Andrew was
grateful for Joshua's presence beside him when they
resumed rehearsals. He knew Eli and Henry had
the far greater challenge but simply hearing the
song they were to perform would be difficult.
It helped to have Joshua there... alive, happy,
comfortable. Monica was seated to Joshua's
other side while Adam sat behind them, ready to dole
out comforting shoulder squeezes as necessary.
Andrew sighed as he looked up
at the stage and dragged his hand through his
hair. "Okay, everyone set in the wings?"
"Yes!" a chorus of voices
replied.
"Great. Okay, Caleb
let's have you on the scaffolding downstage
right. Edward, stand across from your brother
on the left side. Do you remember when you
leave?"
The two brothers nodded.
"Great. Eli and Henry,
how about you two stand near to each other upstage
center. When the crowd comes out during
'Hosanna,' Eli will take Edward's place and Henry
you'll take Caleb's. And if anything feels at
all shaky up there... stop and let the rest of us
know. We don't want any more, umm, tumbles
from the scaffolding."
This was met with snickers
both onstage and off.
"Okay, priests ready?" Andrew
checked.
"As ready as we'll ever be,"
Eli replied.
Andrew sat back down.
"You ready?" he asked Joshua.
Joshua nodded, already
focused on Eli and Henry.
"Tess, get us started,
please."
Tess smiled at Andrew then
looked to the men onstage. "Break a leg,
babies!" With that, the stark opening notes
began.
Edward turned to Eli.
"'Good Caiaphas, the council waits for you.
The Pharisees and priests are here for you.'"
"'Ah gentlemen, you know why
we are here. We've not much time, and quite a
problem here,'" Eli croaked with a grimace.
"'Hosanna! Superstar!'"
the chorus repeatedly cheered from offstage.
"'Listen to that howling mob
of blockheads in the street! A trick or two
with lepers and the whole town's on its feet,'"
Henry cawed.
Eli and Henry grew more
agitated, even flinching at times, as the unseen
crowd grew louder. Caleb and Edward kept
gazing offstage wistfully. "Caiaphas" and
"Annas" voiced their frustrations and fears only to
be interrupted by the enthusiastic mob shouting
their praises.
"'Jesus Christ...
Superstar!'" the followers chanted.
"'He is dangerous!'" Eli and Henry
hissed.
"'Tell us that you're who
they say you are!'"
Edward smiled and
shrugged. "'The man is in town right now to
whip up some support.'"
"'A rabble rousing mission
that I think we must abort,'" Henry shot back.
Caleb rolled his eyes,
peering at the source of the exultant voices.
The interaction between the
two pairs grew more tense with Henry demanding
Caiaphas call in the Romans to silence the dangerous
man.
"'No, wait! We need a
more permanent solution to our problem,'" Eli
countered, his face grave.
"'What then to do about Jesus
of Nazareth? Miracle wonderman, hero of
fools!'" Henry taunted.
Caleb stalked over to Henry
and grabbed his sleeve. "'No riots, no army,
no fighting, no slogans!'" he protested, using his
free arm to wave in the direction of the unseen
Messiah.
Eli grimaced and yanked
Caleb's hand off Henry. "'One thing I'll say
for him: Jesus is cool.'"
Caleb waved his hand
dismissively and stepped away from the two.
More intent on the crowd than their priestly
brethren, the two brothers remained silent as Henry
and Eli plotted back and forth.
"'Where do we start with a
man who is bigger than John was when John did his
baptism thing?'" Henry demanded of Eli.
Eli gaped out at the
audience, missing his cue. He closed his eyes
for a moment then, opening them, met Joshua's
steady, warm gaze. He took in a deep breath
then let it out as Tess repeated the last few
bars. The story had to be told... each part of
it, he reminded himself. The angel whacked his
fist down on the scaffolding causing a loud,
reverberating bang. Then he sang.
"'Fools, you have no perception! The stakes we
are gambling are frighteningly high! We must
crush him completely! So like John before him,
this Jesus must die. For the sake of the
nation, this Jesus must die.'"
As planned, Caleb and Edward
betrayed increasing disgust as Eli sang. At
the second 'must die,' they turned their backs on
Eli and Henry then scrambled down the scaffolding
and into the wings.
"'Must die, must die, this
Jesus must die. So like John before him, this
Jesus must die. Must die, must die, this Jesus
must, Jesus must, Jesus must die!'" Eli and Henry
sang together with harrowing determination.
Then the song ended abruptly,
ready to lead into "Hosanna" but that would have to
wait.
The others shuffled
nervously, unsure if they were supposed to clap or
not. Breaking the uneasy silence, Joshua stood
and smiled at the two. "Well done! I
could really pick up on the fact that Caiaphas' and
Annas' plans were born of desperation, maybe some
jealousy and annoyance... but not bloodlust as too
many productions make it seem. Are Edward and
Caleb supposed to be Joseph and Nicodemus?"
Henry nodded and smiled
wryly. "A little bird with a Theology degree
suggested they be part of this one."
Joshua chuckled. "Got
it. I like it. And I think others will
find it meaningful."
"I really hope so," Andrew
wished. "We're trying to be honest."
"Honest is good," Joshua
reflected. He smiled gently at Andrew,
grateful to him and the others. He hoped he'd
be able to share that with them all some day.
That his story... his death... had been used to
target Jewish people was a sad truth that still
grieved him. But this... this was a step in
the right direction.
"Great job, Eli and
Henry. And you guys were great, too, Caleb and
Edward," Andrew shouted.
The brothers peeked out from
the wings and beamed. "Thank you!" they
replied in unison.
"You're very welcome.
Now... I think once was enough for tonight on that
one. So I'm going to go get Violeta and then
we'll start 'Hosanna,' okay?" Andrew smiled
when enthusiastic assent echoed from offstage.
The whole cast had been looking forward to this
one. They didn't have a T-shirt cannon yet but
the angel knew it'd still be something to see and
hear.
When he reached the office,
he found that Violeta was already peeking around the
corner. "Are they done?" she asked nervously,
stepping into the hall.
"Yeah, we're ready for
'Hosanna.'"
"How'd they do?"
Andrew approached and
squeezed his protege's hand. "They did really
well. And I think it'll get easier each time."
"A-and Joshua?"
Andrew pulled Violeta into a
hug and kissed her hair. "He's doing really,
really well. He'll be okay. You know
that, right?"
Violeta nodded. "Just
still... a little weird."
"I know." Andrew smiled
encouragingly at her. "But look at how many
people he's been able to spend time with."
Before Violeta could respond,
JenniAnn stepped into the hall with Belle.
"Everything okay? How
are Eli and Henry?"
Andrew chuckled.
"Definitely fine as I was just telling
Violeta. But I'm sure they'll be touched to
know you both were concerned for them. Ready
for 'Hosanna'?"
"Definitely. And
then... Max's song." JenniAnn sighed.
"He'll look so grown up standing up there and
singing that..."
Andrew smiled to himself as
he walked them back to the stage. It wasn't
worth reminding JenniAnn that Max had been grown up
for quite some time.
When they reached the stage,
Andrew was immediately inundated with questions.
"Is it true we'll have a
T-shirt cannon?" Shane pressed eagerly.
"Can we come in singing
through the main aisle?" Kemara asked.
"Can we get a donkey?" Arthur
questioned.
"Oh... I wish we could!"
Monica added.
Zeke bit his lip in
consternation. "But what if the donkey had
to... you know... go?"
"Can we crowd surf Joshua
down the aisle?" Owen teased.
"No!" Emma protested.
"We can't lose another Jesus! What if he got
dropped?"
Joshua held his side as he
laughed. "I promise I wouldn't sue. But
given the track record... maybe we better avoid any
sort of acrobatics."
The angel of death continued
to chuckle as he shook his head. "I leave for
two minutes and this happens?" he kidded.
Joshua grinned. "It may
have been my fault mentioning the T-shirt
cannon... Although, I really could get us a
donkey."
Andrew's eye brows quirked
upwards. "Umm, do you want a donkey?"
"Oh, let him have a
donkey! They're so cute!" JenniAnn begged.
"His name is Yoktan.
He's very well-trained," Joshua shared. "And
very tame. He likes people."
Andrew chuckled. Why
not have an over 2,000 year old donkey? "Okay,
Yoktan can be in the show."
"Can we crowd surf Joshua
*and* Yoktan?" Owen joked.
"No!" Emma cried but she
couldn't contain her own amusement. "A donkey
would be nice, though... They really are
pretty cute. But where would the donkey stay
in between shows?"
"At Home," Joshua replied
nonchalantly. "I'm in good with the couple who
own him. They'll see to it that he gets to and
fro."
Adam snickered then feigned
innocence when everyone looked at him curiously.
Andrew shook his head in
amusement. "Okay, well, since Yoktan isn't
here tonight, let's just practice with Joshua
walking on his own two legs. I do like the
idea of coming down the aisle, Kemara. Emma,
do you think that would work with your
choreography?"
Emma nodded. "I hadn't
really worked all of that out for the stage so it's
not a problem to change it. I like that idea,
too. Bring the audience in more. And
it's more dramatic."
"Great! Let's try
that." Andrew stepped off the stage and
studied the set. "So... Henry and Eli, let's
have you back on the scaffolding. Caleb and
Edward, you're Romans now so stand at attention, one
of you stage right and the other stage left.
Jesus and disciples, let's try to have you... and
eventually Yoktan... onstage by the time Caiaphas
has his first line. Got it?"
Whooping and hollering, the
majority of the cast went to the lobby where Emma
quickly choreographed their modified entrance.
"All right... Laja,
come sit with me please," Andrew requested.
"Adam and Monica, can you sit on the other
side? We'll see what this looks like as they
come down the aisle."
"Got it," Adam agreed as
Monica nodded giddily.
"I'm so excited to see
Yoktan. It's been so long!" The
caseworker blushed. "Since I've spent time
around donkeys!" she added hastily.
Andrew chuckled. "I
know how you feel."
"Belle's never seen a
donkey!" JenniAnn smiled down at the baby.
Andrew smiled at them, glad
to see them both so happy. It reminded him
that he needed to ask Joshua about the eczema.
Hopefully he'd have a chance after rehearsal.
"Ready to start, Angel Boy?"
Tess asked.
"Yeah." Andrew turned
towards the lobby doors. "Ready back there?"
"We are," Joshua replied as
the others nodded.
"Let's go then!"
As the song began, Joshua was
all smiles with Violeta's arm linked through his
right one.
"'Hosanna! Hey sanna
sanna sanna Hosanna. Hey sanna Hosanna.
Hey JC, JC won't you smile at me? Sanna
Hosanna. Hey, Superstar!'" the followers sang
as they crowded around, waving imaginary palm
branches, and occasionally twirling and dancing in a
chaotic but joyful melee. Zeke lagged behind,
as sluggish as the others were energetic.
Onstage, Eli and Henry looked
on with increasing trepidation while Edward and
Caleb smiled smugly, their standards and swords on
full display.
As the crowd reached the
stage with Joshua standing at center, Eli glared
down at him.
"'Tell the rabble to be
quiet, we anticipate a riot. This common crowd
is much too loud!'" he complained.
Joshua cast his gaze upward,
studying the man curiously as he continued to bemoan
the commotion.
Violeta tightened her grip of
Joshua's arm.
Joshua hugged her then
embraced several other followers as their song of
praise continued. Finally, he turned back to
Eli. "'Why waste your breath moaning at the
crowd? Nothing can be done to stop the
shouting. If every tongue were stilled, the
noise would still continue. The rocks and
stones themselves would start to sing!'" He
smiled gleefully then grabbed Emma's hands and spun
around with her.
For a moment, Emma was caught
off-guard then she giggled and spun happily, both of
them joining the others in singing their
hosannas.
"'Hey JC, JC won't you fight
for me? Sanna Hosanna. Hey, Superstar.'"
Zeke flinched. Eli
cringed and held his head in his hands. Joshua
and Emma stilled and Violeta hurried over to
them. Joshua squeezed both women's hands
before ascending one of the risers. He shook
his head then, brightening, began to sing again.
"'Sing me your songs, but not
for me alone! Sing out for yourselves, for you
are blessed. There is not one of you who
cannot win the kingdom: the slow, the suffering, the
quick, the dead.'" Joshua beamed out at the
crowd and held his arms aloft. "'Hosanna, hey
sanna sanna sanna Hosanna. Hey sanna
Hosanna!'" he sang along with the assembly.
"'Hey JC, JC won't you die
for me? Sanna Hosanna, hey, Superstar.'"
Joshua deflated and bent over
slightly, as if he'd been punched in the gut.
Peter jumped in front of
Joshua and shook his head, trying to get the crowd
to back off as they clamored to touch their messiah.
Emma and Violeta hurried past
Peter to join Joshua on the riser, each of them
linking an arm through his. With Peter leading
the way, they walked Joshua offstage.
Adam, Monica, and Andrew
leapt to their feet with the latter helping JenniAnn
to hers. She silently marveled as the other
three clapped.
"Great job, everyone!" Andrew
cheered.
"I love that Jesus' mom is
with him here," JenniAnn added, her eyes welling as
she snuggled Belle closer.
Andrew hugged her
shoulders. "Me too. Joshua and Violeta,
you interacted really well in this."
Adam smiled. "It's
almost as if you're really related."
Monica lightly stepped on his
foot, causing the angel of death to grin.
"Everyone was lovely," she congratulated.
"Emma and Joshua, I loved your spin."
Emma briefly glanced over at
Joshua who smiled at her. She smiled back
before turning to Monica. "Thanks! It
was unexpected... but I think it's nice for them to
have a light moment before... well, the rest."
Andrew nodded. "I
agree. So let's go through it one more time
and then we'll do 'Simon Zealotes' and 'Poor
Jerusalem' together a couple times then call it a
night... a very good night!"
Excited to give the song
another go, everyone hurried back to their
places. The second try proved as good as the
first and after soaking in the praises from their
small audience, the cast was ready to move on.
Emma took center stage.
"Okay, since we haven't been
able to do dance rehearsals yet; tonight just Diana,
Shane, and myself will dance. If everyone else
in the chorus could please sit on the edge of the
stage and watch us while singing along, maybe you
can start to learn some of the moves. I tried
to keep it simple. Ladies, watch Diana and
me. Gentlemen, keep focused on Shane."
Adam raised his hand.
"Yes, Adam?"
"Why is King Herod following
Jesus?"
Shane laughed. "Because
right now I'm not Herod. Glasses off, follower
of Jesus. Glasses on, Herod. I'm sort of
like a really dysfunctional version of
Superman."
Adam chuckled. "Got
it."
"Adam, do you want to
double?" Emma asked.
"Oh no, I think I'm a little
on the old side to be..."
"Adam!" JenniAnn
reprimanded. "You're not old! Well, I
mean... you know what I mean."
Joshua's face lit up.
"Jesus could always use another follower," he
remarked with a grin.
Adam smiled up at him.
"It would be fun..."
"Adam, get up there," Andrew
directed, his eyes twinkling. "We'll just have
to make sure you're close to one of the wings, when
the time comes, so you can sneak off when 'Poor
Jerusalem' starts and get into your Pilate costume."
Happily, Adam took a spot on
the edge of the stage.
"Henry and Eli, let's have
you two observing this. I think your later
actions make more sense if you hear this. And
Edward and Caleb, let's have you both onstage,
too. Max and Joshua, front and center.
Zeke, off to the side... observing unhappily.
Everyone about ready?" Andrew asked.
"Umm..." Max looked
from the script he was holding to Andrew and
JenniAnn and back to the paper. "I think?"
Joshua squeezed his
shoulder. "It's our first try together,
Max. It won't be perfect and that's okay!"
"But everything else has gone
so well tonight," Max whispered back.
"Maybe I should leave,"
JenniAnn reluctantly suggested to Andrew. "I
think maybe I'm making him nervous. Plus,
between the singing and what I imagine will be some
leaping... it may be too loud for Belle."
Andrew shook his head.
"Laja, I don't think you make him nervous. You
stay. I'll take Belle."
Monica approached. "I'd
love some time with Belle. I could take
her. You both should be here for Max."
Andrew and JenniAnn smiled,
knowing Monica loved spending time with their little
one.
"Sounds like a plan.
Thank you, Monica!" JenniAnn handed Belle off then
watched as the caseworker walked away, already
cooing.
Andrew smiled after them then
hugged JenniAnn's shoulders when they'd both taken a
seat. "Max, you'll do great!" he encouraged as
JenniAnn beamed.
"Hope so..." Max drew
in a deep breath then let it out. He smiled
when Rose blew him a kiss.
"Joshua, you good?" Andrew
called.
Joshua nodded. "Ready
to go."
With that, Andrew nodded to
Tess and the performance began.
As the crowd shouted their
love, Max looked on proudly. Joshua smiled,
subtly nodding his approval and appreciation.
Then Max half-spun to face him.
"'Christ, what more do you
need to convince you that you've made it and you're
easily as strong as the filth from Rome who rape our
country, and who've terrorized our people for so
long?'" he queried, his face still set in a smug
smile.
Joshua frowned and shook his
head before redirecting his attention to the still
adoring, still peaceful crowd.
Off to the side, Zeke found
himself singing along then realized what he was
doing and abruptly stopped.
In the house seats, JenniAnn
clasped Andrew's hand as Max's next solo began.
"'Keep them yelling their
devotion, but add a touch of hate at Rome,'" the
young man prodded.
Joshua flinched upon hearing
the word 'hate.' He shook his head and opened
his mouth to reprimand Max but was silenced.
"'You will rise to a greater
power!'" Max sang out. "'We will win ourselves
a home. You'll get the power and the glory,
for ever and ever and ever.'"
Joshua reached out and set
his hand on Max's upper arm, again shaking his head
as he wore a forlorn smile. However, Max shook
him off and, unabated, continued to praise the man
he'd just ignored.
Andrew, JenniAnn, and Rose
all held their breaths while Max's piercing voice
erupted with the final "Amen!"
Unable to contain themselves,
everyone applauded for Max then just as quickly
quieted. After a brief, encouraging smile;
Joshua took up his part. He peered up at the
ceiling and, smiling sadly, turned back to Max.
"'Neither you, Simon, nor the
fifty thousand, nor the Romans, nor the Jews, nor
Judas, nor the twelve, nor the priests, nor the
scribes, nor doomed Jerusalem itself... understand
what power is, understand what glory is, understand
at all, understand at all,'" Joshua
lamented. His voice shook with the last few
words.
The smile melted from Max's
face.
Joshua gazed out at the
audience. "'If you knew all that I knew, my
poor Jerusalem, you'd see the truth...'" For
just a moment, Joshua looked past the audience, to
something only he could see, something that made him
smile.
JenniAnn looked to Andrew but
he was transfixed. She knew that look.
He had that look when he spoke of Heaven.
Joshua turned back to Max, to
Zeke, and the others. "'But you close your
eyes... But you close your eyes. While
you live, your troubles are many, poor
Jerusalem. To conquer death, you only have to
die. You only have to die.'" He turned
around, squeezed Max's shoulder and then walked
away. He approached Zeke, bestowed a wan smile
on him and then disappeared offstage.
An eery quiet settled over
everyone.
Joshua stepped back onto the
stage, smiling. "I'm really okay," he assured.
It was the permission they
all needed to clap and laugh.
"That was just so sad!" Diana
commented. "But as it should be."
"You'll have to excuse our
shock, Joshua. Your predecessor had turned
that song into something of a ham-and-cheese-fest,"
Caleb explained.
Andrew let out a low whistle
as he and JenniAnn made their way onto the
stage. "That was... wow. Up and then
down... You both were great!"
"My part still doesn't feel
right to me." Max grimaced. "It still
feels... fake."
Rose hugged him. "It is
fake. You're nothing like Simon."
"I know... But I watch
Joshua and he just... is." Max looked with
admiration at the man. "I felt like you were
really sad for us, not being able to see what you
do. But attacking Rome? Hating on
them? I don't feel that."
"Max, I think you were
magnificent!" Joshua countered. "And I, for
one, think it's a good thing you don't feel that
hate."
"Me too." JenniAnn
wiped at her eyes. "And it's only...
what? Your second time singing that?"
"Yeah..."
Henry approached.
"You'll find the 'trick' you need to get the edge
you want, Max. Eli and I did. It's just
different for everyone. But you'll find it."
Max smiled.
"Okay. So are we doing it once more?"
"If you're both willing
to." Andrew turned to Zeke. "And Zeke, I
noticed that you started singing at..."
"Sorry! It's just a
great song and I didn't mean to but..."
"No, no. I thought it
was great!" Andrew protested. "Poignant.
It made Judas seem even more torn, like part of him
just wants to go back to being part of the
group. Could you do it again?"
Zeke nodded. "For
sure. Thank you!"
"You bet. So...
everyone back to their places, please."
Once Andrew and JenniAnn were
in their seats again, Tess resumed playing.
While Max still hadn't quite found his footing
emotionally, he sounded great and Joshua's
performance lost none of its pathos the second time
around. Less stunned, everyone roared with
applause and shouted praise for both soloists when
Joshua finished.
When he reappeared, Joshua
had Belle in his arms. "Look who I found in
the wings."
JenniAnn laughed.
"Wow... she got there all by herself?"
Andrew chuckled.
"Amazing!"
Monica appeared a moment
later, all smiles. "Ah no. But once I
heard Max finish, I thought it would be okay to
listen in on Joshua." She set a hand on his
shoulder. "You were wonderful." She
turned to Max. "And what I could hear of you
through the door was very stirring!"
Max blushed. "Thank
you. I just still..." His eyes met
Joshua's. "Not feeling it." He frowned
and reached out to pat Belle's back.
Joshua passed the baby off to
the young man, glancing over at Andrew and JenniAnn
who looked on wistfully as Max kissed Belle's curls
and snuggled her close while Rose smiled dreamily.
"But I'll find it.
Won't I, Bellaluna?" Max cooed.
Belle nestled her cheek
against Max's chest and began to nod off.
Andrew smiled. "Well, I
think that means it's time to call it a night.
Everyone was amazing. I hope you all realize
that and I hope you all feel a lot of confidence
about this. We're back on track, people!" he
cheered.
Emma beamed. "What he
said. You guys are awesome! We're going
to work on choreography mostly tomorrow so, please,
bring comfortable clothes and shoes. See you
at 6:00!"
"And don't forget to take
leftovers!" Andrew added.
"Leftovers..." Caleb echoed
with a grin.
Zeke laughed. "Oh for
the metabolism of my twenties!"
As the others shouted back
thank yous and headed to the food table or else
dispersed around the theatre to visit before heading
home, Andrew and Emma consulted.
"Do you think tonight's a
good time to bring the role up to Kylie?" Andrew
asked.
"I figure as good as
any. I hope she takes some food. She's
been looking pretty frail," Emma whispered.
She looked for the young woman. "She probably
snuck right back to the coatroom. Please watch
for her. I'm going to go make a plate up for
her."
Andrew smiled after the
woman. Emma truly was a good person... perhaps
a little jaded but clearly she cared about
others. He was looking forward to continued
work with her and, hopefully, helping her connect
more with Joshua. At the thought, Andrew
wondered where he was. He smiled when he
spotted him just off the stage, helping Kylie into
her coat.
"Th-thank you," Kylie
stuttered, flustered but not unpleased. She
smiled shyly at Joshua. "You were really
great."
"So were you. I could
really hear you during 'Everything's Alright.'
Your voice is beautiful, Kylie! Very
soothing. Do you enjoy singing?"
Light coming into her eyes,
Kylie nodded. "Very much. Ever since I
was a little girl."
"Well, it was a blessing to
hear you. I hope you really enjoy working on
this. I know I will."
"Thank you, Joshua. I
will, too."
Emma approached with Andrew
trailing her by a couple steps. "Here,
Kylie. Take some food with you. Might
save you having to cook."
"Oh, thanks, but you can
leave it for the boys. I don't need..."
Emma opened her mouth, ready
to snap at Kylie for being so willing to defer to
"the boys."
Kylie flinched.
Emma felt immediately
chastened and smiled gently. "Oh, trust me,
there's plenty. Here." She handed the
plate to Kylie then turned to Andrew before the
woman had another chance to turn it down.
"Andrew, why don't you tell Kylie what we were
discussing?"
"Sure."
Joshua looked to Andrew,
wondering if he should step away so they could
talk. He remained when the angel replied with
a subtle shake of his head.
"Kylie, you remember how a
couple weeks ago Emma was saying she was frustrated
by the lack of female parts in this show?" Andrew
queried.
"Yes... but Jesus only had
male apostles. And the people in power were
male," Kylie reminded.
Emma again bit her tongue.
Joshua nodded. "That's
true. But I think Jesus was only recognizing
that he could only change so much, in a short time,
in the culture. Unfortunately, some simply
wouldn't accept a female leader, a female
apostle. But he did genuinely want women to to
be good, strong leaders. Remember the part in
the Bible when one of the women says to Jesus
'Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breast
that fed you'?"
Kylie nodded.
Emma studied Joshua
curiously.
"Well, Jesus definitely
thought his mother was blessed. He loved her
dearly. But what made her blessed wasn't
simply that she carried him and nursed him. He
said that what made people blessed was hearing God's
word and heeding it. Mary definitely did
that... and part of heeding that was caring for
Jesus but that wasn't all. So much of what she
did made her blessed!" Joshua gushed. He
hoped his Ama was listening. But right then,
Emma and Kylie most needed to hear him. "So
many of the the things Mary did are things that
anyone can do... male or female. Love one
another. Share God's word. Pray for and
with those who are suffering. Clothe the
naked, feed the hungry, comfort the weary...
Leaders should do those things. And both men
and women can do those things. Both men and
women can be leaders."
Kylie blushed. "I don't
know..."
"I do." Emma smiled at
Joshua. "Maybe I'd still believe if you'd been
around."
Joshua's expression betrayed
a mixture of sadness and joy. Maybe Emma would
draw closer to him... but it hurt to be reminded of
what had once been and was currently lost. And
why. He wanted to hold her and tell her he'd
never left... but it wasn't time for that.
"Well... back to what Andrew
was saying!" Emma chirped.
Andrew had been so busy
studying the three that it took him a moment to
remember what he was supposed to be saying.
"Right! Well, Emma and I talked and we think
we have a way of adding another female part.
You know 'Pilate's Dream'?"
Kylie nodded.
"Well, in the Bible it's not
Pontius Pilate who has the dream. It's his
wife," Andrew continued.
"Yeah..." Kylie began
to grow nervous.
"Emma and I would really like
to return that song to his wife. Kylie, we'd
very much like for you to play her, for you to sing
the song. Would you, please?" Andrew
requested.
Kylie took a couple steps
back, shaking her head. "I... I'm fine in
the... the chorus b-but..."
Emma approached and hugged
her. "Kylie, it's not fair. It... it was
a woman who tried to stand up to... to save...
him." She waved to Joshua. "Why should a
man get the credit?"
"I... I don't know...
Adam. I can't take a song from Adam!" Kylie
grasped. "That wouldn't be fair."
Hearing his name, the elder
angel of death approached. "What's going on?"
"Adam, we asked Kylie about
taking the part of Claudia, Pilate's wife, and
singing the dream song," Andrew explained.
Adam's face lit up.
"Great! I think that'll be really
something! We might be the only production to
actually get it right!"
"She hasn't agreed," Emma
explained.
"Oh." Adam
frowned. "Well, that's okay. But I
really do think it'd be better if you sang
it." He smiled gently at Kylie.
"But no one wants to pressure
you," Andrew clarified. "Could you just think
about it, Kylie? Please."
Emma hugged her.
"Please," she echoed.
"You... you all really think
I can? A solo?" Kylie asked, her voice barely
above a whisper. She was asking them all but
zeroed in on Joshua.
"I believe you can with all
my heart," Joshua replied. "Truly."
Though she couldn't say why,
in that moment Andrew's words from earlier in the
evening returned to Emma: "And
I think sometimes, even when we don't believe
in people, it can happen that they still
believe in us." She let out a
ragged sigh.
"Could... could I come early tomorrow...
before the others get here... and try it with
only the four of you here?"
Andrew and Emma looked to Adam and Joshua who
both nodded.
"Definitely," Andrew vowed.
Finally, Kylie smiled. "Okay. But
just to try... I... I may not be able
to."
Emma nodded. "We understand. Thank
you for giving it a chance, Kylie! How
about 5:30? Will you need a ride?"
"No, I can get here on my own. 5:30 it
is." Kylie agreed then, seeing Zeke and
Diana, she stepped away. "I think
they're wanting to leave. Good night!"
The other four watched, waving to Zeke and
Diana, as Kylie hurried off.
Emma turned back to the three men.
"Honestly, that went better than I thought it
might. I figured we'd need a few more
conversations before she'd even agree to try."
"I hope it'll be good for her," Adam added.
Andrew nodded. "Me too."
"It will be," Joshua affirmed. He smiled
at Andrew and Emma. "I had an amazing
time! Thank you for hiring me. I
can't wait until tomorrow night!"
Emma returned his smile. "I can't
either. And I'm very glad we hired
you. And... the stage is great!
Shane was jumping around quite a bit right on
the former hole during Max's song and... no
problems! Thanks again for that!"
Joshua beamed. "You're very
welcome." He turned to see who else
remained. "I'm going to start saying my
good nights. I'll be sure to be here
tomorrow at 5:30. Good night, Adam,
Andrew, and Emma!"
After they'd echoed their good byes, Andrew
remembered that he needed to speak to
Joshua. "Hey, Joshua, before you go... I
wanted to ask you something."
"Sure. I left my coat in the
lobby. Walk with me?"
Andrew nodded, following Joshua into the
abandoned lobby.
Joshua grabbed his coat off a chair.
"The ticket office counter could use some
sanding and re-staining. Pretty marked
up by pens and markers. Used to drive
Eugene crazy when people would get sloppy
signing their checks."
Andrew smiled. He hadn't even
noticed.
"What time are you coming in tomorrow?
I'm doing Bingo at the Abundant Living Home
but should be done by lunch. Maybe I
could come after that and start if you're
here?"
"Sure. JenniAnn's resuming her classes
tomorrow so I'm coming in as soon as I walk
her and Belle to the classroom. Still a
lot of bills and things to go through."
Joshua grinned. "Want me to ask Mattay
to come help? He's good with money."
Andrew chuckled. "He'd probably be
horrified by how complicated the tax code is
these days. I think I can handle it but
I'll let you know if not. Joshua?"
"Hmm?"
"JenniAnn said you held Belle for a while when
they were in the cry room."
"I did."
"Is that all you did?"
Joshua smiled. "No..."
Andrew hugged him. "Thank you. I
noticed the marks were gone when I changed her
earlier. I... thank you," he repeated,
tearing up. "I love you."
Joshua patted his back. "I love you,
too. And I hope all three of you sleep
better tonight. Now... Director, let's
get back in there so you can finish saying
good night to your cast and crew."
Andrew smiled. "Okay." He sighed
happily as they both walked back into the
house where everyone rushed Joshua, eager to
speak to him before they parted for the night.
Tess approached Andrew, beaming as she
embraced him. "You did good, Angel
Boy. Look at him..."
The two angels observed as Joshua soaked in
the goodwill and admiration of the
others.
Though neither mentioned it aloud, both Andrew
and Tess prayed that, this time, those
feelings would last and no one would turn away
from Joshua.
*~*~*
Shortly after
arriving back at Cora's, Andrew and JenniAnn got
Belle fed, changed, and settled into her cradle in
Andrew's room. They'd move the cradle to
JenniAnn's room the following afternoon, when Max
arrived, but the angel wanted one more night to care
for the little one.
Andrew and JenniAnn hovered
in the hallway for a few moments, straining to hear
any protest from Belle after they'd laid her
down. None came. After tucking the
monitor into his pocket, Andrew took JenniAnn's hand
and led her to the living room. Exhausted,
they both collapsed on the couch.
With a weary smile, JenniAnn
rested her head on Andrew's shoulder. "I was a
lil iffy this morning when Belle was so upset but...
today ended up being a good day... a very good
day. Actually... I meant to mention this
earlier but did you notice that the eczema's
gone? The cream doesn't usually work that
well!"
Andrew kissed her hair and
nodded. "I did notice."
"Joshua held her for a while
in the cry room." JenniAnn looked up at
Andrew, waiting for a reaction to her seeming non
sequitur.
Andrew wished he could tell
her what Joshua had done but he only smiled.
"He really loves babies."
JenniAnn nodded, deciding to
leave the subject alone.
"Well, I'm very glad you had
a a good day and... I think tomorrow will be even
better!" Andrew enthused.
"I hope so! Big day..."
"You ready to start back to
classes?"
JenniAnn nodded. "I've
missed the kids. Hearing their thoughts on God
and Heaven and life and angels and spirits and
animals and nature and... well, everything!
And... I've missed spending that time with
Vincent. Maybe it's weird but... since
becoming a mother, I feel more like a child... their
child. I need them more."
"I don't think it's weird at
all," Andrew murmured. He remembered how often
he'd wanted Joshua nearby at the hospital. And
he'd felt better having him around the past few
days.
"Andrew?"
"Hmm?"
"Owen told me something
earlier... about Joshua."
"What about him?" Andrew
asked. It was strange... and endearing... how
sometimes she seemed to know when he was thinking
about Joshua. Then again, maybe not. He
suspected they both thought about Joshua a lot... by
one name or another.
"Owen said that apartment
building he's staying at is a wreck. Not a
terribly safe neighborhood, either. Do you
think he's safe there?"
"Joshua can handle himself,"
Andrew assured.
"I know. Still...
I hope he doesn't have any trouble there."
"You really care about him,
don't you?"
Afraid that Andrew might be
worried... or even jealous... JenniAnn sat up and
faced him. "I just think he's very nice.
And... and something about him... I realize he
looks nothing like you but... somehow Joshua reminds
me of you. So... he's hard not to care about."
Andrew smiled and stroked her
hair. Only the previous month, she'd told him
that he reminded her of Joshua. "Thank you,"
he replied as he'd been too emotional to do then.
JenniAnn
continued. "But I don't... I won't... feel
about him as I feel about you. I'll never
feel this way about anyone else."
Andrew
hugged her tightly. He knew her words were
true. She loved Joshua differently... she
loved him more. She just didn't realize it
yet. And he loved Joshua more, too.
That love was the chiefest thing that had kept
them together in the last years. Even when
it would have been easier to bend to the other's
whims... for her to leave West Hollow because he'd
wanted her safe, for him to avoid Afghanistan
because she'd simply wanted him with her... their
devotion to God had kept them from it and Andrew
knew they were better, closer for it. "I
know," he finally replied.
After
enjoying the companionable silence for a few
moments, JenniAnn sighed. "What was it like
for you? Back then, I mean. And even
more recently... In places and cultures
when... when you can't freely hug and touch
and..."
"Hard,"
Andrew answered simply.
JenniAnn
laced her fingers through his. "I bet it was
hard for Jesus, too. Maybe especially for
Jesus."
Andrew
nodded. It still was... JenniAnn's own
generation and culture was a minefield of more
subtle, less predictable mores attached to
physical affection.
JenniAnn
straightened up and stretched. "Well, this
isn't exactly happy pre-bedtime talk.
Sorry. But... I think I better settle in or
else the kids are gonna have one sleep-deprived
teacher."
Andrew
smiled, stood, and pulled her to her feet.
"Don't want that. We should both get some
rest. I thought I'd walk you and Belle to
the classroom in the morning if that's okay."
JenniAnn
beamed. "I'd love that. Then are you
going to the theatre?"
Andrew
nodded. "Still have some paperwork to sort
through, calls to make. Joshua will be by
around lunchtime to do some carpentry work.
So I'll probably be there most of the day but I'll
head back to Dyeland at 3:00 to get Violeta,
Kemara, and Max and their things. Then I
need to be back at the theatre at 5:30.
Kylie agreed to give playing Pilate's wife a
shot."
JenniAnn
brightened. "That's wonderful!"
"But...
she feels pretty shy about it. She only
wants Emma, Joshua, Adam, and me there during her
first attempts. So I thought maybe you,
Kemara, Violeta, and Max could help Monica take
inventory of the costume room. She told me
she plans to get there around 5:30. Sound
good?"
"Yep." JenniAnn giggled. "Sometimes it
still surprises me how good you can be with
schedules and punctuality and yet not so great
about making your bed..."
Andrew
chuckled. "I thought you found my faults
endearing, Laja."
She
smiled and kissed his cheek. "I do.
Just try not to let it rub off on Max. Rose
will appreciate your restraint there eventually."
Laughing, Andrew hugged her tightly.
"Noted." He kissed her hair then led her out
of the room.
They
said their good nights in the hall then turned
into their own rooms. Andrew crept up to
Belle's cradle, stroked her hair and kissed her
forehead softly. He gently ran his fingers
over the roses Joshua had carved into the
wood. The angel's eyes welled as he thought
of Yeshua, swaddled and tucked into a
manger. Andrew remembered the bittersweet
joy he'd felt that long ago night. He'd
rejoiced. It was impossible not to.
And yet, it had been difficult to fully comprehend
and appreciate what it all meant. He'd been
in Search and Rescue at the time and his exposure
to humans had been somewhat limited.
Redeeming humanity had sounded wonderful in the
abstract but Andrew had struggled with
personalizing it. Not so now. Joshua
had saved his friends, the mother of his child...
his child.
For a
long time, Andrew rested his head on the side of
Belle's cradle and watched her as he contemplated
the enormity of that.
*~*~*
The
Interview
Monday, March 3rd
It was half past 10:00 and Andrew
felt like he'd barely made a dent in all the
paperwork. So many people refused to talk to
him since he wasn't on any of the official
paperwork. They'd only speak to Doug or
Lucy. On the plus side, this had
necessitated a call to Doug and that had been
encouraging. The man sounded much better
than he had the day he'd left town. The time
with Toby and his family was obviously
helping. The two had spent a good chunk of
the morning emailing paperwork back and forth so
Andrew would be able to sign checks, place orders,
and have clearance to speak to everyone from the
electric company to the paper supplier. With
the last piece received and a cheery "Call if you
need anything else!" from Doug, Andrew could
really dig in. He was just about to retry
the bank when the phone rang.
"St.
Genesius' Theatre. This is Andrew," he
greeted.
"Could I
please speak to Doug?" the caller requested.
"Doug's
on leave. I'm acting director and business
manager. Can I help you?"
"How
about Eric?" the woman on the other end pressed.
Andrew
grimaced. "Eric is no longer employed
here. He... left suddenly."
"Crap! Well, how about
Lucy?"
"May I ask who's
calling?"
"Oh,
sorry. Terrible manners today! My name
is Bryce Kelley and I'm a reporter for The
Manhattan Arts Monitor."
"Ms.
Kelley, I'm sorry you have to hear it this way but
Lucy recently passed away."
"Oh! Oh... I'm so sorry!"
"Were
you a friend?"
"Oh
no. I never had the privilege of meeting her
actually. But Lucy and I had arranged an
interview at 7:00 this evening with Doug and Eric
and I was just calling to confirm that but... is St. Genesius'
still putting on a production of Jesus Christ
Superstar?"
Andrew
brightened. "We are, yes. I promised
Doug that I'd make sure that still happens."
"Do you
have someone cast as Jesus?"
"We do,
yes." Andrew could hear Bryce let out a
sigh.
"Good! So can we keep that interview
tonight?"
Andrew
blinked. "Oh... Umm... Well,
maybe I should check with Joshua..."
"Joshua?"
"Oh
sorry. He's the actor playing Jesus now."
"I
see. Well, Mr..."
"Darcy
but Andrew is fine."
"Well,
Andrew... we've reserved space for this
interview... with photos... in our mid-week
edition. It would be extremely inconvenient
to try to come up with another piece at such late
notice."
Andrew
smirked, realizing Bryce was leaving him with
little choice to either comply or appear to be a
jerk. "I'm happy to be interviewed and I'm
sure Joshua will feel the same way."
"Wonderful! See you at 7:00! Bye!"
With
that, the line went dead. Andrew hung up the
phone and looked up at the ceiling. "I hope
he's okay with this..."
A moment
later, Andrew smiled. Whatever Joshua's
feelings about the interview would turn out to be,
his Father was delighted and his mother wanted a
copy for his scrapbook.
*~*~*
Vincent smiled as he watched
his Psyche finish up her class. The children
had been overjoyed to have their Religion teacher
back and Vincent himself had missed having her
assist with his Literature class. And then
there was Belle... Vincent peered down at the
baby in his arms, feeling such love for her, his
grandchild. He thought back to the Christmas
when JenniAnn, knowing she would be a single mother,
had asked for him and Catherine to take the place of
her hypothetical baby's paternal grandparents.
He had agreed. How could he not? But he
had worried. What if it would never happen for
her? But it had, for her and Andrew both and
the most perfect, precious evidence of that was
gazing up into his eyes. Vincent was so
enchanted that he was only vaguely aware that
JenniAnn had dismissed the class for lunch.
"Vincent..." JenniAnn said in
a singsong voice as Jacob, standing beside her,
clasped her hand. "I'm very hungry... and
there's pot pie to be had..."
"Very hungry, Papa..." Jacob
echoed, rubbing his belly.
Vincent smiled at them.
"My apologies, Psyche and Jacob." He
rose. "Let's go."
"Mama's coming," Jacob
reminded before speeding ahead of them down the
corridor and towards the Dining Hall.
"She is?" JenniAnn asked with
surprise.
"Catherine wanted to come
celebrate your return to classes," Vincent
explained.
JenniAnn grinned. "I
think maybe Grandma Catherine is mostly coming to
wrest my baby away from you."
Vincent smirked. "An
astute observation." He used his free arm to
embrace her. "I'm glad you're back,
Psyche. I've missed having you there during
classes."
JenniAnn nodded. While
Vincent had been a frequent presence at Willowveil
since Belle's arrival, it wasn't quite the
same. "Will you read to us... Belle and me...
after lunch? I mean, if you have time?"
Vincent beamed. "Of
course. What would you like me to read?"
"Guess."
"Does it involve a certain
lion? Perhaps also a witch? Maybe a
wardrobe?"
"Yes..."
"I would be delighted."
Once they reached the Dining
Hall, they were swarmed by several of the Tunnel
dwellers, each vying for their chance to hold Belle
or catch up with JenniAnn or affectionately tease
"Gramps." Catherine arrived soon after they
had and, sure enough, managed to get Belle.
However, she showed enough restraint to not hog the
child and everyone who wanted a chance to hold her
got some time. When the lunch hour had ended,
Catherine walked with Jacob and the other children
back to the classroom to commence their time with
Owen. She returned to her chamber to find
JenniAnn and Vincent settled on the overstuffed
couch.
"'Wrong will be right, when
Aslan comes in sight,'" Vincent read the familiar
rhyme. "'At the sound of his roar, sorrows
will be no more, when he bares his teeth, winter
meets its death, and when he shakes his mane, we
shall have spring again.'"
Catherine smiled as Vincent
shook his own mane. She remembered him doing
so when Psyche was small. Always she would
laugh. She still did but only briefly.
Her cousin could tell she was pondering something.
Before Vincent could
continue, JenniAnn spoke. "Did you ever really
think about that? I mean... do you think Jesus
has to go to a buncha different worlds and die in
each one?"
Catherine stepped into the
room and sunk to Vincent's other side on the
couch. She smiled. "The things you think
of, Psyche! But now that you mention it... why
do you think He'd have to die in each one?
Every world needs a Creator but maybe some don't
need a Redeemer."
"True..." JenniAnn
smoothed Belle's blanket and bent to kiss her hair.
Vincent could tell the answer
did not appease his godchild. He could hardly
blame her. No doubt the story was very much
weighing on her mind with Andrew's production.
He realized with a start that he hadn't asked her
about it. "The show... Owen tells me the
new actor is quite good. And Catherine said he
seemed very kind. Joshua, is it?"
JenniAnn beamed. "Yes
and he's... amazing, wonderful, perfect. Trust
Andrew to finally hire a Jesus who I approve of!"
Catherine laughed. "I immediately reported to Vincent that you
thoroughly approved."
Vincent smiled, squeezing her
shoulders. "Yes. But I must admit that I
was more pleased to learn this Joshua is unlikely
to... cause offense to you or any of the other
ladies."
JenniAnn rolled her
eyes. "I told Owen to keep it quiet about
Eric! I knew you'd just worry. But worry
no more! Joshua is the antithesis of
Eric. You wanna hear something really crazy?"
"I believe I do," Vincent
replied, his eyes alight with amusement.
"Okay, I do know this sounds
crazy. Really I do but... I think he made
Belle's eczema go away!"
Catherine frowned.
"Psyche, I think maybe the show's going to your head
just a..."
"I swear! Yesterday
morning at Mass it was terrible and Belle was so
upset and when I checked... the red patches were
just so awful. We were in the cry room
then. And Joshua came to check on us.
And I started crying cause I felt so bad and so he
held Belle for a while a-and then when Andrew
changed her later... no trace of it. I mean I
had put some cream on it but that doesn't make the
spots totally go away. But they were and are
gone!" JenniAnn prattled.
Vincent opened his mouth to
suggest that, perhaps, it was due to the change in
the weather or maybe even the fabric Belle's clothes
were made of. However, no words came.
And he remembered how he and Catherine had been
convinced that "Cupid" was a trauma-induced
hallucination. And now "Cupid" was raising a
child with Psyche. And surely Andrew would
know to intercede if, by chance, this Joshua proved
to be a Svengali. Vincent reached over to
stroke Belle's hair. "Whatever happened, I am
glad and grateful that Belle is comfortable."
Catherine opened her mouth to
press the matter further, not wanting her cousin to
get fooled. But JenniAnn looked so happy as
she smiled down at Belle while Vincent resumed
reading.
Miracles did happen...
Catherine knew she was looking at proof of that.
*~*~*
"So how do
you feel about peanut butter, honey, and banana on
whole wheat?" Andrew asked as Joshua washed up in
preparation for lunch.
Joshua smiled over at
him. "You made lunch? I thought since
it's just the two of us here maybe I'd, you know,
provide but if you're offering..."
Andrew chuckled. "If
you'd rather have something else then that's
fine. But... JenniAnn packed my lunch and
since she knew you'd be here..."
Joshua dried his hands and,
after blinking a few times, took the brown paper bag
Andrew was holding out. "Thank you."
The angel watched as Joshua
emptied the bag which contained the sandwich, a
banana, a container of applesauce, carrot sticks,
pretzels, a bottle of ginger ale, silverware, a
napkin, and... Andrew let go of the breath
he'd been holding in when he saw Joshua remove a
frog-shaped slip of paper. JenniAnn always put
a note in his bag when she made him lunch and, of
course, Joshua knew that. While Andrew knew
Joshua's note would be considerably more restrained
than his own, he was glad JenniAnn had sent him
one.
Joshua read the note then
slipped it into his pocket. He looked at
Andrew with a wavering smile. "She says that,
even though we just met, she hopes this show will be
the beginning of long-lasting friendships for us
all... And I make a great Jesus."
Andrew smiled and reached
over to squeeze Joshua's shoulder. "You do."
Joshua chuckled as he began
to slice the banana. "You know, I've actually
wondered about how I'll feel if reviews come out and
read like 'Mr. Davidson, though technically up to
snuff, made for an unconvincing Christ.'"
"Not gonna happen."
"I wasn't what everyone was
expecting the first time."
Andrew couldn't argue with
that. He debated whether to say what was on
his mind. He didn't want to raise Joshua's
hopes only to see them not come to fruition.
Still... honesty was the best policy. "I think
JenniAnn suspects you have something to do with
Belle's eczema clearing up."
Joshua's head darted
up. "Really?"
"We were talking about it
last night and she suddenly remarked about how you
held Belle in the cry room. And she looked at
me like she hoped I'd agree with her
connection. I dodged it... but I don't think
it really mattered. I think she still believes
it."
Joshua smiled. "Good."
"I think so. So...
looking forward to our interview?" Andrew grinned
before taking a bite of his sandwich.
Joshua laughed, recalling
Andrew's tale of being guilted into keeping the
appointment. "Very much. But...
I'm looking forward to hearing Kylie even
more." He smiled tenderly as he thought of the
woman.
Andrew wished, as he often
did, that he could snap a photo, caption it with the
words "This is what God looks like when He thinks of
you," and share it with the world.
*~*~*
While
on lunch break
from the diner,
Emma sat in a
nearby park
snacking on fries
and sucking down a
chocolate
shake. It
wasn't a very
healthy lunch but
she'd found
herself without
much appetite and
only a shake and
fries
appealed.
She'd had a dream
the night before
and it had stuck
with her all
morning. In
it, she'd been a
little girl
again. She
was sitting with
her grandma and
grandpa at
church. Her
patent leather
shoes shined as
her legs kicked up
and down while she
waited for Mass to
begin. Then
she'd heard the
opening notes of
the
processional.
Her grandpa had
swung her up into
his arms so she
could see over the
heads of the
grown-ups
surrounding
them. She'd
watched the
priest, readers,
and altar servers
enter. The
priest reached the
altar then turned
and...
Joshua. The
priest was
Joshua.
Little Emma
clamored out of
her grandpa's arms
and ran up the
aisle and into
Joshua's waiting
arms.
"I'm here," he'd
assured, beaming
at her.
"I've always been
with you."
She'd stared up at
her ceiling for
countless minutes
after waking
up. Clearly
the show was going
to her head.
Or at least the
carpenter was...
"Emma?"
With half a fry
hanging out of her
mouth, Emma looked
up to find the
woman who had
complimented her
smile
approaching.
Maryam, she
recalled.
Embarrassed, Emma
held a napkin over
her face.
"Sorry, I..."
Maryam laughed
gently.
"You're enjoying
your lunch.
I think that's a
very good thing."
Emma smiled,
grateful for the
understanding.
"Our breaks aren't
very long so I'm
afraid me stuffing
my face isn't an
entirely uncommon
sight around
here. How
are you,
Maryam?
Please, come sit."
Delighted that
Emma had
remembered her
name, Maryam
beamed and sat
beside her on the
bench. "Very
well. You?"
The young woman
responded with an
unbidden yawn.
"Sleepy, I think,"
Maryam guessed in
a sympathetic
tone.
Emma nodded.
"I had a weird
dream is all."
"Dreams can be
very
important.
Lifesaving even."
Emma
laughed. "I
don't think this
was that type of
dream. See,
I'm in this
musical... a rock
opera, more
properly. Jesus
Christ Superstar."
"Yes. I know
of it."
Maryam smiled,
preparing to tell
Emma that she was
co-starring with
her son.
"Well... I think I
dreamed that...
that my co-star
was actually
Jesus," Emma
continued, her
face flushing as
she did.
Maryam did her
best to mask her
surprise over Emma
making the
connection so
soon... too
soon.
Certainly she
couldn't tell Emma
that Joshua was
her son now.
The girl would be
even more
embarrassed.
And was she
pleased by the
idea?
Upset?
Maryam wasn't
sure.
Wearing an even
gentler smile,
Maryam set her
hand on Emma's
arm. "I
see. And how
did that make you
feel?" she gently
encouraged.
Emma opened her
mouth to reply but
no words
came.
Instead, a tear
rolled down her
cheek.
Maryam pressed a
handkerchief into
Emma's hand.
"Good," Emma
finally
replied. She
realized with a
start the dream
had been the
happiest she'd
been in a long
time. She
swiped at her
eyes. "Thank
you.
Sorry. I
don't know why I'm
crying."
"It's an emotional
show," Maryam
answered simply.
"Yeah... it
is. Thing of
it is... I'm not
even
Christian. I
mean... not any
more. And
I... I'm
sorry! I
don't know why I'm
going on about
this. Do you
want to go back to
the diner and get
something?
My treat for
making you listen
to this rambling,"
Emma offered
sheepishly.
Maryam shook her
head.
"No. Thank
you, though.
I only stopped by
to check on you,
Emma. You
seemed burdened
when we met."
"Just... a lot
going on.
And maybe that's
all the dream was
about.
Regression.
It's a common
enough response to
stress, right?"
"I would not so
easily dismiss a
dream that clearly
meant a great deal
to you."
"Maybe not," Emma
agreed. She
stood and pulled
out her cell
phone, noting the
time. "I
better head
back. I hope
I see you again
soon,
Maryam.
Thank you for
listening."
Maryam rose and
squeezed Emma's
hand.
"You're
welcome. And
I will come
back. Until
then, I will pray
you find your
answers, Emma."
"Th-thank
you.
Oh." Emma
held out the
handkerchief.
"Here's this
back.
Thanks."
"You keep it,
Emma. I hope
your afternoon
shift goes
well."
Maryam bestowed an
encouraging smile
on the girl then
turned to leave.
Only when she was
back at the diner
did Emma notice
the letter "E" was
embroidered onto
the handkerchief.
*~*~*
After sliding a
Roman pillar into
place, Andrew
consulted his
pocket
watch. It
was nearly 5:30
and he was
beginning to
worry.
Joshua patted the
angel's shoulder
once he had a
second pillar
situated.
"She'll be
here. I know
she will."
"Really?"
"I mean I don't
absolutely
know... But
I know that when
Kylie has promised
something, she'll
do everything she
can to keep that
promise... even
if... if maybe
it's a promise she
should
break."
Joshua
frowned. He
brightened when
quick footsteps
echoed from the
wings.
Kylie rushed onto
the stage.
"Sorry if I'm
late! Got
off at the wrong
stop... But
I'm here now
and... and
ready. I
think... I hope."
Adam and Emma both
approached from
the other side of
the stage.
Once they'd set
down the table
they were
carrying, Emma
hugged Kylie.
"So glad you made
it! I've
been looking
forward to this
all day!"
"Me too."
Kylie was
surprised to find
herself saying
it. Even
more surprising,
she felt it.
"So... are we
starting now?"
Andrew
nodded.
"Sure!"
"Where should I
go?" Kylie asked.
"Let's have you
start by this
pillar to the
right.
Partly hiding
behind it,
maybe. Like
you're
surreptitiously
watching
Pontius."
Andrew turned to
his friend.
"Adam, could you
go stand behind
that table, facing
out to the
audience?
Pretend you're
looking at battle
plans or
something.
And just... act
like Pilate."
Adam wrinkled his
noise but obeyed.
Emma cast a
sidelong glance at
Andrew, wondering
what sort of
direction "act
like Pilate" was.
Andrew smiled
encouragingly at
his friend.
"Thank you, Adam."
Andrew, Emma, and
Joshua all moved
to the
audience.
"Whenever you're
ready, Kylie,"
Emma called,
reaching for the
CD player.
The woman smiled
back nervously and
moved to stage
right where she
wound her arm
around the
pillar.
Kylie stared out
at her audience of
three, imagining
when the seats
around them would
be full. She
grew pale.
"Maybe... maybe
this was a bad
idea. I... I
don't think I can
do this!"
"Oh no..." Emma
muttered.
"Can I go talk to
her for a moment?"
Joshua checked.
Andrew nodded.
Emma look
doubtfully at
him. "If you
think it'll
help..."
"I do." With
that, Joshua
stepped onto the
stage and
approached Kylie,
setting his hand
on her arm.
"Earlier in the
day, I was
thinking about how
hard it must have
been for Claudia
to speak up about
something she knew
was wrong and then
have her words go
unheeded.
Can you imagine
that feeling?"
Kylie
nodded. She
could. All
too well.
"You know this
woman, Kylie,"
Joshua continued
gently.
"It's time to
return her words,
her feelings to
her. I know
you can do
that. I
believe in
you. Very
much. And...
I made you
something."
He withdrew a
small object from
his pocket and
placed it in her
hand.
Kylie let out a
quiet gasp as she
looked at the
stone cross that
fit perfectly in
the palm of her
hand. "For
God so loved you"
was delicately
painted onto the
horizontal
beam.
"Jesus is with
you. He'll
help you through
this," Joshua
promised.
Kylie
nodded.
"Th-thank you,
Joshua."
"You're
welcome. I'm
going to go back
to my seat now."
Kylie shook her
head and grabbed
his hand.
"Could you stay
close?
You... you have a
very calming
presence."
Joshua smiled and
squeezed her
hand.
"Sure." He
stepped just
offstage, only a
couple feet from
Kylie.
"I'm ready, Emma,"
Kylie
called.
Relieved, Emma
started the CD.
After a few
introductory
notes, Kylie began
to sing to Adam's
back.
"'I dreamed you
met a Galilean, a
most amazing
man. He had
that look you very
rarely find... the
haunting, hunted
kind. You
asked him to say
what had happened,
how it all
began. You
asked again.
He never said a
word, as if he
hadn't heard.'"
Kylie moved
forward, her right
hand outstretched
towards Adam who
paid her no heed.
"'And next the
room was full of
wild and angry
men. They
seemed to hate
this man.
They fell on him
and then...
They disappeared
again.'"
She clasped Adam's
shoulder but he
shook her off and
continued his
consultation with
the documents in
front of him.
Tears welled in
Kylie's
eyes. "'Then
I... I saw
thousands of
millions crying
for... for this
man.'"
Panicked over her
stumble, she
looked over to
Joshua who offered
her a comforting
smile. Kylie
resumed her song.
"'A-and then I...
I heard them
mentioning your
name and..."
Kylie reached for
Adam's hand,
briefly holding it
in her own before
he pulled it away
and walked
offstage.
"'Leaving you the
blame," Kylie
finished, her
voice drifting off
as she sank to her
knees.
There was only
silence save
sniffling and then
the creak of the
stage.
Andrew swiped at
his eyes and, when
he looked up, he
found that Joshua
was holding Kylie
who was weeping in
his arms.
Emma leapt to her
feet. "We
shouldn't have
pushed her on
this!" she
exclaimed as she
stepped into the
aisle.
Andrew stalled
her.
"No. Just
wait.
Please."
"I... I'm so... so
tired of not being
listened to.
So tired..." Kylie
choked out.
"I know," Joshua
affirmed
gently. "You
deserve to be
listened to.
And loved
tremendously,
Kylie."
The woman shook
her head.
"Yes," Joshua
stressed.
Watching from
offstage, Adam
noticed that
Joshua's shirt was
dangerously close
to being used as a
tissue.
While the angel
knew Joshua
wouldn't mind
spending the
evening with eye
makeup smeared on
his shoulder, he
knew it would
embarrass
Kylie.
Grabbing some
tissues, he
approached the
two.
Kylie took the
tissues from him
and wiped at her
eyes.
"Th-thank you."
Adam knelt
down.
"You're
welcome. Do
you want to put
this on hold for
tonight? I'm
sure Andrew and
Emma won't
mind."
Kylie looked from
Joshua to Adam and
back again.
Joshua shook his
head, refusing to
make the decision
for her.
"Whatever you want
to do, Kylie."
Kylie stared down
at the cross in
her hands, tracing
the words.
Back in their
seats, Emma was
growing antsy and
wishing she could
hear what was
being said.
"I should go up
there. She
barely knows those
guys!"
"They're good
guys, Emma.
Just give them a
few more..."
Kylie smiled at
Joshua and Adam
then stood,
looking to Andrew
and Emma.
"I'd like to try
that again,
please."
Surprise
registered on
Emma's face.
"Are you sure?"
Kylie
nodded.
"Yes. Could
you please restart
the music?"
"Sure..."
Emma warily
studied the woman
for a moment and
when Kylie smiled,
she picked up the
CD player.
Joshua squeezed
Kylie's
hand. "I'll
be where I was
last time."
Adam patted her
shoulder.
"Go get em... or,
I guess, go get
me."
Kylie laughed when
he winked at her
before hurrying
back to the table.
"Ready, Kylie?"
Andrew called from
his seat.
"This is wrong..."
Emma muttered
under her breath.
"Yes," Kylie
replied, stepping
back towards the
pillar.
The sorrowful
notes began again
and Kylie
performed much as
she had the first
time. And
then everything
changed...
Kylie moved to
stand at the
right side of
Adam's
table.
"'Then I saw
thousands of
millions
crying for
this
man.'"
She rested her
hand on his
arm but he
shook her off.
Determined to
get and keep
his attention,
Kylie grabbed
the edges of
the table and
thumped it on
the floor.
Adam was so
shocked that
he turned and
gaped at her.
Kylie pointed
accusingly at
him.
"'And then I
heard them
mentioning
your name and
leaving *you*
the blame."
Adam
flinched.
Even with
tears in her
eyes, Kylie
looked
menacing.
Andrew jumped
to his feet
and
clapped.
Emma remained
in shock for a
moment longer
then stood to
applaud.
Kylie grinned
and ran over
to Joshua who
was beaming at
her.
"Beautiful!"
he cheered.
"Now that...
is how that
song should be
performed,"
Adam enthused.
Andrew hurried
onto the stage
with Emma
close
behind.
"Kylie, that
was really,
truly
amazing.
So... do we
have our
Claudia?"
Kylie glanced
up at Joshua
but, once
again, he
refused any
answer beyond
an
affectionate
smile.
She returned
the smile then
nodded to
Andrew.
"You do."
"Good!" Emma
cheered.
"But... but
how..."
She glanced
over at the
askew
table.
"How did that
happen?"
She couldn't
understand how
in a matter of
minutes, Kylie
had gone from
forlorn to
formidable.
Then she
thought of her
dream, of how
invincible and
protected
she'd felt in
Joshua's
arms.
But that was
only a
dream!
There was
nothing
special about
the man still
embracing
Kylie!
Kylie stepped
away from
Joshua and
held her hand
out to
Emma.
"Could we go
backstage and
talk?"
"Sure..."
"Thank
you."
Kylie smiled
at the three
men.
"Thank you,
all of
you.
We'll be back
in a little
bit."
After the two
women had
disappeared
behind the
curtains,
Andrew turned
to
Joshua.
"So... what
did you do, if
you can say?"
"I told the
truth: God
loves her and
is with her,"
Joshua
answered
simply.
Moved, the two
angels of
death hugged
him.
*~*~*
It was nearly
7:00 and while
Emma
instructed the
rest of the
cast on
choreography,
Andrew and
Joshua waited
near the front
door of the
theatre.
"That's her,"
Joshua
whispered as a
woman with a
dark bob, loud
earrings, and
a stylish
black dress
and coat over
art-printed
tights and
knee-high
boots
approached.
Andrew
chuckled.
"You know, she
just plain
looks like an
arts writer
and reporter."
Joshua
smiled.
"Bryce
definitely
found her
calling."
Spotting them,
the reporter
smiled and
hastened her
steps.
"Well,
hello!
My... it's
been a long
time since
I've been
here."
Bryce stared
up at the
peeling
marquee.
"My grandma
used to take
me to shows
here."
She stuck out
her hand to
Andrew.
"Bryce
Kelley.
Just Bryce,
please.
You must be
Joshua!
You look the
part!"
Andrew's
cheeks
colored.
"Actually, I'm
Andrew.
The
director."
He indicated
Joshua.
"This is
Joshua
Davidson, our
Jesus."
Bryce tried to
mask her
surprise.
"Oh!
Well,
greetings, Mr.
Davidson."
Unbothered,
Joshua warmly
shook her
hand.
"Joshua,
please.
Or Josh.
I'm glad
you're here,
Bryce.
Why don't we
step
inside?"
He opened the
door and waved
the other two
in.
"Well, I
thought maybe
we'd show you
the theatre,
Bryce," Andrew
suggested.
"The rest of
the cast is
practicing
choreography
now with our
assistant
director,
Emma.
Then we'll
come back out
here for the
interview so
we don't
distract
them."
"Do you think
I'd have some
time to
mingle... ask
the cast and
crew a few
questions?"
Andrew snuck a
look at Joshua
who shrugged.
"I think a
number of them
would be happy
to visit with
you. But
please don't
press those
who aren't,"
Andrew
requested.
They'd been
pleasantly
surprised that
evening by the
arrival of a
handful more
people for the
chorus.
Arthur had
found three
interested
men, Tyson,
Jeff, and Tim,
at his
shelter, Owen
had convinced
Eliot and
Brittony to
give it a try,
and Cira and
Crystal from
the Phoenix
Inn had become
enthralled
when JenniAnn
had told them
about the
show.
Andrew
suspected they
might want to
avoid
publicity.
"Gotcha.
And photos?"
Andrew smiled
at the idea of
people
unwittingly
looking upon
the true face
of Jesus of
Nazareth.
"I think,
again, so long
as you accept
that some may
not want their
photos
included.
But I know
we'll be able
to get you
some."
"We planned to
break for
dinner at
7:30," Joshua
informed the
woman.
"Maybe you
could visit
with everyone
else then?"
"Perfect!"
Bryce
declared.
Andrew and
Joshua showed
her into the
theatre proper
where Emma was
going over the
choreography
for the leper
scene with
Peter standing
in for Joshua.
"That looks...
frightening."
Bryce wrinkled
her
nose.
"What part is
that?"
"The lepers,"
Andrew
replied.
"Oh.
Gross."
Joshua shook
his
head.
"They just
wanted what we
all want: to
be accepted."
Bryce tilted
her head as
she looked at
him.
"Right.
Of course
right.
Well, shall we
start the
interview?"
Andrew
nodded.
"I think
that's a great
idea."
He ushered the
other two back
into the lobby
then lead
Bryce to where
they'd
arranged three
chairs.
"Can we get
you anything
to drink
before we
start?"
"Oh no,
no.
Thank you,
though!"
Bryce smiled
and took a
seat.
"Andrew, I
read through
the
introductory
information
you were kind
enough to
email.
Again, so very
sorry to hear
of recent
hardships
here. I
suppose it's
fitting you're
all doing this
show
now. It
must be
comforting.
Jesus, you
know. If
you're into
that, anyway."
Andrew
blinked.
"Yes..."
Joshua smiled
at him then at
Bryce.
"It's my
understanding
that Jesus
Christ
Superstar
was very
important to
Lucy and
remains so to
her husband,
Doug. In
fact, if you
look at that
wall over
there, you'll
see some
photos of
previous
productions
they were in
together."
"I'll just go
do
that."
After flashing
a smile, Bryce
approached the
wall and read
the
captions.
"So Mary
Magdalene
married
Jesus?" she
asked with a
grin.
Joshua
chuckled.
"Lucy married
Doug.
But, yes,
that's how
they met and
got to know
each other."
"So... any
sparks with
your own
Mary?" Bryce
teased
coquettishly.
Andrew began
to resemble a
beet.
Joshua smiled
pleasantly.
"Sweet
girl. I
enjoy working
with
her. No
sparks."
Andrew turned
away to regain
his
composure.
"Darn.
Would have
made for a
nice angle..."
Joshua let the
remark go
answered.
He gazed at
the
photographs,
remembering
the stories
and the
emotions
behind
each.
"You're not
exactly...
standard fare,
Joshua, for
the leading
man in this
show," Bryce
observed.
Joshua
smiled.
"I'm not."
"I suppose
that leads me
to my first
question.
There have
been many
productions of
Jesus
Christ
Superstar
at St.
Genesius' over
the
years.
Why should
people come
see this
one?
What's
different
about it?"
Once they'd
settled back
into their
chairs, Andrew
answered
first.
"I think Superstar
is the type of
show that
needs to get
constantly
re-invented.
That it
changes
doesn't mean
previous
productions
were
bad. But
every
generation,
every cast and
crew
inevitably has
something
different they
want to
say. And
I think, for
us, we want to
say 'There's
hope!'
St. Genesius'
has routinely
incorporated
at least a nod
to the
Resurrection
but, while
we're not sure
yet exactly
how we'll
approach that,
we'd like it
to be more
than a nod."
Joshua beamed
at the
angel.
"'More than a
nod'...
I think that
sentiment is
woven through
out our
interpretation.
Another
example would
be the
attention
given to women
in this
production.
Mary Magdalene
has long been
a fascinating,
lyrical,
layered
part.
But she's the
only woman
with a
substantial
role in the
show.
Yet women were
very important
to Jesus'
ministry and
to Jesus
himself.
Emma, our
assistant
director,
choreographer,
and Mary
Magdalene,
feels pretty
strongly about
the
representation
of
women.
As she
should.
As we all
should.
So while we
don't want to
give too much
away... we
have some
great
actresses who
get a chance
to shine."
Bryce grinned
at
Joshua.
"You sounded
almost like a
feminist
there,
Joshua."
Joshua
returned the
smile.
"I think
everyone
deserves to be
represented
fairly
regardless of
gender."
"How very...
moral!"
Bryce diverted
her attention
to the
director.
"Andrew, you
said on the
phone that the
actor who was
originally
playing Jesus
left
suddenly.
How has that
affected the
cast and your
rehearsal
schedule?"
"Well, we're
definitely
crunched on
time!" Andrew
replied with a
chuckle.
"But I think
that would
have happened
with the
hand-off from
Doug to
me.
While there
was some
uncertainty
after the
actor's
departure, I
think between
the two
changes it
afforded us
all a chance
to pause and
really think
about what
we're
doing. A
lot of those
changes we
mentioned were
borne out of
taking the
time to talk
about whether
it was
worthwhile to
continue and,
once we
decided it
was,
discussing
what exactly
made it so
worthwhile and
important.
As far as
timing, Emma
and I have
discussed how
we might have
to break the
cast up at
points and
have some of
us rehearse
out here and
others
rehearse
inside so we
can cover
twice as much
at once.
While it's
certainly not
ideal to have
a major
casting change
so far into a
rehearsal
period, we're
very blessed
to have Joshua
on
board."
Andrew smiled
at
Joshua.
"Very
blessed," he
repeated.
Joshua
squeezed
Andrew's
shoulder.
"Thanks.
I'm very glad
to be here."
"So how did
you come to be
cast as Jesus,
Joshua, and
what has it
been like
stepping into
the role at
such a late
hour?" Bryce
queried.
Joshua
chuckled.
"Actually, I
was hired
first as a
carpenter."
Bryce looked
at him in
alarm.
"You're a
carpenter?
Wasn't Jesus a
carpenter?"
"Carpenter,
stone mason,
woodcarver,"
Andrew
replied.
"And that was
just before he
was
thirty.
Talented
guy."
His eyes
twinkled as he
glanced at the
man beside
him.
Joshua bowed
his head,
smiling.
"How...
apropos.
So you're
hired as a
carpenter
and..."
"Zeke, he's
the fellow
playing
Judas... and
wonderfully
so, I might
add... heard
me
singing.
He asked
Andrew and
Emma to give
me a shot and
here I
am.
Everyone's
been very
welcoming and
I've really
enjoyed
myself.
This is a
group of very
talented, very
passionate
people and
it's a delight
to be around
them," Joshua
continued.
"This is only
my second
night but it
feels like
I've known
everyone
forever."
Andrew coughed
into his
sleeve to
cover his
amusement.
"That's
wonderful but
still... it's
a hefty
role.
Taking on all
those
songs..."
"Thankfully,
Joshua knows
the part very
well," Andrew
explained.
"Oh. So
you've played
the part
before,
Joshua?"
"Not
onstage.
But I'm very
familiar with
it."
Bryce tried to
puzzle his
statement out
then
laughed.
"Ah, you're
like so many
of us who have
sung along to
the CD or
movie, no
doubt."
Joshua only
smiled.
Accepting this
as
confirmation,
Bryce moved
on. "How
wonderful that
it all worked
out so
well! I
hope it
continues
to.
But... Superstar
has always
been
surrounded by
controversy.
In fact, I can
remember a
production
several years
ago where
people showed
up with signs
and staged a
protest.
Have you
experienced
anything like
that this time
around?"
Andrew shook
his
head.
"As of right
now, I don't
think many
people know
this
production is
in the
works.
Your piece,
Bryce, will be
the first one
to run, I
believe.
But we are all
aware of
concerns
people have
with the
show.
One thing in
particular we
want to
confront are
accusations of
anti-Semitism.
The Bible and
historical
fact simply
don't support
the way the
high priests,
for example,
are often
portrayed as
violence-happy
vultures.
I don't think
we can stress
enough just
how perilous
things were
for the Jewish
people under
Roman
rule.
Caiaphas and
the others
didn't want
Jesus dead
because he
annoyed them
or because
they were
afraid he'd
put them out
of
power.
They were
genuinely
concerned for
the lives of
their
people.
In their
minds, Jesus
was going to
draw the
attention of
the Romans who
would unleash
violence and
destruction
upon all of
Jerusalem and
beyond.
These were
actions born
of fear...
that doesn't
mean they're
admirable
actions but
neither does
it mean they
were outright
evil.
There's that
tragic line in
the Gospel of
John with
Caiaphas
saying that it
would be
better for one
man, Jesus, to
die than for
the whole
people
to. I
honestly
believe that
they thought
that was the
reality: if
Jesus lived,
there might be
a massacre."
Joshua
nodded.
"Exactly.
And being
Jewish, I..."
Bryce looked
up from her
pad of
paper.
"I'm
sorry.
Did you just
say you're
Jewish?"
"Yes."
"And you're
comfortable
playing
Jesus?"
"Sure.
Jesus was
Jewish.
So that's
something else
we also hope
to
stress.
Jesus and the
vast majority
of his
followers were
Jewish.
If people see
Caiaphas and
Annas as
complete
villains then
we can't
prevent them
from feeling
that way,"
Joshua
admitted.
"But we want
them to have
to square that
with
recognizing
that Jesus,
both Marys,
Peter, all of
the
apostles...
they were
Jewish,
too. And
some of the
priests
followed
Jesus.
Joseph of
Arimathea and
Nicodemus were
both members
of the
Sanhedrin
along with
Caiaphas and
Annas.
So... we have
a nod to those
two fellows,
too.
Also, we'll be
having a
couple
well-respected
members of the
Jewish
community here
in town coming
in to advise
us."
Bryce
smiled.
"This isn't
your hippie
aunt's Jesus
Christ
Superstar,
is it?"
Andrew
laughed.
"There are no
leisure suits
to be found in
this
production.
But please
don't think
we're just
pulling people
in to lecture
them. We
want people to
learn, to
reflect.
But we want
them to enjoy
themselves,
too."
His face
alight with
anticipation,
Joshua
nodded.
"We're getting
a T-shirt
cannon.
And a donkey,"
he tantalized.
The reporter
laughed.
"Well then...
who could stay
away?" she
teased.
"Now we come
to my final
question,
gentlemen.
Word is that
St. Genesius'
has fallen on
hard times
financially
and that this
might be the
final
production.
Is this true?"
With a sigh,
Andrew
nodded.
"As with many
local
theatres, the
downturn in
the economy
hurt St.
Genesius'.
However, to go
back to our
message with
this show,
there is
hope. We
hope people
will come in,
see the show,
be moved and
inspired, tell
their friends,
and help us
keep the doors
open.
There is so
much wonderful
theatre in
this city but
St. Genesius'
has something
special.
It's been
family owned
since the 60s
and, because
of that, the
owners have
always focused
on telling
stories with
good messages,
stories that
encourage."
"People need
those stories
today just as
they did 2,000
years
ago.
Just as people
always have
and always
will," Joshua
added.
"Not
necessarily
easy
stories.
But stories
that touch
hearts,
stories that
inspire and
transform.
St. Genesius'
is a place
where people
can come hear
those stories
and where
those of us in
the production
are blessed
with the
opportunity to
share them."
"And to share
them with as
many people as
possible.
When I stepped
in, Doug told
me that one
thing I
absolutely
could not do
was raise
ticket
prices."
Andrew smiled
as he recalled
Doug's
admonition.
"He and his
family want
this theatre
and the
stories it
brings to life
to be
accessible to
as many people
as
possible."
Bryce turned
to look at the
ticket booth
where the
costs were
posted and
shook her
head.
"Fifteen for
adults, ten
for
children...
can't do much
of anything
for that these
days."
She glanced at
her cell
phone.
"I see it's
almost
7:30.
You think we
could go back
into the
theatre?"
"You bet,"
Andrew agreed
as he and
Joshua
rose.
Once they'd
introduced
Bryce to Emma,
the two helped
haul out the
assorted
dishes people
had brought
for their
first potluck
dinner.
After the
reporter had
made the
rounds and
been enticed
into having
dinner, she
returned to
Joshua and
Andrew who
were poring
over some set
design ideas
that Owen had
brought with
him.
When Bryce
cleared her
throat, they
turned to her.
"Emma said she
thought
everyone was
ready to do
'Hosanna'
again and that
I could snag
some photos
during that."
Andrew waved
to Emma.
"Great!"
"I was
wondering if I
could get a
photo of the
two of you to
run with the
interview?"
Joshua smiled
and slung an
arm around
Andrew's
shoulders.
"How's this?"
Bryce cocked
her head and
smiled.
"Too
perfect!"
Once the
picture was
taken, she
held the
camera out for
both to see.
Andrew
blanched as he
looked at the
image.
There, behind
Joshua, was
the
cross.
Neither of
them had
remembered
that it was
leaning
against the
wall behind
them.
"I like it,"
Joshua
responded.
"Thank you,
Bryce."
"You're
welcome.
Thank you for
sticking with
the
interview.
Coming into
this, I
thought it all
seemed
pretty...
staid. I
mean how many
times do we
all need to
see Superstar,
right?
But..."
Bryce surveyed
the groups of
people strewn
all over the
stage.
"You have
something
special
here."
She handed
them a
card.
"Call me if
there's
anything more
I can do to
help you get
word out."
Smiling,
Andrew
accepted the
card and made
a mental note
to make sure
Kemara got a
copy.
"Thank you,
Bryce."
"It means a
lot," Joshua
added.
Bryce smiled
at them
both.
"I'm
glad.
Now... I'm
going to go
help myself to
some more of
that macaroni
salad.
My
interviewees
don't usually
feed me."
Andrew and
Joshua both
laughed as she
grinned and
hurried
off.
Then they
turned back to
Owen's
renderings,
determined to
give their
audience the
best
production
they could
manage.
*~*~*
Fish and Loaves
Wednesday
March 5th
Tuesday
night's
rehearsal went
as well as
Sunday's
had. The
cast revisited
"Hosanna" and
"Simon
Zealotes,"
incorporating
the
choreography
everyone had
worked so
diligently on
Monday
evening.
Everyone was
shocked and
duly impressed
by Kylie's
turn as
Claudia and
her initial
audience of
four was
pleased to see
her light up
upon hearing
the applause
of the entire
cast and
crew.
"The Temple"
and the
lepers' scene
took some work
but by the end
of the
evening,
everyone was
pleased with
how it looked
and sounded.
Wednesday
brought much
excitement.
Not only were
they
rehearsing two
of the
showstoppers,
"I Don't Know
How to Love
Him" and
Judas' Act One
finale but
Bryce's
interview had
been
published.
While several
people had
print copies,
Andrew and the
contingent
from Cora's
house entered
the theatre to
find a small
crowd gathered
around Shane
and peering
down at his
laptop.
Andrew
chuckled.
"Hello!
I see you're
all
engrossed."
"Hey there! "
Shane
greeted.
"Well done on
the interview,
Andrew and
Joshua!"
He craned his
neck to speak
to those
sitting on the
risers and
reading.
"You four
might want to
come look on
with me.
The online
edition has
extra photos."
Zeke, Diana,
Joshua, and
Emma, who had
been reading
from the stack
of print
copies Bryce
had sent, came
rushing over.
"Oh, Emma, you
look so
beautiful
there!" Kylie
complimented.
Emma blushed,
the color
deepening when
she caught
Peter
nodding.
"Thank
you.
Zeke, that
photo of you
is
mesmerizing!"
Diana
laughed.
"He looks a
little
deranged, I
think."
Zeke crossed
his arms over
his
chest.
"It's not my
fault that
lady took a
photo when I
just happened
to be giving
Max the evil
eye!"
"Why were you
giving me the
evil eye?" Max
asked as he
approached.
"You were
inciting an
overthrow of
the
government."
"Oh
right.
Business as
usual," Max
joked.
"I like that
photo. I
think you
look...
conflicted."
Arthur's
finger hovered
over the image
of Andrew and
Joshua.
"Did you plan
that?
It's... I
don't know,
actually."
He looked over
to Monica,
seeing that
she was
staring at the
photo.
Earlier in the
day, he'd
picked up a
copy of the
paper for
her.
She'd cringed
when she'd
first seen the
image.
Joshua patted
Monica on the
back.
"I think Bryce
realized.
We didn't,"
Andrew
replied.
"In the shadow
of the
cross..."
Shane
murmured.
He clicked to
the next image
which featured
everyone who
had been
willing to be
photographed.
"Who let those
people out of
the asylum?"
Caleb
chuckled.
"A bunch of us
do look
frantic."
Emma rolled
her
eyes.
"Well it was
her fault
deciding to
take a group
photo when
almost
everyone was
out of breath
from 'Simon'!"
Joshua
smiled.
"I like
it. I
think we look
like we're
having fun."
Andrew
nodded.
"I
agree.
We need to
make sure to
save those."
"Already
did."
The angel of
death turned
to JenniAnn
and
grinned.
"Shoulda
known."
"Bryce already
called me to
ask that I let
her know as
soon as we get
the poster
done!" Kemara
reported.
"She said
she'd give it
as much space
in later
editions as
possible!"
"Great!"
Joshua
cheered.
"Wouldn't it
be something
if we actually
got a full
house at some
point?" Zeke
mused.
Andrew
smiled.
"You never
know!"
Not taking his
eyes from the
screen, Eli
marveled at
how evocative
some of the
photos
were. He
was especially
taken with one
showing Zeke
trying to
mimic his
wife's dance
moves, much to
her
amusement.
Joshua was off
to the side,
smiling and
looking at
them both with
so much love
and
pride.
"If I weren't
already
involved, I'd
come see the
show if I read
that interview
and saw these
photos," the
angel of death
averred.
"And I'd be
coming with
you, baby,"
Tess added.
"It was a
great
interview.
I loved what
you both said
about the high
priests."
Henry smiled
at Andrew and
Joshua.
Emma
nodded.
"And thanks
for saying
what you did
about the
women."
She smiled at
Joshua.
"You're
welcome."
He turned to
Kylie.
"I wanted to
say something
about your
song, Kylie,
but then I
thought maybe
that's better
to keep under
wraps."
The young
woman nodded
enthusiastically.
"I hope people
are
surprised...
but good
surprised."
Diana hugged
her
shoulders.
"They will
be."
"We should all
sign each
other's copies
over dinner!"
Violeta
suggested.
"I think
that's a great
idea," Andrew
agreed.
"But for
now..."
He turned to
Emma.
"Can we start
with the
'Everything's
Alright'
reprise and go
straight onto
'I Don't Know'
from there?"
Emma
nodded.
"Sure!"
Adam and
Andrew dragged
a couple trees
onto the stage
while Joshua
unrolled a mat
and Emma
placed a
small, white
box beside
it. Once
they were
finished,
everyone
except for
Emma and
Joshua, who
stepped
backstage, and
Tess, who
seated herself
at the piano,
moved into the
audience
seats.
Since Belle
had been with
her all day
and Andrew had
been left
deprived,
JenniAnn
handed the
baby to him to
cradle as they
watched Emma
and Joshua
perform.
"So this is
right after
they've gotten
away from the
lepers?" Max
asked.
Andrew
nodded.
"Emma and
Joshua are
going to exit
stage left
after that
song and then
they'll
reenter stage
right with
this reprise."
Gloria's face
lit up.
"I'm going to
make the sky
starry
again!"
"I'm sure it
will be
lovely,"
Monica
encouraged.
"Ready you
two?" Andrew
called.
"Yes!" Emma
and Joshua
answered in
unison.
"Tess?"
"Ready and
waiting!"
Andrew
smiled.
"And...
action!"
As the music
started, Emma
and Joshua
ambled onto
the stage, arm
in arm.
Emma appeared
to be bearing
some of
Joshua's
weight until
she got him
settled onto
the mat.
"'Try not to
get worried,
try not to
turn onto
problems that
upset you,'"
she sang
tenderly as
she dabbed at
Joshua's brow
with a cloth
brought forth
from the
box.
"Oh, don't you
know
everything's
alright, yes,
everything's
fine."
Emma smiled
unconvincingly.
Joshua smiled
for her and
took the rag
away, holding
her hand in
his.
"'And I think
I shall sleep
well
tonight.
Let the world
turn without
me
tonight.'"
He squeezed
her hand then
released it
and laid down.
Emma spread a
light blanket
over
him.
"'Close your
eyes, close
your eyes and
forget all
about us
tonight.'"
She sat with
her chin
resting on her
knees,
watching
Joshua feign
sleeping for a
few moments
before she
stood and
walked away,
stopping after
a few paces to
look back
before
continuing on.
All eyes, save
Joshua's, were
on Emma as she
resumed her
singing.
For a moment,
Joshua wished
his hair was
more like that
of the fellows
in the
movies.
If it were
longer, he
could have
used it as a
veil and
peered out
from behind
it. But
at least he
could listen.
"'I don't know
how to love
him.
What to do,
how to move
him?
I've been
changed, yes,
really
changed.
In these past
few days, when
I've seen
myself, I seem
like someone
else,'" Emma
hugged herself
and smiled up
at the
imaginary
stars.
For a moment,
her face still
upturned, she
closed her
eyes and
looked utterly
beatific.
A few seconds
later, Emma
trembled as if
chilled.
She looked
back to
Joshua, took a
few steps
towards him,
and then
turned back
around.
"'I don't know
how to take
this! I
don't see why
he moves
me. He's
a man.
He's just a
man! And
I've had so
many men
before in very
many
ways...
He's just one
more!'" she
insisted in
the voice of a
woman who
didn't believe
herself.
She cried out
questions to
the stars, to
the moon, to
the sleeping
man, to the
God he claimed
to be born
from.
Pulling her
shawl more
tightly around
her, Emma
rocked on her
heels.
Tears pooled
in her
eyes.
"'I never
thought I'd
come to
this.
What's it all
about?
Yet, if he
said he loved
me...'"
Emma peered
back over at
Joshua, her
arm
outstretched
then quickly
drawn
back.
"'I'd be
lost.
I'd be
frightened.
I couldn't
cope, just
couldn't
cope...
I'd turn my
head.
I'd back
away. I
wouldn't want
to
know.'"
Emma stepped
closer.
"'He scares me
so.'"
After another
few steps,
Emma's toes
were touching
Joshua's mat.
"'I want him
so.'"
Emma knelt
down and
smoothed the
blanket then
caressed
Joshua's hair.
"'I love him
so,'" she
confessed,
smiling
tenderly and
tearfully
before bending
to plant a
soft kiss on
Joshua's
temple.
The others all
let loose with
thunderous
applause.
Emma laughed
when she saw
that Zeke was
throwing
tissues all
over and
people were
grabbing them
to dab at eyes
and wipe
noses.
Even the baby
saw fit to
pout at the
injustice of
poor Mary's
tormented
heart.
Joshua sat up
and hugged
Emma.
"You
were...beyond
words.
But definitely
stirring and
tender and...
I only wish I
could have
seen
you.
Jesus and his
inconvenient
nap times..."
he joked.
Emma smiled
and returned
his hug.
It felt like
being in her
dream...
Maybe Maryam
was
right.
Maybe it meant
something...
meant she
could trust
this
man. She
bowed her
head.
"I... I really
meant the
first
part. I
do feel
different...
better...
since... since
Saturday.
You... you're
a good man,
Joshua
Davidson.
I'm sorry that
I was so...
standoffish
that first
day. And
I'm sorry that
I made you
sing 'Glory.'"
Joshua
smiled.
"I'm
not. I'm
just grateful
you didn't
pick 'Today 4
You.'
Andrew might
never have
forgiven me
for singing
about a dog's
death.'"
Emma
laughed.
"I promise
that I will
never make you
sing
that.
You wouldn't
have won any
points with
me,
anyway.
I love dogs."
"Encore,
encore!" Adam
shouted with
the others
soon joining
in.
Andrew
approached the
two, still
carrying
Belle.
"So...
JenniAnn and
Kemara are
hysterical and
I think Monica
may have
permanently
ruined the
shoulder of
Arthur's
shirt.
In other
words... you
nailed it,
Emma!"
He
beamed.
Joshua reached
out to caress
Belle's cheeks
which were
puffed out
around her
pacifier.
"She really,
really
did." He
smiled again
at Emma.
"Do you want
to do it again
or not?"
Emma
laughed.
"I don't want
to tick off
'Pilate' there
so sure."
Andrew
beamed.
"Good.
I'll just get
on back to my
seat then."
Once everyone
had settled
down, the
reprise and
torch song
were performed
again.
If there was
any change, it
was only that
Emma's
portrayal was
even more
sympathetic
and
passionate.
Her
tête-à-tête
with Joshua
had made her
understand and
feel for Mary
even
more.
Again the cast
and crew
cheered and
then Zeke
dragged
himself up
onto the
stage.
"Wish I didn't
have to follow
that!" he
complained
with an
appreciative
smile.
Joshua flashed
a smile and
hugged
him.
"Just
remember,
after your
song, we'll
all have
dinner
together."
"Right.
And autograph
the
articles!
What are we
having for
dinner,
anyway?
Andrew only
said to bring
sides."
Joshua looked
to Zeke with a
crooked
smile.
"I made fish
sandwiches."
Zeke
laughed.
"Seriously?"
Joshua only
nodded and
followed Emma
to the
audience,
passing Henry
and Eli as
they made
their way up.
Andrew
considered how
to
proceed.
It was a
tricky
song.
Not only did
Zeke struggle
with his part
but the lyrics
made it
difficult to
avoid making
Caiaphas and
Annas look all
too eager to
get Jesus out
of the
way. The
best they
could do was
portray them
as having been
pushed to
extremes by
worry and
fear.
There was a
certain
appropriateness
to that and
Andrew knew
Eli and Henry
saw it.
They'd have
far fewer
assignments if
human fear
didn't push so
many people to
violent means,
either direct
or
indirect.
An idea struck
Andrew.
"Okay,
everyone know
that interlude
that plays
right before
this?" he
asked.
The others
nodded.
"What if we
used that to
have some
Romans doing
some sort of
marching
drill? A
show of
power.
With Caiaphas
and Annas
witnessing
it?
Maybe Judas,
too. If
the audience
sees that
leading into
'Damned For
All Time'
then, while no
one's actions
are in any way
excused, the
desperation
behind those
actions would
be more
obvious."
"They were no
strangers to
massacres...
Some even at
Pilate's
discretion,"
Adam added.
Joshua briefly
closed his
eyes.
"I'm sure each
of those
priests had
some
experience of
the harshness
of Roman
rule.
Whole villages
attacked...
nothing but
rubble and
death
left.
People taken
away when
taxes couldn't
be paid.
Land
confiscated.
Entire
families
ruined."
Sitting beside
Joshua,
Violeta rested
her hand over
his. She
knew, as all
the angels
knew, that it
wasn't mere
history to
him.
He'd grown up
simply not
knowing what
had become of
extended
family members
and friends
who had fallen
afoul of the
Romans.
Zeke
nodded.
"The Bible
even mentions
a massacre of
the Galileans
that was
commanded by
Pilate.
The priests
had reason to
be
concerned...
especially
after Jesus'
behavior in
the
Temple.
Right as he
was... it had
to frighten
them."
"Pilate's
behavior being
less than
stellar when
it came to the
Temple," Adam
muttered.
"In their
minds, good,
ol' Pontius
probably
needed little
excuse to
storm in
there."
Noticing the
grave look on
Joshua's face,
Emma wished
they could
move
forward... not
that Zeke's
song offered
much
cheer.
But dinner
would!
"I'll try to
figure
something out
tonight.
I like the
idea.
Maybe we could
even do
something with
a projector to
make a few of
us look like a
whole
legion.
But for
now..."
She turned to
the stage.
"Right.
We'll get
through this
once.
Twice if you
three feel up
to it.
Chorus, since
you only have
one line, feel
free to stay
down
here."
Andrew smiled
at them.
He hoped
having them
around might
make the song
easier for
Joshua to hear
and see.
"Eli and
Henry, pretend
you just saw
what we
described.
The legion
that Emma
mentioned.
Zeke, too."
The three
nodded and
then Eli and
Henry climbed
up the
scaffolding
while Judas
moved upstage
center, facing
the audience
but also
looking up at
the two
priests.
Once the song
started, Zeke
paced from
mark to mark,
his singing
growing more
frenetic and
his expression
more panicked
as the song
went on.
"'Jesus can't
control it
like he did
before and
furthermore I
know that
Jesus thinks
so, too.
Jesus wouldn't
mind that I
was here with
you,'" he
swore to the
two men
glaring down
at him though
it was obvious
he said the
words as much
to convince
himself as
them. "I
have no
thought at all
about my own
reward.
I really
didn't come
here of my own
accord.
Just don't say
I'm damned for
all time!'"
Zeke pleaded.
The desperate
monologue
continued
until,
finally, Eli
and Henry cut
him
short.
Their own
unease with
the
proceedings
evident upon
their faces,
they couldn't
bear to hear
any more of
the wretched
man's
protestations
and silenced
him.
"'We'll pay
you in silver,
cash on the
nail,'" Eli
promised.
Zeke flinched
upon hearing
the last word.
"'We just need
to know where
the soldiers
can find
him.'"
"With no crowd
round him,'"
Henry added,
looking over
his shoulder
as if he
expected an
attack at any
moment.
Eli
nodded.
"'Then we
can't fail.'"
"'I don't want
your blood
money!'" Zeke
spat out,
pushing
himself up
from where
he'd collapsed
on the floor.
Around and
around they
went until
Henry withdrew
a small pouch
from the
pocket of his
sweater.
Andrew shut
his eyes when
the money fell
to the
ground.
At the same
instant,
JenniAnn
buried her
face in his
upper arm.
Sitting in
front of them,
Joshua turned
around when he
heard her
muffled
sob. She
had tried to
bring him back
with thirty
dimes.
Now he was
there and
could only
entrust the
task of
comforting her
to Andrew.
Opening his
eyes to meet
Joshua's,
Andrew nodded
and kissed
JenniAnn's
hair.
Then all
three, along
with the
others, looked
to Zeke.
Weeping, Zeke
reached out to
take the
money.
As soon as he
came into
contact with
it, he pulled
his hand back
as if the
pouch had
burned or bit
him. He
tried again
and that time
kept hold of
the money.
"'On Thursday
night you'll
find him where
you want
him,'" Zeke
intoned, his
voice low and
eerie.
It already
seemed to be
coming from
beyond the
grave.
"'Far from the
crowds, in the
Garden of
Gethsemane.'"
Eli and Henry
looked at each
other then
abruptly
turned away,
not wanting to
see the
recrimination
on the other's
face.
Separately,
broken, they
moved off the
stage.
Only "Judas"
was left to
hear the
ghostly
chorus.
"'Well done,
Judas.
Good, old
Judas.'"
Zeke stared
out at the
crowd.
His frenzied
eyes would be
the last thing
the audience
would see
before the
curtain
dropped.
Everyone
applauded
except for
Diana who was
already
bounding up
the steps to
the
stage.
She knelt by
Zeke and
rested her
forehead
against his.
"You doing
okay, honey?"
Zeke nodded
and caressed
her
face.
"Fine.
Really fine."
"I just don't
want you going
and getting
lost in this
part."
Zeke
smiled.
"I
won't.
Too much going
for me in my
own life to
get lost in
his."
After giving
them a few
more moments,
Andrew
approached.
"Zeke...
I...
wow.
That was...
definitely
your best work
yet. We
emptied the
rest of the
tissue box."
Zeke
laughed.
"That good,
huh?"
"And better."
The man smiled
then winked at
Belle who was
staring at
him.
"Could I..."
"Absolutely!"
Andrew handed
Belle to him.
Zeke kissed
the girl's
curls and
rocked gently.
"I think
everyone's
ready for
dinner,"
Andrew told
him. "If
you want to go
over it again,
we can after
that.
But... I also
think it's
pretty clear
you, Eli, and
Henry have it
down so if you
want to wait
until some
other night,
that's fine,
too."
Zeke
nodded.
"Another night
would be good
if you're
sure."
"Definitely.
So... I'll go
tell Joshua to
start
unloading
those
sandwiches."
Zeke
chuckled.
"What did he
do to keep
them warm this
whole time?"
Andrew cocked
his
head.
"Umm... you
know, I don't
know."
He was quite
sure Joshua
didn't
actually have
the
sandwiches...
yet.
Back in the
audience,
Joshua turned
to JenniAnn
and patted her
hand. "I
think your
girl has the
most important
role in the
show."
JenniAnn
smiled, wiping
away the last
of her
tears.
"Pretty sure
that honor
goes to you
but... she is
a good
cuddler."
Joshua
returned the
smile then
twisted back
around when
Andrew
approached.
"Okay,
everyone,
we're gonna
break here for
dinner.
If you're
leaving,
please be back
by 8:15.
If you're
staying...
great!
I'm just going
to help Joshua
bring in the
sandwiches."
In the flurry
of everyone
moving to
slide out the
serving table
and get their
side dishes
out, no one
noticed Andrew
and Joshua
sneak off to
the ticket
office.
"No one's in
the lobby
right?" Joshua
asked.
Andrew peeked
out and saw no
one but slid
the checkered
curtain across
the window to
be safe.
Joshua
approached a
table then,
looking
heavenward,
began to
pray.
Andrew grinned
as baskets of
sandwiches
appeared on
the table.
"Need a little
something
else," Joshua
decided.
He prayed
again and six
bottles of
wine appeared
in a box on
the table.
Andrew grabbed
one and read
the
label.
He
chuckled.
"True Vine
Winery,
established 30
AD."
Joshua
reconsidered.
"Too leading."
Andrew watched
as the
"established
30 AD"
disappeared
and was
replaced by a
slogan.
"'There is
nothing better
than to be
joyful and to
do good,'" he
read.
"Nice!"
"Thanks!"
Joshua smiled
and then again
prayed.
The box grew
and two more
bottles
appeared.
"Not everyone
likes wine,"
he explained
as Andrew
picked up a
bottle and
discovered it
was grape
juice.
Andrew
chuckled.
"Good
call."
He hugged
Joshua.
"Thanks.
I think
everyone
needed this
tonight."
Joshua
nodded.
"So... when do
you see us
going into Act
II?"
Andrew
sighed.
"Next
week.
We'll work
more on
incorporating
the dancing
tomorrow.
Then Emma and
I thought we'd
run through
Act I all the
way Friday and
Saturday.
Get
transitions
down.
Then I think
Sunday we'll
just go over
anything that
seemed a
little shaky
and then
discuss Act II
as a
group.
Might be a
good time to
think about
that opening
video, too,
and check
calendars for
a good day to
head to the
country."
Joshua patted
his
shoulder.
"Sounds
good.
Now, people
are hungry and
thirsty.
Let's go!"
His pensive
frown
transforming
into a smile,
Andrew grabbed
the box of
wine and a
basket of
sandwiches.
Joshua took
the remainder
and they
headed back
into the
theatre where
they were
greeted with
amused cheers.
*~*~*
A few minutes
before
rehearsal was
to resume,
Arthur
approached
Joshua who,
having found a
broken seat,
had
immediately
set about
fixing it.
"So, Joshua...
with your many
occupations...
do you ever
rest?" Arthur
questioned,
shaking his
head and
smiling.
Joshua set
down his
screwdriver
and returned
the
smile.
"Sometimes.
Are we still
on for
tomorrow?
I checked with
Andrew and he
said he could
meet us here
at 9:00."
Arthur
nodded.
"That'd be
great!
Monica and I
were meeting
for breakfast
so we'll come
straight
here.
She wanted to
get going on
fixing some of
those costumes
that have seen
better days."
Joshua smiled
over at Monica
who was
visiting with
Tess and
Gloria.
"I'm sure
she'll have
them fixed in
no
time."
He fished a
bolt out of a
small tin and
twisted it
into place.
"She
will."
Arthur knelt
down on the
floor near
where Joshua
was
working.
"I came over
here because
there was
something else
I've been
wanting to
tell
you. I
think you're
doing a great
job. I
grew up
Lutheran.
And I am
Lutheran.
I believe in
the Father,
Son, Holy
Spirit and
everything.
But I'm
sometimes a
little shaky
on the going
to church
thing."
"It's hard to
maintain any
sort of
schedule when
you have so
much to
do. You
must have very
little time
for yourself
some days."
"Yes," Arthur
admitted.
"But I imagine
you try to
make time for
God as you
can.
Praying,
rejoicing in
the beauty of
His creation,
thanking Him
for your loved
ones, caring
for His
children...
including
those many
ignore."
"I...
Yes, I try."
Joshua
finished with
the chair and,
looking into
Arthur's eyes,
smiled.
"I think that
means a lot to
God."
Arthur
smiled.
"I hope
so. And,
actually,
that's what I
came over here
to say.
In these past
few days,
you've made
Jesus seem
more real...
more present
to me than any
preacher or
priest ever
has.
So... thanks
for that,
Joshua."
Joshua reached
over to
squeeze his
hand.
"You're
welcome.
And thank you
for saying
that. It
means a lot to
me."
"Good.
I'm
glad.
So... are you
at all nervous
about moving
into Act II?"
Joshua could
tell Arthur
was.
"Some,
yes.
Glad I'll have
an angel with
me." He
smiled
tenderly at
Monica who,
noticing,
turned from
Tess and
smiled and
waved.
The two men
waved back
then resumed
their
conversation.
"I, umm, I'm
really glad
Monica has a
part. It
means a lot to
her.
She's
self-conscious
about her
voice. I
actually think
it's cute in
a... wobbly
sort of
way."
Arthur
chuckled.
"But she
doesn't.
So it's good
there's a role
where that
doesn't really
matter.
Still..."
He paused,
knowing he had
to tread
lightly.
"She's... very
close to
God. I
worry this
might... I
think it might
be a little
more real to
her, and to
some of the
others, than
it is for the
rest of us."
Joshua sighed,
wishing he
could tell
Arthur that he
knew about the
angels.
Instead, he
set a
comforting
hand on the
man's
arm. "I
believe that,
when she's on
that stage
with me, your
Monica will
remember, will
feel that her
God is with
her, loving
her, and
thankful to
her for
helping to
bring his
story to life
once
again. I
think he's
grateful to
all of you for
that."
Arthur bowed
his
head. "I
hope
so."
Joshua patted
his arm.
"You're a good
man,
Arthur.
Monica's
blessed to
have you in
her life."
"I hope
so. I
know I feel
blessed to
have her in
mine."
Joshua
smiled.
"Good."
He looked a
few yards away
to see that
Andrew was
handing Belle
off to
JenniAnn while
Emma stood
beside
them.
"Looks like
we're about
ready to start
back up
again.
If I don't
catch you
afterwards,
I'll see you
at 9:00
tomorrow!"
Arthur
beamed.
"Can't
wait!
Thanks for the
talk, Joshua."
"Any
time."
Joshua's smile
lingered as
Arthur got up
and hurried
over to
Monica.
"All right,
everyone!"
Andrew
called.
"Let's go back
to 'Pilate's
Dream' and
then on into
'The
Temple.'
Then we'll
spend a few
minutes going
over the
schedule for
the rest of
the week
before calling
it a night."
Like everyone
else save Adam
and Kylie,
Joshua settled
into the front
rows.
Kylie waved to
him, looking
completely
confident.
He returned
the wave and
she
smiled.
Joshua sighed
happily.
He'd always
loved her
smile and he'd
missed it so.
*~*~*
Acquainted with Grief
Thursday,
March 6th
Joshua hummed
"Everything's
Alright" to
himself as he
made his way
through the
morning
traffic.
He wished he
could have
walked.
There was a
chill to the
air but it was
mild enough to
have been
pleasant.
However, he
had brought
too many tools
to
carry.
Still, he made
the most of
the
ride.
When stopped
at a light for
several
moments, he
struck up a
game of
peek-a-boo
with a toddler
in the car
next to
him. As
he noticed
drivers
disgruntled by
the delays, he
flashed them a
smile.
More often
than not, they
smiled back
then seemed to
calm down.
At a little
after 8:30,
Joshua
approached St.
Genesius'.
He soon
realized that
something was
very
wrong.
Doug and Lucy
had painted
the building
white several
years
before.
They'd had a
friend who
would create
murals to
match each
show and he
preferred
white as his
base
coat.
When Kieran
had moved out
of town,
they'd simply
left the
exterior
white.
Thus, the
black marks
and letters
jumped out at
Joshua.
His heart sank
and tears
welled in his
eyes when he
got close
enough to see
what the
graffiti
was.
After parking,
Joshua walked
in a daze
towards the
building.
It was a vile
display of
anti-Semitism
and
xenophobia...
with himself
as the main
target.
The vandalism
came complete
with a
caricature of
him surrounded
by
bombs.
The
hate-mongers
had seemed
unable to
decide if he
was a
Christ-killer
or a terrorist
and, thus, had
covered their
bases.
Joshua
stumbled
towards a
bench that had
been left
unscathed.
He stared up
at the
clouds.
Finding peace
in the words
he'd prayed so
often as a boy
and beyond,
Joshua began
to pray.
"Hear,
Israel, the
Lord is our
God, the Lord
is One.
Blessed be the
Name of His
glorious
kingdom for
ever and
ever.
And you shall
love the Lord
your God with
all your heart
and with all
your soul and
with all your
might.'"
Joshua's gaze
traveled from
the sky to the
graffiti.
"Father,
forgive them,"
he
continued.
"Help them
to... to
realize what
they're
doing."
The prayer
left Joshua
feeling a bit
more
peaceful.
Talking to his
Dad always had
that
effect.
It gave him
the strength
to do what he
needed to
do.
Drawing in a
deep breath,
Joshua rose
and headed
behind the
building.
In his later
years, Eugene
had
set up a
grotto to
honor
Mary.
Joshua knew
that the
statue had
been moved
indoors for
the
winter.
He'd meant to
ask Andrew
about bringing
it back out
and now was
grateful he
hadn't yet
gotten around
to it.
At least there
would have
been nothing
to
smash.
Still, the
vandals may
have realized
what it
was. If
they were who
he suspected,
they harbored
anti-Catholic
sentiments and
Joshua had
been angered
before by
their
desecration of
places
dedicated to
his Ama.
He hoped they
hadn't left
any cruel
messages
there.
Joshua found
the statue's
pedestal
overturned
with a
swastika
sprayed
painted onto
it. He
breathed a
sigh of relief
when he
realized
they'd defaced
the empty side
of the
stand.
The engraved
words "Hail
Mary, Mother
of God" were
left
unharmed.
He once again
peered up to
the
heavens.
"I'm all
right,
Ama.
I'll just
grind the
other side
down.
It'll be
fine.
You'll
see."
"Joshua!"
Joshua rose to
his feet when
he heard the
familiar
voice.
Monica's.
He hurried
around the
building and
saw Arthur
frantically
searching
around his car
while Monica,
tears
streaking down
her face, was
pounding on
the theatre
door.
"I'm here," he
called,
rushing
towards the
angel.
Monica ran
towards Joshua
and
practically
fell into his
arms.
"I... I was
worried...
I... I thought
maybe you'd
come a-and
found them
in... in the
act... this
terrible
act... a-and
they..."
She pulled
away and
grabbed his
hands, turning
them over in
hers and
searching for
any indication
of harm then
blushing when
she realized
how foolish it
was.
Still, she
felt queasy.
Joshua
squeezed her
hands.
"Take a deep
breath.
I didn't see
them.
They left
before I got
here a few
minutes ago."
Monica gulped
down some
air.
Arthur
approached
them.
"Joshua, are
you...
okay?"
He bit his
lip. It
was a stupid
thing to
ask. How
could he be
okay?
Who could
possibly be
okay with
something like
this?
Joshua managed
a smile.
"Better.
Good to see
you
both. Do
you think you
could call the
police?
I don't have a
phone."
Arthur pulled
his from his
pocket.
"Of
course.
I'll go do
that right
now."
"Thank you,
Arthur."
Joshua nodded
appreciatively
then, once
Arthur was
dialing, he
led Monica to
the
bench.
"Let's rest
here for a few
moments."
They sat
silently,
drawing
comfort from
each other's
presence.
"Andrew and
the girls will
be here soon,"
Monica
murmured,
hoping to
further
encourage
Joshua.
Joshua smiled
but a moment
later it
faltered.
The graffiti
would bring a
lot of pain
back to the
surface for
Andrew and
JenniAnn.
And
Violeta...
She wasn't
used to
thinking of
him as
vulnerable, as
someone
unloved and
unwanted.
Joshua
turned back to
the
graffiti-covered
wall behind
them. "I
wish I could
make it all go
away. I
don't want
them to
see... I
didn't want
you or Arthur
to see..."
"Joshua!"
Monica choked
out before
hugging him
tightly.
How like him
it was to be
more concerned
for them than
himself when
he was the one
who had been
targeted!
"I love you,"
Joshua
whispered.
He could tell
that Arthur's
call was
winding
down.
"I... I love
you, too,"
Monica
replied.
She drew back
but remained
at his side,
ready to face
whatever else
came.
Joshua closed
his eyes and
thought of
Home as he
waited for the
police to
arrive.
*~*~*
After a shared
breakfast at
Cora's, Max
and Kemara had
left, the
former to man
the register
at the comic
book store and
the latter to
work on a
fundraising
piece for
Catherine's
shelter.
Andrew, Belle,
JenniAnn, and
Violeta set
off towards
the
theatre.
JenniAnn sat
in the
backseat
beside
Belle.
She listened
with amusement
as Violeta
prattled away
in the front
passenger
seat.
"Do you think
Joshua will
let me hang
out with him
and
Arthur?
I mean I want
to help Monica
with the
costumes, too,
but it
wouldn't hurt
to know
something
about
building,
would
it? I
mean we might
have an
assignment one
day that would
call for that
sorta
knowledge,
right?"
Not taking his
eyes from the
road, Andrew
smiled.
"I'm sure
Joshua won't
mind and, yes,
you're right."
"Could we do
'Hosanna'
again
tonight?
The ending is
sad but I love
hearing Joshua
sing
that.
And I love the
dancing."
"Sure."
"He's pretty
cool in
'What's the
Buzz,'
too.
Even if he
acts a little
grumpy.
I don't think
I'd like to
have Joshua
act grumpy
with me.
But I would
never push him
into
Jerusalem,
either.
Why did they
do that?"
JenniAnn
stifled a
giggle.
"Sometimes
people just
get
restless.
And I guess
they wanted
him to, you
know, take
control.
Some of them
did, anyway."
"I think it'll
be really cool
when we get to
see him in his
robe.
Cream is a
good color for
him."
Unable to
resist,
JenniAnn
laughed.
"You've seen
Joshua in
cream?"
Violeta
blushed.
Of course she
had. But
JenniAnn
couldn't know
about that...
yet. "I
just mean...
well, don't
you think
he'll look
good in
cream?"
"Definitely,"
JenniAnn
agreed.
Though she
believed it,
she wouldn't
have said
otherwise
regardless.
She wasn't
quite sure
what was going
on but Violeta
was obviously
taken with the
carpenter
turned
actor.
There were
shades of
Monica and
Arthur to it
and yet... not
that at
all.
Maybe it was a
Freudian
thing... if
angels could
even have
Freudian
things.
Andrew glanced
in the rear
view mirror,
knowing
JenniAnn was
trying to
puzzle things
out. He
smiled,
silently
urging her to
connect it
all.
"How much
longer?" his
trainee asked.
"Violeta,
sweetheart,
what did I
tell you about
Manhattan
traffic?"
"It's slow..."
"Exactly.
But we left in
plenty of time
to reach the
theatre at
9:00.
8:55
even.
But no
sooner."
JenniAnn
smiled over at
Belle,
imagining the
future with
Andrew talking
to her in that
same gently
authoritative
voice.
Soon she was
lost in a
series of
daydreams.
Andrew
teaching Belle
to ride a
bike.
Andrew
carrying the
girl around on
his
shoulders.
She and Andrew
kneeling
together as
Belle toddled
towards them
with
outstretched
arms and a
slobbery grin.
"There it is!"
Violeta
exclaimed,
rousing
JenniAnn who
looked up to
see St.
Genesius'
coming into
view.
"Oh
good.
Arthur's
already..."
Andrew's voice
drifted
off.
Arthur was
standing at
the entrance
to the lot...
speaking to
two police
officers who
were staring
at the
building.
"Oh... oh no,"
JenniAnn
cried, seeing
what the
officers were
studying.
"A-andrew...
Those... those
are
swastikas.
A-and..."
The words were
too ugly to
say.
Speechless,
his heart
pounding and
his stomach in
knots as he
frantically
prayed, the
angel of death
pulled into
the lot.
"Joshua..."
Violeta
murmured.
Andrew let out
the breath
he'd been
holding when
he saw Joshua
sitting on a
bench with
Monica at his
side.
As soon as the
car was
parked,
Violeta flung
open her door
and ran to
Joshua.
Not caring
what Arthur or
JenniAnn
thought, she
flung herself
at the man and
clung to him.
"Duckling..."
Joshua
whispered,
kissing her
hair.
When Andrew
had Belle out
of the car
seat and in
his arms,
JenniAnn
stepped
out. She
briefly
noticed
Violeta
clinging to
Joshua but was
too horrified
to pay her
behavior any
heed.
For a few
moments, it
seemed as if
her lungs
refused to
draw in air.
Andrew noticed
JenniAnn begin
to
teeter.
He continued
to hold Belle
securely with
one arm and
wrapped the
other around
JenniAnn's
waist.
With Monica
and Violeta
comforting
Joshua, he
knew his
attention was
best focused
on the two of
them.
"Laja, we
should get you
two
inside.
Then I better
talk to the
police."
JenniAnn
nodded mutely
as he led her
to the
theatre.
Drawing
closer, she
recognized the
two officers.
"Andrew, this
is Detective
Matthew
Bratton and
Officer Tyron
Billings,"
Arthur
introduced.
"They came
when..."
"We know
Andrew and
JenniAnn
both," Matthew
interrupted.
"Sorry the
reunion had to
happen under
these
circumstances,
Andrew,
Psyche."
"Me too."
Andrew dragged
his hand
through his
hair.
"Arthur,
Matthew and
Tyron are
Helpers.
They know our
secrets."
Most of them,
he added
silently.
Arthur
nodded.
"Got it.
Even more glad
you came in
that case."
"Thank
you. I
think I saw
you at
Winterfest.
I'm sorry we
didn't have a
chance to
meet.
And I look
forward to
more complete
introductions
later but for
right
now..."
Matthew turned
back to the
building.
"We were
meeting for
coffee when we
got the
call.
Vincent had
mentioned you
were directing
a show
here. We
thought it
best we come
since... we
know."
Andrew
nodded.
"Yes, thank
you." He
offered a
wavering
smile.
Matthew turned
to
JenniAnn.
"Psyche," he
held out his
hand then
Tyron did the
same.
"Hi," JenniAnn
managed as she
shook their
hands.
She was unable
to keep from
staring at the
hateful
graffiti
behind them.
Andrew took
her hand then
looked to the
men.
"I'm going to
get JenniAnn
and Belle
settled inside
then I'll be
right
back.
Unless... was
there any sign
of a break-in
or..."
Tyron shook
his
head.
"We already
checked the
perimeter.
But maybe it
would be best
if we all go
in
together.
I think we've
seen enough of
this.
I'll go tell
Monica and
Violeta and
Mr. Davidson."
Andrew
unlocked the
door and
ushered them
in, holding it
open as he
waited for the
others.
Arthur hung
back with
him.
"Andrew, it...
it was
eery.
Monica and I
were at
breakfast
a-and all of a
sudden she got
really
pale.
She insisted
we come
here.
Right
away.
When we
arrived...
Joshua was
already
here.
And the look
on his
face...
It was
devastating to
see."
Andrew
nodded.
"I... I
bet." He
sucked in a
shaky breath
as the others
approached.
Monica hurried
to Arthur and
began to weep
as soon as his
arms were
around
her. He
swiftly
steered her
inside.
Joshua, his
right arm snug
around
Violeta's
shoulders,
squeezed
Andrew's hand
as he passed
him.
Officer
Billings
followed them
in then Andrew
closed the
door. As
soon as he'd
locked it, he
hurried to
join JenniAnn
and Belle on
the settee
across from
the one Arthur
and Monica
occupied.
Andrew kissed
Belle's cheek
and JenniAnn's
hair then
looked to
Joshua.
Violeta was
hugging his
arm and
resting her
head on his
shoulder.
Andrew was
glad Violeta
wasn't holding
back. If
he and Monica
had to make
explanations
later to
JenniAnn and
Arthur then so
be it.
Joshua needed
affection and
Violeta needed
to shower it
on him.
"I'm so... so
sorry,
Joshua.
I think it
might be
that... that
awful
Eastville
group,"
JenniAnn
finally choked
out.
"I... I saw
their dratted
symbol.
Dare to call
themselves
a... a
church."
Matthew rubbed
at his head as
he settled
onto a
couch.
"Unfortunately,
they've been
becoming more
active around
here."
"Anti-gay,
anti-minority,
anti-Semitic,
and not too
crazy about
the so-called
'papists,'"
Tyron
muttered,
taking a seat
beside his
fellow
officer.
"But do you
have any idea
why they would
have targeted
this place?"
"I think the
interview...
it... it got
their
attention,"
Monica
suggested.
Arthur stood
and retrieved
two copies
from the stack
on the ticket
window.
He handed one
to each of the
officers who
began to
read.
As they read,
both men cast
looks at
Joshua,
understanding
why he'd been
the main
target.
Joshua stared
at the
tattered area
rug, mentally
replaying
those first
few moments
when he'd seen
what they'd
done. In
flashes of
memory sent
from his
Father, the
truth came to
him. He
saw four of
them exit a
car in the
dead of
night.
One had gone
behind the
building, to
the empty
grotto.
The other
three had
seized upon
the theatre
itself.
All of them
had acted with
hate in their
hearts.
Violeta's
embrace
tightened.
"I love you,"
she whispered,
knowing she
was saying it
for every
person in the
room.
Joshua stroked
her hair as
she wiped the
tears from his
face. "I
love you,
too," he
murmured.
A horrible
thought struck
Andrew when he
again looked
to Joshua and
Violeta.
They were
seated in the
same chairs he
and Joshua had
occupied while
talking with
Bryce.
The
realization
came to Joshua
at the same
moment.
"The phone
number...
We asked Bryce
to include the
theatre's
phone
number.
I think she
did."
Tyron looked
at the print
he was holding
and
nodded.
"She did."
"I need to
check the
answering
machine.
I'll be right
back," Andrew
promised
before dashing
to the
office.
Joshua
squeezed
Violeta's
shoulders.
"Go sit with
JenniAnn and
Belle for a
little bit,
please?"
Once the angel
had moved,
Joshua smiled
wanly then
followed
Andrew.
The answering
machine's
light was
blinking.
The two police
officers
entered the
office soon
after them.
After looking
over to Joshua
who nodded,
Andrew hit the
button.
A woman's
voice sneered
from the
machine.
"Get that
dirty,
disgusting
Christ-killer
out of your
show or there
will be
trouble."
Tears flooded
Andrew's
eyes. He
stared at
Joshua... at
Christ.
"God's wrath
will be
visited upon
your theatre
for allowing a
denier of the
Lord to spread
his lies."
Joshua moved
to the window
and stared out
of it.
He knew that
voice.
He had created
it to sing, to
encourage, to
praise, to
teach, to
comfort... not
for this.
"He will burn
in hell for
his
blasphemy.
Christ will
condemn you
all!"
Joshua's eyes
flared with
anger as the
hateful
message
ended.
"Christ will
not be
condemning
anyone here,"
he insisted,
his voice
shaking.
Andrew went to
him and hugged
him.
"I'm
sorry.
I... I should
have
thought...
shouldn't have
agreed to that
interview."
Joshua shook
his
head.
"No. You
should
have.
I'm proud of
that
interview.
I'm proud of
what both of
us said.
You did
nothing wrong,
Andrew.
They did."
"Exactly
right,"
Matthew
agreed.
"Listen, we'll
try to trace
the
call.
And you let us
know if any
more come in
but with these
types..."
"Disposable
phones..."
Andrew
muttered.
Tyron
nodded.
"Technology..."
"We'll get a
more regular
patrol out
this
way. In
the meantime,
Mr. Davidson,
you might want
to... I mean
not that you
should have to
but... lay low
for a few
days.
Let their
initial anger
pass.
Try to keep
from drawing
attention to
yourself."
Though he
appreciated
the counsel,
Andrew laughed
darkly.
There was no
controlling or
limiting
Joshua.
"When can we
paint over
it?" Joshua
asked.
"I don't want
any of the
others to
see." He
understood the
need to have
the graffiti
documented.
It was why he
hadn't
immediately
covered
it.
However, he
saw no reason
to make anyone
else suffer
over it.
Matthew
sighed.
"I'm going to
be honest with
you both, it's
unlikely we'll
get prints or
anything.
Imagine how
many people
have touched
that
wall.
But we will at
least want to
get everything
documented.
Shouldn't take
more than a
couple
hours.
But you should
know..."
"They might
come back,"
Joshua
finished.
"I know."
"Have you had
any other
problems,
Mr..."
Joshua managed
a smile.
"Please, just
Joshua or
Josh.
And no.
Nothing since
I came here."
"But before?"
"A long time
ago. Not
here in
Manhattan."
Andrew dragged
his hand
through his
hair.
"Okay.
Why don't you
go back out
with your
friends?"
Matthew
suggested.
"We need to
speak with
Andrew for a
few moments."
Joshua looked
over at Andrew
who shrugged
and attempted
a smile.
"All
right.
Andrew, what
should I tell
them?"
Andrew
considered.
"Tell them
we'll stay
here.
We'll go about
the morning as
we
planned.
We're not
letting those
people change
things."
Joshua smiled
proudly.
"Will do."
Once he'd left
and closed the
door behind
him, the two
officers
motioned for
Andrew to sit
down.
"Andrew, we
know there are
special
considerations
but... we need
you to level
with us as
much as you
can," Matthew
began.
"Of course."
"Joshua was
the first on
the
scene.
Are you
absolutely
sure he
wouldn't do
something like
this
himself?
Maybe try to
get
sympathy...
publicity?"
Tyron
questioned.
Andrew
adamantly
shook his
head.
"Absolutely
not.
Joshua would
never... could
never...
No.
Nope.
Check with his
super if you
have to.
He would have
seen when
Joshua left
this morning."
Uncomfortable,
Matthew played
with his badge
as he
proceeded.
"He could have
slipped out at
night, came
back..."
Andrew stared
into his
eyes.
"Matthew,
Joshua had
nothing to do
with
this.
Trust
me. I
know.
What's more...
God knows."
Tyron
nodded.
"Good enough
for me.
Matthew, you
said it
yourself...
Eastville's
been rearing
its ugly
head.
And this show
has everything
to set them
off. I
don't think we
need to review
the
stereotypes
attached to
flashy
musicals and
the people who
produce
them."
He looked to
Andrew.
"No offense."
"None
taken.
But there's no
shame in
producing
flashy
musicals."
Finally,
Andrew smiled.
Tyron
chuckled.
"I know, I
know...
But you know
how some
people
think.
Then you got
the
dark-skinned
Jewish guy
playing
Jesus...
Genius.
Appropriate.
Hell, I'll
probably show
up to see
it.
Oops.
Sorry."
Andrew waved
off the
apology with a
shrug.
After the
graffiti and
phone call, an
errant "hell"
wasn't worth
comment.
"Thanks.
My point
being... as
horrible as it
is, it's no
surprise that
Eastville
'Church' would
become
unhinged."
Matthew
nodded.
"You're
right.
Sorry.
We just..."
"Have to
explore all
the
angles.
I know.
I've been a
cop many a
time.
But don't
waste your
time.
It's not
Joshua,"
Andrew
averred.
"Right.
Well, I'll get
the crime lab
out
here.
We'll try to
be as
invisible as
possible.
Go about your
business.
We'll tell you
when you can
cover it,"
Matthew
promised.
"Thank
you. And
thanks for
coming.
This is easier
when... when
you know what
you know."
Tyron smiled,
remembering
that
revelation.
"Never do know
with you,
Andrew.
Looking at
that guy...
part of me
thinks you got
yourself the
real Jesus."
Trying to keep
his gaze
steady, Andrew
returned the
smile.
"You never
know..."
The two
officers
laughed,
shaking their
heads at the
idea.
Then, with a
sigh, they
went back
outside to
face the
obscenities
again.
*~*~*
Joshua was
immediately
fussed over as
soon as he
returned to
the lobby.
Violeta again
latched onto
his arm.
"How are you
feeling?"
"I'm..."
Joshua dragged
his hand
through his
hair as he
tried to come
up with a
response.
He was grieved
and
angry.
But at the
same time, he
felt such
warmth.
They were all
looking at him
with immense
tenderness and
concern.
He smiled when
JenniAnn
readjusted
Belle so she
could rest a
hand on his
free
arm.
"Better,"
Joshua
finished.
"I'm so, so
sorry,
Joshua,"
JenniAnn
lamented.
"That... that
had to
be...
And I'm so
sorry you were
alone to find
it."
Arthur shook
his
head.
"We got here
as soon as we
could but..."
Monica's voice
trembled.
"I'm just so
very glad you
weren't...
weren't
physically
hurt."
JenniAnn
shuddered,
remembering
when one of
the Eastville
lot had taken
a swing at
Andrew outside
a military
funeral.
It was somehow
doubly
horrendous to
think of them
hurting
Joshua.
Noticing
JenniAnn's
pained
expression,
Joshua patted
her
shoulder.
"Andrew should
be out
soon. He
said we
weren't going
to let those
people change
our
plans.
We'll go about
our day as we
planned."
"You... you
don't want to
leave?"
JenniAnn
checked.
Joshua shook
his
head.
"No way.
I promised I'd
stay here
through this
production and
so that's
exactly what
I'm going to
do."
Monica and
Violeta were
unsurprised by
Joshua's
resolve but
Arthur and
JenniAnn both
let out sighs
of relief.
"Glad to hear
it!" Arthur
cheered.
"Me too.
You... I've
seen so many
guys play
Jesus but
you... you're
the
best."
JenniAnn
smiled
shyly.
"I... I think
I woulda been
crushed if
you'd left."
"I wouldn't
want that,"
Joshua teased
gently.
He tilted his
head and
smiled at
Belle.
"And how are
you this
morning,
Belle? I
didn't even
say 'hi,' did
I?"
Arthur
frowned.
"I don't think
any of us
really greeted
each
other.
Too stunned."
"Yeah..."
JenniAnn
sighed.
The smile on
Joshua's face
began to
dispel the
chill she
felt.
"You wanna
hold her,
Joshua?"
"Yes.
Please."
Joshua felt
further buoyed
when he had
the baby in
his
arms.
His smile grew
as Belle
stared up at
him. For
one perfect
moment, Joshua
could set
aside thoughts
of the
graffiti and
the hateful
message and
simply soak in
the love and
goodwill of
the four
gathered
around him and
the tiny girl
who adored
him.
*~*~*
When Andrew
returned to
the lobby, he
was relieved
to find Arthur
and Joshua
pulling a long
table into the
center of the
room.
Monica and
Violeta
trailed them
with two
costume
racks.
"I take it
everyone's
sticking
together this
morning?" he
asked as he
approached
JenniAnn who
was swaying
with Belle in
her arms.
"Just seemed
like the thing
to do.
We can work on
costumes.
Arthur and
Joshua can do
their repair
work in here
and maybe you
could take a
break from the
businessy
stuff just for
a few hours?"
she asked
hopefully.
Andrew
nodded.
"Definitely."
"I was
thinking of
calling Fr.
Mike.
I... I think
he might be a
lot of comfort
to Joshua
right now."
Andrew hugged
her
shoulders.
"I think that
would be a
very good
idea, Laja."
"Thanks."
JenniAnn
squeezed his
hand.
"Was there a
message?
Or more?"
"Just one."
"Was it bad?"
Andrew rested
his chin on
her hair so
she wouldn't
be able to see
the pain and
anger in his
eyes.
"Yes."
"Do... do you
think they'll
try to hurt
Joshua?"
Andrew peered
down at her
and shook his
head. "I
think they're
too cowardly
to try to
physically
confront
him.
They did their
dirty work at
night, knowing
they wouldn't
have to face
anyone."
JenniAnn
nodded.
"Could you
please take
Belle so I can
go make the
call?"
"I would love
to."
Once he had
her, Andrew
buried his
face in
Belle's
curls.
"Hello, my
precious
girl," he
murmured.
JenniAnn
smiled and
made her way
to the
coatroom.
*~*~*
Fr. Mike
startled, his
face turning
pink when his
cell phone
began to play
the Nebraska
fight song
rather
loudly.
"I'm so
sorry...
I thought I
had it on
vibrate."
Rabbi Yakov
laughed.
"I believe I
know who that
is..."
The priest
smiled and
answered.
"Good morning,
JenniAnn.
Hey, I'm at
Rabbi Yakov's
office
planning for
the
Confirmation
class'...
what?
No.
But...
No. Is
Joshua okay?"
The smile
melted from
Yakov's face
when he saw
his friend go
sickly pale.
"So... so he
wasn't there
when
it..."
Fr. Mike
closed his
eyes and drew
in then let
out a deep
breath.
"JenniAnn, can
I put you on
speaker?
And can you
start at the
beginning?
I think the
rabbi should
hear
this.
Okay.
Thanks.
Just give me a
moment."
He set the
phone down on
the
desk.
"You know that
Eastville
Church hate
group?"
"Yes... what
have they
done?"
"Listen."
Fr. Mike
turned on the
speaker.
"JenniAnn, you
still there?"
"Yeah.
Rabbi Yakov?"
"I'm here, my
dear.
What's
happened?
Do you want me
to get Tiva?"
"If she's not
too busy...
yes, please."
"Just a
moment."
Yakov rose and
hurried to
fetch his wife
from the
kitchen.
"Fr. Mike?"
"I'm still
here."
"Bless me,
Father, for I
have
sinned.
It's been a
crazy long
time since my
last
confession."
The priest
smiled
gently.
"That's
okay.
What would you
like to
confess?"
"I... I really
want to hurt
those people."
"Oh,
JenniAnn...
I'm sure
you're just
very
understandably
upset. I
don't think
you'd really
hurt them."
"I dunno..."
"Okay, well,
for penance
why don't you
spend some
time
reflecting on
how Jesus
responded when
Peter whacked
that guy with
the sword?"
"He didn't
like it..."
"No, he
didn't."
Fr. Mike could
hear her
sighing over
the
phone.
Thankfully,
the Levines
entered.
"JenniAnn,
Rabbi Yakov
and Tiva are
here."
"Sweetheart,
what's wrong?"
Tiva asked.
"We... we went
to the theatre
earlier this
morning cause
Arthur and
Joshua were
gonna do some
repairs.
And Violeta
and I were
gonna help
Monica with
mending
costumes.
Then Andrew
had the
business
stuff.
So we got...
got there at
9:00 a-and the
police...
Matthew and
Tyron... were
there.
Joshua had got
there first
a-and someone
had spray
painted
swastikas
a-and hateful,
terrible
things.
They... they
wrote... I
can't say it."
"It's okay,
Psyche.
We get the
idea.
Was Joshua
harmed?" the
rabbi asked.
"I mean he...
he's
hurt.
But not
physically.
They musta
come in the
night.
That terrible
Eastville
group.
Anyway, I
thought maybe
Fr. Mike could
come down
here. I
think it'd be
good for
Joshua.
I'd love to
see the two of
you, too, but
I don't want
you to
see..."
JenniAnn began
to sob.
"My dear, I'm
sure I've seen
and heard it
all.
We'll come
together.
The three of
us," Yakov
promised.
"And I'll
bring rugelach
and
coffee.
Comfort
food.
It'll do you
all
good.
Now, you hang
up. You
go cuddle up
with your baby
and your...
Andrew... and
we'll be there
soon," Tiva
directed.
"You hear
that,
JenniAnn?" Fr.
Mike checked.
"Y-yes.
I... I love
you all."
"We love you,
too," the
priest
answered.
"We'll be
there very
soon.
Now, do as
Tiva said."
"'Kay.
G'bye."
Fr. Mike ended
the call then
held his head
in his
hands.
"I... I can't
believe
it."
Rabbi Yakov
frowned.
"I can."
He
sighed.
"Let's go."
*~*~*
Joshua had
insisted on
meeting Fr.
Mike and the
Levines
outside.
He wanted to
be there with
them when they
saw the
graffiti.
Andrew had
been equally
determined to
wait with
him.
They sat
together on
the bench,
staring out
into the
parking lot.
"This... I
didn't
envision this
at all during
those months I
wondered what
this would be
like when...
when you
came," Andrew
confessed.
Joshua
squeezed his
shoulder.
"I know."
"I never
thought the
word
'Christ-killer'
could get any
more offensive
and
wrongheaded
and cruel
b-but to hear
it flung at...
at you!"
"Andrew, their
words
hurt.
They
did. And
it grieves me
to know that
they've flung
hateful words
at so many
other
people.
And they will
answer for
that.
But... Violeta
told me she
loved
me.
Monica sat
with me and
hugged me as I
wept.
You defended
me."
"How did you
know about
that?"
"Matthew and
Tyron would
know to
question
everything,
including
me. And
yet they
didn't.
Obviously you
vouched for
me."
Andrew forced
a small smile
and nodded.
"JenniAnn and
Arthur made it
very clear
that they
don't want me
going
anywhere.
And she let me
hold your baby
again."
Joshua
smiled.
"Now Mike,
Yakov, and
Tiva have
dropped
everything to
come
here.
Those
things...
those words,
those
feelings...
that's what I
hold onto."
Andrew let out
a ragged sigh
and smiled
proudly at
Joshua.
"All my life
I've tried be
like
you.
Hearing you
talk like
that... I want
to be like you
even more but
it feels very
far off."
Joshua hugged
him.
"Just focus on
all the love
that's out
there
Andrew.
And then use
that love to
fight the
hate.
Sometimes it
might be hard
to see but
there's far
more love than
there is
hate."
"I... I
know. I
just don't...
don't like
seeing you
hurt."
Joshua knew
Andrew was
talking about
more than the
graffiti.
"We'll get
through
this... just
like we have
everything
that came
before."
He smiled,
glad when he
was able to
elicit one
from
Andrew.
Then he saw
the Levines'
car
approaching.
"Here they
come."
Rabbi Yakov
pulled his car
into the
lot. As
soon as he
parked, Fr.
Mike ran
towards Andrew
and Joshua.
"How are you
both?
The
others?"
He hugged
first Joshua
and then
Andrew.
"I'm fine,"
Joshua
replied.
"Everyone's
shaken but...
we're
here.
Together."
Andrew
nodded.
"Together," he
echoed.
Tiva made her
way to them
with the rabbi
a few paces
behind
her. She
clasped
Joshua's
hand.
"Oh...
You poor
boy!
You've spent
enough time
looking at
this
trash.
Let's get you
inside.
I have coffee
and rugelach
for everyone."
Joshua smiled
warmly.
"Thank you,
Tiva.
Shalom, Rabbi
Yakov."
"Shalom,
Joshua.
What a sight
to come
across..."
He glared at
the graffiti
then followed
the others
inside.
*~*~*
Shortly after
noon, Matthew
reentered the
theatre.
He smiled when
he saw the
lobby was
abuzz with
activity.
There was
clearly no
keeping Andrew
and his crew
down. He
made his way
to where the
angel of death
was visiting
with the
rabbi.
"Andrew, we're
done out
there.
You're free to
start
painting.
Tyron and I
wish we could
stay but..."
Andrew shook
his
hand.
"We
understand.
And we have
lots of
available
hands.
It won't take
us long.
Thank you."
"You're
welcome.
And you call
if anything
else
happens.
Anything."
"Absolutely,"
Andrew
promised.
"And Rabbi,
I'm praying
this doesn't
spread but..."
"We will be
alert,
Matthew,"
Yakov assured.
Seeing the
three talking,
Joshua turned
away from the
door he was
trying to keep
from
constantly
sticking.
He approached
and looked
hopefully at
Matthew.
"I just told
Andrew that
you're all
free to go out
there and
start
painting," the
detective
informed.
Joshua sighed
happily.
"Thank
you. And
please thank
Officer
Billings and
the
others.
We appreciate
all each of
you do to keep
us safe."
Matthew's
cheeks tinged
pink and he
smiled.
It wasn't that
he was never
praised for
his job.
He often was
among his
brothers and
sisters in
blue.
But things
with the
public... that
could get
sketchy.
"I... I will,
Joshua.
Thank
you.
That's good to
hear."
"It's
true.
Will you come
back to see
us?"
"Complimentary
tickets for
you and your
families,"
Andrew added
to sweeten the
deal.
Matthew
laughed.
"We'd like
that.
Thanks!
I already
caught Tyron
humming away."
Joshua beamed
and held out
his
hand. "I
look forward
to seeing you
then."
"Thanks!
Well, I'll get
out of your
hair
now.
Take
care.
Remember to
call...
anything
suspicious."
"We will,"
Andrew
promised
again.
"I'll walk
with you to
the door," the
rabbi offered.
"Thank
you."
Matthew smiled
and followed
him, turning
to wave back
to Andrew and
Joshua.
"It'll be good
for the both
of them to be
here for the
show, take
some time with
their
families,"
Joshua said so
quietly that
only Andrew
could hear.
"Is something
going on?"
Joshua shook
his
head.
"No more than
usual.
But if anyone
knows what it
is to make
sacrifices for
the greater
good, it's
people like
Matthew and
Tyron and
their
families."
He smiled once
more at
Matthew's
retreating
figure then
turned away
and began
grabbing the
paint cans
they'd brought
out from
storage.
"The police
are done,"
Andrew
announced to
the
others.
"If anyone
wants to help
paint, follow
Joshua."
Soon, everyone
was vying for
brushes, eager
to help erase
the words and
images of
hate.
Tiva
approached
JenniAnn.
"I'll take
Belle.
You should be
out there with
your friends."
JenniAnn
smiled
gratefully.
"Thank
you. I
really
appreciate
it."
Once she'd
transferred
Belle to Tiva,
who
immediately
began to dance
around with
the baby,
JenniAnn
hurried off to
join the
others.
After hauling
out everything
they would
need, the
group all
stood for a
few moments
and stared at
the graffiti.
"I think we
should pray
first," Joshua
suggested.
"I like that
idea very
much," the
rabbi agreed.
They all
joined hands
and then
Joshua began.
"Our Father in
Heaven, we
thank You for
the dedication
and hard work
of the police
officers who
responded to
our call
today.
Guide them,
protect them,
and help them
to know how
truly
appreciated
they are even
if they don't
hear it often
enough.
I thank You
for the
kindness, the
compassion,
and the love
of those
gathered here
now. May
we always
stand for love
and truth even
in the midst
of hate and
lies.
Please shine
Your light and
Your love upon
those who did
this.
Help them to
see that you
created all of
humanity to
glorify Your
image and to
spread Your
love.
Please help us
to forgive
them for in
failing to do
so, we will
only be giving
them and their
hate a place
in our
hearts.
Now and
forever, Thy
will be
done.
Amen."
"Amen," the
others echoed.
Fr. Mike
squeezed his
shoulder.
"That was
beautiful,
Josh."
JenniAnn
nodded,
already
replaying the
words about
forgiveness
over in her
mind.
Andrew let out
a deep
breath.
Hearing Joshua
pray always
restored his
sense of
well-being.
They all
turned to the
walls and
began to
paint.
*~*~*
Emma arrived
at the theatre
shortly after
3:00.
Though the
others had
covered the
graffiti,
another coat
or two was
needed.
Emma could
still make out
the dark
scrawls.
Reading them,
and seeing no
one, panic
quickly set
in. Her
hands shook as
she unlocked
the
door.
She hadn't yet
succeeded when
the knob began
to twist of
its own
accord.
A moment
later, Joshua
appeared.
"Sorry!" he
apologized.
"I was working
on this and
didn't
real..."
He stopped
speaking when
Emma hugged
him.
"Hi..."
Though
definitely
welcome, the
affection was
nonetheless
surprising.
He maneuvered
them into the
lobby.
"Wh-what
happened?"
Realizing what
she'd done,
Emma hastily
stepped away.
"Turns out a
hate group saw
our interview
and...
apparently
they have
views on a
Jewish man
playing
Jesus."
"But he was
Jewish!"
"You're
telling
me..."
Joshua bowed
his
head.
"Hate doesn't
really know
reason, Emma."
"I... I'm just
glad you're
okay.
When I saw
that...
that..."
Emma couldn't
bring herself
to say
it. The
worst of what
she'd seen was
"Die, Jewish
scum."
"They won't
hurt me,"
Joshua
assured.
"Well, not
physically.
And as for the
rest..."
He waved to
where the
others were
going about
their work and
politely
trying not to
look at
them. "I
have a lot to
counter that
with. We
spent most of
the afternoon
painting.
Just waiting
for the first
coat to
dry.
Should be
soon.
I'm glad it's
a warmer
day.
We'll be able
to go out in
another half
hour or
so.
Finish the
job."
"You're not
leaving?"
"Why would I
leave?"
"You're not
scared to be
here?"
Joshua
shrugged.
"No."
Emma
smiled.
"Good.
I'm glad."
Andrew
approached.
"Hi,
Emma.
You're here
earlier than I
thought you'd
be. I'm
sorry! I
was going to
call you to
warn you but I
didn't think
you got off
until 5:00 and
I didn't want
you to worry
about it until
you could come
here."
"I
understand.
We were slow
and so my
manager let me
go
early.
I... I just
can't
believe..."
Emma shook her
head, causing
some of her
hair to fall
from the large
clip she kept
it in.
She yanked the
clip out and
pressed
on. "I
guess I can
believe
it.
People can
be... really,
really
cruel. I
just don't
want to
believe
it. I'm
so sorry,
Joshua."
"You didn't do
it. But
thank
you."
Joshua
squeezed her
hand.
"It really
wasn't a bad
day at
all.
Come look at
how great the
costumes are
coming
along!
And you have
to meet the
Levines and
Fr. Mike!"
Andrew smiled
as Joshua led
Emma
off.
He'd seen the
hug.
Whatever
disunity and
strife the
hatemongers
had hoped to
encourage, it
seemed they'd
brought about
the exact
opposite among
their little
group.
The angel
prayed it
would be true
with the wider
community,
too.
*~*~*
Zeke gazed
around his
family's
dinner table,
his gaze
landing on his
son. He
cleared his
throat.
"I don't
believe we've
thanked God
for this meal
yet."
Sy set down
the sloppy joe
he'd been
prepared to
devour and
scowled at his
father.
Kendra grabbed
her brother's
hand then
bowed her
head.
"Dear Lord,
please bless
this
food.
Let it nourish
our bodies as
your Word and
your love
nourish our
souls.
And, please,
Lord, rain
down your
wisdom upon
those who left
those words
and signs of
hate on the
theatre.
We thank You
for allowing
us this meal
together.
Strengthen our
family.
Bless Diana,
Hailey, Sy,
Kendra, and
me,
please.
Amen."
"Amen," the
rest of the
family echoed.
"What happened
at the
theatre, Dad?"
Hailey asked.
Diana clucked
her
tongue.
"I got a call
from Emma
while your mom
and I were
cooking.
Seems some
hate group
left a bunch
of graffiti
and a cruel
voicemail
message."
"But why?"
Hailey
pressed.
"Sounds like
their main
objection is
that we have a
Middle Eastern
Jewish guy
playing
Jesus."
"Walked right
on into that
one," Sy
remarked with
a snicker.
Diana turned
to him with a
sharp
glare.
"Sy, it's not
funny."
"Are you and
Daddy going to
be safe
there?" Kendra
asked, picking
at her salad.
"Of course,
baby," Zeke
reassured.
"These types
are usually
too cowardly
to actually
confront
people.
Besides, Emma
said the
police will be
driving by
more
often.
And, Sy,
you've
complained to
me about
salespeople
following you
around their
stores.
You're a black
teenage
boy.
Walked right
on into that
one, did you?"
"It's not the
same!"
"Isn't it?"
Zeke
challenged.
"Joshua's a
good
man. He
doesn't
deserve
this. We
don't just
blindly accept
racism and bow
to it and
neither should
he."
Hailey smiled
at her father,
proud of
him. "I
wish Kendra
and I didn't
have choir
rehearsal
tonight.
I'd like to go
with you."
Kendra
nodded.
"We could
skip..."
Diana squeezed
their
hands.
"You girls
made your own
commitment and
you need to
keep it.
But maybe this
weekend?"
"Okay," Kendra
agreed as her
older sister
nodded.
The two girls
finished their
meals in a
hurry then
Hailey drove
them to their
church.
After loading
up the
dishwasher,
Diana and Zeke
gathered their
things and got
ready to
leave.
"Sy, you
staying in?"
Zeke asked.
"Yeah.
Got homework."
"Okay.
Hey, my
meeting
tomorrow
afternoon got
canceled.
What time's
your
practice?
Maybe I could
come by and
watch, cheer
you on."
"Dunno."
Diana's heart
ached when she
saw Zeke's
smile
falter.
Sy knew.
He just didn't
want to tell
his dad and
have him show
up.
"Okay.
Well, you let
me know if you
find out,
please."
Sy nodded, his
focus already
on the game
unfolding on
the TV.
Diana squeezed
her husband's
shoulders.
"Come on,
honey, we
don't want to
be
late."
She looked
over at
Sy.
"Don't forget
about the
homework.
Have a good
night,
Sy. Love
you."
"Yeah."
It was Zeke's
turn to
embrace his
wife, trying
to take away
the pain of
their son's
disinterest.
*~*~*
"So... the
bottom line is
we just need
everyone to be
vigilant but
not
paranoid.
We're not
going to let
these people
take away what
we have
here.
Because I, for
one, think
we've had a
really amazing
few days!"
Andrew
concluded
after giving
the entire
cast and crew
a rundown of
what had
transpired.
"So does
anyone have
any
questions?"
Shane turned
to
Joshua.
"How are you
doing, man?"
Joshua smiled
appreciatively.
"This morning
was rough but
I'm doing
great.
It feels good
to have
everyone
together.
And... I think
it's great
that our crew
has now
officially
grown by
three."
He beamed at
Fr. Mike and
the Levines.
"That's
right!
For those who
didn't have a
chance to
visit with
them earlier,
I'd like to
introduce
Rabbi Yakov
and Tiva
Levine of Beth
El Synagogue
and Fr. Mike
Solas, pastor
of St. Mary
Magdalene's
Catholic
Church,"
Andrew
introduced.
"They'll be
advising us as
we continue to
work on the
show and how
the various
characters are
depicted.
So...
Emma and I
talked and
since today's
been pretty
rough, we
thought we'd
leave it up to
all of
you.
Would you like
to start from
the top and
show Tiva,
Rabbi Yakov,
and Fr. Mike
what we
have? Or
would you
prefer to just
sit and talk
about our
plans for the
show?"
There was
murmuring
among the
crowd and then
Zeke,
seemingly
elected
leader,
spoke.
"First, I'm
really glad to
have the three
of you here
and thank you
for helping
with that
nonsense
outside.
Seems to us
that the best
way to get
your honest
opinions is to
show you...
not just tell
you but show
you... what we
have so far."
Rabbi Yakov
nodded.
"That makes
sense to
me.
You'll have to
excuse Tiva
and me if we
have to ask
questions,
though.
I took a class
on Christian
scripture many
years ago but
my memory
isn't what it
once was."
"I'm sure that
won't be a
problem," Fr.
Mike
assured.
"I think we'll
all have
questions."
"Right.
Well, first
off we'll have
the
Overture.
We've decided
we'll do a
short movie
recapping
Jesus' life up
until his last
week which is
when the show
is set," Emma
explained.
"And what sort
of things
would you show
in this
movie?" Tiva
questioned.
"My uncle's
going to let
us visit his
farm so we'll
get the
Nativity
there.
Jesus
strolling the
hills
preaching.
That sort of
thing," Edward
explained.
"John.
I'd like us to
involve John
the
Baptist.
Can we?" Max
asked.
"I like
him. He
seems very...
loud."
Joshua
chuckled.
"I bet I know
someone who
could play
him."
The angels and
Fr. Mike all
struggled to
not look at
each other,
knowing they'd
burst out
laughing if
they
did.
Yohannan would
be thrilled.
"I've seen the
show before,"
Tiva
offered.
"I must admit,
the music is
very
stirring.
But I was...
disappointed.
I know, of
course, that
Jesus of
Nazareth was
Jewish.
But nothing
about the show
would really
suggest that
to me barring
a few lines
here and
there.
It was
distressing to
see the high
priests
depicted as
very Jewish...
and they
were. I
know
that.
Jewish high
priests do
tend to be
Jewish!
But it did
give the
impression of
Jewish
villains
against
heroic...
other."
She reached
over to
squeeze
Joshua's
hand.
"I've not
known you
long, Joshua,
but you've
impressed me
thus far and
I've no doubt
you're a
credit to our
faith but..
when you're up
there... will
the audience
see that your
character is
also Jewish?"
"I hope
so."
Joshua briefly
rested his
other hand on
hers. "I
want for them
to see
that.
Actually, when
I was out
there this
morning, I
found myself
reciting the
Shema.
Then it
occurred to me
that, if
everyone is
willing, that
might be a
good way to
start the
show.
Even before
the
Overture.
If I could
come out and
recite those
ancient words,
words the
Jewish people
have recited
for
innumerable
generations...
words Jesus
himself
recited
countless
times... then
people would
instantly
understand
more of who he
was and how
much
Christianity
owes to
Judaism."
"I like that
idea very
much!"
The rabbi
smiled
widely.
"Jesus
Christ
Superstar
starting with
the
Shema!
Imagine!
In Hebrew?"
"I thought I'd
sing it in
Hebrew but
speak it in
English,"
Joshua
replied.
"Andrew, Emma,
do you think
that would be
okay?"
"I think it's
another thing
that would
really set us
apart, make
this a
production
unlike any
other. I
really like
it!"
Emma looked
over to
Andrew, hoping
he would
agree.
Andrew
couldn't have
been
happier.
"I love
it.
Definitely
have to do
that."
He grabbed his
notebook and
jotted the
idea down.
"JenniAnn
mentioned some
days ago that
you plan to
have a burial
scene.
Perhaps
someone could
say kaddish
and..."
Tiva's voiced
drifted off
when she saw a
few people
grimace.
"I'm sorry if
I've caused
offense or..."
Joshua shook
his
head. "I
think it's
just hard to
think of that
scene.
But
necessary."
Violeta
shivered
beside him and
he quickly
wrapped his
arm around her
shoulders.
JenniAnn
sniffled and
kissed
Belle.
"I agree that
someone should
kaddish for
you... for
Jesus," she
murmured.
Fr. Mike
brushed at the
tears that
spilled down
his
cheeks.
He smiled
gratefully
when Kemara
handed him a
tissue and
hugged him.
Joshua
nodded.
"I know it's
changed in
2,000 years
but the show
has enough
anachronisms
that we could
use modern
kaddish.
I think it
might be more
meaningful for
people that
way.
Perhaps Peter
could say it
in Hebrew."
Peter's eyes
went
wide. "I
don't know
Hebrew at all,
Joshua."
"I'll teach
you."
"Okay."
Peter's cheeks
flushed when
he noticed
Emma smiling
at him.
"And
Violeta... do
you think you
could do an
English
translation?
Even though
women were
exempt from
saying
kaddish, I
think Mary
would
have.
I'll help you
memorize it,"
Joshua
offered.
He knew she
would
struggle.
But he also
knew saying
those words
night after
night would
help her cope
with what
would precede
the prayer
each night.
Violeta
nodded.
"For you...
yes."
Tiva smiled at
them
all. "I
love your
ideas and I
think this is
a show that
will teach us
all a lot
about each
other."
"I
agree.
Now... let's
see some of
it, please!"
Rabbi Yakov
eagerly
requested.
Abandoning his
melancholy,
Fr. Mike
laughed.
"What he
said."
Once they'd
moved to seats
in the
audience,
Andrew took a
place beside
JenniAnn and
hugged
her.
"You okay?"
"Oh,
yes.
Just...
It all seems
more real
now."
Andrew kissed
her
hair. "I
know.
But Joshua's
safe.
We're all
safe," he
assured.
JenniAnn
patted his
cheek and
smiled.
"I know.
We have angels
with
us."
Andrew
returned her
smile.
"And we have
God with us,"
he added.
JenniAnn
looked to
where Joshua
was ensconced
amid the
others and
nodded.
*~*~*
"This, umm,
this is my
stop coming
up," Emma
announced, a
hint of
reluctance in
her voice as
the subway
rolled to a
stop.
"Oh.
Right.
Okay."
Peter reached
down to
retrieve her
bag from under
her seat.
"Thank
you. And
thank you for
coming this
far with
me. It
was nice...
especially
after what
happened."
Emma rose when
the car came
to a
stop.
She turned
away and then
quickly
back.
"Actually... I
don't think
I'll be going
to sleep for a
while.
Still a little
rattled.
Would you
maybe want to
get some
coffee?
Dessert
maybe?"
Peter blinked
up at
her. For
nearly a month
he'd debated
with himself
whether to ask
her out and,
since finding
the stone at
Jaz's grave,
he'd begun to
consider it
more
seriously.
But to have
Emma ask
him... even if
it was just
for
coffee!
"R-really?" he
stammered.
Emma looked
down at her
feet.
"Oh
well...
I mean, if you
don't want..."
"No! I
mean... I
do! I
just..."
Peter laughed
and rolled his
eyes.
"Sorry.
Let me try
this again:
Emma, thank
you. I
would really
love to get
some coffee or
dessert with
you." He
waved for her
to exit the
car
first.
Emma rewarded
him with a
bright
smile.
"Great.
I know a place
not far from
here.
Adrian's
Coffeehouse.
Ever been?"
Peter shook
his
head.
"Never."
"Insane!
It's just
around the
corner.
They have the
absolute best
double
chocolate chip
scones.
Do you like
chocolate?"
"That I do."
"Then we're
getting a
couple if they
have
them. My
thank you for
escorting me."
"You don't
need to do
that, Emma."
"I want
to.
And... I
really do
appreciate the
company.
I... It
hurt to see
the theatre
like that."
Peter
nodded.
"It did.
And for them
to go after
Joshua...
I don't
know.
Maybe it's the
stark contrast
to his
predecessor
but he just
seems so...
goodhearted."
"He
does."
Emma waved to
a blue and
white
awning.
"That's
it.
Since it's not
a weekend, it
shouldn't be
too
crowded."
Once inside,
Emma stepped
towards the
counter.
"Oh
good!
They still
have the
scones.
I was just
kidding,
though.
If you want
something
else..."
"Well, the
scones did
come highly
recommended..."
Peter
grinned.
"I'll stick
with a scone."
"How about a
drink?
I'm going for
cocoa."
Peter
laughed.
"You really do
like
chocolate."
"Always."
"Well, I like
a good
theme.
Let's go full
blown
chocolate.
I'll have
cocoa, too,
please."
It only took a
couple of
minutes for
their order to
be
ready.
They made
their way to a
booth near a
window.
Emma watched,
both intrigued
and surprised,
as Peter bowed
his head and
closed his
eyes.
After
finishing his
prayer, Peter
realized Emma
was looking at
him. He
blushed.
"Oh.
Habit.
Sorry if
it..."
Emma shook her
head. "I
remember
enough to know
that you're
not supposed
to apologize
for
praying.
And I don't
mind.
I've never
minded... just
long as people
don't try to
force me..."
Peter reached
over and set a
hand on her
arm. "I
would never
force you to
do anything,
Emma."
"Thanks."
Emma smiled at
him then took
a sip of her
cocoa.
"So... scone
verdict?"
Startled,
Peter grabbed
it up and took
a bite.
"Oh... mmm...
mmm huh."
Emma
laughed.
"Good, isn't
it?"
Reaching for
his cocoa,
Peter
nodded.
"Truly the
best scone I
have ever
tasted."
"Told
you!
So... you're
usually so
quiet at
rehearsal.
Sunday was
really the
first time
we've talked
much.
You said you
were from
Texas.
How did you
wind up here?"
"Oh.
Well, my...
umm, my wife
got a
scholarship to
Julliard."
Emma
blinked.
"You're
married?"
Peter shook
his head, a
soft smile on
his
lips.
"Widowed
actually."
"Oh... oh,
God,
Peter.
I'm so sorry."
"Thanks.
It was five
years
ago. Car
accident."
"What was her
name? I
mean if you
want to tell."
Peter
nodded.
"Jasmine.
I called her
Jaz."
"Pretty name."
"Suited
her.
But, so,
umm... how
about
you?
Native New
Yorker?"
Emma
laughed.
"Hardly.
Grew up near
Boston.
I came here
about eight
years ago."
Peter looked
at her in
surprise.
"By
yourself?
You couldn't
have been more
than..."
"Seventeen.
My mom gave me
$200 for a
prom dress and
I used it for
a bus ticket
instead.
Stayed with a
friend I met
over the
Internet for a
while."
Peter
grimaced.
"It wasn't
some weird,
creepy
guy.
Just another
girl who had
skipped town a
couple years
before me."
"Good.
So... why did
you leave?"
"This was more
my kind of
town, I
guess."
Peter could
tell there was
more to the
story but
opted not to
push.
"So...
Joshua.
What do you
think of
him? I
mean beyond
his being
goodhearted?"
Peter smiled,
glad to move
onto an easier
subject.
"Well, he's
incredibly
talented.
To look at
him, you'd
never think he
had that sort
of
voice."
He
chuckled.
"Actually, it
really took me
aback when he
first sang
'Buzz.'
There's a lot
of power
behind that
voice.
And, I don't
know, I just
feel better
about
everything now
than when
Eric..."
"Eric was a
menace."
"Yeah... he
was."
"I... I
inadvertently
hugged Joshua
earlier," Emma
confessed.
Peter
chuckled.
"How does one
inadvertently
hug someone?"
"Well, I guess
I meant
to. When
I saw all that
garbage on the
theatre... I
worried maybe
something had
happened to
him.
Then I opened
the door and
he was right
there.
And I hugged
him."
"He seems
huggable
enough, I
guess," Peter
gently teased.
Emma
laughed.
"It just... it
wasn't like
me."
"You were
shocked,
worried."
"True.
For him.
And for the
show. I
thought it
would be yet
another
blow... the
final
one. And
I still...
even though
she's gone...
I still want
this to happen
for
Lucy. So
how about
you? Why
have you stuck
around?"
Peter
blushed.
She was
definitely one
of the reasons
but he
couldn't tell
her
that.
"For
Lucy.
Doug,
too.
Andrew says
he'll come
back to see
the show and
want that for
him.
Because I...I
know something
of what he
feels.
And I know how
I clung to my
beliefs
then. If
I can help
bring to life
a story that
will comfort
Doug then I'd
like to do
that.
But... I did
have my
doubts.
And I did
almost give
up."
Peter thought
of his
discovery at
Jaz's
grave.
He couldn't
tell Emma
about that,
either.
Not yet.
"But something
told me not
to. And
I'm glad."
Emma reached
over and
squeezed his
hand.
"Me too."
They remained
that way for
just a moment
and, in that
moment, Peter
felt something
he hadn't for
a long
time.
For Emma, it
was a feeling
she'd never
known before.
*~*~*
Having not
succeeded in
unwinding
after the
unwanted
excitement of
the day and
the energy of
the rehearsal,
Andrew and the
others
gathered in
the living
room at Cora's
after Belle
had been
tucked away in
her crib.
"What a
day..." Kemara
sighed.
"And I wasn't
even there for
all of it."
JenniAnn
looked to her
with a sad
smile.
"Probably for
the
best.
It... it
was..."
"Terrible,"
Violeta
finished
quietly.
Andrew tucked
his arms
around
her. She
had already
seen so much
but she wasn't
used to seeing
such evil
words thrown
at someone she
knew and
loved...
especially not
at
Joshua.
Even their
assignment
with Ivy and
all the
vitriol her
bullies had
subjected her
to couldn't
have prepared
Violeta for
that
graffiti.
Andrew was
glad she
hadn't heard
the voicemail
message.
"It was," he
agreed.
"But look at
all the
support and
love that
surrounded
Joshua.
And everyone's
performances
tonight...
wow."
Violeta
smiled.
Andrew did
have a
point.
There had been
extra
tenderness in
the
performances
from Emma,
Kylie, and all
the
women.
And Zeke...
his torment
was so genuine
that Rabbi
Yakov had
interrupted
"Damned for
All Time" just
to be sure the
man wasn't
having a
nervous
breakdown.
Thankfully,
Zeke had been
able to assure
him that he
was only using
the emotions
of the day to
feed his
performance.
"Max, you were
really
wonderful,"
JenniAnn
complimented.
"There was a
fire there
that was so...
well,
zealot-like."
Max forced a
smile.
"Thanks.
I just thought
about wanting
to go after
those
people.
But I don't
think I should
use that
again.
What Joshua
said about
forgiveness
really stuck
with me.
About today
and... other
things."
JenniAnn
patted his
back then
turned to
Kemara.
"How you
holding up?"
Kemara
shrugged.
"I don't
know.
I've never
dealt with
anything like
this
before.
I've seen
those people
on the news
and read about
them.
But knowing
they're so
close, knowing
they targeted
someone I know
at a place I
go... It
worries
me. For
Joshua and for
all of us."
Andrew smiled
reassuringly
at her.
"It is
alarming.
But God's
protecting
us. And
I think it's
good the six
of us are all
here
together.
Safety in
numbers.
Not that
anyone planned
to but... I
think it's
best that no
one be walking
to and from
St. Genesius'
alone."
The others
nodded,
disinclined to
do so anyway.
"Joshua's
alone,"
Violeta
murmured.
"Sweetheart,
you know
that's not
really true,"
Andrew
countered,
gently pushing
some hair
behind her
ear.
"You know what
I mean."
"Well, we'll
just have to
make more of a
point to
invite him
over for
lunch.
Breakfasts,
too," JenniAnn
offered.
Max's face lit
up.
"Definitely!
I like talking
with him,
hearing about
how he sees
the world."
Kemara nodded
then changed
the
subject.
"I'm really
glad that
Rabbi Yakov
and Tiva
approved of
how 'Jesus
Must' is
staged and
performed.
And I like
their
suggestion
that Joseph
and Nicodemus
be at the
burial.
Not only does
it counter the
mistaken 'all
Jewish leaders
were bad' view
but... it's
accurate.
That was
Joseph's
tomb."
"It's good,
too, that Eli
and Henry can
pull off being
so
conflicted.
I'd say it was
surprising
but... I spose
on some level
it's
relatable."
JenniAnn
frowned.
"It is,"
Andrew
agreed.
"We all have
times when we
desperately
want to
intervene but
know we
can't.
Circumstances
are
different...
but I think
there's
similarity in
the conflicted
emotions."
"So... are you
still thinking
Monday for
when we start
Act II?" Max
asked.
Andrew removed
his arm from
Violeta's
shoulders just
long enough to
drag his hand
through his
hair.
"Emma and I
hope to but
we'll
see."
What he
wouldn't tell
them was that,
if the hate
group struck
again, they
would delay
it. But
he also knew a
time would
come when
delays were no
longer
possible.
JenniAnn
sighed.
"I think
Catherine and
Vincent and my
parents are
the only
people looking
forward to
that.
They'll start
taking turns
babysitting
Belle in the
evenings."
She looked to
Andrew.
"We... we
don't want to
scar her for
life."
Kemara looked
to both
parents with a
wan
smile.
"Belle really
does seem
taken with
Joshua.
Well, I mean
she seems to
enjoy cuddling
with
everyone.
But there's
just something
with him."
"He's
Jesus.
Of course she
loves him!"
Max joked.
Violeta
giggled while
Andrew smiled.
"Well... if I
want to be in
any sort of
shape to get
through
rehearsal
tomorrow, I
should get to
bed."
Kemara rose
and stretched.
"We all
should,"
JenniAnn
agreed.
"Especially
the two of us
who will need
to get up
several times
tonight."
Andrew
chuckled.
"And that'd be
me." He
stood and
hugged them
all good
night,
clasping
JenniAnn's
hand in both
of his.
"You promise
you'll get me
up when it's
my turn?"
"Yes."
JenniAnn
smiled.
Despite the
new sleeping
arrangements,
Andrew
insisted on
maintaining
the same
rotation.
He slept with
his cell phone
in his pajama
pocket and
every other
time Belle got
up, his cell
phone vibrated
with a message
from JenniAnn.
"Good."
He stroked her
hair when she
kissed his
cheek.
"See you all
in the
morning."
With that, the
five all
headed to
their rooms,
hoping to
enjoy sleep
uninterrupted
by worries.
*~*~*
Joshua sat by his window and carved as he
revisited the day. Though the memories of
the graffiti and voicemail still hurt, he felt
uplifted by the kindness and consideration of the
others. It had been reassuring to witness
and take part in the courteous, interested back
and forth between the cast, crew, Mike, Yakov, and
Tiva. Different as they all were, they
worked together beautifully.
Joshua paused and looked down at the object coming
forth from the wood. This one would be for
Emma. He just wished he knew when he'd be
able to give it to her. Setting the piece
down, Joshua approached the makeshift shelves
where the completed items were arranged. He
hoped to start giving more of them out soon.
But some... they would betray too much. He'd
have to wait until the recipients knew who he
was. And if they didn't discover before he
left... well, one day they would find their gift
packed away in a box or stowed on a long forgotten
shelf. They'd smile and try to remember
where the object had come from and why they'd ever
put it away. Or they might find it on
display in a thrift store or at a garage sale and
they'd wonder why no one else had grabbed it up
for such a low price. They'd never know that
it had been made just for them, left just for
them. Joshua loved watching people find and
treasure his handiwork. Still, it would be
something to be able to give them out in person.
Joshua picked up a small wooden bird and passed it
back and forth between his hands before he
returned it to its nest. He prayed that
everyone was sleeping peacefully but he knew that
was unlikely to be the case. He thought of
the Levines who had, too often, had to deal with
everything from careless slights to outright
bigotry. His heart went out to the angels of
death who had seen, in staggering and horrific
detail, the horrors of prejudice and hatred.
He remembered JenniAnn and Andrew listening to
Chava and weeping. So many of them had been
targeted by judgmental people at one point or
another whether it be because of race, religion,
sexual orientation, gender, or the myriad other
traits some ill-meaning people used as a reason to
strike out at their fellow children of God.
There would be nightmares and insomnia and
tears. Joshua longed to gather them to him,
to tell them that in his eyes they were beautiful
and worthy. But that, like the carvings,
would have to wait. And so would his work on
Emma's gift. Joshua's sight was beginning to
blur and his hands were growing less steady.
It had been a long day and he needed to rest.
Before turning into bed, Joshua moved back to the
window. He set his right hand on the glass
and stared out at the city. "I love
you. Good night, my sons and daughters," he
murmured.
*~*~*
Plotting
Friday,
March
7th
Hyper-alert
ever since
Belle's
arrival,
JenniAnn
roused when
she heard
crying.
It took her a
few moments to
realize the
sobs weren't
originating
with her
baby.
They were
muffled and
clearly coming
from another
room.
While it was
hardly a sound
anyone wanted
to hear,
JenniAnn was
relieved to be
awoken from a
nightmare
about shadowy
figures
surrounding
Joshua and
doing...
something.
She hadn't
known what
they were
doing, only
that it was
bad.
Pulling on her
robe and
stepping into
her slippers,
JenniAnn
checked on
Belle who was
snoozing
away.
After gently
patting her
tummy,
JenniAnn
exited the
room and
followed the
sound.
It had to be
either Kemara
or Violeta.
Following the
sounds to the
living room,
JenniAnn found
the angel
kneeling on
the couch and
staring out
the window at
the dimly lit
street.
"Violeta,
what's going
on?" the woman
whispered as
she
approached.
Violeta only
stared at her,
wishing it had
been Andrew
who had
come.
Andrew she
could be
honest with.
"Do you want
me to wake
Andrew up?"
After a
moment's
consideration,
Violeta shook
her
head.
JenniAnn took
a seat beside
the
angel.
She grabbed a
tissue and
began to wipe
at her
face.
"You wanna
talk about
something?"
Violeta
remained
silent for a
moment then
nodded.
She drew in a
deep,
steadying
breath before
speaking.
"What... what
if they hurt
him?
Joshua, I
mean.
I... I don't
think I
could... could
bear..."
JenniAnn
hugged
her. She
still didn't
know what was
going on in
Violeta's
heart but
maybe now was
a chance to
find
out.
"You feel
pretty
strongly about
Joshua, don't
you?"
"Y-yes.
Don't
you?"
Violeta was
sure JenniAnn
felt
something.
She had
to. How
could she
not? How
could anyone
not instantly
love
Joshua?
And
yet...
Violeta knew
some people
didn't.
The question
struck
JenniAnn.
Whatever
Violeta felt
for Joshua, it
seemed she
expected her
to feel the
same... and
maybe she
did.
Maybe Violeta
only cared
about Joshua
as a dear
friend
recently met
but who seemed
to have been
in their lives
for so much
longer.
The sentiment
was familiar
to JenniAnn...
as was the
nagging
feeling that
if anything
happened to
Joshua, she
would not be
able to
cope.
JenniAnn
nodded and
sunk back
against the
cushions.
"I do,
yes.
He's a
wonderful,
kind
person.
I like him a
lot. And
I really wish
that what
happened
hadn't
happened."
"A-andrew
wouldn't tell
me what the
voicemail
said."
JenniAnn
sighed.
"He didn't
tell me,
either, and I
think that's
probably for
the best."
"What if... if
they follow
him home one
night?"
Violeta felt
her whole body
begin to
shake.
She believed
Joshua when he
said he
wouldn't
die. But
he'd also said
he could be
hurt.
How
badly?
As badly as
Andrew had
been? A
chill went up
and down her
spine.
JenniAnn
tucked a
blanket around
the
angel.
In the dim
light and
disheveled,
Violeta
actually
looked like
the sixteen
year old she
was. "We
pray that
doesn't
happen."
But even as
she said it,
the image from
her nightmare
began to
return.
She wanted to
run into the
scene and grab
Joshua's hand
and pull him
away from the
shadows... to
safety... to
Cora's.
She
grimaced.
That was
ridiculous.
Joshua seemed
to be older
than her and
he was
certainly
wiser and
sturdier.
He could take
care of
himself.
And
yet...
She imagined
Violeta
sneaking out
of the house
in the dead of
night and
running off to
check on
Joshua.
If she went of
God's will
then, of
course, she
would be
protected.
But the young
angel also
seemed
distressed
enough to go
of her own
accord.
And then
what?
What if
something
happened to
her?
JenniAnn let
out a ragged
sigh.
"Violeta?"
"What?"
"Would you
feel better if
Joshua was
staying here
with us?"
Violeta sat up
straight and
grinned.
She threw her
arms around
the
woman.
It was as if
JenniAnn had
simultaneously
removed a
great weight
from her and
dispelled the
ice creeping
through her
veins.
"Yes!" she
cried,
blushing when
she heard the
volume of her
own
voice.
"Yes, much,
much better,"
she
whispered.
"Are you going
to invite
him?"
JenniAnn
laughed
quietly and
patted the
angel's
hair.
"We'll need to
check with
Max, Kemara,
and Andrew
first.
And I should
really run it
by
Vincent.
It would mean
his having to
be a lot more
careful
visiting
us. And
if they all
agree... I
think it's
best we have
Andrew ask
him.
Just... more
proper.
But keep in
mind that even
if they all
agree, Joshua
may say
no. And
if he does, we
have to
respect that."
Violeta nodded
effusively.
She knew
Joshua
wouldn't turn
them
down.
And she
doubted any of
the others
would.
"Where would
he stay?"
"Well, there's
the room Adam
stayed in
Thanksgiving
before
last.
Or..."
"The attic
room!"
Violeta could
already
envision
Joshua staying
there.
She loved that
room and had
chosen to stay
with Kemara
only because
she wanted the
company and to
be near if
Andrew or
JenniAnn
needed help
with Belle.
"Right.
We'll have to
think about
it. I
don't wanna
stick him up
there and have
him feel
excluded
but... I also
don't wanna
have him on
the main floor
and feeling
crowded after
having his own
apartment."
JenniAnn
troubled over
it for a
moment then
shook her
head. It
was too soon
to even think
about
that.
"We can't do
anything about
it til the
daytime so...
think you can
go back to
bed?"
Violeta
nodded, still
smiling.
She reached
into the
pocket of her
robe, her hand
closing around
the carved
duck and
duckling
statue.
Joshua was
coming to stay
with them...
JenniAnn hoped
the angel
wasn't getting
her hopes up
for nothing
but at least
her tears had
stopped.
"Good.
Let's both
settle back in
then."
Still
clutching her
ducks, Violeta
got to her
feet and
hugged
JenniAnn
again.
"Thank
you. I
love you."
"I love you,
too. And
you're
welcome."
JenniAnn
walked her to
her bedroom
door then
padded back to
her own
room.
She once again
checked on
Belle who was
sleeping as
soundly as she
was
before.
JenniAnn
smiled and
bent over her
cradle.
"Well, my
girl, your
best bud might
be joining us
soon," she
whispered.
Belle let out
a little sigh
which her
mother took as
indication of
approval.
JenniAnn
kissed her
daughter's
forehead then
sunk back into
her bed.
Despite her
admonition to
Violeta to not
get her heart
set on Joshua
coming,
JenniAnn began
to mentally
compile a
to-do list for
his impending
stay.
*~*~*
Andrew was
roused shortly
after 5:00 AM
by his phone
vibrating.
He grabbed his
glasses from
the nightstand
then shuffled
across the
hall to
JenniAnn's
room and
scooped up the
crying baby.
"I can hold
her while you
make the
bottle,"
JenniAnn
whispered as
she flicked on
her bedside
lamp.
"You should
try to get
more sleep,
Laja. I
can do
it."
"Please."
Andrew turned
and saw the
tears in her
eyes. He
handed Belle
to her and
kissed her
forehead.
"Of
course.
I'll be right
back."
The angel
prayed as he
prepared the
baby's
bottle.
He'd known
JenniAnn had
been shaken by
the
graffiti.
Everyone had
been.
But there was
more to it
than
that.
Once the
bottle was
ready, Andrew
returned to
the room and
sat down
beside
JenniAnn.
Smiling,
JenniAnn
placed Belle
in her Uncle
Andrew's arms
then watched
silently for a
few moments as
she began to
suck down her
formula.
"That's what
ya wanted,
huh?" the
angel of death
cooed.
"Now maybe
Mama will tell
me what she
wants."
He cast a
soft, pointed
glance at
JenniAnn.
JenniAnn
snuggled
against them,
trying not to
revisit the
dreams that
had grown more
terrible since
she'd parted
from
Violeta.
"Just stupid
nightmares."
"Because of
what happened
today?"
The woman
nodded.
"About Chava
and David
a-and Joshua."
"All
together?"
"Not
really..."
"Do you want
to tell me
about it?"
"Yes.
But..."
"I'll be
fine," Andrew
reassured.
Though his
arms were
full, he
managed to
nuzzle her
hair.
"We... we were
in the
forest.
Like they had
been.
Trying to
escape.
All of
us. And
Joshua.
A-and it was
like what
happened with
David.
They knew
we... we were
out there
so... so
Joshua...
went."
JenniAnn began
to sob.
Tears spilled
down Andrew's
cheeks.
"My Laja," he
murmured.
"I... I... all
of us... could
hear... hear
him screaming
a-and then...
then
nothing.
Silence."
JenniAnn
rested her
forehead
against
Andrew's
shoulder and
remained
silent until
she began to
breathe
easier.
"I know I
just... just
conflated what
happened today
with... with
Chava's story
cause... cause
seeing that
awful symbol
made me think
of what she...
she suffered
and lost b-but
when I first
woke up all...
all I could
think was that
I... I
couldn't live
with his blood
on... on my
hands.
And I... I
don't want him
to d-die."
Andrew felt
his stomach do
a
somersault.
How would she
react when she
found out
Joshua had
died for
her?
Andrew knew he
would have to
tread
lightly... so
lightly.
"Laja, Joshua
is not going
to die.
And
if..."
He let out a
sigh.
"David gave
his life for
Chava and
Felix and
Hanna and
Flora because
he loved
them. He
wouldn't have
wanted them to
just... just
fixate on his
sacrifice.
He'd want them
to live.
I'm very sure
that if he
were ever in a
similar place,
Joshua would
feel the
same.
He'd want his
sacrifice to
be honored and
remembered...
but not reason
to give up and
cease to
live.
And in that
hypothetical
situation... I
would need you
to live, want
you to
live."
He kissed her
hair.
"So would
Belle.
And a whole
lot of other
people."
JenniAnn
nodded,
already
feeling better
just hearing
Andrew reason
it out.
"I... I
know.
Sorry.
I'm just
being...
over-dramatic,
I guess.
And I... I
think I'm just
projecting...
too much."
Andrew
strained to
hear what
JenniAnn
mumbled but
could only
make out
"Jesusy" and
"the movie Vertigo."
He nuzzled her
hair.
"Laja, take a
deep breath."
She obeyed.
"Now what's
this about Vertigo?"
"I just... I
don't want my
feelings for
Joshua hinging
on my thinking
he... he looks
like someone
else. I
mean it'd be
awesome if
Jesus was here
but Joshua has
a right to be
here and I
shouldn't be
wishing he was
someone else
and... I don't
wanna be the
scary Jimmy
Stewart
character."
Andrew laughed
softly.
"Laja, I
promise you
that Joshua is
not going to
think you're
scary.
And you
definitely
don't look
like Jimmy
Stewart."
JenniAnn
laughed.
"Okay.
Thank you for
humoring
me." She
smiled
lovingly at
him as she
stroked his
whiskery
cheek.
"Ever wish
you'd wound up
doing this
with any one
of the
bazillion
other women
throughout
time who are
probably less
neurotic?"
"Never."
JenniAnn was
grateful that
she was
sitting
down.
Between the
combination of
tenderness and
intensity in
the angel's
eyes and the
way he spoke
the word with
that soft
accent of his,
she was sure
she would have
wound up on
the floor if
she'd been
standing.
"Thank you,"
she murmured.
"You're
welcome.
I mean
it."
Seeing that
Belle was
finished with
her bottle and
sleeping,
Andrew rose to
return her to
her cradle
after giving
JenniAnn a
moment to kiss
her. He
bent to kiss
the little
one's hair
himself then
sat back down
at the edge of
JenniAnn's bed
and took her
hand in
his.
"Now, try to
get some
sleep,
please.
Busy day ahead
of us."
JenniAnn bowed
her head and
smiled.
Maybe busier
than he
realized...
They may need
to prep a room
for their
visitor.
She thought
about asking
Andrew right
then but
decided it
would be best
to check with
Kemara and Max
first.
Andrew seemed
to really like
Joshua and she
didn't want
him getting
prematurely
excited.
Still, surely
it wouldn't
hurt to plant
a seed of the
idea.
"Yeah.
But first... I
thought you
should know
that earlier
in the night I
got woken up
by
crying.
And it wasn't
Belle.
Violeta was in
the living
room.
She was
worried about
Joshua, too,
and crying
for... for
him.
She's back in
bed now but...
well, you may
need to talk
to her.
Maybe we can
do something
to... to make
us all feel
better."
Andrew smiled
sadly.
"I hope
so. Poor
Violeta...
Thank you for
helping her
through
that.
I'll talk to
her."
"She's very
attached to
him," JenniAnn
mused as she
snuggled back
against her
pillows.
"She
is."
Andrew hugged
her.
"We'll talk
more about it
all
later.
Get some
rest."
"'Kay. I
love you."
"Love you,
too."
JenniAnn
smiled wearily
after Andrew
as he left the
room.
*~*~*
Andrew
wondered what
was going on
when, at odd
moments, he
caught each of
the four
others around
the breakfast
table casting
conspiratorial
looks
at each
other.
Even Belle,
gazing up at
him as she
rested in his
arms, seemed
to know
something was
afoot.
Finally, he'd
had enough
suspense.
"All right,
spill
it.
What's going
on?"
Max chugged
down some
orange juice
then
grinned.
"A plot..."
"What sort of
plot?" Andrew
pressed.
Violeta
giggled.
Kemara
smiled.
She'd been a
bit taken
aback when,
shortly after
she'd awoken,
Violeta had
broached the
subject of
inviting
Joshua to move
in.
Despite still
not feeling
entirely
comfortable
with the man
simply because
they had met
too recently
for her to get
a good feel
for him,
Kemara had
agreed to the
plan. It
wasn't right
what had
happened to
Joshua and she
could imagine
how meaningful
it would have
been to her if
someone...
fives someones
at that... had
invited her
into the
safety of
their group
when she had
been cast out
and
mistreated.
Max smiled at
JenniAnn.
"Maja, I think
you should
fill Andrew
in." He
had been
thrilled when
she had
cornered him
that morning
and asked his
thoughts on
inviting
Joshua to stay
with
them.
Max was truly
impressed with
the fellow and
looked forward
to the
opportunity to
get to know
him
better.
He also had to
admit that he
liked the idea
of having
another man
around.
If any of
those idiots
tried anything
at the
house... well,
there was
safety in
numbers.
"Laja..."
Andrew
prompted.
He wondered if
their
secretiveness
had anything
to do with
their
discussion
about Joshua
earlier that
morning.
"Well... I
still need to
check with
Vincent which
I will this
morning before
classes...
but... we
think you
should invite
Joshua to come
here and stay
with us.
We think it
might be
safer.
Better."
JenniAnn
reached over
and took his
hand.
"Please.
Just
ask. If
he says no
then we won't
bring it up
again b-but...
I... I think
we'd all feel
better if he
was at least
given the
option... and
knew the offer
was sincerely
meant."
Andrew bowed
his head,
blinking back
tears.
He brought
JenniAnn's
hand to his
lips.
He'd known as
she confided
in him about
her nightmare
and Violeta's
late night
weeping that
she'd wanted
to say more
but
this...
It was beyond
what Andrew
could have
hoped.
It would mean
so much to
Joshua.
JenniAnn held
her
breath.
She'd been
half expecting
Andrew to veto
the idea,
necessitating
a
debate.
She was used
to him being
the voice of
reason.
And yet...
even though it
made little
sense when she
thought about
it, she
couldn't stop
feeling that
Joshua *had*
to be with
them.
She prayed
Andrew would
agree.
"Talk to
Vincent.
Text me when
you have your
answer.
If Vincent
agrees, I'll
ask Joshua
this
morning.
I'm meeting
him at St.
Genesius' at
10:00," Andrew
finally
replied.
Violeta pushed
back her chair
and hugged
Andrew.
"Thank you,"
she murmured.
Andrew patted
her
cheek.
"Of
course.
I think it's
great you're
all being so
welcoming.
I know it'll
mean a lot to
Joshua."
JenniAnn
beamed.
"Well, I guess
that's my cue
to get Belle
ready and head
off to the
Tunnels.
Although
actually...
Andrew, do you
wanna keep her
and then come
Below to drop
her off with
me in enough
time to get to
the
theatre?
I might have
an answer by
then."
Andrew nodded,
glad to have a
little time
for just him
and Belle once
JenniAnn,
Kemara, and
Max were off
to work.
Violeta would
be tagging
along with the
latter because
of some sort
of special Harry
Potter
event at his
comic
store.
"Sounds like a
plan."
Violeta gave
out a relieved
sigh.
*~*~*
Vincent
replayed the
question in
his head,
wondering if
he had
understood
correctly.
Had Psyche
actually just
asked him if
she could...
or rather have
Andrew... ask
a man they'd
only just met
to stay with
them?
That it was
his house
mattered
little to
Vincent.
But she was
his
godchild!
And Belle his
granddaughter!
And this man
was a
stranger!
"I know you'd
love Joshua if
you met him,
Vincent!
And I really
hope you
can.
Cause I think
he'd love
getting to
know
you. He
just... has
this way about
him!" JenniAnn
gushed.
Shaking
himself out of
his disbelief,
Vincent
continued
setting books
on the
children's
desks.
"And you trust
this man?" he
asked.
"I... I can't
really tell
you why but,
yes, I do."
Vincent tried
to make sense
of it
all.
Rabbi Yakov
had visited
him late the
previous
night, Owen,
Eliot, and
Brittony with
him. All
four had
testified to
Joshua's
seeming
goodness.
They had also
related
detailed
information
about the
nature of the
graffiti
attack.
Then there was
Owen's earlier
report from
the
party.
Joshua had
been very kind
to him.
Catherine
hadn't spent
too much time
with the man
at Adrian's
but had found
nothing to
fault in
him. And
this fellow
could hardly
be blamed for
Psyche's
fanciful
theory about
Belle's cured
eczema.
Still...
Vincent knew
that if he
agreed then
this Joshua
would be
consistently
near his
goddaughter
and his
grandchild not
to mention
four of his
friends.
But then if
Andrew had
already
agreed...
Andrew was not
so easily led
by his
emotions as
Psyche
was. It
was part of
what made them
a good...
match, pair,
team?
Vincent had
never been
able to decide
what term best
suited
them.
Whatever the
most
appropriate
word was,
Andrew's love
for Psyche and
Belle was
immense and
unquestionable.
He would never
put them at
risk.
Maybe he knew
something
about this
Joshua...
something
good.
JenniAnn's
heart sank
when Vincent
failed to
reply.
"I'm
sorry.
It's your
house.
And I do
realize this
would
complicate
things with
visits but..."
Vincent shook
his
head.
"Psyche,
no. I
don't mind
that at
all." He
smiled.
"I care more
about the
people inside
it than I do
the house and
I know I'll
still see
you. My
concern is
only for your
safety.
You've only
just met this
man." He
paused,
running his
fingers along
the edges of a
book as he
thought.
She had once
only just met
Chava and Owen
and Max and
Kemara and so
many others
Vincent now
loved and
cared
for.
And, when only
a little girl,
Psyche had
immediately
trusted
him.
What would his
life be like
if someone had
been urging
her to be
cautious and
she'd stayed
away from him
as a
result?
Then, too, he
had not so
much as
exchanged a
single word
with his
Catherine when
he'd first
brought her
Below.
What if he
hadn't trusted
in the still,
small voice
that had
ensured him he
was right to
bring her to
Father and not
abandon her on
a hospital's
stoop?
It was too
horrible to
consider.
What if that
still, small
voice spoke to
Psyche
now?
Vincent
strained to
listen for it
but all he
heard was his
godchild
nervously
playing with
her
necklace.
The cross.
Vincent moved
to JenniAnn's
side and
pulled her
into a
hug. "I
would be
honored to
have Mr.
Davidson as a
guest in my
home."
JenniAnn
nestled her
face against
his sweater as
tears of
relief stung
her
eyes.
"Thank you,
Vincent.
So much."
"There will be
one condition,
however."
JenniAnn
peered up at
him.
"If he does or
says anything
that makes you
or any of the
others
uncomfortable...
the invitation
is
withdrawn.
Immediately."
JenniAnn
smiled and
nodded.
She was thirty
one years old
and still
liked knowing
that her
godfather
looked out for
her... even
when she was
sure it was
unnecessary.
"Got it.
Love you."
"I love you,
too."
Vincent kissed
her hair then
stepped
away. He
held a book
out to
her.
"Now... will
you help me
teach The
Tempest?
Be Miranda to
my Prospero?"
JenniAnn
giggled.
"Oh, I dunno,
Vincent.
I'm not sure I
have it in me
to portray a
girl with a
protective
father.
I have no idea
what that
would be
like..."
VIncent folded
his arms over
his chest and
glared, his
brilliantly
blue eyes
alight with
amusement.
After another
bout of
laughter,
JenniAnn took
the book from
him then
wrapped her
fingers around
one of
his. "I
will, always
and forever,
be Miranda to
your
Prospero.
And... I am
truly grateful
to you for
agreeing to
let us ask
Joshua.
You won't
regret
it. I
promise."
Vincent smiled
tenderly at
her. "I
believe
you. I
hope you all
enjoy your
time
together.
Perhaps it
will be good
for you to be
around each
other so much
as yourselves
and not... in
theatre
mode."
Now that he
thought about
it, there was
reason in
that.
Maybe his
Psyche
wouldn't get
too hung up on
this man's
portrayal of
Jesus if she
had to live
with the
reality of
him.
Maybe he would
turn out to be
kind and good
but with a
trait just
annoying
enough to keep
her from
projecting her
love of Christ
onto him in
unhealthy ways
that were
bound to lead
to
heartache.
Yes, maybe
everything
would be just
fine.
*~*~*
Andrew found
Joshua behind
the theatre,
chisel in
hand. He
was humming
his mother's
lullaby as he
worked.
When he
noticed
Andrew, he
smiled up at
him but
continued.
For a few
moments, the
angel simply
watched.
Those hands
had created
him and
everything he
knew, everyone
he'd ever met,
everywhere
he'd ever
been.
They'd brought
to life the
very person
who had
painted the
hateful symbol
Joshua was now
decimating.
"Do you want
to help?"
Joshua asked.
Andrew nodded
eagerly.
Joshua scooted
over and
handed Andrew
a hammer and
chisel.
"Just place
the chisel
right above
the paint and
chip off just
enough to
erase it."
After getting
a good feel
for how strong
his blows
should be,
Andrew set to
work.
Joshua beamed
as specks of
painted stone
fell to the
ground.
"You're making
quick work of
your side!"
Andrew
smiled.
"Thanks."
They worked
for another
few minutes,
Joshua
resuming his
humming and
Andrew
listening.
Soon there was
no trace of
the
graffiti.
"Much better,"
Joshua
declared.
Andrew
nodded.
"It is.
Thanks for
letting me
help. It
was...
therapeutic."
"Good."
"So... were
you okay last
night? I
couldn't stop
thinking about
you. I
know you're
never alone
but..."
Joshua hugged
his
shoulders.
"I did just
fine.
How was
everyone at
Cora's?" he
asked, concern
evident in his
eyes.
"Well... also
fine...
fine-ish.
Actually, I'd
like to talk
to you about
something,
Joshua.
Inside would
be better."
Curious,
Joshua scooped
up his tools
and followed
Andrew into
the theatre.
After washing
up, they sat
beside each
other with
their legs
dangling over
the edge of
the stage.
"Violeta had a
rough night,"
Andrew
admitted.
"And Laja had
a nightmare."
Joshua
frowned.
"I'll talk to
them both
today.
Reassure
them."
"I know you
will but... I
think
something else
might help,
too."
Joshua
chuckled when
he noticed
that Andrew's
cheeks had
taken on a
pink
hue.
"Hey, it's
just me!
What's going
on?"
"Just
you..."
Andrew
smiled.
"So... in the
middle of the
night,
JenniAnn and
Violeta
hatched a
plan.
Then this
morning they
ran it by
Kemara and
Max. And
just a little
bit ago,
JenniAnn got
Vincent's
approval
and... hey,
come to think
of it, no one
ever asked
me!"
Amused, Joshua
shook his
head.
"So what did
you get roped
into?"
"Nothing.
Once I heard
the plan, I
really did
approve.
Joshua, we
think you
should come
stay with us
at
Cora's.
I know it
might
complicate
some things
but what do
you
think?
Do you want
to?"
Andrew fiddled
with the
zipper of his
coat as he
waited for the
answer.
Joshua was
blindsided.
Andrew pressed
on. "I
know it might
be hard to be
so close to
them, living
like a family,
and you not
being able to
tell them
that, well,
that's exactly
what we
are.
A-and you the
head of it
but... Joshua,
they were all
really shaken
and..."
Joshua felt a
tear roll down
his
cheek.
Everything in
him wanted to
accept the
offer.
But he had to
proceed with
caution.
He knew them
all better
than they knew
themselves and
even though he
knew they
sincerely
cared and
meant the
invitation, he
didn't want to
take advantage
of their
kindness.
He didn't want
to take away
the comfort
they felt
gathered
together at
Cora's.
He didn't want
Andrew and
Violeta to be
crushed if
things didn't
go as well as
they
hoped.
"JenniAnn,
Kemara, and
Max think they
barely know
me," he
pointed out.
Andrew heard
the grief in
Joshua's
voice.
It was an old
grief, one as
old as
Eden. He
squeezed his
hand and
nodded.
"Yeah.
They do.
But... I
think they
recognize you
on some
level.
Maybe not as
yourself quite
yet. But
as someone
good, someone
loving,
someone they
don't want
anything bad
to happen
to. And
Violeta...
she's not...
not used to
this.
Not that
anyone gets
used to it
but..."
Joshua peered
over at
Andrew.
He'd noted as
soon as he saw
him how
wearied he
looked.
Now Joshua
knew the
tiredness
didn't just
come from
caring for
Belle.
Andrew had
done his share
of tossing and
turning.
Still, this
was
touchy.
"What about
Vincent?
It's his
house.
And if I'm
there, he
won't come
visit. I
hope he didn't
feel pressured
into this."
Andrew shook
his
head.
"Surprised.
A little
concerned.
But Vincent
knows I trust
you. I
told
him.
And... and
thankfully
these days he
trusts
me.
He'll still
see JenniAnn
and Belle
several times
a week.
So... he
consented to
my extending
the
invitation."
Joshua dragged
his hand
through his
hair.
They clearly
hadn't entered
into this
lightly.
He looked to
Andrew and
smiled
softly.
"When?"
Andrew's face
brightened.
"We'd welcome
you tonight if
you
wanted.
But if there
are loose ends
you need to
tie up at the
apartment...
tomorrow?
So... are you
saying yes?"
Joshua hugged
Andrew and
nodded.
"Yes.
Thank
you." He
drew in and
let out a deep
breath then
looked to the
angel with a
crooked
smile.
"You said to
give it a week
and JenniAnn
would ask me
to move in
with you."
Andrew
chuckled.
"She's a day
quicker than I
reckoned.
And prefers to
work through
an
emissary."
He hugged
Joshua
back.
"I'm really
glad you're
doing
this. I
think... I
think it'll be
good for
everyone."
"I truly hope
so.
I'm..."
Joshua
sighed.
"There are
some things
this language
just can't
express.
But I am
touched."
"Good.
So when do you
think?"
"I would like
one night at
the
apartment.
To prepare and
pack.
I've made a
couple
friends, Mrs.
Everly among
them.
I'll give them
Yohannan's
number in
case..."
"You can give
them mine,
too," Andrew
offered.
"Thank
you. I
will. I
think tomorrow
will be
better, too,
because I
don't want
anyone rushing
around this
afternoon
trying to get
things ready
by tonight."
Andrew
nodded.
Of course
Joshua would
think of
that.
JenniAnn would
fly into a
tizzy
regardless but
it would have
been even more
frenzied if
she'd had mere
hours to
prepare as
opposed to a
full
day. "Do
you need help
with anything
at your place
first?
Packing?"
Joshua shook
his
head.
"No.
Thank you,
though."
Andrew sensed
it would be a
different sort
of preparation
that Joshua
would need the
most time
with. It
occurred to
him that what
Joshua would
experience at
Cora's would
be something
like if, when
he and
JenniAnn had
taken Belle
home, he'd
been allowed
to remain near
his baby but
not permitted
to cuddle her
or kiss her or
hold her when
she cried...
prevented from
telling her
how much he
loved
her.
Joshua was a
mother hen who
longed to
gather his
chicks to
him... but his
chicks would
be
uncomfortable
if he
did.
"Is it harder
for you to be
here
physically and
in some ways
kept from them
or... or to
not be here
with them
physically at
all?"
Joshua patted
the angel's
back.
"After
fourteen years
of watching
and
whispering, I
am so happy
for this...
however
limited.
And maybe...
being so
close..."
"They'll
realize
sooner,"
Andrew
finished.
Joshua
nodded.
Though there
were tears
welling in his
eyes, he
beamed.
Whatever
JenniAnn,
Kemara, and
Max came to
believe and
feel about
him, Joshua
loved them and
always
would.
Now he would
have even more
time to help
them recognize
that.
More time,
too, with
Andrew,
Violeta, and
Belle.
"The
dogs...
You have the
dogs with you,
right?"
Andrew
chuckled.
"Yes.
I'm sure
they'll greet
their old
friend with
reckless
abandon!"
Joshua
grinned.
"Hope
so." He
tilted his
head to
Andrew's phone
which was
sitting at his
side.
"Could you
please text
them?
They won't
settle down
until they
know."
Andrew
smiled.
"Of course."
As the angel
sent the
messages,
Joshua's eyes
drifted
upwards.
He thanked his
Father for the
blessing which
had come to
him.
*~*~*
Joshua worked
on fixing a
shelf in the
costume room
as he waited
for Andrew to
arrive with
his
housemates.
To pass the
time, Joshua
tried to plot
out the words
he would use
in accepting
their
invitation.
"Thank you
very much for
the
invitation.
I gladly
accept and am
honored by
your generous
offer."
He wrinkled
his
nose. It
might have
worked if they
were inviting
him to a state
dinner...
As it was, it
sounded
stilted.
"So cool of
you to invite
me!
We're going to
have a great
time!
Thank you!"
No. Too
casual.
It wasn't as
if they were
inviting him
because they
thought it
would be
fun.
They were
worried for
him and he
needed to
acknowledge
that... but
not encourage
it. He
didn't want
them to think
he actually
was in danger.
"Thank you so
much for
asking me to
stay with
you.
Your
thoughtfulness
means so much
to me and I'm
really looking
forward to
staying with
all of you."
That would
work.
He'd just have
to keep
himself from
saying out
loud the "I
love you" that
he badly
wanted to tag
onto the
end.
Another
thought struck
Joshua.
Should he
offer to pay
for room and
board?
He knew
JenniAnn
wouldn't take
it. It
was Vincent's
house and
she'd feel
terrible
taking money
from him when
none of them
were paying
Vincent.
But she
wouldn't know
he knew she
felt that
way.
Surely it
would seem odd
to not
offer...
He
would.
Then, when she
refused, he'd
just keep the
money and pick
up groceries
and other
necessities
for
them.
And there were
a few minor
repairs at
Cora's that he
could tend
to.
Joshua heard
the side door
open. A
moment later
there was a
rush of
footsteps.
Recognizing
them, he
smiled and
braced
himself.
Violeta sprung
into the room
and flung
herself at
Joshua.
"You're
staying with
us!" she
cried.
Joshua
smiled.
"In no small
thanks to your
plotting.
I'm very glad
about
it." He
stroked her
hair.
"You doing
okay tonight?"
Violeta nodded
then burrowed
her face into
his shoulder.
"I'm sorry
that you were
so upset last
night.
Do you want to
talk about
it?"
"Could they
hurt
you? I
mean your
feelings
obviously
but..."
"Not badly if
at all."
"'Kay."
Joshua hugged
her.
"Let's go out
with the
others.
I want to
thank them."
Beaming,
Violeta
released her
hold of him
then walked
with Joshua to
the stage area
where Andrew,
JenniAnn,
Belle, Kemara,
and Max were
gathered.
"Josh!" Max
greeted.
"Coming home
with us
starting
tomorrow,
right?"
Joshua
smiled.
"Yes, I
am.
Thank you all
so much for
asking
me. Your
thoughtfulness
means a lot...
more than I
can say... and
I'm really
looking
forward to
staying with
you." And
I love you.
JenniAnn let
out the breath
she was
holding.
While Andrew
had assured
her of
Joshua's
answer, it
helped to hear
it from his
own
lips.
"I'm so
glad! I
just think
it... it'll be
for the best
and..."
She looked to
Andrew for
help, sure
she'd say
something
potentially
alarming if
she continued.
"And I think
we'll all rest
easier this
way," the
angel of death
finished.
He knew it was
true.
"I hope you
enjoy your
stay, Joshua,"
Kemara added,
her eyes
flitting to
his briefly.
Joshua smiled,
his hands
tucked behind
his
back.
"I'm sure I
will."
Sensing that
Joshua was
struggling to
keep himself
in check,
Andrew decided
to get down to
business.
"Well... since
we did a run
through last
night, maybe
we'll just go
over
choreography-heavy
numbers
tonight.
Then we'll go
through all of
Act I
tomorrow.
Emma and I
really wanted
to give
everyone
Sunday off but
maybe we could
have an
optional
planning
session for
Act II then?"
"Sounds good
to me!" Max
agreed.
Joshua
nodded.
"Me too."
JenniAnn sat
her hand on
Joshua's
forearm.
"Tiva and
Rabbi Yakov
will be back
tomorrow.
Maybe you
could rehearse
the Shema
opening then,
Joshua," she
suggested.
Smiling,
Joshua set his
own hand over
hers. "I
would love
that."
Andrew peered
down at their
hands, hoping
JenniAnn would
recognize the
one resting on
her own.
*~*~*
After a
stellar first
half of
rehearsal,
most of the
cast and crew
sat down to
another
potluck.
Belle had
fallen asleep
and, not
wanting her to
be disturbed
by the others'
merry
chatting,
Andrew took
her to the
office where
it was
quiet.
After a few
minutes,
Joshua joined
him.
"Hey there!"
Andrew
greeted.
"Hi.
How's our girl
doing?"
Joshua gently
stroked
Belle's hair.
"Good."
Andrew
sighed.
"But I've
missed being
her
roommate."
He softly
kissed
her.
"I'm really
glad you're
coming to
Cora's.
Did you see
Zeke's and
Diana's faces
when they
found
out?
Relief written
all over
them."
Joshua
smiled.
"I did.
And about
that...
I know
JenniAnn won't
let me pay
room and board
but I think it
would seem
rude if I
didn't
offer.
So..."
Andrew
chuckled as he
shook his
head.
"She'd never
forgive me if
we let you pay
and then she
found out who
you are.
I'll tell her
you discussed
it with me and
I, knowing her
so well, told
you no.
Which is what
I'm doing
right
now.
No."
Joshua
grinned.
"Thanks.
But I am
picking up
groceries.
And helping
with chores."
Andrew
chuckled.
"I won't stop
you.
Although you
might have to
reason with
them when they
find out."
"If..."
"Right."
"About
that...
I want to give
JenniAnn her
box
tomorrow.
As a hostess
gift.
But do you
think it's too
much?
Would it scare
her?"
Joshua looked
down at the
floor.
It still felt
odd needing to
ask about
them. He
was so used to
simply knowing
what was on
their minds.
Andrew had
seen what
Joshua had
carved and
knew JenniAnn
would adore
it.
However, it
was loaded
with
symbolism.
"I think it
might startle
her but... I
also think
it's worth a
try. She
already feels
connected to
you,
Joshua.
Maybe it would
help reassure
her to
consider that
it's
not..."
The angel
chose his
words
carefully.
"See, she's
partly afraid
that what she
feels about
you is a sort
of
transference.
That it's not
really real...
just her
wishing you
were Someone
you're
not.
Except you are
that
Someone!
So I think
giving her the
box might help
with
that. It
might help her
see how much
you care about
her and that
those feelings
are
real.
But I'm not
sure I even
trust myself
saying
that. Do
I really
believe it or
do I just want
to?"
Andrew smiled
sheepishly.
"I really want
to be able to
talk to Laja
about
you.
I... I'm
raising a baby
with her and
to keep
something so
huge, so...
intrinsic to
who I am from
her...
I'll do it, of
course.
But, at odd
moments, I've
found myself
imagining what
it would be
like to be
able to talk
to her so
freely and..."
Joshua's lips
began to
twitch.
"With nothing
held back
and..."
Andrew
paused.
He tilted his
head and
looked at
Joshua.
"Are you
trying not to
laugh?"
Joshua nodded
then let the
laughter
escape
him. "I
can't keep
myself from
remembering
when JenniAnn
was
younger.
All the day
dreams she had
about
you! And
now I'm
listening to
you about your
day
dreams..."
He smiled
tenderly.
"Most of them,
the ones she
treasured
most, they
came true."
Andrew
returned the
smile,
encouraged by
Joshua's
words.
"Then maybe
mine will,
too."
Joshua patted
his
shoulder.
"I hope so."
"Me too.
And I do think
you should
give her the
box."
Joshua
smiled.
"Okay. I
will."
"And Joshua?"
"They're
just plain not
going to let a
member of the
Trinity take
out the
trash."
Andrew
grinned.
Joshua
laughed.
"Well, then
I'll just have
to wash the
dishes
instead.
I think I'm
pretty good at
making things
clean."
The
angel of death
simply shook
his head and
smiled.
*~*~*
"I
think you
should show
everyone!"
JenniAnn
encouraged as
she handed a
piece of
cardstock back
to Kemara.
Violeta
nodded.
"Yep.
It'd be good
for everyone
to have
another
positive thing
to focus on, I
think."
"And it
stresses that
we're not
gonna hide
away,"
JenniAnn
added.
"We're gonna
paper this
city with that
poster!
Well, in a
reasonable
fashion, of
course.
No littering."
Kemara laughed
then looked
down at the
poster she had
designed.
"But you're
sure it's good
enough?"
"Definitely,"
JenniAnn
assured.
"I love that
you included
the
quote.
But why don't
you think it's
good enough?"
"Thanks.
I don't
know..."
Kemara studied
the poster
some more and
frowned.
"Maybe I
should try a
couple
different..."
"Wow! Is
that the
poster?"
Kemara turned
around to find
Joshua
standing by
her.
"Oh, umm,
maybe.
What do you
think?"
She handed the
paper to him.
"It's very eye
catching and
yet not busy
and
overwhelming.
That's
good.
And I really
love how the
U's and T's
are the show
logo and a
cross.
And the
quote... that
one's always
stood out for
me. It's
very effective
paired with
that image of
Jesus," Joshua
complimented.
Kemara
blushed.
"Thank
you. Do
you think
it'll look
good even in
all black?"
"Absolutely,"
Joshua
assured.
"And if you
only print in
black, you
could put it
on different
shades of
paper for
leaving around
town."
"Yeah, that's
what I
thought.
Andrew said we
can use the
printer here
for just black
ones and that
way it's super
cheap.
Then maybe we
could just get
a handful of
red and black
ones of larger
sizes printed
somewhere.
A couple for
here and maybe
Fr. Mike could
take a
couple.
Zeke,
too.
Anyone who
could get one
displayed in
their church
lobby or
hall," Kemara
suggested.
"Sounds like a
plan!" Joshua
enthused.
"Have you
shown the
others?"
Kemara shook
her
head.
"Are you going
to?" Joshua
asked gently.
"Do you really
think I
should?"
Kemara looked
to JenniAnn
and Violeta,
the latter of
which she
noted was
smiling
giddily at
Joshua.
"Kemara, I
think it's
really
wonderful,"
JenniAnn
reiterated.
"And you know
Andrew loved
it and Joshua
is clearly on
board
so..."
She smiled at
him.
Joshua
returned the
smile then
handed the
poster back to
Kemara.
He briefly set
his hand on
her
shoulder.
"I think you
should show
them,
Kemara.
It's
exciting... we
officially
have a
poster!"
Kemara smiled
back at
him.
"Okay."
With the other
three
following, she
approached the
others.
"Hey, umm, so
I think I have
the poster."
Everyone
crowded
around.
Zeke
sighed.
"That's
beautiful,
Kemara.
Real
beautiful...
I love it."
Emma's face
lit up.
"That's way
more
professional
looking than
the last one
they
had!
It's awesome!"
Joshua hung
back and
smiled as
everyone gave
their approval
and Kemara
beamed.
*~*~*
Rehearsal was
winding down
and several of
the cast and
crew members
had
left.
Only Zeke and
Joshua were
still onstage
working on "A
Strange Thing
Mystifying"
and they
planned to
call it a
night soon,
too.
As
JenniAnn
watched them
out of the
corner of her
eye, she
bundled up
Belle.
Diana
approached and
hugged her.
"Hi!
Thanks!
Is that for
any reason?"
JenniAnn asked
with a smile.
"Relief.
Zeke and I are
really glad
that you're
taking Joshua
in. We,
umm, have a
bit of a
confession."
"Oh?"
"We
followed him
home last
night...
We just wanted
to see where
he lives and
if it seemed
safe.
And it really
didn't.
We went back
and forth all
day about
whether we
should offer
to let him
stay with us
but then the
girls would
have to share
a room and,
well..."
JenniAnn
laughed.
"You feared
the coming of
the next World
War?"
Diana
laughed.
"Exactly.
They love each
other and get
along really
well most of
the time
but...
sisters!
Sharing a room
might be too
much.
And,
regardless, I
doubt Joshua
would have
felt
comfortable in
a teenage
girl's
room.
Then we
thought about
putting him up
with our son
but... teenage
boys can be a
little...
owly.
So... we have
no doubt he'll
be much more
comfortable at
your
place.
But if you
need
anything...
anything at
all, you call
us."
"We
will,"
JenniAnn
promised.
"And Andrew
mentioned that
things are
going so well
that everyone
might get to
have some
nights
off.
We'd love to
have your
family over
for dinner
sometime."
"Oh,
we'd love
that!
And then I
hope you'll
let us
reciprocate.
It's been so
nice to have
this time
with, well,
adults!
Zeke has his
youth ministry
and I have my
students and
then we have
our kids and
that's about
it so it's
been really
nice to be
around other
adults."
JenniAnn
smiled and
picked Belle
up.
"Well, I know
we're all glad
to be those
adults!
And now... it
looks like
'Judas' and
'Jesus' have
decided to
shelve their
differences
for the
night.
'Mary' seems
to
approve.
I better go
get some plans
made with
Joshua.
Not sure when
he might show
up tomorrow."
"I
look forward
to hearing
about moving
day tomorrow
night!" Diana
cheered.
"Have a good
one!"
"G'night!"
With her free
arm, JenniAnn
hugged the
woman in
parting.
As she made
her way to
where Andrew
and Joshua
were, she
passed Zeke on
his way to his
wife.
"Did
Diana tell
you? If
you need
anything..."
JenniAnn
giggled.
"Call.
Yep."
Zeke
patted her
arm.
"It's a good
thing you all
are
doing.
I'd like to
think those
fools are done
but if not...
it's not good
for a man to
be alone to
run that junk
through his
head over and
over."
"We
won't let him
be alone with
whatever
happens,"
JenniAnn
vowed.
"God
bless you."
"And
you, as well,
Zeke.
See ya
tomorrow!"
As JenniAnn
continued on
her way, she
marveled at
how quickly
their little
band had
morphed into a
family... and
how Joshua
seemed to be
at the center
of it.
Earlier, when
he'd left the
room for a few
minutes, she'd
caught
virtually
everyone
panning the
stage looking
for him.
And she was
sure that the
chatter seemed
to grow louder
and merrier
when he
returned with
Andrew and
Belle.
Everyone
seemed to
light up when
Joshua was
near.
Maybe it was
the role, she
decided.
Andrew
beamed when
JenniAnn
approached.
"All ready to
go?" He
chuckled.
"I really do
love that
hat." He
tweaked the
antennae on
Belle's cap
that Adam had
knitted to
look like a
ladybug.
"Uncle
Adam's pretty
talented.
I guess we'll
keep him,
huh?" JenniAnn
asked the
baby, speaking
just loudly
enough for
Adam, who was
in the
audience, to
hear.
The
elder angel of
death
approached,
all
smiles.
"Look at
her..."
Adam beckoned
for Belle
until JenniAnn
handed her
over.
Joshua
smiled down at
the baby, for
a moment
remembering
Andrew calling
out to him in
the
alley.
In a month's
time, the
little one had
gone from
being
abandoned to
having people
vying for a
few moments
with her.
"So,
Joshua, did
you have a
time in mind
to come over?"
JenniAnn
asked.
Joshua
looked up and
shook his
head.
"What would be
convenient for
you?"
"Maybe
2:00?"
JenniAnn
suggested.
She figured
that would be
enough time to
get his
room... which
they still
hadn't
chosen...
ready and give
him time to
unpack before
rehearsal.
"2:00
it is," Joshua
agreed, his
smile lighting
up his
face.
"I'll look
forward to
seeing you
then.
And, again,
thank
you. I'm
not really
used to living
alone so...
this means a
lot."
JenniAnn
only nodded as
she peered
into his
eyes.
Increasingly
often, she
felt like she
should take
some elusive
meaning from
Joshua's
words.
Andrew
hugged her
shoulders.
"We're really
glad to hear
that
Joshua.
I'll meet you
at your place
a little
before
2:00.
Help you load
up your car."
"Thank
you, I'd like
that."
Joshua was
relieved.
That would
give him a
chance to get
word of any
last minute
angst from
Andrew.
Adam
cuddled Belle
for a moment
longer then
returned her
to her
mother.
"Now that
that's
settled, I
guess you'll
be wanting to
take her
home..."
Snapping
out of her
stupor,
JenniAnn
smiled.
"Yep.
But we'll
bring her
tomorrow
night.
She can have
some more
Uncle Adam
time then."
Max
approached.
"Hey, I'm
headed out to
get Rose back
home but I
won't be
late," he told
Andrew and
JenniAnn.
"Mind
your curfew,"
Andrew teased
as he accepted
his parting
hug.
Max
chuckled.
"Right."
He turned to
Joshua and
held out his
hand.
"Great job
again tonight,
Josh!
I'll be seeing
you tomorrow
and looking
forward to it
until
then."
He leaned
forward.
"JenniAnn
leaves
chocolate in
our rooms," he
tantalized.
JenniAnn
smiled as he
hugged her and
stroked
Belle's
back.
"Of
course.
See ya in a
bit."
She laughed as
Max darted off
then turned
back to
Joshua.
"I left the
chocolates the
first time he
stayed with us
and he was so
thrilled that
I just
couldn't
stop.
So... I hope
you like
chocolate,
Joshua."
Smiling,
Joshua
nodded.
"I do. Thank
you."
Kemara
and Violeta
joined their
huddle.
"What
time you
coming over,
Joshua?"
Violeta asked.
"At
2:00," Joshua
replied.
"Looking
forward to
it.
Also, I wanted
you both to
know that you
were wonderful
tonight.
Kemara, I'm
just sorry I
couldn't cure
you of your
leprosy before
Emma dragged
me away."
Kemara
laughed.
"Well, maybe
next
time.
I'll just have
to shove
Arthur out of
the way."
Joshua
chuckled.
Violeta
beamed.
"You
were really
great, too,
Joshua.
You seemed
really angry
in the
Temple..."
She frowned,
wondering what
he'd been
thinking of at
the time.
Smiling,
Joshua
squeezed the
young angel's
hand.
"It was a good
release.
But tonight...
in reality...
I'm very
happy."
"Good,"
Andrew
returned the
smile.
"So everyone
ready to head
on out?"
With
Adam helping
to carry
Joshua's
tools, soon
they were all
out the door.
Once
Andrew had the
girls settled
into the van,
he directed
his attention
to
Joshua.
"So...
tomorrow at
2:00!
Still feeling
good about
that?"
Joshua
nodded.
"I really am."
"You're
going to love
it," Adam
averred.
"I was
thrilled when
Andrew told me
the
news.
All of us
were."
Joshua
beamed.
"Thanks.
So... Andrew,
I'll see you a
little before
2:00 and,
Adam, I'll see
you for
rehearsal!"
"You
bet.
Rest well,
Boss."
Adam's smile
grew more
gentler and
more
sincere.
"You deserve
this."
Joshua
squeezed his
hand and
watched as
Adam strode
away.
Andrew
hugged
Joshua.
"I hope you
have a good,
peaceful
night."
Joshua
clapped him on
the
back.
"You
too.
Thank you,
Andrew.
You've taken a
lot on and so
far... well,
I'd say it's
been more than
I ever could
have dreamed
of but... I
know I knew
all this was
going to
happen once."
Andrew
chuckled.
"Yeah, you
did. You
wouldn't tell
me much about
it, mind
you. But
you knew."
Joshua
grinned.
"How
inconvenient
of me.
But... I will
say that even
with what
happened
yesterday,
this has been
more than I
dreamed about
since
Christmas
Eve. And
I know a lot
of that... it
comes back to
you."
"I...
I don't know
how."
"I
don't think
JenniAnn would
have invited
me if she
didn't feel so
protected and
loved by
you.
Vincent
certainly
wouldn't have
agreed if he
didn't trust
your judgment
so much.
And you showed
Max that there
are good,
trustworthy
people out
there.
And Kemara...
you helped her
foster true
friendships so
that maybe,
hopefully she
can let me be
her
friend.
Her agreeing
to this shows
that she's
willing to try
and that makes
me very, very
glad.
And Violeta...
you helped her
to realize
that it's okay
to be the
energetic,
demonstrative,
sensitive
angel the
Father and I
created and
love so.
All of that
enabled this
to
happen.
And all the
work you're
doing with
this show...
with everyone
involved.
I hope you
know how proud
of you I am."
Andrew
felt tears
well in his
eyes as he
nodded.
"I... I
do.
Thank you,
Joshua."
"You're
welcome.
Now... I
better let you
go before they
start worrying
I'm having
second
thoughts."
Joshua waved
to the van and
beamed.
Andrew
smiled.
"Good
point.
Good night!"
"Good
night!" Joshua
echoed before
getting into
his car.
Andrew's
smile didn't
leave as he
settled into
the driver's
seat of the
van.
JenniAnn
leaned forward
from the
backseat to
set a hand on
his
shoulder.
"He's not
having second
thoughts, is
he?"
Andrew
chuckled.
Even limited
as he
currently was,
Joshua really
knew
her...
"No,
Laja.
He's
thrilled.
Very
thrilled."
Violeta
hugged herself
with
excitement.
"Me
too!"
Kemara
smiled.
"It's not
every day a
person gets to
say they're
housemates
with Jesus."
Andrew
laughed.
"No...
It's really
not. But
good stint to
have, huh?"
"Always..."
Violeta
dreamily
answered as
her supervisor
drove off.
JenniAnn and
Kemara
exchanged
looks that
were a mixture
of amusement
and
curiosity.
*~*~*