Isaac invited Carissa to the food court after math class on Monday. Once again, he bought her a coffee and a chocolate chip muffin. “I hope you like those. I didn’t even think to ask, but who doesn’t like chocolate chips, right?” he said with a grin.
“They’re delicious. Thank you, Isaac.” Carissa accepted the muffin graciously. “Anyone who doesn’t like chocolate chips is defective, for sure,” she replied, as she plucked a single chocolate chip out of the muffin and popped it in her mouth.
“Hey, uh…” He hesitated, looking nervous, which made her nervous. “So, what are you doing Friday night?”
Oh, no. Friday night. She had forgotten. She was supposed to invite him for dinner. “I… uh… see… I’m supposed to… Do you want to come over for dinner? It’s kind of a rule… My dad wants to meet any guy I’m thinking of… uh… My mom is cooking.”
Wow, Carissa! Just put it out there. Oh, man, she was not good at this.
Isaac looked surprised, and maybe a little relieved. “I’ll be there. Gotta satisfy the dad. See you then. Oh, and call me tonight after your appointment. I want to know what’s up.”
“Will do!” And that was that. Isaac was coming to dinner Friday night to meet the parents. “Speaking of my appointment, I should get home. I have to be there at 2:00. Mom and Dad both want to come, so I have to be home when Dad gets there. He took a half-day off today. Thanks for the muffin!”
Isaac walked her to her car, and she headed home, more than a little apprehensive. Now she had to worry about her appointment and dinner on Friday. She arrived home about the same time Jim did. They met in the wide concrete driveway in front of the house.
“Hey, kid! You ready for this?” he asked.
Carissa thought her dad sounded a little gruff, and she wondered if he was more worried than he looked. “Ready as I’m gonna get.” She tried to sound positive.
“Me, too.” He gave her a long look. “Did you talk to that Isaac boy? Is he coming to dinner?”
“Yeah,” Carissa said. “I talked to him, and he’s coming.” She paused, then added, “He wants me to call him after my appointment and let him know what happens. I told him I would.”
“That’s great,” Jim told her. “I can’t wait to meet him, give him the ol’ Dad speech.”
“Dad, please,” Carissa pleaded. “He’s nice. Please be nice back.”
“I’ll be nice, but he has to qualify. No boy takes my daughter out of my sight without passing the dinner test,” Jim said adamantly.
“Dad…” Carissa started.
“Come on, kid. Your mom is waiting for us.” Jim waited while Carissa maneuvered into the house.
Inside, Carissa went into the living room to wait for her parents to get ready. It took a few minutes but, when all of them met in the living room, they gathered around to pray.
“Dear Heavenly Father,” Jim started, bowing his head, “we come to you today to ask protection, guidance, and wisdom for all of us. You’ve always provided for Carissa and protected her from harm, and we simply ask that You continue more of the same today as we get these test results. God, You know we don’t want Carissa to have to endure another surgery, but we’ll do as You guide and instruct, because we know You have her best interests at heart. We love You, and we know You love us more than we can fathom. We lift this day up to You and leave it in Your hands. In Jesus’ name we ask these things. Amen.” He raised his head.
“Amen,” Carissa and Sarah chimed in.
“Okay, let’s do this!” Jim said, and Carissa sensed he was trying to sound more enthusiastic than he felt. In truth, she was sure he was scared to death to watch his little girl go through this again.
They all piled into the car and drove to the city.