Ezra Lucas

Ezra -5- Lucas

"You are completely out of your mind, Ezra!" Rome exclaims.

Yeah.. I'm being to think that myself. I stand on top of the ladder and keep a tight grib on the edge of the roof.

"What is going on out here?" I hear Grams question. "Ezra Lucas Adams! Come down here this instant!" It's never good when a family member calls you by your full name. I'm in trouble.

I carefully climb back down the ladder and lay the ladder down on the ground.

"What in the world were you trying to do?"

"Just something for school."

"Well, don't do that again. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Yes ma'am."

E×L

"Come on. Nothing bad is going to happen." I reassure Rome. She doesn't look convinced, so I put my hands up in surrender. "Alright. I won't give you a piggy back ride."

We keep walking to my favorite childhood spot. "Could I take a raincheck on that piggy back ride?"

I glance at her and smile. "Of course." I look straight ahead and see it. "We're here," I state and point ahead.

"That's your treehouse?" She questions and glances at me.

"Yes."

She bursts out laughing and keeps laughing and laughing.

"What are you laughing at?" I ask.

She points to my treehouse. "That is not a tree house!"

"Hey! I made that myself!" I exclaim and laugh with her.

Her eyes widen. "Really?"

I nod and jump up on the raised platform. The white sheet has rips and tears in it and the wood is older now. I kick my feet back and floor as they hang over the edge like I did when I was younger.

"I guess I shouldn't have laughed at your tree house." She admits and I shake my head.

"I probably would have too if I was you." She leans against the platform and rests her arms on it. "So, would you rather me call you Madeline, or Rome, or Madeline Rome?"

"Well, I guess that will depend on something," she answers.

"What will it depend on?"

"Are we friends?" She questions seriously.

"Of course we are."

She grins. "I think it's time I learn to hear Madeline more often."

I smile. "So, how did I do for inspiring your adventurous or action writing?"

She taps her chin with her pointer finger in thought. "I don't know, Ezra. I think you could have done better. This was more of thriller and comedy instead of action or adventure."

"This was 100% an adventure. You are the only girl who has seen my pourly made tree house!" I state with a grin and she smiles back. She turns her head away from me and I study her. Why me, God? She makes me feel like all I have to be is me. Do I make her feel the same way? "I'm sorry if I scared you earlier."

"It's okay, Ezra."

Lord, please don't let me hurt her. Take her out of my life if she isn't a part of your plan for me. Protect us.

E×L

"Please?"

I sigh. "Why do you want to read it?"

"I helped inspire your romantic side. It's just three paragraphs. Please?"

"How about I just tell you a summary of it?"

"I would rather know all the details, but I'll take anything I can get."

I stare at her. "You are one stubborn, yet sweet girl, Madeline." I compliment and hand her my paper.

She grins. "I'll protect your paper with my life!" She straightens her posture and salutes me. She turns and bounds off to class. I chuckle and grab my notebook before shutting our locker.

E×L

"Hey, Grams?"

"Yes, dear?"

I sit beside her rocking chair and look down at the old carpet floor. "Will you pray for me?"

"I do every day. Is there something specific you want me to pray about for you?" She questions.

"I just don't want to rush into anything. I want to follow God's plan no matter how hard it may be."

"Does this have to do with Madeline?"

"Yes. I'm different around her Grams, but at the same time I'm completely myself."

Gram lays a hand on my shoulder blade and prays over me. "All mighty God, we come before you today to give you thanks. Thank you for my grandson, Ezra, he is like another son to me. I love him so much, God. Protect him and give him strength and guidance. When hard times come, comfort him when I can't. I need You more and more each day. Help us to follow Your plan for our lives. Draw Madeline closer to you and give her guidance in all her decisions. Thank you for this day and all the years I've had with Ezra. In Jesus name, Amen."

I wipe my tears off my cheeks and sniff. "Thank you, Grams." I whisper and kiss her wrinkled and weathered hand. I give her a hug and tell her goodnight.