STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

Jean shivered slightly and went to close the window. The day was turning showery, blustery and cold. For some reason, she was thinking of the wedding a year ago now. The day had been cold, but clear, sunny and calm. The bride had been radiant in her beautiful dress, Thomas had stood slightly nervous but clearly delighted to see how his lovely bride looked.

The little bridesmaid, Mandy, no Maya, had looked so pretty, and the little boy, Wesley had done very well. She had seen him tucking into his chocolate prize in a corner outside the church. He had given her a big grin and a thumbs up.

Four months later, Angel had announced quietly she was expecting a baby and she was so happy. But then, she lost the baby and since that time had been desolate and lost for weeks. For a few weeks now, she had looked better, but for some reason Jean felt to go and see her.

Rummaging in her freezer she found a meat and veggie casserole. then a delicious bright cheesecake. It was not long before she was knocking at Angel's door, with the beautiful coloured glass door panels of kookaburras perching and singing in leafy trees.

Slowly Angel opened the door. Hiding her shock at Angel's dishevelled appearance, Jean came in, placed the casserole on the kitchen bench to defrost and the cheesecake in the freezer. Then she drew Angel into her arms and held her soothingly as Angel sobbed.

Jean steered her away from the blue lounge suite, to the little flowery heritage two-seater. "Have you had a row with Thomas, dear?"

Angel shook her head. "Is it that time of month?" This time the young woman began sobbing again. "I...I'm pregnant."

The motherly older woman thought she understood. "You are afraid." Angel nodded, tears streaming down her pretty face.

Without hesitating, Jean began to pray. Her prayer was for healing for both Thomas and Angel. She knew her son too had been deeply upset. It was also a prayer of health and protection for both mother and child.

At the end she reminded Angel that she was a woman of courage as shown by her behaviour when the men (now in prison) had tried to rob the jewellery shop.

Jean rose to attend to the fire. It had smouldered down to a thick crust. As she poked it, flames again danced high in lovely colours. Pondering, she said: "We sometimes need a good poke to reveal our true natures, our true worth. I have no idea why you lost your first baby, but let that trial not be wasted. Keep in close touch with your doctor and do what he or she advises. There is no need to fear. You will have another child." 

Soon she left, leaving a more cheerful young lady to fix a warm meal and a warm welcome for her husband.