Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Winter (11/14/05)
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TITLE: Winter Heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By Larry Elliott
11/21/05 -
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“You hate everything.” Kathi responded to her younger sister.
“I don’t hate chocolate.”
“No one hates chocolate.”
“How do you know?”
Kathi rolled her eyes. They had argued this way since childhood. Now that they were adults it was more of a game- or habit.
“Look.” Kathi separated curtains cloaking a large window. “It’s gorgeous. See how God covered everything in white? It reminds me of the robe I’ll wear someday. It resembles the way my heart appears to Him now that He has cleansed every blemish. But unlike the snow, instead of covering up the dirt in my soul, He removed it completely. This whiteness,” Kathi placed a hand over her heart, “will never melt away.”
“You are always so up, so positive, so… happy.”
“Why shouldn’t I be? I have a husband, two kids and a Chihuahua who love me, a roof over my head, and, a one way ticket to paradise paid in full.
Plus a beautiful sister that loves to argue with everything.”
“I do not.” Janet said inching backward- her intentions not unnoticed by her sister.
They raced to the sofa, each grabbing a quilted pillow. The fight was on.
As they sat recuperating Kathi said, “Since we were on the subject of family earlier…”
“We were?”
“We have a new music director at church.” Kathi ignored her sister’s response. “He is twenty-something, tall, handsome…”
“Whoa, hold on cupidette. Have you forgotten the last time you set me up? Besides, I respect your faith, I do. And I believe in God, but…, I’m not ready for any kind of commitment in my life. Right now I don’t have time for a man or church.”
“Well, I will continue to pray that God warms that winter heart you’re trying to hide behind.”
“I am not.”
“Are too.” Kathi hurled her pillow instigating round two.
The fresh layer of snow crunched softly beneath Janet’s boots as she strolled to her car. She paused briefly to survey the freshly laid carpet of ice and wondered if she would ever know the level of happiness her sister enjoyed.
As her car started Janet opened the door to assist the laboring wipers. A horn blared and she jerked the door shut as a car slid past. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and reined her galloping heart. That was close, she thought.
With windows cleared she proceeded toward home. A few blocks later two kids pulling a sled darted into the street causing the vehicle in front of her to brake suddenly. She did the same, but her car began to skate. Neither vehicle was traveling fast, so her front bumper connected with the rear of the other car with a mere thud.
Still, it shook her up a bit. The other driver cautiously made his way to her window. It was the same guy she saw moments earlier mouthing ‘Sorry’ as he glided past.
Embarrassed could not begin to describe the way she felt.
“Are you ok?” The man asked as she lowered her window.
“Uhmm, that depends. Physically I’m fine, but I feel ridiculous.”
“There’s no reason to. It’s that time of year, besides’ no harm was done. My name is Charles.” He extended a gloved hand through the window. He had blue eyes.
“Janet.” She gave a quick shake and gazed forward.
“Well, Janet, I’m glad you’re ok. Are you by any chance turning right at this intersection?”
“No, I’m… going straight.”
“Good.” He smiled with a wink. “Be careful out here tonight.”
“Thanks.” She watched as he made a right and slowly drove out of sight.
A few days later Janet reluctantly agreed to dinner at her sister’s although she knew it was to meet this church guy, but hey, a free meal.
“Janet, this is Charles our music leader at church.” Kathi announced.
“Hello, Charles.” Janet said sheepishly. “Nice to meet you- again.”
“You know each other?” Kathi looked puzzled.
“It’s a long story. Your sister made quite an impact, though.” He winked at Janet and she blushed.
After a delicious meal and insightful conversation everyone moved to the den for hot chocolate.
Charles sat next to Janet. His heart raced. In the flickering glow she appeared almost angelic.
She noticed his stare. It made her feel warm inside. She felt… happy. There was something different about Charles- something… nice.
“I love wintertime.” Janet said. Maybe she could find time for church, too.
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