Second Chances by Kimberly McKay

admitting her anger at God and shook her head. 
                  “I’m sorry,” she sighed. “I didn’t mean to …”
                  “It’s okay.  You’re allowed to be mad.  God understands it.  Just don’t stop looking to Him through it all.  He’s got this.”
                  Paige shook her head and knew she was right.  She had always had a firm grasp on her faith growing up and as an adult.  However, lately, she wondered where God was in all of this.
                  “Thanks.”  Paige let a breath.  “I didn’t mean to come over and unload.  This was supposed to be girl time.”
                  Although upset at herself for divulging any of it – it felt good to finally talk with someone.  Even though her family had been there for her – she’d not been able to confide in them without the threat of their over involvement.  The last thing she was looking for was a lecture or any advice. With Natasha, she had an unbiased audience, which was a rarity.
                  Natasha nodded.  “Honey, girl time isn’t just about getting to the good stuff.  It’s also about unloading your burdens.  So don’t give this a second thought.  It's why I invited you over was to see how you are.  It’s okay that you’re struggling.  Own up to it, feel it, and work your way through it.  And I’m here to help in any way.  Heck, you can have my kids anytime you like!”
                  As if on cue, her other twin stuck his head out the door.  “Mom!  I can’t find my …”
                  “They’re in your closet – folded and clean!”  Natasha yelled over her shoulder, without even looking toward the door.  She gleamed at Paige, and said, “Please take them.”
                  “Thanks!” Turner pulled the door shut, leaving them alone.
                  Paige laughed at the rhythm her friend had down to a science within her home.  Now she understood why she chose to iron out by the pool, even in the midst of the winter breeze.
                  “I’ll keep that in mind.”  She smiled.  “Thanks for listening.  I don’t know how you do it all.”
                  “One day at a time my friend – just like you’ll have to.”  Natasha raised her eyebrow and stood.  From her vantage point, above the landing by the pool, she could see over her privacy hedge to Sam’s house.  She smiled at the sight of Nick, as he jogged up the walkway to visit his friend.
    Earlier in the week Paige’s brother, had confided in her that he’d been testing the waters with Nick, to set wheels in motion toward reaching out to Paige. Natasha picked up her iron, wondering if they’d crossed paths yet.
                  “So tell me.  Anything interesting happening in your life now that you’re back in Granite?” She innocently asked.
                  “Nope.  Just learning the ropes at work, and trying to avoid anyone I know.”  Paige grimaced.  “I can’t tell you how many times I have to avoid someone at the grocery store, to keep from telling them that ‘yes I live her again’ and ‘no, I’m not married anymore’.  I feel like a broken record.” 
                  Natasha nodded.  “So, who have you seen since you’ve been back?”
                  “Mostly family friends.”
    “Any classmates?”  She approached the subject she piqued Paige’s interest.
    “Just a few people.  I actually ran into Nick Granger last week.”  Paige raised an eyebrow and absentmindedly smiled.  Just saying his name had an effect on her.
                  “Really?”  Natasha watched her face flush at the mention of his name.  Sam might be on to something.
                  “Did he look the same?  You know … he’s divorced too.”
                  Paige looked