by S. W. Gunn
“It’s nice to meet you too Jarron.” She replied before turning to Elyse and asking, “You two are more than friends aren’t you?”
Elyse blushed at her question and then said shyly, “Yes.”
“It’s very obvious.” Ramona said.
Jarron chuckled. He did not mind that everyone knew of their relationship, although he suspected that Elyse might have planned to keep it a secret for whatever reason.
“Please don’t tell Father Lapella, I’d hate to offend him.” Elyse said.
Jarron was slightly confused so he asked, “Why would he be offended?”
Before Elyse could reply her friend said, “Because relationships like the one you two have is against the codes of the church.”
“The codes?” Jarron asked.
In a tone that seemed to be almost on auto-pilot Elyse answered, “Either you are single and alone, or you are married. That’s the code. It’s to remain pure in the eyes of the Maker.”
“The Maker?” Jarron asked.
He had never been exposed to religion beforehand. Actually religion had become very rare on many planets. Elyse nodded at him.
“The Maker is the one who brought everything into existence.” She answered.
Ramona spoke next, “If you two are serious about your relationship then you must get married, otherwise you’ll be living in sin and will not see the after world.”
Jarron was very unsure about the whole thing. Living in sin? The after world? They were all foreign concepts to him.
“Hush Ramona it isn’t like that.” Elyse replied.
Ramona laughed before saying, “It’s written all over your face Elyse and when you speak about Jarron affection is clearly in your voice.
He decided to sit back and just say nothing. Sometimes it was the wisest course of action.
Elyse blushed at her comment as she said in an almost defeated tone, “Alright I confess, it’s like that. We’re in love Ramona but neither of us is ready to leap right into marriage. I don’t believe that the Maker is really as harsh as the brothers lead us to believe. What kind of loving god would allow us these feelings and yet deny us the right to live life? I’m a good person and I believe that is more than good enough. Jarron and I love each other and if we’re ready later, then we might get married. It won’t be because someone else tells us we have to. It’ll be when we want to.”
Ramona nodded at her as she said, “Well I’d never judge you Elyse. I’m just so happy that you are safe. When you went missing I was very concerned. Some people said you ran away with some stranger but I knew you’d never leave on your own.”
“You are right, I love healing others. The Gift is something special from the Maker and we are blessed to have the ability to heal people.”
A loud bell rang out through the halls.
Ramona announced, “Time for dinner.”
She turned and left the small room. Elyse gestured for Jarron to follow her before turning and leaving. It was the first time since they had met that she left somewhere without trying to hold his hand or take his arm. He shrugged and followed them. They walked through a maze of hallways until the finally entered a large dining room. It had several dozen small tables with benches attached to them.
As soon as they entered Father Lapella called out, “Elyse, please bring your friend and come sit with me.”
She nodded at him and then walked over to the table he was sitting at. Jarron followed closely behind her. She took a seat on the bench across from Father Lapella. Jarron sat beside her, although he made sure not to sit too close since he did not want to make her uncomfortable. As soon as they were fully seated the meal was served. Jarron was shocked at the simplicity of the meal. Each person was served a large piece of some kind of roast and some boiled vegetables. He did not recognize any of the vegetables. It was going to be a rough next few days, he that knew for certain.
Before anyone started eating Father Lapella asked, “Elyse would you be so kind as to bless our meal before we eat?”
“Yes Father Lapella.”
Jarron watched as she folded her arms over her chest, which everyone around them did as well.
She closed her eyes and began to speak, “Dearest Maker, please bless this room and those who occupy it. Bless them that they receive your wisdom and love. Bless them that they are strengthened by your presence. Bless those within the town nearby and lastly please bless this food that it will provide the nourishment that our bodies need to continue to honor you. Amen.”
The entire room repeated the word ‘Amen’ and they all began to eat. It was yet another thing Jarron had never seen before. He picked up his fork and started eating. He was surprised about the meal as well. It was very plain tasting but more than edible. Elyse glanced over at him and gave him a brief smile, which he returned.
Father Lapella as the first to break the silence when he said, “So Jarron, please tell us about yourself. We are keenly interested in the man who saved Elyse from whatever cruel fate that was headed her way.”
Jarron was unsure at first how to answer but he decided that honesty was probably the best route.
“Sure. My name is Jarron Moynihan, I am 23 years old and I work as a pilot for a Kalan named Hain, who is a friend of mine. We run a delivery service. I was born and mostly raised on Terra.”
Father Lapella nodded solemnly before asking, “What do you know of our religion?”
“Honestly I know very little. On Terra we don’t really have religions and I move around so much as part of my job that there is little time for them.” Jarron replied.
He nodded again. Jarron could tell that he was taking measure of him, very much like a father would of any man who was dating his daughter.
“And what are your intentions with Elyse here?” He asked.
Jarron was taken aback. He was very unsure how to answer the man’s very direct question; especially since Elyse had made it clear she did not want him to know of the depth of their relationship. He glanced over at Elyse, who softly nodded at him. Jarron was left to believe that full honesty was the path that she wanted him to take.
“Father Lapella I love her.” He said.
She smiled widely as his response. Jarron had no doubt that she was pleased to hear him say it aloud.
“Ahh love, the foray of youth,” He replied, “Young man I can only hope that your love is met equally and that you plan to do the right thing. The Maker would never wish even those who do not believe in him to live in sin.”
“I don’t understand what you mean by living in sin.” Jarron replied.
Elyse interceded, “Father Lapella, I have to confess to you that his love is met more than equally and I’m afraid that he doesn’t know of the codes.”
Father Lapella nodded grimly before saying, “Well we would be glad to share the knowledge with him while you await the return of your friends.”
Jarron nodded. They had plenty of time so he would listen to them. He highly doubted that he could be converted to any sort of religion, especially since from what little he did know about religions. They tended to look down on the types of less than legal deliveries that Jarron and Hain would regularly acquire. The remainder of the meal was eaten in silence. Jarron was unsure how comfortable Elyse was returning here with him. He actually had thought that maybe they should have not come, or at least had the Keg stay behind so they could just visit and leave. Her return obviously unsettled the normal balance of this place, especially since she brought him with her. After dinner was finished they all rose from their seats.
“Jarron usually after the meal we have evening prayers and then those with the Gift will heal any people from the town who are in need. I’d understand if you don’t wish to join us.” Elyse said.
He shook his head. He would much rather be close to her than separated from her, even for a short period of time. He was unsure how he would even sleep tonight because he had already gotten used to her presence in the bed. In fact he was very unhappy about sleepin
g alone. She smiled at his response and gestured for him to follow the whole group. He walked beside her as they moved back through the church and into the meeting hall that they were in at first. He followed her to the same pew they sat in before and then took a seat beside her. The next hour was a barrage of lengthy and boring praying. Jarron sat patiently through it as they prayed about a wide variety of subjects, although many of them were around joy in Elyse’s return. Once they had finished Jarron again followed her through the church and into a large room that had many small beds lined against the walls. On the beds were a several injured people. Ramona was the first to walk up to one. She knelt beside the bed and placed her hand on the person lying there, who was a small girl. She was holding her arm tightly against her chest. Jarron could see that she must have broken it. Ramona softly touched her arm and then began to mutter a quiet prayer. After a few seconds Ramona passed out. She was caught by one of the elderly men, who softly rested her on the ground. The girl released her arm. It was clear to Jarron that it had been healed. Elyse walked to the next patient and knelt nearby. Jarron knew what was about to happen, an electrical pulse and the inability to move, followed by the injured man being healed. As soon as Elyse reached out and softly touched the man Jarron’s theory was proven correct. The only difference was the looks of shock from the elderly men who followed them into the room. They must have expected Elyse to pass out and when she did not they were very surprised.
“You have changed Elyse.” Father Lapella said.
“It’s the presence of Jarron that allows me to heal without passing out Father Lapella.” She stated.
He looked over at Jarron and asked, “What is so special about him?”
Giving a smile she answered, “Outside of him being a sweet and wonderful man, we don’t know. All we know is that when I’m near him I can perform miracles and when he isn’t nearby, I can’t.”
Jarron interjected, “We were hoping that you might have an idea about it.”
Father Lapella shook his head. Jarron was disappointed. Without knowing why they were like this they would have to continue to deal with being pursued. Elyse frowned at his response.
“Well let me heal these people.” She said.
Quickly she moved from patient to patient and healed every one of them within twenty minutes. She seemed perfectly fine however Jarron found himself to be very fatigued from the effort. It was as though she was draining energy from him in order to perform these tasks. He even had to sit down halfway through. As she finished Elyse turned to look at him. Concern was written on her face.
“Are you well?” She asked.
“I’m just a little tired. I think that when you’re using the Gift it actually fatigues me.” He answered.
She scratched her head before saying, “I’m sorry, I was so concerned about healing the wounded that I didn’t realize the toll it was taking on you.”
“No its fine, I think I’ll just need some rest is all.” He told her.
Father Lapella said, “Well, let us take this young man to his room so he get some rest.”
Jarron stood up slowly and evenly before saying, “That’s a good idea.”
He followed them as they again walked through the church. Jarron was certain that he would never be able to successfully navigate the maze that was this building. They stopped at one of the many nondescript doors and Elyse opened it for him. Jarron stepped into the room.
Elyse leaned a little closer and whispered to him, “After its dark I’ll come to visit you.”
Jarron gave her a nod before stepping into the room. The door closed behind him and he heard the footsteps of Elyse and Father Lapella as they walked away. He already found himself missing her. He slowly sprawled out on the small bed and closed his eyes. It was not long before fatigue guided him to sleep.
* * * * *
Jarron startled awake by a light tapping on his door. He did not know how long he had slept but it was dark outside the window of the small room.
“Yes?” He said.
The door slowly opened and Jarron could see a female figure enter. He could already tell that it was Elyse.
Her voice cut through the darkness, “It’s me.”
Even though it was dark and she could not see him he still grinned madly before stating, “I’m glad you came, I missed you.”
He could see her better once she made it close to the bed. He shifted his weight so she could fit next to him. Slowly she slipped onto the bed next to him. Her warmth radiated against him.
“I missed you too.” She said as she snuggled up against him.
He did not know why but as soon as she cuddled closely next to him, everything just felt better.
She said quietly, “I hope all this talk of religion and marriage hasn’t scared you away.”
“No, although if I’m honest with you I don’t think I’ll be joining any religion. I really like my lifestyle, although I’m hoping you’ll stay with me.” He told her.
“I understand and yes, I’ll be staying with you.”
She kissed him softly, which he returned. It was not long before passion began to overtake them. There was a sudden knock on the door.
“Yes?” Jarron said.
The door cracked open and a female voice said, “Is Elyse here? I can’t find her.”
Elyse sat up and said, “Yes Ramona I’m here talking with Jarron, please come in.”
The door fully opened and the light turned on. Jarron saw that Ramona was indeed standing at the door.
She blushed and said, “Sorry to disturb you both. I’d gone to Elyse’s room to talk and she wasn’t there.”
Jarron said, “Don’t worry about it. Come have a seat.”
He moved to a sitting position to allow room on the bed for Ramona to take a seat. She entered the room and sat down in the open spot on the bed.
“Elyse I’ve got a question for you.” She said.
“What is it?”
“What’s it like out there? I’ve been in the orphanage and the church since as long as I can remember.”
Elyse smiled widely before answering, “It’s amazing. There’s so much out there, all so different than what we know here.”
After a long pause Ramona asked, “Can you take me with you? I want to see it all.”
Elyse turned to Jarron. He could clearly see that she was asking permission. Hain was not really one for taking a bunch of stragglers aboard the Keg.
He replied, “It’d be up to Hain. I’m not sure how many more people we could take though.”
Ramona quickly responded, “It would just be me. I promise not to get in the way. I’m just ready to leave this place. I might come back some day but I know there is a lot out there to see and I wanna see it.”
“Well Ramona,” Jarron said, “We can ask Hain, but I don’t think he’d be too happy to have an additional person. Our resources are a little on the thin side.”
She quickly replied, “I wasn’t planning to stay with you, I just needed a ride to the Lunar colony. I heard stories that they pay people with the Gift to heal. I could get a job doing that for some time and then strike out on my own.”
Jarron nodded. He was confident that Hain would not have an issue with that.
Elyse said, “Ramona I can’t imagine that will be a problem. We’ll ask Hain when they return.”
Ramona beamed Elyse a smile and said, “Thank you both.”
She hugged Elyse and then stood up. Turning back to them she waved and then closed the door, making sure to shut off the light behind her.
Elyse turned to him and said, “Now where were we?”
He laughed at her words and softly pulled her closer. They began to kiss. Almost as if someone were watching them, there was another knock on the door. Jarron could not help himself but to laugh. She moved slightly away from him.
“Yes?” He called out.
This time the door cracked open and the voice of Father Lapella spoke, “Is Elyse here?”
She s
aid, “Yes Father Lapella, I’m here talking with Jarron.”
“May I enter?” He asked.
“Of course.” She said.
The door creaked open and the light again was turned on. He smiled at them. Jarron had no doubt that he was probably glad that they were dressed.
“I needed to talk to you both about something.” He said.
“Alright.” Elyse responded somewhat cautiously.
“I know it is not part of your beliefs Jarron and that Elyse is accommodating you due to love but I really think it is best for both of your souls to be married before you continue down the path that you are currently on.”
Jarron was completely unsure how to answer the man.
Elyse spoke up, “We understand your concern. I promise you that when we’re ready we’ll get married but we’ve only known each other for a short time.”
He nodded at her response before turning to Jarron and asking, “What about you young man? Are you in agreement with Elyse on the subject?”
Jarron had to admit that the subject of marriage had come up more times in the last day of his life than it ever had the twenty three years before. Of every woman that he had ever met though, he had to admit that she was the one he would pick. He knew that neither of them was ready for such a commitment so quickly.
He replied firmly, “I’m in agreement with Elyse.
She grinned at his response. Father Lapella nodded.
“Very well, but can I request less late night meetings in dark places for the two of you. We do need to maintain a level of decorum in the church.” He said.
“Of course Father Lapella.” Elyse said as her face shifted to a light red hue.
Jarron could tell that she was deeply embarrassed.
“I also have something I need to discuss with you. It is of a personal nature, would you prefer to discuss it privately or here?”
Elyse replied immediately, “Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of Jarron.”
Giving a nod Father Lapella said, “About a year after you were kidnapped we received an unusual visitor.”
She looked very curious, which Jarron had to admit to being as well.
