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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th
Winter vacation had officially started. Bebe smiled as she parked in front of the carport. Hope jumped out of the car, excitement on her face. She skipped to the front door.
“Can we make hot chocolate with marshmallows, Mama?”
“Sure, pumpkin.” She unlocked the door. “But go put your backpack up and change out of your school clothes first.”
“Okay.” Hope skipped down the hall and to her bedroom.
Bebe chuckled and set her bag on the kitchen counter. Her cell rang and she shifted, pulling it out of her purse. Texas? Who did she know there?
“Hello?”
“May I speak to Lucille Gordon?”
She winced. “Speaking.”
“Ms. Gordon, this is Judy Simpson from the San Antonio Independent School District Human Resources department. I’m calling regarding your application.”
Already? Her stomach lurched as if a flock of geese had just taken off.
“Considering your current location, we’d like to conduct an interview via Skype. Do you have access to that?”
“I do.”
“Great. Would you be available Monday at two?”
She gulped. “I would.”
“Fantastic. One last question. Would you be able to move over the holiday vacation and be able to start the new year?”
Her legs wobbled and she grabbed the counter to steady herself. Bebe squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hear Ms. Simpson over the roar in her ears. “The new year?” She licked her lips, wishing for a cup of water to quench the desert that had suddenly taken up residence in her mouth.
“Yes, ma’am. The kindergarten teacher is going on maternity leave. There’s an assistant but the classes are quite large and do much better with a two-man team.”
“I....” She inhaled, trying to get a good breath in. “Let me contact my school district. I will have a response by the time of the interview.”
“That’s fine. Misty Baker will be the one conducting the interview. I’ll let her know.”
“T-t-thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Have a good holiday.”
“You too.”
Slowly, Bebe placed her cell down on the counter. They wanted to interview her? Monday? And move at the beginning of the year? This was way too fast. What was she thinking?
But you’ve known Jahleel forever.
True, but they hadn’t even made any declaration of love. How could she just leave her life and go to Texas? What if he didn’t want her to?
May’s words repeated in her mind, “at least I tried.” Did Bebe want to live life wondering what if? What if she didn’t follow Jay to Texas? What if he left and never returned, and she stayed here? Her heart stopped at the thought.
Quickly, she dialed the principal.
“Bebe, you miss school already?”
She let out a shaky laugh. “I have a hypothetical question for you.”
“O-k-ay.” Andrea drew out. “Shoot.”
“If I were to quit, would you be able to find a replacement in time for the new year?”
“Interesting you should ask.”
“Oh?” She sank onto the barstool. “Why?”
“There’s a teacher interested in teaching kindergarten. Obviously, all positions are filled. This teacher is willing to leave their current position and move to another district, but wishes to stay at Peachwood.”
Is this Your doing, Lord?
“Are you thinking of leaving? I know how to keep a confidence.”
“I am,” she blurted. “I have an interview Monday.”
“This wouldn’t have to do with a certain football player?”
“Is nothing sacred?”
Andrea laughed. “You know small towns, Bebe.”
“I do,” she sighed.
“Well, rest assured, if you wish to leave, we’d have no problem filling the spot.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Good luck.”
She hung up.
“What’s an interview?”
Bebe gasped, placing a hand on her heart. “Where did you come from, pumpkin?” She scooped Hope in her arms and tickled her belly.
“Stop it,” she giggled.
She placed a kiss on her daughter’s cheek and set her back down.
“You didn’t answer my question.” Hope placed her hands on her hips.
Bebe held in a chuckle. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were my mother.” She winked at Hope.
“Mama,” she whined.
“An interview is when someone asks you questions to see if you would be good at a job or not.”
“You already have a job.”
She bit her lip. Did she tell her? “Come sit next to me.”
They sat on the couch. Now memories of watching Christmas movies permeated her brain.
“Is something wrong, Mama?”
“No, pumpkin. I wanted to ask you a question.”
“What?” Curiosity filled the green eyes just like hers.
“What would you think if we moved to Texas.”
Hope’s eyes grew wide. “Texas? Why? Who do we know that lives there?”
“Jahleel lives there.”
“No he doesn’t.” Her nose wrinkled. “He lives with Reverend Walker.”
“Actually, he doesn’t. Since he hurt his leg he’s been staying with them so he could get better. But his home is in Texas.”
“Would we live with him?”
Her brain stalled. How did she answer that? Bebe bit her lip, wracking her brain for the words. Help please, Lord?
“Are you going to marry him, Mama?”
“I don’t know.”
Hope look just as confused as she felt. Bebe rushed on. “I like him. One day I would like to marry him.” The truth of her words settled in her head. Filled her with warmth. “If we move to Texas, we would get to see him a lot.”
“Like we do now?”
“Exactly.”
“Would he come to more of my games?”
“I’m sure he would.” She hoped. Prayed. Wished for. “But don’t say anything to him until I know for sure if I get the job.”
“Okay. Will grandma and grandpa know where to find us to come visit?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Hope hopped off the couch. “Can I have the hot chocolate now?”
Bebe stared at her mutely. That was it? Her daughter had a better handle of her emotions than she did. She stood. “I’ll go make it now.”
“Thanks.”
***
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th
Jahleel stood next to Bebe, staring at the karaoke machines. “You really think this is a good idea? I can’t see many people wanting to do karaoke.”
“Why not? It’s a time to relax and enjoy ourselves in the festivities. We’ll pick a song and lead it.”
He laughed, throwing his head back. “You got jokes, girl. I am not doing karaoke.”
“Come on, Jay. It’ll be fun. You can sing the song with the hippo.” She winked at him.
His heart stuttered. It wasn’t fair that she could bat those eyes, and he’d willingly do her bidding. “Bebe,” he groaned.
“You’ll love it. I promise.” She grinned and picked the machine off the shelf.
“Let me get that for you.”
“It’s not that heavy.”
“I’m sure it’s not, but there’s no need for you to do it if I’m here.”
She shrugged and passed the box. “Knock yourself out.”
“Is there anything else we need?”
“Yes. Craft section is next. We need items for ornaments and reindeer hot chocolate.”
When Bebe had first suggested the reindeer hot chocolate, Jahleel thought she was slightly unhinged. But he had to admit, a pack of hot chocolate decorated as a reindeer was a cute gift and something the kids would enjoy.
“Lead the way,” he gestured ahead of him.
Bebe smiled and then headed down the aisle.
It was official. He was a goner. What else made sense? Jahleel usually hated shopping, and now he was actually enjoying himself.
They hit the craft aisle, filling their basket with eyeballs, red felt balls, and material for reindeer ears. Fortunately, the store had lots of material to make your own ornaments. Next, they hit one of the food aisles to grab hot chocolate.
All the while they laughed and joked. Jahleel kissed Bebe’s forehead. “This has been fun.”
“You seem shocked.”
“We are in a store.”
She grinned. “Still allergic to shopping?”
“Yes. That’s why I have a personal shopper.”
“So sad.”
“The comforts money will bring.”
“Do you think that’s true?”
“What?” He stared at her. There seemed to be some shift downward, but he wasn’t sure why. Or what.
“That money brings comfort. That it’s a better substitute for presence.”
“Presents?”
“No,” she huffed. “I think people believe they can throw money around instead of showing up. You see people who will chase after money until it consumes them. Never satisfied with the comforts it brings.” She air quoted.
“People or your ex-husband?”
Bebe swallowed.
Ah ha. “I’m not him.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
She bit her lip, and his gut twisted. What could he do to prove himself? Here he was shopping for Christmas crafts. If that didn’t tell her his commitment, he didn’t know what would. He tipped her chin up. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Eventually you’re going back to Texas.”
“True, but I’ll be back. I’m not leaving us. But I do have a home there I just can’t abandon.”
“I know, Jahleel.” Her honeyed voice seemed to caress him.
“Then trust me when I say I will be back. I’m not leaving to never return. I just have to make sure my next steps lead me to a secure job.”
“Wait what?” She stepped back. “You’re not going back to the Stars?”
He slid his hands in his pocket, wishing the tension away. “No.”
“But you love football.” Her mouth dropped open.
And I love you more. He swallowed. “I have other priorities now. Much prettier ones.” He winked.
“Jay...are you sure?”
“Definitely.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He took her hand and pushed the basket with the other. “What’s next on the list, boss?”
“Door prizes.”
“All right.”
As she led the way once more, Jahleel sent a prayer upward.
Lord, please help her trust that I’m not leaving her. I need to establish a business, create an income before my savings dwindles to nothing. Help her know that I want to be with her.
Then tell her you love her. He sighed. Was that really the best thing right now? She had to know how he felt. Besides, he didn’t want to offer the words and then leave for Texas, even if he planned on returning. It would probably cause unnecessary angst.
Please bless my business idea so that I can provide for Bebe and make a life with her. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
