“Who else could it be?” she lamented. “Nobody else has anything against me, as far as I know.”
“What did Mr. Pruitt say he was going to do?”
“He told me he would look into the matter thoroughly and let me know his decision next week.”
“I could go in and talk to him for you if you like,” Caleb offered.
“Thanks, but I don’t think that would do any good. After all, Megan has worked there over two years. And the thefts have occurred only since I was hired.”
“I see what you mean.”
“It doesn’t look good, does it?”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t,” he agreed reluctantly.
“Would you pray for me?” Ellie pleaded. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose this job.”
Delighted with her request, Caleb readily obliged. She’s come a long way from not believing in this kind of thing.
He took her hand and prayed out loud. “Dear Lord, You know the truth. Please help Mr. Pruitt discover what’s really going on. And help Ellie not to worry about it. You’ve got this under control. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Thank you, Caleb.” She was noticeably relieved.
“Would you rather I take you home instead of to Edwards?” he asked considerately.
“Home? No, it’s too stressful there.” He shot her a concerned look and she quickly added, “I’d rather go to Edwards. I’m starved!”
After they arrived at the diner and secured their food, Caleb was relieved to see her jump right into the gang’s conversation-in-progress as though nothing had happened. But as he drove Ellie home that night, he asked how things stood with her foster parents.
“Well, the situation hasn’t improved at all since I got into it with Beverly. The tension’s been building, and to be honest with you, it’s just about unbearable! I’m not even sure I can hang on until my birthday.”
“Until then, is there somewhere you can go so you don’t have to spend any more time at home than necessary?” he asked.
“Well, like I told you before, I spend a lot of time around town drawing pictures. And I go to the public library sometimes, especially when the weather’s bad. Or I might get a coffee at McDonald’s or Wendy’s. Being at work has helped take my mind of things, too.” She paused. “That is, until now.”
As Caleb drove home after dropping her off, he couldn’t shake the heaviness of heart he felt for her. Even with the recent positive social interactions, her life was still marked by pain and misery. And in spite of all his efforts to help, he felt totally inadequate. As he pulled into the family driveway, he determined to talk to his youth pastor about it in the morning.
Following the Sunday morning worship service, Caleb sat down with Tony in the youth leader’s small office, and explained Ellie’s home situation to his mentor.
“I feel so helpless sometimes,” he confessed. Shrugging his shoulders, he added, “What more can I do?”
Tony pondered his dilemma for a moment. “Why do you feel like you have to do anything at all?”
Caleb wasn’t prepared for that question. “Well, I guess because God has used me before. Why shouldn’t He use me now?”
His youth pastor smiled. “Caleb, I’m glad you’re willing to let God use you. Don’t ever get over that. Always be ready to do what He directs you to do.” He paused. “But do you think God is limited to using only you in this situation?”
Caleb thought about that. “No, I suppose not. But I always seem to be right in the middle of everything, though.”
“If that’s where God has placed you, then great,” Tony encouraged him. “Just be sure you’re there for His purposes, and not your own.” He paused to let Caleb think on that statement. “Do you catch my drift?”
Caleb looked down at the floor and grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, I hear what you’re saying. I’ve asked myself that question several times.” He looked up at Tony. “But I really do want her to see that Christ is the answer. She’s come a long way since I first met her. If only she’d give her life to Him.”
“Caleb, that’s what all of us who are praying for her want. But sometimes we can unintentionally get in God’s way. We think we have to fix the problem, when it’s not ours to fix. Let God provide the answer. He doesn’t always use the same methods, you know. Don’t box Him in. He’s infinite. Give the need to Him, and then step aside and watch Him work it out.”
“Do you think I’ve gotten in the way?” Caleb wanted to know, needed to know.
“That’s not for me to say,” Tony replied. “That’s between you and God. But sometimes we face problems that are beyond our ability to solve. They’re not meant to discourage us, but to get us to trust Him more. That way, when He provides the answers, He gets the glory, and we get our faith increased.”
“Well, I want God to get the glory,” Caleb assured him. “And I definitely could use more faith!”
Tony laughed. “We all could.” He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “Caleb, you’re doing a wonderful job demonstrating the love of Christ to Ellie. God knows your heart, and I’m convinced your efforts will be rewarded. Why don’t we pray about the situation before you go? Is that okay with you?”
“Sure.” The two bowed their heads.
“Father,” Tony prayed, “thank You for putting the desire in Caleb’s heart to reach out to Ellie. We see evidence of You working in her life already, and we pray that You would resolve her crisis at home in such a way that will show her how much You truly love her. And use all this to bring her to a saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.”
Caleb felt lighter in his spirit as he left the office. The battle was no longer his to fight. It belonged to the Lord now.
On Monday, Ellie shyly announced to the lunch group that Mrs. Sinclair had just informed her that her drawings had won the blue ribbon in the Columbus art competition over the weekend. One of the judges had even expressed interest in seeing more of her work, and the art teacher wanted her to bring in the rest of her portfolio.
As the friends congratulated her on this achievement, Caleb saw the pure joy in her eyes. But as the week progressed, Caleb noticed Ellie becoming more and more anxious. He tried his best to encourage her, but it was obvious that she was having a hard time awaiting Mr. Pruitt’s decision.
Come to think of it, his job was not without its troubles, either. Although he’d been doing his best to drum up new business, so far he had been able to line up only two regular customers, one former client and one new one. That was a far cry from his earlier heady expectations, and nowhere near what he needed for income.
On Tuesday night he voiced his concerns to his father, even expressing doubts as to whether the decision had been the right one or not. His dad reminded him of his reason for returning to the lawn care business, and reassured him that God would work all things out for good.
Following the pep talk, Caleb was struck by how truly blessed he was to have such godly mentors in his life.
Wednesday evening, Caleb prepared to go to youth group. As he stepped out of the shower, he heard his cell phone beeping. When he saw the name of the caller, his heart skipped a beat. It was Mr. Pruitt.
With trembling hands, he accessed the voice message:
“Caleb? This is Mr. Pruitt at the Pet Palace. I’d like for you to come in to the store tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 if possible. I have something I need to discuss with you in my office that’s of a rather urgent and private nature. If you can’t make it, please call me back and we can make other arrangements. Otherwise I’ll expect you here at four. Thanks!”
Caleb replayed the message twice, trying to read between the lines. This undoubtedly had to do with the accusations against Ellie, and her future at the Pet Palace. All sorts of thoughts ran through his mind as he drove to pick up B.J.
What should he say about Ellie?
How well did he really know her? It hadn’t been until recently that she had even opened up to him.
While it didn’
t seem to fit her character, what if she really was stealing from the store?
Throwing suspicion on Megan would be the perfect cover if she had been caught red-handed. He suddenly felt ashamed for allowing those thoughts into his head.
Although he couldn’t be one hundred percent certain that Ellie was innocent, he had to believe the best about her. For her sake.
Who else did Ellie have to stand up for her but him? And who else did Ellie have to trust in but him?
If he didn’t believe her, she would probably never trust anyone again. Especially God!
Although he couldn’t recall the exact reference, a verse in First Corinthians popped into his mind, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
How could he ever expect Ellie to put her trust in God’s love if he was not willing to demonstrate it himself?
No, he had to believe that she was innocent of that which she was accused. She had given him no indication of dishonesty.
Throughout his Thursday morning classes, Caleb debated whether or not to tell Ellie about Mr. Pruitt’s phone message, especially since his former boss had referred to the matter as rather private. However, at lunch, it was Ellie who made the decision for him.
“Caleb, could I talk to you alone?”
“Sure. When we’re done eating I’ll walk you back to your locker.”
After returning their trays, the two walked slowly together down the half-empty hallway. “I can tell you’re worried about something,” he began. “And I’ll bet I know what it’s about.”
“Caleb, I got a call from Mr. Pruitt last night asking me to meet him in his office this afternoon.” She looked at him with sad eyes. “I have this feeling he’s going to let me go, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Caleb started to say that maybe he could do something about it, but thought better of it. “Ellie, all you can do is tell him the truth, that you had nothing to do with the missing inventory, and that you have no idea how those items got in your pocket. He has to know anyone could have put them there.”
“But it’s my word against this other person’s. Who do you think he’s going to believe? The new girl or the long-time employee? He has no choice but to let me go.”
They reached her locker, and she dialed the combination. “I really needed this job, Caleb. It was fun working there. Now I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
It was difficult standing there and seeing her so hopeless. “At least let me drive you to the Pet Palace after school,” he insisted. “I can give you moral support, if nothing else. What time does he want to meet with you?”
“Four. And yes, I’d like you to come with me. I need all the support I can get.”
“He said to meet you at four?” he asked.
“Yes. Why?”
Caleb hesitated. “Ellie, Mr. Pruitt left me a message last night, too. He asked me to meet him this afternoon in his office. At four.”
She looked at him with questioning eyes. “He did? I don’t get it. Why would he ask you to meet him? And why the same time as me?”
Caleb shrugged. “I’m not sure. I thought he wanted my opinion of you. Or something like that.”
Ellie raised her eyebrows. “And what were you planning to tell him about me?”
He caught a hint of lightness in her tone. “The truth. That I don’t believe you would do anything like this. I mean, I haven’t known you very long, but I think you’re an honest person.” He couldn’t help breaking into a broad grin. “Sometimes a little too honest!”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “Thank you for having faith in me, Caleb. It means a lot!” She let out an audible sigh of relief. Then tears welled up and she placed her hand on his arm. “I really needed to hear that from you right now.”
After school, Caleb and Ellie dropped B.J. off at his house.
“It seems like you and your Christian friends are all part of one big happy family,” she commented, as soon as they drove away.
Caleb glanced at her. “Well, in a way, we are. When I gave my life to Jesus, I became God’s child. So I guess you could say that makes every other Christian my brother or sister.”
“But aren’t all people God’s children?”
“Well, God’s creation, maybe. But not God’s children. He loves everyone, and died for everyone, but the Bible says that to become His children, we have to receive Jesus as our Savior.”
“What does that mean, exactly?” Ellie queried. “I’ve heard that before, but I guess I’ve never fully understood it.”
“Well, I’m not very good at explaining things.” He grinned. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s a guy thing.” Ellie laughed. “But I’ll try. The Bible says all people are sinners, and the penalty for sin is death. But God sent His Son to die in our place, so that whoever believes in Him wouldn’t have to die but could have eternal life instead.”
Ellie held up her hands. “And that’s it? That’s how we get to heaven?”
Caleb nodded, keeping his eyes on the road.
She shook her head. “But it seems too simple. Too easy.”
“I don’t think it was easy for Jesus to suffer the way He did. He took all of God’s wrath meant for us. And it cost Him His life.”
Ellie tilted her head to one side. “And all I have to do is believe that?”
“Well, not just in your head, but with your heart. Admit that you’ve sinned, believe that He died in your place, and ask Him to forgive you and make you a new person.”
Ellie remained silent as they turned into the mall parking lot.
As they pulled into a space in front of the Pet Palace, she turned to him. “Caleb, would you mind praying about this meeting for me?”
He met her worried gaze. “Sure, Ellie.” He took her hand in his and directed his next few words toward heaven.
“Caleb, good to see you again.” Mr. Pruitt extended his hand, and Caleb fumbled for it. He nodded in Ellie’s direction, “Miss Thompson.” Motioning to the two chairs in front of them, he added, “Please, have a seat.”
The two sat side by side facing him. The owner of the pet store came around the desk, shut the door, and returned to his chair.
“I’m sure you both have a lot of questions about this meeting,” he began, “so I’ll get right to the point. I asked you here because this involves both of you. Miss Thompson, as you are aware, there have been an unusually high number of items missing from our inventory recently. I’ve been watching the store front, but I haven’t detected any suspicious activity on the part of our customers. So naturally, I began to suspect an employee—as distasteful as that idea is to me. Then, based on a tip I received from another employee, I found several items in a store apron hanging in the break room, which, as you know, turned out to be yours. When you were unable to provide a receipt, I had no recourse but to suspect you of the thefts.”
When he paused to take a breath, Ellie spoke up, her words pouring out like an accused criminal’s final plea. “But Mr. Pruitt, like I told you before, I don’t know how those items got in my apron. What would I want with them anyway? Besides, this job is too important to me to risk everything by stealing a few petty items. You have to believe me! My reputation is the only thing I have. If you take that away from me . . . ” her voice faltered, “then I have nothing left.”
Caleb admired her for the way she stood up for herself, and sensed this was the time to lend his support. “Mr. Pruitt, um . . . I’d like to add to what she—”
His former boss stopped him in mid-sentence with a raised hand. “Caleb, I have an idea what you’re about to say, but there’s really no need for it.” He turned to Ellie. “Miss Thompson, I hired you based solely on Caleb’s recommendation, and in the short time you’ve worked here, you’ve proven to be one of my most conscientious employees. So when I found those items in your apron, I didn’t want to suspect you, but I had to investigate the matter. And I have. This past weekend I went through the employee lockers. I have the master keys, of co
urse. And what I discovered surprised me, to say the least. I found the rest of the missing items in one person’s locker.” He paused and looked at the two anxious faces in front of him. “That locker belongs to Miss Harris.”
It took a moment for the truth to sink in.
Caleb let the air escape from his lungs and shot a sideways glance at Ellie. Her mouth was agape in stunned disbelief.
Megan had attempted to repeat the lie used before to turn Ellie against him. But this time, it wasn’t with words alone.
Mr. Pruitt continued. “Tuesday I confronted her with the evidence. She denied any complicity, and even had the audacity to accuse you of planting the items in her locker. Of course that would have been impossible without the key. But it was entirely possible that she planted the items in your apron, since it was hanging out in the open for anyone to access. That, coupled with the fact that she was the one who made the accusations against you in the first place, convinced me of the truth. Therefore, as of this past Tuesday evening, Miss Harris is no longer employed here.” His tone became conciliatory. “Miss Thompson, I deeply regret the trouble this incident has caused you. You have my sincere apologies, and I hope we can put this behind us and move forward together.”
Ellie swallowed and found it hard to speak. “Thank you.”
Mr. Pruitt turned to Caleb. “Now, young man, you’re probably wondering why I asked you to this meeting. Am I right?”
“Yes sir.”
“Well, I said this involved both of you, and it does. With the departure of Miss Harris, I’m afraid that leaves me one employee short. So . . . ” he flashed a rare grin, “I was hoping you’d be able to come work for me again. I’d sure like to have you back, Caleb.”
Caleb picked his jaw up off the floor. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ellie nodding at him furiously. For a split second, the thought of his nearly nonexistent lawn care business flashed across his mind. Then it was gone. “Mr. Pruitt, I’d love to come back and work for you. That would be great! Just great!”
They stepped out of the office and as soon as the door closed behind them, Ellie threw her arms around Caleb’s neck and gave him the hug of his life. When she finally pulled away, her eyes were wet with happy tears.
A Future and a Hope Page 11