Demon
Chapter 39

Natalie’s

What a privilege it is to share in the delight of my beloved. Her pleasure in these events is natural for a child of her age, but the intensity of it exceeds that of the other humans around her. Her empathic abilities continue to grow, to the extent that not only does she sense the feelings of those surrounding her, but her own feelings increasingly have an impact on others. Even without making physical contact with another person, which as we have discovered with Timothy’s guidance is particularly potent, she brings her glowing feeling of joy to everyone. It infuses all within the church during her parents’ wedding, bringing a sense of blessing and peace to every participant and witness.

After the ceremony, while Gabe impatiently wishes to proceed to the celebratory lunch, one of the friends of Brenda’s mother takes pictures of the wedding party. Following that, Margaret brings Brenda and Ron around to introduce them to her friends who have attended the ceremony.

Natalie replaces herself standing to the side with Gabe, waiting for the adults to finish their conversations. She leans closer to him, and quietly says, “There are some donuts left over from the refreshments after the morning service.” His eyes light up. “Follow me,” she says.

With my guidance, she quickly replaces the kitchen area in the back of the church, and they slip inside. Nobody else is nearby. The box of unfinished donuts is on the counter, and Natalie opens the lid so that Gabe can help himself.

“Mmmmm. Thanks Angel.” He looks over at her. “It was Angel who told you, right?” I am touched that the child thinks of me.

“Yep. We don’t want you to starve!” They both laugh.

“Want one?” he asks.

“No, I want to go replace the pastor and ask him a question. I’ll see you in a little while.”

He nods his head, getting another donut out of the box.

“He is in his office, darling. Where you were waiting before the ceremony.”

“Thanks,” she thinks to me. She exits the kitchen through the side door, and walks around the outside of the church, then through the foyer to the hallway, while the crowd surrounding her parents stands inside the sanctuary. She wishes to steal past without being seen.

The pastor’s door is ajar. She knocks lightly and peeks her head inside.

He looks up from the papers he is studying on his desk. “Well, hello my dear. Are you looking for your parents?”

“No,” she replies, smiling brightly at him. “I wanted to thank you for the beautiful wedding ceremony. It made my parents so happy.”

He leans back in his desk chair, pleased with her charming statement. He is impressed that such a young child should take this initiative. “You are most welcome, child. Your name is Natalie, right?”

“Yes,” she smiles at him.

“Would you like to have a seat?” he inquires, when she seems to be lingering rather than returning to her parents.

“Yes please, thank you.” She perches on the chair in front of his desk. Her fancy dress puffs out around her.

He looks at her with a perplexed smile, tilting his head, not sure what she wants. “Did you need anything else?”

She takes a breath. “Well, I was wondering, if you have any time, could we maybe talk about the bible a little bit?”

His eyebrows go up. He notices that he is still holding a pen in his hand, and he lays it down. “Well, sure. What do you want to know?”

“Oh, anything,” she says. “I’ve been reading it, and it’s just so interesting, but I don’t really have anyone else to talk to about it.”

He is astonished. He tries to remember Natalie’s age, somewhat misled by how small she still is. “Do you read the bible in Sunday school?” he asks.

“He isn’t sure how old you are, my dear, he thinks you are younger based on your appearance.”

“No, I don’t go to Sunday school,” she tells him. “I’m seven years old, by the way. I have just been reading the bible for fun. My Grandma gave it to me.”

“Ah, yes, your grandmother is very devout. I’m not surprised that she gave you a bible, but I admit I am a little surprised to hear that you are reading it for fun. Many seven-year-olds wouldn’t replace it that interesting.”

“Well, I like to read a lot. And I am interested in learning about how religions develop.”

He shakes his head in amazement. “Is that so? Do you want to know anything in particular?”

She casts about for a specific question. She hadn’t planned out the discussion, other than simply wishing to converse with a person knowledgeable about the bible. “Um, which one is your favorite?”

“Which….” he prompts.

“Which bible? Like what version. Do you like King James, or one of the newer ones?”

“Oh! Well, I love the language of King James, since it seems so formal and important. But the one we use here in church is one of the newer ones, since modern English is easier for most people to understand.” He does not think she can possibly comprehend his statement.

However, she eagerly responds, “I’ve noticed that! The King James language seems like an old movie, the way the words are written, but the newer one is easier to understand. My Grandma gave me a newer one. But my babysitter has a King James so I like to read that too and compare it. The stories come out a little different sometimes, don’t you think?”

His astonishment grows. Comparative biblical literature with such a young child? This certainly wasn’t what he was expecting. He is shocked but deeply pleased to replace himself delving into this conversation. If only his parishioners could be this focused.