by Simmons, Pat
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world, Jesus whispered John 16:33.
It was hard to be happy when his wife couldn’t stand the sight of him. Michael glanced over his shoulder again in Desi’s direction. She sat with another woman he had never seen before. At that very moment she glanced up and seemed to stare right through him.
Soon after Pastor Reed wrapped up his class, he performed the altar call for sinners to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name. Once the offering was taken and the benediction given, Michael stood and gripped his Bible. He watched his wife stand and whisper in the woman’s ear. They both looked his way as he waited for a cue. Michael was not surprised when none came. The other woman ushered Desi out the sanctuary as if the devil was chasing them.
In Desi’s mind, she probably equated him to the devil. Michael watched, but didn’t follow.
CHAPTER ~10~
Seeing Michael in church had done something to Desi. She couldn’t dismiss his tortured expression even as she walked into her extended stay apartment. Searching deep within herself, Desi admitted the truth. She stilled cared about him—as a person, a brother in Christ—but not a husband.
Staying angry at him had become mentally and spiritually draining. For the first time since their split, when she got on her knees before getting into bed, Desi prayed in earnest for Michael. “Jesus, if he is truly sorry, please give him peace.” When she slid under the covers, Desi fell asleep without tossing or turning.
The next morning, she woke refreshed and Solae called her before she headed out the door. “I’m just checking up on you after last night at Bible class. Are you okay?”
“Actually, I am.”
Throughout the day, she found herself humming various old-time gospel tunes her grandmother had ingrained in her. She realized that the peace she asked God to give Michael, He had given her a portion, too.
***
The following week while eating lunch in her car, Desi received a call from her attorney. “Mrs. Bishop, we have a court date at the end of the month.”
Desi gnawed on her lips. Before seeing Michael back in church, she would have pumped her fists in the air. Now, she just wanted to bask in the season of peace God had given her. “I’m not quite ready to appear in court. Can you get a continuance?”
“At the hearing, I can petition the judge.” She was silent. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“Oh no.” Desi was sure of that. “I’m building my resolve, so I won’t be an emotional wreck. What about the other case with the adulteress?”
“Miss Johnson has secured an attorney, so I’ve been in negotiation with her counsel. How do you want to proceed?”
“I want you to track down her assets and sue her for the maximum amount allowed under the law, then whatever monies are collected, I think they should be donated to an organization for troubled marriages.”
“What about your troubled marriage? Have you and Mr. Bishop tried marital counseling?” Why did her divorce attorney sound hopeful?
“Hmmm. That didn’t end pretty, so I need more time.”
“I see, then I’ll be in touch.” Attorney Rush ended the call.
Checking the time, Desi had several minutes before she had to report back to her desk. Turning off the radio, she let her mind drift. Since she walked out on Michael, Desi didn’t seem to have a life anymore. She missed going out to dinner, social functions and to the movies with her husband and other couples. Now, her schedule consisted of going to work every day, attending church twice a week, then retreating back to her temporary housing.
Her interaction with others, even family, was minimal. Longing for hugs, Desi knew exactly where to get them—her mother’s house, which she planned to visit as soon as she left work. Since her pending divorce was out in the open, she was relieved that she didn’t have to hide from her family.
It was after six when Halcyon greeted Desi at the door of their mother’s house. It seemed like neither of them wanted the embrace to end. “Hey, I came to see mom and Tracey. You’re visiting too—” She stepped further into the entry way and scanned the boxes littering the living room. What’s all this stuff?”
“I left Scott. Even though I’m pregnant with his second child, he has no plans to marry me.” Halcyon’s eyes became misty. She looked like she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. They both had heavy loads, but Halcyon’s by far was heftier.
Why did ‘good for you’ pop into Desi’s mind? Probably because she knew the jerk had led her older sister on for years and Desi was glad to see Halcyon walk away. Just maybe this was enough of a nudge for her to repent and for God to save her. Desi gave her another hug. “Are you going to be all right?”
“I have to be. I refuse to become a regular baby factory without a ring to back up his weak ‘I love you’. I may be slow, but I’m not stuck on stupid. I packed up and Zachary came and helped me move out. Scott didn’t even lift a hand.”
Zachary—the good Bishop brother. Why couldn’t one of the Holland sisters have married him? First off, Desi never saw him in any way other than a big brother. When it came to men, the Holland women had made bad choices.
Right then, Halcyon’s daughter, three-year-old Ashanti, darted out the kitchen and headed for Desi. Scooping up her niece, Desi received a tight hug and mushy kiss before Ashanti wiggled out of her arms to chase her two cousins—Tracey’s six- and seven-year-old sons—around the house.
Although her mother’s home was spacious enough to house three women, three children and another on the way, Desi made up her mind that adding to the guest list there was not an option. They made her extended stay apartment feel like a palace.
After enjoying a scrumptious meal, reminiscing with her sisters about growing up and playing with the kids, Desi was ready for some quiet time.
One Sunday morning as Desi dressed for church, she wondered if Michael would be there. Shock couldn’t begin to describe the time she saw him sitting in Bible class. Of all of the seats there were in the four sections at church, it was amazing their eyes connected. That had kind of freaked her out.
Clearing her mind, Desi grabbed her things and left. Twenty minutes later, she arrived, knelt and prayed right before the worship service commenced. She praised the Lord for His goodness and mercy even in the midst of her distress.
Solae had joined her by the time Pastor Reed stood behind the podium. “Hey, Sis.” They briefly hugged. “Have you seen Michael?” she whispered.
“I’m trying not to look for him.” Desi shook her head. “If he’s still coming, I hope it’s for the right reason.”
“How many of you want to see God someday?” Pastor Reed began his sermon to rowdy ‘Amens’. “That’s a good sign. Turn your Bibles to Hebrews, twelfth chapter. If we really want to see Jesus, then we have to walk a fine line. However, if you step out of line, and you still want to see Jesus, then expect Him to get your attention and chasten you by any means necessary…”
As her pastor preached, Desi asked God to keep her sanctified until the day of His return in the rapture. The auditorium seemed to be on fire when Pastor Reed closed his Bible and made the altar call.
“Judge yourself mother, father, young man, young lady. You already know how you’re living, but God loves you enough to discipline you so you can see Him. Repent of your sins. Be sincere with Jesus and then step out in the aisle and make your way to the front. We will pray for you and baptize you in the only name under heaven whereby you can be saved—Jesus. Once you’re clean, the Lord will equip you with His Holy Ghost power to keep you on the straight and narrow. Won’t you come today?”
The presence of the Lord was in the place as He began to stir the crowd. People heeded the call in a mob-like fashion. Desi’s eyes watered and spirit quickened each time a candidate was submerged under water. More stood in the pool waiting their turn.
One minister lifted his arm. “My dear brothers and sisters, upon the confession of your
faith and the confidence that we have in the blessed Word of God, concerning His death, burial and Grand Resurrection, we now baptize you in the name of Jesus for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the Holy Ghost in the same manner as those in the Book of Acts…”
Not long after that, the offering was collected and the benediction given. Desi chatted with Solae, then made a pit stop to the ladies room. When she came out, Pastor Reed was standing nearby speaking with a member. He had ended his conversation and called her name as she opened the door to the parking lot.
“Praise the Lord, Pastor,” Desi greeted.
“Praise the Lord, Sister Bishop. If you have time, I would like to schedule another meeting with you and Brother Bishop,” he said in a hushed tone.
Desi cringed and was slow in responding. Although she had her emotions under wraps, she couldn’t help but recall her actions during the last meeting. She nodded. “I want to apologize again for my behavior. I’ll be more respectful this time.”
“I’ll have the church secretary check my schedule for something this week. Should I contact Brother Bishop?”
She was about to say yes, then suddenly changed her mind. Michael’s texts and voicemails had dwindled to one or two a week. “No, I’ll let him know.”
“Very well. Talk with you then.”
The next day, the secretary called Desi with a time on Friday. Instead of texting or calling Michael, she decided to pay him another visit at his electronics store.
As she pulled into the parking lot and was getting out her car, the man who introduced himself as Byron strolled by her.
“Well, hello, pretty lady.” He grinned as his eyes roamed over her body. “Is Michael still your estranged husband?” When she didn’t answer, he quickly added, “I’m divorced myself. I understand the pain and longing you must be going through…”
Desi kept a game face. If this man was fishing, he had come to the wrong pond. “That’s good to know.” She tried to walk around him, but he fell in step.
“Here’s my card. You can call me any time.”
Out of nowhere Byron’s card was snatched out of his hand before she could decline.
“She won’t be needing any of your services.” Michael glared at his worker. Losing some unspoken challenge, Byron excused himself and walked inside the store with a cocky swagger.
Placing her hand on her hip, she eyed Michael. “What are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m fighting for my wife.” He didn’t blink as he towered over her.
How could she tell him the fight was over? He had lost the battle. “I’m not interested in a man who doesn’t respect the boundaries of marriage. I introduced myself to him as estranged, not divorced yet. He didn’t respect that.” Although she was referring to Byron, when Michael flinched, she realized her words also applied to him.
Michael opened his mouth, then shut it. The frown he had earlier during his exchange with Byron was now gone. His expression softened as he smiled at her. Desi couldn’t help but smile back, but she kept her guard up. The thrill was gone. Michael had made sure of that.
“I’m glad to see you. Is something wrong?”
“Pastor Reed would like to meet with us again. I’m willing.”
“Oh?” His eyes brightened as if he had just seen his first Christmas tree. “Definitely. I’ll risk getting slapped again.”
“I apologized to the pastor again and I’m sorry for losing control. Under the duress, I haven’t been myself lately.
“I understand. Desi, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t. I want us to be friends, not become bitter enemies before we divorce.”
He snapped. “Nothing has changed, bab—”
She lifted a brow and her chin, daring him to call her that endearment again after what he had done.
“I’ll fight a divorce. I’ve talked to the pastor, and I’m coming back to church. I wish you would forgive me and come back home so we can work it out.
“I don’t know if I can ever live with you again.”
“When are you going to forgive me, Desi?”
“It’s a process. Don’t rush me, Michael. You had time to do your dirt. It would be wise on your part to let me grieve my loss so I can move on. See you at the next appointment.” She left.
CHAPTER ~11~
Michael watched his wife strut away from him. She had lost some weight, which wasn’t needed and the sass in her hair was growing out as if she didn’t care to bother with it. Without his ring on her finger, Michael could imagine the number of men hitting on her. He pivoted on his heel. He was about to eliminate one possible suitor before he even thought he had a chance.
“Byron, can I see you in my office?” Michael made certain his tone didn’t come off as a request but a summons.
His assistant manager nodded, then waved over another employee to assist a customer. Michael could sense Byron trailing him to the back of the showroom. Stepping inside his office, Michael slowly closed the door and prayed that no words that were about to come out of his mouth would make him have to repent later.
“Have a seat.” Michael folded his arms and leaned up against the edge of his desk. He hated that he’d missed church service on Sunday—one of his twice a month scheduled Sundays to work—because the sermon could have given him some direction in instances of confrontation.
“Is there a problem?” Byron’s sarcastic statement indicated he already knew the answer.
“Apparently, there seems to be some confusion about who that woman belongs to.” Michael thumped his chest. “Me.”
Not for long, the devil taunted him. She’s about to divorce you.
Call on My name and I will answer, the Lord instructed him.
“Jesus!” Michael shook his head. He didn’t mean to utter those words aloud.
“Excuse me? I don’t see a ring on her finger and mine would definitely be on there, as fine a woman as she is,” he said smugly in a challenge.
“Don’t go there with me because you will lose. She belongs to me, and until death do we part, don’t even think about seducing my wife. You may be a good assistant manager, but you are replaceable. I’ll be watching you. I’m finished.”
Opening his door, Michael dismissed him, then closed it again. He returned to his desk and collapsed in his chair. Anchoring his elbows on the edge, Michael rested his head in the palms of his hands.
Such big words for a man who slept with another woman that wasn’t your own wife, the devil pounced on him.
“I plead the Blood of Jesus against you, Satan. The Bible says He who the Lord has set free is free indeed.” Michael braced himself for a spiritual battle, but after a few seconds, he realized that the Word had chased the devil away.
“Hallelujah!” Feeling emboldened, Michael pumped his fist in the air. “The Blood still works.”
***
On Friday, Desi left work early so she could meet with Pastor Reed. Her focus, regardless of what Michael confessed, was to keep her hands to herself. As she claimed a parking space at church, Michael was getting out of his car. She wasn’t surprised that he waited for her.
“Great.” Desi groaned and closed her eyes. She didn’t want any alone time with this man for him to try and worm his way back into her life. She pulled out her cell phone from her purse and acted as if she were answering a call, instead of tapping in Solae’s name.
“I need a favor,” Desi said, taking her keys out the ignition.
“O-okay, what’s going on?”
“I’m about to meet with the pastor. Wouldn’t you know it? I arrived at the same time as my soon-to-be ex-husband. Now, he’s standing nearby waiting for me to get out. I don’t want to talk to him unless we’re in a conference.”
“Gotcha. Chat away, sister.” Solae giggled.
Desi smiled as she stepped out and waved at Michael, then proceeded to walk ahead of him. “I know it’s childish, considering I showed up on his job to let him know about the meeting instead of texting him.
Girl, I am so confused. This whole affair has me acting out of character.”
“I think you still love him,” her friend quietly said.
“Well, I did vow to until death do us part, and had every intention…” she paused as Michael’s footsteps caught up with hers, so he could open the door for her. Desi nodded her thanks. It appeared that he wasn’t going to give her any privacy. He had the nerve to smile at her, then cap it off with a wink as if he was aware of her ploy.
Any other time, his gesture would have excited her and made her blush. But the reality of them heading to the pastor’s office was evidence that she didn’t hold exclusive rights to his affection. Desi scrunched her nose at him. She cleared her throat and turned her attention back to her phone conversation. “Well, I’m almost at his office.”
“Okay, talk to you later. Pray and play nice.”
Michael once again displayed his chivalry when he knocked on Pastor Reed’s door then opened it for her.
“Thanks.” She entered and took her seat. Lord, no matter what I hear today, help me to be Christ-like, she coaxed herself.
Standing, Pastor Reed smiled as he eyed both of them. “Let’s begin with a word of prayer. Oh, heavenly Father in the name of Jesus, we come to Your throne. Lord, only You know the outcome of this marriage, but I ask that You mend their hearts and minds. Lord, may You receive the glory in all things. In Jesus’ name.”
“Amen,” they all said in unison.
“Now, is there anything that either of you would like to say?” he asked, rocking back in his chair.
“Can I be blunt?” Desi asked the pastor.
“That is why we’re here, Sister Bishop.”
She took a deep breath. “Michael, I believe you are sorry. I accept your apology. However, I don’t know how we could ever be together again. If you kissed me, I would wonder who was the better kisser, me—the wife or her—the mistress. If we were to have sex, I would wonder who you enjoyed the intimacy with the most, what you whispered to her…” Desi teared up, she hated to admit it, but she wanted Michael to know she would always feel second best because evidently in his mind, their marriage wasn’t worth fighting for.
