Part VII:

A Glimpse Behind the Veil　

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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
   preserve sound judgment and discretion; 
they will be life for you,
   an ornament to grace your neck. 
Then you will go on your way in safety,
   and your foot will not stumble. 
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
   when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 
Have no fear of sudden disaster
   or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 
for the LORD will be at your side
   and will keep your foot from being snared.

~Proverbs 3:21-26    

     Alex had insisted that he take her bike to a nearby shop and pick up the bill. In no mood to argue, she agreed.  They then road to her home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.  Alex was the first to break the silence.

     "I’m sorry again for what happened back there, all of it. We must have made quite an impression on you."

     Sensing his sincerity Sarah turned to him and voiced her confusion, "I know I said I understand and I meant it…but I also don’t…"

     Alex held his breath as Sarah struggled to find the right words.

     "I mean I understand that people act and react differently for whatever reason, I've come across that before, but I don’t understand Bill’s response when I mentioned the theater and costumes?  I thought it was a great idea but he was speaking to me like I was stupid or nuts.  What did I say that was so wrong?"

     At that Alex exhaled and replied, "You didn’t say anything wrong. In fact, that was pretty perceptive of you. I’ve never seen anyone pick up on those things that quickly," He then dropped silent again as he pulled into her driveway.

     Shaking her head Sarah continued, "Alex, your explanation helps some yet it also adds to my confusion. What am I missing?"

     Alex then turned off the engine and turned to face her.  "Sarah, you have to understand that I’ve been living with these people for some time now. We’re like family. Not everyone handles what they see as gracefully as you have.  People tend to view these things in black and white and much pain and suffering has come of it.  I see black and white too, just not necessarily on surface but where our hearts are at.  Guess you can say I hesitate to say too much to anyone unless I myself have gotten to know them and trust they won’t abuse that information."  He paused for a moment then continued, his eyes and voice pleading now, "Can you understand?"

     With that passionate response Sarah found herself really liking him.  He seemed to be holding his heart in the palm of his hands and she knew he didn't have to open it to give her this sneak preview, but he thought enough of her to do so and that meant alot to her.  Furthermore, whether on target or misdirected, loyalty was important to her.

     "I think so," came her reply.  "Even if I may not get it all I do understand and respect your position on it.  More than that, I think it's admirable.  Who can argue with that?"  She then reached into the backseat for her bag but her arm came up short.  Alex then made a grab for it and as he did his head collided with hers.

     "Ouch," came her startled cry. 

     Dropping the bag he reached for her forehead, inspecting it for any bruising, "I…I don’t know what to say…" he said in disbelief, "It’s like we are destined to collide. The perfect end to the perfect morning, wouldn't you say?"

     At that Sarah giggled.

     It wasn't the reaction he was expecting and in his relief he leaned back in his seat and let out a chuckle of his own.  He then made a big pretense of ensuring she stayed way out of his way while he once again reached for the bag. Handing it to her he said wide-eyed, "Run and save yourself while you can!"

     With a meek smile she opened the door and started heading out, but paused as she felt his hand on her arm and turned to give him her attention.  

     "All kidding and 'strange happenings' aside, It was really nice meeting you Sarah," he softly added.

     Once again sensing his sincerity she gave him a reassuring smile.  "Same here. I really did have a nice time. Thank you."

     Alex nodded, then drove off.

     After unloading Sarah crashed on her couch and contemplated her morning. This was one adventure she had not foreseen.  She likened it to an episode of that series she enjoyed as a child, "The Twilight Zone".  In her mind she imagined how Rod Serling's opening dialogue would go, "Nearly hit by an oncoming vehicle then rescued by an intriguing but somehow familiar stranger, Sarah would soon discover she was in a place as strange as the events surrounding it...a place we call,  

     All strange happenings aside, Sarah was being honest when she told Alex she had a nice time.  She had made some new acquaintances, Christians like her, and could see them becoming friends...and what of JC?  Although she had learned more about her rescuer he still remained an intriguing mystery...and those eyes that viewed her with such knowledge and depth.  It was like he had known her all her life.

     Then there was Alex.  He seemed very nice, even if he was somewhat of a klutz.  Sarah had to admit to herself that he was the first guy in a long time she found herself attracted to, and after the over-confident men that often approached her she even found his clumsiness quite endearing and appealing. Too bad I hadn’t met him a couple years ago, she mused.  Right now she had no desire to consider any relationship beyond friendship.  Besides, beyond the cafe she didn't seem to fit in, something he seemed to also take note of.  She wasn’t even sure what he thought of her…

     One thing she did know, Christian Stepfordville was more than she had bargained for.  It intrigued her and she was seriously considering returning tomorrow to check out another subdivision…and also see if it would help clear the fog regarding current events. 

Part VIII:  What to Make of It?