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    When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats Novel
    When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats Novel
    When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats Novel
    Ebook240 pages4 hours

    When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats Novel

    By Lorana Hoopes

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Amanda Adams has always been a Christian, but she's a novice at relationships. Her first year in college, she falls for a man she believes cares about her, but he has ulterior motives. Does she miss the signs because of her toxic roommate or for some other reason?
    Jess Peterson has lived a life of abuse and lost her self worth, but when she meets Amanda, she begins to wonder if there is a loving father looking down on her. Her decisions lead her one way, but when she ends up pregnant, she must make some major changes. Plus, she finds she now has to be the rock for Amanda after her faith is shaken.
    The third book in the Heartbeats series, this one is a must read for mothers and girls heading to college. Though part of the series, it is a stand alone book and can be read separately.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLorana Hoopes
    Release dateAug 7, 2017
    ISBN9781537862422
    When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats Novel
    Author

    Lorana Hoopes

    Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance writer originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children where she works full time as a teacher. When not working or writing, she can be found kickboxing in her gym or singing at her church.

    Read more from Lorana Hoopes

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      When Hearts Collide - Lorana Hoopes

      Stone

      1

      Jess - October 2016

      Fear covered me like a blanket. The music that had been uplifting now pounded a drum of dread in my heart. Why did it have to be so loud? I pulled desperately on the arm of a nearby boy, spilling some of his beer. Where’s Amanda? He rolled his eyes, cursing a little at his spilled beer, and shrugged me off. I turned to another, who gave me the same response. My heart pounded like a freight train in my chest as my eyes tore wildly around the room. I had known this was a bad idea; though there had been no vision, a malevolent feeling had burned in my gut. If my past had taught me anything, it was that I was becoming a good judge of character, and something about Caleb had just seemed off.

      The crowd of bodies pressed against me, surging to the beats of the pulsing music. Sweat from those around me joined my own, trickling down my back. I pushed back, fighting my way to the other end of the house where the bathroom and bedrooms lay. He had to have taken her to one of them. A hand grabbed my wrist, and I whirled on a blond surfer type with long hair. At the sight of the fire burning out of my eyes, he let go, holding his hands up in apology. A tipsy blond fell into me, and I shoved her to the side. The bathroom door loomed just ahead.

      Amanda? I pounded on the white wooden door. Amanda, open up if you’re in there. The pounding of my heart was now reverberating in my head, creating a pounding headache that made my eyes hurt.

      The lock clicked, and the door opened. A thin brunette in a mini skirt and crop top stumbled out. There’s no Amanda here. Her words were a slur, and her brown eyes barely focused on me.

      I grabbed the girl’s thin shoulders and shook her. Have you seen her? Red hair? She would have been with Caleb West.

      The girl shook her head and fell into the wall as soon as I released her. Rolling my eyes, I pushed past the girl and opened the first bedroom door. A couple was entwined on the bed, but the girl had blond hair and the face of the man didn’t belong to Caleb.

      Sorry, I pulled the door shut and moved on the next one. Another couple was heavily involved on this bed too, but again no Amanda.

      The next door was locked. This had to be the one. I rattled the handle, but to no avail. Amanda? I pounded on the door. Hey, can you open this? I grabbed the arm of a nearby male and pointed at the door.

      Sorry, I don’t live here. The man shrugged and walked away.

      Argh! I turned back to the door and rammed my slim frame into it. The door didn’t budge.  Perhaps a kick would work. I took a step back and planted a perfect front kick. I felt the reverberation up my leg, but not even a tremor from the door. Cursing my weakness, I looked around for anything to wedge in the door. Would they have a crowbar in the house? Would anyone have one in their car?

      Jess! At the sound of my name, I whirled around. Jared was fighting his way to me through the crowd. Thank goodness, he had seen my text. A glance at my watch revealed ten minutes had passed since I had texted him when I’d first lost sight of Amanda. I hadn’t trusted even for a moment that she was just getting air somewhere, not with the premonition I’d had. Jared’s disheveled appearance said he’d either just woken up or thrown on clothes in a hurry or both. Where is she?

      I shook my head, the fear constricting my vocal chords and making them sound higher than normal. I don’t know. She was right with me, and then I ran into a friend and started talking. They said they were going to get a drink, but when I turned around again, she was gone. It’s my fault.

      It’s not, – he ran a hand through his sandy hair – but we have to find her. Anger and fear radiated off Jared in waves, and I wondered what else he knew.

      I’ve already checked those two rooms, but this one’s locked.

      Step aside. His eyes were wild, the eyes of a man in love.

      Acquiescing, I stepped to the side, and Jared pounded on the door. Still no answer came from the other side. He took a step back and rammed the door with his shoulder. This time the wood did tremble, but the door stayed locked. Jared took another step back and rammed the door again. A wonderful terrible splintering sound of wood echoed, and the door opened.  I rushed past Jared into the room.

      Amanda lay sprawled on the bed. Her shirt was open and her pants were undone, but still on. As Jared entered, I looked up long enough to yell for him to find Caleb; then I returned my focus to Amanda. Her scared eyes flicked back and forth.

      Pulling on the comforter, I wrapped it around her. Can you move? No head shake, but Amanda’s eyes moved left and then right. Okay, it’s going to be okay. We’ll get you out of here. Any sign?

      Jared crossed to the bed. No, the window is open, but he’s gone. A tear slid out of Amanda’s eyes. Don’t worry, we’ll find him. He won’t get away with this. Jared patted her hair tenderly and wiped the tear from her cheek. Then he scooped her up and headed back out the door. Let’s get her to the hospital.

      An ambulance is on its way, I replied, ending the call to 911 on my cell phone.

      Jared nodded as he pushed his way through the crowd. A few people turned to gawk at us, but most were oblivious and kept dancing to the loud beats or tipping back their drinks. I shook my head as disgust boiled inside me and followed Jared out of the house and into the cool night air. The change in temperature sent a shiver down my spine as the cool air licked up the wet sweat dripping down my neck.

      The ambulance roared up moments later. The EMTs clamored out and took Amanda from Jared, strapping her onto a gurney. As they loaded her into the back, I climbed in.

      There’s only room for one, the EMT said as Jared attempted to climb in too. Besides, the cops want a statement. He pointed to the police car pulling up.

      Go. I’ll stay with her, and when you’re done, we can switch, I said.

      I could see the fight in his eyes. He didn’t want to leave her, but finally he swallowed and nodded. As he stepped down, the ambulance doors closed and the movement of the vehicle jerked me to the right.  I grabbed one of Amanda’s hands and sent a prayer up. Please God let her be okay, please God. I had no other words, and as prayer was still so new to me, I could only hope God was hearing my heart, which felt like it was beating out of my chest. Though I’d only known her a few months, Amanda was quickly becoming a close friend, maybe the first good friend I’d ever had.

      The ambulance braked, and I fell forward a little. Cool air rushed in as the back doors opened and doctors took over the gurney Amanda was on. I clambered out of the back and hurried to keep up with them.

      Amanda? I’m Dr. Patrick, can you tell me what happened?

      She can’t, I spoke up. I’m pretty sure she was drugged.

      The dark-haired doctor turned to me. And you are?

      I’m Jess. I’m her roommate, and I found her. Her eyes were open and seemed responsive, but she couldn’t even shake her head.

      Okay, we’ll take it from here. You can wait over there. He pointed to the waiting area. I wanted to protest, but I knew from the look in his eyes that it would fall on deaf ears, so I nodded and stumbled over to a gray, vinyl chair. As I sank down, my muscles gave out and the tears started falling.

      I didn’t even bother to brush them away; I hated myself too much. I should have told Amanda no. I should have stopped her. Curling my knees to my chest, I wished I could turn back the clock.

      Hey, are you okay?

      I jumped at the touch to my shoulder ready to lash out at the intrusion, but relaxed when the green eyes I saw belonged to Jared. Yeah, I guess I’m alright. How are you?

      He sighed as he sat next to me and ran a hand through his hair. I’ve been better. They asked me a lot of questions. I couldn’t answer most of them, so they’ll be looking to talk to you too. But I told them what little I could about Caleb. How is she doing?

      I don’t know, I sighed. They whisked her away pretty quickly and haven’t been back out yet. I’m so worried, Jared.

      I am too, he nodded, but the best thing we can do right now is pray. He took my hand, and we closed our eyes. Father, our friend Amanda needs your help right now. Please be with her and give the doctors the knowledge to treat her. Lord also help us know how to help her in the future.

      Amen, we said together. He let go of my hand and draped his arm across my shoulder, pulling me into his chest. I buried my head and the tears I thought had dried up, renewed their trek down my cheeks in military fashion. She’d better be okay, or I would never forgive myself. Never.

      2

      Amanda - September 2016- The Arrival

      I  stared at the tiny gray room and sighed. This was going to be my new home away from home, and it was kind of depressing.

      Well, it’s got a lot of potential, my mother said with a false brightness as she looked around. I raised my eyebrows at her. Potential? Maybe for a horror movie. Boring white walls dotted with a myriad of holes boxed the room in. Two small brown dressers with two drawers each separated two bare mattresses on metal frames.

      Rolling my suitcase into the room, I hoisted it onto the left bed. A groaning cacophony of creaks greeted me, sending a shiver down my spine. I crossed to the right bed and pushed on it, hoping for a better outcome, but a similar sound resounded. Right, potential. Crossing my arms, I let out another sigh and surveyed the rest of the room. Two small closets framed either side of the doorway. One wall held a study desk and the other held a small sink and vanity with a cloudy mirror.

      Come on now. I know you can’t paint the walls, but you can hang pictures, right?

      I nodded. The holes in the walls supported that theory. I don’t think I brought enough with me though to cheer this up.

      So, we’ll go shopping and get some more pictures. With your bed made up and some bright colored towels, it can at least look a little more ‘homey.’ And we’re only a six-hour drive away, so you can come home on long weekends or we’ll drive up.

      Yeah, I guess you’re right. I crossed to my suitcase, unzipped it, and began taking out my clothes. My mother grabbed a towel and began cleaning the cloudy mirror. Suddenly, the door slammed open. I jumped and spun around.

      A girl with long black hair shaved short on one side and a nose ring entered. Who are you?

      I swallowed and stepped forward, extending my hand. I’m Amanda. I guess I’m your roommate.

      The girl rolled her eyes and pushed past me, ignoring the hand. Crap. I told them I wanted a single.

      Oh, um, well maybe they ran out, I stammered as I dropped my hand. The hair on my arms raised slightly at the girl’s brusque demeanor. I looked to my mother for help, but she just shrugged.

      The girl flung her backpack on the right bed and glared at me. Her icy blue eyes chilled my veins. Well, I’ll be asking them to look again. I don’t do roommates. She rifled in her backpack for a minute, turned and glared at me one more time, and then abruptly left the room, slamming the wooden door for a second time.

      I stared at the door and blinked. Well, this should be fun.

      Maybe they’ll change her room after all. Though the words were positive, my mother’s voice was filled with doubt, which mirrored my own.

      I can only hope. I returned to the job of unpacking, and when I had finished, I locked the door and followed my mother to the car.

      As we walked around the local Wal-Mart filling the cart with fun pictures and more colorful towels, I couldn’t help thinking that it still wasn’t going to be like home. I wasn’t going to have my things. There would be no brother and sister busting in while I was trying to study or Kate rattling on about the latest trends as we quizzed each other. And if that girl remained my roommate, it was going to be an uncomfortable year regardless of what I hung on the walls.

      Once back at the dorm, I opened the door cautiously in case the mysterious, angry roommate was there, but the room was empty and looked exactly as we had left it. Taking the pictures out of the bag, along with the thumb tacks, I began hanging them over the bed I had chosen. My mother cut the tags off the towels and hung one by the sink and placed the others in one of the drawers beneath it.

      When I had finished, I stepped off the bed and surveyed the room again. While it still didn’t feel exactly like home, it did feel warmer than when I had first arrived.

      Are you sure you’re going to be okay? my mother asked, pulling me in for a hug.

      I rolled my eyes as I hugged her back. I’ll be fine. You have to let me grow up sometime, Mother.

      I know, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon. She wiped a tear from her eye and then pulled me in for another hug. Come home as often as you need to, okay?

      Okay Mom. After another few awkward hugs, I finally ushered her out of the dorm room. As the door shut and the silence crept in, I turned back to my bed and sighed. I had hoped that I might meet another girl like Kate, someone I could relate to, but this roommate, whatever her name was, didn’t seem like she wanted to be friends at all.

      Rifling through my backpack – the only thing I hadn’t completely unpacked – I pulled out my Bible and prayer journal and sat on the squeaky mattress. Though my prayer journal was just a spiral notebook and not a nice leather bound one like Sandra’s, it accomplished the same goal, and I’d had it since joining Sandra’s prayer team three years ago. It was nearly full now; I’d have to get a new one soon.

      I flipped to the last entry and dug a pen out of my bag. On the next available line, I added ‘patience to deal with my roommate, and the words to say to reach her.’ I tapped the pen against my teeth as I thought about what else I wanted to add. ‘Wisdom in how to further God’s plan here.’ Having no idea what God had planned for me here, I figured I should leave the request broad and just listen for his wisdom. After closing the cover, I set the journal beside me on the purple bedspread. Then I picked up the Bible and flipped it open to John, where I had been reading.

      As my fingers touched the page, I smiled. No matter how many times I opened it, the Bible always transmitted a feeling of peace and happiness. It had ever since I was a small child. I thought back to the day my father had led me in accepting Jesus as my savior.

      If you are ready for God to come in your heart, you just repeat after me.

      I nodded at him. I wanted nothing more than to know this heavenly father he spoke so highly of.

      Father, I know I have sinned, he said.

      Father, I know I have sinned, I repeated.

      But I also know that you died to save me from my sin, and I want you to rule my life.

      I repeated the statement and immediately felt a warmth wash over me. My eyes widened and my father smiled down at me.

      You felt it, didn’t you? he asked.

      I nodded.

      Good, now the next step is to know all there is about God. You can never learn enough. In fact, how about we start reading the Bible together and when you get old enough, you can read it on your own and we can discuss it?

      I nodded, eager to read with him. He pulled me onto his lap and opened the important black book to the beginning.

      Genesis Chapter 1, he said. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

      And that’s what we had done. I had been a precocious child and an avid reader at the tender age of five, but the Bible’s vocabulary had been a little challenging until I was older. Even when I could read the words myself, I still didn’t always understand the concepts, so he had set up a chart of the books with a point system, and I had earned points for every book I read and could discuss with him. This way, he could help me understand the parts I missed as we discussed it. Then I could trade the points in for treats. I had never told my father, but I would have read the books for free, partly because I loved learning about God and partly because I always looked forward to those discussions with my dad.

      At

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