August 4

August 4

            I had a revelation at church today. The main pastor was sick so a visitor from Bryant’s came today.

            It was odd because it seemed like Bryant’s was once again translating into my home life.

            I had never seen the women in my life until she told us he was an inspirational speaker for the drug users. She works as a counselor at Bryant’s. I tried to act like I wasn’t listening by doodling on my bulletin, but the words she was saying grabbed me.

            As I walked out of the auditorium I pulled her over and said, “I was touched by your speech today. I’m a patient at Bryant’s.”

            Her eyes sparkled when I said that. While she was still listening I went ahead and told her that I have strayed away from God. When I was talking to her Dad came up and hugged her. They talked about the past and then they shared a quick inside joke.

I packed my bags at three so Dad called up the women and we went to meet her a Starbucks.

            We found her sitting by the door. After buying a small coffee and adding a sprinkle of coco I sat by her.

            “How are you Conrad?”

             “Well. So you met my girl.” Dad noticed towards me.

            “I’m Aelge.” I quickly supplied. I could see the wheels running in her head. No one knows how to pronounce my name or have ever heard of it.

            Dad took an extra long sip of his mocha before starting up again, “She’s home for the weekend. Its nice to have her around.”

            That was the last time Dad spoke. I ended up talking to the women more then he did. She told me to call her Belle Hill and I taught her how to pronounce me name (“It sounds like EL-G. EL-G”). She told me where her office was.

            “I realized this morning that I’m not as close to God as I should be. I keep screwing up.”

            Dad’s nose wrinkled as if he smelled something bad. ‘Screwed up’ is one of the phrases on his list of no-no. Then he unwrinkled his nose and nothing was said, thankfully. 

            After the moment passed I picked up where I left “I have left God out of my getting better. He should have been the first place I went.”

            Belle nodded slowly and said slowly “Many make the mistake.”

            Out of nowhere I supplied, “I don’t have many friends at Bryant’s.”

            “Making friends there can sometimes distract you unless they are a positive influence and I’ll admit that there are a lot of negative influences despite being Christ centered.”

            “Oh.” I mumbled softly.

            “So then,” Belle said suddenly more upbeat “I’m going to be working full time as a counselor starting Wednesday.”

            “Really? How that did happen?”

            I saw Dad’s sideways smile and without even trying to hide it he said, “Could you keep an eye on her for me?”

            Belle didn’t even pause to think. She nodded her head and that was that.

            “Maybe you could stop by her office.”

            By this time my coffee was cold and almost empty. I wanted to seem nonchalant, but I came off as nervous instead.

            I know Dad’s move was vulpine, but I didn’t mind it in the end. 

Reviews

[PyroKitty24]

The usual pastor was gone? I thought her father was the usual?

[Tina Kline]

I'm wondering if this Belle is going to be a positive influence in her life. I was thinking she might feel Belle was going to be watching her all the time and reporting back to her dad.

[Chris38]

A nice chapter and a new character

[trainwreck]

Awesome chapter. I love this development! I'm glad she's finally getting better.