Crest & Shield - Chapter Twenty-Two

“Don’t you like my manicure?” enthusiastically asks Maggie raising and waving her hands above Anne’s face who is having her hair washed at the forest green marble top sink.

“I like them a lot! They fit you very well!” compliments Anne squinting to keep her eyes open

“Which one is your favorite Ellen?” asks Maggie skipping over to Ellen in the waiting section

“My favorite dwarf is Dopey” returns Ellen pointing to Maggie’s pinky “They are cute!”

Each finger has a fairytale decal of a different dwarf, with Snow White and the Prince on each big thumb as well as the Wicked Queen next to the Prince.

“This is where I could spend the rest of my life!” replies Jennings relaxing in the large multiple massage chair while having her toes painted in florescent orange.

“The salon was a very good idea Ellen. It’s so great to have a ladies-day-out once in awhile to treat ourselves” reflects Mrs. Dashing while watching the assistance applying a fresh layer of cream nail polish.

Ellen is haphazardly reading a People magazine while waiting for her appointment time. “What time in Brandon picking you up tonight? Have you decided what you want to wear? Celeste’s is one of the most elegant restaurants in town.”

“I think he said six if I remember right. I’ve been trying to decide what to wear all week. I think that I’m going to wear the periwinkle chiffon sundress that I got on sale the other day at Kohl’s in the mall” replies Anne with a smile “Brandon seems to like that color on me”.

“It seems to me that you two seem to be getting serious lately. Do I hear wedding bells coming our way?” teasingly asks Jennings flexing her newly painted toes back and forth.

“Well, he hasn’t asked me yet, but I certainly wouldn’t mind” Anne offers outrageously understating her true feelings but also not entirely understanding what is taking him so long to propose.

“Maybe you’ll have a happy ending today!” predicts Jennings “You’ll have to share with us all the details after dinner!”

A few hours later all of the ladies emerge quite transformed and refreshed. It has been a relaxing and enjoyable day for them.

“Where is Brandon? It’s getting late and he’s not here yet” Anne states looking at the clock and slightly concerned “I wonder where he is” anxiously pacing between the fireplace and the couch in the living room.

“I’m sure he’ll be here in a few minutes. He probably got delayed at the corps with someone who needed something at the last minute” practically offers Jennings momentarily taking a break from watching the latest version of “Sense and Sensibility” by the BBC on Masterpiece Theatre while eating a bowl of buttered popcorn and taking a sip of sweet tea.

“Ellen does my hair look all right?” asks Anne turning around to be viewed from all sides.

“Yes for the hundredth time. You look very pretty tonight” reassuringly Ellen comments “I’m sure Brandon will be here in just a moment.” The doorbell rings. “See there he is.”

“Hi! Sorry I’m late. I had a few things to finish up at the office.” Brandon offers an apology “I’ve had a few unexpected things come up that I needed to take care of”.

Anne walks in and shyly smiles at Brandon “Hi!” she feels herself leaning forward on the toes of her shoes in expectation of seeing him tonight.

“You look lovely tonight” As Brandon delightedly hands a bouquet of long stemmed roses to Anne “These are for you.”

“Thank you. They’re beautiful!” gushes Anne who takes a long deep breath of the floral rose scent of the flowers and then walks to the kitchen to put them into a vase.

“Are you ready?” asks Brandon taking Anne’s hand while walking out the door.

“Ready when you are” looking up to Brandon linking his arm to her own with a slight side hug and smiling. Brandon takes his other hand and touches the top of the hand where she is holding him for a moment.

As they arrive at the restaurant, Brandon opens the door for Anne and offers his hand to help her out of the car. Anne notices that he is carrying his black briefcase in his other hand.

“Did you forget that you still have your briefcase in your hand?” laughs Anne.

“No. I’m bringing it in with me” nonchalantly replies Brandon.

“You can leave it in the car until later” politely suggests Anne.

“I’d rather bring it in with me” states Brandon.

“I don’t think you are going to need it for dinner” Anne stating a little more firmly.

“I’ll just need it for a few moments. I won’t keep it out the whole time” returns Brandon as he again opens the door to the restaurant to let her walk in before him.

“If it is only going to take a few minutes, I think you could leave it in the car” annoyed offers Anne crossing her arms in front of her.

“No. I don’t think it will be a problem” counters Brandon.

“I think that whatever is in the briefcase can wait” defiantly states Anne believing that the briefcase will look out of place in the upscale restaurant.

“It won’t be a problem. Trust me” smiling returns Brandon placing his arm around Anne.

Anne moves slightly away from him because Brandon hasn’t been listening to her. “Whatever you want” states Anne slightly glaring at Brandon who happily smirks at her snide remarks.

They are led to a quiet corner table with a white linen tablecloth and ivory lace overlay. Conversation is somewhat terse because Anne is upset that Brandon brought in the briefcase. After the salad and main course, the server asks them if they would like dessert. Anne chooses a ‘murder by chocolate’ confection which Brandon asks if they can share. Anne after pausing a moment hesitantly agrees.

Brandon leans back and lays his black briefcase across his lap. Anne looks at it, rolls her eyes, hunches her shoulders and sighs while staring directly back at him. Brandon chucks to himself amused by Anne’s antics.

“I have something I want to give you” quietly Brandon explains “I’ve been working on it for quite awhile now and I think that I’ve finally found what I am looking for.”

Anne raises her shoulders up and down in a “give-up” salute. “Okay. I’ll look at it. I don’t see why it has to be right now and why it couldn’t have waited until later.”

Brandon pulls out a cellophane package wrapped in a metallic shimmering gold bow and hands it to Anne “I hope that you like this”.

Anne looks at the gift and notices at the edge of the bow is tied a diamond solitaire ring. Ecstatic at what is about to happen, Anne notices that Brandon has quietly moved from his seat and sits on one knee in front of her.

“Open the package. I wrote a song for you” sweetly directs Brandon.

Anne carefully opens the wrapping and reads the lyrics in a soft spoken voice.

Eternity in a moment

When all but Love stands still

The gift of heaven’s Angels leant

To put upon my heart a seal

To love Thee truly only

From now until all time

Our souls shall ne’er be lonely

With Thy hand entwined with mine

To love Thee freely

In the fresh and open aire

In purity and beauty

So that none can e’re compare

Nervously Brandon adds “I used a lot of ‘thees’ and ‘thy’ to make it sound like it was written by someone famous who lived years ago”.

Anne laughs as Brandon takes her hand “This is beautiful Brandon.”

“I wasn’t sure how to put into words how I feel and thought a song might help me” and then gently caressing her hand “Anne, I love you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” hugging and kissing Brandon and without thinking adds “I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to ask.”

Crest & Shield - Chapter Twenty-One

“Uh oh! I forgot my book! What do I do now?” whines Harriet in her cut off shorts with yellow flip flops and t-shirt that reads ‘Love and stoplights can be cruel – Sesame Street’.




“You can look on with me” answers Emma, the Women’s ministries secretary who is dressed in a floral cotton sundress and sandals with her hair pulled back into a ponytail.



“Don’t worry about it. I brought an extra copy just in case someone new came” responds the always prepared and thoughtful Jane with a smile.



“I keep my book in my purse so I can carry it with me” explains Jennings wearing a grey t-shirt with a faded shield that reads “Heart to God and Hand to Man” with fire engine red walking shorts and matching hi-tops. She wears red framed reading glasses to coordinate her outfit. “But my bag gets kind-of heavy especially if I decide to carry a few books with me at one time that I’m reading.”



“Here we are!” Mrs. Dashing shares while handing Jennings one of the drinks in her hand “The sweetened passion tea with lemonade is my favorite! Are Ellen and Anne here yet?”



“No, I haven’t seen them” answers Mrs. Middleton sipping on a hot caramel macchiato turning around to look out the large glass window “Wait! I think I see them pulling in now.”



“Do you know what we’ll be reading next?” asks Alice Hammer “I’ve really enjoyed Debra White Smith’s Reason and Romance these past few weeks”.



As Anne and Ellen enter the coffee shop, Emma responds “Yes, it has been a good book. The next book on the schedule is Karen Kingsbury’s Like Dandelion Dust if that is all right with everyone.”



“The book sounds wonderful to me” suggests Anne Taylor who is like a mother to Emma “Anything by Debra White Smith, Karen Kingsbury, or Francine Rivers is great!”



Anne orders a cold frappuccino and finds a place next to Harriet on one of the designer couches. Ellen carefully tries to balance her book, notebook, purse and orange mango smoothie while sitting down next to Anne Taylor.



“Well it looks like everyone is here that said they would be able to come tonight” begins Emma.



Anne interrupts her, “Brandon called me this afternoon and said he is dropping by with someone new but he isn’t here yet.”



“Yes he is!” excitedly states Jennings “Look who’s with him!”



Everyone turns to strain out the window in response to Jennings excitement.



“Oh no!” sighs Anne while Ellen is searching for a pen in her purse that works and hasn’t noticed the new guest.



Ellen still with her head buried in the lost cavern of her purse asks “Who is it?”



Everyone slightly turns and politely looks at each other. No one wants to be the one to break the news to her.



“Can’t anyone see?” asks Jennings “It’s Ted Ferris!”



Ellen drops her bag on the floor and quickly jumps out of her seat to pick up the scattered contents.



As Ted enters, Ellen is hid behind the couch that has it’s back to the door.



Brandon enters smiling and waves his hand “Hi everyone!”



There is a weak response to his greeting with raised eyebrows and partial smiles. Oblivious to the climate in the room, “I think a few of you know Ted Ferris that will be joining us at the corps as the mission specialist.”



“Hi!” giggles Harriet while hunching her shoulders up and down “I’m Harriet!” tittering to the side and quickly catching herself before falling off the stool.



Ted waves and smiles to everyone. He sees a part of a woman behind the couch but still can’t find Ellen while looking around the room.



Anne begins in a sarcastic tone “So how are you Ted?”



“Good thanks. How are you doing? It’s good to see you again!” enthusiastically responds Ted.



“So how is Liz?” squinting her eyes at Ted while Ellen slowly rises.



“Good I think” innocently responds Ted.



“What does she think of her new home?” skeptically asks Anne.



“I think she likes it” honestly answers Ted.

“Is she settling in?” snidely inquires Anne.



“As far as I know, she likes her new home quite well” frankly remarks Ted.



Anne is getting perturbed at how glibly Ted is answering each question as if he isn’t even concerned about Ellen being there.



“When are you going to bring her around?” sharply asks Anne “What did you do leave her at home?”



“Actually, I think she is with my mother at the moment” reflects Ted remembering something that was mentioned to him earlier in the day on the phone.



Ellen sits up and catches Ted’s eyes for the first time. Ted’s whole countenance lights up and he immediately says “Hi Ellen! How are you? I didn’t know you were here!”



Anne uninvited comes to Ellen’s defense “How could you not know she was here?”



Ted is a bit confused at Anne’s tone “Brandon didn’t mention that she would be here” directly answering Anne and then looking over to Ellen apologetically not knowing exactly what he is being accused of “Ellen, I was hoping you would be here but I didn’t see you when I walked in.”



Brandon has spent the last few moments in confused silence not understanding the problem but feeling the heaviness in the air from the other women. “Anne is something wrong?”



Anne glares at Brandon with firm lips in a flat statement “Of course there is.”



Ted and Brandon look at each entirely confused but don’t’ know how to respond.



“Tell us about your wedding!” suggests Jennings to lighten the mood of the room.



“What wedding?” asks Ted not connecting anything at all.



“Your wedding!” answers Harriet “What did the bride wear? What colors did you have?”



“My wedding? I think there has been some type of misunderstanding” laughs Ted along with Brandon aggravating the women participating in the book club.



“Who else would we be talking about?” incredulously asks Anne with a huff. Ellen is sitting beside Anne now intensely listening to every word of the conversation.

“Liz is married. But I’m not. Robert married Liz not me” chuckling Ted adds “They’ve been married for a few weeks now and just got back from their honeymoon in Hawaii. I thought you knew already.”



Ellen feels every ounce of energy being drained from her body and suddenly feels lightheaded and not so well. She stands up and quickly almost running heads outside the entrance doors to welcoming fresh air. She bends over with her hands on her knees leaning back against the brick wall.



Ted looks around and watches Ellen as she passes him. No one is saying anything but smiling back at him feeling a little embarrassed at the misunderstanding of the past few moments.



“Where is Ellen going?” asks Harriet.



Whispering to her quietly “She’s just gone out for some fresh air” kindly explains Jane.



Ted nods as if saying goodbye and heads out the door concerned to see if Ellen is okay not knowing exactly what upset her.



“Are you all right?” sincerely asks Ted.



Ellen weakly nods in response but doesn’t say anything nor looks up. He sees nervously Ellen wipe her cheeks but doesn’t hear any crying.



He places his left hand on the back of her head. “I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t realize that I would upset you or your friends by coming. I’m sorry if this isn’t a good time for me to be here for you.” Ellen starts to laugh through her tears as she looks up at him for a moment.



“You didn’t come at a bad time” answers Ellen looking down while she wipes her eyes. “I didn’t know that Robert married Liz. I thought that you did.”



“No. Liz and Robert seem to fit quite well together. They both seem very happy now. However Robert and she are at my mother’s house at the moment getting acquainted with each other. We’ll see how that goes.” warmly replies Ted stroking her cheek helping to wipe a few silent tears away.



Ellen rolls her eyes and shrugs her shoulders a little embarrassed at her reaction to this new change of events. “Well at least I’m glad you are here.”



Ted moves his hand to her chin and raises it to let her lips meet his own. In the next few moments the whole world seems content and in the right place.



“Hey, you’re missing book club!” as Jennings sticks her head out the door “Are you going to stay out here all night?”



Blushing Ted and Ellen smile back at Jennings. Ellen drops her head at being caught but Ted grabs Ellen’s hand as they walk back into the coffee shop.



Anne with Brandon sitting next to her smiles at Ted and says “I guess you can join us tonight, but you’ll have to share a book with Ellen.”



Jennings peers over her red reading glasses at Mrs. Dashing and winks. Mrs. Dashing smirks quite happy with the final results of the evening.

Crest & Shield - Chapter Twenty

“I’m on my way from misery to happiness today . . .” sings Ted to the Shrek soundtrack of the song by The Proclaimers with the loud drumming sound of the diesel red and black Uhaul as accompaniment. His car is being towed hooked up behind on the trailer of the truck. It is a long trip but Ted is enjoying every moment as he looks with anticipation into his future.




Brandon’s secretary confirmed that the human resources department at Divisional Headquarters has approved for his hiring as the missions specialist. Rose also informed him that the Majors Middleton kindly worked out a place for him to stay at the guest apartment at the Family Services Residence and Shelter until he can find a place of his own. It seems as if God’s hand has been on every detail of this new change in his life.



He pulls up to the front entrance doors of the red and white brick complex. “Doing the Most Good” in corresponding black letters with a large fire engine red shield is pasted on the building to alert everyone passing by of the purpose of the social services facility.



Ted greets the friendly receptionist who recognizes his name for the apartment that has been reserved for him. The woman dressed in a practical sky blue suit in sensible heels introduces herself as “Elaine” and gives him a tour of the facility, showing him the life skill classrooms, computer center, day care, counseling center, and decorated classrooms for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Elaine explains that the residential mothers participate in weekly parenting classes, budgeting, and they even have a volunteer chef to teach the women how to cook well-balanced healthy meals for their families. Ted is quite impressed with the whole care services provided for the families.



As Ted enters his temporary living quarters, he sees a large bouquet of beautiful spring flowers, ferns and baby’s breath. He opens the attached card that reads “Congratulations! Best Wishes on your Future!” Ted is a bit confused at the wording but thinks the gift is very kind and thoughtful. Ted agrees that he hopes that his future will be very bright and wonderful during his time at Crestwood.



He hasn’t contacted Ellen in the last few weeks feeling that it would be better to start with a fresh relationship in person. He fears that if he were to contact her any earlier than now, there might have been more misunderstanding and miscommunication from others that might sabotage his potential relationship with her before he even has a chance to arrive at Crestwood. It feels so good to him to finally be here.



He considers that the long distance, gossip, and misunderstanding has attributed to the bad decisions in his past. In a normal situation, he would have been irately furious with his brother, Robert, for stealing his fiancé from him, but frankly under the precarious circumstances the unexpected revelation has been a quite an amazing blessing in disguise.



With the accommodating and friendly maintenance crew, Ted has help to unload the plastic green tubs from his truck into the storage warehouse behind the facility. It only takes a couple of hours and Ted offers cokes and snacks for their obliging kindness. He chats with them for quite awhile getting to know them better and in turn they offer advice about things to do in the area to become better acquainted with life in the city.



Later in the evening, he takes a shower and thinks of how to organize his day to meet Ellen again. He wants to surprise her even though he suspects that she already knows he is coming to town.



The next morning he arrives at Crestwood with the help of his GPS. He stops at McDonalds for a quick breakfast and coffee before meeting with Brandon. As he enters the corps community center, the receptionist has momentarily left her desk abandoned. Ted looks at pictures of the different activities of the corps posted on the bulletin boards in the foyer and down the hallways. He sees pictures of Ellen and warm feelings of excitement flood his spirit. He can hardly wait to see her again.



Ted sees a slightly ajar door halfway down the hallway with the light on. He cautiously walks down the hallway after patiently waiting for the receptionist to arrive which doesn’t happen even though he has been there for quite awhile.



He overhears two women talking, “Rose, don’t you think that Captain Brandon is such a good officer? He always has time to listen and seems to be there for everyone when needed.”



Then Rose adds “He’s the best boss I have ever worked for. He encourages input and creativity. He trusts me to do my job but is always there to help if I have any questions or concerns. What do you think Tamber?”



Tamber responds “Yes. I’m so glad that he is here but I’ve heard a rumor that he may be moving in the appointments that come out at the end of the week.”



“Where have you heard he’s going?” curiously asks Rose “I’ve heard of a few places but I’m interested to know what you have heard.”



“They want him to work on a special project at National for some special events that are coming up in a couple of year. I would really hate for him to leave right now. He and Anne Dashing make such a beautiful couple. I’m hopefully wishing that there will be a wedding on the horizon” dazedly states Tamber with excitement in her voice “They fit so well together.”



“Yes they do. They seem so cheerful all the time. I think that they will be very happy together. I hope he gets up enough courage to ask her.”



Ted smiles to himself and glad that even water cooler chatter is now confirming what he hopes and understands to be true.



“Hi! I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation. I’m Ted Ferris and I’m here to see Captain Brandon about my position as mission’s specialist” interjects Ted.



Both women warmly smile and introduce themselves. “Hi! I’m Rose the office manager. I believe we’ve talked several times on the phone” grabbing the elbow of the smartly dressed woman standing next to her “This is Tamber.”



Tamber reaches out to warmly shake his hand “I’m the Case Worker for the corps and handle concerns for community clients such as electricity bills, mortgage payments, rents, food and clothing vouchers, eye-ware, medications, and many other things as needed.”



They both tell him how wonderful it is that they think he is here and will be working with him in the future. Ted genuinely feels welcomed and appreciated.



“Captain Brandon will be back in about an hour. He had a city meeting with United Way about yearly funding. He is doing a presentation on outcome measurements, but he shouldn’t be gone too much longer” explains Rose leaning against the multi-functional copier in the break room.



Ted takes a seat in the coordinated foyer and picks up the “Priority!” magazine of articles from around the country about people, ministries and services. He sees a few people that he recognizes from his travels around the territory.



Brandon spies Ted while looking through the entrance glass doors of the corps building. He is very pleased that Ted has finally arrived. From everything that he has heard about Ted, he feels that they will be good friends and co-workers.



“Hi Ted! It’s so good to have you here with us. We’re looking forward to you joining our team!” enthusiastically states Brandon shaking Ted’s hand.



“I’m glad to be here! I’ve heard many good things about your corps and what a great job you are doing with the various ministries in the community” honestly replies Ted “I hope to be an successful asset to you and to the corps.”



Brandon smiles and pats his on the back, “Let me show you where your office is located.” Ted follows behind him down the hallway. He looks at the engraved plaque on the ivory door “Ted Dashing – Mission’s Specialist” that has been waiting for him. For some reason this unexpectedly touches Ted and he is reminded again of how God is consistently providing for all of his needs.



“Your extension is 157 and a staff directory is by the phone. The corps directory is in the top drawer which includes birthdates and anniversaries of all the soldiers and friends of Crestwood” explains Brandon “There is a lot to still talk about but you will have plenty of time to get acquainted with everyone and learn the structure of everything that happens here.”



“Thanks so much!” gratefully expresses Ted “I’m looking forward to my future at the corps.”



“By the way, do you like Starcups?” asks Brandon.



“Yes. I probably go there at least once a week” replies Ted “I particularly like their seasonal coffees during the holidays”.



“The women’s ministries team has a book club there that meets on Monday nights. I know the Dashings faithfully attend and it might be a good opportunity for you to meet some of the other women who also attend the corps” offers Brandon. “They should be there about six this evening. We could discuss a few more things over dinner and then head over to Starcups for dessert if you are interested in going. How does Olive Meadows sound for dinner?”



“Sounds good to me!” excited about the possibility of seeing Ellen again with some support “I’m always in the mood for pasta and some good coffee.”



“I’ll let you have some time to get to know where things are the rest of today. Enjoy yourself. I’ll meet you back here around four” smiling states Brandon confirming his belief that they will become very good friends “I’ve got to make a phone call to Anne, I’ll talk to you later.”



Walking into his office and shutting the door, Brandon nervously takes a deep breath as he contemplates what will be happening in the next few days.



He picks up the phone and dials her number, “Hi! Anne?”



“Hi Brandon! How are you?” happily asks Anne.



“Good! How are you doing?” returns Brandon.



“It’s all good. Ellen is doing a little better today. We’re cleaning house and doing laundry. Nothing terribly exciting” replies Anne “What are your plans for today?”



“Well, that’s just the thing. I know I ask you out tonight, but I forgot it was book club night and I actually meant to ask if you would go out with me on Saturday night instead” apologetically states Brandon.



“Sure. I thought it was a little strange you asked me out on book club night but I figured that was the only time you were you able to get reservations” replies Anne.



“Actually the reservation was for Saturday night from the beginning, I guess that I was just kind-of excited at the thought of seeing you again” chuckles Brandon.



Anne giggles while blushing on the other side of the phone “I’m looking forward to seeing you again too!”



“Would it be all right if I brought someone new to book club tonight? I think some of you in the book know this person already” cunningly asks Brandon.



“Sure. You know we meet at Starcups at Six. It will be nice to have a new person to add to the discussion” encouragingly replies Anne.



“Yes. I think it will be a good experience too” secretly replies Brandon “I’ll see you later tonight.”



“Hope you have a great day! Bye!” answers Anne.

Crest & Shield - Chapter Nineteen

“Open your songster books to “I Need Thee”, it is in the purple alphabetized section” after a few moments pause while the members flip through their books “Okay everyone, let’s try to sing together from “C” instructs Brandon




“Did you say “D”?” loudly asks Mr. Woodhouse from the back row leaning over to Mr. Weston “I can’t understand Captain Brandon when he talks”



Three people seating in near proximity around him say “c not d – c!”



“What? Did you say E?” Mr. Woodhouse noisily responds liking the attention rather than listening. Emma turns around motions the letter “C” with one hand while taking her other right arm in front of her as if pushing the air down and then taking a raised finger to her lips to motion to him to be quiet.



Mr. Woodhouse responds quite boisterously to the admonishment “I wish these young people would speak up when they talk. They like to mumble all of their words together” as he nods to Mr. Weston waiting for agreement singing bass next to him.



At that moment Harriet standing in between Emma and Jane accidently drops her three ring songster binder on the floor with scattered pages flying in the air and under the seats of the other members. Emma, Jane and Harriet quickly scurry to pick up all the pages before Brandon begins again.



Brandon twitches the corner of his mouth and looks down for a moment “C as in Cat, Can, and catastrophe. When we are all together again we will begin ‘I Need Thee’ at C”.



Jennings is sitting at the piano but making goofy faces at Maggie sitting in the last pew patiently waiting for her mother to finish singing in the choir rehearsal. Jennings is not paying any particular attention to what is happening in the room around her.



As Brandon methodically begins to conduct he happens to look over to see Jennings pulling down both of her eye lids to her cheeks and sticking out her tongue to make a horrific ‘monster’ face. Maggie responds in fits of laughter and makes a crazy face of her own back at Jennings.



Brandon tolerantly grins and shrugs his shoulders. “Let’s try that again at letter C, 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 . . .”



Jennings delightfully plays very well while adding her own flair and beauty to the piece of songster piano music.



After that song is completed Brandon states “I would like to sing “Total Praise” for the benediction this Sunday. You’ll find it in the yellow section” replies Brandon before he is bombarded with questions.



Harriet clasps her hands while swinging her feet in utter wild eye excitement, “It’s my favorite!”



Anne’s clear soprano voice carries very nicely in the soprano section with Jane and Emma followed by the mellow alto section from Ellen and Harriet. The other women make an attempt to follow and blend together, even though Mrs. Hammer’s voice likes to pinch the pitch once in awhile. She raises her hand in an effort to somehow physically raise her tone but unfortunately it doesn’t help much. Mrs. Hammer sings to the top of her lungs and sparkles on reaching the very last note which exceeds her goal and makes her a full tone too sharp to the dismay of Brandon and the others.



“Good practice everyone” absurdly compliments Brandon closing his red songster book with a embossed shield on the front “Remember after church Sunday is the spaghetti dinner fund raiser for Ben Wick as he prepares to participate in the territorial service corps team this summer to Lima, Peru. His team is being led by Captain Fred Wentworth which some of you may know from being stationed in the area a few years ago.”



As the vocal group disbands, Jennings hesitantly walks over to the Dashings who have joined the rehearsals of the Crestwood corps that evening and now gathering their purses and things to head home for the evening.



“I suppose you’ve heard by now” inquisitively states Jennings with a frown of disappointment.



“What do you mean?” unknowingly asks Mrs. Dashing “I haven’t been able to look at my email on my Lotus Notes, did something happen today?”



“Yes. I thought you or your girls would have heard by now” surprised replies Jennings in her lavender floral polyester pantsuit and new white nursing shoes that she got on sale as part of a large store donation of new shoes at Sally’s Boutique with a thick cushioned heel for walking comfort.



“What are you talking about?” inquiring asks Anne “There is nothing going on that I know of.”



“Honey, fortunately this really isn’t about you though this time” reaching out and holding her by the arm “However, Ellen may find the news somewhat distressing” adds Jennings to deepen the suspense shaking her head staring at her feet with a huge shoulder and chest sigh.



“I think that I would like to know what it is since it evidently affects me” slightly annoyed by Jennings statement after a long rehearsal replies Ellen.



“Well, I talked to Mary Musgrove at Cross Hall and she said that there is now a Mrs. Ferris as of today. Liz is a bride!” excited answers Jennings trying to find something positive in the moment “They impulsively eloped and flew to Hawaii for their honeymoon!”



Ellen’s expression falls trembling at the spoken words. She turns without saying anything and quickly walks down the aisle leaving the chapel through the oversized clear glass doors with a center crest in etched white cut glass that matches the transparent pulpit.



Anne curiously asks “When did this happen?”



“Well today Mary Musgrove called me. Her sister, Beth Elliott a very beautiful girl by the way even if she is a bit of a snob, attends the corps where Liz is currently a soldier and attends with Ted” honestly replies Jennings “Beth has recently become acquainted with Liz. I think she might have had a bit of a crush on Ted’s brother Robert at one point, but it didn’t work out”.



Jennings anxiously continues realizing that Ellen has left the chapel and feeling if she has unintentionally stuck her foot in her mouth yet again “But Ellen already knew that Ted was engaged to Liz. Why is she so surprised? It doesn’t make sense to me.”



“Even though Ted may no longer care because he’s married now and she knows that, Ellen still cares a great deal about him” sympathetically replies Anne to Jennings concern.



“I guess so. Love is not always rational” thoughtfully reflects Jennings as she remembers “it continues to grow in silence when the heart is deeply sincere in spite of facts or opposing reason. I’ve been struck once or twice by love myself.”



“I’m going to see if Ellen is all right” Anne says as she follows in Ellen’s footsteps out the door.



Pushing through the door labeled “women”, Anne can hear the echoes of Ellen crying in the bathroom. It has been a long day. The last few weeks have been more stressful than Ellen has ever felt for weeks. Seeing Ted made all of Ellen’s feelings come to the surface even though Ellen felt that she had been able to suppress them from overwhelming her each day especially in light of recent events but hearing for certain this final blow is too much for her heart to contain.



Ted is never far from her thoughts but thinking that he would actually be with someone else is unbearable. Ellen knows that she has lost her opportunity to think about him in any type of romantic way any more whether real or imagined. The loss grieves her and fills her with a sadness that she has not experienced before in her life.



“Ellen? Where are you? I can hear you. Which stall are you in?” asks Anne bending down to see if there are any familiar shoes poking out underneath the stalls in the pink and rose wall papered bathroom.



“I’m here” sniffling and trying to keep her voice under control “I’ll be out in a minute” as tears fill her words. Ellen can be heard weeping throughout the painted ceramic tiled floor room.



Anne grabs some soft cherry Kleenix from the marble counter and passes a handful underneath the stall door to Ellen. After a few moments wiping away her tears, Ellen comes out. Anne hugs her and Ellen sobs for a little longer.



After awhile, Ellen and Anne come out of the bathroom. All the lights of the corps have been turned out and everyone other than Brandon has left for home.



Brandon walks out of his office which is the last lit room in the building. “I told your mom that I would take both of you home tonight so that she could take Maggie home to finish her homework. I hope that is all right with you” Looking at Anne and cautiously smiling over to Ellen.



Anne smiles with excitement. In the past month she has spent all of her free time with Brandon. The last few weeks she has volunteered at Crestwood after her college classes and has help plan the summer day camp that will start in just a few weeks. Next week, she will be graduating and is looking forward to spending all of her time with Brandon.



Ellen climbs into the back seat of Brandon’s car while Anne sits next to him in the passenger seat. Ellen blankly stares out into the darkness of the back seat car window. Brandon gives Ellen a sympathetic look and then reaches over and holds Anne’s hand. Anne and Brandon have started to date in the last few weeks. To everyone’s pleasure, they seem quite happy together and blissfully content. Each of them seems to bring out the very best in the other.



In their comfortableness and security with each other, a deep bond of love has been cultivated and nurtured in the past few months.



As Brandon drives up to the Dashings’ home, Ellen opens the door and slowly walks to the front door as the full moon lights her path. Brandon has not let go of Anne’s hand.



Brandon seriously looking straight into Anne’s eyes ask her if she would like to go out with him to dinner the following night. Thinking this is another typical night together nonchalantly agrees “Sure. What time?” asks Anne without thinking too much just knowing that she enjoys any time that she spends with him no matter what they do.



“I’d like to take you to the new restaurant downtown, ‘Celeste’s’ tomorrow night” blushing requests Brandon.



“Are you sure? It is such a beautiful place! I’ve never been there before but I’ve driven by there. It looks so pretty at night with the trees trimmed in indigo lights” Anne replies quite shocked.



“I’ll pick you up at 6:30 pm. Our reservation is for seven” warmly states Brandon leaning over and spending a few moments kissing Anne goodnight which has recently become their evening ritual.



Anne walks into the house ecstatically smiling and thinking of how wonderful Brandon is. They have been dating for a few weeks now. After attending the first junior band rehearsal after a long break, she remembers Brandon shyly asking her if she would like to go bowling the next night. This was followed by the movies, miniature golfing, and several nights at his house playing the Wii Rock Band with the teen youth group.



To Anne it seemed as if Brandon would never make move. He would appear to want to be close to her when dropping her off after a wonderful day together but would back away just before anything would happen and wave goodbye while walking away.



One particular night after spending a fabulous day at the state fair, Brandon walked her to the door of her house as he usually did. He starts to say goodnight in his usual way, but as he starts to back away Anne impulsively decides to hold both cheeks in each hand and kisses him. Brandon stunned and wide-eyed looks back at her with an emotionless expression. Anne nervously believes that he might be rejecting her and she has made a fool of herself, starts bouncing on her left foot and shaking her hands, her eyebrows are furrowed and she starts to frown fearing that she has misread all of Brandon’s signals and will now be possibly facing a lecture.



After a surprised Brandon comes to his senses and notices Anne’s nervousness, he moves closer to her and holds her by each of her shoulders and tenderly returns his deep affection for her. Things have been moving quiet nicely ever since.



Lost in her memories, Anne looks around and starts to clean up the living room putting things back where they belong. She blows out the ‘mountain harvest’ scented potpourri Yankee Candles scattered about the living room.



Anne finds an old War Cry that must have randomly been pulled out from a left over stack of magazines on the bottom shelf of the bookcase. It looks vaguely familiar and curiously opens it up. It is the feature article written about Willoughby months ago. But this time instead of evoking feelings of pain and despair, she only feels an intense sense of relief.



Julie had a beautiful baby boy last month that she named Mark Brandon after her father and Brandon. Julie and Anne, although not having met in person yet, have become good friends through Facebook chat. Julie keeps Brandon and Anne updated by posting daily photos of Mark’s growth and baby expressions. Julie and Anne have quite a lot in common and have developed a mutually satisfying friendship.



Eventually Willoughby married Sophie Grey without any intentional interference from Julie or her friends. Julie has told Anne that she realizes that she is no longer infatuated with him. Willoughby doesn’t have much interest in the child and has given up all his rights.



Sophie is aware of the existence of Mark from the insistence of many malicious gossips which have skillfully enhanced their own versions of her husband’s relationships with Julie and Anne. Sophie chooses to ignore the truth at the moment because of Willoughby’s manipulatively arduous attention towards her.



Looking back from the wise perspective of past experience, Anne realizes that her feelings for Willoughby were just a passionate crush but not true love. He made her feel popular and attractive but Willoughby never really made her feel special and cherished or loved. Her former feelings for Willoughby seem to be so little in comparison to the depth of her current feelings for Brandon.



There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for Brandon if he asked her. But Anne also knows that Brandon respects and loves her for who she is and wouldn’t demand anything of her that he wouldn’t be willing to give her himself. Anne knows that she loves Brandon more than ever.



Anne enters their room and can hear Ellen quietly weeping into her thick pillow in the bed next to her own. “Ellen, are you okay?” empathetically asks Anne.



“I’ll be okay. I’m really hurting right now” honestly replies Ellen “I knew that Ted was engaged to Liz, I foolishly didn’t believe that they would be married so soon. I kept hoping that somehow he would realize that he was making a mistake especially after he came to visit a couple of weeks ago.”



“I know. I didn’t think he would actually go through with marrying Liz either. They don’t fit very well together” truthfully responds Anne.



“To be frank, I’ve loved Ted for a long time but I knew that he and Liz were promised to each other. I guess that I was idealistically hoping that something might still work out between us in the future” sincerely remarks Ellen with a profound sigh with tears filling her eyes again “and obviously it didn’t.”



“I didn’t realize that you cared so much for Ted. I knew you had feelings for Ted but you keep so much to yourself and you don’t talk about it like my other friends. Did you ever tell him how you felt?” asks Anne.



“How could I? He never told me that he had any feelings for me. I knew that he and Liz were together. It seemed like a stupid thing to do at the time, but I now wish that I had been more honest with him rather than to keep how I felt to myself” aches Ellen under the weight of hearing her spoken words “but if you remember, I didn’t hear from him for awhile, what else was I to do?”



“Don’t you think it would have been better to just have been upfront with how you felt rather than waiting for him to say something?” asks Anne.



“I don’t know. I don’t know that it would have made any difference any way. I only know for sure what my feelings are and what I suspect his feelings were towards me at that time” reflecting analyzes Ellen.



“Do you think though that if you had been more open, Ted might have responded to that?” asks Anne “I thought he really cared about you too. It wasn’t just you.”



“Probably, but it is too late to change things now. Ted has made his choice” sadly answers Ellen “It is now my choice to try to get completely over him.”



“I’m sorry Ellen” sympathetically offers Anne “I wish that I could do something to make you feel better.”



“I think that I’m going to try and get some sleep now. Maybe I’ll feel better in the morning” practically responds Ellen with not much hope in regards to that prospect.

Crest & Shield - Chapter Eighteen

“Robert, you are so funny!” sweetly coos Liz “I think you are the most funniest person I know!”




“Yes, I can be amusing when I have the right inspiration” smugly replies Robert as he plays with Liz’s hair sitting next to him.



“It’s too bad that Ted is not here” in a pseudo disappointed voice “We’ll just have to find a way to enjoy ourselves until he comes back.”



While relaxing comfortably on Ted’s couch with his arm around Liz watching TV Robert asks after a pause in a serious tone “Liz why do you want to be with Ted?”



“Because he wants to be with me, why else?” flippantly replies Liz “and I need him too.”



“Do you think you’ll be happy for the rest of your life with him?” sincerely asks Robert.



“I don’t know. Lots of opposites attract and then marry each other. They seem to find a way to make it work” glibly remarks Liz.



“This doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me” counters Robert “you could do so much better rather than settling with my brother. I think you would get bored with all of his rehearsals and performances. He tends to brood at times too.”



“I’m not worried about that. After we’re married, I’m not planning on him playing in any bands anymore. All of his time is for me and us.” foolishly replies Liz.



“You can’t be serious. Music is his life. It is what makes him who he is. For him, it is part of his identity” returns Robert a little incredulous at Liz’s selfish response “Why would you ever want him to give up his music?”



“He already spends way too much time either practicing or going to rehearsals. He never has time to take me out when I want to see him. He doesn’t answer my phone calls” sulks Liz “I have to fit my life into his schedule” then pouting with he arms crossed in front of her at the vivid memory.



“But that’s Ted. Why would you ever want to change him?” perplexed asks Robert and not understanding Liz’s motive.



“He’s so selfish. He’s not going to do that anymore when we get married. I’m beginning to think I need to reconsider my choice” Liz coyly looking into Robert’s eyes and leaning into him. He looks directly at her each aware of their attraction for the other.



“To be honest I’m growing a little tired of Ted and his business. He doesn’t understand me” then looking demurely sideways at Robert “you seem to understand me though.”



Robert pulls her close and cuddles her into him “Yes, I think we understand each other quite well”. Liz embraces Robert and mutually returns his affection.



About ten o’clock Ted wearily climbs the metal stairs to his apartment. It has been a very long and emotional day for him. After having time to consider his options, he has decided that they best thing to do is to break off his engagement since he is still in love with Ellen.



He spent most of the day driving back contemplating his future and praying that God would give him wisdom and intervene in the choices that he naively made in his life.



Ted really doesn’t want to hurt Liz but a temporary heartache is nothing compared to a lifetime of agony together. Liz has been his friend for a long time but never his soul mate or someone he didn’t mind going for long periods of time without hearing from. Liz is a friend when she is available but the truth is that he doesn’t seek her company very often. It is at her instigation that a relationship really exists at all. She is also very high maintenance and he by contrast is low-key. The world seems to revolve around Liz but there are so many other things in the world that Ted finds fascinating.



Ted considers Liz wouldn’t be happy with him either. He is independent and has a comfortable routine with his musician friends which Liz doesn’t like very much. She is not really a musician and cannot understand his need to play and perform. She seems irritated as if he is personally offending her every time he has to attend a rehearsal even if it has been well-planned in advance.



Her excessive need for attention is very draining too. Emotionally she is able to quickly empty his reserves and after spending concentrated time with her leaves Ted feeling exhausted. Liz “takes” and suffocates rather than gives him energy.



Down deep he knows that Liz is not in love with him nor is he in love with her. She’s known him for a long time and they are friends. Rather than prolong a mistake, Ted is determined that it is time to have a serious talk and put an end to the status of their relationship.



Unlocking the door to the apartment, Ted finds Liz and Robert waiting for him. “Hi Robert! When did you get in?” surprised looks over to the couch “Liz, I didn’t expect you to still be here.”



Liz speaks first “Robert called me and told me that he was coming to town. I told him that I had a key to your place but you wouldn’t be back until later this evening. I knew you wouldn’t mind in that Robert is your brother.”



“Liz and I have been keeping each other company and having quite a great time together” says Robert while sharing a look between Liz and him.



“So much fun! I never knew Robert was so funny!” teases Liz while gently bumping into him with her shoulder and then resting her hand on his arm “You never told me how wonderful your brother is!”



Ted smiles and nods but doesn’t feel any jealousy except relief. “I’m glad the two of you had such a good time together while I was gone.”



Liz looks at Robert while she rolls her eyes towards Ted and firmly nods to encourage him to speak. Robert appears a little afraid to approach any confrontation but with a second nudge of encouragement Robert begins “Ted there is something Liz and I would like to talk to you about.”



“Ok. What is it?” curiously asks Ted suspecting what the topic might be.



“As you know Liz and I met at the Future Officers Fellowship week-end” continues Ted “We got along very well.”



“Yes, I remember. It was an interesting week-end on the whole” replies Ted.



“If you remember too, Liz came back with Fannie to the Norland Park. I was also working at the corps” Robert seems a little nervous until he looks over at Liz and then confidently adds “We became very good friends there and starting dating.”



“I didn’t know that” Ted surprised looks over at Liz who looks somewhat guilty “this is news to me. Liz and I broke up at that time so it is natural that she would have been looking for someone else to date.”



“We became pretty serious except that Liz wanted a commitment from me and I wasn’t ready to make one to her” explains Robert “I love Liz very much but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to head in the direction of marriage right now at this point in my life”.



“You made me so angry!” Liz admonishes Robert “I didn’t know what to do! And then your sister kicked me out and I didn’t know where to go next!”



“That’s when I come in, right?” asks Ted realizing that he was used but not particularly offended by the idea at this point.



“I decided I would give up Robert forever and come back to you since Ellen and Brandon were together now” replies Liz excusing her fickle behavior “I knew that you would be crushed and probably would need me to comfort you.”



For the moment, Ted decides to keep the accurate information of Brandon to himself waiting to hear what other revelation will follow.



“We didn’t mean for anything to happen when I came to see her” excuses Robert “I just wanted to see her again because I missed her so much.”



“I can understand that” Ted reminisces of his own desire earlier in the week to see Ellen.



Liz interrupts “What Robert is trying to say is that I am breaking up with you and we have decided to get married instead.”



Ted is shocked by the news but not surprised that she is breaking up with him what is most apparent to him is his overwhelming relief.



“Congratulations! Honestly, I am very happy for both of you! I’m a little dazed by the news but I think that I will not be traumatized by this dramatic change of events” sincerely responds Ted.



“He even had a real ring for me!” giggles Liz “Look, do you want to see it?”



Ted mockingly smirks at Robert but understands his urgency to make things right with Liz. It is a rather large and obnoxious solitaire diamond not exactly the best quality or color though “That’s quite nice. Robert did a good job of picking out the ring for you.”



“Well, that’s because we went window shopping at the mall and I showed him exactly what I wanted” candidly replies Liz.



“We’re leaving for mother’s house tomorrow to explain our choice. I’ve been saving my money for quite awhile now and no longer need her support for some time now but I would like to try and make a smoother transition with her than you managed for the future of our family” hopefully remarks Robert lightly squeezing Liz around the waist.



The following morning Robert and Liz leave to visit the home of the retired Mrs. Ferris. She now lives in the largest penthouse apartment of the Silver Crest Center for seniors. Fannie and John are on vacation and visiting as well so the encounter could prove to be quite interesting. Ted feels happier than he has for weeks. He feels like a great burden has been lifted from his shoulders. He looks forward to what may come his way in the near future.

Crest & Shield - Chapter Seventeen

The car is quiet except for some music of the King’s Singers of traditional songster favorites. The drive has allowed time for Ted to think about his current situation and his future. Being laid off was quite a shock since everything seemed to be going so well with his various assignments throughout the different divisions of the territory? But his mother was also a good friend of his boss. She seems to be doing everything in her power to remove him from any association with the Army that might lead to officer-ship.




Ted is disappointed that Ellen doesn’t answer her phone. Eventually she will get his message that he is coming. He really wants to speak with her again but evidently she is busy. Brandon called and left a message that Ellen would be contacting him so at least Ellen sent an email about three weeks ago asking him to meet with her about a new job opportunity with Brandon of all people.



He feels lost and a bit trapped. Thinking to himself, he wants to be near Ellen but if she is going to be with Brandon then it is going to be sheer torture. But it also appears that Brandon is the only one who seems to have any courage to hire him. At least he hopes that the new opportunity involves employment. Ted is rather anxious and torn about this new development.



Thinking over his life and praying in the solitude of his car, he appeals out loud, “Liz is a pain. What am I going to do?” Liz needs constant attention and reassuring that she is the prettiest woman in the room. He is rather relieved when she is not there and savors the time when he gets to be alone by himself.



Ted hears a beep and looks at his phone. Robert has text that he has arrived and is at his apartment at home. He knows Liz was planning to be there to let Robert in and help him to get settled. Robert took vacation and is staying for a couple of weeks with him to help pack although he is still unsure of where he will be going.



Thinking about the old rerun he watched of “Braveheart” last night on A&E, he remembers a quote that remains in his thoughts, “Every man dies. Not every man lives.” He considers his relationship with Liz and decides that he is going to break up with her when he returns home.



Honestly looking at their relationship, Liz and he don’t fit together. Robert calls quite often and spends most of the conversation asking about Liz and calls her quite a bit as well just to chat. Ted feels like a third wheel on a vehicle that he doesn’t feel like driving any way in the first place.



It seems the fair thing to do is to break up and let Liz and Robert have a chance to be together. They fit together and get along really well. Liz and he might have fit together when they were teens but time and life has moved on resulting in their relationship changing as well. They do not have much in common now and if he were honest with himself, Ted knows that he is on the rebound from Ellen because she still fills his thoughts nearly all of the time.



Ted rehearses many times a possible conversation in his mind that might take place and then decides to change his phrasing and words to sound more relaxed and dignified, but then again decides to nix all that and starts all over again with a new imaginative conversation.



As he pulls into the Dashing driveway, his heart pounds with anxiety and fear. What if she doesn’t want to see him and this is just Brandon’s idea of a cruel joke? What if this is a mistake? What if Ellen has never been interested in him and only saw him as a friend maybe not even that any more? Will he be able to cope with her indifference to him?



Ted walks up the repaired and newly painted steps to the porch. He stands for a minute to gain his composure and then knocks on the door. Mrs. Dashing answers, “Ted! It is so good to see you! Come on in!” opening the door for him as he walks past her “Would you like some fresh baked cookies from the oven? I fixed your favorite – chocolate chip! I’ve made some extra for the Girl Guards tonight.”



“Thank you. That would be wonderful!” still feeling a bit nervous and looking around for a glimpse of Ellen while he walks into the living room. Maggie is on the floor with Samuel. She is sitting on her knees telling him to “sit” in which he responds by rolling on his back to be petted. “Let’s try this again Samuel. Sit!” Samuel pants and looks at her for a second and then lies down with his paws over his nose to the ground. Maggie shakes her head.



“Having a little trouble there?” asks Ted. Maggie looks surprised when she hears the voice behind her but then looks up, “Ted! You’re here! Where have you been? I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve missed you!” She runs to Ted and gives him a bear hug. “You want to see the new tricks I taught Samuel? Or at least tricks I tried to teach Samuel?” eagerly asks Maggie.



“Sure. How are you little buddy?” reaching out to pat Samuel under the chin and itch behind his ears. “Look what he can do.” Maggie commands “Sit Samuel.” Samuel for once obediently sits. Maggie claps her hands in excitement and joy at what has been accomplished.



“Ted?” Anxiously asks Ellen entering the room watching the scene and thinking how comfortable Ted looks in her home “Thanks for coming. Do you want to walk outside with me?”



“Sure!” momentarily surprised by the level of his own enthusiasm in seeing Ellen again. He realizes how much he has missed her these last few months “Where do you want me to follow you to?”



“Is it all right if we talk in the backyard?” asks Ellen with a little trepidation not sure how the conversation will go.



“It’s beautiful outside today. Spring is my favorite season of the year. How is your garden going this year?” inquisitively asks Ted.



Ellen regrettably sighs “I haven’t been able to work on it much lately” not wanting to answer honestly that she didn’t ‘feel’ like working on it because she has lost interest while dealing with her own feelings of loss.



The large shade trees have new buds of white, pink, and lavender waiting for the blooms to appear from the warmth of the sun. The grass is lush and full.

They sit down on two white metal lawn chairs etched with ivy and flowers. Ellen’s biography of Jane Austen lays face down on the matching table with an ice glass of sweet tea.



Ellen has spent the morning apprehensively waiting for Ted to arrive. She knows that Ted will not be able to stay for very long because his workshop begins in the afternoon for the regional Sunday school teachers’ training seminar at Crestwood.



Contemplating the recent events Ellen still cannot comprehend how Ted and Liz could possibly manage to get engage if they really had broken up at FOF week-end. It doesn’t make any sense to her. But she doesn’t want to ask Ted about it since the reason seems rather pointless now.



Ted sits down in the chair next to her and looks at her profile for a moment while she pours him a glass of tea. Ted thinks to himself that she looks lovely today and then his heart aches that things are not working out as he would like between them. Ted wishes that he could snap his fingers and everything would be totally different from the reality that is before him.



“As you know, Brandon asked me if I would meet with you.” Ellen begins looking directly at him hoping to see some intuitive sign of Ted’s reaction to her “He thought that since we were already friends and you do not know him that well that you might be more interested in his offer if it came through me.”



Ted notices how beautiful her eyes sparkle in the sunlight while she is speaking. He can feel himself bristle at the mention of Brandon’s name but also realizes that it is Brandon who is offering friendship to him at his moment of crisis.



“I’m very glad that he offered for us to meet again. It is wonderful to see you! I’ve missed you so much and it seems like forever since we last talked” courageously gushes Ted.



Ellen senses the excitement exuding from Ted in regards to being in her presence. She looks at him for a moment trying to figure out how he could have missed that before. But she pulls her thoughts together when tempted to feel sad that this may be the last time that he will make her feel this way.



“Ummm. Brandon would like for you to come and work as the Missions Specialist for Crestwood. The salary would be enough for you and your future family. There is another quarters that is empty in the area and you would be able to rent it until you went to training next year for a nominal fee”.



For a moment Ted thinks that Brandon could have told him this information himself and not through Ellen. But he is so relieved that Brandon chose to communicate through Ellen instead.



“Yes. I would love the job. I’ll be sending him a letter and speaking with him in the future but also in the meantime tell him how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness of thinking of me right now especially when he doesn’t know me that well” earnestly replies Ted.



“Don’t worry, I will tell him. I think he thought that since we were friends this would be easier for you” explains Ellen and then thinking to herself “Brandon certainly didn’t think about how easy this would be on me”.



Ted looks at her and then stares at the ground. “Ellen, if you don’t mind can I ask you a personal question?”



“Yes. What is it? You can ask me whatever you like” replies Ellen not knowing what is to follow.



Ted breaks a dry twig in his hand that he found resting on the ground. “Are you and Brandon serious?”



Ellen starts laughing but tries to control her laughter when she sees the hurt look on Ted’s face.



“No, not at all. I think you have me mixed up with Anne” responds Ellen biting her lip attempting not to laugh again.



“What? What you mean Anne? Isn’t she . . . wasn’t she with Willoughby?” asks Ted confused by the unexpected news.



“Yes. She did like Willoughby or rather the ‘idea’ of Willoughby. Brandon and she have been very good friends for quite awhile now and are becoming closer as time passes” explains Ellen “Anne is appearing to really enjoy being with Brandon too”.



“What about you and Brandon?” Obstinately asks Ted “Weren’t you dating Brandon? Aren’t you thinking of marrying him?”



Ellen’s eyes enlarge like saucers and her mouth drops open “that’s ridiculous! Brandon has always been interested in Anne since I met him. I don’t think he has ever seriously looked at me twice!”



Ted’s face looses all color and his shoulders drop. “Mrs. Middleton told me that you had given Brandon a very nice gift for Christmas.”



“Of course I did” says Ellen with Ted looking shocked at her honesty “We had a gift exchange and I chose his name.” Ted looks mortified. “But if you want to know the truth, Anne helped me pick it out and to pay for it.”



“What about you going to see him right after getting back from the FOF week-end?” adamantly points out Ted “He called you and I heard you say on the phone that you would see him as soon as you got home”.



“That had nothing to do with me. Well . . . it did have something to do with the fact Brandon wanted to talk to me about something that had nothing to do with me” replies Ellen frustrated by Ted’s confusion but not sure yet how to connect the consequences of that mistake.



“What? What are you talking about?” asks Ted.



Not wanting to include him in gossip but also knowing that perhaps now is the time for clarification and it is well known, “Ok. Do you remember me mentioning Julie to you in my notes?”



“Yes, I think so. Is Julie, Brandon’s god-daughter?” asks Ted.



Ellen confirms “Yes and she worked at camp with Willoughby for the summer. She is now having a child. Willoughby is the father. He came to Barton Park when he found out she was pregnant hoping that no one would find out. Her baby is due next week this April ironically a few days before he is marrying Sophie Grey.”



“I didn’t know. When did Anne find out?” concerned asks Ted “Is she all right?”



“Anne found out about a month ago but she’s doing much better now. I think she was depressed not so much over the break up of her relationship with Willoughby because of the humiliation of all her friends knowing that Willoughby rejected her” genuinely responds Ellen.



“I really didn’t know. So many things have been happening in my life recently, I’ve been rather clueless about everything else that is occurring around me” honestly explains Ted grabbing Ellen’s hand in empathy.



“I heard from Jennings that you are engaged” hesitantly adds Ellen moving her hand away preparing for the feeling of rejection that she knows is to follow her question “When are you getting married?”



Ted has forgotten his current relationship status in the last few moments of conversation and feels like a ton of bricks has landed on him when he hears her question.



“I …I and ummm, I and uh” trying to remember her name “I and . . . Liz are . . . when Liz asked me . . . no” Ted’s forehead starts to sweat and he wipes his sweaty hands on his jeans.



Ellen is perplexed by his response but still wants to hear the words for herself from Ted so that she can believe them.



Ted swallows “Liz is engaged to me” then anxiously adding “but we are having some differences of opinion. I think some things may be happening soon and I don’t know how she will fit into a life at Crestwood.”



“Oh” drops Ellen’s voice assuming that he will choose not to come to Crestwood with Liz and pick another place in the territory in order to not be around her.



Both Ellen and Ted look at each other in a moment of silent anguish but each attempt to appear calm about the whole situation that is obviously painful to both of them.



“I have to go now because I’m driving back in one day” suddenly states Ted as he jumps up from his seat without much explanation “I’ll talk to you later.”



Ellen stands up and walks with him to his car. She is standing close to him and decides to hug him goodbye. Ellen knows that she loves him but it is time for a final goodbye because he has chosen to be with Liz and she realizes that she needs to move on. For a moment Ted feels like it will be a very long time before he will see Ellen again and this option doesn’t seem right to him either.

Crest & Shield - Chapter Sixteen

“Ted! Ted! We’re over here!” screams Liz while she runs across the slick airport blue tiled lobby in her favorite stilettos dragging her leopard striped luggage in each hand behind her with a matching cosmetic bag over her shoulder. Trailing behind her is Lila slowly dragging her Sponge bob luggage to catch up while texting on her phone unaware of the people before she bumps into them that happen to walk into her path of destruction.




Across from the baggage claim area crowded with many tired passengers and their children, Ted spies Liz and Lila and slowly raises his hand and smiles with his teeth but not with his eyes. This wasn’t who he was hoping to see so soon again. He is dressed in his soldier’s uniform tunic with blue trim and sharply pressed pants. His shoes are recently polished and his tie is spotless. He looks like a poster child for the Resource Connections catalogue.



Out of breath Liz reaches out to Ted and hugs him as tightly as she can without letting go. Ted pats her back and couple of times while trying to pull away until he literally pulls himself backwards to let go of the death grip on him.



“Oh I’m so glad you are here! I don’t know what we would have done without you!” gushes Liz “I don’t know what would have become of us if you hadn’t come to our rescue! Right, Lila?”



Although Lila is standing beside Liz, she is ignoring the whole familiar routine of her sister and watching the passengers struggle to get their heavy luggage off of the revolving belt. Liz notices that she is being ignored and slaps her on the shoulder a little harder than necessary and repeats again “Right, Lila?”



“Yes, whatever you say Liz” replies Lila “Good to see you again Ted. Do you think we could get a Coke? I’m thirsty and a burger would be good too. We didn’t eat on the flight.”



“Thanks so much Ted for your wonderful thoughtfulness in coming to pick us up on such late notice. I never would have expected something so outrageously kind from you” obnoxiously using flattery to soften the greeting Liz continues “You are absolutely one of a kind. No one is like you. Right, Lila?”



Lila is looking at her painted toe nails and having them lift up and move in front of her to distract herself from all of Liz’s nonsense until she feels a slap on her other arm. “Oww, what was that for?” raising her lip at Liz who tersely shakes her head at Lila and quietly grunts.



“Don’t you want to tell Ted thank you for everything he is doing for us?” demands Liz with a huge fake smile “It was a brilliant idea of Lila’s to ask you if we could come!”



“Thanks Ted. But I think you already know that your sister kicked us out and we really didn’t have anywhere else to go. It was actually Liz’s idea to see if we could stay at your place for a few days. Personally, I think we should have gone ho…” before Lila can finish talking Liz literally moves her body in front of Lila out of Ted’s view and starts talking as loudly as possible “Yes, thank you so much. We are ever so grateful! You are such a blessing!”



Lila makes a distorted face behind her. Blessing is not a regular word in Liz’s vocabulary. The words coming from Liz’s lips sound awkward and a little peculiar to Lila who is hoping that Ted will notice her reaction to them.



“Let me help you with your luggage” offers Ted “my car is parked outside and then we can stop by McDonalds on the way back to my apartment if that is all right with both of you. I have things to do today and won’t be able to spend much time with you.”



“Oh that’s okay. We can keep ourselves busy at your place in the time being” shares Liz “I can cook dinner if you would like tonight.”



“Ok, there might be something in the fridge. Fix whatever you like. I’ll probably not be back by then and that sounds like it would be easier for you to do because it’s a few blocks to the nearest fast food place and you would have to walk” explains Ted.



Liz intuitively feels the brush off but chooses to disregard his lack of interest in being around her. “Well, then I’ll be waiting to see you when you get home.”



“I found another place for you to stay tonight with one of the Home League ladies from the Fireside Citadel. I would rather that you did not stay at my place since it is cramped and also because it is better if you don’t stay with me. Unfortunately people with gossip over nothing” resolutely remarks Ted.



Liz twitches “I really don’t see what the problem would be. I want to stay with you since we already know you and we’re such well acquainted friends.”



“Even so, I’ll come by and pick you up after Home League tonight and take you to Ethel’s house” responds Ted.



“Ok. If that is the way it has to be” pouts Liz thinking to her self that she is going to try and reverse that decision as quickly as possible.



While driving in the heavy rush hour traffic Ted eyes focus on the road, but his heart is elsewhere. Liz leans over and moves her arm slightly touching his arm on the arm rest. Ted pulls away and leans towards the driver side door. Then Liz pulls down the sun-visor and takes the time to dig deeply into her purse and reapplys her lipstick. Lila is in the back seat dozing with her head bopping up and down trying to stay awake for short seconds at a time.



“Have you heard from Ellen or Anne while you were visiting Fannie?” apprehensively asks Ted



Liz narrows her eyes and thinks before answering. “Yes, I have heard from Ellen.”



“How is she doing?” asks Ted



“Ellen is fine like she always is. Same-o, same-o “coyly replies Liz.



“What’s been happening lately with them?” timidly inquires Ted.



“Nothing ever happens with them. Oh but there is that one thing . . .”

Replies Liz.



“What thing?” Ted curiously asks.



“You know. I’ve told you all about it. Brandon. He’s always there you know” slyly answers Liz “He and Ellen are such good friends. She even gave him a Bose headset for Christmas and it was quite expensive.”



“Really? Are you sure?” asks Ted doubting the truth within her statement.



“I am sure. I was there. The gift had his name on it and it was from her” replies Liz “Brandon and Ellen go out to lunch all the time together. Most lunches during Christmas they were usually together.”



“Well at Christmas, it is so busy everyone usually grabs lunch when they can get it even if it isn’t at noon” reflecting adds Ted.



“Well, Brandon calls her constantly with this or that. In my opinion, he’s quite in love with her” Liz calculates.



“I don’t think Ellen is in love with him though” offers Ted “She hasn’t said much about him.”



Liz astutely picks up that Ted has heard from Ellen in one way or another even if it is not in a face to face conversation “Girls have their secrets.” Nodding and slyly slightly tilting her head and looking out the corner of her eye at him through her hair in a commonly rehearsed reaction.



“You can believe what you want. But I still believe what I do about Brandon and Ellen” adds Liz shrewdly “He’s always bringing her fresh flowers from the florist.”



“I still find it hard to believe that Ellen truly likes Brandon” defensively remarks Ted.



“They make such a great couple though. Think about it. They are both musicians, creative, and intelligent. Ellen is older than Anne and closer to Brandon’s age. He’s an officer and she wants to be one” cleverly adds Liz “They are the perfect couple. Can’t you see it? It is so obvious!”



Ted bites his lower lip. In his gut this information doesn’t feel right but he doesn’t know what to make of it. Brandon did call when they were leaving the school and was going to see her as soon as she got back. Ellen has written of going out to dinner with him several times with the family maybe some of the time she was actually going out on dates with him that she didn’t mention. She does fit with him really well. They would actually look good together. But something isn’t right. Ellen is truthful and open about many things and being deceptive really doesn’t sound like her. But maybe he really doesn’t know her that well.



“The rumor around the territory is that he is probably going to propose in the next few weeks. Everyone is hoping for a summer wedding so that they can attend.” Ingeniously adds Liz to her own delight.



Ted’s eyes drop and he has trouble focusing. They miss the turn to his apartment and have to circle the block. He hastily parks the car outside of the yellow parking lines at awkward angle.



As they reach the apartment complex, Ted carries the girls’ luggage up the black punch hole metal stairs to the second floor while they each carry their own travel bag.



Ted opens the door and steps to the side to allow them to enter first as a gentleman would routinely do. He holds out his hand and offers for them to enter his place of residence.



The house is sparse except for disjointed stacks of books and cds here and there. The makeshift coffee table is an old carriage trunk with a separate piece of glass resting on top. The slightly warn chocolate leather couch is large and comfortable as if there was a tiny child, they might disappear among the cushions. There is a throw blanket with a red zigzag hem on the edges with the Disaster Services logo in the center squashed in the corner of the sofa.



A gold metallic dining room table of two “Z” chairs sits outside the entrance of the kitchen. The kitchen is large enough to stand in the middle and be able to reach a different counter top on all sides at once depending on which direction someone is standing.



There is a cinnamon Lazy Boy recliner aimed directly in front of the gigantic high definition screen TV which seems out of place compared to the simplicity of the rest of the apartment. The walls have a few simple black framed scenic photos of some of Ted’s favorite places he has visited. An impeccable upright Steinway piano is in the corner of the small apartment with a five drawer metal file cabinet with music popping out of its top drawer that hasn’t been correctly closed.



There is a bookcase that has been transformed into a media center with the most modern audio stereo equipment. Speakers are dispersed and hung throughout the room for theatre surround sound.



After looking around “Can I have some water?” asks Lila.



“Sure. The dishes are in the right side cabinet” replies Ted.



There is a dishwasher in the small apartment but the sink is full of plastic gas station cups, coffee cups of various shield and crest logos and Tupperware. Lila opens to the cabinet to find two mismatched plates “I can’t find any clean cups. Do you mind if I wash one out?” asks Lila.



“Sorry about that. I didn’t know that I would be having any guests and didn’t have a chance to pick up before you came today” offers Ted “make yourself at home”.



Liz carefully looks over everything that she can see from the living room. Ted shows her how to work the remote for the satellite TV, stereo system, and the rarely used game system if they are interested in playing a game or two while he is gone.



Ted looks down at his watch after about fifteen minutes, “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.”



Driving away, Ted feels remorseful. The whole weight of the world seems to be pounding on his shoulders and in his heart. He’d like to call Ellen and talk with her but things didn’t end that well at the Future Officer Fellowship either. She seemed angry with him when he tried to come over to say goodbye. She was so cold when he hugged her too like she couldn’t wait for him to leave. Maybe Ellen doesn’t really care about him and he has misread all of her signals which he thought she was sending to him.



Ted decides that he will call Mrs. Middleton to find out what she knows about Ellen. It was at least confirm or dismiss what information Liz has told him. He can then fairly deal with the truth.







“Hello. Is this Mrs. Middleton?” asks Ted



“Hello. Ted it is good to hear from you. It seems like ages since I last saw you at my house. Is everything okay?” inquires Mrs. Middleton.



“Everything is fine. I wanted to see if there was anything I could do for the Dashings. They’re old friends of mine as you know. But I didn’t want to bother them too much but I want to make sure that they are taken care of” offers Ted.



“That’s very kind of you. How is Liz doing? She called earlier today and said that Lila and she were staying with you.”



“Yes they are here but actually they are staying with Ethel from Fireside Citadel for a few days” Ted replies.



“The Dashings are doing well for the most part. But Anne is terribly crushed over Willoughby’s engagement to Sophie Grey. Sophie is quite a catch though. She appears to be depressed and her friends and family are quite worried about her. Brandon and Ellen are such good supports for her. Brandon likes to spend time with the Dashing family, you could say he is practically already a member of the family” honestly answers Mrs. Middleton.



“Is Brandon at their house very often?” courageously asks Ted.



“Yes. He’s there all the time. Not only that, but when I go over there for the women’s Bible Study on Tuesday nights there is usually a fresh bouquet of flowers on the table that he has brought over” adds Mrs. Middleton “it is such a romantic thing to do, don’t you think?”



Ted feels sick in the pit of his stomach, “Does Ellen spend much time with him?”



“Yes. They are always together especially now that Anne is so miserable. As you know, they work together and most of his free time is spent with the Dashing family and my mother” innocently explains Mrs. Middleton “in the near future I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Brandon is an official member of the family.”



Ted is devastated. “Do you think she will eventually marry him?” eagerly asking in regards to Ellen.



“In time I am sure that a marriage looks like it might be on the horizon in the future” surmises Mrs. Middleton about Anne “She’s such a lovely woman. He’s really couldn’t do better.”



Ted is mistakenly convinced she is talking about Ellen. “Please don’t tell any of the Dashings that I called. I don’t want to embarrass them that I was checking up on them. Thanks for answering all of my random questions. I’ll talk to you later.”





After Home League his phone rings again. He is too depressed to answer but it is from his mother and changes his mind afraid that something could have happened in his family that he might miss.



“Hello mother. Are you all right?” asks Ted.



“Yes, of course I’m fine. But I am very angry with you” replies Mrs. Ferris “I hear that you have got yourself engaged to some twit.”



“She’s not a twit” honestly replies Ted “ I . . .”



Interrupting before Ted can begin to speak “That little girl told Fannie that you have been engaged for five years” replies Mrs. Ferris in a forceful tone.



“I’ve been promised for five years but . . .” corrects Ted.



“Now listen to me. You are not marrying anyone. You are too young to begin to think about getting married. You have so much of your life still ahead of you” adamantly replies Mrs. Ferris.



“I’m nearly thirty. It is about time I think of settling down with someone” retorts Ted in response to the ludicrous statement of his mother.



“Your father and I saved our pennies which were few and rare to support you through your missionary trials, traveling with that Christian band of your buddies, and now all of your schooling at an expensive private college. I think you owe it to the memory of your father not to waste your time and effort following around someone who does not have the same goals or interests as you do” counters Mrs. Ferris.



“I want to be an officer” Ted defiantly states.



“Ridiculous! You want to live a life of simplicity and service” responds Mrs. Ferris “it is so unnecessary! You have the potential to be famous and make a real name for yourself. You are so talented! You have an amazing gift for music!”



“But that is not what I feel called to do. I can still use my music within the Army” offers Ted “Some of the staff and territorial bands are the top brass bands in the world. Many of the members are professional musicians too. I don’t understand why you are giving me such a hard time. You and dad did.”



“Your father spent his life giving everything he had including himself to others. I think that is why he is no longer with us. He never knew when to say ‘no’” bitterly remembers Mrs. Ferris “I don’t want the same thing happening to you. You deserve much better than that.”



“I think God will take care of me no matter where I am or what I do. I don’t believe that I will be content and at peace with myself unless I do what He is calling me to do” counters Ted.



“I want to be clear so you can understand me. I think that your father would not be very pleased if you were an officer because you have so much potential to make something of yourself and to sacrifice all of your talent would be terribly upsetting to him” replies Mrs. Ferris.



“I know dad loved me and would be pleased with whatever choice I make with my life” angrily replies Ted.



“I’m not happy. You are making a foolish choice with your life. You’re father would be so disappointed in you if he were here” manipulatively adds Mrs. Ferris

“Your whole family is counting on you finishing your school and making a name for yourself. Don’t waste your potential by throwing it away on some silly girl.”



“I don’t think that I can talk to you anymore right now” frustrated answers Ted “I’ll talk to you later when you can accept me for who I am and what I want to do with my life.”



There is a loud click on the other end of the line.



A few more weeks pass. Ted stays at work but doesn’t accomplish much. He obsesses over thoughts of the idea of Ellen and Brandon together. Liz offers a consistent stream of gossip about the growing relationship of Ellen and Brandon that she is being fed through Mrs. Middleton. Liz keeps conveniently showing up wherever Ted goes whether to the grocery store, a particular corps in the area, or the gas station. It’s almost as if she has an instinctive tracker on him.



“I heard the most wonderful news today!” dances Liz as she walks into Ted’s office. Ted wearily looks up from many nights of not sleeping.



“Aren’t you going to ask me what I’m talking about?” teases Liz.



“I suppose you are going to tell me anyway” responds Ted.



“Brandon and Ellen are getting married!” excitedly replies Liz.



“How do you know?” asks Ted.



“Mrs. Middleton was at the mall and saw Brandon looking at the jewelry case window of engagement rings from the “Eternally Yours” line and then saw him walk inside to buy something” states Liz intentionally taking the situation out of context for her own personal convenience.



“Are you sure?” Ted inquires.



“Yes of course I am sure. Why would Mrs. Middleton lie? She doesn’t care one way or the other what Brandon does with his love life!” Liz cunningly replies.



Ted’s body shakes in response to her words and he looks completely crushed by the news.



“Come on. Let’s go out to lunch. I know the perfect place where we can talk” replies Liz.



Ted apathetic to anything that is happening around him follows Liz out to his car. They finally arrive with little conversation at a high-end authentic Italian restaurant. They are escorted by the host in a black tuxedo to a ivory linen table for two in the corner of the dim lighted restaurant.



After awhile of small talk, Liz begins “As you know, we have been dating on and off for five years. You promised to marry me five years ago and I have kept that the idea of us close to my heart as a constant reminder of your undying love and faithfulness to me.” Ted looks up from his food for a moment but doesn’t quite comprehend what she is saying. His thoughts are elsewhere. He hears the words but they get lost in the translation of his anguish.



“A couple of years ago I was working as a clerk at the thrift store as you are well aware. You were still a student and didn’t have any money. We were promised to be engaged and I knew that it would be a very long time before you could ever afford a ring.” Ted looks at her and lightly nods his head vaguely remembering what was said such a long time ago when he was still becoming a man.



“An antique diamond solitaire was donated and on display at the thrift store. Then they put it on sale and with my employee’s discount it was too good to be true! This seemed like such a miracle. It perfectly fit my finger too! I bought the ring because it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. It saved you the expense of buying me one and it was exactly what I wanted. It was so amazing!” excitedly offers Liz.



Ted thinks he hears her and what she is implying but not quite sure either. He tries to concentrate by looking at her while she continues to speak.



“Since Ellen and Brandon are together now. It now seems like the right time for us to be together. She was the only one you were looking at anyway besides me and she has chosen to be with Brandon” cunningly explains Liz.



“Both of us have been pretty lonely and we get along really well. We’re both getting older and there doesn’t seem to be any one else that either of us are interested in that is available. Neither of us is likely to find anyone else at this stage of our life. You were promised to me for a very long time too” Liz stating her case “I think that we would make a good couple together. What do you think of us?”



“I don’t know. I’m not ready to make that kind of decision yet I don’t think” honestly answers Ted.



“I may not be Ellen but I have a lot of offer. Who else are you going to find any time soon? You’ve practically met the entire single female population of the territory and yet still previously chose to be with me” logically argues Liz. ”What do you say, will you give a chance to the idea of us?



Ted’s feelings are all wrapped up in his loss and feelings of wanting something better that will bring him some type of comfort from his pain. Now that Ellen is gone and has chosen someone else, Liz might not be so awful at least they are friends. He hears his voice say “okay.”