A Change of Heart

Chapter 40

I spent the whole weekend cleaning the house. Joanna is a perfectionist, so I have to make the house look neat. I vacuumed, waxed, mopped, wiped, dusted, swept, washed and neatly placed everything.

I'm currently cooking shrimp pasta. Luckily for me, Joanna works 2 hours more than I do. So, I have more time to prepare. I've set up my kitchen counter because I don't have a dining room. Anna let me borrow the place mats and napkins from her house. Which I promised Calvin I'd bring back in top shape.

I hear a knock on the door, she's here. I walk over to the front door and open it. Joanna walks in a dark green cocktail dress. She looks at the house disapprovingly.

"At least it's clean," she sighs. Well, that doesn't offend me at all.

"Dinner is almost ready, come and sit on the... kitchen counter," I say.

"You don't have a dining room?" she asks.

"No, I don't," I answer. Joanna sits on the stool, looking grumpy as ever. I pour a glass of wine for her while I just have juice.

"Do you not like wine?" Joanna asks.

"I'm not a big fan of drinking, and I don't like wine in general," I say. Joanna nods. I walk over to the pot and see that the pasta is ready.

I serve it on the plates my mom bought me as a gift. I place them on the kitchen counter. Joanna picks up the fork and takes a bite.

I try to read her face. Does she like the food? She continues chewing, leaving me in suspense.

"Mediocre at best," she answers. I breathe a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad you like it," I smile. We continue eating and chatting. Once we're done, I take our plates and wash them. I pour her another glass of wine.

"Howard, how are you contempt with such a miserable life?" Joanna asks.

"Excuse me?" I say.

"You work a poor paying job, your house is the size of a one-bedroom apartment, you don't get to see your family, and yet you still seem genuinely happy. How do you do it?" she explains. I can't hide the big, goofy smile on my face.

This is it Howard, what you say next is important. Holy Spirit, speak through me.

"I'm contempt with my life because I believe God is with me. He reminds me of everything I've been blessed with. And even if I had nothing, I'd still be blessed. Because he saved me from death." I explain.

"You have a lot of faith in God," Joanna inquires.

"That's the whole point. He's the One you can trust to be there for you in the good and the bad. He's the One that loves the unlovable," I continue. Joanna's face softens, as if she's taking what I say to heart. I really hope she is. We continue talking for a bit longer.

Joanna grabs her things and heads for the door.

"Goodnight Howard," she kisses me and smiles.

"Goodnight Joanna," I reply. I open the door for her, and she leaves. I feel like jumping up and down. This date went very well. I'm doing the Lord's work!

I head to sleep with a smile on my face. I'm doing it. I'm helping Joanna.

The next day I drive with a newfound peace. The plan is going well. Joanna's changing for the better, which means I'll be able to get Maya out and I'll get to visit my family. The seed has been planted, and God will make it flourish.

I sing my heart out to worship songs. The day feels brighter, even though Fall is coming. I park my car and head into the building.

Inside I see security checking everyone's bags. Well done to Anna. I give them my briefcase, and they take out my fork. The day I treat myself to a pasta salad. They write my name on a piece of tape and stick it to my fork. At least I'll get it after work then.

I head to my cubicle and start working. Worry and doubt start creeping in. What if she forgot about what I said last night? What if her heart is hardened? Did I really succeed? I take deep breaths and rebuke these thoughts. I saw her face; she took those words to heart. I'm sure of it. 

After work I drive home. Those thoughts made me contemplate if I should text her. That's stupid, you don't just text someone "Did you think about what I said last night?" It's silly, I should have faith that God will prevail. He gave me the opportunity, and I don't see why it would be for nothing. 

Once I get to my house, I see a couple outside. I step out of my car for a better look at them. The woman has dark hair and cat-like eyes, while the man is greying. Their stern faces emphasize their mature, yet defined features. They're dressed as if they just came from meeting the president himself.

"May I help you?" I ask.

"We wish to speak to you, Howard Nicholi," the woman says. The man gestures for me to open the door and let them in. I'm not going to let some strangers into my house, yet their faces leave no objection. 

"Can I at least know who you are? I prefer not to let strangers into my home," I reply.

"We are Joanna's parents," she announces. I feel a shiver up my spine, the blood has run cold. Joanna's parents are at my house.