Liam looked up at the clock above the fireplace and saw it was already after eleven. How could this man of faith become so angry in his old age? Liam sighed before he spoke. “What happened to you grandpa?”

  “What do you mean boy?” Lenny snapped.

  “You use to be so kind and gentle… Then you became this mean guy. You used to lead a congregation for crying out loud!”

  Liam noticed his grandfather look up at a picture of his late wife before he spoke. “Life happened to me… My grand pap use to tell me you either get bitter or you get better with challenges in life and I got bitter one too many times.” Liam looked down as he took in what Lenny had said.

  “What hope does it leave us when the pastor of a church can’t get through life with the happiness of the Lord in his heart?” Liam asked as he stood up and went and tossed a log on the fire. Looking down at his grandfather as he walked by Liam said, “I’m going to find Tony,” and slammed the front door behind him as he left.

  **

  Driving down Highway 101, Liam thought to himself, if I was a kid and out walking… Where would I go? Driving pass the arcade, Liam slammed on the breaks. I’d go there. Throwing the truck in reverse, Liam backed up and pulled into the arcade. Walking into the arcade, Liam noticed a man covered in tattoos at the prize counter. A spider web tattoo sat on top of the man’s bald head and the webs reached down on both sides of his face. I can see why they put you on the late night shift, Liam thought to himself as he walked by the man.

  Liam found Tony playing Galaga in the back corner of the arcade. He ignored Liam as he approached, so Liam elected to watch as Tony played for a few minutes. When Tony put another quarter in, Liam broke the silence. “Brother, you gotta come back to Grandpa’s house. You can’t just stay here.”

  “That’s not true,” Tony snarled as he got another game over. Releasing the controls, Tony turned to Liam, “T-Bone up there said I could crash on his floor upstairs here.” Liam began laughing.

  “Okay… Have fun staying on T-Bone’s floor, you obviously have this all figured out,” Liam said turning to leave. He’s bluffing. Tony grabbed Liam’s arm.

  “I want to come back… but we need to figure this thing out with Grandpa and leave Lincoln City. I know we were supposed to stay for two weeks, but he’s unbearable.” Liam saw the torment in his brother’s eyes. He could tell his brother was unhappy with the angry and bitter old man grandpa had become. Why can’t he just be a kind old man and happy in spirit? Dang it, what about Katie? Liam wrapped his arm around his brother’s shoulder as they walked out of the arcade.

  “We’ll get Grandpa straightened out. He needs to make a decision on coming back with us or not…. And as far as the time frame goes, we’ll see what happens. I kind of have some things I’m working on with New Life.”

  “While you’re out playing with New Life, I’m at Grandpa’s wiping his butt while I’m cursed at. I can’t handle it Liam.” Liam felt his brothers pain as his brother who was so excited to be here taking care of his grandpa had grown bitter in a short amount of time. Liam got in the truck and fired it up. “Wow, it didn’t choke at all!” Tony said surprised.

  “Yeah, I got it taken care of,” Liam said pulling out of the parking lot; they sped down the road back to their grandpa’s house. Getting back into the living room of their grandpa’s house they found Lenny fast asleep. “This can wait until morning,” Liam said walking away from his grandpa and headed into the guest room to retire for the evening.

  **

  Waking up the next day, Liam made the three of them breakfast. He made pancakes, eggs and sausage. Placing a plate at the table for his grandfather, Liam asked, “Could you join us at the table for breakfast Grandpa?” Without saying a word, his grandfather stood up and hopped on one foot from his recliner into the kitchen and took a seat next to Tony. That’s an interesting development, Liam thought. Lenny looked over at Tony with sorrowful eyes.

  “I’m sorry boy… I was unkind and I don’t want to be that no more. I’m ready to go back with you two where I belong, with my daughter.” He sighed for a moment, bowed his head and waited for a prayer to be said. Tony looked perplexed up at Liam.

  “Please Lord bless this food and help it to nourish our bodies. Help watch over us as we prepare to make the journey back to Spokane. Bless the cook who made it and help us have a good day, Amen,” Liam said before dishing out the food to each plate.

  Taking a seat at the table, Liam looked at his grandpa. “What changed Grandpa?” Liam asked as he poured syrup over his pancakes.

  “I got to thinking after you left to go find Tony,” Lenny said. “I hadn’t seen my actions as problematic until you asked me what had happened to me. I started searching my heart and I found the answers. I became bitter towards God with the passing of Miriam, she was my better half and she meant the world to me… I felt like God took her away. Then my brother died, along with two of my sisters… Each death made me bitter. Thinking I was doing something to deserve it… Maybe I retired too quickly from the church? I wasn’t sure. Then an opportunity came up at the church to baptize a woman who had been married to a long-time member, I jumped at the idea thinking it might help...” Lenny got choked up.

  “She died in your arms…” Liam said. Lenny began to weep.

  “What?” Tony asked shocked.

  “The woman being baptized had a massive heart attack and died in the baptismal…” Liam said. Looking over at his grandpa, he felt like he understood him so much more. Everyone just keeps dying around him, he must be tortured by it daily. Liam stood up and went around the table grasping his grandpa in an embrace.

  “I just don’t want anyone more to die… It just hurts so bad…and I know God’s truth.” Lenny looked up at Liam and then over at Tony. “Death is the result of sin coming into the world… and it’s a natural part of life. We also read that death has lost its sting… but you know what? It still stings this side of heaven.”

  “I couldn’t imagine what you have went through or are going through… I think being back with your daughter in Spokane will help. This place just reminds you of all the pain and heartache Grandpa,” Liam said as he went back and took his seat.

  “I agree. I’m ready to see my little sunshine,” Lenny said with a grin.

  Okay, got grandpa on board. I just need to get something in place with New Life so that I can leave gracefully.

  12-Katie

  Standing outside The COHO event hall, Katie counted as the workers from Macy’s Flower shop brought in bouquet after bouquet of flowers. 27… 28… 29… and 30. The last one funneled in through the door. “That’s all thirty of the bouquets, are the candles on their way?” Katie asked Helga.

  “Yes, they are on the way,” Hegla said beaming from the doorway that led into the hall. Helga approached Katie and continued, “I appreciate your kindness with me this morning… I am sorry for what happened,” Helga said lowering her head. Katie smiled and lifted Helga’s chin.

  “Don’t worry about it Helga… You know I’m sorry for being so harsh with you over the years. I meant it this morning when I said I’ve treated you terrible. You are a part of our family and came with us from California…” Katie looked around to make sure her parents weren’t nearby before whispering in Helga’s ear, “You know me better than my own parents!” Helga smiled.

  “I love you Katie and have always tried to do best by you…” Helga said with a smile. “I go call Jeffrey right now and ask him why he was not here 5 minutes ago!” Helga hurried into the building smiling. Katie grinned as she turned to see Derek pull into a stall of the COHO parking lot. Wonder why he’s here? Meeting him in the parking lot, Katie asked. “What brings you to The COHO?”

  “The board. They are making their decision today!” Derek said quickly. That wasn’t supposed to happen for another week! Katie’s eyes widened.

  “Have you told Liam?” Katie asked quickly.

  “I tried to call him but it’s going to voicemail, I thought I’d swing by here and get you then we can go over to his Grandpa’s house and pick him up on the way.” Katie saw over Derek’s shoulder the Leo’s Décor vans showing up. How am I going to get ready for the ball and go? I don’t have the time.

  “What time is the board meeting?” Katie asked.

  “At eleven o’clock!” Derek said. Looking down at his watch, he continued, “20 minutes from now!” Dang it.

  “Let me go see if my mom can take over,” Katie said as she ran back towards the event hall. Going into the event hall, she zig zagged through the flower bouquets on the floor and made it to her mother in the kitchen area. She was barking orders to the helpers in the kitchen when Katie approached her touching her on the shoulder. “Mom!” Katie said out of breath.

  “Yes dear, what is it? Can’t you see I’m quite busy at the moment?” Lisa said sharply.

  “I want to go see what the board ends up deciding on with Derek…Could you take over my stuff?” Katie asked.

  “What part of I’m quite busy did you not hear darling?” She snapped at Katie.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll stay,” Katie said quietly in her frustration. Returning back to Derek in the parking lot, Katie shook her head. “I can’t,” Katie pointed back to vans, “I have to stay and help. Please let me know what they decide.” Derek agreed and got back in his car quickly exiting the parking lot. Katie stopped and said a quick prayer.

  Dear Lord, please let your hand be over the board today. Let your will be done, whether it’s my way or the other…

  Clearing her mind of the decision, Katie returned to the front of the event hall and began instructing the décor workers.

  **

  A few hours later, Katie’s phone rang. It was Derek calling. This is it… Her stomach twisted in knots at the thought of not getting the sanctuary and baptismal upgrades. She accepted that it was good either way. Answering the phone, she said, “What’s the verdict?”

  “You won,” Derek said. Katie could sense his neutrality about the situation. Derek had explained at one time to Katie that he thought both proposals had strong evidence of a need and he was just happy to see God’s house expanding and developing.

  “Wow,” Katie responded. Her thoughts immediately bypassed her own desires and to that of Liam’s. He’s got to be devastated. “How’s Liam?” Katie asked.

  “He’s doing okay Katie… He’s a little upset by the decision of the board, but he respects it. He understands they have the authority in the matter.” A worker from the event hall tapped Katie on the shoulder.

  “We need to know where you want the rest of the bouquets, we already placed a bouquet on every table and scattered them amongst the food tables…” the young lady said.

  “I got to go Derek. I’ll see you tonight,” Katie said. She hung up the phone and hurried into the event hall. Guiding the workers, she had them finish up with the bouquets and the decorations for the ball. The food was being set on platters and everything was about done with a few hours left. As she sat down in a chair at a table to take a rest, her mother came out from the kitchen.

  “Dear, could you run home and grab the extra masks? They are on counter in the kitchen. Your father in his forgetfulness forgot them!” Lisa said looking stressed. Katie put her hand on her mother’s shoulder to ease her stress.

  “Mom relax. Look around,” Katie said shifting her vision across the event hall. “Everything is perfect and ready… just relax.” Lisa sighed with relief as she looked across the event hall.

  “You’re right dear, please hurry along though. Time’s ticking. Don’t bother Helga about a ride, just take the Lexus, the keys are in it.” Her mother vanished back into the kitchen area hollering as she went. She’s so funny; I don’t think she knows how to slow down for a moment.

  **

  Entering the house, Katie went straight into kitchen. Seeing the box on the counter, she popped it open to check out the masks. Wow, this is cute… Katie thought to herself, admiring the green and purple feathers on the Mardi Gras masks. Tossing it back into the box, she grabbed the box and proceeded back to the front door but stopped when she heard a noise coming from upstairs. What’s that? Are those thieves back to steal more? Placing the box carefully on the floor of the foyer, she went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife. Better than nothing I guess. Sneaking up the stairs quietly, she could hear crying. What? Pushing open the door to her parents’ room that was cracked, she could see her sister sitting on their bed. Katie dropped the knife.

  “Elana?” Katie asked walking into the room. She noticed the pendent that her mother had lost when Elana stole the jewelry. It was an heirloom that had been handed down the past four generations and Katie was in line to get it next. Elana’s tear filled eyes looked up at Katie.

  “This is yours…” Elana said dangling the necklace out between her fingers. Katie felt overwhelmed with emotion as she looked upon her sister’s face. Covered in cuts, bruises and a tone of pasty white her sister appeared to be near death or beaten within a few inches of it.

  “What happened to you?” Katie asked sitting next to her on the bed. Her sister placed the pendant into Katie’s hand.

  “My boyfriend beat me…” She said as she began to sob. Well that’s what happens when you hang out with drug addict morons. Katie refrained from sharing her thoughts with her sister, but instead put her arm around her shoulder and pulled her in her embrace. Elana tilted her head against Katie’s chest as she wept. Katie rubbed her hair and kissed her head even though she smelt like she had been sleeping with the dogs.

  “I’m so sorry…” Katie said as tears began to fill her eyes. “Are you going to stay?” Katie asked.

  “No, he said I better come back or he’ll find me and kill me,” Elana said quietly. “He’s really is a nice guy… he just got upset once…”

  “There’s no excuse for hitting you… what did he get upset about Elana?” Katie asked.

  “It was over a pill… He said it was his and I should have never touched it.” Katie’s heart cringed at the thought of her sister being beaten over a pill. How could such evil be allowed to exist? How could God let this happen?

  “You have to stay Elana, don’t go back to him. We can protect you…” Katie said grabbing her hand and shaking it. Please don’t let her leave Lord, please!

  “Mom and dad don’t want me here… They got rid of my bed and almost everything I had in my room… I saw it all,” Elana said as she continued crying. Katie knew it wasn’t their fault; it was hers for burning all of Elana’s stuff in anger that night she ran away. She knew she had to tell her the truth.

  “Elana…” Katie said softly. Elana pulled back from Katie and looked at her with tears streaming down her face. “It wasn’t mom and dad…”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It was me… The night I chased after you I was angry and I burnt your stuff on your bed and destroyed it all.” Elana pushed her back and stood up in a fury of anger.

  “You burnt all my stuff? What if I came back that night? Or the next day? How could you destroy my stuff like that?” Elana said before heading towards the door. Katie jumped up after her following behind her.

  “What about yesterday? Why’d you break in and steal stuff?” Katie snapped at her in anger. Elana stopped half-way down the stairs and looked back up at her.

  “You think I broke into our house and stole stuff?” Elana shook her head as she continued down the stairs. “This is why it would never work with me coming back here.” Elana proceeded out the front door slamming it behind her. What did I do… I already lost her once; I’m not losing her again!

  Katie ran outside after her and she was nowhere to be seen. Looking up and down the street outside the house, Elana was nowhere in sight. Katie went back inside, grabbed the box and headed back to the COHO.

  13-Liam

  Approaching Derek’s table at Pier 101, Liam quickly took a seat after they shook hands. A waitress followed behind him asking if Liam would like anything to drink since Derek had already ordered water. “I’ll take a coke,” he said nodding to the waitress.

  “I’m sorry the board didn’t swing in your favor today,” Derek said looking down at the menu. Liam knew it would be okay for the youth in the sanctuary, he had just wished they’d get something more functional.

  “It’s okay… I know it’ll work itself out, God always provides,” Liam said with a smile. Over at a table in the corner side of the restaurant, he saw the man from the apartment complex that had a scar above his eye. Another opportunity, Liam thought to himself as they made eye contact. The grumpy man quickly looked down and pretended to be interested in his menu. “I’ll be back in a moment,” Liam said getting up from their table.

  Walking up to the man’s booth, Liam greeted him with a quick wave. The man looked up at him and grumbled. “What do you want?” Liam was reminded of his grandpa’s bitterness in the man and thought to himself, He’s got to be upset about something… There’s something holding him hostage in his heart. Liam slid into the booth’s seat across from him.