The Fall of the Prodigal

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  For a second, Michael entertained visions of wrapping his hands around her neck, but he counted to ten. Lord, help me. He would not harm her. He used his hands to undo the buttons on his coat.

  There was no way he was leaving Lauren alone after she had said those words. He debated calling the cops but nixed that idea. He doubted they’d believe the potential rapist, even though he had been exonerated. Michael considered calling Lauren’s bluff but what if the heifer actually meant it?

  Instead, he found himself saying, “I’m sorry, Lauren. I must have a slight case of cold feet. We’ll get married.”

  Instantly, Lauren’s demeanor changed and she was happy again. Chipper, she clapped her hands and carried on as if she had not threatened him with a murder-suicide scenario. Lauren presented him with wedding cake pictures and decoration possibilities until his head spun.

  Michael only said the words to appease her. He was biding his time until he figured his way out of the situation. He had a restless night. The sun rose and Michael still didn’t know how to remove himself from Lauren’s clutches.

  Sitting in church Sabbath morning, Michael still had not figured out what to do. After positioning herself as close to him as possible, Lauren gripped his hand so hard her nails scraped his palm. Michael pulled on his shirt collar and tried to pretend everything was all right.

  People were lifting their hands and praising God around him. They were carefree but he felt trapped. He was replaying the scene inside Lauren’s home after she had uttered those fateful words.

  Michael had called Keith last night but had not reached him. He planned on soliciting his brother’s help. Michael bobbed his head to the praise songs, but inside he had needles lining his stomach.

  He could not catch a break. Michael had gotten rid of one cross and it seemed as if he had picked up another. He should be skipping down the aisles like the sister with the banana hat was doing right now. He had been cleared of a vicious crime. He was not going to spend his life behind bars. Nevertheless, Michael was now imprisoned with an invisible noose. And, she had claws.

  He watched Lauren under hooded lashes. This time he pulled at the tie around his neck.

  “Do you need me to adjust that for you?” Lauren asked him with a sweet voice.

  Michael saw her angelic face and creased his forehead. How could Lauren act normal after her outlandish words last night? He shook his head at her, and she went back to her singing.

  Lauren raised her hands and shouted “Hallelujah’s” at the top of her lungs.

  At that moment, Michael knew what crazy was like. Mindy was sick. Lauren was plumb crazy. For some reason, Frank entered his mind. Frank could take care of Lauren for him if he gave the word. Michael would never have to deal with her again.

  Let go. Trust me.

  He had heard those words before. He knew the voice. I’m trying, Lord, Michael answered. Could he trust God? His heart thumped. He thought about Frank. He thought about God. He had to make a choice once and for all.

  Keith’s voice permeated his conscious mind. It was time for the sermon. “Today, I’m going to talk about choice. Making the right choice.”

  Chapter Fifty-two

  Mindy entered the sanctuary with her head down. The usher led her close to the front and she did not want to attract attention. Mindy received a couple frosty glances for being late, but most of the faces she encountered were friendly.

  Pastor Keith stepped up to the podium. She squirmed. Some of the women were wearing some big hats and one happened to be in her direct line of vision. This lady’s hat was like a pineapple slice. Mindy angled her head seeking a better view. Her neck was going to hurt in this position. There was only one thing to do.

  Mindy tapped the woman on the shoulder. “Excuse me, but can you take your hat off? I can’t see.”

  The lady gave her a wide-eyed stare. A man sitting next to her, whom Mindy presumed to be the husband, guffawed. “I told her she shouldn’t wear that boat today. Didn’t I tell you, Pearl? It’s only good for rainy days.”

  Several people chuckled and Mindy covered her mouth.

  “Shut up, Hugh,” Pearl commanded, but removed her hat and smoothed her wig.

  “Thank you,” Mindy whispered.

  Bill squeezed in next to her just as Pastor Keith began to talk about choice. She whispered, “What took you so long?”

  “I had to find a parking space,” Bill said a wee bit too loud.

  Pearl turned to shush them. Mindy gave a sheepish smile. She settled under the crook of her father’s arm to listen to the message.

  Three souls. He was expecting three souls this Sabbath. Keith’s eyes surveyed the crowd. He winked at Gina who was sitting in the front pew with Trey. E.J. was in children’s church. Two rows behind her was his brother. Beside Michael, he saw Lauren. Nigel was in the back somewhere. He had texted Keith to tell him of his arrival.

  His vote would be on Lauren.

  He knew Michael was one.

  Mindy was the other. Keith looked through the rows to see if she had arrived. She promised him she would be there. Keith had told the usher to place Mindy a few rows behind the others, if she came. He wanted to be able to see her.

  Yup. The third soul had to be Lauren. That would make things right. Excited at the prospect, Keith racked his brain to remember how many other couples he had baptized together. It might be two or three, but whatever the number, it did not happen that often. The fact that it would be Michael and his intended was a coup Keith could not resist. He planned on bragging to the congregation, to the world, when that time came.

  He adjusted his tie. God had given him the right message befitting the occasion. Keith smiled, thinking of the outcome.

  He stepped up to the podium. Mindy had arrived. Good, he thought. All was as it should be. Wait, did she ask Missionary Pearl Matthews to remove her hat? Keith stifled a giggle by turning it into a quick praise. He hoped he remembered to tell Gina later.

  Keith addressed the congregation. “Before I get into my topic, I’m glad to see my brother, Michael here. Seated next to him is Ms. Lauren Goodman. Some of you might remember she’s been here a few times. Please give this couple a Zion’s Hill welcome.”

  Keith emphasized the word “couple.” He knew the single sisters would not be too happy. Keith watched as several people hugged and kissed Michael and Lauren before getting back to the message.

  “Today, I want to talk to you about choice.” Was that Bill Laurelton he saw coming in? Inside, Keith groaned. He hoped Bill did not come to cause any more problems for Michael because Keith would not tolerate it.

  He continued, “In our lives, we will come to many forks in the road, where we will have to make a choice. The question is not whether we have a choice, but which choice is best? Which choice puts us on the right path to where God wants us to be?”

  Okay, Bill had settled in with Mindy. All was well. Keith relaxed. Now he could close his eyes. “Pray with me,” he directed and bowed his head. “Lord, I ask that your Holy Spirit speak through me and direct me so I can lead your people on the right path today. Let every word I speak line up in accordance with your Word. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  “Turn your Bibles to First Kings 18 and verse 21. It reads, ‘And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.’”

  Keith heard several shouts of praise and took a sip of water. “Our Heavenly Father asked us not to have any other god besides Him. In this scripture, Baal was a manmade god of stone but a god can represent anything that distracts you: money, possessions, power, drugs, alcohol to name a few. What is your god? Perhaps, it’s none of those. Perhaps it’s women or sex. What is it you find hard to give up?”

  He paused. Someone shouted, “Preach it, Pastor!”

  “Close your eyes and think about what you want most in the world.” He waited until most of the congregation had complied. “Whatever it is you’re pic
turing is a god. My question today is, is it worth your soul? What is the point of holding on to that one thing if you lose your soul?

  “Elijah presented the people with a question and today I ask the same question. If you’re halting between two opinions, today is the day to make a choice. God is asking you to choose Him. Love Him. Accept Him. If you need help making the right choice, come forward today.”

  Keith gave the signal and the choir stood. The minister of music, Zara Anderson, came forward and she began to sing: “‘I come to the garden alone.’”

  He saw Michael stalk toward the altar.

  “‘While the dew is still on the roses,’” Zara sang.

  Keith saw Mindy step out into the aisle. She swayed but stayed where she was. Keith spoke into his microphone, “Don’t be afraid. Come.”

  “‘And the voice I hear falling on my ear. The son of God discloses.’”

  Lauren had her hands held high. Her head was thrown back but she was not budging. Keith watched her for the duration of the song, but she didn’t leave her seat. He sagged a little. He had made the call and couldn’t force anyone to comply.

  Keith gestured to Zara to sing the refrain one more time. He and the deacons and prayer warriors went over to those who came to the altar and prayed with them. Still, Keith didn’t lose hope. As he prayed, he watched. Gina went to stand with Mindy. He prayed for another person, however; his eyes remained on the lookout for a certain redhead.

  One who was now sitting in her seat, contented.

  He sighed. Lord, give me patience. He ended his prayer.

  Keith returned the podium and everyone returned to his or her seat. It was time for the benediction. Keith paused. He had to try one last time. “I would like to do a special prayer. If you have decided you want to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, please come forward, even if you were just up here.”

  Michael came forward.

  Mindy came forward.

  No Lauren. Maybe it was Nigel? But he had not spotted Nigel in the throng at all.

  Gina slid her finger across her throat telling Keith to quit dragging and close the service. The musicians strummed a tune. All right, he would wrap it up.

  After Keith anointed them, he bent his head and began to pray. “Holy Father, I ask that you commit these souls into the book of life. They’ve made the choice today to put their lives into your hands. They are here to accept the gift of salvation. Lord, I ask you to wash their sins. Heal them from all past pain, hurt, and illnesses. Heal them both spiritually and physically. Bless them with abundant life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  He entered a higher realm and rejoiced for the souls who had come forward. When he opened his eyes, he stepped back in shock. God had a wicked sense of humor.

  Bill Laurelton. Bill Laurelton was the third soul.

  Chapter Fifty-three

  “That’s my son,” Verona breathed into her mother’s ear. They were seated together in front for Sunday morning worship. She cupped her mouth, overcome with emotion. “Why didn’t somebody tell me my baby could sing?”

  Her mother smiled. “His range is unbelievable. Whenever he sings, we say there’s an angel among us today.”

  Verona nodded. “I can see why.”

  Elijah wore khakis and a dress shirt and he’d dyed his hair blond. Because of the many colors he’d tried out, it looked reddish brown. She was glad the horrid blue streak phase was over, for now.

  The church stood to their feet, praising God when Elijah was finished singing. He lifted his face toward heaven in worship. Seeing a young man standing in awe before God made the church go wild.

  Verona jumped to her feet, her chest puffed and her smile wide. This is why she had brought Elijah into the world. He was meant to give God glory. This was her “Hannah” moment. She saw him as the next Smokie Norful or Hezekiah Walker. “Bless him, Lord!” For the first time in her life, Verona was at peace with the Smith’s raising him.

  Elijah gestured to the crowd to settle down. “Everybody in here knew me from when I was knee high. Now, I’ve been fortunate to have two of the best parents a boy could want or need. But, I’ve waited fifteen years to meet my birth mother and see her face. I’ve heard how she did know me and loved me. But people, I was two. That’s news to me.”

  Several people chuckled at his ramblings.

  Elijah continued, “A few weeks ago, my wish came true. My mother, Verona Stachs, is here today with my Nana and Pop Pop.” He whipped his head to point to his grandfather.

  Elijah then pierced Verona with a look she knew well. It mirrored her own. “Mother, I’ve been hearing from everyone how you used to sing back in the day.”

  Oh, no. He was putting her on the spot. Verona shook her head to Elijah hoping he would heed the hint.

  “I’m hoping you’d come and sing with me up here. Praising God is how I give Him thanks for giving me you.”

  When he put it like that, how could she resist? Verona swallowed. It had been years since she sang in front of such a large crowd. Mount Moriah boasted approximately 3,000 attendees for each of its three services. Her mother touched her cheek. “Go on, dear. Go sing with your son.”

  Her son.

  Verona’s vocal chords were rusty, but there was no way she would not satisfy his request. His eyes compelled her. She willed her baby deer legs to steady as she wobbled her way up to where Elijah stood. His eyes looked glassy from unshed tears.

  He was on the brink of manhood. His intelligence and mannerisms made her proud. She took the cordless microphone he offered and leaned over to whisper, “It’s been a long time. Don’t sing any of the modern songs.”

  Elijah mouthed, “I got you,” before laying his hands across the keyboard. Within minutes the tune to “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” resonated throughout the sanctuary. Lyrics and melodies came back to her as she cued her son to begin.

  When he sang the first word, “Why,” tears shimmered against her eyelids. Her hand shook slightly as she joined in the second line. Together they sang the timeless words to the sentimental song. As she sang, it was like God was talking to her. Her memories rolled before her like a vision of how He had been there with her all along. Not once had she been alone. Nothing she had accomplished had been done without Him.

  Humbled, Verona stretched her hand toward Elijah, beaming when they blended and harmonized the chorus. Their duet could compete with Mary Mary or any other top artists who had sung together for years; that was how well they sang together. Verona felt joy bubble up within her and closed her eyes. She had forgotten singing had been her secret weapon. A line from Nehemiah 8:10 came back to her:

  For the joy of the Lord is your strength.

  When they ended with the final note, there was silence. Verona opened her eyes and saw handkerchiefs and tissues wiping faces and noses. Then suddenly, thunderous applause filled the sanctuary. She tilted her body to eye her father, knowing it was time for him to preach.

  Her eyes widened when she realized he was stretched out on the floor. Fear leapt in her throat. Verona scuttled up to the podium. The other ministers beckoned that Noel was okay. Knowing her cheeks had to be brick red, Verona made her way to her mother’s side.

  “I thought . . .”

  Louisa gave her a whimsical smile. “It’s been awhile since you’ve seen somebody laid out in the Spirit.”

  Verona nodded wishing the earth would open up and swallow her. Wait, strike that thought. She was not trying to go down there anytime soon. The musicians started playing a tune and people started stomping and handclapping. Her mother did a praise jig and the brethren around her cued her on. Verona followed suit with an awkward step or two before deciding to sit this praise session out.

  She kept her eye on her father, exhaling when he finally took his place at the podium. “Forgive me, church, seeing my daughter and grandson did my heart good. God is good,” he choked out. “But, I know you need a Word to take with you. Today, I’m going to speak briefly about the story of the prodigal son.�
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  She should have known, Verona thought in bemusement, crossing her arms. How fitting.

  “I know how that father felt when his child left home for parts unknown. I imagine how he must have prayed many nights, worried and concerned. He must’ve looked out the window, or whatever they had back then, and stood there for hours hoping to spot his child.”

  Oh, man. Verona lowered her head. This was too much. It would be impossible for her to remain dignified. She imagined all eyes were on her because they were burning holes in her skin. She fiddled with the buttons of her Oscar de la Renta dress and lowered her eyes not trusting herself to make eye contact with anyone.

  Louisa shoved several tissues in her hand. “Thanks, Mom,” she whispered.

  “Imagine at the precise moment he was about to give up all hope, out of the blue, his child returns. Imagine the relief he experienced. Imagine the burden he carried in his heart suddenly being lifted.” Noel cleared this throat.

  Verona heard her mother sniffling beside her. In fact, she was quite sure there was not a dry eye in the house. She felt a hand grasp her hand on her left side. Elijah. Verona leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “Brothers and sisters, I know God is pleased when we return home to Him. Angels in heaven rejoice when one person decides to accept Him in their life. Is there anyone here today who wants to come home? Come as we sing ‘All to Jesus I Surrender.’”

  Verona listened to the words of the song and could not hold her tears. She had made amends with her parents; now it was time to make amends with God. She stood. Inch by inch, she made her way to the front of the church. She lifted her hands. In one smooth motion, Verona fell to her knees.

  It was time. She was coming home.

  Chapter Fifty-four

  Monday had not come fast enough. Michael undid John and Olivia’s seat belts from their newly purchased car seats. He had hightailed it over to Keith’s as early as he could without arousing Lauren’s suspicions. She thought he was taking them to Chuck E. Cheese, and he would after talking with Keith.