Free Joy Comes in the Morning by Ashea S. Goldson Page B

was nothing identical about us anymore. At least not since Haagen Daazs became my best friend and Satan became Taylor’s.
    I slapped on some lotion, slipped into a checkered skirt and white blouse, then went to Taylor’s room. Taylor was sprawled across her bed dressed only in her panties and bra. Her clothes lay on the floor in a pile beside her bed. When I reached out to touch her, she rolled her body into a vulnerable lump. I knew my body could never fit into such a ball. The smell of wine and vomit threatened to make me sick. So I covered her with a blanket and left the room quietly. “How long, Lord?”
    I went back to my own room and opened my Bible. When I finished reading Psalm 91, I dialed Joshua’s cell phone. It rang several times before he finally answered.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œI thought you were busy.” Hearing Joshua’s voice relieved me.
    â€œNot a chance. What’s up?”
    â€œIt’s Taylor,” I sighed. “She’s hung over again.”
    â€œI’m not surprised. Have you prayed?”
    â€œNot yet, but that’s all I do.” Deep inside I knew my prayers were not in vain. But I wanted to know when the change would come.“That’s all you can do.” Joshua’s voice was deep and hypnotizing.I held onto every word.
    â€œI just don’t know how much more of this I can take.” I sighed into the phone. “I can’t wait until we get married so I don’t have to deal with this nonsense anymore.”
    â€œThat’s going to happen soon, but don’t leave bitter. I’m sure you can take a whole lot more than you give yourself credit for. God made you strong.” Joshua cleared his voice. “He who endures to the end, remember?”
    â€œRight. Except right now I don’t think I can endure to the end. I feel like I’m going to collapse.” I let a little giggle seep through.
    â€œYou won’t. Do you need me to come over?”
    I threw myself across the bed and wrapped myself up in my sheets. “No. I’m just venting. I know you’re busy working today. I didn’t mean to bother you.”
    â€œYou never bother me. Hopefully, we’ll finish up early, and I can scoop you up for some grub.”
    â€œGrub sounds good, especially since I haven’t even eaten breakfast yet.”
    â€œWell, I’ve been up since five o’clock.”
    â€œAww, poor baby.”
    â€œTalk like that will get you everywhere,” Joshua said.
    â€œI hope so.” I rolled over under the covers. Suddenly, there was a loud crash.
    â€œWhat was that?”
    â€œDon’t know. I’ve got to go.” I slammed the cordless phone down on its hook and ran from the room.

Chapter Twelve
    I charged into Taylor’s room. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up. I knocked over this lamp. Stupid thing is broken.”
    Taylor’s room was a mess. Her bed sheets reeked of alcohol. Her dresser drawers were open and clothes were thrown everywhere. Typical Taylor. Ever since she was a little girl she wouldn’t clean up after herself. Mom used to go off all the time, asking her how she expected to walk through the pearly gates of heaven and onto streets paved with gold, with a heap of dust and dirt behind her. Taylor would just laugh and go about her business until Mom started swinging that belt that is. Yep, Taylor never took much of anything seriously.
    â€œOh, I thought maybe you fell down or something, you know?”
    â€œNo, I don’t know. Why would I be falling? I ain’t drunk in case that’s what you’re thinking .”
    â€œOkay.” It was too early for an unnecessary confrontation.
    â€œMaybe I’m just a little drunk, but I can stand up . . .” Taylor stumbled, “without falling down.”
    â€œSure you can.” I was tired of these games.
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to