Omniscient Leaps (19 page)

Gage’s eye bulged and fixated on me. I had to turn away because for once I was feeling uncomfortable. “Can I talk to her a minute?” Gage asked as he took my arm. “I’ll make sure she gets to class.”

“Whatever,” Jenna replied. She gave him a quick peck on the lips and disappeared into the crowd of people in the hall.

Gage quickly pulled me into the student lounge. After making sure it was empty, he locked the doors and made me sit down. He was examining the burn marks on my arms and the discoloring on my face. Obviously I hadn’t done a very thorough job with the makeup.

“It just happened for you, didn’t it?” he finally said after a moment of silence. “That’s why you are confused about the present. You just left the past and you haven’t noticed the changes yet.”

My mouth was gaping once again. “You remember?”

“Of course,” he smiled. “When I was younger I was convinced you were an angel. They said you burned alive even though they didn’t find your body, but I knew you were still out there. Then, as we were growing up, I recognized you. Your face was younger, but I knew it was you. I always wondered when it would happen. What
are
you anyway?”

“Wow Gage! This is a lot to take in, even for me,” I began. I swallowed hard. “I guess you could call me one of God’s helpers. I’m nobody special, but for some reason He picked me to do His work. I just go where He sends me and try to make life better for people. Actually, you were my first assignment. I’m pretty new at this.”

I couldn’t stop staring at him. He just didn’t seem like the same person. He shifted in his seat and started to appear edgy. “Oh my gosh! Were we together before and now that you changed things you’re feeling like I completely abandoned you?” He put his head down in his hands and sighed.

“No,” I laughed. He glanced up at me and relaxed. “It’s just that you’re so different. You don’t even seem like the same person. Your dad’s presence really affected who you became or didn’t become in this case.”

His face immediately fell. “Did I hurt you, Kara? That’s it, isn’t it? I did something awful to you and then you had to help me. Gosh, that’s more like a punishment.” I couldn’t believe how insightful he was about everything. He was so repentant and sweet for someone who didn’t do anything. I felt horrible.

“Gage,” I grabbed his hand. “It’s okay, really.”

“It’s not if you remember it,” he whispered. “I did something unpleasant and you have to remember it. How fair is that?”

“It reminds me of the power of God. It tells me that one person really can make a difference. Stop this, really. I’ve grown to adore you even before I saw you today, so don’t give this another thought, okay?”

His eyes shifted uneasily. “You won’t even tell me what I did?”

“Absolutely not,” I replied firmly. “You’re a good person and you deserve the life you’ve been blessed with. Gosh… Jenna. I can’t even believe it. Are you going to Young Life with her?”

“Yes,” he smiled. “You are usually there with us. Hmm, this is going to be fun. You have no clue about stuff we have all done together.”

“Yes, but I just recently joined the group, right?” He nodded. “So we can’t have been hanging out that long. Wow! Now I have to see who Reyna is going to the dance with.”

“Reyna Holt?” he asked surprised. “I didn’t realize you two were friends.”

“Yeah well you were friends with her too. Actually you were taking her to the dance last I knew.”

His smile widened and I punched his arm. “Kidding,” he laughed. “I only have eyes for Jenna.” He paused for a minute to see that I approved of his response. “So any time you need to talk about things, Kara, you can come to me. I don’t suppose this is something you can really talk to other people about.”

“They’d think I was mental,” I admitted. “I can’t believe how well you are taking it actually.”

“Well I’ve had several years to think and analyze things. Believe me, it wasn’t easy and I didn’t want to bother you with it. You would have thought I was crazy at the time, I’m sure.”

I nodded my head in agreement. “So how is your mom doing?”

“She’s happily remarried and my stepdad is the nicest guy. He’s really devoted to my mom and he’s always treated my brother and me well. It’s such a change. I tend to block out the past with my father.”

“I don’t blame you,” I sighed.

He looked down at my arms and cringed. “I still can’t believe it was just days ago for you. How are you holding up?”

“Well I slept for three days and I am just trying to put the whole ordeal behind me. I’m just so happy about the end result.” I got up from the table to give him a hug. The bell had long since given its final warning. We were definitely going to be tardy.

“Off to dance reformation class,” I teased. “See you later, Gage.”

For someone who had experienced such a rough childhood, he had turned into an honorable young man. He was smarter than he ever let on. Seeing how the young Gage knew enough to outwit me, I wondered if his low grades had been the result of his trampled self-esteem. The thought of having someone else around to talk to about stuff when Luke wasn’t available was exciting too.

“Ms. Benson,” the teacher announced in her nasally voice, “so nice of you to finally join us. How was your vacation?”

“Stomach bug,” I muttered. “Loads of fun.”

She snorted as she turned back to the music. My classmates didn’t give me a second glance and I felt appreciative. I hated the spotlight on me, even if it was brief. We partnered up and practiced the waltz and the polka. When class ended, the teacher announced that the period dances would only be given a brief time allotment during the night. She was obviously disappointed, but the crowd of students, especially male, seemed pleased.

I moved swiftly through the crowd gathered in the hallway as I attempted to make it to my second class on time. Just as I was about to cross the threshold, a familiar face pulled me aside. It was Reyna and she didn’t appear to be happy with me. Gosh, I hoped we were still friends.

“Where have you been? First your mom called to tell me that you were missing. Then you don’t show up to school for several days.” Her hands were on her hips and she had pursed her lips together. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”

“I’m glad to feel so loved,” I teased.

“Not funny,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Seriously, where were you?”

“I was leaping through time helping God with something and I messed up slightly,” I finally retorted.

“Come again?” She stared at me in disbelief.

She clearly wasn’t going to believe the truth. “Fine. I had a horrid stomach bug. I was resting in my closet and was too ill to even call for my mom. It’s not like she expected me to be hanging out on the floor of my closet.”

“Well, it usually is a disaster zone, Kara. Maybe if you’d clean it up you’d actually like hanging out in it.” A grin tugged at her lips and she stopped challenging me. “Anyway, sorry I am in such a mood today. Matthew just informed me that he doesn’t want to go to the lame dance so it looks like I’m going stag.”

My classmates rushed past me and I fought the urge to hurry inside with them. “You can come with me and my friends. Most of us are going as friends anyway.”
I think.

“You really don’t think they’d mind?” Her pouty lip was more than I could take. How could
she
be going dateless?

“Please,” I snorted. “The guys will probably all offer to dance with you and their dates won’t be able to protest since you had to attend alone.”

Reyna squealed loudly with delight just as the bell sounded. I dodged into the classroom and gave her a quick wave. I wasn’t about to be tardy for two classes in a row. The teacher had already begun instruction and I felt somewhat lost after realizing how much I’d missed over the course of a few days. So this was what a challenge felt like.

The rest of my day dragged on. I ran scenarios in my head about what I could say to my mom but nothing sounded creditable. She believed about my dad so how much more would she need to know anyway? I guess facing her would be the only way to find out.

While I packed my bags to go home, I noticed a tall figure standing beside me. I wondered which teacher was checking up on me this time. When I finally looked up I was surprised to see Gage’s mother. She had been silent for several minutes and I hadn’t even realized who it was.

“Hi Lilly. I mean Ms. Parton. Do you need something?” I smiled.

“I know you,” she said hesitantly. “And no one’s called me that in years.”

“Yeah, I’m one of Gage’s friends. You’ve probably seen me when you’ve picked him up from a meeting.” I lifted my bookbag and attempted to walk away. “Gage is probably with Jenna. If you want me to help you look for them I can. Jenna is a little social shutterbug where this dance is concerned.” I was rambling.

“You’re the girl,” she said firmly. I shifted uneasy in my stance. “You saved my life. I don’t know how, but I’d remember your face anywhere. How did I not see it before?”

“Lilly,” I whispered. “Can we not make a big deal out of this, please? I don’t think people would understand.”

She reached her arms around me and squeezed, bookbag and all. “Thank you. I’ve prayed I’d be able to see you and thank you. I never believed you were dead.”

“What’s going on, Mrs. Williams?” Jenna said. “Is Kara alright?”

“Just a sympathy hug. You know for my rough week with the stomach bug,” I replied quickly. Lilly smiled and nodded her head.

“I hope to see you again soon, Kara. See you tonight Jenna.”

“That was bizarre,” Jenna shrugged. “She must have been here helping some of the parents set up for the dance. I think they have an overabundance of chaperones for tonight. It should be interesting.”

Hailey Reeves appeared out of nowhere and I gulped when I realized she was headed towards us. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her jabs. She had actually kept her distance lately, but I should have known it wouldn’t last. I plastered on a fake smile as she approached.

“Hey girls,” she began. “My date ditched me for tonight. Can you believe it? We actually have a great theme for our prom and the boys bail. Go figure.” She turned to face me. “I heard you offered for Reyna to ride with you guys. Do you mind if I hitch a ride too? I’ll wait at Reyna’s to make things easier.”

I waited for her to burst out laughing and call us losers, but it never happened. “Sure Hailey. Sorry about your date,” Jenna replied. “See you around six.”

After she had disappeared from sight I turned to face Jenna. “How long have you two been friends?” It was such an unlikely pairing. I couldn’t believe what had happened with Gage could have changed so many lives.

“She’s always been amiable, but I wouldn’t exactly call her my friend.” Jenna stared at me with a puzzled expression as she touched my forehead. “Frankly, I think she stopped ignoring me after I began dating Gage. It’s not like he even hangs out with that old crowd of his, but some of his childhood pals still consider him a friend.”

“That’s nice, I guess. There’s no rule that says you can’t be friends with more than one group of people. I’m just glad to see her being nice to you.” I glanced at the clock. “I guess I better get going. There’s a lot of primping to be done before six o’clock tonight.”

“It’s going to be such a memorable night. The paper is coming and everything.” She squeezed my arm with delight. “I guess I should get a move on too. I have some things to accomplish here before I head home.”

When I opened the door of my car a note floated out and onto the pavement. I picked it up and realized it was for me.

Dear Kara,

I don’t think you understand how truly grateful my family is for your help. Gage says you call it divine intervention, but I think it is much more than that. You were just a stranger willing to put your life on the line for people you didn’t even know. That goes well beyond doing what is right. I know I won’t ever be able to repay you for the gifts you have given us, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will be praying for you.

Love,

Lilly Williams (new married name)

I felt guilty for even accepting the gratitude. It had been God’s plan that had saved their family, not mine. I was just the instrument He used to make it happen. Wow, I finally applied something that Luke had taught me. I guess I was making a little progress with interpreting the bible principles after all. I wondered how he got his point across to those leapers who were from different religious backgrounds.
God can do anything, Kara.

I drove home thinking about Luke and the vast duties he’d adhered to with an unwavering faith.  It was almost foolish to think our relationship could rank anywhere in importance next to what he had been accomplishing for God over the years. The praise of completing my task was nothing compared to the visual proof of the lives that were changed because of it. I felt happier than I had in years.

When I turned the ignition to my car off in the driveway, it happened almost instantaneous. One minute I was in front of my house and the next I was in front of the church. There was no place I wanted to be more after the day I had experienced. I wanted to share everything with Luke. The last time I had seen him I hadn’t even gotten the opportunity to share what happened in the end with Fred.

For the first time, when I entered the church I sat down in a pew and said a prayer. I thanked God for the experience and all the unexpected changes that had resulted. I finally realized how natural and almost easy it was to pray.

“I’m most impressed, Kara.” I glanced up to see Luke sitting beside me. He was dressed in his Victorian attire and it made me smile. I wanted to drag him through time and space with me to the dance.

“I’ve been studying with the best,” I squeeze his hand and gave him a wink. “So am I here to talk about my first assignment? I think I already know what I did wrong. I love this job, Luke. After seeing what the after effects are. It’s inspiring and uplifting. It makes you—” I couldn’t think of the right words.

“Believe in the power of God?” Luke finished my sentence without hesitation and then let out a laugh. I nodded as he pulled me to my feet. “Let’s go talk in my office.”