nellie opened the box and inside was a beautiful silver cross. She was so touched by Kimberly’s kindness. “Oh, thank you so much. I’ve never owned one before.” She gave Kimberly a hug. “You are like the sister I never had.”

  “Well, I think the Lord made us roommates for a reason,” said Kimberly. “I sure am grateful.”

  “Me, too,” agreed Nellie. “It’s also amazing that I’ve known your cousins almost all my life, yet didn’t know that you were related to them.” Nellie put on her necklace and they both got into the car with Chris and Kip who were already in the back seat.

  “Where to?” Chris asked Kimberly, as she was the one who would be driving.

  “Straight to the apartment to grab what we need.” Kimberly turned the key in the ignition.

  “We’ve got our new sister in Christ with us,” announced Chris.

  “Yes, we do,” chimed in Kip. “Wait and see, Nellie, the Lord is going to use you.”

  “Do you think so?” asked Nellie.

  “I don’t think so,” said Kip. “I know so. It may be when you least expect it.”

  “Well, I can hardly wait,” said Nellie.

  “Speaking of people doing the Lord’s work,” Chris interjected, “I still can’t believe that my cousin Hailey decided to come to Mexico to fill in for Kip.”

  “I’m sure glad she can,” said Kip as they pulled out of the parking lot.

  “That’s because you don’t know my cousin,” Chris joked.

  “What do you mean?” asked Kip.

  “Well, let’s just say that I hope she can use a curling iron in Mexico and that there’s a place to get her nails done,” explained Nellie.

  “Oh, I understand,” giggled Kip. “I had problems with that. I also kept wondering how I was going to get through last summer without fast food, too.”

  “Is it that remote where you are going?” Nellie asked Chris.

  “Worse,” he said as they went down the road.

  “This will definitely be a big change for Hailey, then,” observed Nellie. “I would have gladly volunteered, but I’ve got my commitment with the Navy.”

  “What an important commitment it is,” added Chris. “You and Kimberly have put your lives on the line for our country.”

  “It doesn’t exactly feel like it stationed here in Hawaii,” admitted Nellie. “But then, we could be called away at any time.”

  “That’s right,” Chris reminded her. “You two have made a big sacrifice.”

  “It makes my little job at the school look so insignificant, doesn’t it?” asked Kip.

  “I don’t think so at all,” said Kimberly. “It is preparing you to be a teacher and that is a profession that makes a difference in a lot of children’s lives.”

  “When you put it that way, I guess it does sound worthwhile, doesn’t it?” asked Kip.

  “I’ve always thought it was your calling,” Chris revealed to her. “When you played your guitar for the kids in Mexico, they loved being around you.”

  “Those children are so special,” said Kip. “They don’t have a lot and they appreciate everything. In fact, I made some dolls for Emily to bring down with her when she flies out tomorrow. She already packed them and will pass them out to everyone.”

  “Oh, that’s so nice,” remarked Nellie. “The kids will love them. What else do they need?”

  “The better question is what don’t they need?” explained Kip. “They have so very little. Money is scarce and they’re several hours from the nearest city. It’s a hard life.”

  “Kimberly and I could see if we can raise some money from the sailors we work with on the base,” suggested Nellie.

  “Yes, we could,” agreed Kimberly. “I know they’d all want to help.”

  “We could buy everything and have it shipped to you, Chris. Just make me a list of supplies and I’ll make sure to get them,” Nellie promised.

  “I actually have a shipping address, so I can give it to you,” offered Chris.

  “See?” said Kip. “I told you that the Lord was going to use you, Nellie. He already is.”

  “And Kimberly, too,” added Nellie. “We didn’t even reach the apartment yet. Gee, that was fast!”

  “Wait and see,” Chris informed her. “This is only the beginning.”

  “I agree,” said Kip. “The Lord knows that you are filled with so much love, Nellie. He was just waiting for you to spread it to others.”

  “I was thinking about something. Why couldn’t I call Pastor Gerald tomorrow and tell him about Chris’ mission trip and see if the people at the church would like to donate, too?” asked Nellie.

  “Nellie, you are on a roll!” exclaimed Kip. “There’s no stopping you now.”

  “The kids down there would be grateful for whatever you could get donated for them,” said Chris.

  “Well, make a comprehensive list for me and I’ll get started on it when the money comes in,” replied Nellie. “If they need clothes, I could probably get those donated, too.”

  They were getting closer to the apartment complex. “We’re almost home,” announced Kimberly. “All we need to do is grab our stuff once we get there. I hear the beach calling our names.”

  “I hear it, too,” said Chris. “Kip hasn’t even touched the Hawaiian sand yet.”

  “We’re going to make sure you do today, Kip,” said Nellie. “We have a lot to celebrate.”

  “Yes,” agreed Kip. “First, your baptism an
d second, all the goods that will reach the children in Mexico. I know they will be flabbergasted. You are so great at this.”

  “Funny you should say that,” said Nellie. “Do you know why I went into the military?”

  “No, why?” asked Kip.

  “I’ve got to hear this,” said Kimberly, “because even I don’t know about it.”

  “I went into the service so that I could use the G.I. Bill and get my education. My goal is to start a non-profit foundation.”

  “I had no idea,” replied Kimberly. “Is that why you were looking into those online college classes last week?”

  “That’s the reason,” confirmed Nellie. “I’m starting classes soon so that I can get most of my units completed before my tour of duty is done.”

  “No wonder you told me you were determined,” Chris remarked. “Now I know what you meant.”

  “When I was little,” confided Nellie, “I was a ‘latchkey kid.’ My mother did not come home until after six o’clock every weeknight. I spent many hours watching television and it was very lonely.”

  “I’ll bet it was,” Kip sympathized.

  “We barely got by on what she made. So, I never could have lessons in anything special, like ballet or tap dancing like other girls did. I want to start a non-profit organization that will provide children with after school care. But, I also want to offer them lessons in art, dance, gymnastics, and karate,” said Nellie. “That’s my dream.”

  “Knowing how determined you are--and strong, I know it will happen,” Chris encouraged her.

  “I sure hope so,” said Nellie, “and with God’s help, it will.”

  Chapter 4

  Mexico

  It had been a long day. Hailey was busy working with the village children teaching them songs. She had been in Oaxaca for a month and had finally gotten used to sleeping in a bed with a mosquito net over it. Chris and James came walking into her classroom with large boxes full of school supplies. They placed them on a table at the back of the room. Hailey walked up to them. “What have we here?” she asked with a smile.

  “More goods from Hawaii compliments of Kimberly and Nellie,” announced Chris with a smile on his face. “We’ve got the jeep filled with them. This is the third day in a row.”

  “They sound like miracle workers,” said James. He had met Chris the previous summer and both of them had decided to come back and help out that year, too. “Why don’t we see what’s inside?”

  The three of them started opening up the boxes. They found everything from musical instruments to school supplies. “Look what’s in here!” exclaimed Hailey. “It’s a whole box full of teddy bears. My students are going to love them.”

  “Look what I’ve got,” noted Chris. “This is a box of backpacks.”

  “Well, I think I am the one who is lucky,” bragged James. “This box is filled with fruit snacks. The kids will love these, no doubt.”

  “I don’t know what you did to make such a major impression on Nellie,” said Hailey looking at Chris. “But, it worked.”

  “Me?” asked Chris. “What did I have to do with it?”

  “I don’t know, but I would say that whatever you told her about this mission, it made such a strong impact that she wanted to help in a big way. But, I’d also guess that this is about her being interested in you,” maintained Hailey.

  “I don’t think this is about me personally,” protested Chris. “I believe it is about the Lord’s work and how Nellie wants to be part of it. Besides, let’s not forget that Kimberly is involved, too.”

  “I’d have to agree with Hailey,” said James.

  “I hope that you are both wrong. Nellie thinks of me as Kimberly’s big brother,” explained Chris. “Besides, she and Kip are very close. They hit it off right away in Hawaii and promised to stay in touch. Kip even delayed her trip and stayed a few extra days to spend time with Nellie and Kimberly.”

  “Maybe we’re wrong, then,” admitted Hailey.

  “Like I said, I sure hope so,” said Chris. “I just spoke with Pastor Rick and he received a communication that Nellie is going to be here tomorrow afternoon. Her flight is already booked and she’s on her way.”

  “Really?” asked Hailey.

  “Yes,” confirmed Chris. “She has a two-week leave and is spending part of it here helping us. Now, that is a dedicated Christian.”

  “I have to meet this girl,” said James. “She must be somebody special.”

  “I told you she was,” Chris reminded him, “and determined, too.”

  “Who is going to pick her up at the airport?” asked James.

  “I am,” replied Chris. “You want to go with me? It will take the better part of the day, but I could really use the company.”

  “What does she look like?” teased James.

  “She’s got long blonde hair and big brown eyes,” answered Chris.

  “Well, in that case, I think I can make the sacrifice and help you out by going along for the ride.”

  “That’s so generous of you,” quipped Chris.

  “Why don’t we try to find a place for all of these supplies?” suggested Hailey. “I’m going to put the children down for a nap and we could get this organized.”

  “We have those large cabinets in the back room,” James reminded her. “Why don’t we try to put everything in there and label it all?”

  “I’ll get the kids to sleep and Emily will stay here with them,” said Hailey. “Then, we can make some serious organizational headway.”

  “I’m all for that,” replied Chris. “This place is truly coming together before our very eyes.”

  “It sure is,” agreed Hailey, “and those blankets that they sent earlier this week are perfect for nap time.”

  “What isn’t perfect?” asked Chris.

  “I know,” said Hailey. “It’s as if it was sent straight from angels.”

  “I think it was,” said Chris smiling.

  * * * * *

  The next afternoon when Nellie arrived, Chris and James drove to meet her at the airport in the jeep. The vehicle was covered in dirt and mud from the ride, but she did not seem to mind a bit when they pulled up out front. Chris parked the jeep and both he and James got out to greet her. “It’s so good to see you,” Nellie said to Chris.

  “Good to see you, too,” replied Chris giving her a hug. “This is James. He’s here from California.”

  “Oh, it’s nice to meet you, James.” Nellie recognized him immediately. She remembered his boyish good looks, brown hair, and winning smile from the photographs that Chris had shown her a month earlier. “I saw your picture on Chris’ computer when he came to visit in Hawaii. He showed me everyone from the mission trip last year.”

  “That’s right,” Chris recalled. “I forgot that you saw all the pictures of us building the classroom.”

  “I feel like I know you already,” Nellie smiled at James. She put her backpack along with her military garment bag into the jeep and sat in the back seat. Chris and James got into the jeep, too. Soon, they were off.

  “I feel like I know you already, too,” James replied. “We’ve been busy unpacking all of your boxes and getting them ready for the kids.”

  “I hope they like everything,” said Nellie. “The guys on the naval base were great. Some of the women even sewed quilts that are coming in the next shipment. People have been so generous.”

  “Well, it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you,” Chris reminded her.

  “Actually, it wouldn’t have happened if Kip hadn’t told us about those dolls she made. That’s what started this whole thing,” Nellie insisted. “I got an email from Kip last night and I promised her that I would send you her love. She misses you terribly, but she is enjoying the summer program and the students are terrific.”

  “Oh, I am glad to hear that,” replied Chris. “Did she tell you anything else?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, she did,” Nellie informed him. “She talked to the pastor at her
church and he got his congregation to make donations and she will be sending the boxes down this week.”

  “It is like Christmas down here,” smiled Chris. “I am so grateful for everything that everyone is doing. But, I have to admit, I was quite shocked to hear that you were coming over here.” The airport traffic was fierce and Chris maneuvered his way through it.

  “I hope it’s okay,” responded Nellie apologetically.

  “Okay?” asked Chris. “It’s fantastic! Now you can meet some of the kids that all of this is for and believe me, seeing their faces is something that you will never forget as long as you live.”

  “I can’t wait,” said Nellie. She was relieved to hear that she was welcome at the volunteer camp. She looked forward to meeting all the children. But, before they got there, she was hoping to get some rest. The long ride on the airplane, as well as the time change left her exhausted. “I’m so tired from the flight that I think I’ll rest for a while.”

  “We wanted to take you to see Hierve el Agua, but we can do that another time while you’re here,” Chris suggested.

  “What’s that?” asked Nellie.

  “It’s the petrified waterfalls,” he replied

  “That sounds amazing,” said Nellie. “I’d like to see them.”

  “We’ll make a trip there when you’re feeling up to it,” he promised. “For now, get some sleep. We’ll wake you when we get to the volunteer camp. It’s a long drive. By the way, am I right that all you brought was that small backpack and a garment bag? We didn’t leave anything behind, did we?”

  “No, I travel light,” Nellie told him. “My uniform is in the bag.”

  “Didn’t I tell you she was amazing?” Chris asked James.

  “You weren’t kidding,” realized James. “Nellie, are you sure that you didn’t send a box ahead with all of your clothes in it?”

  “No,” laughed Nellie, “but, that would have been pretty clever. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Actually,” Chris quipped, “if you need anything, you can probably borrow it from Hailey. She brought everything but the kitchen sink.”

  “I’m glad she did,” replied Nellie. “I’ll remember that when I get tired of wearing the same outfit for the tenth time. Night guys.”