In His Hands

By Grace Myers

Life couldn’t be better for twelve-year-old Ellie Russell, that is, until her world suddenly turns upside down. Moving away from her best friend Mya, Ellie finds herself feeling all alone. Then one day, while doing some exploring in her new neighborhood, Ellie finds herself heading down an old dirt lane leading to a pleasant surprise that will change her life forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664215498

Grace Myers

Grace started writing stories when she was about 15 years old. She enjoys creating stories about characters inspired by her own family and friends. Grace is a professional dog trainer, and lives in Ohio with her two dogs, Banjo and Kai. She enjoys photography, taking walks with her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.

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Copyright © 2021 Grace Myers.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case

of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-1548-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-1550-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-1549-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020924104

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/09/2020

Contents

1   Bad News

2   Hard to Find, Harder to Leave

3   I Don’t Belong Here

4   Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

5   A Cry for Help

6   Bruises and Lies

7   Someone Special

8   Exciting News

9   Best Afternoon Ever

10   A Sinking Feeling

11   Starting Over

1

Bad News

C ome on, Mya! I hollered breathlessly over my shoulder, as my feet pedaled furiously to stay ahead of my best friend.

Don’t think you can beat me! Mya shouted, darting out in front of me on her bike.

Hey! I exclaimed, laughing and making my feet pedal faster than I thought possible.

We continued to race down the old dirt path, through the woods behind my house, each of us taking the lead at different times. It was a close race, and we finally ended in a tie, collapsing onto the cool green grass at the edge of our yard and laughing as we tried to catch our breaths.

That was fun! she said, propping herself up on her elbows.

Yeah! I agreed, still panting a little. "It was fun!"

We remained there for several minutes, just enjoying the company of each other, when I saw Mom step out onto the back porch.

Ellie! Mya! she called, It’s time to come in!

Okay, Mom! I called back, exchanging reluctant glances with Mya and sighing before slowly getting to my feet. The two of us picked up our bikes from the grass and wheeled them up the hill towards the house.

So, did you see the new Liana Jordan album that came out last week? I asked Mya, as we made our way up to the house.

Liana Jordan is a Christian singer that Mya and I are both huge fans of. We have collected every album she has put out, and listened to her music a lot.

Yeah! Mya exclaimed with a grin; I’m going to ask my mom if I can get it! There was a silent pause before she awkwardly asked, How about you?

I don’t know I mumbled, as we parked both bikes in the garage. Money’s kinda tight right now with Dad not having a job, so I kind of feel bad asking.

Together in silence we headed over to the door, towards where Mom and Mya’s mom, Mrs. Jackson were waiting for us in the living room.

Here come the inseparable twins, Mom said good-naturedly to Mrs. Jackson as we trudged into the house.

Mya and I aren’t twins. In fact, we don’t look like each other at all. Mya is taller than I am, with jet-black hair that is straight and neat, and blue eyes that are as bright as the sky. I, on the other hand, am short like my dad, with wavy brown hair that curls at the end and green eyes. Mom and Mrs. Jackson only call us that because our personalities and interests are alike in every way possible.

It’s time to go, Mya Mrs. Jackson said before rising from the sofa and giving Mom a farewell hug.

I gave Mya our usual big goodbye hug then waved to her as their car pulled out of our driveway and disappeared down the road. Once they had left, Mom and I headed back inside together to begin preparations for dinner. My thoughts wandered to the new music album and my eagerness to listen to the new songs as I washed and diced potatoes for Mom. Finally, I made up my mind that I would breach the question to my parents over dinner about getting the new album. Five thirty came, and as I was laying out the last fork on the table I heard Dad’s truck pull into the garage.

Dad’s home! I exclaimed, as I ran over to the door to the garage.

Hi ya, Ellie! Dad said with a smile, planting a kiss on the top of my head before entering the house.

Beaming a smile back, I skipped into the kitchen behind him. By now my older sister, Natasha, had come out of her room and was helping Mom pour the drinks. She was sixteen years old and short like me, but her hair was straight and her eyes were brown. Her personality was also nothing like mine, and she acted too grown up, in my opinion.

Dinner’s ready! Mom said with a smile after greeting Dad.

A few minutes later, we were all seated at the table together, eating fried potatoes and barbequed chicken.

Did you get the Oliver’s van fixed? Mom asked Dad after he had finished praying.

Yep! Dad replied, and jokingly added, It had a bad transmission, so I just had to cross a few wires and --

Do you know what you’ll be doing tomorrow? Natasha interjected before taking another bite of chicken.

No, Dad answered, followed by a heavy sigh. Silence filled the room. He had been laid off from his job at the mechanic shop for six months now and had still not been able to find another job. A few odd jobs here and there made a little money but nothing steady. The noise of our forks against our plates filled the silence until Dad cleared his throat.

Tasha, Ellie, he said, his face becoming very serious, your mom and I have both been thinking and praying about a job offer I received last week.

You got a job offer?! I exclaimed excitedly, sitting up straighter in my chair. Where at? When will you start?

"Be quiet and