Beloved In Another Time, Another Place Book II: Prophecy Fulfilled: Beloved in Another Time, Another Place

By Annabelle Blythe

Sophya Blackwell comes up to present Time as a different person. Her husband, William, believes she has gotten her revenge on his infidelities. This pushes him to a strange new religion that he pushes her into. Here, Sophya meets the real Lover of her soul. William can only shadowbox his jealousy.

 

Sophya's arch enemy, Flo, reappears on the scene in current Time, but as the one who introduces them to the weird religion. All that's done in the name of Religion, surprises, and wounds Sophya even more. Many new prophecies occur during her new faith. Many are fulfilled from back in Time. Sophya realizes, though people may hurt you, Jesus never will. God restores her joy and gives her strength and peace for the future.

 

Finally, Sophya returns from another reenactment of the Battle of Mansfield only to come home to southwest Louisiana and witness the destruction of her own marriage. God delivers her from William. Headed for shipwreck, Sophya calls on the name of the Lord. He delivers her into an eerie place, but this time with a promise. Thus, she's thrust back into the throes of Flo, then delivered by God forever.

 

Anya, meantime, never told her mom about going back in Time. Christian Stolsky hints at a difference in her youngest daughter but hasn't learned the truth. Anya realizes Steve reminds her of someone she grew up and went to church with, Larry. He marries another and Anya changes churches and hides her heartbreak for years. Urich, her brother, moves in with Anya and her mother in Morristown, TX. Anya must find a job that enables her to tend to them both. She wonders though if love will ever come her way again.

 

Mikalina, their oldest sister, only gets to spend time with them, occasionally on visits, after her husband's transfer to Dallas. But she and her husband help support her siblings and mother.

 

What will happen when Sophya finds Brooks again? Why does Tad Walker have to re-appear?  To quote Sara, the maid, "Only God knows."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annabelle Blythe
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9780996916134

Book preview

Chapter 1: De Ja Vu

Why can’t I stop this from happening?

Sophya Blackwell shivered with fear in the cold, dark night, which seemed as though light had died. A red throne arose out of the darkness. Satan sat on the throne. He appeared just like the pictures portrayed him. Red, fearsome, and with real horns and a long, spear tail. His wicked laugh made Sophya almost jump out of her skin.

Ayyy! She tried to scream but she’d become voiceless.

Satan’s laugh mocked her again. Bow down and worship me!

Overwhelmed, Sophya dangled, suspended between heaven and hell. She couldn't rescue herself from the magnetic field pulling her into the devil's realm, like the undertow while swimming in the Gulf. All of a sudden, big, strong, but gentle, arms enveloped her. Cocooned in warmth, safety, and love, she allowed the arms to pull her away from the devil and into a bright light.

I AM come to deliver you, echoed the Voice between wakefulness and sleep.

Sophya sat up and looked over at her husband, William, who snored. She slipped out of bed, careful to be quiet, and went into the bathroom. Closing the door, she leaned against it as her knees gave way and she slid to the floor. She propped her elbows onto her knees and covered her eyes with her hands. Oh God, what does this dream mean?

She waited in silence. The thought came to her of what she had prayed about the night before.  Although Will had curtailed his activities of going out six nights of the week since she came back from Morristown, he still didn't let her go anywhere except to work or church or the grocery store. His jealousy and control had become worse. She stood up and stared in the mirror at her brown hair, now cut short, and gray eyes, she still wished were vivid blue or green, or vivid something. She thought back to their argument the night before...

Do you know how much gas is left in that car?

If he weren't so mean he might be good-looking, with his sandy-blonde hair and green eyes. Some people thought they made a nice-looking couple, both tall and slim, but she had stopped wanting him long ago. Sophya sighed. "No, but I hand all my paycheck over to you. You don't let us tithe... that's why God doesn't stretch it. However, I should be allowed to go visit my Dad on occasions other than just when you send me to ask for money."

William gritted his teeth, a habit she always hated. "Why do you want to go visit him? He doesn't even like me!"

"Can you blame him? Look at how you treat me!"

You shouldn't go blabbing our personal business to anyone.

"Good grief! If I don't talk to someone outside of this house, I'll go crazy. Of course, that's probably what you want." Sophya shook her head.

Why are you getting so chummy with your Dad when you used to not get along with him?

"At least he takes me out to eat every once in a while and is not ashamed to be seen with me in public."  

William smirked. He knew he couldn't feign shyness anymore or finances, since she now knew he had taken other women out to eat at restaurants during their times of separation. Sophya looked into the face she once loved but didn't budge.

"Go ahead. But make him put gas in the vehicle. And be back in two hours in case I need the car.

Sophya raised her eyebrows in disbelief, knowing he wasn't going anywhere, but grabbed the keys. Prison. I am still in prison. God, help me.

The squeak of bed springs brought her out of her reverie. As she thought about the dream, she remembered once saying, If William doesn't go to heaven, I don't want to go either.

What a ridiculous thought.

Could the dream mean she’d been obeying Satan, by worshiping William and consequently, worshiping Satan?

Oh God... Sophya trembled and repented. "Forgive me. From now on, I'm going to worship You, Lord. Show me how."

Later that week, while at the grocery store, William said to Sophya, Uh oh, there's an old schoolmate. I heard she's changed to that weird religion. Looks like she has. She's not wearing her make-up and has a dress on instead of pants. Shh, here she comes.

Sophya looked up to see the woman walking over to them and had to grab onto the grocery cart to keep her knees from buckling. Ohhh. I can't believe this!

William, how good to see you. The woman took his hand in hers and glanced over at Sophya.

Caught off-guard, William stuttered. T-this is a former schoolmate. He looked from the woman back to Sophya. Sophya, meet Florence.

Oh my gosh! And she has the same name even from Back in Time! Sophya worked hard to hide her emotions.

She looked at Sophya, a frown tugging at her lips. "Flo," she insisted, offering her hand for Sophya to shake.

De ja vu, thought Sophya.

Sophya gazed into Flo's familiar green eyes that were always enhanced by her black hair, then back at William. I can't believe this is happening! She looked down at the manicured hand offered to her and shook it, amazed that her old arch enemy appeared from Back in Time. Seven years had passed since she had seen Flo. What Flo said next surprised her even more.

Y’all need to come to the Bible Study I give at my house. Or I could come to your place. Excitement radiated in her voice. I've been living in Houston and came back this year. It's so good to be back home.

Thanks. OK. Maybe some time, William said.

Sophya, still in shock, looked from one to the other.

Well, how 'bout Bible Trivia? We serve snacks! It's just Mona and me and another friend, Gay.  Her smile dripped saccharine. Will, you remember Mona from school?

At the name, Mona, Sophya's eyes widened.

Yes, Will said, but then he chose to act bashful and backed out of the conversation. Sophya is the Bible Scholar in our family. He said with a nudge and smiled at Sophya.

She smiled a fake smile as Flo said, Great! and smiled one back at her.

Sophya stayed dazed as they left the store. Can't wait to see how the other shoe drops! She sighed.

William glanced over at her, as they walked to the car. He acted like nothing had just happened. He didn’t share that she had been his girlfriend.

A month later, Florence called and invited William and Sophya to play Bible Trivia.

Not me. Thanks though, William said, but Sophya can go. He raised his brows as Sophya came into the room to see if he had answered the phone.

He whispered, Flo.

She raised her brows back at him, but shook her head no.

The next Monday, William went to work, and Bobby and Billy went to school. Their sons were now sixteen and eleven. Their daughter, Diedra, had married the year before at age eighteen. Sophya sat in the living room with her Bible in her lap and a cup of coffee on the table beside her. Her day off from working at the beauty shop fell on Mondays. She had a lot of laundry to catch up on. She sat reading and thinking and praying. ...the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him... She stated out loud, II Chronicles, 16:9. Hmm. That gave her comfort.

She thought back to her daughter's wedding, one of the best/worst times of her life. Sophya remembered the wedding as beautiful, so had her daughter, Diedra, been, in her gorgeous gown. Sophya's dad, Edvard, seemed to be prouder of Diedra than her own dad, Will. Edvard Stolsky showed her off and bragged on her and danced with her. Come to think of it, he had been prouder of her than he had been of Sophya. What was it with Dads? Not Will. His sons were his favorites. Sophya and Diedra knew it. That saddened Sophya. She believed Diedra married at eighteen just to get away from home, like people said she had. Now, a year later, Diedra and Sean Block, her new husband, already had several bad arguments, just like Will and Sophya had early on. Unfortunately, they were about some of the same things, money, in-laws, and jealousies. Sophya shook her head and said a prayer for them all.

The phone rang. Flo invited her to Bible Trivia that night.

Alright, Sophya said, I'll be there. Later, Sophya knocked on the door of the small house. She thought Flo would have lived in a nicer home.

Flo opened the front door. "Oh, there you are!" She directed her in.

Immediately, Sophya saw Mona–same gorgeous blonde hair–same beautiful blue eyes. She tried to hide her shock. This must, also, be a prophecy coming true!

On one of Sophya's visits to her mom's, she and her sister, Anya, had gone investigating her aunt's old barn. God worked a miracle and thrust them Back in Time, to the Civil War. Sophya had always wished for that, but not involving her sister, too! They met Mona and Flo then. The experience had been euphoric and frightening at times. It put a wedge in their relationship. However, both sisters met the men of their dreams... back... in Time.

This is Mona, Flo said.

Yes, I know, she wanted to say.

Smiling, Mona approached Sophya, cautiously, and clasped her hand.

Flo walked off into the kitchen. I'm just finishing putting ice in the glasses, make yourself at home. My house is small, so you ought to be able to find your way around. I just moved in. She stuck her head back out. I’m going through a divorce, she remarked, the hint of sadness in her voice belying the smile she attempted.

Oh, I'm sorry, Sophya said.

Flo peeked back out. Don't be. I'm not.

Sophya turned to Mona, who had a smile on her face. Pleased to meet you, Sophya said smiling back at her.

"Have I ever met you before? Mona asked. You looked like you recognized me."

I'm not sure, she said, but it's a pleasure this time too. She laughed lightly. If I have.

Agreed, Mona smiled.

Flo brought the glasses in and set them on the table arrayed with plates of grapes and cheese and crackers. Thank You, Jesus, for the snacks! she said out loud and motioned for them to sit down. Oh, Gay can't make it tonight, her husband can't keep the kids. She frowned and plopped into the chair.

Sophya couldn't tell if that had been a casual statement or a slam dunk against Gay's husband. She and Mona sipped their drinks and sampled the snacks.  

I've never played Bible Trivia before, Sophya said and reached for her glass again.

"Oh, it's just Junior Bible Trivia, Flo offered. We don't want to scare you off right away."

Sophya smiled, tight lipped. Mona raised her brows and smiled. Apparently, she was used to Flo's quip personality. How do we play? Sophya asked. I'll show HER, she thought.

Well, we're each given a peg that's to be placed on the beginning hole at the Old Testament spot. Flo answered. Then we are each asked a question of one of these cards drawn, for that section. Next, we advance to History, Prophets, New Testament.

On up to Heaven on these white crosses, see? Mona added.

OK, who draws first? asked Sophya.

You can since you are new. We'll go counterclockwise, Flo added.

Hmm, Mona, 'What did Ishmael become skilled at while living in the desert?'

Mona sighed. Archery?

Correct! Sophya said.

Mona moved up and took a card. Flo, 'Who was tricked into marrying a wife he didn't want?’

Jacob! she exclaimed.

Right. Mona told her.

Flo moved her peg up a notch. As Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, who said, 'Abraham, Abraham’?

The Lord! Sophya said.

Flo blinked. Uh, no, actually it was an angel of the Lord. She raised her brows.

Sophya raised her brows, too.

They laughed.

Flo took a cheese cracker, then completely changed the subject. When I called last week, Will said y'all have been through two church splits in the past five years at your church.

Sophya glanced from Mona to Flo embarrassed. Yes, that's right.

What happened? Flo persisted.

She might not want to say, Mona interjected.

Sophya looked at Mona again. No, it's OK. She put her card down. Well, both times some wanted to get rid of the preacher. Surprisingly, both times, Will took up for the preacher, like I did. He usually doesn't like authority figures.  

Flo smiled a brief smile.  

Sophya looked from Flo to Mona. The complaints were ridiculous, really. The preacher let the youth and children meet in the Sunday School building while the adults had night church at Community Central. They had puppets and snacks and Bible lessons for all ages, also involving the youth in teaching. There were a few adults chaperoning. The attendance doubled.

That doesn't sound bad, Mona said.

Sophya sighed. Some said that went against, 'assembling together' even though they did assemble together for morning worship. She looked down. They were good about crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s, like the Pharisees. I pointed out that scripture didn't tell them they could have a fellowship hall either.

Mona laughed, almost choking on her drink.

Sophya glanced over at her with curved lips. After that things got really bad. Some of us met up at the church to discuss some things. Some from the other opinion drove up into the church parking lot so fast, they almost ran over us. I, eventually, told them I felt they were missing the main things:  Love and spreading the gospel. Wanting to change the subject, she pulled a card. History! Who built the first city?

Mona looked up. Uh—Adam?

Sophya snickered. No—Cain.

Bummer, she said and also pulled a card. "History to you, Flo:  'Which of these were never a shepherd, Moses, David, Cain, or Abel?'"

Flo raised her brows. Moses.

Nooo, Mona said, "Cain again."

Yuk, Flo said. Then she looked back at Sophya.

Do y'all have children? Sophya asked. We have three, a girl and two boys.

Yes, Flo answered. I have a teenage boy and a teenage daughter. They are at each of their dads."

Sophya raised her brows. She thought how Flo didn't have children Back in Time.

Yep, this is my third marriage. Flo sighed.

Sophya looked at Mona. You also, have two?

Mona stopped drinking her tea. She had an intense look, but calmly said, No.

Flo got really quiet.

"No. I had two—twins actually—a boy and a girl, but my son died in infancy."

Sophya's mouth fell open. I'm so sorry. I didn't...

It's OK. That's life. I already dealt with it. God helped me. She smiled.

Flo cleared her throat. What happened next at your church? she asked Sophya in an obvious attempt to change the subject back.

Sophya pushed her short hair behind her ear, sighed and took a drink of her tea. "The next Sunday in church, one of the elders came up to me and Will after service. He said he had heard about the meeting. We stared at him not knowing what to say. We knew he didn't like the Pastor. We also knew the Pastor had been the only one that had helped us through the bad marital trouble back in 1980. He got angry and told us if we didn’t like the way the church was run, we should leave. A friend walked up right after that, so we told him what had transpired. The friend called a meeting later for us and the elders. Will chose to send me alone—as usual." She shook her head and looked down at the table. She spoke the truth, even if she spoke to his high school pals.

Oh, my goodness, Mona touched her arm.

Flo had a poker face.

Sophya continued. "That meeting scared me with all those men by myself—even with our friend there. They brought up what the elder had said. He totally changed the way he said it, making like he’d been nicer about it by suggesting we could find another church that we liked better. It blew me away. I couldn't even speak—like usual when I feel betrayed. She folded her hands. They prayed and opted for dismissal of the meeting. She looked from Mona to Flo. The next week the elder had a stroke and could never serve in that capacity again.  Sophya shook her head. I still can’t believe that happened to him, but I can’t help but feel that was God’s vengeance."  

Good grief, Flo exclaimed. What did y'all do next?

We decided to go to a daughter church of theirs just north of town. North Community Church—kind of like a home missions church—but smaller. We went there for several years. Will knew the older preacher. Things started getting much better. Will even became active in the church as a deacon. I began teaching the Junior High Sunday School class. That's my favorite.  

Flo and Mona grinned.

Then, the devil showed up at that church, too. The older preacher had a heart attack, and the home church sent a young, newly ordained minister and his wife. They were about our age. She looked at the women at the table with her, thinking about them. He went to high school with y’all. Do you know Dave Sonnier?

No, Mona said, and glanced at Flo, who also, shook her head.  

"The new minister brought a certain vibrancy to the little church. Sophya's excitement began to spill over to Mona and Flo. He seemed filled with the knowledge of the Bible, especially the Book of Revelation. Sophya sighed at her pleasant thoughts. Anyway, she came back to the present time, he began teaching a series on Revelation. The church attendance doubled! One of the kids from my Sunday School class got baptized. she sighed. It was a great time."

Mona grabbed some grapes. Flo drank her drink. They appeared to be on the edge of their seat.

Then what happened? Flo asked.

One Sunday, I looked down at the church bulletin on my lap. The cover story usually had a scripture and a message. That day, it didn’t. It had article about a church, in another state, of the same denomination, though, in a college town. The story went on to rake the teachings of that church over the coals. They claimed the leaders had begun to control the student's lives like in a commune. I couldn't imagine why that story would be there. When we got home, I called the younger minister and his wife. He began to tell me he had been dismissed because of his former connections with that church they mentioned in the bulletin. He told us it had been all lies and distortions. We found out the older minister began feeling better and wanted to come back. We later figured the older preacher had gotten jealous of the younger one.

Flo looked over at Mona.

Sophya continued. The next Sunday, I taught my Sunday School class and an elder came and got me out of class. He brought me to another room where another elder waited. They told me I couldn’t teach anymore and replaced me with a male teacher. A woman could not usurp authority over a baptized male and teach him. So much for being happy about the baptism.  

She ate a grape. They just apologized and opened the door for me to leave. So, we went back to the home church because they had a different minister by then. She didn't mention how boring things were there or that Will only went because he promised her. Little did he know, she only went because she promised God.

Flo pulled a card off one deck. "You’re still in the Old Testament," she reminded Sophya.

Sophya rolled her eyes.

Who wouldn't let Moses enter into the Promised Land?

"Duh... this time I know the answer's God!"

They laughed.

Flo then said, Sophya, you told us earlier you worked in a beauty shop. I need a perm. Can you give me one next week?

Sophya now raised her brows. Sure. Yes, that job is helping us finally get a new car.

They laughed.

Next week, Flo walked in the beauty shop.

Hey girl, Sophya said. Let's get started.

Alright, Flo walked over to the shampoo bowl Sophya directed her to, but don't cut my ends.

Sophya put a cape on her and fastened the Velcro in back. Ohhkay. I'll just shampoo once since it's a perm. We're not supposed to scrub too hard, so the perm chemicals won't irritate your scalp.

Fine, Flo said and stared at her a moment as if wondering about the need for all the instruction.

When I rinse out the shampoo and the perm solution, you may get tired of how long I take.

Sophya's very thorough, Sandy, her boss, said, as she gave another lady a comb out.

Great, Flo responded.

Sophya felt embarrassed for the bragging, but Flo closed her eyes and didn't seem to notice.

You want me to help roll it since I'm free now? Sandy touched Flo's long hair.

Surprised, Sophya looked up. No, thanks. But, if you are still free for the unwinding, I'll take you up on that.

OK, Sandy said and looked back as she walked out of the shop. I'm going next door to the house for my lunch break.

Sophya nodded.

By the time her boss got back, she had about gotten through taking the perm rods out. Sophya glanced up at Sandy. She processed quick!

So, I see, Sandy said and smiled.

I've had several perms, Flo told them, and I have some natural curl.

Yes, it's nice, Sophya remarked. I think it came out good. She turned the chair around for Flo to look in the mirror.

Flo smiled at the results. Yes. Just leave it down and pick it out.

Gotcha, Sophya said. And you know, no shampooing for twenty-four hours at least.

Right, Flo answered. Oh, how's that new car you and Will are driving?

It's wonderful. It's the first new car we've had in years.

Flo smiled and got up and took out her wallet and paid Sophya. Thanks, I love it.

One day, Sophya heard a knock at the door. She walked out of the kitchen to the living room to answer it. Oh hey, Flo. Come on in. I just brewed some coffee. Want some? It’s in the kitchen.

Sure, Flo entered.

Sophya poured their cups. She pointed to the condiments and grabbed a sweet and low packet for herself. She loved how they dissolved better than sugar.

I heard you got fired from your job!  

Good morning to you too, thought Sophie.

She sighed and motioned for them to walk back to the dining table and sit down. "Well, losing a job is rough right at Christmastime. Luckily, we had already purchased some stuff for Billy. She looked pensive in her coffee cup. The worst is the new car note."

I would imagine, Flo said. What happened?

Sophya raised her brows and sighed. "After you left, my boss, Sandy, had another customer come in. They began talking while I washed out the perm rods. Sandy told the lady about another customer of hers, that had a face and a rear-end lift. What she didn’t know was the two ladies were friends. And the other had been a friend of my family. So, the other lady called me, wanting me to confirm what had been said. I asked her to ask my boss. She insisted that as her friend, I should be the one to tell her. So, I did. By Friday, she didn’t come in for her appointment. Sandy asked me if I knew why. When I told her, she accused me of being disloyal to her. I told her she was disloyal to her customer. Then, she told me to pack my things and leave."

What did Will say about it?

Sophya looked at Flo. She still did not know her very well. And her time with her, Back in Time, had been short and unpleasant. She sighed again. "You know William well enough to know he has a temper.

Flo nodded.

Well, Sophya continued, this hasn't helped, especially it being Christmas.

Oh, Flo said. Perhaps if he would go to church more often.

Sophya eyes widened and she almost wanted to laugh. True.

"Oh, I just wish I could get him to come meet my Pastor. He's just the best."

This wasn't the first time Flo had gushed over her Pastor. Yeah, right, Sophya thought. "Well, we have prayer with meals together, but, for our New Year’s resolution, he did say that for every day I wouldn't eat sweets, he would let us have a Bible reading. He hates my body and I hate his soul. Sophya smiled with her sarcastic thoughts. She knew she had gained some weight lately. She had also been secretly consuming too much alcohol. William had been a bodybuilder for years and tried to talk her into participating. She resented the years he had gone to go show himself off at bars, so she rebelled against doing it.

Well, Flo stated and slapped her hand down on the table victoriously. Great.

Chapter 2: When Change Comes

Christmas came and went without much ado. William never liked holidays—they seemed to require something more of him than he had been willing to give—like generosity and happiness. Sophya tried to over-compensate until she got into trouble with him and charges and lay-a-ways. Then she backed off. She tried to lay low this time, being out of work. She had applied for several jobs, filled out resume's and applications out, the kazoo and read all the classified ads in the newspaper. She was at her wits end.

One day, Will came home at the end of his wits, too. He picked up the stack of mail, and after a moment heaved a sigh. We need to sit down and talk about these bills. He slapped them down on the table.

Sophya jumped. Her stomach turned to knots. She hated these lengthy discussions. Just a minute. She turned the flame lower and put the pot of supper to simmer. I'm going to the restroom.

She reached behind the towels in the cabinet, pulled out her bottle of alcohol and took a drink. She checked on the food once more then joined Will in the living room. He was sitting in the recliner, she sat down on the couch.

William shook the envelopes. I don't make enough money to pay all of these in one month. And now that we have a new car note, you choose to get fired!

She didn't know what to say. She had been informed of the bills over and over. So, yes, one could say she had first-hand knowledge.

We need to go bankrupt. I've told you that already, his voice echoed in the room. His angry tone tightened her belly into more knots. "Will, that won't work as smoothly as you've always thought it would. That stays with you for years. What if we need to make another major purchase or something?"

He cursed. "There will be no more purchases around here. And, if you don't plan to help any, there doesn't even need to be a marriage." He slammed the bills down on the coffee table as he got up to get a drink of iced tea from the fridge.

Help. I don't help! She got up and went back to the stove and turned off the heat. Sophya decided to mention her idea. I saw a set of beauty shop equipment for sale in the paper for $150. Now that Diedra is gone and the back room is empty, I could set up shop back there. Bro. Randy from church could probably help put the plumbing in for the sink. I could advertise good prices for Senior citizens by word of mouth or send out fliers to friends.

"Don't expect me to fund any of this. You got us into this, and you can get us out, if you're still against bankruptcy! He shut the refrigerator door and headed for the bathroom down the hall. I'm going to take a shower before supper."

I... got us into this? The porch extension on the front and a washing machine? He wanted these as much as I did. While he walked down the hall, Sophya got her courage back up. Can we have a Bible reading tonight? I didn't eat sweets today.

Will stopped in his tracks. I don't see what the point is. He shut the door behind himself.

While he was in the shower, Sophya picked up the phone and dialed. Hello, Dad, I need a favor.

After Will showered, Bobby and Billy came in from playing in the neighborhood and washed their hands to sit down and eat supper.

Aw great. Spaghetti! Thanks, Mom. Bobby exclaimed; his blue eyes sparkled. Sophya quelled the urge to brush the lock of hair off his forehead.

Billy picked out the celery, bell pepper and onion. "Except for the vegetables. he added. Wonder what Diedra's cooking for supper tonight?" he thought out loud, missing his sister.

Probably pork chops and corn. She's had that every time I ever stopped by, Sophya said.

The boys laughed.

The rest of the meal passed by without much talk, which made Sophya grateful. The boys knew their Dad's temper had been shorter than usual these days, so they kept quiet.

When Will got through he went to sit in his recliner, but he didn't turn on the T. V. It was unusual, and surprised Sophya.  

The boys got up next from the table. It was always like that. By the time Sophya got through cooking and setting it on the table and serving them, they were through, leaving her alone.

Can we watch TV, Dad? Bobby asked.

No, son, tonight we're having a Bible reading. I think y’all should join us.

Aww, Dad, they said in unison.

Can't we go play with my new cars? Billy asked.

Oh, alright, Will said with a sigh.

Yay! they said and ran for their bedroom.

Y’all need to start your baths, too, Sophya added after getting over her shock about the Bible reading. She started clearing away the dishes. Task-sharing would be great, but not now that the only other girl in the house has left, she thought and shook her head. Oh well. She missed how Diedra would also talk to her. The boys would just kiss her and run off to play. Sophya went and sat on the couch with her Bible. Who's reading tonight?

You are. William spoke with a flat voice.

Sophya opened her Bible. We had started in the New Testament, in Matthew. We had gotten through Jesus' lineage, and Mary’s pregnancy. An angel told Joseph, ‘Fear not’, to marry her. The wise men sought for Jesus after his birth. She looked over at William. So, let’s continue where we left off.... Chapter Three of Matthew."

Will commented, Hmm.

Well, he’s really interested. Here it is, chapter three, about John the Baptist preaching and then baptizing Jesus. He was really his cousin, too. She looked at Will, who still showed no emotion, or appreciation for her knowledge. She began reading about the temptation of Christ and how He answered every one of Satan's temptations with the Word of God.

They heard a knock on the door. Who could that be? Sophya got up to answer it and saw Flo standing there. Hey, come on in.

Flo said hello to William when he stood up to greet her. She saw their Bibles laying out and opened. Oh, I'm interrupting...

No. William assured her. Have a seat. Do you want Sophya to get you something to drink?

She glanced at Sophya as she took her coat off and sat down. No, thanks. Y’all are having your Bible reading I see.

Yes, Will said, a little proudly, Sophya thought, as she sat back down on the couch by Flo.

What are you reading? she asked.

Sophya answered, We are in Matthew chapter four. We started in the New Testament but haven't gotten very far. She smiled.

Well, Flo looked from one to the other, speed probably isn't the issue.

William then spoke up. "We just read how the devil tempted Jesus. Why did Jesus bother to go through all that? Why didn't He just zap him?"

Flo laughed.

Sophya had never thought about that, but she fumed. Why didn't he act interested enough to ask me?

The Lord, Flo seemed glad for the question, let the disciples and the Jews know right away that His Kingdom was not that kind. It wasn't an earthly Kingdom, with power and money and swords and shields. His would be a Heavenly Kingdom.

She went on to explain a few more scriptures and held William's attention the whole time. It amazed Sophya. She finally heard Flo say, I'll bring you some copies of more questions and answers if you like.

Sure. Will answered for them both.

Flo looked at Sophya for agreement.

Sophya raised her eyebrows and nodded and smiled.

Flo appeared several more times at night about the time of their Bible readings. She brought more and more material for them to go over. William still acted interested. Sophya enjoyed the Bible discussions, but she kept her guard up with Flo, against her new, weird religion.  

Sophya and Will's arguments did not subside, however. He still talked about divorce and bankruptcy. Next, Sophya's doctor said she needed an operation to remove her ovaries as they were precancerous. Consequently, she didn't push for much business in her new beauty room her Dad had set up for her. The lack of cash flow angered William even further, with no concern for Sophie’s health. One night, when the porch light had burned out and they were out of bulbs someone knocked. Will sat in his recliner, as usual. Sophya, after finally getting to sit down, got up from the sofa to answer the door. They had been doing a Bible reading quite regularly now. When she opened the door, she saw Flo standing there, in the cold January night.

Flo blurted out, "While I prayed, God told me to come and pray for y’all to receive the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, like Peter did to the house of Cornelius."

What's she saying? That I'm not saved? I ought to bust that pretty face in! But Sophya saw the streetlight behind her showing Flo trembling. Whether from the cold, or from the statement she had just courageously made, Sophya knew not which. She never could figure out where the Holy Ghost dwelled anyway, inside, or out, leading, guiding, directing. But, then she remembered what she had been praying for the last year, What's the Truth, Lord? Surely, not this. She thought about everything they had been facing—fights, divorce, bankruptcy, church trouble, surgery—and she opened the door. After Flo entered, seeming relieved, she sat down and asked if she could pray with them. They looked at each other and nodded, but, after praying, nothing happened.

Flo confessed she was new at this and had never prayed by herself for someone. I have an idea, come to church with me Sunday.

William looked at Sophya. His next words were, Let's go.

Sophya sighed. "Alright, but I want to go to our church first, in the morning, then bring Dad his birthday cake." She didn't think Will should mind after all her Dad had done, buying the furniture, and hooking up the beauty shop. We can go to the night service.  

Flo smiled. Great, the night service is the best.

Sunday came. Sophya went alone to her boring, painful service in the morning. That night, William drove Sophie to Revival Church. They had left the boys at home. The music was good, then an old preacher stood up to preach. It was Chief Hawk from Back in Time! Sophya's mouth fell open. She recognized him even from where she and William sat in the back. She slowly looked over at Will on one side of her. Then she looked the other way at Flo, who gave her a quick glance, and looked back up front.

Who is that? Sophya asked her.

Flo looked at her. That's Rev. Stone. He's retired, but he still preaches sometimes.

Sophya slowly looked back at him. She felt Flo's eyes turn once more towards her. She decided to ignore her. The old man bounced around a great deal, even at his age. Sophya sighed. She didn't really feel she needed that much activity. However, the message was good. When the preaching ended, the music started again. The old preacher called for an altar call. These were rare in Sophya's church. Here, at the Revival Church, she noticed people going down and praising the Lord and being filled with joy. This is probably fake, like my church said, she thought.

Will nudged her. Do you want to go down for us to get prayed for?

Sophya looked at him like he had dropped his real teeth. But something changed her mind. Heck, if he will finally be the spiritual leader of the family, I'll follow him anywhere! She blinked and smiled and answered, Yes.

They went down together. The men seemed to congregate to one side and the women to the other. From then on, Sophya couldn't tell what happened to Will. A group of women began to lay hands on her and pray. Flo and Mona and Gay were among them.

Flo asked, "Do you want to be baptized in Jesus name?"

What the heck... third times a charm, thought Sophya. She remembered one cold January when she was nine years old, the little Baptist church outside in the woods from Mobile, Alabama, had revival. Her Mom and her Aunt Roberta pushed her out in the aisle. Go ahead, Sophie. It's time.

The water was sooo cold! The preacher said, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

When she was nineteen, William wanted her to join the Community Central Church. One of his Army Reserve friends had invited them. They said the same thing, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Sophya's thoughts came back to the present time. The women were ushering her up the stairs. One said, Don't worry about giving up your make-up and jewelry.

Make-up and jewelry? What about my Community Church friends that won't speak to me after this? She smiled at the woman. And my scissors, for Christ's sake! I'm a beautician and these women don't cut their hair! She collected her thoughts again and whispered, "If this is real, and necessary, God, give it to me."

When they reached the top of the stairs, they led her to a small room off the hall. Mona opened the door and said, Here's a baptistry gown. She pointed to a little counter. There's a plastic cap and blow dryer.

Flo showed her the open Bible. "Look, here it says in Acts, 2:38, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.'"

Sophya had read that scripture, but she had also read the one in Matt. 28:19, Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. She had rather believe Jesus than Peter all those years. Oh well. When she came out of the little dressing room, she went around the corner. The women were all waiting for her near the baptistry. All smiling. A man stepped around the corner to take her hand and lead her up a few steps, to the baptistry. Heat shot through his hand to hers. Sophya almost fainted. He held onto her hand tighter. He had light brown hair had a nice clean haircut, gorgeous green eyes, and a lovely smile. She would recognize him anywhere. A tear fell.

Brooks smiled.

Chapter 3: Be Careful What You Pray For

Brooks, or Reverend Brooks by title, tilted his head at her teary stare, smiled and asked, Ready?

Sophya nodded and smiled through more tears. He continued to guide her, by the hand, up the steps, and down the other steps into the warm water.

Cup your hands over your nose. He took her hands to show her.

She obeyed then closed her already damp eyes.

Rev. Brooks spoke. "Sophya Blackwell, I now baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins." He laid her back into the water.

A bright lightning flashed across her closed eyes when she came up out of the water. Heat traveled through her body making her feel cleaner, lighter, as though she floated three feet above the ground. Stripped naked of her sins! She thought back to the time she baptized herself, Back in Time. Brooks had appeared and covered her with a blanket. Now, God covered her sins with His blood. All the lies and hate and hypocrisy, gone! Delivered from her desire for alcohol. She had blamed her secret consumption of way too much of the wicked brew on her troubled marriage. Now she took full responsibility for it.

Sophya heard Brooks say, Just praise Him, Sister, as he raised her hands into the air. Tell Him you love Him! Hallelujah!

Sophya did what he prompted. She could hear the women behind him, praising the Lord. Next, she immediately lost control of her tongue and language! She felt fuzzy and lighter-headed. Who needed wine? She also felt a peace she had never known before, with no hangover. She opened her eyes. Everything looked brighter to her. She looked into Rev. Brooks' gorgeous eyes. He smiled then blinked and got a puzzled look on his face. Sophya wiped her eyes.

Oh, he said, and grabbed the towel being handed to him by the women. He handed it to her. Sophya blotted her eyes, and smiled at him again, but her tears were replaced with joy.

Rev. Brooks grinned and asked, Uh, have we met before?

Sophya blinked hard. Maybe.

He raised his brows, smiled again, and held her hand to help her step up out of the baptistry.