A Season for Change

By Rachel Vanderwood

Christian Merrane has always been outgoing, popular, and adventurous. For as long as he can remember, his spirit has been one to force him into constant motion. He had always been curious to learn and fearless to accept any challenge. Throughout his life, he searched to find the answers he knew were kept hidden from him to define his place in the world, but in his efforts to learn his purpose, he often found himself facing reprimand for the daring actions he took to prove himself. Now facing those same unanswered questions he's always kept hidden within him as he approaches becoming an adult member of society, Christian finds alternative means to subdue the driving forces compelling him to act--means that lead him away from his true purpose in life--that is, until he is forced to face the one thing he fears the most. As he suffers through a loss he never could have prepared himself to endure, Christian finds himself on the edge of two paths--one that will lead him on a path of self-destruction and the other toward a path that will open his eyes and his heart to the answers he's been seeking. Although he faces influences pulling him away from who he is intended to be, others enter his life in the moments he needs them the most to combat the forces against him. And although help is within his reach, it is up to Christian to decide which road he travels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886857009

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A Season for Change

Rachel Vanderwood

ISBN 979-8-88685-699-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-701-6 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88685-700-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Rachel Vanderwood

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Chapter 1

Come on, Braylynn, where are you going? You can't tell me you're ready to leave already. We haven't even been here twenty minutes, Christian called out as he watched Braylynn climb her way out of the outdoor community pool they had broken into and begin to redress herself.

It's been thirty-five minutes, to be exact, and yes, I am ready. Christian, it's late, you're drunk, and I've had enough for tonight. Unless of course you could figure out a way to entice me to stay out later? I need something else to keep my interest in, Braylynn playfully suggested as she looked down to observe him still wading in the waters below her.

Is that a challenge? What did you have in mind? Christian eagerly asked.

As she looked around the paved poolside walkway, her eyes quickly caught the inspiration for her amusement. As she leaned down to pick up his pile of clothes, she could hear him laughing.

Seriously? he questioned as though he doubted her intent to follow through.

Yes, seriously, Christian. But if you're too modest, we could forget the whole thing and just call it a night. I'm beginning to feel tired anyway. And, besides, my roommates aren't home tonight. Maybe we can find something to entertain ourselves with there instead of going back to your place for once.

Modest? You question my confidence? Don't test me, Braylynn.

If you're so confident, then why are you still in the water, Christian? Braylynn provoked as she observed him to be pulling himself up onto the edge of the pool.

When Braylynn was certain he was close enough to be able to stand and pursue her, she began to run in the direction of the sidewalk along the main street of the small town, slowing herself down when she was certain that any passersby could have full view of the sight fast approaching from behind her.

Just as he came near enough to catch up to her, Christian slowed his pace and pleaded with her, Braylynn, come on. I accepted your challenge. I think that I have proven myself. I'm wet, cold, and now I'm getting tired. Can I have my clothes back, please?

What's the matter, Christian, are you afraid someone will see you? she teased.

Afraid? That's not a word I understand. It's nowhere in my vocabulary. Besides, I have nothing to hide.

Well, if you're so confident in yourself, Christian, you can stand to be as you are for the rest of the way to my place. It's 2:00 a.m. Who's going to see you anyway?

You're right. I am confident. See how confident I am! Christian shouted as he turned to face the street beside them and neighboring buildings aligning the path on the other side. As he stood momentarily to ensure his point had been proven, he and Braylynn were suddenly startled when they observed the fast-approaching bright headlights of a pickup truck driving down the road toward them and slowing as it neared where they walked.

Too inebriated to have the sense to run, Christian proudly stopped and stood, waiting to converse with the driver of the truck, curious to learn the man's intent. Finding amusement when Braylynn attempted to run from a pending interaction, Christian grabbed ahold of her arm and held her in place to teach her a lesson for what she had made him do. Had he been wise enough to focus on the identity of the man approaching them, who had now made his way to be walking past his headlights and toward the sidewalk, Christian would have understood Braylynn's reaction to make a quick escape.

With an unwavering glare fixed solely on Christian, Peter demanded, Braylynn, get in the truck. Christian, put your clothes on and get ready to go home.

It's okay, Pastor Merrane, I only have a few blocks to go to get to my place, Braylynn timidly replied.

Braylynn, unless you want me to call your parents and tell them how I found you and my son tonight, I suggest you do what I asked. I'm sure the superintendent of our town's public education system would prefer not to have the knowledge of his daughter's late night excursions public knowledge. And I'm certain your mother wouldn't appreciate the phone call either, Peter insisted in a commanding tone.

Yes, Pastor Merrane, Braylynn reluctantly submitted as she followed in the direction that had been given to her and climbed up into the backseat row of Peter's truck to wait for he and Christian to join her.

As Christian pulled the layers of his clothing back on and fastened the remaining zippers and buttons of his attire, he could sense the disappointment in his father's demeanor as he stood watching him to ensure he, like Braylynn, would do as he had been told and find his place next to his father once inside the vehicle. When all three were safely inside the truck, no words were spoken, only silent affirmation that the actions of the younger two warranted his father's concern.

As Braylynn had suggested, it was only a matter of a few blocks and one quick turn before Peter pulled up in front of her apartment building, let her out, and waited by the curbside to ensure she safely made it inside.

The remaining silence that prevailed after Braylynn had exited the vehicle as his father pulled away and found his way back to the main highway served as a sobering force to allow Christian to feel the effects his actions had on his father. Although his father had reprimanded him many times throughout his life for the continuous reckless and impulsive endeavors he found himself to be entangled in, Christian sensed that his father's solemn demeanor and distracted gaze upon the road ahead of him masked a deeper issue.

Finding his father's truck to be driving past the center of the small town and down the highway toward the back country road that led to his parents' house, Christian turned back to look out of the window behind him and said under his breath to himself, I guess when you said home, you didn't mean my apartment.

Hopeful to find a fast resolution to ease the tension between them, Christian assured his father, Dad, I can explain. Tonight. I know it looked bad. It really wasn't. I was just trying to prove a point. She challenged me. I'm a man. She questioned my confidence, which there should be no question. I'm satisfied in myself and I'm not afraid to show it.

After a brief pause to temper himself and offer an appropriate response, Peter replied, Christian, I'm glad you are grateful for the body our good Lord has given you, but there are other ways to show your appreciation to him than exposing yourself to the community.

I know. And I'm sorry. But this whole thing was harmless. Really. And don't worry, no one—other than you, of course—saw anything. No one at your church will know about this, I'll make sure of it.

Harmless, Christian?

Yes, Dad, harmless. No one was hurt. Nothing happened. Just some laughs.

Laughs, Christian? You mean like the time you and Dillyn convinced the girls' varsity swim team to take a midnight swim in the creek on your grandfather's property? I received a lot of angry phone calls from the girls' parents when you were discovered by the police after your grandparents had called them, not knowing it was you who orchestrated the event. Or how about the time I caught you and Braylynn in the back seat of my truck when you were supposed to be at your senior ball with Abbigail Whitten? She's a good girl, Christian. The least you could have done is restrained yourself from Braylynn Rossi long enough to get through the evening with her. Not make her find out that you decided to rekindle your romance with your ex-girlfriend when you had committed yourself to being her date that night. Abbigail's father showed up at our house the next day, looking for you. It took your mother and I two hours to convince him that we would take care of it while you were out doing what I'm sure I don't want to know with Braylynn.

Okay, here we go. I know how you and Mom feel about Braylynn. But you don't understand, Dad. She can be very persuasive. She's adventurous. And we have fun together. We challenge each other. I love that about her.

So that's what you think love is, Christian? Having fun?

Yes. It should be. Life is way too short. And just because Braylynn and I don't have the same type of relationship as you and Mom, it doesn't mean it isn't right.

Christian, the relationship I have with your mother is grounded in a deep love and respect for one another. She is my best friend, a wonderful wife and mother, and the only woman I could ever see myself sharing what time we have together. We may not challenge each other or intentionally push each other toward our limits, but what we share is and always has been a blessing.

And that's great if that works for you and Mom, but Braylynn and I are different, Dad. Marriage, kids—we just aren't those type of people, you know. Not now anyway. We don't need that headache. Trust me, we take precautions. We're only twenty. We have our whole lives to settle into that if we ever do.

It's reassuring to know that's one surprise I'm not going to be facing anytime soon.

Dad, you don't have to worry about that. I wouldn't even know if I'd ever be ready or if I will be when it does happen.

Christian, you'll be ready when you realize that although becoming a parent presents many and, in some cases, several challenges, it should be seen and felt as a blessing, not a headache.

I know you think I'm irresponsible, Dad. It's just I don't know what I want. Every day, I feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere else. Like I need to keep moving, but I don't know where I'm supposed to go. I can't explain it. I don't know. Like I'm being pulled toward another direction that I can't see. When I'm with Braylynn, the energy we have together—it's distracting, I guess. I don't feel so restless because she keeps me going. Sure, I respect what you and Mom have, and I know you knew what you wanted by the time you were my age, but I don't. I'm not you, Dad.

You're right, you're not me, Christian. I wouldn't have been foolish enough to allow myself to be manipulated by someone who is only with me for her own entertainment purposes.

And what's that supposed to mean?

It means, Christian, that some people are only in our lives when it serves their purposes. A real relationship involves the participation of both partners to be equally invested in one another.

Trust me, Dad, she's invested and makes sure to keep me happy.

Christian, I'm not just talking about a physical connection between two people. You say that you and Braylynn have fun, and judging by how I found you tonight, I can only assume what you meant by the word. But is your connection with Braylynn strong enough to last if life brings you to a place where you are forced to face loss, tragedy, failure, disappointment, change? You're happy now the way your life is going, but what if you find a time that your emotional and spiritual needs surpass your drive to satisfy your physical desires? Do you think Braylynn would be just as eager to be in your life when you need her the most?

Yes, Dad, I know she would. I was there for her when her grandmother died and when her parents split after her father's affair with his now new wife. I know she would do the same for me if I needed her to.

Are you certain about that, Christian? It seems to me that the relationship between the two of you has been rocky at best. In the four years you two have claimed your commitment to one another, it has been broken at least six times, during which times several questions have been raised on the fidelity of each party involved. Real relationships aren't about convenience or what feels good at the time, Christian. They take work, loyalty, honesty, and a strength beyond what your history with Braylynn suggests. Someday I hope you come to understand that, Peter replied as he parked and exited his truck after having pulled into the driveway of his country home.

Dad, why is Aunt Tonya's car in the driveway? Is Rosie here too? Christian curiously asked as he, too, began to exit the vehicle and follow his father inside.

Your aunt and your cousin are going to be staying with us for a while.

Is everything all right? Did something happen to them? Christian asked out of a rising concern as he and his father found themselves to be entering through the front door and into the quiet, dimly lit home.

Christian, I'm tired. We'll talk about it in the morning or whenever you decide to pull yourself out of bed. I'm finished with our conversation for tonight, Peter insisted in a worn and defeated tone as his son watched him make his way upstairs and toward his second-floor master bedroom where his wife lay peacefully sleeping.

Although his father did not outwardly admit what was weighing heavy on his heart and mind, Christian could sense that whatever conversation he was going to have with him the following day was one that he needed to prepare himself for. Hopeful to get the rest he needed to face the upcoming day, Christian, too, made his way to the second level of his parents' home and into the room he once claimed to be his. Although having been recently washed and cleaned, Christian smiled when he observed that the room had been kept just as he had left it the year before.

Chapter 2

Christian was suddenly startled awake when a burst of light from the new day's sun crashed through is bedroom window after the curtains had been intentionally yanked apart. As he slowly began to peel his eyes open and get up out of his bed to investigate the source of who had attempted to call his attention, he heard the muffled sounds of children giggling from behind the chair in the corner of his room. Grinning as he recognized the sounds that were becoming louder as he approached them, Christian quietly made his way over to his mischievous younger cousins and tossed the chair out from in front of them, eliminating the barrier from them being discovered.

Could it possibly be that you two were too wild, even for the jungle? Christian teased as he glanced down at his two younger cousins, ten-year-old Dakota and his eight-year-old sister, Jenna.

We weren't in the jungle, Christian, we were in Colorado. Mom and Dad have been doing their research at home. But guess where we will be going next? Jenna asked with bright beaming blue eyes.

Let me guess—a kennel? Christian teased.

No! The Caribbean to study the effects of the recent changes in the ocean currents on the fish and underwater plant life. At least that's what Mom and Dad said. But ever since the earthquakes started happening all over the world in the last few months, our parents have kept us home to study them. I really hope we still get to go, Jenna explained.

What about you? Are you ready to dive in for adventure? Christian asked Dakota.

Nah. I'm a land man myself. I had the most fun when my family went to South America. That was an adventure. But if I had to study water, I'd rather go to the Antarctic with my parents if they ever go back. I don't mind the cold so much. It's cool. They have hidden lakes underneath the ice. I like to learn about the creatures you can't see so easily. You know the kind you need to look under a microscope to see?

Yeah, I get it, the kind you need look a little deeper beneath the surface to find. And just out of curiosity, of course, you didn't bring any creatures with you this time, did you? Christian questioned his inquisitive young kin.

No. But I will next time we come if you want, Dakota assured.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Speaking of next time, not that I don't enjoy seeing the two of you, but what's the occasion for the visit? And where can I find my world-exploring Aunt Amy and Uncle Brett?

They're downstairs with Grandma and Grandpa. They didn't say why we had to come, just that we had to be here because of some family issue, Jenna replied.

Family issue? It sounds serious, Christian questioned as his mind began to speculate potential concerns.

I don't know. Our mom seemed upset about it. It must be something important. Our parents don't usually take time away from their research unless it is, Jenna replied.

Important, huh? Well, I guess I better get dressed and try to look presentable, Christian lightheartedly suggested.

I think you should. Grandma Maggie sent us to wake you up. She said if you gave us any trouble, she'd come get you up her way. I don't know what that meant, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to find out, Dakota warned.

You're probably right. So why don't the two of you alert the militia that I'll be downstairs in ten minutes, Christian instructed as he