Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: EMBARRASS(ED) (11/03/16)
-
TITLE: Delayed Flight
By Leola Ogle
11/09/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Nora scanned the airport waiting area. That’s when she spotted her – the young lady with trembling lips and eyes glistening with tears. It must be a God-ordained encounter because there was an empty seat next to the young lady.
“Hello, dear. My name’s Nora.” Nora plopped her plump body down.
The young lady looked up from her iPad. Or was it a small laptop? Nora wasn’t into techie gadgets. “Hi, Nora. I’m Brigette. How are you?”
“Fine. I’m going to visit my daughter and grandchildren in California. And you?”
Brigette swiped at her eyes. “A business trip to Los Angeles. I had to reschedule a meeting because of the flight delay.”
“I trust everything works out.” Nora placed a maternal hand on the girl’s hand. “You seem sad.”
“I am sad. My emotions get so caught up in things. But I guess that’s good.”
“A tender heart is always a good thing. I’m a good listener if you care to talk.”
Brigette’s brows knitted together like she was pondering Nora’s words. She sighed, and shrugged. “If you found out your best friend’s husband was having an affair, would you tell her?”
A soft gasp escaped Nora’s lips. “That’s a tough predicament to be in. I’d think a loyal friend wouldn’t keep something like that hidden.”
Brigette’s sigh quivered. “I know.” Her fingers flew across the keypad. Was Nora keeping her from work? Brigette’s fingers paused. “She’s pregnant but hasn’t told her husband. She’s afraid he won’t be happy about it. They already have three children.”
“A husband should be told.” Nora’s voice was gentle but firm.
“You’re right.” Brigette stared ahead, looking troubled. A tear slid down her cheek.
“What are their names – the husband and wife?”
Brigette’s intake of breath whispered. “Vanessa and Tyler. I can’t help but cry when I think about them.”
“Yes, it’s sad. Are they Christians? Do they go to church? Maybe a pastor could talk with them and help them.”
“Do you think so? That’s a good idea.” Brigette wiped her cheek. She gazed around the waiting area. “How long do you think our flight will be delayed? My meeting’s important.” Her fingers flew over the keyboard again.
Nora decided it must be a very important meeting, and Brigette was taking notes for it. A thought hit Nora. What if it was not a friend, but Brigette, and her husband was involved in an affair? Maybe Brigette’s best friend had told her, or maybe it was Brigette’s best friend the husband was involved with. The “what ifs” tumbled through Nora’s mind. She glanced at Brigette’s face and saw sadness mingled with determination. If it was Brigette and her husband, Nora was glad she mentioned church.
“So, what do Vanessa and Tyler plan to do?”
“I think Vanessa should work it out. They have kids and been together for ten years. They should try to repair the damage. Going to church would be good thing. I like that idea.”
Nora was doubly sure now that Brigette was talking about herself. “I could give you the names of nice churches. For Vanessa.”
“Oh, I don’t want names. A church in general will do.”
Nora thought Brigette must be unaccustomed to what church was all about. “Do you have a Bible?” Nora had one to give her.
“Why would I need a Bible? I can download a Bible app on my phone if I need to. But thank you for offering.”
“Do you mind if I prayed with you, Brigette?” A surprised look crossed Brigette’s face. “Softly, of course. I won’t draw attention to us, I promise.”
“Uh, okay.”
Praying for people is what Nora loved. She prayed that God would restore Tyler’s and Vanessa’s marriage. She prayed for Brigette and whatever difficulties she might be facing.
When she was done, Nora opened her eyes. Brigette was staring at her with bewilderment.
“Uh, thank you for praying. Did I fail to make it clear that I’m an author? Vanessa and Tyler aren’t real. They’re characters in my book. I get emotionally attached to my characters. They become real to me. I was brainstorming ideas about them. I’m meeting a publisher in California about my book.”
Nora coughed as heat spread from her neck up to her face.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Congratulations on your EC win.