A Starling's Awakening

Dated

The following Friday night, Bret and I took Josh and Shannon out on a date at the Rusty Bucket. Bret gave Josh some cash before we entered the restaurant.

We sat in separate booths so that Josh and Shannon could have their own date. From where we were sitting, my back was to them, but Bret could see Josh.

Bret told me, "I asked Josh when he's going to put a ring on her finger."

"Did he give you a straight answer?"

"He said he's not in a rush, that Shannon knows how he feels about her. You'd think since they have been together since kindergarten, that he'd want to do it sooner rather than later, and seal the deal."

"Why this sudden concern? They're only thirteen. They still have a ton of growing to do before they will be ready to get that serious."

"That's just it. He isn't taking their relationship seriously. Sometimes it feels like he might be having misgivings."

"Bret, what has he said to you that makes you think that?"

"Nothing specific. The other day he asked what it was like dating you at first, when I knew you were a starling. He asked if I knew what it was like for Brian to date a cheerleader. You told me Shannon is concerned about how he looks at other girls. It seems like he's not happy with her anymore."

"Maybe he's simply curious about what it would be like dating other girls. Boys his age don't tend to get serious with any one girl. I'm sure he sees his friends dating various girls, and he probably feels like he should be doing the same."

"I know my cousin, maybe better than most. Josh and Shannon are the proverbial old married couple. They have been inseparable all these years. It wouldn't be a break-up, it would be a divorce."

"Honey, what is it Mark said about God's will?"

"He said it was God's will that you and I would be happily married."

"So he'd probably say the same about Josh and Shannon."

After dropping Shannon off at her home, Bret asked Josh about it.

"Josh, is everything really okay between you two?"

"Fine."

"No second thoughts?" Josh took a deep breath. His countenance changed.

"Shannon is changing."

"Changing how?"

"She's started having these sudden flashes of anger. It's like she's discovered she has a temper, and now she lets it take control. The other day in school, a starling insulted her, and I had to hold her back."

I said, "Josh, you and Shannon are both changing. It's a storm you will both have to ride out. If you will ride it out together, you will both come out stronger, and closer than ever."

"I hope you're right. She's still the love of my life."