Pain's Joke

Chapter 14

  Jonas sat on the roof of the abandoned doghouse in the backyard. It was a good spot to sit and think, because the maple tree which was beside it provided plenty of shade. Without consciously deciding to do so, he dangled his legs over the edge of the roof and tapped his heels against the walls, which produced a low, monotonous thud. That rhythm helped Jonas turn over ideas in his head. He really wanted to help Rev. Chambers, but he couldn't figure out exactly how. The beat suddenly stopped when Jonas thought he heard someone knocking on the front door.

  He sat up straight and cocked his head toward the front of the property, and soon the knock came again. Jonas leaped from the doghouse and bounded toward the back door. He ran through the kitchen, into the living room and came to an abrupt stop at the window. He pulled back the curtain and saw Reverend Chambers on the front step, holding a bouquet of flowers and a greeting card.

  Jonas opened the door. “Reverend, I was just thinking about you.”

  “Is that so? I've done some thinking myself since our last get-together, and I decided that I should have a talk with your momma. Is she here?”

  “Nah, she's working. Why do you wanna talk to her?”

  “Oh, I was going to apologize and make amends. That's what these flowers are for. Here you go. You'll want to put those in some water soon.”

  “They're pretty. She'll love 'em.” he said as he walked toward the kitchen. “C'mon in, I'll tell you what I was planning.”

  “No, I'm afraid I can't stay. And uh... as much as I hate to say it, unless your momma says it's OK, we're going to have to cancel our meetings, son.”

  Jonas placed the flowers on the kitchen table and hastily made his way back through the living room and into the front doorway.

  “Why?” he asked with a quivering voice.

  “Because it ain't right to go against your momma's wishes. It's in the Ten Commandments: Honor thy mother and father.”

  “But we're so close to figuring out a plan on how to get your faith back. We can't stop now.”

  “We have to, Jonas. I'm sorry. But maybe it'll only be temporary. Maybe together she and I can put the past behind us. It's really up to her. You be sure to give her that card for me.”

  “But I told you I was gonna help you.” Jonas said with a quivering voice.

  The reverend smiled, “You already have, son. In more ways than you can imagine. You know, it's kind of funny that it took the faith of a child (no offense) to remind this old soul what it really means to believe. And you've helped me all you can. The rest is up to me.”

  Reverend Chambers leaned forward, placed his hand on Jonas' cheek, and closed his eyes. Jonas watched the old man's lips move subtly, but he couldn't hear what he was saying. Then the reverend stood upright, opened his eyes, and smiled.

  “Bless you.” the old man said.

  Jonas threw himself toward Reverend Chambers, and he wrapped his arms around the old man's waist. Through the slobbery tears that were running down Jonas' face, he begged, “Please –”

  “Go on now. Get those flowers in some water before they wilt.” he said as he patted Jonas on the back.

  While sniffling, Jonas reluctantly complied. He turned around and shuffled back into the house. He shut the door behind him and slumped into the recliner. Then he pulled the curtain back and watched Reverend Chambers walk away.