by Rob Jones
The elder asked Pastor Charles Edwards and his family to stand up and come to the front of the church to formerly introduce themselves to the congregation.
“As you all know, my name is Charles. This is my lovely wife Abby, my son Roman, and my beautiful daughter Zoe. We are humbled and honored to be a part of this church and to serve you in the name of our Lord,” Pastor Edwards said with his palms pressed together and fingers intertwined.
When Ethan laid his eyes on Zoe his heart dropped and a rush of emotions flooded his entire body, rendering him speechless. He was completely smitten.
He studied her like a final exam. She was probably around five-foot-five and petite, her skin a caramel brown, and her lips were voluptuous and accommodating. Her face had soft features with a well-rounded button nose that was sprinkled with a few freckles. She possessed an extraordinary, otherworldly look about her. Her eyes detained him, pulled him in like gravity. Zoe had heterochromia, two different colored eyes. The left eye was hazel and the right eye was faint green. They were captivating, full of love and life. She looked like those Bratz dolls that little girls played with.
Three elders and four deacons surrounded the Edwardses like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. With their heads bowed they began praying for them. Afterwards the congregation received them with a round of applause, and the Edwardses made their way back to their seats.
“Now to give the Edwardses a Grace Presbyterian Church welcome, we will have Ethan Thorn and Ligon Clark, who are a part of our worship team, to come forth to sing the hymn, Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus, the elder said.
Ethan was still shaken from the quake known as Zoe, he was shackled by her arresting beauty, and for the first time that he could remember he felt nervous and unsure of himself. Confidence had never been an issue with him until now.
He began to bite his bottom lip, a defense mechanism he developed so that he could retain control of his involuntary emotions when his surroundings were uncontrollable.
Trying to marshal his senses and regulate the fluttering butterflies that were roaming around chaotically in his stomach, he gathered himself and took an unnoticeable deep breath. Who is she, why had she devastated and shattered his barrier, his emotional fort?
Ligon started to strum the guitar to the intro of the song. Ethan, who was simply out of sorts, missed the part where he was supposed to start singing. Ethan’s heart began to quicken and a trickle of sweat beaded down the right side of his temple.
Ligon slightly turned his head toward Ethan, and provided him a look of confusion. He played the intro again, and again no singing. Ethan’s mind was blank. He couldn’t remember the words or the melody to this song.
“I hate her, I absolutely hate her for filling my mind with only thoughts of her to the point that I have no room to think on anything else,” he whispered without moving his lips.
He started biting his lip even harder, while Ligon smiled at him with a concerned look on his face. Some of the faces staring at him in the congregation began to contort and twist. Confusion and pity surfaced in the eyes of many, while others couldn’t even look at him.
Lord, please, please, please help me through this. I don’t ask for much but I need an Old Testament miracle here. Oh, by the way, I am sorry for saying I hate her. My bad. This he prayed softly to himself with his eyes closed tightly.
He finally settled himself and began to sing the first bars of the song. He could feel the congregation was being stirred and moved deeply by the emotion in his voice. There were those who teared up and patted their damp eyes with handkerchiefs and tissues, including Pastor Edwards, who was nodding his head with an affable smile as to show his endorsement to what he was witnessing.
Zoe’s eyes confirmed that she was enchanted and carried away by his vocal ability and his passion. Vulnerability and empathy pierced and broke through his shell of tattoos.
***
“Pastor Edwards gave a powerful and wonderful sermon, don’t you think so, Ethan? Ethan…Ethan, hummingbird, are you okay?” Helen placed her right hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “You look as though you are a million miles from here.”
“Oh, sorry, Nana. Yes, the pastor’s message was very inspiring. He is going to do very well here at the church.”
“Oh my heavens, speaking of being a million miles away, I completely forgot to bring a dish this morning for the meal that we are having in the fellowship hall. What was I thinking?” Helen stressed.
“That’s okay. You always provide more than enough food at these fellowship meals, you deserve to take a break every once in a while. No one will think less of you if you don’t have a dish this time. The Harpers never bring anything and they are always first in line, before the children and the elderly, and no one ever says a word about their lack of participation, so don’t worry about it.”
“Ethan, what in the world happened to you up there this morning, bro?” Ligon asked with a twisted smile. “Are you still hung over from last night?” He whispered in his ear so Helen wouldn’t hear.
“No, Lig. I just was trying to find the right moment to start the song.” He was too embarrassed to reveal that he was nervous because of Zoe. Vulnerability was his archenemy, so he would never exhibit that chink in his self-made armor. “It’s all about a rhythm, a feel, creating a moment.”
“You created a moment, all right,” Ligon retorted. “I thought I was going to have to sing the song myself. You acted as though you were nervous or something.”
“You did seem a little out of character, hon, and I raised you long enough to know when something is not right with you,” Helen chimed in.
“Ha! See, even Nana knew that something was up with you this morning.”
“Now when have you ever known me to get nervous about anything at any time? The situation needed to be nuanced and handled with artistic integrity, so I managed the situation like the rock star that I am. You see, I knew that Ligon couldn’t possibly have recognized the moment because of the lack of intuition and sensibility that he has as a true artist.”
Ligon lifted his arms, threw his head back, and burst out with an ironic laugh. “Oh my goodness, you crack me up, man, you are a trip. You can’t possibly believe the nonsense that spews from your deceitful tongue; you’re not fooling anyone but yourself. I believe it’s safe to say that you have several issues, my friend.”
“And nervousness is not one of them. I am cool as the other side of a pillow. Come on; let’s grace the fellowship hall with our presence.”
“Oh, there’s Mrs. Smith. Let me go and say hi to her. I will meet you two there shortly.” She walked back to the church and Ethan and Ligon walked toward the fellowship hall. Their progress got interrupted when they ran into Pastor Edwards.
“Hello there, young men.” He shook their hands. “I just wanted to let you know that you both did a tremendous job this morning.” He took off his gray fedora to wipe the sweat off his forehead with a white handkerchief that he lifted from the pocket of his suit coat. Pastor Edwards was medium in height, stocky, with rich, dark skin. He had light brown eyes, a welcoming and friendly face, and a small gap between his front teeth that gave him a distinguished appearance.
“I heard that you young men are in a hard rock band called Slither of Light and you play on the weekends, correct?” Charles continued to wipe his forehead. “By the way, I love that name.”
“Yes, sir, thank you, sir,” Ethan and Ligon replied almost in unison.
“Oh, you can call me Charles, fellas. There is no difference between you and me. We all came from the same place, and we all are viewed the same way under heaven’s gaze. I’m thrilled to death that you young men are infiltrating the bars, pubs, and concert venues. We need more bold Christian men like yourselves being salt and light and a positive influence in the arts. There are those who are in need of something more than just the empty toys that this life offers.”
Ethan gazed down with embarrassment, knowing that the pastor’s portrayal of them was not ex
actly accurate.
“Ahem,” Ethan said, then hesitated. “Yeah, we try to give all the love we can to the crowd at our shows.” He tried to find the words to give a spiritual and humble response to Charles.
“Let me know when and where your next show will be. I would love to have a couple of drinks with you and support your band. I am a closet rocker, you know. I love Motley Crue, but that’s between us,” he said while flashing his gap.
“But it has to be a Friday night. All the other nights are for sermon preparation, visitations, prayer, and family time.”
Ligon had a bewildered look on his face, like he just saw Michael Jordan dunking for the first time.
“We will definitely let you know when our next Friday show will be, sir, I mean, Mr…” Ethan’s voice broke off. “Charles.”
“Great. Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Ethan and Ligon. We will talk more later, I’m sure. In the meantime, I will be praying for you both. Oh wait, here comes my family; let me introduce you to them personally.”
“This is the love of my life, Abby; our son, Roman; and our daughter, Zoe. This is Ligon and Ethan.” Charles motioned his arm toward them both.
“It is a pleasure meeting you both,” Abby said as she extended her hand to them. Abby’s fair skin and amber cat eyes gave her an idiosyncratic look, along with her full lips, deep jet black hair, and slender frame.
“The pleasure is entirely mine, Mrs. Edward.” Ethan took her hand and gave it a southern soft kiss.
“Oh my, such a gentleman you are.” Abby blushed and disclosed a shy smile. “You two did a graceful job on the hymn this morning; I don’t think I have ever heard that rendition of it before. It really stirred up my soul something fierce. You both are splendidly talented,” she claimed with an earnest tone.
“Your tattoos are awesome!” Roman shouted out. “Are you guys in a real band, are your songs on YouTube, Reverbnation, or Spotify?”
“Slow down, Roman, before you have a high-speed come-apart.” Zoe asserted.
Zoe extended her hand to greet them both. “Nice to meet you, Ligon and Ethan, and I will second what my mother said. That was truly amazing this morning.”
Ethan and Ligon were both in a trance, paralyzed by the soft, fetching tone of Zoe’s voice. Ethan struggled just to find one word of response, but the English language eluded him. He shifted his weight, placed his sunglasses on his face, and composed himself.
“That is what I do, that is who I am, that is why I’m here, to make people feel and experience the emotion, the passion, and the sentiment of what a song is trying to convey. I personify and embody the music I sing. It’s like God uses me as a channel to bring satisfaction to the hearts of those who listen. That’s why on stage I am known as the crowd pleaser.”
He noticed Zoe regarding him with a direct look of disdain mixed with sadness, but mostly with disdain. He knew that he was not making a good first impression, but he was confident enough that she would swing his way in time.
“Hmm, that is quite interesting, Ethan. I can see that you are a confident man. Good for you,” she responded sarcastically as she cast a critical eye on his tattoos.
“What Ethan meant to say is that we are both blessed and humbled by the gifts that the good Lord has bestowed upon us,” Ligon inserted.
“Well, my stomach is growling something fierce, so it’s time to feed the beast. We will see you young men at the fellowship hall,” Charles said while he made circular motions with his hand on his stomach, reinforcing his hunger statement.
“Did that just happen?” Ligon asked. “I’m shocked by his openness and how down to earth he was. I can’t believe how cool Charles was, a rock-n-roll pastor. What’s next, a death metal nun? This day is insane.”
They entered the fellowship hall that had a spread fit for several kings. There were five banquet folding tables, two rectangle-shaped and made of melamine wood with a walnut finish. The other three tables had a granite top with mocha colored legs that had a contemporary look to them.
The tables were adorned with glazed hams, fried and baked chicken, spaghetti, BBQ, green beans, salads, a chocolate fondue fountain, which was sure to be a big hit with the children, and mountains of cakes and pies.
The fraternizing aromas disturbed the atmosphere like a weighty haze, mesmerizing, gripping, and conquering all appetites. Ethan figured any and all diets perished when entering the room. Undiscerning chatter and laughter occupied the fellowship hall. There were children who ran aimlessly while the parents tried to corral them.
“Well, hello there, hotness.” Ashley Marty approached Ethan with a coy smile and an insatiable carnality. She had an exquisite look about her; she was thirty-six and beautifully regal with a curvaceous body.
Oh great, why was she here? She never came to church. He knew it was about to get a little uncomfortable. He was hoping that she wouldn’t start sweating him in front of everyone there, especially Zoe.
Who would have known that seven shots of Jack Daniel’s and one mistake could wreak so much havoc in his life? If only he could have that night back. Hindsight was definitely 20/20.
“I’m present and accounted for. How are you doing, Mrs. Marty?” Ethan verbally acknowledged her presence while avoiding looking at her.
“Oh please, sweetie, don’t call me Mrs. Marty. That makes me sound like an old schoolteacher who wears a long cotton dress, a green knitted sweater, and reading glasses with a pencil shoved behind my ear. Are you trying to hurt my poor fragile feelings?” She sidled up next to him. “Besides, we are far past formal greetings, my dear. So please, from now on call me Ashley, or call me tonight if the mood should strike you. Our last night together has been on replay in my mind. Mm, it was deliciously epic.”
Ethan stood in silence, pretending not to hear her not-so-veiled advance.
“What an intriguing and gripping song you performed this morning. Your singing was overwhelmingly beautiful, and that voice of yours can make me feel and do things I never thought possible.”
“Can it make you disappear because I am becoming emotionally fatigued with your careless flaunting and flirting every time you’re in my presence, and would you please stop all the late night texting? With all due respect, Mrs. Marty,” Ethan finished sarcastically in a low tone.
She shot him a look that was so fiendish, if her eyes were daggers his heart would have been carved out and placed in her petite hands.
“You ungrateful, arrogant reprobate. You just can’t pretend that nothing happened between us, as if it didn’t mean anything to you. I was there, remember? And I know how emotionally charged that night was, and—”
“Hello there, Mrs. Marty.” One of the elders abruptly interrupted her before she could finish berating Ethan. “It sure has been a while since we last saw you, dear. I hope all is well?”
“Why yes, life couldn’t be anymore sweeter. If it were I would have cavities by now.”
“Oh, Mrs. Marty, you are too much. Well, take care, dear sister.”
“Now where was I?”
“You were about to get on my nerves. Bye, Mrs. Marty.”
“What? Ugh, how rude of you.” She grabbed his arm. “Sometimes I think you’re more trouble than you’re worth. No.” She paused and caressed his muscular arm. “You’re worth the trouble.” He quickly turned and walked to the other side of the hall.
There she was, Zoe Edwards, kneeling down, talking, laughing, and playing with two little girls and a boy who were surrounding her. Ethan was inundated by her charms from afar, totally devastated by a dangerous purity that illuminated from her. He found her unintentionally breathtaking.
She looked up and saw him regarding her; she gave him a beatific smile that shattered him into a thousand pieces. He didn’t care if he stared at her too long, because the longer he looked at her the more beautiful she became. He would stare at her forever if he could. When he looked at her all he could hear was music, songs that were written before time began, tunes that only angels could
hear.
After everyone ate, mingled, and ate some more, Ethan, Ligon, and Helen walked outside of the fellowship hall into a high noon sun that partnered with a warm summer breeze and the sound of two goldfinches singing and swirling around each other.
“Ligon, I think I saw my immediate future and its name is Zoe Edwards. I’m going to marry that girl one day, mark my words, bro,” Ethan confessed with sincerity.
“I believe that you were looking at my future, Mr. I’m allergic to monogamy,” Ligon countered. “You saw how warmly she responded to me, sizing me all the way up and all the way down, smiling and flirting with me with her strange, beautiful eyes. Didn’t you think she had peculiar eyes? One was a different color from the other.”
“Yes, and they told a thousand stories about how they wanted to linger in the trance of my seductive, sexy presence, and how they longed and ached to surrender into the depths of an impetuous passion.” Ethan closed his eyes and gave a satisfied gesture.
“Man, you are incorrigible. I have never, ever, ever met anyone who is so unconscionably arrogant and conceited as you are. She noticed it as well, and she was definitely put off by it, bro. You blew it, my man. She is going to be secured in these arms, my friend, watch and learn.” Ligon put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder.
Ethan smiled and nodded his head as if to agree with Ligon’s assessment, all the while thinking that Ligon didn’t stand a chance. Ethan was well aware of his arrogance and self-importance, considered it as currency to get what he wanted. He’d been told that was a big part of his charm and what made him wildly attractive, and so far that observation proved to be true. Sure there are those who considered those qualities a big red flag initially, but after some flowery words, some habitual selfless acts, and a little romance, that red flag suddenly turned into a white flag of surrender. Hopefully, Zoe would be waving it soon.