It's My Life - Melody Carlson [16]
Well, you could've just blown me over and swept me away with a broom! “You're what?”
“Yeah, I've given a lot of thought to what Pastor Tony said–you know all that stuff about how an unborn baby is a real human being and how abortion is murder and–”
Well, I just couldn't let him go on another minute, he was in such pain, and I knew I had no right to drag this whole thing out. So I said, “Wait, Zach. Stop and listen to me. I've got something to say that you need to hear right now.” Then I told him the whole, sad story of how Beanie jumped in front of the car to save Oliver and how she lost the baby and everything. And by the end, we were both just sitting there crying. Right there in Starbucks with God and the whole world looking on. I'm sure the couple at the next table thought we'd both recently escaped the loony bin. Then I just looked around to the people who were quietly watching us, although pretending not to and said, “So, did you enjoy the show?” Then I grabbed Zach's hand and tugged him toward the door, calling out as I went, “And wait till you see what we have lined up for next week's episode; same time, same place.” And you know what? They all clapped!
Then Zach and I sat in my car and continued to talk for about an hour, just going over lots of little things, asking and answering questions. Then I gave him a ride home since his van got impounded (just another consequence of his recent little rebellious spree). While parked in his driveway, I told him that I really loved him (as a brother, of course!) and that I would do anything I could to help him out, but that first of all he needed to turn back to God. And he told me that's just what he planned to do. Then he thanked me and said he was glad that Beanie had such a good friend while she was going through all that stuff. And I reminded him I wanted to be his friend too. Then I raced home to call Beanie, but her line was busy, so I started getting this all down into my diary (just in case I start thinking it didn't really happen!).
And anyway, now that I'm back home in my room, do you know what I think? I think God did a real, live miracle tonight! And I'm so amazed that I actually feel like I'm tingling from the inside out. And all I want to do is keep thanking God and praising Him for this unbelievable evening. But first I have to try calling Beanie again!
SIX
Wednesday, August 1 (yes, I know I already wrote today)
Well, I cannot possibly go to sleep until I get the rest of this down.
I got hold of Beanie, finally, and she was totally flabbergasted when I told her everything that happened with Zach (in detail!). She kept asking me if I was making the whole thing up. And to be honest, I almost wondered about it myself, but I know it's true. Anyway, we talked until almost midnight, and I can't even remember the last time I've heard such pure joy in her voice. But what I treasured most about our conversation was the last things she said to me before we hung up.
“Caitlin,” she said, “I could tell that you were really down on Zach before, and I don't blame you at all. I mean, sheesh, I should've been down on him myself. But I realize the reason you were so ticked at him was because you care about me.”
“That's exactly right!” I said.
“And anyway, I just wanted to reassure you that even if Zach and I do become friends again, I will never, ever make the same mistakes I made last time. Because when I promised God last June to abstain from sex until marriage, I really, truly meant it. And I still do. And even though I am not technically considered a virgin anymore, I've been praying that God would