Anchored (13 page)

Had her mother known about the abuse?

Shivers ran down her arms and she hunched her shoulders. How will I cope if she knew? How could she know and not stop it?

Tossing her head from side to side, words of denial burst from her mouth.

“No! She couldn’t have known, Mum loved me!”

Tormented, Mia stopped. Why would Mum ask me to forgive her?

She knew, you know she did!

Oh God, did she know? Please tell me she didn’t know.

Tears cascaded down her face and her steps became faster, frantic as if somehow she could walk into the answers.

Lord, I can’t bear it! It’s all too much! How can I ever understand this?

She loved him more than you, she turned the other way so she could keep him, you didn’t matter to her.

Mia fell to her knees in the sand, desperate to escape the betrayal.

You’re his, you know you belong to him, why fight it, she knew it and didn’t care!

Mia screamed out, “Mum, where were you? Didn’t you see him? Didn’t you hear me crying? Didn’t you care?”

No one cares.

 
In a daze Mia dragged herself to her feet. She stumbled to the water’s edge and took a step forward.

She felt disconnected from reality as if watching someone else. Her body walked into the water and the waves splashed against her clothes, yet still she moved forward.

No one would care if I died, it would solve all my problems, it’s the only answer.

She walked until she could no longer touch the bottom and she started to paddle.

That’s right, you’ll be peaceful soon, it’s okay, you’re doing the right thing.

~~~

Evening was fast approaching and David rolled up the plan he’d been working on. He would email the changes tomorrow. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth, he was pleased with the progress he’d made.

He stood, tensed, and then relaxed his shoulders.

Picking up his Bible he moved to the window and stood transfixed at the shifting beauty of the ocean. He felt satisfied.

Flicking through the pages he stopped at Psalm 89, he scanned the page and then moved back to focus on the ocean.

“
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them
.” David pondered the power of God.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for Mia.

She’s the one, Lord, I love her.

Father, I know I need to be patient and give her time, but it’s hard to wait when all I want to do is hold her
.

His eyes noted the sky darkening and he looked at the white caps breaking the surface.

Lord, I hate what happened to her. Help her feel safe, help her know she’s beautiful and special – precious to you.

Lord, she’s amazing, please protect her for me and give her peace as she works through the pain she must be feeling. Give me your wisdom to know how to help her.

Placing his Bible on the desk, David continued to look out the window as darkness overcame the light.

Lord, your word says blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence. There is no darkness within you, Lord.

Help Mia realize this.

David dropped to his knees and felt saturated in God’s love.

~~~

Bruno knocked into Mia and tried to nudge her back towards the shore. Every time he barked, water filled his mouth. He paddled and clawed frantically at the water.

Mia’s head broke the surface and she spluttered.

Her eyes focused on Bruno and widened in fear. She spun around, trying to get her bearings.

Shadows bounced off the water’s surface, teasing her. She visualized hands clutching at her and she thrashed wildly at the water as she went under.

As she came up splashing, water streamed off her face. She struggled against the fear within her and told herself to calm down.

Tears streaked down her cheeks, joining the salty texture of the sea.

“Bruno, come on, we can do this.” Taking hold of his collar, Mia started to stroke toward the shore.

The current pulled at her, pushing her further away from the dim outline of land. Her arms burned as she wrestled the heaviness of the water.

Darkness cloaked them and the water waged war on their existence. The current became her adversary, an opposing force taking her and Bruno in its grip and laughing at their battle.

Letting go of Bruno she unfastened her jeans and kicked her legs free. They slipped from her and her fingers took a fist full of Bruno’s hair. It plastered his body like a heavy coat.

Her eyes meet his and she pleaded with him not to give up.

He whimpered and pulled away from her.

One minute she could see him, then he was gone.

Mia screamed his name and peered into the inky blackness, desperate for a glimpse of him.

She agonized and wanted to give up.

Had he drowned? Was he the casualty of her foolishness?

Her tears flowed and became one with the water she drifted in. With a heavy heart she closed her eyes.

Oh God, I don’t want to die. Save me—save Bruno.

Mia allowed her body to go limp as she lay back and brought her legs up. Her body felt numb, frozen, and the sound of the icy water banging against her lulled her towards sleep.

She licked her lips and longed for a drink, the salty texture running into her mouth mocked her.

She floated and looked up at the night sky. The stars twinkled at her and the hugeness of the heavens comforted her.

Are you there, God?

Chapter 20

Grabbing the phone, David placed the book he’d been reading on the table.

“David, it’s Robert. Have you seen Mia? I’ve been calling her for half an hour and it’s not like her not to answer. I’m just about at her house and thought I’d check to see if she was with you first.”

“I spoke to her this morning at church. She was going to Klara’s for lunch, maybe she’s still there.”

“I know Mia would call me a worry wart—but I’ve felt restless all day and hearing her voice would reassure me she’s okay. I’ll give Klara a call. Thanks.”

The gruff sound of barking had David racing to the door and he told Robert to hold on.

He flung open the door and Bruno jumped him.

David looked in surprise at the sand and water dripping off his dog. His eyes scanned the entrance for Mia.

“Where is she, boy?”

Bruno began to howl and his teeth pulled on David’s shorts.

“Robert, something’s wrong. Bruno’s turned up here without Mia and he’s wet and sandy. She must have gone to the beach.”

Bruno ran to the door barking, spun around and raced back to pull at David’s clothes.

“Robert, I’ve got to go. Bruno wants me to follow him. She usually goes down the walkway from her house.” As he talked he pulled on his sneakers and grabbed his keys and a torch.

Once outside, David began to run and Bruno bounced back and forth encouraging him to hurry. David’s heart pounded as he raced down the path to the water’s edge.

Shining the torch, his eyes searched the beach.

Bruno splashed into the water and barked at the darkness beyond them.

David felt his heart plunge. Stunned, he shone the torch over the ocean in front of him.

“Mia.” He hollered into the darkness. “Miaaaa.”

Kicking his shoes off he moved into the water and desperation had him waving the torch in every direction.

The tide was turning and he felt the pull of the water on his legs.

“Bruno, where is she boy? Show me.”

Bruno loped over the waves but then returned to shore. He shook his whole body, sending droplets of water spraying in all directions. He then ran back and forth along the shoreline barking.

David heard his name being called and looked over his shoulder.

Robert joined him and grabbed the torch and shone it further out to sea.

“Lord, if she’s out there you can see her—show us please.”

Two pairs of eyes followed the beam of light as it bounced over the surface of the water.

David could feel the night mist covering his skin and breathed air deeply into his lungs to try and slow his heart rate. He felt helpless, desperate, and beseeched God for a view of her.

“There. Did you see?” Robert meticulously moved the light beam back and huffed in frustration as he tried to pick up what he’d seen.

“To the right, move it slowly,” David demanded.

Both men strained their eyes as they begged the darkness to expose Mia.

“There. It has to be her. David, can you swim out to her? Quick man, go.”

David dived into the icy water. His arms powerfully flew through the water in the direction he’d marked. He forced his mind to block out the fear that tried to grip him and he asked for supernatural strength to save the woman he loved.

He stopped and rested for a second, his eyes searching ahead of him for any sign that he was close.

David kept his face pointed in the direction he’d marked. He felt the current pull at his legs but refused to let it take control.

As he moved forward the clouds opened and the moon’s light shimmered down, briefly outlining Mia’s body. Stunned by the display of God’s goodness he stroked out towards her.

She floated on the surface like a water lily, peaceful despite the darkness around her.

He brought his fingers to her face and he whispered her name.

Her eyes snapped opened and she looked at him as if seeing a mirage.

“David?” Relief laced her voice and she flung her arms around him and they both went under.

His arms went around her waist and he lunged up out of the water. “I’ve got you. But you need to loosen your hold.”

Mia’s hands relaxed and one hand lightly touched his face. She tried to speak but emotion choked her.

The relief was tangible for David. He felt it flow through his veins and his fingers tingled as they touched her. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

Resting her head on his shoulder Mia whispered. “The current was too strong for me. I—I think Bruno drowned.” She gulped and sobbed. “Bruno tried to help me. I lost him.”

Hiccupping, Mia became distressed and her grip on David’s shoulders tightened.

“Bruno’s on the beach waiting for us. Hush, Mia, look at me. Sweet heart, it’s okay.” David knew if he didn’t take control they’d both be in trouble. “Can you lie on your back for me? That’s it—good.”

His arm circled her shoulders just below her neck and his other arm started to stroke out towards the shore. Slowly they inched forward.

Stopping for breath, David released her and flecked his arm.

“David, I’m okay now that you’re with me, let me swim.” Mia began to paddle in the direction David had been swimming.

He quickly joined her and together they worked against the current until their feet touched sand.

Mia waded through the shallows and collapsed onto the damp sand. She lay on her back with her chest rising and falling.

The roughness of Bruno’s tongue lapping her face caused her to open her eyes. She pressed her hand to his face and gripped his hair. “Bruno.”

A smile hovered on her lips as she turned her head to see David beside her with her uncle squatting next to them.

The torch illuminated the three of them. David hauled her into his arms and kissed her lightly on the lips. Her head rested on his shoulder and she closed her eyes.

Robert cried. “My turn, hand her over.”

As David released her to Robert a huge lump rose in his throat.

~~~

It was past lunchtime when Mia got out of bed. Lifting her arm to brush her hair caused her to wince. Her arm ached.

Mia transferred the brush to the other hand, only to discover all her muscles ached. How long had she fought against the current before David rescued her?

Mia lowered the brush as she contemplated David finding her in such a vast, relentless ocean.

No, Lord, you rescued me. You heard my cry for help and brought David to me.

Tears of gratitude flooded to her eyes and she let them fall, a glimmer of a smile lifting her lips.

God had never abandoned her, he’d been with her the whole time.

Standing, she lifted a tissue and blew her nose. It was time to face the others.

As she entered the lounge she wasn’t surprised to see David and her uncle sitting talking. Both men stood as she entered the room and her uncle moved to hug her.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes, Princess. Come and sit down so we can have a little talk.”

“Do I have to?” Mia smiled at the two men who meant so much to her.

“Fraid so. We need to know what happened,” her uncle replied.

She glanced at David and their eyes locked. As much as she wanted to pull away from the connection she couldn’t. He’d risked his life to save her.

Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze.

“Mia, I—can you please tell us what happened?” David’s voice faltered and he looked away. Tears glimmered in his eyes and Mia realized the pain she’d caused them.

“I’m sorry I frightened you both. I’m so thankful to be alive.” Her face paled at how close she’d come to dying.

“How did you get so far out? I don’t understand.” Robert pulled his chair closer to the one she sat in and his hand waved through the air, expressing his exasperation. “I tried to tell myself you were having a late night swim but it just doesn’t sit. Were you trying to—?” Robert’s head fell forward and his hand capped the back of his neck. Deep long sobs shook his body, Mia sprang to her feet and threw her arms around him.

“I’m so sorry.” Her heart sank.

David handed Robert a box of tissues and sat back. “Mia, how about you start at the beginning of your day and tell us what happened.”

Releasing her uncle, Mia perched on the edge of her chair. Tightness constricted her throat, her eyes watered and she nodded slightly.

“I had lunch with Klara and Polly Duncan today. They invited me after church.”