Chapter Eighteen

Sarah’s heart felt so light she practically skipped beside Nancy to the bookstore. She pored carefully over the choices, then chose a King James Version with a maroon cover. It was the most like the one in the hotel she could find.

“I can’t say thanks enough.” Sarah told Nancy. “I’ve never owned a Bible before. This means so much to me. I can’t wait to start reading it.” Sarah looked at the cover, then held the Bible close to her chest.

“Just remember,” Nancy began. “You’re new at this. Let God's Holy Spirit lead you as you read. If you come across something you don’t understand, pray and ask God to help you. It’s a good idea to ask God to teach you before you even open the cover. He will, you’ll see. Give yourself time.”

Nancy hugged her goodbye, then walked away, leaning heavily on her cane. Sarah could only stand and watch in awe. Nancy had such wisdom and peace. Sarah determined to be like Nancy- to let her past strengthen her rather than make her bitter.

Sarah looked around the lobby, knowing Tyler must be wondering where she had gone off to. She turned around and spotted him and his Dad near the exit, talking with Matt the van driver. She wanted to run over, but forced herself to walk.

“Hey there, nice Bible.” Tyler said smiling. “Is everything ok?”

“More than ok. Tyler, I asked Jesus to be my Savior, and I feel like I could fly home without the plane!” She lowered her head a bit and said quietly “I just feel so clean.”

Tyler’s father hugger her shoulders. “We couldn’t be more happy for you. We know the peace that comes from a heart surrendered to God. Just don’t let this new fire in your heart be extinguished too easily.”

Sarah wondered what he meant by that. Surely this feeling would never go away. It was a miracle, a wonderful gift. She’d not give it up easily.

“I hate to break up the party,” Matt said. “But if we don’t leave soon I’ll miss the second service, and y’all may miss your plane.”

They followed him back out to the van. During the brief ride back, Sarah looked at their surroundings with new eyes. Every tree and flower had their own unique look, the clouds were perfectly fluffy, and the sun made amazing patterns as it filtered through the trees lining the drive.

When they arrived at campus, they thanked Matt for the ride, then Tyler’s dad looked at his watch. “Twelve forty-five.” He announced. “We can either grab a quick bit here, or eat something more substantial at the airport. We’ll have plenty of time there to sit down and relax.” He smiled as he added “And hear more about your morning.” He winked at Sarah before continuing. “So, what’ll it be?”

Sarah didn’t care and neither did Tyler. They all decided then to wait until they could sit down together and talk. They parted ways, promising to meet back in front of the dining hall in fifteen minutes, luggage in tow. Sarah was glad she had packed up earlier in the morning.

After getting back to her room and changing into comfortable traveling clothes, Sarah looked in the mirror. As she brushed her hair, the smile from her first meeting with God earlier in the morning never left her face. “Thank you for loving me.” She whispered to Him.

After packing up her church clothes and brush, she surveyed the room one last time. In a few weeks she’d be living in a room very similar to this one. She could hardly wait to see what the future held.

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Sarah arrived at the meeting place with a few minutes to spare. She decided to run in and grab some cookies to share on the flight later. She came back outside in time to watch Tyler and his dad chatting as they came up the walk. She felt a pang of jealousy at their closeness, but pushed it aside. She reminded herself the past would not make her bitter. She wouldn’t allow it.

“Ready for another trip to the airport?” Tyler smiled. “I’ll be more than ready to eat when we get there.” He turned to Sarah. “So, what’ll it be this time? Same kind of restaurant, or something new? We’re buying.”

Sarah knew better than to argue. The Williams men seemed bent on thoroughly spoiling her. She decided she’d let them. She never had anyone dote on her before, and she had to admit it felt wonderful. She thanked God again, this time for wonderful friends.

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The airport was crowded with other weekend travelers heading home. Sarah could hear various conversations of people recalling events of their time in the mountains. Their voices sounded vibrant, refreshed; much like Sarah herself felt on the inside.

But she would go back to reality too. Back to her little dark room below the Library. She was still two months away from graduation. She hoped she could curb her excitement long enough to finish out the year in some semblance of sanity.

Once they made it through security, the men looked her way again. “What’s your decision, Miss?” Mr. Williams said as he gave a little bow. “It’s a time for celebrating, so your wish is our command.” He swept his hand to the side and bowed his head, just like a doorman for a long ago princess carriage.

Sarah looked around and told them her choice. “I feel a little silly. I mean, I know it isn’t fancy, but I’ve always wanted to try Chicken Little’s.” Her cheeks reddened a little.

Mr. Williams turned toward Tyler. “That sounds like an excellent suggestion, wouldn’t you agree Son?”

“Indeed. I give it my hearty approval.” Tyler replied in his best snobby tone. “Lead the way, Old Chap.”

“Watch the Old stuff Sonny.” Mr. Williams teased.

Tyler took her bag. “We can’t have you carrying your own bags on your birthday, now can we, Miss? It would be appalling if word ever got back to the estate that we were less than the perfect gentlemen.”

Sarah giggled and followed a while, then stopped Tyler. “How did you know it was my birthday? I don’t remember telling you.”

“Oh,” Tyler said, dropping the accent. “It’s your spiritual birthday. You know, the day you joined God’s family. Is it your other birthday too? Cool! Hey Dad…” Tyler called to his father, and ran ahead to tell him.

Sarah smiled to herself. A spiritual birthday. Joining God’s family. Wow, what a wonderful gift. She would warmly welcome God as her Father. And when she got home she would buy a notebook and write all of these things down so she could always remember them, just like she used to do when she was young.

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They had all just sat down together when Mr. Williams asked who would like to bless their food. Sarah looked back and forth between Tyler and his Dad. “I’ll try.” She said. Sarah paused and cleared her throat several times before bowing her head.

“God,” she spoke softly. “Thank you for these friends, and all the nice things they’ve done for me. Thank you for this food. Thank you that you love me and that you forgive sin. Amen.”

Sarah couldn’t tell what they’d thought of her prayer, but it must have been ok because they dug right in to their food Sarah was hungry too. The chicken sandwiches they ordered smelled wonderful, as did the waffle fries. Sarah bit her sandwich and was delighted when she tasted pickle.

“This is really good.” She said after swallowing.

“Now, Tyler tells me this is your birthday. Your ‘birth’ birthday. Is that right?” Mr. Williams asked.

Sarah nodded, her mouth full. She pushed the food to one cheek and said “I’m eighteen today.”

Tyler and his dad looked at each other, pushed back their chairs, and cleared their throats. Mr. Williams spoke in a voice loud enough for the whole room to hear.

“Today is a very special day. Eighteen years ago our lovely companion was born. Today, she was born again. Would you all join us in singing happy birthday to Miss Sarah?”

Sarah’s faced turned scarlet. She couldn’t handle a whole room of people staring at her. Some of the people standing nearby clapped, and joined in the song. Others ignored them or rolled their eyes. Mr. Williams and Tyler meant well, and had to be the sweetest people she’d ever met.

When the song was over, they sat back down and continued eating as if nothing had happened. That caused Sarah to go into fits of laughter. Especially since some of the other customers were still staring at them.

“What?” Tyler said with his mouth full. Then he smiled a wicked grin and drank down some sweet tea. “So,” he said seriously. “Anything you want to share with us about this morning? Pretty amazing the title to the sermon, eh?”

Sarah nodded her agreement. It was pretty amazing. However, she wasn’t sure how to continue. Her past was deeply personal. Could they handle hearing her secrets? They seemed like such a wonderful and happy family with no scars from the past. What would they think of her if they knew the truth?