The Broad Way (The Two Gates)

by Barbara Henderson

  "Oh well," She thought. "Mal will never know where we were anyway. I just can't believe he is dropping his own family for someone he barely knows. I just hope the entire affair is over quickly. When the marriage doesn't work out he will drop this dedicated Christian idea as well. Of course Christianity is a good thing, but not to the excess."

  "Well," Shelly said aloud, "I am not going to let Mal's foolishness ruin my day. I am going to have a lovely day no matter what. I have earned it."

  ----------------------------------------------

  Frederick was having a reasonably good day. First an early morning round of golf; then a relaxing visit to the spa at the country club; and then an evening out on the town with his wife. He would have preferred his secretary for the evening out, but then Shelly wasn't so bad. She still looked pretty nice when she made an effort. She was a little on the tall side with naturally graceful movements. And she did have a pleasant manner when greeting people. Most people liked her. Frederick felt like he was doing his good deed for the month. He could make Shelly happy by taking her out for a night on the town. He would be free to do as he pleased the rest of the month.

  Malachi

  "My wedding day is here," Mal said to his image in the mirror. "Well, it feels like a normal day. It looks like a normal day. So why am I so nervous? I am just getting married. I have my stuff packed. That wasn't too hard. I already moved some of it over to Belle's house. I think I will put some things in storage because they said they are selling the house next summer. I really don't care where we live. I guess living in this house will give us an idea of what size home we will need in the next house."

  Mal was well liked by both the students and professors at the university. But he had failed to make even one really good friend. There wasn't anyone he cared to ask to be his best man. None of his friends were Christians. He had shared his faith with them but everyone just made some lame comment like 'Oh, that's nice," and then ignored the subject. Since his parents were not coming to the wedding, he hadn't asked anyone else. It was too embarrassing to explain that situation. It was just going to be Mal, Belle, Amelia, Pastor CC, and enough others to make sign as witnesses to the ceremony. Belle said not to worry about it, that she would come up with people. She explained that she had to be careful because there were some kind people at the church who would like to come, and to invite some and not others could cause hurt feelings.

  "Hurt feelings would be from the women," Mal thought. "Men never mind not being asked to a wedding. And this wedding wasn't even going to have a reception so there wouldn't be any food to compensate the guys for having to attend a wedding."

  Mal was just planning to get married; then take the entire wedding party out to eat at a nice restaurant. He and Belle were having a short honeymoon in a nearby city. Amelia was staying with the pastor's family. Of course she was old enough and trustworthy enough to stay home alone, but it still made Belle uncomfortable. So Amelia had agreed to stay with friends.

  It was all settled. Mal walked out the door of his apartment a bachelor. When he returned he would be a man with a wife and a sister in law. He felt a little weak in the knees. Maybe even a little nauseated.

  "Oh my," he groaned. "Where are the antacid tablets? I have a feeling I am going to need the whole bottle today."

  ------------------------------------------

  "Belle, you look beautiful!" Amelia stated matter of factly. "By the way, I came up with someone to come and photograph the wedding for you."

  "Photograph the wedding? What are you talking about? There really isn't going to be anything to photograph."

  "Of course there is. This is a small wedding, but it is still an occasion worthy of a photographer. You bought an expensive dress. Mal is wearing a tux with tails. I also bought a new and expensive outfit. We are taking pictures and lots of them. Don't worry. He isn't going to charge anything."

  "I should hope not. He probably won't even take one roll of film."

  "Don't be silly. He is using a state of the art digital camera. It will take 35 mm quality photography without any film. He can take hundreds of shots and we can only print the ones we want.

  "Ok, what ever. Just help me with these ear rings. My hands are so shaky I can't seem to do anything," Belle said.

  "Sure sis," Amelia said happily. Amelia thought smugly to herself, "It isn't my fault that Huey is a wonderful photographer. Huey is wonderful at everything."

  The sisters walked out the door together, both believing their lives were going to change for the better now that Mal would be with them.

  4th Demension

  stratigic operations

  Experience told Zisa that by missing Mal's wedding, Shelly was putting up a barrier that would be hard to take down. She had seen it many times through the ages. The family might eventually want to make up with Mal and Belle, but it would be very hard to establish a different relationship.

  "Another soul sticking with my team," Zisa thought gleefully. "And another family split apart. This is a good day."

  Stellar Dominion Outpost

  Command Center

  "Sorrow and joy on the same day is just a way of life," Raphael thought. "Sorrow for the family rift. Sorrow for those on the path to destruction. Joy for the wedding. Joy for those who have chosen the narrow way that leads to life everlasting."

  Chapter 22

  AJ

  AJ was dancing on air. Well, she was actually dancing, and it just felt like she was dancing on air. She was dancing with Mitch. He had mentioned how lovely she looked in her pale green gown. AJ had really wanted to wear a white gown but she had rejected it because she didn't want to appear too 'virginal'. She wanted to seem quite grown up and sophisticated. Some how, AJ was certain, seeming at home at this gala event would set the tone for her future.

  The only bad moment so far in the evening had come when Mitch's wife had made a very big deal out of her age. AJ was certain that she appeared at least 20 instead of barely 17. But the witch had made it clear that AJ was 'underage' to everyone at their table. AJ was still smarting from the embarrassment. But then, it was AJ who was dancing with Mitch, and his wife was the one sitting at the table looking exhausted. Gleefully, AJ flashed her best smile at everyone who looked at them while trying to snuggle closer to Mitch at the same time.

  Before the night was over, they had danced a total of four times. That was more than he had danced with anyone else. AJ heard several people say what a delightful person she was and that she should go into politics herself - or at least marry a politician.

  AJ went to sleep that night wondering if she could be a politician and marry a politician. "Could we juggle two political careers?" she wondered as she dozed off into dream land.

  ------------------------------------------

  Shelly could not remember when she had had such a delightful evening. She wasn't worried about AJ. She knew AJ had a crush on Mitch Farmer but he was a married man. Of course she had heard rumors that he was a womanizer, but then what man didn't flirt around a little from time to time. It was probably mostly just sour grapes from those who didn't like his political ideology. And besides, his wife would be there to keep an eye on things.

  "You know," Shelly thought, "AJ is right. His wife needs a makeover. I wonder why he lets her get away with looking so frumpy when she is out in public like that? Oh well, it isn't anything to me really. The campaign will be over in a few weeks, and AJ will go back to being a normal kid finishing up high school."

  Malachi

  "You may kiss the bride," Pastor CC said.

  Mal just stood there until Belle reached up and gave him a gentle kiss.

  "Come along, darling," she said. Our guests are hungry and you promised a nice dinner."

  "Just a couple more pictures," Huey said. "It won't take a minute and then I will be done."

  Mal put his 'frozen face smile' on again and turned toward the camera. "I don't think I would have survived a big wedding," he thought. "I may still pass out c
old as it is."

  "Hey Mal, grab the camera and take a shot of me and Huey," Amelia interrupted. I need something for my scrapbook.

  "Ok Amelia," Mal said. "Give me the camera Huey and show me what button to push."

  Photographs finished, everyone climbed into their cars and headed for the restaurant. Amelia got to ride with Huey. It was fun.

  The restaurant had a large table ready for the wedding party. Mal had preordered for everyone. Belle wasn't to sure that was the way to do it, but Mal had insisted. He wanted everyone to have a very nice meal and he was afraid they would not be comfortable ordering from the pricey menu. He had steak and lobster for everyone. It was prepaid with a big tip. He had explained to the manager what he was doing and left dessert and appetizer up to them. There were some lovely flowers at the table as well. Belle and Amelia seemed pleased, so Mal was happy. Just in case, he quickly swallowed a few more antacid tabs while they waited on the first course to arrive.

  "Well, Mal, now that you are a married man, have you given any more thought to what you might plan to do in the future?" Pastor CC asked seriously.

  "Actually, yes I have, but I haven't spoken to Belle about it yet."

  "Go ahead Mal," Belle said. "Now is as good a time as any to fill me in on our future."

  "I was thinking about Christian radio. I might want a thirty minute radio program, with one or two minute ads for regular radio directing listeners to my radio program."

  "What would the focus of the program be?" Huey asked.

  "Just Christian living for new Christians, and for Christians wanting to get a better idea of what the Bible says about how we are supposed to live. I am thinking I might call it something like ‘Bible World View’. People could talk about how Christians are supposed to act or react to what is going on in their lives and in the world."

  "Were you thinking of any Bible prophecy studies?" Belle wanted to know.

  "Yes, but maybe just more focus on the signs of the times pointing to the short time before the return of Christ. I couldn't tackle Revelation or anything like that," Mal answered.

  "Were you thinking of doing all the talking yourself, or having guests?" Amelia questioned.

  "I would have to have guests. I don't know enough to do all the talking myself. Maybe you can help me there. You seem to have to gift of gab," Mal said jokingly.

  "Of course I can help you," Amelia said agreeably. "You might be surprised at all the people I know."

  "You know Mal, this is very interesting," Belle said. "I was thinking about something along that line myself. In light of all the natural disasters that have been happening here and around the globe, I want to form a network of churches who will help sister churches within a certain area. Like our church should have probably 4 churches within 50 miles that we would help in case of a disaster. They should have 4 churches within 50 miles and so on. Churches could even help each other on just regular church work days. That way the congregations would get to know each other."

  "Those both sound like good ideas," Pastor CC nodded. "You are in a unique position regarding financing a radio program or organizing a church network."

  The conversation continued as the food was served. It wasn't the usual wedding party conversation, but it captivated the attention of all members of the wedding party. Ideas came from every direction. Even Huey had a few suggestions. By the end of the meal, everyone was convinced the ideas were sound, but would take a lot of work and preparation.

  Finally, Pastor CC suggested the guests leave and allow Mal and Belle to leave for their honeymoon.

  When Pastor CC said ‘leave for their honeymoon’ Mal thought he would pass out. ‘I actually did get married. Now I have to get up from this table and walk out of this room without passing out. I’m so nervous that Belle may have to drive. Now I know why grooms hire limos to take them away from the wedding.’

  Belle was equally nervous although she managed to hide it better than Mal did. She smiled at all the guests. She hugged everyone. She shed a small tear when she hugged Amelia. Then she took Mal by the arm and they walked away together.

  Thankfully, no one followed them to the pick up truck. Mal was thankful that the truck was not decorated in the traditional ‘just married’ theme. He had been worried about the damage shoe polish might do to the paint job on the truck.

  Mal dutifully opened the passenger door and helped Belle get in. There was a step up because of the slightly over sized tires.

  Once inside the vehicle, Mal smiled at Belle and then started the engine. Well, Mrs. Jones, where would you like to go? He asked.

  ‘I want to go with you Mr. Jones,’ Belle replied. “We are at the place where we start our new lives. I am ready to get started.

  ---------

  Amelia’s main thought after Mal and Belle left was how to get Huey to agree to take her home. Or at least for tonight, to the pastor's house. She was staying there until Mal and Belle returned. The pastor's home was only a few miles away so the trip would be short. To her surprise Huey offered a ride home without any prompting. Walking to Huey’s car Amelia thought she was almost as happy as Belle had been leaving with Mal for their honeymoon. Huey opened her car door for her. Then he got in the drivers side, started the engine and began the drive to Pastor CC’s home.

  "I better enjoy this while I can," Amelia was thinking when Huey interrupted her thoughts.

  "You know Amelia, we really have to talk," Huey said.

  "OK Huey, how about over dinner at your place sometime?" Amelia quipped.

  "No, I think we better talk right now. I really do like you. I also know that you are very mature for your age considering everything that has happened with the accident, the recovery, and the loss of your parents. But the bottom line is you are just a kid and I am an old man."

  "Well!, since you are being so blunt, I guess I can say that I am not just a kid, and you are not an old man," Amelia said defensively. "Furthermore, age doesn't matter anyway. You know I am grown up whether the calendar says I am or not. And you are a young man. In a few years the age won't make any difference."

  "Actually Amelia that is exactly what I was thinking. But in the mean time it does make a difference. I want you to go to college. I want you to get to know people your own age."

  "Yeah? Well I don't want to. I do want to go to college. I don't want to meet people my own age. For goodness sake, the girls are all boy crazy with different morals than I have. And the boys are all just boys. I want a man."

  "Look, Amelia, I have given this some thought. I can't be your physical therapist anymore. You have to go to school. When you are a junior in college with a decent grade average, then you can give me a call and we can talk about seeing each other."

  "A junior in college?" Amelia said questioningly. "Gee Huey, I am only a senior in high school now. That will take forever." Inwardly Amelia was trying hard not to burst out laughing. She thought, "Huey doesn't know that I will be a junior in college in less than 12 months. I have been taking dual credit classes since the accident."

  "That's right Amelia. I want you to have a normal life for a girl your age," Huey said firmly.

  "Well, ok, if you are sure that's what you want. I just need to know one thing. Are you seeing someone else? Do I have competition?"

  "No, I am not seeing anyone right now. Anyway, I have already set up an appointment with a colleague to take over your physical therapy. In an emergency of course he could consult with me, but you are doing quite well right now. I don't foresee any problems."

  "Did you know I have been asked out by the guy at church who always shows up on a motor cycle?"

  "Yes, well, if you break your leg again, I hope your new physical therapist is as good as your last one."

  "A junior in college? You promise?"

  "Yes Amelia, call me when you are classified as a junior and we will have dinner to celebrate if you still want that."

  "Ok, just don't get too involved in anything. I might be calling sooner than you thi
nk."

  "Ok Amelia, I will be looking forward to hearing from you," Huey said. But he was thinking, "She will forget all about me before that happens."

  4th Demension

  stratigic operations

  Zisa was very satisfied with the outcome of the evening. Mitch Farmer was definitely interested in AJ. His wife knew it and was very unhappy about the situation. She had been through that with Mitch to many times to count. Zisa was thinking about just how much of her time to devote to making sure Lila Farmer was already very miserable before she discovered her terminal illness. Zisa had found out that someone already depressed could not fight an illness like someone who thought they had something to live for. A human being could only take a certain amount of misery before they just gave up and died.

  "It really makes no difference in this case," Zisa thought. Lila Farmer is headed for misery in this life and eternal misery in the next life."

  Stellar Dominion Outpost

  Command Center

  Raphael had been at the wedding; he had been at the wedding party dinner. He had heard the conversation about a radio program and a church network. It wasn't a real surprise to him. It was just the first time Mal had spoken of it so openly. Raphael was delighted with the situation. He loved these people. They were seeking God with all their hearts. That would not make Raphael's job any easier. In fact, it usually made the opposition more persistent, but it was always worth it. Raphael was looking joyfully looking forward to every minute of the future.