Finding Hope (16 page)

Around ten-
thirty, Joy settled up her orders and completed her shift. She quickly changed her clothes and hurried off to Isaac’s room. As she reached the lobby and the front staircase which led to his floor, she found Isaac standing alone waiting for her.

“Hey stranger, I thought you’d forgotten about us,” Isaac said leaning against the front desk.

Joy smiled and responded, “I could never forget this glorious night. Why are you down here? I thought we were going to meet in your room.”

Isaac revealed a bottle of wine and a blanket he had taken from the hotel room. “I thought it would be nice to sit by the ocean and talk in the moonlight. I want to relive our past life,” Isaac said mysteriously. Joy smiled and grabbed Isaac’s hand, leading him out onto the beach.

When Mr. Howard returned home earlier that day, he was quickly surrounded by people connected to the upcoming election. It had been six years since the current president suspended elections during the collapse of the country. Since then, the winds of change were strong. The people of America were strong from living through the darkest days this country had ever experienced. Despite the nationalistic trends fanning the flames of war and revenge, the country was quite polarized. The two primary parties were split between those who were fighting to return America to a place of global dominance and those who wanted to move forward learning from the mistakes of the past. There was so much at stake in the election next fall, and powerful leaders knew it. Members of influential groups were sinking money into both campaigns hoping to have a seat at the table for the rebuilding of America.

“So Mr. Howard, do you have your talking points for tomorrow’s speech? We want to make sure everything goes as planned. Mr.
Dranias is polling well, and he’ll be hitting on foreign policy throughout the debate,” one of Mr. Howard’s aides explained. “We should try to avoid the topic and focus of domestic issues whenever possible.”

Mr. Howard put down the stacks of papers he was reviewing and looked up, clearly annoyed by the state of the camp
aign. “I don’t know why we have to run from the issues. There are many like me who believe a non-interventionist approach to foreign affairs is appropriate. We need to rebuild our infrastructure and capital is short. Even if we still have one third of our military available, now is not the time to get ourselves caught up in war and conflict. I know the European Union is pushing for the new colonies, but isn’t that what got us into this mess in the first place?”

Another tall man dressed in a fine Italian suit interjected, “People just want to get their lives back. Energy is going to be a central issue. We have to plan for how we’re going to address that.”

Mr. Howard anticipated his words. He knew very well that the global financial markets were a mess and that cheap energy was a real problem. America had made real progress with shale from the Rockies, and the tar sands are finally recovering some sizable oil reserves, but coal was the primary resource in his campaign. “I don’t think securing vast amounts of energy is the key here. It comes down to smart growth and how to use the resources we have available,” Mr. Howard said feeling the frustration of the situation. “It needs to be about keeping things local – local food, local products, and local governance. These are the things people need to understand. That being said, I know this is very unpopular among the global think tanks.”

Mr. Howard had become a huge proponent in conservation by l
imiting the flow of oil and gas to utilize natural gas and electricity from coal. “We’ve spent so much time rebuilding the grid, and we finally have natural gas fuel coming online. Why do we want to take these steps backwards? While the world clamors for oil, we need to sidestep the old fossil fuels and look to the future,” said Mr. Howard. “These solutions work in a localized economy. Rail can move so many products efficiently if we spend the time to develop the supply chains. We just have to be smart. Use that ol’ American ingenuity to live with the resources we have left.”

Even though Mr.
Howard’s campaign was doing well gathering support from people across the country, finances were running low. Mr. Howard was a principled man always standing strong to his convictions. There had been many opportunities to align with wealthy men, but since they didn’t share his views, he avoided the partnership. The Conservative Party, led by Sariel Dranias, was also doing very well. In addition, Sariel’s campaign was well funded, receiving donations from global leaders. Their primary issue was to re-establish America as a world power and secure cheap and abundant oil for those who cooperate. They felt growth was required to stimulate the economy, and without a steady stream of energy, that growth was impossible. Business leaders were doing everything in their power to re-engage the American consumer at all costs. Without American consumption, profits were non-existent. The friction between the two parties was palpable, consuming the debate. With so many interests to be served, the election was important for many countries. It was a dangerous time to be in politics and an even more precarious time to be a party leader.

The moon was h
igh in the crisp November night painting sparks of white across the rough and endless sea. Isaac and Joy walked along the shoreline wrapped in the blanket he had brought from the Chez Moerae. They walked for almost thirty minutes holding on to one another in silence. When they found a small stretch of the coast covered with ammophila, they sat down in the tall beach grass. They sat quietly looking out across the ocean feeling as if they had done this many times before. Isaac opened the bottle of wine with a small cork screw he had taken from his room, and passed it to Joy. She took a healthy pull from the bottle as the spirits danced across her tongue.

“Were you ever able to figure it out?” Isaac whispered. “Do you
know how we met?”

Joy remained deep in thought looking at the curves of the black water as they came alive in the moonlight. “I haven’t,” she whispered back. “That doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here with me now.”

Isaac tipped the bottle back and swallowed the fine fermented grapes letting the aroma spiral around in his nose and sinuses. “I feel it too. This was meant to be,” Isaac added.

They sat together with Joy’s back pressed firm
ly into Isaac’s side holding each other like kindred spirits.

“Your dad went back to Dover today
, right? Was he mad when you stayed behind?” Joy asked snuggling deeply into Isaac.

“I think he understood. He just needed to get back because my mom
hasn’t been feeling that great,” Isaac responded.

Sliding her petite fingers along Isaac’s arm, Joy asked, “Is she sick?”

“Not really. She’s been struggling with her recovery for quite some time. She had ovarian cancer several years back and still struggles with the aftermath. She had a long history of polyps, and then one day we found out she had cancer,” Isaac in an expressionless tone. “She’s struggled with it most of her life.”

Joy continued to caress Isaac’s arm and asked, “Were there any complication when you were born?”

“Well, not really. Actually, I’m adopted. They took me in and raised me when I was five years old,” Isaac hesitated obviously avoiding any further questions about his parents.

“What do you remember about your folks?” Isaac asked looking down at Joy. “I can only imagine how painful that must have been.”

“I try not to think about it. The memories are too hard to live with. We maybe didn’t see eye to eye, but without them, I feel lost sometimes. It’s like I no longer have a home. Nowhere to turn to and feel safe, ya know,” Joy answered. “I miss them every day.” Joy looked up at Isaac and put her hand softly on his cheek. Looking into his kind eyes Joy said, “I feel at home with you. There’s something I can’t explain when we’re together. You make me feel safe.”

The cold autumn wind blew off the ocean
forcing the young couple seek refuge in each other’s arms. “It’s so cold but lying here with you I feel so safe,” Joy said feeling her defenses melt away. “I could stay here forever.”

Isaac felt emotions stir within his soul as he held Joy. “I know how you feel. There’s no place I’d rather be. You’re so amazing,” Isaac again whispered.

Joy slowly rolled over and held onto Isaac, her eyes locked on his. She kissed him. Isaac kissed her back with his soft lips open in the dark salty air. Lying on his back, Isaac continued to taste the wine from Joy’s tender lips and mouth, their tongues gently touching. Warm in the blanket, rolled up on the beach, they continued to kiss in the darkness.

The splendor of the heavens shed its light down all around Joy and Isaac as the shared each other
’s passion. The heat from their bodies blazed amongst the cold sand.

“You feel so right,” Joy said as Isaac explored her neck with his kiss. “I want to feel your body next to mine.”

Isaac removed his shirt and pants down to his boxers as the continued to move their lips together passionately. Joy then removed her shirt, bra, and skirt exposing her caramel skin beneath the blanket. With arms wrapped around one another, they felt the heat of their bodies as their skin caressed each other.

Joy was lying on top of Isaac, her breasts pressed against his muscular chest, tasting the
anticipation on his lips and tongue. She leaned up and slid forward showing Isaac her firm body and young breasts as he began to carefully kiss and explore with his mouth. She could feel his cotton boxers become firm through her silk underwear as she slid back and forth in ecstasy.

“Joy, are you sure you want to do this? I don’t want any regrets,” Isaac said breathing heavily.

“I do. This moment is all that matters,” she whispered in his ear with him throbbing between her legs.

“I want you so bad
ly. You’re so beautiful and you mean so much to me. I love you,” Isaac exclaimed.

“I love you too Isaac. Thi
s is where we should be tonight,” Joy responded.

Joy co
ntinued to slide back and forth straddling Isaac, as he licked and kissed her naked chest. She reached down into Isaac’s shorts and grabbed him firmly. She then climbed up, slid her underwear aside, and sat down on him in complete satisfaction. Their skin tingled with pleasure lying among the sand, surf, and stars.

“I love you so much Isaac,” she moaned feeling him deep inside her.

Isaac, fully alive in the perfection of the moment, tried to remain strong, “My Joy, I love you so much.”

Lying together, covered by the blanket, their bodies m
oved in and out of one another. Joy slowly sat up and started rhythmically pushing Isaac’s firm body deeper inside her. Faster and faster she moved as he rubbed her breasts in his hands. Isaac felt her warm wetness cover him entirely as she rode him tenderly and completely. Her body trembled in the midnight air. In and out they moved, Joy accepting every inch of Isaac. Her eyes locked on his. She began to groan as their bodies moved faster. The blanket fell to the side as Joy sat upright, her firm naked body exposed in the moonlight. She slid onto him over and over as he held her hips tightly thrusting himself into her with his muscular hips and stomach. Joy cried out in pleasure and released completely as Isaac reached his climax in the purity of the moment. She collapsed on him, exhausted and in love, while Isaac held her close feeling the same emotions.

Chapter 14

Finding Strength

As December rolled into the tiny town of Chapel Hill, the small community of families were preparing for winter. The chi
ldren were equally hard at work getting ready for the Christmas pageant. Hope was enjoying her time with the children. She’d watch them rehearse their lines and sing their glorious carols. The costumes were complete, and everyone marveled at what Hope had accomplished. They had become authentic works of art with the quality of a multi-million dollar Hollywood production.

Hope was beginning to feel at home in her new community. She enjoyed her work but
after spending so much time with the children, Hope had grown to love them. She was proud of them as she’d watch them perform. One little boy in particular stood out to her. He was a little red haired boy who was just six years old. His name was Billy. He was playing the part of a shepherd in the upcoming play. A last minute addition, he was struggling with his lines, and his oversized costume just wasn’t fitting him at all.

As Hope sat
watching the children rehearse, she spotted Stephanie crossing the auditorium. Hope liked Stephanie but had never been able to fully connect with her. As she headed in Hope’s direction, it was clear she had another favor to ask.

“I know you’ll be catching the train next week, but I was hoping you could help me out with one final task,” Stephanie asked wincing
with guilt. “Billy’s costume is just too big. It needs to be hemmed up and brought in on the sides. Do you think you could set time aside to help with that?”

Loving the feeling of being needed by the children, Hope answered, “Not a problem at all. I should have plenty of time to get him measured and will have it tailored before I go.”

Stephanie then looked at Hope as a melancholy expression fell across her face. “Do you know how many people are going to miss you Hope? You’ve impacted so many of us. Your strength and determination is so uncommon. I know that I admire you,” Stephanie admitted with a small tear clinging to the corner of her eye. “I wish I had gotten to know you better.”

Hope felt her heart break a little at the thought of leaving this town and the people she had come to know. It was unexpected and caught her off guard. Hope’s eyes filled with emotion as she stood up
to give Stephanie a tender hug.

“I’ll miss you guys too,” Hope admitted. “I’m not that str
ong. This town, the people here – you guys have real strength. And I’ll miss each and every one of you.” Hope emotions poured out uncontrolled as she held the person she thought she had no connection to.

After a long day of helping Stephanie with the pageant, Hope headed back to the place where she was staying. The time she’d spent with Chris and Grace had been one of the high points in her time in Chapel Hill. They were so kind and giving,
always trying to included her and make her feel at home. As Hope approached the front door, she noticed Chris and Grace leaving with one of their many guitars strapped across Chris’s back. Hope had seen them play many times before, but always quietly watched them play not willing to be involved.

“Hey Hope, we’re heading out
to the worship service tonight. Do you want to come along?” Grace asked. “I know you have a lot going on, but if you could come, we’d love to have you.”

Hope had avoided the invitation on several occasions.
They’d asked so many times, but Hope had always found a reason to stay behind. This time was different. She wasn’t sure if it was the connection to the children or if she was just beginning to trust the people in town, but she felt more comfortable. Rather than coming up with an excuse, Hope decided to go along with Chris and Grace.

They wal
ked in the brisk December night all bundled up both physically and mentally. Even Hope was feeling the spirit of the occasion, humming along while Grace sang an old hymn. They reached the church as the sun began to set hearing music and laughter pouring out of the building.

“How many people from town do you think will be here?” Hope asked as starting to climb the wooden stairs to the church she once abandoned.

Chris smiled lovingly at Hope and replied with his gentle eyes sparkling, “Well all of them of course.”

As Hope stepped through the heavy wooden doors, she saw the entire town ready to rejoice.
The thought crossed her mind that every time she decided to stay home, the rest of the town worshiped without her. It must have been obvious to everyone that she wasn’t there. The old religious guilt she once felt as a child crept back into her consciousness.

“Hope! It’s so wonderful you’ve made it,” Stephanie exclaimed grabbing Hope’s arm. “Come here. There are some people I’d like to you to meet. As Hope walked through the crowded sanctuary, she saw many familiar faces beaming with happiness. Stephanie was tugging her a
rm through the sea of people as Hope greeted people she knew along the way. Many people were stopping to say “hi” as Hope walked among the sea of faithful.

“Hope, this is my husband John. He’s the minister
of music here,” Stephanie said proudly.

“Hello Hope. I
t feels like I know you from how much Steph talks about you,” John said firmly shaking Hope’s hand. “It’s wonderful to finally have a face with the name.”

“Yea
h, it’s nice to meet you too John. Stephanie has been so kind to me, and it’s a pleasure to meet her other half,” Hope said shyly. “By the way, I love your glasses.”

John awkwardly smiled, brushed back his shaggy black hair and self-consciously replied, “Thanks Hope.”

Stephanie leaned in and gave her husband a peck on the cheek. “We’ll be sitting right here in the front,” Stephanie told John. “Good luck honey.”

Hope and Stephanie sat down in the old creaky pew awaiting the service to begin. At the last moment, Hope saw Chris and Grace in the front row on the other side.

“Hey guys, over here. Come sit with us,” Hope said in a surprisingly loud voice.

Moments later Chris and Grace joined Hope and Stephanie. A hush suddenly overcame the audience as John, Stephanie’s husband, walked out onto the stage. Joining him were three other men and one beautiful girl. John started to play his guitar. The
entire band followed perfectly as the young woman joined in song.

When the group got to the chorus, John raised his voice for the first time. It was harsh and nasally, and difficult to listen to. It seemed so out of place among the other p
erfect sounds. It seemed rushed and inpatient, struggling to find the tempo as the band continued to play their arrangement in perfection. And then suddenly it clicked, John’s voice spoke to her directly. Pleading and pulling, it pierced through her soul. Hope was awestruck by the beauty she was hearing. Like a force of nature, the voice soared in isolation. The pitch and the tones of his voice flowed out into the crowd, a perfect balance of truth and personal honesty. Hope was no longer watching a performance and became part of the authentic story. Suddenly, Hope felt the spirit in the room descend and enter her soul. She was filled completely with faith.

The band continued playing, singing song after song, while the audience rejoiced together. Even after two hours, the music
remained strong. When one person would get tired, another from the audience would take their place. The only constant was John and his voice. As the night wound down, it was clear that every musician in the gathering was spent. John continued to push on with energy sourced from a higher, mysterious place.

“Anyone else have anything to share? You can feel the presence with us tonight,” John insisted with a raspy strained voice from hours
of worship. “Now is the time… don’t be shy.”

  Chris exhausted, with fingers torn and almost bleeding from all the songs he had played, shook his head and put his arm around Grace. Hope then realized her hand had somehow raised signaling to John there would be another song.

She didn’t know what compelled her, but somewhere in the depths of her being, she felt the need to join in worship. Grace, Stephanie and Chris all looked at Hope, surprised she was ready to take the stage
. They had never heard her sing let alone play in all the times they had practiced songs at home. Hope sheepishly walked to the stage as the crowd silenced in anticipation, waiting to see what was to come.

“Can I borrow your guitar?” Hope asked John in a soft, hushed voice.

“You sure can dear. Go get ‘em,” John said gleefully.

Hope cleared her throat and spoke loud enough for the room to hear her
. “Well, I don’t know any gospel songs, but this is one my dad used to sing to me,” Hope said while chuckling uncomfortably. “It’s called ‘Romans 10:9’, by The Mountain Goats.”

Hope began to play the intro chords which sounded dull and out of key. She quickly tu
ned the guitar down a half step until the progression sounded right. With the guitar ringing true, she again began to play the cheerful arrangement. Her small, fragile voice began to sing the joyous lyrics, which echoed lightly around the room, with the bouncy, optimistic song.

       
Everyone in the sanctuary was focused on Hope as she worked John’s guitar like a true artist. It was clear she had been hiding her talents as her voice moved their spirits gently. Her voice was sweet like honey adding beauty to the mood in the room. She continued singing her hopeful lyrics.

After Hope was done, she stood from the stool in the center of the stage, put down the wooden instrument, and walked quietly back to her seat. Her
majestic voice still hung heavily in the room filling the audience with pride for their humble town. Words could not describe what they had seen. Unsure how to accept the song and its obscure lyrics, the people in the sanctuary sat in their pews, reserved. Chris was the first to respond. He stood to his feet, still in awe, and began to clap for Hope and the song he had never heard before. The crowd, aroused by Chris’s acceptance of the song and Hope’s powerful voice, exploded in applause. Hope’s conviction had driven the group past the ambiguous song and awoken their spirit.

“I never knew you could sing like that!” Grace said beaming from ear to ear. “That was amazing.”

John walked over to Hope as the people continued to clap and laugh, amazed and surprised. “Now that’s how it done,” John said to Stephanie as he put his lanky arm around Hope’s neck.

Hope smiled, slightly embarrassed, and let the praise warm her soul. Grace and Stephanie laughed in agreement that something special had just taken place.

“We have got to hear more,” Grace said grabbing Hope’s hands. “Your voice! It’s so beautiful. It was really, I mean - it was like an angel! – really, truly divine.”

After the group quieted down, Joh
n stood and gave a final prayer releasing the congregation for the night. Chris, Grace, and Hope walked home continuing to talk about the performance. They were blown away not only by Hope’s performance, but also the fact that they never knew about her talent. Neither the cold of the December night nor the blanket of stars above could break Chris and Grace from their excitement. Something was different for Hope though. Although she relished all the attention, she couldn’t help but feel small amidst the sky full of starlight. She walked through the dark astounded by the heavens above.

When they finally reached home, the three sat
for a late snack. “Where did you learn to play like that Hope?” Chris asked with genuine interest. “Do you even own a guitar?”

Grace walked over
grabbing a couple more slices of apple and said, “Yeah that was a total surprise.”

Hope thought back to her time in New Providence and how she lost her father’s guitar. She decided to keep that part of her life concealed. “No, I don’t have a guitar anymore. It was stolen back in St. Louis. I learned to play with my dad befor
e he died. I guess I took to it and been playing ever since,” Hope explained. “To tell you the truth though, I don’t know many songs – maybe thirty or so if I sat down and tried remembering them all.”

Chris stared directly at Hope and said, “I just can’t get over it. That was amazing.
What was the name of that band? The Mountain Men?”

Hope chuckled sof
tly to herself and said, “No… the Goats, they’re called The Mountain Goats.”

Life went on as normal for the next couple
of days as Hope prepared for her departure. The train would be rolling into town soon, and she needed to be ready. Before she left, she needed to tie up her loose ends. Hope had agreed to alter little Billy’s costume for the pageant, so she had one final task yet to complete. On her last day in Chapel Hill Hope met with Billy.

“Hey guy, are you ready for the show? I’ve been watching
, and you’re looking good up there,” Hope said tenderly to her young friend.

“Yea
h, I think I’ll be ready. I just get so nervous up there,” Billy said as Hope cinched the flowing material behind his back.

“How does that feel?” Hope said as she scribbled down the measurements.

“That feels better, but the sleeves are still too long,” Billy replied.

“You’re going to look so handsome up there, I promise you that,” Hope added. “So, are your parents planning for the big night? I bet they’re excited.”