Chapter Twenty Six

The morning sky outside Sarah’s bedroom window was decent-looking, though there were a few clouds in the sky. Sarah made her bed, took her ice cream bowl to the sink, washed it, and filled it with cereal for breakfast. Then she walked into the living room, turned on the weather channel, and sat in the oversized chair. It had easily become her favorite place to relax.

Sarah had slept soundly after taking time to give her fears over to God, and having a bowl of Muddy Sneakers ice cream. She flexed her legs in front of her, then put down her bowl and did a full body

stretch.

The weather man was saying they were expecting some thunderstorms early in the afternoon, but things could clear up before bedtime.

Great. My first date with Tyler and it’s going to storm. Probably with my luck we’ll have a tornado and not be able to get together at all.

Sorry, Lord. I’m not complaining. Ok, I am. Help me to be thankful for the weather, and for the time I’ll get to spend getting to know Tyler better today. Don’t let the nasty weather affect my attitude.

Sarah turned the channel instead to cartoons to brighten her mood. She ate her cereal and laughed at the antics of the characters on the screen. When her cereal was gone, she turned off the TV and decided to get ready for the day.

She washed her bowl, showered and sat on her bed wondering what to wear. She only owned modest clothes, so she didn’t hesitate because of that, but she wasn’t sure what they would be doing. Should she wear a skirt, or casual pants?

She finally decided on her best pair of dark jeans paired with a white t-shirt and pink button up with three-quarter length sleeves. She also grabbed a light jacket and a small bag in which she placed a jean skirt and dressier shoes, just in case.

Then she looked in the mirror and tried to decide what to do with her hair. It was almost dry from her shower, and it hung down to her shoulders in a chestnut curtain. She dug in her top dresser drawer and pulled out a claw clip. She had seen the girls at school wear them and decided to try it out.

She struggled for a bit, with the clip shooting out of her hands and across the room several times before she got the hang of it. When she was satisfied, she had managed to pull it into a tight twist on the back of her head. She shook her head back and forth, testing the hold. It was perfect.

She sighed and wondered what she would do until it was time to leave. She placed her bag and jacket near the door so she wouldn’t forget them. Then she grabbed her Bible, took up her position in the overstuffed chair again, and spent an hour in God’s Word and prayer, dedicating the day and her feelings to Him.

She stretched again and went to pour herself a glass of orange juice, when a knock sounded at the door.

When Sarah opened the door, she found Mrs. Lepley standing outside. After inviting her in and asking her to sit, Sarah looked at her expectantly.

“Oh, I know this is your special day, but I was wondering if you’d do me a favor. By the way, your hair looks so nice like that. Anyway, I need to run out to the mall to get a gift for Mr. Lepley’s brother, and I didn’t want to go by myself. You know how men are.

“I asked Mr. Lepley what he wanted to get him, and he just looked at me and smiled, then said ‘Joyce I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing’. So, I’m alone. And a woman never has as much fun shopping alone as she does when she brings a friend. Would you mind terribly coming with me? We won’t take long, I promise. I’ll have you back in plenty of time for Tyler to pick you up.”

Sarah was thankful for the distraction and accepted the invitation immediately. “Sure. That sounds great. I just finished getting ready, and was wondering what I could do to pass the time. This will be a great distraction.”

“Well then,” Said Mrs. Lepley, “let’s be off!” She rose from her perch on the couch and headed toward the door. Sarah put on her jacket, grabbed her keys and small wallet, and followed Mrs. Lepley out the door, locking up behind them.

“Thanks for doing this, Sarah. We’ll have a good time, I just know it.” Mrs. Lepley smiled as they situated themselves in the car and pulled out the driveway.

*******************

Tyler was anxious. Something about today didn’t feel right. He knew Sarah was a great girl, and needed lots of encouragement, especially in her new found faith, but something wasn’t sitting well with him.

Lord, what is it? Is this you trying to tell me to stay away from Sarah? I feel uneasy. Maybe it’s just nerves. I really like her a lot and want today to be special for her. I trust You to help me be a gentleman and show her a good time. Thanks Lord.

Tyler felt a little better after his talk with the Lord, but something still gnawed at him. Maybe he should check on the things his mom had prepared.

He left his room and walked down to the kitchen. Mom was in the middle of baking a cake. Tyler walked up behind her and stuck his finger deep into the bowl of batter, then licked his finger clean.

“Mmm. That’s fantastic, Mom. What else is on the menu for tonight?”

His mom smiled and put down the whisk. She placed her right hand on her hip and looked at Tyler. “Since it’s Saturday night, I thought we’d have homemade pizza like usual. Your Dad is planning to run out and get some chicken wings, and I’ll throw together a salad. That should be enough for dinner, don’t you think?” Tyler nodded.

His Mom continued. “Then we can do the things you have planned, and the cake of course.” She raised her eyebrows a bit and said “I hope Sarah isn’t uncomfortable being here with all of us. Your father said she’s shy and doesn’t like to be the center of attention. You may want to have a talk with your siblings before she gets here.” His mother cleared her throat in a knowing way, reminding Tyler his sisters asked a lot of questions.

Tyler laughed. “Sure, Mom. I’ll do that. But first, can I ask you something?”

His Mom knit her brows together at the seriousness of his tone. “Sure, Honey. You know you can talk to me about anything.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “What’s troubling you?”

“Well, nothing much. I just have this really weird feeling, like something’s gonna happen tonight, or Sarah won’t be able to make it. I just feel like something isn’t right.” He shrugged and arched an eyebrow, looking expectantly at his Mom.

She smiled and nodded. “Hmm, maybe you’re just nervous. But it doesn’t hurt to pray about it. Why don’t we do that right now?” She took Tyler’s hands in hers and bowed her head. After a short, thoughtful pause she began.

“Lord, we are excited about Sarah coming to visit our home. I am thankful you allowed her to meet Tyler, and that she has been saved by your grace. I pray now Father that you would calm her nerves about meeting us, and that you would assure Tyler that all will be well. Please give us a wonderful night of fellowship and getting to know this young lady.

“ I believe you have brought her to us for a reason, and we want to do your will. Help the others to be on their best behavior tonight. We love you Jesus and we thank you that we can serve you by loving others. In the name of Jesus, amen.”

Tyler let go of his Mom’s hands and pulled her into a hug. “Thanks Mom. I feel a lot better now.” He stepped back and smiled. “I think I need to have a chat with the sisters.” Then he went out of the kitchen looking for the twins.

He found them in their room playing with their dolls. The door was open a crack, and Tyler took a moment to spy on them before announcing his presence. One of his sisters was changing a diaper, and the other had her hands on her hips scolding her baby.

“Oh yes, Katrina, you will eat these peas, even if it kills us both! Now stop spitting them out before you get yourself in big trouble.” Then she wiped at the front of her shirt where the baby had supposedly spit her peas, and picked up the plastic spoon and bowl from the tray of the high chair.

Tyler stifled a laugh and knocked gently on their door. The girls both turned their heads at the same time, and then smiled when they saw him. He entered the room and sat on the corner of the nearest bed. The girls put down their dolls and came over to him.

“Hi Ty! Wanna be the Daddy?” Jessica, the older by three minutes, asked him.

“Sorry gals. No can do right now. I’ve got lots of stuff to get ready before Sarah comes. You remember she’s coming over tonight, right?” He looked at each of them seriously before going on.

“Sarah is a very shy person. So I’m going to need you both to act like ladies and not talk too much or ask too many questions. Things like her family and stuff are not your business. She hasn’t had a happy life like we have, and if you ask her about it, you may make her sad. That would ruin our night, don’t you think?”

Both girls looked very grave and nodded their heads. Amy spoke up. “Oh Ty, we promise not to make your friend sad. We will be the very best girls you’ve ever seen! We won’t even talk with food in our mouths or anything. Right, Jess?” Jess nodded emphatically, looking very convincing.

Tyler stood and said in a mock serious voice “I knew I could count on you. I gotta run and make sure everything is all set for later. You guys be good.” They both hugged Tyler before he left the room, and he wandered back to the kitchen, feeling better about the evening. He planned to go through the house and make sure everything was spotless, then he would wash and wax his father’s car. It was only ten thirty. Four o’clock couldn’t come soon enough.