A Taste of Catholic Fiction Part 1

A Preview of The Book The Arrow Bringer

Chapter 1, part 1: Unthinkable

This can’t be happening to me. Yesterday I was worried about applying for college, and now I need to start planning my funeral.

I feel like I’m trapped in a bad dream. All our plans, our entire family… shattered by one single word.

“Cancer?” Dad breaks the spell, his voice hoarse as he puts his arm around me. “How can Evangeline have cancer?”

Dr. Naveen’s brow furrows over his deep brown eyes. “Perhaps Kirstin and Shiloh could wait in the lobby, Patrick?” He looks toward Dad who’s frozen. Instead, he turns to Mom. “Maddie?”

I glance over at my twin sisters. Their faces are red, matching their curls. My older sister instinct takes over, and I know they need me. “I’ll wait with them.”

Dr. Naveen hesitates. “I think you should stay, Evangeline.”

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I don’t want them to be alone.” I take each of their hands, leading them gently into the hallway.

I sneak a peek over my shoulder, worried about Mom and Dad as Dr. Naveen closes the door. I don’t know who needs me more. Ever since I was adopted, I promised myself I’d take care of my family. I don’t know who will protect them if I can’t.

Kirstin, Shiloh and I settle on the couch in the waiting area. They lean against me, and I wrap one arm around each of them. I can hardly fathom that, just an hour ago, we were all chatting about dinner plans before my sisters’ basketball tryouts. Then Kirstin and Shiloh had done their customary teasing because I’m working on a project tonight with Shawn Lawrence.

An hour ago, I had my whole life ahead of me…

“Evie?” Kirstin’s blue eyes are filled with tears.

I manage to keep my voice from shaking. “Yeah?”

“Mom and Dad are out.” She points toward them, and my heart sinks when I see that Dad’s hair is a blazing red mess, a tell-tale sign of bad news.

Shiloh’s eyes are puffy. “He looks upset, Evie. Should we—”

“I’ll check on them. Stay here.”

I follow Mom and Dad as they disappear into the stairwell. I stop dead in my tracks when I see them through the small window in the door. Mom is embracing Dad, whispering things as they cry in each other’s arms.

Immediately, I understand. I wish I didn’t. But my whole life I’ve had intuitions, and they haven’t been wrong yet. But this time… I wish they were.

I’m not going to make it.

I don’t want to face it, but eventually, I won’t have a choice. I’ll be gone.

(This book will be available for .99 on 3-19-19)