Part XXXI:

Camille 

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     Therefore I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.  She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.’ She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold—which they used for Baal... ~Hosea 2:6-8

     “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.  ~Hosea 2:14

     “Thanks for walking me home Jim,” Camille said at her door.

     “My pleasure. You know you should be more careful with men, not all have your best interest at heart.”

     “You mean as opposed to you?” she asked with a note of sarcasm.  Many men were only interested in what they could get from her and although she enjoyed the attention, she wasn't naive and used it to her advantage.  She justified her actions by telling herself they deserved what they got.

     "Yes!" Jim exclaimed, "And in your best interest I feel it is my duty to let you know you are playing with fire and I don’t want to see you get burned.”

     “That’s sweet Jim, but I know what I’m doing.”

     “I used to think that way too, but I’m not so sure of myself anymore. Just think over what I said, ok?”

     “Alright, I’ll think it over but don’t you worry about me, I can look out for myself.”

     Jim didn't doubt that but he was still concerned for her welfare. “Even so, I hope you know you can call me anytime if you need help.”

     “I’ll keep that in mind. Good night Jim." 

     Camille then turned from him and entered her home.  After dropping her purse on the kitchen counter she walked over to her bathroom and jumped in the shower. The water warmed the chill in her body but did nothing for the chill in her soul. Her mind kept returning to thoughts of Alex and Sarah laughing together and anger washed over her like waves in the grip of a dark storm. 

     Camille knew she was very beautiful and could easily have her pick of the many men that showered her with attention.  How is it that she could fall for the man that continued to reject her advances?  With his position and respect in the community and her connections and looks she felt they were the ideal couple.  Could he not see how beneficial they could be together? 

     After stepping out of the shower she reached for her toothbrush and paused in front of the bathroom mirror. It was obvious to her that Alex was quite taken with Sarah.  What had attracted him to that woman over her?  Tears filled her eyes at the sting of rejection and she felt its venom turning her affections into hatred.

     Knowing his concern for others she had hoped to work on his sympathies tonight when she had collided with him.  She knew she was being devious but doused the flames of her conscience by telling herself the end would justify the means. Sure enough it worked like a charm but as she lured him in he broke free and returned to Sarah.  Camille had a great deal of confidence in her looks and talents and often relied on them to get what she wanted.  Tonight was a big blow to her ego and her foundation was greatly shaken. 

     Contemplating what other plan she could conjur up to capture his attention she then turned her thoughts to Jim. She knew he had an ongoing crush on her and he was popular and influential amongst a number of the residents in his neighborhood. Camille thought of using that to her advantage but like an unwilling accomplice her heart began revolting.  Fresh tears filled her eyes when she realized where she was heading.  It was one thing to engage in her schemes but the thought of using Jim was one line she just could not seem to cross. 

     As she replayed the evening's events she recalled how quickly Jim came to Sarah’s side when she had bumped into Alex. It appeared he was also interested in Sarah yet he obviously still had a thing for her. Jim may have a reputation for being hot-tempered and hardheaded but he had a soft spot for her.  She smiled as she thought of how quickly he had worked his way through her many admirers at the end of the evening.  Ignoring their offers to take her home he told her he would be the one to do so. Like her, he was also bold and went after what he desired.  She admired that about him and it made her feel special and wanted, but although she enjoyed flirting with him she considered him too young...and her heart was set on Alex.

     Crawling into bed she wrapped her covers around her and with the storm of anger now over she felt an aftermath of  sadness and loneliness.  Surely God must see the desire in her heart, why was He so silent?  It was with those ponderings that she fell asleep only to be woken shortly thereafter by an intense dream.

     In the dream she found herself in a black sports car driving reckless and dangerously fast. At times she tried to apply the brakes but they didn’t respond to her. Then out of nowhere a man appeared in the middle of the road and upon spotting him she became alarmed. His eyes were on her and she felt her heart being pierced. Camille then slammed on the breaks to prevent from crashing into him.  This time the brakes responded and the car came to a complete stop just inches from him. As she looked more closely at him she noticed what seemed to be fire in his eyes. A spark of love then touched her heart and she began to feel warm within. The driver's door then flew open and somehow she just instincitively knew that he wanted her to get out from behind the wheel.

 Part XXXII:  Bible Reading