The More Exciting Part

All night I lie half awake thinking about what Mark said. I also cant help thinking and praying about Tonie and her corageous descion. The mentoring for the young girls would be a great oppurtunity to share what God has done in my life... In a way I've already been mentoring... I know what Mavice would say, "Go for it." My window is cracked to let in some of the cool night air. It is a little chilly but I like it when I'm in my flannel p.j's. My thoughts are tumbling around and I cant sleep when suddenly I hear a clank outside. My ears perk I cant say as much for Bronx who is snoring already. I figure it was nothing and concentrate on sleep. "Clank!" There it is again. I decide I'de better check things out. I sit up and dig around in the night stand drawer for a flashlight. EEEwww something sticky has found my fingers. I cant very well see what it is. Blast! There it is. I switch on the battey operated light . Oh good grief its a cough drop half dissolved. The red dye is all on my hand. I stumble to the window and look out into the street. I figure I better not turn on my lamp lest it be a burgular. At least thats how they always do it in Perry Mason and Poirot. Across the street I can make out a figure, a very large figure. Im squinting to see better but to no avail, by this time of night in our little town everyone is asleep and the lights are all out. "Clank!" It sounds like something is hitting the concrete in front of Mrs. Crandly's shop. Whatever it is its making alot of rackett. Surely I'm not the only one hearing this. The clouds roll along and the moon is shining a little bit brighter, if I did'nt know better I'd say it was a a... Suddenly the shop ;light flashes on. "Great Scott! its a big old black bear eating Hammy's catfood in his metal bowl. The look on Mr. and Mrs. Crandlys faces from behind the shop door are priceless. The bear dashes into the shadows spooked and robbed of a free meal. Mrs. Crandly I can see is wearing some kind of Scottish tartan nightgown frm her ears to her ankles, and ... oh dear how unfortunate, Mr. Crandly is wearing much less. Obviously the Crandly's have never had a bear visit before. And judging by the baseball bat in his hand, Mr. Crandly wasn't at all sure what to exspect. How amazing though I've never seen a bear that close to home!

The Part I Just Wrote

His green eyes look into mine, and he says. " We really need somebody to mentor the girls in our Bible study." I'm sure my eyebrows lifted and my breathing had returned to normal. He had me a little freaked out for a minute there." They could really use some one on one discipleship.It's just something for you to think about and pray about." He looks out the window to see a group of girls laughing and flirting with some guys. Cassie being among them. I notice that he looks a little more concerned than before. "I just think they need some help maturing in the faith. Another thing too, some of the girls think church is like a club and you get in get a pass and then you're set. I wish you could help them see that there's so much more to life with Jesus than that." " I understand exactly what you mean , I'm really glad you and Pastor Daily are thinking about this. But, what about the guys? Not to put the fellas down but a lot of them are pretty immature to." "You're absolutely right and yes I will working with the guys specifically." " That's great Mark, well listen I'll let you know o.k?" I say as we walk back to the front of the shop. Suddenly the door flies open, and Cassie still smiling from her conversation outside comes sweeping in. "Hi Mark." she waves sweetly. Interesting. "Hey Jenna I wanted to tell you... that the blonde out there, the one with the brown t-shirt," she says pointing out the window where several guys and girls are still talking." That's Brice, Tonie's ex-boyfriend." " You mean he broke it off totally?" I know I sound surprised because I am. "No, Tonie did." Mark sensing that he was no longer useful in this setting decided to take his leave. " Well, I 'll leave you all to your ...chitchat. Bye. Thanks Jenna." the bell finalizes his departure. "Oh,Your welcome!" I yell through the door. "Tonie called it off?." I repeat to myself. " Do you know why?" I ask. " Well, I think Mark didn't care enough to change anything. That's what she told me anyway." Cassie shruggs. "How's she handling it?" " I've actually been surprised at how well she's taking it. But anyway as you can see."gesturing to Brice who is outside laughing and talking with some other girls," He is obviously not bothered at all. It's pathetic."Cassie says looking disgusted."I shake my head "Gee... well I'm proud of Tonie anyway. I really thought Brice would come around." " Yeah, but anyway I've been trying to keep her busy. I wanted to know if you'de like to go to a movie and have dinner with us Friday night?" " I'de love to, what movie are you thinking about?" " Well, I thought we could just go to The Falls Cinema and see one of their "black and white" dollar specials. Is that o.k?" " I love those movies, that would be great." Cassie turns to go and says "Isn't Mark adorable?"I laugh and quote Jane Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, " He is everything a young man ought to be." She laughs and says "You and those Public T.V Station Movies." "Ha ha,Bye Cassie."

The Part You Were Waiting For

As the day wears on I begin to wonder about Dad and if the Lord will ever move in his life. I decide to pray about it and tell the Lord that I trust Him but I'm feeling impatient. Mavice would say " Just keep castin' your biscuits on the creek." Which was her version of Ecclesiastes 11:1 that says "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." She used to say that when she was praying about something that seemed hopeless. For instance her youngest son, Dave, who turned from everything his parents had taught him. He rebelled and pursued a life filled with everything they opposed. She told me the whole story as it unfolded. I remember it so clearly. She was crushed but not without hope. She told me she wouldn't give up praying for Dave no matter what. That was the first time I heard her biscuits in the creek theory. Mavice meant that she believed that if she continuously lifted her son up to the Lord in prayer that one day she would reap the results of faithful intercession. Miraculously enough two years later her son got in with the right crowd you might say. He was challenged by peers instead of his parents and it really shook him. He started going to bible groups, then church and he eventually accepted Christ as his Savior. How I remember the day that Mavice and Bernard got a surprise visit from Dave. ( At this point the "Unshackled organ" begins to play..JUST KIDDING!) I was at their house for dinner as I often was and in walked Dave with a beautiful young woman. He introduced us to "Lark" his girlfriend. And then...he told his Mom and Dad all that had happened to him while he was away. We laughed and cried and rejoiced together when he shared that he had come to faith in the Lord. We rejoiced again when he shared that Lark was one of his reasons for going to church and that they were actually engaged! Everyone was hugging and teary. It was one of my most amazing experiences. To this day Dave and Lark are happily married and now have two children. Dave actually leads the children's ministry at our Church. The little bell rings over the shop door and I look up. It's Mark. "Hi Jenna, sorry I didn't make it over here yesterday. I had some stuff come up." he's smiling and looking like he wants to ask a question. "That's o.k, Was there something in particular you were looking for?" "Uhmm... yeah, I need a music book." "Alright, what's the name?" I ask walking to the computer. "It's "The Guitar Chord Bible"." "O.k" I begin to type in the search bar. " Are you learning a new song for for Thursday nights?" "No I'm actually teaching some music lessons." "Oh, cool" "Here it is, I actually have this in the shop,let me grab it for you." He follows me back to the rows of shelves. As I scan the titles he stands a little closer.Then seriously he says "Actually,Jenna, I've been talking to Pastor Daily and there's something else I'd like to ask you about."

The Latter Part

I wake up on the couch. Bronx is beside me sprawled out taking up much of the space. Some weird British show I've never seen before is on t.v. I look around to find what time it is. Two o'clock,I fell asleep before I got to see dear Edward propose(my favorite part). I cant believe it! No wonder I've never seen this show. Who is watching t.v this late anyway! Oh well, I'm too tired to climb the stairs so I grab a blanket and use my dog as a pillow. "Goodnight" I tell him. He blinks in his sleep. I'm dreaming. Edward Ferris is walking towards me with a plate of lasagna. "I'll be back later." He says. Then he runs off. Odd.I'm now in a car I slam the brakes. Somebody has been hit, not by me though, somehow I know that. Mary Ann is standing beside the road crying . I cant see anything. Mark is one of the EMS guys. He puts his arm around my shoulder and says in a British accent. "Sorry I couldn't make it." I wake up with my heart racing. What on earth was that all about. Dreams are so vivid when you first wake up and I feel like I'm still in it. How weird. Obviously falling asleep while watching t.v has a strange affect on one's dreams.It's six o'clock in the morning so I get up and take a shower to clear my head. I remember as I throw a load of laundry in the wash that Mark never came to the shop yesterday like he said he would. That must be why I was thinking about him in my sleep. Later on... Nine thirty, Tuesday morning and a beautiful day again. " Thank you Lord." I say looking out my store window. I see Cassie walking down the sidewalk with a guitar over her shoulder. I didn't know she played guitar, I think to myself. She looks over at me and I wave. She waves back. I wonder at why she didn't tell me she played guitar. No matter. I remark at how pretty Cassie is . She has long blond hair big green eyes and the lightest spray of freckles. I turn around to get started with my work. It's funny how often I wave. Everyone here waves at everyone else. The mailman, the construction worker, the sheriff, the complete stranger , it doesn't matter in Canter Falls we wave to everyone and say howdy do.

The Part Post the Last Part

It's about eight thirty and I'm snuggled on the couch with the Bronx. I have a cup of tea and my water colors out. I intend to paint "Barton Cottage" because I've just tuned in to the latest PBS Jane Austen movie. This is the second half of Sense and Sensibility and even though I've read the book three times I am still in suspense. Will Mary Ann ever really be happy?! Will dear Edward call off his secret engagement to the annoying Lucy Steel?! The theme music begins to play, I always get goose bumps, and then my phone rings. No not now!! I see it's my Dad calling again, oops, I forgot to listen to his message. Blast I'm going to miss part of the show. "Oh well." I pick up,"Hello." "Hey honey,how are you?" His booming voice makes me smile. "I'm fine Daddy, how are you?" "I'm doing well, Rhonda is keeping me busy."I'm glad he cant see me roll my eyes," How is Rhonda?" I ask about my Dad's girlfriend." She's great, she's always great. Working real hard volunteering at the hospital you know." I know, it seems like all Dad does these days is whatever Rhonda wants. "Is she working at a desk or...?" I wonder. "No, she's raisng awareness and funds for the new wing they plan to add on in the next two years or so." " Oh , I see, well that's nice." Rhonda has been my Dad's girlfriend for the past two years and before her it was Debbie. Rhonda is a wealthy, very socially active, community oriented woman. She is attractive and flattering and she has my Dad wrapped around her little finger. It bugs me. I hate to admit it but I guess I'm a little jealous. After my Mom passed away four years ago I thought my Dad would get involved in community stuff. Which he has ,just not in the way I would have thought. I guess it's kind of natural for me to feel this way but I don't like it. " So, how's business?" he asks, very interested having been quite the business man before he retired. " Oh, it's going good , I have a pretty steady clientel and you know I love what I do." " Well that's terrific sweet heart." I always miss him when he calls me that! I look up at the t.v and see that Willabee has totally dissed Mary Ann. My blood boils,"that scoundrel." I say out loud not meaning to." what?" my Dad asks. " Oh nothing, sorry. Are you going to come see me soon?" I ask but know the answer already. "Well, you know I'de love to, but I'm helping Rhonda all this month with these fundraisers."his voice quiets. " oh, ok I understand." I say, hurt again but not showing it. anytime I ask him too come visit its always the same, I'de love to but ___________with Rhonda. It's always because of her. "Hey, but we'll see you for Thanksgiving right?" he tries to change the subject. "Yeah, that'll be great Dad." I'm trying to sound excited. "Rhonda went ahead and made our reservation for "PaigeHouse", you know that beautiful resteraunt on 12th Street?" " Yes, I know what you're talking about." Now I'm really upset. Mom used to always make a home cooked Thanksgiving meal, turkey and all the trimmings, now we'll probably be eating salmon and steak. This is terrible. I miss Mom. I resent Rhonda. "Well, I better let you go,I'll talk to you later sweetie." " "Bye Daddy, love you." "Love you to." Click. My Dad and Rhonda live together which I dont agree with. It makes for lots of really akward situations. It's gotten to the point where I really dont even like to visit them. Sometimes I leave early because it hurts me to see many of my mother's things replaced with Rhonda's. My Dad and I have alot in common but we also disagree about alot. Particularly our faith. It makes things really difficult. I try not to think about it too much but find myself cying right along with Mary Ann on the t.v screen. Bronx puts is head in my lap. Man's best friend.

The Following Part

Suddenly my phone rings, it's my Dad. I cant talk so I let him leave me a message.In a few minutes Marie is back with two plates of steaming lasagna. "Oh my gosh that's gorgeous!" I say licking my lips. I love beautiful food, especially when I know it's going to be delicious. I thank God for the meal and we easily fall into conversation about Marie's family. In between bites she tells me, " Little Nicholas, he is not behaving in school. He gets into trouble and I get notes. Worse than the notes though is the looks from the other parents." I sip my water and think about what she must be going through as a single mother of three children. Raising kids isn't easy even with two parents, so I "figure", having no kids of my own. I wish that I knew what to say. Luckily I don't have to say anything, she goes on. "Ever since my husband left I have not been as strict as I should be I guess, but then its so hard you know, because I don't want to be the bad guy. I don't want them to hate me." I'm surprised."How could they hate you Marie, you're their Mom, you love them." She pauses for a minute thinking to herself. "I think they are angry at me because David left. I think they think it's my fault." The pain in her eyes is quite moving. I can tell that this has been building up for a while. "Oh,... they're too young to really understand then, When they're a little older maybe." Did that help , I don't know,I'm thinking to myself, this is tough. Looking over her soda she says, " Marcus is twelve, Sidney will be nine, and Nicholas is six, I guess I can understand the little ones not understanding, but Marcus, he should." " How are the others doing in school?" I ask hoping to start on a lighter note. "Sidney is doing wonderful, all her teachers love her because she is self motivated.Now Marcus,... not so much. He does the work and he is really smart, but he's lazy." We continue to talk for a while and I tell her about the Autumn Festival coming up at the Church. "If you have the time you should bring the kids , its going to be lots of fun." She smiles,"Well maybe, if I can get away from here."We take our plates back to the kitchen. Standing at the counter I pay for my food and give her a hefty tip. "I better run.See you later." I turn to leave. "Thanks a lot Jenna." she waves her tip."For everything."she smiles "No problem.Thank you." I say pushing the door open to leave.

The NEXT Part ;)

The girls gather themselves up after a few minutes and I'm left to myself. What a fabulous day this has been and it's barely noon... Which means time for a lunch break. I flip the open/closed sign to closed and grab my purse. I'm headed to "Nicks" for a bite to eat. No better pasta or salad can be found on the planet in my opinion.I love this place not only because it has fabulous food but because they have outdoor seating and they always play Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.There is a wonderful breeze and as I walk across the street and down towards Kenton Street I can smell the garlic and onions. My mouth is watering. Frankie is coming in on the outdoor speakers singing "Come Back to Sorrento". I open the front door and wave to Nick who reminds me of Sylvester Stallone."Marie will be right out." he says even sounding like Stallone. I smile feeling like I'm in a "Rocky" movie. Marie, "Nick's" sister hands me a menu after I take a seat by the front window. I smile and say " Hi there Marie." She smiles, but not in her usual way,"Hi Jenna, what can I get you to drink?" I'm a little worried,"Coke with lemon please." "Is Pepsi o.k?" "Yeah." Why do I never remember that. I feel dumb. Something isn't right with Marie, so I ask her."How's your Mom doing?" She sighs,"She's o.k. Dad is still driving her to dialysis but his eyesight is getting so bad...soon Nick or I will have to take her." "I'm sorry to hear that, I'm still praying for her,for all of you. Its hard on everyone I know. When my Mom got sick it was really tough for all of us." Her brown eyes look out into the street. She is really exhausted." Thanks Jenna, I'll be right back with your drink." I wish I could really make a difference in people's lives, people are all around me and I see them struggle everyday. I think I have the gift of perception. It's like I am keenly tuned to the feelings and emotions of others. The wheels of my mind begins to spin thinking of how God might further use this gift. Maria is back with my drink. "Thanks, have you taken your break yet?"I ask her. She shakes her head no. "Why don't you have some lunch with me?" "Well, we're not very busy," she looks around, there are no other customers,"o.k, what would you like?" I hand her my menu and say "Whatever you get is fine with me." She is smiling a little more now. " Alright, Nick just finished a lasagna, it's my favorite, does that sound o.k?" asks Maria. "That sounds great." "I'll be right back." she says as she heads to the kitchen.