STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TEN

(Continued)

That day Gabe had to go for a routine checkup in another part of the hospital. There was a different nurse on duty, someone he hadn't seen before. In answer to his query, she told him she was new to the town. Her background was French but she spoke English very well.

She was blond with dark soft brown eyes and a lovely smile.

Her name was Francoise. Gabe was smitten, and in quieter way, she was too. For once Gabe forgot his illness and chatted to her before and after his appointment, until she was called away to other duties.

They had exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet for coffee in a few days time.

Don't despise the day of small beginnings, thought Gabe as he left the hospital happier than he had ever been. Had he been younger, he would have skipped at the thought of the nurse's smile.

He chided himself. He was still young, but perhaps a bit past skipping!



                                 =====================

John looked around at his small congregation with love and hope. They still met in Gabe's big lounge room, but were looking at some premises to rent or buy.

Angel and Thomas were there with baby James Samuel looking at them both with the steady imprinting stare of a newborn. 

He looked well and healthy. Geoff and Chloe were away for a few days.

Jason had accompanied wife Jean as it was Easter Sunday, such a joyous time. John and Jason had shared some healing times.

A child raced past. It was Robert, still with a head bandage and a bit pale, but much happier. Apparently, he liked Clive, who was also there visiting with Diane.

Maya flew past him also, laughing, tagged by Wes who glanced up at him, grinning his mischievous, innocent little boy smile, his whole face lit with light. 

Then Gabe and Francoise strolled up hand in hand, having volunteered to do Children's Church. Was it Daniel and the Lions' Den or David and Goliath?

John suddenly realised it was about the wonderful, glorious miracle of the Risen Christ - which is what he was just about to teach and discuss with his wonderful, new extended family: his only family actually, but he sincerely hoped that was about to change....

                                   THE END FOR NOW