Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Gossip/Rumors (either or both) (10/28/10)
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TITLE: Resolution | Previous Challenge Entry
By Frank Heubner
11/02/10 -
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Her boot heels clacked on the wooden floor as she crossed to the counter. On the way she smiled at the other regulars. The old professor was sitting at the window bar, watching the snow fall in graceful slow arcs. The Downtown Merchants Association was sitting around a large central table, deep in discussion, fearful of Wal-mart opening a second location in town. Hugo, owner of the tattoo parlor around the corner, reading the newspaper. As she reached the counter with it's enticing pastries and sandwiches, Jane greeted the barista by name. He inquired, “the usual?” Jane nodded in affirmation.
She had just sat in her cozy corner booth with its rich leather benches and well worn table when Sarah entered the shop. They had been best friends since college, having lived just two doors down from each other in the dorms. Their husbands had been childhood friends. Their children had all been born within a few months of each other. They went to the same church.
Sarah waved as she crossed the funky little shop. The art on the walls was from local artists. The girls had made this their hang out several years before. They loved the shop. They loved that the shop was locally owned. Secretly they both felt superior to their other friends who went to the chain coffee stores.
While Sarah ordered, Jane whispered a small prayer. “Lord, help me to keep the resolutions I made.”
Sarah slid into the booth with her grande peppermint mocha, careful not to spill the frothy elixir.
“Hey there.” Jane welcomed her with a smile. They hadn't talked since the church party, an eternity for them. Both were looking forward to the usual weekly chat. Every Wednesday they gathered, a couple of hours cleared, just to hang out.
Sara replied, “Isn't the snow great?”
“Great if you drive a tow truck.” sarcasm lined Jane's voice.
They fell into their usual banter, catching up on the happenings in each household. The kids, the chores, the repairs to appliances, the husbands and their crazy New Years day football marathon.
But soon the conversation slowed. For several uncomfortable minutes both ladies sat in silence. This had never happened before.
“I can't believe what Sally wore to the pa.....” Jane's voice trailed off, “um, never mind.”
Jane glanced around, afraid to look Sarah in the eye. “I ran into Paul at the gas station.” Paul was a member of the church, a deacon. “he wasn't wearing his wedding ri....” again she fell off into silence.
Jane hurried to finish her coffee. She didn't have much more to say. Usually the two of them would sit for a couple of hours nursing their drinks until they were too cold to drink. Catching up an all the news. But today was different, only thirty minutes into today's meeting they both made some excuse for leaving and after a small hug, they headed home.
Once in her car Jane started to cry. She was happy that she had kept her resolution, but she was afraid. She had never realized how gossip had become such a large part of her conversations. She remembered a verse she had memorized as a kid. Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” She prayed again “Lord give me strength to keep my resolution”
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The last half fizzled a little bit for me.
I appreciated your MC's tender spirit!
Keep writing and incorporating God's word!
I just figured out yesterday, via your wife, that you're on FW now! So I had to go re-read your pieces. You've got talent, Frank. Now, write some more!