James got home and set Marilyn down on the sofa.
He then turned on the geezer for hot water before settling down to watch TV on another chair.
As he was watching, he heard a knock on the door and slowly got up to check who it was.
He slowly opened the door and there stood a woman and two officers behind her.
"Good evening, are you James Davison?"
"I would first appreciate if you tell me who you are," he responded.
"I'm Miss Teresa, from child services. I'm in charge of your case, your social worker."
James suddenly felt a wave of panic and tried to close the door but the officers stopped him.
"We would like to come in please."
As he had no other option, he widened the door for them and they came in.
The officers started investigating the area while the social worker sat down.
"So, according to our records, for the past thirteen months, you and your sister haven't been staying under the roof of your uncle. Do you mind explaining all this?"
"Look, my uncle's a busy man, he has the company, the park to take care of-"
"And you? You should have been his first priority."
"He's still supporting us. He pays the bills, he keeps the house in good shape."
"Oh really? Well if that's the case then why is it that there's been no record of him paying a single penny into your fees and bills?"
"How would you have known about that?"
"We might have only just been recently informed, but we know how to do our work. And to us the safety of children comes first."
"Look, I'm almost eighteen, and my sister and I are doing just fine. You can't just move us to an orphanage or foster care when we're doing just fine."
"Look, James. You're still a minor for the next nine months, meaning you can't look after yourself nor your sister."
The officers came in and signalled her that things were good.
"We give you today to pack your things. We'll be back tomorrow."
"Wait, who told you this?"
"Your wells wishers."
As soon as they left James locked the doors.
He pushed over a vase in frustration thereby waking Marilyn.
"JJ?" She asked rubbing her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just a little upset right now," he sat next to her.
"What's wrong?" Is everything okay?"
He walked her to her room, "yeah, but we'll have go away from the house for a while."
"Why?"
"Let's just say we're going on a short visit to a place with a lot of kids."
"Another school?"
"Something like that, let's go to bed for now Marilyn."
"But it's still early."
"Yeah but, tomorrow's Saturday, you can stay up for as long as you want. Now go take a shower okay?"
After they freshened up, they prayed together and then went to bed.
***
The next morning, Marilyn found James packing up their things.
"Jamie? What are you doing?" She walked up to him and climbed his bed.
"I told you we were going to visit some people."
"But, why today? You said we'll spend our day at the park on Saturdays."
"I wish we could do that, but we need to go. Will you help me pack?"
"Okay, but can we pray first?"
"Of course, give me your hands," they held hands and closed their eyes. "God, thank you for this beautiful new day and the gift of life in it. I pray that whether we eat or drink or whatsoever we do, we do it to your glorification. Take us safely throughout this day, in Jesus' name I pray Amen."
"Amen."
"Okay, now go get ready," he watched her run out and smiled. When she left he looked up and said in his heart. God, I don't know what your plans are, but I choose to trust you. I know you have a plan for me, for us.
After he'd packed most of the needed clothes and other necessities, he went down to make breakfast.
"Kayla! Come down quickly!" He called out to her and she soon came running down the stairs.
"What are you cooking?"
"Just making some waffles," he said turning the batter and she cheered.
Soon there was a knock on the door and he gave Marilyn her food before answering it.
"You ready?" The social worker asked and he nodded.
He started bringing the bags whilst she went to answer a phone call.
The officers helped load them and as he brought out another, he overheard some of her conversation.
"Yes, don't worry, miss McMillan, we're taking care of the situation. Thanks for the handful of information. No, they won't go to the school anymore. Thanks for your concern, we need more people like you in the world."
He turned and went back in.
He racked his brain for anyone with that name.
Then realisation dawned on him, Queen McMillan.
He was deep in thought but came back to reality when Marilyn sat next to him.
"You done?" He asked and used his thumb to clean off the whip cream on her face.
"Yes!"
Soon Ms. Teresa walked in and Marilyn looked up at her.
"Hey sweet heart, how are you?" She asked Marilyn who looked up at James and he nodded gesturing her to answer.
"I'm fine and how are you?"
"I'm good, are you ready to go?"
"Uh yeah, just let me get the appliances."
He returned with his laptop bag and they walked outside and entered the car.
The ride started and James gave Marilyn his phone for the meantime.
She suddenly put it down and looked out the window.
"Where are we going exactly?" She turned to him.
He was about to answer but was interrupted by Teresa, "an orphanage, where they are many more children you can play with."
James glared at Teresa and Marilyn looked at him with confusion.
"Is it because my mommy and daddy died?"
"Well, children who lose their parents need to be taken to orphanages to get special care."
"Does that mean we'll stay there forever?" Her eyes were starting to tear up.
"Well you'll have a chance at being adopted."
"What does that mean?"
"Okay, Teresa lady, please stop! She doesn't need to know that for now."
"James did you lie to me? But you said that we were just going to visit."
"Yes, and I promise we won't be there forever, trust me."
1 Corinthians 10: 31
Whether therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
YOU ARE READING
UNTIL GRACE
Short Story"What are you reading?" Harry asked taking a seat by her. "My Bible." "What story is that?" "It's not just a story, silly. It's the Word of God and all his works." "Why do you read it if He doesn't even exist?" "Is Superman's planet real?" "Yes." "...
