Every Shattered Thing (Come Alive) Read Online Free PDF

words. “I couldn’t step up to the line because I don’t believe in myself.” I shrugged my shoulders and wiped my cheeks, “Realizing that scared me.”
    She went limp against the wall and I immediately felt guilty for being such a downer to this teacher who had done nothing but care for me every day. I was just about to ask to use the restroom when she smiled, stepped forward, drew me into her arms and held me. She whispered into my ear.
    “You may not believe in you, but I do. No matter what anyone has said; no matter what anyone will say; I have seen what you are capable of and the love you are able to give —and I know without a shadow of doubt you will amount to great things. I believe in you, Stephanie. Don’t ever forget that.”
    Just like tonight, the tears fell freely—staining her white sweater with eyeliner and spent mascara.
    She didn’t mind, though—just like she doesn’t mind tonight. I steal a glance her way and see her looking at me. I suddenly realize why she brought the subject up and I grab her hand.
    “Thank you for believing in me, Emma.”
    She smiles and squeezes my hand. “You know I always will.” She looked at me closely. “Did anyone notice your bruise today?”
    I nodded. “Yeah. Kevin did this morning and Mrs. Houghton started to ask me about it but then changed her mind.” I let out a short laugh, “It's not necessarily the situation anyone wants to sign up for, you know? And the last thing I want to be is a charity case.”
    Emma lets out a grunt, “Stephanie, you’re not a charity case.” She falls silent for a little while, placing a pacifier in Benjamin’s mouth. “Do you want me to work my connections again?”
    I shift around and tug at my hair, suddenly uncomfortable. “Emma. You know more than anyone else what a twisted system we have. Do you think calling this in will do anything? Really? CPS has already proved themselves royally inadequate for this situation.”
    She stays silent, swaying Benjamin in her arms to keep him calm. He looks at me with wide, trusting eyes—innocent to the conversation we are having and the evil forcing it to happen.
    Kevin’s right. No one should have to face this.
    Taking her silence as agreement, I stand up to kiss her forehead and rub Benjamin’s fuzzy hair.
    “Will I see you tomorrow? I want to stay for dinner but I should probably get going."
    She nods. “Yeah. I shouldn’t be busy after you get out. I’m second guessing this whole ‘take a year off of work’ thing. I love being a mom, but...I miss my kids.” she smiles at me and says, “You guys were a great bunch last year. Reminded me why I love teaching so much.”
    I laugh in mock surprise, “You're the only one. Most teachers questioned their sanity after dealing with the people in my class.” I fingered a picture of her wedding day hanging on the wall and turned back around. “How's Jude? I miss him.”
    “He’s good. Busy. Work has him traveling a lot right now, analyzing and building reports about what he observes with those assigned to him. It’s stressful, but he loves it.” She glances at me as she gently lays Benjamin on the nearby rocker so he can sleep and her arm can rest. “He misses you too.
    You’re like a daughter, you know.”
    I blush and nod. “Yeah, I know. And, if I could choose, I would definitely have him as a father.
    He’s showed me what it could be like...” I walk over to Emma and give her a long hug. “Thanks again for everything, Emma. I’ll stop by tomorrow after school.”
    She holds on to me and whispers, “Wait. You aren’t going anywhere yet.”
    I look at her, questioning, and she points towards the front door. “Jude is about to walk in and dinner is ready. Sit. Get comfortable. And take off that hoodie. I swear it’s permanently attached.” She tilts her head and frowns. “Don’t you have a jacket to wear?”
    I look at the worn down jacket draped over the couch. She opens her mouth to speak but the front