Returning Home

by Toni Shiloh

  “Good morning, Mr. Carter.”

  “Dude, you need a haircut.” Evan turned around to smirk at his boy.

  “Good morning to you too,” Darryl said, sarcasm dropping his voice down an octave.

  “My bad. Good morning, you need a haircut.”

  “Nah,” Darryl said ruffling his curls. “My patients love it. It keeps me from looking scary. They trust me more with a mop of curls.”

  “That actually makes sense,” Evan paused. “If Chloe asked you to cut it, would you?” He looked at Darryl, awaiting his response as his dad drove them toward Freedom Lake Tabernacle.

  A weird noise escaped Darryl’s mouth, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “Um, that would be tough, but yeah I would.” He tousled the curls in question and cleared his throat. “Maybe just shorter, so it’s still curly and I look like good ol’ Doctor D to the kids.”

  “They call you Dr. D? I like that.”

  “Yep, I love my patients. They’re great kids.”

  “Do you get a lot of patients, considering the population is declining in Freedom Lake?” his dad asked.

  “Evan’s back, right? So there is a slight rise in the population.” Darryl laughed at his own joke. “In all seriousness, I do get a lot of kids still. I know the town committee is trying to think of ways to encourage people to move here. Hopefully in the future, there will be a need to bring more doctors in.”

  His father nodded.

  “D,” said Evan. “I wanted to thank you for coming with me today. I haven’t been inside a church since I left Freedom Lake.”

  “Oh, and you asked me when’s the last time I sat in a pew,” his friend scoffed.

  “I know, I know. I’ve recommitted myself to the Lord, so I’m taking the next step and going to church.” Evan looked back at Darryl as they came to a stop at First Street. “Why are you going with me?”

  Darryl looked at his dad then looked down, fidgeting in his seat.

  “Pretend I’m not here like Evan does,” Senior offered.

  Evan winced. Even though he recommitted himself to God, he still had a lot to make up for. One thing being the uneasy relationship with his dad. “I know you’re here, Dad. That’s why I don’t need to talk. Your presence is enough.”

  His dad gave a quick nod, a sheen of tears coated his eyes.

  Darryl cleared his throat. “Part of the reason is because I want Chloe to notice me. I’m not going to lie, the majority of the reason is for her. But there’s a small part of me that’s tired of being angry at my dad. Not much, but enough for it to pop in my head every now and again.”

  “Very mature of you, Darryl,” his dad said quietly.

  Evan nodded. He could understand anger. “Letting go of anger is very difficult, but God can help you if you let Him.”

  “Then what takes its place?”

  His eyebrows shot up. How in the world did he answer that? Lord, please help me out here.

  “God,” Senior calmly responded.

  He let out a sigh of relief. His father had lots of wisdom to share. Most people assumed he didn’t have much to say because he was quiet, but Evan knew better. With any luck, he would turn out to be like his dad in that department.

  “Well, I’m here, and regardless of why I came, I plan on paying attention.”

  “Fair enough,” his dad said.

  The three passed many of the town’s folks as they headed inside Freedom Lake Tabernacle. The town only had one church. It used to be a Baptist church before changing to nondenominational in the mid-nineties. Evan heard how it used to be an all-Black congregation but that over the years the racial mix had changed because of the town’s growth of other ethnic citizens. Now it was a multicultural congregation. Freedom Lake was no longer a Black-owned resort community, but a place where anyone could call home. Evan liked the change and wondered what Dr. King would think if he was still alive.

  His dad headed up the aisle toward his mother. She was on the hospitality committee and had arrived early to set up the snacks for in between services. Evan wheeled himself toward a chair with a handicap sign draped over it. He watched Darryl scanning the crowds, most likely looking for Chloe. “Relax man, she’ll be here.”

  “No, I was just looking at who all was here. I see some of my patients’ parents.”

  Evan parked in the aisle as Darryl took the seat. The place looked different than he remembered it. He realized the pews had been replaced with dark red chairs. “The seats are new!”

  Darryl laughed. “Been awhile, huh?” Darryl said.

  “Apparently.”

  He looked around, noting all the people who were there. His realtor gave him a nod of greeting as he walked up the aisle, presumably to be closer to the front. His mom gave him a wave as she caught his eye. He even saw Jo’s mom sitting in the second row with a huge red hat with a yellow rose. Where was Jo? Her brother and sister sat with their respective families, but no Jo. He’d have to ask her about that. Would she tell him the truth or continue with the hostile treatment?

  God, I really want to be friends again, but I know how much hurt I’ve caused her. Please help her heal. Amen.

  Darryl nudged him in the arm. “There she is.” He indicated, with a flick of his hand toward the right side of the sanctuary.

  There sat Chloe with a peaceful look on her face. Her twists were secured on the left by a white flower. She wore a simple black dress with a white sweater.

  “She’s so beautiful.”

  Evan’s body shook as he stifled the laughter rising up. The smitten grin on his friend’s face told him how bad he had it. Darryl had always had a crush on Chloe but never said anything to her about it. Instead, he had a nervous habit of blurting the first thing that came to his mind. It was often asinine and Evan felt embarrassed for his boy.

  Chloe had always smiled politely but never went further than that. Maybe Jo would help him set them up. Could they make a bridge of friendship by getting their friends together? And why couldn’t he just let it go and accept the fact that she didn’t want to be his friend?

  Because you like her.

  His nose wrinkled. He wasn’t interested in her romantically, but yeah he did like her. She had spunk and didn’t pity him. Called him out whether he was handicapped or not.

  An image of Jo wearing her t-shirt and overalls came to mind. He wondered if she ever wore anything more feminine. Come to think of it, when they were in grade school, she had worn t-shirts and jeans then too. He couldn’t recall a single instance when she wore a dress or even a skirt.

  Thoughts of Jo faded from Evan’s mind as the sweet melody of “Amazing Grace” filled the air. He hadn’t realized how much he missed the sound of a choir accompanying amazing lead vocals. Evan didn’t know the young woman singing, but it didn’t matter. Her voice sounded like an angel and brought tears to his eyes. God’s grace was more than he could fathom, but he wasn’t going to let that prevent him from accepting it.

  He snuck a glance at Darryl to see how he was processing. Nothing could have shocked him more than to see tears silently streaming down his face. Maybe Darryl’s heart wasn’t as hardened as he thought. With a smile, Evan closed his eyes and reveled in God’s amazing grace.

  EVAN TOOK HIS TIME wheeling down the ramp in front of the church. He had thought the crowd would disperse after the pastor gave the good-bye benediction. Yet people were huddled together in groups, talking and laughing. This was probably the only time some of them saw each other on a regular basis.

  He glanced at Darryl. “What did you think of the service, D?” Please, let him have liked it, Lord. If he could, Evan would kick himself for taking so long to return to church.

  “You know, I went in there with an open mind, and I think I was rewarded. From the very first song to the last prayer, I felt like it spoke to me.” Darryl looked at him, a cautious grin on his face. “You know what I’m saying, or do I sound crazy?”

  “No, I feel you. Bishop Brown’s sermon on the prodigal son was fas
cinating. I couldn’t help but feel like he was talking to me.”

  “See, I felt the same way. I’ve heard that story before. My mom used to read me bedtime stories from a little kid Bible when I was young. Once I became a teenager, my father put an end—”

  Darryl froze, staring at someone.

  Evan looked around to find the source of his friend’s distraction. He spotted Chloe speaking to the Bishop, and it suddenly made sense.

  The Bishop looked their way and Evan waved. The pastor motioned them to come over.

  “Perfect opportunity to speak to Chloe,” he whispered.

  “Shut up.”

  He chuckled, then clamped his mouth shut. When they made it to the Bishop, introductions were made.

  “Yes, I know who you are. My niece is one of your patients.” He smiled. “She thinks the world of you. How did you enjoy the sermon?” asked the Bishop.

  Darryl took a step back when Evan, Chloe, and the Bishop turned to look at him. “I uh...enjoyed it.” His shoulders rose and then a slew of words left his mouth, quickly and quietly, “I’ve heard the story before, but this was the first time I could sympathize with the son.”

  “Ah, God is always working in us when we begin to have compassion for those in the parables. Reread it when you go home, and if you took any notes, ask God about them. He’ll lead you where you need to go.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

  “Do you have a Bible?” Chloe asked.

  The softness in her voice had him straining to hear her, but his boy looked captivated.

  “Um, no,” Darryl replied, shaking his head in bemusement.

  Evan was surprised his friend didn’t stutter. He swallowed a chuckle as Chloe reached into her floral tote and pulled out a black Bible.

  “For some reason I grabbed this Bible today. I usually use the one my grandmother passed on to me, but I received this as a graduation gift. I’ve never marked in it, so it’s practically brand new. Please, take it and enjoy.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chloe said good-bye and walked away. A man came up to speak to the Bishop, who excused himself. Before Evan knew it, it was just the two of them again.

  “I cannot believe she gave me her Bible.” His friend stared at the object in wonder.

  “Are you going to read it?”

  Darryl seemed to be transfixed. Was it the fact that it was a Bible or that it was from Chloe? He shook his head and began to wheel away toward his dad’s van. Who knew how long Darryl was going to stand on the sidewalk staring at the Bible. He had things to do and people to see. Well not people, he wanted to see Jo. It was time to start Operation Make-a-Friend.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jo taped the last box, pleased at her progress. Somehow, she’d accumulated a lot of junk in the past year. She had already made a few trips to the community shelter. Now, she was finally able to see what she was going to keep.

  She put the heavy box of magazines against the wall. She’d filled it to the brim with her Architectural Digest magazines. Parting with them was not an option. They were great inspiration and worthy of the backache she’d get from lugging them around.

  Jo tilted her head. Did the doorbell just ring?

  Why did it seem like every time she was trying to pack, someone came by to waylay her? She walked out of her room, pausing at the top of the stairs. This time the sound of the bell came through. Hurrying down the stairs, she hoped the person hadn’t been waiting long, unless of course it was her sister.

  Please don’t be Vanessa.

  She held her breath and then swung the door open. All the air rushed out of her at the sight of Evan. Not Vanessa. Only time would tell if his presence would turn out to be more welcome than Vanessa’s.

  “Hello.” She folded her arms across her chest.

  “May I come in?” He raised an eyebrow and gestured to the foyer.

  “Um...sure.” She stepped back and held the door open and watched as he maneuvered inside.

  At the moment, she felt nothing but gratitude for her mother. She had made a big deal out of their front door a few years ago, until her dad had no choice but to replace it. The wrought iron was a little gaudy for Jo’s taste, but it provided ample room for a wheelchair.

  “What are you doing here?” Her voice came out stilted and clipped, but she was too unnerved to apologize. Why was he here in her home?

  “I didn’t see you at church, so I thought I’d come over and say hello.”

  We’re not friends! She wanted to shout it, but didn’t. If she truly accepted his apology, at least she could be cordial. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Sure, where’s the kitchen?”

  “Back here.” She walked toward the kitchen and then stopped as she stared at the steps leading to the lowered living room. She turned around. “Do you need help? I can lower you down.”

  He looked down and for a moment she was afraid she had offended him. Her heart rate increased as she waited to see what he would say or do. Since when did you care how you treat him?

  His request for forgiveness ate at her. All of sudden, she felt like the one doing wrong. He was now the bigger person seeking her friendship. Sure their relationship could improve, now that she planned to renovate his property, but how could she ever trust him?

  She inhaled sharply, trying to find her breath as he lifted his head and looked straight into her eyes. Almost as if he saw into the secret places she kept hidden.

  “I would really appreciate that.”

  The honesty in his voice shook her. She cleared her throat. “Sure thing.” Jo studied his chair, trying to figure out the best way to lower him onto the steps.

  “It’s best if you go down backwards.” Evan quirked one side of his mouth.

  “Oh, right.” She grabbed the handles and tilted the wheelchair back to slowly lower it onto the stairs. Thankfully, working in construction gave her the muscles needed to help Evan with his chair. After helping him up the steps to enter the kitchen, she looked at him.

  “Much obliged, ma’am,” he said with a wink and a grin.

  Whoa. He had the warmest, most heart-stopping grin ever. She blinked. Stop it, Jo. You do not like him. You don’t even want to be his friend.

  But surprisingly, she did. They were friends once upon a time. Had even discussed their dreams and future hopes. Until high school happened. Her smile disappeared. “No problem.”

  She tried to mask her emotions but feared the red-hot heat rushing up her face would give them away. Jo whirled around and grabbed a glass from the cupboards.

  “So, about church, how come you weren’t there?”

  “I don’t go. That’s not my thing.” She pressed the water button on the fridge, hoping the conversation would change soon.

  “Not your thing? Why not?” His voice was calm with no hint of condemnation.

  For some reason, that unnerved Jo more than the stereotypical voice of scorn would have. “I don’t want to be another hypocrite. You know the type, they smile and open the door for you, but as soon as it shuts they’re spreading your business quicker than a flea can jump on a dog.”

  A burst of laughter filled the air. She stared, mesmerized by the gleaming white teeth and the crinkles that fanned out at the corners of his eyes. Boy, how he had changed since the first time she saw him, sullen and angry at the B&B. He seemed so carefree now. What happened?

  “I know the type. But if you don’t want to be one of those, then you won’t. Is that the only thing that stops you?”

  “Maybe, but let’s not get into that now. What brings you by?”

  “Besides church?” At her nod, he continued. “I wanted to ask you again if you would consider being my friend.”

  Her heart stuttered. He asked way too much. “Why do you care so much?”

  “Because I know how badly I hurt you, Jo.” He wheeled closer. “All I’m asking is a chance. A chance to be the friends we were before. I need someone I can talk to who sees me
and not the chair.”

  She ran her finger against her necklace, but she couldn’t think past his big chocolate eyes pleading for friendship. How could she say no to him? What kind of person would that make her?

  One who cares about protecting herself.

  Wasn’t that selfish?

  “Please, JoJo. I won’t betray your trust again. I’m not the same arrogant kid.”

  “Or the man who called me high-and-mighty?”

  He winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “Or him.”

  “I can forgive you,” she said. Liar. “But being your friend, that’s a tall order, Evan.”

  “You’ve always been a better person than me, Jo. Please,” he whispered softly, his brown eyes pleading.

  If she said yes, her life would change. For the better or worse only remained to be seen. But somehow, she couldn’t deny his request. “Okay,” she murmured.

  His whole face lit up. She told herself her heart beat had just slowed down, not skipped a beat. How could he look so much better than his teenage self? Age had only sharpened and enhanced his looks.

  “You won’t regret it.”

  “I might, because if you keep coming over I’m going to have to build a ramp to save my poor arms from the abuse.” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. That was so...so insensitive to say.”

  Evan chuckled. “Refreshingly honest. Besides, I’m not offended. It’s nice talking to someone who’s not going to bring it up every five minutes, but who also won’t treat it like the plague.” He winked at her. “I’m shocked you can help me with it. I’m not light.”

  “Comes from hauling wood and appliances. I’m glad I can help.”

  “Well, I won’t keep you. My dad is waiting for me outside. I told him I’d be right out.”

  “Oh, duh, of course. I’ll see you soon. Now that you’ve picked the plans we’ll meet up again to go over the interior design.” She tilted her head. “Or you could have Chloe do the interior design.”

  “I’d rather you help me.” He said softly, gazing into her eyes.

  She felt a shiver and crossed her arms as if to keep it at bay. “Sure.”