Amanda's Hope: A Choice for Life

By Barbara N. Stewart

Amanda desperately wants to go with Delilah to the party, wherever it is and whoever is throwing it. She’s sick and tired of being a good girl; she wants to step out and have some fun. It’s her senior year of high school; how is she going to handle going to college next year if she isn’t allowed to make decisions withou

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: May 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949169157

Barbara N. Stewart

Barbara Stewart has been an avid reader and writer all her life. She believes in the sanctity of life from conception, and her deep desire is to have this story save unborn babies and educate girls about the truth of God’s Word. Barbara lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, Bob; when she is not writing, she enjoys gardening, crocheting, entertaining, cooking, and spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren, all of whom live in the area.

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Amanda’s Hope

A Choice for Life

Barbara N. Stewart

Copyright © 2018 by Barbara N. Stewart.

Hardback: 978-1-949169-14-0

Paperback: 978-1-949169-13-3

eBook: 978-1-949169-15-7

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

About The Author

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today;

I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse.

Choose life so that you and your children will live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

…get help from the God of Jacob,

put your hope in God and know real blessing!

Psalm 146:5

Quotes from The Message

The Bible in Contemporary Language

To all women who search for the truth.

Chapter One

You have to believe you’re beautiful, and you’ll be beautiful.

Amanda and Delilah were in the school bathroom, applying fresh lipstick between classes.

Oh, you’re beautiful, Delilah, no doubt about that. Amanda smacked her lips together and then ran her hands through her short, dark tresses, which couldn’t compare to Delilah’s blonde hair that fell well past her shoulders in waves like golden, flowing honey.

Well, you’re pretty, too, Amanda, but you just need to get over your religious hang-ups. Delilah struck a pose in front of the mirror and pursed her lips in a mock kiss. There’s a party coming up, and I’ve been invited— naturally—and you can come, too, if you can get those parents of yours to agree. You won’t want to miss this one, Amanda.

Zipping her backpack shut, Amanda slung it over her shoulder and headed for the door, shoving her way through everyone with Delilah on her heels.

I’ll see if I can come. Write down the particulars, and I’ll get back to you.

Yeah, right.

Really. They emerged into the hallway and headed to their next classes. Trust me.

Trust? I trust you, but not your parents.

Amanda ignored the barb. Write it down, and I’ll ask. Meet me at the usual place after school. She waved to Delilah and rolled her eyes.

During her last class, Amanda’s mind was anywhere but on her teacher. She desperately wanted to go with Delilah to the party, wherever it was and whoever was throwing it. She was sick and tired of being a good girl. She wanted to step out and have a little fun. Besides, this was her senior year of high school. College was looming around the corner. She needed to make her own decisions, even if they were bad ones. That was the only way she was going to learn.

She had become friends with Delilah at the beginning of her senior year. Delilah had moved to North Carolina from Texas the previous summer.

When school resumed, the girls discovered they shared several classes and had become fast friends, despite the fact they were totally opposite. Amanda had to admit Delilah was not like her other friends, who were mostly at her church youth group, but she was definitely a good friend. Delilah challenged Amanda to be her own person, to try new things, to step out of her comfortable boundaries. Amanda was drawn to the challenge.

Bringing her mind back to her instructor standing in front of the class, Amanda wrote down the homework assignment for the weekend. It was finally Friday, and the early April days were warm and spring-like, drawing Amanda. When the bell rang, she bolted to the door and pushed her way through the noisy throngs of other students. She made her way to the meeting place, a tree in front of the school, where she had told Delilah to meet her. Delilah was already there when Amanda arrived.

Okay, here’s the information you’ll need to give your parents. The inflection in Delilah’s voice was pregnant with ridicule and sarcasm.

Amanda ignored it and took the note. Saturday night at Billy Moore’s place, 28 Overdrive Circle, in Cary, starting at eight o’clock. Why so late? she asked as she pocketed the information.

It’s not late, Amanda! The party probably won’t get going until ten o’clock, actually. Arriving late is the fashionable thing to do, you know.

Are his parents going to be there? I know my parents will ask that question.

Of course not! What do you think this will be—a party for kindergartners!? This is our last year of high school, Amanda, and this is probably just one of many parties we’ll go to ….that is, if your parents will let you.

Amanda didn’t think it was possible for Delilah’s voice to drip with more sarcasm, but it did. And what makes you think I have to ask my parents’ permission?

You always have to ask! They treat you like a little girl, which you probably are since you’re their only child.

Amanda was hot, and it wasn’t because of the warm sun shining on her back. No, it was because she was mad—mad because Delilah was right. She always had to ask her parents’ permission to go to parties. She didn’t like being ridiculed, and Delilah was doing just that. Amanda glared at her.

Blinking lazily, fully aware she’d hit a raw nerve, Delilah leaned against the tree, pulled her long hair across her shoulder, and glared back at Amanda. So, are you going to come?

Amanda felt the heat rise to her ears. Of course I’m going to be there! And I’m not even going to ask permission! I’ll simply find a way. She clenched her teeth.

Breaking into a broad, twisted grin, Delilah laughed softly. Really? Are you going to lie, Mandy? Her voice was bitter with contempt.

Recoiling at the use of her childhood name, which Delilah only used to anger her, Amanda fought the urge to turn and walk away. She raised her head and defiantly looked into Delilah’s challenging gaze and replied, No, I’m not going to lie, especially not to my parents—at least, not if I can help it. I might just tell them I’m going over to your house, which will be true, won’t it? We can go to the party together from there. That won’t be lying now, would it?

Luscious laughter slid from Delilah’s full lips as she lifted her head and looked at the sky. My, my, Amanda, you’re starting to break out of your cage now, aren’t you.

There’s no cage to break out of, Delilah. I’m just stepping out on my own. Cocking her head slightly, she grinned at Delilah. They burst out laughing as they looped arms and started walking to Delilah’s car.

After being dropped off at her house, Amanda found her mother working in the flowerbeds in the back yard. Odd, but she’d never noticed how oldfashioned her mother looked, at least in comparison to Delilah’s mother. Of course, she was older by eight years, but eight years shouldn’t make that much difference. On the other hand, if her mother would simply dress more stylishly, she’d look a lot younger. And her hair! She had to do something with her hair! It aged her by at least ten years, if not more! Maybe dye it a different color or have some highlights put into it—anything for a change. At least her mother didn’t need to lose weight as did many of her other friends’ mothers.

Rather than tell her mother she was home, Amanda rushed upstairs, taking them two at a time, and changed clothes. She used to hate going to work at the office supply store, but now she relished the time away from home. She only worked Friday evenings and Saturdays from noon to six o’clock. The money made her feel grown up, responsible, and free from the constant attention doted on her by her parents. Sometimes she wished they’d just leave her alone for a while. Why did they have to be so concerned about her all the time? Couldn’t they see she was a woman now? Didn’t they understand she was going to college in four short months?

She opened her closet. Her work clothes consisted of the standard dark blue blouse with khaki pants, but the clothes didn’t hide her slim figure, which had curves in the right places. She fluffed her hair and applied lip gloss before bounding down the stairs.

Entering the kitchen, she grabbed a container of yogurt from the fridge, peeled off the top, and was just beginning to eat it when her mother came inside.

Oh, you’re home, Donna stated. I was beginning to wonder since I hadn’t seen you yet.

I just decided to change clothes first, replied Amanda with a hint of irritation. You don’t have to know where I am every single minute of every single day, Mom.

Donna turned and looked inquisitively at her daughter as a frown furrowed her brow. I don’t mean to irritate you, Amanda. You just usually find me and let me know you’re home before doing anything else. She went to the sink and began washing her hands. Did Delilah drop you off? She tried to control the tone of her voice.

Sighing heavily, Amanda replied, Yes, as usual. She tossed the empty yogurt container into the garbage can and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter, irritation brewing with every breath.

Donna remained silent, keenly aware something was going on inside her daughter. The separation from Amanda was more pronounced each day. It had begun when Amanda became friends with Delilah and had grown larger with each passing week. Despite all the conversations with her husband, Alex, they’d not been able to come up with a solid plan to repair the break which was oozing more pain each week. Amanda had been brought up in church, had been active in her youth group ever since she was old enough to attend, and had participated in several mission trips to assist others far less fortunate. Delilah was a completely worldly young woman with no moral convictions, and her behavior and beliefs were drawing Amanda away from the solid rock of a Christian life. No, Donna did not appreciate her daughter’s friendship with Delilah, but other than outright forbidding her to see Delilah again, there was little they could do to keep them apart.

Mom, I’d like to spend the night at Delilah’s this Saturday. I know it’s kind of sudden, but she just asked me. Is it okay?

The question took Donna by surprise. She felt as if Amanda had read her thoughts and was presenting the question to force her to make a choice she knew she didn’t want to make.

Donna slowly dried her hands as she searched for the right words to avoid confrontation. Amanda, you know how your father and I feel about Delilah, but I’ll speak to your dad when he comes home. She replaced the towel on the rack, keenly aware of Amanda’s cutting stare on her back. What are you going to do at Delilah’s?

Even though she wanted to scream, Amanda controlled her voice as she swallowed a bite of the apple. Not much … just hang out and do our nails and hair, that sort of thing. Her heart raced inside her chest. Being the least bit deceitful was new to her, and she hoped her voice didn’t sound as shaky as she felt.

So you’re going to skip the special combined youth outing tomorrow night? I thought you wanted to go to Riverside Church.

It doesn’t matter if I go. It’s just a game night, and actually, they’re pretty boring. Most of the kids who come are in middle school, not high school. There will hardly be anyone my age there.

Is Delilah’s mother going to be home? I know she goes out a lot on weekends. And what about church on Sunday?

What difference does that make if she’s there or not? I told you what we were going to do, so it’s not like we need to be chaperoned to paint our nails and hang out, Mother. The emphasis she put on the word mother didn’t go unnoticed by Donna. And as far as church goes, I’ll be home in time to go with you and Dad.

Like I said, your father and I will talk about it and get back to you later. Aching inside, Donna’s heart did a somersault, pregnant with worry.

With a hard glance at her mother, Amanda tossed what remained of the apple into the garbage can. I’m off to work. I’ll be home a little after ten o’clock.

We’ll talk in the morning. Have a good night. Donna watched her daughter grab the car keys from the hook on the kitchen wall and go into the garage, deliberately slamming the door behind her. A sick feeling settled in her stomach as she listened to the garage door raise, the engine rev, and Amanda drive away.

Alone in the kitchen, Donna leaned on the counter and sighed heavily.

When Alex arrived home from work, he found his wife busy at the stove. The aromas drifting through the house would have been enough to tell him her location. She was a great cook, always fixing meals that amazed him. He knew nothing about cooking. Donna always told him he was extremely easy to please, but he knew better.

Coming up behind her, he planted a light kiss on her neck as his hand touched her back. Hey there, gorgeous, how was your day?

Donna turned and faced him as she tried to keep the concern for Amanda from showing on her face. Good, really good. I finally got those perennials planted that arrived the other day. It was a lot of work, but well worth it. She smiled brightly at him even as her heart lurched, knowing their light-hearted discussion would eventually have to turn serious.

They engaged in small talk as she finished preparing dinner. When things were ready, she filled two plates and set them on the table while Alex set out the silverware. After the blessing, he dug into his food with zeal, but Donna slowly picked at what was on her plate.

Okay, Sweetie, I know you have something you need to share with me. I saw it in your eyes the moment I got home.

You know me too well, Alex, Donna replied as she set her fork on the edge of her plate, realizing she didn’t have much of an appetite and hoping she wouldn’t spoil her husband’s. It’s Amanda. She wants to spend tomorrow night at Delilah’s … a sleepover.

Alex’s fork stopped its energetic motion. What did you tell her?

That I’d talk it over with you first, and then we’d give her our answer. Furrows appeared on Alex’s forehead as he swallowed his food, all interest in the meal before him gone. She can’t possibly think we believe this is a good idea. Does she?

Of course she does. She told me they’d just be doing the girl thing – doing their nails, their hair, and hanging out. However, I’m concerned others will show up or Delilah’s mother won’t be there, even though she’s not very responsible herself. She paused and took a small bite. Alex, do you think we protect Amanda too much?

No, I don’t. She’s our daughter, and she’s attractive, and the world is full of hungry, immoral young males who’d love to take advantage of her if given the chance. I should know, he thought with a knot in his stomach. It’s our moral obligation to protect her. He paused momentarily. And what about church on Sunday? She can’t miss that.

I know. She said she’d be home in plenty of time to go.

My first reaction is to say no. Alex put his fork down, sat back in his chair, and took a deep breath.

But she is attending college in four months. When can we trust her to make decisions?

Alex ran a hand through his hair, clearly distraught. He shook his head. You’re right, Donna. Not allowing her to make her own decisions while she’s still at home probably isn’t the best way to prepare her for college. We just have to pray all we’ve taught her, the things she’s learned from the Bible, and all the time spent in the youth group will help her make good choices when she’s on her own.

Which leaves us where, Alex? She obviously wants to spend the night with Delilah. If we tell her she can’t go, she’ll explode and tell us we’re too strict and don’t trust her and never allow her to make her own decisions. If we tell her she can go, we’re not going to know what they’ll really be doing. We could be allowing her to walk into a situation she can’t handle.

Alex slowly and mindlessly chewed another bite as his mind raced. I’m beginning to wonder if this request is a way for her to get out of the house and go somewhere else.

Donna put down her fork as her eyebrows pulled together in concern. But if we present that thought to her, she’ll say we’re calling her a liar and don’t trust her, which will be true. However, I think we’ve got to let her go and trust what she’s been taught, as you said, will keep her from making bad choices. It’s not our best option, but the only other option is to make her stay home for the weekend or force her to attend the game night at church. I feel as if we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, with neither option a good one.

Alex reached across the small table and took Donna’s hand. Okay, we’ll let her stay overnight, but we’ll be in prayer. She’s eighteen now, and we’ve trained her up in a godly way, but trusting her to make good choices when she’s with Delilah is an entirely different thing.

I wish she’d never become friends with Delilah.

Well, Honey, I think Amanda’s true friend here is the world; Delilah is simply the person the enemy is using to lure her away from her Christian roots. We can only protect her to a certain point, and then she’s got to fight that battle on her own. She’s clearly in rebellion and has been since meeting Delilah. You know that. We need to place her in God’s hands and trust the truth she knows deep down in her heart will see her through this difficult time.

Donna pushed the food around on her plate as heaviness settled in her chest. She sighed deeply. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She fervently prayed the sense of foreboding gripping her was unfounded.

When Amanda got home from work, her parents were in their bedroom with the door closed, for which she was grateful. She could hear their voices as she walked past their bedroom door, relieved there wouldn’t be a confrontation tonight with them over her sleepover at Delilah’s. It seemed as if everything had become a confrontation lately. She hurried past their door and flopped down on her bed, grabbed her cell phone, and called Delilah. Sometimes texting was a hassle.

Hey, girl, what’s up? she said when Delilah answered.

Nothing much. Just watching TV with Brad here.

Amanda heard a laugh and what sounded like kissing, followed by giggles from Delilah.

So, did you ask your folks about the party on tomorrow night?

Even though Amanda tried to ignore it, she couldn’t help but hear the moaning noises which escaped from Brad’s lips. If she’d been able to see Delilah, she would have slapped her. Yeah, but I don’t have an answer yet. She paused. But I’m coming, no matter what they say.

Amanda felt as if Delilah wasn’t listening to her. The moaning continued. Delilah!

Yeah, I’m here –just trying to keep Brad’s hands off me, but he won’t listen. Later, Brad, later!

Amanda heard Brad say something, but she didn’t understand what he said. She rolled her eyes in exasperation. I told my mother I was going to your place for a girls’ night, just to sleep over, do our nails and hair, that sort of thing. I’m sure she’s told Dad already, but their door is closed, which is probably a good thing.

Delilah pushed Brad back on the sofa. Good, and we’ll go to the party after you get here. Can’t wait, Amanda; it’s going to be a fun time!

I’ll call you again or send you a text after I talk with them tomorrow. Later.

Later. Delilah threw the phone onto the coffee table, pushed Brad back on the couch, and straddled his slender body. Her long hair hung down around his face, and he ran his fingers through it and slid his hands up to her head and pulled her down. He kissed her deep and long.

When will your mother be back? Brad asked between kisses.

Don’t know, don’t care. Delilah stood up and took his hand, pulling him to his feet, as she started toward the stairs. She turned to him, planted another kiss on his mouth, and started unbuttoning his shirt. Come upstairs to my bedroom where we can be more comfortable. Her voice dripped with sweet seduction.

Brad followed like a hungry little puppy.

Chapter Two

The next morning dawned brightly and clearly as birds chirped and flitted from tree to tree as if to celebrate the day. Amanda awoke and stretched. It took her only a few minutes to realize she would soon get an answer from her parents to her request to spend the night with Delilah. Dread settled into her stomach.

Slipping into comfortable sweats, she gathered her courage and went downstairs and into the kitchen. She found her parents talking as they drank coffee.

Morning, Amanda, Alex greeted.

Morning, Dad.

How was work last night?

Oh, the usual, boring stuff. Nothing exciting, that’s for sure. Amanda opened the refrigerator and took out the gallon of milk and poured herself a glass. Donna watched silently.

Are you working your usual hours today? Alex asked.

Yup, same old same old. She replaced the container of milk, sat down at the table across from her father, and took a drink.

Alex shot a quick glance at Donna, who was flipping pancakes at the stove. She nodded unobtrusively.

Well, your mother and I talked about your request to spend the night with Delilah, and we’ve decided to let you go.

Amanda’s glass stopped in mid air. Her heart jumped. This wasn’t what she had expected. She wanted to shout YES! but restrained herself as she felt a wave of relief. She slowly set the glass down on the table. Thanks, Mom and Dad. Really.

But we do expect you to be back in time to go to church with us, which means we expect you home by nine forty-five in the morning. Can you promise that?

Yes, absolutely yes! All the fear harbored inside her drained out as she smiled at her father. Don’t worry; I’ll be home on time. She wanted to jump out of her chair and hug him, but tried not to show more enthusiasm than the situation warranted. It was only a sleepover, after all.

Donna poured more batter onto the griddle, fear gripping her heart, but she attributed it to her reluctance to letting Amanda grow up. She pushed her apprehensions aside, relieved the conversation had gone smoothly. Are you ready for some pancakes?

Amanda grabbed the plate loaded with blueberry pancakes. Thanks. I’m starving! Not being able to eat dinner Friday evening before going to work leaves me famished on Saturday mornings.

Well, eat all you want. Here, pass this to your father. Donna handed Amanda another plate, flipped the pancakes on the griddle, and took a sip of coffee from her cup as she tried to assure herself things would be just fine.

Surprisingly, breakfast was relaxed, considering the circumstances. As they finished eating, Donna asked, Will you be going to Delilah’s directly from work, or will you be coming home for dinner?

I think I’ll go directly from work, Mom. It will be backtracking to come home. Do you mind?

No, not at all. We want you to have a good time with Delilah. I used to spend overnights with some of my girlfriends doing our nails and hair, and it was always a lot of fun. So I hope you have a good time tonight.

Amanda felt a twinge of remorse knowing she wasn’t telling the whole truth about her plans. She adamantly pushed them aside and forced a smile. Thanks, Mom. I’m not the type to do my nails, as you know, but Delilah wants to do them for me, so we’ll see how I like it. I’ll pack an overnight bag with clothes for church before I go to work.

Great. We can leave for church as soon as you get home. Remember, don’t be late, okay?

Got it, Mom.

Back in her room, Amanda sent a text. D, coming 2 your house – no ?s asked. Got 2 b home by 9:45 4 church – call me when u can.

Amanda busied herself packing an overnight bag, butterflies fluttering in her stomach and guilt gnawing at her conscience as she fussed over what to wear to the party. She finally settled on a tight pair of jeans and a soft, clinging top featuring a deep V-neck, the one both her parents had previously frowned upon her wearing. It had been a Christmas gift from Delilah. Amanda simply kept it in her closet, sensing the right time to wear it would eventually arrive. She also chose a long, free-flowing skirt with matching tank top and sweater for Sunday, the kind of outfit which would easily meet with her parents’ approval. Finally, she dressed in her work clothes. When she came downstairs, her mother was dusting and her father was working in the yard.

Ready to go? Donna asked as she put down the rag and approached Amanda.

Yep, all ready. I have my clothes for church, and I promise I won’t be late. She gave her mother a quick kiss on her cheek. Tell Dad I said goodbye, will you? I’m running a little late.

I’ll do that.

Amanda was soon in the car heading for work when her cell phone rang.

Hey, Amanda, so your parents didn’t give you any flack? Delilah asked.

Hard to believe, I know, replied Amanda as she negotiated a curve with phone in hand. By the way, what were you really doing with Brad last night? The two of you were making the worst sounds when I called.

Delilah laughed. Oh, Amanda, we were just getting to know each other a little better, that’s all. Brad’s a really nice guy, but I don’t know if I want to date him exclusively. There are simply too many cute, sexy fish in the sea. But he’s a great kisser.

I figured that’s what was going on. That’s disgusting, Delilah, really disgusting. Can’t you stop when you’re talking on the phone?

It wasn’t my fault; Brad couldn’t keep his hands off me, so what am I supposed to do? Anyway, what time will you be here tonight?

I get off work at six o’clock as usual, and I’ll be starved. Can we go out to eat, get a pizza or something?

Sure. Do you want me to meet you somewhere?

How about Pappy’s?

Great. What time?

I should be able to get there by six fifteen or so. I’ll see you then. Amanda dropped the phone down by her side and pulled into the parking lot of Office Stop. As she emerged from her car, she saw Tony parking his. Dread swept over her. She scurried to get into the building before he saw her. He was one of those creepy guys who bothered her to no end, and having to work Saturday afternoons with him was beyond intolerable. It was excruciating.

As luck would have it, she bumped into him as she was punching in at the time clock. Hey, Amanda, great to see you. You’re looking good, as usual. His smile turned her stomach. She quickly replaced her card in the slot and ignored his greeting, rolling her eyes and huffing loudly.

I still don’t know why you won’t go out with me.

Tony’s question angered her. Get a grip, Tony. I’m not interested in you. What can’t you understand?

You’re not dating anyone; I know that for a fact.

So what! Do I have to be dating someone for you to get it through that thick skull of yours that I DO NOT want to date YOU?

Tony shook his head. Amanda, we could have a good time together; you don’t know what you’re missing.

You must think you’re God’s gift to women, Amanda snapped as she turned and walked away. Thank goodness he worked in the electronics department and not up front at the cash registers where she worked. She had to admit he was very smart when it came to computers and everything which went with them; she never hesitated to refer a customer to him for assistance and answers to questions. But she wished he’d just leave her alone!

The afternoon was busier than usual. The warm weather seemed to beckon people. She had learned people shopped more when the weather was nice. Occasionally, she’d glance at the clock,