Paxton's Peace

by Bailey West

  “So true,” Zora finished.

  Paxton

  “Do we have something to discuss?” Ezekiel asked as soon as the women were out of earshot. “I’m gone for a few weeks and come back to you inviting women over for family dinner. She is going to be running the Academy?”

  “Uncle Blue,” BJ interrupted, “Can I go play my game in my room?”

  “Sure, you can,” Roman responded.

  “Okay, Zeke, I will be back, okay?” BJ touched Zeke’s arm as he spoke.

  “Alright man, I will be right here.”

  BJ skipped out of the room.

  “Man, I missed him so much while I was gone. I really appreciate the way you both helped out,” Zeke said.

  “It was nothing, man,” I replied while Zeke stood to embrace Roman and me.

  “We were glad to do it,” Roman added.

  “What happened with the tour?”

  Ezekiel was supposed to be away on tour with the singer Lyrica for at least six more weeks.

  “Lyrica is pregnant. So, she has to take it easy. We will pick back up after she gives birth.”

  “Must be something in the water,” I laughed.

  “Exactly. So, what’s up with old girl?” Ezekiel motioned towards the kitchen.

  “Yes, she is the Director of the Academy. Mom and Dad and Nette and I were very impressed with her resume and her interview. She is going to be great for the school. Check this out though,” Roman looked at me then leaned forward in his chair to speak to Ezekiel. “We were at a meeting at the church. I wanted to introduce Olivia to the team. The day before the meeting, Pax and I discussed one of his associates handling the Academy’s account. We get around the table at the meeting and after I introduce Olivia, Paxton all of a sudden, decides he is going to handle the account.”

  They both laughed. I rolled my eyes.

  “You did an almost Roman except he created a whole position for Nette. In your case, the position was already there and you just took it from some junior associate that would have had a come up,” Ezekiel laughed.

  “Whatever. I’d actually bumped into her before the meeting…” I told them about my brief encounter with Olivia at the coffee house.

  “Yeah, she did mention something about that,” Roman recalled.

  “I’ve taken her to dinner a couple of times and yesterday she cooked…well grilled, and it was delicious. She’s cool, refined when she needs to be, and down to earth and relaxed the rest of the time. I’m going to spend more time with her but enough about me. What’s going with you and your family?”

  “We are better. I was tripping and almost lost everything. I’ve never been in love, but I am now, like one hundred and fifty percent. I almost lost my mind being out on the road without Zora and BJ. I took her rejection of my marriage proposal as a personal rejection instead of trying to figure out why she felt the way she felt. We are going to sit down after dinner and talk. I’m just happy to be home.”

  “Dude,” Blue started, “You’re about to be a Dad, again. This time you are going to go through the entire process.”

  “I thought you said you always strap up. What happened?”

  “Zora happened! I’ve never been with anyone like her. I don’t plan on being with anyone after her. She is it for me. I’m excited and nervous. I want to be the best man I can be for my family, you know?”

  “Yeah, I hear you,” Roman responded.

  We all sat quietly in our own thoughts. I don’t know where they went in their thoughts, but mine went straight to Olivia. She was so damaged in her marriage. I know that the damage is not beyond repair, so I want to help her heal. He broke her down, so I want to build her up. I want to infiltrate her mind. Show her how a man should treat a woman. I want to care for her mind and heart while pampering her body. I am going to make her mine. I could hear my Dad’s words, “A Bluette man always knows…” he is correct.

  “Hey,” I spoke after Olivia answered the phone.

  We ate dinner with the family and then sat around and talked until it was time to leave. Olivia followed me back to the interstate and then we went in different directions. I called her as soon I got home.

  “Hi, I enjoyed dinner, tonight. Thank you for inviting me. Your family is wonderful.”

  She did seem very comfortable around my family.

  “Thank you. I enjoyed having you there. I hope we can do it again?”

  “I would like that very much.”

  “I enjoyed church too. Are you a minister also?”

  “No, Roman is the only one that got bit by the preaching bug.”

  “Oh, I asked because you came out from the back with Roman and you sat where he sat.”

  “I’m his Armor Bearer. It’s a church term, but basically, I am his assistant while he preaches. I watch while he ministers. I take care of things so that he can focus on ministry.”

  “I’ve never heard of that before.”

  “Yeah, it’s a new era church thing. It’s found in the Bible but for kings about to go into battle. We’ve adopted it to fit the needs of the Pastor. I describe myself as his armor bearer, but he describes me as his brother. Roman was married before Zanetta to Michaela. They were high school sweethearts and married right after undergrad. She died several years ago from cancer. When she died, Roman went through a dark period in his life. Zeke was touring a lot, and I was in college, so I kept close to Roman to make sure he was okay. Once he recovered, he started back preaching and was taking a lot of speaking engagements out of town. If I didn’t know before, I learned by traveling with him that the thirst is real. I’ve seen married, single, young, old, saved and unsaved women proposition him. I even watched a woman flirt with him in front of her husband.”

  “Really? Women flirt with the Preacher?”

  “Yes, they do but Roman is the real deal. He lives what he preaches. He’s not one of those dudes that say one thing in church and then does something totally different outside of church. I mean, he’s human, and he still has fun, but he is very aware of the call on his life. I stay so close to him to protect that anointing and him. I’m the one you have to get through to get to him when we’re on the road and very few get through.”

  “Almost like spiritual security?”

  “That’s a good way to put it.”

  “I never knew Pastors had groupies, but I don’t know a whole lot about church. I went with my mother because I had to but now as an adult, I don’t necessarily subscribe to a religion. Religion seems like an easy way to control a group of naïve and unlearned people.”

  “I can’t argue the fact that historically, people have been manipulated through religion but what about people who aren’t naïve or unlearned that still believe?”

  “It’s probably generational. Was your grandfather a preacher too?”

  “As a matter of fact, he was. He founded our church.”

  “Yeah, see, generational. Your grandfather taught your Dad and then your dad taught you. I mean if you think about it, religion is a hard concept to grasp. I’m not against it. Don’t get me wrong, but it almost seems like an exclusive club of perfect people. If you’re not perfect, then you can’t be a part of it.”

  “I could see how it would look like that to you. I’m not going to even lie and say that you are not describing a church somewhere in the world, but it’s not supposed to be that way.”

  “So, are you saying that you are not religious because your parents raised you that way?”

  I chuckled, “No. I’m not religious because my parents raised me that way. I haven't always believed in God. As a matter of fact, I was fairly convinced He didn't exist. That’s why I never sang in the choir or played instruments like my brothers. I wasn’t disrespectful. I went to church. I listened. I stood when I was supposed to stand and clapped when I was supposed to clap, but I didn't believe. I mean a lot of the stories I’d heard in church were far-fetched, in my opinion. Someone walking on water or Jesus feeding a whole crowd of people with a little boy’s
lunch.”

  “Did your father know you felt that way?”

  “Yes, I discussed my feelings with my Dad. I told him I didn’t believe in God. He wasn't mad or disappointed. He said that any form of religion is always harder for a man to accept. Men need concrete, set in stone proof, while women can just believe with their heart. He told me not to worry. God would reveal himself to me in a way where I would never doubt Him again. I was like yeah…okay.

  Fast Forward to my third year in the military. We were on a mission in Djibouti.”

  “That’s Africa, right?”

  “Yes, it’s on the horn of Africa near Ethiopia. There was a cell of mercenaries that were selling weapons to terrorists. We'd watched them for several days before it was time to carry out our mission. I was supposed to be the second man in the building behind one of our other team members.”

  “IT people go on missions in the military?”

  “I never told you I was IT.”

  “No, after you told me you were in the military, I remembered during my job interview, your mother mentioned that her son was in the military in Georgia. She said you were a computer person.”

  “My mother mentioned me during your interview?”

  “Yes, when I told her that I was from Georgia, she said you were there, well not you specifically, she said her son was there with the military in Georgia.”

  “I was called to do special missions sometimes.”

  “Oh okay. So that’s how you went to all those conflict areas you mentioned before?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry for interrupting, continue with your story.”

  “So, our job was to clear the entrances for the rest of the team to join us. We made it through the first door without any problems. I went left, and he went right. We announced our progress through our earpieces.

  “Two, clear.”

  We had three doors each to clear before the team entered.

  I cleared the second door. A few moments later I heard, “Three, clear.”

  I went to open the third door and was met with a kid no older than sixteen pointing a fully automatic weapon directly at the middle of my forehead. I knew that if I moved to shoot him, I would probably hit him but I was going to die in the process. My entire life flashed before my eyes because I knew death was coming. I was going to take him with me if I could, but I knew for sure that it was over for me.

  He moved his head to the side like he was trying to look around someone to get to me.

  He said, “Where you come from?”

  Totally thrown off by the question, I started to answer when he said, “Not you, the one standing in front of you.”

  “What? Who was he talking about your team member?” she questioned.

  “No,” he wasn’t.”

  I continued with my story, “I looked behind me, thinking someone came in. No one was behind me. I turned back around and saw the resolve in his eyes. He was about to shoot. Then all of a sudden, his eyes went wide, and he fell back, dropping his weapon while he stared at something above him. He was terrified, and I was confused. I quickly grabbed his weapon and secured him before reporting, ‘“Three, clear.”’

  The mission was a success. We took everyone with minimal bloodshed. The kid was detained in one of the holding cells for questioning before being turned over to the authorities. I was curious about what happened when I first encountered him. I had him moved to one of the interrogation rooms. I walked in and saw a scared kid handcuffed to the top of the table. His eyes became twice their normal size when I walked into the room.”

  I sat down in the chair across from him and waited for him to make eye contact with me. He didn’t, so I started the conversation.

  “What happened earlier?” The kid didn’t look up nor did he respond. I said, “look, I know you speak English because I heard you speak earlier. What did you see? What spooked you?” The kid mumbled something that I couldn’t make out. I said, “What?”

  He said, “Jibreel…”

  “Jibreel? Who is Jibreel?”

  “Mikaa'eel…Jibreel…”

  “I had no idea what he was talking about. I replayed his words a of couple times in my head before I responded, “Michael and Gabriel?

  He affirmed my question by nodding his head.”

  “Angels?”

  “He nodded again. I wanted to be frustrated with his answer, but immediately the words of my dad ran through my mind, Yahweh will reveal himself to you in a way where you will never doubt him again. I know the kid saw something because I watched him see it. He wasn’t on any drugs, and he was completely sober.

  I remember exactly how he spoke when he said, ‘He big over you. He stand for you. He say no, not him. He will give His Angels charge over you…’

  That’s a verse from Psalms ninety-one.

  Olivia, I don’t know how long I stood in that room after he left, replaying the night’s events in my mind.

  I said, God, do you really exist?

  There was a peace that washed over me that I cannot explain, but from that moment to now, no one can persuade me otherwise. I know God is real.”

  “Wow…but you never saw the Angels?” Olivia asked.

  “No, I never did but watching his reaction to them, I’m not sure I want to. So that’s why I believe. I knew I could have died that night, but I was spared.”

  “I’ve never heard anything like that.”

  “I hadn’t either, so I did some research and found that there are a lot of people that have witnessed the same type of phenomena. I chose to believe because me believing in something higher and more powerful doesn’t hurt anyone. It makes me a better person. That’s just one story. I have others.”

  “I get it. Thank you for sharing your story with me. I did enjoy service today. I thought Roman’s message was funny and memorable.”

  “Cool, you should come again.”

  “I think I will.”

  “What do you think about going out on a date with me? I know we’ve gone to dinner, but I want to take you on a proper date.”

  “That would be nice.”

  “Good, what about Friday?”

  “Does that mean I wouldn’t see you until Friday?”

  “No, I will make sure I see you before then.”

  “Okay, then Friday is perfect.”

  “I don’t know where we are going, but I promise you will have a good time.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  “Sleep sweetly, Olivia.”

  “Good night, Paxton.”

  Olivia

  I took everything out of my closet trying to find something to wear that was date night appropriate. I could go and buy something, but I was clueless as to where I would begin. My size stopped me from ever embracing fashion. I’ve always felt too fat to wear things off the rack. I sat on the side of my bed looking at clothes thrown everywhere. I had no idea what to do.

  The text message chime went off on my phone.

  Hey Olivia! I hope you enjoyed Sunday dinner with us. It was great having you there. – Zanetta Bluette

  I smiled and replied.

  Thank you Zanetta. I had a blast. Lost in a sea of clothes right now.

  Sea of clothes? What does that mean? – Zanetta Bluette

  I have a date on Friday night. Trying to find something to wear is like trying to pat my head and rub my belly…impossible.

  LOL! A date? Do tell (winking emoji) – Zanetta Bluette

  With Paxton. It’s our first official one. Fat people clothes are hard to find.

  You are NOT fat! Let me help you. – Zanetta Bluette

  Yeah pretty sure I am…how?

  I’m a stylist. I can hook you up. – Zanetta Bluette

  What size are you? 14/16? – Zanetta Bluette

  Size 8.5/9 shoe? – Zanetta Bluette

  You are correct.

  No worries. Let’s meet up tomorrow if you have time. I can meet you at your house after work. – Zanetta Bluette

 
Okay!

  Oh wait. I’m spending time with Sissy tomorrow. I’m sure she won’t mind coming along if you don’t mind. -Zanetta Bluette

  I don’t want to intrude on your time with Zora.

  Oh phuleze! She’s fine as long as I feed her. She won’t mind. I promise. -Zanetta Bluette

  Okay. I will make sure to have food on hand.

  See you tomorrow – Zanetta Bluette

  Zanetta arrived at my house the next evening with an arm full of garment bags and a large tote on her shoulder. Zora was behind her holding a small grocery bag.

  “Oh, my goodness, let me help you.” I took the bags out of Zanetta’s hand.

  “Thank you,” she smiled and entered my house.

  “I tried to help her,” Zora said as she walked in, “she’s acting like I’m disabled. I’m just pregnant, geeze,” she rolled her eyes.

  “Girl, I am not going to be responsible for you going into early labor because I needed help carrying some clothes,” Zanetta shot back.

  “Whatever, Peanut is going to look just like you cause right now, you are on my nerves,” Zora returned.

  “Shut up before I starve you,” Zanetta laughed.

  “Oh, I’ve got snacks,” she held up the grocery bag. “Hi, Olivia. I’m sorry for being rude and not speaking immediately,” Zora smiled.

  “No problem,” I smiled. “I have food for you.”

  “And I’m hungry, so we are a match!” Zora laughed.

  The ladies got comfortable in my living room while I brought out a platter with fruit, chips, and sandwiches.

  “I have water, wine, and sweet tea. What would you like to drink?” I asked.

  “Wine,” Zora smiled. Zanetta shot her a look. “What? She said what would I like to drink. Since my mom is here, I will take water.”

  “If the sweet tea is southern sweet, then I will take that,” Zanetta said.

  “It’s southern sweet,” I replied.

  I went into the kitchen to prepare their drinks and brought them back out to them. I sat on the couch across from them and fixed me a small plate.