To Whom Much Is Given, Part 2

    Lisa couldn’t sleep so she got up early and made an unexpected breakfast for everyone; pancakes, sausages and scrambled eggs (dad was the cook, and a good one, but she was a close second.) She knew that he would be up early to cook breakfast and this would give her plenty of time with him, before mom and Kenny woke up. 

    She saw dad walk in as she was setting the table. “I need to talk,” she said, smiling, then handed him a glass of orange juice.

    “You have my full attention,” dad answered, then sipped the orange juice. Lisa proceeded to tell him of her vision/dream from the night.

    Dad listened closely to every detail; he then read everything that she had written. “Hmm, so in seven days something will happen that will allow you to void your promise. This vision you had seems to be real enough and the best part is that we will know for sure in a week,” he replied, as he finished his orange juice. ”I’m gonna make mom’s coffee (mom was the only one that drank coffee.) Then you and I are going to dig in to this wonderful breakfast. Mom and Kenny will just have to forgive us for starting without them. The aroma is driving me mad with hunger, and we can go over your encounter again as we eat.”

    They talked and ate (each having large double helpings.) “For now, I don’t think you should speak of this to anyone,” dad said, as he finished off the last piece of pancake from his plate.

    “I agree, but do you think that I could tell Steve? It does kinda involve him to,” she asked, as she watched dad swirling his scrambled eggs in the syrup.

    “Yes, indeed, he has a good understanding of the bible, and according to Seraphina he’s suppose to be part of your counsel,” dad replied, then ate the syrupy scrambled eggs.

  They continued talking till the two zombies, mom and Kenny, came dragging in for breakfast. Kenny would come to life fairly quick, after his shower. But it would take mom at least three cups of strong coffee, a shower, then maybe two more cups, before she was awake enough to function (she was not a morning person and was usually late to her office.)

    Steve picked Lisa up as usual for school. She slid over to the middle of the seat, next to him and buckled up as usual. They kissed briefly as usual. Then she revealed to him, her nights revelation; that they were going to have a daughter and what they were going to name her, and then went into detail about the entire vision/dream.

    Speechlessly he looked at her with wide eyes, like a deer caught in headlights. Finally, he regained his voice and composure and started asking questions as he drove to school.

    Steve pulled into the school parking lot then parked. Their they talked till it was almost time for class. “If the first sign happens in seven days and you’re allowed to break your promise to your grandmother, that would mean that the rest of what you were told would come to pass too,” Steve said, as he looked at his watch. “We need to be going in.”

    “Leese, are you ever gonna tell me why you made this promise to your grandmother Monica and your mom in the first place.”

    “All I can say for now is what I’ve already told you, its something that was offered for just competing and is very dear and important to me. I hope to be able to tell you the whole story someday. And, this vision stays between you, me and dad, ok?”

    “You have my word, I’ll see you at lunch,” Steve said, as Lisa gave him a quick kiss, then they went their separate ways.

    The entire day turned out to be very hectic for Lisa. Everyone, the principal, coaches, teachers, and students, all had a million questions to ask. During lunch she had to beg her friends to give her and Steve a chance to eat. After football practice, she and Steve cashed her voucher check and distributed it out to the families that were in the most need. When she got home mom gave her dozens of messages that she had taken from people, TV stations, radio stations, talk shows and a couple of churches. Some wanted to interview her, others wanted her on their show, and the churches wanted her to speak and sing at their church.

    It seemed that every exploit that Lisa had done over the weekend had made it’s way into the news; videos of her fight, of her being sexually molested and defending herself, of her preaching and her A.R.S. performance, all had circumnavigated around the country and parts of the world. Most headlines read in one way or another as; sixteen-year-old girl from Georgia performs feats of heroism. Lisa had become renown (a somewhat celebrity) for her courage and her attributes.

    Lisa held a meeting with Steve, mom, dad and Kenny and discussed how best to deal with each and every message. Mom, happily, volunteered herself and her office to be Lisa’s go-between; after Lisa made her decisions. Some she just couldn’t do, due to logistics - school vs. travel. The rest she would do, either by phone or in person, and one (a night time talk show in Las Angeles) she agreed to because they wanted her this coming Friday night (they would be staying at St. Agnes then, and it wouldn‘t be a problem.) The churches that wanted her were fairly close by, so she told mom to give them tentative dates and to have them get back with her. Mom was taking notes, marking down schedules on a calendar and was as happy as a dog with a new bone. Steve and dad just kinda sit back and listened, as they talked amongst themselves (Lisa needed no help, she was handling everything as if she had done this kind of thing many times before.) Kenny was happy just sitting in Lisa’s lap and listening to her and mom discuss strategy.

    On Tuesday at practice, the team was told that their opponent next week for the play off game would be the Brooks County Rams, a very formidable double A team. (A school that would go triple A in the near future, what with the expansion of the school - due to increase in the county’s  population.)

    The rest of the week Lisa fit phone interviews before and after football practice. And, with no school on Thursday, she made guest appearances on local TV and radio talk shows. Thursday she and Steve hung out till it was time for her to leave for the airport.  And, with a long kiss, she bade Steve goodbye till Sunday morning.

    It was evening when they arrived in Los Angeles. Sister Camille immediately found them, as they entered the terminal. And, so did a few news reporters that were there waiting to talk to Lisa. She spent about thirty minutes answering their questions and being photographed before they were content and went on their way. After the reporters left, everyone introduced themselves, then followed Sister Camille to the 1989 ford van that she had drove to pick them up in.

    Mom had said very little during the week about missing out on the chance to stay at the Hanson Manor in Beverly Hills and being chauffeured by Limousine, but Lisa and dad could see the disappointment in her face as she got into the old van. All the same, a lively conversation ensued between dad and Sister Camille, as they made their way to St. Agnes. Sister Camille, with a hint of a Spanish accent, was a history teacher same as dad and when they got started, well, there was no stopping them. Lisa, Kenny and mom just listened, as they talked like they were long lost friends.

    It was easy to tell that they were headed to the poorer side of the city, as they got nearer to St. Agnes. Even at this hour, Lisa saw people on the street in rags and old dirty clothes. She saw people begging at stop lights. She saw people holding signs pleading for work. She saw large cardboard boxes down alley ways that housed people. She saw signs that indicated homeless shelters, signs for soup kitchens and last of all she saw a sign for an abortion clinic - sponsored by the government - free to the poor and homeless. She heard dad and Sister Camille talking about everything that she was seeing. Lisa was sick to her stomach, her blood was boiling, she was angry with God and wondered to herself, how many missions has Seraphina made to this clinic.

    Upon arriving at St. Agnes Lisa and family were greeted by Father O’Gara, Mother Superior and some of the Sisters (Father O‘Gara reminded her somewhat of Santa Clause, with his short grayish white hair, medium length grayish beard and short round body. Mother Superior on the other hand reminded her of a tall Wilma from Scooby-doo.) After lengthy introductions, the Raynors were shown their rooms and bid good night by all. Mom helped Kenny unpack and get ready for bed, while Lisa and dad discussed the poverty and distress that they had seen.

    “I’ll tell you this right now, no matter what my fate may be, I will never forget what I saw this day. And this is in America, Imagine what it’s like for the poor in the rest of the world. God should really come back soon and take care of this mess. You’ve got the rich and famous on one side of the city and the poor, homeless and down-trodden on the other side. Why God continues to let this go on, well, I wish I knew, I wish that I could see the big picture that he sees, I want an explanation,” Lisa said, angrily, she was fuming, she had turned red with anger, she stood with her hands on her hips as she looked at dad.         

    Dad walked up to her and put his hands on her large shoulders, as he looked into her eyes. “What can I say, you’ve heard me teach and preach on this, you know the same bible verses that I know. You know that Jesus chose to be born poor, as oppose to being born into a rich family - that in itself has meaning. You know that God gave over the earth to Satan. You know that the bible reads - Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. That it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go to heaven. And it also reads: That to whom much is given, much is required. It makes me mad to, and It’s good that this makes you angry, you won’t simply ignore peoples needs and go blindly through life thinking of yourself only - me, me, me, mine, mine, mine,” dad said, in a low voice, with a somber look.

    Lisa lightened up just a little, softening her eyes, relaxing her muscles, moving her hands behind her back and showing a bare hint of a smile, but not speaking.

    Dad kept his eyes on hers and smiled. “You know, there’s something that I haven’t done in a long time, I don’t even know if it still works or if I even remember how to do it.”

    “What’s that,” Lisa said, in a melancholy voice.

    “Well, I’ll just have to show you, if I remember correctly, it goes something like this,” he said, as he took his hands off of her shoulders and quickly started tickling her on her sides.

    Lisa backed away howling with laughter as she grabbed both of his hands and held them.

    “I still remember and your still ticklish.”

    “Yep, I wasn’t quite expecting you to use that method of counseling on me,” Lisa replied, still laughing. “I think that worked, I feel good enough to go to bed now.” She raised her dad’s hands up and kissed them. “I love you,” she said. She then went to mom and Kenny and bid them all good night, then went off to bed.

    Lisa couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t wait to take a tour of St. Agnes and meet everyone. These people had given their very lives to God. They had made vows to God, vows that most of humanity couldn’t or wouldn’t make. Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, they seek to serve God, build up the church and work for the salvation of the world. She feared that people like these, when gone, would not be replaced. An evil darkness would gradually consume the world, as God’s people departed for home.

    She thought back to her younger years when she played with Steve. He would have his G.I. Joe’s and she would have her Barbie’s, all dressed up like knights with sword and shield (A tribute to Grace’s and Bill’s ability for making the knight clothes and weapons for the Barbie’s.) She remembered the “code of honor” that she and Steve had come up with for their warriors, as they role-played and pretended to save the world.

    I will protect the weak and innocent.

    I will live as an example to others.

    I will not value wealth and riches.

    I will fight evil and disorder.

    I will be generous and kind.

    I will keep my speech clean.

    I will be faithful to my word.

    I will not fear death.

    I will obey good and holy laws.

    I will respect all races and genders.

    I will value a good persons company.

    I will keep my body pure, as a temple to God. 

    With modified Barbies and G.I. Joes, they had spent many hours of fun protecting and saving their mountain kingdom of Blue Ridge from all sorts of enemy monsters. As she remembered, she smiled and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

    The next morning after a hearty breakfast, Father O’Gara, Mother Superior and several of the Sisters gave a grand tour of the grounds, the chapel, the small school, the living quarters and the orphanage. Lisa fell in love with the old, large Cathedral, it seemed to say; come in, come in, all are welcome. And inside it was simply beautiful, it could almost hold three of her church, and like Cornerstone it had no fancy large screen TV hanging over the pulpit, just a good sound system. At the end of the tour they split up into groups, Kenny and mom went with Sister Alanna to visit the orphans, dad went with Sister Camille for a more in-depth historical tour of St. Agnes, and Lisa went with Father O’Gara and Mother Superior. The other sisters were preparing for an afternoon bake sale to help the community.

    “My dear, I am so happy to finally meet you. I have prayed my whole life that God would send someone like you, actually God needs many like you,” Father O’Gara said, as he looked up at Lisa, with a big grin on his face.

    “You have prayed for me, or someone like me?” Lisa asked, with a quizzical look on her face.

    “Yes, believers pray for different things, as you know. I pray for the needy, the sick, the poor, I pray for everything for everybody. But my own personal prayer was for God to raise up a youth, one that is far superior to anything in the entertainment industry, and have that youth fully devoted and faith filled, that he or she would refuse the world and use their talents for God’s work here on earth. I know that there are other’s who try, but end up getting swallowed up in the end. There are those who pursue fame and fortune in the name of God, which is wrong. You, however, have not only stood up to the world, but have defied it, making it clear, that you do not pursue fame and fortune. What I have seen and heard of you has made my prayers more vigorous and my faith more complete. Not only has my prayer been answered, but answered ten fold. You have the voice of an angel, you are attractive, you are as fearsome and as strong as an archangel, you are a hero and you have already preached the word of God. I know this because your entire service was played on a Christian station Tuesday night, I recorded it and have watched it several times since,” Father O’Gara answered, as he took hold of Lisa’s hands and held them. “I wonder how many teens actually believe and live the faith these days, most just put on a front. And, as we get closer to the end, there will be fewer and fewer that will believe.” 

    “How do you know that I want turn out like the others?” Lisa asked, smiling, as she played devil’s advocate.

    “I know, I know. You see the bible says in Acts 2:17 - That in the last days God will pour out his spirit on all flesh; sons and daughters shall prophesy, young men shall see visions, and old men shall dream dreams. I have had such dreams, at first I thought that they were nonsense, but when I first saw you on American Rock Star, which by the way is a favorite show of mine, and they announced you as Ice, it all made sense.”

    “How does my nick name fit into your dreams?” she asked, in a soft voice.

    “You may think that I’m just a foolish doddering old man, but in my dreams I heard and saw a teenage girl, she was referred to by many as, the Ice Angel,  she had snow white hair, wore dark colors and was very formidable. My dreams never revealed that you are a weight lifter or played football. But, anyway, I dreamed that you were sent on a journey, a journey to help someone close, a journey that you really didn’t want to go on, but needed to. I dreamed that as you traveled you sang and fought evil, and when ever you returned home you fought various types of ferocious beasts; with a pride of Panthers by your side. Some of it still doesn’t make sense, but a lot of it has become clear. And, after you went on stage dressed in white, most of the media here referred to you then as, Ice Angel.”

    Lisa was astonished by what she had just heard. His dream revealed the promise that she had made to Monica. She knew what she had to do. “Father O’Gara, I have something to say that will clear up everything,” Lisa said, with a smile, as she went into detail about her A.R.S competition and about her own vision/dream.

    Father O’Gara was speechless, but his mouth was open, he looked up at Lisa with astonishment.

    “My dear, Seraphina could well be on her way to becoming a Seraphim,” Mother Superior replied.

    “Isn’t a Seraphim the highest order of the nine ranks of Angels,” Lisa asked.

    “Yes, the highest and the most powerful,” Father O’Gara answered, as he was finally able speak. “It seems that God has revealed certain truths to you, and that you are to be one of his advocates here on earth.”

    Lisa told how angry she had got at God with what she had seen. Father O’Gara and Mother Superior agreed. “Remember, my dear, that the love of money is the root of all that is evil. And in Ephesians 5:5 God had written - For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. It’s ok to be mad, this world is not fair, just remember that Satan runs this world for a little while longer, then all things will be made right. We help all that we can, and we pray endlessly,” Mother Superior said, as she patted Lisa on the shoulder.

    They all met up around noon and had a delightful lunch. After lunch they went to the cathedral and listened to the children as they did choir practice. (The Raynors by then had bonded with the residence of St. Agnes.) Kenny had especially befriended a boy, Tony, who was a couple of years older and who was paralyzed from the waist down, having to use a wheel chair to get around. Kenny sat with Tony and the other children who chose not to be part of the choir. 

    As the children were singing, Kenny crept up on the pew behind Lisa and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned toward Kenny and asked “what’s up?”

    Using his best church manners, he whispered into her ear. “Leese, Tony wants to know if you’ll sign his book.”

    “You mean he wants my autograph!” Lisa asked, with a quizzical look.

    “Yea, I have the book. Will you au-to-graph it for him, please, I told him you would.

    Lisa took the book and looked at it “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” from the Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. It had been a long time since she had read all of the books from the Narnia collection, she thought to herself.

    “Will you au-to-graph it, Leese?”

    “I will, but not quiet yet. As Aslan would say - now then son of Adam, first, you have a task to complete.” Lisa said, with a smile.

    “What task, O great lion of Narnia?” Kenny said laughing, as he played along.

    “You, son of Adam, shall take me to this other son of Adam and then after I have met with him, I shall autograph this book,” Lisa replied, she then borrowed a pen from dad and to all excused herself and went with Kenny.

    Father O’Gara and Mother Superior were trying (but failing) to hold back snickers as they had just heard the Narnia role-playing between Lisa and Kenny.

    Kenny held Lisa’s hand as he led her to the pew next to where Tony sit in his wheelchair. His face lit up like a light bulb as he watched Ice (his hero) sit down right next to him, he didn‘t take his eyes off of her. Kenney kept standing next to the pew in front.

    Lisa gave him a big warm smile. “Kenny tells me that you would like my autograph,” she said, as she reached for his left hand and held it.

    “Yes ma’am, if you would, please.”

    “I would be happy to write anything you like, but I’m really no body special.” Lisa said, now noticing the other children watching her.

    “You’re my hero, you fight bad guys, you play football, you sing good and your pretty. Some of the talk shows around here have been calling you the Ice Angel, because of what you did last week,” Tony said, in an ecstatic voice. “And you see, I played pee-wee football when I was six and I had a pretty older sister that I loved; she played basketball and she gave me this book, it used to be hers. But she, mom and dad were killed in a car accident, and I was paralyzed. My parents came from Brazil, so there is no family here for me to go to. I was sent here after I left the hospital.” He looked down, as tears fell to the floor.

    Lisa looked up and closed her eyes, as water filled her eyes. When she opened them the first thing that she saw was a very graphic painting of the crucifixion. She regained control of herself, patted his hand and with a loving smile and said, “I am so sorry. Tell me, what do you want me to write?”

    Tony raised his head and looked at her. Lisa wiped away his tears, as he proceeded to tell her what he wanted.

    After she finished she handed him the book. “Is there anything else that I might be able to do for you?” she asked. Now all of the children in the pews had her surrounded.

    “Can I whisper it to you.”

    “Sure,” Lisa said, so she leaned over, and he whispered into her ear.

    “Mmm, easy enough to do, but I’ll have to ask permission from Father O’Gara.”

    As choir practice finished, Lisa stood up to go see the Father, then, she heard the children around her start asking all sorts of questions and wanting autographs, and the children in the choir were now running down to meet her, as several Sisters and older teens were trying to control the ruckus. She waited till all were around her then held up her right hand to quiet them down. “I will give autographs, answer questions and talk to each and everyone of you, but first, I must speak to Father O’Gara,” she said, with a smile, as she looked down at Tony.”

    Father O’Gara and Mother Superior both apologized for the children. “You are very popular with them. They were all excited when they found out that you were coming,” Father O’Gara said.

    Lisa stood with hands behind her, as she relayed the requests of Tony and the children. “What would you have me do?” She asked, in a solemn voice, as she looked from Father O’Gara, to Mother Superior, then to dad and mom.

    “I think that I will do as your preacher did. I will turn this Cathedral over to you for as long as you like and as for as the other requests, well, that’s entirely up to you my dear,” Father O’Gara said, as the others agreed.

    Lisa did a small bow, then went back to the children. She looked down at Tony and with a big smile, nodded her head. “Ok, everyone, please make me a pathway and follow me to the stage. Tony, just sit back and enjoy the ride,” she said, then began pushing his wheel chair down the aisle and up the ramp to the stage. She then took the piano bench and placed it in the middle of the stage and asked the children to gather round, Kenny and Tony were by her side.

    “Now then, several requests have been made of me and Father O’Gara has given me permission to full fill each request,” Lisa said, as she began rolling up her sleeve on her right arm ( she was wearing a modest navy blue dress that had three quarter length sleeves.) She flexed her bicep until all had seen and touched, even the Sisters and the others moved in a little closer to have a look. She then spent the next two hours answering questions, signing autographs and just hanging with the children and the Sisters.

    “There is one more request left to do,” Lisa said, as she moved her bench back to the piano and had a seat. Every one gathered round (including the Sisters, Mother Superior, Father O’Gara, mom and dad.) Lisa waited for Tony and Kenny to sidle up next to her before she started playing. She played and sang, “Streets of Gold, Movin’ On, and Washed by The Water,” all from one of her favorite groups “NEEDTOBREATHE.”

    People from the bake sale started venturing into the Cathedral as they heard the music. Some were on phones and others looked to be recording as they sit on the pews eating and enjoying the music. This was totally unexpected, Lisa looked at Father O’Gara when she had finished her last song.

    The Father looked at her with a big smile on his face as he rubbed his hands together, then he addressed the audience (the Cathedral was now at least a third full.) “Thank you all for coming and partaking of the bake sale, the money we take in will all be used in the community for the poor and needy. There will be a small break before we continue, and thank you again for coming,” he said, then he turned and pointed to five of the Sisters and motioned for them to follow him as he went to Lisa. The children were asked to go to the choir loft. Tony wheeled up next to the front choir pew and Kenny sat next to him.

    “Lisa, lass, my dear, will you please keep singing? This may turn out to be a big money raising event,” Father O’Gara pleaded, as he looked at Lisa.

    “Sure, I’ll sing every song that I know, if it will help,” Lisa said, with a smile.

    “How about I give you a band to help out?”

    “Ok,” she replied, as she started to laugh (this was going to be incredible, no rehearsal or practice of any kind.) The five Sisters approached and introduced themselves. This was her first time meeting these Sisters who taught the children.

    “Hey. My name is Sister Cora; I play the drums,” she said, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    “Hi. My name is Sister Elizabeth; I play tambourine and sing,” she said, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    “Hello. My name is Sister Irene; I’m the band leader and play lead guitar. Anything that you can sing, we can play,” she said, with a smile, as she shook Lisa’s hand.

    “My name is Sister Emily; I play bass guitar,” she said, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    “Hey. My name is Sister Rose; I play keyboard, organ and piano. I can free you up to stand and face the congregation, if you like,” she said, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    They huddled together for a few minutes. Lisa told them the songs that she knew and was going to sing. Some of the older songs the Sisters knew, but the newer songs they didn’t. Irene asked Lisa to name the song before she started singing and how she would sing it. If they knew it they would start playing, if they didn’t, they would let Lisa sing the first verse, catch the beat, then join in. After the quick huddle, the Sisters acquired their instruments and gave Lisa the thumbs up.

    Lisa used a cordless hand held microphone and addressed the audience. “My name is Lisa Raynor, I hope you enjoy this unrehearsed concert, If you do please go above and beyond buying the bake goods and make an offering. Thank you,” she said, as she told the band her first song.

    Everything went extremely good. The Sisters were every bit as good as Crossfire and Sister’s Emily and Irene even got a bit wild with there guitars. Lisa sang at least fifteen old and knew songs of different varieties (from old hymns to contemporary Christian rock.) Father O’Gara looked to be having the time of his life. Everyone tried to sing along if they knew the song or clap along if they didn’t. Lisa’s last song was “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted,” a song that the Sisters knew, a song that Lisa sang slowly and darkly using it for a different purpose than it was written for. by the time Lisa was finished, the Cathedral was over three quarters full of people teary eyed and making extra donations to the church.

    After the impromptu concert and much socializing, Lisa and the Sisters politely broke away to the kitchen for much needed food, drinks and rest. In the kitchen they talked, laughed and became good friends. Irene escorted Lisa back to her room, it was getting late and she had to get ready for her TV talk show appearance. Irene asked Lisa if she would stop by her room when she got back.

    “Sure,” Lisa replied.

    “I have something to show you and I would really like to talk some more,” Irene said, then left.

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

    The drive to the TV studio brought back her feelings of anger as they once again passed through the poor community that they had seen on the way in. This time dad was sitting next to her and mom was in front next to Sister Camille. Lisa sit staring out the window with her hands balled into clenched fists, veins showing all up and down her arms from tense muscles. Dad reached over and gently unclenched one fist and put his hand in her hand and gently squeezed it. Lisa turned and looked at him, red faced and with watery eyes. “Never forget what you see! Never try to avoid seeing such as this! And never get immune to this sight. Let this always make you angry, but try to channel your anger away from God and toward the ways of the world, which Satan has control of. Remember from the beginning of time we have failed God, he didn’t fail us,” dad said, as he looked deep into Lisa’s ruby, water filled , eyes. “You did great today helping bring in all of those extra donations. I am very proud of you.”

    Lisa nodded her head, but had nothing to say.

    “Hmm, maybe I need to resort to more drastic measures to get you to smile,” he said, as he took his free hand and started wiggling his fingers, as he moved his hand toward her side.

    She quickly grabbed his hand. “No more of that.” she said, with a big smile on her face. I will heed your advice, oh great and wise counselor,  and try to stay my anger.

    All the while Kenny stayed quiet as he watched and listened, thinking to himself. He knew that Lisa was upset because of the poor people that she saw. He also knew that Leese hardly ever got upset over anything. Why do people have to be poor, or homeless or crippled, or sick he thought, as he listened to dad talk to Leese.

    Upon arriving at the studio, Lisa noticed the names of all the guests that were going to be on the show, up on a billboard, in brightly colored lights. They used her nick-name “Ice” and she was listed last.

    Sister Camille was given permission to stay with the Raynors during the show (since she was their driver.) After exiting the van, Lisa bid all goodbye as they parted ways. Lisa went to the guest room and the rest went to stand in line, until the doors were opened.

    Lisa checked in and was escorted to a small, plush room where she was asked several  questions by a handsome attendant that introduced himself as “Sloan” who took notes. She agreed to do several routines that involved weight lifting, measuring her biceps, some football talk and doing play-by-play of her incidents  from last week. She had already (by phone) agreed to wear her gym clothes (the ones that she wore at her audition.) After the Q & A, she was escorted to her dressing room. While on the way, Sloan tried flirting with Lisa, but got nowhere, she immediately bucked up putting an end to it. When they arrived at her room he simply bid her goodbye then left.

    She turned to enter the room, then stopped dead in her tracks. She saw her name in two inch gold letters mounted above a large gold star. Her eyes flashed red with anger. Her hands quickly went up to the star and pried it away from its sticky backing. She held the five pointed, gold, plastic item in her hand with disgust. I’m no star and have no intention or desire to ever be one, she thought to herself. She then opened the door and went in, laying the plastic star on the counter.     

    The room was plush and large, on the counter were platters of fruit and different types of cheeses, next to the counter was a small refrigerator filled with everything from bottled water to mini bottles of beer and alcohol. Lisa grabbed a bottle of water and nibbled at the cheese as she dressed. She then popped a peppermint tic-tac in her mouth as she waited to go on stage.

    The show went well, she noticed Monica and Russell (this was his first excursion to one of her ordeals, he was after all, a busy man,) sitting close to mom and dad. Lisa exceeded her best lifts (she had been working out harder.) And when the host measured her biceps they measured 18 ¼, to her mild surprise she was a ¼ inch bigger then she was just three months ago. “Oohs, aahs and wows” came from the audience and the other guests as Lisa went through her football Q&A and then, with the host, analyzed both of her encounters from the previous week.

    After the show Lisa met up with mom, dad and Kenny in the parking lot, they were talking to Monica and Russell, in a non to pleasant conversation. Sister Camille had already, politely, excused herself and went back to wait in the van.

    Lisa was severely criticized for turning down her invitation to stay at the Hanson Estate, for St. Agnes. Lisa had anticipated this battle when she first saw them in the audience. She kept her cool, not saying a word, she squatted down and asked Kenny if he would like to ride on her back (piggyback style,) much to his delight. She then looked from one to the other with a forced smile. “We have made a lot of new friends today, I had fun singing with the Nuns and we helped raise money for their community. A person can’t do any better than that. Now if you’ll excuse me, Kenny and I are going to the van to rest, it’s been a long day. See you later,” Lisa said, as she looked over her shoulder at Kenny. “Son of Adam are you ready to go in search of the magical van?”

    Kenny laughed and nodded his head, “Yes, O great Aslan, I am ready.” And with that Lisa trotted off with Kenny at a fast pace, not giving Monica, Russell or mom a chance to respond.

    Susan told Jim that she was going with her parents out on the town and would see him back at St. Agnes later on. Jim was relieved that this ordeal with Monica and Russell was now over, so with a big smile, he said, “I’ll see you all later, have fun and Susan I’ll tell Father O’Gara to keep the lights on for you. Jim then left for the van, whistling “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” as he walked off with hands behind his back.

    Upon arrival at St. Agnes, dad and Kenny said their goodnights and went to their room. Lisa went to Irene’s room and knocked on the door.

    Irene answered the door in normal clothing (blue jean-cut off shorts, an olive green tank top) “Come in,” she said, as she motioned Lisa into her modest living quarters. With out her habit (religious clothing,) Lisa now noticed that she had long brown hair, a tattooed Cross on her chest, a tattoo of a unicorn on her right shoulder and a tattoo of an angel on her left shoulder. And maybe about twenty pounds overweight for her 5’10” body.

    For hours they talked, laughed, discussed ways to solve the world’s problems, talked about their wishes, their dreams, their desires, their futures and a lot of just regular girl talk. Finally as it was getting late, Irene said in a somber voice, “I have something to show you.” She pulled out a storage box and opened it, in it were hundreds of songs that she had written and just stored away.

    Lisa looked through the songs and gasped, “this is good, you should sing these or have someone sing these. Why write them and just put them away?”

    “I have a story to tell you. You see, over thirty five years ago I was a pre-teen Christian singer, not a big time celebrity, but good enough that I did many opening acts for the big timers. I made pretty good money and got some decent fame and sold a few albums. I then changed my name and gravitated toward rock, pop and I even did a little country. I had no boundaries, I was willing to do or sing anything for possible fame and fortune.”

    “At an early age I got caught up into alcohol, all kinds of drugs, sex and the occult. I got pregnant by my then live in boyfriend and producer. I was so happy, but my boyfriend wasn’t, he wanted me to have an abortion, but I wouldn’t so he left me. I was still happy, but I wasn’t smart enough to quit the smoking, the drinking, the drugs and the partying. I carried the baby for over twenty weeks without ever seeing a doctor. During the twenty ninth week I started having problems and had to be rushed to the hospital. The…baby…had…died, stillborn…the…doctor…said,” Irene could barely speak, she was crying so intensely.

    Lisa went over to her and put her arm around her shoulder and comforted her. Lisa spoke softly and kindly, using everything of comfort and strength that she knew.

    Finally Irene was able to continue. “I had grown up a Christian, my dad was a deacon, but was killed in a car accident when I was eight, so my mother raised me and took me to church. At school I was tested and told that I was gifted, that I had a high IQ, and that I could sing quiet well. Well, that caused my mother to go off the deep end, when an agent told her that I could well be the next superstar. Mom and me both went off our heads, as we both wanted fame and fortune. Because of that I only have an eighth grade education. You see as my agent started finding me work in all parts of the country, mom pulled me out of school and hired a tutor to travel with us, but that was a joke and mainly for show. My time was spent taking singing lessons, guitar lessons, dancing lessons, rehearsing, and performing. I started writing some of my own music, but nothing ever made a big hit. There was no time or desire for higher learning, mom simply paid off the tutor to keep me in-line with the government. 

      “Anyway, back to my baby, I had two names already picked out that I liked for the baby for when it was suppose to have been born; if it was a boy, I was gonna call him Peter, if it was a girl, I was gonna call her Seraphina. At the hospital I found out that it was a girl, so I buried her in our family lot with the name of Seraphina on her headstone” Irene said, as she started sobbing again.

    Lisa was speechless, could this be a coincidence, or is the heavenly spirit of her vision the same as Irene’s stillborn.

    Irene calmed down enough to finish her story. “After the burial, I stayed on a constant high, I blew what money I had on drugs, alcohol and all the posh creature comforts that I could afford till I ran out of money. Nothing was important to me any more, I quit singing, I went into a state of deep depression and withdrawal; cause I couldn’t afford to be high or drunk. I tried suicide by cutting my wrist, but before I died, I was found by the apartment’s cleaning lady and sent to the hospital. As I was under going psychiatric treatment and recovering from my slit wrist, I would listen to a nun play the harp and sing every day. Her name I came to find out was Sister Nadine, she helped me for more then any of the doctors or psychiatrist. So to make a long story short, after I was released from the hospital I had these tattoos put on, then I became a nun. For over twenty years I have been working with the kids in the orphanage, teaching them music. I have pleasant, sweet dreams now when I sleep, but one reoccurring dream in particular that I first had sixteen years ago was to write music and save it for one that I would meet someday. One that would be strong in spirit and in body. One that would fill the old Cathedral with her singing. One that would not be tempted by the world, but would help others,” Irene smiled, as she looked at Lisa and squeezed her right bicep, “18 and ¼  inches now, huh, I watched you on TV tonight, you are a very impressive young lady. I think that all of the signs in my dreams point to you - Ice.”

    Lisa showed no emotion, but looked deep into Irene’s blue eyes. “What happened to your mother?” Lisa softly asked.

    “She died of cancer about a year after we buried the baby.”

    “If I may ask, what did you change your name to?” 

    “I swore that I would never utter that foul name again, but I will write it down for you. I don’t think that you would have ever heard of me though, especially since you’re not that familiar with rock or pop singers,” Irene said, as she wrote down the name, then handed over the paper.

    Lisa’s left eyebrow raised as she looked at the name. “You’re right, I don’t know that name as any singer, but in a dream of my own I was to meet a person that had changed to and from that name. I kinda thought that it would be an unpleasant experience meeting with you,” Lisa said, smiling.

    Irene laughed. “Unpleasant huh, I hope that all of your future uncertain meetings are this unpleasant.”

    “Amen.”

    “I don’t know your destiny or future, but the songs are yours whenever you want them and I will continue to write songs praising God.” 

    “Right now I’ll leave them with you, I’m not certain of what’s gonna happen next either. But I am certain of one thing, I think that you and I are going to be good friends,” Lisa said, as she hugged Irene.

    “Amen and I say again amen,” Irene answered back with tears in her eyes.

    That night all slept well, all dreamed peaceful dreams, all that is except Kenny. Kenny dreamed an adventure, an adventure of heroics, of good against evil.

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

    Lisa was out numbered three to one, the Minotaurs approached her in a column at a run, their battle axes raised for attack. Gudrun, the panther, was by her side snarling, ears laid back, ready to pounce as soon as Lisa gave the word. “I’ll take the first and you go for the second, keep an eye on the third he‘s a little too far behind to be an immediate threat, who ever finishes first takes him on. Now Gudrun, lets go!” Lisa yelled, as she ran to engage the large Minotaur.

    “For Narnia!” Gudrun growled, as she plowed into her opponent at breakneck speed, her teeth and claws quickly tearing hide from bone. The slow Minotaur got only one swing with his ax and missed. Gudrun had her adversary on the ground, dead, in a matter of minutes.

    Lisa was shorter than her opponent, but she was stronger and quicker. With shield and sword she parried, attacked, parried and attacked, this just took a few minutes before she landed the deathblow to her assailant.       

    The third Minotaur ran to help against Gudrun, but the fight didn’t last long enough. She was set and ready to pounce as number three attacked. The Minotaur gave a loud roar and slumped to the ground at the point of engaging Gudrun. “An arrow! Just like that, with no concern for my enjoyment, you simply shoot the beast in the back with an arrow. You know, you just took away all of my fun, Leese. An arrow is so trite! With my strength, teeth and claws, you just shoot the bad guy with an arrow,” Gudrun quipped, then started cleaning herself.

    “Fine, ok, I’m sorry, next time I’ll just sit down and enjoy the show,” Lisa replied, as she took a drink from her canteen.

    “Thank you, that would be most appreciated, next time. You really know how to take the fun away from a girl.” Gudrun fussed.

    “Don’t forget to clean your sword, Leese. Aslan always insists on that,” Kenny said, in a soft voice, then whistled for Yuri, the Pegasus. “I’m gonna scout ahead, we need to get these people to Cair Paravel as soon as possible. And you know where there’s a few Minotaurs there will be a lot more and if not Minotaurs, there will be other nasty beasts to deal with.”

    Lisa cleaned her sword in the grass as she watched Kenny fly of on Yuri. “You know, Kenny is a good scout, I don’t think we would have made it this for, this quick, with out him,” Lisa said, as she sheathed her sword and made some adjustments to her chain mail.

    “Aye, he is good. He’s as good a scout as his big sister is at fighting evil,” Gudrun remarked, as she flopped down next to Lisa.

    Kenny surveyed the countryside and found the quickest path to Cair Paravel, but there were also creatures and giants on the way that were not allies of Narnia. With this information, he returned and told Leese.

    “I see, looks like we’ll have to fight our way through. There’s no time to find another route, we have to make it to the castle before nightfall. These people are depending on us and we’re not going to let them down. My plan is that the three Centaurs carry as many of the crippled as possible, the four Fauns and six dwarves will stay with the group with bows at the ready. Gudrun and I will be the vanguard of the group, taking on all foes that rise up against us, I have some small magic that I can use. And as for you Kenny and Yuri, I want you two to fly to Narnia, to castle Cair Paravel and inform king Caspian of our plight, to send his army to meet us. Tell him to hurry, that I am under direct charge from Aslan himself,” Lisa said, as she patted Kenny on the shoulder.

    “By the Lions mane I shall make all haste and inform Caspian,” Kenny replied, he then mounted Yuri and sped off.

    “Gunrun are you ready for battle?”

    “I’m always ready, as long as you don’t deprive me of my fun,” the huge black cat said, as she vigorously rolled on her back to scratch an itch.

    Lisa informed the group of the situation, of her plan and of their independent duties. And with that, they were off.

    As they slowly traveled south, through the wild woods, to Narnia and Cair Paravel they fought many foes. All succumbed to Lisa’s strength, agility and ability with sword and bow, with an occasional magical fireball and lightning bolt thrown at larger numbers of evil adversaries.

    Gunrun used stealth, strength, agility, teeth and claws to overpower her opponents as she would scout ahead of Leese and look for targets of opportunity.

    Together they formed a formidable fighting unit as they lead there group onward.

    By high noon, they met up with Kenny, Yuri and the contingent from castle Cair Paravel at the old lamppost. “Kenny you’re a hero, we were exhausted, I don’t think that we could have fought another battle,” Lisa said, then gave Kenny a big hug.

    The rest of the journey was a piece of cake, what with a portion of the Narnian army as escorts. Right before sundown, they arrived at Cair Paravel and was met by Aslan himself.

    “O, great Aslan, these are some of the people from our world that you commissioned us to bring. The poor, homeless, crippled, and sick,” Lisa said, as she knelt before the great Lion.

    “Well done, well done, Lisa and Kenny,” Aslan said, as he beheld his new subjects.

    Aslan roared and spoke, “Welcome to Narnia, here you will no longer be homeless or in need of money or anything else for that matter. With my roar you sick were instantly made well, you crippled were made whole. Please enjoy your new home,” said Aslan, and then went to each and everyone.

    Kenny saw Tony in the distance running around in a field with a couple of young Fauns playing tag.

    After talking to all, Aslan beckoned to Lisa and Kenny to come over. “Daughter of Eve, son of Adam, Lisa and Kenny, I task you again, to bring me as many as will come, that are afflicted in any way,” Aslan commanded, then laughed as he walked off, saying, “All are welcome. All are welcome, bring all that will come, to me.”

    “Right then. Gudrun, will you, Yuri and the others be awaiting our return at the same place?” Lisa asked.

    “Yep, we’ll be there,” Gudrun replied, as she scratched herself behind the left ear. “And bring me back a flea collar this time, Kenny said such things existed in your world.”

    Lisa and Kenny laughed as they reached into their pockets for the green ring that would send them back to earth.

    And with that ending, Kenny awoke with a smile and had to go to the bathroom. When he returned to bed and to sleep, he slept a peaceful, dreamless sleep the rest of the night.

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

    Lisa, dad and Kenny went to early breakfast then to the early (8:00 am) Saturday mass, while mom slept-in, (having come in well after midnight and having drank just a tad too much.) The service (mass) was different than what they were used to and there were so very few people that attended that Lisa was astonished, but all-in-all it was still a gathering to worship (no matter how small the congregation.)

    After mass Lisa and dad were invited by Father O’Gara to his study with Mother Superior, there they spent several hours talking and just chewing the fat. Kenny went to find Tony and be with the children. As for mom, she finally awoke from the dead and caught up with them right before lunch.

    After lunch, Sister Camille drove Lisa to the studio for her rehearsal session with Crossfire. “Would you like to go the scenic route or go directly to the studio?”

    “Just straight to the studio, thank you. There’s nothing that I’m interested in seeing,” Lisa replied.

    “May I show you several of the Churches in the area, it’ll only take a few extra minutes,” Sister Camille said, as she smiled an evil smile.

    Lisa looked at her and took a deep breath. “This is gonna be good, right. I mean, what your gonna show me is the kinda of thing that’ll probably make my blood boil, won’t it,” Lisa asked, as she buckled her seat belt.

    “Yep.”

    “Very well then, may we boldly go where no one has gone before, make best speed to our destination, Mr. Scott.”

    “Star Trek?” Sister Camille asked, as she started laughing.

    “Yea, I’ve kinda been brain washed, you see my dad is a big Star Trek nut and I’ve watched all of the episodes with him over and over and over since I was born,” Lisa said, as she began to laugh.

    Sister Camille gave a tour of the Churches on the way to the studio. The Churches were all immaculate and magnificent and enclosed in some heavy-duty security fencing. One of the majestic shrines had its elegant heavy duty gates open, so Sister Camille turned in and explored the huge parking lot. There were but a few cars and no one to be seen. In the Pastors parking space sat a brand new, silver, two door, convertible, coupe, Jaguar. The other cars were new Mercedes or BMW’s, with one being a large Hummer.

    “You know, I would like to know the true story behind each of these Churches, the people, staff, pastors, how they help, what they preach, their out-reach programs, just everything. I wonder what God feels about these extravagant, monolithic, creations that were supposedly built to worship and honor him. These Churches just don’t look to be user friendly, They don’t seem to be calling out to the poor, the sick, the homeless, the down-trodden; welcome, come on in, have a seat, take off your burdens and leave them at the door, just sit back, relax, and hear the word of the Lord.”

    “These Churches seem to say; there are celebrities here, people of fame and fortune, people of interest, people that have been made deities by the masses. I just can’t see these churches handing out food and clothing, going door-to-door on Saturdays, having potluck lunch after Sunday morning worship or anything else like my church does, or St. Agnes. My Pastor and dad don’t take any money from Church. Pastor Lewis is a plumber and my dad is a high school history teacher. I shouldn’t judge, but I just can’t help it. There is something in me that’s telling me that I’m right and I just can’t hold back speaking my feelings,” Lisa said, as she looked to Sister Camille, with a somber expression.

    “Aye, tiss the Holy Spirit bringing forth truth and wisdom in you, my dear. Shall we continue to the studio?”

    “Yes, let’s do. Your job is complete, you have completed your task. I feel like my blood pressure just shot up fifty points. When I get back to St. Agnes, I have plenty I want to talk to dad and Father O’Gara about. But now, best speed to the studio, Mr. Scott,” Lisa said, with a smile.

    “Aye, aye, captain, best speed it is,” Sister Camille said, laughing.

    Lisa’s blood was still simmering when she met with the band. She thanked everyone for their help and their contribution to her performance. And as she went through her rehearsal, she got a bit carried away, what with her thinking of all she had seen. She had an adrenaline rush that pumped her strength up just a bit, catching John off guard, causing a wide four-inch, by six inch, deep abrasion down his right forearm.

    “I’m so sorry, I kinda over did it that time,” Lisa said, as she went over to check out his arm.

    “I’m fine, I’ll be ok. I got caught up in watching you and not paying attention. I knew that you were strong and quick. Listen, don’t make a big fuss over this, I will be perfectly fine and I will be paying better attention tonight. I mean after all, I’ve been in firefights, in battlefield situations, this ain’t nothing compared to what I experienced while in the army. So, shall we continue?” John said, as Ellen finished spraying a liquid bandage on his arm.

    “You know, I never thought that I would ever be injured doing a rehearsal, I thought those days were behind me, when I left the army, of possibly being injured in action,” John said, as they all laughed. After that, the rest of the rehearsal went smooth. Lisa then had a long serious conversation with them about next week songs and part of her vision.

    “We’ll stay in touch and as for as the music for next week, well YEE, HA, that’s our kind of music. We will be so looking forward to your performance next week. It’s gonna be great,” John said, and the others chimed in unison.

    She then bid them all goodbye till show time and went looking for Sister Camille.

    The ride back to St. Agnes was filled with questions and answers; what is it like being a nun? What is it like being a Catholic? What is an independent Baptist? What is it like being one? What is it like being a girl and playing high school football? Question after question mixed with plenty of laughter and insight.

    After their return Lisa and Sister Camille found Father O’Gara with dad, mom and Mother Superior, a lively discussion then ensued, that lasted for several hours. They talked  about the churches Lisa had seen, about the competition tonight and about next week. After which, the Raynors had to go pack their bags because it was getting close to time to leave for the show, then the airport and home.

    After a simply delightful dinner followed by a long bittersweet farewell to each and everyone at St. Agnes, Sister Camille drove them to the studio. She was given permission from Father O’Gara to stay for the show so that she could drive them to the airport afterward.

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

    At the studio, they went their separate ways, Lisa went to find her dressing room and everyone else had to go stand in line. As Lisa was walking and looking over the directions to her room, she bumped into Marcy.

    “Well, if it isn’t Saint Lisa, you’ve been in the news a lot this week. And I hear that your one heck of a preacher too. Oh yes, I must congratulate you on your talk show appearance and your concert at St. Agnes, it made the news to. You were the main discussion topic at the Hanson Manor and last night at our singing and dance class. In fact the powers-that-be think that you may be the one to beat,” Marcy said, with a bit of bitterness in her voice, as she looked up at Lisa. “I suppose I should call you Pastor Ice now too.”

    “It’s good to see you too,” Lisa replied, with a smile, as she continued looking for her dressing room. “I think that I like the sound of that, Pastor Ice.”

    Marcy finally calmed down enough to carry on a decent conversation as she walked with her.

    Lisa’s room was a good distance down the hallway. Upon arriving at her destination, Lisa stopped and just stood in front of the door with her hands on her hips and shook her head.

    Marcy didn’t know what was wrong. “What’s wrong with you, your name is spelled right, the star is straight, I don’t see a problem,” Marcy asked, as she stared at the door too.

    “You see, Marcy, the problem is the star, there shouldn’t be one there. I’m not a celebrity, I’m not a star and I don’t want to be,” Lisa replied, as she reached for the plastic, five-pointed monstrosity and pulled it free of the door and its sticky backing.

    Marcy gasped as she watched. “You know, you are in need of some serious psychiatric help. You’ve taken too many hits to the head playing football. You’re antics last week have already made you a celebrity, somewhat,” Marcy said, as she watched Lisa open the door and lay the star down on the counter.

    “I am not a celebrity, just because I helped a family, or because I defended myself from some playboy thug that wouldn’t take no for an answer. All I am is an eleventh grade high school student that goes to Church, plays football and works out with weights. Like I said before, I’m not a celebrity, I am not a star and I’m not even a singer and I have no desire for such. I’m just trapped for the time being between this realm and the realm that I want to go back to,” Lisa replied, as she locked eyes with Marcy.

    “That, so called thug, as you call him, well, women and girls everywhere would die just for a chance to meet him and YOU beat the holy s@#t out of him and tarnish his career.”

    “I’ll do more then that if he ever lays a hand on me again, he has been warned and if he is smart, he’ll stay as for from me as possible,” Lisa shot back.

    “I don’t think you’ll ever see him again and I know for a fact, that the word is out to give you a wide berth. I also know that all demographics point to you as being the one to beat, like I mentioned earlier. And that the powers-that-be in the industry all want to get their hands on you, they want you working for them.”

    “That’s not gonna happen, I’m not working for anybody in Hollywood. 

    “What happens if you win? You seem to have a fan base and now the judges don’t have a vote. You could easily be the next American Rock Star, there’s only three shows left after tonight. And you know as well as I what the winner will be awarded,” Marcy remarked, with ecstasy.

    “I’m not gonna win, I’m not gonna be part of Hollywood and I’m certainly not working for any of your powers-that-be. I have my own path to follow, to boldly go where God leads me,” Lisa replied, as she picked a grape off of the cheese-and-fruit platter that was in her dressing room.

    “I can’t take anymore of this, your nuts and you absolutely drive me nuts. Bye, I’ll see you after the show,” Marcy said, then left.

    “Bye and good luck tonight,” Lisa replied.

    Being last, Lisa was in no hurry to change, she needed only minutes to dress out, for her attire was simple, not expensive and exquisite as the other contestants. She didn’t need a hair stylist, her hair would stay straight and natural. So, She just relaxed and nibbled from the fruit-and-cheese platter as she switched channels on the rooms TV (from the A.R.S. show to a station that was airing, her favorite, old Scooby-doo cartoons.) A.R.S. be hanged, she didn’t care what happened on stage, what the judges did, or what the little celebrities did.  Shortly after, she was interrupted by the make-up artist, where by, she very doggedly refused make-up. Halfway through the second Scooby-doo show, she changed and went to the ready room to await her summoning.

    Through the speakers, Lisa heard “And now, for our final contestant, I present to you ICE .”

    Lisa slowly walked on stage with hands behind her back, to a hearty round of applause, whistles and cheers. She wore a modified martial arts attire; white gym shorts with black stripes down the side seams, a white tank top with black neck and shoulder seams. She wore a white headset and a white headband with two red dragons facing each other and spewing out fire forming the symbol of yin-and-yang. And she wore her 3rd degree black belt around her waist and went barefoot.

    This time the band wouldn’t start playing till she gave the signal. She walked toward the band and the apparatus that was brought on stage during the break

    The apparatus was a simple metal A-frame, four feet wide and six feet tall. At the five foot mark rested an eight-foot, two-by-four with the word “POVERTY” written on it in large black letters. At the four foot mark rested another eight-foot, two-by-four with the word “HOMELESS” written on it in large red  letters. At the three foot mark rested an eight-foot, four-by-four with the word “SICKNESS” written on it in large red letters. And at the two foot mark rested another eight-foot, four-by-four with the word “DOWNTRODDEN” written on it in large black letters.

    Lisa nodded her approval, as she quickly surveyed the device, then nodded to the band as she saw Ellen with a guitar and not at the keyboard. Her song would be “Unbreakable, by FIREFLIGHT,” a hard rock Christian song that utilized three guitars and a drummer. The song could easily be overlooked as a Christian song if one wasn’t expecting such and didn’t know the exact meaning of it.

    Lisa walked toward the center of the stage and raised her right arm and made a fist. She quickly dropped her arm, which signaled John to start playing. John started with a very up beat, hard-driving guitar riff, then the drums cut in, followed by the other guitars.

    Lisa started singing, with hands on her hips and a somber expression on her face.

    Where are the people that accused me?

    The ones who beat me down and bruised me.

    They hide just out of sight.

    Can’t face me in the light.

    With the repetitive versus, she would flex both biceps;

    They’ll return but I’ll be stronger.

    This time I’m not scared.

    Now I’m unbreakable, it’s unmistakable.

    No one can touch me.

    Nothing can stop me.

    During the rest of the song, she would mix in some martial arts kicks and punches. She extended the short break in the middle of the song; of the rhythm section, to meet her needs. As the break started, she quickly pivoted (turning her back to the audience) and walked toward the apparatus.

    John and Keith laid down their guitars and went to the apparatus; John went to the left side, as Keith went to the right, each one taking a firm grip of the top two-by-four. “Set,” said John, then Keith. Lisa went into a fighting stance and without any concentration, fired out her right arm, with open palm toward and through the beam of wood.

    The crowd was on their feet with “Oohs, aahs and wows.” The judges and guests moved from their seats to better viewing positions. 

    Lisa reset her stance, as John and Keith laid their halves of wood down and moved the next two-by-four up to the top position. “Set,” they said again. She did the same with her left arm this time.

    This time they moved the big four-by-four to the top as Lisa set herself. “Set,” they said, again. Lisa looked at John before she attacked (this is where he had injured himself during rehearsal by not having a tight grip) John nodded, “Set.” With a high sidekick, Lisa drove her right foot through the wood, shattering it.

    The same process followed with the last four-by-four, Lisa then made a small bow to the band, she then made a quick pivot and walked toward the center of the stage, facing the audience.

    The audience went wild.

    Lisa, again, raised her right hand made a fist, then dropped it, letting the band know that she was ready to continue. She could see the kids, teens and pre-teens in the aisles imitating her with punches and kicks, as she punched and kicked.   

    At the end of the song she bowed to the audience, they gave her a long-standing ovation, some calling out “Ice,” others whistled and cheered.

    Lisa had noticed that many children (boys and girls) in the audience were wearing her team colors, black and dark purple, some even had pictures of Panthers on their shirts. She decided to mingle with the children for a bit, the judges and the three little icons be-hanged, after all what could they do - kick her out of the competition. She was so sick-in-tired of going through this every week. She still hadn’t bothered learning the judge’s names and now there were three child icons (two teen girls and a boy,) whom she didn’t have a clue who they were, or what their claim to fame was.

    She walked up to the edge of the stage and simply hopped off of the four-foot drop, to the audiences delight. There were four security people stationed strategically in front of the stage and in front of them, stretched out were portable caution pylons (all to protect the precious little icons, when they performed earlier, from the children in the audience.) The closest sentry approached her. With hands on hips, she walked up to the young sentry, towering over him. “I suggest you not say a word and go back to your spot. You and this caution tape are not for me and I intend to go through and meet the children. If you think that you can stop me, well, you better think again real hard,” Lisa said, with a wicked smile, as she locked eyes on the young man.

    The young sentry’s eyes got real big as he looked at Ice. “Yes ma’am,” he said, as he went back to his station.

    Lisa then went to the caution barrier and easily stepped over it. The audience cheered, the children swarmed her. “I don’t have time for anything, but to say, I’m glad you liked my performance,” she said, she then noticed a shy, young, heavy-set, dark haired girl, wearing all black, sitting next to her parents. Lisa high-fived all as she made her way to the girl.

    The girl smiled ear-to-ear, as Lisa knelt down by her, bringing them eye-to-eye. “Hey, what’s your name?”

    The girl kept smiling but wouldn’t or couldn’t speak.

    “Tammy,” her mom said. “She has a bad stammering problem and very seldom speaks. She gets counseled and we take her to a speech doctor for it.

    “Tammy, that is a beautiful name. Look, I don’t have long. Can you and your parents hang here after the show? If you can I’ll come back,” Lisa asked, in a soft voice.

    Tammy looked to her parents, who were nodding and saying yes.

      “Great, I’ll be back shortly,” Lisa said, as she got up, waved bye, and jogged back to the stage. She easily hurtled the caution barrier and catapulted herself onto the stage in one fluid movement, she located her parents in the audience and hand signed her dad to “remain.”

    He signed back, “yes.”  Lisa had been taught sign language at an early age by her dad. It proved to be useful on more than one occasion at church and at school, when she encountered the deaf and was able to communicate and help. Lisa didn’t want him to go to the guest lounge after the show, where family and friends went to wait. 

    She then, with out expression, nonchalantly, with hands behind her and eyes focused, walked toward the judges and little guests.



    In a mansion close by, the C.E.O. of a large network and his staff were staring at his closed circuit large screen TV. 

    “I can’t believe what I just saw. I’ve seen people break wood through martial arts before, but breaking four-by-fours and the way she did it all, in less then three minutes. And what a singing performance,” he said, as he ordered the servant to refill his drink.

    “She has proven herself to be quiet remarkable and clean as a whistle too. You’ve seen the files that our people put together. If she has anything hidden in her closet, it would be a stairway to heaven or the ark of Moses.”

    “Yes, yes, she’s one hell of a football player too, setting many high school records. And you just can’t buy the publicity that she has generated over the past few weeks, and look at her now go down into the audience with the kids. Gentlemen I want her to work for us. How do your statistics show the public voting for her,” the C.E.O. excitedly asked, as he replayed her breaking the wood.

    “Our stats and polls show that she is a favorite with the Christian coalition and appeals to all age groups of children both male and female. In fact, she appeals to both sexes of adults both young and old. We expect her to take over fifty five percent of the vote,” the older, well-dressed man replied.

    “Our industry is based on good family values and she is it. Our crop of little money makers have become sex crazed, some have become drug users, or alcoholics, or both and I think that they all smoke. Most can’t be trusted speaking out in public with out a spokes person standing over them. And then there are the ones who can’t keep their clothes on. And don’t forget the fiasco with the ones that lip-synced during a live concert. Oh, yes, let’s not forget the grand failure of our little icons pushing abstinence from sex, drugs, smoking and alcohol. The media has a field day when they screw-up, making us look like buffoons. I hope our newest teens do better with the abstinence program. My ulcer doubles every time one of the little rich-and-famous darlings ends up on the news for the wrong reasons. I’m tired of our ratings continually dropping, we’ve already had to cancel two Saturday morning shows and postpone a movie deal because of those DAMN CHRISTIANS,” the C.E.O. ranted, with a scowl on his face. “I want her and when she wins she’ll be under our contract among other things. We have her and her mom’s signature on everything, Don’t we.”

    “Yes Sir, we do. All copies have been signed.”         

     

    Lisa surveyed the field as she slowly approached the judges. The other contestants had been brought back out and were standing to the left of the judges toward the stage wing. She noticed that several pieces of the wood had been retrieved and now lay on the judge’s desk. The big screen monitor at the back of the stage was quietly replaying her breaking the wood beams in slow motion. And Ian Campbell was standing in front of the seated little celebrities holding a gold star.

    Ian, “That was an absolutely remarkable performance.”

    “Thank you,” was all Lisa said.

    (Through out the competition, in fact through out the years of American Rock Star, contestants would finish their performance and run up to the judges and celebrities, groveling, for approval, for just a chance to meet and talk to their idols, their eminences. Lisa on the other hand was different, she disdained the whole process, she saw the world in a different light. She saw the world as unfair and unjust. She understood and sometimes got angry at things that should’ve been way beyond her age and comprehension. She would not bow down or give homage to anyone or anything.)

    English judge, “It’s so nice that you finally decided to join us. You do know that your not suppose to go down into the audience, no matter how good your performance is.”

    Lisa locked eyes with his and never uttered a word, only showed a very slight grin.

    The young celebrities were staying quite for now, after seeing how big she was up close, what she could do and after examining the broken pieces of wood, especially the four-by-fours, and the fact that she didn’t seem excited about being here.

    Woman judge, “once again you didn’t partake of the events that we held last night. And once again you didn’t go by the song list.”

    Lisa averted her eyes from the English judge to the woman judge. “Your right, it’s not me, I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t sing what I don’t like. And as far as last night goes, well, I had better things to do,” Lisa replied, without expression and in a soft voice.

    American judge, “Your performance tonight was just plain awesome. And you’ve been in the news a lot lately for many different reasons, I especially enjoyed your sermon. And I hear that you put on one heck of a concert at St. Agnes. Did you enjoy your stay there?”

    Yes I did, and thank you for your comments,” Lisa said, as she looked at the American judge and smiled.

    “You had a killer performance, in fact most of your performances that I’ve seen should be made into music videos,” the young boy star finally said, as he was checking out Lisa’s physique.

    “Thank you,”

    “You don’t like any of our music or dances?” the younger of the girl stars finally, bravely asked.

    “I don’t mean to be insolent, but the songs are not for me and I don’t dance. I said this last week, if you want to see my style of dance come to one of my games. Or better yet, if you want to dance with me all you have to do is suit up against me and I’ll dance with you toe-to-toe, cheek-to-cheek with plenty of body contact,” Lisa said, as she walked directly in front of the young girl.

    “What is the story behind this?” Ian asked, as he held up the gold star.

    “Well, you see, that star was on a door that it shouldn’t have been on, my door. I play no pretense at being anything but an eleventh grade high school athlete. I say that, to say this; I am not a star now and I never will be, or want to be. I will not tolerate any such false incursion into my domain at any time,” Lisa replied, with a smile on her face, as a ripple went through her biceps.

    “Ok, Ice, no problem, I just wanted to know. You know, I tried pulling one of these off and couldn’t get it to budge. I even got a stage hand to try and he couldn’t,” Ian said, as he looked at the sticky backing of the star.

    “It comes off easy when it’s applied to the wrong door,” Lisa said, smiling.

    “Does anyone have anymore questions for Ice, we still have some time before the show ends,” Ian asked, as he looked from one to another of the judges and child celebrities.

    Now the questions started coming from all and Lisa fielded each and every question with honesty and straight-forwardness. Typical questions about her playing football, weight lifting, martial arts, then there were the questions about her escapades from the previous week, questions were asked about everything that she had made the news on. There was no more quietness from the young icons and of course, the judges had their share of questions to ask to.

    As Lisa was going through her Q & A, phone numbers were flashing on the big stage screen and at the bottom of all TV’s tuned in, so the audience and people at home could vote for their favorite singer. Each chair in the audience had a device mounted to it to vote, while the TV audience had up to one hour after the show to cast their vote.

    Monica, Russell, and Susan quickly voted for Lisa. Dad and Kenny quietly and discreetly voted for Marcy as per Lisa’s explicit instructions. Back at home, Steve, friends, teachers, coaches, team players and Jim’s side of the family voted for Marcy as per Lisa’s instructions. Back at St. Agnes all abstained from voting, instead of voting against her. For all it was difficult to vote against her, but all knew that this was really what she wanted and honored her request. 

    As the show was ending, Ian announced that the results of the votes would be on the up coming news and be running at the bottom of the screen on this TV channel. As the lights slightly dimmed, the audience started leaving. While the contestants, judges, and child stars headed to the exquisite, posh, star lounge to await the results. Lisa started walking back toward the auditorium.

    “Aren’t you coming with us?” Ian asked.

    “Not yet, I have something else to do first. But I’ll be there by the time the results are in,” Lisa replied, as she walked off.

    Monica, Russell and Susan got up to go to the less posh guest lounge. Jim, Kenny and Sister Camille stayed seated.

    “What’s up with you, aren’t you coming with us,” Susan asked, as she and her parents looked at Jim.

    “Leese signed me earlier to remain and that’s what I intend to do,” Jim answered.

    The auditorium was almost empty now, as she walked over to her parents, she saw Tammy and her parents still seated and waved to them. What Lisa didn’t know was that one of the closed circuit, remote control cameras was still on and following her.

    “Why are you here? Why didn’t you go with the others to the star lounge? And what’s up with you taking the star off of your door? You need to be with them trying to fit in and acting normal, not out here,” Monica angrily said, looking up at Lisa.

    “I agree, you need to be socializing with those young stars, not out here goofing off. You should at least try acting like a normal teenage girl for a change,” Russell chimed in.

    “If you’ll excuse me, I need to talk to dad. And my reason for being out here is more important then being some place that I don’t want to be to begin with,” Lisa answered back, in a low angry voice.

    “Lisa you need to…”

    “Let it go Susan, this is Lisa’s call and nobody else’s. If she says something is important to her, then it’s important to me,” dad spoke up, as he looked at Russell, Monica and then Susan. “You three can go to the lounge, I’m staying here with Leese. What about you Kenny?”

    “I’m staying with Leese too,” Kenny answered, while nodding his head.

    “Come on Russell, Susan, lets go,” Monica growled, then stomped off with Russell beside her. “Aren’t you coming Susan?”

    “I’ll catch up with you a little later, bye,” Susan said, with hands on hips as she walked up to Jim and Lisa looking from one to the other. “I know that you are always going to do things your way. I know that you confide in Jim more than you do me and that you two are always in complete agreement with each other. I’ve told you in the past that I’m gonna be more like Jim when it comes to you. So, fill me in, you have my, our undivided attention. And for the records, I know that you two are keeping a secret between your selves, this we will discuss at a later time.”

    Sister Camille had stayed quiet the entire time, Lisa asked her to join in. She then quickly told everyone about Tammy and her problem.

    “Ok, Leese, we’ll do whatever we can to help, but she likes you, she came to see you perform. You’ll be lucky if she says one word to you and your gonna have to play it by ear and do a lot of improvising as you talk to her,” dad said, with a somber expression. “I’ve had very little dealings with speech impediments.”

    “I’ve had a good bit of dealings with speech problems, but it can take years to overcome such a problem,” Sister Camille said.         

    After the short discussion, they all walked over to Tammy and her parents and introduced themselves.

    Lisa sat on the floor, in the aisle way, deliberately putting herself lower then Tammy so that she would get to look down, instead of always looking up. “Tammy, would you like to join me down here?” Lisa asked, as she crossed her legs.

    Tammy had a big smile on her face as she looked to her parents for approval, which they gave.

    Dad and Sister Camille engaged Tammy’s parents with pleasant conversation as they hoped that certain facts might be brought up about the problem.

    “Ok, Tammy, you can ask me anything, you can whisper in my ear, you can write it down, you have my complete attention and I just want you to know that my little brother Kenny sometimes has a problem speaking,” Lisa said, in her softest, sweetest voice.

    “Uh huh, sometimes I get scared and I can’t speak or even make a noise,” Kenny said.

    “Do you have any questions or anything at all that you would like to say?” Lisa asked, as she looked at Tammy who was in the process of sitting on the plush carpet, getting as close to Lisa as she could get. 

    Tammy looked at her, still with that giant beautiful smile, nodded her head and moved her mouth a little, but nothing came out. She kept looking at Leese and more than once at her headband.

    Lisa put her arm around her and motioned for Kenny to have a seat.

    Kenny sit on the carpet facing Tammy, kinda in front of Leese. “When I have problems, Leese says to look at her and to think about what I’m gonna say before I say it. And it always works,” Kenny said, as he reached in his pocket for the tic-tacs that he carried, like Lisa. He politely offered all of the adult’s one, but only dad accepted and said “Thank you.” He then offered Lisa one, who accepted and said “thank you, son of Adam.” This Narnian reply thrilled Tammy with laughter (she loved the books and the movies) and tickled Kenny. He then offered Tammy one, who slowly extended her hand taking one and placed it in her mouth “th  ank u,” she said.

    Kenny never gave it a second thought about her not speaking, as for as he was concerned she was just having a bad day and just needed a little help, like he did sometimes. He overheard the adults talking about Leese breaking the wood and what a good performance she did and this got him started. Kenny was always a little on the quiet side, but when it came to his hero “Leese” he became a never-ending storyteller.

    “Did you see Leese break the wood? She sang really good too and I liked the way that she punched and kicked during the song, it was so cool,” Kenny said, as he punched the air.

    “Y ea, I  li ked  it, it  w as  co  ol,” Tammy said, as she made punches in the air too.

    And with that short phrase, the adults became quiet. Tammy’s mother gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Lisa watched and listened, as Kenny carried the day by telling story after story about his big sister, while Tammy got braver and braver speaking. Her speech was a problem, but neither Kenny nor Leese cared as they kept encouraging her.

    Tammy’s parents were elated and speechless as they observed their formerly muted daughter interacting with Lisa and Kenny. 

    “I’ve seen cases like this before, she needs to be around children that won’t make fun of her. And this has probably caused her severe weight gain. She probably spends a lot of time alone and eating has been made into a crutch for her,” Sister Camille said, as she watched Tammy now bravely speaking, not good, but still trying.

    “We started home schooling her because of the kids being mean to her and she does spend a lot of time alone with the TV and the computer. I don’t have the heart to deny her food when she wants it.”

    “Where do you live, if I may ask?” Sister Camille asked.

    Lisa was paying attention to Tammy and Kenny as well as listening to Tammy’s mom and Sister Camille.

    “That is only a few miles on the other side of St. Agnes,” Sister Camille replied, looking like a person with an idea.

    “You could let her meet the children there and maybe attend some of the classes and if things worked out, that could be her new school with plenty of friends and activities,” Susan suggested, to everyone’s amazement.

    Lisa, dad and Sister Camille looked at Susan like it was the first time that they had seen her. “That is exactly what I was thinking,” Sister Camille said, as she smiled.

    “It is a great idea, I think,” Jim replied, as he gave Susan a hug. “Mind if I ask what kind, if any, of church do you attend?”

    “We don’t attend any kind of Church,” Tammy’s dad answered. “Will the kids there accept her and not be mean to her?”

    “Our kids …” Sister Camille started to say, but was cut off by Kenny who was all excited.

    Kenny started telling Tammy about Tony and the kids at St. Agnes and got so excited that he started stuttering.

    Tammy watched with out laughing, as Lisa calmed Kenny down and got him talking again without stuttering. “I think that you would really like it there,” Kenny said, as he looked at Tammy.

    “Would you like to try going there,” Tammy’s mom asked.

    “Y  ea,” Tammy answered, as she looked up at mom.

    “Good choice,” Lisa said, as she reached up and untied her headband. “Do you like my headband?”

    “Y e a,” Tammy answered, as she looked at Lisa.

    “I’ll give it to you, daughter of Eve, if you will attempt two tasks for me.”

    Tammy giggled and laughed.

    “First, keep up speaking, your doing a great job. Second, lets try loosing some weight, let your mom help you with a diet plan. Your gonna meet some great kids and teachers at St. Agnes, I think that they will keep you busy enough that loosing weight will come easy. By Aslan’s mane, do you agree?” Lisa asked.

    “I  a  gr  e e,” Tammy answered, as she became very still while Lisa placed the headband on her and gently tied it.

    “I have to be going now, Tammy, dad will give you my e-mail address and I want you to stay in touch, ok. In fact, we’ll be at St. Agnes next Saturday, if you want to stop in and see me,” Lisa said, as she looked up at the big screen and then hugged Tammy.

    Tammy looked at mom and dad. “We’ll be there,” they said. Tammy vigorously nodded yes.

    Mom and dad looked up at the big screen too, as well as did Sister Camille and Tammy’s parents. Dad and Sister Camille kinda bit their lip and stayed quiet, but mom gasped with jubilation and covered her mouth as she looked at Lisa. Tammy’s parents congratulated her on the tremendous amount of votes that she pulled in, overwhelmingly outdistancing herself from all the others.         

    “Well then, good-bye till next week,” Lisa said, in a soft voice, as she stood and waved bye. She shook her head, as she looked up at the big screen, that had just proclaimed her America’s favorite by a landslide.   

    “We’ll take care of things down here, I think that Sister Camille has a couple of loose ends to tie-up before we go to the guest lounge,” dad said, as they all waved bye to Lisa.

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

    Monica was ecstatic with what she was seeing on the large, lounge screen. She immediately called her station to make sure that they were on top of this.



    “Sir, she has accumulated for more votes in this first week of voting than any contestant in the long history of the show. She might even be as, or more popular, right now, than some of the stars that we employ. She definitely has a larger following than even we were able to calculate,” the staff assistant said, as he watched the cigar fall out of the C.E.O.’s mouth and lay smoldering on the exotic carpet.

    And with a big smile showing, the C.E.O. reached down and picked up the cigar. “She’ll be mine in three more weeks. I want stats on everything we got that is doing bad, shows that we could immediately put her in to help the ratings; sitcoms, kid shows and don’t forget to create concert tours for her,” the C.E.O. said, as he leaned back into his luxurious office chair.



    Father O’Gara and the rest at St. Agnes were overwhelmed with mixed feelings for Lisa. All knew how she felt and all also knew that she overflowed with pure talent, but only Mother Superior and he knew her vision and that in itself helped. Father O’Gara didn’t wait to see the out come of the vote, he knew. He already had his plans for next Saturday put in motion, that he had discussed with Lisa, if she advanced. If she advanced, he laughed to himself, she so distanced herself from the pack, like a panther out running turtles in a race.



    In the star lounge, the band was talking to a lovely well-dressed, middle-aged woman in a dark blue business suit and her companion, a handsome well-dressed young man in a dark grey suit with a brief case. The two informed the band who they were and who they worked for and wanted all the information they could get on Lisa. As they watched the votes tally, they talked, Marcy and some of the others joined in on the conversation. The discussion changed direction many times till it came to her music.

    “I’ll say one thing, on account of Lisa we’ve played more religious music then we’ve ever played before. As for myself I am very picky when it comes to playing or listening to someone singing Christian music,” John said, as he swirled his alcoholic mixture around inside his glass then took a sip.

    “That’s right, you don’t go through a tour of duty in a combat zone and not become a little or a lot more religious. I personally like for the one’s that I play Christian music for, or just listen to, to have at least a half-way chance of going to heaven,” Keith said, as he rubbed his left hand. “You know, my hand feels tingly after holding those wood beams for Lisa.” 

    At this point, the oldest teen icon and her older boyfriend came up and sit in on the discussion.

    Ellen laughed, as she patted Keith on the hand. “Lisa is a big strong girl and can pack a wallop. And your right Keith, you can’t go around singing song’s for God in mini skirts, short dresses, see through blouses or tight jeans. Not to mention the expensive cost of some of the attires and hairstyles that most wear. If you talk-the-talk, then you should walk-the-walk. For most singers of Christian music, as soon as the last word leaves their lips they forget what they have just sung and continue their worldly lifestyle as soon as they set foot off of the stage.

    “Lisa, on the other hand, talks-the-talk and walks-the-walk. You know what you got when you hear her sing religious songs. Playing and listening to her is an absolute delight.

Not if, but when she goes to heaven, she’ll have her own personnel escort sent by God to take her,” Adam added, as he grabbed some finger food off of a platter that a waiter had just brought out. “Working with her each week has actually made me a better person.”

    “Amen,” John said, as he called to his comrades for a toast to Lisa. All four stood, touched glasses and toasted their rebel girl. The well-dressed woman and man joined in on the toast, as the others just looked on. The votes now had Lisa way out front in a landslide victory.

    As the talk continued, the senior waiter made his rounds making sure everything was ok, checking to see if everyone was being properly attended and served.

    “Get away, you f#%, I don’t want any q@##% around me,” the boyfriend said, with contempt, as he lit a cigarette.

    The teen girlfriend then jumped all over the waiter. Finally, telling him that she would have his job if he so much as approached, served, or spoke to anyone again. “You know what I say goes. What ever I want I get,” she said, as she too lit a cigarette and took a drink.

    Crossfire and the well-dressed woman and man just shook their heads, as they watched the waiter humbly walk off in embarrassment.   

         

    Lisa forced a smile, as she was congratulated by all that seen her on the way to the dressing room. There she looked in the mirror, put her hands on the counter, bowed her head and closed her eyes. “Lord thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Please Lord be with me and guide me. Please be with and bless Tammy and her family, please help her. I pray in the name of Yahshua ha Mashiach, amen,” she prayed, then changed clothes.

    She changed into her black jeans, with a black short sleeve football jersey, that had her number twenty-three in large white letters and out-lined in dark purple on front and back. In the back, above the number, in white and also out-lined in dark purple was her last name “Raynor.” She wore her black, cushioned, thick soled running shoes that pushed her height to well over 6’1”, she couldn’t help it, these were her most comfortable and favorite shoes. As she put her stage clothes in to her backpack, she took out her Black Panther cap, the one with a white out-line of a snarling purple panther with its ears laid back and above the panther in white was “Panther Pride.” She then pulled her gold cross out from underneath her jersey and made it visible for all to see. She was now ready to go to the star lounge, then home.

    This was gonna be quick, she thought to herself, walk in grab her voucher from the A.R.S. coordinator, politely excuse herself and then off to the airport and homeward bound. She walked with her backpack slung over her left shoulder, as she held her pass in her right hand.       

    Lisa walked up to the two doormen (or security guards) and handed them her I.D. pass, but both refused it. “We know who you are and congratulations,” they both said, as they held the door open for her.

    As she entered the large luxurious lounge she surveyed her surroundings, she could smell marijuana being used and saw large quantities of mixed drinks being handed out. Some quieted down, some clapped, but all looked as she walked in. She waved at Crossfire and Marcy when she saw them seated at a plush table with others. But what she didn’t see was the A.R.S. coordinator. Great, she thought to herself, this was just great. What obstacles await just to get her voucher and go home.

    Lisa saw a waiter standing alone at the end of the large bar and decided to go up and ask him. As she approached, she noticed that his face was all red and his eyes looked watery. She removed her backpack and laid it on a stool.

    “Hello, my name is Lisa Raynor,” she said, as she held out her hand for a handshake.

    “I was told not to talk to, serve, or approach any of the guests, or I would be fired,” he said, as he looked at Lisa.

    “I see, I believe that I approached you and spoke first. And shaking my hand, that I offered first, has nothing to do with what you were told, now, does it. Now then, I consider myself to be civilized and I’m pretty sure that your no barbarian. So, do we shake hands like two civilized folk or are you gonna just leave me hanging? Lisa asked, with a smile, as she kept her hand out.

    The waiter finally extended his hand and shook hands with her.

    “Now then, my dear Sir, I’m not letting go until you’ve given me your name, or at least your first name and are willing to have some civilized conversation with me,” Lisa said, still smiling, continuing the handshake with some exaggerated motion.

      By now, everyone was watching as the room went quiet. The young teen and her boyfriend were getting madder and angrier as every second went by, as they watched Lisa building up the waiter’s spirit.

    “My name is Jules,” he said, as a smile crossed his face.

    “Jules, can you tell me who is giving out the vouchers this week. I would really like to be on my way home.”

    “I’m sorry ma’am, I don’t know,” he replied, in a soft voice.

    “Fair enough Jules, would you like to enlighten me as to what is going on in here then,” Lisa asked, as she let go of his hand and grabbed a handful of mixed nuts.

    Ellen quickly came up to Lisa and asked her to bend down some, so that she could whisper to her. She then told Ice the whole story.

    “I see, thank you Ellen. My dear Jules, would it be possible to get a glass of milk,” Lisa asked, in an elevated voice for all to hear, as she looked at Ellen and winked.

    “Yes ma’am, it won’t take long at all,” Jules replied, as he called for one of the bar tenders to come over.

    “I can understand if you had rather not serve me, I’m sorry if I embarrassed you with the handshake,” Lisa said in a contrite voice, but with a sly smile, while nibbling at the nuts.

    “Ma’am it has nothing to do with you. You actually made me feel better. You see, the problem is that word got out that, I was gay a few days ago. That is why I may, or will, loose my job,” Jules replied, in a soft voice, as he looked past Lisa to the two troublemakers. “If you still want me to though, I would be more than happy to get your milk, if you don‘t mind me serving you.”

    Lisa smiled and looked him squarely in the eyes. “If you would please, I would most appreciate it.”

    In short time, Jules had a glass of cold milk sitting in front of Lisa.

    As Ellen, Jules and everyone else watched on, Lisa took the glass of milk and carefully examined it, Holding it up, rotating the glass, smelling it, then finally taking a sip. “I’m no scientist or chemist, but in my opinion, this glass of milk tastes the same as any other glass of milk that I’ve ever had. So, my hypothesis is, that milk or maybe even food can be served by both straight and gay people without the taste being affected,” Lisa quipped, as she then turned the glass of milk up and  killed it, then licked her lips.

    Most in the room were laughing, Ellen laughed so hard that she had bubbles coming out of her nose, Jules had his hands over his mouth trying to hold back laughter.

    Marcy came strolling over with a drink in her hand. “Ok, America’s favorite, what are you up to? He’s been given his orders and your not helping any. And besides, being a Christian, as you say you are, aren’t you suppose to despise gays and lesbians, as other Christians do, ain‘t that in the bible,” Marcy asked, as she looked up at Lisa.

    “Some people are just wrong in what they believe and how they interpret the bible. Some people just look for certain passages in the bible to prove their point, they ignore the context that the verse is set in. Since the birth and death of Christ, we have been in the dispensation of love and grace. You are to love your neighbor as yourself, you are to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is how we are to treat our fellow human beings,” Lisa responded, with a touch of anger in her voice, as she locked her laser like ruby eyes on the teenage girl.

    This was all that the teen icon and her boyfriend could take. They approached the bar and used some rather foul and colorful language as they informed Jules that they would see to it that he would no longer have a job after tonight. They avoided looking at, or speaking to Lisa altogether.

    Lisa looked at Jules with anger on her face. “Let me see what I can do about this whole ugly affair,” she responded, as she watched the two go back to their table.         

    “I’m with you, I trained in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat while in the army. I got your back if the situation arises,” Ellen said, in a whisper, as she looked up at Ice.

    Ellen was herself a formidable female, standing 5’9” and slightly buffed, being no stranger to the gym. With a self proclaimed 11 tattoos, but all Lisa ever saw were four. One on her right shoulder, a tattoo of the badge of the U.S. army 7th air cavalry. One on her left shoulder a tattoo of an angry U.S. bald eagle. And coiled around each arm all the way down to her hands, were tattoos of red dragons with their heads on top of each hand breathing fire toward her fingers.     

    “I’ve got a plan. But I need you to lay low until I need you. Ok? I’m a minor and can get away with more by myself,” Lisa, with her back toward the lounge, whispered back, as she opened her backpack. “The wrath of all in here will soon be upon me.”

    “What are you gonna do,” Marcy asked, looking all horrified. “Just let it go, this doesn’t concern you!”

    Lisa just sort of smiled, as she looked at Marcy. “I will not standby and watch someone be mistreated, if there is anything that I can do, I will do,” she said, as she told Ellen to follow her lead.

    “Ok, I’ll follow your lead. This is gonna be a girls-night-out?” Ellen said, as she smiled and put her long black hair into a ponytail, then casually walked up to the nearest pool table, grabbed a pool stick and walked back.

    “A girls-night-out it is!” Lisa responded, as she put her cap into her backpack and then put her shoulder length snow-white hair into a high ponytail. The last thing that she took out was her video-camera-phone. She turned it on and set it in secrete, while it was still in her pack. She programmed it to send to two e-mail addresses at the push of one key. The only one that could see what she was doing was Ellen; Marcy had walked off in disgust and fear.   

    Ellen smiled an evil smile, as she figured out the battle plan. “A frontal assault, I like that. You know, you would make one hell of a Green Beret if you joined the army.”

    Lisa smiled as she finished up.

    “Let me know when targets are in a favorable position.” Lisa said, in a low voice, not looking at Ellen

    The wait wasn’t long. “Now!” Ellen whispered.

    Lisa spun around and started recording as the two targets, of abstinence, were laughing, smoking and drinking together. She got some really good footage before she was seen recording. She pressed the send key, as the room went into an uproar.

    From all directions came shouts of angry rebuke and threats. Most froze in place with astonishment. Contestants kinda huddled together. Waiters and waitresses, hurriedly, left the floor and all went behind the large bar. 

    “NO, CAMERAS ALLOWED IN HERE!”

    “SOMEBODY TAKE THAT AWAY FROM HER!’

    “GET SECURITY IN HERE, NOW!”

    Most of the language was very colorful and thought provoking. Three security, or bodyguards, came running up to her, but kept their distance. The teen girl and boyfriend left their table and approached, but also kept their distance. All demanding that she hand over the device.

    John could tell that Ellen had her game face on, he had been in too many rough spots with her and he knew that she was ready for battle and would not be denied.

    John, Adam and Keith left their table and went up to the bar. “Aah, you two have done all the math on this, I assume,” John asked, as he looked from Lisa to Ellen.

    “Just playing it by ear,” Lisa said, as she stayed close to the bar, using it as a defensible position.

    “I see, maybe…,” Keith was cut off.

    “If we need you, we’ll call you, other than that just stay out of the f#@$%&# way. Now it’s just us girls,” Ellen said, as she quickly unscrewed the pool stick and kept the larger end, then started slowly twirling it.

    “Yes ma’am,” John replied, as he then looked at Jules. “My good fellow, Jules, would you be so kind as to bring us three of your best beers,” John asked, as all three pulled up bar stools and had a seat.

    Jules with a horror filled face, looked from Lisa to John. “Yes, I’ll be right back.”

    Jules hurried back with the beers. “Can’t you please do something about this?” he begged.

    “I’m afraid not buddy, you see I know what fire power Ellen has and I know what weapons Lisa has and what she can do. And well, it’s not wise for me or anyone, who values their hide, to interfere when those two girls are this determined and willing to bring all their weapons to bear. And, it’s gonna get real ugly if they try to take Ice’s phone from her. Let me put it this way, if they physically go after that camera, your gonna see what it’s like when two large chain saws meet human flesh, it ain’t a gonna be a pretty sight. By the way, Jules, can we get some more of those mixed nuts, watching a massacre makes me hungry,” John said, as he watched Adam finish off the last of the nuts. “My goodness, my boy, are you starving to death. Have you not eaten anything today?”

    “You know, drinking makes me hungry,” Adam replied.

    “I think, breathing makes you hungry,” Keith answered, with a laugh and slapped him on the back.

    Mean while, the well-dressed woman was on her phone feverishly talking to someone as the situation was developing.

    Lisa never said a word as she put her camera-phone into her left pants pocket. She then, nonchalantly, took out her tic-tacs and popped one onto her mouth. Then stood with crossed arms, with a feline hunter’s vision locked on her approaching prey. To her left stood Ellen, slowly twirling her half of a pool stick and to her right was John, Keith and Adam eating and drinking and ever so discreetly, watching Lisa’s and Ellen’s back.

    “NOBODY IS ALLOWED TO VIDEO, OR TAKE PICTURES OF US WITHOUT PERMISSION, NOW, GIVE ME THAT CAMERA!” the boyfriend said, as he held his hand out and walked toward Lisa.

    The room had quieted down a good bit by now.

    “Anyone that enters my personal air space will be dealt with quickly, and with every tactic and weapons capability that I can bring to bear. I want to make that perfectly clear. I  WILL  DEFEND  MYSELF  USING  EVERY  MEANS  AT  MY  DISPOSAL,” Ice replied, in a vigorous attitude, as she moved the tic-tac slowly around in her mouth, she then went into a fighting stance.

    The boyfriend stopped dead in his tracks, with fear in his eyes, lowered his hand and slowly backed up.

    “Miss Raynor you are not leaving with that camera. NOW HA …,” The security, bodyguard, never got to finish.

    Lisa heard a thud, looked to her left and saw Ellen standing over the man with an evil grin on her face and holding a handgun. Ellen then, with her army training, cocked the 9mm, then went to each and everyone she suspected of having a gun and disarmed them. She put two into her jeans and carried the third. “This stops right here and now. Lisa is going home with her phone, if we have to beat the s#$% out of everyone in here,” Ellen said, with a smile, as she patrolled the floor. “Pulling a gun on a minor is a serious offense. Lisa, take your phone and call 911 it’s time we get the police involved with these no-good M#$%&@$#@%&#s!”

    “NO! PLEASE! NO POLICE,” came, loudly, from different directions.

    Lisa took her phone out and activated the recording again, as she panned the room. People were hiding their faces, squealing and screaming, covering their heads, hiding behind  pillows. She caught Marcy sitting alone, who cocked her head to one side, smiled and took a sip of her drink, as she raised the glass, she extended her middle finger that was around the glass. Lisa then locked on to the boyfriend and started walking toward him. He covered his face as he quickly retreated while using the most colorful language that she had ever heard. He finally fell backwards over a small table and looked up stunned. “Embarrassing isn’t it,” Lisa said, smiling, as she kept recording and was on the prowl for the young teenage girl.

    “LISA, YOU WIN! Come back here and we’ll settle this now and you can go home. But please, do not call the police,” the well-dressed woman said, as she opened her companions brief case.

    Ellen came over to Lisa and pointed out other items that she needed to video. “Those are illegal substances and what with alcohol being given to minors by their accompanying adults there’s no wonder nobody wants the police involved here,” Ellen informed Lisa, as she handed over her three weapons to John, Keith and Adam who took over guard duty.

    Ellen walked with Lisa over to the well-dressed woman and seated herself next to her companion, where she could keep an eye on him.

    Lisa had a seat right next to the woman, where she could watch as Lisa played back her recorded video complete with sound. “Now that you’ve seen what I recorded, I’m gonna send it now to two different addresses,” Lisa said, as she pressed the send key, then within seconds the delivery was confirmed.

    The woman lit a cigarette and looked at Lisa. I presume that you already transmitted the first footage, just as you now did. Anyway, I report directly to the C.E.O. I’m here tonight because of you and I’ve been on the phone with him during this whole f#$%&@$ mess. I have been given carte blanche to give you whatever you want within reason to solve this and keep you from making public your video. Please tell me what you want,” the woman said, as she looked at Lisa.

    “First; Jules keeps his job.”

    “Done, and I’ll do even better, I’ll see to it that he gets a promotion, a pay increase and he can choose among several places that he might had rather work.”

    “Good. Second; I don’t want to ever see or hear any of these celebrities dealing with or talking about abstinence in any way, shape, or form.”

    “Done, they will be removed from that program.”

    “Third; no repercussion of any kind on Ellen, John, Keith, or Adam.”

    “Done.”

    “That’s all I want. If you keep your end of the deal then I will never make public what I have. I promise,” Lisa said, as she looked at Ellen.

    “That is good enough for me, we know how good you are at keeping promises and we will keep up our end of the deal. Now lets give you your vouchers and you can be on your way home,” The woman said, as she handed Lisa the vouchers and opened her laptop. “These were gonna be given out at the party that was planned for tonight, but I don’t think that your interested in being with us. I presume that you will be staying at St. Agnes next week and will be handling your own ground transportation. I’m guessing that you’re not interested in the theme for next week, alternative band, backup singers, dancers, or the Friday night activities scheduled for the contestants. And you probably don’t want the song list, I’m sure that you’ve already selected your three songs and given them to John. If I’m wrong please let me know.” The woman said, as she was busily typing on her laptop.

    “You’re correct on all assumptions,” Lisa replied, as she got up to leave.

    “By the way congratulations on your huge win tonight. You know, in three weeks, you can be the one in our abstinence program, you would be a perfect fit. And, I suppose doing an interview with you tonight, on your win, would be out of the question now?”

    “Thank you. And no, an interview tonight is not going to happen,” Lisa responded, as she put her phone into her left pants pocket. Jules thanked her and Ellen repeatedly, when they passed by. Lisa handed Jules one of dad’s church cards and wrote her cell phone number on it. “If things go wrong, let me know instantly,” she said, while looking at the woman with a stern look. With that said, Lisa, Ellen and the rest of Crossfire left the lounge.

    “May I ask why you were so enthusiastic about helping me,” Lisa asked, as she looked at Ellen.

    “Bend down and I’ll whisper it to you,” Ellen said, kinda sheepishly.

    Lisa showed no emotion as Ellen whispered into her ear. When she was finished, she looked up at Lisa. Lisa nodded her head and looked her squarely in the eyes. “I do have several questions, if I may ask?”

    “Ok, I guess,” Ellen replied softly, biting at her lower lip.

    “You say that you have eleven tattoos, did you have them all done at once, or one at a time? And, is it painful to have tattoos done?” Lisa asked, with a big smile on her face.

    “One at a time and I was drunk for each one, so I don’t remember any pain,” Ellen replied back, laughing.

    And with all laughing, Lisa and Crossfire bid farewell till next week and parted ways,  she then went to the guest lounge. 

    “Sorry I’m late,” Lisa said, as she entered an almost vacant lounge.

    Dad knew instantly that something was wrong, as Lisa looked at him with a look that relayed unspoken and unneeded words. Monica, Russell and mom were all over her with hugs and congratulations. Kenny was asleep in one of the plush chairs, dad and Sister Camille just stayed quiet and out of the way, as they watched Monica, Russell and mom all over Lisa, almost to the point of smothering her.

    “So, you were hanging out with the celebrities, good for you,” Monica said, with such ecstasy, that she even smiled at Jim.

    “I just had a glass of milk and kinda just walked around the lounge a bit,” Lisa answered, forcing a smile.

    “That’s a good start, pretty soon even the stars will recognize you on sight,” Russell said, as he gave her another hug.

    “Aah, yea, that could be possible,” Lisa replied, in a soft voice, looking at dad.

    When all was said and done in the lounge, The Raynors went to the airport, while Monica and Russell went out on the town gloating.

    After a long goodbye with Sister Camille, they boarded the plane and was homeward bound. Lisa waited for mom and Kenny to fall asleep before she told dad about her exploits in the star lounge. She showed dad her video. “I just can’t stand the way some people treat others. The quicker I’m out of this, the better,” Lisa said, as she ordered a glass of milk from the flight attendant.

    Dad was filled with compassion, as he looked at Leese “I’m proud of you girl. You’re a person of action. If only every injustice could be solved so swiftly. And this Ellen, well, I would like to meet her and the rest of the band. But for now let’s keep this between you and me, and if you want to, I think that it’s safe to tell Steve, but no one else. Mom is a smart lady and already knows that we are keeping things from her. I think that Monday, when your revelation is revealed, we should fill her in on some of your vision, but only a small bit for now,” he said, as he ruffled her hair.

    Lisa laughed, then nodded her head in agreement, after taking the milk from the attendant, she then reclined and relaxed for the long flight home.

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

    Upon arriving at home, Mom made it clear, that since it was so late, her and Kenny were gonna stay home and sleep, opting out of church. Lisa and dad never even gave it a thought about missing church. A large attendance was expected, an after church potluck lunch was to be offered and hopefully enough money would be taken in to help the families in need. The Pastor wanted and hoped that Lisa would be rested enough to sing a few songs and help with fellowship.

    With only a few hours sleep, Lisa woke, bathed, dressed and met dad in the kitchen, where they ate a quick, nutritious breakfast of milk and homemade rice crispy treats.

    “We should have another large congregation today. I hope the donations are generous. Are you rested enough to sing and meet your fans? Dad asked, as he picked up another rice crispy treat.

    “Yea, I think so. You know, I’ve been singing at church for years now and I’ve enjoyed it, but during that time, the church has only grown in small increments. Now that I’m on that stupid show and having unwanted success, people come from all around to see what they think is gonna be the next star. I pretty sure that most people who now visit our church don’t come for the teaching, the fellowship, the preaching or really anything that our church offers or stands for,” Lisa replied, in a soft, somber voice.

    “My girl, you are absolutely right, but don’t let that get you down. Getting someone to, willingly, hear the word of God, for whatever reason, is of the up most importance. And maybe, just maybe, something will remain that the Holy Spirit can use and begin a good work in,” dad answered, as he located some chocolate chip cookies to add a finishing touch to breakfast.

    “I’ll keep that in mind, as long as people come of their own free will, for whatever reason, it could end up being a good thing. So that means that we can’t just go out and drag them in kicking and screaming and tie them to the pews,” Lisa said laughing, then she popped a tic-tac into her mouth.

    “Me thinks, that you make fun of your knuckle dragging dear old dad.”

    Lisa went up to him and gave him a hug. “Just a little fun,” she said, with a big beautiful smile. “I think we need to be going, I want to get there early, to have some alone time with Steve.”

    “Your wish is my command, after all, you’re the star. You can even ride in the back of the van and I‘ll hold the door for you as you get in and out,” dad said, as he winked at Lisa, who was now giving him a mean look.

    The morning was bright, crisp and clear, and not to cold considering how far into fall the season was. Steve arrived early too, as per Lisa’s instructions, the two hugged, quickly kissed and walked hand-in-hand around the church grounds, catching up on time apart, she also filled him in on the past few days. Dad went around unlocking doors and turning lights on, as he prepared the church for Sunday school and worship services.

    As expected a huge crowd arrived and not only for worship service, but for Sunday school too. And with the visitors, along with the regular members, came a whole assortment of foods, drinks and desserts. Pastor Lewis and dad had anticipated the outpouring of people and food, so the youth group were put in charge of directing traffic. The sanctuary was altered to accommodate the food and become a temporary buffet. The gym was to accommodate the huge congregation as it had during the past few weeks. The families that were in dire straights were invited, but kept anonymous as to their plight, with only the Pastor, dad and a few others knowing.

    Lisa and Steve knew most of the families in the area that had been hit hard by the bad economy, they were either friends or acquaintances of the family’s children. Lisa helped greet and answer questions as she seemed to be the center of attention. She would move  from person to person and from group to group as she happily gave each and everyone a chance to meet her that wanted to. Steve stayed busy hooking the sound system up in the gym and fixing electronic problems that he swore invisible gremlins were responsible for.

    Finally Sunday school started, as dad taught a very crowded classroom. Lisa sat next to Kathy, her best friend, dad and the Pastor had Steve out chasing gremlins and trouble shooting the sound equipment. When Sunday school started and the offering plate made its way around Lisa signed her voucher check over to the church. Dad taught on the Be attitudes; “Blessed are the poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of  Man’s sake.”  The lesson was quick and to the point, as he finished up, he assigned helper and traffic control duties to everyone for before, during and after worship service.

    “We will eat last, until then we will assist anyone in everyway possible. And don’t worry if you faint from hunger, I will leave no one behind,” Dad said, laughing, then dismissed the class with a military salute, afterward he took a chocolate chip cookie out of his pocket and ate it.

    Steve had the sound system up and going minutes before Sunday school was over. The Gremlins turned out to be rats with a taste for cables. He met Lisa, as he was headed out. “I’ll catch up with you after church, I need to check the cables in the sanctuary, then help usher, then help Grace organize the buffet,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow.

    “See ya after church then,” Lisa said, giving him a loving smile, as they parted.

      Pastor Lewis welcomed everyone, prayed the opening prayer, then introduced Lisa to sing the opening song. Lisa started the service off by singing “By your Side,” a song by Tenth Avenue North.

    Pastor Lewis then preached on Romans 12, which he entitled “Behave like a Christian.” At the end of the sermon, Lisa sang another song from Tenth Avenue North called “Hold my Heart.” By the end of the song three came forward to say the sinner’s prayer and be baptized. After which, all made way to the grand buffet and to fellowship.

    Lisa was constantly surrounded and engaged in conversation, so Steve, politely, stayed away. He assisted at the dessert table with whatever anyone needed and more than once helped himself to one of the many varieties of cakes, pies, puddings and pastries.

    “Hey Steve, would you mind cutting me a small piece of that yummy looking carrot cake.”

    “Hey Allison, I would be happy to,” Steve replied, as he quickly finished his plate of chocolate cake and served her.

    Allison was one of the cheerleaders, a tall, drop-dead gorgeous brunette, who knew she looked good and used it, always wearing her clothes a little too tight and dresses and skirts a little too short. Always touching and brushing up against the boys. She had started developing early in middle school and had taken advantage of her looks ever since.

    “Thank you, I was wondering, if you would help me with my U.S. History homework tomorrow at school. I can’t seem to access it on the computer, I’m afraid that it may be lost,” she said, as she finished her cake. “May I have some of your drink? Just enough to wash down that delicious cake.”

    “Sure, and yes, I’ll check the class computer first thing in the morning,” Steve said, as he handed her his coke.

    She took a long sip, “Thank you Steve, and if you can’t retrieve it will you help me explain the problem to Mr. Raynor?” Allison asked, as she handed the coke back and held his arm with her left hand and stroked it with her right.

    “I will,” he answered, standing motionless, he looked into her sapphire blue eyes for a moment, then focused his gaze on the large bowl of banana pudding that was on the table to her left. He waited for her to stop her petting before he made his move. “Be at school a little early and I’ll help you with everything in the morning,” Steve said, picking up a bowl and scooping out a large portion of banana pudding, concentrating on the vanilla wafers.

    “Great! I’ll see you in the morning then. I need to be going. Bye.” she said, as she quickly kissed him on the cheek.

    “Bye,” Steve replied, blushing, then he refilled his coke. (Unaware that Lisa had walked up.)

    “Hey, Lisa, I’ll talk to you later, I have to be going now. Derek is picking me up. Bye.”

    “Bye, Allison, have fun,” Lisa replied, with a forced smile.

    Steve turned around just as Lisa’s smile turned to a scowl, she stood with hands locked behind her back, with her laser like ruby eyes locked on him.

    “Hey Leese, can I get you some dessert?” he offered, in a soft voice, not sure what was wrong.

    Lisa stayed quiet, as he tentatively ate a spoonful of banana pudding. “I, ah, was just talking to Allison about helping her with an application problem that she seems to be having on the computer at school. It seems that the computer ate her homework,” he said, with a small laugh. He then took a sip of coke and ate another spoonful of pudding.

    “I think that you were doing more than talking,” Lisa replied, in a low, stern voice.

    Steve was speechless, as he choked down the mouthful of banana pudding. Lisa couldn’t be jealous, not of him and Allison, or him and anyone, he thought to himself. She would hardly speak to him unless Lisa was around or she needed something. Allison wasn’t mean, but if a person didn’t measure up, in looks, status or money, well, they didn’t register on her radar at all, they didn’t exist. Lisa knew he was loyal, this couldn’t be the problem.

    “You sure you don’t want something, I mean, these desserts are all home made and  great. There is banana pudding, chocolate cake, pecan pie, carrot cake, fruit pizza, strawberry cake, coconut pie, peanut butter cookies and an assortment of pastries,” Steve said, as he licked his lips while looking at Lisa and her laser like gaze.

    “I can see for myself. And no, thank you, I don’t want any. From what I’ve seen, you have had more than enough for the both of us. You didn’t eat a thing off of the buffet, but you’ve spent the whole time at this dessert table. There will be consequences for this, so, just finish what you have and we‘ll discuss it later. And, I think that I have met and talked to everyone, so, we‘ll say our goodbyes and go,” Lisa said, watching a frozen Steve, just stand and hold the banana pudding and coke.

    “What  do  you  mean. Consequences?” Steve asked, in a soft, somber voice.

    Lisa showed a dark, evil smile as she looked at him. “If your not gonna finish that, then give it to me, I don’t believe in wasting food.”

    He gave her the remains of the dessert. “Ah, what consequences?” he asked again, kinda sheepishly, as he watched her ever so daintily finish off the pudding.

    “This is delicious, I must say that you are an expert when it comes to desserts and fattening foods. May I have some of your coke?” she asked, handing him the empty bowl and taking the coke. “There isn’t much left, You don’t mind if I finish it, do you.”

    “No, I don’t mind, but Leese, please tell me what you mean, why do there have to be consequences, or anything,” Steve asked and pleaded.

    “Lets go say our goodbyes,” Lisa said, with a smirk, throwing the empty, plastic, cup into the trash.

    “Your not gonna answer me are you?”   

    “What part of, we’ll talk about this later, didn’t you understand!” she quipped, locking eyes with his, as she took hold of his hand, squeezing just a little bit beyond comfort level. They then, with Lisa leading, made their way hand-in-hand through the church saying their farewells till they came to Pastor Lewis who wanted to shake their hands. Steve was eager to shake hands just to break Lisa’s grip.

    “We’ll be on our way now Pastor.”

      “You two have done an excellent job today. Lisa your singing is heaven sent and Steve, you’re the best when it comes to electronics and computers. You saved the day with your quickness at troubleshooting and repairing our sound system. I tell you what, I know that Lisa must be running on empty, what with her long trip from Las Angeles and only a few hours sleep, you two have permission to skip tonight’s service and go home and rest. I’ve already told your dad to skip tonight. And Steve, you see to it that Lisa gets plenty of rest and be there for her needs. With that I’ll say goodbye and I’ll see you all later,” Pastor Lewis said, as he held the door open for them to leave.

    As they walked toward his truck, Lisa popped a peppermint tic-tac into her mouth and offered Steve one.

    “Thank you, now will you please talk to me. I know that I shouldn’t have eaten only desserts, but I think that I kinda earned it. I missed Sunday school, I missed church, I tore my new dress pants, I got grease on my shirt, and I worked liked a dog with that, rat infested, sound system. I’m glad that I could get everything up and going on time, clean up the best that I could, then help with serving and greeting. Why do you have to make such an issue out of what I ate?” Steve spewed, while they walked.

    He rarely pressed an issue with Leese, their arguments were seldom and always short lived. Now, after not seeing her for three days and being nervous about a recent, impending, life decision that he needed to make, well, he wasn’t in the mood for her babysitting him.

    Lisa politely listened as they walked, she knew something was amiss. He did seem a little nervous this morning, they didn’t get much time together before Sunday school and they didn‘t get to talk much on the phone while she was gone. She remained quiet till they reached the truck, then as he reached to open the door for her, she gently grabbed his arm, turning him toward her and lightly pinned him, pressing him up against the door with her body. And with her face only inches from his, then she spoke, “Now we talk.”

    “I apologize for the way I talked to you, but not for my concern. You did an excellent job fixing everything, but you know as well as I do that you’re on the border of being a type 2 diabetic. You’re a little over weight and when I saw you eating all that high calorie food, well, it just kinda ticked me off. I’ve been nice to everyone, but I’m short on sleep, tired and probably a little too short tempered with you.  I love you, and if you gain weight I will still love you. And as for as the consequences goes, when you weigh tomorrow, if your so much as one pound over what you weighed last week I insist that you do light cardio workouts with me each day, as I do my regular workouts. I’ll design a diet and an exercise regimen for you. And if you love me, you’ll do what I ask,” Lisa said, then kissed him with a long, slow, intense kiss, a kiss where he just held on to her waist as he tried to breath and kiss back, a kiss that both drained him mentally and physically, a kiss of such passion that it numbed all of his senses. A kiss that she would use on occasion, if she thought that she had been too harsh on him. 

    “Yea,  you  and  the  recruiter  are  right,  I  need  to  get  into  a  little  better  shape,” Steve gasped. Having become so entranced by Lisa’s body pressing against his, her perfume, her peppermint sweet breath, the kiss, that he let slip something that he hadn’t intended to - not yet anyway.

    “WHAT! What did you just say!” She asked, looking at him with a scowl, with her hands on his shoulders.

    “Ah, we need to talk. While you were gone, you see, I started thinking, and, well, ah, I came up with an idea, and, ah, we need to talk,” Steve said, in a low voice, as he felt her hands move toward his neck and gently tighten.

    “Yes we do! What is this about a recruiter? What idea? You know what, just take me home and we‘ll talk there. I want to change out of these clothes anyway, just incase I might have to wring your neck I don‘t want to get blood all over this dress,” Lisa answered, in a stern voice, removing her hands from his shoulders and opened the door for herself.

    Steve wasn’t quiet sure how mad Leese was. She stayed on her side of the truck, but she sometimes did that when she wore a dress. As he drove he tried explaining what he had done.

    “I was gonna tell you everything after you had rested and we were alone, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men. Anyway, You see, I need to start exploring my options for going to college and there aren’t that many options to explore. I talked to the school counselor and she offered a couple of options. The one that makes the most sense is a program that the military is offering. The Air force program was the most compelling to me, short basic training, I can still attend the same college that we were wanting to go to. And with my high score on the aptitude test that I took Friday, they  guaranteed me that I would be stationed close by. They would cover my tuition in full, if I took courses that they wanted me to take and kept my grades up. And their course requirements are exactly what I want to take anyway. All I have to do is have my parents sign the documents that I have in the glove compartment. Steve said in a soft voice. He watched Lisa open the glove compartment and take out the brochures and documents. 

    “Does your parents know about this yet?” Lisa asked, sharply, as she looked through everything.

    “No. I’m keeping everything to myself for the time being.”

    “At least that’s smart. And did you know that you serve for seven years after you graduate from college then four years in the reserves?” she said in a concerned voice, while staring at Steve.

    “I know, but Leese, my choices are limited. I don’t have a college fund like y…, like some kids. I’m lucky that my job still lets me work what few hours that I work, but still that only provides a little spending money and maybe enough to save for your engagement ring. You know that my dad’s hours were cut, my mom has to work every Sunday, she hasn’t been to church in six weeks and she’s afraid to complain. She’s afraid that she can easily be replaced by someone off the street for less money. With the economy the way that it is, the partial scholarship program is due to be cut, the counselor said. And qualifying for a loan now, well, is so strict that we don’t qualify. I really don’t have any other choices,” Steve replied, in a soft, somber voice, as he drove.

    Within minutes they were parked at Lisa’s house. “Well Leese, you now know what I was doing while you were gone. I know that you are tired, so I’ll leave and you can rest. You now know the whole story, there is no point in me staying and talking. This is my decision and I have to make it soon. You see, it doesn’t say in the brochures or documents, but when the quota has been reached this program will be withdrawn,” he said, looking at Leese. “Your vision that you had was vague about me, with the exception of us being married and having a daughter. For all we know I could be an officer in the Air force at the time of birth. And you should be happy about me having to get into and stay in some kind of decent shape.”

    “I want you to get out and come in, no matter how tired I am, I want you with me. And besides, the Pastor said to take care of me, of my needs today. I feel that I’m gonna be very needy and were not through talking just yet. You may be finished, but you haven’t heard from me yet,” Lisa replied, in a peppy voice and a wicked grin, cocking her head to one side. “I’m bringing all of these papers in, but before we go through them page-by-page and line-by-line, I have a little nugget of information to share.”

    As they walked from the truck to the door Lisa told Steve, “we’ll have to be quiet, everyone’s asleep. I’ll change while you go down to the basement, there we won’t have to be quiet.”

    Steve went down to the basement and waited on the couch, it wasn’t long before he heard Lisa coming down the stairs. She had changed into a black tube top and black cut-off jeans and was looking over his documents as she approached. She laid the papers on the coffee table and sat down right next to him. She locked loving eyes on Steve, took a deep breath then slowly exhaled. He remained quiet the entire time, as he looked at her with a quizzical expression.

    “You know this quest, that Monica and mom bribed me to take, well, it’s time that I tell you why I’m doing it. You see, I’m considered an embarrassment to mom’s side of the family, what with me excelling in football, lifting weights and being a tomboy, that just don’t sit well with them. Your not normal, or girl like, I’ve been told many times. And, by me not acting the way they want, wearing what they want, seeing who they want me to see, or going with them to exotic places, they see me as abnormal. Not only do they want me to change and act according to their way of thinking, they wouldn’t mind at all having me as a star or celebrity, you see, there eat up with the rich and famous. I say that, to say this, they offered me an enticement that I couldn’t pass up. I told you that it was for something that is precious, dear and very important to me. Well, that is you Steve, and what they offered for just competing is a fully paid tuition for you,” Lisa said, in a soft voice, as she held his hands.

    “You did this for me? You’ve hated every minute of it. How am I ever gonna make it up to you. Why didn’t you tell me this in the beginning?” Steve asked, squeezing her hands, while his eyes watered up.

    “I didn’t tell you because, I know your families situation, I knew that this might be a sensitive issue to deal with, I know you and didn’t want to infringe on your pride. I thought to keep it a secrete until we were married and say that it was an expensive wedding gift. It never occurred to me that you would be searching for ways to get into college this early. Now then, I have nothing against the military and this Air force plan is a good plan, if you are really interested in joining. Or you can stay with my plan, since I’ve put so much time and effort into it. And, as for making it up to me, well, we’ll have a life time together for me to keep coming up with ways for that, kinda a never-ending pay-back,” Lisa said, with a wink, and an evil smile.

    “I think that I prefer your way,” Steve replied, pulling his hands free and cupping her face as he then proceeded to kiss her with long gentle kisses.

    Lisa followed his lead and slowly reclined backward into the couch with him on top. He caressed her face, stroked her hair and continued with the kisses. She rubbed his back,  thoroughly enjoying the moment.

    Steve abruptly stopped and backed off, this was the first time ever that he had initiated any kind of romantic movement with Leese. “I’m so sorry, I have never acted this rash before. Please forgive me,” he begged, trying to pull free of Leese, but she wouldn’t let him.

    “What are you talking about? Do you hear me complaining? Don’t you think that I could’ve stopped you if I had wanted to. I suggest that you continue at once, unless you want to see how angry I will get. And, for your information your payback has already started, and there will be plenty of interest. In fact I don‘t think that you‘ll ever be able to completely make it up to me, but I think that you‘ll enjoy trying,” Lisa said, lastly, in a sensual voice, with a sexy smile, as she pulled him back on top.

    Without a word and with a big smile Steve continued repaying his debt. Later that evening, as the sky changed to twilight, he could tell that Leese was give out. So, he said good night and kissed her one last parting kiss and left.

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

    Lisa awoke many times during the night from a restless sleep. She wondered, what was going to happen Monday that would fulfill and void her promise. Many times she reread the notes that she had made of her vision and Seraphina’s vague answers. What event is going to release her from her journey into hell. She had already met a person, “Irene,” whom she thought she would meet at a much later time. And was shocked that Irene was a nun now; not the wild, partying, worldly woman that she had been. This encounter alone proved that anyone at anytime can change, as long as they have air in their lungs and a beating heart. Lisa struggled with her thoughts, and an imagination that was running wild, as she finally drifted off into a dreamless, peaceful sleep. 

    Lisa was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when she woke, a full day of activities awaited her and she was eager to start. Every class she had, had some kind of test or quiz to take. And of course there would be the weekly Q&A from the students and teachers about her Saturday night performance. She had to place her orders for her and Steve’s yearbooks and class rings. (What with Steve and his dads hours cut and his family pressed for money now, she, without hesitation, decided to pay for him. She encountered some resistance, but he finally gave in to Lisa’s logic, reasoning and barrage of steamy kisses.) She also had to make time to meet with the yearbook staff and school newspaper staff for interviews and pictures. After school, football practice would consist of a short walk-thru, watching film of the Rams, then a team meeting. Then tonight her and dad were going to have a heart to heart talk with mom.

    “If Seraphina’s prophecy is true, then this is the day I’ve waited for, the day that will let me get back to my own normal life course. I will be able to end this God forsaken adventure, while still keeping my promise. A win-win all the way around,” Lisa said, as she unbuckled her seat belt.

    Steve looked at Leese. “Did you at anytime think about breaking the promise and just saying, to heck with it. I’ve known you forever and I know how important it is for you and your dad to keep a promise once you’ve made it. But still, this one sent you through events, people, and places that you thoroughly disdained.

    “No, I promised to do my best, as long as it didn’t interfere with football and I have. The payoff, which you are now aware of, was well worth staying the course. I had just hoped that it would have been over with by now,” Lisa then put her arms around Steve’s neck and softly kissed him.

    “You know, if God doesn’t intervene today you will win,” Steve said, in between kisses.

    “Maybe, however, I have prayed everyday for a way out and if things go accordingly, today my prayers will be answered,” Lisa replied. “We need to be going in, your girlfriend will be waiting for you to retrieve her work from the evil computer.”

    Steve laughed, “and by lunch Allison won’t even acknowledge my existence, unless she needs me to help her with something else.”

    They exited the truck laughing and held hands to the main entrance, then headed for the gym first. Every Monday Steve would weigh in and check his weight for Leese. He was relieved that he had actually lost a half a pound.

    Lisa was mildly surprised, raising her left eyebrow, “It could have been more, you know, but still, it keeps you from having to endure my training regime.” And with that, she gave him a quick kiss, then parted ways till lunch. 

    The day passed quickly, Lisa grew more and more anxious as she waited for her sign, but so far nothing. Steve was called in to work and left right after school. So, she spent her free time between school and practice pumping weights in the training room.

    At the practice walk-thru, Coach Morgan changed the defensive scheme from a 5-2 to a 4-3 alignment. In the 4-3 scheme, Coach Morgan, always moved Lisa to middle linebacker and put Chris in her strong side cornerback position. The Panthers seldom used the 4-3, because most teams they faced ran the ball more than they passed. This scheme, however, would be much better against the Rams who passed at least seventy percent of the time. As they watched film, Coach Morgan explained and showed how deadly their offense was. They saw a quick strike capability allowing them to score from anywhere on the field. They watched the number one rated passing quarterback in double A. They observed the number one rated offense in double A. They studied a team that was undefeated, that massacred their opponents, no game was close. The Rams defense was ranked number three and totally manhandled the opposing offenses all year. The film showed a team that was predicted to be double A champs this year.

    “Now then, the question that needs to be asked is not how good are they , but HOW GOOD ARE WE, WE ARE THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS . WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE DEFENSE IN DOUBLE A. WE    ARE    THE    FAYETTE    COUNTY    PANTHERS. We will give them a fight, the likes they haven’t been in all year. ICE, is your defense ready for battle?” Coach Morgan asked, then motioned for Lisa to come up front.

    “YES SIR, WE ARE READY,” Lisa answered, then left her chair and joined him.

    “Ice I want you to lead the battle cry.”

    “Yes sir.” With hands viciously clapping and feet stomping, Lisa yelled, “DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, PANTHER PRIDE!” all echoed her in loudness and ferocity, then finished with a loud angry Panther growl.

    After the meeting, Coach Morgan lead his squad to meet up with the rest of the team.

    “All of you have seen film and know what were going up against. I promise you that practice will be very severe these next few days. With that being said, I have the outline of events for this Fridays playoffs and next weeks championship game,” Coach Pruitt adjusted his glasses and continued.     

    “Friday, kick-off time for us will be four o’clock at Georgia Tech stadium. We will leave school at around two o’clock to give us and the band plenty of time to get there and set up. At seven o’clock the Chatham County Blue Devils will play the Sumter County Knights. The winners will play in two weeks at Atlanta Stadium. The game will be a Saturday night game starting at eight o’clock and will be broadcast on PBS. John Madden will be in town for the Pro game on Sunday and has volunteered to do commentary and color for the double A championship game. Need I say that we had better be one of the teams dressed out and standing on the field at Atlanta stadium in two weeks,” Coach Pruitt said, as he peered over the top of his glasses at the team. With that said, he then dismissed everyone.

    Lisa was ecstatic, her prayer had been answered, or rather would be answered if they beat the Rams Friday. She ran to the parking lot, found dad and told him everything.

    “You know, now we have to bring mom up to speed on some of your vision and it’s not gonna be a pretty sight. In fact I’ve never seen anyone have a conniption fit, but I’ve heard of such, we may very well see mom have one. Regardless, were in for a long, gruesome night.”

    “Yea, she’s not gonna be at all happy. And Monica will probably turn into a raging demon when mom tells her,” Lisa said, then popped a tic-tac into her mouth.

    “What do you mean turn into?” dad replied, laughing.

    They were both laughing as they pulled into the drive. Dad parked the van, then looked at Leese. They both took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as they made their way to the front door and into the valley of the shadow of death.

    “Leese, you know that I’m with you 100%.”

    “I know, you always are.”

    “And I’ve lived a relatively long and happy life. When mom kills me for supporting you, I ask that you do one favor for me.”

    “What’s that?” Lisa asked, smiling.

    “I want you to find a good home for my Star Trek collection.”

    “I will, I promise,” she said, laughing.

    They both then entered the house laughing, only to find mom on her cell phone telling a friend about Lisa and her performance. She continued the conversation for about fifteen more minutes, afterward, with a huge smile, she hugged Leese, then gave Jim a long suggestive embrace, and a passionate kiss.

    “I’m really gonna miss that,”

    “Miss what, what are you talking about?” Susan asked, quizzically.

    “Oh, nothing. Is Kenny still at Matt’s?”

    “Yes, he‘s staying for dinner.”

    “Good, so he’ll be gone for awhile.”

    “Hmmm, have something in mind where we might need some privacy,” Susan softly and sensuously replied, whispering into his ear, so as to keep Lisa from over hearing.

    “Ah, yea, I mean no, ah, Lisa has something that she wants to talk to you about,” Jim said, as he looked at Leese. I’ll be in the kitchen making dinner if you need me.

    “No-no-no, I don’t think so, you can stay in here with us, while we all talk,” Lisa responded, with a mean look and quickly grabbing his arm so he couldn’t leave. “I think we need to have a seat before I start.”

    Lisa and mom went to the couch, while dad went to a chair slightly further away.

    “What’s up?” mom asked, still smiling.   

    Lisa told her the details of the upcoming playoff game and then let her absorb that information before she continued.

    “Ok, you have an early game Friday, so we’ll be able to leave for the airport that much quicker and arrive in L.A. at a decent time,” Susan said, still smiling.

    “No, I intend to celebrate with the team after the game, but I think that we can still get an early start though, but I have more to tell you.” Lisa then went into details about the championship game that would take place, on a Saturday night, in two weeks. “Mom, I will be at that game, suited up and leading my defense.”

    Mom wasn’t smiling now. “What are you saying? Your just gonna quit, your so close to winning, your predicted to win by all news sources, your considered America’s favorite and your just gonna through it all away for a stupid game. Do you even consider that your just three shows away from being crowned the new American Rock Star? And you’ve been told over and over what happened to the previous winners and what they went on to become. Your ratings are so much higher than any previous winner ever, and your just gonna quit.” Susan’s beautiful face was now distorted with a mixture of anger and unbelief, as she looked from Lisa to Jim. She then went to the bar and fixed herself a strong drink.

    “Yea, mom, if we win Friday, I am going to announce after my last song Saturday that I’m withdrawing. I will have fulfilled my promise - that I would compete and do my best, which I have. Monica and you both agreed to the stipulation of the promise. And you’ve know from the beginning that the only reason that I agreed to do this was because of Steve. I could careless about fame and fortune; I have no interest in being or meeting celebrities. If we win Friday, then the only reason that I would even be going back to perform is because of the check vouchers given to me. Helping Steve was well worth making the promise and I would do it again, but it has been an adventure that has opened my eyes and left a sour taste in my mouth, a taste of the world that may never leave me. I’m sorry, but I’m never going to be normal the way you, Monica and other family members want me to be. I must live my life the way that I see fit, follow my morale code and be the best person that I can be for God, family and friends,” Lisa responded, as she watched mom come back with her drink and have a seat next to her.

    “Is there anything that I can say or do to change your mind?”

    “No, mom, if we win I will be through with this for good.”

    “I see, you know I’m going to be pulling for the Rams Friday.”

    “I understand. There is one more thing though that I need to tell you about.” she said, switching her gaze from mom to dad. Lisa then, carefully, told mom of parts of her vision that she and dad had agreed to make known.

    Susan sat and listened, as she sipped her drink. “So, this is the secrete that you two have been keeping.

    “Yea.”

    “And of course you believe in this kind of stuff,” mom said, giving Jim a stern look.

    “Yea,” she’s two for two; and you have to take that seriously.”

    “And I know that you completely support her in quitting.”

    “Yea, she has a good head on her shoulders and knows that there is more to life then seeking fame and fortune. I have never pushed or cajoled her into any direction and I never will. I love her and accept any decision that she makes for her life course,” Jim said, with pride in his voice, as he locked eyes with Susan.

    “What about the time you spent with the teen celebrities this past Saturday, you enjoyed that didn’t you. You stayed with them a long time.”

    “Ah, well, you haven’t heard the whole story,” Lisa said, kinda sheepishly, then took a deep breath and looked at dad.

    “You might as well show her and tell her what happened,” dad responded in a low voice.

    Lisa showed mom her video recordings and explained what really happened in the star lounge. She then excused herself to go freshen up.

    Susan went very quiet, as she watched and heard the recording, for the longest she didn’t move or utter a sound. Each time she replayed it she turned a shade paler.

    “I don’t like for Leese to be involved in confrontations, but she’s a woman of action, a natural leader and her actions or just. We were going to keep this quiet, but since you thought that she was starting to adjust, we decided to fill you in. She is doing something that she doesn’t want to do, albeit for a honorable and noble cause. She is also being thrown into situations, places and people that anyone of her faith and morality would find abhorring. Fortunately, Leese through her life has listened to Gods soft inward voice to grow to be of strong heart, mind and body, giving her the ability to handle the toughest of situations,” Jim said in a soft voice, then stood and walked over to Susan. “You said that you were going to be more like me when it comes to understanding Leese. You need to start now supporting her and forget about what you want or what you want her to be. There is more to her vision, but your not ready to hear it yet. When she thinks that your ready, when you can give her one hundred percent of your support, when you accept that she marches to the beat of a Christian drum, then she will give you the complete details.”

    Susan rose suddenly, locked squinted eyes on Jim and let out a stream of the most colorful phrases that he had heard come from her since they were dating.

    Lisa returned to find mom standing, arms crossed, red faced with anger, with wild eyes locked on dad. Dad stood only inches away, with hands behind his back, calmly speaking. They both turned as she approached. “I think it’s time that you started dinner,” Susan said, with a forced smile, returning her angry gaze to Jim.

    “Leese, we need to continue our talk, a kind of mother-daughter discussion now if you will. I’ll get you a glass of milk and I’ll pour myself some wine, then it will be just us girls, as your dad prepares his famous tacos.”

    Jim took the hint that Susan wanted tacos and tacos she shall have he thought to himself, he then excused himself and made way for the kitchen. He began assembling all of the components and listened as best he could to their conversation. He couldn’t hear them talk, but he could hear, on several occasions, laughter emanating from both of them.

    Later that night, as she lay sprawled on her bed listening to “Celtic Woman,” Lisa called Steve and filled him in on everything.

    (By excelling at football, Lisa had obtained a small amount of recognition, power and influence through out the years. But by excelling in A.R.S. each week, she unknowingly had increased her influence and power base tenfold.)

    Steve was all excited when talking to Leese. He told her about how he was called into the managers office, how they talked about her and her amazing performances. And how he was offered all of his hours back and more if he wanted. He went on to say that the same thing happened to his mom and that she can adjust her work schedule as she sees fit.       

    As for Susan she had been quiet toward Jim most of the night. As he prepared for bed, she walked up to him wearing her sexiest negligee (Susan was in her late thirties and still looked as hot as she did when she was a cheerleader.) He went to embrace her, but she stopped him.

    “I’m still mad as hell at you, at everything, at everyone, but she is my daughter and as much as I hate to admit it you are right. Tonight all you get is one goodnight kiss, a chance to look and not touch. And if you want to sleep in the same bed, you had better give me the best foot massage that I’ve ever had. And you had better be sure that your hands stay below my ankles, I wouldn’t want you to loose any body parts,” Susan said, in her sexiest voice, while showing an evil grin. She then seductively walked to the bed and slowly, teasing, positioned herself for her massage.

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

    Tuesday’s practice was centered on the Panthers 4-3 defense matching up against the offense, who were imitating the Rams pro-set passing scheme.           

    “Damn it Leese you don’t have to knock me to the ground every time you break through the line. You should at least give me a chance to throw a couple of passes to see how good our secondary is. You’ve spent more time on top of me today then Cindy (his cheerleader girlfriend) did this past weekend. And another thing I’m an option quarterback not a drop-back passer. Give me a chance to adjust,” Greg barked, after Lisa helped him up off of the ground. Ice smiled and blew him a kiss, then sashayed back to her side of the scrimmage line.                     

    Greg Harris again walked up to the line, took his place behind center and surveyed the field. He looked right at Leese who was inching forward. MOOSE STAY ALERT. He looked over his left shoulder to his halfback. “Doug block Lisa, if she blitzes.” He then positioned himself under center to call signals. “Alright, DOWN, SET, HUT, HUT, HUT,” he took the snap and quickly back peddled. But Ice had already side stepped Moose, then evaded Doug. So Greg pulled the ball in making a run for a seam that he had spied, but before he could even get back to the line of scrimmage Lisa ran him down and tackled him again.

    Greg accepted her hand again as she helped him off of the ground. He looked into the face mask at a smiling Ice. “DAMN IT LEESE, why the hell even bother going back, why not just stand next to me and when I take the snap, then you can tackle me, it would save time. COACH I HAVE NO BLOCKING, Moose and Doug couldn’t block my grandmother, I’ve had more physical contact with Leese today then I’ve had with my girlfriend all week. I haven’t thrown a single pass yet, I might as well be home doing homework,” Greg said, in a loud angry voice.

    “What’s a girl to do, I’m just practicing my different blitzing techniques,” Leese replied, with a snicker, as she watched Chris walk up.

    “Leese, are you two going steady now or what, I mean, you’ve had your arms around Greg all day today. I bet that you haven’t hugged Steve that much this week,” Chris quipped. “And by the way Greg I’m tired of running all over the field for nothing, if your not ever gonna throw the ball then I might as well go sit down.”

    Lisa laughed, knowing that Chris was pushing Greg’s buttons to tick him off.

    Greg swore at Chris, “I’M GONNA KILL YOU, YOU SON OF A B@#$H” and started to chase him, but Coach Pruitt summoned him and Lisa over.

    The coaches were laughing as they approached. “Ok Leese, from now on I want you to play a middle zone so Greg can get off some passes. And Greg your right, you don’t have much blocking. We’re not a pro passing offense, so pass protection is almost nonexistent, we’re just not geared for it. We just need a little practice against a pro set passing attack. And you don’t have to be concerned about Leese anymore, I’ll keep her off your back, she’ll be playing zone coverage now, so bombs away,” Coach Pruitt said, laughing, as he patted his quarterback on the shoulder.

    Greg and Ice (offensive and Defensive captains,) standing only a couple of feet apart, then squared off. Like two old west gun slingers they faced each other at close range.

    “Now then Leese I’m gonna burn you good.”

    “We’ll just see about that,” she replied.

They removed their helmets,  their squinted eyes locked, anger showed on their face, they each then stuck their tongue out at each other. Afterwards they laughed and high fived before going back to their huddles.

    After practice and ride home with dad (Steve was at work,) she got into her jeep and visited Bill and Grace. Granddad had told her Sunday about a huge tree that had fallen in last weeks storm.

    Bill looked up, cutting his chainsaw off, as he saw Leese pull into the driveway. “Hey, you lost, you haven’t paid your old granddad a visit in days. Lately we only get to see you at church, or on TV.”

    Lisa gave him a big hug. He always smelled like old spice and she adored it. Bill was the exact opposite of Russell; a deacon at church, friendly, easy going, willing to help out anyone at anytime and always with a smile. He could usually cheer up anyone that was down with a joke or two that he seemed to always have at the ready.

    “Sorry about that, but this whole TV business will be over with when we win Friday.”

    “Ah, don’t you mean if you win.”

    “Normally I would say that, but with the vision I told you about, I think winning this game will be the answer to one of my questions. I brought your CD back, I’m gonna use one of the songs for my final performance.”

    “Did you pick my favorite?”

    “Yea, their were some pretty good songs on it, I even burnt a copy for myself.”

    “Can I play devil’s advocate and ask you a question.”

    “No. Not until you bring me a chainsaw and a pair of safety glasses. Then you can ask me anything you want. I‘m gonna go in and see Grace for a minute till you get back,”

    “She’s not here or she’d been out here already and all over you. Nora (Grace’s friend) picked her up earlier, I think they went shopping. Too bad to, she’d loved to have seen you.”

    “I’ll be here a while, got that tree to help you cut up, I bet when it fell it made some kind of noise.”

    “Yep, woke us up around two, during that storm. You sure you want to help cut it up.”

    “Yea, ever since I had you show me how to use a chainsaw, I’ve enjoyed helping you cut up downed trees. Besides your getting close to retirement and probably should take it easy.”

    “So your saying that I’m too old for this kind of work, huh. Well back at you, I think that your much too pretty for this kind of work.”

    “I see, so your taking Monica and Russell’s side now.”

    “God no, lets go get that other chainsaw, if I’m not too old to take it down off the shelf.”

    Lisa laughed, “I promise never to mention your age again, if you and Grace promise not to turn into my other grandparents.”

    “That is a promise that we can easily make and keep,” Bill answered, as they walked into the shed that held his second chainsaw.

    “Ok, what is this devil’s advocate question you want to ask,” Lisa asked. She then proceeded to put her hair up into a ponytail.

    “Helping people is your goal, your life’s calling if you will and a damn fine aspiration too for anyone especially a sixteen year old this day and age. By saying that, I ask this, why not continue and win the A.R.S., this would provided you with ample money to help the poor.”

    Lisa smiled as she looked at Bill. “By winning, it would provide me with a rather large income to help the poor. But, such an unholy alliance would not be God’s way. As you know we’re suppose to live in the world, but not be of the world. Everything that would be given to me would be at a price, a price that I’m not willing to pay. The money would be the devil’s and tainted. My soul aches now, knowing the commitments that would be demanded. We’re to always help the poor, the needy, the down trodden, but no matter the reason, we are not to seek wealth and riches. When or if it pleases God he will bestow such on whom he sees fit and then without any strings attached much will be accomplished. People will be helped, but they will be helped God’s way. In 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse 9 it says; But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. I will help people, but it will be a way that pleases God.”       

    “Good answer Leese, I am so proud of you. Now then lets go take on that tree, it ain’t a gonna cut itself up and afterward I’ll have firewood aplenty. We’ll work up an appetite and when Grace gets back she’ll whip up a dinner fit for two of the counties best lumberjacks.”     

      “Sounds like a plan, and I bet that I cut up more of the tree then you.”

    “A wager huh, well if I wasn’t getting long in the tooth I would, but someone recently, and I don’t remember who, said that I needed to take it easy because of my age.”

    They both had a good laugh at that. Lisa kissed him on the cheek, then they started their chainsaws. As the wood chips were flying, Nora pulled up. She and Grace both just shook their heads and smiled, as they watched Grace’s precious granddaughter cutting, splitting and stacking wood like a seasoned pro. 

    Wednesday, practice was intensified and lengthened. Leese spent as much time as she could with Steve after practice, but exhaustion caught up with her and she had to turn in early.

    Susan had been quiet all week, outwardly she seemed pleasant when she did speak, but inward she was fighting a major war with herself. Thursday, she visited her parents and stayed out past midnight. When she finally arrived, Leese and Jim were up waiting. She said very little about her night out, but what she did say involved much colorful language. The gist being that they had spent most of the time at the country club and that Monica and Russell were way beyond pissed at Lisa. And something about disowning her as a granddaughter. And that if the Panthers won, they would not be going to the show. Susan had arrived a bit tipsy and after saying what she said decided to go to bed with all of her clothes on.

    Friday, Jim had to use a substitute teacher for his classes. He had to have everything ready for the trip back to Los Angeles, get ready for the evening game, pull Kenny out of school at lunch, and baby Susan who was moping around with a hangover.

    Jim parked behind Steve’s truck which was in line behind the row of buses that would take the team and band to the stadium. He, Kenny and even Susan went with Steve to the student section behind the band where they watched and waited for the team to come out.

    The band was standing on both sides of the walkway playing the Schools fight song. The cheerleaders had split into two squads, each squad formed a double line for the players to walk through at the team’s two buses. Within minutes the color guard came through the main doors. The band switched from the schools fight song to the theme music of “Patton.” Behind the color guard came the two team captains (Lisa and Greg,) followed by the team, then the coaches, all in military step and formation.

    The school had already been informed that they would be considered the visiting team. So they dressed out in their white pants with black and purple stripe down the side. And white jerseys with black numbers outlined in purple, with black helmets displaying a white snarling head of a Panther outlined in purple with it’s ears laid flat.

    To a rousing ovation the team loaded, then the cheerleaders. The band continued playing as they filed in and after embarking the bus drivers honked their horns as they departed for Ga. Tech stadium.

    At the stadium the two teams took opposite ends of the field for calisthenics and some quick practice sessions. Lisa and Chris watched on as the Rams (dressed in solid white pants, with royal blue jerseys and white helmets) were practicing pass patterns with perfect execution.

    “Chris, if you let anyone score on you while your occupying my position, I’ll wring your neck.”

    “Leese, I’ll do my best, but if that happens, please, all I ask is that after you kill me, you tell Mrs. Brown, Monday, that she has a plastic pop-up mouse in her top right hand drawer.”

    “You didn’t? She’ll die when that jumps out at her, you know she is terrified of mice and rats. And you know that I have her first period Monday.”

    “That’s why I said for you to tell her. If I’m dead I Won’t be around to see the joke. You see, I was planning to ask her for my test grade Monday morning, which she keeps in that drawer.

    They both laughed as they walked to the Gatorade dispenser on the sideline. “You know I’m gonna have to tell dad about your mouse joke, we can’t terrorize the teachers,” Lisa said, still snickering.

    The captains of both teams were called to the middle of the field for the coin toss. Lisa and Greg shook hands with the Ram’s quarterback “Kevin” and defensive captain “Sean.”

    “You’re a girl!” both Ram captain’s seem to say at the same time, as they checked her out.

    “I do believe so, I can see why you two were chosen by your coach to be captains, your so very observant,” Lisa quipped with a smile.

    “Do you actually play? Kevin asked, still checking her out.

    “Oh yes, she plays, but don’t let the muscles fool you, she’s more of a powder puff player, avoids any physical contact or hitting,” Greg replied laughing, while Lisa was giving him a mean look.

    As the visiting team, the Panthers got to call the coin toss. The referee tossed the coin high and Greg called for heads (the Panthers always called heads.) The coin landed on tails giving the Rams first chance with the ball.

    “Powder puff, huh. Avoids hitting, just wait till our next practice and I show you how much I avoid hitting,” Leese remarked, as they made their way back to their sidelines and the team pre-game prayer.

    “I was just using reverse psychology on them,” Greg replied, snickering.

    “I’ll reverse your head, that way you can see where your going when you walk backwards. Besides, you don’t even know what the word means, I’m surprised that you could even pronounce it, much less use it in a sentence.”

    “You two having a lover’s quarrel, and after all the time you’ve spent together this week,” Chris remarked, then ran toward the coaches.

    Leese and Greg gave chase, but it was too late, he had already acquired safety.

    “I’m gonna kill him,” Greg said.

    “Not if I get to him first,” Leese answered back.

    Coach Pruitt called everyone together for the prayer, and a short pep talk. Afterward he sent out the kicking squad for the start of the game.

    A great kick-off and poor return, put the ball on the Ram’s seventeen yard line. Coach Morgan’s instructions to the defense was for all defensive backs to play zone coverage starting out. The Ram’s deployed four wide-outs leaving no one in the back field. And after three pass plays they had moved to the Panther’s twenty six yard line.

    Lisa saw Coach Morgan frantically signaling her to call time out. She signaled the referee by making a T with her hands and hurried over to the sidelines.

    Coach Morgan put his hands on her shoulder pads and locked eyes with her “We have to change from zone coverage to man-to-man and I want you and David to free-roam. You got it Ice, you two go on the prowl and put a stop to this, they’re picking us apart. I want that quarterback spooked and fearing for his life, you make him taste grass a few times and he won’t be as accurate.”

    “Yes sir,” Lisa responded, then went back to the field.                 

    Susan had a slight smile, as she watched the Panther secondary being picked apart.

    Bill just shook his head, “Morgan should turn Lisa and the other linebackers loose, they’re gonna get eat alive if they stay in a zone.”

    “I think that’s what he’s telling Leese now,” Jim answered, as he watched Coach Morgan and Lisa talking.

    “Steve, you Kenny and I can go get refreshments for everyone,” Susan said, then took orders from Bill, Grace and Jim.

    Standing in line at the concession stand, Susan over heard several women talking about how pathetic the Panthers defense was. One woman in particular was bragging about how great her son was, the quarterback and that he would be meeting soon with different college representatives for scholarship offers. A well dressed man was making everyone in line laugh by berating the Panthers middle-line-backer being a girl.

    “Mom, their making fun of Leese, lets go get food somewhere else,” Kenny pleaded.

    “I agree, Mrs. Raynor, we should go to a different concession stand,” Steve also pleaded.

    Susan’s smile had now turned to anger, as she went toe-to-toe with the man. And being taller, she looked down at him and with all of the colorful language she had in her vocabulary informed him in her own special way that that middle linebacker was her daughter, and that she was all-state defensive player last year. She then looked to the woman and using the same vocabulary informed her that her son was in for a long day.

    Steve quickly covered Kenny’s ears till the storm was over. Then, during a lull, he  was finally able to pull Susan away before security threw her out. They then made it to a different food stand and peacefully ordered and went back to their seats.

    Susan and Steve remained quiet as they passed out the food. Kenny, however, went into great detail while he ate his burger and fries.

    “All I can say is it’s a good thing that I wasn’t there. No one talks bad about my granddaughter, I reckon me and Susan would have been thrown out for sure, way to go,” Grace said, as she looked at Susan.

    Susan was still red with anger mixed with some embarrassment, a smile though came to her face as each one responded in kind to her motherly defensive out burst.

    The game had been stopped right after the Panthers had called their time-out. The referees were having problems with the game clock. This gave the Panthers a chance to catch their breath and regroup from the Rams quick start.

    When the game resumed Bill was the first to notice that the Panthers had a different defensive scheme. “We’re going man-to-man now, our secondary is toe-to-toe with their receivers,” Bill said, before taking another bite of his hamburger.

    Lisa moved up to the line in front of center and went down to a three point stance. David inched closer to the line from his weak side station. As the quarterback called signals, Lisa quickly backed off and moved laterally to her right. The quarterback took the snap and quickly backpedaled. He saw David blitzing from his position, but still had ample time, he immediately found a close target (his tight end) and cocked his arm. Before he could launch the ball though he was harpooned on his blindside, knocking the breath out of him, losing the ball and hitting the ground hard enough to rattle teeth.

    David scooped up the wayward ball and carried it into the end zone untouched for a Panther touchdown.   

    Kevin (the Ram’s quarterback) lay on his side, gasping for breath,  As he began to fill his lungs with air he breathed in Lisa’s perfume. He rolled over on his back and gazed up at Lisa who was offering her hand. “Your wearing perfume, during a game?” he asked, as he accepted her hand.

    “I’m a girl, remember, and I don’t like smelling like a barbarian just because I play football,” Lisa replied, then she pulled him up.

      “So, you do play, by the way, did you get a good look at the vehicle that ran me over,” Kevin said with a smile.

    Susan and Grace were on their feet as soon as they saw Leese plow viciously into the Rams quarterback, causing a fumble. “THAT’S WHAT I’M F@#$%&G TALKING ABOUT, THAT’S MY GIRL.” Susan yelled, then high-fived Grace who was also yelling “GO LEESE, GO PANTHERS.”

    Steve was clapping and whistling. Bill was filming the game and trying to get Grace to settle down and act her age. Kenny kept asking granddad if he got it all.

    Jim turned and looked up at Susan. “I thought that you were pulling for the R…. Ouch!”

    Susan quickly bent down and pinched his ear, then whispered. “That thought that your having, well, if your smart you’ll forget all about it, or you’ll be sleeping in the spare bedroom for a very, very, long time,” Susan said, in her sweetest voice, as she then lightly caressed his ear. “Now watch the game and our daughter kick the s@#t out of the Rams.

    Except for the rough start, the Panthers won the day 28-10 with the defense scoring two of the touchdowns and man-handling the Rams. Lisa had seven quarterback sacks, one interception, five deflected passes, caused two fumbles and recovered one.

    David and Leese both got game balls, He recovered the first fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. He intercepted one of Lisa’s deflected passes and ran it back for a score. He had four quarterback sacks, three hurries and two deflected passes.

    After the game and much celebrating at the local pizza inn, and enough food to feed the entire high school, Lisa bid all a long farewell. She and Jim had been pretty certain of what the out come of the game would be if the answer in her vision was to come to pass. But still, there’s nothing like winning, especially if you’re considered the underdog taking on goliath.

    With her parents and Kenny waiting for her in the van, she and Steve said their goodbyes amongst fogged up windows in his truck. “This is it, after tomorrow all Friday nights and Saturdays will be mine again, to do with what ever I want. You and me from now on, nothing will ever get in my way or take hold of me again like this has,” Lisa said with a smile, then engulfed Steve with one long final kiss, forcing him against the drivers side window. She backed off only to give him a chance to breathe, as he was beginning to gasp for air and had stopped kissing. Afterward she helped him sit up, adjusted his jacket and gave him a hug, “Bye, see you Sunday morning.”

    “B  y  e,” he said, in-between gasps.

    She then exited his truck and got into the van for the ride to the airport. 

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

    Upon arrival in Las Angeles, they rented a mini-van (Jim had insisted with Father O’Gara that they do this, this time.) With the hour late and the Raynors give out from the long flight, they met with Father O’Gara and Mother Superior who were up and waiting for them. With much greetings and hugging, Lisa and family were shown to their rooms and a much needed nights rest.

    Early the next morning Leese met up with Irene and the rest of the band of Sisters for a quick breakfast and an even quicker rehearsal. The Sisters had practiced the songs all week and just needed a one time run through with Lisa. They had to be ready to go by eight a.m. for mass.

    All week it had been advertised that Ice, the A.R.S. competitor, would be singing at the morning mass on Saturday. 

    Father O’Gara had received permission from the Monseigneur and Bishop Schulman for an all singing mass with Lisa taking charge. After the Father kept going on-and-on about Ice, both were looking forward to meeting and listening to this sixteen-year-old Herculean-heroine, songstress and all state defensive cornerback and captain of her high school football team.

    Lisa stood off stage with the band as the grand old cathedral filled to the brim. She waved to the children as they made their way to their seats. She hadn’t had a chance to meet anyone yet, what with her early morning hectic schedule.

    Father O’Gara, the Monseigneur and the Bishop were all ecstatic at the out pouring of people for a Saturday morning mass. The Father walked up to the podium and took the microphone as the other two went to their seats.

    “Thank you all for coming this morning and if you would please find it in your heart to give as you see fit. The more you give, the more we can help others. Now without further ado, I turn everything over to Ice.”

    Lisa walked out to the podium to a hearty round of applause, even from Father O’Gara, the Monseigneur and Bishop Schulman. She wore her sleeveless sapphire blue dress that draped down below the knees. With the dress she wore a white one inch wide belt that hugged her waist. And on her feet she wore heelless white shoes. Around her neck she wore her gold cross. And on her ears she wore her gold cross earrings. She nodded and smiled at Father O’Gara and his visitors, as she walked by.

    “Your right, she is muscular, you sure her biceps are only 18 ¼ inches. I can’t wait to meet her after service,” Bishop Schulman remarked, as he kept on clapping.

    The Monseigneur agreed, but his eyes were opened a little bit wider, like a deer caught in the headlights of an on coming car.

    Father O’Gara looked at both of them and started laughing, “She is an impressive young lady, she is.”

    Lisa took the microphone, “Thank you, I hope that you enjoy the songs and I hope that you will donate with a giving heart. And remember that this sanctuary is holy ground, please be respectful of it.”

    She started off with the bible verse: Genesis 1:1, in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,  then sang “Awesome God.” Thereafter before each song she would recite a verse of scripture that would coincide with what she would sing. As she sang she walked among the aisles of the congregation, smiling and touching hands when offered. With her next to last song she recited Revelation 22:12, And behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to everyone according to their work. She then sang “I can only imagine.”

    “My final song is Silent Night, Christmas is not far off and I love true Christmas songs. Not the holiday stuff that you hear at stores, most radio stations or the so called TV holiday shows,” Lisa spoke from the heart as she walked to-and-fro on the stage with both hands holding the microphone. “Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas is fading from the face of the earth like all other Christian ideologies. This unfortunately is meant to happen as time draws to an end and Jesus returns to claim what is his. In 2 Timothy chapter 3 verse 1,2,3 and 4 it reads: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. And also in the same chapter at verse 12 and 13 it reads: Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

    We are in a war that we cannot win until Christ returns, we’re not suppose to. We are to fight a holding action, put up a defensive front, and bring as many as we can into our camp. We are to look out for each other and help as many as we can. Our weapons are faith, endless prayer and the true study of the word of God, book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and verse-by-verse. We are to overcome and hold on until the day of Christ comes or we die, and join him in heaven first.

    I say that, to say this, he came first as a meek, mild, teacher and healer. He will come again as a warrior king to fight and vanquish evil and take home his people.

    And with that Irene and Cora started playing Silent Night, slowly with a sad tone. They had changed to violins while Lisa was talking. As they played, the rest of the band joined in. Lisa then sang the saddest, most tear-jerking version of Silent Night that anyone there had ever heard. By the end of the song there was not a dry eye in the sanctuary.

    Lisa turned to hand the microphone to Father O’Gara, but he was in no condition to close the service out, neither was the Monseigneur, or Bishop. Mother Superior had her head down crying, as did most of the Sisters.

    Leese didn’t know how to close out a Catholic service, she looked around until she saw Sister Camille hurrying up to her rescue. She passed the microphone off and made her way off stage.

    Afterward she, Irene and the rest of the band mingled and fellowshipped with everyone. At the first opportunity, Father O’Gara corralled Lisa and lead her to his study, where the Monseigneur, Bishop Schulman and her parents were waiting.

    She and dad fielded question after question, mom remained kinda quiet, only speaking when spoken to. The usual subject matter was asked; about her physique, the size of her biceps, about her weight lifting capabilities, her height, her weight, her playing high school football, her Taekwondo training, her singing, her knowledge of the bible, the knife fight that she was in. They kept her for over two hours learning as much as they could about the one that the media had named “Ice Angel.”

    Jim had his video recorder and offered to show them Lisa’s Friday evening play off game. They jumped at the offer like a bunch of kids being asked if they wanted candy. Lisa politely excused herself, as her dad was hooking his recorder to the TV. Off to find the children she went, to keep a promise that she had made earlier, of spending time with them before she had to go to her last rehearsal.           



                         

                                              CONTINUED ON

                                    To Whom Much Is Given, Part 3