Veils and Shadows by Julie Rollins

Author:Julie Rollins [Rollins, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gyroscope Books
Published: 2014-08-16T22:00:00+00:00

10. Another Man’s Grief

David wanted to slip unnoticed into the evening service with Todd, Nancy, and his parents. He forgot about his eyes. The stares and whispers reminded him that he had been visibly changed. David cringed. Every time I come back to Trenara it gets harder to stay inconspicuous. Yavana, how do I explain my eyes? I won’t lie, but I also don’t want to endanger my church if SIRIUS ever goes bad.

Todd’s presence raised several eyebrows as well. Nadine Decker quietly spread the word that Todd had returned to visit his stepmother and dying father. By whispering to others about Jack’s death, Nadine shielded Todd and Nancy from a lot of prying questions. People respected her request to allow them a little privacy. Out of respect for Todd and Nancy’s grief, the Deckers chose seats near the back.

Todd couldn’t sing the worship songs. His throat was so tight with emotion that he gave up and just drank in the words. It had been a long time since he’d heard so many human voices praising God.

Nancy sat and watched in a daze. Aside from weddings and funerals, the only church services she had attended were a few traditional ones. The informal contemporary service was foreign to her, shattering all her preconceived stereotypes. When the small worship band finished, the pastor stepped up to give the message. He read from Philippians 2:5-11, and spoke about the deity and sacrifice of Christ.

Todd was afraid to look at his stepmother, uncertain how she would respond. When his curiosity got the better of him, Todd stole a few glances, but he couldn’t read her pale expressionless face. All too quickly, it was time for the offering and then the closing songs.

David stayed near Todd when the service ended. He hoped the awkwardness people felt about Todd would keep them from inquiring about his eyes.

But Mike spied him. “Hey, David, I didn’t know you were back! And Todd, too! Whoa, what’s with your eyes?”

Speaking in a fast low voice, David briefed Mike about Todd and Nancy. Poor Mike hadn’t heard the word about Todd’s father.

Mike blushed and fidgeted. “Man, I’m really sorry.”

“At least he’s with the Lord now,” Todd replied.

Nadine and Raymond led Nancy away to show her around the church.

Looking back at David, Mike whispered, “What’s with your eyes?”

“It’s from the red tears.”

“Really? Ruby told me you’d survived, but she didn’t know the details. Are you going to be here very long? I’d love to hear more about your adventures.”

David glanced at Todd. “We’ll probably be leaving soon after the funeral on Tuesday. Where’s Ruby?”

Mike nodded to his left. “She’s five rows back, praying for a friend.”

Ruby White sat beside a pregnant college-aged girl. She kept a reassuring arm wrapped around the girl’s shoulders as she prayed in a quiet, yet passionate, voice.

“Looks like Ruby’s in her element,” David commented with a gentle smile.

“David Decker!” a man called.

Turning toward the voice, David beamed in delight. “Pastor Deeke!”

“You’re back!” the pastor said. “I’ve heard great things about you.

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