Redemption Lake (3 page)

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Authors: Monique Miller

BOOK: Redemption Lake
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He shook his head thinking if God could form the earth in less than seven days, surely the Lord could turn the lives of the couples around in that timeframe also.
Chapter 2
Phillip Tomlinson
Sunday: 8:30
P.M
.
Phillip held Shelby in his arms as they cuddled on the floor in front of the couch. Before them sat an unlit fireplace. “This is nice. I'm glad we came a day early.”
“That's what I was thinking,” Shelby said. She nuzzled her face under her husband's neck. “I wonder how the couples are faring as they prepare for their trip here,” Phillip said.
“What do you mean?”
“From what I've read in their profiles, they all have some pretty heavy problems. When we first came, we'd been having problems too, but we'd pretty much resolved them.”
“I see what you mean. There's no way I could have imagined taking this three-hour trip with you while we were at the height of our troubles,” Shelby said.
“I know you couldn't. You had a hard enough time riding with me across town from the hospital to our house. You wouldn't look at me and barely spoke to me. And when I touched you to try and help you get out of the truck, you acted as if I'd poured hot coals on you.”
Shelby pulled her body away a couple of inches. “Don't remind me. That whole time in our marriage was a nightmare for me.”
“Sorry, I don't want to rehash everything, but it's in my spirit. If we are going to help the couples, we can't forget what we went through. They're all going through some pretty tough times right now. For some of them, this may be their last hope.”
Phillip thought about their retreat days. Even though their marriage was already on its way back to being mended, the other two couples who'd attended were ready to throw in the towel.
“Can you believe we're actually going to be the one's helping three new couples get their lives back on track? They'll be looking to us; well, mainly you, for guidance,” Shelby said.
“Don't discount your contribution in helping these families. They'll want my spiritual and professional guidance, but actions speak louder than words. They'll be watching both of us, trying to see how we relate to each other. I think that's why this retreat is set up the way it is—with a married couple counseling other married couples.”
“I guess you're right. I know I wouldn't have wanted to hear any advice on what I should and shouldn't be doing from some single person with just a little book knowledge and no marital experience.”
“So we agree. Your being here is just as important as my being here,” Phillip said.
“Agreed,” Shelby said.
Phillip's stomach growled.
“Sounds like somebody's hungry,” Shelby said.
“Actually, I'm not.”
“Are you still fasting?”
“No, I was officially off my fast as of sundown. When the Lord put it in my spirit to fast, I wasn't sure why, but now I understand. I needed to fast and pray about this upcoming week. Working with these couples won't be a walk in the park. To them, their worlds are coming to an end, and I have to help them understand that with God, anything is possible. They can overcome the hurdles which the enemy has placed before them. They need to understand that what they are going through is only a test.”
“Do you know what kind of specific problems these couples are having?”
“I've read their profiles, which state in black and white, the surface problems for which they've applied to come here. But it's the underlying problems that concern me most. But if you don't mind, I'd like to keep the specifics to myself—for now anyway. I want you to be able to look upon everything with fresh eyes. I'd like to see what you're able to pick up on as the retreat progresses. Then we'll talk about it.”
“Sounds like a good approach to me. I can do that,” Shelby said.
Phillip's stomach growled again.
“Let me fix you something light to eat. How about some cheese and crackers? Or some grapes?”
“Yeah, sounds good,” Phillip said.
“Which one? The cheese and crackers or the grapes?”
“Fix a little of each. Can I have a glass of water too?”
Shelby kissed him again on the forehead and said, “You can have anything you want, my dear.” Then she sat up to head for the kitchen.
Phillip pulled her back closer and kissed her again. “Ummm, keep kissing me like that, and I'll skip the food.”
Reluctantly, Shelby pulled back. “Hold that thought. I am a little hungry myself. You know the saying ‘we can have our cake and eat it too?' Well, we can eat a little and then explore on your idea.” Shelby hopped up and took long strides to the kitchen. “We have this whole cabin to ourselves. I just wish it was cold enough for us to have the fireplace burning. And that faux fur rug over there is calling our names. Tonight, you, my dear, can have your cake and eat it too.”
“With all the icing?” Phillip asked with anticipation.
Shelby sauntered back to her husband on the couch and kissed him long and hard on the lips. “With all the butter cream icing you want, baby.”
Phillip shook his head as if he'd been in a daze. “Whew, I can't wait.”
“Hold that thought.” Shelby returned to complete her task of making snacks in the kitchen.
Phillip retrieved a thick down comforter and two fluffy pillows from their bedroom closet. He spread the comforter out on top of the rug, then placed pillows comfortably under his elbows and arms as he lay down on the floor.
When Shelby returned with a plate full of club crackers, cubed cheese, and red grapes, she nodded her head in approval. “You are anxious for your icing, aren't you?”
“You bet I am. And I'm not counting, but I do believe it's been at least two weeks since I've had any cake.”
“That's not my fault,” Shelby said. “You've been so focused on so many other things I guess I wasn't that high on the priority list.”
Phillip nodded his head. “I know baby, and I apologize, but don't worry, I'll make up for it tonight.”
Shelby sat next to him on the comforter and plucked a grape off the vine and tickled his lips with it. Then in one fluid movement she popped it into her mouth.
“Hey? Why are you teasing me?”
“I thought you said you weren't hungry.”
“I'm not. I mean, I wasn't, but I am now. And I want to get all this eating over so I can have my cake,” Phillip said.
Shelby plucked another grape, this time placing it between her teeth. She moved in closer, giving him a nose-to-nose kiss, just before thrusting the plump purple grape into his mouth.
Phillip savored the sweet juice as it burst. “Umm baby. Keep that up and we won't be finishing any of this food.”
Without saying a word Shelby picked up a cube of cheese and traced his lips with it, then just as she'd done with the grape, she fed it to him.
“Quit playing, girl.”
Shelby laughed. “Sorry, honey. I'll stop. Let's eat, I'm hungry.”
In a famished manner, they both ate. Once they were finished, Shelby said, “Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I've got a surprise for you.”
“What?”
“Wait a minute, you'll see.”
Shelby left their pallet on the floor and headed for the kitchen. When she returned, she had two beverage glasses and a bottle of chilled sparkling grape juice in her hands.
After sitting back down next to him, she gave Phillip the honors of popping the cork and pouring the wine. Before taking a sip, they held their glasses up to toast.
“What would you like to toast to?” Phillip asked.
“Okay,” Shelby cleared her throat. “To God blessing our marriage of twelve years. Even for the ups and downs. And blessing us so much that He placed us here to help three families with their marriages.”
She lifted her glass toward Phillip's, and he did the same. “I can toast to that.”
They sipped their fizzing juice.
“My turn.” Phillip paused and looked dead into his wife's eyes. “To the most wonderful wife a man could ever be blessed with.” He held his glass up to toast.
Shelby smiled, toasting with him. “Thank you. Keep this up and you're going to make me blush.”
Phillip took another sip of his juice. “Give me a few more minutes, and I am going to make you do more than blush.”
Shelby downed her remaining juice. “Well, what are you waiting for?”
At that, Phillip downed the remainder of his glass also, then took Shelby's glass to place them both on the coffee table.
He pulled her in to his arms, planting a passionate kiss on her lips. After what seemed like minutes had passed, Shelby pulled away with an abruptness that caused Phillip to jump.
“What's wrong?” Phillip asked.
“Did you hear that?”
“What?”
“I heard something outside.”
“No, I didn't hear a thing. What you probably heard was my heart beating through my shirt.”
Shelby rolled her eyes at him. “I could've sworn I heard something.”
“You're just a little scared because we're out here all alone by this dark lake.”
“You have to admit it is a little scary. It's pitch black out, and there probably isn't another person for miles.”
“Maybe a quarter of a mile at best. This lake is full of cabins. Phillip flexed his muscles. “Don't worry baby, I'm here to protect you.”
Shelby sighed with resignation.
Again Phillip pulled her into a kiss-filled embrace. “We'd better enjoy the quietness and time alone now, because tomorrow the people will start filing in.”
“Are you ready to wade through the surface and figure out what everyone is really trying to say in order to get to the bottom of their problems?” Shelby asked.
“I'm definitely ready to help guide them on the road to recovery. It's the wading through part that'll be the hardest. You know there are three sides to every story: his side, her side, and the truth.”
Just as Phillip stopped speaking, they heard footsteps on the porch, and then a knock at the front door. Both Phillip and Shelby stared at one another questioningly.
“Who the heck could that be?” Shelby whispered.
Part I
His Side
Chapter 3
Travis Highgate
Sunday: 9:30
P.M
.
“It's pretty dark out here, Travis. It doesn't even look like anyone's here. Are you sure this is the right place?” Beryl Highgate asked. Travis could hear the fear and underlying anger in her voice.
“It's the right place; just trust me,” Travis said, knowing that was the wrong thing to say; especially since his wife didn't trust anything that came out of his mouth. Hence the reason they were out in the middle of nowhere trying to get their marriage back on track.
Looking around the side of the wrap around porch, he saw a dark colored SUV. “See? Look over there.” He pointed at the truck. “Someone must be here.”
Beryl crossed her arms. “This is supposed to be a couples retreat and there's only one other car here? Something doesn't seem right.” Disbelief seeped from his wife's voice.
Travis felt something wasn't right either, but he dared not say it. He
had
probably messed up. And the worst thing he could do was give Beryl the satisfaction of telling him what a failure he was.
Without saying another word to her, he returned to the cabin's front door and knocked. From inside he heard shuffling.
Good. Sounds of life
.
“It's freezing out here,” Beryl said. “The temperature must have dropped at least ten degrees since we got on the road.”
After a couple of minutes, Travis wondered what was going on inside the cabin. With a firmer knock, he tried again to get someone to come to the door.
“Who is it?” A male voice asked from the other side of the door.
Awkwardly, Travis said, “Uh, this is Travis Highgate. My wife and I are here for the couples retreat.”
There was a pause. “Hold on just a second,” Travis heard the voice say from the other side of the door.
A minute later he heard the lock on the double doors click, and once opened, he looked up to see a man of African American decent staring down at him. Travis was only five foot six inches tall, and this guy was well over six feet.
With a raised eyebrow and a forced smile, the guy said, “Hi, uh, come on in.”
The man moved aside to let them into the cabin's foyer.
“Man, it's dark out there,” Travis said. “We didn't think that dirt path we took down here was ever going to end.” He looked over at his wife. Trying to lighten her spirit, he laughed, and then said, “She thought we were going to end up driving into the lake.
“And I was right. We did almost drive into the lake.” She rolled her eyes at Travis, then extended her hand to the man. “Hi, my name is Beryl Highgate.”
The man nodded his head. “I apologize for my rudeness. I'm Phillip Tomlinson.” He shook both of their hands.
A woman sitting on a couch in the living room waved.
Phillip gestured toward her. “And that's my wife, Shelby.”
“Hi,” Shelby replied. The greeting was friendly, but the look on her face, as well as her attire, suggested they weren't expecting anyone anytime soon.
Travis wondered if it were because of the late hour. “Sorry we're so late. I know we were supposed to check in by five o'clock, but we ran into a few snags trying to get here.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Travis saw Beryl roll her eyes again.
“Actually,” Phillip said, “you are early—a day early.”
Beryl pivoted her body and folded her arms in a fluid movement. “We're a day early?”
Even though Beryl was asking Phillip the question, Travis saw that she was staring directly at him.
“Yeah. Did you get the letter I sent with your itinerary? Check in is tomorrow from nine o'clock until ten o'clock.”
Travis felt the familiar pressure of Beryl's finger nudging into his arm. She cocked her head to the side. “Did you hear that? We're a day early.”
Refusing to face his wife, Travis said, “Yeah, I heard him. I made a little mistake.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Travis saw Beryl roll her eyes as she turned her attention back in Phillip's direction. “We got the letter all right, or shall I say my husband did. Then he lost it and swore we were supposed to be here today. So—what are we suppose to do now?” She tapped her foot as she spoke. “Do we have to drive four hours back home?”
“I made a little mistake, baby,” Travis said.
She huffed. “Save it for someone who believes you. Honestly, Travis, just admit it. Once again you've gotten it all wrong. Your lack of attention to detail and irresponsibility has gotten us into yet another mess.” Beryl shook her head. “We've only been here five minutes and already you're batting a thousand—a thousand in the red that is.”
“Honestly, I—”
Beryl cut Travis off clinching her dreadlocks with both hands and saying, “Travis, I really don't want to hear you speak another word right now. That lake isn't too far from here, and so help me God, if you keep it up, I
will
throw you in.”
“Whoa, whoa,” Phillip said. “I'm sure it was a simple mistake. And you don't have to drive back home. Why don't you go ahead and get your bags, and my wife and I will show you to your room.”
Travis smiled inwardly. This brother was all right. He was glad Phillip had his back.
Beryl waved her hand and rotated her neck. “Oh believe me, it wasn't a simple mistake. That's why we're here. It's always a simple mistake or a simple misunderstanding with Travis.”
Travis looked toward Phillip again for help.
“And that's okay. Like you said, that's why you're here, and we're here to help you,” Phillip said with reassurance.
This was gonna be all right. The brother had his back.
We brothers got to stick together,
Travis thought.
Shelby joined them in the foyer. “Yeah, Beryl, I can show you your room while your husband gets the luggage.”
Travis realized the sister had jumped in to help Beryl. Under his breath, he mumbled, “I guess all is fair in love and war. If the sisters want to unite then let them go ahead and try.”
Beryl clutched her purse and walked toward Shelby.
“Hey, man, let me put my shoes and coat on, and I'll help you get your luggage,” Phillip offered.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it,” Travis said. He was relieved to be out of his wife's presence for a few minutes. She'd been nagging him on the whole trip up about how he needed to find a job as soon as they got back. That was ... if things worked out at the retreat.
Travis stepped out onto the porch as he waited for Phillip to get his coat and shoes. He popped a piece of Big Red gum into his mouth. The temperature seemed to have dropped a few more degrees, but he'd rather be outside in the cold than to continue standing next to Beryl, with her poking and prodding accusing tone, reminding him of his incompetence.
Again, from Beryl's point of view, he was just proving what a failure he was. And for the life of him he couldn't understand why she even applied for the retreat in the first place. She was always complaining about money and how he needed to get a steady job. He couldn't count the times she'd nagged him about needing help with the mounting bills. But Travis knew Beryl kept a stash of money for rainy days because every time she claimed they needed money for a bill or something for the kids at school, those things hadn't gone lacking, and he hadn't given her a dime.
If he could just land the right job with the right boss, then everything would be fine. That would shut her up. But she'd have to be patient, just like he was.
Her latest thing was to nag him about getting some marriage counseling. When she told him that their pastor at church had mentioned a marriage retreat in the mountains, he'd almost laughed in her face. They didn't need marriage counseling; she just needed to give a brotha a break from all the nagging.
And when she told him they'd have to pay a little over a thousand dollars to attend, he'd told her he didn't have any money. But magically, Beryl had come up with the funds, and before he knew it, they were signed up to go.
On numerous occasions she'd threatened to kick him out if he didn't start pulling his weight around the house. But she'd never followed through on those threats, so he really wasn't too worried. Travis knew this was just another ploy to try to push him into doing something he didn't feel like doing. So to appease her, he decided to go along with her wishes for the retreat.
The more he thought about it, he actually started liking the idea, thinking of it as a week long vacation. He'd put forth just enough effort to keep her from nagging him—for at least seven days.
Phillip joined him on the porch. “Wow, it has gotten colder out here since we arrived.”
Travis rubbed his hands together for warmth. “It has. And I didn't bring a heavier jacket. Hopefully we won't get snowed in or anything.”
“I doubt it. Don't quote me on this, but I really don't think it snows this early in the fall. But then again, you know how unpredictable North Carolina can be with its weather; especially in late September.”
Phillip gave him a pat on the back. “Try not to beat yourself up about everything that just happened in there. It's all working out. My wife and I just happened to come up a day early, and you didn't find an empty cabin.”
Travis sighed. “It was a simple mistake. And she's just blowing it all out of proportion. Thanks again, my brother, for rescuing me.”
“Just try to relax. I'm sure she'll calm down in a few minutes. Maybe she's just a little tired from the long trip you took.” Phillip gave Travis another hearty pat on the back.
This Phillip guy was nothing like what Travis expected. When Beryl first told him about the Christian Couples' retreat, he immediately thought of some cult-like retreat in the mountains. He'd seen enough of the movies where the couples go get advice and counseling from a preacher and end up following the supposable man of God to the ends of the earth only to end up killing themselves in some sort of sacrifice.
Phillip wasn't a deranged looking old man. He actually looked like he was a couple of years younger than Travis. And the cabin, from what he'd seen of it so far, didn't look like any of the cult camps he'd seen in the movies. And he'd seen just about every horror movie there was. One of his favorites was the
Friday the 13th
series.
“Man, I wish that were true. I know she's going to leave me. She says this retreat is my last chance. After this, if I can't get it together, she's going to leave.” Travis hung his head. After a minute or so, he raised it back up. “Well, there's nothing I can really do. Guess I'll let her do what she wants.”
“Look, Travis. I'm sure you and your wife have probably tried to fix the problems you've been having yourselves, without someone neutral to intervene. You need someone with fresh eyes to help you see what's going on. And that's why you're here.”
Travis nodded his head saying, “Right, right.” What Phillip was saying did make a great deal of sense to him.
“Don't give up so easily. The next seven days may be the most crucial in your marriage. So you'll need to be at your best, just like the rest of us will need to be. And if you and your wife really want to make this marriage work, then you can. You may just need some professional and spiritual intervention. And my wife and I are here to help you with that.”
“I hope so,” Travis said, shaking his head in doubt.
“Come on, let's get those bags out of the car,” Phillip said.
Phillip followed Travis to the early model Toyota Corolla. As Travis opened the back door, it creaked in need of oil. He pulled out a large duffle bag and a smaller travel bag, which he handed to Phillip. Then he retrieved two suitcases from the trunk.
“That's it. Thanks, man,” Travis said.
“No problem.”
Travis stalled, hesitant to return to the cabin. “About what just happened in there ... I'm really sorry about that display.”
Phillip placed a firm hand on Travis's back. “Look, what's going on with you and your wife is real. This is not the place where you have to, or need to put up false pretences. So face it. It is what it is. Stop worrying about how you look this weekend or what anyone else is going to think. It isn't about us or them, it's about you and your wife.”
Travis felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
“Be real, be yourself. That's the only way you'll be able to help your family,” Phillip added.
Travis sighed. “I'll do anything it takes. I love my wife so much, and I don't want to lose her.” It was true; he did love his wife, but just wished she would stop nagging him all the time, treating him like he was a kid or something.

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