| 11/05/2007 |
| Day Five |
Brock paced around the room for 3 minutes. He was getting anxious. He thought of Philippians 4:6-7, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (NKJV). He reprimanded himself for being anxious. He could not wait any longer. If e stayed in that house one more minute, he would loose his mind. He grabbed his blue blazer, his car keys, his wallet, and headed out the front door. He was just going to meet Boyd a little earlier than they had planned.
Brock backed his blue Ford Focus out of the parking spot he was in. He could never find a parking space close to his apartment. He usually ended up walking a little ways to get to and from his apartment. It was a nuisance, especially when he was in a rush. He was planning on talking to the management of the apartment complex, but he never found the time. He uncle was constantly telling him, "If do not take action, then do not complain."
Thinking about what his uncle had said made Brock think about his childhood. Brock had a great childhood. He did not always have everything he wanted, but all of his needs were met. His uncle, Dr. Sirus Van Duren was famous for saying, "You do not have to worry about your needs, and God will always take care of those if you live for Him. You will have a place to stay, food to eat, and clothes to wear. They may not be what you want, but it will be enough to protect you, feed you, and clothe you. God never said that He would provide you with name brand stuff. He just said He would supply your needs."
Brock grew up living with his mother, Vandella Van Duren. Vandella had married Josias Van Duren. They gave life and birth to Brock. His father was a police officer. When Brock was 10 years old, his father died in the line of duty. His father's death hit him hard, but his uncle got him interested in the Bible and ministering to other hurt people. Having that and basketball, kept Brock from going astray. Brock was a great basketball player, just like his father and his uncle had been. Brock had every intention of playing ball for a career, but it did not work out for him. He was injured during a basketball practice his freshman year in college. After the injury, Brock decided to take up religious studies and focus on being a minister. Brock's mother died three years ago from cancer. Brock was crushed by his mother's death. It hit him hard, but again, his uncle was there for him. Brock's uncle had been very influential in his life. If it had not been for his uncle, Brock would have lost his mind a long time ago. Brock was grateful to God for his uncle.
Brock had to wipe the tears from eyes. Thinking about his family always made him tear up. It was hard for him to think about his mother, father, or uncle without feeling sentimental. Brock was very family oriented. He wished that his uncle would have come to Jouette with him, but his uncle insisted on staying in Weidmer and letting Brock make his own way as a pastor. Part of Brock was happy that his uncle had decided to stay because he did not want to be overshadowed by his uncle. It was probably for the best, too. Brock's bestfriend, Boyd had moved to Jouette with him, so Brock was not by himself. Brock laughed at the thought of Boyd moving to Jouette. In a matter of weeks, after moving to Jouette, Boyd had a full-time job making more money than he had made when he was in Weidmer. It had made Boyd laugh and say, "Man, I am glad that God wanted you down here. It got me a better job." That was Boyd's and Brock's relationship; every since they had met in the 3rd grade, Boyd had ridden Brock's coat tail. Boyd usually ended up with the best of the deal, though. Brock did not get jealous, most of the time. Boyd always shared everything that he got with Brock. They were boys, and that's the way they did things.
Brock waved the peace sign at a car that had let him over into the second lane. A beautiful lady waved back at him. He shook his head. He needed to get a woman. He could not believe that he had just said that to himself. He laughed. He hadn't found anyone who made him think, laugh, feel, and take notice. Most of the females he ran into lately just wanted a "rich" preacher to marry and take care of them. He did not want to take care of anyone. He wanted someone to work with him and to help him build up his ministry. He had met some non-Christian woman who fit the criteria that he was looking for, but he could not do anything with an unsaved woman. That would have raised more eyebrows than him not having a woman at all. Brock had to settle for being alone, at least for the moment. He knew that God would bring the right woman into his life at the right time. There were times when Brock wished that the Lord would move a little faster, because he was tired of being alone.
Brock made his way all the way over to the right lane so that he could exit the highway. He was almost at Boyd's apartment. He was 8 minutes early. Brock knew that Boyd was going to act a fool. Boyd always had to have every minute to get dressed when they were going somewhere. Brock laughed as he turned down the street that Boyd lived on. Brock could not believe that his friend lived in such a nice apartment complex. Sometimes, his life just did not seem right.
***
Alexia Trudeau finished brushing her short hair. She was having a bad hair day. It was getting on her nerves, too. She always had a bad hair day at the worst time. She did not need one today. She was going to the mall with her niece, Precious Devereux. Precious was pretty, vivacious, and noticeable, and men always noticed Precious. Alexia had to look her best when she was with Precious if she wanted to get an "oh yea, the pretty has a friend look" from men. Alexia chided herself for being jealous of her niece. Her niece had been blessed with great looks and a great body. Alexia figured it was God's way of making up for the fact that Precious' childhood was so crazy.
Alexia looked at her chocolate skin. She was beautiful and she knew it. Men took notice of her when she was by herself. She wondered why she was still single at the age of 25. Her family considered her an old maid. Her father was always scolding her for hanging out with Precious, "If you did not spend all your time with that hussy, you would have a husband and some kids! You are too old to be single!" Alexia would shake off her father's harsh words with a smile.
Alexia's father, Rev. Alex Trudeau was a hard man. He was especially hard on women. He had softened some in his old age, but he still had some old-fashioned notions about women. Alexia was the baby of the family. She was child number 16. Alexia had sisters and 10 brothers. She still could not believe that her parents had so many children. Many of her brothers and sisters said that she was spoiled and that their father treated her like she was special, but Alexia knew better. Her father was just as hard on her as he was on the rest of her siblings. He had said some mean things to her, particularly when it came to Precious.
"You must like running with that vile girl. She is a nasty woman. If you keep running with her, people are going to start thinking you are like her. You will not be my daughter anymore if that happens."
Alexia always ended up crying after one of those sessions with her father. As much as she tried to not let it bother her, her father's words always made her weep. She hated the hold her father had over her.
Alexia tried to think about something else. She did not want her thoughts of her father to ruin her day. She knew that the day would be filled a fun adventure. She was going shopping with Precious. Anytime the two of the hung out, things got interesting. Alexia frequently had to warn Precious not to let her wily was get the best of her. Her niece was a good person, but she just got into trouble a lot. Precious was good at rebelling, mainly against the wishes of the Trudeau family. Alexia had always been Precious' conscience. Alexia was waiting for the day when her niece would let the Lord be her conscience.
Alexia laughed at the thought of Precious being her niece. Most people either thought that they were good friends or sisters. Alexia was only 9 months older than Precious. Alexia had some nieces and nephews who were older than her. in a family of 16 children, some ages overlapped. Her mother had been pregnant with some of her daughters; that always made Alexia laugh. She loved to look at a picture that showed her mother and two sisters when they were all pregnant at the same time. Her family was crazy, but they all loved each other.
Alexia looked at herself in the mirror. She looked good, but not great. She was tempted to change clothes, but she did not want to be late picking up Precious. Although she knew that Precious wouldn't even be ready. That forever got on Alexia's nerves, Precious' lateness. That girl was late for everything. It did not matter what it was, she was late. Alexia did not like the red and white outfit she had on. She took it off and replaced it with a lavender and gray outfit. Alexia looked better in that outfit. She thought about changing again, but she talked herself out of changing.
Alexia walked over to the telephone that was sitting on the night stand of her bedroom. She picked it up and dialed Precious' phone number. She did not want to leave the house unless she knew that Precious was at least half dressed. After ringing three times, Precious' voice said, "Hey, auntie."
Alexia made a face. She hated it when Precious called her that. "Must you call me that?"
Precious laughed, "Yep, auntie. That's what you are. My auntie."
The reluctant aunt grimaced, "Ow, you are so evil. Must you act like that?"
Precious laughed again, "Did you call me to mess with me or for something else?"
Alexia sucked her teethe, "You know good and well, why I called. Are you dressed, yet?"
The meddling niece responded, "Yes, auntie, I am dressed and waiting on you to get over here. If you want to try to kind a nice Easter outfit for Sunday, then you need to come on so we can get to the mall before everything is gone."
Alexia gasped, "Are you serious? You are already dressed. I cannot believe it."
Precious made a face, "Yep. I am actually dressed. And I look good if I do say so myself."
Alexia giggled, "You are so full of yourself. Do you ever have a bad day?"
"Yep, but the world will never know. Never let them see you sweet. What have I told you?" Precious scolded.
"You are my niece, not my mama. Get off my back. I am older than you," Alexia reminded.
Precious snorted, "Girl please, by 9 months, and that just barely. Are you on your way over here?"
Alexia exhaled. She could tell that her niece had gotten upset. Precious was easily upset at times. Alexia did not feel like fighting with her niece, so she tried to make her laugh. "Nope, I was calling to tell you that I was not ready yet."
Precious wheezed, "You have got to be lying. You ain't ready."
Alexia laughed, "Nope. I am trying to get my outfit together. What are you wearing?"
Precious smiled, "My pink and blue outfit. The one everybody loves me in."
Alexia made a face, "Ok. You haven't worn that in awhile."
Precious returned, "Yea, I know. Get dressed and get over here. You ain't gonna look better than me, so just throw on an old house robe and come on over here." Precious laughed loudly.
Alexia made a face, "Whatever. I will be there in a few minutes. Just make sure you are ready."
Precious made a kissing sound in the phone and then hung up the phone without waiting for Alexia to return the favor.
Alexia laughed as she hung up the phone. That was their way of saying goodbye to each other. They blew kisses to each other. Whoever blew the first kiss was the one who would call and check up on the other one the next day. Usually; Precious ended up being the first one to blow a kiss. It never bothered Alexia. Alexia like having Precious check up on her; and Precious like checking up on Alexia.
Alexia decided to go ahead and wear her lavender and gray outfit. She did not see the need to change. It wouldn't make a difference anyway. Precious did look great in her blue and pink outfit. Alexia grabbed her lavender heels, put them on, and then headed out the door to go pick up Precious. Alexia was excited about going to see her niece. They were sure to have some fun looking for her an Easter outfit. |
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