Generation gaps (Tim and Julia Nicole)

Tim had been kept prety Buisy with both his businesses the rest of the week. He talked to Julie on the phone and texts but did not see her. He wanted to lay low for a bit. The post with the pics of her and him attracted attention form there church and there extended families. He did not like this attention. He laid low.
Julia missed seeing him. She guessed that he needed to catch His breath. She understood but missed him. He was very quiet and private.she's was fine with that. She did not understand it. She was very bubbly and social.she did not understand his need for privacy.she suspected he did not understand her need for community. 
It was friday night. He decided to end his self imposed exile and give her a call. "Hey stranger!"she said. "I m sorry Jules. I have been Buisy. "He told her.
"I figured. "She said. "Do you want to get together tomorrow.I Was thinking a picnic in Pelletier park."he suggested. "Sounds great!"she said.
"Is around one good?"he asked. "Sure. Do you like chicken said" she asked. "I do. "He said. "My one is more chicken then said."she told him. "Oh good. I love chicken salid but I defenently perfer if the chicken is dominant."he remarked."I defeinently thought that that was the case.  "She told him.
She really looked forward to seing him. She missed him. She hoped he missed her. She was not always able to read him.
"Do you want me to pick you up at your place?"he asked. "That's works. "She said. "I will see you then. "He told her. "Sounds good."she said.
She Was excited to see him. She wanted to spend time with him. She got the feeling that dinner with his sister was a bit over helming for him. He had been distant ever sense that night. For her that night brought her closer to him. She hoped that the picnic might cure the awkwardness.
She made sure she was ready for Tim . She wore a Gray shirt denim skirt and sandles . she hoped it would go well. She wanted to be close to him. She knew that they had a good life ahead but they just had to get over these hurdles.
She was ready for Tim. She ran on Tim time as she called it. She heard the car pull up. She smiled and went outside. She went to the pasinger's side.
"Hi there!"he said. "Hi "she said. She got in. "I missed you. It's good to see you you!"Julie said. "I have been prety Buisy the last few days. "He said "I understand. I am glad we can have today." she told him. "Me too. "He said.
They went to the park. He put the blanket down. They put the cooler down. They prayed and started to eat."this is great. "He said. "I got it the way you like it?"she asked. "Absolutly."he said. "Awesome"she replied.
"So are you and melisa the only ones in your family that are Christian?"She asked ."one other our youngest sister is saved. I was the first to be saved. I led missy to the Lord a year later. Olivia was a hold out. She was very unlikely to be saved. "He said.
"I have nit fully heard your full conversion story. "She said. "My farther was a business man. He was not anti religious just not religious. I was similar. I did not think about it. I live what else matters I thought. My roommate at college was a believer.he was not In your face but he made it clear who he was. We used to talk about things of God a lot. I began to questione. I started going to a smal church near campus. At first it was an add on for me. I thought I could add faith to my life. "
"As I learned more about God. Who he is. I realized that He will not share his diety with any one else. He must have The preeminence. The sinner question was difficult for me. I believed I was not perfect but I was not that bad. When I realized that God is holly and I am not. I was saved on a Sunday night on a very cold February night. "He said.
"Was it a very difficult discipleship?"she asked. "Yes it was.the people at hope Baptist church were very gracious." he said. 
"How did missy get saved?"she asked. "I changed dramatucally. I did not shout it from the roof top but my family could tell. Melisa and I had been very close. We talked frequently so it was not too surprising. For a while I was worried that Mayby her conversion was more to please me. She started attending gospel Baptist church. The people in the church invested in her. It really did take. My other sister was harder. She was very worldly. She was quite a deal younger. I was already long out if the house before she was at the age to really think about those things. We both noticed a change in her. She asked questioned. She finally got saved. We got her in a church that was started by a g.b.c member and she is married to a pastor now. "He said.
"How did your family react to this?"she asked. "We had been close .my mom and dad divorced when I was a freshman in college. My dad and I have always been close. My mom and I have not been as close. At first my dad was fine with it. He was taken aback when I became more and more serious about my Faith. When melisa got saved, he was not thrilled. He had a kind of libertarian view on religion. He was not keen on evangelizing. When missy accepted Christ he Was not thrilled but not surprised. When Olivia was saved, that was not cool .that caused a rift between us. We are not as close now"he said.
"I talked to your dad a little bit on face book. "She said . "did you add him as a friend ?"he asked. "He added me. O accepted.is that ok?"she asked."yea. I have to warn you you are marrying into a family of nuts..we are really wacky. " he said.
She smiled. Did he mean to say marrying . was it a mispeeak. She wanted to ask but decided not to. She decided to take it as something he intended to say. It made her happy. Even if it was a mispeak,he still thought of her as a permanent part of his life.
"I stil can't believe your not married yet. "She said. "I dated a lot before my conversion. When I was saved,I backed off. Dating was not on my radar after I got saved. Churches I intended had mostly married and older people, I would not date unsaved.I just did not peruse any one."he said.
"Well do not take this the wrong way but I am really glad that you were single all these years. " she exclaimed.
He chuckled. "I am glad of that too. You were worth waiting for. "He said. Her heart melted. She was not expecting him to say that. "Do you really mean that? You could have been married for 15 years or so. "She said.
"I do mean it Jules. Sense my conversion I did not hardly notice that I was single.  It did not come into my thinking. I did not care.  I absolutely mean it. You are so special to me. You were worth waiting for. "He said.
"Thank you. I am glad you did wait. "She said. " I am too. I am glad you are in my life. "He told her. "I am glad to be I'm your life. " She said.
This Was a good day she thought to herself. She felt like they had made a break though. They cleaned things up. They got ready to leave. They loaded the car up.
She took his hand. He made a weird face. "What?" she asked. "Oh nothing. " he said. "What is it?"she asked . "I am stil getting use to physical contact. I am not use to all this. " he said.
"Your not ok with physical contact?"she said in a surprised tone. "Our relationship is new. We are stil in a pree courting phase. I am just not sure it is appropriate "he said. "You never said anything.I just assumed it was ok. " she said.
"It's not a big deal. I Was not going to say anything."he said. "Ok. I care very much about purity and obstaning from the appearance of evil. " she said. "I know that. "He said.
The ride home was very tense. Both were quet. Neither one said anything. He drive her to her house. He had no idea what to say. "I gues this is an example of me being uptight. "He commented. "A little bit"she said.
They Said there goodbyes. He went home feeling tense.he had a knot in his stomach. He did not want to do anything.
He called melisa. "I think I did something stupid. " he told her. "What did you do?"she asked. He explained the situation to her. "Oh no. You did not do that. " she said.
"What do I do? " he asked. "Stop being an idiot."she said. "You think I am uptight?"he asked. "Yes I do. "She said. "Is This irreparable?"he asked."no but you to have fast. She loves you. Everyone knows it. You could mess this up forever right now."she said. 
The next day was church. He taught an adult Sunday school. He came a little late well for him. He went to his classroom. He avoided seing her til after class. After he talked to people and dottled.
He decided to go to the auditorium. "There you are!"She said. "Hi ! He Said.they walked to the pews and Sat down.
After the service he walked her to her car. She walked at s distance. He took her hand and smiled.she smiled back. " about yesterday you have not caught me at my best. I don't know why. I have no idea what I am doing. I ment what I Said yesterday. You were worth the wait and then some." he said. She smiled. " I am glad your in my life. I would not want it any other way. "She said.
End of chapter

Next door neighbor part six

Tess never expected to see Ron Grant in her house and at her table. Once brad determined that Ron was unarmed,tesi put on a bath robe and came down the stairs.she sat down.tess made coffe. They all started to drink cofe.
"Ok lets start at the begInning." tes said. "I served in the army.I was in Afghanistan. I was recruited to join what I was told was a non govermentle peace keeping force. I was told we were doing good.we were protecting aid workers. " Ron said.
"That was not what was happening?" brad asked. "No .the aid is a front.it was to get us in the country. As you suspected we were selling weapons to both sides of the factions in the cival war. " Ron said.
Tessi picked up moya and held her.she seemed to like her. "What was the goal of the weapons supply?"tess asked.
"The south Sudan relief fund was the brand child of the Sudanese government. We are a subsidiary of the Sudanese military. Our goal was to escalate the I fighting between the president and former vice president cause a full scale rival war. Then Sudan Invades on humanitarian grounds. While western groups secretly aligned with Sudan including the s.s.r.g comes out and supports it "Ron said.
"Once Sudan gets in,they won't pull out. They will prop up local government loyal to them. "She said. "By the time the African union arrives,most of the country will be under There control. While aid groups that come in will be secretly allied with the north. Western coperations will Make a lot of mony. "Ron said.
"Ok where does you and becka come in?"brad asked. "The s.s.r.g identified individuals and groups that could 've a problem . ones that have minds that are a little too inquiring. You made the list. You were targeted to be spied on. They wanted us to pretend to be your next door neighbors. "Ron said.
"Its is not just us. Earnie is one of ours. "He said. "The old guy?"brad asked. "Among others!"he said. "What about the baby?"tests asked. "We are not really married. We never met  before we were partnered for the mission.we even slept in different rooms. "He said.
"Why did She steal the baby?"tests asked. "The baby actually has nothing to do with the relief group scandal. Becka wanted to have kids. She could not find Mr right. She decided to kidnap a kid. My employees caught up with her and threatened to go to the police unless she helped us. "He' said.
"Where is she now?"tests said. "We were split up. The relief group are not happy with us. You see the killer was also a spy. Becca decided to double cross the group. The group ordered him to kill us. Becca killed him first. She said it was self defense. I don't know if it was or not. " he said.
"So they have infiltrated other churches and religious organizations?"yes asked. "Yes they have. They like control. "He said. "Why help a dictator reclaim territory?"brad asked. "Cream!"he said. "Cream?"brad asked. "It is an acronym. It memes cash rule a everything around me. "She said. "Look this weapons deal will happen in a couple days. The weapons will be sold then the north will wait until they have weekond each other.then the north will strike. "Ron said.
"B let's talk for a minute. Will You excuse us?"she asked. "Sure!"he said.they went over to a corner.They spoke softly.
"Are we going to turn him over to the police tessi?"he asked. "Not yet!"she said. "What do you mean not yet?"brad asked. "Hunnie if we tell the police they will want to question us,probably put us back into protective custody. " she said.
"I really get the inpreson that I am.not going to like us!"he said. "I need you to babysit him while I go to south Sudan. I am going to get evidence linking the group to  smuggling!"She said. "Tesa bear are you crazy?"he asked. "We have to expose this plot and we have to do it soon . if they get away with us,this could bring down the credibility of every institution we hold dear. "She said.
"What do I do with him?"he asked ."well I have lasagna in the fridge. There is several turkeys . you can have him watch out collection of on Jones movies.I would start with flame in the wind then the printing."she said ."this is a bad idea Tessa bear.
"Brad I have to stop this. We are all being used. Used for greed. The name of the Lord is about to be blasphemed
I have a chance to stop it. Please I can do this . this is what I was trained to do. "Tess said.
"If you get caught neither the Sudanese military or the factions of the south Sudan or the soldiers of fortune word hesitate to kill you. It is  dangerous. "Brad said.
"If we don't expose this. They Will continue to ship weapons using charities to help them do it.  This kind of behavior will continue. "She said.
"Why can't I go? "Brad said. "B! I can do this. I have been trained to do this. I know I can do this. I can put an end to this plot. "She said.
"I should go with you?"he asked. "Someone needs to watch the kids,and keep an eye on ron. "She said. "Alright I love you!" brad said. "I love you. "She said.
She got dressed. She book tickets on several air liners. She packed light. She went to the air port. She took several connecting flights. Finally she arrived in the south Sudan.
She was met by several man. " tests I am Simon. I am a representive of the free south sudden army. "He said.
"Did your contact tell you what I needed?"she asked. "Yes he did.you will have My full help. Welcome to south Sudan." he said.
They continued to walk. He motioned for everyone to be quiet. They heard noises. They saw a plane. She recognized It as one that supposed to be transporting relief supplies. There were crates of weapons. She took stil pictures and videos.she imietly uploaded them to face book you tube and other sources.
They made sure it got though.whatever happened,the evidence would be out there.
"You have your proof?"Simon asked. "I do. "She said. She knew that Simon and his men would be attacking the smugglers. She wished that Simon would not resort to violence. She knew it was inevetible.
To be concluded.

Steps in both directions (Tim and Julia Nicole)

Julie had been reluctant to have dinner with Tim"s sister and her family. She was enjoying getting to know Melissa. She was excited that she was most likely going to be her sister in law. She was a nice person. She was really welcoming . she made her feel like part of the family. Over time. She forgot that she had been apprehensive.
The baby woke up. She asked if she could pick her up. Missy said that that was fine. Melissa got a call on her cell phone.it was her husband. Julie went into the living room.
She went over to Tim. "Look wha I have!" she said. "Hanah seams to Luke you?"he said. "The feeling is very mutual."Julie said. "I can tell. "He said.
"This Could us someday. "She said. "I think It will be Lord willing. Four maybe five years from now!"he said. "What? Four or five years?"she asked in a disbeving tone. "Too soon?"he asked . "I was thinking one year two?"she said.
"Really?that soon? We have not oficialy begun the courtship process. "He said. "I'm surprised. I figured you would be eiger  to start a family?"she said. "I am but I know it may be best to wait a bit. One can not rush too rapidly. "He said. "
"A courtship should not be too shorti agree but should not be long either. "She said. "I can agree with that. " he said.
Melissa came in. "How is Greg?"he asked . "doing good. He can't say where he is but he did say he is safe?"she said . "do you know where about he is in general?"Julie asked. "Last I knew his ship was in south America. "She said. "You must miss him?"Julie said. "I do.I should be able to see him this summer. " she said. "That's good. "Julie said.
"Hey hold on a minute!"Melissa said. "Oh no I know that tone!"Tim said. "What is it"?Julie asked. "She is getting out her camera. She has crashed instragram on more then one occasion. "Tim said.
She came back with her camera.she took a picture of Julie and the baby."ok I want a picture of you too."she said.they stood close to each other but Not too close. "Come on get closer!"she said . the two got closer. "Come on Tim! Put your arm around her. " melisa said. He timidly put his arm around her. She got close to him. They both smiled.
"Perfect!"she said. They smiled. She snapped the picture. "Awsome. I want a few more just to be sure!"she said. "Get used to it. This won't be the last. Wait til family pics. " he told her.
She was not sure he had ment to say it but he had included her in his family. She knew that he was allowing her more into his life and his heart. She knew that he wanted to let her in. She felt that he felt he had to slow down. She respected his wishes and him. It was hard. She wanted to drive right in. She knew that might not be best. She figured that it was somewhere in between both views.
Right now she just took in the moment. She wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. She had a feeling this would be one of those great memories. One that always be meaningful.
He started to relax. He had the heart of an accountant.everything he did
was compartmentalized and categorized. Everything he did was accounted for. He decided to stop. He decided to smel the roses. He realized how special she was and how special she was to him.
"Ok let's do a silly picture!"she said. He did rabbit ears and she hit him. They laughed. "I am taging both of you. "Melisa said. "Great thanks. This is going be on my phone!"she Said.
"You two are a really cute couple. "Melisa told them. "I think so!"Julie said. He blushed a little. He hated to be the center of attention. He was very private . she liked to force him out of his shell just a little bit.
After a while they decided to go. They figured melisa would want to put the boys to bed. "Thank you for inviting me!"Julie said. "My pleasure. We will do this again real soon. "Missy said. "Hopefully we can get together when your husband gets back. "Julie said. "That would be great"melisa said. Julie and missy hugged. Then they went to the porch. They went to the car.
"I had a really good time tonight.I really Like your sister. "She said. "I think she really likes you. " he told her. "So  ! Please tell me that we don't have to wait five years to be married. "She said. "Alright. One to two years is ok. Right now I think closer to two years but we will see. " he told her. "You gave me quite a heart attack. I might have done the same for you?"she remarked. "A little!" he said.
She smiled. "I figured. " she said.
She hugged him."good night !"he Said. "Good night !"she said. She got out of the car. He watched her walk up to the porch and then walk in. Then he road off.
She talked to her parents for a bit. She then checked her face book. It had got a bunch of likes and comments. Mostly from people from there church. She made the picture of them the photo on her phone's desk top. She stared at It for a bit. She smiled.
He got home and saw that half the sate had liked the picture. Julie's mom and grand morther liked the pic.he found that a bit uncomfortable. Then he saw a comment from his farther. "Who is this? Is there something you want to tell me?".
He laughed. He was really embarissed now. He did not want to comment on it. Luckily Melissa stepped into the fray. She said that this is his friend . she added that he will like her. "Thanks missy" he thought.
Tim and his farther always had a complex relationship. Tim's farther had been a bussunesman.  He brought a cleaning company he worked at. He n brought other cleaning companies and either company. Tim wanted to follow in his feathers footsteps.
He went to college with a major in business. During the Sumer he worked at one of  feathers company. Then he got saved. At first Christianity was An add on. Then it became more real. He became seriously about his faith.
Eventually he decided to start a smal accounting firm and later the  store. He vowed not to  make his business his God. He made his church his focus not his work. His farther believed that this would be a fad. It was not.
They lived in different states. They spoke somewhat frequently. He never mentioned Julie when he talked to him. This was a bit awkward for him.they were not terribly close now but not not close. It was complicated.
He decided to turn off face book. He did not want to deal with all of this right now. He decided to not think about that right now.
He laid low the rest of the night. He was not much of a fan of social media anyway. He used it to keep in touch with friends and family that lived out of sate. Both businesses had a face book page. He made sure it was well mantaned .it was not his thing. He said he saw social media as a necessary evil although more evil then necessary.
While he was avoiding face book, the comments exploded. He would not know about it until he checked it the next day.
End of post.
Next up
Julie and Tim experiences the up and downs of a relationship.

Blind date part 12

Abby and Matt decided to go on a date. It was there first date sence they decided to resume there relationship.  They were both nervous. They were both excited at the same time.
Abby spent quite a bit of time getting ready for the date. She was wating for him.she watched for him from the window. She saw the car drive in to the parking lot. She said good bye to her roommate Jill. Jill wished her luck.then she left the home and stepped on to the porch.
He drove from his house to her apartment. He saw her step on to the porch. She wore a pink sweater ,gray skirt and sandles. When he saw her,he smiled. She had that affect on  him. Even when they were not dating,she still made him smile.
She went into the car. He hugged her. She held on to him.  They held on to each other. "Hi ab! "He said."hi!"she said.
They went to the first restaurant they went to . the infamous blind date. They were seated.they looked over the menu then they ordered .
"I heard you had breakfast with mom and my oldest sister's?"he asked"I did. I really like your family.they have relay welcomed me. I had a good time with them."she said. "I'm glad. They had a good time with you. I had no idea that they were planing on doing that " he said."nor did I? Until twenty minutes before they showed up."she said. "I am not surprised."he said .
The waiter brought there drinks. Mat ordered a Pepsi. She had wine. They kept talking.she took a sip of the alcohole. Then she realized that she had ordered alcohol.
Matt was an independent fundamental Baptist. I.f.b were generally against alholic consumption. Usualy they had a passionate dislike for alcoholic beverage. She had not realized that she had ordered it. 
"You ok ab ?"He asked. "Look I did not think about it. I don't drink that much. I usually have one glass and I'm done. "She said.
"Ok. "He said. "Your not upset about it?"she asked. "Well I gues I would perfer you did not. I know that you are hardly an alcoholic. I know it is not something you do all the time. I don't see it being a big deal. " he said .
"Its not?"she asked. "No it's not. I would say when We were married I would perfer you drink at home and on special occasions.I hope you would not go to bars."he said. "Yea I don't do bars."Abby said.
"Mr. Cambel did I hear you correctly? Did you say when not if we get married?"she asked.he had a great big smile on his face. "Yes I believe I did."Matt replied. "Abby Campbell that has a nice ring to it! She said. "Not reverend doctor Abby Gray cambell?"he asked. "That too. "She said. They laughed.
"You don't worry that we are just too mismatched?"she asked. "No I don't. I love you and we are going to make this work."he said. She was surprised to hear him say that."I love you too. I wanted someone to day that to me. I gues I come over as strong,dominerng I am not quite as confident as I come off. "She said. "I know. "He said.
"You don't worry about our differences. We come at things form very different angles?"she asked. "I have never even afraid of differences. I have core views. I come at things from the lense of independent fundimetle Baptist because i believe that that is best. I think things though I don't mind being chalenged. I know sometimes you have to wrestle with things. " he said.
"I don't always see things from the ucc lense. I am a literalist.I do believe in mericles. I am more of a liberal in other things. I am an advocate of social justice I gues. I  believe that women can be minister's. I wrestle with things as well."she said.
"Do you wory about our differences?"he asked. "I think I can accept your opinions easier the. You can. I fear that we just won't be able to work from them. "She said.
"I have strong views.I believe them to be correct. Having said that I know that I am not infallible.I know I don't have everything right. I am far more easy going then I appear. I want you and I to be on the same side. " he said.
"What if I complete my studies.what if I am ordained as a minister in the u.c.c ? Do you think that I will see the era of my ways and end my studies?"she asked.
"I knew we would have to have that talk some times. I was hoping that we would have more time before that talk."he said.
" I don't mean to put you on the spot."She said. "No it's ok. I guess I would perfer that you not persue the ministry but I don't antipate that that will happen. I would never make you chose between the two. I am not a dictator "he said.
"It may be on Sunday you go preach at your church and me at myine."she said. "I know that. I understood that when we decided to resume our relationship."he said.
"Did you really get all that that entails?"she asked."perhaps not totally. "He said. "I just needed to know what you thinking on this. I am sorry if I was too harsh."she said. "No your fine. " he said.
"Will you always be patient with me?"she asked. "I will definitely try. I want to be. I am very easy going as I said even though I do not appear to be. I want to earn your trust. "Mat said.
"I do trust you. "She said. "I want to do right by you. I will do everything to do just that. "He told her.
"Ok. I just needed to hear it. I did not intend to be obstinate tonight!"she said."your not. This is won't be easy. I wish I could tell you it would we. It Will take work and frustration at times. "He said.
"I know that. "She said. "I wish I could say I will ever fail you Or disappoint you but sadly I know I will. "He said."I will dispoint you at times. "She said. "Hard is nesasirily bad. "He said. "The riskier the road the greater the prophet."she said. "Who said that?"he asked. "The firengi on star trek. ."she said.  The two laughed.
"My point is that the harder something is,the outcome is that much better. "She said. "I see what you mean.
"I wish I could say I will not disipoint you. I would be a fool to think I won't."he said. "If gues we have to just work at things. Not give up.I don't like disipointing you either."she said.
"We do have to work at this. I don't know that we fully understand what that means. "He said.
He paid the Bill. Then the two left. They held hands as they walked to the car. "Not quite an easy night?"she asked. "No it was not but that's ok. We are together. "He said. She smiled."yes we are. "She said. The two looked at each other.
They got into the car. "So are you in a rush or can we talk on the steps for a bit?"she asked. "I would like that. " He said.
They walked to her porch steps. "Ok I have two questioned for you.one do you want to marry me? Second do you think we will get married?"she asked.
"I have given this a lot of thought. Realy I have thought of little else. Yes I do want to marry you. As to the seconds questione, I gave this a lot of thought as well. I can't imagine being with any one else. I do think we will. What is your answer to those questions?"he asked.
She smiled. "I definitely want to marry you. I liked you sense that first date. That answer has grown stronger. As to the second,I had my doubts . we are so different.  In talking to you my fears have been alleviated. I do think we Will get married."she said.
"I am excited for it. I can imagine us waking up . probably being woken up by a kid asking us about the hyposatic union. "He said. "The next day we will get to debate the kinosis. "She said. They laughed.
"I like the thought of us building a life together. We will have a good life. "He said. "I know we will. Your different tonight. More relaxed. "She said. "As I said I have time to think about things sense we resumed our relationship. I have decided that I am In all the way. I gues I feel at liberty to let my guard down a bit. I gues I don't have to be so uptight now. "He said.
"I can tell. Your not afraid of me any more?"she teased him. "No I am still afraid of you !"he said. "Because I am so intimidating!" she said.
"Your working on your masters I have to work to keep my A,b average. "He said. She put her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder."your not as afraid of me ? That's good. I don't want you. Be too afraid of me. Mayby a little . "she said. "Ok I  will keep that in mind . " he said .
"I am a little afraid of you. "She admired. "Me?"he asked. I assumed you were  strict, uptight serious ,somber ,sour  "She said. "I am no fun. "He said. They laughed. "I  that my types of fundies in general  and of you May not be accurate. " she said.
After a while they dexided it was getting late. " Its getting late I should probably be getting back."he said. "Ok . it is getting late. I had a good night tonight " she said "I did too. " he said. " I love you more then I could possibly express ." she said. "I think I have a good idea. " he said.
All of a sudden they kissed. A real kiss. "Did you just kiss me?" she asked."I think you kissed me ?"he said. "I am prety sure you kissed me" she said. " no I don't think so. I did not think we were at kissing phase." he said. "I did not think that either. " she said. They Laughed.
She went inside. "Did you two kiss?"Jill asked . "yes We did. " she answered. "I don't think I have seen  you happier. " she said. She laughed.
He went home. "You were gone a long time?"Kathy commented."yes. We had a good night. " he said " I figured. " she said. "I  am going to marry her some day. " he said."yea I know. "She said.
End of part 12.

Case of the next door neighbor part four.

Brad was very old fasshoned. In Manny ways he and tessi were night and day different. When they met,he had no idea she had been in the military. She was very girlie in civilian life. He had no idea and was quite surprised when he found out.
They hung out at church functions.then they started to see eachorther out of church. Then he found out that she was in the military.he was shocked. He had some doubts after he found out. The differences were Manny. They broke up a few times before they finally decided to stay together in the long term.
He made It home as soon as he could. He ran to the house. Tessi tried to be calm and cool and colectedm usually she was stoic. She showed no fear. Not today.
She ran to his embrace.he held on to her. After a few seconds of both trying to regain there composure they were somewhat back to normal. He held on to her.
"This is at this point just a precaution. I want to get your wife and family to her mothers. We are going to search the house. We are also going to check your office. We don't want to take any chances. "Detective Morgan said.
"Then you don't think that there is an imminent threat to tessi ?"brad asked."I have no idea .I am assuming that there is until I have evidence to the contary. "Morgan answered.
Brad found it hard. He took it all in. He tried to be tough.he found it hard not to look at every aspect of life though the prism of accounting.he tried to crunch the numbers in his head. He tried to calculate the odds. The numbers did not add up.
Brad,tessi and her kids were escorted to there mini van. The mini van was escorted to her mom's house. The transport went off without a hitch.
As soon as the minivan was out if range ,detective Morgan authorized the police department and other allied agency to get to work.
They brought in bomb sniffing dogs.they also brought in technology experts to check for servelience devices.
At her mom's house both tried to present there best face. Tessi and her mom were very close. Her mom tried to discourage her from going into the army. That was an exercise in futility.she was glad when she was discharged. She was glad when she got married and had kids. She loved her grandkids.
"Are you guys alright?"her mom asked."the police are being over caacious. "Tess tried to assure her mom. "I worry about you! She has always been strong willed. " her mom said. "I can believe that!"he said.she poked him with a mild jab.
She fed her baby then got to work on her lab top. "What are you doing love?"brad asked. "Reserch ! I can't just sit around and do nothing hun.you know me I have a bad case of can't sit still syndrome !"she said."yea I know !"he said.
"I don't get it b ! This makes no sense. I have a photographic memory . I have no memory of ever seing morgan. Yet he has been tailing me for mouths. I have no idea why. "She said.
"Alright this case seemed pretyclear cut . a petty theef and criminal is shot.it seems like a simple case of a robery gone bad. It all made sense. It seemed cut and dry. The simplest explanation is not true. It seams that he was stalking you.why? Like you said he seams to have no connection to you." he said.
"It is odd. I am on his face book page. He likes crime dramas. He also is a huge fan of the show friends. He seams to love beyoncie and Kenny Rodgers !"tessi said. "That's an odd combination." he said.
"He writes poetry. Its romantic it is kinda sweet . "she said. "Really tessi ? This man is a home invader and a stalker. How can you admire his work?"he asked. "I cant maintain a detachment b ! " she said. "Me not so much!"he said .
Detective Morgan came in. He did not look happy. "You like a farther about to tell his little girl that her puppy died. " she said.
"Your right I am afraid. " Morgan said. "What's the bad news,"tessi asked. Brad never understood why tess handled serious situations in a jovial manor. At times it drove him nuts. She never understood how he considered everything to be a crises. To him a paper cut was def con one. . "alright we found What can only be described as improvised explosive device or I.e.ds . the devices were never fully activated. It may be an idle threat. We also found servalience devices. We suspect That they were placed a mounts ago. " Morgan said.
"Woa! Your theory was that Morgan was stalking tessi but went into the wrong house.This blows up that theory does it not?" brad asked.  "It does put that theory in doubt. "Grer said.
"If he knew where we live. Why was he in the neighbors house?"tessi asked. "We don't know yet. We are working on it. " Morgan said.
"Look we found ied in your husband's car. We want to check your car. We also want to check your laptop for mal whare. "Greer said.
Tessi was reluctant to turn over her lap top. She had several oppen cases.she decided not to fight it. Sure enough the car was loaded with explosives. The lap top was infected with mallware.
She was being spied on. Someone was preparing to attack her if he or they had to. Was this a case of a stalker with a scorched earth mantilility or something else?
"The good news is that this house is clear. Your office is clear Mr. Carpenter. While the evidence still indicates that the threat was confined with Mr. Morgan whoever we are continuing protective custody while the investigation goes forward. "Greer said.
  Tess waited for the officers to leave. She talked to her husband " you have a thought of several Tessa bear I can tell!"He said.
"The servalience devices were implanted a month ago. I began the vetting of the South Sudan relief fund.what if this is related to that."she said. 
"You think the s.s.r.f is spying on you?"brad asked."this investigation has rattled some feathers. Even the mild mannered earnie is a bit perturbed. " she said.
"Is the spy ware and the ieds unrelated? A coincidence?"He asked."Maybe but I have no idea.nothing about this make sense. "She said.
"Ok . wait a minute our neighbors moved  in a month ago. " he commented. "Your not suggesting they are spies of some kind are you b?"he asked. "Possibly.  "He said.
End of part four.

Blind date part ten

Abby decided to talk to Matt.she waited until the afternoon. She tried to get tons of worsk done so that the evening was free. She drove hesitantly.she did not see his car in the drive way. She considered coming back later. She decided to go in.
She parked in there drive way. She got out of the car. She knocked on the door. The door opened,it was his sister Kathy.
"Hi is mat home?"Abby asked. "No not yet. Mom has a family rule you have to be home before five. He should be home soon. " Kathy said.
"Maybe I should come back later. I don't want to disturb your family time. " she said. "Non sense come on in.you must be Abby.I'm Kathy his favorite sister. "She said. Abby laughed.
"Its good to meet you. "Abby said. "Come on. I will introduce you to the family."Kathy said. Abby was nervous. She wanted to talk to mat in private not meet his whole family. She was afraid they would hate her. She was very independent not exactly independent fubdimentle Baptist.
Kathy escorted Abby to the front room. " hi everyone this is Abby a friend of mat!"Kathy said. Abby was really embarrassed. "Hello I'm Bob Campbell this is my wife Anna."he said. "Matt told me your news congratulations"she said. "Thank you we are both really excited. "Anna said.
"How do you know Matt ?"Bob asked. "A matural friend of ours tried to set us up on a blind date. "She said. "I remember that he went on a blind date.he was pretty cryptic about it.we have presed him on. That was with you !"Bob said.
"Yes. We we're not what either of us expected. "Abby said. "How so?"Anna asked. "Well I am a student at a less orthodox bible college."she said. "How less ?"Bob asked. "I am going to a seminary that usually trains minister for United church of chrust!"Abby answered.
"Oh!"Bob said . "are you training to be a minister?"Anna asked. "Yes  am."She said. My goose is coooked she thought.
"Do you believe in the mericles in the bible ?"he asked. "Yes I do. I believe in a literal reserection of Christ. I believe that the children of Israel did cross the red sea not the reed sea!"she answered.
"Do you that Jesus is the only way or are there other ways of salvation " mats brother Tim asked. "I believe that there is only one way to salvation."Abby said.
"The u.c.c is rather wishy washey on the subject. "Bob said ."yes They are. They like to hem and haw on the subject. "Abby admitted.
"How would you handle such a topic?"Bob asked. "I don't know. I do feel strongly about it. "She said.
"Why did you join the u.c.c? There are denominations that are more orthodox yet ordain women ? Like the United Baptist?" he asked.
"My mother was an atheist .my farther had been a minister but left it before I was born. He stoped going. U to found his bible and read it. I went to the nearest church.it was u.c.c.the minister befriended me and I got scholarships so I went with them. "She said.
"So let me get this straight. You are a ministerial student who went on a few dates with my son.he broke it off now you want to resume it?"Bob asked. "Pretty Mitch! Look I have a great deal of respect for you.if you want me to leave I will. I don't want to step on your toes."Abby said.
"No that won't be necessary. I want to get to know you. "Bob said ."I am not totally sure why I am hear.I really wanted to talk to him. To see if something could be worked out."Abby said.
Matt drove home. He saw what he thought was baby's car in the driveway. He saw her bumper sticker."our church accepts everyone."  he knew it was her. Why was she hear? He thought to himself. He parked then went inside.
He saw Abby. There eyes met. He caught himself smiling.she always had that affect on him. "Ab? What are you doing hear?"mat asked. "I was hoping to talk to you!"she said. Alisha another daughter came in. "Am I setting another place for Abby?"Alisha asked. "Oh I can't stay. "Abby said ."we would love it."Anna said. "I don't want to impose !"Abby said. "Its not at all."Bob said.she looked at Matt. "You should stay!"Matt said.
She wondered was he inviting her to dinner or into his life ? "Ok I will stay!"she said. "Set an extra place at the table al!"her farther said.
Everyone went to the kitchen table."you can sit hear next to Matt and Kathy. "Bob said. They Sat down.Apearently they all joined hands during prayer. She was a bit uncomfortable with it. He extended his hand so she took it.
As everyone was getting food . she thought this feel right. She wondered was This something that could be later or something that could have been but never was. Would this be a great memory or would it haunt her.
"It will May take a little while for me to remember all your names."Abby said. "We have hard time remembering them at times. " Kathy said. "You did not give them all j or h names."Abby said. "We were not not planing but not planning to have this many !"Anna said.
"Do you have any siblings?" Tim asked. "I do. I have an older brother and two younger sisters. "She said.
After dinner everyone brought dishes to the dish washer. Abby helped alisha clear the table. 
Matt kinda took a step back. He kinda guesed why she was hear. He had no idea why he would do. His farther went over to him. "It took a lot of courage for her to come today. I can't believe I'm saying this but don't be so quick to walk away. " he said. "Ok I will keep that in mind."he said.
Things started to die down. Matt went over to Abby. "Do you want to go to the porch?"he asked."ok!"she said. The two went to the porch. They Sat down on the steps.
"So I came. To talk to you. Matt I know we have a lot of differences. I really like you. I don't want to loose you. Look if you really don't think this Will work or you just don't want to be with me I will walk out and you will never hear from me again. " she told him.
He thought it over. "No I'm not going to do that. That is not what I want. " he said. "Look I don't have any answers. I wish I did. I am not sure why I am hear. I can't just walk away.not without at least coming to you first. "She said.
"I want to take it slow. I do want us to explore a relationship. "He said. "I'm ok with going slow. I just want you in my life. I understand we have hurdles."she said. "I am willing to give it a chance . I'm in if you are. " he said. "I'm in !"she said. She started to hug him. She realized that this might not be appropriate so she recoiled.he hugged  her. They held on to each other for a while.
"I really like your family. " Abby told him. " I think you made quite an impression. "Mat said."oh great. "She said. "I think they like you. I hope they did not give you too much trouble?"he asked. "They we're fine!"she said.
After a while she decided she should probably go. "I should get going. "She said. "Ok I'm glad you stop by. "Matt said. "I am too!" she said .
He walked her to her car. " I will talk to you later!"he said ."you got it!"she said. He started to walk away then he stoped and hugged her. Then she got into the car and left.he watched her leave.
He went inside. He went to see his dad. "We are going to give it a try. "Matt said. "I knew That. Look mat it's not going to be easy. Who she is today may not be who she always is. Both your mom and I did not have it together when we started dating. Mariege is two sinners coming together. You two have hurdles. You wil have to get together and hash some of this out. Mayby that is the point ,together. Perhaps it time to think of each other as being on the same team. "He said.
Abby went home. "You have been gone a while! "Jill said. "I ended up having dinner with Matt's family. Then we talked a lot ."she said.
"are you too a couple again?"Jill asked "I think so. I did not bring my Matt to English dictionary but I believe so. "She said. "You two are either are the cutest couple or the weirdest or a little both of both. " Jill said.
That night matt' mom and dad talked. "So have we met our new daughter in law?"Anna asked ."I'm prety sure we have. "He said. "I figured. "She said.
End of part ten.
 

Blind date part 9

Mat and Abby were the unlikely of couples. Matt was very conservative . he was a traditionalist. Abby was not liberal exactly but not an independent fundamentalist. The two decided to part ways. Well mat did. The two went in very separate directions.
Both attempted to date other people. It went badly for both. They decided to not attempt that again for a while.they decided to wait.wait for what they were not sure of but they were waiting never the less .
Abby was quite busy. She had cases and studies. She also was helping at a local church. She preached ,was involved in commities,church yard sales and other activities in the church and in the community.
Matt was buisy himself. He had classes. He also helped out his dad with pastoral duties and preaching. He found out he was going to be a big brother again.
She still thought about him. He did not think about her as much.at the same time,he did think about her on occasion.
"Ok Abby it's time to relax!"her roommate said. "I will but I am on  a role!"Abby wull.  "You said that three hours ago and three hours before that. " Jill remarked.
"I know . I Wil stop. Now!"she said.she had been sitting crosed legged . she got up. "I am getting a little Hungary now that I think of it!"she said. She was heading for the kitchen.she started to collapse. Jill headed to her.
"I'm ok!"Abby said. "You need to get to the hospital!"Jill told her. "I'm fine!"Abby responded. "You have two chooses.option one I drive you to the e.r option two I call. 911!"Jill told her. "Ok drive me. I don't want ride in an ambulance . "she said.Jill helped Abby into the car. They drove to the hospital.
Jill got an orderly to get a wheel chair for Abby. Abby was taken to the e.r.she was checked out.then she was admitted.
Jill waited in a waiting room . she had abbys cell phone.she looked though her contact list and found Matt. She dialed it.
Matt was mowing the lawn. He heard his phone gone off.he saw that it was Abby. He was surprised to hear from her. He pushed the button to answer.
"Hi abb what's up!"he said."hi Matt it's Jill abbys roommate."she said.
He got really scared. Was she ok? Did something happen to her? "Is abb ok?"he asked. "She was studying and she started to feel wobbly.she is at the hospital. I am waiting to hear back from the doctor.I thought you should know !" Jill said.
"Thank you for telling me ! I will be right over. I will get hear as soon as I can!"he told her. He. Immediately went to his car and drove to the hospital. He got as fast as he could within the traphic law of course.
He was directed to the floor He was in. Floods of fears went though her mind. He went though a fliry of diagnoses known of them good. He was a preacher not a doctor. He told himself to calm down. It might not be the worst case syinerio.he had to be positive. He had to be strong.
He found Jill. "Matt I just heard from the doctor. She is going to be fine. Apearently our little miss workaholic over did it and became dihydrated. She is being given fluids.she should be released tomorrow. They are keeping her for observation. "Jill said.
"They are sure it is just dehydration?"Matt asked. "Yes they are. They are not worried.I intend to keep a closer her on her hydration which she will love. "Jill said.
The elevator door opened, a man in a trench coat and suit came in. Matt did not recognize him but Jill did. Jill knew him from the seminary. It was the reverend Michael clendon.
"Is Abb ok?"clendon asked. Matt got relay uneesey when he used one of the pet naimes he used. So did Jill.
"She is fine. She just got a little dehydrated. "Jill told her. Matt noticed that Jill did not talk to clendon in quite the same way.
"Who are you?"clendon asked."I'm Matt cambel I am a friend of Abby. You are?"he asked.
  "I am the reverend Michael clendon. I was in seminary with Abigail. "He said. Matt was not too impresed with Mike. He senced that Jill was not either.
"I had never heard about you. You must not be too important in her life."clendon remarked. Matt did not say anything in response. "Wait I know who you are. Your the fundy that broke abbygail's heart!" mike said.
Jill was not pleased with clendon. Perhaps mike felt threatened by Matt.Matt had never seen the man in his life. He had no feelings for or against.  "That is probably true!"Matt admitted.Jill did not think that was fair.
Jill was hoping that Michael would leave. There was no sign that he was about to leave. She did not think that the two would get into a fist fight but one never knew.
Jill was allowed to come in to see Abby. Abby was hooked up to an I.v.she was clad in a hospital gowan."Jill no lecture!"Abby said. "That's no fun but ok. I figure the doctor and nurses have given you plenty of lectures. "Jill said. "They have. "Abby said.
"Just be more careful please. You gave me quite a scare. Lets not do that again!"Jill pleaded with her. "I will be more carefull. I promise. I will drink more water and stay hydrated. " Abby said.
"Oh you have visitors ! They are waiting in the lobby."Jill told her. "Who are they? "She asked. "The reverend Michael clendon. "Jill Told her. "He is hear? How did he find out?"Abby asked. "I have no idea. "Jill assured her. "Who is the other visitor ?"she asked. " it's Matt !" Jill answered her.
"Mats hear?'she asked. She was almost agitated."he is in the lobby.he and mike have an uneasy truce. Matt is verry easy going and laid back. He is not giving in to Mike's goading. "Jill said .
"How did he find out?"Abby asked."I called him. I figured he would want to know. He got hear prety quickly.I think he actually went the speed limit."Jill commented. "Yea he kinda has the opposite of a led foot. I think my 90 year old great grandmother drives faster then he does. " Abby said.
"They both want to see you. "Jill said. "Get Matt in hear. I don't want to think about mike right now. " she said.Jill smiled. "That is what I thought you say. I will be right back!"Jill said.
Matt was reading a boating magazine. " so you are a king James hyim singing Christian that wants women barefoot pregnant and silent in the church. " mike said.
"I do use the king James.I sing hyims. Technicaly you are correct but I don't ageee with the way you have constructed that statement. "Matt answered.
"The bible contains the word of God no doubt. Is every word inspired by God? I would say not necessarily. There are things that got added. Things that have become part of the Canon but may not be devinly inspired.some things reflect the culture of the day. Paul Grace alone apart from works was probably not according to the Lord . "he said.
The door opened, Jill came out. "Matt Abby is asking for you!"Jill said. "Is she asking to see me?"Michael asked."she has not yet!"Jill replied. 
Matt opened the door and went inside. "If your going to lecture me please don't I got an earful from Jill and the staf. "Abby said.
"I'm not going to lecture you."he said.he went over and gave her a great big hug. She did not let him go right away.
"I over did it Matty I tend to do that "she told her. "Well I am glad your ok.I hope you will be carefull. "He said."I will I promise . "she said. "Good! I won't lecture you any more . reverend Abby. "He said.
"Hear we go with the reverend Abby thing. How have you been?"she asked."good buisy but good.it's seems I am going to be a big brother again. "He said."congrats. What is this ?child number twenty?"she asked."funny no number eight." he said. "Ok my bad!"Abby said .
"So mike who is he?"Matt asked. "He was completing his docterite when i started. He is now ordained. He has a crush on me. "She said.
"I assume it is one sided"?he asked."very much so . well I did go on one date just to see if a relationship was doable but it is not. "She said."you went on a date ?"he asked."it was just for coffee. I was one on the rebound from you. "She said. "Oh! I went on one date myself.She was sweet but it went no where. "He said.
"I am glad you stoped by. It is good to see you. "She told him. "Its good to see you. Take it easy please."he said. "I will."she said.
He left the room.mat walked away.he went to his car and went home. He had some time before lunch. He went to his room. He did some thinking.
A week later Matt was working on a surmon that he would preach on Sunday. His phone went off.the caller I.d said that it was reverend Abby. He hoped That this is not a medical emergency. He hit the answer button.
"Hello!" Matt said. "My car broke down. I have no idea why. "Abby said."where are you?" he said. "I am in granger. "She said ."ok I am on my way. " he said.
He immediately jump in his car.he found her.he parked next to her. "I know I'm hopeless. " she said. "Its fine! I'm happy to help. "Matt said.
He was able to get started. He thought it was fixed. "Look I will follow you home. " he said. "Ok thanks. Will you always come to my rescue?"she asked. "Yea I will."he said.
"Good. I will try to not have it be too inconvenient of a time. "She said. "Oh ok! " he said."thank you for coming. I'm not usually like this. " she said ."I know that. "He said.
"So did mike finally see you ?"he asked."he was not going away. I decided to finally let him in. I could not get rid of them .Jill finally ran interference for me. " she said.
He followed her home. They made it home. "Thank you. "She said."no problem. " He said.
That night Abby took a break from work and focused on thinking. "Why don't you talk to him ?" Jill asked. "It won't do any good. There are just too many issues. Too many differences. We just can't work this out. "Abby told her.
"Are you sure? Go talk to him. See if you can work this out. "Jill said. "Alright I will go see him tomorrow. "She said.
She had no idea If this was a good idea or not but she going to see him the next day.