Waiting for Forever

By Diana Mylek

At the tender age of sixteen, Scott heard God tell him to pray for his future wife, and not to stop till she was revealed to him. Now, ten years later Scott is still praying and his friends and family think he's foolish, hiding behind a promise that may not even be.
Melanie is a survivor. Her tortured past keeps her from trusting any man and her best friend thinks she hides behind her job to avoid any emotional contact. When Melanie and Scott meet by accident, they find a connection that makes each of them feel safe and comfortable.
Until they realize that they are falling in love.
But is Melanie God's choice for Scott? And if she isn't, how can he give her up?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diana Mylek
• Release date: May 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476077208

Book preview

Chapter 1

A knock on the window sent Scott jumping from his bed and hurrying to throw it open. The damp cold of winter made him shiver as he pushed the pane up and waited for his friend to climb inside.

Hey, Noel said, slipping his slight body through the opening. Are they asleep?

I’m pretty sure, Scott replied. Where were you?

I went to the pastor’s house with his daughter for hot chocolate, but they had company and I couldn’t stay. So I just walked around until it was late enough to come over. Noel rubbed his arms together to warm himself. The second-hand jacket he wore was barely adequate against the biting December winds. But he had no choice, it was the only coat he owned, and it would have to get him through the winter.

Here, put on some dry clothes, Scott said as he found pajamas and a robe. He reached into his closet and pulled out a pair of slippers. You should have come over anyway; I would have found a way to hide you until they were in bed. I don’t like to see you out in this weather.

Noel changed out of his soggy pants and hung them on a hook inside the closet door. I tried to go home and get some stuff, but they wouldn’t let me in. My dad said to come back after school tomorrow.

How ridiculous! What do they expect you to do?

I guess what I’m doing right now.

Scott felt his cheeks flush with anger. What kind of father pushed his son out of the house at sixteen? It wasn’t like Noel was a troublemaker; he was a good kid, an honor student despite his tumultuous home life. His mother recently left town with a man she barely knew and his father didn’t like being left with the responsibility of raising a teenager. So he simply told him that he wasn’t welcome anymore, and to find another place to live, which was ludicrous at Noel’s age.

A knock on Scott’s bedroom door sent the two boys scrambling. Noel dove under the bed as Scott kicked wet clothes into his closet and shut the door. Before he opened the bedroom door, Scott gripped the phone and held it to his chest, as if he had just hung up from a call.

I heard voices, Mrs. Weems insisted, her eyes sweeping the room.

I was talking with Noel, Scott said, placing the phone onto the night stand. Sorry if I woke you.

His mother’s eyes narrowed. I heard two voices. She moved through the room, looking in the closet and peering around the bed.

Scott held his breath even as he appeared casual, placing his body between his mother and the bed to keep her from looking underneath and revealing Noel’s hiding place. He desperately searched his mind for an excuse that would allow his homeless friend to stay at the Weems house overnight.

I’m positive I heard two voices, Mrs. Weems repeated. So help me Scott, if you’re hiding that out of control friend of yours again…

Mom, he’s not bad, it’s his parents that are worthless. Scott and his mother had this argument at least once a week. It’s not Noel’s fault they kicked him out; he has no place to go! He’s my friend, why can’t he stay?

We are not child services. There are places for people like him.

He’s just a teenager, Ma. He can’t even drive.

Then let him go to a foster home. That’s where he should be, not here, or on the streets. You have your own life and schooling to worry about. How are you going to get into a good college if you don’t concentrate on grades instead of worrying about your friend?

Scott looked at her pleadingly. He needs help.

I don’t understand your devotion to that boy. We aren’t heartless Scott, but I can’t raise you and him also. Tomorrow you call Social Services on his father and let them handle this problem. She swept back out of the room before he could argue with her. Scott waited until he heard her bedroom door close and then closed his own.

It’s safe now, he whispered to his friend.

I gotta leave, Scott. Noel slipped out from under the bed. I hate to see you get in trouble over me. She’s right. I’m not worth your parents’ anger.

No, stay. It’s freezing out there. I’ll think of something. Scott walked to his door and opened it slightly, listening for his parents. There was no sound.

I found a job, Noel said, after his friend again closed the bedroom door. Waiting tables after school. In a couple weeks I’ll have enough to rent a room, if I work hard.

What about school? Scott asked.

I’ll still go, Noel replied. But I can’t depend on you or anyone else to take me in, I have to find a place of my own.

You have no car; you don’t even have your license. How will you get to school and work?

I have legs. And in a few weeks I can afford the bus. I’ll eat at work and school. He sighed and stretched out on the floor. I’ll be okay. I made it this far, thanks to you.

I wish I could do more, Scott said, taking a blanket out of the trunk at the foot of his bed. By the way, it’s my turn to sleep on the floor.

I’m fine, Noel insisted. They both settled into their covers. Church was good tonight, wasn’t it?

Yeah, I really liked that verse in Matthew about the sparrows, how God provides for them.

And we’re much more important than sparrows to him, Noel added. That certainly helps me, doesn’t it?

I know God has his hand on you, Noel. I don’t understand why you’re going through such a hard time, with your parents and all, but I see things a lot more clearly since we found Christ.

I feel like a different person, Noel agreed. And I know he’s there for me. So, really, I’m kind of excited, getting this job and then hopefully an apartment or something. I’ve been nearly out on the street for almost a year now, and I’m running out of options. Sooner or later your parents will find me here and you’ll be in deep trouble.

I’ll worry about that when it happens. Scott turned over on his side and changed the subject. A really weird thing happened to me today when I was walking home from school. Remember how the pastor said that God speaks to him?

Yeah, Noel recalled.

Well, I was walking around the corner onto my street, thinking about his words, when I heard a voice speak to me. In my head, not out loud.

Really? Do you think it was God?

I’m sure it was, Noel. He said, ‘I have set you and your wife apart for one another. Start praying for her, and don’t stop until I reveal her to you.

Noel sat up. He said that? But you’re like, sixteen, too young to even think about marriage.

I guess he wants me to be ready, anyway.

What else did he say?

Nothing. But I told him that I would. It was way cool, Noel. I’m going to do just what he told me.

That’s good. I wonder who it will be. There are some hot girls in the youth group at church.

God said he’ll reveal her to me, Scott repeated. I’m not going to even look at a girl unless he tells me it’s okay.

Noel frowned. Like not even date?

I don’t care. I’m not much into that anyway.

Noel disagreed. You have to date. How else will you find her?

God will show me. I want to live in a way that pleases him, I really do.

Okay, then I’ll date for both of us, teased Noel. I have my eye on Cassandra Fuller. She’s awesome.

She’s the pastor’s daughter, laughed Scott. He won’t let her date till she’s twenty-one, and then he’ll choose a husband for her.

I can’t wait that long. Noel lay on the floor again, and pulled the covers to his chin, yawning. I’m going to work real hard, and buy myself a Corvette. That should impress the girls.

I want to be a firefighter or paramedic. With a massive red pick-up, just like the guys at the station. Scott fluffed his pillow and laid his head on it, thinking of his future. My parents say I have to go to college, but the only classes I’m interested in are fire and rescue. They think I need to be a college graduate and become something boring, like my dad.

I can’t imagine working all my life in an office, agreed Noel. I love being outdoors. I like fresh air and sunshine.

Good thing, you spend enough time in it. Scott and Noel both laughed.

When we’re old enough, we should room together and become medics, Noel said. I’d like to do that too.

Cool. They were both silent with their thoughts. The clock in the living room struck eleven, and both of the boys settled in to sleep. Noel had made it through one more night as a homeless teenager, and Scott was thankful his friend was safe and warm. Tomorrow they would repeat the sleeping arrangements; Noel would sneak into Scott’s room, and they would take turns sleeping on the floor, as they did every night that Scott could hide Noel from his parents. For now, that was the best solution for both of them.

It was summer, and they were both eighteen. Scott had graduated, but Noel would take longer to earn his diploma. He was working two jobs to support himself, and school would have to take a back seat to his survival. But he had been hired on a construction crew, starting the next week, and it paid well, enough that he would only have to work one job, if the weather held.

Here’s something, Scott remarked as they ate at a local fast food restaurant. Westbridge Arms; two bedrooms, in quiet neighborhood. How does that sound?

Is it something we can afford? Noel bit into his burger and wiped at ketchup on his chin.

I think so. I hope they’ll rent an apartment to you and me. The last guy about laughed us out the door.

We’re like, young. They probably think we’re going to be loud and have parties all the time.

Scott circled the ad anyway. Let’s go over and see today. Maybe we’ll make a better impression in person. And I have that letter from Pastor Mark. That might help.

You can stay home rent free and go to school like your parents want, Noel reminded his friend. They’re really ticked at you for telling them we’re moving in together.

I know, but it doesn’t matter. It kills me to see you in that rattrap of an apartment, with dope dealers and crack addicts hanging out in the hallways. I’m afraid something will happen to you. Scott circled another ad and sipped at his drink.

I hate that place too, but at least it’s shelter, Noel sighed. And God seems to protect me. I’ve never had anything stolen.

Scott laughed. That’s because you don’t have anything worth stealing! Every piece of furniture you have we took from the side of the road. And you have no television, stereo or microwave to tempt them. I’ll bet those guys that broke into your apartment last month were totally disappointed!

Noel laughed also. What could they take? My one fork? The plate I eat from? My dinner table—I mean box. I don’t even have pictures on the wall or curtains.

Scott grinned. His friend’s apartment was a place for Noel to sleep, period. He was so busy working that he was never home, and hated to be alone anyway. Between his jobs, church and dating, Noel spent little time at the apartment, or even by himself.

It’s all gonna change, Noel said, his eyes glazing over as he dreamed of his future. I’m going to have a nice house of my own, on a lake, with a beautiful wife and kids running all around. And I’ll have a Corvette, of course.

I believe you, Scott replied. You’ve saved more in one year than I ever did. You live cheap, but you still spend too much on girls.

Have to, Noel insisted. It’s an investment in my future. Somewhere there’s a girl who will love me and cook for me and have my babies. I just need to find her, and I will, if it takes dating every single girl in town.

I think you already have. Scott crumbled up the wrappers from his food and folded the newspaper. Did I tell you Noel, that the Lord told me to pray daily for Her, that she’s in desperate need of prayer right now?

Serious? You still think he’s going to reveal her to you?

Any day now. She’s so real to me I can practically feel it—in my heart anyway. I know that sounds crazy, but I’m ready. He could show me who she is any time now.

Or you could go out with Cassandra Fuller. Pastor likes you. It could be her.

Scott shook his head. No, I can’t. I’m already taken. God would have told me if it was her.

I don’t see why you don’t date someone else in the meantime, while you’re waiting. What would it hurt? Noel washed his fries down with soda.

I can’t. I would be unfaithful to the person God promised to me. Besides, I don’t want anyone else. I’m like, in love with Her already. We have a bond, and I feel close when I pray for her.

Noel stood to take their trash to the container. You’re much stronger than me, dude.

Scott remained seated and thought of God’s command to wait for the one who was promised to him. She was out there somewhere. Was she waiting for him too? He was keeping himself apart for her, was she doing the same also? He knew nothing about her, where she lived, what she looked like, and he had no clue as to how he would know this person when they finally crossed paths. Maybe it would be like being struck by lightning. He would know immediately, and she would too. One way or another, God would tell him, he was sure. God kept his promises.

Scott stood and put his newspaper under his arm as God suddenly tugged at him, telling him to pray for Her. He looked around for Noel; Scott needed to leave quickly and go somewhere private so he could pray in earnest. He found Noel standing at the trashcan staring at two young women who were sitting in a booth, engrossed in conversation.

Oh, man, I think I’m in love, Noel sighed as Scott joined him. "See that redhead? She is perfection."

Scott raised his eyebrows. The redhead was indeed a pretty girl, but she was wearing a sheer lace blouse under her leather jacket, her hair messy as if she had just gotten out of bed, and so much makeup she looked like a cartoon. Her friend was even more Goth, with jet black hair, the same makeup and torn, baggy clothing. And she was crying, streaking mascara across her cheeks with a hand. Scott felt compassion for her, but it wasn’t really any of his business, and these certainly were not the kind of girls God would want him or Noel to consider as companions. He pulled at Noel’s sleeve, and his friend followed, but Noel was still so enraptured with the redhead he accidentally knocked a stack of trays from the top of the garbage container.

The redhead spotted him and rolled her eyes. Noel was crushed. So much for impressing her. He put the trays back on the shelf and hurried out to find Scott.

Mel, we have to find out for sure, Jennifer said earnestly, touching the arm of her crying friend. You have to know. It won’t go away just because you want it to.

Melanie nodded, her black hair falling in front of her face. She hated the color, it was way too harsh, but it made her father angry when she dyed the normally light brown tresses, and Melanie wanted to hurt him. It was small retribution for all the hurt and anguish he had inflicted on her and she wanted to punish him, make her father suffer as much as possible and pay him back for the pain he inflicted. Nothing would ever be enough, not even murder. She hated him, and what he had done to her, but the only recourse now was to be belligerent, as intolerable as possible. Maybe then he would leave her alone.

Jen, I need to tell you something, and you have to promise you won’t hate me. Melanie wiped at her eyes, smearing mascara down her cheeks.

Tell me first. Then I’ll say if I’m mad. Jen sat back and waited.

Melanie spoke haltingly. Your boyfriend, Brad. He’s…the father.

What? Jen nearly fell off her seat.

It only happened once. I was so wasted.

That worthless piece of crap!

It’s my fault, really, Melanie said quickly. He was just there.

Oh and I suppose he got you pregnant by looking at you. Jen slapped her cup of soda on the table, spilling it on her food. She didn’t care; she had lost her appetite.

Don’t be mad at him, Jen.

I’m going to kill him! No, that’s too good. I’ll make him suffer. She sat back on the bench, stunned. I need to get out of here and find that stupid son of a…. I’ll make him sorry he ever met me.

Please, Jen, leave him alone. Don’t make it worse. Melanie blew her nose in a napkin. It’s my problem.

Our problem, Jen corrected her. We’re best friends, more like sisters. You and I only have each other; whatever happens to you affects me. Let’s go see if you’re really pregnant and then worry about what to do.

I’m going to have it, Melanie said firmly.

How are you going to take care of a baby? You’re sixteen! You don’t even have a job! Your father won’t let you bring it home anyway; he’ll throw you out when he learns that you’re pregnant.

Melanie’s eyes flashed in anger. I’ll kill him if he comes near me! If I’m pregnant I’m leaving home; I don’t care if I have to live in the street. He’s not coming near me again!

Jen knew Melanie hated her father with a passion, but she knew also she was deathly afraid of him. What he would do when he found that his daughter was pregnant…Jen didn’t want to know. They were both sixteen, too young to leave home. Not that Jen needed to, her parents paid little attention to her, and she came and went without her their knowledge more than not. They were heavy partiers, always in search of the next high. Jen wondered how her father even held a job; he wasn’t sober more than a few hours a day, and stayed out most of the night at bars with his girlfriend, Jen’s mother. Melanie ran from her father frequently and there was always room for her at Jen’s. Her hate for him was so fierce, Jen wondered if the abuse he meted out to his daughter was more than just slaps and insults. She wondered if he was doing more, maybe forcing her to…. Jen shuddered. It was too horrible to think about, but it would make sense with Melanie’s unrelenting anger.

I want to go to the Pregnancy Center, Melanie said, gaining her friend’s attention again.

What? Jen sneered, her lips twisted in a scowl. You know that place is run by religious fanatics. They’ll try to get you to become a zombie like them.

Oh, and the way I live now is so much better, Melanie said sarcastically. At least they’re happy people. I’d take that any day, even if I had to give up my brain to do it.

Whatever. It’s free. Jennifer pushed her food away and piled the empty containers on a tray. She rose from the booth. Standing in front of the garbage was a skinny young man with hair that needed taming, and he was grinning hopefully. Yeah, right. Jen almost laughed aloud at the thought of herself with a loser like him. When the young man’s friend pulled at his sleeve, he winked at Jen and then knocked over a whole stack of trays. She rolled her eyes and laughed in disdain. There’s no way on earth I would even think of being with someone like him, Jen thought as she dismissed him from her mind.

Jen was sure she could intimidate the counselor at the Pregnancy Center into giving Melanie a test and then letting her go without listening to any preaching or pro-life propaganda. Most people were afraid of Jen, and she liked it that way. Melanie was much more unsound emotionally, more fragile, so Jen long ago appointed herself protector and defender. When Jen walked Melanie into the clinic and demanded a test, she fully expected to have her friend tested quickly and then leave.

But the first thing the woman did was invite Melanie into the office—alone. She politely but firmly requested that Jennifer stay in the reception area while she took care of her friend. Jen objected, but Melanie claimed she was okay with it and a moment later she was gone. Jen scowled and sat in a chair, trying very hard not to read the pamphlets lining the wall and tables. But boredom drove her, and eventually she picked one, a harmless piece about prenatal care. She read the whole thing twice before moving on to the rest.

Melanie, I’d like to go over some information with you, the counselor, Donna said. I want you to be aware of what is happening in your body.

Melanie barely heard her. All she could think about was the words she had heard moments earlier. The test is positive. That means you are most likely pregnant. It was certain. She was pregnant… again. This one, she determined, would live. No one knew about the last one, and no one ever would, not even Jen, but she would not kill this one for any reason. Even if it had been conceived like the last one. Melanie could barely live with herself knowing what she had done to the last baby, the innocent bystander in her nightmarish year and she could never live through another abortion. This baby would be given life, if nothing else and it would make up for the horrible crime she had committed against the first. Things would be right again. It didn’t matter what the counselor told her, she wasn’t going to abort anyway. But neither would she keep this one; she was so messed up she could barely take care of herself. And drugs were her only escape from the hell she called her life. The baby she carried deserved better than that.

Melanie?

Melanie realized the counselor was speaking to her. I’m…what did you say?

The woman smiled. I wondered if you wanted me to sit in here while you watch the video.

Oh. She thought for a moment. If you don’t mind, I think I’d rather not watch it at all. I’m not going to abort, if that’s what you’re worried about.

Actually, I was worried about you. The counselor sat on the couch opposite Melanie. Forgive me for being blunt but you are in serious pain emotionally. It’s written all over your face.

Melanie wiped at her mascara. In a shaky voice, she began to reply that it was none of the counselor’s business, but all that she could manage was the first word, then her hurt and anguish tumbled from her in a torrent of tears. The woman moved to be next to her and held Melanie, who sobbed brokenly.

When Melanie quieted, the woman spoke calmly to her.

These tears you cry are not just because you’re pregnant, are they?

Melanie shook her head.

Your hurts go much deeper, and you wonder what you have done to bring such horrible things upon yourself. I was once like you, so lost, in so much pain, trying to find meaning and purpose in my life. I hated God, I hated my parents, and I hated myself. I spent years trying to bury my hurts in things like drugs and men.

Melanie nodded. This was her story also.

But the more I ran from me, and my life, the worse it got. I tried to end it, to stop the pain.

I wanted to do that, but I was too afraid. Melanie wiped her eyes and listened to the woman.

I understand the feeling, but guess what? I screwed up again! I couldn’t even kill myself right!

Melanie laughed despite her tears.

Someone found me, in my dorm room with an empty bottle of pills. They rushed me to the hospital, and I was back in my miserable life again. With no hope.

Melanie waited, listening intently.

And that person who stopped me from killing myself returned later to tell me that God had sent him because he loved me, and had a purpose for my life.

God? Melanie asked.

God, the counselor answered. If anyone ever needed help it was me. And he sent it, just when I needed it most. Melanie, He has also sent you to me. He loves you, even though you may not think so with all that you have been through. And right now, he is ready and willing to help you, to save you and take you out of all this mess and heartache.

But I’m not good enough for him. You don’t know the things I’ve done.

Donna laughed. I don’t need to know! If you were perfect, you wouldn’t need him. God is offering to cleanse you from all your sin and make you a whole, happy person again. If you let him.

I don’t know… Melanie hedged.

It’s almost too easy, I know, Donna said. You don’t have to answer me now. Ask him to show himself to you. He will. He’s waiting, and he’ll answer any questions you have. In the mean time, I’ll be here for you, and I’ll help you in any way I can while you’re pregnant. You desperately need a friend, and I’m here for you, no matter what.

Melanie agreed. Even if this woman was a religious weirdo, she was sincere. And Melanie needed help.

My friend Jen is waiting so I have to go, Melanie replied. I’m going to have this baby, but I’m not going to keep it. I can’t, not now; I have nothing to give it. I’m only sixteen! But it’s not the baby’s fault that it’s here, you know? I’m not going to punish it because of what I did.

Already you’re making a loving, intelligent decision regarding your baby, Donna assured her. We will be with you, Melanie, all the way through. But as concerned as we are about the baby, we’re even more concerned with you. Whatever you need, shelter, clothes, support, we can help you. And I want to stay in touch with you, to be your friend. No matter what, and I mean that.

Melanie’s tears started again, but this time she was grateful. Finally, she was not alone in her struggle. She wanted to know that there would be an end to her misery; that she was more than just her parent’s worst mistake, that there was a purpose and reason to her life, and Donna gave her the first bit of hope, ever.

Chapter 2

Eight years later

Please, Scott. Just this once! Noel begged, to no avail. I’m not asking you to do anything but be there, that’s all. She said she wanted to go out with me, but she couldn’t leave her cousin at home alone, she’s visiting from out of state.

Noel, come on. How many times have we had this conversation? Scott set his pen on the desk. You know where I stand.

It’s not a real date. I promise you won’t have to do anything but make conversation. No strings. I really like this one, Scott.

That’s what you said about the last five. Scott leaned back in his chair and sighed. There were tenants standing at the door of the office waiting to see him. He didn’t want to discuss his life in front of them.

If you do this for me I promise, I’ll take two of your shifts at the station. Noel saw his fellow renters, and knew they didn’t miss a word. Tomorrow they would all be buzzing about Noel and Scott’s argument; they didn’t have anything better to do than worry about the lives of their apartment manager and his friend.

"Noel, I want to work my shifts. I can’t go out with anyone, even just to babysit your friend’s cousin. I won’t break my vow, not for you or anybody."

When I’m old and alone, I’ll know who to blame, Noel grumbled. And I’m not getting any younger.

Sorry Noel. I’d do anything for you, just not that.

I know. Noel moved out of the office, acknowledging the waiting tenants, and went outside to clean the inside of his prized silver Corvette. It was not dirty, he kept the car immaculate, but he loved it so much that he spent a great amount of his spare time polishing or staring at his most precious possession.

You missed a spot, teased one of the elderly residents, hobbling past Noel on the way to the pool.

Noel waved and rubbed at a spot on the mirror. He caught a glimpse of himself and stopped cleaning long enough to pull at his t-shirt. It was tight, the sleeves straining against the muscles in his arms. He would have to find new shirts; years of construction work left him built and muscular, and it was always a challenge to buy apparel.

What am I going to do now? Noel wondered. Without Scott’s help, he would have to forget about the date. Why did he have to be so stubborn? It had been ten years since Scott claimed to hear God tell him to wait for his wife, and nothing happened, nothing at all, not even a hint. How could he waste all these years waiting? How was he going to find this mystery woman if he never tried? Noel’s strategy was to date as much as possible in order to meet women and find one who was willing to take a chance on him. But in all the years of searching, putting himself on the line, opening his heart to strangers, he was no closer to his goal than when he was sixteen. Noel wondered if something was wrong with him, or if God’s plan for him included staying single. He shuttered, and refused to accept the possibility. Noel had been alone for a long time, most of his life and he needed someone to fill his lonely days, his endless nights.

That’s all I’m asking for, Lord, he prayed as he wiped the seats with a towel. I can’t sit back and wait, like Scott; I want my prayer answered now. Sorry, God, I know I’m trying to force your hand. But if I do all I can, and still fail, at least I can say I gave it my best shot. He looked toward the office, to see if Scott might come outside and say that he changed his mind. But Noel knew Scott would never compromise, never stop believing; his friend was as sure about his promised wife as ten years ago, when he first heard God speak.

Scott quickly took care of the tenants in his office, and then showed them the door, closing it after they left so he could have a moment’s privacy. He needed to talk to Noel again, to make it clear to him that he would not date, double date, or perform any activity that put him at risk of breaking his vow to God and the woman for which he was waiting. Scott had dedicated himself to her since he first heard God’s voice, vowing he would not be swayed or distracted. She was real to him, and he prayed diligently for her, sometimes waking up in the middle of the night with a call from God to intercede on her behalf. In the year that Scott was eighteen he spent much time praying and fasting; he was convinced that she was in desperate need of his support. Whatever she was going through, he felt it as much as her, and at times the emotion was overwhelming, even though he had no clue as to why he was praying. So he did his best to give her support through prayer, asking God to save her and keep her set apart for him. And also to tell this mystery woman that he loved her, to wait for him, and that in God’s timing he would find her and make life everything she hoped for. Scott’s parents watched him grow and mature in faith, though they worried and wondered aloud about his lack of interest in female companionship, his devotion to his best friend and his unshakable belief that God had spoken to him. When so many years had gone by without the answer to his prayers, those close to him figured he must have been mistaken or misled, or was covering up for the real reason he avoided women. Scott knew their thoughts, and his parents were quite vocal in their disapproval of his lifestyle, lack of schooling, career choice, and the company he kept. It was frustrating to him; didn’t they understand he wanted a wife and family as much as anyone else? He too, begged God to allow him to marry, to give Scott the promised woman, but God could not be moved and what choice did Scott have but to wait? She must not be ready, he reasoned. God must be preparing her before she could belong to him. I can be patient a little longer, he told himself. Just a little more.

Scott heard the apartment door open, then close again, the sound of the lock falling into place, and a loud sigh. He chuckled and looked out from his bedroom where he sat at his desk studying the Bible.

How bad was this one? Scott called to his friend.

The worst ever, came the muffled reply, as Noel pulled off his shirt and balled it up for the laundry basket. He wouldn’t mind if he never wore that shirt again.

What was the problem this time? Scott asked, setting his Bible down and looking up at the doorway. Beaten with the ugly stick?

Noel appeared in the door. No, she was a beauty. At least I thought so, not all skin and bones like some women, marvelous red hair, a cute nose, and green eyes I could get lost in…

Scott stretched his legs. Sounds perfect so far.

She was lovely. That part was good, for a blind date. But that’s all that was good, Noel muttered.

No brains?

Apparently not. Noel sat heavily on the bed. "When I introduced myself to Jen at her house, she thought I said Noah, and so I repeated, No-El real plain."

She couldn’t hear you?

Noel shrugged. She said, ‘Duh, I know there’s no L in Noah,’ and rolled her eyes like I was stupid. And her roommate laughed! I guess the joke was on me.

Scott laughed also, amused at yet another of Noel’s dates gone haywire. Unfortunately this was the norm for his friend. He returned home, more often than not with stories of dates that were mistakes, embarrassments, or simply no-shows. Noel was diligently trying to meet someone to share his life with, but it seemed all his efforts were sabotaged, and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t find a date that wasn’t psychotic, married, or even the least bit compatible. Noel told Scott how encouraged he was when the nurses in the emergency room at St. Joseph’s arranged a date with one of their unit clerks, Jennifer, who would be perfect for him. He knew the staff from the emergency/trauma center well; they crossed paths often with him and Scott, who were volunteers for the Westbridge, Michigan Fire Department. So when the women of the hospital suggested Jennifer as a possibility, he was very receptive to dating her; they would have much in common.

Noel explained that they had made plans to go to a popular Italian eatery, then to a movie, but they never made it past dinner. From the minute Noel and Jennifer met, the rest of the evening went downhill, especially at the restaurant. Noel said it took them forty minutes to be seated, and while they were waiting, the hostess directed them to the bar. This was uncomfortable for both of them, each not only a non-drinker, but Christians as well; being in a bar was foreign and uneasy territory for both. The music was so loud it made conversation all but impossible, and they ended up staying silent, watching each other and the crowd. When Noel’s name was called, neither heard it over the band, and they had to wait even longer while the hostesses scrambled to find another table. Noel did not miss Jennifer’s look of contempt when the hostess said his name for the third time on their second attempt to be seated. At last they were given a table, but the waiter disappeared after he took their drink request, and they sat twenty more minutes before they were able to place the food order.

At this point, I would think you would have called it a night, Scott commented, trying not to laugh.

Noel grimaced. Are you kidding? She thought I was a loser. I had to prove myself.

He rose from the bed and paced the room. So here we sit, no waiter, and I’m wondering if I should go find him, when finally he comes to the table and asks us if we want to order. She says, no, it’s more exciting to sit and watch everyone else eat. And our waiter starts to close up his book like he’s insulted.

What did you do?

"I grabbed him by the arm and begged him not to leave me alone with her. I was joking! He sat on the bed again. She could have killed me with her eyes."

Scott slapped at his leg. Oh, man I would have paid to see that!

Unfortunately, that’s not the end of it. Noel fell backwards on the bed. We’re both starving, right? So I offer her a breadstick—and dude, I’m not making this up, I swear—she choked on it! Lucky she’s with a paramedic, right?

Scott thought he might fall on the floor, he was laughing so hard.

Another diner runs over with a glass of water, and tells her to drink it, and then when she does, the guy slaps her on the back to help her… He groaned. She spewed it all over my face.

Scott howled.

I’m glad you think this is amusing. It was very embarrassing to me.

To her also, no doubt.

I didn’t stick around to see. I went to the rest room to clean up, and then called my pager so I would have an excuse to leave.

You didn’t!

Noel nodded sheepishly. She knows I’m a volunteer, and that when my pager goes off, I have to leave right away. That is technically true, you know.

So what did she say?

She said to go, that she would have her roommate come and get her. He let out a deep breath. And you know what? She looked relieved!

This is one for the records, agreed Scott. You could write the book on dating disasters. You’ve lived them all.

Well, no one’s died yet, Noel sighed. I guess that’s next. I just hope it isn’t me.

Noel sat up and removed his shoes. I wasn’t meant to live alone, even if God wants me to. I can’t do it. I need a woman and I’m not going to give up till I get one.

Scott laughed. Till you get one? Sounds like you’re going to go out and rope her, like a wild horse.

If that’s what it takes.

I don’t know, Noel. Scott leaned back in his chair. If God truly has someone for you, and I’m sure he does, why are you wasting your time on all these ridiculous dates? Why not wait, and trust him to reveal her to you?

No offense, Scott, but I’m not willing to wait another ten years, like you. I figure, no matter how bad these dates are I still have a better chance of hooking up with my future wife than I would if I sat around at home planning Sunday school lessons for a bunch of junior high boys.

I never planned for it to take this long, either, Scott admitted wearily. And I didn’t want to do Sunday school either. But I couldn’t refuse. No one else volunteered.

With good reason, Noel said, grinning.

Was he ever right about that, thought Scott. Those boys could try the patience of a saint, and as a matter of fact, they did. Ten adolescent boys, in junior high, so innocent to look at, murder to control. Guilt coerced Scott into accepting a teaching position at the church, and he spent every Sunday wondering if he would make it to the end of the class—not the image he envisioned when he foolishly agreed to teach. He pictured himself as