“DADDY!” Karen’s voice came out in a shocked squeal and her eyes grew as large as dinner plates.
“What? I thought you said that was the plan.” His brow furrowed and he looked as confused as I felt. I looked back and forth from Karen to her father. Her mother hurried over and took her husband by the hand.
“Howard, why don’t we go into the kitchen and let the girls talk.” He stood and Karen’s mom smiled as she ushered her flustered husband out of the room.
“Well I can’t keep up with that girl…” Howard’s voice trailed off as they entered the kitchen.
“Adira, I’m so sorry.” Karen’s face was pale, almost white. “I should have asked you on the way here. Would you like to stay here with me? I mean, we have three extra rooms here because my older brothers are married and gone. Like I said, mom and dad don’t mind if I have friends stay over and well, since you don’t have anywhere to live…” Her voice faded and she fiddled with her fingers uncomfortably.
“I’m not looking for charity. That isn’t why I came here.” I backed towards the door.
“I know. Please don’t leave.” She plead frantically. “I want to help you. Please sit.” She gestured to the merlot recliner her father had occupied just moments before. I slowly lowered myself to sit rigidly on the edge.
“I’m not looking for pity or to be your good deed for the week.” I snapped at her.
“I know Adira. Just give me a chance to talk to you. It is important. If you want to leave after you hear what I have to say then I won’t stop you.” She gazed at me expectantly.
“Okay.” I agreed but still sat on the edge of my seat, ready to leave as soon as she was done.
“After you left church on Sunday all I could do was wonder where you were, and if you were okay. I wondered if I’d done something to hurt your feelings or if maybe E-Z had made you uncomfortable. I knew it wasn’t Debby, because well Debby couldn’t do anything like that.” Her voice was light.
I smiled and shook my head. It wasn’t any of them really. I didn’t fit in, and Cat made sure I knew it. She took a deep breath and continued.
“So I prayed for you. I prayed for you every time I thought of you. I prayed for your safety and that I would see you again. Today God answered my prayer. I’d spoken to my parents and told them God was leading me to help you get back on your feet and they are backing me up. So please, stay with me here.” Tears flowed down her face and there was a knot in my throat.
“I can’t pay-” I made a strangled sound as a wave of emotion overtook me.
“We aren’t asking for your money. We want you to be safe, and to see God’s love.” She knelt before me and took my trembling hands in hers. “Please, won’t you let us help you?”
I nodded as the hot tears coursed down my face. I didn’t want to leave but at the same time I didn’t want charity.
“Karen, Adira, is everything okay?” Patricia peeked out from the kitchen.
“Yes, mom. We’re gonna go to the room.” She stood and wiped the tears from her face and picked up my knapsack. “Come on. You are gonna love it.” Karen led the way to a door in the hall and we walked down a flight of stairs and into a large basement room.
“Wow, is this your room?” A four poster bed sat in the middle of the wall directly in front of us. Lace pillows were piled high on it. The walls were lined with inspirational prints and a poster of a cat hanging on to a rope with a knot at the end. I smiled wistfully remembering my own room. A small desk and chair stood next to a bookcase and file cabinet. It was beautiful.
“Nope, my room is upstairs. This is where you will be staying.” My jaw dropped and I stared at her for a moment before regaining my ability to speak.
“Are you serious?” She smiled and nodded.
“Very, see there is a private bath and even a private entrance; it leads out to the side of the house. My brother, Josh, used this room when he lived here. He worked nights so it made sense for him to have the darkest room and as much privacy as possible.” She flopped down on the bed.
“This is too much.” I was floored.
“No, it isn’t. You just wait and see what God has in store for you. This will seem like nothing. Now I’m gonna let you get freshened up. We have church tonight!” She jumped up and started up the stairs.
“But I don’t have-”
“The dresser, closet, and bathroom are fully stocked. Anything you need will be in there. We leave at six. Go casual!” I heard the door slam and I was alone in this beautiful room. I sat on the bed for a moment trying to take it in before looking in the dresser and closet. There were more clothes there than I would need. I grabbed a change of clothes and wondered who I really needed to thank, was there really a God or were there just really good people in the world. I’d find out soon enough.
CHAPTER 8
It had been several weeks since I’d been able to take a shower and even then it was lukewarm at best and it was an in and out affair which may have taken less than five minutes. The fear of someone walking in and attacking me kept me from taking any longer. Now I was in a safe place where I could take a hot shower. There were shampoos and body washes of every scent imaginable.
When I emerged my hair and skin were cleaner than ever. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked a little something like the girl I’d been once upon a time. I gazed at myself in the mirror, wondering if I’d ever be the same again. Chances were slim, nothing would ever be the same again.
I blow dried my hair and brushed it out in to the luxurious waves I’d once known.
“Adira?” Karen called down the steps.
“Yeah? Are we leaving?” I looked around and decided I just couldn’t take the filthy knapsack with me.
“Not yet. Can I come in?” She was obviously still up stairs.
“Sure.” Who was I to tell her she couldn’t come into a room in her own house?
“Hey, I need to be at church-” She stared at me and stopped talking.
“What’s wrong?” I looked behind me and at the clothes I was wearing. “Am I dressed wrong? I can find something else. Just tell me what’s appropriate.” I didn’t want to offend anyone.
“No, you just look so beautiful.” She gasped.
“No I don’t.” I shook my head and turned away from her.
“Adira, I would kill for hair like yours. It is so black and silky.” She walked over and ran her fingers through my hair. “Come on, we are gonna make your eyes sparkle.” She led me to the little desk and opened the center drawer.
“What is all this?” Jars, tubes and powders filled the drawer.
“Makeup! Come on, you’ve worn makeup before haven’t you?” She narrowed her eyes at me.
“Well yeah, but not for a long time.”
“You are tonight, we have to get you back into practice for the banquet.” She giggled with glee and got to work. “We are just gonna do something quick and simple.” True to her word, five minutes later she was done. I looked in the mirror and for the first time in a long time I liked what I saw.
“Wow.” I was left speechless.
“Not bad, if I do say so myself.” Karen grinned.
“You worked magic!” I whispered.
“No,” she cooed. “I worked with what I had. You are beautiful and now you simply glow.” I stared at the wide eyed girl in the mirror. It was amazing.
“Thank you.” I felt the hot tears pooling in my eyes.
“Oh no you don’t!” She frantically scrambled looking for a tissue. “It didn’t take me long, but I don’t have time to re-do it! Now, no more weepy stuff.” She smiled encouragingly at me.
“Sorry.” I looked down as my face flushed.
“Come on, Lil Miss Cutie Pie. I have to be at church early to make some copies.” She hurried me out the side door and to the car.
We didn’t have to drive far to get to the church and we arrived before anyone else.
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“Just hang out in the Coffee Shop and I’ll be out in just a bit.” Karen hurried to the office and I took a seat in the furthest corner. Since there was no one there I didn’t have to hide. I looked around and found it a little hard to believe it had been just three days earlier when I’d been welcomed into this warm place. When I’d found friends, and learned there might just be a God who loved me. I still didn’t understand it all, but I was willing to learn.
I heard the doors open and I jumped up from my chair, ready to defend myself for being there.
“Oh, I didn’t know there was anyone here.” It was E-Z and Debby. I relaxed and smiled.
“I’m E-Z and this is my sister Debby.” E-Z stepped forward with his hand stretched out. I stared at him for a moment, confused.
“I know who you are. I just saw you at the burger place this afternoon.” Debby held back a snicker.
“Holy smokes, Soggy? Is that really you?” His eyes grew wide in shock and a grin slowly worked itself across his face. “Wow, you clean up real good.” I felt my face heating up.
“You moron!” Debby pushed him out of the way and embraced me. “Oh my goodness, Adira, you look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks. It was all Karen. She worked magic.” Debby suddenly clapped her hands and squealed.
“You are going to be the best looking girl at the banquet! I have an emerald green gown that will look beautiful on you. Or maybe the silver and blue one I used about sixty pounds back.” She grimaced.
“Maybe going to the banquet is rushing it a bit.” I tried to distract her from the subject. If Cat was going to be there it might be best to steer clear of the event.
“No way! You gotta go, I’ll pay for your ticket.” E-Z boomed. Debby giggled.
“Honey, you aren’t getting out of it.” Karen’s teasing voice startled me.
“It’s just …” I couldn’t say her name again.
“Cat will just have to deal with the fact that you are here. We will make sure she doesn’t stir up any more trouble for you.” The three nodded enthusiastically
“You guys don’t play do you?” I laughed
“Not about our friends.” Debby answered.
People had begun to enter the church and I looked expectantly toward the long hall. Curiously no one was heading that way.
“Why isn’t anyone heading for the auditorium?” I whispered to Karen.
“Oh we don’t have service in the sanctuary on Wednesdays, we have Bible Study in the fellowship hall.”
“Where I was on Sunday after church?” I shuddered.
“Yeah, but don’t worry, Cat doesn’t generally come to Wednesday Bible Study. She has classes until the end of December.” I relaxed a bit.
“Come on, Sog- I mean Adira. Why don’t you sit with us?” E-Z smiled warmly at me and motioned for me to walk with him. The butterflies went into turbo mode. I heard Debby and Karen coughing behind us, I stole a quick glance behind me and saw them covering their faces. My face blazed.
“Adira! It is so good to see you again! Hello, E-Z.” It was the woman who had brought me the clothes on Sunday. I smiled at her but I couldn’t remember her name.
“Hey Sister Jessie.” E-Z fairly beamed at her.
“I hope you enjoy yourself tonight, Adira.” She patted my shoulder as we walked past her. We were getting looks from pretty much everyone in the fellowship hall. It was quite uncomfortable.
Several girls came over to speak to me, all practically talking at the same time. It was so overwhelming to be welcomed into a place like I belonged.
“Okay guys! Let me have your attention!” A very pretty blonde woman stood on a small platform at one end of the hall. The attendees all quieted and moved to various round tables scattered throughout the hall. “It is great to be in God’s house tonight!” Everyone cheered. “Let us come before Him in prayer and thanksgiving.” She began to pray and everyone, except me, bowed their head and prayed along with her. I watched everyone. They seemed sincere, I still wasn’t sure about how I felt about the whole God thing.
Service passed quite rapidly, far faster than Sunday service. By the end of the sermon I still had questions. Unfortunately all I could remember was John 3:16 and I didn’t even really know what it meant. I mean other than saying that God loved the world, but the other stuff about giving His Son and everlasting life was about as clear as muddy water.
“Come on over here guys.” A man waved the young adults over to the area near him, I didn’t know what else to do so I decided to wait out in the lobby. I wished the car wasn’t locked so I could at least wait there, out of sight.
“Come on, Adira.” E-Z held his hand out to me. “You can sit next to me.” I took his hand and walked with him to join the group, very aware of all eyes on us.
“Okay guys, there are only a few more weeks before the Christmas banquet and we need to have a head count to finalize the food and some other stuff. I’ve been telling y’all today is the deadline to pay. So does anyone else have your money? Remember it is $30.00 per person or $50.00 if you are bringing a date.” The man looked around the room and I saw several people looking through purses and wallets. I just twiddled my thumbs and hoped this would be over soon.
“I have Adira’s money.” E-Z stood.
“Is she coming as your date?” I knew my face was red and I focused on my shoes.
“If she will go with me, yeah.” My head snapped up and I stared at E-Z. “Will you?” He asked. All eyes in the room were on us again.
“I don’t mean to put you two on the spot.” The guy looked a little less uncomfortable than I felt.
“I well-”
“If you agree you will save me a few bucks.” His smile dimmed slightly and I felt like a heel.
“Of course I’ll go with you. Thank you for asking.” His eyes lit up as he handed the money to the man and took his place next to me again this time resting his arm behind me and touching my shoulder. It was all I could do to not flinch from his touch.
“Okay, then, if no one else has any money to turn in the sign up is now officially closed!” The crowd cheered.
“So how many people are signed up?” A blonde haired girl asked.
“By my counts we now have 34 confirmed. I still need money from Cat, Nena, Ken, Manu, and Ozzy.”
“Cat will turn hers in on Sunday. So will Manu and Ozzy. I don’t’ know about the others.” The blonde informed the crowd.
“Well it’s a good thing, Sunday is the cut off for money. Alright guys see you Sunday.” The man clapped his hands and the crowd broke up.
“So, you and E-Z? Cat is gonna love this…” The blonde girl smirked at me.
“Cat better back off.” Debby snapped at the girl.
“I’m just warning you, don’t shoot the messenger.” The girl shrugged at Debby then turned to me again. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She sauntered off.
“This is so not a good idea.” I shook my head at the girls.
“Don’t worry. We got your back.” Karen grinned at me.
CHAPTER 9
We arrived back at Karen’s house and I was eager to ask about John 3:16. I’d heard the scripture before and had seen it often on banners at baseball games, but I wasn’t sure what it meant. I wanted to ask right away but I just didn’t know how.
“Do you want a snack before bed?” Karen stood in front of the fridge, taking stock of what was in there.
“Sure, whatever you’re having.” I didn’t want to be any trouble.
“Great. Let’s make sandwiches.” She pulled out an array of cold cuts, and other sandwich fixings. I watched Karen and used what she did. I wasn’t about to go overboard.
“I have a question.” I began slowly as we sat down to eat.
“Shoot.” She said and took a bite of her sandwich.
“I didn’t understand a whole lot of what went on tonight, but I do remember one Bible verse. What is the whole John 3:
16? What does it mean?” I picked at the crusts of my sandwich as I awaited a response.
“Well, it just means God loved us more than we can ever imagine. There wasn’t anything He wouldn’t do for us. He even sent His own Son to die for us. To take our sins on Himself so we could go to heaven.” I stared at her, waiting for more. “You see, when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden we were all cursed, condemned. There was a chasm between us and God from then on. Oh, it wasn’t like God didn’t love us or anything, but God is Holy and can’t stand sin. Well before Jesus came to die for us, priests made sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice.” I was shocked when I felt tears streaming down my face. I was overcome by such a strong emotion.
“I don’t get it. Why, why would He do something like that?” My voice broke as I spoke.
“There’s nothing to get, Adira. God loved you so much He gave His only Son, Jesus, so if you would believe in Him you would not be condemned to eternal pain and suffering, but live with Him for all eternity. All you have to do is accept this gift.” She’d put her sandwich down and took my hands in hers.
“It’s impossible, I’m not good enough.” I whispered, my throat was tight with emotion. “You just don’t understand. God could never love anyone like me.” I was startled to feel a hand on my shoulder.
“Oh, Adira, if you only knew how much God loves you.” It was Karen’s mother. “He had you in the palm of His hand since before your birth. God had a plan for you then, He is bringing it to fruition now. You will do so many great things for Him. The enemy has come against you, but if you will just put your trust in God and allow Him to move in you…” I fairly collapsed in tears. I felt something I’d never felt before.
“I want that kind of love; how do I get it?” I was desperate now.
“All you have to do is ask Him. Pray with me.” Patricia took my hands and Karen stood behind me. “Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for me. Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to guide me. Holy Spirit, thank you for convicting me. I ask you, Jesus, to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. Forgive me of all my sins and make me your child.”
Wings of Eagles Page 4
