Whispers in the Desert - 1 Kings 18 to 19:21

God intervenes again!  What a glorious day!  The whole country is aware of God’s power and His glory!  They understand that no other is like the God of Israel.  God is faithful.  God is fair.  God is victorious!

The followers of the cruel Queen Jezebel are witnessing the mighty acts and miracles of God’s sovereign omnipotence.  The altar has been built and then drowned in the waters of a nearby dirty old river with water unfit for drinking. 

The land is in drought.  There hasn’t been any rain for months.  The people are parched longing for a Savior who will provide in the midst of their suffering. The followers of wicked Queen Jezebel religion have danced, yelled, hurt themselves in some needless tribute to a token god who is silent and does not hear their mimicking cries.

The altar is prepared for worship. Digging a trench in hope and faith that the altar will contain the sacrifice, Elijah prepares for a miracle.  Laying down the wood while kneeling, he is in anticipation for moment of intervention. Water drenches and absorbs into the spores within the wood. 

Loud mocking shouts are heard from the competitors who are still waiting on an answer that will never be heard by anyone else other than from their own efforts.

It appears that both sides are at a standstill.  But then Elijah prays.

After six searches still no rain.  But in the seventh search something new begins. In the distance clouds start forming and move to the syllables of Elijah’s prayer who faithfully believes that God will be there to rescue and to provide for them.

The grey highlighted stratus clouds filling with moisture each in their mass, glide over the empty skies containing each space of air.  Their long awaited vapor heralds the fresh scent of morning dew with a promise of hope.

The water falls from the skies.  It pours.  It drenches.  It consumes. God lovingly answers Elijah’s obedient and faithful heart.

Queen Jezebel is furious.  God has outwitted her devious schemes.  Jezebel does not like to lose. She runs to the mountains with her husband, King Ahab to protect themselves from the downpour of the torrential rain.

God rewards Elijah’s hope by strengthening and encouraging him.  He is so filled with the power of God’s spirit that he even runs faster that King Ahab’s chariot on the way to the mountains. 

Queen Jezebel cannot handle the disturbing news.  Her obnoxious rival knicknamed the “Troubler of Israel” has usurped her again. In disgust, she hears that Elijah’s has put to death her most trusted prophets of Baal.   Determined, she looks at herself in the mirror and makes an oath, “Elijah will not get away with this!”

Her vow promises that by the next day he will be dead.  On hearing these words through the channel of whispers and threats, Elijah is uncharacteristically scared.

God has just completed the most awesome thing that Elijah has ever experienced in his life.  But the idea that he might not have a tomorrow at the hand of Jezebel fills him with absolute terror.

Elijah reacts as many of us would in the same situation, he runs for the hills.  He runs to Beersheba for in the distant corners of Judah.  He brings a young faithful servant with him but in order to protect him, tells him to stay in the city so that he will not be captured with Elijah and sent to his death.

Elijah in fear of his own mortality, travels anxiously to the abandoned desert where the shunned or feared get lost in the albatross of sand and heat.  In desperation, he travels an entire day in the scorching sun until he can go no further to be alone and die.

He sees a lone bush on the horizon and collapses beside its thorns to give up his soul.  He is done with hiding and running.  He has reached his breaking point.  If this is where his life will end, so be it.

Elijah screams in his loneliness and anger back at God, “Enough God!  I’ve had enough!  I can’t take it anymore!  I’m done with life!  Just take my life! Let it be over!”

In his abandonment and exhaustion of his emotions, he feels overwhelmed by his sorrow and fear.  He succumbs to his tiredness and despair falling asleep under his only companion, a dried out thorny bush in the desert.

A warming light invades his shiftless sleep arousing his senses but he weakly ignores the call of the new day.  A hand takes him by the shoulder.  Absentmindedly, he feels some comfort in his despair and loneliness.  The man standing before him commandingly shakes him awake. “Wake up!  Get up and eat!”

Elijah slowly opens his eyes and attempts to focus on the Angel standing before him.  God provides.  Right by his head, Elijah finds a fresh baked loaf of warm bread and a jug of fresh cool water to quench his thirst.  He eats his meal with a satisfied stomach, but believing that his vision of longing from exhaustion and the heat, falls back to sleep.

After a few hours, he feels the same hand waking him from his restful slumber.  As his eyes open in the glowing rays of morning, he realizes that it is not a man but a messenger from God who stands before him.  Words tenderly fall on Elijah’s ears, “Wake up!  Eat something.  You have a long journey ahead of you that God has prepared for you.”

More coherent this time, Elijah refreshes himself with nourishment and drinks to satisfy his thirst.  He gathers his things together and sets out to the place that God is leading him to.

His trip is long.  It lasts for 40 days and 40 nights.  Nearly six weeks of continuous travel.  He walks all the way to Mount Horeb.  This is the same mountain where Moses was given the Ten Commandments. It is also known by the people as the Mountain of Yahweh.

Finally reaching his destiny, Elijah enters a nearby cave in the crest of the mountain and in his fatigue rests within the stone walls of protection from the elements.

In the silent echoes of the cave, Elijah hears a familiar voice call out to him by name and inquiring of his chosen place of occupation, “Elijah, what are you doing here?”

Elijah knows ‘Who’ is speaking to him.  He’s spoken to Him many times before. But Elijah decides to resist honesty and starts with excuses.  “I’ve been working my heart out for God” then feeling a little more guilty knowing that he IS speaking to God continues “Well, God as you know, the people of Israel have abandoned Your covenant”.  He wants to remind God and to give him an incentive to be on his side.  Both have been abandoned by the same people who just praised them a few days ago.

Elijah continues his monologue “They destroyed the places of worship!  They even murdered all Your prophets!”  He wants to remind God what has happened as if God wasn’t already aware of the grievous circumstances that have already taken place. 

In despair he cries out to the God who has been faithful to him many times before, “I’m the only one left!! Now, they are trying to kill me!!”

God’s voice speaks again to Elijah’s heart with some instruction but still without a reply to his desperate anxiety.  God orders, “Go.”  Elijah is to leave this place.  Secondly, God tells him specifically where he is to go, “Stand on the mountain on attention to God”.  He is to keep his focus on the God who is before him.  God is greater than Elijah.  God is greater than his circumstances.  Thirdly, God explains what will happen.  God will respond. God promises that he will “pass by”.  He will not leave Elijah alone to fend for himself but promises to be with him.

As Elijah reaches the mountain at the end of the sea, a hurricane current of wind rips through the area crashing against the side of the mountain and splitting the rocks before him crashing to the ground below in an awesome display of nature’s power.  But God is not in the wind.

Menacing tremors rumble beneath his feet shaking the ground and the entire environment around him.  The compressed earth begins to separate causing a deep cavern below the surface into unknown depths.  But God is not in the earthquake.

Heat blazes in front of him consuming all that his around him.  The magnitude of the fire is daunting.  In a celestial display of the flickering of lights and sounds of the whoosh of its consumption, the fire brings everything into submission around it.  But God is still not in the fire.

Elijah still stands where God has placed him. He obediently waits for God to answer.

A gentle and quiet whisper enters his heart.  Elijah recognizes God’s presence from the many times he has met with God before and eagerly waits to hear His voice.

Elijah covers his face with his cloak because he knows that God is coming near.  God’s holiness will be known before him.  In the sheer exposure of his soul, he knows that God’s presence is holy and pure.

Elijah moves to the door of the cave to the Word that God is revealing to him. The quiet voice asks with the knowledge of familiarity, knowing everything about him, asks again “Well, Elijah.  Now tell me, what are you doing here?”

Elijah decides to stick with the same old story of excuses in an attempt to explain his discouragement and reaction to his fear. “I’ve been working my heart out for God.”  He then continues in an effort to get God on his side and to push away some of his feelings of guilt for running away, “The people have abandoned YOUR covenant.  They have destroyed YOUR places of worship.  The people have murdered YOUR prophets”.

Again in a pleading voice of desperation, “I’m the ONLY one left and they are now trying to KILL me!”

God listens.  He hears and understands Elijah’s fear and desperation.  Again, God gives Elijah some instructions.

“Go back”.  Two words that do not bring much comfort, then God speaks again.  “Go the way you came through the desert”.  Not too thrilled about this route either. “In Damascus, anoint Hazael.  Make him king over Aram.”

Appointing a King in the place of another? Running away was one thing, but this would be something that would be sure to draw attention to one self with a most likely unhappy ending.

God continues with His order, “Then go to another country, and anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as King over Israel.”

God is not only requiring one King but TWO kings to be anointed and displaced by others. A bit of unpleasant notoriety is sure to happen.

But then God promises some support in spiritual friendship, “Anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.” God’s words speak of a future where Elijah will no longer live.

Finally God offers a word of protection, “Anyone who escapes death by Hazel will be killed Jehu.  Further, anyone who escapes death by Jehu will be killed by Elisha.”

God then offers a remnant for the future, “I’m preserving for Myself 7,000 souls of those who have kept themselves pure and not kneeled to worship the false gods of Baal.  I will preserve those whose mouths have not kissed his graven image”.

Immediately, not wasting any time, Elijah heads straight out to find and meet Elisha whom he will mentor.   Elijah finds Elisha in a field doing what he normally does.  He is a rancher taking care of his cattle and the fields.  Elisha works for a wealthy farmer with twenty-four oxen to pull equipment for plowing.  Elisha is one of the managers being responsible for the 12^th pair.

With the help of God, Elijah recognizes Elisha has the one whom God has chosen. In an action to claim a sense of God’s movement and anointing, Elijah places his cloak and as a symbol of moving his power to another one, places it on Elisha’s shoulders.

In instant obedience, Elisha deserts the oxen and runs after Elijah who has walked away from that moment and moved on.  Catching up with him, Elisha exclaims “Let me say good-bye to my family and then I’ll follow you”.

Knowing that God has prepared a destiny before them, Elijah thoughtfully responds, “Go ahead.  But mind you in the meantime, don’t forget what I’ve just done to you showing you that God has chosen you for His work”.

Elisha willingly obeys.  His first reaction to offer all that belongs to him and that offers any status as a sacrifice to be offered back to God before his begins his ministry journey.  His family has an extravagant farewell meal.  They know that Elisha will be going to places where they have never been before because God has chosen him for other work to do in His name.

Elisha obediently leaves to follow Elijah.  He becomes Elijah’s right-hand man and has many adventures for God that lay before him.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult place.  Life is out of our control.  Circumstances beyond our ability to change overwhelm us.  It brings sorrow, anger, anxiety, fear, desperation.  Life is not fair.

God has not left you.  God is near to you. Your pain is felt.  Your cries are heard.  Your sorrow will be comforted.

God has a future and a destiny for each of us.  The unexpected circumstances of life can feel insurmountable but God is faithful.

God knows your heart.   He knows your thoughts and can feel your anxiety.  You are not alone. He is with you.

Deuteronomy 30:3-5 gives us some promises. 

If you obey Him with your WHOLE heart and soul according to everything that I command you today, God, YOUR God, will restore everything you have lost.  He’ll have compassion on you.  He’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.  No matter how far away you end up, God, YOUR God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your family once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a GOOD life and make your more numerous than your ancestors.

God brings us hope for the future.  God is speaking to our hearts in the gentle whisper of His voice despite the storms that surround us.

Palm Avenue - Mark 11:1-11

The city is bustling with sounds of sheep, doves, many children running through the streets ducking between the visitors entering Jerusalem for the Passover.  Metal pots hanging from the shop keeper’s tent keep rhythm with the beads that clash from the necklaces cascading from their merchant’s display.  The shuffling of feet glazing the dirt covered stones in the road weave a tune of expectation and excitement. 

The smell of soup simmering in kettles fills the area with a delightful aroma of spices and seasonings. The gentle breeze in the noon day sun kisses their cheeks in the sweet afternoon of day.  A rag tag group of children play in the corner of the shop keeper’s tent while their mother looks for last minute items before Passover begins. 

Sacred men quickly pass by the long row of eclectic and various shops carrying large bouquets of flowers preparing for the Passover feast that will soon begin.   Pigeons squeal waiting to be purchased for a humble offering by those who are unable to buy the more expensive doves as some of the elders in the synagogue are able to do.

A stout woman’s voice reluctantly carries down the mirage of material avenue as she argues for a better price of some wax candles to bring home to light the evening’s time of remembrance.  In contrast, coins fall one by one clanging against the rusted metal side of their greedy shop keeper’s container of profit.  With a note of discord in the midst of the organized chaos, a weak and needy beggar sitting at the end of the block loudly coughs and asks an intentionally oblivious stranger for a little help to sustain him for another day.

Murky water gentle drips from troughs as camels and mules refresh themselves from the journey into the crowded city. They scuff their feet against the dirt hoping to create a nesting place until the time of ritual has passed. The donkeys pull their rein and nee in communication of their tiredness and obstinate refusal to be taken for granted one more time to carry the heavy goods and parcels back to the homes of where their owners are temporarily staying for the week of worship.

A few miles up the road another solemn but ironically unnoticeable event is taking place that will change the view of the world and all that it means. A few men dressed in dusty robes and leather sandals murmur amongst each other.  Sweat obstinately falls from each of their foreheads and is wiped away by a practical sleeve that has been used many other times before to provide temporal comfort from the heat and humidity.

The younger one squints and looks up at the sun blazing down on them.  He places his hand on the brim of his crown to shade him from the pain of the bright glowing light. He is hungry and longs for the days tasks to end so that they may go and find some nourishment in the city.  He smiles at the companion next to him who concurs with a nod of his head with his friend’s silent wish.

It has been a long day of traveling along the twisting hills passing through fields of olive trees. The annual time to enter the city and to offer sacred sacrifices has come once again.   Their leader wisely calls out to them with a few instructions for the day.

He always seems to know what is best even if it isn’t quite obvious at first.  He is a good and wise man with a tender heart ready to meet the needs of anyone who reaches for Him. He is their hope.  He is their future.  Most who have met Him believe that He is the Savior.

From the top of the mountain, the group of genuine friends with a variety of personalities and interests look out over the city of centers for worship, roads, shops and homes. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain is beautiful and serene.  The wind heals and soothes their tired spirits as they are preparing for a new day to come.

There are lingering whispers throughout the city that a Messiah is coming who will rescue them from their pain and persecution.  He will deliver them from oppression and create a new life of freedom.  He will save them from the vices of those who do not know them and have no compassion for them. He will be the new King.  He will reign and establish them in a new sovereign Kingdom.

The two friendly companions who have worked and shared life together for three years have been given instructions and although they don’t understand the purpose for what they have been told --- follow and obey what has been asked of them.   They walk towards the city.

It seems rather odd.  There are many young colts throughout Jerusalem.  But somehow their Savior knows before it even happens that one will be waiting for them as they enter the city. This colt is part of God’s plan and design.

Chewing on a piece of stray grass and tied loosely to a wooden post next to a door on a street corner quietly waits a young donkey for the task that lies ahead of him. He does not know yet how to lift and carry any burden but he will soon carry the most valuable and loving gift to the world.

His owner out of fear that someone is trying to take what belongs to him, questions the two gentlemen untying his property. They politely answer “The Master needs him and will return him right away”.   Understanding that his donkey will serve a greater purpose than standing still, he agrees to let his colt be borrowed for the purpose in which he was created.

The two lifelong friends return to the steep mountain of olive trees once again to find their Savior patiently waiting for them.   The crushed road beneath their feet is muddy with deep rivets from years of traffic and continual use.  The twelve gentlemen waiting with him take off their personal cloaks that have been their coveted protection from the harsh elements and lay them at His feet to make the path more even and smooth.

The humble Savior steps up and finds a resting and comfortable place upon the innocent and gentle creature for His journey into Jerusalem.  

Rumors have been floating through the crowds and homes of the metropolis.  A Messiah is coming to the city - a desired and expectant figure who will change their destiny.   It is hoped that He will demolish the Roman cruelty and suffocating demands that daily inflict callous scraping and bitter treatment of its obligated residents.  Rome’s legalistic formalities and rules crush the spirits of those who must live under their watchful and critical surveillance.

In the distance a rumble can be heard of voices excited to see who is coming on the horizon.  It is the miracle worker --  the compassionate one -- the one who loves without discrimination -- the one who brings hope - riding on a simple donkey into the glorious city of Jerusalem.

Sensing that they are in the presence of someone regal who will change their whole perspective of themselves and the world, they appreciatively and graciously offer their cloaks as a mantle of respect and admiration for all that He promises and will do for them.

The winding and dirt road is willingly layered with colorful blankets of coats. One after another, they fall at His feet.  Large green vibrant palms in earlier years while in slavery meant to shade the Egyptian royalty as they sat by cool waters, now shelter and comfort the Savior who regally passes before them. Joyful and exuberant shouts can be heard throughout the villages. 

Hosanna!

Blessed is HE who comes in God’s name!

Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father, David!

Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!

Children and adult mingle and gather together. Running to keep up and also turning around to eagerly watch the One who will bring them hope and who will change their destiny.  So many people -- so many needs, so many dreams -- each one feels that this Savior knows them and loves them too.

God is coming.  God will meet them.  God will change them.  God brings hope for an eternal tomorrow.

As you think about your life, what ‘cloaks’ are you carrying?

What are you holding onto in order to shelter your doubts?

What do you need to lay down at the Savior’s feet?

As you think about this day of worship, what offering can you bring to Him?

Proverbs 3:3-10

Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.

Tie love and loyalty around your neck.

Carve their initials on your heart.

Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart.

Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do.

Listen for God’s voice everywhere you go.

He’s the One who will keep you on track.

Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Six

The door bell rings, Liz feels one last pang of panic as she stares one more time into the mirror hoping that everything has found its place and not randomly dangling , falling or springing from nowhere.

Trying to gain a natural composure she takes one deep breath before opening the door, “Hi!  Come on in!  I’ll just grab my purse and I’ll be ready to go.”  She gives a quick anxious glance and smiles at him.

Relieved that he is wearing a lavender oxford shirt with cufflinks, but with his collar open and a pair of dark tailored slacks, Liz silently remarks to herself “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him more attractive that tonight!” 

As she is walking out to the car, Liz finds herself sliding off the walkway slightly twisting her ankle and landing her heel firmly in the soft grass.  She struggles to gracefully pull her heel out but fails. Gritting her teeth determined not to take her foot of her shoe, she tugs valiantly and the shoe is released from its muddy prison.  With momentum she flings herself forward and awkwardly catches her balance. She flips her hair behind her shoulder pretending the whole unexpected act was intentional.

Observing her routine, Darcy warmly smiles and calmly thinks “I just like her . . .”

Politely Darcy unlocks her car door on the passenger side rather than flipping the more convenient switch located on his door. Waiting for Liz to find her seat belt, he then closes the car door and heads towards his side with a swag of anticipation.   He quickly makes sure his pants are pulled down over his shoes and tucks in any material accidently hanging out from over his leather belt .  Darcy runs his hand through his hair to confirm that everything is in place before opening his door.

Feeling a little apprehensive about the evening, Liz takes a deep breath and inhales the masculine aroma of Darcy’s cologne.  Subconsciously speaking her thoughts while daydreaming out the window, Liz accidently murmurs under her breath “I should have worn the dress with the slit . . .”

Wanting to be attentive Darcy looks at her, “What did you say?  I don’t think I heard you.”

Embarrassed that he might have actually heard her, Liz flushes beet red, “uhh . . . I . . I just said “I think my blouse is wet” pretending to brush off invisible water that has not spilled on her shirt with her rapidly rotating hand.

On hearing what she originally said and liking her quick comeback, the corners of his eyes fold in a sweet smile towards her and he relaxes in the driver’s seat.

Wanting to start an easy conversation on the way to the restaurant, Darcy turns on the radio to his typical station that he likes listening to.  However, today the music is a new recording from an unknown musician.   The lyrics begin “Tell her that you need her, Tell her that you love her, tell her that you want her so”.  Not wanting to add any more pressure to the evening, he flips to another station which begins with a commercial with a warm inviting voice “Do you ever wonder how will you meet that special someone in your life? We can help you at soulmate.com”.  He quickly hits the scan for some other station for them both to enjoy, it stops at “This is your station FM96.8 for all dreamers and lovers”.  Panicked Darcy hits the CD button forgetting that he left in the music for the Singing Company competition which he is helping to judge at junior youth councils next month.  With cute little girls singing on the demo tape it is a new arrangement of “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam”.

At this Liz bursts out laughing, stifling earlier giggles from random choices on the radio.  “I guessing this is for next month.  I’ve been helping Char during the week with her singing company group.  They’re doing really well.”

“Yes, they’ve asked me to be a judge for the divisional competition.  Since I don’t actually lead a vocal group they believe that I will be more fair and unprejudiced in selecting who will win” explains Darcy .

They pull into the parking space.  Liz steps out and adjusts her necklace and bolero see-thru jacket to make sure that everything is falling into place where it should.  Darcy walks with her to the door and holds it open as she passes through the entrance.  Liz is delighted that Darcy has such good southern manners even if he isn’t from the south.   “He might beat Rhett Butler in a duel”, she thinks to herself as her imagination runs away from her.

Darcy looks at her, “What were you just thinking about?  You had a kind-of a different look on your face.”

Calling herself to quick attention from her daydreams, Liz chuckles “oh, nothing really . . . thinking about how this restaurant reminds me of ‘Gone with the Wind’.” 

A little confused Darcy looks around at the grape and vine décor, he can’t recall a scene in the classic that looked anything similar to an Italian village.  But covering that he doesn’t know what she is talking about agrees “Yes, I can see what you mean.”

While he is standing so close to her in the crowded lobby, Liz takes one more deep breath of his manly cologne, finally the name of it comes to mind “Possession”.  It has been one of her favorites since high school. 

Darcy notices her arbitrarily sniffing and wonders if his cologne might be a little overbearing or worse yet if she is allergic to it. He moves slightly away from her to give her more breathing room hoping that his cologne will not cause her any future problems.  He considers for a moment that he might have gotten a little carried away with the shampoo, body wash, after-shave, and cologne all in the same scent profoundly wanting to impress her tonight.

Finally the hostess guides them to a table set for two in a very peaceful corner of the restaurant.  After placing her napkin in her lap, Liz looks Darcy directly in the eye and likes what she sees.  Darcy returns her gaze with an affectionate grin.

“So, how are your fund-raising efforts going for the new Kroc center?” asks Liz starting off the conversation with something she knows that Darcy is interested in.

“I’m glad you asked.  Things are going well.  We’ve reached about 80% of our fund raising goal.  I’m meeting with a couple more of potential corporate sponsors next week which seem very interested in offering their support to something that will be like a “beacon on the hill” begins Darcy taking a piece of bread and dipping it into the olive oil and grinded pepper mixture.

“What have been your some of your community contacts that have introduced you to the right people who can help build your project?” asks Liz knowing that it usually takes a friend of someone to introduce you to a stranger.

“As you know my cousin, William, is involved in that new Salvation Army auxiliary group for young adults both men and women ages 23-35 called “Eshelon” which is a military name but with a French flair.  They have a lot of initiative and show great momentum in helping us find people who will understand their cause to help the less fortunate in their community” sensing a perceptive audience Darcy continues “Just as you know my family is a social and financial leader in Pemberley , their contacts are either parents, friends of parents, friends or employers since most are in training to be eventual CEOs or CFOs and have an obvious future ahead of them.”

“It’s great that they are able to help with their resources to assist the Army in being successful in reaching out to others and providing the means to meet their needs” Liz concurs wholeheartedly supporting the kind philanthropy of the newly established group.

“So how are things going with your writing?  I’ve read a couple of your articles for the paper and I was impressed with your insight” sincerely offers Darcy taking another bite of his bread.

Thoroughly pleased that he has read anything that she has written, Liz glows “Really?  I didn’t know you had read anything of mine.  What particular articles are you talking about?”

“Well, I thought the one about conserving water was interesting because you listed both the positive and negative aspects, as well as standardized state testing for students” suggests Darcy “actually, I googled your name and found other stories on your blog which were quite entertaining.”

With her eyebrows raised, Liz can feel her eyes widen and her jaw drop a little longer than usual. She wonders exactly what he read.  Liz considers for a moment that she likes getting carried away in her stories and doesn’t review them very often as they wander the maze of the internet open to anyone perusal. “Uhh . . . thanks. I’m glad you liked them” shyly taking another sip of her sweet tea.

“Don’t worry about anything.  I found your stories funny and I like your characters.  How do you keep them all straight in your head as far as their interests and personalities?” genuinely asks Darcy.

“Oh I just like talking to myself” jokes Liz but then afraid that he might take her too seriously “Umm . . .  some of my characters remind me of people I have known and I sort of blend several people together to create one new person” taking another sip of tea “and then they become my friends”

“Really?” asks Darcy not sure what she entirely means by “friends”.

“Yes, it is a little like a child having imaginary friends, even if I am a little too old for that” smiles Liz as her eyes dance enjoying  watching Darcy’s reaction to this information in regards to her writing.

“How do you work out the conversation between the characters?” inquisitively asks Darcy wondering where she is going to go with this question.

“I role play in my mind each character and try to think of how they would respond in any given situation.  I try to experience what they might feel if they encountered certain awkward or painful events” explains Liz enjoying talking about her writing with someone that she trusts and feeling a mutual fondness for.

“Well, I don’t know about the whole talking to yourself thing, but I like what the end result is, so it is probably a good thing whatever it is that you do” rambles Darcy not sure where he is heading in his statement but trying to be encouraging and supportive of her creative talent.

“It keeps me busy in my spare time and lets my mind wander freely without too much obligation in the way” remarks Liz drifting into her own thoughts.

“Well, just don’t write about me, unless you make him ‘wonderful’, then it will be all right” teases Darcy instantly grabbing her by the hand which is lying gently on the table.  Although not planned, he lets his grasp linger enjoying feeling her soft touch.

The dinner continues as Darcy and Liz enjoy casual conversation over many topics which are of interest and in common with each other.  Much of the time is spent laughing or appreciating the value of the life experiences of the other.

After the last spoonful of dessert is finished, Liz looks down at her watch, “Did you realize what time it is?  We’ve been here for over three hours!”

“No, not really.  It’s gone by so quickly.  I think we’ve missed the movie.  We’ll definitely have to do this again” remarks Darcy as he glances over the bill.  He muses that although more than a burger, it was significantly worth every penny for this wonderful evening spent with Liz.

As Liz gets up from the table, Darcy moves closely beside her and takes her hand as they exit the restaurant.  In return, Liz feels the gentle pressure of his calming presence and looks up at the stars enjoying everything that is filling that moment.

As they return to the car, Darcy asks “It’s too late for the movies. Have you been down to Monument Park? Would you be interested in going for a walk?”

“Sounds good!  It would be nice to have a chance to walk off dinner” automatically placing her hands on her stomach but self-consciously Liz wonders if referring to anything remotely to do with her weight was really necessary at that moment.

“There is a scenic view of the city at night along the drive that is worth seeing” offers Darcy sincerely but with a desire of wanting to spend more time with Liz.

While driving, he takes Liz’s hand again in his own right hand. It seems to him that this is the happiest he has been for a very long time.  When he can, he takes glances to observe Liz’s profile and tries to capture the moment so he can remember it at a later time. 

Liz catches him a few times looking intently at her and lovingly smiles back at him knowing that she would like this moment to last forever.

After a bit of chatter about nothing in particular, they arrive at the park.  Darcy meets her on the passenger side of the car and offers his hand again to politely help her out but with the intent of not letting go of her hand.

Eventually while they are slowly walking along the cement path, Darcy lets go of her hand and moves it around her shoulder.  Liz feels comfortable and places her arm casually around his waist as they walk and admire the city lights at night.

“Liz, if you could do anything in the world without any restrictions, what would it be?” curiously asks Darcy wanting to know what her dreams are for her future.

“That’s a good question.  Well, if I didn’t have to have a paycheck to survive, I think being a novelist would be a lot of fun as long as I found a few people who enjoyed reading my books” jokes Liz feeling Darcy’s grasp tighten around her shoulder.

“What would you do?  Do you like working for the Kroc or would you do something else?” probing asks Liz “What do you enjoy doing the most?”

“I think that I would be a professional musician, but then again I would have to find people who were interested in listening to me play” teases Darcy with a twinkle in his eye “But the Kroc is all right for now.”

As they reach a strategically placed bench in a garden in the walkway, Darcy guides Liz and sits down next to her.  He gently places a hand on her cheek and looks into her eyes for a moment before he kisses her.  Liz feeling his care and admiration returns her whole hearted feelings towards him.

On arriving back at the home of Char and Collins, Darcy leans in to say goodbye again to Liz.  “I’ll call you tomorrow.  Thank you for the wonderful evening.”

Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Five

Disparagingly Liz stands glaring at the mirror in the dressing room of the Giselle store in the mall.  A pile of clothes lay haphazardly tossed on the bench in the changing room. “Nothing seems to fit!  Or I just look stupid!  What do you think of this, Char?”

Standing in the hallway, Char feels the endless agony of trying to help her friend decide what will make her evening special.  Liz stands in front of her, her face buried in a collage of ruffles and frills with a waistband so high that it appears that a designer has decided that there is only one part of her body left to accent.

Char sighs with a note of comfort in her voice “I’m sure whatever you decide will be all right”. 

In a fit of disgust, Liz kicks the spare pant leg away from her body but her shoe randomly collides with her frustration knocking her shoe into the stall next to her.  Liz bends down and yells between the end of the wall and the floor “Sorry!” The shoe with deliberate momentum is kicked back with a gruff humph.  “Obviously, her clothes are not fitting her either” murmurs Liz quietly to herself.

“Thanks for helping me hang up all these clothes again” appreciatively states Liz and then sigh of feeling overwhelmed,   “He just wasn’t very clear.  I’m not sure if this is a date or not –a-date.  I don’t want to overdress and make us both uncomfortable.  In particular I don’t want to embarrass myself if we are just going out as buddies.  I guess it doesn’t matter because I can’t find anything that doesn’t make me look like an Amazon, clown, or an elephant!” rationalizes Liz as she tosses another less-than-perfect shirt on top of the large pile “But if he has really invited me out on a date, then I want to make sure that he knows that I’m really looking forward to spending the evening with him.”

“Wait a minute, I’ll be right back!” excited states Char watching another woman returning some dresses that evidently were also lost cause.

Assuredly Char returns after a few moments. “Why don’t you try these two?” suggests Char handing her a black dress on a hanger through the slight opening of the door which she spent the last ten minutes looking for tired of looking at Liz’s choices of which not seemed quite right.

After a few minutes of shuffling and banging her elbow on the door with an “owww”  Char hears a shrieking voice “I like it!” as the door finally opens “What do you think?” asks Liz.

It is a simple black spaghetti strapped blouse with a chiffon see-thru bolero top with cleavage hidden but tastefully unconcealed with matching tailored dark slacks.  “I think that is very nice!” agrees Char “You’ll definitely have to get that one!” then with some encouragement “Why don’t you try this dress on too?”

After a few more minutes of wiggling and scuffling, “Wow!” Char hears Liz’s voice through the door.  “I think that I might have to save this for a time when I know for sure it is a ‘date’!”

“What do you think?” asks Liz twirling so Char can see and measure every angle to make sure it fits right.

With eyebrows raised Char confirms and pleased for her friend “I think Darcy will like that very much!”

“I think it is a bit daring for a first date” pointing to the slit on her right leg and a neckline that decidedly plunges a little deeper than a t-shirt” admiring herself again in the mirror “but I think he will like it too! Hopefully he will ask me out on another date or a first date depending on whatever this is.”

Now realizing that it is time to pay for her items, Liz glances down at the dangling price tags from her handful of items.  Absorbing the price of each items Liz grimaces “Well, at least working the required overtime will help me pamper myself a little bit”.  She digs through the chasm of her cluttered purse to find a debit card and confidently places it on the counter in front of the clerk.  The clerk picks up each item and admires her choices boosting Liz’s confidence that she has chosen wisely.

“Did you bring some black heels with you?” asks Char cautiously aware that this might mean another trip to a different store.

“Yes, I have some black platform pumps with a peep-toe that I think will work well with both outfits.” Relieved explains Liz ready to taking her shopping conquest home and rest her feet for awhile.

“Why don’t we head over to Starcups for some good coffee?  I think that I need to find a burst of energy that seems severely lacking at the moment” announces Char alleviated that the shopping tour has ended.

Resting in a comfortable booth holding their warm cups of steaming coffee, Char casually glances around the café and notices two of her recognizable friends walking towards the counter.

“Liz, you might want to slowly look over your left shoulder.  I think a few of our friends had the same idea” instructs Char smiling at this chance meeting among friends.

Before turning hearing a familiar voice request a cappuccino, Liz feels her cheeks gently turning crimson.  Instantly, Liz grabs the store bags with large labels and pushes them under the table.  Anxiously but without reason Liz wants to remove any proof for Darcy to realize that she has been thinking about him all day during her shopping adventures.

“Hey!  Can we join you?” asks William pulling up a chair before waiting for a response “What are you doing here?”

“We’re shopping” responds Char with a twinkle in her eye towards her friend “It’s what women usually do on a Saturday or so I’ve heard.  It’s not my thing, but today we have had fun.”

Uncharacteristically Liz is quiet and goofily grins not trying to give herself away.  She starts to touch her cup but has forgotten the sleeve and it is too hot to touch.  Darcy leans his head and little to the left, noticing that something is up even if he isn’t sure what it is.

 “Just a minute . . . “politely states Darcy. He returns with a mug sleeve for her coffee. 

Noticing his kindness, Liz warmly smiles up at him “Thank you. I somehow managed to forget to pick up one”.

When Darcy attempts to pull up his discovered lone chair from across the room to the table, William competitively scoots his chair closer to Liz to make room for Darcy, but then casually rests his arm on the back of Liz’s chair while talking to the others as if claiming his seat.  Darcy looks him in the eye and then shakes his head at him and turns away.

“So, what have you been shopping for?” practically asks Char “It doesn’t look like you are carrying any shopping bags that I can see”.

“I just came along for the ride.  Darcy needed a haircut. He was insistent on wanting something more stylish than his typical mop.  He thought the mall would be the best place to find one” jokes William laughing at his cousin “He needed me as an advisor to tell him what was ‘in’ since he seems rather clueless to me.  What have you girls been up to?”

“Nothing really . . . we’ve been just mostly looking.  I found a couple of things, when we decided to take a break and have a cup of coffee” interjects Liz before Char can explain any more unwanted details “By the way Darcy, the haircut looks good on you.”

Pleased, Darcy’s cheeks turn slightly pink at the reception of her compliment “Thanks.” Then self-consciously tossing his head to the side as an after comment and softly spoken “I’m glad you like it.”

Watching him in response Liz beams thinking to herself how handsome he looks today.  She adjusts her chair so she has a better view of him and not so much of William who is sitting next to her.

“So Liz, what kind of movies do you like? Darcy and I were talking and trying to figure that out today” William looks over at Char sipping on her hot coffee and with a friendly smile and twist of his lips “Don’t worry Char, you weren’t left out, we discussed you and Collins too.”  He smiles a very large cheesy smile. Char rolls her eyes and smiles back at him as she sets her coffee on the table waiting to hear what this discussion contained.

“Umm . . .  I’d like to hear what you picked out for me” curiously responds Liz wondering how well William or Darcy know her.

“I said you like horror films and heavy action movies with futuristic military men” confidently admits William “I think Darcy was way off.  I don’t think he knows you as well as I do.”

Scrutinizing William’s choices but trying not to give her thoughts away, Liz jokingly asks “Okay Darcy confess . . . what did you choose for me?”

Darcy blushes, “I … don’t know … I was just guessing” shuffling his feet under the table “It was a conversation William started and couldn’t get away from” glaring at his cousin for the moment.

“Go on tell her, or I will.  Then we’ll see who is right!” teases William enjoying seeing Darcy look so uncomfortable about being put on the spot.

“I would guess since you like to write that stories would be something that interests you.  So, I think books made into movies, period dramas, some action if it relates to a point in history might be something that you would like, but I could be completely wrong.  I guessing from what I know about you” unusually shyly responds Darcy taking another sip of his warm coffee.

“Well, you are right.  I do really enjoy movies from history and I do like thrillers, but unfortunately not the horror scream-a-thons which most people seem to enjoy.  I do like the occasional sci-fi movie with futuristic beings, but not where the movie is one entire battle scene.  Of course my favorites which you were able to surmise are the period dramas but I like comedy and most movies in general” rambles Liz providing a more than necessary and descriptive answer which Darcy attempts to memorize for future reference.

“I’m really disappointed in you.  I thought the scream-fest would be at the top of your list” teases William “I’m not so sure about those old-fashioned costume movies though . . . not my thing” unconsciously shaking his head in response to that unwanted answer.

“What movies do you like Darcy?” curiously asks Liz to see if their interests are the same or what they might share in common.

“Adventure, action, but I also like history movies too as long as it is a realistic and mostly accurate portrayal of events in time” offers Darcy contemplating “I like some drama if it is done well and not over the top, and a good comedy is always fun.  I’ll have to take you to some of the movies I like and see what you think Liz.”

“I think that would be a great idea! Just don’t be mad if I don’t like something.  Some people are very protective of their movie opinions” smiles Liz recalling for a moment and unable to stop before expressing herself trapped within her memories “I went on a very bad first and only date experience that just went downhill from there.  Fortunately, he never called again.”

Darcy nervously chuckles “I hope those things go better with me . . .  or us . . . uh “then shaking his head “you know what I’m trying to say . . .”

“I’m not so sure Darcy” intentionally confused states William “Sometimes you are hard to figure out. But I do remember that time the group of us went to the alien movie in college and Caroline Bingley clung to you the entire movie when she wasn’t screaming at the top of her lungs in the theatre”.

Both William and Darcy rambunctiously laugh to each other until Darcy notices the look of irritation on Char’s face and an image of disappointment hanging from Liz. He suddenly gulps and takes another sip of his coffee.

“Who has Caroline been dating anyway?  Has she caught you yet?” taunts William “She’s been chasing you for years! Frankly, I don’t think she’ll ever give up until she has her trophy.”

“Caroline and I are just friends” firmly states Darcy looking at William but then directly looking into Liz’s eyes to confirm the truth of his statement.  “I think Caroline would never be happy with me, and I’m sure she’ll find someone else who is willing to keep her attention”.

“You’re probably right.  Caroline is a bit of a viper though.  You never know when she is going to bite you though if you cross her” mocks William from personal dating experience “There’s always Anne, I guess, if Caroline chains someone else.”

Feeling uncomfortable with the whole conversation, Liz interrupts “I’ll be right back” and heads towards the ladies room. Char picks up her purse and follows behind her.

Swiftly Darcy kicks William in the shin under the table. In response William squeals rubbing his leg “What did you do that for? I haven’t done anything!”

 Tightening his upper lip, “Would you quit bringing up the old girlfriends? Find something, anything else to talk about!”  Darcy crosses his arms in front of him and rests his knee on his leg too turning slightly in his chair away from the view of William beside him.

Char and Liz return after a few moments.  It appears both have refreshed their lipstick and have shared some secret communication with each other although the code is still unknown to the men whom they are sharing coffee with.

“So what are your plans for the next month or so?  Will you be seeing the Bingley’s?” curious but with a motive of intent asks Char.

“I think that I’ll be running into Bingley next week at a conference.  I don’t know when I’ll see Caroline again” offers Darcy in an attempt to make it clear that Caroline is not an item on his social calendar.

“Please say “HI!” to Bingley for me and I’m sure Jane would like me to send greetings to” offers Liz “Jane has been doing very well and likes her job.  Hopefully the Bingleys will be returning again next summer”.

“I don’t know what they are planning.  It’s difficult to keep up with their schedule” abruptly states Darcy “I suppose your sister has been spending time with her friends”.

“Yes, she has lots of friends” defensively reprimands Liz not understanding the change in tone of Darcy’s voice but trying to match it “She goes out all the time with people she cares about.”

“It figures” retorts Darcy under his breath smartly taking another sip of his coffee and ignoring any response Liz might have.

For a moment, Liz looks at him puzzled a little confused by his behavior when her sister is mentioned.  She decides to dwell on the possible reason later on her own.

“Let them know, we would like to see them again at Longbourne Citadel when you happen to run into them again!” continues Liz hoping that Darcy will encourage Bingley to make another visit.

“Well ladies, I think that it’s time Darcy and I headed out.  We’ll see you later!” chants William pushing his chair back into the table.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Liz.  I’ll be there at 6 pm” confirms Darcy rather briskly.

“See you then!”  Returns Liz with a smile still not sure if it is a ‘date’ or not.