The Calling (12 page)

When the service was over, Cate hugged David tightly, “Thanks for the sermon. I needed it.”

“You’re welcome,” David said awkwardly, embarrassed by her depth of gratitude and method of expression, especially since Matthew, Kim, and Janet were standing there. In Matthew, Kim, and Janet’s faces, he saw empathy for Cate.

“David, I liked your sermon too. Its applications were very practical,” Matthew said, as he nodded toward Cate.

David realized there was something wrong, “Cate, are you okay?”

“Sure, I-I’m okay.”

Confused, David looked at the others, “Is there something going on?”

Matthew, Kim and Janet nodded their heads ‘yes’, and Cate saw them point toward her. Haltingly, she began, “I found out last night that my mom has cancer.”

This time David hugged
her
, “I’m sorry, Cate.”

“I know,” she wiped her eyes.

Matthew was holding Sarah, who was confused about what was happening.

“Mr. Matthew, why is Cate crying?”

Cate answered, “Sarah, I’m all right… I’m just a little sad.” She took Sarah in her arms and Sarah helped Cate brush away her tears. Cate smiled at the love and thoughtfulness of such a little girl.

Matthew put his arm around Cate. “Hey,” he said, “why don’t we all go to
Mama’s Hacienda
for lunch?”

“Sure, let’s do it,” David agreed.

Madre’s Hacienda
wasn’t fancy, and wouldn’t be the choice of most tourists, but it was clean and had authentic local entrees. The children of the restaurant owner attended the mission school. They were proud that the headmaster and his teachers came to their establishment.

The restaurant had begun to fill up, but when they arrived Mama Rosa saw them and ran to greet them.

“
Buenos
Días
,
if you will follow me, I have special table for you.”

She led them to a table that would accommodate the party of six, and ordered the servers to make the dining festive and special.

“May I suggest our special entrée?”

“Is it your special chicken, Mama Rosa?”

“
Si
,
Señor
Matthew.”

With a smile and a wink at Mama Rosa, Matthew said, “Well, that settles it for me.”

Everyone concurred.

“Six specials it is,” Mama said, as she motioned for the two servers, “If I may, I would like to have the servers bring you some of the punch that you like. It is my gift to you.”

Everyone smiled and said, “Thank you Mama.”

The servers had arrived at the table and began to serve the punch.

“I will go to the kitchen now and prepare your plates myself,” Mama said, with a smile.

“
Muchas gracias
,” came the chorus from the table.

Everyone took a sip and finished with an “ummm.” Mama’s punch hit the spot.

Kim dreamily closed her eyes, “Fruit never tasted so good.”

“You can say that again,” David agreed.

“This punch is the best,” Sarah added her seal of approval.

“I’ve never had better,” Miss Janet said.

Cate had remained silent during the conversation. She was drinking her punch, but was in another place. Everyone noticed, but said nothing. Mama and the servers brought their plates; and once again everyone raved over the food, except Cate. She picked at her food with her fork, but didn’t eat much and everyone left her to her thoughts.

When lunch was almost finished, David decided a little intervention was necessary.

“Matthew, Kim, can I see you outside for a minute?”

Matthew and Kim looked confused until David nodded toward Cate.

“If you ladies will excuse us for a moment, it seems we are needed outside,” Matthew helped Kim with her chair.

“Of course,” Miss Janet replied.

Realizing that he was leaving, Sarah asked, “Daddy, where are you going?”

“Be back in a minute. Finish your chicken and rice.”

“Okay.”

Miss Janet motioned for the server to bring Sarah some more punch. Mama Rosa saw her and came instead.

“
Si, mi bambina
, you need some punch.”

“
Si, Mama Rosa
.”

Mama smiled and filled her glass.

“
Señorita
Cate, do you need more punch?” Mama Rosa asked.

Cate’s eyes stared at the wall across the room.

Sarah said loudly, “Cate, Mama Rosa is speaking to you.”

Cate came back from where she had been. “What, Baby Girl?”

“Mama Rosa wants to know if you would like more punch.”

Cate saw Mama standing with the pitcher, “No, thank you; I’m fine.”

“Are you well
Señorita
Cate?”

“Yes, yes, I’m well.”

“She has a lot on her mind,” Miss Janet said.

“I see,” Mama returned to the kitchen.

David, Matthew and Kim returned, and sat down.

David brushed Sarah’s hair away from her face, “Sarah, if you’re finished, Kim and Miss Janet are going home. They would like you to go with them.”

“But, Daddy I want to stay with you.”

“Sarah,” Kim said, “how about we take you to see Mr. Ramon’s ducks?”

“I’d like that,” Sarah clapped her hands.

“Well, let’s go see the ducks,” Miss Janet rose and offered Sarah her hand.

Sarah wiped her hands and mouth. She kissed her daddy and Cate goodbye, and left singing one of her favorite songs.

Cate folded her napkin, placed it on the table and leaned back in her chair, “Okay, what’s going on?”

“We sent them home because we didn’t want to talk in front of Sarah,” David answered.

“I understand,” Cate refolded the napkin, “I’m guessing that you want to talk about my mother.”

“Yes, if you don’t mind,” David replied.

“If you do mind, we’ll understand,” Matthew said.

“I don’t mind. What would you like to know?”

“Kim told us she would be having surgery tomorrow morning,” David answered. “But, how are she and your dad doing?”

“You know my dad. He’s a rock. He’s trusting God, but I could tell by his voice that he’s very concerned.”

“I’m sure he is,” Matthew added.

David nodded; he knew Cate’s dad. “And your mom, how’s she holding up?”

“She’s trusting God, and surrendering the whole thing to Him, just like Dad.”

“And,” David paused, “how are you?”

“I’m trying to do the same thing. That’s why your sermon meant so much to me. But, I can’t help but worry about Mom and Dad. They’ve always been very close. They count on each other. I know this is hurting Dad deeply.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I’ve always envied your parent’s relationship,” David said.

“You have?” Cate’s eyes showed surprise.

“They’ve always made marriage look good.”

“Yeah, they have.”

“Your parents sound great,” Matthew said.

“They re great,” David said.

Cate watched Mama Rosa work her magic with the other diners, “But, they’d tell you that marriage is tough and challenging.”

“Yeah, they would,” David said. “I talked with your dad about it when I was on his church staff.”

“Cate, we were wondering if you wanted to go home to be with your parents during this time,” Matthew probed.

“I thought about it, but my parents don’t want me to. They say it would cost too much and that I’m needed here.”

“Yes, but do you
want
to go?” David asked again.

Wondering what they were up to, Cate asked, “Why?”

“If you do, we’ll make it possible,” Matthew chimed in.

“What do you mean, you’ll make it possible?”

“We’ll both chip in and help pay for your trip home,” David said.

“Thanks guys, I appreciate it and I’m really tempted, but I’ll stick to the plan I made with my parents. I’ll prayerfully wait on my dad to call tomorrow. Anyway, they may need me to come home later. Besides, neither one of you have money to spare.”

 “Cate, money is not any issue for either one of us.”

 She knew different. “Thanks again, but no thanks.”

 “Don’t you know that I’d do anything for you?” Matthew realized he had left David out. He pointed to David and himself and stated his words differently. “Don’t you know we’d do anything for you?”

 “You’re both sweet, but no.”

 “Cate,” Matthew pleaded.

 “No, Matthew,” Cate said gratefully, but firmly.

 David spoke to end the argument, “You heard her Matt. She said no.”

 Cate put finality to the conversation, “We’d better go. David needs some rest before he preaches again.”

 “You’re right; he does,” Matthew said.

They walked the four blocks to Cate’s house. David was going to retrieve Sarah, but Cate suggested that he leave her so he could get some rest. As Cate and Matthew were about to enter the house, David called out, “Hey Cate, I love your mom and dad, you know.”

“Yeah, I know,” Cate smiled.

Cate and Matthew entered the house and found everyone napping. Matthew suggested that he go so Cate could nap. He kissed her goodbye and she went to her room for a short nap.

She had been asleep for about an hour when she felt her bed move, and opened her eyes to find Sarah lying beside her.

“What are you up to, Baby Girl?” Cate grabbed her and tickled her. Sarah giggled with joy and tried to tickle Cate. The sound of their laugher brought Kim to the door.

“What’s going on in here?”

“She’s tickling me,” Sarah yelled, through intermittent giggles.

“It’s not me who’s tickling, it’s her,” Cate said.

“It sounds like you’re having fun.”

“Yep,” Sarah said, still giggling and tickling.

“Well, it’s almost time to start for church.”

“Okay,” Cate said.

“Okay,” Sarah echoed.

Cate sat up on the bed, “Guess we had better get up and get ready to go.”

They washed their faces, fixed their hair and announced that they were both ready to go. Sarah slipped her hand in Cate’s as they headed out the door and began the walk to the church.

Matthew was there as before, saving seats. As before, David’s sermon touched Cate’s heart. This time it was on Psalm 46 and reminded her that “…the Lord is a very present help in the time of trouble,” no matter what the trouble is.

After she left the service, she thanked David for his sermon.

“Once again, I needed to hear what you said.”

“Glad God could use me. I’ll be praying for your mom, dad and you. I’ll check with you tomorrow for news from your mother.”

“Thanks again,”

Matthew took Cate’s arm as he nodded to David, “Good sermon, pal.”

“Thanks.”

She and Matthew said a quick goodbye and took a walk beneath the beautiful night sky.

As they walked, she drank in the night-and Matthew’s rugged good looks. She couldn’t believe how attentive he was. She knew he was concerned about her, and how she was dealing with the news about her mother. He was very sweet, slipping his large hand around hers and allowing her to walk for twenty minutes without having to say a word.

Suddenly, he stopped. “Cate, could we talk a moment?”

“Sure,”

He held her hands and looked deeply into her blue eyes. “Cate, I want you to know that I’m here for you. I know that you know, but I want you to understand- how much I love you.”

Cate bite her bottom lip, fearful he was about to propose, and thought about what she would answer.

He released her left hand and tenderly touched her faced. “I know that you’re stressed about your mother, and I respect that, but once she’s okay, I want to ask you something important.”

“Matthew-”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to add to your stress.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Please forget I said anything. We’ll talk when your mom’s better.”

As they began to walk again, Cate caught a glimpse of David and Sarah in the distance; they were walking toward their house. She could tell that they were carrying on a conversation. She said a silent prayer of thanksgiving for David, Sarah and Matthew’s presence in her life at this particular time of trouble.

When they arrived at her house, Matthew kissed her good night, once again told her that he loved her and she reciprocated. As she readied for bed she stood looking at the mountains in the distance, and prayed for her mother, dad, the doctors, and the surgery the next day. She crawled into bed and fell asleep while looking at the mountains.

Thirteen

The morning came quickly, sunshine streaming through the windows of her bedroom and the brightness of the day awakening Cate. She glanced at the clock, realized that it was not yet time for her to get up and get ready for school, but decided to spend time with the Lord in Bible study and prayer.

Her time in the word was sweet that day. The Lord’s presence seemed to fill the room as she prayed a prayer for her mom, dad and the surgery. As she prayed, she felt the Lord immediately answering her prayer.

She left for school with joy in her heart. She wasn’t sure what was happening at home, but was confident everything would be all right. Everyone at school was especially nice; all knew that this day was a critical day in her life. She felt a sense of belonging and security for which she was grateful on this particular day.

The hours crept by. Every time she heard steps outside her classroom door, she was sure that Matthew was coming to tell her that her father was on the phone, and each time she was disappointed. With each passing hour, Cate became more and more anxious, and wondered why her father had not called.

The children noticed Miss Cate’s nervousness and anxiety, and they listened for footsteps too. Finally, they heard steps getting closer and closer. Matthew entered and told her that her father was on phone.

Cate hurried from the classroom to the office and the phone. “Hello, Dad. How’s Mom?”

“Catie, she’s okay. She’s groggy and is going to be very sore, but she’s okay.”

“Did they get all of the cancer?”

“They got all that was in the breast. They removed the right breast and three lymph nodes, but we won’t know about the lymph nodes for two or three days.”

“Will Mom have to have chemo or radiation?”

“Both, but we won’t know how much until we hear from the lymph node biopsies.”