Family Secrets

CHAPTER 6

"How are you?" April said giving Jasmine a hug. April had just arrived back in town and was Jasmine's closest friend in Atlanta."It's good to see you," Jasmine said with a warm smile. "How was the missionary trip?" Jasmine asked. April was a Christian and occasionally traveled with her church to do missionary work. Jasmine revealed to April the history of the abuse. April was always concerned and prayed for her friend's deliverance. "It was fine but what happened to you?" April asked.

"So many things," Jasmine began. "My mom called me about a family reunion, a client made a past at me and I kicked him, Austin spent the night at my apartment as a shoulder to lean on and made me breakfast, Austin made the client apologize to me,  told the man we a were a couple, and tomorrow night I may tell Austin about my past," Jasmine confessed. "Whoa, that was a lot," April said extremely stunned. "I know," Jasmine smiled.

"Are you going to the reunion?"April asked. "I don't know yet," Jasmine admitted. "What's going on with you and Austin? I thought you refused to date him for years. Now you are going to tell him everything. I hope I am not being replaced," April teased. "You are irreplaceable," Jasmine teased. "You know besides you, and work, I am not close with anyone. After he was so good to me and I freaked out about the ordeal I feel I owe him an explanation," Jasmine confessed.

"You freaking out is understandable, and you do not only have me. You have my entire family that loves you, my fiance, and my church family supporting you. Most of all, Jesus wants you to commit to him to release all this hurt and pain you have bolted up inside," April indicated. Jasmine smiled and was pleased April always knew what to say. "Noted," Jasmine concluded.

"As for telling him about your past, that choice is yours. But you don't owe him anything. Unless your feelings are changing for him," April grinned watching her reaction closely. "I don't mind being friends. I think he has earned that," Jasmine said. "I can't wait to see this unfold," April said beyond surprise. 

"Are you going to the prayer service with me now that I am back?" April tried. She knew her friend hated sharing her business about everything. April was even more amazed she wanted to share it with her co-worker. However, she knew she needed help dealing with her past issues. Jasmine loved April for her support over the years. She never forced her beliefs on her but simply shared with her what the love of Christ was all about. Lately, after feeling defeated for so long she was ready to try something new. 

"Yes, I will go to the prayer meeting with you," Jasmine stated. "Oh, my God! What happened to you? This is not the woman I left behind," April grinned. "Well, I guess I am revolving," Jasmine suggested. "I am praying and reading my bible occasionally. I just may give Jesus a try. I have nothing to lose," Jasmine smiled.

"You are going to make me cry," April started to sniffle. "Would, you stop? You have encouraged me over the last few years to establish a relationship with Christ and not a religion. It has grown on me. I always knew God but was angry with him for not helping me when I needed him.  But I realize what happened to me had nothing to do with how he loved me or valued me. Even in the bad, he was there helping me survive. It is good and evil in the world. Sometimes we want all the good but forget we have to go through some of the bad to get to him. I strayed away a lot from faith and God after my father's death and the abuse from my uncle. But God never strayed away from me.  Our relationship has had a lot of bumps but I am willing to do my part to improve it and do better by the creator who has always loved me. I now know he has always loved the good, the bad, and the ugly in me," Jasmine confessed.

"This will take time but I know I am ready, to make the effort," Jasmine concluded leaving April in shock. She was overwhelmed with emotions. She had prayed so long for her friend to find herself.  "I am so happy for you," she sobbed. "Stop crying before you make me cry," Jasmine hugged her trying not to cry herself. It had taken her a lot to get here but she knew she was more than the abuse and God wanted her to find herself in him.