Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 12 - Disappointed

"Where are we going?" Alexis glanced at her friend.

"You'll see," Grendel answered with a grin.

Alexis saw something in it but couldn't figure it out. "You still didn't answer my question. Why are you suddenly here?"

"I came to visit my very very busy friend who can't even stay for long on the phone," Grendel replied as she started driving.

Alexis only sighed. "Thanks," she murmured and looked at her, doubt slowly arising in her.

She's not taking her to a birthday surprise, does she?

Her instinct was right. Grendel brought her to the church and was greeted with the Happy Birthday song as soon as they entered the youth department's room. Though she had thought of that possibility a while ago, she was still surprised. The room was decorated with balloons and crepe paper, a calligraphed "Happy Birthday Lex!" on the board placed in the corner, most of the church's young people she knew were there, led by Sam who smiled widely at her, a cake and some food placed on the table on the side.

She was in a daze so she didn't notice how the song ended. She was only returned to her reasoning when Grendel pulled her and made her stand in front of the cake.

"Come on Lex, you know what to do," her friend grinned and also noticed the anticipating looks from everyone.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"I wish, no, I pray that my life partner will come the soonest," she spoke in her mind then blew the candle.

She heard enthusiastic applause after and it touched her heart deeply.

"Thank you guys, really," she smiled, warm tears brimming in her eyes again.

Grendel hugged her from her side as Sam spoke.

"Okay, settle down everyone, and let's do a little program here." His voice was jovial. "Now, Lex, this is your place," he smiled at her as he pointed to the cushioned chair beside him.

Grendel dragged her into it before she could respond.

Sam spoke again as she sat. "Here's what we will do. Everyone will say their wishes for our birthday girl and then let's pray for her, eat, and play."

The next thing she knew was hearing wishes and messages for her from everyone inside. She was doubly touched. She thought that no one cared, but she was wrong. God cares and He used these people to tell her that she is loved. 

Meanwhile...

Carl checked his watch and saw the sharp six o'clock. He looked around the elegantly decorated hall to find the woman he was expecting to see but he found no trace of her.

Annoyance began to creep into his heart.

That woman! When will she learn to obey? He fished his phone out and dialed her number. It rang and rang but she was not picking it up.

He called again but the same, no response.

He was now irked. How dare she not follow his commands!

He drank wine from his glass hoping to ease his irritation. His eyes landed on the stage where Mrs. Sheridan stood and spoke professionally.

More than an hour passed, and he was completely angry. He had rang her a hundred times already!

"Mr. Anderson, I haven't seen Lex around." He turned and saw Mrs. Sheridan. "She didn't come?"

"I don't know why she didn't come. She's not answering her phone," he had no choice but to tell the truth.

"Hmm, that sounds familiar," Mrs. Sheridan replied with a small smile.