Chapter Six
Ann
Ann's first day back at school after the yearbook incident was not nearly as bad as she had thought. She had signed a few yearbooks. She had even managed a few jokes. She had also flatly stated that her uncommon good manners would not allow her to comment on Alice, or the journalist teacher, or really anything about the unhappy incident.
Silently Ann was thinking, "I won't comment, but I bet that letter with the rumor about Alice Wilson and the abortion will get some comments out of other people."
At lunch Ann was careful to sit near the table where the more popular girls sat. There was no particular person Ann usually sat with, or any particular place. She squeezed in a fairly crowded table close enough to hear what was being said by the crowd who actually had won awards like "most popular" and "most beautiful". Ann had decided to boldly speak to them about advice on purchasing a prom dress. Ann actually had no intention of attending the prom, because she didn't have a date. Truthfully, she couldn't attend unless an upper classman asked her to attend. It was only for juniors, seniors, and their dates. Maybe she better just ask if they had bought their dresses yet. Ann really wanted to get Alice to tell if she had bought her dress, and what it looked like.
Ann's wish was granted. The conversation almost immediately turned to hair, makeup, and prom attire. Ann got up to drop off her lunch tray. As she walked by the girls finishing their lunches, Ann said, "Hello Alice. Did I notice your car in the city yesterday? Dad and I were there shopping for a sports car for me. I get my graduation car a little early."
Alice replied cautiously, "Yes you did, I was looking for a dress for the prom." Alice really did feel a little remorse for what she had done to Ann, and thought a few kind words might be enough to atone for the incident.
"Well, I hope you bought blue," said Ann, because the guy who sits by me in study hall says that is his favorite color. You know, Bill White. Bill says he is taking you, so I thought you should know his favorite color."
"That's funny Ann. Yes, Bill is taking me. But his favorite color is green because it brings out the color in my eyes. And I bought a very nice floor length green gown. It is a little low cut, but beautiful. I guess you don't know Bill as well as you think you do."
That statement made, Alice turned away from Ann, signaling the conversation was over. Ann turned away also, positively glowing. Alice could not have said anything better to give credibility to the rumor that would start when the letter arrived at the school newspaper office.
Malachi
Malachi had gone back to his apartment Sunday evening. He wasn't sure what had happened, but he knew his father's objection to his spending time studying the Bible would not stop him from studying. Mal considered his reasons for studying. First it had been because Belle had asked him to study. But then he liked it, he was interested, in fact he was fascinated. His plan to continue studying was based on that and had nothing to do with his father not wanting him to continue. Mal was certain of this. As a child and through his teenage years Mal had not been a rebellious child. He just wasn't. It usually wasn't something he had to fight against. He was just born with a "grown up" gene or something. He was naturally fairly immune to peer-pressure, too. He was always comfortable doing what he wanted to do, and he had no problem with other people doing what suited him. Now Mal was sure he would continue in Bible study even if Belle walked out of his life. Of course he hoped, actually really hoped, that didn't happen.
When he got home Mal sat down at his computer and began to visit some more Bible teaching web sites. He started with a prophecy warehouse page and followed the links from that page. After a few hours of study Mal realized he needed to get something settled. According to the Bible, Mal needed to formally make a commitment to Jesus Christ. It was so easy to believe that Mal began to believe he had known it all along, but that he just needed someone to explain it to him. Now he knew. He knew a lot of verses,
John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on me though he were dead yet shall he live.
I am the way, the truth and the life.
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
And Mal wanted that gift. He felt like he had been blind. A few days ago he didn't know or care that he was separated from God by a fall. He was like Mephiboshef, the son of Jonathan, who had been the friend of King David of Israel. Mephiboshef was crippled by a fall when his nurse dropped him. Mephiboshef was living in poverty. And all he had to do to dramatically improve his life was accept the gracious offer of the King to come and live with him.
And that was where Malachi was. He was like all the sons of Adam. He was crippled by the fall from grace. Although Mal appeared to be living in prosperity, he realized he was poor and impoverished without the love of God in his life. But Mal had read the invitation given by the King of Kings. God had extended an invitation to fellowship with him through Jesus Christ. Mal was ready to accept the invitation.
So Malachi Jones got down on his knees, acknowledged his separation from God because of the sin nature in general, and his own sin in particular, asked forgiveness, and pledged his life to God.
Malachi rose up off his knees a changed man.
"Ok. Now what?" Mal asked.
Angels of Darkness
"Curses on Malachi Jones," ranted Cabiri. I can't curse him eternally now, but I can do as much mischief as possible in his life while it lasts.
Cabiri knew he was in trouble. He had seen it before. Malachi had made a true commitment. And worse, he was one of those people who naturally did what they set out to do. He would have to think of something, try everything. Malachi was going to be trouble, and Cabiri had better be ready. He was supposed to have "harvested" whoever he could from the family, and neutralized the rest of them.
He was pretty happy with Ann's progress though. That rumor about Alice Wilson was great. And Ann had managed the conversation at the lunch table all by herself. Cabiri would see that the "right" person opened the letter. Someone who would put the rumor on the fast track.
Angels of Light
Raphael was ringing the bells of heaven. A soul was claimed for eternity in paradise.