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The Lord Works in Exotic Ways
by Debbie Sickler Wow Honey, you must have hit the big time! Your company went all out. We even got a fruit basket! Jolene sat her purse down and inspected the produce arranged in a woven basket with an elegant bow. They even splurged for a fancy one-not a single orange or apple in it! Oh, I wonder what that is. I want to see it mom! Brittany ran to her mother, nearly knocking her brother over in the process. I wanna try it! Brian shoved his twin in retaliation as he plucked the fruit out of the basket and began examining it. Eew! It looks like a pink artichoke. Never mind! Youre such a baby Brian. Youre only five minutes older Britt. Fine. If youre not a baby, then eat it. She taunted, daring him with her eyes. Okay you two, thats enough. Go put your suitcases in your rooms. Mason ordered, trying to sound as fatherly as he could muster after a five hour flight packed full of nonstop sibling squabbles. Oblivious to his fathers instructions, Brian peeled away at the dragon fruit, revealing a magenta flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. He took a huge bite, juice spilling out over his chin. See I told you Im not a baby! He took another bite to emphasize his point. Brittany stuck her tongue out. Brian continued to eat sloppily as he realized he actually liked it. Youre disgusting. I cant believe Im related to you. Hey mom, when are we going to Shasta Park? I wanna ride the Coaster of Doom! Brian asked, spraying flecks of fruit everywhere. We already told you honey. Your dad has to go to his meeting in the morning, but well go first thing and hell meet us there. Now clean up for bed. You too Brit. Jolene sensed someones presence and awoke to find Brian standing inches from her face. Go back to bed. Its not time to go yet; the suns not even up. I dont feel good. Its hard to breath and my lips feel all fat. Jolene walked him out to the hall and flipped on the light. Mason get up! Whatre you yelling for? Ive gotta work in the morning. Mason rubbed his eyes as they strained in the light. Once they adjusted, he couldnt believe the sight before him. Whoa! Ill go find a drug store. Brittany smiled at the discovery of her brothers misery. What happened to nerd boys face? His lips are as fat as the sausages we had for breakfast yesterday! Hes having a reaction to something. Were guessing it was that weird fruit. Dad bought him some medicine last night, but its not working. Were going to have to skip the amusement park and find Brian a doctor. What! Thats not fair! He ruins everything! Thanks a lot you little creep! Brittany cried as she ran off to lock herself in the bathroom. But MOM! I hate the doctor! And what about the Coaster of Doom! I dont feel that bad, honest! Brians eyes pleaded with his mother to reconsider, but one look at his lips told her she was doing the right thing. Jolene tracked down a doctor with an opening and the three of them sat in the waiting room, gloomily wishing their day had gone as previously planned. Jolenes cell phone startled them all. JO! Thank God, youre safe! The kids-are they ok? Masons frantic tone frightened Jolene. Were fine honey. Bris face is still swollen, so I decided to take him to the doctor; it should be our turn soon. Whats the matter? Its all over the news! I was so scared. I thought I might have lost you guys forever. His voice cracked as his tears began to overwhelm him. Jolene whispered for Brittany to turn up the waiting rooms small black and white TV and check the channels to see what he was talking about. She stopped on the third channel. Hey mom thats Shasta Park! Brians eyes grew wide. Why are the cops there? The reporter somberly continued, This senseless act is indeed a tragedy. We dont have an official death count yet, but the numbers are feared to be as high as one thousand, as this is one of the parks busiest weekends of the summer No one spoke a word at the sight of utter chaos they were witnessing, but Jolene said a silent prayer of thankfulness for fruit baskets. (c) 2006 Debbie Sickler Debbie Sickler, a mother of three boys, began writing as a hobby in 2005. She has since won several awards and been published both on line and in print. She is currently working on a Christian fantasy screenplay. Contact her at: [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |