by Mark Goodwin
Lisa chuckled. “Elijah doesn’t need anything from us. He’s been getting along with hardly any store-bought supplies for years now. You should come up there with me. He’s about as well set to survive all of this as anyone could be.”
Everett wasn’t convinced. “But why is an old Jew living in the hills of Virginia? That just doesn’t make sense.”
Lisa shrugged and grabbed one of the leftover biscuits from breakfast. “I guess he saw all of this coming.”
“Oh yeah? Did he say what industry he worked in before he became a hermit?” Courtney put the pot in the fridge.
“No, but somehow I don’t think he got a tip from the intelligence community like Jones.”
Courtney turned around to face Lisa. “Then how would he have known?”
“His interpretation of Bible prophecy.”
Everett wasn’t about to buy that story. He didn’t want to be mean to Lisa, but he certainly didn’t want Courtney to get sucked into fairytale land. She was the last one he had left. “Lisa, when catastrophic stuff happens that people can’t explain they turn to religion. And that’s fine; I don’t have any issues with you believing what you want to believe. But, I don’t think the Bible said anything about attacks coming on our country or a global currency collapse. There’s a good chance that old man moved up here to hide out from the authorities.”
“Like us?”
“That’s not what I mean. He could be a murderer or a rapist.”
“No, Everett. He’s a harmless old man. And more than that, he has been very helpful, and you might have to depend on him to get through this. The world is falling apart, and we don’t have the skills or preparations to survive it if things continue to deteriorate. Elijah does. And about this all being in the Bible—the New World Order and one world government, the new global electronic currency that is supposed to be coming—that’s all in there. And you know where I learned about that? From you! You asked me to believe in something that sounded completely crazy at the time. I’m glad I did because it turned out to be true. But you might want to keep that in mind.”
“I was just repeating what Jones told me. The people running everything, they’re the ones who are trying to line up the world government with what they think is in the Bible.”
“The Luciferians, the elite power brokers of the globe who worship Satan? They believe what the Bible says about the end times and you don’t. Isn’t that curious.” Lisa continued eating her biscuit.
Everett said nothing else. It became apparent to him that he was arguing against the facts. That was not in his nature, but he wasn’t ready to admit that his belief structure was wrong.
The next afternoon, Everett and Courtney were hunting, deep in the forest. As they reached a small clearing on the crest of the mountain, Everett pointed out across the mountain range. “If we’re where I think we are, this whole range separates Virginia and West Virginia. The border zigzags back and forth with the mountains.”
“It’s beautiful.” Courtney looked out over the mountains and valleys to the west. “The valley has a lot less snow than what we’ve got up here.”
“It makes a nice picture, but the snow is wet. My feet are soaked. I guess we should be getting back. I don’t think it’s in the cards for us to see anything today.”
Courtney positioned the rifle and followed Everett. “It wasn’t a complete loss. I found a lot of nice pinecones to decorate the tree. I’ve got an old red shirt that’s threadbare. I’m going to cut ribbons out of it and tie them around the pinecones. It’s going to be really nice.”
They continued on toward the cabin. Suddenly, Courtney stopped. “Look!”
Everett followed her pointing finger with his eyes up toward the treetops. He studied the limbs and branches in search of a squirrel or bird. “What is it? I don’t see anything.”
“Mistletoe!”
“Oh yeah.”
“That would be beautiful in the cabin.”
“Are you climbing up there? I think shimmying up that high might be beyond my skill set.”
Courtney handed the rifle to Everett. “Let me see the shotgun.”
Everett made the exchange and watched as Courtney took a shot at the massive green clump in the top of trees. Large sections of the plant rained down through the branches. “Or we could just shoot it down.”
Courtney rolled her eyes and marched off toward her prize. “Look, it has the berries still on it.”
Everett took a piece of the mistletoe as she handed it to him. “Bulletproof berries. Maybe we should make some body armor out of this.”
She slapped his arm playfully. “Shut up. Wouldn’t this make a nice bouquet for the wedding?” She grabbed a branch from a nearby pine tree. “Look at that. It’s not flowers, but it’ll be cute!”
“Very nice.” Everett was trying to apply the advice Courtney had given Ken about the wedding. Be involved, but not too involved.
Courtney pulled out her knife and cut the branch from the tree. “Can you carry both guns? I want to play around with this arrangement.”
Everett pursed his lips. “Sure, why not?”
Soon, they were close to the cabin. Courtney grabbed Everett’s arm and held tight so he would stop in his tracks. He looked around for more items for the wedding or Christmas decorations. Instead, just down the incline before them was a huge turkey.
Courtney let the pine bough and the mistletoe softly drop to the ground. She very slowly took the shotgun from Everett, who stood frozen in his tracks.
Everett found himself praying to someone or something. Please, let us get this bird. It would be the perfect Christmas dinner. No sooner had he thought the silent petition than he wished he hadn’t. Now, if she gets it, I’m beholden to some fairy godfather.
POW! Courtney lowered the barrel of the shotgun. “Did I get it?”
“Yep. He’s right there.”
“Awesome! That was a lucky shot. I never thought I’d get him that far away, but every time we try to sneak up on a turkey, it flies off.”
“Maybe you’re just getting to be a better shot.”
Courtney kissed Everett on the lips. “Maybe, so.”
When they arrived at the cabin, Ken and Lisa still hadn’t returned from Elijah’s. “At least they get to get out of the house for a while. I think it’s good for all of us.” Courtney took her boots off.
Everett also removed his boots and socks. “My feet are frozen. I suppose you’re right. The old man has been sharing his food with us.”
“Let’s see your toes. You don’t have frostbite do you?”
“No, they’re a little red, but I can still feel them. I’m going get some dry socks on right away.”
“Did Ken tell you that Elijah is going to officiate the wedding?”
“Yeah. I guess we’ll get to meet the old man. Why don’t you profile him?”
“I will, but I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Ken and Lisa are good judges of character. If he looks clean to me, can we invite him for Christmas?”
Everett sighed. “Do you know what you’re getting us into? We’ll be outnumbered. That’s all we’ll hear about, how Christmas is all about Jesus.”
“It is!”
“Really? You, too?”
“You know what I mean. Christmas songs, manger scenes; you don’t believe in Santa Clause either, but you’re not offended by him. What’s with you anyway?”
What did she mean by that? What’s with you? Me thinks thou doth protest too much. “Nothing. I just don’t like to see my friends sucked into a cult. That’s all.”
Courtney snarled her nose like she was less than convinced. “Whatever.”
Wednesday came and the cabin was astir over the wedding. Everett stood on the porch dressed in the best clothes he had brought to the cabin. He wore dark slacks and a clean white dress shirt. He had brought no tie and no sport coat. His jacket was nice, but it was more for keeping warm. “Are you nervous?”
Ken was seated in the swing.
He did have a dark blue suit coat with matching pants and a nice tie. “Not really. I’m happy. I really love Lisa.”
“I know you do. I’m happy for you. Sorry we don’t have any Champagne. That half bottle of Bushmills is still in the cupboard.”
“Save that for emergencies. If anyone ever gets hurt, it might be the only painkiller we have.”
“There’s still another full bottle of Bushmills upstairs and a bottle of dark rum.”
Ken smiled. “Thanks, but I’ll be happy with coffee.”
“So what time is Elijah coming?”
“Noon; he should be here any minute.” Ken looked up at Everett. “That’s the first time you called him by his name. Run out of nicknames for him?”
“No. He’s given us eggs, goat milk, and fully cooked meals. I guess he’s earned the right to not be called the kooky old mountain man.”
Ken shook his head as he grinned. “That’s mighty nice of you.”
“Courtney wants to invite him over for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow night. Do you think he’d want to come?”
Ken nodded. “I do. Thanks. I know it would mean a lot to Lisa.”
“We should have looked for wedding rings at the flea market.”
“Lisa has her engagement ring, which she is very happy with. I’ll have her on my arm. That’ll be the sign that I’m married. Besides, I already felt bad about you having to use your resources for the ring. You’re a good friend, Everett.”
“Please, it’s the least I could do. You guys are like family to me. I hope Lisa knows that. I give her a hard time about the religion stuff sometimes, but I’d hate to be up here without you two.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to let her know.”
Everett had said what he said in hopes that Ken would tell her for him. Not to get roped into an obligation of having to express his feelings. “Okay, I’ll try to work it into the toast.”
Everett saw a single, older man walking up the drive. While he did have a rather long beard, it was well manicured and he wore a nice black suit. Not at all what he’d expected from the mysterious mountain hermit. “I guess that’s Elijah?”
“That’s him.” Ken stood up and walked out to greet his friend and take the basket he’d been carrying.
Everett trailed behind.
Ken introduced the two.
Everett shook the man’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I appreciate the eggs, and the rabbit dish was spectacular.”
“Thank you for having me to your home.” Elijah smiled warmly.
“So, where are you from?”
“Israel.”
“And why did you come to America?”
“I had a lot of family here; brothers and sisters; New York, Miami.” Elijah’s face showed his distress over the situation in those two cities.
Everett felt bad at having brought up the matter and ended his interrogation. “Well, we’re glad you could come.”
The three sat on the porch and waited for the girls to get ready. They chatted but kept the subject matter light.
At roughly one thirty, Ken looked at his watch. “We’re running about a half an hour late. Should I go remind them?”
Everett laughed. “Do you have somewhere you need to be?”
Ken blushed. “I guess not.”
“Remember, involved but not too involved.”
Elijah nodded his agreement. “Sounds like wise counsel. You’re blessed to have a wise friend.”
“Yes, I am.” Ken patted Everett on the back.
Courtney came out onto the porch. “Hi, I’m Courtney; I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Elijah Goldberg, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Elijah took her hand and kissed it.
“Wow, what a gentleman.” Courtney smiled. “Lisa will be ready in about fifteen minutes.
Ken crossed his arms. “Tell her to take all the time she needs.”
Courtney’s mouth hung open as she faked a surprise. “Good answer! Who’s been coaching you?”
After Courtney had disappeared back into the cabin, Ken asked, “So what’s in the basket you brought?”
“Homemade hummus and pita bread. There’s also a jar of black olives from Israel, the best you’ll ever eat on this earth.”
“Thanks so much. I’m looking forward to it.” Ken peeked in the basket and took it inside to the kitchen.
About a half hour later, Courtney reappeared. “Ken, your bride is ready. If you gentlemen would like to gather by the big oak, I will escort her out.”
The men got into position for the ceremony.
Everett looked on as Courtney accompanied Lisa out the door and down the stairs to meet by the big oak, which Lisa had picked out to be the site where they would exchange their vows. Courtney had done a wonderful job with Lisa’s hair and had interwoven bits of the mistletoe with the small white berries into her hair. Her dress was a simple, white, sleeveless sundress, which wouldn’t keep her warm for very long in the chilly December air, but she certainly looked the part. The bouquet Courtney had put together was also stunning. She had worked the pine boughs in with the mistletoe and bound it together with some white cloth that she’d likely sacrificed another piece of clothing for.
By the time Elijah prayed over them and led them in their vows, Lisa was shivering like a leaf. He quickly pronounced them man and wife, and the party moved inside.
Everett helped to set out the hors d’oeuvres. Lisa had made what she called venison Carpaccio, which was served on saltine crackers. There was also some tuna salad, which was referred to as smoked fish dip. Elijah’s pita and hummus were the stars of the reception since all of the other foods were from their long-term food storage stockpile. Lisa made the cake out of a box mix Jones had stored. She made icing for the cake out of powdered sugar since that was what was available.
“What a beautiful cake,” Elijah said.
“It’s not exactly fondant, but it will do,” Lisa said.
Courtney complimented the pita bread. “How did you make this?”
“I built a small brick oven for bread. It’s a very simple design really.”
“And you heat it with wood?” Courtney asked.
“Yes, and the hummus I made with dried chickpeas, olive oil, and I have several cans of tahini. I don’t use much of that, though. The tahini goes a long way.”
“Well, it’s fantastic. Would you honor us with your company for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow night? We shot a really big turkey. Which reminds me, I need to take it out of the freezer.”
Elijah nodded. “I’d be delighted. What shall I bring?”
Courtney patted him on the arm. “Just bring that warm smile.”
Elijah chuckled. “Have you ever had goat milk egg nog?”
They all enjoyed the food and celebrated the wedding for the remainder of the afternoon.
CHAPTER 7
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
Early on the evening of Christmas Eve, Noah checked the next batch of cookies to see if they had cooled enough to put icing on them. “So did you have a talk with Lacy about not getting presents this year?”
Cassie stuck the mixing bowl in the sink and filled it with water. “I did, but she cut me off and said that she already knew.”
Becky Ray put the cookie cutters in the mixing bowl to soak. “Her and Lynette wrapped presents for each other. They’re exchanging things they already have.”
Cassie bit her lower lip. “That is so sweet. I didn’t know.”
“I guess they can teach us a thing or two about keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.” Noah picked up one of the cookies and took a bite.
“I used the last of the butter, and it was a lot less than the recipe called for. How are they?” Cassie asked.
“D
elicious!” Noah kissed her on the head.
“Maybe things will be back to normal by next year.” Becky Ray’s voice didn’t reflect a high level of confidence in the statement.
Noah knew better, but he wanted to stay positive. “Maybe so.”
“Or at least closer to normal,” Cassie added.
Lacy stormed into the kitchen followed closely by her friend. “Can we put icing on the cookies yet?”
Noah nodded. “They have to all be white this year; we didn’t bring any food coloring to the cabin.”
Lynette Ray smiled. “That’s okay, I’m just glad we have icing.”
Sharon walked into the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Uh, sure. Do you want to help the girls ice Christmas cookies?” Noah tried not to show how overjoyed he was that she was finally coming around. This was the first time she had spoken to him or any of the other men since Isaiah had been killed. She had taken her meals alone rather than dining with the others and rarely came out of her room.
“I’d be glad to.” Her faint smile showed no true joy, but at least she was making an effort. Perhaps it was only for the children’s sake, but her anger and sorrow had been weighing on the morale of the entire group.
Noah handed her a butter knife. “Is this okay to use?” he wanted to engage, but after the weeks of awkward silence, he didn’t really know what to say.
Sharon nodded softly. “That will be fine.”
Noah smiled as he handed her the utensil. He wished he knew what to say; he wished he knew how to ease her pain. Isaiah’s death was tough on everybody, but the event had left Sharon incapacitated. Noah tried to put himself in her shoes. What if everyone else at the cabin still had their loved ones, but Cassie and Lacy were gone? How would he cope with the pain? What would he want to hear?
Noah took a chance. He put his arm around Sharon. “We all love you very much, and we’re so glad you are here at the cabin with us.”
Sharon started to smile, but her face soon swelled with sorrow and she began to cry. She embraced Noah and sunk her head into his shoulder. “Thank you. I haven’t been very loveable lately, but it just hurts so bad.”