Keep Your Heart

By Liz Rigby

Savanna and Dylan have been best friends since they were seven. Now in their senior year of high school, they start developing feelings for each other but aren't sure where to go from there. Should they start a relationship or will it ruin the friendship that means the most to them? Confused by Dylan's hesitation, Savanna embarks on a journey that will take her to the worst parts of herself while Dylan tries to follow God's leading but only finds more questions than answers. Is Savanna God's will for him? Or is it this new girl he's met at Bible college? The struggle to get what we want but still follow God's plan is something that all God's children experience. Will Savanna be the good girl and get Dylan, be the bad girl when she can't have Dylan, or simply prove to be human like the rest of us? Check out Savanna's story and see how real life can still have happy endings, even if they're not the happy endings we were hoping for. Through it all, God will still love, still pursue, and still forgive. He's that faithfully good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098020927

Book preview

Chapter 1

Anna scrunched over farther into the booth at Pizza Hut, crowding Sylvie into the corner as Shelley perched herself on the outside edge of the red seat next to her sister, Terri. All four of them giggled, and Anna let herself fully enjoy the moment. Being friends with both a cheerleader and a football player from their small private school, Temple Christian, had its advantages. Both groups had come to Pizza Hut to celebrate the Gladiators’ win over the Patriots, and the massive tinted windows reflected a room filled with jerseys, team jackets, and cheer uniforms. Anna could just see the back of her best friend’s golden-brown head three tables over as he sat with Troy and some of the other guys. Since she and Dylan were both seniors, they were cramming as much fun into this year as they could get.

Sylvie laughed and chattered, and Anna’s heart warmed with pride for her. A junior, Sylvie hadn’t made the cheerleading squad the year before, but she had worked all last year to get in better shape so she could make it this time. Anna enjoyed the occasional invite to hang out.

SA-VAN-NA. Sylvie’s voice got her attention. Kelly, a senior cheerleader with striking red hair, was standing next to their table.

Did I miss something? Anna queried.

Kelly’s inviting all the new girls to hit the Dairy Queen for ice cream after this. She said I could bring you along…wanna come?

Anna took a sip of her Mountain Dew before answering, wanting to kick Sylvie for putting them in an awkward position. Kelly wasn’t exactly one of the girls they usually hung out with. Everyone knew she went to bad parties, and it was whispered around school that she’d been spotted drinking beer. She scrambled for a way out but couldn’t find one fast enough.

Sure. Sounds like fun…we’re gonna need rides though.

Don’t worry, Kelly smiled sweetly, we’ve got that covered.

Cool. Anna smiled, and Kelly walked back to her table. Anna did kick Sylvie under the table now. Sylvie just widened her eyes and shrugged at her.

I gotta call my mom and tell her I’ll be home later. Do you need to use my phone? Sylvie offered.

Nah, my parents aren’t home, and my mom would probably just be irritated that I called her in the middle of Dad’s client dinner. I’ll just call Trent when we’re done.

Sylvie nodded and dialed her own mom. Anna took another bite of pizza, glad that Sylvie hadn’t probed any further. Her issues with her parents were some of the things she shared with Dylan alone.

* * * * *

Um, why are we at the football field? Anna shrugged her jacket a little tighter against the chilly night air and shook her long blonde bangs out of her eyes.

Stacy’s freaking out because her bracelet is missing, and she wants us all to look for it first, Kelly responded as another car pulled into the parking lot and several other girls emerged. Stacy was the driver of the other car, and altogether there were about seven girls now standing in the parking lot. Anna turned to Stacy. Where do you think it is? Let’s get this over with. It’s cold.

Stacy looked distressed. I had it on when we were cheering. The only other thing we did was sit on the bleachers, so I think it’s under there.

Anna sighed. Great. Well, let’s do this.

Together, the girls crossed the lot to the field and made their way around to the bleachers. She and a few other girls began clambering over the metal supports, then eased themselves to the ground and began searching through the grass. It was only moments later that they heard doors slam and engines start, and they all looked up to see Kelly and Stacy speeding away, honking and hooting derisively out of their windows. Anna looked around and realized that she was with all the new girls on the squad. Fabulous. I’m not even a cheerleader, and I just got hazed.

They all wormed their way out from under the bleachers. I’m going to need that phone now, she said to Sylvie.

* * * * *

How long have I been sitting here? Savanna shivered. She had called her brother, Trent, from Sylvie’s phone, and she couldn’t understand why she was still waiting on the cold metal bleachers after all the other girls had been picked up. Too bad the grass is wet. She sighed.

Headlights swept across the field from the direction of the parking lot. Finally…wait, that’s not Trent’s car.

As she watched, Dylan eased out of his truck and headed her way. In spite of herself, she smiled. Well, I’d rather ride home with him anyway. Where’s Trent? she asked when he reached the bottom of the bleachers.

Playing video games. I stopped by your house and, uh, told him I’d go ahead and come. He didn’t come out and say that her brother had forgotten about her as he climbed over the seats, but he couldn’t take the sting out of the truth. He sank onto the flat metal next to her, and she scooted a little closer for warmth.

Why did you stop by my house? she asked.

He grinned at her. You left your purse at Pizza Hut.

What? She realized for the first time that it wasn’t with her, and she tipped her head back and laughed. Wow. She grinned back at him. Thank you.

He shrugged, then looked up at the sky. I don’t think there’s a better place in town to see the stars. It’s one of the only places with no lights, once you’re away from the parking lot.

Yeah, they’re beautiful.

They sat in silent admiration for several minutes, and Anna let herself soak up the comfort of his presence. Dylan had been her best friend since they were seven years old. She had spent practically every afternoon after elementary school at his house when his mom was watching her while her parents worked. Next to God, Dylan had been one of the few constants in her life with parents wrapped up in work and their own social lives. He had grown to be five feet and eight inches tall, and the hair that had been dirty blond when they were little was now a golden brown that was always a different length, sometimes really short and sometimes falling into his eyes. But ten years had made quite a few changes in the boy who used to stash cookies in her backpack and throw mulch at her on the playground. The young man who sat next to her now talked to her like a sister and prayed for her algebra grades.

Savanna’s daddy had always teased her about Dylan, saying that one day they would get married, but she’d laughed it off. There were other boys who would flirt with her, pass notes, or stare at her blue eyes and pale blonde hair, but Dylan had never been one of them.

I don’t get how people can see that and not believe in God, Dylan said, calling her attention back to the stars.

Seriously. Especially when you think about how people can use the stars as maps when they’re lost, like sailors used to do when they were out on the ocean. I was just reading in my Bible time that chapter in Psalms that talks about how the heavens declare His glory.

Dylan nodded and turned his head to smile at her. She couldn’t help admiring the depth of his eyes and the way his hair brushed his forehead in the night’s dark. She smiled back, but suddenly uncomfortable, she slid off the edge of the bleacher and stood. Ready?

Ready. He stepped over the bleachers, glancing back occasionally to make sure she didn’t slip on her way down. They walked back to the truck he had pieced back together himself, and she didn’t even blink when he walked ahead to open her door. That was just Dylan being Dylan. As he came around the hood of the truck, she felt uncomfortable again.

What’s going on? What’s your problem? she asked herself. It’s just Dylan. She punched the power button on his radio so he wouldn’t pick up on how awkward she felt. Tenth Avenue North’s By Your Side filled the cab. One of our favorites, she said with a smile. He reached over and turned up the volume. They both sang along as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed in the direction of her house, and Anna was comfortable again, having fun with her best friend.

Once the song was finished, she turned the volume back down a little. I think I need my own phone.

I think you need your own car.

She giggled. I think you’re right.

The glow of the lights in the dashboard softly highlighted his face as he shifted gears, and Anna gave up. Just admit to yourself that he’s gorgeous and move on. You don’t want to ruin the best friendship that ever existed, do you? She leaned against the door and watched the streetlights pass as they neared her house. She was almost relieved when Dylan pulled into her driveway.

Don’t forget your purse, he said pointedly before she could slide out.

She scowled at him as she very deliberately picked it up and slid the strap over her shoulder. Then they both laughed as she got out.

Good night, he told her as she stood with the door open.

Good night. Thanks for driving me home.

Anytime. He smiled, and she closed the door. She waved as he backed out and drove away.

* * * * *

Dylan eased the front door shut and turned the lock, not sure if his parents were still awake. The lights were off in the living room, but as he made his way down the hallway, he saw that his father’s office light was still on. He paused in the doorway and leaned on the doorframe. Clint Richards glanced up from his computer.

Hey, son. Your mom was worried, so I told her I’d wait up for you.

Dylan’s forehead creased. She was worried? About what?

Clint smiled. I give you more credit for brains, bud. I think you know—things like how long you’d be gone, or maybe the fact that you and Anna were alone together in the truck…that sort of thing.

Dylan rolled his eyes. Come on, Dad, I was just giving Anna a ride home. We sat on the bleachers and talked about God, then I dropped her off.

I know, son. I trust you. I just wouldn’t make a habit of it if I were you. That’s all.

Dylan was tempted to make a bigger deal out of this interference but couldn’t dismiss the soundness of his father’s wisdom. They weren’t little kids anymore, and he had to admit to himself that Anna certainly was pretty. I know. I get it. Besides, it wouldn’t look good for either one of us, especially her, if we did that all the time.

That’s true. Clint nodded. I’m glad you’re thinking about it. He shut off his computer and rose, switching off the desk lamp and approaching his son. Like I said, I give you credit for brains.

They both smiled as they made their way to their bedrooms, the father’s hand on his son’s shoulder, using the feeble light from the small nightlight plugged in halfway down the hall.

Chapter 2

Savanna followed her mom into the master bathroom and leaned her elbows back against the counter as Amy fiddled with her gold earrings and began applying her makeup. Her parents were going to be late…again. Daniel and Amy Ryerson always had some social event they were late for, between her school board and teacher functions and his high-end client dinners.

The posh atmosphere of the house was reflected in the bathroom with its granite countertops, custom faucets, and walk-in closets. Anna had been trying to focus her mom’s thoughts down to their conversation for the last half-hour but was getting nowhere.

Mom, did you hear what I said?

When, sweetie?

Just now…about Dylan driving me home last night? I… She sighed. I think I might like him…you know, as more than a friend.

Amy didn’t even look up from the mirror as she laughed. Oh, honey, are you really surprised? Your dad and I have known for years that you and Dylan would end up liking each other someday. She casually laughed again and adjusted her blazer one more time in the mirror before squeezing past Anna. She paused at the doorway just long enough to remind her, Now don’t forget, don’t eat your father’s leftovers or Timmy’s Oreos. Trent’s working the late shift at KFC. I expect you to be in bed by eleven. We’ve got church tomorrow. She headed down the hall. Anna heard her mom’s heels clicking farther and farther away.

She leaned against the doorjamb. Just forget it, she said to herself. There was no one else to listen.

* * * * *

It was Monday morning, and Anna was dreading school. News of the hazing was probably going to be the main topic of conversation, typical for a small Christian school like Temple where not much ever happened. Kelly and Stacy wouldn’t just be smug, but obnoxiously so.

If I had my own car, I could just come home sick after first period. Oh well, too bad. Deal with it.

She’d put extra effort into looking pretty today, compensating for the fact that she was going to be laughed at. If people were going to make fun of her, at least they weren’t going to be doing it over how she looked. She surveyed herself in the mirror. I wonder if Dylan’ll think I look cute, she thought to herself as she put on a final coat of lipstick, then scowled at herself. Stop that! He’s just your best friend. That’s all.

She scooped her backpack off the post of her footboard and realized her Bible had never left it since Friday. She’d not only missed her devotions over the weekend, she hadn’t even remembered to take it to church on Sunday. Sigh. No wonder this day already feels like crap. It had been a lot easier to feel close to God and read her Bible when she’d spent her afternoons with Dylan’s family as a little girl. Well, maybe just listening to some worship music will be enough for the day, she thought as she plugged in her earbuds.

* * * * *

Anna hunched forward on top of the picnic table, ignoring the rule that students weren’t supposed to sit on the tabletop as she waited for her mom or Trent to show up. The day had been everything she’d known it would be. Giggles, chuckles, and snide remarks had met her and Sylvie at every turn, even the kids who weren’t mean had still enjoyed the joke, and Savanna couldn’t blame them. If it had happened to someone else, she probably would have laughed too. She could hear the grunts and shouts coming from the football field across the street as Dylan and the other guys practiced. Maybe if she nagged her mom hard tonight, they could order pizza. She needed some comfort food.

Hearing the sound of shoes scuffing up the walk, she looked up and saw Kelly standing right in front of her. Kelly studied her expression, searching for something in Anna’s face.

What? Anna asked her, not exactly feeling charitable toward the girl who had ruined her day.

Kelly smirked but not maliciously. I was wondering just how irritated you are with me.

Why?

Kelly plopped her bag down next to Anna’s and joined her on the table. ’Cause I need a ride home.

Anna snorted and didn’t say anything, waging war with her conscience. A ride for a ride? She leaves me stranded. I leave her stranded? She knew God would want her to help Kelly out. Maybe she could be a good influence. All right. I’ll ask my mom…or my brother.

Ooo, Trent might pick you up? The interest in Kelly’s voice was clear. He’d graduated from the school two years before, and all the girls had been crazy about him.

Yeah. I hope he doesn’t. The last thing I wanna do for the next twenty minutes is listen to flirty banter between the two of them. Yuck!

It wasn’t that big a deal, you know, leaving ya’ll out there Friday night.

I know. It was kinda funny. It just means that today sucked.

A car pulled into the parking lot, and Anna was relieved to see her mom’s red BMW instead of Trent’s green Honda Civic. Kelly picked up her bag. Mom, can we give Kelly a ride?

Of course, her house is on our way home. It won’t take but a minute.

Anna smiled to herself. Her mom never turned down students who needed help; she would have come up with some reason to make it okay even if Kelly’s house were on the other side of town. Anna climbed in behind the passenger seat as Kelly made her way around the other side of the car and got in behind Mrs. Ryerson. Silence awkwardly filled the car as they drove away from the school.

So, Kelly, how do you like being a senior this year? Do you have any plans for college? Amy inquired after a few minutes passed, and it was evident that neither teenager was going to break the quiet.

Kelly politely responded, I’m not going to college. I decided I want to be a flight attendant.

Really? That’s an interesting line of work. What made you choose that?

It just sounds like it could be fun. I like people, and it would never be boring.

Anna glanced over at Kelly. She didn’t want to seem overly friendly with the girl who only went to a liberal church for the concerts, but she didn’t want to be a snob either. I think you’d make a good flight attendant. She offered with a small smile.

Kelly immediately shifted her attention, pointedly studying Anna. Why?

Anna’s smile broadened to exert her sincerity. ’Cause you’ve got a very bubbly personality. That does sound like fun. If I wasn’t going to Bible college, I might actually try that.

Kelly smiled back. Thanks.

They were only a few minutes from Kelly’s house now. Kelly tore a sheet of paper out from inside her backpack and scribbled hastily as the BMW pulled into her driveway. Shoving her pen back into her bag, she zipped the bag and ducked out of the car. Thank you, Mrs. Ryerson, she called out as she closed the door, and a sheet of paper fluttered to the seat. Anna reached over and picked it up.

Sorry your day sucked.

Under the one line at the top of the page was an enormous smiley face. Anna smiled back.

Chapter 3

Bye, Mom. Savanna shoved the car door shut and walked around the rear of the car to haul her duffel out of the trunk. Students were everywhere, and being jostled was taken in stride with good humor and anticipation. It was time for the upcoming youth conference trip, which happened every year before Thanksgiving. Temple did a rotation between three different Christian colleges in the surrounding states so that students could see all three options at least once before they graduated.

This year, they were going to Baptist Bible College. Savanna vaguely remembered BBC from her freshman year; she’d been more interested in having fun with her friends than the college itself, figuring she was young enough that it didn’t matter. Her sophomore and junior years they’d gone to the other two schools, but she hadn’t felt drawn to either of them in any way.

God, I always thought it would be kinda like a bolt of lightning striking me or something, my next step. Aren’t you supposed to let me know? I still don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to do or where I’m supposed to go.

Anna slung her duffel onto the pile of luggage. At least I can be pretty sure I’m going to grow spiritually while we’re there. I wonder what God’s going to show me?

Hey, you ready for this? She could hear the excitement in Dylan’s voice as he appeared next to her.

Are you kidding? We’ve only been praying about it for the last two weeks. I feel like I’m on the edge of a cliff wondering if God’s going to push me over.

He grinned. "The question isn’t whether He’ll