

### Becoming His Awesome Beauty: Volume 1

By

Sheila Holmes

Copyright © 2015 Sheila Holmes

All rights reserved.

Distributed by Smashwords

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Cover by Sheila Holmes.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

# Acknowledgments

This is the first book in the Awesome Love Series. I am grateful for the opportunity to begin a new series with some new, complex characters with the same spiritual assets and liabilities as you and me. And all looking for someone to love them "warts and all."

Daniel, my precious angel of a husband, continues to encourage me and make me laugh when I get far too serious about my writing. Each morning he makes me laugh before I ever get out of bed, and I'm still laughing at his jokes, funny tales, and impersonations when we retire at night. I'm so grateful for his sense of humor.

Our adorable daughter, DanniLaii, continues to be my third best friend, right after Jesus and my husband. She is funny like her dad, and is truly a cohort. Having the same sense of humor that her dad has, she has provided me with endless hours of laughter that might never have happened without her. Her spiritual gift of helps is a constant blessing in our lives. I can't think of a better friend than this woman of God. Our prayer is that she will continue reaching to know better the One Who sacrificed His Life to pay her sin debt, and will let Him be the One others see when they look at her.

Being members of Westover Church in Greensboro, North Carolina has been one of the outstanding contributors to- and blessings of our lives. Pastor Don is ever faithful (over twenty years now) to not only teach us the uncompromising truths of the Bible, but teach us how to flesh out those truths in our lives. We can never thank him enough, and his precious wife, Donna, for the example of their humble lives in Christ.

My hope is that you truly enjoy this story. If I am able to give you a few hours of "frivolous fun," then I feel like I've accomplished what I set out to do. I hope, of course, that you will thoroughly enjoy this story, and will finish this book with the sense of having added joy to your life.

Jesus, thank you for your encouragement as I've written. It has been therapeutic. You and I have had some really wonderful times together while unfolding this tale. When I got stumped in some places, not knowing how to express something most effectively, You stepped right in and showed me. I am thankful for your help, and will ever be thankful to You for redeeming me.

# Books by Sheila Holmes

Wedding Woes Series

A Wedding Disaster... Or Was It?

A Catastrophic Wedding Reception... Or Maybe Not?

Wedding Designed by Email... KiirstiAan's Nightmare?

Non-Fiction

With This Ring: Creative Ways to Give Your Purity Ring to Your Future Spouse

Christmas Romance Plans (How-to) Series

Christmas Romance: 25 Dazzling Days to Romance Your Spouse 'til Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Romance Plan

Awesome Love Series

Becoming His Awesome Beauty: Volume 1

Becoming His Awesome Beauty: Volume 2

Fixing His Broken Ballerina: Volume 1

Fixing His Broken Ballerina: Volume 2

All in a Name Series

Joyful, Joyful

From Grace Abounds Grace (coming Winter 2016)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Books by Sheila Holmes

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Volume 2 Sampler

About the Author

"And we know that all things work together

for good to them that love God, to them who

are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28, The Bible.

# Chapter 1

Her name was Awesome Beauty Truesdale. But, she had hated her name from as far back as she could remember, which was when she was in first grade and a boy in her class had said that her name was stupid. She struck him hard, very hard, then walked away, acting as if she had no idea why that boy behind her was wailing in pain. And, she figured she'd put up with the ridicule from kids in both school and her neighborhood long enough. So when the roll was called on the first day of third grade, she changed it. The teacher was calling the names. When Awesome Beauty Truesdale was called, she told the teacher that she preferred to be called Awsty (the first two letters from Awe-, the "s" from -some, and the "ty" from Beauty). She had come up with it that very morning waiting while the kids were alphabetically called out. Most of the listed last names were called out before hers, and her mind raced to create her nickname before the teacher got to her. When Mrs. Clancy called her, she simply and matter-of-factly requested that she be called Awsty. Mrs. Clancy just smiled and said, "Of course, Awsty." She scribbled it down in her roll book, and that was the last day she was ever called Awesome Beauty in school. It took a few years before everyone outside of the school ground caught up, including her wild and reckless mother.

Awsty and her usually drugged-up mom lived in a wretched part of town in a single wide trailer. It held the world's record for small, and an even higher position (if possible), for filthiness. Awsty was no beloved child. She was simply a responsibility caused through a careless one-night stand by a woman who needed a drug fix and had no other way to pay for it.

It was a wonder Awsty made it through high school at all. And, she barely did. Not only did her mother not help her with homework, nor pack her lunches, nor provide her with clean clothes to wear, she didn't care if Awsty went to school or not. She had... what's the saying... "bigger fish to fry," like scoring her next drug fix. Basically, Awsty raised herself with no help from the woman who merely gave her an illegitimate birthright, then abandoned her emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. She might have had a nasty makeshift bed in a trailer to sleep in at night, and her mother might have spent some nights there with her, but Awsty was alone, desperately and tragically alone. No one cared about her. Not one person... well, no one but Grammy. But, Grammy was old, and couldn't possibly have the reserves to provide her with anything she needed. Even her apartment was old, tiny, with barely enough room for herself.

Three weeks after graduation Awsty turned eighteen years old, and she disappeared. She didn't resurface until three years later. Her mother had died of an overdose of heroin, but Awsty didn't find out until months after the fact, when she showed up at her Grammy Truesdale's apartment.

What a sight she was, too. Grammy opened the door to a waif dressed in all black, with matching jet black hair that was maybe three inches long all over, and spiked stiffly to its full length. Chains startlingly dripped from all three pockets, only to be rivaled in appearance by the spiked dog collar that was worn around her neck. It wasn't however, the clothes and hair that kept Grammy stumped as to who this wretched creature was. It was the girl herself. Awsty had a hole in her left ear that was plugged with a one-inch diameter silver medallion with some writing on it that Grammy couldn't decipher. If that weren't enough, there were three small tear tattoos that dripped from her right eye, easily discernible through the white foundation and powder that covered her face and neck. Black lipstick and thick drawn on black eyebrows completed "the look." Well, that is if you don't count the long pointed black fingernails that looked more like knives than anything else.

"Yes?" Grammy asked.

"Grammy, it's me, Awesome Beauty, well... Awsty now."

"Oh child, come in!" Grammy knew exactly who she was when the first word "Grammy" came from her lips, and with that recognition her thin spindly arms grabbed for any part of Awsty that she could claim. Tears immediately came gushing from her old, partially-sighted eyes. Partly from the joy of holding this dear granddaughter again after three years, and partly from the sorrow of seeing the great depths to which this little one had obviously fallen.

No words were exchanged for almost five minutes, during which time they hugged and cried. Finally, Grammy let go of her hold on Awsty, walked matter-of-factly to the kitchen, grabbed bread, peanut butter, and jelly, from which she fashioned a sandwich, complete with the crusts cut off. She remembered! Then, adding some grapes, and a small handful of cheese curls, she placed the plate in front of the little unfed, unwashed shadow of a girl.

Before the first word of protest came from Awsty's mouth, Grammy used her hand to whisk away any comment that didn't start and end with, "Thanks, Grammy. I'm starved!" And, she truly looked as if she were.

Without one word of conversation between them, Awsty ate every mouthful, then licked her fingers and drank the entire glass of milk that her grandmother handed her. Grammy counted. It only took Awesome seven seconds to down the entire contents of the old plastic Cinderella glass, which was Awsty's favorite as a child.

"Yer stayin' tonight." She didn't ask. She told. Rising up, she took Awsty's hand, led her to the bathroom, told her to wash her face and hands, then walked on to the guest room, carrying Awsty's dirty backpack with her. She deposited the backpack on the floor next to the bed, turned down the bed linens, fluffed the pillow, and walked right back to the bathroom. The very moment she arrived at the door, Awsty opened it and came into the hall, where the two women resumed holding hands as they walked to the guest room. It was tiny, half filled with Grammy's stuff, but it was clean and the bed looked inviting.

"Sweet girl, climb in bed. There'll be no more talkin' 'til morning. Ya can tell me all about it then. Oh... and in case ya think otherwise, it don't matter where ya been, what ya done, or who ya done it with that will change my love for ya. Sleep well, knowin' that the only one who loves ya more than me is Jesus." After turning out the one small light in the room, she closed the door, leaving Awsty in the Lord's care.

"Lord, please let 'er stick around all night. Don't let 'er go nowhere. Thank ya, Jesus, fer bringin' 'er home."

# Chapter 2

The light might have been off, but Awsty wasn't ready to sleep. She sat back up in bed and swung her feet over the side. When they touched the floor, she winced and retracted them. The floor was wood and chilly. She stayed facing the same direction, but pulled her legs up and crossed them beneath her on the bed. Reaching up to remove the realistic flesh-colored earring, Awsty stopped mid-movement. The color of the earring that appeared to actually be skin, matched Awsty's skin tone perfectly. It was pale and had the same pallor of Awsty's earlobes. If a person didn't know, they assumed it was actually her lobe, cut and stretched to accommodate the medallion. She didn't know what the writing meant, but it didn't matter. She wore this earring for the explicit satisfaction of seeing people's shocked countenances when they saw it. Not sure why, she decided to leave it in after all.

Hugging herself tightly with both arms, Awsty began weaving back and forth, something she had been doing for some time now, mostly at moments of extreme stress. Once when she was living on the streets, she and a street friend were wandering one night through a city alley. Midway down on one side, partially hidden by some large produce boxes, sat an old woman, obviously homeless. She had a grocery store cart next to her, filled with her "treasures." She had one of her legs hooked around one of its legs, helping to keep it in her possession at all times during the night. Awsty was used to seeing the helpless, hopeless people of the streets, so that was nothing new. But what did catch her attention was the way the woman wrapped her arms around herself and wove back and forth. Her motion never stopped, at least the entire time Awsty and Marcy watched. She asked her friend, Marcy, why the woman did that. Marcy didn't even need to think about it. She jumped in with her abundant wisdom, "She's crazy, that's why she's doin' that. It's what crazy people do. You ever see someone doin' that, you can rest assured they're nuts! I had an uncle that did that. He died in an insane asylum!" At first, Awsty wasn't sure if it was true or not about the motion _or_ Marcy's uncle, but she had said it with such authority, that Awsty assumed it must be true. What concerned her most now, though, was that she was doing that exact same continual movement, and quite often.

While rocking to and fro, almost working herself into an emotional frenzy, she whispered to herself, "What am I doing here?! Why in the world did I come here?! This is ridiculous! I don't want to be here! If I wanted to be here, I would have come here a long time ago! There's nothing here for me! Grammy is letting me stay tonight, but she'll make me leave in the morning! Why would she let me stay?! The apartment's too small. I already feel claustrophobic! These walls are closing in on me! I don't think I can even stay here tonight!... I can't breathe! I'm gonna pass out and just die, sitting right here on this bed. Grammy's gonna find my cold dead body right here on her clean sheets, and she'll hate me for showin' up just long enough to eat her food and croak. Then, she'll have to decide what to do with me... burial or cremation... and nobody would come to my funeral... there's no one I know except Grammy and Mother. And, Mother made it _quite_ clear all those years that she didn't care about me! That's even worse than if she hates me. She just doesn't care one way or the other! But, why would she? I'm worthless. I'm shabby, ugly, stupid, and worthless! Why did Grammy let me stay tonight? Probably because she wants me to be rested and wide awake in the morning when she drops the bomb that she has no intention of letting me stay... she'll probably tell me I've got fifteen minutes to get my backpack, a dry piece of toast, and get my backside out the door!"

Once no further thoughts or words surfaced, she limply lay down on the pillow, tears still streaming and closed her eyes. Fortunately, she had pulled the blanket over her before lying down, because she almost immediately fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion, and never moved again the entire rest of the night.

*****

The wood floor was cold in Grammy's room also, but that didn't stop her from kneeling on it, with her elbows resting on the bed, and spending almost two hours of uninterrupted prayer, petitioning the Lord on Awesome Beauty's behalf.

"Dear Jesus, my one and only True Friend and Savior, please help this precious prodigal daughter. I can't make 'er stay here, but that's yer job. Let her wake up in the mornin' with new hope and a sense of belongin'. She needs to know ya! I don't know how that will come about, but I'll plant the seeds, if ya help me!

"I can't believe the level she's sunk to, but ya say in Yer Word that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Ya've never lied to me before, so I'm gonna believe ya on that!

"Lord, I'm not even sure where to begin when it comes to Awesome Beauty. I've got so many things to ask ya fer on her behalf. So, here goes. Ya can just stop me when ya've heard enough..."

The clock in the living room marked two hours' passing when she concluded.

"Oh, and Jesus, help me ta know when and how ta tell 'er about 'er mom's death."

# Chapter 3

Morning came, as it always did. When Grammy called Awsty for breakfast, breath held, she hoped that Awesome Beauty was still behind that bedroom door. She was, and just like yesterday evening, she appeared to be voraciously hungry. Once in the kitchen, Awsty began downing massive amounts of pancakes, with not only two small glasses of orange juice, but a whole eight ounce glass of milk, finishing up with three slices of bacon. _My graciousness! Had this child eaten anything since she'd seen her last?!_

Once a hearty breakfast had been practically inhaled by Awsty, breakfast dishes had been washed, dried, and put away, Grammy asked Awesome Beauty to join her in the living room. After each was seated, Grammy opened the conversation, "Awesome Baby Girl, talk ta me." Those six words opened a geyser only to be rivaled by Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park. First came copious amounts of tears, followed by uneven heaving between breaths, and the ultimate hiccup-sniffles that didn't stop for almost ten minutes. During all that, Awesome Beauty Truesdale poured her heart out to her grandmother. She left nothing out!

"Grammy, my life is one ugly mess. I have done such awful things since I left home. I've probably tried every drug ever invented. And, even after realizing I hated the effect they had on me, I still used _sometimes_ if someone would give me some, which they did, usually with strings attached. Since I've been living on the streets, I haven't made any friends. Well, actually, I made one friend, Jeff. But he died a month ago from an overdose. I didn't even know his last name, and when he died, a 'death car' from the police department came, hauled his body away, and I have no idea where they took him." At this declaration, Awsty began wailing again and threw herself into Grammy's arms, sobbing until there were no tears left to cry. Wiping her now red, soggy nose with the back of her hand, Awsty jumped up and strode to the bathroom, coming back with the entire toilet paper roll from the dispenser next to the toilet. She blew her nose, wiped her eyes, then sat motionlessly staring out the front window, with a faraway, mournful look about her eyes.

Grammy said nothing while Awsty sat, staring through the lace-curtained window. She could see Awesome Beauty was thinking something through. She had no intention of prying it out of the girl. She would wait until her granddaughter was ready to share. Minutes passed. Finally, with a deep inhale of breath, quickly expelled, Awsty turned to directly face her grandmother. "Grammy, I'm not a... well... you know anymore. I took off my purity ring after the first time, packed it away in my backpack, and can't even bring myself to look at it long enough to throw it in a trash bin."

"Sweet Awesome, I love ya, and more importantly, Jesus does. No matter what ya've done."

"I find that very hard to believe, when I hate myself so much."

"So, what d'ya want ta do 'bout all this?"

"Grammy, weren't you listening? I just told you how helpless and hopeless I am."

"Actually, I think what ya told me is that yer fed up with bein' in charge o' yer own life and sure wish somebody else would take over."

"Grammy, if you start in on that Jesus-stuff again, I think I'm going to just start crying all over again."

"Ok, what would _you_ like ta do about all of it?"

"I don't know. I only know that I need to make some radical changes in my life. I was hoping you could help me. Got any ideas?"

"Yeah, I'm full 'o ideas. Can I share 'em with ya?" She was not only thinking of ideas, but the niggling reality that Awesome Beauty needed to hear about her mother's death. She quickly asked the Lord's help as she prepared to reveal the circumstances of her mother's demise.

"Yeah, but first let me go get a Dr Pepper and some chips. I have a feeling this is going to take some time. Am I right?"

"Ya know y'are!"

# Chapter 4

"Awesome Beau..."

"Grammy, I go by Awsty. Please call me that. Awesome Beauty is too long and people have made fun of it as far back as I can remember. That's one reason why I go by Awsty now."

"What's the other reason?"

"Because the name doesn't fit who I am. It doesn't describe me and who I am at all."

'I think it fits ya perfectly, Sweetheart."

"Thank you, Grammy, but I really want to be called Awsty."

"How d'ya spell that? O-S-T-I-E?"

"No... A-W-S-T-Y."

"How'd ya come up with that?"

Awsty explained to her hurriedly that it came from different parts of her actual name and that she'd changed to the nickname in third grade.

"Well, I've seen ya since third grade. I never heard anyone call ya that."

"They did at school. It just took longer for neighborhood kids, well, actually _anyone_ who wasn't in school with me. Whatever made my mother name me that is a mystery to _me_. She musta been drunk or drugged up. She..."

"Aweso... Awsty, good or bad, yer talkin' about yer mother. Not for her sake, but fer yers, ya need to speak about 'er in a respectful tone."

"Why should I?! She never showed me anything but indifference. I would have been much better off if she'd let social services take me and have me go live with a foster family. Not today, maybe, but one of these days I'm gonna go tell her what I think of her and her parenting skills! It's mostly her fault that I'm so messed up!"

Grammy hung her head, and began kneading her hands. She said nothing, but Awsty could see her looking around the room. She didn't seem to be focused on anything, but more like she was trying to figure something out.

"Grammy, are you ok? I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry."

"Awsty, I been tryin' to figur' out how to go 'bout tellin' ya this, and I can't think of no way ta do it, but to just do it..."

"Grammy?"

Sweet Child, yer momma died... last June. The sixteenth."

There was no reaction, at least none that registered on her face. Her expression was totally devoid of any emotion at all.

"How?"

"Heroin."

Still no reaction from Awsty.

"Who found her?"

"A friend 'o hers."

"Where?"

"In 'er trailer, on the bed. I know the friend's first name... Lea. But I don't know 'er last name or anythin' 'bout 'er. The police came an' got 'er when Lea called 'em from a neighbor's trailer. The police said they didn't know fer sure, but thought that both of them had taken drugs the night before, but Lea woke up the next mornin' from her drug stupor and found yer momma. She had died sometime durin' the night."

"Buried or cremated?"

"Cremated. I didn't have money to bury her and the county wasn't willin' to pay the extra charges fer a burial. "

"Where's the urn?"

Awsty still registered no emotional reactions at all across her face. And, if it was possible, the only thing Grammy could see had changed was Awsty's facial pallor, which had faded to an even whiter shade than it was when she arrived yesterday, even though she wasn't wearing any of the pale makeup and powder she'd worn then.

"Aweso... Awsty, are ya ok, Sweetheart?"

Awsty ignored the question and asked again, "Where's the urn?"

"The associate pastor helped me. I didn't know what to do with 'er ashes. He suggested we go to the beach and scatter 'em in the ocean. He and his wife drove me there. It was on a Saturday. Since it was several hours away, they brought a picnic. The three of us went t'gether. Pastor Greg read the Bible. Grace, his wife, threw some flowers in the ocean and said a few words 'o comfort, then I scattered the ashes inside the circle 'o floatin' flowers. Then, they went back ta the blanket and waited 'til I was ready ta come back too. We had a quiet lunch t'gether, then turned 'round and came right back home. Pastor Greg needed ta get back fer church the next mornin'. Oh... Pastor Greg asked if I wanted ta keep the urn, but when I said no, he put it in the trunk 'o his car, and I don't know what he did with it. Probably threw it away, so that I wouldn't hafta."

Awsty turned her blank, emotionless face toward the curtained window and sat for a moment or two looking through the sheer lace. Since there was nothing in particular to watch outside, Grammy assumed she was just staring into space while she tried to process all she'd learned today.

After no more than a couple of minutes, she turned back to Grammy, shrugged her shoulders in resignation, took a deep breath, exhaled, then said, "Ok."

"I'm sa sorry, Sweetheart. I know this must be a shock. D'ya want some time alone in yer room and we'll talk later today about other things?"

"No, we'd better talk about life from this point on, and just stuff in general. For example, am I allowed to stay here with you for a while? And, if I do stay, how do I pay you back for letting me live in the spare room? Or did you want me to find another place right away? Just need to plan stuff, Grammy."

Grammy was confounded by her nonchalance over the news of her mother's death. _Didn't she care? Was she just processing? Did she just plan to mourn later alone in her room?_

# Chapter 5

"Ok, so I can stay for a while if I get a part-time job, get some sort of training or school that will help me get a better job somewhere down the road, and help with cleaning the apartment, and do some cooking?"

"Ya fergot about Sunday church services. Both hours. Sunday school and church worship service. And yep, that's it."

Awsty was already winding up for the battle. Grammy could see her clench her fists, and set her jaw. _Oh, boy. This was going to be war!_

"I'm in for everything but the Sunday church thing. That stuff isn't for me. I'll plan to stay home those days and have Sunday dinner ready for the both of us by the time you get home."

Grammy didn't mean to, but she smiled. _This child thinks she's going to set the rules in my home._

"Well, no, Sweetheart. Ya'll be goin' with me. I don't need ya ta stay home and fix dinner. I always make somethin' in the crockpot on Sunday morning fer dinner in the mid-afternoon. Although, yer welcome to get up early and help me prepare the ingredients, if ya like.

"But, ya _can_ make yer own decision whether ya wanna go to nine-thirty a.m. worship service, then go to the college Sunday school class. Or, if you would rather go to the Singles Sunday school class first hour, then..."

"Grammy, I told you a few minutes ago that I don't plan to go to church at all on Sundays."

"Sweetheart, I'm not used to havin' someone in my home with me. I'm alone a lot, so I think sometimes I've forgotten how ta talk with people. What I'm saying is that it's a package deal. The part-time job, schoolin' of some sort, helpin'' me with cleanin' and cookin', _and_... Sunday church services. Both hours. It's an all-or-nothin' deal."

"Well, I'm willing to go with you sometimes. They'll be Thanksgiving, and then there's Christmas, and stuff. And, of course, Easter, if I'm still here then."

Wow! She's not gonna give up without a fight !

"Awsty, Sweetheart, ya'll be goin' every Sunday, unless yer sick... _or dead_." She grinned when she said the words " _or dead_." She hoped it would lighten things up. But, it didn't. In fact, Awsty became almost enraged. Her voice grew loud as she began, "You mean to tell me..."

"Awsty," interrupted Grammy, "before ya go on, please lower yer voice."

Awsty was now incensed . She was actually screaming, "... that I have to go..."

Grammy stood up and looked down at Awsty. "I asked ya to lower yer voice. I'm willin'to listen to anything ya have ta say, but ya'll do it in a respectful tone and at a reasonable sound level." She then stood there silently while Awsty made her decision what to do. It was fight or flight! And she quickly decided she'd fight to the death!

Clinching her teeth, Awsty more quietly said, "I'm sorry. I'm not used to speaking with people a lot either. But, Grammy, I'm not going to church with you every Sunday. I'll adhere to all the other rules, but not this one. I'm an adult and that is a decision I'll make for myself." She sat there and just looked up to her grandmother, directly in the eyes. When Grammy's eyes didn't veer from her own, it was Awsty who looked away first.

"Then I am heartbroken ya won't be livin' here with me. I'll miss ya more than ya'll ever know. And, Awsty, I'll always love ya." Tears began rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't stop them, but neither did she wipe them with the ever-present handkerchief always tucked in a pocket of her housedress. She continued to look directly at Awsty.

"You mean you'd rather toss me out when I have no place to go, than allow me to stay home on Sunday mornings."

"No, I mean it'll break my heart that somethin' so small an inconvenience ta ya would make ya decide ta leave a home where someone loves ya so dearly, and wants so much ta give ya the love ya've been deprived of fer so long."

Maybe two or three minutes passed before either one spoke again. Grammy, finally seated, was still watching Awsty, and Awsty was yet again looking out the lace curtains. Grammy could tell that this child was really agonizing over whatever decision she would make.

Awsty knew she was stuck, at least for a while, until she could find other living arrangements. But she could at least kind of win this match.

"Ok, I'll go to Sunday church until I can find another place to live. It may be a few days, so I'll go with you tomorrow."

"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm so glad ya'll stay a little longer.

"Well, I've got stuff ta do today, Sweetheart, so I'll leave ya ta get yer room set up, yer clothes either in the closet or the chest 'o drawers, and put yer toiletries in the bathroom, under the sink. Later on, I'll clear some room fer ya in the medicine cabinet for anythin' ya might wanna store in there. 'K... let's see. I guess that's all I can think of right now. Just make yerself ta home. Oh, 'fore I forget, you'll need to be ready to leave fer church at nine-fifteen in the mornin'. I just walk. It's so close. Oh... ya already know that. Sometimes I forget that ya went there sometimes with me when ya was little. It's changed some. It's grown and there's a new larger worship center. It's really a beautiful place ta worship."

With those closing comments, Grammy walked out the door and into the kitchen. Pots and pans almost immediately started clanging.

Grammy may have thought she'd won, but Awsty's brain was already in gear as Grammy was walking away. _So, you say that I don't have to go to church if I'm sick? Ok_. Fake cough, sniffle. She did it just loud enough that Grammy could barely hear it. _I think I can come up with some malady between now and nine-fifteen a.m. tomorrow._ _The big question is what? A cold? A really sore throat? A terrible stomach ache? Yep, I can definitely feel something' comin' on!_

Awsty just grinned as she made her way to her bedroom.

# Chapter 6

The morning broke with dreary skies. There wasn't supposed to be any rain, though, but little did anyone suspect at that moment a storm was brewing inside Awsty that would culminate in an emotional and spiritual outburst _inside_ Open Door of Faith, the church that Grammy had gone to for over twenty-five years.

Grammy woke up early. The morning was chilly. After putting her long robe and warm slippers on, she made a quick stop to the bathroom, then straight on to the kitchen, where she began making breakfast for the two of them.

Grammy wanted to make a special breakfast to show her that Grammy hadn't forgotten Awsty's favorite breakfast meal. The few and far between times that she had been at Grammy's on a Sunday morning, she always requested pancakes. But she didn't want them served conventionally. She wanted them the way Grammy had made them the very first time she had ever prepared them for her. As she began mixing ingredients, she remembered with clarity that first occasion.

Awsty was seven years old and had spent the night with Grammy. It had not been planned between mother and daughter, but it was executed as though it had been.

Awsty's mom, Regina, had decided to spend the night hours with who-knows-who, and at five-thirty p.m. she walked up to Grammy's apartment door with Awsty in hand, knocked on the door, looked down at Awsty and said, 'Behave yerself. I'll come getcha sometime tomorra.' No goodbye, no kiss, no hug.

When Regina had turned away and walked down the stairs of Grammy's apartment, she looked back up. Grammy had not answered the door and Awsty was just standing there dry-eyed and sober-faced, looking down at her. Regina didn't want anyone to hear her and tell her she couldn't just leave this young child there alone and take off, so she mouthed to Awsty that she was to just sit down and wait until Grammy got there. When Awsty hadn't responded quickly enough to suit Regina, she pointed her index finger up at her, got a steely set to her jaw, and very slow mouthed, 'Sit. Down!" Awsty sat, right there on the cold concrete outside Grammy's door. And there she remained an hour and a half, until Grammy returned from helping a sick neighbor, by bringing dinner and a little companionship to her while she ate.

' _Awesome Beauty, where's yer mom? How long ya been sittin' here waitin' fer me, Sweetheart?' she questioned, as she snatched the child up in her arms and carried her into the apartment. Although the temperature was relatively warm outside, Awsty's little arms and legs felt chilly. Once she got her into the apartment, she placed her on the sofa, covered her with an afghan that had been thrown across its back, and made her some hot chocolate._

As Awsty drank the chocolaty brew, she said not one word. So, Grammy talked.

' _What's wrong with yer mother? Yer too young to be left alone. Thank ya, Jesus, that ya brought me home quickly. Is yer mother comin' back tonight? Or are ya stayin' with me? Did ya bring any clothes with ya? Doesn't look like it. Well, I have sum warm jammies ya can wear, and a toothbrush and brush ya kin use.'_

Realizing that Awesome Beauty was hearing every word of Grammy's ramblings, she now focused entirely on Awesome Beauty.

' _Oh, boy,' she forced from her lips, 'yer stayin' with me tonight! I'm so excited! We can watch some cartoons, if there is any, and we'll eat popcorn... ' Her words had sort of faded out by this point, and she just sat there looking into the eyes of this neglected, unloved little girl, from which not one word came._

Awesome Beauty had slept soundly that entire night. When morning came, Grammy decided to make her something special for breakfast. She was thinking she'd make her some pancakes. While mixing the ingredients, she happened to look over on the kitchen counter where a very black speckled banana resided. Rather than throw it away later that day, she mashed it up and literally threw it into the pancake batter. When it was time to serve them, Grammy realized she didn't have any pancake syrup, so she opted for a whole different presentation.

Cutting each of the two banana pancakes into four equal pieces, she placed them around the edges of the plate, like a picture frame. After smearing each triangle with a thin layer of peanut butter, she placed them back into their positions.

It was at this moment Grammy had looked over at Awesome Beauty, who was watching spellbound, with her little mouth hanging agape in awe... or complete confusion! Maybe a little of both. Opening the cabinet that held most of her scant supply of food stuffs, she grabbed a three-quarters empty bag of powdered sugar. Covering the entire breakfast plate in a layer of the sweet 'snow,' including the empty middle center of the plate, it was now finished. Well... almost!

Grammy reached over and took Awesome Beauty's little hand, and after folding down all but her index finger, she guided the little limp digit into making a smile and two eyes in the middle of the plate. At first, Awesome Beauty just looked at the plate with a question in her eyes. When very little response came from her, Grammy thought perhaps she didn't know it was a face unless all the features were drawn in. So, she took hold of the little powdered-sugar covered finger again and made a nose right there in the middle.

Awesome Beauty actually giggled. It was small, and only half-hearted, but Grammy would take it just the same. After licking her sugar-coated finger, Awesome Beauty whole-heartedly grabbed the fork next to the plate and speared her first very generous-sized bite. Before the bite entered Awesome's mouth, Grammy quickly took hold of the fork-wielding hand and stopped it in mid-action. While holding it softly in mid-air, Grammy simply bowed her head, closed her eyes, and said, "Thank ya, Jesus." That was it. No big long involved prayer, complete with intercession for every saint Grammy knew or knew of, no salvation message interspersed, no 'pleading the blood' over countless problems and negative situations. Just three words that showed appreciation for the food. Grammy had never said it was for the food, but even Awesome Beauty knew it was.

Looking back over this memory brought Grammy misty eyes and a heart that grieved. She wondered how in this world could that quiet, sweet, adorable little girl have turned into the angry, rebellious, and hateful young woman she was now.

As she continued her breakfast preparations of Happy Face Pancakes for her granddaughter, Grammy threw up a quick prayer that the Lord would give her strength and help today. She knew instinctively that there would be a battle of wills once Awesome Beau... _Awsty_... got up this morning. She didn't know what form it would take, but it would be something worthy of airing on the tv morning news. Grammy grinned without meaning to when she realized she had the perfect title for the human interest piece... "Grandmother and Granddaughter Battle to the Death."

# Chapter 7

At eight-forty-five, Grammy looked over the breakfast table, already set and read to serve up the Happy Face Pancakes. She'd used brightly-color napkins and tablecloth, poured Awsty's glass of orange juice and another of milk. Then, she turned and walked out the kitchen door, straight to Awsty's room.

"Awsty?" She winced a bit when she called through the closed door. Her throat had been getting more and more sore since she woke up, until it was really miserable at this moment. It actually hurt to speak. But, how could she insist Awsty go to church services, if she didn't go herself? In expectation of more pain, she swallowed, but rather than calling out again, she knocked on the guest room door. When there was still no response, Grammy knocked _and_ called out, "Awsty?" Still no answer.

Opening the door, Grammy used her morning quiet voice. "Awsty, your breakfast's ready, Sweetheart. And, we'll need to be ready and out the door in another twenty-five minutes. You can come eat your breakfast first, if you want, then get dressed for church afterward."

In a voice that sounded rather fake to Grammy, Awsty answered in a gravely whisper, "I can't go this morning, Grammy. My throat is killing me. I'm just gonna stay in bed today, and maybe I'll feel better tomorrow, so that I can start making some job-search plans." Even as she continued, her voice started sounding normal. "Oh, and of course, I need to look into the community college classes, too. And, I can't eat a bite." When she realized she was speaking in a normal voice, Awsty reverted back to the fake sick voice. "I can't eat any breakfast. My throat hurts too bad."

Grammy's response was immediate. "Oh, that's a shame you can't eat. I made ya the Happy Face Pancakes ya loved as a kid. Well, believe it or not, my throat hurts pretty bad this mornin' too. I didn't even make any of the pancakes fer m'self. I figured I wouldn't be able ta swallow 'em. I'll go get the sore throat liquid out o' the medicine cabinet and we'll both take a spoon of it 'fore we leave. The good news is that the church is actually warmer inside than it is here."

In a voice that had no trace of sore-throat issues and far too loud and strong, Awsty half-yelled at her grandmother, "I'm too sick. I'm not going today."

"Oh, sure y'are. Ya can just wear a sweater over yer clothes and you'll be fine. I'll even take some throat lozenges that we can share durin' the service. Here, I'll help ya into yer clothes. We'll just sorta lean on each other today. I think both of us will need a nap this afternoon, though."

Awsty was seething inside, but could see that no matter what, she wasn't going to win this one, so she simply belted out, "I can dress myself. I'll be out in ten minutes!" And with that curt response, she said with steely eyes and set jaw, "Close the door on your way out... _please_."

As Grammy closed Awsty's door, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought the exchange would be a lot more vicious on Awsty's part. Ugly comments spat out with no thought as to the hurt they would cause Grammy. Oh, Grammy didn't doubt Awsty was livid right now and probably fantasizing all kinds of death-scenarios for her grandmother as she dressed, but at least the air hadn't turned blue with the filthy expletives she was quite sure Awsty thought in her head while they conversed.

Whew! One battle down and how many more to go... just today?!

*****

Awsty took great care in putting herself together for morning services at Open Door of Faith. She was angry that she had essentially lost the encounter with Grammy this morning. _But, she'd make her pay! Boy, would she ever make her pay!_

It took a couple minutes for Awsty to think through the best execution of this morning's plan. She'd be staying home all right, and it would be at Grammy's insistence. Grammy's move thus far had produced a _check_ , but Awsty knew her final strategy would create the _checkmate_.

When her teeth were brushed and face washed, she returned to her room, wearing a grin born of evil. Wait until Grammy saw her when she came out. She took a look at her bed, still unmade, and spoke softly to it. "Standby, Mr. Cozy Bed, I'll be back with you for some quality time in about..." She looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table, then completed the statement, "... twenty minutes. We'll get to know each other real good today. It's a promise!"

*****

Grammy was dressed and sitting on the old, worn sofa. She had the tacky old afghan thrown over her spindly little legs. She always wore a dress to church. She knew a lot of women wore pants, but she wasn't one of them. The one disadvantage, though, she'd have to admit, is that her legs were almost always chilly, except when she sat in the worship center. They kept the huge twenty-five hundred seat room at the perfect temperature. Warm enough that a person knew they'd be comfortable during the service, but not warm enough that it made the congregation drift off into a drowsy sleep. She was anxious to get there this morning, because of both the warmth and the realization that her precious granddaughter would be there with her. It was going to be a memorable day!

When Awsty came into the living room, Grammy was looking down at her beloved Bible, reading a few encouraging words to ready her spirit for this morning's Bible teaching.

"Grammy," Awsty sullenly said, "I'm ready."

Grammy looked up and in one very quick summation, she replied, "Ok, Sweetheart, let's go." Awsty looked momentarily confused, but quickly set her face again to the steely coldness she had worn ever since Grammy summoned her to get up and get dressed for church.

Wait a minute! You're looking right at me! Don't you see what I'm wearing? What about my makeup? And all my chains? Put your glasses on, you blind old woman! Take it all in!

Almost a minute passed, and Awsty stood totally still throughout, staring at her grandmother, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But none did, and when she saw that she had no choice but to follow Grammy out the front door, she said curtly, "I'm gonna grab a couple of the Happy Face Pancakes and eat them while we walk." However, before she even could turn and take one step toward the kitchen, Grammy quietly said, "Oh, I'm sorry, Sweetheart, since there was no time for ya ta sit and enjoy 'em, and yer throat hurt anyway, I threw 'em out. Maybe I can make 'em for ya next Sunday before church services."

Not a word of response came from Awsty's lips, but inside... she was screaming at the top of her lungs!

# Chapter 8

Awsty was so angry that Grammy had won this morning, that she wouldn't say one word all the way to the ginormous church that Awsty didn't remember being so huge. It almost looked like a self-contained city. And, in a way, it was... a spiritual city. Or at least to Grammy, it was.

Frankly, after waving back to a couple of church friends who waved to her from their cars as they hurried past the two of them on their way to worship the Lord, Grammy was thrilled to have total silence during their brisk walk. It gave her three blocks to mentally process the shock that engulfed her when anything-but-an Awesome Beauty resurfaced from her bedroom.

Dressed totally in black, she looked like something from a nightmare. Without looking over at her, Grammy was able to remember every detail of Awsty's appearance.

She wore knee-high lace up black platform boots with four inch heels. They had fire engine red laces up the back from ankle to almost the bend of her knee. It was the only color in her whole "ensemble." They were ugly and garish, and looked like they should be worn by a..., a..., what was the term she was looking for? She knew of one, actually two terms, but couldn't bring herself to say them, even in her head. Uh... " _lady of the evening_." That would have to do. They were trashy, but paired with black see-through stockings with a black seem up the back, they were downright vulgar. And, of course, there was a run up the outside of one leg, reaching to mid-thigh. It was totally visible, too, because of the shortness of the black skirt, which was a good six inches above her knees. Moving further up, the black long-sleeved top was relatively non-distinct in its styling, but there were silver chains looped from every single buttonhole or pocket to any other buttonhole or pocket that the chain had enough length to reach and hook to. It was a wonder Awsty could hold herself up under the weight of all the metal dripping from her clothing, as well as the one chain that hooked through her right nostril and looped to her right earlobe. The only remaining accessory to Awsty's ensemble was the spiked dog chain that encircled her beautiful long slender neck. It was so tightly attached, that there was a small amount of skin-puckering around both the top and bottom of the "adornment."

Unfortunately, the horror didn't end with the clothing features. Once one had perused her from foot to neck, and back down out of sheer disbelief of her clothing selection, the worst was still to come.

Awsty's face had a death pallor to it, born of the application of both pale white cake makeup and the same color (or lack thereof) in face powder. Once the sight of her black lips smacked the onlooker's senses, the final assault were her eyes and eyebrows. Awsty's eyebrows were thick and the color of midnight blackness. But, the eyes... oh, the eyes! A thick application of dark charcoal eyeshadow covered her lids, and made her look like she had a skeleton's open eye sockets. Grammy wasn't sure if Awsty had applied the shadow underneath her eyes on purpose, or if it had accidentally smeared in those areas.

The sight of Awsty's hair broke Grammy's heart. What was once long silky rich brown, was now black... blacker than black. However, it was the style that was even more of an affront. Awsty had changed out her spikey hair for another style. _Did Awsty think this was an improvement?_

Grammy figured Awsty must have washed her hair sometime between arriving at the apartment and now, because the spikes were gone. But, what was left was no better. Her hair hung in a long slicked-down matted mess that looked as though it had been ironed to her skull. Her ears poked through like they were peeking through the strands, trying to find a way of escape. And, if Grammy wasn't mistaken, she had about one-half inch of hair at her hair part that was kind of auburn... or red?

Only once did Grammy look full-on at Awsty on their pilgrimage to the usually anticipated doors that wooed those who would, to come in and celebrate Jesus. Actually, she acted as though she was looking past Awsty at the beautifully-flowering azaleas that bloomed in a yard on her grandaughter's side of the sidewalk.

_Oh, yeah!_ She knew there had been more hideousness to Awsty's appearance! The long, pointed black fingernails. But her stomach actually rolled at the final assault. She had forgotten the... oh, why would she do that?... the... why would she mutilate herself like that?... and it's undoable... the gigantic hole in her stretched left earlobe, with that hideous medallion suspended within. _Awesome Beauty, how could ya do that ta yerself?!_

Well, there was one thing Grammy knew for sure. No, actually two things. One, Awsty had "groomed" herself this way on purpose to shock Grammy, resulting in what she hoped would result in definitive instructions to stay home until she could groom herself properly and modestly to go into the Lord's House. Two, she would let Awsty think she didn't even notice anything offbeat (read _freaky_ or _bazaar_ ) about her appearance. She would march into the church with Awsty and introduce her to everybody she knew, as though she were the proudest grandmother in the whole world.

And, that's exactly what she did.

# Chapter 9

"Hello, Grace. Hi, Eddy. This is my granddaughter, Aweso... Awsty. Awsty, these 're Mr. and Mrs. Garner."

In response to the introduction, Awsty did not speak a word. She simply set her jaw, clamped her mouth shut, and uncrossed her arms only long enough to made one brisk wave of her hand to them, then re-crossed.

"Glad to meet you, Aw..sty..." said Grace, with a confused look on her face. She reached out to shake Awsty's hand, but Awsty was unresponsive, so she further extended her hand to pat Awsty's arm. Awsty, however, actually backed off, so that Grace couldn't complete the gesture. Then, she began an active perusal of the sanctuary, or what Grammy called "the worship center." Eddy had smiled at her, but Awsty chose not to even look at him. Grammy might be able to make her come to church this morning, but she couldn't make her talk to anyone, or be pleasant... at all!

Grace and Eddy moved off to seek out seats in the front few rows, as they quickly gave Grammy one of those all-understanding looks. Grammy knew they did understand, too. Their daughter, Tricia, had been rebellious, and had gotten caught up in a cult. They didn't know exactly where she was during that time, so they had recruited a group of close friends to spend time with them in prayer. They met weekly there at the church in a room down the north wing, where they pled the blood of Christ over this young girl. Nine years later, Tricia was now married to the music director at that very church, heading up a small group of high school girls in a weekly Bible study, and raising two sons and a young daughter to love Jesus. Grace and Eddy knew the power of prayer, so it was not lost on Grammy when Grace shot her "the look," the one that said "I'll continue to pray for Awesome Beauty. You have my promise." Grace knew Awsty's real name, and had, for years. Grammy had recruited she and Eddy at about the same time they recruited her intercessory prayer. They knew of Grammy's drug-enslaved daughter, and had cried copious amounts of tears right along with Grammy when her daughter had died last June.

There were more introductions, which did nothing more than anger Awsty further. Amazingly enough, she was embarrassed by her own appearance. She wasn't supposed to even be here this morning. The very reason she had dressed as she had was so that Grammy would _make_ her stay home. She knew very good and well that she wasn't dressed appropriately, and the more Grammy brought her up to people to introduce her to them, the more Awsty fumed inside. _She hated this church and all the hypocrites in it!_

Leaning close to Grammy, Awsty whispered ungraciously to her, "Are we _ever_ going to sit down?!"

Grammy, in her typical gracious way, answered, "Why, 'o course, Sweetheart. I usually sit right up there," as she pointed up the middle aisle, just three rows back from the front. Awsty couldn't believe her grandmother was going to make her walk all that way in front of people. Her calculations were in the neighborhood of some twelve- to fifteen hundred sets of eyes that were bearing down on her back as she walked toward the sanctuary front seats. She looked trashy, and she knew it. This was painful beyond anything she could ever imagine. It was her own fault, but Awsty would _never_ admit it... not to _anyone_! Each time this fact tried to pry its way into her thinking, she immediately brushed it aside with new imagined thoughts of how Grammy did this to her on purpose to humiliate her, but she wasn't going to give her the satisfaction. She again (for the thousandth time) set her jaw, squinted her eyes, and looked over at her grandmother with the most hateful face she could muster. Grammy knew she shouldn't, but she was a bit feisty herself. So, when Awsty gave her "the look" almost immediately after sitting down, she simply smiled at Awsty, reaching over to pat her leg. She thought about putting her arm around Awsty's shoulder, since she was captive in her almost- in-the-front seat, but she figured she'd be pushing it. Frankly, she was just a bit fragile herself and knew that if Awsty jerked herself away, she would just be heartbroken. It was one thing to push the envelope, but she would be a downright dare devil if she crossed the line here. _Better let it go with the pat._

As the service began and the congregation was asked to stand to sing a praise chorus, Awsty decided she wasn't going to cooperate. _She didn't want to, and she wasn't going to!_ _Grammy could make her come this morning, but she couldn't make her do some things, like stand up and sing._ She slouched even further down into her seat with crossed arms and set her jaw with jutted out chin.

Grammy wasn't sure what to do about Awsty's unresponsive attitude. Should she jerk her up by the arm? Should she sit down next to her and remain seated next to her, verbally prodding her to get up until she was embarrassed enough by Grammy's behavior that she stood up just to shut her grandmother up? Or, should she remind herself that Awsty was a twenty-one year old woman who had complied with her grandmother's directive to attend Sunday church services. There had been no rules about whether or not she participated in the service. She opted for her third choice. Let her alone, as long as she wasn't causing any disruption during the service.

Once the singing, the prayer, and the offering were completed, Awsty positively responded to the service for the first time that morning.

Some soulful music had begun by the orchestra. No one sang. Wouldn't have mattered if they did, she wouldn't have sung, today or ever! But, what happened maybe thirty seconds into it stunned, then mesmerized her.

Ten young girls began dancing up the middle aisle, making their way to the front, climbing the steps to the stage area. They were dressed in long-flowing white gowns that moved like leaves being carried by the wind. It was what Awsty imagined a performance of ballerinas would look like in a grand performance at the civic center downtown. They each wore their hair pulled severely back in a bun at the nape of their neck, with a small wreath of Baby's Breath worn almost like a crown. All of them were barefoot. Their ages looked to be maybe ten to fifteen.

Awsty forgot about her "angry girl performance" momentarily. Her jaw unset, she uncrossed her arms and laid them on the armrests on either side of her seat, and actually pushed herself up from the slouching position she'd been in since she came into the worship center. For the next several minutes, she was totally caught up in this act of worship. Act of worship... act of _worship_? Was it considered worshipful to dance in church? Somehow _dancing_ and _church_ weren't two words that paired themselves in Awsty's mental schemata. She watched in sheer, unabashed awe, absorbing every single movement. _It was beautiful! No, that didn't capture it! It had amazing choreography? No, that wasn't it, although it did! It was something else... What were the words she was trying to bring to her mind's surface? It was like... No, it wasn't like anything. It stood alone and she knew there must be a word or phrase that would express what her mind wouldn't allow to come forth..._

Praise to God!

That was it! It was the essence of praise to God! Is that it? Yep, she believed it was.

However, Awsty didn't want Grammy (or anyone else) to get the wrong impression. Just because she thought the dancing was cool, it didn't mean that she wanted to be here. She hated it here. And, she hated all the people. Well, everyone but _him_.

Who was _he_?!

*****

"Good morning! We're so happy you're here on this incredible Lord's Day. How'd you like the worship dance team? "

The congregation stood and applauded with total abandon. It must have lasted two, maybe three minutes before he motioned them to be seated.

"I know, right?! Did you feel transported right into the presence of our Living God? I don't think there's ever a time they perform... no, _perform_ isn't the right word. These young women are believers in Christ and they very much see what they do as a ministry."

Awsty was mesmerized for the second time this morning. Only this time, it was for some totally different motives. She was sizing him up and down. Her eyes unabashedly wandered from the top of his head to the tip of his toes, then back up. _Boy, was he gorgeous!_ He wasn't unusually tall, but relatively average in height. Awsty was five foot- eight inches, and she tried to calculate his height. What, maybe five foot- ten or -eleven? She assumed he was a member and participant at one of the local gyms, because his waist was lean, but his shoulders had some muscle built up on them. He had the blackest hair she'd ever seen. It almost had a tinge of blue when sunlight shone through the ceiling height windows at an angle that shone right down on him at times, like a spotlight. His hair wasn't straight and slick-looking like her own hair was today. His hair was wavy and a little long for one of these religious types. It almost curled a bit at the base of his neck, actually coming over his collar. And wow! That smile was something else! But, the real kicker was the dimple. One huge dimple in his... Awsty had to think this through. _Let's see, I'm looking up at him, and the dimple is on my right side, so it would be his left cheek. That thing's so deep, you could hide a golf ball in it!_ Awsty actually grinned when she thought she'd like to poke her finger in his dimple and see how deep it went.

Grammy looked over at Awsty just at the moment the young woman smiled. She was so glad to see any positive reaction on Awsty's face. It never occurred to her that it had something to do with the 'gorgeous hunk' of a pastor that stood before them. When Awsty peripherally caught the sight of her grandmother looking her way, she made a concerted effort to return to the I-hate-this-place demeanor, which meant not only frowning, furrowing her brows together, and generally looking miserable, but it also involved more slouching, and looking down at her fingernails, as though she was totally detached from anything that was happening. Grammy turned a somewhat discouraged face back up to the associate pastor.

Once Awsty's private thoughts could continue, she offered a bored look back up to the pastor, and continued her perusal of his person. It's said you're not supposed to stare at people, but no one could fault her now, because that was what she was expected to do.

The sermon was almost completed when Awsty wondered what the pastor's name was. She didn't have her own bulletin, because she'd refused to take the proffered one when she'd entered the worship center. Fortunately, however, Grammy's bulletin was laying open on her lap, so Awsty took a sneaky side glance.

She began visually scanning the left side. It read, _'Jesus Wept.' Message today by Associate Pastor, Greg Tabor_.

Wait a minute! Pastor Greg. Associate Pastor Greg? He and his wife were the ones that took Grammy to the ocean to scatter Mother's ashes. What was his wife's name? Gracia, Gracie, Grace? Sheesh... He's married! What a waste! Oh, well. At least she'd had something to concentrate on while he spouted that drivel. So 'Jesus wept.' Big deal! I'm gonna start cryin' myself in a minute if this service doesn't end and let me get outa here!

# Chapter 10

Once Awsty and Grammy exited the church doors, Awsty turned to head home. She hated that she'd have to retrace that same path going back to the apartment. If Grammy weren't so cheap, she would have driven the two of them to the services this morning.

Barely having taken half dozen steps, Grammy called to her. "Aweso... Awsty, where ya goin'?" Awsty didn't stop. She kept walking while she answered. "Back to the apartment."

Grammy didn't walk after her. She stayed planted, which meant she had to speak louder than usual.

"We're not goin' home yet. Remember? Church service _and_ Sunday school. Awsty's first reaction was to yell back to her, "Not gonna happen!" But, maybe it was just a bit too soon to test her grandmother further. If she knew for sure she could get away with it, she would have continued walking back to the apartment, but she _wasn't_ sure. It had been a long time since she'd been with Grammy long enough to know what would come of it. So, she made a big deal out of turning herself around, rounding her shoulders, and shuffling back to where Grammy still stood.

"Ok, so where do I have to go now?"

"Well, let me check with Pastor Greg." She walked back just inside the church doors, where he had just finished speaking with some of the parishioners, receiving their verbal appreciation of the message. Rather than blocking the entry for those attending the second service, he walked just outside the doors and a few steps to the side.

"Good mornin', Pastor Greg. I've brought my granddaughter ta church this mornin', and I'm not sure where 'er Sunday school class is."

Pastor Greg looked beyond Grammy to Awsty. Sure that this crazy-looking young girl was not the godly young woman he assumed Grammy's granddaughter would be, he smiled briefly at her, then let his gaze go beyond her, searching for a young woman who seemed in his mind to be more appropriate.

When he saw no one else close, he asked Grammy where her granddaughter was. Grammy motioned to Awsty to step closer. When Pastor Greg saw this hideously-groomed young girl walk forward, he tried very hard to keep a friendly face, and not register the shock that had truly engulfed him. It took all he had within him not to scan her up and down. _What nightmare had she climbed out of?! She looked like she belonged more fittingly into a Victorian castle on the moor, dimly lit inside by candles, and guarded outside by iron-clad window guards, and huge menacing gargoyles at roof and gate entry posts. Oh, might as well throw in a Ouija board and séance accoutrements for good measure. He didn't have a clear mental picture where they belonged, but somehow they seemed fitting._ But, Awsty had no idea this was going on inside his mind, because he maintained a warm and inviting smile as he introduced himself to her.

"Hi, I'm..."

"Yeah, I know. Associate Pastor Greg. You and your wife are the ones that took Grammy to the ocean to scatter my mother's ashes. So, where's your wife? I guess I should thank her too." _Yeah, right!_

Pastor Greg looked confused, and Grammy looked startled.

"Oh, no, Sweetheart. Yer thinkin' of our other associate pastor, whose name's also Greg. Greg Cooper. He and his wife, Grace took me that day. Pastor Greg here..." pointing to the pastor standing next to her," is... um...", but she didn't seem to know how to finish the statement.

Pastor Greg finished it for her. "I'm widowed. My wife went home to be with the Lord two years ago come next August."

Grammy seemed to be relieved that Greg had completed the statement for her, but at the same time had a sad look that settled about her eyes.

Awsty still had too much self-absorption about how unjust it was that she was even here today to respond in any compassionate way. She simply and curtly stated, "Sorry. So... uh... where am I supposed to go now?" Grammy was embarrassed by Awsty's lack of caring about anyone other than herself, and said so. Not in words, but by the look of disappointment she gave her. This girl was ugly inside and out. Grammy never said it, but Awsty knew she was thinking it. And, she didn't care. Why _should_ she? No one ever cared that much about _her_.

" Well..." Pastor Greg began, "I can walk you over there myself. I don't need to be back in the sanctuary for a few minutes yet. That way your grandmother can go ahead to _her_ Sunday school class. Her class is in the opposite direction," pointing that way.

"Ok, so, are you ready?" Pastor asked Awsty, as Grammy slowly moved off to her own class.

"Whatever," Awsty sullenly responded.

*****

"What grade are you in?" asked Pastor Greg as they proceeded to the Sunday school room.

"What _grade_ am I in?! I'm twenty-one years old. I'm not in any grade!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Awsty. My mistake. I apologize." There was no way to get out of this one for Pastor Greg. He'd stuck his foot in his mouth, he'd tried to deposit her in the high school classroom, and all he could do was apologize.

"Let's turn around here, ok? We need to go up those stairs that we just passed. You could actually have gone to either the College class or the Singles class this morning. But, the Singles class meets during first service. So, we'll take you to the College group today, then you can make your own decision about next week."

Again Awsty responded. "Whatever."

When they reached the College class door, Pastor Greg asked if she'd like him to take her in and introduce her to one or two of the college kids, or the leaders. Her response was one word.

"No."

"Ok, it was good to meet you, Awsty."

"Yeah, right."

Pastor Greg slipped off to greet a few more people as he made his way back to the worship center. Awsty , on the other hand, slipped into the College class, slid her way along a back wall, and plopped unceremoniously into one of the folding chairs. Alone, isolated, but at least she was there.

As Pastor Greg looked back to see Awsty Truesdale slip unenthusiastically into her Sunday school class, his last thought of her was, _"Whoa, that is one scary female!"_

# Chapter 11

"Good morning. Hope you all had a good week. I think John and Beth have an announcement they'd like to share with us this morning before we get started. John, would you and Beth stand and share with the class?"

The couple was sitting a few rows back from the front, in the end two seats of their row. Close to the coffee and doughnuts that looked most inviting. When Awsty looked to John and Beth, her eyes slid longingly to the food and drink beyond them. People were getting up from their seats and helping themselves. Apparently this class was informal, because you could just walk around while the leader was talking, or the class hadn't really started yet. She wasn't sure which.

While holding hands, John began, as they faced most of those present. "Beth and I are engaged, as of eleven-thirty-two last night. Yes, we know. You thought we'd never get around to it. Beth said either I had to propose or we had to break up." Everyone started laughing at this, and Beth punched him in the arm with her free hand and made a fake I'm-mad face. Everyone present, except Awsty, knew that the truth was that this was John's third proposal, and finally Beth had accepted.

"What made you say yes _this_ time, Beth? He hasn't gotten any better lookin'. Did you finally decide to just settle?" This came from Brett, John's identical twin brother. But, immediately after saying it, he realized that he was indicting his own looks and tried to make a save. "I mean, everyone knows _I'm_ the better looking one!" In reality, both twins were attractive, not drop dead handsome, but really cute. Everyone cracked up, mainly because they were so identical that they were often addressed by the wrong name by friends at the church. Awsty, however, never even broke a smile. She was mildly interested in the fun everyone was having, but heaven forbid that she should break the illusion she had created of being unapproachable. This was the first and last time she would be attending, so she'd just as soon everyone left her alone.

As Beth was flashing her diamond ring around for everyone to see before they sat down, Mason walked back to Awsty. He didn't want to. But, he did. Frankly, he thought this girl was so scary that he was afraid no one would even say hi to her this morning, so he decided to be the first.

"Hi, I'm Mason."

"Awsty."

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch your name."

"Aw...sty." She exaggerated the syllables and spoke louder than necessary. She looked at him while speaking as though he was severely mentally challenged. No, actually, a person wouldn't speak so hatefully to someone with severe life challenges. Compassion would usually be offered, at least in this context... the church.

Mason, who was known for his compassion toward others, said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that, Awsty. I really just wanted to hear you say your name again. It's different and fun. I'm headed over to get a cup of coffee and a Danish. Would you like me to bring back the same for you?"

"No, thanks."

"Are you sure? It's no trouble."

"No, thanks."

"It's awkward being new in a group, huh? It feels like every set of eyes are on you. But, I think you'll find everyone here is friendly. We're glad you're here."

Awsty took a deep breath, and said what she hoped would be her last communication with this young man. "I don't want coffee or a Danish; I don't want to sit and visit with anyone while I'm here, and yes, it's extremely awkward being new, especially if one of the 'old timers' won't leave you alone, but keeps calling attention to you." Since her arms were already crossed defensively in front of her slouching body, the only thing left to complete the effect was setting her jaw and glaring at him.

"Ok, well, if you change your mind about the coffee and Danish, just help yourself at any time during class. We're really informal here," he said, then turned and walked to the refreshment table.

_Oh, she hated this place! Will this class be as long as the worship service was?!_ And, every time she looked around to see either someone staring at her appearance in disbelief or shock, or smiling at her in hopes of genuinely making her feel welcome, it just made her plain mad. _All these hypocrites!_ _They're just a bunch of mindless, brain-washed drones that look alike, walk alike, and talk alike._ She wished she could just slap the pleasant looks right off their faces.

The very second the class was dismissed in prayer, Awsty made a quick exit. But, not before Mason made one final attempt. Almost running to keep up with her pace, Mason decided to try one more time. She barely got out the door when he walked briskly up behind her. She wasn't expecting anyone to pursue her further, so she jumped when Mason spoke. In the spiked platform laced up heels she had on, jumping was not a wise move. Fortunately, Mason steadied her when she came down. Although she landed firmly again without breaking a leg, it was a land that twisted her ankle just a bit. Not enough to fall or cry, but enough to be aware of the pain the rest of the afternoon. She jerked her arm from his grasp. No "Thank you" was forthcoming.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to let you know we're glad you visited today and hope you'll come back." He realized he was talking fast, but he was afraid that if he didn't get it said quickly, she'd interrupt and tell him to _go away_.

He continued before she could respond. "In fact, we're having a potluck dinner tonight at my family's house. You don't even need to bring anything, just bring yourself. We'll play some games, watch a movie or something, and just have a good time. What do you think? Seven-thirty sound ok? I can come pick you up, well... that is the three of us can... my roommate Jack, and our friend, Marcy."

Awsty planted her feet in a no-nonsense stance, put her black-fingernailed hands on her hips, and said in a measured tone, through very black painted lips, "No, Mason, I don't want to be here, I don't want to meet all your friends, I don't want to socialize with them tonight, and I definitely don't want to go out on a date with you... _now_ or _ever_!"

Mason's jaw dropped open, his eyes widened to the size of two half dollars, and he just stood there watching her retreating back, as she stomped off.

*****

As the two of them re-traced their steps back home, Grammy said to Awsty, "While I was waiting fer ya after church, I had three different people come up to me and tell me about the confrontation between you and..."

"Mason. His name is Mason. And, there was no confrontation. He kept bugging me all during Sunday school. Then, afterward, he followed me out the door, chased me down, and asked me out on a date, for tonight. I just told him no thanks. He looked too old to be in that class, anyway. "

"Actually, the three people who told me 'bout it told it a lot different than ya just did. They all said he was just tryin' ta make ya feel welcome, since this was yer first time at the church. He wasn't askin' ya on a date. He was askin' ya to join the group fer some fun tonight.

"And, by the way, I knew it was Mason. His last name is Errington. And, yer right. He is too old for the college class. He just comes sometimes to help out with the leadership responsibilities and stuff. He's in his last year of medical school. He's workin' t'ward bein' a doctor, ya know, fer kids. A pediatrician. His mom and dad had twin babies die about ten years ago. It broke their hearts. Mason wants to help babies who are fightin' ta survive from bein' sick."

"So he's gonna be a doctor, huh? Well, whooptie-doo! Probably thinks he's better than everybody else. I was probably his charity case for the day."

"Awesome Beauty Truesdale, those unkind words aren't worthy of ya. He's a wonderful young man, with a compassionate heart and worthy goals. Ya treated him shamefully, and embarrassed yerself in front 'o all those people outside the classroom."

"Well, nobody has to worry about it anymore now, do they, since today was the first and last time I'll be going to church here. As soon as I get a job this week, I'm outa here, and Open Door of Faith won't be embarrassed by me ever again." With these last words, Awsty speeded up her steps and left Grammy in the dust. She arrived at the apartment a full ten minutes before her grandmother. While she waited for Grammy to catch up and unlock the door, two thoughts kept rolling around in her head.

First, was she really too rough on Mason? Maybe she could have been a little nicer. But, he just kept pushing it. She just wanted to be left alone, and he should have done that.

Second, now that she thought about it, he was kind of cute. Tall. He must be over six feet. Blond hair. She liked his blond hair. Great smile. No dimple, like Pastor Greg, but he did have some seriously blue eyes. Beautiful blue eyes. And, there was something about the way he looked down at her and tipped his head slightly while talking to her. Yep, he was a cutie all right. He just should have backed off earlier.

On the very heels of these thoughts about Mason, she looked down at herself. Suddenly she felt very embarrassed over her appearance. She felt soiled and dirty looking. She reached a hand up to her hair and smoothed it down even flatter on her skull. which left greasy marks on her fingers. Swiping them across the right side of her short black skirt, she just re-iterated to herself, "He was just making me his charity case today. I'm not anybody's charity case!"

When Grammy unlocked the door to let them both in, Awsty slipped quickly into her bedroom. This had been an exhausting morning. She thought maybe after they ate lunch, she'd lie down and take a nap. She slipped into the only pants she had, a pair of jeans, then went to the kitchen to help Grammy set the table and finish the meal. She felt like all her movements were underwater slow motion. She was tired. Yeah, she definitely needed a nap.

After eating and cleaning dishes, Awsty thanked Grammy for the meal, then slipped off to her room. She didn't even remember lying down. Out, like the proverbial light.

# Chapter 12

On those Sunday mornings that Pastor Greg taught from the pulpit, the remainder of his day was pretty much ordered. While Senior Pastor Johnston had always shared with his elders that Bible teaching on Sunday mornings invigorated him, Greg found that at the end of a morning of preaching two services, the remainder of that Lord's Day he was running on physical-, mental-, and emotional fumes.

More often than not, after either dropping by a fast foods drive-thru on his way home for something quick, or half-heartedly eating leftovers from his refrigerator, he would change his clothes, and park himself in his comfortable recliner. Although he might watch a portion of a football game, or at least a few plays, he was normally so exhausted after preaching two sermons that he would lay his head back and that would be the last of any conscious moments he experienced until well after dark in the evening, at which time he'd schlep to the kitchen and eat a bowl of cereal, sometimes with toast, sometimes without. Shortly thereafter, Greg would retire to his bedroom, where he'd dress for bed, brush his teeth, then barely have enough strength to crawl into bed. After audibly saying goodnight to his late wife, Delane, he'd turn over and sink right back into a slumbering unconsciousness. He never dreamed as a kid that thirty would feel so old.

Tonight, however, was somewhat different. After crawling in bed, he never did say goodnight to Delane. His thoughts had been sidetracked off and on since first service with the "goth girl," the name with which he had dubbed Awsty.

Even now, Greg was embarrassed for her... not _by_ her... but _for_ her. _Why would anyone in the world dress like that?! Did she actually think it made her attractive?! That hair of hers looked so greasy you could fry chicken in it! And, those black claw fingernails... were those actually hers, or were they those stick-on things? Ugly! Really ugly! And what's up with that ear thing she had going on? I can't imagine that a young woman would cut a hole in her ear like that and stretch it until you could poke a big medallion in it! Oh, yeah... the spiked dog collar. The only redeeming thing about that is that it accentuated her long slender neck. And, the final assault... those knee-high laced up black boots. Not only were they so high they made her walk funny, but they made her look like a... well, let's just say they made her look cheap! I can't understand why her grandmother would let her go out like that, and especially to church! That girl needs prayer. Lots and lots of prayer!_

Having mentally dissected every aspect of her appearance, Greg decided that he'd start praying for her.

" _Lord, although I don't know much about her, I do know that girl needs You. I can't remember her first name, but You know her, all about her. Please begin working in her heart. Holy Spirit, woo her to Yourself. And, I'm going to thank you right now for what You're going to do in her life. In Your Name I pray. Amen."_

Within fifteen seconds of his proffered "Amen," Pastor Greg was asleep, dreaming of a young gothic-attired woman walking up the center aisle of his church. She wasn't listening to his Bible teaching. She had her arms raised to heaven, and was begging the congregation to tell her in simple terms how to become a Christian. She stopped at each row of pews, working her way to the pulpit. She would beg anyone in that row to tell her about Jesus, but each row of parishioners would in unison turn their backs to her and say nothing. Row by row, she worked her way to the front, all the time the pastor, Greg himself, was teaching Bible truths, and totally ignoring the girl's pleas to the church congregation. By the time she reached the front of the worship center, and raised her arms and eyes to Pastor Greg, pleading that he'd tell her about Jesus, Greg had decided he'd had enough of her off-putting emotional displays. Intending to tell her what she wanted to know so he could get back to his prepared sermon, he tried to open his mouth, but it was as though his lips were glued together with a super glue agent. He tried to part his lips to speak. Nothing came out but mumbling. The gothic girl kept begging him, finally throwing herself down at the altar, bowing her head and hopelessly crying, because no one cared enough to show her the path to Christ. When her cries arose to a startling decibel, four ushers came forward and grabbed her, one at each arm, one at each leg, and literally carried her back the length of the worship center, tossed her out, then closed the doors and latched them shut. Not sure what to do, Greg just continued his sermon through glued together lips. Lots and lots of mumbling. All the while, the congregation as one would periodically shake their heads _no_ , while in unison saying, "Amen." The whole thing made no sense, as dreams often don't. Or did it?!

Fitfully waking up multiple times throughout, Greg's whole night was one big nightmare.

*****

Mason had spent the afternoon with his nose buried in his medical textbooks. But, his thoughts kept being sidetracked by images of that strange and frightening girl who came to Sunday school class that morning.

He mentally analyzed (as he was prone to do) every aspect of her attire, starting from her black slicked-down hair to her platform shoes with the red laces up the back.

While she had a black greasy-looking hairdo, it was the way it laid down that caught his attention this morning. She chose to split the oily strands in front of- and behind her ears. It almost gave them the appearance of flaps... airplane flaps. And, because her skin was so pale, whether from natural coloring or makeup, it made the "flaps" look even whiter, hence larger. And, he wasn't unequivocally certain, but it looked like the part, almost exactly down the middle, was red, or auburn at least an inch or so up from her scalp. Did she do that on purpose so that it would match the red laces up the back of those hideous shoes?! Speaking of which, those things were so awkwardly high that they made her back arch weird, and her gait was indescribably strange. It was the non-knee-bending stride of someone with no knee joints. If she continued to adorn herself in footwear like that, she was definitely going to pay the price in the not-too-distant future. Orthopedists in town... get ready!

Although, when analyzing her hair in relationship to the shoes, he had jumped from head to feet, he returned his visual remembrances back up to continue from top to bottom.

That cut and stretched earlobe thing was almost more distressing than any other aspect of her being. Earlobes had been designed by the Lord, and although he really couldn't say why they were shaped exactly the way they were, he felt pretty certain that God had shaped them as He did for a purpose, not for mutilating like she had that one ear.

Mason knew there were procedures that could restore earlobes to their original shape and size. He'd just read about that a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty costly, but was a really quick fix. _Which journal had he been reading about that in?_ He would go back and research that more. Why, he didn't know. That wasn't an area of medicine that interested him at all. But, if she returned to church, and someday ever wanted to undo this tragic mistake, maybe the Lord would give him the opportunity of sharing this info with her.

Although Mason continued his analysis in its entirety, he realized he needed to return to his text reading. _So much to learn and so little time, it seemed, to take it all in!_

However, Mason being Mason required that he first spend some time in prayer for this young woman, who by her very appearance and demeanor, needed prayer and non-judgmental friendship. There may be no opportunity again to reach out to her, but he could definitely pray for her.

Pushing himself up off his chair, Mason knelt next to his desk, and softly, but audibly, brought a lost young woman before His Lord.

"Lord Jesus, where do I begin... When Awsty showed up in Sunday school class this morning, my heart kept flipping back and forth. First it was condemnation that anyone would dress in such a trashy way to come to Your House, then I felt like she was so lost spiritually, how would she know how to dress to come dine at Your Table and fellowship with your friends.

"Jesus, I probably won't see her again. I'll be going back to the Singles class next Sunday, so our paths probably won't cross again. But, you know where she is at all times.

"Lord, You love Awsty and died to pay the penalty for her sins. I don't know if she even knows this, but she needs to. Please work in her heart. Soften her and bring seed-planters to her that will share what You've done for her. Make her hungry to know You.

"I saw how several of the college kids looked at her this morning. There was judgment in their glances. And, I am one of the offenders. I suppose she could read the shock in my face, as I made judgment on the way she looked. Forgive me. Remind me that I am no better, in fact, I'm worse. Because knowing You like I do, I have no excuse.

"Save her, Lord, because You're the only one Who can!

"Oh, please work in the hearts of the college kids. If it's Your Will, let Awsty come back next week. And let the group welcome her, no matter how hard she fights it.

"Oh, one last thing about Awsty..."

That "one last thing" turned into almost thirty more minutes of laying Awsty Truesdale before the Throne in prayer.

Mason had poured out his heart for a young woman he didn't even know, and by the end of that time, when he stood from his prayer position, he realized he was emotionally and physically exhausted. Walking over to the inviting bed, he plopped down on its edge and literally dropped over in repose. The last thought he had was that he could afford to just close his eyes and rest for fifteen or twenty minutes.

Normally Mason would spend quite some time daily in prayer for Geneva, his two-year official girlfriend. She was beautiful, well-educated, and a local nurse practitioner. She spoke well, and was gracious in all situations. Now _there_ was an 'awesome beauty!' He was hoping that by this next summer, after graduation, she would say yes to his proposal, and they would begin planning a future together. The time just wasn't quite right yet. But, yes, he would truly be marrying an 'awesome beauty.'

"Thank you for my beautiful Geneva, Lord." That was his entire prayer that day for Geneva, the woman he intended to spend his life with. With that statement, he drifted to sleep. There were no dreams or nightmares that intruded on his rest. He slept soundly for several hours that afternoon.

# Chapter 13

Monday morning came too soon. Awsty had laid awake a good portion of the night trying to figure out how to attack the morning's schedule. By the time she looked over at the alarm clock, she still had no clue how to begin. Eight-seventeen a.m. She was just as confused as she had been when she finally gave up thinking the night before and tried to sleep.

Grammy had offered to sit yesterday evening and help her make a plan for the day, but Awsty was still ticked off that she'd been forced to go to that stupid church service. And, the only good that had come from it was that she saw some good dancing, and got to look at that really fine-looking preacher, or pastor, or associate pastor, or whatever it was they called him. She hoped Grammy wouldn't grill her at the breakfast table about the sermon, because the only thing she remembered was "Jesus wept." Whether that was a Bible verse, or a general statement Pastor Greg was offering the congregation, she had no idea. And frankly, she didn't care. Once she got herself a job, she was outa here and Open Door of Faith would never be bothered by her again.

*****

"Good mornin', Sweetheart."

"Mornin', Grammy. I know I'm supposed to look for work today, but I couldn't seem to get myself out of bed this morning. I knew I felt tired yesterday, but I guess I was more tired than I thought. I can't believe it's already _after_ nine o'clock. I planned to be out and searching for a job by no later than nine o'clock."

Grammy could see that Awsty truly _was_ tired. She had small dark circles under her eyes and her face looked drawn. She suspected that the hard living Awsty had succumbed to had taken its toll on her body, soul, and spirit. Unfortunately, however, she resisted the temptation to tell her she could wait another day or two before starting the job hunt.

"I don't think that'll cause any problem today, Sweetheart. It's a nice day for some walking. Since we're on a main street, you can walk either direction until you get to the end of the businesses, cross the street, check out the stores on that side of the street, then cross and come back here. Like a big circle. And, I think you'll find there are plenty of places that are hiring."

Grammy was evaluating Awsty's appearance as she spoke, taking mental note of all the details. She had donned a pair of scruffy jeans, one knee with the tiniest hole bursting forth, and the other looked like one swiftly blown breath would create a match. The rest of her clothing choices were the same as yesterday... the black chained long-sleeved top and red laced black "lady of the evening" shoes. She wanted to scream out that no one, and she meant _no one_ , was going to hire her, looking the way she did!

Cautiously, Grammy suggested to Awsty, "Ya have an awful lot of walkin' ta do today, Awsty, and I can't help but wonder if yer feet'll hold up all day in those high heels. I have a pair of ballet shoes in blue that ya might want to wear instead. They're cute, and I've only worn 'em once. Yer welcome to borrow 'em, if they fit ya.

Awsty, quickly and abrasively, let Grammy know that her platforms would do just fine, thank you very much.

"Ok, Sweetheart. Is there anythin' I _can_ help ya with before ya leave this mornin'? We can talk about which stores along the route that we know are hirin', 'cause we've seen the signs in their windows, and I can maybe help ya out with the kinda stuff they'll prob'ly ask ya in an interview. Not that I'm an expert or anythin', but in my lifetime I've been through enough job interviews myself, and I remember things ya should and shouldn't do."

"Thanks, Grammy, but I know perfectly well how to act in public, and I'm sure job interviews in your day are nothing like they are today, anyhow. Thanks again, but I'm good."

And so it was that after finishing her breakfast of cereal and toast, brushing her teeth, and finishing her grooming by putting on her dog collar, the unsightly and terrifying-looking young woman briskly walked out the door. Although she did tell her grandmother "Bye," it was more of an afterthought she threw over her shoulder as she exited the front door.

Standing at her front window, Grammy watched Awsty's back as she walked out of the apartment complex, turned left and headed off. She quickly ran to her bedroom window, which looked out on the street. From that location, she could watch Awsty for quite a way down the road.

"Lord, I know Ya work miracles all the time, but unless Ya do in this case, that child isn't gonna ta be hired ta do anythin' in this town. And maybe, Jesus, that's not a bad thing. Perhaps it'd be best if she meets a lot 'o employers that are totally put off by 'er appearance, and don't want their businesses ta have anythin' ta do with 'er.

"In fact, Lord, that's exactly what I ask, in Yer Name. Please let her feel total defeat by the end 'o this day, and make 'er ready ta listen ta good counsel. And, give me wisdom ta give that counsel, free from pride or anythin' else, other than the love of 'er Grammy. After all's said and done, bring 'er ta Yer Son, Jesus Christ."

And, as an afterthought, as Grammy was walking away from the window, she threw in one last request of her Heavenly Father, "And, help me not get impatient durin' this whole process."

# Chapter 14

It was warm enough in the sun that Awsty was overheating in her clothing. She looked around to see if anyone on the streets was looking at her as she walked, and quickly lifted one arm to check for a perspiration stain. Completely disheartened when she saw the beginnings of one, she didn't bother to check the other. They were, after all, a set. And what one did, the other followed suit. Instead, she clamped her arms to her sides and just partially swung her arms from the elbow down. Along with the strange gait caused from walking in her platform laced heels, she now had the not-so-slight appearance of a strutting chicken.

Feeling a sweat bead dribbling its way down her right temple, she swiped at it. In so doing, she caught one of her long black claws on a portion of her plastered down hair, and pulled it unwittingly into a curly cue on her forehead. That wouldn't have been so bad in and of itself, but because her forehead was damp with perspiration, the curl began to slide, slowly uncurling, and working its way into one long straight strand that pointed directly at a mole over her right eyebrow.

Totally unaware of her strange appearance and gait, Awsty continued walking from business to business along the main thoroughfare. After being turned down by four fast food drive-thrus, two shoe stores, and choosing to pass three "Hiring" signs in establishments that looked too upscale to want her, she started counting rejects. After a few more to add to the list, Awsty just gave up and crossed the street to a shady park, where she all but collapsed onto a bench under a tree.

Not having thought ahead enough to bring a bottled water with her today, she instead drank in the coolness that only was available under the trees. Awsty began re-evaluating her circumstances.

_Ok... so I've been to over ten businesses so far. And, had the same response from each one of them... 'Sorry, we're not hiring right now,' or 'Sorry, that position was just filled.' Three of those places had 'Hiring- Apply Within' signs in their windows. They just didn't want to hire_ me _! That one place flat out lied to me. Told me the only position available had just been filled earlier this morning. They just hadn't had the time to pull the sign out of their window... Yeah, right! Funny how before she even walked out their doors, she saw the manager go sit down at one of the tables to interview a guy. A guy who obviously got the job, because as she sat in the park, she looked up to see the manager yelling to the guy as he walked away, 'See ya tomorrow. Get here about thirty minutes early, so we can fill out your papers before your shift starts!'_

What did they want from her?! She had taken out her earring and removed her dog collar before going in. She didn't even have any of the chains on! And, after the manager at the first place kept staring at her black lips, she dropped into a gas station restroom and used toilet paper to take off her lipstick. What more did they want from her?!

Feeling like just giving up, she slumped down on the bench, put her elbows on her knees and slid her brain into neutral. But, that didn't last long. Before she realized it, she had several large tears sliding down her cheeks. At first she made a couple of swipes with the back of her hand, but by the third swipe, she could see a tissue being presented to her. When she lifted her head to see who was offering this small kindness, an elderly lady stood before her.

"Here, Sugar, this should help." After Awsty accepted the proffered tissue, the woman stepped aside and sat down on the bench. She didn't say another word. She waited for Awsty to initiate the conversation, if there was going to be one.

*****

"Lord, I don't know what made me think of her right at this moment, but please help Awsty, wherever she is right now. I don't know if she works or not, or if she even is around the city anywhere. But, You know exactly where she is right now. Please surround her with Your Love, and help her take a step closer to You today. And, Lord, let her see her worth to You."

It was short, sweet and to the point. But, it was a prayer, nonetheless. At least enough of one so that Mason could erase her from his mind and get back to his studies.

_Oh, man... I was supposed to call Geneva this morning. I told her I would. I forgot! I don't have time right now. I'll see if I get time this evening. My little 'Awesome Beauty.'_ He smiled as he thought of her, and the life they'd eventually share.

*****

"Thank you. I don't know why I'm crying," Awsty said, as she used the tissue to wipe away both tears and the sweat from her face.

"Are you ok, Honey? You look tired and frustrated."

"Yeah. Both. I'm looking for work, and no place I've been to is hiring. I'm starting to feel like _nobody_ will take a chance on me."

The old woman reached down and patted Awsty's knee as a comfort, and said nothing for a few moments. She was too busy taking in Awsty's appearance. Even without visually scanning her up and down, the elderly woman knew _exactly_ why she wasn't being hired. She looked like a cross between a woman with questionable morals, a witch, and a cartoon character. She looked cheap in the whole getup she was wearing. Those shoes were just laughable! And, what happened to her face?! That long pointy hair thing hanging down, drawing attention to that forehead mole. _Did she do that on purpose? What was that all about?_ And, it looked like she either had a bruise to the one side of her mouth, or had smeared something there on her face. She was shocked, repulsed and mesmerized by the girl's appearance. All at the same time.

Sitting down next to Awsty, the elderly woman spoke.

"Job-hunting can be hard, huh. I remember once when I was your age, I went to an interview for a clerical position. All I wanted to do was file papers, do some typing, and make and serve coffee to the boss. When the man started the interview, he started asking me all these questions that had nothing to do with the position I was interviewing for. He asked what position I held on unions. Was I pro or con. I didn't even know what a union was. I thought he was talking about Western Union. I told him that I'd never used their services, but they seemed like a nice convenience when people needed to send money. He just looked at me with a blank stare. But then, apparently I outdid myself on his final question. He asked who I thought the most effective President of the United States was. I told him that the current President was, because he was the only one present or past that was still living, as far as I knew. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.

"But, within thirty minutes of being rejected by him, I got a job at the cutest little hat shop only two doors down from 'Mr. Stupid Interviewer.'"

Awsty giggled at the old woman's story, inclusive of the nickname for the man who interviewed her.

"My name's Awsty."

"And, mine's Stella."

"Awsty, would you like to come to my apartment, get a cold drink, maybe share a sandwich with me? Then, if you feel strong enough, I'll release you back into the wilds."

Giggling yet again, Awsty asked Stella where she lived.

"You're sitting in my front yard. You thought this was a park, huh? Everybody does. But, it's the front lawn of that big building back there," as she pointed to a single story facility, spreading out in every direction possible, that obviously was an assisted living- or rehabilitation home.

"Although the cafeteria is closed until dinner, I have a little kitchenette in my room. I keep sandwich fixin's, cold drinks, and plenty of chocolate there. At least it would get you out of this heat. You can re-fuel a little, then get back to job-hunting, if you want. What d'ya think?"

Awsty hesitated. Stella jumped right in. "You think I'm gonna kidnap ya, don't ya? Well, I can see how you might think that. Inside this eighty-nine pound frame of mine lies a vicious predator. And, if I can't subdue you by myself, I'll get my gang of 'oldies but goodies' to grab their canes and wheelchairs and help me getcha. You'll never get away!"

Any hesitation left Awsty, as she responded with a wide grin, "Ok, but don't try anything funny! With these weapons," she said, displaying her long black fingernails, "I can eviscerate any living, breathing animal in five seconds flat!"

Stella burst out laughing at this. _This girl wasn't as scary as she looked._ She reached over and patted Awsty's hand, then took hold of it, and they walked back to the facility hand-in-hand, giggling over silly and unimportant things all the way.

# Chapter 15

"Hi, Stella. Who do we have here?" asked an old man with a walker, who stopped his halted gait for a moment to point at Awsty.

"Oh, hi, Robert. This is Awsty, my new friend. She came to visit me today," Stella responded, winking at Awsty. They were still holding hands at this point, but Awsty broke loose long enough to take a few steps toward Robert.

"Hi, Awsty. I'd come shake your hand, but between this walker and this oxygen setup, I'm getting slower by the day." He smiled at her. She smiled back.

Closing the gap completely between them, Awsty shook his hand as she spoke. "Glad to meet you, Robert. Hey, can I ask you a question?"

Without any hesitation he answered, "No, I'm sorry. I can't go out on a date with you. I was married to my sweetheart for 56 years before she passed, and I'm not lookin' for anyone to replace her." Stella could see that Awsty was smiling at his response. And, it was the kind of smile that would break into a giggle within seconds, if not diffused, so she took a few steps forward before that could happen, and said to Robert, "Robert, I don't think Awsty was going to ask you out on a date. Everyone around here knows that your heart will always belong to Ginny. I think it was about something else, right, Awsty?" Stella winked at Awsty. And, although she was not quite sure the reason for the wink, she smiled again at Robert and said, "Yeah. I've seen people use these walkers before. And, I've always wondered what they were like. Would it be rude if I asked you if I could just take a few steps using yours?"

"Oh, Austria, no. It wouldn't be rude at all. You'll never get anything in life unless you ask. C'mere." He propped himself against the hallway wall, and relinquished the use of his walker. Awsty took hold of the handle bars and scooted ten feet away, then returned those same ten feet to Robert's side.

"Well," Robert said as he grinned and reclaimed his walker, "was it everything you ever dreamed it'd be?"

"It's almost exactly how I thought it'd be. But, I think I'm pretty awkward using it."

"If you had on some tennis shoes or somethin', it would probably be easier."

"You're probably right. Robert, thank you for giving me this new experience today."

As Awsty and Stella turned to go on down the hall to Stella's room, Stella took hold of Awsty's hand, leaned toward her and whispered, "Alzheimer's." That simple word made something well up in Awsty's heart. She let go of Stella's hand, turned, and headed back to Robert, who was still standing where they'd left him. He seemed to be breathing harder. Awsty put an arm around Robert's shoulder and squeezed. He leaned into it. She was afraid that if she said anything aloud, she'd cry, so she just whispered, "Nice to meet you, Robert."

As she returned to Stella's side and they continued their walk down the hall, Robert, with difficulty, said, "When you leave today, drop by my room first," as he pointed to a corner and pointed to indicate she should turn right onto a different hall.

"Room 307. My daughter rations out a certain amount of chocolate candy bars for me monthly. I'll share two of them with ya, if you'll come by."

A lump found its way to Awsty's throat. She was smart enough to know that Robert was trying to bribe her to come visit him before she left. She could spare a few minutes. She gave him the OK sign, then turned her attention back to Stella.

*****

Pastor Greg was having trouble concentrating today. He was glad that today was Monday, his day off. He knew he had a lot of work to start into tomorrow when all the church staff returned to all their duties of leadership. Today would have been impossible for him. He still had lots of "down" days since his wife's passing. _Almost two years ago! It didn't feel much like his world had moved on, but he guessed it had._

Using the thumb of his left hand to play with the wedding ring that was still located on his ring finger, his thoughts went elsewhere. _I never dreamed I'd be alone again at this age. We were supposed to have one or two kids by now, and be living in that cottage over on Cottage Lane._ He smiled, yet again, when he thought of how the house style and the street shared a name. He and Sarah had been saving tirelessly for a number of years, preparing for the time when they could move themselves and their children into it. His smile became even broader when he remembered how Sarah had insisted that home would come up for sale when they were ready. _Was that a silly dream, or faith?_ She had even convinced him somehow that it would be so. He breathed a deep sigh and decided it was time today to get in motion and do something... anything.

Just before raising himself off his desk chair, he had an unexpected flashback of meeting a very strange and terrifying-looking girl yesterday at church. _What was her name? Something unusual. Wasn't even a real girl's name. Almost like it was... what... a child's nickname? She obviously disliked being at church. Her grandmother probably made her come. She was not a happy camper! Twenty-one years old... Didn't she say she was twenty-one? She looked more like a teenager acting out her 'growing pains.'_

"Lord, that girl that came to church yesterday that was all dressed in black... Take care of her. She looked mad, sad, frustrated, unhappy... Well, Jesus, I guess what I'm saying is that she lacked any fruits of the spirit I could see. There was no joy, peace, love... None of the attributes Your children have. Please take care of her. Bring her purpose and, of course, Your Salvation. Let someone break through that hard shell of hers today, and show her some unconditional love, and care for her and about her, just the way she is. Thank you, Jesus."

Rising from his chair, he grabbed his keys, headed out the front door, and left to go for his regular Monday afternoon visit with his grandmother, Stella. He smiled when he thought of his grandma. She loved Jesus with a passion. And, no matter what was going on in her own life, she found time to show love to almost everyone near her. Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living was sure blessed to have her residing there. He just knew she was spreading sunshine throughout that place.

Oh, I need to take her a few candy bars and a couple of those crunchy yogurts she likes. I'll stop at the grocery store over on Belton Street and pick those up for her before I go see her.

*****

"Bye, Stella. Thank you for letting me spend time with you today. I liked your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It reminded me of my grandmother, the way you cut off the crusts. I'm gonna drop by Robert's room before I leave. He seems lonely. Oh, can I come and visit you again sometime? You're a good listener, and I don't think anyone has ever made me laugh as hard as I have today with you."

"Pretty Girl, you can come visit me any time you want to. I'm sorry you have to leave so soon. My grandson comes on Mondays to visit me. I wish you two could meet. He's a great person, and a godly man. And, if you think _I'm_ a good listener..."

"Maybe next time, Stella. Thank you again." And with those last comments, Awsty exited Stella's door, turned left, then turned right at the corner, and headed to Room 307 to visit Robert for a few minutes.

' _Pretty girl?' Did she just call me pretty girl? No one's ever called me that in my whole life, except, of course, Grammy._

That thought caused Awsty to smile. And wearing that smile as her only ' _face jewelry'_ she knocked at Robert's door, entering when he opened it. In that instant, Awsty decided that she'd focus on Robert's need for friendship, instead of today's unsuccessful day of job-hunting.

*****

As Pastor Greg walked up the hall to his grandmother's room, he saw the back of a young woman retreating around the corner at the far end of the hall. He only caught a quick glimpse.

Huh... That kind of looks like that girl at church yesterday. Lord, don't forget that girl... Well, I guess I should say 'young woman.' She needs You!

*****

As Awsty left through the front doors of Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living, she thought to herself that even though her job-search went nowhere, this had been the best afternoon she'd had in a long, long time. She actually enjoyed being there with those elderly people.

About fifteen feet outside the front doors, on the flowered walkway, an elderly woman with a cane was slowly coming up the walkway to enter the building. Awsty noticed that she had dropped a green piece of paper behind her. Thinking it might be important, she swooped it up and called back to the woman.

"Hey!"

The old soul turned around to see Awsty in all her fearsomeness, calling her. She had avoided her in the first place when they passed each other a moment ago by ducking her head for a moment. She now had a second of semi-panic grip her heart. _What did that scary girl want?! She needed to hurry into the building!_

But, Awsty pursued her at a quick pace, catching up to her before she could open the door and go hide within.

"I think you just dropped this and I didn't know if it might be important. "

When Awsty looked at the paper in her hand, she said, "Oh, yeah, I guess it _is_ important. It's money."

When handed the five dollar bill that indeed was important to the woman, she smiled reservedly at Awsty and said, "Thank you, Sugar."

"You're welcome."

She called me 'Sugar.' I like it here. These old people are friendlier to me than anyone has been all day, in fact, in a long time. I wonder if there are any jobs here that I could qualify for. I can do housekeeping I guess, or something like that. Maybe I'll come back tomorrow and see.

# Chapter 16

Other than the time at the assisted living home, this had ended up being the most discouraging day Awsty had had in a long time. And, it had been compounded by the shoes she had worn job-hunting. She had managed to twist her ankle (hadn't she already done that?) when she turned quickly to get out of the way of the sprinkler system turning on in front of Grammy's apartment. Returning from a lousy day, twisting her lousy ankle in those lousy shoes. It wasn't enough that not one single place gave her application any consideration, she had even looked back through the window of a fast food establishment she'd just filled out the application for, to see the manager crumple her application and throw it in one of the interior trash cans. _Why did he do that?! She wasn't lazy. She'd work hard. She never got sick, well, not real often, so she wouldn't take sick days. It's just not fair! She was as good as anyone already working there!_

From the moment she twisted her ankle that day, caused by the dastardly sprinkler system, Awsty began seriously limping. But, even the pain that already tweaked at her ankle didn't keep her from forgetting to put back on the dog collar and "stretched-skin" earring before entering the apartment. Even though Grammy didn't say a word about her appearance, Awsty knew it rankled her. And, since that was the only power Awsty held over her grandmother, she took advantage of it. She was grateful for any help Grammy gave her, but she wasn't going to let Grammy run her life. She had basically raised herself, and other than a place to stay temporarily, she could take care of herself. As soon as she could find work, she was definitely _outta there_!

The very moment she closed the apartment door behind her, Awsty unlaced the knee-high lace up boots, and kicked them off. _Really_ kicked them off! One landed halfway across the living room, and the other flew in a rather odd angle, landing on one of Grammy's sofa pillows. Awsty gasped as she limped across the room to reclaim it, when she saw that the shoe had left what was going to be a permanent grass stain on the pillow's adorned side. She was frustrated when she saw the damage, and balling her hands into fists, she shook them while growling out her displeasure. _Grammy's gonna be so mad! I didn't mean to do it, but that won't make any difference. She'll still be ticked off. She'll probably make me buy her a new pillow! Oh, I hate this! Why can't I catch a break?!_

She didn't know where Grammy was right then, but Awsty needed a hot bath, some kind of pain medication, and bed.

By five-thirty-three p.m., Awsty had scrubbed herself spotless from head to toe in a hot bath, thrown on a long secondhand t-shirt, located and taken some aspirin from the bathroom medicine cabinet, and crawled into bed, rendered unconscious within fifteen seconds flat.

The note she left on the kitchen table before stumbling to her bed said, _Grammy, awful day job-hunting. Hurt ankle. Need sleep. Talk in the morning. Awsty._ She had actually written the word _Love_ before her name, but was in such a foul mood that Grammy hadn't been home to show sympathy and take care of her when she'd arrived, that she scribbled out the word _Love,_ and replaced it with _Frustrated_.

*****

When Tuesday morning arrived bright and early, Awsty was wide awake enough to have continued the job-hunt, if it hadn't been for the fact that her ankle was throbbing so furiously from Monday's incident involving her run-in with the overzealous sprinkler system. She'd lain awake most of the night, and as stupid as it was, in her current pain Awsty felt like the sprinkler had hurt her on purpose. _It had it out for her!_

Her ankle had ached so badly all night that she couldn't stand the pressure of the blanket on her foot, so she'd had her foot and leg up to her knee uncovered all night. She didn't know which had been more uncomfortable, repeatedly waking up from the ankle throbbing or her leg being cold all night.

When Awsty didn't surface from her room by nine a.m., Grammy knocked on her door.

Awsty growled for her to come in.

Grammy opened the door to enter, but when she saw Awsty's exposed foot and ankle, she bolted in and dove straight to the injured limb.

"Awsty, Sweetheart, what in the world happened ta yer poor foot?! When yer note said ya'd hurt yer ankle, I never dreamed ya meant this bad! I'm gonna go get the ice pack. Ya shoulda had the ice pack on all night ta take down the swelling. Ya don't think ya've broken it, do ya?! I'll be right back." And with those thoughts, Grammy exited the room, reappearing shortly with a filled ice pack, two pain capsules, and a glass of orange juice. She instructed Awsty to take the pain capsules first. While Awsty sipped at the orange juice, Grammy applied the ice pack. Unfortunately, Awsty's ankle was swollen so large that the ice pack didn't fit all the way around, and slid off twice in just a couple of minutes.

"I think maybe it'll stay on better if I tie it on your ankle with a handkerchief." Disappearing just long enough to find one in one of her own bedroom drawers, Grammy returned and secured the ice pack in place. However, when Grammy tied the hankie in a knot around her ankle, it pinched Awsty's ankle bone so much that she winced in pain. Grammy removed the handkerchief, but of course, the ice pack slid off when she did.

"Ok, doesn't look like that's gonna work. I think maybe I kin just wrap a bath towel 'round it several times. That'll keep the ice pack in place." So she did, and it did.

"Thanks, Grammy," Awsty said in a soft, pained voice.

"Well, it looks to me, kiddo, like yer not gonna be doin' any job-huntin' today. Ya need ta stay either in bed or on the livin' room sofa today, keep yer leg up, and the ice pack on. We'll see how it's doin' tomorra.

"Ok, let's see... ya need some breakfast in yer stomach. What d'ya want? I can make ya some oatmeal, or eggs, or..."

"Grammy, what are the chances you'd make me some pancakes? You know those ones you used to make me when I was little. You called them 'Happy Face Pancakes.' You made them using bananas. Could I have some of those?"

"Sweetheart, I think Happy Face Pancakes are exactly the 'comfert food' fer ya today. Why dontcha just lay there and rest and I'll go make 'em. I might even sit in here with ya and eat some myself, if it's ok. And, if ya feel like it, ya can tell me all about yesterday."

*****

Grammy almost choked on her first bite of pancake. She coughed a couple of times, then finally swallowed the bite, and put her plate down in her lap, simply staring at Awsty. Her mouth was agape, and her eyes were as round as half dollar coins.

"What?" Awsty asked. Anxiety was rising up within her at the look on Grammy's face.

When Grammy regained what little composure she had, she pointed at Awsty's ear and continued to look at it. She only blinked when her eyes got watery, and even then she returned her gaze to the same spot.

"What?!" Awsty again asked, this time with a rising panic.

"Yer ear. I thought you'd stretched yer ear and had a silver thing punched in it? It wasn't yer ear... yer ear's reg'lar... I mean, it's like everybody else's."

Awsty reached up and grabbed the "miraculously" normal ear. _Oh, she'd forgotten to put her earring back in after she'd bathed. Shoot! She was hoping to play that along for a while yet. Maybe another week or two._ There was something inside her that liked the shock registered in people's faces when they saw it.

"Yeah," Awsty said sheepishly, "it looked real, though, didn't it. You should see the looks people give me when they see it for the first time. I knew I'd have to take it out pretty soon, though. I think it's a little bit infected. It itches."

"It looks a little red. Let me give you a cotton ball with some alcohol on it. Maybe we can keep it from gettin' any worse." When Grammy returned from the bathroom with a damp cotton ball, rather than handing it to Awsty, she dabbed the offending ear herself.

"Poor baby. This should help, though."

Now that Grammy realized that Awsty's ear was apparently like everyone else's, she squinted at Awsty's face as she returned to her seat. Something else was different, but she couldn't figure out what it was. Her face was clean and bore no white makeup, and of course, she didn't have that black eyeshadow stuff smeared all over her eye lids. But, even as fresh as her face looked, something else was different. _What was it?!_

"You didn't say anything about the tear drops," Awsty grinned, then replaced the look with a wince, indicating that the overriding concern was the pain in her ankle.

"That's it! The tear drops! I thought they was tattoos on yer face. That's it! How'd ya get those off? How'd ya get them _on_ , fer that matter? Did ya draw 'em on? Or paint 'em on? Ya fooled me twice. I thought they was real too!" Grammy actually giggled a bit. Partly from the fact that Awsty seemed so pleased that she'd been able to fool Grammy. But, mostly because she was almost delirious with joy that without any makeup at all, this young girl, no... _woman_ looked untainted by the world. Looking at her as she was today, she realized Awsty was truly lovely. She looked far too underweight, and her hair was horrible, but really, she was very pretty. If she could gain a little weight, change the color of her hair back to something believable, and somehow lose the worldly look about her eyes, she would be quite stunning.

# Chapter 17

Wednesday and Thursday bore no better for Awsty's ankle. She'd stayed in bed for three days, unable to put much pressure on the offending body part when she rose to go to the bathroom. She was beginning to feel quite discouraged. _She had lost three days of job-hunting. Was she ever going to be out on her own?!_

Thursday afternoon, when Grammy was out helping one of her neighbors with chores, she thought Grammy mentioned laundry or some such, Awsty decided to get up and try on her lace up platforms. She knew she'd need to be able to wear them soon, in order to continue her work search.

Rising from her bed, Awsty took a half dozen steps to her shoes, which were now in the closet, thanks to Grammy. Rather than walking back to the bed so that she could sit on its edge, Awsty plopped herself right there on the floor to put them on. The swelling was almost completely gone, but that didn't comfort her much. There was no way on this earth that she would be able to lace them up. They hurt Awsty's ankle even _before_ lacing them, so she knew it was futile. It would be quite some time before Awsty would ever be able to wear them again.

After removing the boots, traversing across the room to her bed, she sat down on its edge. She sank quickly into a deep despair. Those shoes were the only ones she had. She used to have a worn out old pair of Nikes she'd found in a dumpster, but the day came when the stitching was frayed and had come mostly out of them, and the final assault was when she slipped in them on some slimy undefinable ooze in an alley. She had fallen on her back side right there, and the soles of the shoes decided at that moment to give up the ghost. There she sat in dirty stocking feet, with a pair of dead Nikes as her only company. With a disgusted grunt, she had thrown them into the nearest garbage dumpster, returned to the use of her tall lace-up platforms, and those are what she'd been wearing since that day. What was she going to do now? She didn't need to look in her wallet to see what money it held. She already knew! None! Not one single penny. Had she still been living on the streets, she would either beg or steal, but not much chance of that happening here. _What was she going to do?!_

*****

Grammy loved this granddaughter of hers and knew from the one backpack that she had, that Awsty was in real straights financially. Grammy had not really thoroughly perused Awsty's backpack on Monday when Awsty was job-hunting. She did more of a once-over scan with the zipper open.

What Grammy had not shared with Awsty before leaving the apartment was that she was going to do something to help her. She had to!

Entering the door of the neighbor she planned to help with laundry, she unfolded her plan to help Awsty. She explained in no uncertain terms that her granddaughter desperately needed some help if she was going to have a decent enough wardrobe to secure a job. When Grammy asked if she could help with laundry, cooking and any other chores for pay, this neighbor and two others gave Grammy housecleaning and errand-running assignments for a month. Although the neighbors couldn't offer an abundance in pay, the amount they offered her would still pocket her a nice little sum of money. At each apartment, she asked one further favor. She wanted to know if the neighbor would pay her at least half the agreed upon amount in advance, so that she could help Awsty to buy some clothing right away. Grammy was loved in this apartment building. She had come to almost every tenants' aid so many times that they had stopped counting, and simply took Grammy's word for the financial need she expressed. They accepted the grace Grammy continually showed them, and were thrilled that they finally had the opportunity to return some in return.

When, however, she got to Sheria's apartment, Monica, Sheria's daughter, answered the door bell's ring. She loved Grammy, and as soon as she opened enough to see who it was, she threw open the door and engulfed Grammy in her arms. Grammy couldn't help but look at those little cocoa brown arms as they enthusiastically closed around her middle.

"Hi, there, Sweet Stuff. How're ya doin' today? I don't get to see ya near enough. How's school? Is that boy still botherin' ya or have ya figured some way to get him ta stop? And, ya got new extensions while I wasn't lookin'. How cute are _you_?!"

"Hi, Grammy." She always cracked up that Monica called her Grammy just like Awsty always had. But, the truth was, she loved it.

"Well, answer my questions. The boy? What's up with _him_?"

"I did just what you told me to. Each time he'd say something funny about me or my hair, I'd laugh too. And, in between times, I would tell him that he had such a funny sense of humor. I guess when he realized I wasn't gonna get mad or tell on him, it wasn't fun anymore. And, after a couple of weeks, he even started asking me to eat lunch with him. Weird, huh?!

"Oh, and now he calls hisself my 'protector'. Thank you for helping me with that, Grammy."

"Fantastic!" Grammy squeezed Monica one last time, then let her go.

"Listen, Sweetie, I need ta talk ta yer mom. Is she here?"

"Yeah. She just finished doing Moddy's hair. Do you know Moddy? Anyway, she'll be out here as soon as she sweeps up the hair from the floor in her 'hair room.'" Grammy knew that Sheria was a licensed cosmetologist who chose to work at home to save gas-, wardrobe-, and babysitting money. She needed every penny she made to support her little girl. Being a single mom was no easy task.

Entering the living room with broom and dust pan, she said, "Well, hello there, stranger. Give me a second to throw this out the back into the garbage can and I'll be right with ya."

A scant minute later, Sheria, Monica, and Grammy were sitting on the sofa.

"Sheria, I wanted ta ask a favor of ya, but it maybe somethin' ya can't help me with. Please let me know if it's impossible."

"'K, ask."

In the next 15 minutes, Grammy yet again shared her burden and plea to help Awsty get the funds to buy a work wardrobe. Even before she finished, Sheria was getting that I-can't-help-you-with-any-money look. Before she actually said the words, though, she turned to Monica and lovingly told her to go on two doors over to a friend's house and play with the little girl.

When the front door closed behind Monica's retreating back, she turned to Grammy.

"You know me well enough to know that if I had any spare money _at all_ , I would gladly share it with you. But, I just don't. I am so..." But, before the words were even fully out of her mouth, Sheria said, "Wait a minute... Did you say that she has some seriously hideous hair that definitely needed help?"

"Yeah. It's pretty bad."

"I think I have enough leftover dye to do one more coloring on a customer. Only it's auburn. Didn't you say her hair is black?"

"Yeah, but her real color must be somewhere 'tween medium and dark brown, maybe auburn.

"Wait a minute," continued Grammy, "let me think this through. Awsty's birthday is still a long way's away, but I've missed her last three." Pause. "What if I told her we're gonna give her a Twenty-First Birthday Makeover?"

Sheria got a huge grin on her face. "We can tell her you're trying to make up for not being with her these last three birthdays by giving her a blowout twenty-first makeover party. I can do her hair, I'll call my friend, Gemma. She's a nail technician who owes me one. I'll get her to do a mani- pedi- on her, and Monica gives the best back and neck massages. Seriously, my girl's amazing. She can do that! You can come just sit and talk with us while all of it's goin' on."

"Oh," jumped in Grammy, "I'll make a birthday cake. Can I keep it here until then? And, I'll bring some ice cream.

"Sheria, I just love you! Yer one of the dearest people I know! Thank ya for lovin' me enough to do this fer me!"

"Girl, this don't even make a dent in comparison to all the times you've come through for me!"

*****

In the midst of his studies, Mason had an intrusive picture of Awsty dancing through his head while he was trying to absorb a rather difficult medical procedure in his textbook. It wasn't a positive mental impression of her. In fact, he was scrunching up his face when he realized it was _her_ in his head. But, long ago, he had learned that when someone is brought to your mind, you pray for them. No _ifs_ , _ands_ , or _buts_. Just pray.

Closing his textbook momentarily, he bowed his head. _Huh... I'm not sure what to pray for when it comes to her. Salvation? Of course. But, more than that. She looked as if she'd had a hard life. She looked emotionally battered and deeply scarred._

"Jesus, I really need to be studying. I don't want to waste any time. So I'm going to ask You to direct my prayer in the direction You want it to take.

"Awsty needs You... desperately. Lord, let those around her show her unconditional love, patience while waiting for You to do Your Work in her, and... well, just show her Your Love.

"Please bring people in her life that will teach her Your Word, and make Your salvation plan a reality within her heart.

"Lord, I don't think she likes me much. She made that pretty plain last Sunday. But, it's not about me. It's about _her_. Save her, Jesus.

"I'm trusting You to do a mighty and miraculous work in her, and give her joy.

"In Your Name I pray. Amen... Oh... help Geneva, my 'awesome beauty' today with whatever she needs. Amen." _I should probably call her before the end of today. When was the last time I even talked to her?!_

*****

Lying on her bed, with red, swollen eyes from crying voluminous amounts of tears, Awsty reviewed her current situation. She was living on the charity of her Grammy, who could choose to throw her out if she wanted to, for no reason required other than she wanted her gone. She had no money _at all_ , a fact that would remain the same unless she found some kind of work. She couldn't find work unless she had some decent clothes, including some shoes that she could actually walk in.

Looking at her reflection in the glass covering of that ridiculous framed Bible verse on the wall adjacent to her bed, she knew she looked a mess. She knew it. Her hair had at least an inch of auburn roots showing, and she had no mousse or hairspray to even tame it, much less anything to color it with. The last of her white pancake makeup was depleted, and what little powder she had would do her no good because somewhere on Monday while she was out, she must have lost it somewhere. And, where in the world her black lip stain was she had no idea. It was simply gone. Normally, these things wouldn't have distressed her this much. It would have meant that it was time to either hit the street corners to beg money from passers-by, or she'd go straight to the store that carried the needed goods, and steal them right from the shelves.

She felt totally undressed looking at her bare unmade up face and ratty hair. Even if her ankle was completely healed, she wouldn't be able to continue the search for a job. Spontaneously reaching up to grab the framed Bible verse off the wall and sling it across the room, Awsty managed to snag two fingernails on the frame's rigid corner. One chipped in such a way that she'd have no choice but to cut it off quite short, and the other one snapped off all the way to her nail bed, causing the skin beneath it to bleed. That was the last straw. For the second time, she began to bawl. Only this time, Awsty waited to officially start her second round of weeping until she had slid off the bed and curled into the fetal position on the floor.

# Chapter 18

Returning from Sheria's apartment, Grammy yelled in the door as she re-entered her apartment, "Awsty, Sweetheart, where are ya?" She knew, of course, that the only two places she would be were either the kitchen or her own bedroom. Grammy walked to the kitchen door. When she didn't find Awsty there, she ran to the bedroom that temporarily housed her beloved granddaughter. Not wanting to be found so vulnerable, Awsty had jumped up from the floor and perched herself on the edge of her bed.

"Grammy, I'm here, and I need to talk to you."

Sensing the seriousness behind Awsty's countenance, and the tears that she readily saw had been shed, Grammy's throat closed up and she felt an immediate squeezing of everything in her stomach area. Awsty hadn't reacted to the news of her own mother's death with this much emotion displayed, so this must be beyond any horror Grammy could even conjure up in her now highly distressed mind.

*****

Pastor Greg returned from lunch with the intention of quickly planning the best way to go about his afternoon responsibilities at church. Knowing he had only fifteen minutes or so before he was to have a joint meeting of all fulltime personnel at Open Door of Faith, he knew the time was limited before he needed to make the trek down to the board room. That gave him a total of maybe five minutes in which to get his act together before leaving his office.

When scanning his desk to locate and grab the needed manila folder and writing utensil to take with him downstairs, his eyes landed on a Christian magazine on the corner of his desk. He'd been meaning to read through it, but there was rarely ever time during the workday. On its cover was the picture of a lost, forlorn-looking young woman on a corner in an urban business strip location. She was raggedly dressed and pushing a grocery cart. Obviously homeless, she looked beyond all hope for any restoration. His eyes locked onto the large title accompanying that picture, "A Burden for the Lost?" For reasons the Lord knew, Pastor Greg's mind immediately recalled the young woman on Sunday. If anyone looked lost, she did. Granted, she had a place to stay right now, but she was just as lost as the woman on the magazine.

Resting his elbows on his desk, Pastor Greg folded his hands and laid his head on them.

"Lord, I keep thinking about that girl on Sunday. Austin? No that wasn't her name. I can't think of her name, but Lord, You know her. Please take care of her, wherever she is. She needs people who will love her unconditionally, pray for her, and lead her to You. I've only met her once, last Sunday, but for some reason I have a real burden for her. Jesus, save her, and give her Your Joy. I'm asking this in Your Name, the Name above all others. And, thank you for Your Answer, Jesus."

Having ended his prayer, Pastor Greg felt refreshed and ready for the afternoon. Funny how just a little time in the Throne Room perked him up! He picked up his manila folder and a pen, left his office and headed to the elevator. No, actually, he was feeling a little more robust. _Maybe he'd take the stairs. Wonder where that burst of energy came from?!_

*****

"Grammy," Awsty began, sniffling several times, "I don't even know where to begin. I can probably sum it up by saying that I'm just a mess, and I need help."

Grammy caught herself getting ready to speak, and consciously made herself stop. She needed to hear the child out, _then_ respond.

"I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just start.

"First, I want to thank you for letting me stay here with you until I get settled. I'm not paying you anything, and still you don't make me feel like I'm a burden. Thank you, Grammy."

Awsty stopped talking for a moment. Grammy wasn't sure if she was supposed to say something before the girl continued. She opted to stay quiet, but reached over and squeezed Awsty's bony little knee.

At this point, Awsty began to seriously sniffle, which turned into a full blown crying binge. Everything she said from this point was random and between huge sniffs of air.

"My hair is a wreck. I don't have any coloring. No hairspray or mousse. Lost my makeup, well, the pancake. Lipstick's lost. Can't find my powder puff. No decent clothes. Can't lace up my boots. Ankle's too sore. Don't have any money. I just feel lost! And, I don't know what to do about all of it!"

The sobbing continued, but the words had come to a halt.

Grammy grabbed hold of Awsty and pulled her to herself. Awsty leaned into her. And, there they sat for several minutes, with Awsty crumpled into her grandmother's arms, allowing herself to be rocked as though she were two years old.

When Awsty's tears had played out and she was just lying against her grandmother for quiet comfort, Grammy thought how pitiful this child was. She looked more like a little girl than a grown adult.

Awsty looked up into her Grammy's eyes, lifting her two broken fingernails for Grammy to see. Grammy grabbed them and kissed them, which brought a small smile to Awsty's pale lips.

Now was the time to jump in, and Grammy couldn't help but think that the Lord had orchestrated this, because Awsty's expressed concerns created the perfect segway to what Grammy was preparing to offer her. Awsty had no idea what it cost Grammy to give her this gift.

Grammy hadn't been sure how she would approach Awsty with her present idea, but now that Awsty had been the first to lay out all her fears before her grandmother, she just allowed her words to come out in the fashion they came.

"Awsty, I have missed ya so much these last few years. And one of the things I missed most was not bein' able to celebrate yer birthdays.

"Now, I know it's not yer birthday right now, and it's a while 'fore it gets here, but if ya say yes I'd like to catch up on these last three."

"What do you mean, Grammy?"

"Well, I've been talking to some o' my neighbors and we've come up with a plan. How would you feel about having a Twenty-First Makeover Birthday Party this Saturday? Or, maybe I should say a Twenty-First Makeover Un-Birthday Party."

"Grammy, I..."

" Now, 'fore ya say yes or no, let me tell ya what we thought.

"Between all o' us, we can give ya a really great un-birthday party. Sheria is goin' ta do yer hair. Ya know, coloring, cutting, whatever. Sheria's friend is a nail technician and is goin' t'do yer nails. Her name's Gemma. I think they call what she's gonna do is a mani-pedi. Sheria's daughter, Monica, is gonna act as yer masseuse. She's gonna give ya a shoulder and back massage while the nails thing is goin' on.

We're gonna have cake and ice cream when yer done, and I have a special gift for ya. What d'ya think?"

Awsty stalled in answering her. She was thinking that this was a nice gesture. It would help, but it still didn't address her clothing needs. During the momentary silence, Grammy was sure she was going to say no. Probably because she was so determined to look like a Victorian goth girl. So, Grammy held her breath while waiting for the answer. Not being one to waste any opportunity though, Grammy quietly in her heart asked the Lord to help her say yes... if it was His Will, of course.

When Awsty finally found her words, trying to be thankful for whatever help Grammy gave her, she said, "Grammy, I don't know why you're so good to me, but yes. Of course, yes. It sounds wonderful! The only thing, am I the one who'll be picking out hair color, nail color, and stuff? Or..."

"'Fraid not, Sweetheart. The only thing ya get ta choose is how loudly ya'll scream with joy when yer all done bein' made over."

Awsty just laughed. What else could she do? She had to admit it. She was excited! "I'm the luckiest girl in the world!"

"Luck's got nothin' to do with it, Sweetheart."

"Grammy, I know what you're thinking about saying. Please don't start in."

Grammy only smiled on the outside, but on the inside, she was shouting, _Thank ya, Jesus!_

# Chapter 19

Saturday afternoon at four o'clock sharp, a group of eight laughing, teasing, joking and just plain fun females met at Sheria's. Besides Grammy, Sheria, Monica, Lydia, Gemma, and of course, Awsty, there were two others from the apartment complex that didn't really know Awsty, but they just loved Grammy, and when they found out it was a makeover-giving-, movie-watching-, popcorn-eating-, cake-and-ice-cream-eating affair, Carrie and Tanya were all in.

It was decided that Sheria's apartment was the only logical place to hold this shindig. While manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, and eating cake and ice cream could be done comfortably anywhere, the hair processing and cutting couldn't. Since Sheria already had a room in her apartment set up for her cosmetology business, her apartment became "party central."

From the moment the un-birthday makeover party began, it was hours and hours of hair-, nail-, masseuse-, popcorn-eating-, old-movies-watching-, and general girlie stuff going on. Awsty was having the most fun she could remember ever having in her whole life. She couldn't ever remember laughing as hard and as long as she did that day. As she took in all the activities going on, she yet again thought how no one had ever done such a fun thing for her in her whole life, and in the midst of her hair dye processing, Awsty looked around the "hair business" room, in which they had all crowded themselves. Most of them were sitting on the floor, some polishing their own nails, some getting neck- and back massages from Monica, and all of them watching whichever old movie was playing at the moment on the small tv on the corner table, not without making typical wisecracks and laughing hilariously at various points in the story.

So that Monica would have someone more her own age among the partiers, Lydia, her "dearest friend in the whole world" had been invited. And, it was a great idea to include her. Lydia, who lived in the apartment directly below Sheria's, loved making beaded necklaces more than anything in the world. She brought all her beaded necklace making equipment, and was teaching everyone how to make their choice of adorable one- or two-strand necklaces. She was so unselfish, giving every attendee everything needed to make themselves a necklace, that at one point during the party, Grammy asked Lydia to help her with refreshments in the kitchen, and once getting her alone, slipped her a ten dollar bill, telling her that this was one of the most fun party activities ever! Although thrilled at both the praise and the money, Lydia tried to tell Grammy that what she had given them in beads and wire today was only worth about three or four dollars. But, Grammy gave her a squeeze, bent down until she was looking directly into her eyes and said, "Lydia, maybe the necklace stuff is only worth three or four dollars, but the fun ya've brought today ta our party is worth ten dollars. Thank ya, Sweetie." Lydia hugged her back... hard. "Now I can get some of the more expensive beads when my mom takes me back to the store. Thank you so much!" She pulled Grammy close and gave her a sweet little kiss on the cheek before grabbing the fresh batch of popcorn and returning to the girls in the "hair business" room.

Grammy was picking up a tray with paper cups of punch to take to everyone in the back room. But, before she took even one step out of the kitchen, Awsty peeked around the door frame. Awkwardly walking into the kitchen on her bare feet, toes now covered in a beautiful shade of medium pink, she stopped and faced her grandmother.

"Grammy, this has been the most fun party I've ever had. In fact, I don't remember ever having a party before. Thank you." To punctuate her thanks, Awsty closed the few steps between them. Grammy knew she was going to give her a hug or a kiss, or both, and was afraid she'd cry if Awsty got all sentimental, so when Awsty's arms reached out to embrace her, Grammy thrust the tray of drinks to her and laughingly said, "Sweetheart, the party isn't over yet. Wait until it's over, then ya kin thank me all ya want. There's still more surprises fer ya."

"Grammy, this is enough."

"What d'ya mean it's enough? Yer hair isn't done, yer manicure isn't done. Ya better wait to see how ya like everythin' first, before ya start praisin' me. Now get those drinks back inta the girls. They're prob'ly chokin' on the popcorn by now."

Awsty flashed a huge toothy grin back to her feisty grandmother, then turned away, again walking with her still-tacky polished toes exposed, and delivered the drinks to some very dry, thirsty females.

# Chapter 20

When Awsty awoke Sunday morning, she lay awake thinking about yesterday's un-birthday party. _Whoever even heard of such a thing?!_ She wore a grin on her lips. That had been more fun than she'd ever dreamed she could have.

After the party was over, Grammy and Awsty had returned to Grammy's apartment, where Grammy gave her the last and best gift of her un-birthday. It was just a small envelope, so Awsty thought it might be a five dollar bill or maybe even a ten dollar bill, if Grammy decided to give up any luxuries for quite some time. So, it was with total unabashed shock that she read the card inside. It simply blew her away. Inside the envelope was a little handmade card that presented Awsty with a shopping trip for two (she and her grandmother) and a new work wardrobe of clothes. Grammy had even given specifics on the card. It was supposed to take place Monday, the very next day. It was to include three main stores, one a discount clothes store, one a huge chain store that included inexpensive clothing lines in its inventory, and the third a discount shoe store. And, Grammy put a post-script at the bottom of the card that said the day included a picnic lunch at the park across from the shoe store, complete with an ice cream cone from the street vendor in the park.

Awsty knew Grammy's un-birthday gift had cost her dearly. _Grammy barely made ends meet. How could she afford this kind of generosity?_ If Awsty had known that Grammy's gift was born of a sacrifice of running errands, baking, and doing housework for neighbors for weeks, maybe months to come, she would never have accepted it. But, she didn't know, so she decided to release all her concerns and simply enjoy it, knowing that Grammy would somehow make it all work out.

Anyway she looked at it, Awsty was so excited about her new wardrobe and the party that was thrown in her honor yesterday, that she abandoned her afore planned scheme to get out of going to church today. _Oh, she still hated going! And nobody should think otherwise! She still thought every single person that attended that place was nothing less than a total hypocrite, well... all of them except Grammy. She was the only person she knew that claimed to be a Christian that really lived what she believed. But she was just a fluke. No one could match her._

She really didn't have much choice in what to wear to church this morning. So, it looked like she'd be wearing her same black long-sleeved top with the chains, either the short black skirt or jeans, and her lace-up platforms.

Deciding to wear the jeans with her top, since the black stockings had a run, Awsty stood in front of the mirror, analyzing her appearance. She was still trying to get used to having auburn hair that lay in a soft bob. She hated it at first. But, she couldn't say that to anyone at her party. Sheria had taken so much time to color, cut and style it. She was so proud when Awsty turned around in the chair to face the mirror. It would have hurt her so much if Awsty had told her how she really felt about it. So, she smiled and kept turning her head back and forth to get a look at both sides. She wasn't sure what to say, so she kept smiling and angling her head to and fro. Rather than lying by telling Sheria she just loved it, she jumped up from her chair, grabbed Sheria and hugged her tightly. Sheria took it to mean that Awsty just loved her hair. Grinning from ear to ear, Sheria turned to Grammy and said, "I just knew she'd love it! Geez, I had no idea Awsty was such a beauty! Awesome! Just Awesome!"

Funny thing was, the more she saw herself with rich reddish brown hair, the more Awsty was getting used to it. She couldn't truly say she was crazy about it, but she no longer looked freakish to herself. In fact, she began thinking that she might actually get used to this color.

Awsty applied the dark charcoal eye shadow to one of her eyes. Suddenly that dark charcoal didn't seem like it looked right anymore. She wished she had some of that pinkish brown eye shadow that Sheria had put on her eyelids during her makeover yesterday. _Oh... wait! Sheria gave that to her!_ She told her it was new. But, she'd tried it on herself and didn't like that color, so she gave it to Awsty, telling her that that color was just perfect on her with her new hair. Actually, it did look pretty good on her. Maybe she'd try that shadow today. She'd probably go back to her charcoal, but today she'd try something a little different. And, it really didn't matter if anyone liked it or not. She wasn't going back to this church again after today. When she got her job this week, she'd find herself an apartment or rent a room in someone's house, and she'd be her own boss, and that included _not_ going to this church, or _any_ church again.

Unfortunately, Awsty couldn't remember what she'd done with the new eyeshadow. She knew it had to be in her room, but where? After searching through every drawer, under her bed, and in her backpack, she sat down on the edge of her bed to think. That was when she heard a crunch sound under her left hip. Reaching to the origin of the sound, she grabbed what turned out to be the very item she had been seeking. Only now, the container had a large crack in the lid that reached the entire way across its surface. It only took her one-finger swipe across the crack for the entire lid to fall in half. _Wouldn't you know it? She was given this gift, and within twenty-four hours it was broken!_ Fortunately, it didn't disturb the eyeshadow beneath. So, it was with care that Awsty applied some of the eyeshadow to her lids. After smearing coat after coat of charcoal on her eyelids for so long, she felt unsure how much to apply of this new color. Her first inclination was to apply an abundant amount like the charcoal, but instead she decided to duplicate the way Sheria had done it yesterday, which was very soft. Almost just a hint. _Not bad! It'd have to do!_

Once she had put on her top and jeans, Awsty began to hang the chains, but stopped midway. For some reason, the chains didn't seem quite right now. _Was it because her hair and eyeshadow made her look different?_ Unfastening the chains she had hung, she stood and looked down. _Wow! She looked weird to herself._ She felt kind of naked without all the weight of the chains. Ok, so what was she supposed to do now? She could still wear her dog collar, but while it still rested in her hands, she shook her head. None of her jewelry was going to work. It just didn't look right.

Awsty had almost decided to just give up with the accessorizing, when she peripherally saw the two-strand beaded necklace atop the dresser that Lydia had helped her make yesterday. It had a few black beads in it, but mostly it had pink and light blue throughout. _Wonder what that would look like?_ Holding the necklace up to her neck, she turned, trying to find something in the room in which she could see her reflection. The bedroom window. She walked forward to it. _Not bad. It's not the kind of jewelry she was used to wearing, but it wasn't too bad. It'd do for today._

Pulling her lace-up platforms from the floor of the closet, she took them back to the bed. After the first was laced up, she started to put the second one on. But, before she could even pull it up on her _almost_ fully healed foot and leg, she could see it was hopeless. It hurt, and it wasn't even pulled on the whole way, much less laced up. She was actually surprised, because her ankle wasn't even hurting her this morning. _Well, so much for that idea!_

With the one platform shoe still on and the other in her hand, Awsty left her room. She could hear Grammy in the kitchen, no doubt fixing some breakfast for them before their trek to church. Stumbling to the kitchen, Awsty almost fell through the doorway. Realizing that ambulating would be a whole lot more simple if she took off the shoe that didn't hurt, she reached down with her free hand, and unlaced it. She ripped it off and tossed both shoes on the floor.

"Grammy, I tried to get ready for church this morning, but my ankle," pointing to it, "hurts when I put it on. I guess I won't be able to go today." She pulled out one of the chairs from the table and plopped in it. She couldn't figure out why, but she was actually disappointed.

Grammy made no verbal response at all. She stood looking at Awsty with her mouth slightly open in a tiny smile.

"Grammy, did you hear me? I can't wear these shoes. My ankle just won't take it!"

"Awesome Beau..., I mean Awsty... you look really nice today. And, I think I might have something you can substitute. I was at the thrift store one day with one of my neighbors, and I saw a pair o' ballet shoes. I didn't know what size they were, but I thought they was so cute, I bought 'em. They was only a couple dollars, so I figured if they didn't fit, I'd just give 'em to somebody or somethin'."

"Ballet shoes?! Grammy, I don't want to wear any dance shoes. That sounds weird! No, I don't think so. It would just look..."

Before Awsty had even completed her comments, Grammy had run out of the kitchen and back to her own bedroom. Within one minute's time, she returned with a pair of shoes and a long scarf.

The shoes didn't look at all like Awsty thought they would. They were just plain flat soft, bendable flats. And, they were in the same color of blue that was in Awsty's beaded necklace. Both of them noticed the match right away.

Awsty kind of liked them, although she didn't want to seem too excited about them. At least they looked comfortable. And comfort was definitely what her healing ankle needed. Taking them from Grammy's hand, she placed one on her foot. Tipping her head left and right, she looked at it. _Kinda cute!_ She now placed the second one on her other foot and stood up. She knew that like them or not, the decision would be whether or not she could walk without pain.

Taking multiple steps back and forth in the room, Awsty was delighted not to have any pain when she walked, and Grammy was delighted to see her granddaughter looking so put together. Well... other than the partially blown-out-knee jeans.

Hoping above hope, Grammy softly asked, "What d'ya think? Can ya walk aw'right in 'em?"

Trying not to look too thrilled, Awsty responded, "I think they'll work ok for today. I'll probably just need to get home quickly after church and get them off and my leg up."

Grammy smiled, then handing Awsty the long scarf, she said, "This scarf has the black, pink, and blue in it. Ya wanna wear it?"

"There's no way I'm wearing a big bow around my neck!"

Not wanting to embarrass Awsty by telling her that she agreed, that would look ridiculous, she simply said, "Hey, I saw a magazine at Sheria's yesterday where the model took a long scarf like this and just hung it around her neck with the ends hangin' down straight. She didn't tie it at all. Ya wanna try doin' that and see how it looks?"

"No, I feel weird enough dressed like I am. The scarf's just way too much."

"Well, I'd say ya look lovely just as y'are, with or without the scarf."

While standing, each ate a few bites of toast and swallowed some orange juice, but it was time to go, so Grammy told Awsty to just wait outside the front door. She had to run back to her bedroom and get her Bible. When she came out of her room and exited the apartment, there stood Awsty, complete with long scarf slung around her neck.

Grammy knew better than to say a word.

# Chapter 21

Awsty wouldn't have admitted it for anything, but she actually enjoyed the walk to church. The weather was sunny and comfortable, the flowers were blooming everywhere along the route, and friends that drove past on their way to services first waved at Grammy, but when Awsty looked their way, they smiled and waved to her too. She responded with a shy smile and tiny hand wave.

By the time they had arrived at the church front doors, Awsty realized that she'd probably greeted fifteen or twenty people this morning already. That is, if a smile and hand wave counted as a greeting. She didn't know who any of them were, but it was still nice having them acknowledge her existence, rather than turning their heads away and walking around her like when she was on the streets. This must be what _community_ felt like. She liked this. It was... _pleasant_? Yeah, she guessed that was the right word.

Unfortunately, the feelings imparted didn't last long. She and Grammy were within fifteen or twenty steps of reaching the doors through which they'd enter the worship center when she spied Pastor Greg just inside the doors to one side, warmly welcoming people when they entered. She was, frankly, embarrassed by the last interaction with him. She knew she couldn't make another 'first impression', so she turned to Grammy quickly, told her she was going to try the Singles class this time, so she would meet Grammy there at the garden bench after the second hour.

Grammy was pleased that Awsty was taking some initiative. From her perspective, Awsty was trying to find the best Sunday school class fit. _Good for her!_ So, she squeezed Awsty's shoulder and smilingly told her she'd meet her at the bench in the courtyard after second service. At the conclusion of Grammy's words, Awsty darted behind a couple upcoming congregants and veered down the walkway to the ginormous Sunday school class building. She wasn't exactly sure where the Singles class was, but she could ask someone once inside the building. _Whew! That was a close one! She just couldn't face Pastor Greg today!_ In fact, she couldn't have stood going to the college class this morning. Everyone there had seen her last week. It wasn't so much that she cared what they thought, but she knew that she looked radically different from last week, and she couldn't bare the quizzical, confused looks and any questions that might arise from her changed appearance.

Once inside the building, Awsty began searching for either the name of the class on the doors, or someone who could direct her. She actually crossed paths with several people, but they always seemed to be going in the opposite direction. And, while they smiled and told her good morning, they didn't slow down. So began the trek from door to door, looking for any indication that she'd reached her desired destination. She had checked maybe three or four doors, each time saying audibly, although softly, "No. Not the Singles class," when someone from behind said, "Singles class is four doors further on, on the left. That's where I'm headed. I'll walk you there."

Awsty wasn't expecting anyone behind her, so she jumped a bit, before turning around to simply say, "Thanks, but I can get there ok by myself." When she turned, it was none other than Mason. He smiled a broad smile and said, "Hi, I'm Mason." _Cute young woman! Must be new._

Every emotion imaginable intersected within Awsty. Surprise, defensiveness, vulnerability, and a touch of disdain. She expected him to drop the smile and walk around her on to the room he too was headed for. But, he didn't. He continued the smile, and said, pointing, "It's that room there. Are you..." It was at this point that he changed from an approving smile at the cute young woman, to a shocked wide-eyed half-smile to a young woman he recognized. His eyes never left hers. He refinished the sentence. "Are you able to get there without help,... Awsty? Or do you want me to take you in?" He was sure she knew he was going to ask if she was new, but it was the best 'save' he could come up with in his current condition... stunned at her change!

"I'm ok, thanks." And, she walked on ahead. She grinned. She did love any shock she could produce. Since her back was to him, she could smile broadly without him seeing.

Mason, on the other hand, was too rattled to continue walking to class. He immediately turned back to the men's room to get a grip on his emotions before going to the Singles class.

Lord, I didn't think she'd come back, or at least not to the Singles class. She's supposed to be in the college class. I'm glad she came, but this is so awkward. I'm sure she saw how shocked I was to see her. And, Lord, I asked You to change her heart. I didn't know You'd change her whole appearance. Thank you, Jesus, but next time give a guy a break. I feel so stupid!

Lord, she made it very plain last week that she didn't like me and didn't want anything to do with me. Help me respect that and back off.

It wasn't until this moment that Mason realized how undone he was when he recognized her. _Whew! He could finally breathe! Ok... on to class._

When Mason entered the class, Awsty had already been offered a seat by another young man in the class. She accepted the offer, but only because there were only two seats empty in the room. Both next to him. She first seated herself in the folding chair, with one empty between them. But, he smiled at her and asked her to move over next to him. At first she thought he was flirting with her, but then saw on his other side a young woman. When they took each other's hand affectionately, she realized he was only being friendly, so she moved next to him. There wasn't time to say anything, because the leader stepped forward and began the class, welcoming her and one other girl to class as first-timers. When people turned around to greet her, she shyly looked down, but did smile. When she glanced back up, some of them were still looking at her with broad, friendly smiles on their faces. She actually breathed for the first time since walking into the room and waved a tiny, shy wave. Once she had acknowledged their welcomes, they turned back around to the front.

It was at this moment that Mason came into the room. The leader asked him to go ahead and come forward to give the announcement with regard to tonight's activity.

While inviting everyone to his folks' house this evening for games, movies, and 'eats,' Mason made a concerted effort _not_ to look at Awsty. He was sure he was blushing while talking. _Blushing?! He didn't blush! He was, after all, a grown man. Whoa, is it hot in here?!_ With the very last word of tonight's activity invitation given, Mason almost ran out of the room and straight back to the men's room.

Checking below the stall doors, and seeing that he was alone in the restroom, he began talking out loud.

"Lord, thank You for bringing Awsty back this morning. I'm thankful that You've answered that prayer... I'm kind of stunned that she showed up, and in the Singles class! But, this is where You've chosen for her to be. Help me be friendly, but not overly friendly... supportive, but not obnoxious about it... and mostly, let me be a friend to her... at least as much as she'll let me be. And, Lord, You did a good job cleaning up her appearance. She looks really cute this morning, actually kind of pretty."

Feeling guilty that he'd even noticed her as a man notices a woman, he threw in, "And, be with Geneva today. I haven't seen her in days, and we keep missing each other's calls. Take care of her. Amen."

Able to breathe evenly now, Mason slowly walked back into the classroom. There was only one chair available, and that was next to Awsty. He would normally have taken it, and greeted whoever happened to be next to him, but not today. He veered away from the empty folding chair and walked to the back wall, leaning against it for the remainder of class.

Awsty noticed Mason's avoidance of her. At first she thought, _Good! I don't want him sitting here!_ But immediately on the heels of that, she questioned. _Why didn't he want to sit next to me? Is something wrong with me?!_

Not two minutes later, a good-looking young man walked in and walked directly to the empty seat. He leaned over to Awsty and whispered, "Good morning. Do you mind if I sit here?" Awsty shyly looked down, but leaned just enough in his direction to barely be heard by him. "No, that's fine." He whispered back, "Good, because if I sit on the floor, I'd feel like was back in kindergarten. Although I wouldn't mind taking a nap on one of those mats we had in our school room." Awsty covered her mouth to keep her giggle quiet. She nodded affirmation, then flashed a big, bright smile. When the teaching portion started, the young man shared his Bible with Awsty.

Mason saw them whispering off and on during class, and just a small twinge of jealousy attacked his heart. _What makes Ben ok, but she doesn't like me at all?!_

During class, Mason found it hard to concentrate on what was being said. Because he could see Awsty, but she couldn't see him, he found himself watching her more than he'd like to admit. It just rankled him no end that she was giving plenty of attention to Ben, but couldn't even be _civil_ to _him_.

When class had concluded, Ben stood and turned to Awsty.

"I'm Ben."

"Hi, I'm Awsty."

"Uh...there's a group of us that are driving altogether tonight to the thing they announced. Would you like for us to drop by and pick you up too? I think we can squeeze one more person into the car, if you'd like to come."

"Oh, I don't know..."

"You don't want to miss this opportunity to see six or seven adults all squished together into one compact car. It'll be like a Ripley's Believe It or Not episode."

Awsty had no idea what Ripley's Believe It or Not was. Her mother had never owned a tv, she didn't have one while living on the streets, and Grammy's was rarely turned on. But, she could tell by the comical look on his face that he was joking around with her, so she grinned.

"Um..."

"Tell you what. You can give me your phone number, or I'll give you mine, and we'll talk later this afternoon. You can let me know then if you want to go with."

"Um... Ok." And, she gave him Grammy's phone number. She hoped that would be ok with Grammy. She was sure she wouldn't be going, but he was being so persistent that she didn't know what else to do.

When Mason saw Awsty give her phone number to Ben, that was the last straw! He strode out of the room and started down the hall toward the worship center. It galled him no end that she would be so friendly to Ben, and treat him with total revulsion. _Ok! No big deal! I don't even care! I've got my awesome beauty, Geneva. And, Awsty... well, she can go live her life, and I'll go live mine!_ Even as he nurtured these thoughts, he knew how ridiculous he was being, but he didn't care.

His breathing was slowing down finally, by the time he reached the exit of the building. He took a couple of steps out into the fresh air and breathed deeply. Just then he remembered he'd left his Bible on the table next to where he was leaning against the wall. He turned brusquely around and ran directly head first into Awsty, who was rushing to the worship center to not be late for worship service. Somehow she thought Grammy would have spies watching for her, so she better not be late. When Mason literally bounced off the front of her, and she bounced back into the arms of a woman she didn't know, he grabbed for her. It lessened the impact of the hit the woman took, but by no means did it deflect it altogether.

Mason apologized to the woman.

Awsty turned in the woman's direction and simply said, "Sorry."

She may have had a good experience in the Singles class, but Awsty was no saint yet. And, before she could think better of it, she spit out at Mason, What's _wrong_ with you?!"

Unsure how to even react, he gave way to his feelings of jealousy felt earlier in the classroom.

"What's wrong with _me_? What's wrong with _you_?!"

Awsty could feel her anger and frustration mounting. Rather than yelling angry words at him, she doubled her fists at her sides, growled and walked around him, continuing her now stomping stride toward the worship center.

Mason stood there, not having taken even one step away from their collision point, and threw his hands into the air. "Unbelievable!" But, even as he turned and watched her stomp away, he couldn't help himself from thinking how really pretty she looked today.

# Chapter 22

Pastor Greg was greeting at the front door again before the second service. As Awsty approached the entry, she could see there was no way to avoid him. She was already upset over Mason refusing to sit next to her, then plowing her over into that woman, so she wasn't in any mood to be in anyway pleasant with _anyone_.

When Pastor Greg took her hand to shake and welcome her, she was aggravated that he didn't know who she was.

"Hi, I'm Pastor Greg. We're glad you're here this morning. Is this your first time..."

"Thanks. And, no, I'm not a first-timer. We've already been through an introduction last week. My Grammy introduced us. I'm Awsty. Awsty Truesdale."

She didn't wait for a response, nor reaction from Pastor Greg. She rather brusquely pulled her hand from his and walked past him into the sanctuary.

His mouth was open, but he didn't realize it. He kept watching the pretty young woman with whom he'd just had a not-so-friendly exchange.

"Awsty... that's right. Awsty Truesdale. _That_ was Awsty Truesdale?!" He looked around himself to see if anyone had heard him.

Although he was able to resume his greetings to those who entered, Pastor Greg's mind kept wandering to a very pretty young woman, so unlike the gothic scarecrow of last Sunday, who had just moments ago looked like she wanted to punch his lights out.

*****

All afternoon Mason was distracted from his studies. Actually, his distraction started well before lunch, at which he barely picked. He was spending the day at his parents' home, so that he could help them with food and set up the dining room buffet in anticipation of that evening. However, the truth was, he was almost no help of any substance in the set up. All he could think about was how badly things had gone with Awsty this morning. He wasn't used to people not liking him. He just didn't know how to cope. It had nothing to do with the _person_ , just that she didn't like him.

_Oh... who was he kidding?! It was_ all _about her. Why didn't she like him?! He'd bent over backwards trying to befriend her. And, for crying out loud, did she think he ran into her on purpose?! It was an accident! Geez!_

And, to top things off, she was probably going to show up with Ben at the get together that evening!

Mason stomped around and grumbled most of the afternoon, until his mom finally told him he was welcome to go back in his dad's study and do some schoolwork for a while. She didn't say it out loud, but Mason's behavior reminded her of his sometimes fitful teen years, and she'd be glad to have him out of her hair for a while.

Why was he so out of sorts? Did he and Geneva have a falling out? She hoped he hadn't hurt her feelings or something! Not that there was any love lost between she and Geneva.

Geneva was polite and friendly enough, but she could never be accused of having a personality that was warm and fuzzy. She hardly ever let Mason hold her hand, and when he tried twice in their presence to give her a kiss, she backed off and slightly shook her head no. A kiss on the cheek, for heaven's sake! And, frankly, after placing her own hand on Geneva's shoulder two different times to show sympathy once, and affection the other (although she couldn't remember why), Geneva recoiled like something disgusting had just made contact with her skin, and no further physical contact was ever attempted. Not sure if Geneva was truly God's Choice for Mason. Although, since it wasn't her decision who he would eventually marry, she wouldn't stop trying to engage her. And, pray for her! If they ended up spending their lives together, she needed to pursue a loving relationship with Geneva.

*****

As it turned out, Awsty opted out of the singles activity that evening. When she talked to Ben in the afternoon, she came up with some lame excuse about needing to prepare for her job-hunt that coming week. She felt kind of indifferent to the activity itself. But, she felt very strongly that she didn't want to run the risk of seeing Mason. She'd had enough of him!

She didn't want to admit, but couldn't help thinking to herself, _And, after the way I treated him when he bumped into me between services, he probably has no desire to see me again, either!_

She knew she owed him an apology, but she wasn't ready to humble herself... at least, not yet. Maybe never. _She didn't owe him anything!_

*****

After praying and turning out the lights that night, Pastor Greg reclined in bed with a mind that wouldn't shut down. He thought of the church service that very morning, Awsty, the meeting with the elders on Tuesday, Awsty, the report he had to finish before the meeting on Tuesday, Awsty, and even a little bit about... Awsty.

She looked nice this morning. Radically different than last Sunday. She was scary last Sunday. This morning she looked like just a normal pretty young girl. Twenty-one years old, isn't that what she'd told him? Not a girl. A woman! She was a pretty young woman. But, not a believer, right?! So much anger! What would make a person so angry?! But, she sure did look pretty this morning. Nine years... he was nine years older than her. His uncle Jeff was eleven years older than his wife. They were really happy! They both loved Jesus, that's why. Awsty obviously doesn't have a close relationship with the Lord, judging from her behavior. Wait a minute... I'm being judgmental myself. I don't know if Awsty knows Jesus or not. I do know she sure looked pretty this morning.

While his thoughts were in overdrive, mostly about Awsty, he kept playing with his wedding ring. Round and round he circled it with his thumb. After its tenth to fifteenth rotation, it worked its way off his finger and fell to the floor. He'd lost quite a bit of weight during this last couple of years of widowhood and his ring was too big. He knew it had been loose for some time. He needed to take it to a jeweler to be re-sized soon, but in the meantime he'd just leave it off and set it on his nightstand. He leaned over, picked it up, but rather than placing it on the nightstand, he walked over to his top dresser drawer and placed it inside. It would be safer there. That was the last time Pastor Greg ever wore his wedding ring.

*****

She didn't show last night! Why didn't she come to the get together? Did she hate him so much that she wouldn't chance running into him... Bad choice of words... 'running into!' Did she feel like she couldn't even stand the possibly of seeing him again?!

_This is ridiculous... Why did he care?! She was free to like anyone she wanted to. She could_ love _anyone she wanted to, for that matter! He did! He had his awesome beauty, Geneva! Yeah, he had Geneva!_

He needed to call Geneva more often. Just because their schedules didn't allow them to spend that much time together, he shouldn't think that meant he should neglect their relationship! He should make an effort to give her more attention. Maybe he'd go out sometime in the morning between classes and purchase her a little gift. Something that said how much he loved her. He wasn't sure what that'd be, but maybe he'd do that. Yeah, that's what he'd do tomorrow! Or, as soon as he had just a little bit of free time.

Actually, he had an exam on Friday. He should probably give all his attention to that this week. After all, this was his and Geneva's future he was talking about!

With those thoughts fading into the background, Mason shifted his thoughts to his studies, which he pursued a couple more hours, then collapsed into bed, to fall almost immediately asleep.

*****

It wasn' the _falling_ asleep. It was the _staying_ asleep that was the problem.

Mason got up from his bed four times during the night and went to the kitchen for a drink of water, or juice, or anything else he could think to drink that would take his mind off Awsty for a few minutes.

The entire night it seemed like he'd had nightmares. And, every single one of them starred Awsty. In one, the entire Sunday school class of young men stretched down the hallway of the building in a single file line. She would walk down the line, pointing at each person, and say, "I like you," but when she got to Mason she would vehemently stress her words through clinched teeth, "I definitely do _not_ like you!" He even tried to move and squeeze in the line at a different location, thinking maybe she'd change her mind the next time, but her distaste for him never varied. She didn't like him and that's all there was to it!

Although there had been four different nightmares during that endless night, the worst, and the one that stayed at the forefront of his waking moments the next morning was the one in which Awsty stood in a livingroom. Whose livingroom, he had no idea. In front of her on the floor was an unusual tufted footstool. The cushion itself was made from long, silky auburn hair. The legs were constructed from four lace-up platform boots.

As she stood stationary, men he could identify from church in real life, single _and_ married, would walk up to her, kneel on the footstool and ask, "Awsty, will you marry me?" Every time without exception, she would smile, shed a sweet tear, and respond, "Yes, of course I'll marry you!" But, when Mason's turn came, her response changed to, "Not if you were the last man on earth!" Slump-shouldered he walked away, looking back to see Awsty accepting the marriage proposal from Gerard Trenton, an eighty-three year old widower from Open Door of Faith.

He knew they were dreams, but they felt very real at the time, and when he woke up, there were actually tears in his eyes. After swiping them away, he got up, yet again, traipsing to the kitchen for... _what?_ He didn't know. He looked at the timer clock on the oven. It said five-twenty-seven a.m. He decided he might as well get up.

So, with the most fitful and distressing night he'd had in years barely behind him, Mason turned on the coffeemaker, then lumbered to the bathroom to turn on the shower.

What in the world is wrong with me? Why doesn't she like me?

Usually, Mason woke up thinking about Geneva, his 'awesome beauty.' From this day on, however, she was never his first thought again in the morning.

In his heart, Mason stepped into the Throne Room. _Jesus, I'm just a mess! I can't sleep, and I'm afraid my studies are going to slide. I keep thinking about Awsty and I don't know why. She's unfriendly, has no warmth at all, and she seems to just hate me! I need Your Help and I need it now. Please, Jesus... Please give me wisdom and grant me Your Peace._

# Chapter 23

Awsty had been looking forward to today from the moment Grammy gave her the little handmade card on Saturday that revealed the gift of a new work wardrobe.

Like a little child excited to find the presents under the tree Christmas morning, jumping up to run in the direction of the pine scent it exuded, then squealing with delight at each gift that revealed itself under the tree boughs, Awsty jumped out of bed and headed for the kitchen. She expected to see Grammy drinking a cup of coffee and waiting expectantly for her granddaughter to join her.

She wasn't disappointed. There sat Grammy drinking the cup of hot delight, watching for Awsty's appearance. The moment their eyes met, Awsty put her hands together in balled up fists and squealed. She didn't have to say a word. Grammy knew Awsty couldn't wait for today and the shopping spree. Although Grammy had never given Awsty a budget amount for clothes, Awsty knew she would be beyond generous to her. She always had been. From giving Awsty the biggest homemade cookies from the canister to snack on when she visited as a child, to giving her _multiple_ wrapped gifts at Christmas in comparison to her mother's one bagged and sorry-looking gift, she had always made events so exciting.

"Grammy, I could hardly sleep last night, waiting for today." Spoken with a clean un-made up face, slightly matted hair, and a grin that stretched across her face, she looked like she had when she was just small. Just a little girl. A little girl with so many hopes.

"Me too!" was all Grammy could say. She had a lump in her throat that didn't permit any more words than two. She ached for this young woman who had been nothing more to her own mother than an _inconvenience_ , and a _burden_. She would make this a magical day for Awsty if it killed her!

"I've been up quite a while, but I didn't want ya ta wake up until ya was ready, so I worked real quiet. I've already got our lunch packed. It's right there next ta the front door.

"I've got the money for our ice cream cones in my purse on the floor next to the picnic bag.

"I don't know what ta tell ya ta wear. Just whatever's comfterble. Ya should prob'ly wear the flat shoes from yesterday. We've got a lot 'o walkin' ta do.

"I thought, though, we'd better drive today. I don't know if ya saw the strip mall we're goin' to while ya was on yer job-search day. It's two blocks even farther down from the church, on the other side 'o the street. The weather's s'pose ta be nice t'day, but I'm hopin' we'll have so many bags that it'll be hard to carry 'em home if we're walkin'. I'm hopin' the car won't do somethin' stupid like breakdown. That car's about a hundred years old."

"I haven't seen the strip mall up close, but you can see part of it from the church," replied Awsty, then added, "I'm glad we're taking the car, even if it _is_ old and pitiful." She had the utmost enthusiasm for the day written all over her face.

A minute or two of silence, then Awsty spoke again. "Grammy?"

"Yes, child?"

"I've never been shopping in stores before, and I'm not sure about finding clothes for work, or whatever. I might need some help today trying to match things up and stuff."

'Sweetheart, 'tween the two of us, there's no stoppin' us. And, if it takes us all day ta get it done, so be it. We'll take a break about noon, go 'cross the street from the mall ta the park, and we'll eat our picnic lunch while we decide how ta handle the rest 'o the day. Hey, if it takes us until dinnertime, we'll just stop then and come straight home fer dinner. Ya know, if we can't find ever'thing ya need t'day, we'll just take a second day ta finish up. Deal?"

"Deal!"

*****

"Grammy, that lunch just hit the spot," said Awsty, looking down at the grass braid she was making, but looked up at Grammy with a sudden grin. Then, a snicker.

"Grammy," she laughed, "you've got a great big chunk of chocolate chip on your chin, and the rest of that bite is on your shirt, left side, in a pretty interesting place."

Grammy reached up, and grabbing the chocolate chip from her chin, she poked it in her mouth and chomped away on it. When she then looked down, she spotted the rest of the ice cream in a gooey mess on the left side of her slightly protruding bosom. She first looked up at Awsty and began giggling, then took her left index finger and scooped the glob up. After poking it in her mouth, she tried to clean up the stain it left, but only managed to smear it more.

"Well, I'm just makin' a mess here!" But, when she looked back up to see Awsty quietly laughing, she just joined in. Within minutes, they were both laughing so hard that Awsty fell back on the park grass and lay there shaking. Grammy wasn't far behind her in laughing intensity, but she managed to stay in an upright position.

When the laughter subsided, Grammy asked Awsty about some of her clothing selections earlier.

"I saw in the beginnin' ya were choosin' mostly black, dark brown and navy clothes. But, then, all of a sudden ya put most 'o them back on the racks and started pickin' lighter colors. What happened to make ya change yer mind on colors?"

"Well, I _did_ choose mostly black. I like black, and it's what I've worn for a long time. Grammy, nobody on the streets wears colors. Everything they wear is mostly from dumpsters or from the closets at the community centers. I just wore what I had or could get free. Usually the clothes were dark in color. And, then I got used to it.

"But, I tried on that one outfit you picked out. The rose-colored shirt with the gray pants. And, even though I didn't want to, I put the scarf you pulled for me on with it. I knew when I came out you'd be checking to see if I had tried it on. I felt really uncomfortable in the whole outfit. But, two girls that were both trying on clothes came out of their dressing rooms to show each other what they had tried on. They didn't know it, but I could hear them whispering as I looked at myself in the mirror at the end of the hall. One of the girls said that she wanted to find clothes like I was trying on. That I looked really cute in them. And, the other one whispered back that she never would have thought about wearing a scarf like that with the outfit, but she loved it. Next thing I knew one of them called out to me, 'Where'd you get the scarf? In fact, where'd you get all the pieces you're wearing?'

"Funny thing, when I looked back in the mirror, I thought, _You know what? I really do look nice in these!_

"Remember when I came out, grabbed a couple more shirts and pants and took three more scarves into the dressing room?"

Grammy nodded.

"It was right after they talked to me. I thought maybe I should re-think the things I had been choosing at first."

Grammy smiled at Awsty.

"Funny how other people can influence our thinkin', huh?

"Well, all I know is I love everything you got. Your wardrobe looks completely different than I thought it would after our shopping today.

"Let's see. What all did you get today? We should prob'ly discuss what you still need."

Awsty shifted her gaze somewhere to the left above her head. Grammy could tell she was thinking.

"Ok," Awsty said. "I think this is it. Four shirts, two pairs of pants, two scarves, one necklace, two handbags, two pairs of shoes, and lots of pretty underthings.

"Is that it? I can't think of anything I've forgotten."

Grammy nodded as Awsty listed the clothing items. Once Awsty finished her count, Grammy emphatically said, "Ya forgot the dress ya got!"

"Oh, yeah, I did. Grammy, I haven't worn a dress since I was just a little girl. I forgot all about it. I think it's really cute, though." Pause. "Oh, I forgot the cardigan sweater that you bought me to go with it! To be truthful, those girls in the dressing room were the ones to make me decide to get the dress and sweater. I could hear them whispering how they loved what it looked like with the cardigan.

"I'm not used to having so many things to choose from! It's so strange to think I'll actually have to get up each morning and decide _which_ of all these things to wear.

"And, Grammy, I was just thinking, the things we picked out will sort of mix with each other so that my wardrobe will look even bigger.

"You know, Grammy, I can't think of any way to show you how much I appreciate all these pretty things. I don't think I've ever thought that a time would come when I could have things like these.

"I know these cost a lot, even if they were bought at discount stores, and some of them were closeout items. Grammy, are you absolutely sure this is ok? You spent a lot of money on me this morning."

Grammy smiled with an unconditional love at this young woman who was her granddaughter.

"Sweetie, I can't think of a better way ta invest what the Lord gives me than inta you. He's blessed me with ya, ya know. And, even as much as I love ya, Jesus loves ya even more."

Awsty didn't respond. Mainly because she didn't want that line of conversation to continue. She felt completely out of her element talking about spiritual things. So, she diverted the conversation.

"Grammy, I don't know if I'm getting carried away, but I did want to ask you for just a couple more things. Well, actually... three."

Grammy's response was a loving, "Sure, Sweetheart. What?"

"I really like the eyeshadow from my party." She closed her eyes for Grammy to look at it on her, as though Grammy couldn't already see it.

"But, I was thinking. When I start back looking for work tomorrow, I think I would feel better about my appearance if I had just a few more things. Am I being vain or something if I add some mascara, a light blush, and like maybe a lip gloss?"

Grammy shook her head. Awsty thought that was her disapproval, until Grammy added words to the head-shaking.

"No, I don't think that's bein' vain at all. In fact, I had already decided that after we're through here with our lunch that I was gonna take us by the drugstore over there," she said, as she pointed across the street to its location. "I agree. Ya'd look like ya took care 'o yerself and were puttin' yer best face forward."

"Thank you, Grammy.

"Well, I don't know about you, Grammy, but I'm through. Since the shopping bags are already in the trunk of the car, I guess I can just throw away our trash, take the picnic bag back with us, throw it in the back seat and we can head off."

As they walked back to the car, Awsty put her arm around Grammy's shoulder.

"Grammy, what makes you so different than my mother was?" This was the first time Grammy had seen Awsty shed a single tear with regard to her mother.

"Jesus."

Grammy knew Awsty didn't really want to hear the answer, but the truth was the truth.

With a squeeze to her grandmother's arm, Awsty replied, "How'd I already know you'd say that?"

*****

Mason arose from his kneeling position. He had _extensively_ prayed for Awsty. He asked the Lord to meet her at the point of her greatest need. He asked the Lord to soften her heart to God's plan of salvation. And on and on he had petitioned on her behalf before his Lord.

At the end, he also threw in a short request for Geneva to have a good day.

Time to get to class this morning.

*****

Pastor Greg woke up with a headache. A really bad headache. After taking a couple of aspirin with his orange juice, eating a piece of dry toast, showering, shaving, and dressing, he turned his attention to his day's schedule. _Wow, were his mornings predictable! They never changed! Always the same! Every day seemed like such a drudgery._

He was so thankful it was Monday, his day off. If his head didn't stop pounding soon, he'd need to lie down again. But, no matter what, he had to go see his grandmother in the afternoon. He was glad that Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living Home was no further than it was.

After another twenty minutes of his head throbbing, and getting worse, he went back to his bedroom, disrobed, threw on a pair of walking shorts and a t-shirt, and carefully laid down, trying not to jar his head.

He was just going to lie there until his head stopped hurting. Surely the aspirin would kick in soon. As he lay there, his painful brain kept turning toward Awsty Truesdale. He kept reviewing the way she had stormed in the front church doors and let into him with her wrath. Well, maybe she didn't 'let loose,' but it felt like it. He still couldn't understand where all the anger came from.

Lord, this young woman needs You so bad. Make her heart soft, and bring those into her life that can plant seed. Make her heart ready to hear about you. And, Jesus,...

Without completing his thought, and with the last conscious word of his prayer being the wonderful name of His Lord, Pastor Greg fell into a first fitful, then deep sleep.

His day didn't go as he planned. When he again woke up after noon, he could see that visiting his grandmother wasn't going to happen. Leaving her a short message on her voice mail, telling her why he wasn't able to come today, he fell back asleep and didn't wake up again until after dark.

# Chapter 24

By three-fifteen p.m. Monday afternoon, Grammy and Awsty had completed all their shopping and had taken all Awsty's new clothes home. Awsty wanted to try them on again, but decided instead that she would put them away for now, and maybe run to Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living Home to say hi to Stella, and tell her about her exciting clothes-shopping excursion with her grandmother earlier in the day. She found she had thought about Stella several times during the week, and planned to go back to visit her again soon. This was as good a time as any.

"Grammy, I've put away my clothes, straightened my room, and washed and put away the few dishes that were in the kitchen sink.

"I was thinking maybe I would go visit a couple of the old people at Trenton-Taylor before dinner. Would that be ok with you, or did you have some things you wanted me to do this afternoon?"

Grammy admired the new shirt, pants, and cute shoes Awsty had put on. And, she could see that Awsty had used the new makeup pickups. She smiled at Awsty and said, "No, Sweetheart, I don't have anythin' fer ya ta do. I think that would be a lovely gesture. Those old folks get really lonely there, and would prob'ly love ta have a young person visit 'em. Did ya want me ta drive ya?"

"Thank you, Grammy, but it's beautiful outside, and I think I'll just walk."

Awsty waved goodbye to her grandmother, then exited the apartment. But after closing the door, she re-opened it immediately and came back in, sought out her grandmother, who was walking to the kitchen, and enfolded her in her arms.

"Grammy, thank you so much for what you've done for me! Giving me a place to stay, feeding me, and buying me all these gorgeous clothes. And, I want you to know that I'm going to look really hard tomorrow and for as long as it takes to find a job. I promise you won't be stuck with me too much longer. Thank you, and I love you!"

Awsty didn't wait for her Grammy's reply. She just turned and ran back out the front door.

Grammy just stood there, shaking her head.

"Lord, I love that child. My new prayer, Jesus, is that Ya'll make her as beautiful on the inside as Ya've made her on the outside."

*****

Awsty knocked on Stella's door. By the second knock, the door was opened and Stella had said hello. She asked the stranger if she could help her with something.

"Stella, it's me... Awsty. Oh... that's right. You haven't seen the new, _improved_ me!"

Placing her hands on her hips, Awsty pivoted in a complete circle.

"What d'ya think?"

Stella's mouth was agape. She appeared to be absolutely and completely stunned.

"Awsty... is that really _you_?!"

"I know, right?! I can't believe myself what I look like now. It's weird, too. Now I think I even walk taller and I'm not so afraid to look people in the eye."

Stella grabbed the young girl by the arm and pulled her into her room. Once inside, with door shut, she pulled Awsty into a bear hug. It was hard to believe it, but the little less-than-one-hundred pound woman was squeezing the breath out of her.

"Stella, I can't breathe!" Awsty forced out.

Realizing she was hugging too briskly, Stella released Awsty, held the girl's hands at arms' length, and perused Awsty from head to toe, then back up.

"Awsty, you look absolutely beautiful! I don't understand. Why the change? When and where did you get this adorable outfit? And, your beautiful auburn hair! I love it!"

Walking over to the sofa, Awsty and Stella sat down and began chatting as though they had known each other all their lives.

"Well, as you know from when I met you last week, I'm looking for a job. Still! But, on the way home from visiting with you, I twisted my ankle in my lace-up boots. I was in bed with my leg up for several days. I think Grammy felt sorry for me, so Saturday, Grammy and some of her friends gave me a Twenty-First Un-Birthday Makeover Party. Everything from hair, to makeup, to mani-pedis. Then, this morning, Grammy gave me _her_ gift. A whole wardrobe of clothes. I got shirts, pants, a dress, shoes, purses, just all kinds of cute clothes. Oh... scarves, too!"

Stella asked questions. Awsty answered them, then continued the whole story with even more enthusiasm and details. Stella seemed spellbound. Her only interruptions were giggles when Awsty said something funny, or her eyes became really large when Awsty embellished details.

After talking and sharing a soda, Awsty looked up at the clock on Stella's kitchenette wall. She had been there almost two and a half hours. She gasped when she saw the time.

"Stella, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to stay so long! I only meant to stay a few minutes."

"Honey, this has been the most fun two and a half hours I've ever had! I'm actually sorry you missed my grandson today. He comes to visit me every Monday afternoon, but he woke up with a headache this morning. Must have been really bad, 'cause when I called him, he didn't even pick up. Oh, I wish he could meet you. He'd like you, I just know it!"

"Well, maybe if I don't have a job yet, next Monday I can come by and meet him and his wife."

"Oh. Actually, Honey, he's a widower."

Awsty actually felt sad. She liked Stella, and was sure that with a mom like her, her son must be really nice too. She thought how sad it would be to lose your husband or wife. She wondered if he had any kids, but figured it probably wasn't appropriate to ask something that would probably cause substantially more sadness to Stella when she ventured to answer.

"I'm so sorry. Well, maybe next Monday you and I together can cheer him up some."

"That'd be lovely, Sweetie."

Within a couple of minutes, they had hugged, and Awsty was out the door.

Turning the opposite way she should take to go home, Awsty headed down to Robert's room. When he opened the door, he seemed terribly confused. She could tell he had no idea who she was.

"Hi, Robert. I'm Awsty. We met last Monday. I visited with you."

He still looked confused.

"You shared two candy bars with me and told me about Ginny, your wife."

Upon hearing Ginny's name, he seemed to respond. "Come on in, Autry."

She didn't correct him.

"I just wanted to come by and say hi." She walked to his couch and sat down where he motioned her to go.

"You knew my Ginny, did you? She did the funniest thing last night at dinnertime."

Awsty knew she had died, but she didn't correct him. Instead, she said, "Oh, tell me about it!"

And, he did. She listened carefully as he told her about dropping a dish when they were cleaning up after dinner, and what he said, and the nickname she gave him as a result. He told her how he snatched Ginny up, twirled her around, and gave her innumerable kisses. He went on to say that this morning she gave him a present, after going shopping. It was a winter scarf with a painted broken dish on it.

"Wait a minute. Let me go get it and show you."

When he brought her the scarf to look at, she asked if she could try it on. She thought it might please him if she showed interest. When she took it off, he told her that he was allergic to cashmere, and asked if she'd like to have it.

"Are you sure?!"

"Yes, somebody should make use of it. And, I can't think of anyone I'd rather have it than you, Aggie."

Before speaking, Awsty couldn't help but think, _Poor old thing just can't remember my name!_

"Thank you. I would love to have it. I really need to leave, Robert. But, maybe I'll come back and visit you again soon."

"Yes, come back. You didn't get to meet Ginny today. I was hoping she'd get home while you were still here. You need to come back so you two can meet."

Awsty looked quickly around the room. She grabbed a pencil and paper she saw on Robert's old, worn desk in the corner that held a television and a few odds and ends. She asked if she could borrow the pencil and paper for a minute. When he said yes, she picked it up and wrote as she spoke the words out loud, "Ginny, Robert let me have your scarf today. He said you'd be glad that _someone_ could use it, since he's allergic to cashmere. Thank you both so much! Love, Awsty Truesdale "

"Here, Robert. Give this to Ginny when she gets home."

As he followed her to the door, he said to her, "Please come back and visit us soon. Sometimes Ginny and I get a little lonely."

She turned, gave him a hug, then said, "You have my promise."

He gave her a large generous smile, then closed the door behind her.

As she walked toward the building's exit door, heading toward Grammy's, and fondling the scarf in her hands, she thought to herself, _Robert, there are three things I know for a fact. One, I know the difference between cheap polyester and cashmere. Two, I will positively come back to visit you, as often as I can. And three, this has just been the best day ever!_

# Chapter 25

By eight-thirty a.m., Tuesday morning, Awsty was out the door. She had taken great care to make sure she looked professional in every way. Her outfit and accessories were well-coordinated, her hair and makeup were perfect, and Grammy had even dabbed her wrist pulse points with some old, but very expensive perfume. Awsty thought the name of it, Moonlight Kiss, sounded like something out of the eighteen hundreds. And, frankly, she was stunned when she hesitantly breathed in its fragrance. It was elegant! Well, Awsty had never had perfume before, nor had Regina, her mother, so she really wasn't sure what qualified as good perfume. All she knew was that it smelled good enough to her that she took one of her wrists and distributed the scent even further on one side of her neck. During the arm movement to her neck, she had caught yet another waft of the delicious fragrance, and still thinking it to be glorious, she decided to repeat the action with her other wrist to the other side of her neck. She wasn't really sure if wearing perfume was correct when searching for employment, but there was still enough of a rebelliousness in Awsty that she didn't really care what anyone thought. She liked it. So there!

Grammy asked Awsty if she would let her pray for her before she left. Awsty cringed inside, but said ok, as long as it was short. After all, she needed to get out there and find a job today.

Grammy didn't make a big production out of it. She simply took one of Awsty's hands and bowed her head. She only offered a quick and concise thanks.

"Jesus, thank Ya fer helpin' Awsty find a job. In Yer Name we pray. Amen."

That's it?! Wasn't Grammy going to go on and on about every last thing she was thankful for, and every last thing she was troubled about, then finish it by pleading the blood of Jesus over Awsty and her lost soul?! And, how could she thank God for finding her a job when she didn't even have one yet? Seriously?... Huh!

*****

She had made seven job-search stops. Two were fast food drive-thrus, two were regular restaurants where she applied for waitressing, and three were clerical positions. The clerical jobs were in an escrow office, and two dentist offices.

The two fast food drive-thrus told her they weren't hiring. However, Awsty didn't know that they turned her down because she looked _too_ sharp, and spoke _too_ well. As she walked away from those two places, they watched her walk off down the street, wondering why such a classy young woman would be seeking kitchen work and serving at a drive-thru window. Frankly, she intimidated the interviewers. She looked better than they did, and had better command of the English language. She'd probably be the one that would be promoted before _them_. And, they couldn't take a chance on that happening.

The first actual sit-down restaurant asked to see Awsty's resume. When she informed them this was her first job since high school so she didn't have one, they were gracious, but nonetheless told her that they really wanted someone with experience.

She played it smart in the second restaurant. After the interviewer introduced himself, Awsty immediately told the interviewer that her resume was not quite finished, and that she would gladly drop it by the next day, if they would like. That mollified the interviewer temporarily. But by the end of their meeting, Awsty just felt in her bones that they would not be hiring her. She wasn't sure what had changed the meeting from something positive to something so negative. _Probably that whole no-experience thing!_

Out of the three clerical positions, one said they would like her to return in two days along with her promised resume. That was one of the dentist's offices. After talking to them, she felt like they really wanted her as a receptionist. They complimented her by telling her that she made a very good first impression, and that they were looking forward to looking over her resume. The dental hygienist actually walked her out the front door, shook her hand, and said, "I'm looking forward to seeing you again on Thursday. Let's make it about ten a.m., ok?"

Awsty replied, "That sounds just fine. Thank you again. I'll see you on Thursday. G'bye."

"Bye, Awsty."

That was Awsty's last stop before lunch. She was exhausted from all the walking and the interviews. She had taken the opposite direction from two Mondays ago in circling around the street, having turned right when she exited the apartment building. Once she passed Grammy's church, she crossed the street at the corner and started back the opposite direction she had been walking.

It was warm, or at least it seemed so to Awsty. Everywhere she looked around her, women were wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts. Even the men had walking shorts on with hang-out short-sleeve shirts. The cooler and more comfortable they looked, the hotter and more miserable she felt. Although she continued searching for businesses to inquire within, there weren't any that she felt like she should bother with, so she just continued walking. Five blocks later, she was standing right in front of Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living Home.

Would Stella mind if she just dropped by to get a bottled water and get in out of the heat? She was just here yesterday. Was this overkill? Would Stella be glad to see her or wonder what kind of nightmare she had created for herself with this crazy young girl feeling like she could just drop by anytime she wanted to see her?

Normally, the very act of questioning herself would make her continue on down the street, but frankly, she was feeling faint from lack of liquids in her system and the heat of the sun beating down on her. _She'd explain to Stella why she stopped by._ She was a sweet little elderly lady, and she'd never make Awsty feel unwelcome. Besides, she wanted to talk with someone about something and Stella was as good as anyone.

*****

"Hi, Awsty! Wow! You've come to visit me again? This is just fantastic! I love it! Come in! Come in!"

Stella, astute woman that she was, noticed Awsty's pallor and asked her if she was all right.

Before Awsty answered, though, Stella led her to the sofa, and lightly pushed her shoulders down, indicating that Awsty needed to sit down right then. She left her long enough to get her a glass of water.

"I'm ok, I guess. I've been walking block after block looking for work today, and it's really pretty warm today. I forgot again to bring a bottled water along with me, and here I am ready to pass out." She grinned at Stella, showing she was dramatizing her situation, but Stella knew there was more truth than fiction to it.

"Well, you've come at the perfect time!"

"I have?"

"Yes. I just made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I know I'll only be able to eat half, mainly because I'm having some chips with my lunch today. I always overeat on the chips, so I never have enough room to finish the sandwich. The thing is, with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, they have a tendency to get soggy overnight when kept, even when it's in the fridge. _Now_ I can insist you stay and help me by eating half of it. You really would be doing me a favor. Oh... I went down to the vending machine earlier this morning and got a Dr. Pepper, so we'll split that too. Oh, this is just so much fun!"

Awsty just loved this dear old lady already. She was so warm and friendly, and Awsty felt downright loved when in her presence.

Stella offered a word of thanks to Jesus before they began their feast. Once the Amen had been pronounced, they both dug in. Awsty took a huge bite of her sandwich and at first gave Stella the "OK" sign. But, the more she chewed, it seemed to gain in volume. Unfortunately, she had already finished her glass of water before they started eating, and the half glass of Dr. Pepper only moments later, so when she began choking on the overly peanut-butter-laden bite, she had no way to get it down. Stella seemed completely unable to figure out what to do, and Awsty felt like she would never be able to take in another breath.

Grabbing her throat, Awsty motioned that she needed help and needed it fast. At that very moment, there was a knock at the front door. Stella yelled for whoever it was to come in since the door was unlocked, while she stood in front of Awsty, shaking her hands in helplessness. Since Awsty's back was to the door, the visitor couldn't see who she was, but immediately understood the situation. He grabbed her from behind, and using the Heimlich Maneuver, forced Awsty to spit up the offending food. It plopped on the floor with an unceremonious splat.

Awsty immediately took in a cleansing and much-needed breath. Slightly embarrassed, but gratefully relieved, she turned around to thank her savior. Her shock knew no bounds, nor did his, when she found herself staring directly into the face of Pastor Greg.

"Awsty?!"

"Pastor Greg?!"

"You two know each other?!" asked Stella, with no small amount of surprise.

Awsty had regained her breathing ability, but had totally lost her composure. She was beyond embarrassed. She was totally and completely mortified. She looked down to see the masticated piece of grossness she had just spewed on Stella's floor. She didn't know what to say to either of them, nor did she want to even converse with either of them.

"I... uh... I... I'm so sorry... I..." Awsty sputtered.

Pastor Greg, on the other hand, took command of the situation, and knew exactly what to say.

"Awsty, are you all right? Can you breathe ok? Here, sit down," he said, then took her by the shoulder and assisted her in sitting back down on the chair she had been using before the incident.

"I'm... I'm ok."

After a minute of breathing, and total quiet reigning within the room, Stella realized Awsty was going to be fine. She turned to her grandson and simply said, "Thank you, Greg. I had no idea what to do. I'm so thankful you came by. You're a lifesaver! Your headache must have finally gone away. I didn't expect to see you today."

Awsty seemed to be forgotten for a few moments, which was just fine with her. She sat back in her seat, simply breathing and watching Stella and Greg interact. He hugged Stella and said his head was fine today. Well, there was just a hint of it left, but not enough to keep him from visiting his most favorite grandmother in the whole world. He grabbed her at this point, threw his arms around her, and gave her a couple of kisses on her forehead. He asked how his gorgeous grandmother was doing today. They just conversed so easily and pleasantly that Awsty forgot momentarily about her choking mishap.

A few minutes later, however, the attention shifted back to her. Pastor Greg spoke to her first.

"Are you sure you're ok now? That must have been so frightening for you. I'm so grateful that I was here to help."

Stella knew Awsty had to be totally embarrassed in front of her grandson and her, and that's what prompted her next comments.

"When Greg here was about ten years old..." she began.

"Grandma, no, don't tell that! You promised you'd never bring it up again!"

"Well, I lied. Awsty needs a bit of encouragement right now, and I intend to give it to her."

"Grandma, really... this isn't the time."

"It's exactly the time! If you don't want to hear it, don't listen."

Awsty could see Pastor Greg's shoulders slump as he eased himself back into the chair in dread of Awsty hearing the story. He looked down as he fiddled with his hands.

Stella resumed. But, as she talked, she rose from her seat, took a paper towel, scooped up the food glop still on the floor. She had discarded it in the wastebasket before Awsty even had the time to be humiliated.

"As I was saying, Greg was about ten years old," Stella said as she returned to her chair, "when he fell madly in love with a little girl his age at church. Her parents and Greg's mom and dad were all friends and decided one Sunday morning to go out to lunch together after morning worship services. Greg was so excited. Two or three times as his folks, he and I were driving to the restaurant, he leaned over to me in the back seat of the car and asked me if I thought she was pretty. Of course, I said she was absolutely adorable, which she was.

"Anyway, we were all seated in a huge booth at the restaurant. Greg had somehow wrangled it so that he and the little girl... what was her name?" Stella asked Greg.

"Belinda," he grudgingly whispered, as he crossed his arms, fully leaned back, and extended his legs straight out, crossing them at the ankle. This had always been his I-don't-have-any-control-over-this-do-I posture.

Awsty was beginning to take an interest in the story, especially when it kept the focus off her.

"Everything was going well. The adults were visiting with each other, the two kids," pointing to Greg, "were laughing and talking, when Greg started choking on a bite of his meal. I don't remember what he was eating that day... but I remember exactly what happened next.

"Greg started grabbing at his throat, and at once we all realized he was in real distress.

"Belinda started yelling at all of us for someone to do the Heimlich Maneuver on him. Unfortunately, none of us had the presence of mind to do it. So, Belinda pushed him off the end seat, jumped out after him, and grabbed him from behind. Even as little as she was, she grabbed him with interlocked hands around his rib cage and started jerking the life out of him. Maybe four or five jerks later, that mouthful came flying out of his mouth and landed on the table.

"I don't know if it was the shock, fear, or humiliation, or what, but when we all looked at Greg's face, he was looking down at his pants."

Stella started laughing at this point, as she looked squarely into Greg's embarrassed face. He began shaking his head and just looking at her as she betrayed the private event from his past.

At least a minute passed without anyone speaking. When Awsty realized why he was looking down, she burst out laughing. It wasn't even a girlie or cute feminine laugh. It was a combination scream-laugh that almost exploded from her.

"You wet your pants?! In front of the girl? You did, didn't you? You. Wet. Your. Pants!" She covered her mouth with both hands as she doubled over in laughter. Stella's voice joined hers, and although he tried not to, Greg burst out laughing as well.

# Chapter 26

"My stomach hurts. I've got to stop laughing. Somebody say something sad so I can stop," Awsty laughed out.

"Death, famine... uh... warts!" offered Pastor Greg.

"Warts? Did you just say _warts_?!" Awsty asked, as she grinned at Pastor Greg.

"Well, I was in a pinch. I couldn't think of anything else!" offered Pastor Greg in reply.

Stella had long since stopped talking with the two young people. She just sat back on the sofa and smiled while she watched them interact. She knew Greg would like her. She was just the most adorable thing she'd ever seen.

At Pastor Greg's _warts_ contribution, Awsty started in a whole new round of laughter. But, it was during this round of hilarity that she glanced up at the clock. Three-thirty-seven p.m. Her laughter came to a sudden halt. It was like she had been catapulted harshly back into reality.

"Oh, I had no idea! I had no intention of spending this much time again, Stella. And, I still have something I need to discuss with you before I leave," Awsty said to her already-dear friend.

"Oh, should I let you two ladies alone? Grandma, you weren't expecting me anyway, so I can leave and give you two some time to talk. I really just wanted to come see you and tell you that you're still my girl!"

"Oh, no, Pastor Greg. You're welcome to stay. In fact, maybe you can help too."

Awsty began filling Stella and Greg in on her current job hunt, and about the dentist's office that wanted her to return on Thursday, _with_ her resume.

"The problem is, I've never done a resume before, and I don't have a clue how, or even where to begin. I was hoping maybe you," she looked directly at Stella, "could help me with it, or give me some instruction on how to get started."

Before Stella could even open her mouth, Pastor Greg jumped in.

"Awsty, I'm sure no expert, but I've done plenty of resumes in my life. I could help you with one."

"Really?! Oh, I would be so grateful! I don't have much time, though. I need to take it with me to Thursday's interview. Wow! I have a second interview!"

"Well, the library is just a few doors down," as he pointed in the general direction, "and across the side street. If you have time, we can walk there and get started. They have a couple of really good how-to books on resumes that I used myself years ago. We could take a look at them for reference and decide together how to make yours unique and powerful. What d'ya say?"

Awsty looked a little hesitant, just as she had the day she met Stella out on the lawn and had been invited to come to Stella's quarters. Stella recognized the look immediately. Without hesitation she offered to Awsty, "Afraid, since you don't have the 'eviscerating nails' anymore?" Pause. "Don't worry, I can vouch for him. You'll be safe."

Awsty smiled at Stella. She remembered their conversation that first day.

"Well, if you can vouch for him, I guess I'm willing to take a chance. I guess it's safe, since we'd be going to the library, _not_ a restaurant. I don't know how to do the Heimlich Maneuver... yet."

*****

"Yes. Give me a minute to write down the standard stuff that goes first. I'd check this book out, but I'd need to apply for a library card, and it has to be done by ten a.m., Thursday morning," Awsty said quiety.

"You know," Pastor Greg simply stated, "you could probably find all this same information online at home."

"Yes," Awsty stated, "but my Grammy doesn't have a computer, much less an internet connection. I'll invest in those things after I find work, but for now, the library is my only source. Pastor Greg, if you feel like you need to get going, I sure do understand. We've been here almost two hours, and you've been more help than I thought anyone could be. I can finish up now that you've gotten me started."

"No way. I'm nothing, if not a man of perseverance. I feel like I owe it to you anyway, after traumatizing you with the 'warts talk.'"

Awsty grinned, and even a small giggle escaped her lips.

"I hate to say this to a clergyman, but you're a mess. You know that, don't you?"

"Yeah, I've heard people talking about it behind my back. So, I made a choice a long time ago. Either I could hurt them and become a criminal, or forgive them and become a pastor."

"So, there was nothing in between? Just criminal or pastor?" Awsty kept a sober face as she asked, implying that she thought this to be a serious conversation.

"No, just those two options. That's all that was open to me."

"I'm glad you chose the second option."

"Yeah, me too."

*****

"I think maybe you should call your grandmother and tell her you're not coming home just yet, since your resume isn't quite finished," offered Pastor Greg.

"Oh, I forgot all about her. Boy, we've really been focused, haven't we?" Awsty responded.

"What's her number?" asked Pastor Greg, retrieving his cell phone from his pocket.

"Oh... yeah. It's..." And she gave him the number, saying it twice.

After he handed the phone to Awsty, she spoke with her grandmother. Toward the end of her call, she said, "Yes, it'll be after dark, but Grammy, the lights are so bright on this main street that it stays almost like daytime. I promise to be very safe. "

Awsty was silent for a moment, but finished by saying, "No, I'll grab some of the leftovers out of the fridge when I get home. Thank you, though. I love you, Grammy. I have so much to tell you. I love you too," after which she hung up and returned the phone to Pastor Greg.

"She worries about me."

"She should. You're worth worrying about." For some reason, this made Awsty blush. She'd never heard a minister talk so familiarly with his congregants. It seemed weird. But, weird in a nice way.

"Now that she won't be sitting by the door waiting for you, I think we should take a little break. Actually, I think we're through with what we need to do here. The library is really just a starting place. We need to talk in depth about how to present some things on the resume, and they kind of frown on talking in libraries.

"So, I thought maybe we could go to Mexicale Rose, get some tacos or something, and sit on their patio. We can get a bite to eat and discuss how to finish up your resume. And, since it's only three doors away, we can walk there. Sound ok?"

"Oh, well... I don't..." replied Awsty. The pause was a long one. Finally, Pastor Greg broke in.

"You don't _what_?"

"Pastor Greg, I have no money until I get a job. But, I have no problem waiting until I get home later to eat. There are plenty of leftovers at Grammy's. And, we can just as easily sit at the benches in the front lawn at the assisted living home while we finish the resume. That would be fine. Really."

"Well then, how in the world am I supposed to prove to you that I can eat in public without choking or wetting myself?"

She giggled... yet again... then said, "Ok, you win. Wow!"

"Wow _what_?" Pastor Greg asked.

"Wow! Now that I know _you're_ paying, I'm starving to death! You've never seen the quantities I can eat when I'm hungry. Let's see... three tacos, two burritos, nachos with both cheese and beans on top, and... a grande _Diet_ Pepsi, because I _am_ watching my figure, of course."

Pastor Greg laughed, then responded, "You do know that the income of an associate pastor is about the same as a burger flipper, right?!"

"Yeah, well... what you lose in funds tonight you'll gain many times over in the enjoyment of watching me stuff myself to the point of total discomfort, followed by a chaser of stomach cramps. I think a good time will be had by all."

"I'm looking forward to it!"

*****

# Chapter 27

"Awsty, watching you eat was just as satisfying as you said it would be. Wow! You can consume, girl!"

She reached over the table and lightly swatted his arm.

"You can't say that to one of your parishioners. Especially not a woman! You're supposed to be nice to me, Pastor Greg."

"I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget how one of the pillars of the church is supposed to act."

Shifting gears, Pastor Greg looked her in the eyes and began.

"Awsty, can I ask you something?"

Immediately her stomach knotted up. A question like that could be followed by almost anything. Whatever it was, she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

"Ok..." she drew out.

"As we've been working on your resume, it says you graduated high school going on four years ago, but the only work it shows you've done is some babysitting while you were in high school, and one week as a clerical assistant for your senior English teacher the first week after graduation."

"Oh, you're wondering what I did for her? Well..."

"No," he interrupted. "I was wondering what you've been doing these last four years."

Awsty felt sick inside. The food she'd eaten was starting to roil in her stomach. She almost felt like she was going to be sick. _Should she protect her privacy? It wasn't really any of his business. Should she just go ahead and tell him everything? Maybe it would actually help if she talked to someone about it. As a minister, didn't he have to keep silent about anything she shared with him?_

After one very long, strained moment, Awsty Truesdale decided to share her life with someone outside of Grammy. She _thought_ she trusted him. She felt quite sure it wouldn't go any further.

"Pastor Greg, you may not like what you hear."

"Awsty," he said as he took one of her hands, "let's pray about it first, then you can share whatever you want to share. 'K?"

She nodded and bowed her head, following Pastor Greg's lead, right there in public at the restaurant.

"Jesus," Pastor Greg began, "you know all about Awsty and nothing makes you love her less. Your love is unconditional. Help me listen as a good friend should, making no judgments, since You don't. Thank You, Jesus. Amen." He squeezed her hand, then let go of it, folding his hands and placing them on the table before himself.

She took one panicked and quivery breath, looked him in the eye, then forced her gaze down as she began to tell him everything. Well, almost everything. The only thing she couldn't bring herself to share was about her immoral intimacy choices. It was partly because she felt such shame, and partly because she was afraid he'd think less of her.

At several places in the story, he reached over and lightly squeezed her hand. His heart ached for this beautiful young woman. She didn't deserve her life's beginnings. And, her choices thus far in life seemed predictable, considering her mother's choices. He knew instinctively that she had left out some pretty significant parts. He was quite sure she had plenty of worldly knowledge. But, as sad as it all made him, he, nonetheless, wanted to pull her into his arms and cradle her like an injured child, but knew that he couldn't do that. First, they were in public, and second, it was far too intimate of a gesture for them. He was, after all, her pastor.

After Awsty completed spilling her story and a good number of subsequent tears, she asked him, "Pastor Greg, can God ever forgive me for all my bad choices?"

Not even a split second passed before he unequivocally said, "Yes, absolutely. See, Awsty, the thing is..."

"If you're going to preach to me now, don't. I'm grateful that you've listened, and I know I can trust you with this. But, I'm just not ready."

"Ok. Let's talk about finishing this resume up. I have a couple of ideas on how to perk it up.

"You need this for Thursday, right? Oh... I figured out how to do this. Since you've written it all down, why don't you let me take it home with me. I'll polish it up and have the church secretary type it up for you. I'll have her stick about a dozen copies of it in a manila folder and save it for you at her desk. You can either pick it up tomorrow afternoon, or on your way to the interview Thursday morning."

"You'd really do that for me?"

"Of course. I'm glad to help. It is help, right? I'm not taking over, am I?"

"No, you're being my friend. Thank you."

"Good. And, if I'm being your friend, then maybe you'd do me a favor and drop the Pastor title. My name is Greg. Just plain old Greg."

"It's a deal! Thank you, Just Plain Old Greg." She grinned.

Wow, she was a cheeky little thing!

Since both of them were ice cream lovers and there was an ice cream stand on their way back, Greg treated them both to a cone. Awsty had gotten two different flavors than he had. She asked him if he'd like a bite of her watermelon ice cream. He said he'd never tasted that flavor before, and yes, he would like a bite.

He should have seen it coming, but he didn't, so it was a total surprise when she brought her cone to his lips with a devilish look in her eyes, and jammed it into his mouth, ice cream covering not only his lips, but the entire area from the tip of his nose to the base of his chin.

As he stood there totally stunned, she began uproariously laughing.

At that moment, in the street was a car driven by Mason Errington, who saw them at the exact moment of Pastor Greg's ice cream baptism and their subsequent laugh fest. He slowed his speed to a crawl, watching Greg chase Awsty all the way to his car, threatening all the while to do the same to her using _his_ cone. When they reached the vehicle, Pastor Greg didn't follow through on his threat. Instead, he opened the passenger door, Awsty got in, as did he, and they drove off.

What?! What is going on here? Now she's with Pastor Greg? She even likes him better than me?! I can't believe it! This can't be happening! I don't get it! This doesn't make any sense!

It's just not fair! It's not reasonable and not fair!

It ruined his concentration. When he should have turned left at the corner, he was still in the right hand lane. He had to drive several blocks, turn around and come back. And, by the time he arrived at the designated turn intersection, he was too distressed to go to his original destination. Eating something no longer seemed important. He wasn't hungry anymore. He just drove straight back in the direction he'd come from originally and headed right back home.

*****

"Thank you for all your resume help, dinner, the ride home, and... the ice cream. Especially the ice cream," she said, grinning as she crawled out of his car in front of Grammy's apartment building.

"You're very welcome, Awsty Truesdale. Just Plain Old Greg was glad to help."

They just looked at each other for a second.

"I'll drop by the church and get the final copy of my resume from the secretary, but probably not until Thursday morning on my way to the interview," Awsty finally said.

"Ok. G'night."

"'Night. Oh... Greg?"

"Yeah?"

"Pray for my interview Thursday morning, 'k?"

"I would have, even without you asking," he said, then he departed.

They smiled at each other as he drove off.

He thought, _Rough life!... But she's really beautiful. She's got a great sense of humor. I like her!_

She was thinking, _Sheltered life!... But he's really cute, especially that dimple. He's got a great sense of humor. I like him!_

# Chapter 28

Thursday morning at nine a.m., Awsty arrived at Open Door of Faith. Unfortunately, she had no clue what to do now. She'd only entered the church twice, and both times it was from the front doors. _Where was Pasto... uh... Greg's office?_

After circling the worship center and finding no unlocked doors, she went back around to the front. She stood there for several minutes until she saw someone using the weed whacker on the shrubs at the side front of the property.

Walking up to the man, assuming he was the church groundskeeper, she asked him how she could find Pastor Greg's office. He smiled the largest and most friendly smile Awsty had ever seen, then proceeded to talk to her in Spanish. She hadn't expected that, so she just stood totally still watching him, allowing him to talk for a good minute solid, before she decided she had better put an end to it.

"No comprende... uh...Gracias, Senor," she said smiling back at him, then turned and began walking elsewhere to seek help.

"You're welcome," he responded in English, no hint of any accent. She whipped back around to face him.

"Gotcha!" he said, grinning widely at her.

Awsty still seemed stunned, and wasn't sure how to respond.

The man began laughing at her confused look.

"I'm sorry. Sometime I just can't resist! My name is Carlos. I'm the pastor of the Spanish-speaking ministry here at Open Door."

"Oh! Well... you're right, you did get me! Good one!" She grinned. Pranking someone like that seemed like something she would do, if given the opportunity, and of course, if she knew Spanish.

Carlos laid the weed whacker on the lawn and walked several steps toward Awsty.

"If you go to the other side of the building, you'll see a set of exterior stairs that go down to a basement door. Open that door, and once inside, walk up two flights, then go through the double doors on your right. Then, it's your second door on the right. When you enter the office, the secretary will be there. You can talk with her about whatever you've come for. Her name is Doris. She's very friendly, _and_ she'll speak to you in _English_ ," he said with a smile, "and give you any help you need."

"Gracias."

As Awsty walked away in the direction Carlos had sent her off, she turned back to him while walking and said, "I only remember one phrase from two years of Spanish in high school. So... Estás loco en la cabeza , Carlos. Adios."

When Carlos started laughing uproariously, she stopped only long enough to ask if she'd said it wrong.

"No, it was absolutely perfect!"

"Good. 'Bye, Carlos."

As Awsty turned, waved back over her shoulder and continued walking, she could hear Carlos' laughter until the basement entrance door closed her into the sanctuary building.

Awsty had no idea that she'd just told the pastor of the Spanish-speaking ministry that he was crazy in the head. She really didn't know what the phrase meant, but always thought it must at least be something friendly, because the students in her high school had always been smiling when they said it to _her_.

*****

"Good morning. Can I help you with something?" Doris, an attractive young woman in her late twenties asked Awsty, as she entered the church office.

"Hi, my name is Awsty Truesdale. Pastor Greg was going to leave some papers for me this morning. He said he'd just leave them with you," Awsty responded. She was quite sober-faced when asking, but couldn't help herself from responding to Doris' constant and heartfelt smile.

Her own smile was considerably more reserved when she remembered she was in a church and it wasn't even Sunday... not for three more days. If anyone told her during the last few years that she would voluntarily go into any church on a Sunday, much less a weekday, she would have thought they'd lost their mind.

"Oh, yes, he did leave some papers for you. They're right here," Doris said, still smiling, as she pointed to the large manila envelope that was on the corner of her desk closest to where Awsty stood.

"Oh, thank you so much. And, will you tell Pastor Greg I appreciate his help on this," Awsty replied, elevating the resumes in her hand.

"I sure will. When I was typing it up, I read through it very carefully and corrected a number of misspelled words. Greg has a way with words as you'll see on his final draft, but his spelling stinks!"

Awsty looked horrified when Doris said something so negative about Greg.

Doris noticed her facial response, and quickly added, "Oh, he knows his spelling is lousy. It's a big joke here. When everyone is in their office, if one of them is having trouble with a word, they'll yell out, 'Guys, how do you spell..., then say the word. But, real quick after asking, they'll add, 'Not you, Greg, you can go back to sleep!' I don't remember who the first one was to say it, but it caught on." She laughed right away after telling this tale on Greg.

Awsty couldn't help from laughing herself. _These Christian church people can never be accused of not having a sense of humor!_

Turning to go, Awsty thanked Doris one last time, but as she turned and started to leave the reception area, Doris called her back.

"Can I ask a personal question? Well actually, a couple of questions?" _Why did words like that always feel scary to her?_

First clamping down on her lips between her teeth, she then mumbled, "Uh huh."

"You look so pretty and springy this morning. I just love your outfit. Where did you get it? I love the color of the top, the cut of those pants, and the scarf you're wearing. You look so put together! Would you mind if I asked where you purchased this outfit?"

Awsty just glowed with the simple compliments and questions.

Looking down, she answered, "Oh, I figured I needed some spring-summer work clothes, especially with my interview this morning, so my Grammy... I mean my grandmother took me shopping yesterday. This didn't come as a set. I picked out everything from three different stores. Honestly I don't think I would have picked these things if I'd been shopping myself, but my grandmother gave me some ideas, and I filled in the blanks. Thank you for the compliment."

"Well, you look so fresh and pretty. Oh, I love your haircut, too. You look totally ready for spring. That short bob seems to really be in this season. Where'd you get your hair done?"

Awsty was just blown away. She'd never received so much affirmation on her appearance in her whole life.

"I'm living with my grandmother right now and one of her neighbors is a hair dresser. She gave me a cut and color as a twenty-first birthday gift. I'm still trying to get used to it."

"It's just adorable. If I thought my hair would lay the same as yours, I think I'm ready to get a shorter cut," Doris said.

"You'd look good in this kind of cut. And, it's sure easy..." Stopping abruptly as she saw the wall clock reading nine-thirty-five.

"Oh, my interview! I'm gonna be late if I don't leave right this minute!"

"Go then! You can't be late! Not for an interview. I'll pray for this next hour that it will go well, and that the Lord, if it's His Will, will give this job to you."

"Thanks, Doris!" Bolting out of the office, she hung her head back in the door. "Hey, if you'd like to go shopping together one day, I can. Well, until I start work." Then, she bolted again out of the reception area, the building, and off the property, then briskly crossed the street directly into the entry of the professional building which held the dentist's office.

As she raced to her destination, she mulled over how nice these church people were, and how into praying they were. _Go figure!_

*****

"Lord, Awsty will be going in for her second interview in just minutes," Greg said, as he looked up from his church desk to the clock. "Please give her the words to make a good second impression. Let them see the potential she has. And, Jesus, if it's Your Will, please give her this job. And, bring her to Yourself. Thank You, Lord. Amen."

*****

"Good morning, Awsty. Wow! You're actually a little early," said, Martha, Dr. Dennison's dental hygienist. "That'll give us a chance to quickly look over your resume before we three talk. You did remember your resume, right?"

"Yes, of course," said Awsty, as she pulled one out of the manila envelope and handed it to Martha. She hadn't even had time to look it over when she picked it up from the church. That made her just a bit uneasy.

Martha told her to have a seat and she and Dr. Dennison would be out in another ten or fifteen minutes. She apologized that after Awsty got there early, they would be the ones late for the appointment.

Seating herself on the very comfy-looking sofa, she decided she might as well kill time reading over her resume. So, hopeful that it looked professional enough, she began perusing one of the remaining copies.

Her mouth dropped open as she gazed at it. Not only did it look beautifully written, but Greg had added some features that she wouldn't have thought about.

For example, he had written in the experience portion about her current _visitation ministry. Visitation ministry?! What in the world was that?!_ As she continued reading it, Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living Home was listed. _Was this referring to her visits with Stella and Robert? That's the only thing she'd ever done there!_

She had time to read her references. There were two. Stella Tabor and Greg Tabor. She smiled when she read their names. And, the resume went on to confirm that she would be glad to provide more references upon request. All she could think was, _Wow!_

While she sat there re-reading the exemplary resume, she mused over what she saw as an "overplay" of her qualifications. Greg had outdone himself! She was both grateful _and_ scared to death that the oral portion of her interview wouldn't meet the same standard of excellence that her written portion had.

God... I really need a job. Please make them hire me. Uh... thank you. Amen.

****

"Awsty, Martha and I both would like to hear more about this visitation ministry you have."

"Well, ministry... I'm not sure if that's even what I would generally call it. But, I know I love it. Usually, on Monday..." Dr. Dennison and Martha sat enrapt as Awsty told about her visits to Stella and Robert. She even told about the woman that had dropped the five dollar bill. Her face took on a glow they didn't miss as she expounded on how each of the elderly people had their own story, which they so readily shared with her.

Almost ten minutes later, she was still talking about her experiences at Trenton-Taylor.

Dr. Dennison spoke when Awsty took her next breath.

"Awsty, you are an extraordinary young woman. You seem to give those elderly people the love and attention they are starved for."

He looked at Martha, they smiled and simultaneously nodded their heads.

"Awsty, you are warm, easy to talk with, and have the right 'first impression' for our practice. I believe Martha and I are sold. Do you have any questions you'd like to ask us before starting work this coming week?"

Awsty's smile had never shown so broadly in her life, she was sure. She'd just been hired. _She'd just been hired!_

She never asked about hours or pay. She didn't even care. It was a job. But all of a sudden, she became more serious-faced. She needed to ask them a favor already. _God, please let them say yes._

"I just have one question. Instead of Monday, may I please start on Tuesday? I have one or two things that can only be wrapped up on a weekday... Monday. Is that a problem?"

"No, by all means, take care of things Monday. We'll expect you Tuesday morning."

Thanking them again, Awsty walked toward the exit door of the dentist's office, holding the sheet of paper they'd given her. They told her to look it over before work the following Tuesday. She poked it in the cute handbag she'd chosen to accessorize her outfit.

"Yes, I will. Thank you so much. I'll see you both next Tuesday!"

*****

"I got the job! Doris! I got the job!" Awsty yelled into the reception office door before even rounding the door frame. She had just had her interview across the street, and couldn't resist coming back by the church to let Doris know.

After yelling so enthusiastically, she was embarrassed when she actually rounded the door frame and dashed into the office. Doris wasn't there. But, Pastor Greg was standing just beyond her vacant desk, gathering some papers from the printer. He abruptly turned toward Awsty when she entered.

"You got the job?! You got the job!" he bellowed.

Awsty was so taken with his enthusiasm that she ran to him and hugged him. It seemed ok to do. And, he hugged her back. At almost the identical second, they realized that maybe this was a bad idea. Awsty realized it was inappropriate because Greg was, after all, her pastor. Greg, realized it wasn't good because what started as a brotherly hug in which they were both rejoicing turned into something more, at least in his mind. He wasn't quite sure what, but it felt like more.

Releasing each other almost as abruptly as they had begun, Awsty covered her embarrassment by continuing to tell Pastor Greg about her success in landing a job across the street at the dentist's office. Only she did it from a growing distance. Within seconds, she was backing around to the other side of the secretary's desk, which finally stood between them.

"Pastor Greg... I want to thank you for all the..." Awsty said, as she sighed simultaneously.

Greg put his hand up to silence her. She was terrified that he was going to tell her she crossed a line in initiating any physical contact with one of the ministers at church. But, instead, he said softly, "Greg. My name is Greg. Or... Just Plain Old Greg, if you like." He smiled.

As softly as he, she responded, "Outside the church, ok. But, inside the church, I don't feel comfortable with that. In church, you're _Pastor_ Greg. Is that ok?" she entreated him.

"Sure. If that's what you want. In the church, Pastor Greg. Now that we've got that settled, sit down", as he pointed to the visitor's chair, "and tell me all about the interview." He pulled out the secretary's chair and sat at the desk. It was the only place in the reception area that would put a definite separation barrier between them. He hated it, but it was probably best. He knew that this young woman didn't have a love for Jesus as he did, and there could never come anything of their relationship beyond two friends unless and until she did.

Showing none of the emotional turmoil on his face, he smiled and encouraged Awsty to share every last detail of the interviewing process.

"... and then they asked me about my visitation ministry. Pastor Greg, I don't know how you came up with that, but it was genius! They asked me to tell them in detail about it. So, I started telling them about Stella and Robert. Do you know Robert? He's another one of the residents. He's got Alzheimer's, but so sweet.

"Anyway... even before finishing telling them about going weekly to visit them, they stopped me and basically said that I was exactly what they were looking for, and could I start Monday. I told them that I really needed Monday to finish up 'things' before starting, so I asked if I could start Tuesday. They said yes." She was talking so fast by this point that she felt like she was running out of breath. Taking in a cleansing breath, Awsty sat and just watched Pastor Greg.

"So, what d'ya think?" she asked.

"I think we should thank the Lord." He didn't give her a chance to say no. He simply held out his hand over the desk, which she took, and he prayed.

"Jesus, we want to thank you for giving Awsty this new job. All of us prayed for her in staff meeting this morning. Doris and I prayed together for this, and You've answered it. You're so good to us and we praise You for it. In Your Precious Name we pray. Amen."

As Pastor Greg began releasing her hand, Awsty gripped again. It caught him off guard, but he didn't fight it. And, he was so glad he didn't.

"Thank you. Amen." That was all she said, but Pastor Greg had a feeling she meant it. He squeezed her hand, then they let go, all attention now on Doris, who had entered right at the point of Awsty's thank you. She might have thought she was thanking Pastor Greg for his help in putting together her resume, had they not both had their heads bowed and eyes closed.

"Well, what's the verdict?" belted out Doris, with hands clinched and shaking them in front of herself, while she grimaced. "You got the job, didn't you? You got the job!"

Awsty confirmed by jumping up, grabbing both Doris's hands, and dancing in a circle, while they both laughed.

When the initial joyous hallelujah-dance was concluded, Doris drug her over to the sofa where she and Awsty sat, still holding hands. "Tell me every single little detail! Don't leave out _anything_!" And, Awsty didn't. They released hands, Doris sat back, and Awsty began, very animatedly, to unfold the whole story... yet again. While Pastor Greg continued to sit at Doris's desk, he listened to the whole account all over again. And, the smile never left his face as he watched Awsty's second no-less-animated presentation of her interview.

While the girls talked, Pastor Greg prayed. _Lord, let her see clearly that it is You Who have done this. You answered our prayers for her job. Let her think about this when she is alone and quiet and continue to woo her to Yourself. You're worthy of praise, Jesus._

After praying a second time with Doris to thank the Lord for this job, Doris asked her if she was getting in pay what she had hoped for.

"I didn't even ask. I don't know what my hours are, either. Man, I really dropped the ball. The only information I have is this paper they gave me. They told me to look it over before Tuesday." She opened her handbag and pulled out a folded piece of heavy computer paper. Upon opening it, Awsty's eyes became huge, and her jaw looked slack. She just kept staring at it.

Concerned that maybe the whole job-thing wasn't what it was cracked up to be, or something negative in her duties had been disclosed, Pastor Greg asked Awsty what was wrong. As she continued to stare at the paper, she simply whispered, "Nothing's wrong. It's far beyond being right!"

"Then why do you look like that?" Doris asked, worry beginning to etch itself into her brow.

"I can't believe they're paying me this much! And, my workweek is only four and a half days. I get two and a half days off each week. And... they will re-evaluate my work in three months. If they're pleased, they're going to raise my salary by three hundred and fifty a month. This is unbelievable! Just unbelievable!"

Doris was, at this moment, called back to Senior Pastor Johnston's office, leaving Awsty and Pastor Greg alone in the reception area.

Awsty lifted her eyes to Greg. They were glassy as though she were on the verge of crying. Softly, she asked, "Jesus really did do this, didn't He?" When he simply nodded his head, a lone tear trickled down her cheek.

For the second time today, Greg wanted to hold this young woman in his arms. Knowing he still couldn't almost made _him_ want to cry.

By the time Doris returned to her desk, Awsty had swiped the lone tear from her cheek, and a broad grin had returned to her face.

"Doris, I asked them if I could start Tuesday. Since they said yes..." Awsty grinned, "how would you like to go clothes shopping and do lunch on Monday? My Grammy would be thrilled to loan me the funds until my first paycheck."

"I'm so sorry, Awsty, I can't. Because _I'll_ be treating my new friend Awsty to lunch to celebrate her new job!" The girls laughed and hugged.

"You crack me up!" Awsty told Doris. "Listen, I have to get back to Grammy and tell her all about this job."

"Thank you, Pastor Greg, for all your help with my resume. And, thank you both for your prayers. And, Doris, here's my Grammy's phone number. I'll talk to you before Monday, so we can set a time and details for Monday's 'adventure.' Wait... I just remembered seeing you in second service last Sunday, didn't I? Wanna sit together? Would that work out ok? Maybe you could even come home with us and have some lunch. That's if you're free and have no other plans."

"No, I'll sit with you, and if you still want me to, I'll come home with you for Sunday dinner. Can I bring something?"

"No, Grammy and I've got it covered."

Walking to the door, Awsty turned back one final time and told both Greg and Doris bye... and thanked them again. She then walked out the door, down the long hall, and exited the church.

Doris went back to work, as did Pastor Greg.

But, the thoughts in their heads were very different.

Doris was excited about this new church friend with which to chum around, and their Monday plans.

Greg was thinking that as much as he was happy that Awsty had a new Christian friend to spend time with, he was somehow sad, maybe even just a little jealous, that _he_ wasn't the one who would be having lunch on Monday with Awsty.

# Chapter 29

When Mason had returned home Tuesday night after seeing Awsty and Pastor Greg together, the evening just got worse. Geneva had left him a text message. He had forgotten to take his phone along with him when he'd gone out to get a bite to eat, and it was during that time she'd sent him the message: WE NEED 2 TALK. _Why did that phrase always sound so ominous?!_

He called her as soon as he retrieved the message. It went straight to voice mail. He left a brief message saying he was sorry he missed her text, asked if everything was ok, and asked her to call him as soon as she got his message. After waiting an hour or more, he texted her: R U OK? MISS U. LUV U. After leaving the text, Mason jumped into the shower. During the ten minutes or so that he was in the shower, Geneva had called. Mason never heard the ring, so of course, they missed each other again. She left the message that she was returning his call, but they really needed to talk soon.

The shower had refreshed Mason's body, but he was still in some very real turmoil in his spirit. _What did Geneva think they needed to talk about? Didn't that kind of message usually indicate something about the relationship? Or, the lack thereof?_

Thinking maybe he would fare better if he ate a bite, he rummaged through his almost empty fridge. After mentally nixing the few items he found, he slammed the door closed and refocused his attention on the contents of the food cabinet shelves. When nothing but two canned soups gave any hope of sustenance at all, both of which were unsubstantial cream soups, neither of which tempted him, he slammed the doors shut and returned to the fridge. Even as he opened the fridge door again, he knew this was an exercise in futility. _What? Did he think some new food options would magically appear that weren't there five minutes ago?!_

For the second time, Mason slammed the fridge door, thinking that if he raged against the fridge door anymore that evening, the poor old thing was going to give up the ghost. It was already on its last leg. Unfortunately, as he heard the fridge door latch securely, he heard something unusual inside. It sounded almost like two sounds simultaneously. One sound was a _clink_ , the other more of a _splat_.

Almost afraid to check, Mason barely cracked open the door of the refrigerator. Unfortunately, the very moment he budged the door ajar, the interior light flickered, then simply turned off. No warning. It just turned off. He could barely see the fridge contents, meagre though they were. What he felt very readily on his previously shower-fresh feet, however, was oozing wetness, then a damp plop. He didn't need to see what it was. He knew what was now depositing itself on the floor. Sight wasn't required to realize that the two-liter bottle of Sprite he'd left open in the fridge had fallen over onto the piece of foil that acted as a plate to a large chunk of cake his mom had sent home with him on his last visit with her. The floor was now enjoying a late evening snack of Sprite-laden cake, which fell in glops. The more Sprite deposited on it, the more the cake squished and fell apart, only to be transported off the fridge shelf down a generous soda waterfall directly to the kitchen floor.

Cleanup needed to be swift and complete, so literally running to the sink where he knew he could grab the paper towel bolt underneath, he slipped in the Sprite-cake mixture, hitting his knee on the floor with quite a jolt. He could tell immediately two things. One, his knee wasn't broken. Two, it hurt. It really, really hurt!

While he sat holding his throbbing knee, the phone rang. In his pain, he tried to stand, couldn't, so he began to slide on his rear end to his land line, which was in the front room. He could hear the message Geneva spoke.

"Mason, it looks like you and I aren't destined to talk tonight, so I'll meet you for lunch tomorrow at Cecil's at one-fifteen. I think that time is ok. I think you get out of class at one o'clock, right? If you get there first, order yourself a hamburger and get me that fruit-nut salad thing I like. I'll get there as quickly as possible. 'Night." _Wow! She hadn't even said she loved him!_

He probably could have gotten to the phone in time to talk with her, but he stopped scooting and just listened to the second half of the message.

As he just sat immobile for the next minute or two, Mason thought, _This isn't happening! It seems like Geneva and I can't catch a break! It's not bad enough we rarely see each other, but now we can't even connect through phone calls and texting anymore. Maybe we can spend a few minutes together for lunch tomorrow and talk a bit._

Interestingly enough, he wasn't as distressed as he thought he _should_ be. He should be freaked out that Geneva and he were going through a strained patch in their relationship. But, the truth was he was more distressed about seeing Awsty and Pastor Greg together.

# Chapter 30

Friday's lunch with Geneva had come and gone. And, as Mason suspected, nothing good came of it, depending upon how he looked at it.

Geneva was concerned about the two of them not spending much time together. Because her work days were completely filled, Geneva wanted to spend time with Mason in the evening hours. But, medical school engaged Mason's attention both day _and_ night. He was just a sneeze away from medical school graduation and he intended to go out with a bang... a very impressive bang. Unfortunately, there wouldn't be much time to even breathe before starting right back into his three or more years of hands-on residency training with a local pediatrician.

When Mason laid out what his next several years held, Geneva asked if there would be any time for _them_ , at all. He told her she was his priority, but that he would require a lot of patience and understanding on her part during that time. He was sweet and non-threatening in his approach, but Geneva became aggressive anyway. She accused Mason of not caring for her as much as he did school, his family, and his church. He never mentioned in their talk that he was planning to propose to her that summer. And, it was probably good that he hadn't, because although Geneva didn't give him an ultimatum, it felt like she did when she said that if he really loved her as much as he said, he'd make more time for her.

They aired their grievances back and forth, each sharing what they were truly thinking and feeling, and by the end of their time together, Geneva made it plain that she thought Mason and she should split. Whether she was using the threat as some kind of manipulation, Mason didn't know. But, when neither of them felt like they could make the other understand, they agreed that time away from each other was the best decision they could make. At least for the time being.

There were no insults, nor name-calling, and the whole thing was mostly amicable, but it was, nonetheless, over.

Mason walked Geneva back to her car, gave her one last hug, and that, as they say, was that!

Interestingly enough, as Mason left Geneva at her car, and walked back to his own, his thoughts were not particularly troubled. _Shouldn't he be horrendously sad, or grieving and heart-broken?_ It wasn't that he hadn't been invested in his relationship with Geneva, but he couldn't help question if the fact that he spent so much more time thinking about- and praying for Awsty, rather than Geneva, perhaps the kind of lifetime crazy-in-love commitment needed wasn't there with Geneva. He did love her, but he couldn't help but question if the love he had for her was not the same as ' _being_ in love.' She was still a 'beauty,' but maybe not as 'awesome' as he'd thought.

Mason's ponderings came to a halt when he looked at his watch. _Man, he needed to get going!_ There was so much work to do this afternoon. Maybe over the weekend, he could spend some time mentally- and emotionally processing this entire ordeal. Just not now. He had to get to class!

While driving to his destination, Mason tried to force Awsty out of his head each time she entered his thoughts, but with very little success. Every time she surfaced in his mind, a small, but definite smile crossed his lips. He tried to force his thoughts into submission, but they seemed to have a plan of their own. And, each one included that adorable young woman.

*****

Pastor Greg left the church at his usual time Friday afternoon. And, as was his pattern, he stopped off at a drive-thru, ordered his usual, then drove home.

After just a few bites, he gave up on the meal. It had no taste, and it seemed a labor to even chew on it. Realizing it was futile, he wadded up the bag, with his entire order, minus four bites, still inside. Tossing it in the trash can in the kitchen, he sauntered to his bedroom, laid down fully dressed. Kicking his shoes off, he laid there on his back. He barely had the strength needed to reach for the almost empty bottled water on his nightstand. He finished the last few swallows it held, dropped the plastic container on the floor, turned over and closed his eyes.

_Lord, take care of Awsty today. Bring those You've chosen into her life to share Your Love with her. Holy Spirit, woo her to..._ His prayer made it no further when Greg fell soundly asleep... for the night!

*****

Grammy just sat on the sofa watching Awsty. She was so taken by Awsty's animation, that she had to shake herself several times back into the listening mode. She couldn't remember ever seeing her granddaughter so full of life.

After asking many clarifying questions, which Awsty readily answered, Grammy said, "We need to thank the Lord for this miraculous answer to our prayers." She didn't give Awsty time to cut her off, or tell her no. And, because they were sitting on opposite sides of the sofa, Grammy couldn't hold her hand, so she matter-of-factly bowed her head and simply said, "Thank Ya, Jesus. Yer so good to us. Amen."

Rather than her usual refusal or dismissal of anything spiritual, Awsty smiled at Grammy.

"Thank you, Grammy. I still can't figure out what makes you so different from my mother."

"The answer's still the same, Sweetheart. Jesus."

Much to Grammy's shock and delight, Awsty simply nodded her head.

In celebration, Grammy and Awsty stayed up late, talking, laughing, and gorging themselves on ice cream and popcorn. Awsty shared with her grandmother about her invitation to Doris for her to come home from church with them and share Sunday dinner. Grammy seemed thrilled, and asked Awsty what they should have. According to Grammy, it needed to be something special. So, that meant going through all Grammy's recipes. Grammy would read them to Awsty, and she would respond with either thumbs up or down. Once separated into two piles, they started again through the thumbs up pile, using the same measure of worthiness.

When Awsty and Grammy had gotten the main menu choice down to two, Grammy told Awsty to decide. After thinking heavily for several minutes, she laughingly told Grammy she couldn't do it. They both sounded so good. She said to her grandmother, "Grammy, you've made both of those for us. And, they're both so good. Oh... I just had an idea! As your congratulations gift to me for securing some employment, you decide and surprise me! Good idea?"

"'Course, Sweetheart. And, I was thinkin'... ya told me Pastor Greg helped ya a lot with the resume. Maybe we should invite him, too. That sound ok?"

Awsty answered, "Oh, I don't think so. If he comes, then we'll have to..."

"Halfta what?" Grammy asked.

"Oh, I don't know. The main reason Doris is coming is so that we can plan our Monday out. She's taking me to lunch... then we're going shopping for her some clothes... and... I don't know, I just think it'd be better if she's the only one coming. You know what I mean?"

"I do, Sweetie. Maybe ya can think of some way to thank 'im later."

# Chapter 31

It had been two months since Awsty started working as receptionist in Dr. Dennison's office, and so much had transpired during that time. She mused over how different her life was than she expected it to be at this point in her life. And, she was the first to admit that all of it was because of her own choices.

Awsty still lived with Grammy. That was _not_ supposed to be the case. By now she was supposed to have her own apartment, and be totally independent. Instead, she clung to her Grammy's unconditional love and daily presence in her life. She was, of course, financially contributing to her grandmother's income base. She paid her a small share of the apartment rental monthly, but since Grammy wouldn't let her contribute as much as she really should in all fairness be paying, she had a growing savings account and motivation to participate substantially in practical aspects of giving to Grammy. Her kind of giving was non-monetary, however. She jumped in to do cooking, cleaning, running errands, and generally making things easier for Grammy. She truly loved this dear elderly woman.

One of Awsty's biggest accomplishments in the last couple of months was learning to drive and securing her driver's license. She believed the money spent on a driving school education was money well spent. Grammy could still drive, of course, but for whatever reasons she had begun depending more on Awsty to chauffer her around for grocery-shopping, doctors' appointments, and traveling to and from church on those Sundays in which the rainy weather dictated such. All of this was fine with Awsty, because she was glad to help Grammy, _and_ she found she really enjoyed driving.

Even though Awsty was living with Grammy for now, she still looked forward to the day when she had her own place. Since she didn't believe she would change her daily life, friends base, nor even going to Open Door of Faith, there didn't seem to be the urgency to move out. Plus, the two apartment rental possibilities she'd seen required both first and last months' rent, plus a security fee. That was a chunk of money that Awsty didn't have saved yet. Time... it would just take time. She had time!

Her job as receptionist for the dental practice was beyond any dreams she could have conjured up beforehand.

Dr. Dennison and Martha, his hygienist, were seemingly thrilled with Awsty's job accomplishments and work ethic.

After the first couple of weeks, Awsty told them that she would be happy to take on more responsibilities. They took her at her word, bringing her files, phone lists, and turning over almost all the computer work to her. She was so thankful she'd taken computer science classes in high school. It was the one study area in which she had excelled. Well, that and English.

She was in her element. The days at work flew by. She felt like she was being paid for having fun!

After work one Friday morning just three weeks into her employment, Dr. Dennison asked her to stay after the half-workday was over. It made Awsty feel immediately insecure. She wondered what she'd done wrong. She knew she'd been trying so hard to do a good job. Hopefully, whatever she'd done would only result in a reprimand, not dismissal. _What could it be?!_

At the meeting of Dr. Dennison, Martha, and Awsty, the kind dentist announced to Awsty that he and Martha were so completely in awe of how she had just jumped in and made this whole practice run like clockwork, that she was no longer on probation. She would be continuing all past and new duties, which would be accompanied by a four hundred dollar monthly raise. She remembered that the probation, according to the information paper they'd given her at her interview said three _months_ , and the raise would be three hundred-fifty dollars monthly, if she was kept on. This was just unbelievable to her.

Noon, her workday completed, Awsty grabbed the phone at the office and called Doris, who had become her closest and dearest friend ever since she had come to Grammy's on that Sunday for dinner. They spent inordinate amounts of time with each other, and Awsty had already adopted Doris as her go-to person for many aspects of her life. They shared a love of beautifully coordinated clothing, good food, aerobics, and talking about guys. Interestingly enough, however, the 'talking about guys' part was different than any kind of talk she'd ever heard in her life.

Since they both regularly attended the Singles Sunday School class, Awsty and Doris often talked about the young men there. But, other than referring to the guys as _appealing_ , _nice-looking_ , or _attractive_ , Doris spent the major part of her evaluation of them based on their character, reputation and relationship with the Lord. Although it was a whole new way of viewing the opposite sex, Awsty liked it. She really liked it! Doris was another one of the few Christians she'd ever known that really lived her life consistent with her faith.

The call today, though, had nothing to do with clothes, food, exercise, or guys. Awsty was just dying to tell her best friend about the good news at work.

"Doris?" Awsty didn't even have to tell her who it was that was calling her.

"Yeah, girl. What's up?"

"You are not going to believe this. This morning Dr..." She abruptly stopped talking when Doris jumped in.

"Dr. Dennison? What'd he do?!"

Awsty couldn't help but smile. Doris was very protective of Awsty.

"Nothing... well, yes, he did something, but it wasn't bad. But, I want to tell you in person. Are you free for lunch today?"

"He asked you out, didn't he?!"

"Doris, no! He's married. He adores his wife. You should see them when she comes...

"Never mind. I'll tell you when I see you. Can you get away for a bite of lunch today?"

"Yeah!" said Doris, with glee.

Awsty could tell even through the hand that muffled her phone, that Doris was talking to someone. She waited semi-patiently until Doris came back on.

"Pastor Greg was asking me a question about..."

"Oh, oh... put him on the line, would you?"

"Hi, Awsty. It's me." She liked his voice. It was always warm and friendly.

"Greg, I hope you'll say yes. I have never really done anything to thank you for all the help you gave me on my resume. And, I..."

"Yes, you've thanked me almost every Sunday for the last couple of months when you enter the front doors of church."

"No, I mean I've never thanked you _properly_. Doris and I are going to lunch as soon as she can get free. Please let me treat you to a thank-you lunch. Ok? Will you join us?"

"Oh, I don't know. You ladies probably have all kinds of..."

"Excuse me for interrupting, but you're not giving me the right answer. The correct answer is, 'Why yes, Awsty, I'd really enjoy going with you and Doris to lunch. But, only if you take me to Mexicale Rose, my favorite restaurant..." She paused just briefly before continuing. "Greg," she said as though she were reprimanding him for an actual offense, "when someone asks if they can treat you to a meal, you're supposed to let _them_ decide where you go. Were you raised in a barn, or something?" By now they were both laughing.

Greg couldn't help chuckling as he responded. "Wow! I never said a word, and you're already calling me names, when _you're_ the one who mentioned Mexicale Rose, not me."

Awsty couldn't let it go. "I didn't call you a name. I said that the _inviter_ is supposed to decide where they dine, not the _invitee_."

Acting like they were actually having a quarrel in which he was at fault, rather than actually joking with each other, Pastor Greg sighed, then said, "You're right, of course. I've been rude and unthankful. Will you forgive me?"

"Well, I always try to be the better man... uh... woman. So, yes, I will forgive you. So, now, are you, Doris and I on for lunch?"

"Yes," Greg said, "thank you. I would like very much to join you and Doris."

"Good answer. I thought we'd meet at a restaurant I just love. I was first introduced to it by a dear friend."

"Really? Where's that?"

"It's called Mexicale Rose."

"Awsty, you're incorrigible!"

"I do my best. Hey, put Doris back on the phone. And, I'll see you in a bit."

"See you then."

*****

Lunch was wonderful for these three friends. They talked, laughed and by the time the food arrived at their front patio table, they were all ravenous. Awsty and Doris made fun of Pastor Greg, because his stomach was growling so loud as they waited.

Awsty just couldn't refrain. She patted Greg's shoulder. "You poor little child. You sound like you haven't eaten in a week. Poor baby!"

Greg reached up and placed his hand over hers, and pressed it further down on his shoulder. It was at this moment Awsty saw Mason coming out of the gift store right next door to the restaurant. She called to Mason. She had asked his forgiveness for her past rudeness weeks previously right after Sunday school class, and they were now friends. Not as close as she and Pastor Greg, but friends, nonetheless.

Mason waved to her and smiled. She removed her hand from Greg's shoulder and waved back. Awsty motioned for him to join them. Mason saw where her hand was arising from and flinched. No one saw it, but he recognized the feeling from when he had seen Awsty and Pastor Greg, with their ice cream cones in hand, chasing each other down that very street. He frowned, but recovered quickly, in time to reach their table with a smile on his face.

"Hi, what are you guys doing out here, besides eating the best Mexican food in the city?"

Awsty used her foot to push out the patio chair beside her, and patted its seat. "Sit." He did as he was bid.

"I've had a very, very good day today. My workday is over, and I wanted to celebrate with friends. So, I asked Doris and Greg to join me. I wanted to thank them for helping me with my resume." Awsty smiled radiantly at Greg, then looked at Doris with the residual portion of it still on her lips.

"Great. I'm so glad your day has been good!"

"Thanks. And, now I am delirious! _All_ my friends are here." She looked directly at Mason, and said, "You were so sweet to forgive my tantrum behavior that Sunday in the hall, so we're adding you to the party. For you, this is kind of my thank-you-for-forgiving-me celebration."

Mason watched Greg reach his fork over and scoop up some guacamole off Awsty's plate. He clinched his teeth involuntarily. "I'm so sorry, but I have some errands that I really need to get done before driving back home." As he stood, he looked down at Awsty. She totally missed the longing look in his eyes. "But, thanks so much for inviting me. I'll see you all Sunday morning. Bye, Doris. Bye, _Pastor_ Greg." He had too much of a lump in his throat to say goodbye to Awsty, so he simply nodded to her, then turned and walked off. No one noticed that both his hands were knotted into tight fists.

Lord, is this never going to end?! Awsty doesn't belong to me. But, every time I see her, I just ache! What's she doing with Pastor Greg? He shouldn't be so tight with her anyway. I don't think she's ever made a commitment to You! If he's looking for a replacement wife, he needs to be looking for a Christian woman.

Oh, Lord... what am I saying?! 'Replacement wife!' That is an ugly thing for me to think. I'm sure he's lonely, and Awsty is just becoming more beautiful each time I see her! Pastor Greg has every right to date and marry anyone he wants to. And, if Awsty's not a follower of Yours, I shouldn't be spending so much time thinking of her myself. I want a woman who loves You and her first desire is to love and follow You.

Jesus, I need You to do a work in me. Help me to keep my eyes first and foremost on You! And, Jesus, I know it's Your Will for Awsty to know You. Continue to bring her to Yourself. Only You will make a difference in this beautiful young woman!

*****

As Pastor Greg returned to the church to complete his afternoon of work, his thoughts were running rampant.

Jesus, what am I doing?! I'm so drawn to Awsty, and she doesn't even belong to You! I need to back off. I don't want to disobey you by being unequally yoked or become involved in any way with a non-believer.

Please work in her life. Show her all she's missing by not allowing You into her life. Bring those into her life that You're preparing to help lead her to You.

Thank You, Lord. I believe. Now help my unbelief.

*****

Doris was on the quiet side during lunch. She was busy taking in the 'whole enchilada!' And, perceptive person as she was, Doris could see clearly what was happening.

Oh, Jesus! Pastor Greg and Mason both like Awsty! I don't even know how to pray about this!

Lord, please make Awsty's heart ready to receive Your gift of Salvation. She needs You desperately!

Neither one of the guys will make a move until she becomes a Christian. That's so sad, but good at the same time. They both want to be obedient to You.

If anyone had asked her, she would have said, ' _No way!_ ' But, Doris was smiling at this point in her prayer.

Lord, this is interesting. How in the world is this going to play out?! It looks like someone's going to get hurt either way it works out. Give Your Best to each of them, Jesus. I love both these men as my brothers in Christ. And, I love Awsty as a sis... No, Lord, that's just it. She's not a sister in Christ. Not yet.

# Chapter 32

Summer came and went. Awsty's weekdays were filled with her job at Dr. Dennison's dental practice. The weekends were filled with friends, sleepovers at Doris's, church, and church events. Friday afternoons, since starting her receptionist position, held her regular weekly visits with Stella and Robert at Trenton-Taylor Assisted Living. And that in itself was an education. She might not be officially starting classes for several weeks at the community college, but she was still learning. She was learning important tenets about life at the assisted living home.

She loved those dear old people, and visiting them was no chore. During her visits, Awsty often asked Stella and Robert both to tell her stories about when they were dating their spouses so many years ago. It was funny to Awsty that falling in love two generations ago was really no different than today. It still involved being intensely attracted, dating, falling in love, then marrying.

The difference, however, was that Stella was a Christian, while Robert was not. That was the first time Awsty noticed how different love stories were. Stella's were filled with hope that she would be seeing her husband again, while Robert's often seemed hopeless. Granted, he was struggling with Alzheimer's, but in those fleeting moments of lucidity, he cried and told Awsty that the thought that he'd never, ever see his wife again were almost more than he could bare. Sometimes he wished he'd just die and get it over with.

Stella's and Robert's weren't the only love stories heard. Awsty had met new folks at the assisted living home. Sometimes they would invite her to their rooms, and sometimes they'd just sit and visit in the parlor. Some were really easy to talk with, others... not so much. But, if she needed an icebreaker, asking about their husband or wife always did the trick.

The one lesson she was learning through their stories was that if the home was Christ-centered, there was joy and hope. Whereas, if one or neither of them knew Jesus, there existed sadness, sorrow, regret, and often little to no hope. _Could it really be that cut and dried? She'd pretty much always believed in God, but this whole 'knowing Jesus personally' thing was the nagging question. She believed Jesus lived, and that he died on a cross. What she hadn't really considered was why he did it, and what impact that should have on her own life._

On one visit, Stella told a particular story, a funny one, at the end of which she asked Awsty a question that she couldn't answer.

Apparently, the daughters of Stella, Pastor Greg's aunt and his mother, were going to spend the day with Stella and her husband, Kenneth. Kenneth loved those girls and wanted the day to be nice for them. When he asked Stella what he could do to help, she told him about the lunch menu she had planned. Among the menu items, she had decided to serve tuna sandwiches. Always serving freshly-made tuna salad sandwiches, it wasn't until the daughters had arrived that Stella realized she didn't have the needed cans of tuna. She asked Kenneth if he would mind going to the store and picking up two cans of their best tuna. He said he'd be glad to do that for her. So, off he went, returning home with the requested items.

Upon opening the cans to make the tuna salad, Stella thought the odor was rather pungent, much more so than usual. However, she blended all the ingredients together and made the sandwiches, placing one on each of their plates before taking them to the dining room.

It wasn't until they all sat down at the table and Kenneth had thanked the Lord for the food and fellowship, that Leana, the oldest daughter and Greg's mother, asked her mom if she'd changed canned tuna brands. Leana and Jeannie, the younger daughter, kept stealing side glances at each other and curling up their noses.

When Stella remembered that she hadn't served the relish plate yet, she excused herself and went to the kitchen to retrieve it and take it back to the others. But, the odious smell of tuna had so permeated the kitchen that it almost made her gag. Wondering what brand Kenneth had purchased, and what its expiration date was, she pulled one of the cans out of the trash bin. When she examined the label, she discovered he had gotten tuna cat food, and expired ones at that. Kenneth never knew, but she ran out the kitchen side door, and threw up in the bushes outside the door. Hurrying back to the dining room, she motioned to the girls not to eat their sandwiches by pointing to the sandwiches and doing the throat-cutting motion across her neck. Since neither of them had liked the smell of them in the first place, she didn't need to convince them not to eat them.

Looking over at Kenneth, she saw, however, that he was at that point actually licking some cat food tuna off his fingers. And, his sandwich was gone! When he looked back up and saw that Stella had been witness to his bad manners, he simply smiled and said, "I couldn't help myself. It just tasted so good!" Stella told Leana and Jeannie later in the kitchen. Laughter rocked the walls! Fortunately, Kenneth was in the backyard when the riotous laughter was bouncing off the kitchen walls, so he didn't hear. And no one ever let him know of the error in his grocery-shopping task.

Stella laughed so hard when she was telling the story that she accidentally swallowed some of her soda wrong and it came out her nose. Awsty watched first to see Stella's reaction, but when she burst out laughing even harder, Awsty joined in. The merriment finally died down, and it was at that juncture that Stella laid her gaze directly on Awsty, and asked her a question, one she couldn't answer.

"Awsty, my marriage was wonderful, and I know it was because God had already picked my husband. And, in His Time, He showed me. How will _you_ know who God has picked for you?" Thinking perhaps the question was rhetorical, Awsty gave no reply. Stella became totally silent. It became quite apparent then that Stella was actually awaiting Awsty's answer.

Under any other circumstances and with most everyone else in her life, the silence would have been awkward, and her response would, no doubt, have been defensive. Not with Stella, however. They had a special relationship that allowed each to be herself.

After several minutes, Awsty lifted her downturned head, and looking squarely at Stella, she said, "I don't know."

Stella didn't jump in with a new topic to end the silence that again permeated the room. And, after several more minutes of quiet reflection, with her eyes looking far off into space, Awsty returned her gaze to her dear friend, and asked the question. "How did _you_ know?"

*****

At a break in his afternoon duties at church, Pastor Greg found himself offering up prayer on Awsty's behalf. It wasn't something he planned. He hadn't even been thinking of her this morning... well, not _all_ morning. This moment was, however, one the Lord had planned. With his hands folded and resting his elbows on his office desk, Greg closed his eyes, bowed his head and prayed.

Lord, bring someone today into Awsty's life that will spiritually challenge her. Someone who will share the simple Gospel message. Someone whose life backs up what he or she shares with Awsty. Give her much to think about over the weekend. Thank You, Lord.

*****

Awsty came away from her visit with Stella carrying a new agenda for the weekend. She was going to give some serious thought to all Stella said. About her husband, about the role of Jesus in her life, and about how she would know who God had picked for her.

# Chapter 33

Sleep didn't come easily to Awsty Saturday night. Even after lunch at a local Chinese food restaurant with Doris, both of them shopping for a few needed clothing pickups, testing of multiple perfumes at the department store they both frequented, two hours of playing racquetball, then going back home and watching a couple of old classic movies with Grammy, Awsty found no rest.

In fact, the longer she lay in bed, the more restless she became. She kept trying to convince herself that she had over-stimulated her mind with all her activity during the day, and that was the reason for the insomnia. But, when Awsty finally became honest with herself, she knew it was because of the question Stella had asked her yesterday.

In truth, it wasn't so much the question of how she would know the man God had planned for her. It was what that whole question implied. _If God has someone planned for me, that means He gets personally involved in our lives. And, if He gets personally involved in our lives, then He deeply cares and interacts with us. And, if He cares and interacts with us, the whole death on the cross thing is for my benefit. And, if His Death is for my benefit, what does He expect in return from me?_

During the weeks and weeks of sitting under the Bible teaching of Pastor Johnston and sometimes Pastor Greg, Awsty had been taking in more of the Gospel message than she'd realized. The teachings, she reasoned, all centered around the central theme of us being sinners who deserved to die because of our disobedience to God. But, God loved us so much that He didn't want us to have to die and be eternally separated from Him. So, he sent Jesus to pay the death penalty _for_ us. Once the penalty was paid by Jesus, the only remaining thing to do was for us to accept this gift. The gift of salvation.

"Gift." Pastor Greg called it a gift. That meant it had already been given to Awsty. _She was saved already, right?_

The Holy Spirit prodded Awsty. _At what point does a gift belong to the recipient?_

Awsty listened to the prodding.

When Grammy had her birthday last month, and I got her the book she'd been asking for, at what point did that gift belong to her? Was it when I paid for it at the Bible book store? Was it when I wrapped it all up in that pretty paper, slapped on a bow, and address the attached card with her name on it? Was it when I held the gift out to her for her to take?

The gift belonged to her when she actually took the gift out of my hands and took possession of it!

The Holy Spirit prodded further. _John 3:16._

Awsty remembered the verse reference from two places. One was when she was a child. Grammy had helped her memorize it. She could say it perfectly. But, the years had faded its perfect message, as she continued to ignore it in her life.

Second place was in the foyer of Open Door of Faith. It was a huge picture. It showed an empty cross and the verse, with its reference. She looked at it every Sunday upon entering. But, until now, she had only given it a cursory glance each time.

Reaching over to her nightstand which held the old Bible Grammy had left there when Awsty showed up on her doorstep, she grabbed it up.

Where is that verse?! Where's John? I know it's closer to the end of The Bible than the front. I think! Table of Contents. Does the Bible have a Table of Contents? Yeah... here it is. Ok... John. John... John... John... Where's John? Oh, here it is. John's in the New Testament. Old Testament, New Testament. I get the 'old' and 'new', but what's a Testament? Hey... later! I gotta find this verse. Ok, here's the first page of John. I need three. Three what? Wait... Grammy told me that each book had chapters and verses. Is that right? I guess I'll just have to check myself here.

Awsty looked at verse three and verse sixteen of the first chapter, but neither of those was the verse she was looking for. So, she started looking at the chapter numbers.

Here's chapter three. So... the sixteen must be the verse?...

Here it is! Here it is!

Just above a whisper she read aloud. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Ok. So, God loved the whole world and sent Jesus to pay the death penalty for everyone. But, it says 'whosoever.' 'Whosoever' is just one person. It doesn't say 'everybody.' I guess that means each person that believes in Jesus won't perish. They'll have everlasting life. One person at a time, right? Yeah... one person at a time. And, the gift only becomes theirs when they reach out, grab and take possession of it.

Jesus, I've always believed in You with my head, but I've never felt any different. And, it obviously didn't make much difference in my life, or the way I lived it. There must be something more.

The Holy Spirit continued His proddings as Awsty responded to each previous one. _The tract given out to visitors at the church doors when they enter._

She'd stuck it in one of the pockets of her black shirt. It had been there ever since the first Sunday Grammy made her go to church. She remembered how mad she was that Grammy made her accept it from Pastor Greg's hand that day. She'd rammed it into the pocket right there in front of him, and it got pretty mangled with the action. She remembered how he winced when she did it.

Running over to her closet, she reached into the pocket she knew she'd plunged it in. There it was, in all its crumpled glory. She held it carefully as she walked back to the edge of her bed. Rather than sitting _on_ the bed, she sat on the floor next to the bed.

Opening and perusing its contents, she came to what she was looking for. Something she'd read unenthusiastically the day he gave it to her. In the tract, it had a prayer at the end. It said for the reader to pray it to the Lord. First, Awsty read through it as though it were a book, a novel, an essay. But, even during the time she read through it, the Holy Spirit was continuing to reveal what Awsty needed... and wanted!

Thoughts flooded her mind and heart. She reviewed the disaster her life had been when _she_ had control. Her mother's had been no different. She thought of the spiritual teaching of Grammy that had laid the foundation, but had been dormant within her for most of her life. She saw the sweet faces of Doris, Greg, and Mason, her three dear friends that had stood by her and loved her in spite of herself. And, she knew their faithfulness to her was because of their relationships with Jesus.

In a sudden burst, the floodgates of Awsty's tears opened. She laid her head on the edge of her bed, and her body shook with the tears of mourning for her unconfessed sin.

Opening the tract again to the last page, Awsty read only two words of the sinner's prayer.

"Dear Jesus..." No sooner were those two words released when she tossed the tract on the bed a couple of feet away. She didn't need to read the prayer in the book. She knew everything she needed to know and craved to speak to Jesus from her own heart.

"Jesus..." She could barely speak, but continued her conversation with the One Who loved and died for her sin. "Jesus, I'm horrible and don't deserve Your Love! I can't believe you died to pay for all the sin in my life! Actually, I _do_ believe! I _do_ believe! I believe You're the _only_ One Who would pay my penalty! And, You _did_!

"I accept Your Gift!" As she spoke this statement, she actually lifted her hands toward heaven. In the innocence of a newborn, she trusted that the Gift He offered, He meant her to have, if she wanted it. And, she did! She truly did!

Almost as if a gift of great worth had been laid in her hands, then released by the Giver, she drew her hands to her chest and softly said, "Thank You! Oh, thank you, Jesus!"

At that moment, the heavens exploded with the praise of angels, who celebrated at a great 'redemption' party!

# Chapter 34

"Good morning, Grammy!" Awsty was far too exuberant for morning. She raced toward her Grammy, who was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of much-needed coffee. She gave her a great big hug, and topped it off with a kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you! Want me to make ya something quick to eat before we leave for worship service?"

"No, Grammy. I have everything I need today!"

"Well... that's good, Sweetheart. What're ya in such a good mood about?" Grammy asked, with a puzzled look on her face.

"Well, believe or not, as of this morning, you have _two_ relatives living with you." She tried to keep a serious face, but was having trouble sustaining it.

"Two relatives? What d'ya mean?"

"You have both your granddaughter and your sister living here." Her growing grin seemed to stump her grandmother altogether.

"Awsty, I don't understand what yer sayin.'"

"Well... would it help if I said that your granddaughter lives here, and during the night your sister in Christ showed up."

"Awesome Beauty Truesdale, are ya tellin' me that ya asked Jesus into yer heart and life?!"

"Yes, I am. Feel free to refer to me now on as Sister Truesdale." By now, both Awsty and her Grammy were laughing, hugging and rejoicing.

"I want to hear every detail, Sweetheart!" Grammy perched in her chair in anticipation. But, Awsty told her that it'd need to wait until after church services. She told her grandmother that for the first time in her entire life, she could hardly wait to get to God's House and worship her Savior.

*****

"Pastor Greg," Awsty said, as she shook his hand at the church entry. "Are you free tomorrow for lunch? I want you, Doris, Mason and me to have lunch together. I have something to tell you guys that is the biggest yet in my life! Let's make it twelve-thirty at Mexicale Rose. It's your fault I'm addicted to that place now."

Greg looked searchingly into Awsty's face to see if he could discern anything.

Pastor Greg smiled his biggest of the day. He didn't know what she could be suggesting, but just seeing the excitement on her face made him respond in kind. "I'll talk to Doris. If she can come, I'll come. I don't want to miss out on this."

Awsty just squeezed his welcoming hand, then released it and enthusiastically walked off to her Sunday school class. Grammy watched the exchange, squeezed Pastor Greg's hand, grinned expansively, then walked into the sanctuary.

Having already run into Mason, fortunately not literally this time, she pulled his arm when he walked by her in the Sunday school hallway. He didn't know if he should be glad, or if he should run the other way. When he decided to allow himself to be hauled to the side wall, she immediately began talking.

"Mason, I've invited Doris and Pastor Greg to lunch tomorrow at twelve-thirty at Mexicale Rose. I want you to be there too. I have something big to tell all of you. I can't stand it. I have to tell someone, and I can't think of telling anyone before my three dearest friends. Can you come?"

"Well, I want to. Let me think about it. Now that I've started my internship, my time isn't my own anymore."

"Oh, I know your priority _needs_ to be your work. So, if you can't, I'll understand. But, if you can, just show up. We'll be there. And, if you can't, I'll tell you about it sometime later."

Awsty slightly caressed Mason's arm before turning to continue her walk to class. Mason followed slightly behind her, wondering what could be so wonderful that she just had to tell the three of them.

She wants me there? She wants me there... Why does she want me there? I've got to find a way to get there, even if it's just for a few minutes. She wants me there!

# Chapter 35

All three had cleared their schedules enough to allow for lunch with Awsty at Mexicale Rose. Each person, being a creature of habit, sat in the same location at the table as the last time they'd been there. This meant that Pastor Greg was on one side of Awsty, and Mason on the other.

Before starting the story of how she'd come to Christ alone in her bedroom, she grabbed both Greg's and Mason's arms, and leaned over the table toward Doris. To Awsty, it meant nothing more nor less than her usual reflex when talking excitedly about something with a friend, especially when relaying something really unexpected.

To Greg and Mason, her hand on their arm meant something altogether different.

Doris was her usual perceptive self. She could read both men perfectly. She could see that Greg was supportive of her, so his free hand slid right over her hand, as it held his arm. And, there it stayed until she completed the re-telling of her conversion experience. His eyes never left her face the entire time. Doris could tell that he had deep feelings stirring within for this new little sister in Christ.

Mason, as Doris could plainly see, was struggling. His eyes darted back and forth between Awsty's face, her hand holding his own arm, and her other hand, holding Pastor Greg's arm in the same manner. Doris wished she could be a little fly on an inside wall of Mason's brain. _What was going on in there? What was he thinking?_ But, even without knowing, she could put two and two together. And, it still added up to Mason having a deep affection for Awsty.

And, Awsty? She was oblivious to the inner dealings of either man, so enrapt she was in telling them how she had become their spiritual sister.

Doris bowed her head at one point. She was hurting for both men. Either one or the other would no doubt be hurting eventually, when he realized that of the two, he was not her heart's choice. _And, if she favored neither one, then what?_

Doris's lips were silent, but her heart was petitioning on behalf of both the men, that the Lord would protect them. They were her spiritual brothers, and she loved them both as such. _Lord, please work this out according to Your Will._

# Chapter 36

A week had passed since sharing her good news of her salvation with her three dearest friends. They had all been so supportive, and she had hugged each of them after lunch, before saying goodbye. Because of where each of them were standing, Doris couldn't see Greg's face when Awsty hugged him, but she did see Mason's. His eyes were closed, and he held his breath the entire embrace.

When Pastor Greg greeted Awsty at the church entry doors before Sunday morning worship service, he held on to her hand a little longer than usual, and smiled with the kind of smile that came straight from his heart. He then slipped his other hand in a position that held her hand between both of his. He squeezed her hand, then reluctantly let go and told her he'd talk to her later, telling her to enjoy the service.

He's so sweet! I'm so glad he's my friend. And, he sure is a cutie. That dimple still gets me!

Then, when she saw Mason talking with several people between services in the church atrium, she smiled from a distance. He responded by mouthing to her that he wanted to talk with her about something as soon as possible. She nodded an ok, then turned and left. As she walked away, she thought how even at her tall stature, she felt very petite and feminine when she was with Mason. _And, those eyes are hypnotic!_

*****

_Wonder what Greg wants to talk to me about later? And, for that matter, what is it that Mason says he needs to talk with me about? Well... I guess I'll find out later._ She dismissed these thoughts almost immediately as the leader continued teaching. His series was about dating, and only moving ahead with a relationship as God directed. This was just the introduction today. She was looking forward to the three-week series. Someday she wanted to be ready spiritually when God presented His Choice for her.

About fifteen minutes into the lesson, someone tapped her shoulder from behind. She turned slightly back to Ben, who was seated next to a pretty little redhead. They were holding hands. Awsty smiled.

"Awsty, Mark just handed this to me. He didn't say who gave it to _him_. Just someone out in the hall. But, I'm supposed to give it to you." With this comment, he pressed the folded note into her accepting hand.

Totally curious what it could say, Awsty opened it and read.

Awsty, what are you doing Saturday night? (Meet me in the church courtyard after class.)

It had a happy face at the bottom.

What am I doing Saturday night?! Is someone going to ask me out on a date?! I only know two guys here at church well enough to go out with!

Awsty never heard another word taught in class. She spent the entire rest of the time trying to figure out how she felt about going out with Greg or Mason. She thought they were both sweet, and heaven knew, they were both handsome! She could talk easily with either one, and both of them had insights she had gleaned spiritual truths from, as she was trying to make her decision to follow Christ! _Would she say yes to either? Should she say yes to either?_

She felt like she would probably say ok to either man's invitation. But then she stopped herself, realizing that the only wise thing to do was ask God what _He_ thought.

Lord, I'm so thankful that I have You in my life. And, there is nothing I want to do more than please You. In truth, I know which one I really want to go out on a date with. And, You do too! But, I trust Your Choice for me better than I trust my choice.

Thank You for Your Answer to my prayer. I love you, Jesus.

*****

Twenty long minutes later, the class was dismissed in prayer. After saying hi to half a dozen people she had gotten to know in the class, she ducked into the attached restroom, where she checked her appearance in the mirror. She could tell she was more nervous than she thought when she applied a lipstick touchup, and managed to smear it up one upper lip crest higher than the other.

With one shaky finger, she wiped off evidence of the mishap, then applied just the smallest touch of her new perfume behind each ear.

Realizing she couldn't put this off any longer, she exited the restroom. Leaving the room, she walked down the hall. Since the courtyard was off to the left after exiting the building, she couldn't sneak a peek at which of her dear friend's was out there, waiting for her. Mason or Greg? Greg or Mason? The suspense was killing her.

Stopping at the exit door, she took one deep cleansing breath and pushed the door open. Looking to the left, she gasped, then grinned widely as she walked to where he stood, looking directly in her eyes. His growing grin reflected her own.

Thank You, Jesus! He's the one I wanted! But, I guess You knew that already, didn't you?!

### Becoming His Awesome Beauty

Volume 2 Sampler

# -Prologue-

Awsty couldn't believe what the last handful of years had unfolded in her life. It was beyond believable! It was like something out of a storybook.

She even thought occasionally about how she could most concisely put in words what had transpired in her world. It seemed like the beginnings of a really good romance novel.

_She'd escaped her horrendous home life to live on the streets several years, almost immediately, after graduating high school... barely. While she was spending those depraved years in urban alley ways and under freeway bridges, eating at soup kitchens or out of garbage bins, her druggie mom had died from a heroin overdose. And, Awsty didn't even know about it when it happened. Nor, would she have cared. The woman hadn't cared at all about_ her _. She had always known she was to her mother merely an inconvenience. Why would she mourn someone of so little value in her life? A mother-daughter bond? Seriously?!_

After spending her days (and nights) cheating, stealing, drugging-up and living in immorality that she'd never have thought she'd have participated in, then witnessing the death of her only real street buddy friend, she'd had enough and ran straight into the "religious" world of her Grammy. And, that created a whole new nightmare!

Grammy would only let her stay at her apartment if she'd cook, clean, find a job, go to school, and... go to church! Church... the horrible six-letter "C" word. A boring and horrible place filled to capacity with hypocrites... lots and lots of hypocrites! Every size, shape, and color of total and complete hypocrites! She hated that place... and then she didn't! Go figure!

It was in that horrid place that something wonderful had happened. A tragically sin-sick "goth girl" found that God loved her. Really, truly loved her. So great was His Love for her that He sent His Only Son to die, thus paying her sin penalty, so that she didn't have to. Amazing! Absolutely amazing! And, true! She was free! And clean! And totally righteous in God's Eyes.

She was ready to live for Christ. But, just as Adam was lonely before Eve, she was lonely for the one that God was preparing for her. Oh, sure. She knew that being single for life was God's Gift for some, but she had such a yearning for a soul mate with which to share her life. And, she hoped the fact that she wanted it so badly- actually ached to fall in love, get married, and have children- was the Lord's Indication that He was planning someone wonderful for her. She desperately hoped so!

And, that's where her story stalled. It just didn't have an ending yet, but she was hoping that the Lord would bring a godly man into her life that would simply "knock her socks off!" And, when He did, she hoped that she'd be ready. She wanted to be the godly wife the Lord wanted her to be.

If she were to admit the truth, she was hoping that one of the two men she called her friend at Open Door of Faith would be "The One."

There was raven-haired Associate Pastor Greg. Yummy! That dimple in his left cheek looked big enough to swim in when he smiled. She'd just admit it... He was built! Lean at the waist, with arms and shoulders filled with muscle. Gorgeous, just gorgeous!

But, medical resident, Mason, was no slouch! Awsty felt feminine and delicate when standing next to him. She loved having to look up so high into those bluer-than-blue eyes. She had caught herself several times when talking to him, staring into his eyes. Not looking at... _staring into_! He didn't have Pastor Greg's dimple, but his smile was every bit as beautiful. Was _beautiful_ the right word? When describing a man, weren't words like _handsome_ , _masculine_ , _powerful_ , and _strong_ the ones that were supposed to be used? Well, ok. That's fine. Because all four of those adjectives fit Mason perfectly.

Unfortunately, or fortunately perhaps, neither of these Christian men had made any romantic overtures to Awsty. She could understand their hesitation. She remembered with total embarrassment what she looked like, and how she acted when she first arrived at Open Door of Faith. Trashy-looking, haughty, tacky, curt, and mouthy. Yep, that about summed her up.

But, since meeting Jesus, she had changed radically. She looked different, acted differently, and truly had a heart for the Lord.

When she attended Sunday school first service that morning, she had no idea what events would take place. Nor, who would be involved. She just never dreamed what happened would happen.

Would it be the beginning of God's Answer to her prayer for a soul mate? She didn't know, but she was taking the first steps to find out.

All she knew for sure was that she was sitting in her Sunday school class, holding an unfolded note that asked her what she was doing Saturday night, and asked her to meet him in the church courtyard after class between services.

# -Chapter 1-

After checking her appearance in the mirror of the Sunday school classroom restroom, and dabbing a little perfume on her wrists and neck, Awsty left the room and began the walk down the lengthy Sunday school building hall. If anyone had asked her, she would have denied it, but in her mind at that moment she was hearing the romantic song that opened the movie, "While You Were Sleeping." Its words played through her mind. So, as she walked down the long empty hall to the exit doors that would lead her out to whichever of her admiring young men awaited her, she gave way to what was already in her heart and head, and softly began singing the words.

This will be an everlasting love

This will be the one I've waited for

This will be the first time anyone has loved me

I'm so glad you found me in time

And I'm so glad that you've rectified my mind

This will be an everlasting love for me

Loving you is so kind of wonderful

Because you show me just how much you care

You've given me the thrill of a lifetime

And made me believe you've got more thrills to spare, oh...

The hall was empty. All parishioners that had completed their first-hour Sunday school classes had exited the building quickly, and were probably making their way to the worship center, where that day the worship dance team would be dancing before the Lord, ministering to the congregation. In a very few minutes, an onslaught of second-hour Sunday schoolers would invade this hall, dashing to their respective classes. But for now, it was empty and within its confines could be heard the beautiful voice of a young woman softly singing a very romantic love song. Albeit, a secular song, she was singing it with all the reverence her heart could muster.

By the time Awsty had vocally expressed the words of about half the song, and was wearing the look of unabashed love that one might wear when welcoming home one's sweetheart returning from war, she reached the doors. Her anticipation level was off the charts. She was breathing in short bursts. One of her hands involuntarily flew to her chest. She knew that if she didn't calm herself down before going outside to him, she'd pass out. _Wouldn't that be something?! A full-body plop right there in the church courtyard. And, with her luck, there would be absolutely nothing about it that would be graceful. Just a great big splat, legs and arms askew. Her beautiful and summery new dress having blown up during the fall, wouldn't do her the courtesy of coming back down and modestly covering her. It would probably all roll up around her neck, exposing all her undergarments. Oh, that would be a nightmare! Wow, take a breath, girl!_

As excited as she was about it, it was really kind of strange to her that she hesitated opening the doors. Somehow the longer she waited, though, the more time she'd have to think that _both_ men were waiting for her to walk through those doors. It was kind of like having symptoms of a disease, but not going to the doctor. As long as the practitioner didn't pronounce a diagnosis, the ailment wasn't real. You didn't have anything wrong with you. But, as soon as the doctor voiced his findings, it was a done deal... official. Once she opened that door, there was no more guessing. She'd know exactly who her admirer and prospective date would be. There would be a finality to it.

But, she couldn't just stand there in the hall forever. So, with one final deep breath inhaled and slowly blown out, Awsty Truesdale opened the portal, took two or three steps out, turned her head to the left, and there he was. The smile that stretched across her lips was immeasurably broad. Her request of the Lord had been answered. The one she had truly wanted was indeed the one before her.

"Awsty."...

(End of sample, _not_ end of chapter.)

# About the Author

Sheila and her husband Daniel have lived the last thirty-plus years in their dream home, the one they built together in two acres of woods in North Carolina. Tall, tall trees that stretch up five or more stories to the sky surround their home. Wildlife is all around them, and they revel in it.

Their daughter, DanniLaii, and her husband, Carl, live only five miles away, so they get to have wonderful times together, and on a pretty regular basis. Sheila and her daughter are practically joined at the hip, and spend inordinate amounts of time lunching, shopping, and laughing together.

Originally a public high school teacher, Sheila gave herself an "early retirement" and now is engaged with writing contemporary Christian fiction and creating Christmas romance plans for husbands and wives, in addition to designing marriage certificates and marriage vow renewal certificates.

Trying to expand her culinary skills, Sheila weekly pulls one or two recipes from online and is surprising herself, her husband, and her family with countless new and exciting dishes. She has chosen to obliterate from her mind altogether those dishes that bombed. Rather like a coping mechanism.

Members of an extraordinary church, Westover Church of Greensboro, North Carolina, Sheila and Daniel sit under-, absorb-, and apply the Biblical truths that come their way weekly. They are forever amazed that the Lord has put them in such an extraordinary and spiritually uplifting environment, with a godly pastor, Pastor Don, who humbly teaches them to apply God's Truth, The Bible, to their lives.

Sheila always has two or three books in progress at any given time, so her hope is that her readers will enjoy her "long, tall tales" so much that they'll return over and over to keep grabbing another one.

To read more about this author and her writings, and participate in any of the upcoming offers, visit her at www.sheilaholmes.com.

