A Change of Heart

Chapter 9

"Wait... you'd like to go on another date with me?" I ask Joanna, speechless. She just asked me on a date.

"I enjoyed your company. Shall we say Sunday?" she asks. Out of all the days, she has to say Sunday. Sunday night is when I watch my recordings of the morning sermon since I can't go to church.

"Is there an issue with Saturday?" I ask.

"I have a late meeting on Saturday which I certainly can't miss," she answers.

"Can we rather do Friday?" I suggest.

"Howard, is there a problem with Sunday?" Joanna asks. There's a lump in my throat, suddenly if I feel cold.

"I... also have something important to do on Sunday," I answer. She doesn't say anything. I feel my legs wanting to give up, I'm suffocated by her stare. Is she going to say something?

"Alright, Friday it is," Joanna replies. I breathe a sigh of relief. She dismisses me and I walk out.

I'm still surprised that she wants to go out with me again. Does she actually like me? I know she said she was confused about her feelings, but I didn't think it would be serious. Then again, the whole point of this is for her to fall in love with me.

After work I call Arthur to see if I can borrow his clothes for my next date. I don't have the best semi-casual taste, nor can I afford it. He agrees and says he'll drop it off tonight. Instead of having a key under my mat, I gave Arthur one in case I have a thing.

Instead of going home, I take a left turn down a quiet street. I park my car next to the sidewalk and walk into a 2 floored, green building with my gym bag that I leave in the car.

I don't go to the gym regularly because of how tired work makes me. Sometimes however, I muster enough energy to work out. Today is one of those days.

I get a few confused glances, probably because I'm wearing jeans and a dress shirt. I go into the men's locker room to change into my gym clothes. It consists of a grey tank top and black Nike shorts with sneakers. I go back out and start on the treadmill as a warmup.

I press start and choose the speed. I'll usually run on it for 5-7 minutes. My heartbeat is growing rapidly, and my throat is running dry. When was the last time I drank something today?

Once I'm done, I move to the jump rope. I think about when Joanna was checking me out before the dinner party. Does it really matter to me whether or not I look strong? Maybe... but definitely not for her.

I spot a few women staring at me as I continue jumping. Of course, I get tempted while trying to exercise in peace. I turn to the other side where no one seems to care about what I'm doing.

I take a break on the bench and get a quick sip of water. Just then, I get smacked in the head with a towel. I turn around to see a sly smirk on a very muscular man.

"Taking a break already? You should really come here more often. It's clear you're not as fit as you look," he says. I roll my eyes as he chuckles. You know that one friend who annoys you to death and always insults you? That's Jace for me.

"Shut up Jace. I just have a lot of work," I reply.

"Keep using that excuse and you'll end up with a suburban dad bod," Jace smiles. I ignore him and get back up to continue my work out.

Jace continues his workout with me, making a few jokes here and there. We spot each other and motivate (yell at) each other while doing it.

"Hey, what happened to your finger?" Jace asks.

"Just a little accident," I answer.

"Glad to know you won't skip the gym over a boo-boo," Jace chuckles. I can't help but laugh along.

Once I'm done, I take a shower and head out. I forget how calming I feel every time I go to the gym.

I get home, change and prepare to sleep. I lay awake in bed. For some reason, I can't sleep.

Something's going on in my head, like a distant thought. It tugs at me, but fades before I can grasp it.

What is it? Is something bothering me? I toss and turn but no luck. If I could only figure out the thought. It starts to disappear, but very slowly.

I want to push it away, but it lingers. Soon, it evaporates completely.

I tug my blanket over myself and curl up in a ball. Then, it hits me. Like someone just threw a rock at my head.

I haven't been spending time with God. When was the last time I prayed my own prayer to God?

I kneel on my mattress and bow my head. I embrace the silence of the night. Distant chirps and the sounds of leaves brushing against each other flow into my ear.

"Father, I thank you for this day. I'm thankful for the air in my lungs, that I can have food on my plate, for a steady shelter. I thank you for protecting me and my family. I thank you for an opportunity to save my friend's little sister. I pray for security, forgiveness of the sins I have committed today and for succession in this plan. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

I feel refreshed and renewed, as if the boulder on my back just disappeared. I go to sleep and think about what He has in store for tomorrow.