Chapter 3

When we got off the plane, Andrew vanished. I had no idea where he went.


I found my way to the baggage claim. I got my first bag with no problem. As my second bag came around the bend I grabbed at it, but it slipped out of my grasp. Suddenly a pair of hands reached out and grabbed my bag and handed it to me. As I looked up to thank the man, I stopped dead. “Do I know you?” I asked in French. “No” He said in French. “Merci.” I said gesturing toward my bag. “Oui” he said and walked away. I stared after him. I was so sure it was Collin when I first saw him. His eyes were the same striking blue. But as I stared after the stranger I knew it wasn’t Collin. The man’s voice was too low, his hair was brown, and he had a beard. Collin’s voice was higher, his hair was blonde, and he hated beards. I shook my head. I must be really frazzled. Now I’m seeing him everywhere.

Over the next few weeks Andrew helped me move into my apartment. After I was settled we went on a couple dates. One date in particular he asked me if I wanted to go home with him after the date. I knew he wasn’t my religion, so I knew he would ask me eventually. I told him no and explained why. He seemed very interested and on our next date he asked me more questions about my religion. As I saw more of Andrew, I began to see more of the stranger. After a couple of dates, I told Andrew I was going to start dating other people, and not just exclusively him. He seemed relieved, and I started seeing him less and less. As I saw Andrew less and less, I seemed to see the stranger more and more. I called Ruby and Bev every night. When I told them I had been seeing less of Andrew they seemed relieved. They didn’t like him. One day I was at the grocery store, when the stranger approached me. “I haven’t introduced myself. I am Aaron Smith.” He said. “Hi. I’m Kristen Dennin.” I said. “I see you at church sometimes, and I thought I would introduce myself since I live a couple blocks away.” Aaron said. “Well thank you.” I said, and then I had to leave.

The next couple of weeks I looked for him at church. I could often spot him, but when I got close, he was gone. Then all at once I stopped seeing him. He wasn’t at the grocery store or at church anymore. I was starting to feel a little lonely. I had a job at the local Library, but I only got enough money to pay my rent and get groceries. When I had a little bit of extra money, I put it in my “Home Jar”. I called it the “Home Jar” because I was saving up to go back home. By Christmas I had enough for a round trip. I didn’t tell Ruby or Bev about my trip because I wanted it to be a surprise.

When I got to Utah, I got off the plane and rented a car. I drove straight to Ruby’s house where I knew Bev would be. The Wakeworth’s were very generous. Right before I met Collin, both my parents died in a car crash. Collin brought me home, and I was immediately a daughter. Ever since, I have been as much of a part of the family as Collin, and Taylor. When I met Bev, I introduced her to Ruby and Frank right away. Bev’s parents were divorced and didn’t speak to each other. Ever since Bev joined the church, neither of them will speak to her. Ruby adopted her, too. Frank is Ruby’s husband. He’s also the Stake President, so he’s always willing to talk.

As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed how much snow there was. I had forgotten how much snow Utah got. Andorra didn’t get a lot. I pulled my jacket closer around me and rang the doorbell. I heard laughing, and then I heard footsteps. The door opened and there was Ruby. Her mouth opened in shock, and her eyes filled with tears. She motioned me in. I stepped in and gave her a hug. She hugged me back. “Ruby, who’s there?” I heard Bev say. She came around the corner and squealed. I ran and gave her a hug. I heard the door close behind me and I knew I was home.