by Jane Aimee
~~~~
Before she was discharged from the hospital, Samantha agreed with her mother that it was good to go home and recuperate. She was feeling better, but was very aware that she needed a longer time for complete healing.
Daphne and Bethany were present to bid her farewell. Samantha was grateful for their moral support and asked for their continued prayers.
"I still have a long way to fully recuperate, but I have decided that no matter how long it takes, I will heal. I have to get over the stress. I have to get things right with the Lord. That will go beyond just saying 'Lord forgive me for disobeying your word'. There was a long route I took to arrive where I am today."
She paused for the emotions to calm down. "God's been merciful and I'm grateful. I want to walk with him again, until His opinion becomes all that matters to me. Please, pray for me."
"We will pray for you," Daphne said. "We are in this journey together with you."
"I don't have financial difficulties, so I am not in a hurry to look for another job. After I'm stable, I'll decide on what next to do. Mum says I should take legal actions against the emotional and psychological harassment at work, but for the moment I just want to heal first.
"You are right," Daphne agreed.
"Please do pray for me," Samantha again requested. "And don't fail to visit when possible. Daphne, you are a teacher, teachers have more free time. And Bethy, when a program brings you to the Belle-Ville area, know that's also an invitation from Samantha." She smiled and shed tears simultaneously.
Daphne and Bethany accepted the invitation.
"I'll certainly come around when I'm stable. I don't know if I should see the church at the moment."
"I did tell Pastor Luke that you regret your sin."
"You did?" Samantha was shocked. "What did he say?"
"They still feel bad."
"I don't know for how long I'd be gone. Maybe I should just talk with Pastor Luke before I leave."
"I don't think that is necessary, Samantha."
"Daphne, I think I should do exactly that."
"No, Samantha, the church should have come looking for you. I told them you were not in good shape. They ought to have walked in love."
Bethany, silent for the most part, however thought if Samantha wanted to talk with her pastor, it was the right thing to do.
"Big sis, I agree with you that the church should have walked in more love, but notwithstanding, Samantha also has a part to play, given the influence she had in the church."
They agreed that since Samantha was to travel with the night train, it was possible for her to see the pastor.
Daphne drove them to the Springs, but refused to go into the building. She remained in the car while Bethany walked with Samantha to the pastor's office. Daphne was still convinced that Samantha should not have gone to see the pastor.
The appointment which was intended to last for a short time ended up going beyond two hours. Samantha wept for a long time before recovering composure and being able to talk with Pastor Luke. He counseled and prayed with her. He also gave her some materials and referred her to some counseling services she could consult in Belle-Ville.
Samantha came out of the building feeling more relieved after having offloaded some of the guilt that was consuming her. She was more than determined to walk the route to healing and emotional stability, no matter how long, and whatever it was going to take. She told herself that if nobody came to her rescue, she was still ready take hold of God, even if it meant longer time to stabilize. She was not going to live one more day accepting those destructive thoughts and feelings.
Chapter Fifteen: It's him my heart loves
"Your music is good." The statement came from someone Bethany least expected to get a commendation from.
"Thank you, Kaleb"
Kaleb and Bethany had a bit of conversation in front of her booth. The comedian was not as jovial as he used to be. He complained bitterly about the lack of promotion in the job. He told Bethany that he desired a change of job but the prospects didn't look good.
But something seemed to disturb his mind, more serious than the lack of promotion or the impossibility of changing jobs. He asked for a more convenient time, when he could tell her what was disturbing his mind.
When the others started going home, Bethany joined Kaleb in the coffee break room. Kaleb had the most serious face Bethany had ever seen on him.
"I took the CD you gave me – it had lain in my locker for a month – and I played it and the effect it had on me was so…I don't know what to say. But I've not been my usual self."
Bethany became suspicious of his motives. She however, let him talk.
"I know I'm one of those who have mocked anything God, and when you released your album, I said 'it's just another way to look for extra income'. But Bethany, after listening to you, I feel like what you have is real. You are passionate about your God."
Bethany was quiet. Inwardly, she was asking God if there was any hidden agenda in all that Kaleb was telling her. What should she tell him? The opportunities she had had to talk about Jesus with him, she had explained to him the way of salvation, and he had mocked at the fairy-tale.
"Better, can you die for what you belief about God and Jesus."
Bethany nodded. "I know it to be truth."
"I want to become a Christian, and if I find it not real, I'll take your life for it." That was the first humor-filled sentence he had said that entire day, but it was with seriousness.
Bethany did not show any signs of rejoicing. Kaleb seemed serious, but because of his former desire for her, she found it somehow difficult to believe his sincerity. She prayed with him and told him she would direct him to someone in church who would better work with him to ensure he understood the basics of the faith and how to mature in his relationship with the Lord."
~~~~
A month after Samantha's departure, Daphne and Bethany were in the latter's house where the singer was recounting some of her recent undertakings, opportunities and the single she was working on with her producer. Her friend was not paying full attention.
"I may be going full time soon," Bethany said. "I am already having problems at the jobsite for frequent applications for days off."
Daphne nodded and replied, "Hmm." Bethany was not happy and asked her the reason for the lack of interest in the conversation.
"I'm expecting someone," Daphne replied. "I hope he comes."
Daphne had recently caught the attention of one business man in the city. Bethany wondered why Daphne would want to see him in her friend's place instead. "Does Ful know this place?" she asked.
"No, he doesn't, and it's not him whom I'm expecting. This one is a pastor."
Bethany gave her the look, and Daphne, while laughing, defended herself against the accusation. "Bethy, I cannot date two men at a time."
She further explained. "I didn't tell you about him because, though the guy is greatly interested in you, he's one of those guys that aren't just bold and upfront. So if I had told you that someone was interested in you and then he finally didn't show up…I'd (--)"
"But you've finally told me."
"'cause I'm finally sure he'll come."
"Do I know him?"
"I don't think so. The story is amusing. He's a friend to the husband of the cousin of my colleague who was sick."
"Big sis, are you okay?"
"Very fine. When some of the staff went to visit our sick colleague at home, this pastor came to pray. He had been invited by the cousin of our colleague. After the prayer, we were just discussing when the conversation turned to one of your songs. I then mentioned the fact that we basically live together. Afterwards, he took my number and called me later on. We began discussions –about you."
Daphne laughed for many seconds before continuing. "He asked a lot about you. I have no doubt you will accept him."
"Making the decision for me already?"
"Bethy, I know you. Sincerely I think he's a goo
d guy. If he comes, please consider him. He's one of the pastors at Grace Tabernacle in Maylan. It's not far; I won't miss you."
"Which part of the country does he come from?"
"Belle-Ville, northeast."
There was a knock on the door. Bethany's heart started beating rapidly. Would she like the guy? What if he wasn't passable?
She stood up to ready herself while Daphne opened the door. She was relieved when the passable, though a bit slim, average height, dark man walked in.
Bethany immediately got warm fuzzies. At that exact moment she fantasized about him coming home after a tiring day to receive comfort in her warm embrace. No, girl, cool down. You just met. You don't know him yet. She had reason to cool down. She had had warm fuzzies too for others. She knew better. Feelings cannot be trusted.
Daphne introduced them to each other. Patrick extended his right hand and when Bethany received it, he held her hand for several seconds, bringing the other hand to lay on top of their clasp.
The presence of Daphne made the initial rencontre less awkward. Patrick was a little shy –some men are, on their first meeting the lady they'd been secretly admiring. But he also had a sense of humor. When Bethany asked him what he prefers to drink, he replied, "Only give me water. The Master already showed us that we can have it turned to wine."
Beneath the humor was really a desire to get the nervous feeling in his stomach to disappear.
Bethany enjoyed his smile and thought it was familiar to someone's she knew but could not easily figure out who it was. When he started talking about his family, she recognized the smile. Her joy immediately turned into sadness. Patrick was the third child of their family and last sibling after pastor Felicity, yes, that very Pastor Felicity who had co-pastored The Grace Tabernacle, Beaumont, with her husband, Pastor Carl.
Lord, where did I go wrong that I should merit unfortunate relationship? Why can't the right person just come into my life? Is this some sort of hex or what? I would have nothing, absolutely nothing to do with Pastor Felicity!
Patrick continued to smile as he talked. He didn't notice that the ladies were frozen. The buried memories of the malicious rumor were dug up.
Bethany found no reason to turn down the opportunity of knowing Patrick more. She had no objection to give him.
After he left, she however made it clear to Daphne that it was useless pursuing a relationship with Patrick – she didn't want to meet Felicity, and Felicity, undoubtedly would not accept her for his brother.
"Bethy, making a decision now when Patrick hasn't even proposed is not wise. The memories are painful but we can learn to forgive and move on."
"Big sis, I don't have any grudge against Pastor Felicity, yet the thought of her being Patrick's elder sister –and consequently my potential sister-in-law, is repulsive."
Bethany knew Patrick was going to get her sister's opinion about marrying her and it was not going to be positive. The said sister wielded a lot of influence over her husband; it would not be different with her own blood brother.
"Why didn't this even come out before now? You said you guys have been discussing. You should have known."
Daphne admitted that Patrick's relationship to Pastor Felicity never came up during their discussions. She too was surprised why he had not mentioned it. Daphne however speculated that may be it was God's arrangement. She too would have been reluctant about bringing them together had the information come up before. Bethany did not believe that explanation.
"No!" she said half to herself, and to Daphne. "I won't give Pastor Felicity another opportunity to hurt me. She's capable of standing in the way of Patrick, just to hurt me."
Daphne came and made her sit down. With a look that said she would not tolerate fear, she pointed a finger at her and said: "you will date Patrick, and you will marry Patrick. Period. Give me your two hands. Let us pray."
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing Patrick and Bethany together. I pray for your peace to reign in their hearts. I pray you take away fear, and fill their hearts with courage to face the challenges that lie ahead of them. Lord, I ask that you go before them and make the rough way smooth, make the crooked paths straight, level the mountains and bring up the valleys. In Jesus Name, Amen! And Amen!"
Bethany gave a formal 'Amen', looking at Daphne's face with amazement.
~~~~
Kaleb was still jovial, but he had a song on his lips instead of much talking. He looked changed. He did not go for coffee-break anymore.
"I think water is enough for now," he told Bethany, but she was in disbelief.
Dilan, the brother in church, was working with Kaleb. He testified to Bethany that he believed her co-worker was genuine in his confession of Jesus-Christ as Lord.
Bethany was happy, but she had that little fear that Kaleb might soon begin to talk about relationship with her. She feared for two reasons. He was a new Christian, having been vocal in the past about being agnostic and borderline atheist. He needed time to mature in his faith. Secondly, she didn't like him. She thought about him, and believed that even if he was fully mature as a Christian, he was not the one for her. In any of these cases, if he approached her about relationship, she was going to turn down his request. She earnestly prayed that he would not. She did not want to go through any of those awkward moments. It was easier rejecting him when he was not yet Christian. She believed there was no way to turn down a brother's request without feeling hurt too, seeing his disappointment. Each time, when there was free time, he would come around her booth and they would discuss spiritual matters. How awkward it would be, she thought, if he asked her out. She would not accept, and the relationship would be strained. But will the relationship with Patrick work. She liked him, but Pastor Felicity? In-law relationship with such a person would certainly be tough.
~~~~
Patrick, having made his interest in pursuing a relationship with Bethany known, showed his desire to make the relationship work with a lot of enthusiasm. He called for long hours every day, and came visiting every weekend.
Bethany saw her own resistance give way – The more they talked about their lives, and the things they believed God wanted them to do, before she could realize what was going on, the more she desired to be his.
Patrick was different from his sister. He not only had a deep understanding of Scriptures, he had the fear of the Lord. He made sure that they were never in a compromising position. He treasured Bethany, and would never act in a way that said he saw her body as a mere object to satisfy his sexual desires. It was hard on them both, each one having waited for the right person for long periods. Yet Patrick took the bold step to make sure that their relationship honored God. He preferred long hours on the phone. Daphne played the part of a chaperone several times.
Bethany however, was still uncomfortable without having ascertained Pastor Felicity's thoughts about the prospective marriage. She asked Patrick several times if he thought his family –and by that, she meant Pastor Felicity –would accept her. Patrick became suspicious of her frequent inquiries: his sister and brother-in-law had been Bethany's pastors. Was there ever a problem?
~~~~
When Kaleb came into the building, Bethany was already in her booth. There were people around, so the two couldn't talk conveniently. He told her that he had something to tell her. Bethany felt weak that entire early morning. She loved Kaleb only as a brother, and she prayed he would not tell her anything about being interested in her.
During coffee break, he came to her booth. He had a big smile, and his face radiated joy and happiness.
"God is not only real, He is good. I have two things to tell you. One I have been longing to tell you for some time now but I will begin with the second one. Father, please don't let him say it. Please, Lord!
"I got a new job, in Cité!" Kaleb whispered. "Pays almost double!"
"Wow! Praise the Lord! That is wonderful news"
"I handed my resignation notice this morning. I have just one month to be her
e."
They both rejoiced and Bethany waited to hear the next thing. Father, please, don't let him say it. It would hurt him when I turn him down.
"I hope you won't forget to invite me to the big occasion."
"What?"
"The wedding. Some weeks ago, I dreamt you were getting married. The man you were getting married to was called Patrick."
Bethany got up from her seat. She was surprised. Kaleb continued. "I had wanted to tell you about it since, but I was scared it might not be true, but somehow, in my spirit I think it is true. That is why I decided to tell you. Maybe you are in a relationship with someone called Patrick, or maybe God wants you to know that the man you are waiting for is called Patrick."
Bethany felt terribly relieved. She told Kaleb about her relationship with Patrick. Kaleb was encouraged to hear his dream confirmed.
They continued talking, with Bethany encouraging him to not let the 'busy-ness' of the large city he would be leaving for take him away from God. Kaleb emphatically replied he was not going to let that happen. He'd already asked Dilan about the church in Cité.
"Bethy, continue with the work God has given you. Do it with all your heart. There are many more like me who would only be invited to the Light through your music. Don't lower the level of your commitment. Take it higher."
Bethany was wowed and encouraged.
~~~~
Patrick was madly in love with Bethany, so much so that when he called to ask his sister's opinion about Bethany, and being fearful of receiving a negative report, he changed his mind and only told her that he would be bringing someone to introduce to them. Pastor Felicity understood what that someone meant, and excitedly wished them a hearty Godspeed.
Bethany asked for Daphne's continued prayers while she and Patrick travelled to Kembi-Bay, where Pastor Felicity and the husband pastored the Grace Tabernacle. She avowed her love for Patrick, and wanted a smooth introduction to her future sister-in-law.
