by Christina Li
Chapter 19
“I’m sorry,” Vanessa said as she filled her cereal bowl with Fruity O’s. “I was so tired by the time I got back, I forgot.”
“What happened?” asked Grandma handing her the milk still in her bathrobe.
The three of them had obviously been waiting for her for some time to come down. They had barely taken their shoes off. And Daniel was still wearing his leather coat over his pajamas, his keys on the table. Grandpa hadn’t bothered to change either, and had parked himself in his favorite chair, reading the paper to pass the time.
“Forgiven,” said her grandfather. “Now, what happened this morning?”
Vanessa took a mug out of the cabinet, and filled it with that aroma filled coffee. Coming back to the table, she said, “Remember that vase I was questioned about? It was rare and very expensive and I found out it was stolen shortly before I moved back here. The police got an anonymous tip that I might have it. I wonder if it was Collie?” She added milk to her coffee and sipped, distracted.
Then, hearing her grandfather grunt, she continued. “Anyway, I was taken in and questioned the first time, but they had no evidence so they couldn’t hold me. Well, last night, as I was unpacking, I found that awful vase! So, I called the police and gave it to them immediately. It was 3:37am. I’m surprised none of you woke up, guess you were all tired after that intense but fulfilling night after Bible study. Did you sleep well?”
With another grunt from her Grandfather, and Daniel shifting in his chair with a slight grunt as well, she decided maybe the subject of sleep wasn’t a good one this morning. She chose instead to go back to the subject of the vase.
“I don’t want any more to do with that ghastly thing. I hope it’s all behind me now and the Delanys can deal with it. At least they’ll get their vase back.”
“Goodness,” said her grandmother. “You’ve had some adventures since you’ve come back, haven’t you?”
“Yes. I’m really glad Daniel was there the first time. I was pretty frazzled and I’m sure the police would have put me in jail and thrown away the key.”
“You weren’t that bad.” Daniel seemed to perk up a bit at the compliment. “It’s perfectly understandable to be somewhat stressed at being wrongly accused of theft.”
Vanessa straightened up in her chair and raised her hands slightly as she resolved, “I’m a simple artist. I’ll leave adventure to Violet’s characters in her books.”
“So the vase is in the hands of the police now?” asked Grandpa.
“Yes. They’ll hand it over to the LA police department and let them take the investigation from there.”
“Who would have put the vase in your box?” asked her grandmother.
“I suspect it was Collie, a co-worker of mine. We were never very good friends. I was surprised she wanted to help me pack and sent me out to buy lunch while she did. The thing that still has me wondering though, is why? What would she gain by giving me the vase? Was she hoping to get it later? Do you think she is here in Chicago and messed with my brakes?”
“It’s possible, I suppose. I’m glad of the increased police patrols. It makes me feel much safer,” said her grandmother.
“What did this Collie person have against you? Any thoughts?” asked Daniel. He had already finished breakfast and sat at the table drinking coffee. He finally took his coat off and hung it in the closet.
“Well,” she drew out the word as she dipped her spoon into her cereal bowl, slowly swirling it around and clinking against the sides. “It’s possible she had some crazy jealousy idea. I mean, she and her boyfriend, Denny Delany, he was the owners’ son, had a bit of a falling out. He tried to flirt with me, but I made it clear I wasn’t interested. To be honest, I didn’t think anything of it. Collie and Denny spent more time fighting than they did anything else. I thought it was just another one of their fights. Maybe she thought he was interested in me and wanted to get revenge. I don’t know. I gave her and Denny’s description to the police. It’s all in their hands now. I hope it’s over.”
“Sweetheart, I have a bad feeling in my spirit,” said her grandmother. “I don’t want you left alone at all. We’ll need to be sure the garage is closed and locked at all times. We should all check our cars before driving them too.”
“Do you really think that’s necessary?” asked her grandfather. “It would be fairly obvious if someone broke into our garage. However, I do think it a good idea to park only in the garage. Daniel, you can park your car in there too. Vanessa, we’ll figure out what to do when your car comes back from the shop. You should probably ride with either us or Daniel for the time being. I want to be sure you’re safe.”
“But, Grandpa, the vase is gone. Surely there’s nothing to worry about now,” she protested. “I hate to burden you guys so much.”
“We know that, but do the people who might be looking for it know that? And there is still the matter of tampering with the brakes. Whether or not these are connected, someone deliberately tried to put you in harm’s way and as far as we know may still be out there.”
“Why don’t we talk to Will and Jesse about all of this?” asked Daniel. “They’re private investigators. They might have some good advice on how best to keep Vanessa safe.”
Vanessa hated the idea of needing babysitters. She still struggled with the idea of being a burden, and this would add to it. The vase was gone. What could possibly happen now? But her grandparents’ words were always wise, and she had come to implicitly trust Daniel, no matter what their relationship was. She would try to stay with someone at all times.
Daniel was glad for the church service that day. He could pray at the altar and pour out his frustration. Of course, he could do that at home, but there was something special about being at church. Why wouldn’t Vanessa let go? Was he pushing too hard? Moving too fast? Getting ahead of the Lord? Was he being selfish? What should he do?
He couldn’t hear anything from the Lord until he quieted his brain down and humbly worshipped. When he took the focus off of himself and put it where it needed to be, upon the Lord of his life, issues and situations finally became clearer. Rather than attempting to use glasses covered with film, things became more distinct. He could focus more easily. That elusive peace was there. God was in control.
“I know she is the woman for me.” He didn’t say the words out loud. He whispered them to the Lord. “I know this is from You, but I am rushing ahead aren’t I?”
He knew exactly what he needed to do. It was quite simple. He needed to apologize. It was vital that Vanessa get her relationship and her understanding of the Lord’s love and forgiveness squared away first. Then, she needed to do her part in restoring her relationship with her parents. Daniel hated the fact that this could take months. Or longer. Even if she were to initiate the resolution process with her parents at Christmas, would two weeks be enough time? Nonetheless, he knew it was for the best. If he loved her the way he said he did, if these were truly more than warm, fuzzy emotions, he would want what was best for her, not merely what he wanted.
“Thank you, Lord. Please forgive me for forcing my own way. I’ll trust Your timing in this. Frankly, it’s all rather nutty. Only a few weeks ago, I would never have even considered the possibility of loving anyone again, not like that. I didn’t think it was possible. Yet, here You are. And there she is.”
Vanessa prayed at the altar as well. She knelt near Guinevere and Violet. Neither woman could hear her prayers, but they both prayed fervently for her. She was so touched by their caring. It was as if Jesus Himself reached out and touched her through their hands. These women were real friends to her, not like the ones she had back in LA. She hadn’t opened her heart enough to make friends with the other ladies at church there either. Here, she felt like she was finally ready.
As she prayed, she felt an incredible sense of God’s presence wash over her. It was as if He wrapped His arms around her and held her like a little child. She wept at that love. For the first time sin
ce coming home, she felt forgiveness. Oh, she knew it was available before. She could have had this in LA, but she held herself back, punishing herself. No more. It was time to take off those straps.
Though you couldn’t hear the sound of the backpack falling from her back in the natural, the spirit world heard the boom, and there was rejoicing in heaven. A child of the Most High was free. She lifted her hands toward heaven and spoke in a heavenly language, tears of joy flowing freely as waves of mercy washed over her.
As she rose to stand, she held the other two women in a sweet embrace. “Thanks for praying with me.”
“Certainly,” said Guinevere.
After some small talk and laughter, Violet chimed, “I don’t know about you, but I could go for a large mocha latte from Mom’s Coffee House. Let’s see if Ivy can join us and let the men have some ‘man time’. Are you with me?”
The other two laughed. “Sounds great,” said Vanessa.
“I’ll find Ivy,” said Guinevere.
“And I’ll let the menfolk know what we’re up to,” said Violet.
Chapter 20
Vanessa couldn’t remember the last time she had had so much ‘girl fun’. Without even trying, she had made some real friends. It felt good. Really good.
As they all sat around a small table at the Coffee House, Guinevere said, “I almost feel guilty dumping the guys.”
“I know what you mean,” said Violet stirring the whipped cream into her mocha.
“I see we single girls have to stick together.” Ivy wrapped an arm around Vanessa’s shoulders.
“Sorry,” said Violet.
“You’re right,” said Guinevere. “Besides, it’s good for our men to do without us for a bit. It will make them appreciate us more.” She grinned widely as she took a sip of her white chocolate cappuccino.
“More likely, they’re having a great time with those action packed video games at our place and won’t remember we exist until they’re hungry,” said Violet.
“Oh, you’re terrible,” said Guinevere, batting Violet’s arm, “but probably right.”
They all laughed and the time flew by.
“So, Vanessa,” said Violet. She sounded all business, but there was a constant, distinct twinkle in her eyes. “Do you think you could do a similar print like the one you did of your dinner only with this place as your setting?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Oh yes. Would you like a daytime scene or nighttime?” Her fingers already itched to sketch.
“For this particular murder, I think nighttime is best. Then again, for future books, I might want a daytime scene. We’ll have to see.”
“You are such a nutter,” said Guinevere.
Violet laughed and didn’t seem to mind one bit. “Comes with the job. It’s a lot of fun! Especially using the excuse to come here, eat, drink amazing coffee, and all in the name of research.” She grinned, then sobered significantly. “But, I prefer murder only in fiction. Real life isn’t nearly so entertaining.”
Vanessa saw her shiver. What was that was about? But, the conversation continued and she didn’t get a chance to ask.
“I’m afraid I really do need to get back,” said Guinevere. “I’ve got an early student tomorrow. Bless him, he’s a dear boy, but I have to admit, I’m only half awake before school in the morning. 7 o’clock in the morning is too early for a violin lesson.”
“How is Jesse with this? He was never a morning person growing up,” said Ivy.
“He’s a good sport. He mumbles as he rolls over. I’ll be glad when this semester is over. I’m going to tell the mum, ‘Never again.’”
They all stood and gathered their things. Violet and Guinevere rode in Violet’s car and Ivy had driven Vanessa.
“You’re sure you don’t mind bringing me home?” Vanessa asked as they walked out the door.
“Absolutely not,” said Ivy, unlocking the doors and getting in her car. “I’ve wanted to get to know you better for ages. And not only because you’re the kind of artist I dreamed about being when I was a child.”
“But you work with children. You’re making a real difference with your art.”
Ivy shifted into reverse and drove out of the lot before answering. “I love teaching. Those children and teen-agers are amazing. But you. My goodness, your painting was breathtaking. I would love to be able to paint like that.”
“I don’t know what kind of real difference it makes.”
Ivy was quiet for a moment. “I prayed all the way through this. From my job at the police station to my major in college, I wanted to be sure it was the Lord’s will, His calling. He gave me the talent. He would know best how He meant for me to use it. It is hard to work with people who have been hurt so badly, especially children. I feel like the Lord gave me a gift beyond simply drawing. He gave me a discernment that helps me to minister. I’ve had several come with their families to church.”
“I’m not sure what the Lord wants me to do. I’m still praying about it.”
“I know He will lead you in the way He wants you to go. He doesn’t give gifts for no reason. Jesus has a plan for your life that is absolutely amazing. Keep following wherever He leads. He’ll make it all clear in His perfect timing.”
Vanessa smiled and nodded. “You’re wise beyond your years, Ivy. Thanks.”
Ivy glanced at her and smiled back. “One thing is sure: Following Jesus is never boring. You wouldn’t believe some of the funnier things that happened directly or indirectly, just by being where the Lord wanted me. While I was still working for the police department, there was this one really crazy lady who got mugged, but she sure didn’t make it easy. Half the time, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. When she saw the mugger being led to an interrogation room, before anyone could stop her, she marched over to him, wound up, and hit him in the side of the head with her huge purse! The police had to restrain her and place him in protective custody!”
Vanessa laughed. Then, the two girls spent the rest of the way to her house sharing funny stories.
***
When she got home, Vanessa knew what she had to do.
Pulling out her cell phone, she punched in some numbers. “Hi, Mom. Are you guys busy?”
Her parents were both free and within moments, they could see each other through their computers’ cameras via Skype.
“Mom, Dad, I’m sorry.” Vanessa nervously clutched her hands in her lap and rubbed her thumbs together.
Her parents seemed surprised by the abrupt apology, but before they could say anything, she hurried on. “I know I’ve been a disappointment to you. You were right. I never should have gone to LA. It was a mistake. And, I know that now. Grandpa says he needs me to help him with the coffee roasting. He says I have a natural eye for it, he thinks it is from all my in depth understanding of art and complex colors. He seems to have developed an allergic reaction to the green beans.”
“An allergy to green coffee beans?” said her father. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Some sort of rash,” said Vanessa. “Even when he touches the burlap bags the coffee comes in, he breaks out all over, starts to sneeze and wheeze.
“Hmm. I’m still not comfortable with you staying there. Your grandmother always feels like she has to take care of guests,” said her mother.
“I appreciate your concern, Mama. I’ve been doing everything I can to help.”
“Actually,” her grandmother appeared behind her and chimed in, “she’s a little sneaky girl. She keeps getting to the dishes before I can and won’t even let me near the vacuum. The house is tidier now than even when Bobby was growing up. The two of you trained her well. I’m quite proud of our ‘Nessa!”
Her parents’ eyes widened and they leaned forward.
“Also, she’s managed to get one of her paintings to be sold on commission for a fund-raiser auction for the Archaeology Department at Daniel’s college for a hefty sum and she’s got another commission for a series of book covers for best-selling author
, Violet Givens.”
Grandma continued her glowing report in a way only a proud grandmother could. “Violet saw it and absolutely fell in love. Vanessa’s paintings will bring her substantial income and now be seen all over the world!”
“We are happy for you, Vanni,” said her mother.
“Check out our web page.” Grandma was not done. “Vanessa has some new ‘coffee art’ designs for mugs, mouse pads, and T-shirts. They’re not only selling well, they’ve generated some ‘buzz’, our coffee sales have risen nearly 8% since their release.” Grandma practically beamed and Vanessa’s cheeks heated up.
“We are thankful it is all working out and you have seemingly found your calling,” replied ‘Bobby,’ aka Dr. Robert Bennett, Vanessa’s father.
“We were extremely concerned when you started to drift away from us in high school, and in hind sight we perhaps were not there for you at certain critical moments and I am sorry for that. When you left for California your mother and I were devastated, you were walking off to waste your life and throw away all the opportunities we had worked so hard to give you. We assumed, maybe wrongly, that your art was part of that willful rebellion, but really all we wanted was for you to commit to something, ANYHTING, and to find purpose and direction for your life. Of course your mother and I would prefer you in some scientific, but only because it is what we know, and we feel we can help you learn the ropes and climb the ladders necessary to succeed. Art is something totally out of our field of expertise. We haven’t the foggiest idea of what is available to you in that field, but it looks like you have found your way.” Her Dad smiled.
For the first time Vanessa saw things from her parents’ point of view. Growing up, an only child, a child of privilege, who had everything she needed, and with two adoring grandparents to give her almost anything she wanted, she’d become inadvertently spoiled. She didn’t realize that with great privilege comes great responsibility. When her parents tried the best they could to teach her that, she took their rebuke as harshness, their stern direction as control, and their push to succeed as never being good enough. Her parents weren’t perfect, but the image of them being insensitive, tyrannical, micromanaging, not wanting her to have any fun was melting away, being replaced by real people, who made real mistakes, and tried the best they could to give the daughter the best opportunities this world could offer.