4 Sisters of the Apocalypse

75- Jo

Jo

My sisters are studying the bible for clues. What do they think it is? The Davinci Code? I've got an idea. It's either really stupid or really brilliant. We need to find out who started this pandemic and why. It kills me to admit but I need Amy's help. Meg has turned into a cross between Sherlock Holmes and the dutiful little housewife. Beth is busy turning this hidden cabin into a palace. Everyday we get more and more conveniences and it's causing complacency. The bathrooms have bidets now! Bidets!

Amy looks so bored listening to Meg drone on about bible prophecy. Aunt Caherine is really into it. She's in  her element. I think Uncle Jay would rather be watching reruns of Law and Order.

"Amy, could I speak to you for a minute? I could really use your help with something." She looked really surprised--suspicious even.

"Sure, what's up Jo Jo?"

I hate it when she calls me that? I sound like a performing circus monkey. "Alone. I need some sisterly advice?"

Now Amy looks too excited--eager even. "Is it about fashion? Oh how long I've wanted to give you a makeover!"

I lied. "Sure Amy... uh in my room okay?"

I didn't have Beth change the style of my room. It still had exposed logs and a rustic antique brass bed my mom had purchased at a tag sale. Beth wanted to make it cozier so I let her draw me new lavender bed sheets and a plush white down comforter with tiny purple flowers all over it.  It even smelled like lavender.

"Your room is so small Jo. Let me tidy it for you."

"Amy, don't touch a thing!"

"What if I preferred it clean for you? Or I prefer you to want it clean?"

"Amy, we promised not to enforce our gifts on each other." I plopped backwards onto my unmade bed."

"Fine." She plopped next to me. "What do you need help with, Jo?"

"I wanna find out what the Powers that Be are up to. Did they cause this pandemic? If so, why?"

"It's in the bible Jo. Pestilences... we were reading Matthew 24:7. For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in different places..."

I hit my fits against the memory foam mattress. Another gift from Beth. "Ugh Amy! There have been diseases since the beginning of time!"

Amy sat up. "In the Last Days there will be scoffers saying it's always been like this. You're a scoffer Jo."

Jumping off the bed as if it were on fire I blurted, "I'd rather be a scoffer than believe in fairy tales."

Amy got quiet. Amy never gets quiet.

"Look Amy, I'm sorry. I realize there's a difference between faith and fairy tales. I mean Mom believed every word of scripture. I can teleport! I'm just trying to be realistic here." It sounded ridiculous as soon as I said it."

Amy grabbed my hand. "Pray with me Jo. Praying is the only thing that makes sense right now."

I reluctantly agreed. As soon as Amy uttered, "Dear Lord," the room filled with light followed by waves of liquid love flowing through the both of us. With each wave we wept until we were both prostrate on the oval braided rug. We laid together under the Lord's manifest presence until nightfall.

No one disturbed us. We were laying upon literal holy ground.

As the palpable presence lifted Amy and I clung to one another feeling closer than we ever have before. The love I felt for my annoying little sister was eternal and pure. Weird...

Finally Amy broke the silence. "Did you feel that Jo?"

I smoothed out my quilt and crawled into bed. I patted the place next to me. Amy somersaulted next to me. "Yeah Ams... I'm shook."

Amy laid her head on my shoulder and looked up at me. "What do we do now Jo?"

I paused for a very long time but Amy wasn't her usual impatient self.. When I felt ready to respond I noticed she had fallen asleep on my shoulder. Tears streamed down my face. I'd never felt love like this in my life. I whispered, "Jesus thank you." Suddenly His presence filled my room once again. I snuck out of bed and found myself prostrated on the braided rug once again. The tangible presence of the Holy Spirit overwhelmed my senses. All I could say was, "Thank you." over and over again while my tears soaked the white and lavender pillow case.

After what felt like an eternity--for time had stood still, I slowly stood. Covering Amy with a purple fuzzy throw  I crept into the living room.

Aunt Catherine and Meg were still awake. A bible lay open between them. Meg read: "Behold I come quickly; blessed is he that keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." When she saw me she looked up. "Jo... you're glowing!" Once again the Spirit of Christ enveloped me and I was caught up in the spirit. It spread throughout the entire household.

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