Lamp Unto Her Feet

by Paula Mowery

  “Kenzie? Everything all right?”

  “No, but it will be. Nana changed my mind about church.”

  “Your Nana? The one that died?”

  Kenzie chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll explain that later. But I need to go to church tomorrow.”

  Lila emitted a stifled squeal. “I’m so glad. Want me to pick you up?”

  “Um, sure. Lunch afterward. My treat.”

  “Deal.”

  The next morning, as Kenzie followed Lila into the singles Sunday school department, her stomach fluttered and her mouth went dry. Why was she so nervous? She wasn’t some teen in a new school. But all of the new places and new people associated with this move had been intense. Without Lila, she would’ve surely experienced a breakdown by now.

  Kenzie bit her bottom lip and surveyed the room. Two sections of folding chairs faced the front where a simple wooden podium stood. The room was abuzz with conversations among small coed groups scattered around the room, some standing, some sitting.

  A tug on her arm pulled her attention back to Lila. “Come on. Let’s grab a doughnut and coffee.”

  Kenzie nodded and followed. After she snagged a doughnut and a cup of water, she turned and stared into a broad chest. She halted, her eyes trailing up to the face above it. As her gaze met the handsome face, heat rose from her neck to her cheeks. “Sorry.”

  “No sorry is necessary.” He gazed into her eyes and flashed a grin with perfect white teeth. “I’m Brett.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Kenzie.” She nodded toward Lila. “I’m visiting with Lila.”

  “Lucky us.” Brett winked.

  Kenzie caught up with Lila, sitting on the end of a row about halfway back. After announcements, the teacher began the lesson. As the Word of God was taught, a peace settled in and around Kenzie’s heart which hadn’t been there for weeks. Exodus 20 and Nana’s note had encouraged her to do the right thing. If she wanted to follow God’s plan for her life, she needed to honor Him by attending church.

  How interesting. Both times she consulted Nana’s Bible, it had specifically led her. Could that really happen? Kenzie shook her head. It was just a coincidence that those scriptures seemed to be the exact instruction she needed in her situation.

  “I hope you won’t shake your head at my proposition.” Brett’s voice whispered from behind her as the class ended.

  Kenzie whirled around in her chair. “Excuse me?”

  “Would you like to go out to dinner Friday evening?”

  “Um, well...” Kenzie stuttered, trying to think straight as she got lost in Brett’s light blue eyes.

  “Come on. Don’t turn me down. I’ll show you the town.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  Kenzie glanced at her friend for her reaction. Lila raised her eyebrows and gave a slight nod. Kenzie hoped that meant Brett was a good guy to go out with. How bad could he be? He was in church. “That sounds good.”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  Kenzie nodded.

  Brett walked off, and Kenzie turned to Lila who had a fist propped on her hip. “Well, la-ti-da.”

  Kenzie let out a nervous laugh.

  Several others introduced themselves and welcomed her. She leaned toward Lila. “I’ll never remember all these names.”

  “That’s all right. We don’t expect you to learn them on your first visit,” a male voice said.

  Kenzie’s turned toward the speaker and her breath caught in her throat. He didn’t have the model-type looks of Brett, but he was rugged, tall, built, steel-blue eyes, and definitely handsome in his own way. He sported a buzzcut, almost military like. It must have been blond. The little bit that stuck up appeared almost white.

  “I’m Trevor Wallen. Glad you could join us today.” He extended his hand toward her.

  Kenzie took his hand. “Thank you. I’m Kenzie Murrah.” She reluctantly let go of his hand, but the warmth was still there.

  “Are you visiting?”

  “No, I moved here a few weeks ago. I’m the new Pre-K teacher at Westend Elementary. Thanks to Lila.”

  Lila bowed slightly and grinned. “Trevor is a policeman.”

  Obviously one that stayed in great physical shape.

  “I better get on to the sanctuary. I’m ushering today. Nice to meet you, Kenzie. If you should need anything, let me know.”

  Trevor disappeared down the hall.

  4

  Kenzie nestled onto her couch after school and grabbed Nana’s Bible. Sunday school and worship had been enjoyable yesterday. She patted the worn Bible. Nana was right again. Kenzie shouldn’t neglect the Sabbath. She rubbed the back of her neck, finding less tension.

  She thumbed through the Bible’s pages to Exodus to find directions to her next passage. There it was—Deuteronomy 11:7-9. Turning there, she read about keeping God’s commandments to prolong life. Kenzie shrugged. How hard could that be? She ran her finger under the note scribbled in the margin.

  Even seemingly Christian people can cause you to stray from what is right. Stay the course.

  Kenzie inclined her head, resting it on the couch back. She couldn’t imagine who might try to pull her off course, but she would do her best to be on guard.

  ~*~

  After a good week with her Pre-K students, Kenzie was ready to have some company closer to her own age. She took a shower after school, rifled through several outfits, and now eagerly awaited Brett’s arrival. When she spotted him getting out of his car, her stomach fluttered. She opened her apartment door as Brett walked up.

  “Hey, Kenzie. Ready?”

  Kenzie nodded, stepped out, and turned to lock her door. She whirled back around. “Ready.”

  “Great.”

  She followed him to his car where he opened her door for her, letting her slide into the passenger seat. The BWM fit him with his preppy jeans and burnt-orange short-sleeve shirt. The hue accentuated his tanned arms. A piney musk scent lingered in the car.

  Brett looked her in the eyes as he settled into the driver’s seat. “I thought we’d start out at O’Grady’s. I’m starving. I didn’t get much of a lunch today.”

  “Me either.” Her lunch had turned out to be fifteen minutes of cramming half a peanut butter sandwich down before her children returned.

  Moments later they were seated across from each other in a booth at the restaurant. Their waitress followed close behind the hostess. “Can I bring you something to drink?”

  Brett looked at Kenzie. “What’ll it be for you?”

  “A diet soda. Thank you.”

  “I’ll have my usual cold one.”

  The waitress nodded and hurried away. She returned quickly and slid Kenzie’s soda onto the table and a frosted mug and beer bottle in front of Brett. Kenzie was somewhat shocked Brett ordered a beer.

  He propped his elbows on the table and leaned toward her. “So, you’re a teacher, right?”

  “Pre-K. Four-year-olds.”

  He sighed dramatically. “More power to ya. Don’t think I could do that.”

  “What do you do?”

  Brett leaned back, draping an arm across the seat back. “Banking. I’m the Vice President at County Bank.”

  The waitress stepped up, and Brett nodded toward his beer. “Another, please.”

  Now the fluttering in her stomach became a tightening. After Brett downed his second bottle, his voice level rose. By the end of their meal, Kenzie had lost count of Brett’s drinks. But he was loud and flirtatious.

  “Well now, I promised you a tour.”

  “That’s OK. We can do it another time.” She shook her head.

  “Nonsense. It’s still early.” He rose and took her arm, leading her to the car. When he spoke, the sickening odor of beer rushed at her.

  Kenzie gnawed her bottom lip as he closed her door and made his way to the driver’s side. Was it safe for Brett to drive after all he drank? As he started the car, he glanced her way. “The tour won’t take long. It’s not that big of a town.” He grin
ned and wiggled his eyebrows a couple of times.

  Kenzie’s nerves settled a bit when Brett seemed to be driving normally. He steered the car down Main Street. “This is downtown. A few chick stores and a couple of restaurants.” Stopping at an intersection, he turned toward her, gazing intensely into her eyes. “Now, I’ll show you my place.” His hand rubbed up her thigh.

  “I think you should probably take me home.”

  “No. You don’t want to do that.” He leaned closer as if he might try to kiss her, and the hand on her thigh groped upward.

  Kenzie clamped her hand around his wrist and shoved his hand away. She pressed her side to the passenger door. “This evening is over.” She struggled to keep her voice firm and even, though inside she trembled.

  Brett’s eyes blazed. “Not yet it’s not.” His breath reeked of alcohol, which turned Kenzie’s stomach.

  Stay the course. Stay the course. The words screamed in her mind. She grabbed the door handle and jumped out onto the sidewalk.

  In seconds Brett was beside her, grasping her arm. “Oh, come on, baby, don’t be silly. We both know where this will lead. May as well speed up the process.” He tugged her toward the car.

  She pried at his fingers, but he only gripped harder. “Stop! Let me go!”

  An arm whizzed by her and contacted with Brett’s jaw, sending him flailing to the ground. Kenzie turned, bumping into a strong chest. Her eyes trailed up. Trevor.

  He gently guided her behind him. Kenzie peeked around his shoulder.

  Brett stood, massaging his jaw. He poked a finger in Trevor’s face. “How’s this gonna appear? An off-duty cop punching an upstanding citizen.”

  Trevor didn’t even flinch. “Probably as good as having you run-in for DUI.”

  Brett narrowed his eyes and shot a cold glance at Kenzie and stumbled back into his car and drove off. Kenzie let out the air she had held in one big whoosh. Tears burned the back of her eyelids.

  Trevor whirled about. “Are you OK?” His voice now filled with compassion.

  Kenzie pressed her lips together and nodded. “Thanks,” her voice squeaked out.

  “Can I take you home?”

  “Please.”

  “My truck’s over here.” He gestured but kept his distance, which she respected.

  She mounted the metal step and hoisted herself into the tall vehicle. Her shoe slipped, but a strong arm caught her, easing her back to safety. Trevor closed her door gently. The warmth from his arm lingered on her back.

  He hopped effortlessly into the driver’s side. “Sorry about that. That step up into the cab is a high one.” He grinned sheepishly.

  She shook her head. “No need to apologize. I drive a small compact. But this fits you.” Did I say that out loud? Her neck heated.

  Trevor chuckled. “I suppose to most people I am a bit of a redneck.”

  “Oh, no. That’s not what I meant at all.” The warmth zipped to her cheeks.

  His gaze met hers. “I’m messin’ with you.” His face was more serious. “Not very sensitive to what you just went through. Sorry.” He pivoted in his seat and pushed the key in the ignition. “What’s your address?”

  “Please, a little lightening of the moment is fine.” She took a deep breath. “2034 South Street. You can take Main and turn onto...”

  “The apartments, right?”

  “Right. Are you a human GPS?”

  “I’ve been a policeman here for two years, and it’s not that big of a town.” He scrunched his nose.

  “That’s right. A policeman.” She stared at her hands in her lap, not wanting to look him in the eye. He must think badly of her. What an impression that whole scene with Brett had made.

  “You are OK, right? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  “No, I’m fine. You must think I’m a total idiot.”

  “You aren’t the first one Brett’s fooled.”

  “Great,” she groaned. “I really am stupid.”

  Trevor chuckled. “Actually, you’ve been pretty smart.” He pulled the truck into the lane. “I spotted you from where I was across the street. I watched you jump out of his car. That was a smart move.”

  “How can he come to church and act like that?” She crossed her arms tightly over her chest.

  Trevor glanced at Kenzie and focused his gaze back on the road. “Not everyone truly lives out the Christian life. Church attendance is good for his business.” Trevor cleared his throat. “I shouldn’t judge.”

  “You call it like you see it.”

  Trevor pulled into her apartment’s parking lot.

  “It’s the second building.”

  He stopped the truck and turned toward her, offering a card extended in his hand. “Please take this. If you need anything, call me. Go ahead and plug my cell number into your phone. I’m glad I was there.”

  Kenzie pulled the card from his fingers and glanced at it. She turned her attention to Trevor. “I’m glad you were there too. Thank you again.”

  “Now, go ahead, I’ll watch until you get inside.”

  She slid from the tall truck seat to the ground and jogged up to her door, unlocking it. She stepped inside and flipped around, waving briefly to Trevor. His truck didn’t budge until she closed the door. She peeked through the window blinds as he pulled away.

  What a night. What would’ve happened if Trevor hadn’t been there to save her? She crossed to the couch and plopped down, pulling her cell phone from her purse. She quickly entered Trevor’s number into her contacts.

  Once again, the Bible and Nana’s note rang true. Dare she read the next passage?

  ~*~

  Trevor gritted his teeth and pounded the steering wheel with his tightly fisted hand. How could Brett treat Kenzie like that? When he saw her frightened expression and heard her yell, something snapped inside, propelling him into action. This hadn’t been the policeman in him reacting. His urge was strong to help Kenzie. To get her away from Brett. His body had propelled itself across the street as if by its own volition. He definitely wasn’t in the habit of handing his number out so freely. But Kenzie’s safety seemed somehow to become a responsibility he wanted to accept.

  Trevor wheeled into his pull-under parking space, climbed out, stomped inside, and flopped into his recliner. He must be losing it. He and Kenzie were barely acquaintances. But she was a sister in Christ. That thought jumped into his mind, unbidden. He leaned forward, stroking his chin. Maybe that was it. Kenzie obviously didn’t have anyone to watch out for her, so God had prompted him for that role.

  ~*~

  Kenzie stared at Trevor’s contact information after entering it in her cell phone. Then she scrolled to Lila’s number and punched it.

  “Kenzie, I didn’t think I would hear from you this early. How was the date?”

  “It was horrible. He planned to skip over the relationship part and go right for his house, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh, Kenzie, I’m so sorry. I feel somewhat responsible. I don’t know Brett that well.”

  “It’s not your fault. And anyway, Trevor came to my rescue.”

  “Say what?”

  “Brett got a little gropey in the car, so I bailed.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, Brett didn’t like me saying no. He jumped out and grabbed my wrist. Next thing I know—bam. Trevor socked him right in the jaw.”

  “You’re kidding.” Lila giggled. “I would have loved to have seen that.”

  “Brett picked himself up and drove off. Then Trevor brought me home.”

  “I’m so glad Trevor was there.”

  “Yeah, I feel so stupid. I guess you can’t judge a guy based on the fact that you meet him at church. Trevor tried to make me feel better. But I must look like a gullible fool.”

  “Sounds like you care about Trevor’s opinion.”

  “Well, I don’t want to look like that to anybody.”

  “I understand.” Lila giggled again. “But seriously, you are OK, right?”r />
  “Yes. Trevor gave me his personal number in case I need anything else.”

  “He did, did he?”

  “OK, time to get off that subject. Still up for a little shopping tomorrow?” Kenzie asked.

  “Sure. But don’t expect me to be an early bird. Saturdays are the only days to sleep in late.”

  “No problem. I’m with you.” Kenzie ended the call and meandered to the bedroom. Did she care about Trevor’s opinion? She was pretty sure she did.

  5

  Trevor stepped through the door of the singles department Sunday morning met by Brett’s cold glare. He shrugged off the cool reception and headed in the opposite direction. A cup of coffee and a danish wasn’t worth a confrontation with Brett.

  “Trevor.” He turned to spot Lila waving him over to an empty seat. Kenzie sat next to her. Trevor’s chest tightened. Her gaze met his, and she diverted her eyes immediately toward the floor. Was that red in her cheeks? Kenzie had no reason for shame over the Brett incident. He plunked into the chair on the end. “Thanks, Lila.” He leaned forward to look at Kenzie seated on the other side of Lila. “Morning, Kenzie.”

  She lifted her head ever so slightly, looking him in the eye. “Morning.”

  Trevor smiled and nodded before he sat back.

  Lila leaned over toward his ear. “By the way, thank you for helping Kenzie.”

  So, she had told her friend about Friday night. The teacher started class, and Trevor was relieved to not have to give a reply to Lila. All through the Sunday school lesson he fidgeted, wondering what was going through Kenzie’s mind. Did his actions Friday night repel her? Why did it matter so much to him anyway? He would’ve stepped in no matter who was in trouble. He was a policeman, after all. But he had taken Kenzie home and given her his cell number. That wasn’t normal protocol.

  He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his thighs as the ending prayer was given. He sneaked a peek at Kenzie. Her face was half-hidden by her straight, dark hair as she bowed, eyes closed. She gnawed her bottom lip. When the teacher said, “In Jesus’ name,” he quickly closed his eyes. The prayer ended, and he stood, ready to make his departure. A hand on his arm stopped him. He turned, gazing into the teal-blue eyes of Kenzie. His pulse sped up.