Part VI:

This Masquerade

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   I told you my plans, and you answered.
      Now teach me your decrees.
  Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
      and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
  I weep with sorrow;
      encourage me by your word.
  Keep me from lying to myself;
      give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
  I have chosen to be faithful;
      I have determined to live by your regulations.
  I cling to your laws.
      Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
  I will pursue your commands,
      for you expand my understanding. 

     ~Psalm 119:26-32

     "So, what brings you to this neck of the woods?"  Alex asked as he leaned back in his chair.

     "I was just out for a bike ride when I ran into the community.  Being a Christian myself curiosity got the better of me.  I can't believe I hadn't noticed it before.  Had it not been for the flashy sign I may have missed it.  It seems like an ideal community.  This is the first subdivision I entered and I have to say my first impression is...well, I'm quite impressed."

     "I see...it is a great place to live..."  He hesitated for a moment as if he was going to say more, but had changed his mind.  Instead he asked, "Do you live close by?"

     "I'm not that far off.  Do you know where Hidden Springs is?"

     "As a matter of fact I do?"

     "That's where I live."

     "That's a nice place too.  It has a serene feel to it.  I really like the landscaping."

     "Me too," Sarah replied, "It's one of the reasons I decided to settle in there."

     After a moment Alex asked in a playful manner, "So, are you ok with my offer for a lift, or shall we inspect my vehicle for any deadly weapons?"

     Feeling a bit foolish now Sarah lowered her eyes before answering, "I think it will be alright...Listen, I meant no offense.  You seem like a nice guy..."  then in an attempt to break this awkward moment she threw in a playful jab of her own, "but after all, you did try to run me over with your truck."

     "Ouch, I guess I deserved that one," he noted with a sheepish grin.  "And I do understand your concerns.  I'm not one for suspicion, but I do believe it is wise to have reservations around strangers.  I assure you, no offense was taken. It was a wise move on your part...and the vehicle inspection is still up for grabs if it'll help you feel more at ease." 

     After revisiting that memory, Alex then grew solemn.  "If I hadn't looked up and JC hadn't been there...I hate to even consider how this morning could have turned out for you."

     Sarah started to regret mentioning it and now made an attempt to lighten his mood.

     "It's ok really.  It happens and it worked out fine.  As I said, I wasn't exactly without fault either.  I could say the same.  I wasn't paying attention, then rushed ahead without looking.  That type of carelessness could have put you in an awful position."

     Sarah then made a great play at sitting erect and holding her head high while she added more cheerfully, "Besides, I believe there is a reason for everything under the sun and I think I just found my reason for being here and running into you this morning."

     With his curiosity successfully peaked Alex then asked, "Oh, what's that?"

     "A love affair with a cannoli, and I haven't even tried the coffee yet."  She then reached for her coffee and took a large gulp.

     That made him laugh, "I like your perspective Sarah." 

     Not only did he like it, it pleased him.  Alex was impressed.  He often saw how others didn't consider the role they may have played in collisions; how they may have contributed to the situation, especially in those that came from disagreements in this journey called life.  Although, being a former law enforcement officer he knew in their particular situation he held the greater responsibility.   

     Where have you been all my life? he heard himself ask, then laughed at his own musings, but the amusement was short-lived as he realized that train of thought didn't come from an attempt to crack a joke, but a sudden and unexpected shift within. As he considered the implication of that, his thoughts began transporting him out of the current conversation into a dark place in time. He then dimly saw her as she took another generous sip of coffee.

     Sarah was glad to see he was getting a kick out of what she shared, oblivious to the fact that there was more going on with her companion. "Oh my," she continued with a change of subject, "You were right. This coffee is fantastic. This is such a great cafe. I may have to make it a habit of periodically stopping by."

     With that Alex was brought back to the present where he found himself grinning at her obvious delight, although when he spoke his manner was less familiar and slightly guarded, "Well, if you do feel free to look me up and I'll see if I can join you..."  his voice then trailed off as he noticed a familiar couple approaching them.      

     Alex introduced Sarah to Bill and his wife Anna, and as she turned to fully face them she was startled by their appearance.  Bill was carrying on about a problem with his utilities, power outages and such.  This he did with an expressionless face, although his tone of voice revealed his irritation.  Meanwhile, his painfully thin wife kept coughing as if she had a cold, but through it all she wore a large smile that to Sarah seemed forced.  

     At the sudden drop in temperature Sarah cupped her coffee mug and sipped the steaming liquid for warmth, then with a heightened sense of alertness her eyes grew wide as she realized the reason for the couple's strange appearance.  

     Of course, she said to herself as if now seeing past a fog.  It's not them.  Their real selves are hidden behind the masks and costumes they are wearing. They must be involved in theater.  It then further dawned on her why the plaza seemed so odd.  Excusing herself for a moment she stepped outside while the others continued conversing. 

     Sure enough beyond the cafe it was all a stage.  More residents were now out and about, many also dressed in costumes and masks.  Then as if her sight was a camera lens and someone else was at the controls, her attention was drawn to the tree beside her and her vision zoomed in on its fruit.

     Plastic...who would have thought?  It all looks so real from a distance.

     Sarah then excitedly hurried  back in to join the others.  What a wonderful idea to have a community theater here, she thought, and at the first break in conversation she eagerly asked, "What are you all performing?"

     The table grew silent as they turned to her with puzzled looks on their faces.  Bill then asked, "What do you mean?"

     Still bubbling with excitement Sarah elaborated, "I hadn't noticed before but it just dawned on me with the costumes and all.  What a great idea to have a community theater here.  It had me fooled, I thought it was real.  I love the theater!  So what production do you all have going?" 

     Bill and Anna looked at her as if she had lost her mind.  Confused with their response she then turned to Alex who was intently and silently watching her.

     In a way that seemed to indicate she was slow Bill replied, "Sarah...I...still...don't...know...what...you...are... talking...about." 

     Now Sarah was the one that fell silent not sure if this was a joke or if they were serious.  Bewildered with their response she wondered, What is going on? 

     Just then Anna went into a bout of coughing and Sarah instinctively turned to her.  "Can I get you some tea with honey for that cold.  It sure helps me when I'm feeling under the weather." 

     With that same forced smile that never reached her eyes Anna weakly offered, "I'm fine," as if trying to convince herself.  She then tentatively gazed at her husband as if hoping he was pleased with her response.  

     Bill then quickly and firmly interjected, "She doesn't have a cold.  We don't get sick around here, our Lord's stripes has healed us all."

     Sarah understood what he was getting at.  "I was just trying to help," she offered by way of explanation and  decided to let it go at that.  

     "Well it's that kind of help that we don't need around here," Billed declared curtly and definitively as if saying that is the end of that, although he apparently only meant it for her for he had opened his mouth again to say more. 

     Before he could go on Alex finally broke his silence, "Ok, drop it Bill, she said she was just trying to help." 

     "And I said that is the type of help we don't need around here!"  Bill repeated more loudly as if Alex hadn't heard him the first time around.  "Honestly Alex, you should take better care with whom you keep company.  That kind of thinking spreads like a virus."

     Taken aback by his comments and total disregard for her good intentions Sarah then turned to Alex.  "I think it's time you took me home."  

     He held his hand out, an indication for her to give him a moment before firmly addressing Bill.

     "Bill, Sarah is my guest and if you cannot conduct yourself in a respectable manner, then I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

     "Alex, I'm just trying to look out for you," he offered as a means of justifying his response.

     "I've known you long enough to realize that Bill, but I won't have you doing it at Sarah's expense.  Like you, she also was just looking to help."

     With that Bill then got up in his former composed manner, then as if in defiance of his willful attempts to remain unaffected by the exchange a red coloring surfaced on his face betraying his anger and embarrassment.  He then proceeded to the door.  

     Anna followed his actions but paused for a moment to offer a whispered apology.  Grabbing her hand in a reassuring way Alex softly addressed her, "You take care of yourself."  She nodded, then joined her husband.

     At the door Bill turned and yelled, "Are you coming over to look at the things we discussed?!" 

     "Yes," Alex threw over his shoulder.  "Although I probably won't get there until later in the evening."  

     Bill then turned and walked out with his wife following close behind.

     Turning back to Sarah, Alex offered her a whole-hearted apology.  "I'm sorry about that.  Bill can be a bit much at times, but overall he does have good intentions even if his zeal can be misdirected."  

     "I understand," Sarah assured him, although she was clearly disheartened and embarrassed by the exchange. Without meeting his eyes she added, "And it has been very nice meeting you.  I've enjoyed myself but I do think it is time I got back." 

     Disheartened himself that their pleasant time of getting acquainted had taken an unpleasant turn, Alex sat there for a moment watching her as if wanting to say more, but instead he nodded, grabbed the platter, and said, "I'll have Tim bag these for you," while he headed for the counter.

Part VII:  A Glimpse Behind the Veil