The Cross & Lavender

By Joey Pate

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

-John 15:18, NIV

Petey, fourteen, and Leon, nine, stood and gazed in awe at the horseshoe stump that surrounded the base of the Angel Live Oak. The chaotic branches of the tree had always seemingly emitted a sense of fantasy and wonder, but never in thei

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Mar 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781647739461

Joey Pate

JOEY PATE, has taken a sense of personal history and written a love story to his family, friends, and, most importantly, his children. Born in Alabama and raised in Texas, he was blessed to see the world during his military experience. He has garnered a few college degrees and witnessed some of the most amazing cultures and people. The Live Oak Trilogy has taken aspects of his time on earth to establish a legacy of family, adventure, and the truth that Jesus is Christ.

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Prologue

September 11, 2001, 7:30 a.m.

High above a pond nestled in an oak tree, a small speck of light settled on a branch that sat in the farmlands of Maryland. Seconds later, the light transformed into a human-like image as the conversion finished. The speck developed into a unique being who was wearing a pair of black serpent cowboy boots, a black Megadeth T-shirt with a skeleton leaning on a sign with the words in orange that read, Peace Sells but Who’s Buying, and a pair of faded denim blue jeans. He had dark eye shadow around his eyes. His long blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, and in his left ear, he wore three earrings. Contrasting the ebony eye shadow radiated soft, deep brown eyes. Normally he was known to be a rather happy individual, but this day would be different. Sitting down on the branch, he stared up into the blue morning sky, waiting. A couple of minutes later, he saw a similar star star-like dot heading his way. Though melancholy, he could not resist a small smile as the brilliant light point began to change into his brother. As the transformation ended, the newly arrived being was a good three inches taller than the first arrival’s six-foot height. He had light green eyes; long raven black hair spiked into the fashion of a mullet that was surrounded by a purple bandana. His facial features were adorned with a black goatee tinged with purple highlights. This new visitor wore black denim jeans, a purple T-shirt with a full silver-plated warrior in the background holding a sword and shield with a crusader in block letters underneath. Instead of cowboy boots, he wore purple sneakers with black laces.

The first arrival stood, oblivious to any dangers from falling off the branch, and gave his brother a hug.

Hello, Zadkiel.

Hello, Haniel.

Like Haniel, Zadkiel seemed distraught.

Did Raphael tell you why you’re here?

Both angels looked northeast as Zadkiel nodded, Somewhat, I’m needed on a plane heading to Pennsylvania. How about you?

I have to go to New York City. He said that many would be crying out shortly for healing and to the Lord but no real details. For many, I’m to comfort; wrapping around those beings some form of spiritual ease, but to others, it seems I am to try and steer them towards the Son, best I can.

Sighing, Zadkiel winced. It seems many will need the Father shortly. Did Raphael give you any indication on what will happen?

Haniel shook his head. Nah, just to be ready that the Father has not told him. He did say that many of our brothers, both good and fallen, will be on the scene.

Zadkiel grimaced, Yea, as I was leaving, I heard Raphael dispatch a few of our brethren to Virginia.

Haniel slowly shook his head. You remember me planting this tree?

Zadkiel broke into a small smile. Ah, that must have been the acorn from the cave during the War to end all Wars.

Zadkiel smile ended. Well…we know that wasn’t it…

Yes, brother, while you were in France, I came and planted the acorn that the Creator has turned into the most marvelous tree.

Do you know why the tree was planted? Do you believe this upcoming turbulence has anything to do with it?

Haniel shook his head. Not sure, but I have a feeling that sometime soon, we will know its purpose.

Haniel took his eyes off his brother and scanned the skies towards the northeast. As for our purpose today, I do believe it’s time.

Zadkiel nodded. I’m heading to Boston first, then on to Pennsylvania.

Haniel squinted towards the east into the sun. Formal attire?

Zadkiel, Absolutely, it’s the least I can do. I am not sure what is about to happen, but it seems that some beautiful souls will soon be needing attention.

Haniel watched as his brother instantaneously shifted from his T-shirt to a white robe with a purple tassel tied around this middle, his two large white wings contrasted with long black curly hair, his sneakers became brown-earth tone sandals. His ebony hair still had a tint of purple highlights that glowed to match his tassel. His light green eyes looked sad as the bandanna dissipated. With a nod, he once again became a speck of light taking flight.

Haniel turned away from the shooting star that was Zadkiel and looked back over the pond that the tree seemed to be guarding. Well, old friend, I have a feeling that we will be seeing one another soon.

Glancing away from the pond, Haniel saw a little hill that slowly rolled towards the water; and wondered who will come down that hill. Stretching his arms out, Haniel lowered his head and immediately transformed. His Megadeth T-shirt changed into a similar white robe as his brother’s tied tassel; his massive white wings extended out. Instead of the sandals that most of his brothers wore, Haniel kept on his pair of black-skinned cowboy boots. His blonde hair was still pulled into a ponytail, and his brown eyes stayed darkened with eyeshadow, his three earrings disappeared.

Floating down to the ground, Haniel turned to look at the tree he had planted almost a century before. It was a unique piece of bark, a huge oak; it had gray moss hanging down from the branches and a thick collection of green leaves, with one exception. Protruding right over the pond was a large, sturdy branch. The branch resembled a hand. That particular portion of the bough had leaves on it, and it seemed to be a calling, a calling to follow, a calling to come forth. Haniel shook his head at the chaos of wonder that was appropriately called an angel oak. Limbs flayed everywhere as if the living creature could have been an octopus instead of the strong bark that it was. Branches protruded to and fro, some reaching the ground and then growing straight up again, other pieces of the light brown husk angled in a variety of ways. The twenty or so arms made such a unique arrangement of natural bedlam that Haniel could only marvel at the perfect design formed by the Creator. The base, making it into a semicircle. Haniel stared for just a second more at the tree, then turned to look at the hill that rolled down towards the tree and pond.

Father, who will come down that hill? Will it be a king like David, a leader like Joshua, a prophet like Micah, or perhaps a warrior like Benaiah? What kind of hero or heroes will one day saunter that knoll? Only you know, Lord, only you know.

With a sigh, the angel looked at the brilliant blue sky, became light, and shot towards New York City.

The Live Oak

Fishing with Papi

Petey stood gazing at the ground, his bare foot slowly kicking the grass back and forth. Moments before, a small yellow and black garter snake had squirmed from his hand and onto the ground. He had the perfect plan to frighten his younger brother, Leon. When Leon’s mind appeared to be someplace else, Petey was going to slip the critter into the worm bucket and ask his brother to hand him one of the night crawlers they had dug up that morning.

Petey took a glance over his shoulder and noticed Leon was finally coming out of the pecan orchard and onto the well-worn path that led them to the creek.

With a small smile on his face, Petey called to his brother, About time, slowpoke.

Whenever he looked at his brother, Petey always had a twinkle in his dark brown eyes; you could see the true sense of love and admiration he felt for Leon. At one time, Leon and Petey had very similar traits, but as the brothers grew, those similarities began to wane a bit. Though both were a bit small for their fourteen and nine-year-old frames, Leon was already beginning to become stockier than his older brother, whose stature resembled what the older folks would call a string bean. Their hair, at this age, was also different. Petey’s was a lighter shade of blond with the back twirling around in curls, while Leon’s was a darker color, closer to brown than blond, and straight with no curls. Both boys dressed in their favorite outfits. Petey wore denim shorts and a white T-shirt with a faded karate figure centered on the back. Leon had on khaki shorts with a white T-shirt, but he sported an embroidered yellow Pikachu on the upper left front side of his shirt.

Though separated by five years, the two were good friends. Petey had love and admiration that only a big brother could enjoy. Simply put, Leon was prone to emulate his brother but, of course, would be quick to deny it.

Hey, will you hurry up before all the good fish get away, Petey hollered at his brother.

I’m coming; I’m coming, jeez.

Where were you anyway? Petey asked as his brother sprinted the last steps toward him.

I saw a couple of rabbits underneath the trees and had a good chase, Leon told him.

You catch any this time?

Nope, I was almost on one, but he zoomed too fast. Shoot, I almost ran headfirst into one of the trees.

Aw, the only thing that would have happened is we would have had to spend the rest of the day picking up Uncle Marion’s pecans because it sure wouldn’t have hurt your big old hard head.

Both brothers chuckled as they continued down the path. The two were spending their summer with their Uncle Marion and Aunt Marye, helping out and having a blast on their farm. Petey mornings tending the cows and the calves in the barn. His favorite part was helping nurse Cyndi, a three-month-old calf that was born blind. He usually went straight to Cyndi and made sure she had enough hay and a clean stall. Typically, Leon spent his mornings collecting eggs in the chicken coop and helping Petey carry the fresh milk.

As they continued their walk toward the pond, Petey started thinking back about their first trip to the waterhole about a month ago. They had gone out with their grandfather, or Papi, as they called him.

The trio met at the farm that morning and hiked the two miles to the fishing spot. As they walked near the pond, the three came to the crest of the hill that overlooked the murky liquid. Below they saw a body shaped like an overinflated oblong football. South of the pond sat a small barge with a little green and white boat tied to it. The lake had a dark greenish-blue shade to it. From the hill to the edge of the water grew shin-high light green grass (knee-high for Leon), but what stood out and had kept Petey’s attention was a huge oak tree overlooking the pond. It sat off to the group’s right and seemed a bit out of place because it was the only tree around. Nevertheless, it looked perfect, seemingly standing watch over the pond. Its green leafy branches reached out, resembling a withered but welcoming hand.

As they eased down the hill, Petey noticed that Leon was also entranced with the tree. He remembered making fun of him. Hey, baby brother, you better be watching out for snakes instead of staring at that tree.

I’m not a baby, and snakes don’t bother me; spiders, yeah, but not snakes.

Petey finally took his eyes off the tree and helped load the boat with an assortment of freshly dug worms, cane poles, peanut butter sandwiches, and Sprites. Papi got in the boat first, and the boys followed. Papi told Petey to head toward the northeast corner of the pond toward the large oak tree. Petey paddled the boat until they were under the shade of two giant limbs. The limbs’ upraised branches covered this part of the pond with cooling shade. At the end of one of the limbs sat a bird’s nest made of various twigs and moss. The tree’s symbolic take of an old man lifting his hands toward the sky gave the three a sense of tranquility and safety. The boys sat in the boat and took in the small wonders that the pond had to offer. After no more than ten minutes, Petey caught the first fish—a small bream gray with a hint of blue near the back scales.

Petey gave Leon a smug expression and said, Yes! I got the first one!

Papi was quick to add, Yes, and if you don’t be quiet, it’ll be the last one. Petey still had that smile on his face when Leon’s red bobber disappeared under the water.

Whoa, I got one! With a quick jerk, he brought up another bream out of the water, proceeding to smack his brother with a firm and wet fishy pop on the cheek.

Hey, watch it, Petey grunted. He was able to wipe the water away, but a small bruise just under his right eye was bound to linger for a couple of weeks. Papi only shook his head and whispered something under his breath. The boys were relieved that they did not understand certain Spanish words.

As Leon proceeded to take the fish off the hook, he looked over and smiled at Petey and whispered, Mine’s bigger. Papi was quite happy that the rest of the day went without any more mini-adventures.

The threesome did manage to bring in a pretty good haul, seven breams in all, and two smallmouth bass that Papi caught. Leon’s first catch turned out to be the biggest. As dusk crept upon them, they docked their boat and headed back toward the farm. Cresting the top of the hill, Petey peaked back and glanced at the pond and the tree.

Hey, Leon, doesn’t that tree look like an old man’s hand?

Yeah, you’re right.

Kinda peaceful. Hurry up before Papi leaves us.

After one last glimpse of the tree, Petey turned and caught up with his brother and grandfather."

The Live Oak

The present, for Petey, replaced the past as the pecan trees ended, and Leon yelled, Earth to Petey. I need food.

Petey stopped and opened his blue backpack. Reaching in, he pulled out two of the four bologna and cheese sandwiches. Handing one to Leon, he began to eat the other one.

In between bites, he pointed over toward the oak tree. Hey, Leon, before we fish, let’s go and check out that tree a little bit closer.

Leon looked back slyly at his brother. Alright! Maybe we can find a way to climb it.

After the boys finished eating, Petey led his brother down the hill. Instead of the beeline the brothers usually took toward the dock, they headed around the tall grass toward the right of the pond. Both boys jumped as a small red fox shot right past them.

Petey, there is no telling what else we’re going to find in this grass.

As the boys got closer to the back of the tree, the grass became shorter, and an unmistakable floral aroma drifted their way. The base of the giant tree was horseshoe-shaped, and cradled inside was a single purple lavender flower. Dangling around the stem and the petals sat a gold chain. Upon a closer inspection, it looked like the lavender was wearing the chain with a small gold cross.

Um, Petey, how can one small flower smell so beautiful?

I don’t know.

How come we never smelt it before?

I don’t know.

Hey, where did that chain come from? And how can such a flimsy-looking flower be strong enough to wear a chain?

Growing a bit impatient, Petey snapped back at him, "Look, Leon, quit asking me all those questions. I don’t know!"

Gee, you don’t have to be such a grouch, Leon stammered.

Leon took the next step, one which would forever change the brothers. For the most part, Leon was a brave boy, with the small exception of certain bugs and the significant exception of spiders, and He was usually up for a challenge. So it would come to no one’s surprise that he made the first move toward the lavender.

Hey, man, that’s a pretty neat chain. Leon laid his pole by the tree trunk and moved inside the horseshoe part of the tree. At the same time, Petey took his backpack off and laid it, along with his pole, by Leon’s. Slowly the two brothers saw the chain start to swirl, and the cross does a little dance around the petal. Stepping toward his brother, Petey hollered, Hey, man, watch out!

Leon did not hear him as his attention was completely drawn toward the chain. In a faint whisper, Leon breathed out, Dude, that is too neat. No one would ever believe us. I’ve got to get that chain.

As Leon grabbed the chain, Petey gave a little squeak, No.

Leon reached out with his right arm. His thumb, index finger, and middle finger touched the chain first. As he did, the lavender’s smell overwhelmed the boys. Rainbow lights began to engulf them, covering every aspect of their beings. The brothers gazed at each other, barely able to make out their human shapes in the river of red, purple, green, yellow, and blue. Petey ebbed toward his brother, placing a hand on Leon’s shoulder as his brother fell to one knee.

Petey could feel his mouth open, but no words would come out. The colors moved faster and faster as Petey saw stars through the colors. He could feel his stomach moving bile up his throat with the aftertaste of the bologna. Keeping his hand on Leon’s shoulder, he soon joined his brother by dropping down to one knee.

Petey continued staring at Leon. His brother appeared engulfed in the strange imagery of wallpaper. The multiple prisms had seemingly plastered him against a wall with his body protruding out—as if a bubble left on a bumper sticker. New images began to supplement the colors, including a simple white church with a large steeple rising from the roof. A huge man appeared, standing over seven feet tall. In two strong hands, he held a large sword encrusted with various gems—rubies, emeralds, and diamonds glinted from the hilt behind the man. He had what appeared to be dark eye shadow around his almond brown eyes and long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. His face was chiseled and strong, with a deep olive complexion. On his feet, he wore a pair of black snakeskin-looking boots.

The man was standing over a boy huddled under a large palm tree near a large pond. A tiny amount of grass grew around the water, and sand was as far as the stars shown. Starlight