Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers Read Free Book Online

honest. “They get tired of hearing me play the same piece over and over, and I can’t get it right if I don’t. Priscilla gets a headache, Peter wants to listen to the news on the radio, and Penny shrieks like a banshee.”
    “You know,” Mitzi drawled, “the real trouble is two thirteen-year-old girls living under the same roof. One day you’re bosom buddies; the next you’re at each other’s throats.”
    “So you’re saying Peter and Priscilla would be better off if they only had one daughter.”
    Mitzi looked shocked. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m saying you both will grow up and grow out of being obnoxious.”
    “One would hope so.”
    “Well, you’re welcome to use my piano as often as you like. I might howl when you hit a wrong note, but I won’t make you quit.”
    “The three P s-in-the-pod will cheer and do flips around the living room.” Abra swung her legs around and put her feet on the coffee table. She liked being with Mitzi. She didn’t have to bite her tongue every time she wanted to say what she really thought. Not that Mitzi let her get away with gossip or whining. She had no patience for either. But here, Abra felt more at home than she did at “home.”
    “Not so fast, missy.” Mitzi looked at Abra over the rim of her cup. “I have one condition. You play for Sunday services.”
    “What?” Abra felt all the pleasure and warmth seep out of her. “No!” She put her mug on the coffee table. Just thinking about it made her stomach flip over.
    “Yes. And I want you to start—”
    “I said no.”
    “Give me one good reason why not.”
    She looked for any excuse. “Because I don’t want to do anything for Reverend Freeman. That’s why. He gave me away. Remember?”
    Dark eyes flashing, Mitzi planted her feet on the floor. “That’s a lot of hogwash. And besides that, do you hear Pastor Zeke asking you? You’re not doing it for him. You’re doing it for me. It would be even better if you were doing it for God.”
    Fat chance. What had God ever done for her? But knowing how Mitzi felt about Him, she knew better than to say it. “You play a lot better than I ever will.”
    “You’re almost as good as I am, and you know it. I’m running out of things to teach you. And yes, yes, I’ll get around to ragtime. But not yet.”
    “Why are you asking me to play for church?”
    “Because I’m getting old and tired and want a Sunday off. That’s why. And Marianne always dreamed you’d play for church someday. Do it for her, if not for me.”
    Tears sprang to Abra’s eyes. The old pain rose up, gripping her by the throat.
    Mitzi softened. “I’m sorry, sweetie pie. Oh, honey, you’re so filled up with fear and there’s no need.” She smiled bleakly. “Pastor Zeke loves you, and you won’t even speak to the man. I’m so glad your family brought you back to our church. Those two years he hardly got to see you were hard on him.”
    Abra rolled her eyes.
    “The man saved your life and gave you a home for five years.”
    “He should’ve left me where he found me.”
    “Wah-wah-wah. You can cry a river, but can you build a bridge? You don’t even show him the respect he deserves as your pastor.”
    Shaking and fighting tears, Abra stood. “I thought you liked me.”
    “I love you, you idiot! Why do you think I keep you around? For your sunny disposition?” Mitzi let out an impatient breath. “I’m going to say this once and never again. Get over it! Abra, sweetie, Zeke gave you away because he loves you, not because he wanted to get rid of you. He did it for your own good. And don’t give me that glassy-eyed stare. I’ve never lied to you, and I never will.” She huffed. “I know it’s your choice to believe me or not, but you’d better understand this: what you believe sets the course of your life. And don’t tell me you haven’t been happy with the Matthews family.”
    “I’ve been pretending.”
    “Really?” Mitzi gave an indelicate