The Write Place

Read Chapter 12 Here
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The moon was full in the deep of night. The moon and stars poked through the darkness and peered through the branches of the flowering trees.  The lights in the church were out, yet from behind it came a single figure holding a lantern high.  The thin, old white man in his black coat faced the woods.  Holding a Bible in hand he motioned towards two figures hidden behind the tree.  Rodney emerged from out of the woods wearing a clean set of clothes and carrying a bag.  He hurried into the light toward the motioning figure.  Reaching him, he stood beside the man holding the lantern.  Walking to the edge of the hill they motioned towards the trees down the hill.  Out of the treeline followed Sarah.

“We have to hurry up!  The neighbors may notice the commotion,” said the elderly white man.  He put the lantern down in front of his feet, blocking the light from reaching behind them.  “But here, we are fairly covered,” he said, turning to Sarah who stood wearing a new and pristine white dress.

“We managed to get out without anyone following us Jonathan,” Sarah whispered.

“You’re sure?” asked the elderly pastor, visible concern on his face.  Sarah nodded affirmatively.  The three stood with their full attention.  They all knew that statement could be right but also could be wrong at any moment. 

“This may be quite the risk, but I am pleased it worked in our favor thus far.  God appears to be honoring your intentions,” said Jonathan.  He picked up his lantern with one hand and opened his Bible to the spot marked by a red ribbon. “Best not to tarry and press our luck.  Let’s commence with the ceremony” said Jonathan bringing Rodney around with his now free hand.

Rodney and Sarah positioned themselves under the budding tree, in front of Pastor Jonathan.  Rodney reached for Sarah’s hands.  Holding hands in front of the pastor, both looked to him with eager expectation.  With a practiced hushed voice, Jonathan began.

“From Genesis 2,” began Jonathan.  “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.  So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  The man said, ”This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.  She shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.  That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

“We gather to join you in this first institution that is the foundation for human society, as old as humanity itself, and initiated by our God.”  Jonathan finished the section before turning his eyes toward Sarah.

“Sarah, do you take this man to be your husband?” Jonathan asked, turning to face Sarah.

“I do,” said Sarah, wearing a wide smile.  She looked with longing into Rodney’s eyes, anticipating the words she longed to hear in his voice.

Jonathan turned to Rodney with the ease of experience.  “Rodney, do you take this woman to be your wife?” Jonathan asked Rodney.

“I do,” said Rodney, his blue eyes sparkling even brighter in the moonlight.

“You may now kiss the bride,” Jonathan commanded.  Rodney and Sarah quickly obliged, passionate but hurried for the danger remained.  “Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate,” Jonathan added with authoritative words.

“Someday I hope we can have rings,” said Sarah with a touch of sadness.  Sarah looked at the emptiness of her hand where the ring would be with an air of sorrow.

“Someday.  I’m just thankful I have you,” Rodney paused, “and that we have each other.”  They smiled into each other’s eyes.  Jonathan reached for Rodney’s shoulder with a sense of tender respect joined with urgency.

“We all need to leave soon in order to beat the dawn.  The neighbors rise early.  Best leave now when you have the hours to be beyond town,” Jonathan added and bent over and picked up the lamp.  

“Our best chance to run comes tonight.  Gather your things and we’ll head out.  God willing, we will be free tonight,” said Rodney.  A long hope was now before them.  But both knew how fragile of a hope it was.

“I’ll see you soon.  Tomorrow belongs to us beloved,” said Sarah as she let go of his hands. 

Rodney looked to his wife with hope for the world to come.  “Let’s get moving,” he said with hope welling up within him.  Each turned to walk a few paces for their things.  Jonathan bid a quick farewell as the united couple began their walk.  The night was quiet in the valley, the moon shone on the lovers parting from their old life, readying itself to give way to the sun for another day.