To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected

                                               

   

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To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected

    We are tested and tempted each day that we live, in one form, or another. Sometimes, with God, passing a test, or overcoming temptation requires nothing more than just not participating.



                                                                                                                                           

                                                                   

CHAPTER 1

                                                                         

“ICE”

    Ice felt exhausted, waterlogged, muddy, and cold, as did all the players. It had rained all day, the field was a quagmire, and now the rain was coming down side ways in sheets. The Fayette County Panthers were leading by two points with 1:43 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, the Lathem County Wildcats had the ball on the Panther's thirty-three yard line. They had a great kicker too, and the wind was with them.

    “Ok, listen up guys; we have to stop them here, and now! If they score, there won‘t be enough time for Greg, and our offense to do anything! Coach Morgan just signaled in for a goal-line defense! I want everyone on the line! I want every gap filled! I think that they are going to try running down our throat with their big fullback! Keep an eye on him, and remember, try pulling the ball free, as you make your tackles! They just need a few more yards to be in field goal range! You know that they have an all-state kicker, he is good, even in the rain!” Ice commanded the defense, as they huddled in the downpour.

    The Wildcats broke huddle, and lined up with a full house backfield. They sent out a lone receiver to the wide side of the field.

    Ice covered the wide-out, just to keep them honest, and on the ground. The ball snapped, Ice started back peddling, shadowing the wide receiver, move for move.

    "FUMBLE!" Voices yelled through the down pour. Ice ran toward the mass of bodies on the ground, and then saw number 22, Chris Townsend, wearing the black and purple of the Panthers come out with the ball.

    “Nice going Chris!” Ice exclaimed, slapping him on the back of the helmet.

    “Thanks capt’n,” he replied, as they ran off the field

    With 53 seconds remaining, and the Wildcats with only one time out left, the Panthers offense easily ran out the clock. The Fayette County Panthers won the first game of the season 12 to 10.

    As soon as both teams shook hands, and headed off the field, Ice went up to Chris, and gave him a big hug.

    "So this is what I have to do for a hug. What do I have to do for more than a hug?" He asked, as he looked up at Ice with a big smile. He had always liked Ice, however, over the past few years he had become even more enamored. Ice had grown into a burly, 6 foot, 205 lb. muscular physique, displaying 18-inch biceps’, with thick, shoulder length, natural, snow-white hair.

    Ice replied, smiling, "Sorry, all I give is hugs.” She then headed off the field, to the girl’s dressing room. While on the way, she spotted her family up in the stands. She waved to her father, her little brother Kenny, Steve (her boy friend,) and her grand parents (dad’s parents.) They had covered themselves up in plastic for protection from the rain.

    Ice was not the typical girl next door. She was ruggedly attractive, with a brawny, Amazonian body. She way surpassed the typical tomboy in every aspect. Lisa was a topnotch football player, deep into heavy weightlifting, and Taekwondo.

    She quickly showered, changed, freshened up, and then popped a peppermint tic-tac in her mouth. She waited outside the boy’s dressing room until she got the all clear to enter, after the boys had all changed. Ice entered, and the coach called them together for the team prayer. After the prayer, the entire team voted, unanimously, to give the game ball to Chris. Coach Pruitt then dismissed the team, with a well done to each.

    Ice was glad to see Chris get his first game ball. “It’s about time you finally did something right!” Lisa, laughingly, quipped.

    “It’s just that I’ve always been a gentleman, and never wanted to show up our only, token, girl player, you know out of pity,” Chris replied, then started running for the door. However, big Moose Taylor blocked his exit, and held him (gently of course, being that they were good friends.) Chris pretended to struggle, but never really tried to escape.

    “I got’em for you Leese, he ain’t a going anywhere till you’ve dealt with him,” Moose said, as his hands rested on Chris’s shoulders.

    Lisa, still smiling, slowly walked up to Chris, stopping just inches away from his face. She stood towering over him a good four inches.

    “You know that I was really kidding, don’t you Leese,” Chris, playfully, pleaded. He could now breathe in Lisa’s perfume, and he could easily tell that she had a peppermint tic-tac in her mouth. She was just inches away, but how he would have loved to have her even closer. He would gladly suffer anything at her hand, and enjoy it. He loved teasing her, you know, just to get her attention. Moreover, suffering her minor repercussions just made him that more ecstatic toward her.

    “Token girl, pity for me, so, you were kidding were you? Hmm, maybe, just maybe, since you’re a friend, and was responsible for us winning tonight, I might just overlook wringing your neck.”

    The whole team was into this by now and yelling, “Kill him, kill him; kill him now.”

    “Yeah, Leese I do apologize. I apologize for saying that I have pity for you, I really don’t,” Chris replied, laughing.

    “Now you’ve had it!” She reached for Chris’s ears, and, gently, twisted (Just enough, you know, to send him to his knees, begging.)

    Everyone was cheering her on, “Twist them off.”

    “Oooooow, I surrender, I give, you win, I’ll do anything, please quit,” Chris begged, half laughing, and half meaning it. (It really did hurt a bit.)

    Ice eased up, “Sunday school this Sunday, and be on time for a change.” She then helped him up.

    “Yes, yes, I’ll be there,” he agreed, as he rubbed his ears.

    “Fine then, I have to be going. Ah, by the way, Chris, your ears look terribly red, you might want to do something to prevent that in the future,” Lisa suggested, smiling, then left to find Steve.

    She found him in the hall checking out the posted lunch menu for next week. After a quick kiss, they made their way to the exit, and ran for Steve’s old Ford truck.

    (Steve stood about 5’10”, a little stocky, with short dark hair. He had soft grey eyes, and a plain face, not ugly, but not handsome either. He had a friendly face, a puppy-dog face, a face that one could trust, and confide in.)

    “Sorry, I didn’t have an umbrella,” Steve said, apologizing, as he wiped his face with his hands after they got in. 

    Lisa scooted over to the middle of the seat, right next to Steve (where she always sit,) and pulled him toward her, giving him a long kiss. "Maybe this will help dry you out," She said, then kissed him again.

    "You know; I never in my life thought, that someday I would be kissing the defensive captain of the Panthers."

    "Defensive captain, and all-state strong-side cornerback," Ice replied, correcting him. She then made a mean look on her face for fun, "Best never to forget that." She quickly changed her expression into a beautiful smile, and buckled her seat belt.

    (Steve was easy going, and comfortable to be with. He reminded her so much of her father, in his attitude, his faith, his demeanor, his loyalty, and a little in his looks. Ice had known Steve since pre-k, where they instantly bonded. Steve had come to her defense many times. Some of the other kids would make fun of her fair skin, white hair, and bad speech; she had her two upper front teeth missing at the time. At that brief point in time, Steve was also taller, and bigger than she was.)

    "I'm sorry Leese, but you know I have to be at work at four o'clock in the morning, if it’s ok, I'll just take you home, and turn in early."

    "It’s not ok; I don’t like it at all! But, I do understand though, what with you saving for college, and that engagement ring that I want," she replied, as the rain got harder, and the thunder louder. (Ice had known years earlier that he was the one that she would marry. After all, they had been together forever it seemed like, and the friendship had grown into a deep, strong love. Neither one had ever been interested in anyone else.)

    As they drove toward Lisa's home, they talked about what they were going to do during the weekend. Lisa had her arm around Steve's shoulder. "Ok if I pick you up around two tomorrow?” Steve asked, enjoying the neck massage.

    "Two it is, that will give me time to help dad at church. He is going to steam clean the carpet in the Sunday school rooms. How about coming to the church, and picking me up, it will save time that way."

    “The church it is,” Steve agreed, as he turned off the wipers, the rain had suddenly stopped.

    Steve turned down the winding road that led to Lisa's house, and pulled up next to a new, shiny, jet-black, Mercedes coupe.

    "Wow, you have some VIP visitors," he commented, softly, as he looked through his window at the car. “Does that belong to your other grandparents? Let me see if I remember. Your grandmother, Monica, is over channel 16 news, and your grandfather, Russell, is over some big law firm.

    "Yeah, but that's just Monica, with her newest toy to show off in. Russell would be in his Jaguar if he was here with her, but he seldom comes. You have only met them a few times, they like to show off a bit, and they are a little arrogant.

    (Monica and Russell were never the type of grandparents that you would run up to, and get or give a big hug. Nor visit their house, and have an aroma of the different types of foods, that were just begging someone to eat. No, they lived on the highest point in their county, in a mansion overlooking everyone else, with a small staff that did their cooking and cleaning.)

    "That Mercedes cost more than our house, probably more than our house, and everything that we own," Steve, solemnly, thought aloud.

    Ice could see that his heart was sinking, not with envy, or jealousy, but with empathy for his family, who were of lower middle class status. Steve's father worked in manufacturing, and his mother worked in retail.

    (Her family was between middle, and upper middle class. Her mother was a small town lawyer, in a small office, with one secretary, doing simple general practice work. Her dad was a high school history teacher, associate pastor, and youth group minister, at church.)

    (Dad was constantly reining in mom, who although went to church with them, also liked the wrong kind of things. Dad always said that it was a battle after they were married just to buy a simple home. Mom finally gave in to a modest ranch style house, on three acres, with a full finished basement, and an in-ground pool.)

    (Giving to church and charities was no battle, mom did not make a big deal about that, or either, she kept to her self about it.)

    She wanted to get Steve out of his mindset; so, with her hand that was massaging his neck, she pinched his neck muscle.  She had a real strong grip, and only wanted his attention, not to cause too much pain.

    "Oooooow, Leese, what’s up, that hurts," Steve yelped, wincing, and had to tilt his head backward. "Please stop," he begged, as he grimaced in pain.

    Lisa got the response that she wanted, and released her grip, without saying a word.

    "Leese, what is wrong, what did I do? Please tell me, say something. You know, I am not that smart when it comes to you. I cannot read you like you do me. Whatever I did, I'm sorry," Steve pleaded, then slowly turned his head to face her, not wanting another attack.

    "I love you Leese," he said softly, and cautiously, for Lisa had now moved her hand to his shoulder, as he had turned his head.

    "I love you too, that’s why I didn't wring your neck," Lisa spoke, with an icy chill in her voice, as she locked her, unblinking, ruby eyes, on Steve.

    Lisa was renowned for her unemotional temperament, no matter the situation. She never got too low, or too high. People had told her that she had ice water in her veins, or Vulcan blood in her. She never reacted to anything like a typical girl, or for that matter a typical human. "Ice," was a name that she had earned on, and off the field, years earlier, and was proud of it.

    "I don't understand," Steve replied, looking puzzled.

    "You have spent entirely too much time admiring that car, and we don't have much time tonight! Either I have your full attention, or you can stay out here by yourself!" Lisa answered, with a scowl.

    "I demand your full attention all the time, not just now, as I will always give you my full attention," she continued, then gently squeezed his shoulder.

    He felt her grip tighten, then braced for the worst, but it was a gentle squeeze, and he relaxed.

    "Yes ma'am, I'm sorry, it will never happen again, I just sort of zoned out," Steve said, then, softly, apologized. "I was just thinking of a Sunday school lesson that your dad had taught a few weeks back, about, to whom much is given, much is expected."

    Lisa finally smiled. "So you actually pay attention in Sunday school; dad will be happy to hear that. As for my wealthy grandparents, they do not believe in God, and they do not help anyone in need, or give to any good charities. They will have much to answer for, if they do not change. They have much, and give no thought to any other poor soul."

    "As you know, dad’s family is very devout, faith filled, believers. They have little, but give, and share much, I absolutely love being around them. With them, you can get, and give plenty of hugs and kisses, and the food is always good and plentiful. I go over there every chance I get, even mom enjoys their company, their attention, and the food," Lisa stated, then licked her lips. "I think dad and I will pay them a visit tomorrow morning, you know, just in time for breakfast, before we go to the church.”

    "I wish I could go. I love Grace's sausage-gravy and biscuits. I actually love everything that she cooks. My mom hardly has anytime to cook, what with her working different shifts each day. You think you could get me invited to lunch after church Sunday?" Steve asked, with a look of expectation on his face.

    "Hmm, if you’re very good, I will see that you’re invited."

    "Other than being myself, what do I have to do?"

    "Just follow my lead."

    (Lisa had always been the one that initiated any forms of romantic contact, Steve was too timid, and she liked being in charge anyway. They both had vowed not to have sex until they were married. They both knew their limitations, and both knew from their faith not to break any vows, or oaths made to God. A promise made to God, is an oath given, and cannot be broken.)

    She put her huge, muscular, arms around Steve's neck, and whispered into his ear, "I know that you have to leave soon, so I won't make this last too long." She then completely engulfed him, and started kissing.

    Forty minutes later, Steve was on his way home, with no thoughts of any kind of cars, or anything else for that matter, except, Lisa "Ice" Raynor, his girlfriend and future fiancée.

CHAPTER 2

The Promise

    The rain had stopped, but Lisa ran to the house anyway. The trees were dripping large drops of water, and she had received one drenching tonight already.

    As she entered, she could hear Monica's voice coming from the room with the wet-bar. (Mom kept a well stocked bar for her parents, friends, and on occasion for herself. Mom would seldom drink anything hard, but would occasionally drink a glass of wine during a meal or before bedtime. She would socially drink more with her mom, or friends, than at any other time.)                   

    Lisa decided to pop in, say a quick hello, and then make a quick exit in search of dad, who she figured did the same, and then went to the basement.

    Monica’s sun tanned, slim stature, was in her typical, dark, lavish, dress suit, with her grayish hair styled into her usual, expensive, perm. Her, green, contact filled eyes peered over a slightly wrinkled face. She always kept her teeth, immaculately, white, considering she was a heavy coffee drinker, and smoker.

    "Hi Monica, mom, I'm gonna go find dad. Talk to you later, bye," and with that she headed for the basement, or so she thought.

    "Wait, Lisa, I would like to talk to you some before you leave," Monica requested, and then sipped from her alcoholic concoction.

    Lisa slowly turned, and headed back, her arms behind her back, and a forced smile on her face. Alarms were going off in her head, warning alarms. Monica always criticized her on everything, weightlifting, playing football, Taekwondo, Steve, her faith, and just about anything else that she had ever done.

    "You're in early; a girl your age should be out socializing, and partying with her friends."

    "Steve has to go into work early tomorrow, so we couldn't be together for long tonight. Besides, the game kind of wore me out a little, you know, wearing a muddy, soaked, football uniform makes it tend to get heavier and heavier. So, I am just gonna hang around here tonight, find dad and relax.”

    "That, f@#$%&g, awful game that you play, I hadn’t realized that the high school season had already started. The schools should not allow girls to play that game. You should act more feminine anyway, and quit lifting those, f@#$%&g, heavy weights. Your muscles are already too, f@#$%&g, over developed now. You should be wearing skimpy short dresses, and driving the boys crazy."

    Lisa, icily, replied, "There are rules, just anyone, especially girls, are not allowed to play, unless you’re a good athlete, and in good medical shape. You should know by now that I like lifting weights, and Sexy clothing is not me. You also know that I have a boy friend."

    "Ah, yes, Stephen. You know you could do so much, f@#$%&g, better, if you just half way tried. Come with me to the club, and I will introduce you to some handsome and rich young fellows. However, you would have to keep those, muscular, shoulders, and arms of yours covered up. You wouldn't want to scare off any prospects," Monica criticized, with a sly smile on her face.

    "I love Steve. My world does not revolve around status, looks, or money. There are more important factors that I require in a person, and Steve has them," Lisa fired back, in a soft, defiant voice.

    "Your father and that church have you completely brain washed. You should be more like your mother when she was your age. Susan could have had anyone she wanted, and still can; with her tall, hourglass, figure, European looks, and long, raven hair. In fact I still say that Susan should have never even met Jim."

    Susan, suddenly, with a scowl on her face, jumped in, "If I had not met Jim, I would be very much dead now, and you know that mom! If you remember, the doctor in the emergency room said that Jim had removed enough snake venom to kill three grown men! That, that copperhead, which bit me, was one of the biggest that he had seen in these parts! He also said that I would have had only about twenty minutes or so to live, if there had been no one around to help! You do not come that near to death without doing some heavy-duty soul searching, and pleading with God for help. I just could not keep from falling in love with Jim, my hero, my knight in shinning armor. More so, I am still in love with him, and his unusual, Christian, ways. Lisa is right, good looks, and money aren't everything."

    "I think that some of that snake's venom went to your brain, and caused permanent damage. Being thankful back then, with us giving him a reward for saving your life is one thing. However, giving up your life style, to marry him, when you could have had anyone, was absurd. Then to make matters worse, YOU had to pursue him! YOU had to prove to him, that you had changed, before he would have anything to do with you! I will never live that down, as long as I live!” Monica, angrily, spoke on.

    “Even Lisa, I think has been affected. After all, how many, normal, girls your age turn down chances to go to posh establishments, exotic vacations, and chances to meet famous people. I have offered you opportunities repeatedly. That's also why I've quit buying you any lavish clothes when I travel, you just won't wear them," Monica said, solemnly, with a, heavy, sigh.

    "That's not me, it will never be me. I know that you think that I am a freak, or just abnormal, but I know too many people that are in need. Some of them are friends, and as many of them that I can I help. I will never flaunt myself in any way, God does not go for that, and as far as the snake incident goes, mom changed for the best. She quit smoking, taking drugs, heavy drinking, and quit having casual sex, just to be with dad, who is a very devout Christian. I guess you could say that a combination of the venom, and being brain washed has made me what I am today," Lisa, sarcastically, replied.

    "Now, if you will, please, excuse me, I am going to find dad, and relax. By the way, we won tonight. I had two interceptions, and a safety. Chris Townsend was given the game ball," Lisa remarked, as she walked by.

    "Wait please; I still have something to tell you,” mom implored, before Lisa got too far. "We have signed you up to audition for American Rock Star. They will be in Atlanta doing auditions next Saturday."         

    Lisa felt like she had just been blind-sided, with all the air knocked out of her. She could not speak, her legs felt like rubber, she could not move. In a game, this would be poor sportsmanship, she thought to herself.

    "You have a great voice, and people love to hear you sing at church. Even the Pastor is always making requests for you," mom added.

    "Russell and I have heard you through recordings that Susan has brought us. We think that you have a great voice, and a good chance to go a long ways through the competition, if not win." Monica, enthusiastically, reiterated, and then took a long drink from her alcoholic beverage.

    "I have a form for you to fill out, and take with you, when you go for your audition," Mom continued, hesitantly, in a soft voice.

    She, quickly, turned to look at her mother, and Monica. Then with a low, solemn, voice, and piercing eyes, Lisa replied. "I am not a singer, and I am not interested in auditioning for anything. I enjoy singing at church, but that‘s it. I do not listen to rock, pop, or country for that matter. I can't even name any singers, groups, or bands for God‘s sake." Lisa then crossed her, muscular, arms. She would not take the form from her mother.

    "I'm not into stars, celebrities, or trying to become rich and famous. I am going to college with Steve, where I will major in Phys Ed., and minor in English Lit. Becoming a teacher is what I have planned for years now, and both of you know it. I‘ve even given thought to taking some counseling classes, and becoming a school counselor," Lisa spoke sharply, barely maintaining her cool.

    "Now, again, if you will, please, excuse me, I will be going."

    "Lisa, wait please, just one more thing," mom begged. "Hear me out, and if you still don't want any part of this, I won't ever mention it again."

    Lisa stopped in her tracks, face flushed with anger, hands locked behind her back, and without looking at either one of the women, she listened.

    "If you do this, it doesn't matter how far you go, as long as you do your best, and you always do your best at whatever you try. We make you this promise, that we will help Steve, into, and through College," mom said, pleading.

    "We who," Lisa asked.

    "Mom, dad and I," Susan, softly, answered.

    "So this is a conspiracy between you three," Lisa spoke through gritted teeth, as she focused her gaze on Monica.

    "A good deal I think, you win no matter what. We help poor Stephen, and you try something more normal, something that doesn’t, f@#$%&g, humiliate us for a change," Monica replied, then lit a cigarette. “You have to promise me though that you’ll do your best at singing.”

    (You see, Lisa was an embarrassment to Monica’s side of the family. Lifting weights, looking like an Amazon, being a high school football star, and setting records, while constantly getting publicity in the local papers, radio and TV just did not go over well. She was always refusing invitations to their Country Club too.)         

    "This, f@#$%&g, school that Jim went to, that you are determined to go to, well, it won’t cost me and Russell much at all.

    (Dad's college was a small no non-sense school, it did not have any sports programs, just excellent academics, with a good seminary. Since she could not ever obtain a football scholarship, or play college football, because she was a girl, it was the perfect school for her. Monica was probably right; it would not cost them much at all.)

    Lisa knew that Steve was a good student, but not quite in the top percentage to get a scholarship. He was struggling to work, and save, and it was wearing him out. Lisa decided that she would take the bait. This would ensure that she and Steve would be together in college now, no matter what.

    "We keep this quiet! Later, we will tell Steve that the college tuition is some kind of wedding gift. OK?" Lisa insisted.

    "No problem," mom answered.

    "We hardly ever see the boy, but if we do, neither Russell, nor me will say a word. You can tell him what ever you want to. Do you promise to sing your best?”

    “One more important stipulation, before I promise! It cannot, in anyway, interfere with my football games!” Lisa demanded, as she locked, angry, eyes with Monica.

    “Agreed,” granted Monica. “After all, your precious high school football games are always played on Friday nights, and the show is aired live on Saturday nights.

    Lisa, with a scowl, looked from Monica, to her mother, and without speaking, nodded her head, and reached for the form.

    As Lisa was leaving, she looked at Monica. "If you like hearing me sing, come to church, and you can listen to me," she replied, then walked off. 

    Lisa finally headed toward the stairs that went down to the basement, to dad, and peace.

CHAPTER 3

The Questionnaire

    As she walked down the stairs, she heard from the TV, "Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor, not an engineer," as Captain Kirk was trying to get Bones to assist Scotty in engineering.

    Lisa thought to herself, "darn it Monica, I'm an athlete, not a singer."

    She saw her dad holding a big bowl of popcorn, with a large pitcher of homemade lemonade sitting on the coffee table. He was watching one of his classic Star Trek DVDs.

    "Hey girl, come on over, that was a great game you played. Looks like you’re well on your way to lettering for the third time, and I think that you‘ll make all-state again this year too,” Dad commented, after chewing a mouthful of popcorn.

    "Maybe, Share?" She asked in a solemn voice, as she flopped down next to him.

    "You bet," he handed her the popcorn then poured her a glass of ice-cold lemonade. “What’s up with the gloom and doom, that’s not like you?”

    Lisa handed dad the form.

    "What's this?" He asked before reading over the form. "American Rock Star questionnaire; must be filled out, and handed in before audition," Jim let out a long whistle.

    Leese gulped down the lemonade, then told him the whole story, before starting on the popcorn. She was far more hungry, and thirsty than she had realized.

    Jim poured her another glass. "You know self sacrifice, well, there is nothing any better, and in this case no one dies, I don't think," Dad joked, then handed her the replenished glass.

    "And you know that doing your best at this doesn't mean you have to sing any songs that you don't want to. You like inspirational, spiritual, Christian rock, and Celtic, so stay the course and see what happens."

    "You’re right, I will do my best at singing, but do only what I like. That should put an end to things pretty quick," Lisa put down the popcorn, and gave her dad a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek, then picked the popcorn back up again.

    "You know Leese, you’re sixteen with a good head on your shoulders. You have a good heart and soul. You are very mature both mentally and physically for someone your age. I am so glad that you are not like some teenagers; they think that their parents are the stupidest things that ever walked on the face of the earth. They live for themselves, and the moment, with no thought for anything, or anyone else."

    "Monica says I'm brain washed, and brain damaged from snake venom." Lisa then continued to tell dad everything about the upstairs conversation.

    "Monica never changes," dad laughed. "You know, if mom had not been on a secret rendezvous, with one of her many boy friends that day on Blue Ridge Mountain, looking for some privacy in one of the many caves there, she would never have been bitten, and we would never have met.

    "Yeah, I know the place; it’s only about fifty yards from where we go for archery practice. If you hadn't been there then practicing, there would have been no one around to save her."

    “She was lucky that I had been trained in first aide, and carried a snake bite kit. I’m glad you’re certified as a first responder to.”

    “Next month I have to retest for my new certification,” Lisa remarked, and then sipped her lemonade.

    She wanted to change the subject, mom and dad not being together was not something she wanted to think about, much less discuss.

    "Is Kenny spending the night with Matt?"

    "No, they just went out for pizza. He will be in soon, and looking for you. He loved the game, and took many pictures of you. He has started keeping your stats too. I don't think the pictures are going to turn out good though, what with all the rain."

    “I think that I'm gonna go to my room now, and fill out this blasted form. I even have a song in mind for the audition," Lisa said, as she got up.

    "Mind telling me the song?"

    "Not yet, but you and Steve will be the only ones to know before I actually sing it."

    Lisa filled her glass one last time, and headed for her room.

    In her room she popped in a CD of “Tenth Avenue North,” seated herself at her desk, then swiveled around, and propped her feet up on the bed.

    The form was short, just ten simple questions. She thought how much better it would look crunched up in the trashcan, but a promise is a promise, and so she proceeded to fill it out.

    1.  NAME: Lisa Diane Raynor

    2.  MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD - AGE 16

    3.  NICK NAME IF ANY: Ice

    4.  EVER AUDITIONED BEFORE: No

    5.  MUSIC OF INTEREST: Inspirational, Spiritual, Celtic, and Christian rock.

    6.  HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Football, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Church activities, archery, and Gymnastics for fun.

    7.  FAVORITE GROUP OR SINGER: 10th Avenue North, Fireflight, Celtic woman, Celtic Thunder, Cait Agus Sean, and Needtobreathe.

    8.  PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS: Yes, piano.

    9.  EVER TAKEN SINGING LESSONS: No.

    10. WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A ROCK STAR: I do not, my mom and grandmother signed me up without telling me, then bargained with me to audition.

    Lisa finished the form, and then retrieved the music from her computer for the song that she would sing.

    Her friend Kathy then called, and they talked for a while. She was shocked when Leese told her about the A.R.S. conspiracy between her mother, and grandparents. After the talk with Kathy, Lisa painted her fingernails pearl white, as she did her homework.

    When Kenny arrived home, he said a quick hello to everyone, and then went straight to Lisa's room, where he and Lisa talked until midnight.

    Lisa could see that he was tired. "We can talk more tomorrow, you look tired, how about bed?” Lisa asked when she saw him yawning.

    He agreed he was tired.

    Lisa picked him up effortlessly, gave him a big bear hug, and kissed him on the cheek. He loved it when she did that. (Leese always smelled good, even her breath smelled good. She always had tic-tacs with her, and shared with him. Some he found out tasted better than others did. The green ones tasted terrible, but smelled good. He tried a red one once, but it was too hot. His favorite was the white ones.) She then put him down, and off to his room he went.

    Kenny absolutely idolized Lisa, and Lisa loved him. Leese was a big sister that made time for him no matter what, unlike other big sisters, or big brothers that he had seen ignore, or mistreat their younger siblings.

    He had seen Lisa do things that to him, and his friends were amazing. He had seen her lift heavy weights, break wood with her fists and feet, defy gravity as she played around doing gymnastics. Best of all she was great at football, had set many records, and was a fast runner too.

    As Kenny faded into sleep, he was thinking how Lisa might be the strongest person in the world, even stronger than any superhero. He wondered if she would develop any super powers, as she got older.

CHAPTER 4

The Storm

    At around two in the morning, thunder shook the whole house, lightning was flashing so quickly that it looked like daylight outside.

    Kenny abruptly awoke, paralyzed with fear; he could not move. The thunder was rolling directly overhead, the lightning was lighting up his room. Thunderstorms were one of his biggest fears. He was so terrified that he could not cry out, or even run down to the basement.

    Lisa ran into the hallway, and saw dad and mom coming; they all headed for Kenny's room. She was first in. "I got him," she asserted, then went to his bed, and effortlessly, scooped him up.

    "You sure Leese, I can…," Jim was cut off in mid sentence.

    "I got him," she restated, firmly, not willing to yield. "Let’s get going to the basement."

    Kenny was shivering, and had a death grip around Lisa's neck. She bounded down the stairs four at a time, stopping at the couch where she and dad had been earlier. The basement was a great storm shelter, and had two spare bedrooms.     

    Dad and mom looked at Kenny, and rubbed his back.

    "You ok?" Mom asked.

    Kenny nodded his head. His cherub like face was white with fear, his brown hair matted.

    "I'll take him with me," Lisa said, softly.

    "You want to stay with us, or go with Leese?” Dad asked.

    "L-e-e-s-e," Kenny, softly, stammered out.

    "Ok," dad, and mom both agreed.

    Lisa smiled, "We’re off then, see you in the morning."

    Kenny let go long enough to wave bye, to his mom and dad.

    "Ok, Kenny, if you let me put you down, I'll fix the bed, then we can get in."

    He let go just enough to look at her. He tried to speak, his mouth moved, but nothing would come out.

    "Ok, you’re really upset, let’s see if I can calm you down."

    Kenny always stammered when he was upset, or excited, but Lisa and dad always knew what to do.

    Lisa sat down on the bed, still holding him. "Look at me, take a deep breath, and form the words in your head before you try to speak," she, softly, spoke. She then began tickling his stomach, until she had him laughing, and forgetting about being scared. “Now, I bet you can talk, give it a try.”

    "Mom said a while back, that you might be getting too old for me to sleep with you, when I'm scared.”

    "You’re right, but dad said that he would leave that decision to me, and mom agreed. We always follow mom’s and dad‘s rules, don't we?"

    Kenny slowly nodded his head.

    "So, the decision is mine, and what did I say?"

    "That I was staying with you tonight."

    “And, I just might continue letting you for a little while longer. We are both growing up, and soon you will be big, and not afraid of anything. You’re already in elementary school, now, can I fix the bed?"

    “Ok,” Kenny stood, and watched as Leese quickly turned back the covers.

    "You want in first, or me?" She asked. (The left side of the bed was nearly up against the wall, making it difficult to get out.)

    "You please," he answered, thinking that he might have to go to the bathroom later.

    "Very well then, but first, did you say your prayers tonight?" Lisa asked.

    Kenny nodded his head.

    "Good, right now we're going to say another prayer, ok?"

    "Ok," Kenny answered.

    "Our Father in heaven, please be with everyone that is in this storm, keep them safe, and protect them. Amen."

    "Amen," Kenny repeated, softly.

    Lisa crawled in bed, and held the sheet back.

    Kenny crawled in, and snuggled up as close as he could get to Leese. He rested his head on her muscular arm, while she put her other arm around him. As far as he was concerned, snuggled up with Leese, he was now completely safe. Thunderstorms, monsters, dragons, nor dinosaurs could touch him now, not with Lisa, his hero, next to him.           

    Mom and dad were soft when he snuggled up to them, but Leese was hard as a rock. Any movement that Leese made caused her muscles to move. When he rested his head on her arm, he could feel her arm muscles move occasionally, and he did not mind it at all.

    As he drifted off to sleep for a second time, Kenny thought about church, and the teachings of Jesus. If he is powerful, creator of everything, and takes care of his people, well he could not wait to meet him, especially if he is safer to be with than Leese.

CHAPTER 5

War of the Clothes

    As the days went by, word got out, quickly, that she would be auditioning Saturday. Everyone who knew Lisa knew that this was not her idea, but her mother's. Even so, this did not stop people from telling her what she should wear, and what song she should sing. Only her dad and Steve stayed quiet on the subject of auditioning for American Rock Star. They knew, and understood well, that she really did not want any part of it.

    Lisa, through out the week, nearly burst with excessive adrenalin, and annoyance, from all of the suggestions that everyone made. By the time of the Friday night game, she was ready to explode.

    Simply said, the Panthers won the second game of the year, against the Larson County Bulldogs, 31 to 0. Ice had three interceptions, two she ran back for touchdowns. She also caused two fumbles; recovering one herself.

    In the first quarter, Ice, inadvertently, knocked the Bulldogs, smallish, quarterback out of the game, with a broken rib (which happened during a pass play, when she blitzed.)

    All of Lisa's tackles were good clean hits. She never intentionally tried to hurt anyone, but football being what it is, is a violent game, and can cause injuries.

    The Panther's defense held the Bulldogs to fifty-seven yards rushing, and thirty-two yards passing. The Bulldogs offense never made it across mid-field. Ice received the game ball; now she was ready for the audition.



    Saturday morning, Lisa had to fight for what she would wear, with dad taking her side. Mom and Monica suggested clothes that to her were appalling. She was so glad that she had kept her song between dad and Steve. She did not want to fight more than one war at a time. Even in football, they have halftime to rest and regroup.

    When Monica and mom saw what she was going to wear, they were shocked, and angry.

    Lisa dressed out in the black, and purple of the Panthers. She wore black gym shorts with a dark purple stripe down the sides. Her top was a dark purple, short, snug fitting, sleeveless jersey. It showed a black snarling Panther on front, and above the Panther written in white "Panther Pride," and below "Let’s Dance." On back at the top in white was "Ice," and below in large white numbers, was her number "23."

    Around her neck, she wore an inexpensive gold Cross (one that she always wore,) with gold Cross earrings.

    These were her favorite clothes; these were her colors. This was who she was "Ice," all-state strong-side cornerback, and defensive captain of the Panthers.

    "You can't wear that! You will be in front of celebrity judges! That is not the proper attire for your audition! You should try to make a good first impression, not look like you just came from a gym, for god‘s sake!" Monica growled, loudly, with anger.

    "I agree," mom chimed in, you need to look the part.

    Dad spoke up, "I think that she looks fine, after all, she is just going to sing.”

    Lisa gave dad a quick hug.

    "You two share the same, f@#$%&g, brain, and absolutely disgust me," Monica, furiously, replied.

    "It’s either this, or I don't go! Dressing the way you want me to was not part of the deal! I will do my best as I agreed, but I will do it my way! If you don‘t like it, call off the promise, and I will be more than happy to stay here!" Lisa spoke in a defiant voice. “I will help Steve some other way!”

    "FINE, DO IT YOUR, F@#$%&G, WAY AND FAIL! I knew that I would be wasting my, f@#$%&g, time, and throwing away my, f@#$%&g, money by trying to get you to do something, f@#$%&g, normal! I have to be leaving now, my station is covering this, and I want to be there early!" Monica cursed, and barked, through gritted teeth, then stomped out the door.

    "You need to look, and act a certain way," mom reiterated, holding back her anger.

    "Mom, like I've said before, I'm not a singer, and I'm definitely not ever going to be a pop, or rock star."

    Earlier, before the war of the clothes broke out, Monica mentioned that Atlanta was the last city for auditions, and then the competition would start. Each week the show would air in a different city up the east coast until it reached New York, then from there down to Nashville, and the Grand Ole Opry, with Hollywood being the climax.

    Lisa thought to herself, as she had just halfway listened, that this is useless information. With luck, today, and only today, would she be keeping track of where she would need to be on Saturdays.

CHAPTER 6

The Audition

    They had to be at the audition by one o'clock. The whole thing would be over by four, edited, and replayed in a two-hour show that night at eight. This would still give her plenty of time to be with Steve.

    Lisa had to leave her family, as she went into a lounge filled with people waiting for their turn to audition. She handed her form in, and received the number 37 for her turn. A large flat screen TV hung on the wall, so that waiting would be stars, could watch their fellow would be stars, as they performed.

    Lisa popped a tic-tac into her mouth, and watched, as the judges ridiculed, and embarrassed each contestant. There seemed to be three judges, two male and one female, along with a pretty, middle-aged, blond woman, that just seemed to make wise cracks.

    She did not know any of the judges, or the guest celebrity for that matter, but the contestants around her sure did, and were enthralled in ecstasy. Lisa was beginning to wonder if anyone would actually bow down, and start worshipping their eminence’s, when they went before them.         

    Few had made it past the first verse of his or her song, before interrupted, halted, ridiculed, and sent away. Some of the songs, she thought, were bad choices for acappella, in the first place.

    Lisa sat alone, on a small couch, cross-legged, analyzing the people around her, how arrogant they were. She listened to them, as they talked amongst themselves. She listened, as each talked of winning, and future plans of fame and riches. Each one knowing for certain, that they were going to make the cut, and move on.

    When summoned, each contestant informed the judges why they should be the next super star. Lisa sat quietly, moving the peppermint tic-tac, slowly, around in her mouth, showing no emotion, as she watched and listened. She could feel her soul ache deep inside, this kind of place was not where she should be, or wanted to be. She was not a fan of anyone, or anything. In her mind, no one would ever rate high enough for celebrity, or star status, no one was worth it, or worthy of it. Lisa was in deep thought, as to the ways of people, their idols, icons, their wants, and desires.

    "Hey there, you look so out of place, so thrilled to be here. Did you just come from a funeral, or lose at a body building event?"

    Lisa turned to her left, and saw a small, cute, petite woman, her face all engulfed in red hair, and she looked to be maybe in her early twenty's.

    "Hey, my name is Marcy; I've been watching you from across the room. You really stand out in here; you do not look the least bit excited about being here. I finally had to come over, and meet you. Are you some kind of alien life form that has no emotion?" Marcy asked, and then held out her hand.

    Lisa smiled, and shook Marcy's hand.

    “Hi, my name is Lisa Raynor, I'm going to take that as a compliment, you see I really don't want to be here, and some of my friends do say that I’m a Vulcan."

    Marcy sat down next to Lisa, all the while taking in her, Amazonian, physique.

    "Vulcan you say, that explains the non-emotion, but why are you here then?"

    "My mother signed me up. I refused at first, but my grandmother made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse, to just audition, so here I am."

    "I see, so you really don't care if you get selected or not?"

    "Noooo, I wouldn't care if the auditions were called off."

    "Don't say that, I'm looking forward to my audition, my number is 36."

    "Mine is 37; how about I wish they call it off after you perform, and pass."

    Marcy laughed, "That would be ok."

    As Lisa and Marcy talked, they watched contestants 25 through 35 fail their audition.

    "Number 36, you’re up next, please follow me," said the woman, that escorted all to their fate.

    "Bye, wish me luck. When I'm through, I'll wait for you," Marcy said, as she was leaving.

    "Good luck Marcy."

    Lisa watched the TV, as Marcy went through her routine. She did a beautiful version of, Heart's song, "Alone." The judges let her finish the entire song, then questioned her, and passed her on to the next round. Marcy was ecstatic, jumping up and down, screaming.

    "Number 37, you’re up next, please follow me."

    Lisa fell in step behind her escort, sarcastically singing in her mind. "I'm off to see the wizards, the wonderful wizards of Oz, hi-ho, hi-ho, hi-ho, hi-ho…."

    Lisa walked with hands behind her back and a somber look upon her face. She stepped onto the platform where she would sing, and waited. She watched the judges with unblinking eyes. She felt primed, and ready for battle. Ice water flowed through her veins. She focused, staring with piercing ruby red eyes at her opponents. Her body was tense, her muscles quivered. She was all prepared to pounce, ready to go into action, but all she could do was stand and wait. Not fair, she thought to herself, that is why she loved football, especially playing defense, she could move around (Panther on the prowl, Coach Morgan called it) before the snap of the ball. Then at the snap, she would be off in a split-second, hunting, looking for her prey, attacking, and defending. Letting all know, that whoever entered her domain, would face her, and be challenged.

    Finally, after eyeing her, and talking amongst themselves, the woman judge spoke.

    "What is your name?"

    "Lisa Raynor."

    American judge, "How old are you?"

    "16."

    Blond celebrity, "You do know that this isn't a bodybuilding contest don't you?"

    Everyone laughed but Lisa, who forced a smile. "I‘m a weightlifter, not a bodybuilder, there is a difference," Lisa corrected.     

    English judge, "Why do you want to be the next American Rock Star?"

    "I don't, my mother, and grandmother signed me up without telling me. I refused to come, but they offered me a deal that I could not pass up, if I just auditioned, so here I am.” Leese spoke, softly, and solemnly, as she scanned the judges.

    The judges were speechless.

    Finally, the female judge spoke, "What kind of offer were you made, if I may ask?"

    "I would rather not go into details," Lisa answered.

    English judge, "So you’re not into any of this at all, is that my understanding? If we told you to leave now, it wouldn't bother you in the least."

    Lisa fixed her, unblinking, gaze directly on the English judge, "No Sir, it would actually make my day."

    The guest songstress stayed quiet, no wise cracks came to mind with this one.

    English judge, "This is absolutely amazing, I've never seen anyone like you."

    American judge, "So what song are you going to sing?"

    "Send Me a Song,” by Celtic Woman," Lisa replied.

    English judge, "This, I can't wait to hear. You may begin, when you’re ready."

    Lisa had field confidence, stage awareness, and the voice of an angel. She sang with such crystal clarity, and with a voice that almost reverberated on itself. Leese had a strong feminine voice (a booming voice that did not necessarily need a microphone) that never missed a note, a voice that could manipulate the words, and notes so easily. Ice’s voice was very much similar to that of “Kate Crossan.” 

    Lisa also had natural body and arm movements, when she sang. As she got into the song, her biceps would naturally flex, as she moved her arms.

    The judges enjoyed the song, and her movements. They actually clapped at the end.

    Lisa, without emotion, clasped her hands together under her chin, and did a small bow.

    English judge, "That was wonderful. You have a great voice, and are completely at home on stage. I am sure I can speak for all of us here, that you easily passed this audition. I'm so sorry to have to disappoint you though."

    All of the judges, and guest agreed, as they laughed.

    "Thank you," was all Lisa said, still showing no emotion, as she turned to walk off.

    "Wait, don't leave, we want to talk to you some more. Come on down here with us," said the American judge.

    Lisa did an about face, and walked toward the judges table.

    The female judge came up to Lisa, and asked if she could check out her biceps.

    Lisa slightly smiled, and raised her right arm, then flexed.

    "Wow, how big are you?" The female judge asked, in astonishment, as she squeezed Lisa's bicep.

    "18 inches," Lisa answered.

    "It says here that you play football, you mean soccer, don't you?" The English judge inquired.

    "No Sir, I am defensive captain, and strong-side cornerback of the Fayette County Panthers. I made all-state, defensive player of the year, last year. And I have earned two letters so far," Lisa responded with pride. "I earned the captains position last year before the season started. I have been playing tackle football since I was six, and I have always been a starter.

    The American judge let out a long whistle.

    "But you’re a teenage girl," the blond celebrity stated.

    "A girl that has muscles like the hulk," the female judge responded, as she went back to her seat.

    "If you would, please tell us about your self, and your weightlifting," the English judge asked.

    "Sure, I stand 6 feet tall barefooted, and I weigh 205 lbs… I leg press 900 lbs. for 10 reps. I do 60 lb. bicep curls for 10 reps. I do a  400 lb. dead lift for 10 reps. I do a 300 lb. bench press for 10 reps, and I do 250 lb. squats for 10 reps.. Those are my best right now; of course I do a full regiment using different weights, reps and machines."

    Lisa continued, “My mother started me off in gymnastics when I was three. I stayed with it until I was eleven, at which time I wanted to devote all of my time to football, and Taekwondo. Because of gymnastics, I started using weights early, which actually helped me in football. As the boys naturally got bigger and stronger, I worked even harder with the weights. I still do some gymnastics for fun.”

    The judges just sat there staring at Lisa, as four deer caught in a car’s headlights.

    "Do you compete?" The female judge finally asked.

    "No, I do it to be better at football, and I like lifting weights, and testing myself. A girl can't just be as good as a boy in football; we have to go above, and beyond, just to get equal respect, and treatment."

    All of the judges were now looking over the form that Lisa had turned in.

    "What level are you in Taekwondo?" The English judge asked.

    "I am third degree black belt. I will be going for my fourth degree next spring.”

    The American and English judge both let out a long whistle this time.

    The two females looked to the American judge for clarity.

    "You see, there are 7 degrees of black belts, and when you win your seventh, you are then a master," he informed them.

    "Your nick name is Ice?" The female judge inquired.

    "Yes."

    "From what we've seen of you, I think that is a fitting nick name. May we call you Ice?" The English judge asked.

    "Yes," again, she simply answered.

    "Well then Ice, We will see you next week," said the female judge.

    Ice forced a small smile, nodded her head, and left the playing field. She had only known defeat a few times; it had been a long time ago, when she was a Panther cub in elementary school. This gave her all of the feelings of a severe defeat. She did do her best though, as she had promised, and would continue to do so.

    Lisa met a jubilant Marcy, mom and Monica. Dad and Kenny stayed in the background while she and the others talked, for what seemed to be the longest time.

    Lisa, then, had her own private talk with dad, after Marcy left. Mom and Monica were in a world all of their own, not paying any attention.

    She reached down and picked up Kenny, as she walked next to dad, toward the parking lot.

    "Should I be happy, or sad for you?” Kenny asked. "I liked your song, you are a good singer, but I want you to be happy."

    "Amen. Out of the mouth of babes speaks truth and wisdom," dad remarked, as he ruffled Kenny’s hair.

    Lisa looked at Kenny, then at dad, with a genuine smile. "You can be happy, and thank you for saying I'm a good singer." She then gave Kenny a big hug, and tickled his stomach.

    "What are your plans for next week," mom asked.

    “Before I came out, I received my vouchers, turned my song in, and scheduled the last practice they had with the band for 2:00 pm Saturday.”

    “So next week the competition starts with a live band?” Mom inquired. “That will be a change from previous years. Mind telling us your song?”

    “I have never seen the show, so I don’t know what they use to do. I also want to avoid any battles, so I am keeping the song to myself,” knowing that she would tell dad, and Steve later.

    "You could leave for the airport right after school Friday, and get there in plenty of time to rest up and practice," an elated Monica suggested.

    "I have a game Friday night, and I am not missing any games under any circumstances, that was part of our deal, remember," Lisa responded, coldly, with a touch of anger in her voice.

    "I think that she can leave right after the game, and just sleep in late. The competition will not start until 8 o'clock Saturday night. She can practice easily at her scheduled time," dad recommended.

    "I like that, that's what we'll do," Lisa agreed, then took her dad's hand, and held it with her free hand, as they walked.

    "Fine, do it your way, it worked this time. As I have always said, you two share the same brain. Like father, like daughter," Monica, insolently, remarked.

    Everyone laughed, except Monica, they, then parted ways toward their own cars.

    "What say we stop at Morrison’s cafeteria on the way home," dad suggested.

    They all agreed, after all, this was Lisa's favorite restaurant.

    After Lisa arrived home, she and Steve went to their favorite place on Blue Ridge Mountain. There they kissed, and talked, as the sunset. Lisa filled Steve in on everything, as daylight turned into twilight, then into darkness.

    Lisa knew that Steve had to work every Saturday, and could not go with her. With luck, she thought, this would not go on for much longer, anyway.

    The next day at church, the Pastor begged for the ones that had jobs to be more than generous with their giving. All of the money collected would go to help families that had lost their jobs, and were in need.

    Lisa and Steve both put a large amount of their spending money in the offering plate. Times were getting hard, the economy was going down the toilet, and people needed help.

    Everyone congratulated Leese on her audition; she had to force a smile though, because many that she talked to were now jobless.

    Dad got the youth group involved too. The ones that could afford it would help buy lunch for other students that could not. Doing anything, no matter how small, would help tremendously. Even just doing free babysitting, would help a family, as the parents looked for work. The youth group also adopted families that were in dire need, and helped.

    "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Is the golden rule of Christ, and now was the motto of the youth group.

CHAPTER 7

Advancing

    Each week the show introduced Lisa as “Ice.” Each week, she easily advanced to the next round, each time, doing it her way, and singing songs of her passion. Each time, she wore clothes of her choosing. Her hair was always straight, and natural, no styling for her. Every time electing to be last to perform, while the others drew numbers to see who would be first. She prayed, and hoped each time that it would be her last, but on it continued.

    Her clothes were always modest, not intending to be the least bit provocative. She never made any movements on stage that were sensual, or suggestive. Lisa, unintentionally, now had developed a following. Fans loved her, her voice, her songs, and her demeanor. Her followers loved her, Amazonian, physique, snow-white hair, her unemotional attitude toward the show, and the judges. The judges would tease her each time, as they talked to her after each performance.

    The band “CrossFire,” loved her, she knew each one by name. There were three guys, and a girl, John, Adam, Keith, and Ellen who were ex-army, and could play just about any instrument. They coined their name from a major firefight that they were in, in Iraq. Their platoon engaged what they thought was a small enemy force, but in fact, a larger element cut them off, and brought them under a deadly crossfire. They had been very fortunate, that all survived, with only minor wounds.

    Ellen - played keyboard, she was pretty, with long, bleached-blond-hair, and tall, with a, moderately, buffed physique; she was obviously no stranger to the gym. Ellen proudly proclaimed 11 tattoos, but all Lisa ever saw were four. On her right shoulder, she had tattooed the badge of the U.S. army 7th air cavalry. On her left shoulder, she had an angry U.S. bald eagle. Coiled around each arm, all the way down to her hands, were tattoos of red dragons, with their heads on top of each hand breathing fire toward her fingers. She always wore bright red fingernail polish, and very skimpy clothing.

    John - the bandleader, and lead guitar was of average height and weight, ruggedly handsome, clean shaving, with his hair cropped short.

    Keith - an African American, and base player was slightly taller, and bulkier than John was. He had a shaved head, and a goatee.

    Last was Adam - the drummer, a real life look-alike of Shaggy from “Scoobydoo,” but with a slightly smother voice.       

    Lisa had unusual practice sessions. She would listen, as the band played her music, from beginning to end. Then she would ask them to do it again, as she looked at the sheet music, and just hummed along, never actually singing. The entire session would take about fifteen minutes. The rest of her allotted time she would spend just hanging, and talking to the band.   

    By now, the ranks had thinned, and it was now time for New York. This would be the first theme of the competition. The women contestants would compete, using Madonna's attire, songs and dance. The men would use her newest husband's attire, songs and dance.

    Besides vouchers for plane fare and lodging, now A.R.S. issued an, ample, allowance to each contestant, for proper attire.

    All were told that Madonna, and husband would be there as celebrity judges, and would provide back-up singers, and dancers to perform. In addition, the contestants had Friday evening with Madonna, and husband for singing, and dancing lessons.

    As usual, Lisa submitted her song first, and, as always, scheduled Saturday at 2:00 pm for her practice. (She always submitted her song first, unlike the others; she sang what she liked, not what they decreed.)

    This was what she had been waiting for, the first theme. She had heard of Madonna, and did not have any intention of taking any lessons, or following any theme. This she hoped would be her last performance, and she was going to make it a good one.

CHAPTER 8

Homecoming Week

    Monday, after football practice, she cashed her voucher check, and then went shopping with Steve. Lisa found what she wanted at Sears, on a clearance rack. She bought a dress, and a pair of shoes. The dress she took to a friend of hers for some minor alterations. The rest of the voucher money she divided between two families that really needed help.             

    The week was homecoming, and everyone was looking forward to the Friday night festivities. The Panthers were playing the Eagles, which usually meant an easy victory. Many, second-string, players always got plenty of playing time against them.

    By Tuesday, all seemed well, balloons, and banners hung everywhere, and everyone was in a jovial mood. However, Lisa noticed an unusual absenteeism, from her Taekwondo class, Tuesday night. 

    By Wednesday, things seemed to be falling apart, a stomach virus had hit the county, and especially the schools, teachers, and students were going home sick.

    By Thursday, catastrophe had set in. Over one third of the high school was out sick. Dad and Kenny were home sick. Steve had to leave before lunch, when he got sick.

    The good news was that the virus was not serious. It caused severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches, dehydration, and sometimes a, small, fever. It just had to run its course, usually in two, to three days.

    The bad news was that, one fourth of the cheerleaders were out, and about one third of the band was out. Worst of all, about half of the football squad was home sick, mainly the starting players. In addition, two Coaches were out, one being; Head Coach Pruitt, and the other being, Offensive Coach Brown.

    At football practice, less than a skeleton crew showed up. Defensive Coach Morgan, now acting Head Coach, was in a state of disarray. Of the vacant positions, there were no quarterbacks, only one starting halfback, no fullbacks, and no kickers, and so on. The team was in shambles. Homecoming was going to be a disaster. It already felt like a loss to the Eagles.

    Coach Morgan, quickly, regained his composure, and threw together a simple, basic game plan, a type of sand lot football. Most players that could, would play offense, and defense. This was something that just did not happen anymore in organized football, but this was far from being anything organized.

    Each player had a dual role, according to what Coach Morgan thought best. “Ice, I want you to take over the quarterback position. You have the best hands, the best speed, and you can make smart, quick, decisions during play. I am also prejudiced, because you’re my defensive captain, and star,” Coach Morgan bragged. “You will also be offensive and defensive captain too. The offense will just be our basic I-formation. You will only have five plays to work with. Quarterback option right, quarterback option left, halfback dive right, halfback dive left, and a pass play of your choosing.”

    “I will do my best, sir.” Lisa, proudly, promised.

    The team practiced, and practiced, and practiced, until late Thursday night.

    Friday morning, Coach Morgan got permission to pull the players from their classes, for more practice, and walk-thrus. The entire school was one huge study hall by now anyway; most parents had kept students home, so they would not get sick.

    There was no practice after school, Coach Morgan told the team to go home, rest, and be back for the game an hour earlier than usual.

    Leese visited Steve, who had turned more ill than most. His mom told her, “The doctor says he’ll be ok, it’s just his asthma being a nuisance, as he’s coping with the virus. He might take an extra day, or two, to be back on his feet.”

    “I would love to kiss you, and….” Lisa’s voice trailed off, as she wiped tears from her eyes.

    “I don’t want you getting sick too, Leese. You had better go rest up for the game. You know that it is going to be a rough one tonight. I will see you when you get back from New York. I love you,” Steve said, then blew her a kiss.

    “I love you too,” she replied, pretending to catch his kiss, and then blow him one. “I’ll see you, as soon as I get back. Bye, I love you,” she vowed, with teary eyes, waving as she left.



    As she entered her house, she heard the TV. “These are the voyages of the Star Ship Enterprise, its five year mission, to boldly go where no man has gone before, to….” She turned off the TV, and DVD player. Dad was asleep in his recliner, and Kenny was asleep on the couch.

    Mom had stayed home while they were sick, mom could not cook, and fortunately, they could not eat, so it had all worked out quite well. Mom came out of the kitchen with a pitcher of homemade tea. (She had learned to make iced tea years earlier from Grace. She had become quite good at it too. Mom enjoyed making, and drinking, all of the different kinds of tea.)

    “Hey, I didn’t hear you come in, I’ve been trying to block out the TV. There is only so much Star Trek that I can take before I go mad,” mom declared. She then filled dads and Kenny’s empty glasses, which were on the coffee table.

    “I really do love your dad, but I may have to kill him. Any court in the world would see it as a justifiable homicide. I would probably get off with just a warning, too,” mom continued, as she moved the Star Trek DVDs to a new location, out of view. 

    Lisa laughed, “I think that I can recite all of the lines from every episode.”

    “By the way, why aren‘t you at practice, I would think that a decimated team like yours would need all the practice that it could get in.”

    “We practiced all day during school. The school was almost empty, so Coach Morgan got permission to pull out all the players from class. We have to be back an hour earlier this evening though.”

    Susan walked up to Leese, (both being about the same height) and locked eyes with her, “Can you do this? Can you be on the field constantly? I know that you’re in great shape, probably in better shape than most of the boys, but can you do this?” Mom asked, with concern.

    “I will do my best, I promised, that’s all any of us can do, and I don‘t want to let Coach Morgan, or the team down. If we loose, we at least intend to go down fighting, and I‘m really looking forward to this. Being a starting quarterback, and cornerback, with dual captain responsibilities, is like a fantasy come true for me. I know that I am good on defense, now I will get to see how good I am as quarterback. I just wish dad, and Kenny could be there.”

    “I am going to record the game, so don’t worry about them, they will get to see it over and over again.”

    “Well then, I have everything ready to go. There is warm food on the table that Grace brought over not long ago. She and Bill will be back here soon, and stay until we get back. They said to tell you, that if they missed you, that they are sorry for missing the game tonight. I already have our suitcases loaded too. I see that you locked one of yours, I wonder why. It must be the one with your performing clothes,” mom inquired, smiling.

    “Yeah, I’m sorry mom, but I didn’t want to argue with you about what I will be wearing. And I don’t mind Grace and Bill missing the game, they’re much more needed here instead.”

    “I understand, I get carried away sometimes, I know that you have a lot of your dad in you. I know that you will always do your best at what you do, but also, you are always going to do things your way. I do understand that you really do not want to do this. Thank you though, and I love you so much. I am going to try to be more like Jim from now on. If you are voted off, then you are voted off, no problem. I am going to try to accept you, as you are, and as you want to be, mom and dad will have to, too,” Susan stated, with tears in her eyes.

    “I love you too, and I’m so sick of this,” Lisa declared, as she wiped tears from her eyes. “I shouldn’t be tearing up; after all, I will be dressing for battle soon, for God’s sake.”

    “I know, I know, it doesn’t become you at all Leese. You’re field commander of an unbeaten Panther team, which will be going into battle tonight, out manned, and out gunned,” Mom said, joking, and then gave Lisa a big hug.

    “You have been around way too much Star Trek, to be using language like that,” Lisa replied, laughing, and then hugged back.

    They hugged and laughed for the longest, then went to eat Grace’s homemade meatloaf, rolls, mashed potatoes, green beans, and apple pie, with mom’s sweet ice tea.

    After the meal, and long farewells from all, and a call to Steve, they headed out. As they were leaving, they heard the TV come on. “These are the voyages of the Star Ship Enterprise, its five year mission, to boldly go where no man has gone before….”

    Lisa laughed when she saw mom shake her head and put her hands over her ears, as she hurried out the door..

CHAPTER 9

“Ice Angel”

    When the team went out onto the field, Lisa noticed more people in the stands than she had expected.

    Chris pointed out a camera crew, high up on the fifty-yard line seats. “Yeah, that’s just great. We will all be on that funniest home videos show, after tonight. With over half the team out sick, offensive players playing defense, defensive players playing offense. A girl playing quarterback, yeah, we’re pretty much going to suck, and make fools out of ourselves tonight,” Chris proclaimed, as he looked at Lisa.

    He tried to run, but Lisa, who is faster, caught him, and put her hands around his throat. “What did you say, a girl at quarterback, make fools of ourselves? I’ll show you who’s going to be a dead fool,” she replied, as she pretended to choke him.

    Chris fell to the ground holding his throat, pretending to gasp for breath, writhing on the ground, until he finally became motionless, feigning death. A referee stopped, and looked at Chris and Lisa, “Ice, you need to drag that off the field, and bury it, it will be a trip hazard if it stays here.”

    Lisa smiled.

    “Leese, please wait until after the game to kill him. We really need all available bodies tonight. If we win, I will even hold him for you, so you can wring his neck,” remarked, a laughing, Coach Morgan.

       

    The game turned out to be a wild one, and a long one, with a record being set for the most penalties in a game. The Panthers actually won 46 to 42, neither team could stop the other, and scoring came from all phases of the game.       

    Lisa showered, changed, and then, slowly, hobbled to the team meeting, and prayer.

    After the team prayer, a jubilant Coach Morgan praised everyone, and gave a game ball to all, then dismissed the team.

    Leese bid everyone good-bye, then, painfully, hurried to leave for the airport. Everyone wished her luck, and everyone wanted her to get autographs from Madonna. She just gave them a mean look, as they laughed.

    Lisa limped to the mini van, and, gingerly, climbed in. “Are you ok? I saw you take some vicious hits. I am glad you won, but some of the team was roughed up a bit, and I see that you’re favoring your right leg,” mom asked, all worried.

    “I’ve been better. I think that the only places that do not hurt are my teeth, and hair. Boy, am I going to feel it tomorrow, I will probably have several bruises showing too. I know now that I had much rather be the one delivering the hits on defense, than taking them on offense. I am completely worn out too,” Lisa remarked, as she grimaced with pain, trying to get comfortable.

    “But, you’re ok, just sore and tired, or do you need a doctor?” Mom asked again, with great concern.

    “Yeah, just sore, and definitely tired, and I wouldn’t mind a DR. Pepper, with a couple of Advil,” Lisa answered, laughing.

    “I’ll stop and pick up some drinks, and I keep Advil in my purse. It usually takes a little over an hour to get to the airport. You’ll have a little time to recharge.”

    “Thanks mom,” Lisa, painfully, replied, wishing to go home, to a hot bubble bath, and her bed, instead of New York.



    By three in the morning, they arrived at their hotel. She was dead tired, she brushed her teeth, said her prayers, then, painfully, crawled into her New York hotel bed, without bothering to unpack. Her last thoughts, as she drifted off to sleep, were of Moose Taylor picking up a fumble, and wobbling toward the end zone. (Moose was a 6’4”, 350 lb. senior offensive guard, whose dual role was defensive end, and who could not out run a turtle.) She laughed to herself, as she remembered him running seventeen yards into the end zone, holding the ball in his right hand, and holding his pants up with the left.

    When Lisa got out of bed the next morning, she felt like she had received a severe beating. She hobbled to the mirror, pulled her top off, and checked out all of her bruises. Her right leg, right thigh, left knee, right forearm, lower left abdomen, and lower back, all bruised, blue, and painful. If any more bruising developed, she figured she could audition to become the fourth member of the “Blue Man Group,” she thought to herself, with a smile.

    She could barely move, as she limped to rehearsal. She explained to the band about the home coming game, the bruises they saw, and the ones they couldn‘t see. Ellen brought her a cushioned chair, so she would not have to stand, while they went through her song.

    “Thanks, this is much appreciated,” Lisa said, and then groaned, while sitting.

    “Anything for our favorite rebel girl,” Keith replied, as he looked at all of the bruising, and just shook his head.

    “Look Ice, you can’t go on stage like that, you can hardly move, and those bruises look awful. Make-up will not help cover them up. You can barely walk, let alone stand, and sing,” John stated, with worry.

    “Thanks for your concern John, but I’ve been banged up before, and I will be able to walk better by tonight. I even have a special dress for tonight, albeit I bought it by chance, no one will see any bruises, I promise. Besides what’s the worst that can happen, I get voted off?” Lisa replied, smiling. “Just hang with me for one more night.”

    “We would play for you anytime, it’s been a real pleasure knowing you, Lisa,” John, affectionately, stated, and the others, then chimed in. The band knew that she wanted out, and the song alone should be enough to get her voted out; if she can walk on stage, and sing it.

    “It’s been a great pleasure with me too. I have never seen such talented musicians, who could just pick up a piece of unknown music, and play it, as if you have rehearsed for days.”

    After rehearsal, Ellen helped her stand, they all shook hands, and hugged gently, then Lisa limped off in search of mom, and nourishment.

    Lisa found mom and Marcy in the cafeteria, with some of the other contestants, who were trying not to stare at her movement, and battle scars. Mom had to help Lisa fill her plate, and then carry it to the table for her. She was so sore in her right arm by now, that it had become a problem moving, and using it.

    “You look terrible, girl. Your mom told me about your game last night. The wicked hits that you took, and playing both sides, is just something girls shouldn‘t be doing. You could have gotten seriously hurt, you know. I can’t believe that you had rather been getting beaten up last night, than be here with us, and Madonna,” Marcy stated, with concern. She then watched, as Lisa turned up a full glass of milk, and finished it off without any effort.

    Lisa wiped her mouth, and asked for another glass of milk. “Yep, anywhere that I can play football I would rather be. We are the two-year running (double-A) champions, and our backs were against the wall. I am very proud of the way we played. It was a total team effort. Everyone and I mean everyone, performed, exceptionally, well. It is a well-known fact that you don‘t corner an injured animal, especially a Panther, and not expect a knockdown drag out fight. They didn’t leave the field unscathed either, I think a couple of them had to be carried off, with minor injuries,” Lisa replied, with a grimace, as she, painfully, changed position in her chair.

    “They had two players carried off, and I think that you were responsible for one,” mom answered. “It looked like you, and the team dished out as much, or more than you took.”

    The server brought Lisa another glass of milk, and Lisa thanked her. “The Eagles may be a smaller team, but they still know how to hit, and they could smell blood this time. This was their big chance to knock us off, and they knew it, they knew how disadvantaged we were.”

    Lisa winced, as she reached for the new glass of milk with her right hand, “If I could get two more Advil from you mom, I think that I’m going back to my room, and take a long bath, then a short cat nap, until the show starts.”

    “Are you sure you’re alright?” Mom asked, with worry.

    Lisa paused, cocked her head, and then looked from mom to Marcy. “No, I’m not alright. We should not be here; we should be home helping take care of dad, Steve, and Kenny. I should have been able to go out, and celebrate with the team last night. I should be home relaxing, and nursing my injuries, as we watch the video you made of the game. I should be home talking to my friends about the game, homecoming, and who went with who. As far as my injuries go, I am sore, I hurt, and I have many bruises, and a backache. However, I am good enough to get this over with, and I don‘t intend to miss church tomorrow, or practice on Monday either. The only good thing is that Monica couldn’t make it this time.”

    As mom helped Lisa stand, Marcy mentioned that Madonna and entourage would be showing up a little early to give the contestants a last minute pep talk, before the show.

    “Good for her. However, I had my pep talk last night, and we went out, and won as a team. I will not be part of any inspirational talk, where you compete against one another. Then to top that off, you are to receive judgment, by the ones giving the speech. I’m just not the least bit interested,” Lisa stated, with a touch of anger in her voice, as she turned to face Marcy.

    “I am sorry for my tone Marcy, please forgive me. A billion things had I rather be doing now, and being here is not one of them. I am not into this, the place, the people, the celebrities; I am not into this at all.” Leese apologized, then bid each good bye, and limped off, holding her right arm.

    Marcy just shook her head, “I’ve never known anyone like her, she has such a great voice, but she is so stubborn and defiant with her own set of rules. I think that she could easily win, if she only halfway followed the rules.”

    “Her father has his own ways too, and she is exactly like him. When we found out that I was pregnant, Jim prayed, constantly, that she would be faith filled, and of strong mind, and body. That God would use her, in some mighty way.”

    “She has turned out to be head strong for sure, governed by her own rules of faith, and code of conduct, with a life course set, and determined to follow,” Susan replied, with a hint of pride in her voice.

    “I think that your husband had his prayers answered, and then some. God must have even given bonus points too, because she definitely has a strong body. Unfortunately, she is intending to get voted off tonight, isn’t she?” Marcy asked.

    Susan now, with watery eyes, smiled. “From the beginning, she intended to be voted out. However, I think that this night, she is going to make a statement, a grand anti-Madonna performance. She promised my mother, and me to sing her best, and she has. Albeit, she is doing it her way, which she knew would eventually cause the judges to eject her. I thought that she might change, and show more interest if she advanced, but she did not. I think that she hates it even more now.”



    Back in her dressing room, it took Lisa the longest to dress; she had to move in slow, laborious, motion the whole time. Her entire body cried out to stop, to go to bed, and collapse. She refused any make-up. The make-up person said that she had to have make-up on to prevent glare from the stage lights, but she did not care if she glowed like a Roman candle. Lisa looked at the man with the make-up, then painfully, raised herself, to her full height of 6’4” tall, with heels, then put her hands on her hips. “I said no, but if you want to try, well, this is going to get quite interesting, real quick like.” Ice responded, in a solemn voice, as she looked down at the man, she showed no emotion, using her piercing stare. Ice could be very intimidating, if she wanted to.

    “Have it your way then,” the make-up artist said, after watching Lisa cross her, muscular, arms. He then quickly left.

    Lisa limped to the staging area, and waited in the wings. She was glad to hear that Marcy had advanced earlier.

    When she heard her introduction, she was startled. The announcer introduced her, as “Ice Angel,” this caused her to hesitate, as she made her way toward the stage. Finally, in slow, forced, determined, steps, she moved, to avoid limping. (She wore the four-inch heels for intimidation purposes only. She would never wear heels at home; she was much too tall for that, with her already being taller then her dad and Steve.) Ice moved onto the stage with hands clasped in front of her. She entered the field of play in pain, and with determination.

    The audience started a hearty round of applause, with wows, Oohs, and ahs coming from all, as they watched Ice, slowly, advance. Mom could not believe her eyes, she saw what appeared to be an Angel floating, but she knew that this beautiful, heavenly, creature had to be Lisa.



      “Did you hear what the announcer just called her! “Ice Angel,” he said, either on purpose, or accidentally. That name has been in my dreams, many times,” Father O’Gara, joyously, stated.

    “Look, look, Mother Superior, I knew Ice wouldn’t follow the theme, but I didn’t expect her to turn into an Angel.” Father O’Gara remarked, excitedly, while he watched the show from across the country, In Los Angeles.

    “My word, she appears to be floating, and it looks like she has wings,” Mother Superior remarked, as she too stared at the TV.



    Lisa heard a lot of “oohs, ahs, and wows” as she faced the audience. Her attire was so anti-Madonna, so white, covering all of her, but her face, and hands. She had on a long snow-white dress, with long sleeves, a high neckline, with a fit that caressed her body, hugging her hips, which draped down brushing the floor. A dress with webbing attached underneath the arms, which gave the illusion of wings. Instead of holding a microphone, she wore a white headset. The only thing that stood out was around her neck, her gold cross. With the way she had to walk, and the length of her dress, it appeared that she was gliding, or floating, as she moved. The stage lights reflected off her, making it appear that she was emanating light, as an angel would be.

    The band started playing her song “Beloved,” by Tenth Avenue North.

    Susan liked this song, at first she thought it was about a man talking to his bride. She listened to the words more carefully, and realized that it was Christ talking to his bride the Church. This should definitely get her voted out, she thought, as she listened, and enjoyed the song, with a smile on her face, and tears in her eyes.



    All over ST. Agnes, the nuns, the children in the orphanage, Mother Superior, and Father O’Gara were all infatuated, watching Ice, as she seemingly floated around the stage singing.

    “I have to meet her when she comes to Los Angeles. I’m going to send a letter to her high school, what is the name of it?” Father O’Gara asked, all enthusiastic.

    “Calm down Father, you’re too old to be this excited. I would love to meet her too, and so would everyone here at St. Agnes. She has been our favorite from the beginning, but she may be voted out for not following the theme,” Mother Superior, solemnly, replied.

    “No, no she won’t, God will not let that happen. Look, and listen to her, she is an Angel of God, an earth angel. I feel it inside, please, what is the name of her school, I must get in touch with her.” Father O’Gara spoke, even more excited. “Just listen to her; she is putting her heart, and soul, into that song. She doesn’t even need a microphone, she is singing directly to God, and for him.”

    “Her school is Fayette County High School, in Fayette County, Georgia. If she advances, then you tell me what you want to say, and I’ll Prepare the letter,” Mother Superior answered.

    “Very good, very good, lets finish watching her sing. And be quiet, your making too much noise,” He said, as he got up from his chair, and started pacing.

CHAPTER 10

Highlights

    Lisa finished her song to a thunderous round of applause. She did her usual bow, with her hands clasped together under her chin. As she turned to head toward the judges, she noticed that the band had left their instruments, and lined up clapping too. Lisa turned, faced the band, and made the same bow toward them.

    Ice walked, slowly, toward the judges, hands behind her back, with piercing ruby eyes, and with a, slight, smile on her face. She ached all over, her battle-scarred body just wanted to go home, and be through with this. The judges looked none to happy, good, neither was she? She was willing to take verbal abuse, just to be free, and clear of this. She had made her statement, with song, and attire. She walked up to their desk, and loomed over them, without speaking, without emotion.

    “I don’t believe that was one of my songs,” Madonna remarked, as she craned her neck, looking up at Ice.

    “Nope,” was Lisa‘s only reply.

    “You didn’t follow any part of the theme,” said the English judge.

    “Nope, I didn’t, it’s not me.”

    “Looks like this will be what you’ve been waiting for, your ticket home,” the female judge declared. “You needed to show us your artistic abilities, and you didn’t. I just can’t give you my vote this time, and you have such a wonderful voice too.”

    “Thank you, and I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. I’m not an artist, I’m not a singer, I don’t dance, and I don’t wear clothes that are not me,” Lisa answered back, with a smile, and in a soft voice.

    “Is white something you should be wearing, while you sing those kinds of songs?” inquired Madonna’s husband.

    “I know your meaning, and yes, I can wear white whenever it pleases me, it’s kind of my color, if you know what I mean,” Lisa replied, locking, unblinking, eyes on him.

    Madonna’s husband remained very quiet from then on, as he just gazed upon this girl, with the Amazonian physique.

    “You didn’t show up for lessons, you didn’t show up for anything, that I did with the other singers. Your attire is all wrong, your music is wrong. You did not show any artistic abilities that I was looking for with one of my songs. You did not do any of my dance moves. You did not use any of my dancers, or singers. You have a great voice I admit, but I can’t vote for you,” Madonna commented, with a scowl, as she stood up to face Lisa, but Ice still dwarfed her.

    “Do you think that you’re too good to take lessons from one of the best?” The American judge asked.

    “What I bring to the field is what I play with. And once more, I am not a singer, so I have no need for lessons, I am not an artist, I don’t dance, and I wear what is appropriate for me.” Lisa still responded softly, but now, with a forced smile. She averted her eyes from the American judge, as she watched, the creator, and producer of the show, Ian Campbell, come on stage, walk up to, and stand next to Madonna.

    “Lets all just calm down for now,” he said, as he looked from one to another. “We’ll hold the voting in a little bit.

    Madonna sat back down with her arms crossed, still with a scowl on her face.

    “Ice, how much pain are you in right now?” Ian asked.

    Lisa hesitated, and then answered, with a puzzled look on her face, “A fair amount.” Mom or Marcy must have been talking a little too much, she thought to herself.

    “What pain, what happened?” Everyone wanted to know. Madonna now had a puzzled look, they all did.

    “I’m going to bring out a friend of mine, and then show you on the screen, what Ice was doing last night.”

    With a smile on her face, Lisa watched as football legend, and color commentator, John Madden, came out.

    “It is my pleasure to meet you, Ice,” John said, as he heartily shook hands with her.

    Lisa had to force a smile, and bite her lower lip, as pain surged up, and down her arm, from the handshake, but she would not have missed this moment for the world.

    “Ice,” that is a great nickname for a football player. Ian had your game filmed last night, and we watched it this morning. What a game! It had everything! He did not have to ask me twice to come on stage, and meet you, and go over some of your highlights. It was an unusual game indeed, to see so many have to play dual roles this day and age, just to keep from forfeiting. I intend to show parts Sunday on our pre-game show,” John announced all excited, and animated.

    The first of the highlights shown was of Ice getting hammered everyway imaginable, as she played quarterback. Groans and moans, oohs and ahs, came from everyone, even the ones at the desk. John diagramed plays where she had no blocking, but still was able to make things happen. Plays where she got knocked end over end, plays where she took hits high and low from different angles, simultaneously.

    The next of the highlights showed Ice on defense. The clips showed her handing out hit after hit. It showed her making wicked tackles, it showed her limping occasionally, it showed her with a bloody nose once (sometimes an opponents hand will find its way into the face mask.) It showed her struggling to get up a few times after a vicious tackle, or hit.

    The last of the highlights were of her scoring touchdowns. Ice had three touchdowns in the game, one on offense, one on defense, and one on special teams (a punt return;) a school record that she would find out about later. No one in the history of the school had ever scored a touchdown in all three phases of the game.

    “NOW JUST LOOK AT THIS! Look at this everyone!” Madden said all excited, as he diagramed her offensive touchdown. “You have the ball on your thirty-three yard line, and it’s third down and four. You call for a quarterback option to the wide side of the field, as you pull out from center you spy a seam (opening). You elect to keep the ball, and hit the seam, and then you easily break through two arm tackles, and hit open ground. WATCH THIS! Watch this! Two defenders have the angle on you, and you, you turn on the afterburners right there, as you break into open ground, and blow past them like their wading through water. A SIXTY-SEVEN yard explosion, in the fourth quarter, and with as many hits as you had taken, you should have been too tired, and banged up to produce that kind of speed, that late in the game.”

    The audience cheered each time they replayed the run, first in slow motion, then in real time.

    John had one highlight of a pass play, where Ice threw an incomplete pass. An incomplete laser pass that she threw for over sixty-five yards in the air. The audience and judges gasped, as he explained the kind of arm strength that was required to toss a ball like that, that far. 

    John then highlighted the defensive touchdown, where Ice out jumps the wide-receiver, and stiff-arms her way down field, running the interception back for a thirty-seven yard touchdown.     

    The last highlight was of Ice running back a punt for a fifty-three yard touchdown. (Kevin Smith injured his left hand doing punt returns, so Ice and Chris Townsend volunteered to alternate the position.) Lisa scored the touchdown, by changing direction twice, as she hurtled, stiff-armed, and broke tackles, fighting her way into the end zone.

    Madden told the audience that the Panthers won 46 to 42. That Lisa had two interceptions for sixty-eight yards, with one being for a touchdown. She also caused three fumbles; recovering two herself. She had one-hundred, and twenty-three yards in punt returns, with one touchdown. She had one-hundred, and seventy-two yards rushing on offense, with one heck of a touchdown run. She was also two for nine passing, for twenty-seven yards, with one heck of a long incomplete pass. Ice finished the night with three-hundred, and sixty-seven total rushing yards, as she led the Panthers to victory.

    When the highlights were through, the audience gave Ice a five-minute standing ovation.

    “How fast are you in the forty,” John asked.

    “I have been timed at 4.63,” Ice answered.

    “WOW! For those of you who do not know, running 40 yards at a time of 4.63 seconds, for a sixteen-year-old boy, much less a girl is like the Enterprise doing warp 9. It’s super fast!” John said, as he moved his arms as if they were spaceships.

    “Tell us about your bruises, if you will,” Ian asked.

    Lisa pointed out all of her bruising, and then she rolled up her right sleeve, and showed how she had bruising all the way down her forearm.

    Everyone at the desk, and the audience gasped when they saw, and heard how beaten up she was.

    “So, you play strong-side cornerback, how many times have you been scored on?” Madonna’s husband asked.

    “None, not on, or off the field,” Lisa answered with a smile. Everyone then broke out in belly aching laughter, when she said that.

    “You have my vote, Ice, even though it doesn’t count for anything, and I think that I can speak for most of the NFL too. For a sixteen-year-old girl to perform, as you did last night, with the beating, and abuse that you took leading your team to victory, is simply amazing. Then come here tonight, looking like an Angel, and singing like you did, you can be on my team anytime,” John announced, as he again shook hands with Ice (gentler this time.) He then gave her a copy of the game that Ian had made. “I think that I’m going to make you honorary defensive captain of my all Madden team this year.”

    Lisa, with a huge smile on her face, thanked him.

    “It’s time to vote judges,” Ian announced.

    English judge, “Who am I to go against the NFL, you move on, Ice.”

    Female judge, “You were not kidding when you told us at your audition that you played football, I say move on.”

    American judge, “I’m a big football fan, and I still don’t believe what I just saw. Heck yeah, you move on.”

    Madonna’s husband, “You got my vote for the all madden team, and to move on.”

    Madonna was still watching the screen in astonishment, as they cycled through the highlights. “Anyone, especially any girl, that can do that one night, and then come here, and perform the following night, I don’t care what you wear, or if you sing nursery rhymes. You most definitely have my vote; in fact I would even pay to see it.”

    The audience went wild, when they heard all of the yes votes.

    Lisa stood there until all was quiet, made her bow to the audience, thanked all at the desk, and then turned to leave.

    “One last question, if you will, before you leave. What do you do now, since you are moving on? Do you change, or, are you still going to do things your way?” Madonna asked, as she sat with her chin propped up by her hands on the desk, and a smile on her face, still, mesmerized, and, occasionally, catching glimpses of the highlights.

    “My priorities never change, they were, and are, now, and forever, God, family, friends, and football.” Lisa answered, as she half turned to face all at the desk, and with a slight tilt of her head, indicating that all who know her should know that.

    “Amen,” John Madden replied.

    The audience then gave Ice another round of ovations, as she slowly, painfully, exited the stage.



    Father O’Gara was going wild, dancing around, and doing Irish jigs. “Did you see, she made it, she made it, I told you, I told you, that God is with her. She will come here, as sure, as Jesus is our Savior, she is coming here. An Angel of God is going to come here. Did you hear her? She said that her priorities are God, family, friends, and football. Did you hear her say that?”

    “Will you please calm down Father; it will do you no good if you die of a stroke, or heart attack, before she comes, if she comes. Yes, I heard everything, the same as you. You may be right; God may very well be with that young woman. I’ll go get pen, and pad,” Mother Superior said, then left the room.

    “She will come here, I know it. She is also a damn fine football player, I tell you that for sure,” Father O’Gara thought to himself, as he sat down. “Notre Dame sure could use her. They have had a terrible defense the past few years. It is a shame though that she will not be able to play college football.

CHAPTER 11

Nametags

    After the show, all of the surviving contestants went to a private lounge. There they celebrated with drinks, refreshments, and were given their voucher checks for the next theme, which was country music. Along with the vouchers, everyone received a list of songs to choose from, from the most popular male and female country singers of the day. The contestants now had a choice of CrossFire, or the Grand Ole Opry band. Back-up singers and dancers would be available. Country dancing was necessary, and several of the country celebrities would be giving singing, and dancing lessons, Friday evening.

    Lisa changed, and then, painfully, hobbled to see the band, before going to the lounge. She told CrossFire the music she wanted to do, and discussed her rehearsal time for next week. She then asked if they could help with something that she needed for her routine. They were ecstatic when told what she needed, and what she was going to do.

    Ice then limped into the lounge wearing her typical black and purple gym outfit. Several people, including Marcy, who was currently talking to one of the dancers, were watching her. The coordinator issued her vouchers for wardrobe, hotel room, and airline tickets for Nashville. She issued the song list, and then asked which band she was gong to use.

    “CrossFire,” Lisa replied.

    “You’re the first, so far, that is using Crossfire next week. And don’t forget the lessons begin at seven o’clock sharp, here take this with you, it’s a schedule of events for next Friday night.”

    Lisa gave the schedule and the song list back to the coordinator. “I have already given my song to the band, and Friday I won’t be here, I‘ve got a game Friday night.”

    “Very well then,” replied the coordinator. “You may not be as lucky next time. There will be nine judges next week, six country singers, and our three. If you don’t follow their rules, you’ll for sure be voted off.”

    “I really do hope so,” Lisa answered in a low voice, more to herself, than to anybody, as she turned to leave, not expecting anyone else to have heard.   

    “You really don’t care, do you? You have a great voice, an unusual, but attractive, Amazonian, look. An on-stage presence, and awareness, that is as good as any, and you really do not care about any of this. What do you have against winning, and becoming a star, Ice?”

    Lisa stopped, and turned to where the voice was coming from. It came from a pretty, smallish built, young, blond-haired woman. She was wearing an expensive, skimpy, silver, mini dress. In addition, was also wearing, what appeared to be some very expensive jewelry. Monica would have liked her, Lisa thought to herself. The woman never offered her name, and Lisa never asked. They should all wear nametags, Lisa thought to herself. They should not always assume that everyone knew who they were. Lisa did not have a clue, and really did not care.

    Ice looked at her, and smiled. “The simplest answer that I have is, that I’m a follower of Christ, I’m not into any of this, you know, fame or fortune. Many call me a freak, or abnormal for what I believe. Still, I stick to my guns on my beliefs. The bible says that we are to live in the world, but be separate from it. Is that good enough, or do you want to hear the longer version.”

    “Please, go on,” she answered softly, then sipped from her glass, while checking out Lisa’s muscular physique, and all of her bruises.

    “If you don’t mind, let’s have a seat while we talk? It’s been a long, painful, day for me,” Lisa remarked, then grimaced, as she sit down.

    “Are you going to be all right?”

    Lisa looked her squarely in the eyes, and with a slight smile replied. “Well, if I had been voted off I would be too elated to notice any pain. As it is, I’ll suffer my wounds, and heal, being ready for battle next week, and the battle that I mean is on the football field, not on stage.”

    All close by, including the celebrity, and bodyguard, were speechless with what they had heard; they looked at Ice with astonishment, and disbelief.

    Finally, the songstress regained her composure. “I must say that when I watched your highlights, I couldn’t believe that I was watching a girl do all of that, it was remarkable.” The nameless one said, as she sat down right next to Ice, but her companion remained standing, never speaking, as if on guard.

    “Thank you, like I said, I’m a Christian, and I’m sixteen, I don’t act like a normal teenager, I don’t know why, but I don’t. This cross that I wear, I do not wear for looks, I do not wear as jewelry, I wear as a badge of honor. With this cross, comes faith, duty, commitment, and a set of rules of which I am happy to follow. Because of this cross, and my faith, I have sympathy, and compassion for the poor, the sick, the afflicted, and downtrodden, so much so, that sometimes I can feel my soul ache deep inside.”

    “My dad is like that too, he says that each person has a calling to help others, but most refuse to listen till they get to where they can’t hear it anymore. I feel the need to help as many as I can, especially children. I see so much poverty, pain, and suffering in my community, that I could not live with myself, as being anything else, but what I am.”

    “This may sound strange, but I don’t enjoy indulging myself, or doing things, or just going places, that I know others can’t. My heart and soul ache, as I watch others struggle just to live. The bible says that, as it were in the days of Noah, so shall it be when Jesus returns. Only eight righteous souls, on earth, did God save from the flood. In my opinion, when the rapture does happen, no one will notice, because so few will be gone.”

    “Sometimes, I think that actual God loving Christians are on the verge of extinction.  Most supposedly Christians, talk the talk, but they do not walk the walk. The bible also says that, to whom much is given, much is required, but I‘m just not seeing it. There are people everywhere that need help. And from what I see, to whom much is given, all is kept, for self indulgence, and personal pleasure, with no thought to any other poor soul. I, myself, had much rather be in the trenches, helping, and fighting, than be with riches on a mountain top looking down.”

    The celebrity at that point, blushed, coughed, and cleared her throat.

    Lisa continued firing broadsides, with direct efficiency, “Thank you again for complimenting my singing, but anything that is good comes from God. We who are gifted will be tested, and judged on how we used our God given natural talents. For example, flaunting, extraordinary, beauty over others, by competing in beauty pageants, or as eye-candy, in magazines, or TV is, utterly, wrong. Using ones God given gifts to elevate one’s self above others, is an affront to God. Those who choose to exalt themselves will be made last in the kingdom of God. In Mark 9: 35 it says, and he sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all,” Lisa spoke in a soft, deliberate voice, not holding back, as she engaged the celebrity. “I hope this explains why I don’t want any part of this.”   

    “Why don’t you just quit, and be done with it,” the celebrity, softly, asked, and then told her companion that she wanted another drink.

    “Yes ma’am, was all he said, as he hurried off, and quickly back, with a fresh glass.

    “I can’t, I made a promise, and I never break my promises. By keeping my oath just to compete, I will be insured help for a close friend of mine. I will see this through, I will do it my way, I will do my best, but I will see this through. People should not make promises light heartedly, words have meanings, and God will judge each one of us, one day, by our actions here on earth. I was expecting to be out by now, though.”

    “I’m sorry, but I really must be going, you see, I have a plane to catch, it’s been a pleasure talking to you,” Lisa grimaced, with pain, as she struggled to get off the couch.

    “You’re not going to be staying for the celebration? Madonna and I will be personally congratulating each one. I know that you did not want to move forward, but still, you did. Stay and enjoy,” suggested the celebrity.

    “Thank you for asking, but mom and I do have a flight to catch, and right now there is no place I had rather be than home.” Lisa then clicked her heels together three times. “There’s no place like home,” Lisa replied, smiling.

    The star and even her companion gave a hearty laugh at that.

    Lisa shook hands with her, who was still laughing, and bid her goodbye. 

    As Lisa limped out the door, Marcy caught up with her.

    “DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU JUST BLEW OFF?

    “No, she never gave her name, and I didn’t ask.  I didn‘t blow her off, I had to leave, so that mom and I can catch our plane. I do think that the celebrities should wear nametags though. You know, there are some of us who do not have sheep mentality. We just do not follow anything or anyone. We have lives that do not include keeping up with the exalted of society. I do not go into uncontrollable fits, or convulsions, at the sight of a celebrity, rock star, or movie star. The only reason that I knew of Madonna, is because of the big fuss the Catholic, Jewish, and some of the Protestants churches made over some of her songs, and stage props,” Lisa replied, and then leaned against the wall.

    “NAME TAGS MY ASS! YOU may be the only person in the world who does not know who she is. Her bodyguard has been keeping people at bay all night, and she goes up to YOU, and starts talking. Not only that, but she sits down right next to YOU, and YOU, start preaching to her, as if she is a regular person. How is it possible, that you have not heard of her? She gave YOU a compliment, and asked YOU to stay, and YOU, YOU, simply blow her off. May I ask beneath what kind of rock do you live? Do you want me to tell you who she is?” Marcy asked, in an agitated voice.

    Lisa, with a yawn, answered, “I don’t need to know her name, it wouldn’t help anyway, and I still wouldn’t know her. I did thank her for her compliment, and I was nice when I told her that I had to leave. I, in no way disrespected her at all. I also think that my dad and Steve would be two others that would not know her either. By the way, I live under quite a nice rock; you know, no phones, no lights, or motor cars, though. However, we do have these things called - books. They have what we call - words written on the pages, and if you read the words in order, one after the other, left to right, you can learn stuff, or depending on the - book, one can entertain himself, or herself.”

    Marcy finally smiled, as she took her hand, and moved the hair away from Lisa’s right ear, “I don’t see any pointed ears.”

    “I’m only half Vulcan, you see, mom is human, and only male Halflings have the pointed ears, while female Halflings do not,” Lisa answered, with a straight face.

    Marcy just shook her head, and smiled, “alright then, I‘ll try to stay cool about all of this celebrity enthusiasm, that intrigues me, and the rest of the normal world. I see now what type of alien life form I have befriended. I am sorry though that your precious football screwed you over tonight, you were so close to ending this.”

    “It is what it is. I really enjoyed meeting John Madden. It was fantastic having him do play-by- play on the highlights too. However, that did cause things to take a turn for the worse. By the way, he is the one that gave me the best compliment tonight,” Lisa said, and then yawned again.

    “The best compliment! Only you would say that, at least YOU knew HIS name. Look, I know that you need to leave. I will see you next week, and remember, the theme next week is American country music, not Celtic, not Irish, nor Scottish. Bye, better luck then, or not, depends on how you look at it,” Marcy remarked, laughing.

    “Bye, see you next week, live long, and prosper,” Lisa replied, smiling, as she held up her left hand, and made the Vulcan salute.

    Marcy just shook her head, then waved back, and headed back into the lounge, laughing. Lisa limped off in search of mom.

    From the time, that Lisa met up with an ecstatic mom, until they walked through the front door at home, mom never stopped talking, and talking, and talking. Lisa quickly forgot her football injuries, because she now had to take Advil for a continuous headache. 

CHAPTER 12

The Masseur

    With little sleep, and plenty of soreness, she managed to bathe, and dress for church. After dressing, she phoned Steve to see how he was. He said that he was better, and would meet them at church. She and dad were the only ones that made it though. Kenny cuddled up with mom, he was still under-the-weather, and mom did not mind at all staying home, and sleeping in.

    Lisa humbly accepted congratulations, before and after church. She was constantly on the cell phone answering questions from friends, and family. Finally, by evening, things settled down a bit. Now she intended to spend plenty of quiet time with Steve.

    Steve pulled up to Lisa’s house, and turned off the engine. “Wait, I’ll come around, and help you.”

    As he opened the door for her, she gently grabbed him by the collar with her good left hand, and pulled him close. “I have a job for you, if you’re interested,” Lisa spoke softly, and then kissed him.

    Steve, who was still a little weak, looked at Leese, and with a bit of caution in his voice, asked, “What kind of job?”

    “Come with me, and see, I don’t believe that you’ll turn it down though.”

    “Ok,” he replied, not knowing what kind of job she could possibly have. He followed her into the house, down into the basement, then into a bedroom. 

    Lisa smiled, “You wait here, and I will be right back, I need to change out of this dress.”

    He sat on the bed, and waited, it was a while before he heard her, shuffling, footsteps coming down the stairs.

    Lisa limped in wearing her black gym shorts, a black tube top, and carrying a bottle of lotion. Steve was shocked; this was his first sight at seeing all of her bruising. He would have preferred Leese in the shorts, and tube top, without any injuries. “Wow, you took a beating Friday night,” he commented, then stood up for further inspection.

    “Yep, and your job, if you want it, is to rub this lotion all over me, front and back, it will help my bruising, and soreness.”

    “I can do that,” Steve said, with a, big, smile, and then reached for the lotion.

    Lisa smiled back, but held onto the bottle, “Now then, before we start, tell me about your limitations, and boundaries, where you can, and can’t touch.”

    “I will only rub it where you have skin showing, and I’ll stay away from areas covered by clothes,” Steve answered, still holding out his hand.

    “Good answer, if you do a good job, and rub ONLY where you’re permitted, I will want you to do this everyday for the next week.” She then handed him the bottle.

    “I will not only rub the lotion in, but I will give you the best massage that you will ever get. I will be very, very careful where you are sore, and bruised. You know that you can trust me,” Steve answered, all full of eagerness, and ready to start.

    “I do trust you; just don’t get carried away though.” Lisa then went to the bed, and, painfully, proceeded to lie on her stomach.

    For Steve this was a dream come true, an experience that he thought he would have to wait for until he was married. For him it was his birthday, and Christmas all rolled up into one. He very carefully rubbed the lotion into her neck, shoulders, biceps, and arms, massaging her, as he worked his way down. As he massaged her, he could feel how massive, and solid, her muscles were, he already knew how strong she was. When they kissed, and hugged he knew well of her, Amazonian, strength, but now, he was allowed to massage places that he had only admired before. He could tell that Leese was enjoying it, she was almost purring.

    “Leese, do your parents know what we’re doing? What I’m doing?” he asked, when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

    “Yeah, I got the lotion from mom, and dad is making lemonade for us,” Leese replied, in a, soft, lazy, voice.

    The door was partially open, and Mr. Raynor stuck his head through. “Boy, it smells in here, that stuff opens sinuses, as well as helps sore muscles. I put the lemonade on the coffee table, and mom has ordered pizza, it should be here soon. She ordered everybody’s favorite,” he said, then left.

    “Thanks dad.”

    “Thank you Sir.”

    Steve finished Lisa’s back, from shoulders to feet, then asked her if she wanted any lemonade now.

    “No, not yet, you are doing an excellent job, please continue,” Lisa replied, then, agonizingly, turned over onto her back.

    With no thought of eating, or drinking, Steve started again with her neck, shoulders, biceps, and arms, working his way down, being very careful around her top. By the time he had finished, he had spent well over an hour enjoying his new job, as Lisa‘s masseur.

CHAPTER 13

Recuperating

    Monday, Lisa accepted more congratulations, and answered more questions from students and teachers.

    Coach Morgan put her on light duty. Her football practice consisted of just walking one lap around the practice field, and then spending the rest of the time in the Jacuzzi. She was thankful that the school had several Jacuzzi’s for such injuries.

    After practice, she cashed all of the vouchers, except for the one for the hotel. They were going to drive to Nashville, so she cashed in the one for airfare too. She already had at home what she was going to wear. So she bought new tires for Steve’s old 92 ford truck (which he desperately needed,) and gave the rest to a family that was really in dire straights.

    Tuesday, she was able to do a slow jog for one mile, before hitting the Jacuzzi.

    Wednesday, Ice dressed out, and did some simple workouts, and then a couple of scrimmage plays, before the Jacuzzi.

    Thursday, she was back to her normal routine - weights, running, a full practice workout, and then a short time in the Jacuzzi. After football practice, she and Steve met dad at church, where he unlocked the gym. She worked on her routine in private, for the Saturday night performance.

    Friday at lunch, while she and Steve were in line, the principal handed her a letter addressed to the school, but with her attention. After they seated themselves, Lisa opened the letter, and read it, then showed it to Steve. “They included their e-mail address. I’m going to send them a reply, as soon as I get home,” Lisa remarked, then finished off her last carton of milk.       

    Steve excused himself, as he went to get her two more cartons of milk. He had waited on her all week (as much as she would tolerate, that is.) When he returned, Lisa, lovingly, watched him, with her head cocked askew, in wonderment.

    “Is there anything wrong? You always drink four cartons of milk, and you only got two, I thought you might want two more,” Steve said, as he sat them down in front of her.

    “Thank you, and there’s nothing wrong. I was somewhat preoccupied with the letter when I went through the line, and I only picked up two cartons. You know, you have really been great this week. I never once had to give you any warnings during the massages. You have been good at anticipating my needs too. I think that you might just deserve a reward of some kind,” Lisa suggested, then opened one of the cartons of milk.

    “You bought me tires for my truck, which is enough. I love you; I do not want you to think that you would ever owe me anything for helping you. And I have enjoyed doing things for you this week,” he, softly, answered, and then shoveled a spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.

    “I see, so you wouldn’t be interested in, occasionally, giving me more massages, and using maybe, my lavender lotion. I might even wear that black, skimpy, two-piece, bathing suit that I only wear at home, around the pool. You know the one, I think you like it, don‘t you? Maybe, just maybe, mind you, I would even allow certain small, very small boundaries to be crossed. I love you too, and I suppose that this would be just a terrible, terrible, reward for me to offer you. I mean, you’re probably so tired of massaging me, day after day, that this is the last thing you would ever want to do again,” Lisa spoke in a, soft, sexy, mischievous, voice, with a slight smile, as she cut into her country-fried steak.

    Steve dropped his spoon on the floor, as he choked on the mashed potatoes. He then bumped his head, hard, on the table, when he bent over to pick up the spoon. He reached for his napkin to wipe his mouth, and turned his milk over, (you see the milk carton was partially resting on the napkin.)

    Lisa quickly up righted his milk before too much spilled out. It was a good thing that they were sitting alone, because Steve had now turned red from, chocking, and embarrassment, as he coughed up mashed potatoes. Lisa sat there laughing, handing him napkins, “Are you alright?”

    “No,” he gasped. “I think my hearing is going bad. Are you serious about what you just said?” Steve asked, and then reached for the milk, to wash down what was left of the mashed potatoes still in his throat.

    “You know that I never tease, and I just thought that it might be something worth considering, on occasion, you know,” Lisa answered, still snickering.

    Steve looked at her with a big smile, “I’m all for it, Leese, just let me know when, I’ll be waiting.”

    “Mmm, eager are we. I think that I want one more massage with the deep heating lotion this evening before the game. The others will be according to my mood.”

    “I completely understand, your wish is my command,” Steve replied, as he stood, then began cleaning up mashed potatoes, and spilled milk.

    That evening after practice, Steve drove her home, and she showed everyone the letter. Right before her massage, she replied to Father O’Gara, at St. Agnes. She thanked him for all the kind words, and promised that if she made it to Hollywood, she would accept their hospitality.

    That night the game was an easy win for the Panthers, sending them into the playoffs undefeated. Lisa started the game, but did not play much. The coach let her rest-up since she was still recovering from the previous week’s injuries, and the fact that the game was well in hand by the second quarter. Her back up, Jason Wheeler, was happy to get some decent playing time.

    After the game, she bid Steve a lengthy goodbye, involving much kissing, until she was finally ready to join her family for the drive to Nashville.

CHAPTER 14

No Mercy

    They arrived at the hotel around one in the morning, amidst a thunderstorm. Lisa had her own room, while mom, dad, and Kenny shared a room. Lisa’s was the first room they came to, she opened the door, and said goodnight to mom and dad.

    “What about me, you didn’t say goodnight to me,” Kenney said, all upset, and frightened from the storm.

    “Well, with the thunder, and lightning, I kinda thought you might want to be my room mate tonight, but you don’t have to, if you don’t want to.”

    “Yes! Yes! Please, mom please. Please, dad, please,” pleaded Kenny.

    “Go, go, before you explode,” mom told him.   

    “Yes, yes, Leese, please take this child, and make sure he doesn’t get attacked, or eaten by any monsters, and for God’s sake protect him from the thunder, and lightning,” dad, laughingly, remarked.

    Kenny jumped into Lisa’s arms, and gave her a hug. They then divided the luggage, and went to their rooms.

    The next day they all slept late, skipping breakfast, and eating an early lunch, that is, all but Lisa. She had mentioned earlier that she did not want to rehearse on a full stomach. She grabbed a glass of milk, and a bagel, then went back to her room until rehearsal.                                           

    Monica showed up, as they were finishing lunch, and took Susan off in search of celebrities. Dad and Kenny, however, went off in search of dinosaurs; you see there was a new dinosaur exhibition at the museum.

    At the studio, Lisa, and the band rehearsed for well over an hour, before they became a coherent unit. This was not her typical rehearsal, where she just listened, and hummed along. As she went into her routine, during the song, the band would forget their places, as they watched her. This happened several times, and each time Lisa would start laughing (causing the band to start laughing.) They could not continue until the laughing fits were over.

    After the rehearsal, Lisa jogged to a Morrison’s cafeteria that she had spotted during the drive in; it was about a mile away from the hotel. She set a fast pace, and made it in no time. She was starving, and this mid-day lunch would be all that she would be able to eat until after the show. She had to be on her game day routine (work out, practice, eat a large, early meal, relax, dress out, then be ready for battle.)  Country dancing be hanged, she was going to put on a performance with a lot of movement, but nothing that had to do with country dancing. The song would be country, however, but nothing that was on their precious list.

    Lisa always got more than her moneys worth, when she ate at an all-you-can-eat buffet. She ate like a lineman, even though she was a corner-back (a position that required speed, quickness, and agility.) As she was finishing (two large full plates, two large helpings of chocolate cake, and three large glasses of milk,) a young girl approached her. Lisa had not been paying any attention, after all why should she, but many from the time she arrived were watching her.

    “Hello, are you Ice?” The young one asked, sheepishly.

    Lisa was checking her cell phone, for any missed calls, not noticing her approach. She then looked up, and with a smile, answered, “Yes I am, and who may you be?”

    “My name is Chloe,” the small one replied.

    Just at that moment, Chloe’s parents arrived, and started apologizing to Lisa.

    “We are so sorry, she had gone to the bathroom, we apologize for her disturbing you,” the father apologized, with his wife in full agreement.

    Lisa then stood up, and shook hands with the parents (She was much taller then they.)

    “WOW!” Chloe remarked. “You are so big.”

    Leese smiled, “She is no bother, no bother at all, I would be glad for the company. In fact, if you like, you can all join me. I have plenty of time, and I still have dessert to finish.”

    At this time of day, the people in the cafeteria were sparse. As they ate, and talked, she looked around the dinning room, and noticed several other children of different ages watching with intense interest. She smiled, and waved at each and each one quietly as possible yelled back (trying to talk to Ice from across the room, and still stay out of trouble from their parents for yelling.) They asked, and pleaded with Ice if they could come over. With a smile, and a nod of the head they came (parents too.)

    Lisa pulled her chair out, and away from the table, so she could more easily meet the children. She shook hands with the parents, as they arrived. Even the cafeteria staff would take turns meeting her. The children wanted to see her arm muscles (the parents half-heartedly tried to control their children, but actually wanted to see too.) They (the children) asked if they could touch her hair, and her biceps, Lisa, laughingly, obliged.

    This went on for the longest, Ice answered many questions, and asked many of her own (what is your name, where are you from, how old are you, etc.) Leese and all there, thoroughly, enjoyed the encounter. When it came time to leave, the manager of Morrison’s would not take her money, telling Lisa, that her meal was on the house, that she was the only celebrity ever to eat here. She tried explaining how she was not any kind of celebrity, but he would have no part of it. Therefore, with a big smile, she shook hands with him, and thanked him. Lisa then went outside to a bench, and tightened her shoestrings for the jog back. Chloe and her parents were leaving as she finished up.

    “Can we give you a lift?” The father asked.

    “No thanks, I need the exercise, I’ll jog back. I usually run every day, and lately I’ve been missing my Saturday work outs,” Lisa replied, and then did some stretches.

    “We’ll see you tonight, I hope you win.”

    “Thank you Chloe,” Leese knelt down, and gave her a big hug.

    “We have to go get money out of a machine for souvenirs,” said Chloe, as she, slowly, let go of Lisa.

    “We’ll be Leaving after the show tonight, and we promised Chloe that we would buy plenty of souvenirs, to take back home,” dad reiterated. “Some of these street vendors around here only take cash though.

    As they drove off, Chloe kept looking back, and waving, until they were out of sight.

    Lisa slowly jogged back to the hotel, exploring, doing some sight seeing, and just plain enjoying herself. As she waited for a streetlight to change, she noticed a glint of light, flashing erratically, in a deserted, shadowy, alleyway, of two old buildings. There was an old sign that indicated an ATM machine was located in the vicinity.

    She, quietly, ran over to the narrow alley, and, discreetly, approached on what appeared to be two thugs, with knives, who were in the process of robbing a woman with a child. As her eyes adjusted, she was horrified, and outraged, with what she saw. The mother, and child, was Chloe, and her mother, their dad was lying on the ground with what looked to be a knife wound to the stomach. He seemed to be still breathing, but blood was oozing out of the wound.

    Lisa knew that she had to act quickly to save dad, and get him medical aide. Calling 911 and waiting would take too long; this was on her. She held her cross for a split second, and said a, quick, silent, prayer, “Father, please be with me, give me guidance, see me through this, and please keep Chloe’s father alive, amen.” Then she, bravely, walked out into the open.

    “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?” Lisa spoke loudly, and boldly, startling the two robbers.

    “What the F@#k, you’re about to be a dead B@#%h! I’m gonna F@#k you up for interfering,” The, shorter, stocky, bald, one said. He displayed, many, evil, tattoos that she could see. He looked at Lisa, with an evil smirk, “TJ, you watch these three, while I carve this one up.” The one with the tattoos quickly advanced on Leese, all the while smiling, and cursing. 

    Ice stood in silence, hands down (not yet ready to assume a fighting stance,) with a solemn face, and piercing stare. (In her Taekwondo class, she had practiced being in knife fights many times. Her training also taught that if in meeting deadly force, she should then use even more deadly force. Show no mercy in a life, and death, situation.)

    The thing about hand-to-hand combat was that her attacker would have to come into striking range with his knife. This also meant that if she executed her training properly, he would be well within her weapons range too. If she could draw both into action, it would give Chloe and mom an opportunity to escape, and get help. Lisa awaited the coming attack (Finally assuming a fighting stance.) Every muscle in her body pulsed, every tendon tense, every fiber of her body ready, and every nerve ending firing.

    He made a lunge (not giving her any respect,) and she quickly countered. With quickness, that would make any real Panther proud. She sidestepped, and then karate chopped his arm, as she brought her knee up, instantly breaking his arm, and causing him to drop the knife. With a loud cursing scream, he called for TJ. He tried to back away from Lisa, but she would not let him, she cornered him against the wall, and, quickly, opened up with every close-quarter attack that she had, before TJ could join the fight.

    Every punch found its mark, and every mark gave way to Lisa’s quick striking attack (Physics at work - for every action there is an equal, and opposite reaction, bones gave way to fists, and feet of iron.) She brought all of her weapons to bear in a flurry of strikes. She would not let him back off, she would not let him collapse to the ground, his screams became horrible, blood now flowed out of every orifice. Lisa then placed a final punch to the jaw (breaking it.)

    The other thug attacked, trying to catch her off guard. However, she was more than ready. Ice was waiting, wanting him to join in, as she pummeled his partner. He tried stabbing her in the side. She placed her final punch on his battered partner, whom she then allowed to collapse to the ground. Lisa whirled, and easily dodged the knife thrust. With the first robber down, she could now concentrate her full attention, and firepower, on the only standing thug, “TJ.”

    Again, she was cautious of the knife, but only so much so. This time it was one against one, no reinforcements for TJ. Chloe and mom had their chance to escape, to get help, but instead, they stayed with dad.

    Lisa never once spoke, but resumed her fighting stance, with eyes focused, and locked on TJ. He was slightly taller, and lankier, than his partner was, with a goatee, and shaved head. He, cautiously, stayed out of her strike range (now knowing what she was capable of.) Curse word, after curse word, rolled out of his mouth, as he waved the knife around.

    She could see sweat begin to bead on his brow, and then run down his face. With his free left hand, he wiped the sweat from his eyes. She was waiting for just such an opening. As he wiped, she fired a well-aimed sidekick into his left side rib cage (breaking a rib.) He screamed, as he bent over in pain. He made a feeble attempt to counter with a stab, but Lisa was too quick, and already out of range. With his movement slowed, Lisa easily out maneuvered him. She began using quick jabs to the head; this caused him to drop the knife. With no knife now, she quickly unleashed a flurry of kicks, then punches, to vital organs (no mercy,) pummeling him to the ground unconscious. 

    In less than ten minutes, Lisa had completely annihilated the two would be robbers. Each lay on the ground with broken ribs, broken bones, and with blood flowing from all of their orifices. (She would find out later, that the one with tattoos stayed two weeks in I.C.U., and the one, called TJ, stayed only one week.)

    Spectators began to show up; several mentioned that they had called 911. Lisa hurried over to Chloe’s dad (Lisa was a certified first responder, and trained in first aide,) he was unconscious.  She knelt down, and ripped open his shirt, exposing the stab wound. With no first aide supplies, all she could do was to place her hand over the wound, and apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding. She prayed that, that would be good enough, until help arrived. With her free hand, she checked his pulse, which was faint, but steady. He seamed to have lost a good bit of blood though.

    “Ice, Please don’t let daddy die!” Chloe begged, crying, and trembling. “Please help him.”

    Mom was sitting on the ground crying, with her arms around Chloe. “Is he…,” she choked up, and could not get any more words out.

    Lisa looked from Chloe, to mom. “I’ll tell you this, I’ve stopped the outward bleeding, and his pulse is faint, but steady. And, if I was gonna have to get stabbed, this is the part of the stomach where I would want it to happen,” Lisa explained, in a low, calm, voice.

    Soon sirens sounded, they got louder, and louder, until they arrived at the entrance of the alley. He was treated, put in one of the ambulances, and hurried to the hospital. The cops questioned everyone, even looked at videos that several of the bystanders had taken. A terrified young woman, who had been sitting in her car, across the street, took one video. She was the first to call 911, after her call, she started recording, and witnessed the stabbing of Chloe’s dad, as he tried to defend his family.

    One of the cops, an Officer Hayes, gave Lisa a box of moisturizing wipes, for the blood (from the fight, and from Chloe’s dad,) as he questioned her. He marveled at her physique, and congratulated her on being a hero, and saving the day. “You, my dear, are much bigger in person, than you appear on TV, and if I may add, you have a great voice too. We at the station will be pulling for you tonight.”

    Lisa blushed, and then smiled, “Thank you, and thank the ones at the station for me too.” 

    Officer Hayes then offered mom, and Chloe a ride to the hospital; they wanted Lisa to go too. She looked at her watch, and agreed (she still had plenty of time left.)

    When they arrived at the emergency room, Lisa excused herself, to go clean up a little more thoroughly. She was gone a little over thirty minutes (being in no hurry,) and finding blood residue everywhere, even in her hair. It is a good thing that I wore all black today, she thought to herself. As she walked back into the waiting room, she met Chloe, and mom with smiles, and tears, as they attacked her, with hugs.

    “They just told us, he’s gonna be ok. He will be put in a room tonight, and probably be released sometime Sunday. We owe you so much, Ice; you saved Robert, and all of our lives. There is no way that we can ever repay you. I thank you, we thank you so much,” Chloe’s mom exclaimed, while crying, laughing, and hugging Lisa.

    “I love you Ice,” Chloe said, as she hugged Leese around the thighs.

    “I’m just glad I could help.”

    “By the way, my name is Myrna. I never really had a chance to introduce myself at the cafeteria, what with Chloe, and Robert doing all the talking. I am usually the quiet one anyway. We are going to take a taxi, and go pick up our car. You do not want to jog anymore do you? I mean, you have already had a, good, unexpected, work out today. How about you come with us, we get the car, and we can take you back to your hotel?”

    “That sounds like a plan,” Lisa replied, then reached down, and picked up Chloe, for a proper hug.

    When they arrived at the hotel, they exchanged addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Myrna and Chloe both wanted to know if they would see her again. They were sad that they would not get to make the show.

    “What if I stop by the hospital, after the show, and bring my parents, and my little brother?” Lisa asked, before she got out of the car.

    They were ecstatic at that idea. They stayed, and waved, until Lisa went through the hotel door.

CHAPTER 15

Sitting on a Bar stool

    Everyone was still gone when she arrived back at the hotel. She decided to take a shower, and thoroughly wash her hair. She then took a long bubble bath, just to relax. Afterward, she called Steve (knowing that he was now off from work,) and told him about her day, as she sprawled out on the bed, as they talked.

    “Just think, Steve, Chloe’s family is in Morrison’s cafeteria having a good time, and then within the hour they’re in a life, and death situation. The world is not fair, and sometimes I get so mad at God for letting bad things happen. I always ask for forgiveness, and understanding, when I pray, but it still makes me angry, every time I see, or hear about this kind of stuff happening.”

    Steve sympathized with her, and consoled her, sensing that she was feeling down. He had always been good at cheering her up (what few times she needed it.) “I don’t believe in coincidences, and I don’t think that you do either. You know as well as me, that sometimes, just sometimes, God puts the right person, in the right place, at the right time. This time, I think that you were that person.”

    Steve continued, “We can never know the whole picture that God knows. Only God knows why bad things happen, and why sometimes, goodness wins out. There are so many (why) questions that we will never know the answer to in this lifetime. We live by faith, we die in faith, and in between, we pray, we question, and we get angry. Leese, you know all of this probably better than me, but sometimes, it helps to hear it from someone close. Sometimes it is good to know that you have someone that you can talk to, someone that is an ally, and someone that gets just as mad as you do, for the same reasons. I also pray for forgiveness, and knowledge, when I get angry with God. Bad things, events, and circumstances, that happen to people, tear at my soul, and break my heart too.”       

    After a long talk with Steve, and a long goodbye, she felt much better. She then dressed, and prepared for the night’s event. As she was combing her hair, she heard a knock at the door; it was her parents, Kenny, and Monica. Kenny jumped up into her arms, and excitedly told her all about the museum, the dinosaurs, and everything else that he and dad had done. Lisa listened, attentively, to every word, and then asked him some questions about the dinosaurs.

    Mom then told him that he needed to go take a shower, and get ready.

    Lisa put him down, and asked him, “Will you hold on to this for me? You see, I won’t be able to wear it tonight, it’ll just be in the way.” Lisa then took the cross from around her neck, and handed it to him.

    Kenny was ecstatic, as he took her cross. “I will look after it, and give it back after you’re through,” he answered, then ran off to get ready. (Anything that Lisa asked him to do would just thrill him to death.)

    “You always wear that, except when you’re playing football, or working out,” mom inquired, with a questioning look.

    “What are you up to this time? I can’t think of any reason that it would be in the way of dancing, especially country dancing,” Monica spoke, with a snarl.

    “I don’t dance, I don’t have anything against dancing, but I don’t dance, and I have no intentions of learning. As for my cross, all I am going to say is that it will be in my way tonight. I am wearing my cross earrings though,” Lisa replied, smiling, as she looked over at dad, who was snickering.

    Monica gave Jim a mean look. “Are you doing anything country tonight; or, is that in violation of one of your many moral codes? You will not have anyone to rescue you tonight, you know. I think that you could easily win this whole thing, if you did what you were told, and dropped some of your self-righteous rules,” Monica retorted, and then lit a cigarette.

    “I will never lay aside my beliefs, or moral ethics, for anything or anyone. I will be singing a country song, and wearing cutoff jeans - that is country. I just won’t be doing any country dancing,” Lisa answered, sharply. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to be going to the studio.”

    “Oh, by the way, I was in a fight earlier today, a knife fight against two thugs,” Lisa announced, in a soft, calm voice.

    Everyone was speechless; all three went pale, looking like they had just seen a ghost. “WHAT! Are you ok?” They all asked at once.

    “I’m fine,” Lisa answered, and then proceeded to tell them the whole story, in a very nonchalant voice (as if she were simply talking about going to the mailbox.) “I promised that we would stop by the hospital on the way home. We can talk about this after the show. I really need to be going.”

    Susan and Monica were numb, as they watched Leese leave, with a shocked, pale faced Jim.

    Dad regained his composure, as he drove her to the studio. He then walked with her to the dressing room, asking all kinds of questions about the fight.

    Lisa, vividly, answered all of his queries, leaving nothing out, and then gave him a goodbye hug. 

    “I’ll see you after the show, be careful,” dad said, as they parted.

    It didn‘t take Lisa long to dress (after all, she was not decked out as the other competitors were, with fine, sequined, country attire, and sparkly baubles.) She dressed out in her black and purple running shoes. She wore black cut off jeans (modestly cut,) with a black sleeveless leotard (she needed for free movement.) Over the leotard, she wore a, short, dark purple, tank top. She put her hair up into a high ponytail (she did not want hair getting in her face.) After dressing, and refusing the make-up artist, she relaxed. Being last gave her a chance to be lazy. She was going to stay in the dressing room as long as she could before going out to the staging area.

    As her time approached, the last things that she did was put her white head-set on as tight as she could get it, and then rub sticky compound on her hands (the kind used in football, for ease in catching, and handling the ball.)

    Lisa walked to the staging area, and waited. A stagehand updated her on who had made it, and who did not. He told her that the judges were really criticizing each one’s performance, and that the young, brunette, country judge, was being a real b@#%h.

    She heard the announcer summon “Ice” to the stage. She walked on stage with a smile, and with hands behind her back, as usual. She received a hearty round of applause, and whistles. The band started playing “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye,” by Charlie Daniels (Lisa liked him, especially his Christian music, and Bill loved this song. She had to change a couple of words in the song, for gender reasons though.) The audience continued their applause, as Lisa strolled over to a large black bar stool, and sit. (John had placed it there right before Lisa came out.) She then started to sing.     

    (Leese had asked the band the previous week if they could help. One of the repetitive phrases in the song was - “Sitting on a bar stool, acting like a darn fool,” this, she was going to use for her routine. She needed to have built a unique bar stool for her performance. A bar stool that would be a good bit heavier, and larger, than normal, with non skid legs, and a large rectangular seat, measuring 16” X  24”, with hand holds on the sides. This was to be her miniature version of a Pommel Horse.)

    During the instrumental parts, which she lengthened, Lisa defied gravity, doing simple gymnastics. She did hand stands, and hand stand pushups, all simple routines (for her and any mediocre gymnast.) She would then seat herself, and cross her legs during the vocal parts of the song.

    The audience was “oohing,” and “awing,” and you could hear “Wows,” coming from the younger ones, as they watched on. They were seeing a small part of Lisa’s upper body strength. They saw muscles bulging, as she did her routine effortlessly.

    All nine judges got up, and moved to better viewing positions.

    Lisa finished singing seated, as the band concluded the song, she then easily powered herself to a standing position on top of the stool, and opened her arms out wide. With the last notes played, Ice dismounted with a high, forward jump, doing a front-flip, with a 360-degree full twist. She made a decent landing (a landing that would not have scored too high in a gymnastic competition,) then made her usual bow, with her hands clasped together just under her chin.

    The audience gave her a long-standing ovation. The judges went back to their seats. She then walked toward the edge of the stage, and just, simply, stepped off, landing as gracefully as any feline. She went up to Kenny, and retrieved her cross. She then went to dad for her black and purple Panther cap (which he had concealed.) She gave dad, a horrified mom, and Kenny, a big smile as she left.

    “What are you doing? You are not supposed to be down here! The judges are waiting on you. Are you crazy?” Monica barked, in a vicious tone.

    Without saying a word, Lisa smiled at Monica, and walked on by toward the stage. She put her cross on, then her cap. Ice then went to the edge of the stage where she had jumped down (she was not interested in using the stage steps.) She put her hands on the stage, and in one flawless, fluid motion, catapulted herself onto the stage, into a standing position. She received another round of applause for doing that.

    The audience were now watching her every move. An expressionless Lisa approached the judges table. She did not care about making the judges wait. She did not care about breaking the rule, of not leaving the stage, and mingling with the audience. She had her game face on, she had an attitude, which was not like her, but this needed to end. Not only did this need to end tonight, but also she was now in no mood to take any hassle from anyone. She was determined to speak first, she knew what she was going to say, she had rehearsed it repeatedly. The judges need not speak at all, she was going to answer their questions before they had a chance to ask, and then all they needed to do was vote.

    As she, slowly, approached the judges, she saw her three, whose names she never bothered to learn. She saw the six country judges, three women, and three men, of different ages. One of the men had a young teen daughter with him. None of them did she have a clue to who they were. Name badges, they should all wear, blasted, name badges, she thought to herself, and of course Ian Campbell was there.

    Lisa was about to speak, when Ian cut her off.  “Ice, that was some performance that you just gave, but it doesn’t compare to the one that you gave earlier today,” Ian remarked, smiling, as he rubbed his hands together.

    The judges started talking amongst themselves, as they looked form Ian, to Ice, in wonderment.

    Ian asked for the large view screen to play a recently recorded news segment.

    Lisa started to talk, but again was cut off by Ian. “This, what I’m about to show, is breaking news recorded about an hour ago, by one of my associates. He brought it to my attention, and I was totally speechless.” 

    All of the judges turned to watch the screen. They saw a newscaster depicting an earlier event of the day. Everyone saw, and heard Lisa’s fight, as it played from several different cameras, including the ATM camera. All watched with “oohs, ahs, and groans,” as they saw Lisa defending a family, and going toe-to-toe with two knife-carrying thugs. They saw her completely annihilate the two would be robbers in a matter of minutes. Many of the scenes had to be blurred, and bleeped due to graphic content (bones breaking, blood splattering, cursing, screams, and the like.)

    Finally, the newscaster came back on, and stated that the man, with the tattoos, was “Dirk Hogan.” He was formerly #12 (before meeting Lisa) on America’s most wanted list. He, and his accomplice, TJ, “Tyrus Jurcik,” had committed murders and robbery all across the mid-west, since their escape from prison, three months earlier. Their weapon of choice was the knife, because of the extra pain, and suffering they could inflict on their victims, before they killed them.

    The newscaster then talked about “Ice,” showing some footage of her past A.R.S. performances, and then some of her football clips. The newswoman reported that the stabbed victim and family were doing well. She also reported that “Ice” was competing tonight, and had not been reached for comments, as of yet. To stay tuned for further details.

    There were many bleeped exclamations from all of the judges. The audience gave Lisa a hearty ovation. Ian told her to go, and take another bow, which she did.

    When she returned, she started to speak, but was cut off again. Questions started coming to her from everyone on the panel, about the fight, and about the bar stool performance. She answered each and all, and not a word mentioned about not following the theme, or leaving the stage. Finally, after everyone had settled down, Ian told Lisa that there was news reporters back stage that wanted to interview her, after the vote. However, as she waited for the vote, the (so far quiet) teenage girl started questioning her.

    “Weren’t you scared, I mean, you’re a sixteen year old girl going up against two armed men,” The girl asked.

    “I was more determined not to let anything happen to that family, than I was for my own safety. And I will never idly standby, and let the weak be mistreated,” Lisa responded, with a touch of anger in her voice.

    “You have a great voice, but you’ve never taken singing lessons, or auditioned for anything before?” She asked, seeming to be interested in Ice.

    “No, I have no need for singing lessons, and I’ve never auditioned, because I am not a singer. My voice is natural, God given you might say, I enjoy singing in church, but that is it. This is not for me. I have another dream, another path that calls to me.

    “If I may ask, what path do you choose?”

    “I like helping people, especially children. I intend to become a teacher, or maybe a counselor.”

    “Your performance was great, may I ask why you don’t dance? I think that you would be a great dancer.”

    “I’m not interested, it’s not for me. However, suit up against me on the playing field, and I will dance with you all night long. We will dance toe-to-toe, head-to-head, and with plenty of body contact,” Lisa replied, smiling. 

    “I think that I can speak for everyone here that Ice should go to Hollywood,” Ian suggested, as all the judges voiced, and clapped in agreement. The audience then gave another hearty ovation, with some whistling and others chanting, “Ice, Ice, Ice…”

CHAPTER 16

In for a Penny, In for a Pound

    Father O’Gara could not believe his eyes, as he watched Ice subdue the two murderers. All at St. Agnes were pleasantly shocked, the way that she had won the day saving the family, and then her performance on stage. Father O’Gara told Mother Superior, “Not only is Ice an angel, but she is an avenging angel. She did say that she would come, and stay with us, if she made it to Hollywood, didn‘t she?”

    “Yes, yes, Father, if you want to see her e-mail, again, I’ll go and print it. She replied that there is no school next Thursday, or Friday and no game Friday night. She said that they would be coming out here sometime Thursday night, if she advances. I’ll have to e-mail her now to find out exactly when to pick them up at the airport.”

    “Make sure that the rooms are in top notch condition. I cannot wait to meet that young woman. I know that she’s not Catholic, but still, we serve the same triune God head, with our Lord Jesus Christ as savior,” Father O’Gara commented, as he cleaned his bifocals.



    Ice bowed to all, thanked the judges, and walked bewildered off the stage to do interviews. She could not believe that she had once again moved on.

    During the interview, she answered the same old questions, repeatedly. She answered queries about her martial arts training, weightlifting, and football, then with a twist, about being a hero. She played the hero bit down as much as possible. After the interviews, she went to see Crossfire.

         After finding out what the next theme was going to be, she asked the band for help again. “I am not singing a bubblegum song next week. If you can, this is what I want to do, and this is what I’m going to sing.” Lisa then explained everything in detail.

    “That’ll be easy, we can get that. This is going to be as much fun as what you did tonight,” John replied, as he was making notes. “You know, next week the judges don’t vote, the fans will do the voting from now on.”

    “I know, I just hope that what I’m gonna do, the young teens, and preteens won’t like. Because it definitely won‘t be anything to do with their kind of music.”

    “You know, Ice, we’re proud of what you did today, as former army we would go to war with you anytime,” Ellen remarked, and then called all to attention, giving Lisa a military salute.

    Lisa smiled, and then returned the salute. “I‘ll see you all next week. Bye.”

    Again, she went to the lounge for her vouchers. All watched her, and some congratulated her, as she entered. Except for staff, and servers, she was the only one not decked-out in, fine, country-western attire. Some asked questions about the fight, and about her performance, (This was the first time that any of the other contestants had befriended her.) When she finished answering questions, she looked around the room, and saw Marcy at the bar. She did not see any judges or celebrities though. (Marcy, and the rest would have been falling all over themselves, if there had been.) She crossed the room to say goodbye, before she left.

    “Hey Marcy,” Lisa greeted. 

    “Hey hero,” Marcy replied, as the bartender was pouring her a rather large glass of something alcoholic. “How is it that you try to get booted out, and end up with a unanimous decision to advance? And I barely made it, with five out of nine votes.”

    “I can’t believe it myself. Everything that I do revolves around bad timing.”

    “Want anything to drink?” The bartender asked.

    “You wouldn’t have any milk would you?”

    “Sorry, just alcoholic beverages.”

    “Do you ever drink anything besides milk,” Marcy inquired.

    “Yeah, but milk is my favorite, and I’ve never had anything with alcohol in it,” Lisa stated.

    Now Marcy was, really, interested in digging into Lisa’s habits, “Tell me now, super girl, do you smoke, curse, or ever had sex.”

    “No to all of the above,” Lisa smiled, and answered with pride.

    “You’re kidding, right, you’ve never done anything?” Marcy reiterated again.

    “Nope, never have, but I am looking forward to sex when I marry. I am going to get my vouchers now, and get out of here. I have to stop by the hospital before heading home.”

    “I’ll walk with you to the desk,” Marcy replied, then grabbed a handful of peanuts.

    At the desk, Lisa received her clothing, and airfare vouchers from the coordinator.

    “There won’t be a hotel voucher this time; you’ll be staying at the Hanson Manor, and using a limousine for all ground travel. You’ll get your song list after the party tonight at …” Lisa interrupted her.

    “I don’t mean to be rude, but I won’t be going to any party tonight, I’ve got something else to do. I do not need a song list either. I have already given my song to the band, and scheduled my rehearsal time for next week. I will not be staying at the Hanson Manor either, or riding in any limousine, you see, I have made other arrangements. I will be off now. Bye,” Lisa replied, then turned to leave.

    Marcy looked up at Lisa with her mouth hanging open, “YOU, YOU ARE, F@#$%#G, UNREAL, YOU must be the craziest person to ever walk the face of the earth, YOU should be in a museum on display, or in some asylum. I can’t believe that YOU are turning all of this down.” Marcy just shook her head, turned up her drink, and killed it, then gave her glass to a passing server.

    Lisa went into a laughing fit, and had to calm down before she could speak. “Best not to delve into the logic of us Vulcan’s, it can cause insanity, and confusion.”

    “You’re despicable, absolutely despicable,” Marcy continued, as she stood with hands on hips, looking up at Lisa.

    Lisa’s laughing fit returned. Marcy had just quoted Daffy Duck. (Lisa had always loved the old Looney tunes cartoons, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, the Coyote, and Road Runner.)

    “Ice, will you wait, while I call Ian (you see, he had developed an interest in Ice,) and let him know about your plans?” The coordinator asked, and then phoned. She informed him of all that Lisa had said. “Yes sir, I’ll ask her to stay until you come out.”

    “Will you please wait, Ian and some friends of his want to talk to you?”

    “I’ll stay a bit longer, but I’m not waiting too long, I really need to be leaving,” Lisa answered, and then popped a tic-tac in her mouth. She heard, “oohs,” and, “ahs,” from the women in the room, while the men just looked on. She watched, as Ian came in with several of the judges, the teenage girl, a well-dressed, middle-age man, in a black suit, and a very, very, handsome young man, dressed in, expensive, fine, country attire.

    “Do you know who that is? That is …” Lisa cut Marcy off.

    “Please Marcy, I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’ve already told you that name tags should be worn,” Lisa spoke with a bit of disgust in her voice. “If you’re gonna swoon, and go into a fit, please do it over there (she pointed to the desk.) If they want to talk to me before I go, I want to get this over with quickly.”

    Marcy angrily stomped over to the coordinator’s desk, and crossed her arms. “Name tags my ass,” she mumbled to herself.

    Lisa stood with her hands behind her back, a beautiful smile showing, and her head cocked to one side (wondering, what is this about.) They all shook hands, but once again, nobody gave their name (Lisa wondered, do they actually believe that the world revolves around them, that every person in the world should know who they are? Is this what fame, and wealth, does to a person?)

    Lisa fielded question after question. Questions about why she was not partaking of the party tonight. Questions about why she would not be staying at the Hanson Manor, why, why, why, and so on? Lisa fired back salvo, after salvo, with dead on bluntness, not evading, or hesitating on any question.

    “How could you have picked out a song so soon? The show is barely just over, and you haven’t even seen the list yet,” the well-dressed, middle-aged, man asked.

    “I know what I like, and that is what I sing, I don’t go by a list,” Lisa responded. She was now getting angry, but still keeping her cool.

    “You have a great voice, and unusual routines, but still, I need to see what you can do with certain songs. The one’s that get voted off hereafter, I might still be able to use, if I think that they did a good performance. I might use them, as back-up singers, or dancers for my young stars. I know all about you, Ice; your performance tonight was amazing, your performances from the very beginning have been great. I watched your football highlights, and was mesmerized. Then today, with you in a knife fight, saving three people and you are only sixteen. I could use you, it doesn’t matter if you pass, or fail next week, if you’ll work with me,” the, well-dressed, man insisted, as he looked up at Lisa.

    “I’m sorry, but I’m not a singer, but when I do sing, I definitely don’t sing what I don’t like. I am not the least bit interested in what you are offering, it is not for me; it’s just not me. If you know about me, then you know why I’m here. When I get voted off, I won’t be seen, or heard from again, in regards to anything to do with the entertainment industry.” Lisa, now with hands on hips, focused her piercing gaze on the, well-dressed, man. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to be going.”

    “You hang with me tonight, and I will convince you to change your mind. I’ll take you to all of the posh places, in my new Porsche, and we can finish back at my luxury suite, for a private party, just you and me,” the, handsome, young man suggested, as he walked up to Lisa.

    She then locked her eyes on him (he was almost the same height as she was.) “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. You see, I have a boyfriend (most any girl or woman would have gladly left their mates, their family, or their friends, to be with him.) In addition, I have made a promise, which I intend to keep tonight. Now if you will pardon me, I really need to be going,” she, solemnly, responded, and then turned to leave.

    “This is a big mistake that you’re making, Ice.”

    Lisa did not bother to respond. She walked up to Marcy, and said her farewells until next week.

    “You’re a fool, you know that,” Marcy stated.

    Lisa partly smiled, and spoke softly, “My ways are not your ways, and I really don’t expect you, or anyone here to understand.” She then heard someone walk up from behind (the room was silent, people were stunned, and in disbelief of Lisa.) She could smell his expensive cologne, she knew, without looking, that it was he. This type of person will not take no for an answer. This type was always sure that they could have what they wanted, she thought to herself. She waited for him to speak first.

    “I think that you’re just playing hard to get,” he said, as he put his hands on her, muscular, shoulders. “You see, no one has ever turned me down before. I think that you’re just being a drama queen, for attention.”

    Lisa’s whole body tensed, and went into combat mode. She was primed, and ready to bring all her weapons to bear. “I demand that you remove your hands from me immediately! This is your only warning!” she demanded, with anger, and grit in her voice.

    “I can thaw you out, Ice. It will not take me long at all. Your boyfriend doesn’t have anything that I don’t have over a million times more of,” he persisted, as he moved one hand down to her hip, and then started kissing her on the neck.

    That is it, how dare him. She saw red. Her biceps pulsed. She was going to teach him what the meaning of “NO” meant. This is sexual harassment toward a minor. With one exception, she would not be reporting this. She would handle this herself. This sexual predator just made the mistake of molesting a minor; a minor with the firepower of a battle cruiser. To make matters worse, her second fight today, what the heck, in for a penny in for a pound, granddad always said.

    As quick as lightning, she cocked her left elbow, launching it backwards, with full striking force against his chest. The driving force of her elbow drove him several feet backwards, and doubled up in pain (there was no screaming, because there was no longer any air in his lungs to produce sound.) Within a split second, Ice quickly pivoted, then advanced. She got a target lock, and then fired a well-aimed, bone-crushing, sidekick into his ribcage. Her attack took out several ribs, sending him sprawling backwards, through people, and over furniture. (This time she would show mercy, and leave off the attack with the damage done.) He ended up on the floor a good distance away, curled up in a fetal position, gasping for air, and vomiting. As air slowly filled his lungs again, he begged to Lisa. “No…more…please…no…more,” he gasped, between words.

    Everyone saw, and heard what just happened, and came running up. What have you done? Was that necessary? Somebody call 911. Marcy and the teenage girl stood with hands clasped over their mouths. Most had turned white. Several were trying to help the young man. Ian and the other celebrities froze in place, speechless, and ghostly pale.

    “PLEASE BE SILENT!” Lisa yelled. The whole room went quiet, and looked at her. “He is going to be fine. He has some broken ribs, and the breath knocked out of him. Now then, I need to speak to him.” She walked over, and knelt down beside him, looking at him, as he looked up at her. “I hope this has taught you some manners. When I say no, I really mean no. When I give a warning, you had better back off. If you ever touch me again, I will put you in the hospital for a very long time. Do you understand? Have I made myself, perfectly, clear?”

    “Yes…ma’am…I…have…no…intention…of…ever…being…around…you…again,” he stuttered, grimacing in pain, and gasping for air.

    “That’s good, very good, but in case we’re thrown together for some reason beyond our control. I want you to know this; that if, or when, I ever see you again, I will be seeing nothing more than an enemy target. Moreover, one more thing, you said that what ever my boyfriend has, that you have over a million times more of; well you are wrong. My boyfriend has my love, my affection, and my loyalty, and you have none of that, and never will. I am not the kind of girl that will ever be charmed by looks, fame, or wealth. It‘s best that you never forget this brief encounter with me. You have only experienced a small amount of my capabilities.”

    Lisa got up, and then faced everyone. “I just defended myself against an unwanted sexual advance. Only one person is allowed to do what he tried, and that is my boyfriend, and he does so with permission.”

    Everyone was looking at her with fear, as if she was some kind of alien predator that had just materialized into the room.



    Officer Hayes again, with several other police, soon arrived with the ambulance, and questioned everyone in the lounge. Each gave an account of the event (no one could deny what happened, even though most wanted to.) The police looked at several secret recordings. All of the videos were from the staff, which he had mistreated repeatedly.

    “Hello again, Lisa, you’re a very busy girl today. I heard that you put on some kind of performance tonight, and I do not mean what just happened here. I had my wife record the show; I cannot wait to see it when I get home. Congratulations on advancing,” Officer Hayes remarked, with a laugh. “Do you want to press charges?”

    Lisa, who was still all flushed with anger, declined.

    “I need to meet with your parents, incase they want to take some kind of action.”

    Lisa, with Officer Hayes, and his partner in tow departed the lounge. Leese, then called her dad informing him of everything, and said that she would meet them back at the hotel. All watched, but no one spoke to her, as she left. She heard bits, and pieces of conversations, as she walked by, condemning her actions, and that he was a good guy. She apologized to the servants that were cleaning up his vomit, “I’m so sorry, that I caused you extra work.”

    “No problem at all Miss. He had it coming, and we’re glad that we were here to see it,” one said in a low voice. She then looked around, making sure no one else had heard, and then gave Lisa a big smile.

    Lisa and the cops met up with her parents, and Monica back at the hotel. Officer Hayes had temporarily confiscated (the best recording) a cell-phone-video-recorder, and replayed the entire event for the family. The cops asked again if they wanted to press charges. Both Officers also made a big fuss about Lisa being a hero for the second time today.

    Dad remained cool, as if beating the crap out of people was something that Lisa did on a regular basis. “You were in the right to defend your self, do you want us to do anything against this guy?” Dad asked, as Officer Hayes was giving him a business card.

    “No dad, I don’t want to, I think that I taught him a lesson on the meaning of the word NO,” Lisa replied smiling, and the two cops started laughing.

    Kenny was ecstatic that his sister was now a twice-confirmed hero in one day. He was going on, and on, about Leese beating up three bad guys. “Do you think that they will all be put in the same hospital room?” He asked Officer Hayes. (Kenny was usually the quiet type, but now, because of Leese, he was over flowing with emotions.)

    “Come here Kenny,” Lisa said, in a, soft, sweet voice, as her face was now turning a more vivid red, from blushing. She reached down, and picked him up (which delighted him even more.) “Let’s be quiet, and let the police do their job. Ok?”

    She was finally able to bring him under control, as he nodded his head, and gave her a hug. She hugged back, and then they just listened, as the officers talked to dad.

    Monica and mom had to sit down. They had both turned as white as Lisa’s hair, when they saw who it was that had become her third victim. (You see, they kept up with celebrities. Who were on top, who were the current sensations, who were the moneymakers, and who was the sexiest and best looking. He just so happened to be one of the current sensations, top moneymakers, and sexiest male.) Monica just could not get the vision out of her head of Lisa beating the s@#t out of this guy.

    Mom was very sick to her stomach. Her daughter, her precious, Amazonian, sixteen-year-old daughter, had gone on an ass-kicking spree here in Nashville. No matter whether you are thug, or celebrity, you cross her; you get an ass beating, and then off you go to the hospital. Moreover, she is not content to beat the crap out of just anyone, but she beats the s@#t out of the top, young, male singing celebrities. You could almost hear the ribs break, when the recording showed Lisa’s, vicious, high-powered, sidekick impact his ribcage. Mom had to hurry to the bathroom to throw up again (she had not recovered from watching the video of Lisa beating the s@#t out of the two robbers, now this.)

    Monica looked at Lisa, as if she were the devil incarnate. She tried to light a cigarette, but was trembling too badly to succeed, and finally gave up (trembling from anger, and embarrassment.)

    Lisa smiled, sheepishly, as she watched, a pale, mom wobble back into the room. 

    Dad had just finished exchanging information with the police, and then shook their hands.

    “We must be going.” Officer Hayes said, they both then went up to Lisa, and shook her hand. “You my dear have a strong grip, and keep up the good work,” the second cop said. Dad walked them to the door, and bid them farewell. (Later, in the hospital, enough illegal substances turned up, to cause the, young, celebrity some major problems with the police.)

    Dad looked at mom, and Monica, “Are you two alright?”

    “No!” mom answered, as she flopped down next to Monica.

    Monica was able by now to, somewhat, pull herself together. She, unsteadily, rose from the couch, gave Jim a mean look, and wobbled toward Lisa. “My dear, one of the local stations here, an affiliate of my station, was part of the group that interviewed you after the show. They were able to get the best footage of the robbery attempt. I would like to have one of my reporters do an in depth interview with you after church tomorrow, if you are willing. I have been in constant contact with my station, and this one, since you told us about the incident. Being that you’re my granddaughter, will you please give my station priority for any interviews?” Monica asked, in her sweetest voice, through a forced smile.

    “Yes ma’am, I have no problem with that, but I intend for Steve to be with me all day after church.”

    “That’s no problem, I’ll send the reporter to observe you at church, and then afterwards, she will do the interview at your house. Steve can be by your side the entire time. I have another point of interest too, what happened tonight will sooner, or later hit the news. When I leave here, I will be contacting my people in the newsroom, and trying to obtain a copy of the lounge footage. I want you to be ready for that interview too, when it comes.” (Monica did not like what happened, but since it did, she might as well be first with the news, and make money off it.)

    “Yes ma’am,”

    “You put on a great performance tonight. I am not going to get upset anymore over how, or what you are going to be doing. I am not even going to ask anymore, your way seems to be working. You were the only one to get a unanimous decision tonight, and well, with that footage that was shown, it was like icing on the cake.”

    “Thank you,” Lisa, softly, replied.

    “And one more thing before I go. If you get into any more fights, please call me on my cell phone. I’ll have a news crew respond immediately.” Monica then headed for the door, already punching numbers into her phone.

    Mom looked at her watch. “It’s way past visiting hours at the hospital. We’ll have to meet them in one of the waiting rooms when we get there.”

    “That’ll be ok, I’ll explain to them why we’re late,” Lisa replied, as she put Kenny down.

    “We need to be on our way, I have the luggage already in the van. All that is left to do is turn our keys in,” dad remarked.



    At the hospital, Lisa was treated like a hero, and congratulated on her performance (the news had already shown the foiled robbery many times.) Everyone recognized her, she answered any question that the staff asked, and even though it was late, the whole family got permission to enter Robert’s room. There were hugs, and kisses, and more hugs, and kisses, and congratulations on advancing. Lisa decided not to mention why they were so late.Robert was awake, and cheerful. He told Lisa that he and his family were forever in her debt, whatever he could do for her he would. That, where they come from (Greenburg, South Carolina) he owned an auto parts store.

    “You don’t owe me anything, I’m just glad I could help. However, I might get back with you. You see I own a 1984 CJ7 Jeep, and I have been looking for some sporty wheels for it. Nobody has anything that I like, that will fit it. Maybe you could help me find something?” Lisa inquired, as she held his hand. 

    “Not only will I find what you like, I’ll get’em, give them to you, and put them on myself,” Robert answered, with a smile on his face.

    “I will pay…,” Robert cut her off.

    “I don’t want to hear another word about you paying for anything. Please promise me, ok. You have our e-mail address. Send me a picture, or drawing of what you want, and I will take care of the rest. Will you promise? I really want to do something for you, please,” he begged, in a low voice, as a tear ran down his face.

    “Ok, I promise.” Lisa replied, lovingly, looking him in the eyes, and patting his hand.

    The visit lasted for the longest, Susan even started feeling better (one might even say puffed-up a bit,) because everyone, including staff, and doctors, continually praised her, and Jim, for raising such a fine, outstanding, daughter.

    Chloe and Kenny (both being about the same age) acted as if they had been friends their whole life.

    Lisa blushed when she heard Chloe say, “Kenny you’re the luckiest kid in the world, you have a big sister that is a super hero. I wish she were my big sister.”

    “Leese is the best, she makes people safe,” Kenny replied, and then looked up at Leese. “You’ll help Chloe anytime, won’t you?”

    Lisa choked up a little. “I sure will,” she answered, as her eyes watered up.

    After much fellowship, and a long farewell, with more hugs, and kisses, Lisa and family headed back home.



    On the way home, Monica called Susan, saying that the lounge story had broken. That Lisa’s interview would include that story tomorrow, as well.

CHAPTER 17

“Pastor Ice”

    Sunday morning was chaotic, with phone call, after phone call. The Pastor called, asking if Jim and Lisa could come early before Sunday school.

    When they arrived at church, several news vans were already there. Lisa very politely turned down all interview requests until after church.

    “We are expecting a very large attendance this morning, all because of you my dear. I have had numerous calls, from news teams, to regular people, wanting directions to the church. We will be holding church in the gym, and trying to get everyone squeezed in. However, the main reason I wanted to see you early is to ask you this; after you sing the opening song, will you say a few words to the congregation? Most of them will be here to see, and talk to you. I have always said it does not matter how you get people in church, as long as they go of their own free will.” 

    “I would be happy to say a few words, how long should I take?” Lisa asked.

    “You have as long as you want, you can even run the entire service if you like. I will be right behind you, and you can turn it over to me at anytime,” the Pastor answered, with a big smile.

    “During church service, everyone except the nursery will be in the gym, I presume,” Jim inquired of the Pastor.

    “Yes, yes, I think that Lisa’s talk is going to be very interesting, and I think that everyone will want to be there to hear it.”

    Lisa then made a quick trip home, and changed into something a little more appropriate for speaking. She changed out of her navy blue pants suit, and into a long sleeve, sapphire blue dress, (that draped below the knees, with an elastic waist, and a high collar) with white, heelless shoes (that matched her hair.)

    Sunday school was a precursor to church, everyone was so interested in her events, that dad asked her to take the floor while he sat at his desk and listened. (He enjoyed hearing about her heroism, as much as anyone did.)

    When church started, the Pastor introduced Lisa, announcing that she would be the guest speaker, and then turned everything over to her. She started the service by singing, “Washed by the water,” a song by Needtobreathe. Then she addressed the congregation.

    “Thank you all for coming out on this beautiful fall morning. We at Cornerstone Baptist Church welcome you, and hope that you will return. Many of you are here for different reasons. I pray that God is able to speak through me, to each one of you. And remember that you are on Holy ground, please be respectful.” Lisa then got into the spirit of the service.

    She started out by just talking about her ordeal, but ended up preaching on Psalm’s 23, a hard-hitting sermon (that any preacher would have been envious of.) She used up the entire service time. As she ended the service, she invited the lost to come forth, to accept Jesus Christ as Lord, and Savior, and to be baptized. She then sang a slow, tear-rendering, version of “Amazing Grace.”

    By the end of church, nine people had come forward to be baptized. Pastor Lewis was so excited, that he almost forgot the words to the sinner’s prayer. Afterwards, (joking) he told Lisa that he might just make her the third associate Pastor, what with that kind of sermon on short notice, and with no preparation.

    Mom had sat, and listened in shock, and astonishment, as her daughter preached, her sixteen-year-old daughter. In addition, not only preached, but also preached well. Having nine people baptized, which for a small church such as Cornerstone might go a year without baptizing that many.

    After church, Lisa never left, neither did anyone else. She did interviews, answered questions, shook hands, and welcomed the nine new members. People sent out for food, and ate at church. Steve picked up food for Lisa and himself. Grace and bill brought food for the Pastor, and his family, for Jim, Susan, Kenny, and themselves.

    The Pastor cancelled church for that night since it was already past five o’clock, and most of the people were still there talking to Lisa. With the setting of the sun came chilly temperatures, causing people to leave.

    Around seven o’clock Lisa was finally alone with Steve. They went to their favorite spot on Blue Ridge Mountain. There they just cuddled and kissed. There they spoke few words. There they relished the ending of a great day, until it was time to go home. At home in his truck, they continued to kiss, and talked briefly, until she finally had to go inside.

    Everyone was getting ready for bed, so she said her goodnights, and then went to her room. Lisa stayed up a little longer. She was in a great mood, and wanted the day to last forever. She thoroughly enjoyed talking (preaching) during church. Moreover, having nine people saved, and then baptized, was, absolutely, fantastic. Maybe, she thought, she would consider taking some seminary classes in college. Becoming a preacher, or an associate pastor like dad, might be worth considering. She decided that she needed to talk to dad and the Pastor about it. Maybe, just maybe, the Pastor would let her do the service again. Lisa was thinking about how it might be to have her own church someday, as she drifted off into a, peaceful, sleep.     

CHAPTER 18

“Seraphina”

    Lisa felt warmth, and a pleasant, tingly, feeling all over. She inhaled a fragrance that filled her with, sensual, delight. She opened her eyes to find herself standing in a, brilliant, white light. A light so bright, that it should have hurt the eyes, but instead, it caused tranquility, and delight. She looked at her arms, her hands, and her clothing; all were so white, that they blended into the whiteness of the light. She could just barely make out the contrast between herself, and the radiance.

    “Hello Lisa, don’t be alarmed, you’ll be back in your room, and in your bed, in no time. I have been asked by our Father to meet with you,” a soft, sweet, sounding voice spoke. “Your mortal eyes will not distinguish too much here. I will come closer, and you will be able to see me better.”

      Lisa watched as a large, white, apparition approached, the, Heavenly, being towered over her by a foot, or more. The apparition had, long, golden, hair, a, long, white, robe, golden eyes, and the most beautiful face, and smile. The sight of this magnificent spirit made her feel all warm, and fuzzy. The contrast between the light, and the, white, form was better, but she still could not tell whether the being was male, or female. 

    “Where am I, and who are you?” Lisa asked, in a soft voice. This place made her feel good, and happy; she had no fear at all.

    “You are in a part of heaven, and I am a Heavenly spirit, a Messenger of God, an Angel, if you wish. I am not allowed to tell you my true name, but you can call me Seraphina,” the apparition said. “I was known by that name once.”

    “I am sorry for being so ignorant, but are you male, or female?”

    Seraphina laughed, “I am neither, and yet both. However, the name is feminine, so you can relate to me in that gender. My last mission I was also female.”

    “What kind of missions do you go on?”

    “If I get permission from God I’ll answer that, but for now I must discuss the reason that you were brought here. Now then, Lisa, God is well pleased with you, you have been chosen to take part in a grand adventure, unlike the one Monica has sent you on. This adventure will help, and win many to Christ. This undertaking is only for someone of your caliber, to excel, ever so mightily for God. 

    Lisa listened intently, as Seraphina talked, she vaguely foretold of names, and nicknames (that God had given her to tell,) of people that she would meet, of what would be expected, and required from her. “The bible says that many are called, but few are chosen. In actuality, all are called but few accept,” Seraphina continued, as she looked down at Lisa. “We are fast approaching the end, and God aches from the prayers, and from what he sees happening. He is giving you a chance to make some thing’s right. He is giving you an opportunity to proclaim the name, and word of God, as you help the poor, the sick, the downtrodden, and the distressed. You, however, will make the choice. So, what say you, Lisa Diane Raynor?”

    Without hesitation, Lisa answered, “I say yes, but I have many questions.” She then gazed up into Seraphina‘s beautiful face.

    With a big smile, she reached for, and held both of Lisa’s hands. “Ah, Father knows your questions, and has given me the answers to some. Listen carefully, the answer to your first question is - no, and you will know why in seven days time, just be tolerant twice more. The second is - yes, stay patient. The third is - no, to thy own self be true, keep to your moral code. The fourth is - yes, with minor difficulty. Your dad and Steve need to be your main counsel, always listen well to what they have to say.”

    “And now, God has given me permission to tell you a little about myself,” Seraphina, softly, spoke. With a loving look, she continued holding Lisa’s hands. “There are many such as I, we go on missions to earth, where our spirits inhabit embryos from the time of conception till abortion, then we return back here to our father.”

    Lisa had tears in her eyes, “I am so sorry, for you, and the others.”

    Seraphina smiled, and gently blew a sweet smelling breath of honeysuckle onto Lisa’s face, instantly drying her tears, and giving her a new sense of well being. “There is no crying in Heaven, and especially don’t weep for those of us who go on these missions. We are only gone for just a brief period, and then we return here, we experience no pain, as we carry out our missions. You should weep for the ones that will stand in judgment, at the great White Throne.

    “Certain Heavenly spirits have to spend time on earth, through birth, to complete their final mission, and to be forever in Heaven, as a high ranking angel. I am one of those spirits. I say that, to say this, I have but one more mission ahead of me. This time I must be born to complete my final duty. My parents have already been chosen; now all I have to do is wait.”

    “I hope that you get born into a good family,” Lisa replied, in a soft, compassionate, voice, continuing to gaze up into Seraphina’s, beautiful, golden eyes. Lisa could feel the tremendous strength that this being possessed, as she held her hands. Lisa thought to herself, that this warrior of God could be very formidable if need be. Suddenly, Lisa felt herself falling, being drawn else where, as she continued looking into Seraphina’s eyes.

    The white light gave way to a more earthly vision, as she seemed to be looking down (through the ceiling) into a hospital room. Lisa was dumbfounded, as she gazed into a room full of people, most she knew. She saw herself lying in bed holding a newborn babe, with Steve beside her. She looked on, as a nurse walks in with a clipboard in hand.

    “I need to get the baby’s name for the birth certificate,” said the smiling nurse.

    “Her name is, Ariel Moriah Owens,” Steve and Lisa both replied, as they looked at each other, and smiled.

    Lisa suddenly found herself back in the pure white light, looking up at Seraphina’s, beautiful, smiling face.

    “Well mom, I am to be your first born, and you must remember to name me the name that you just heard.” Seraphina then pulled Lisa’s hands up, and kissed them.

    Lisa was overwhelmed with love, joy, and delight. She had so many questions; she did not know which to ask first.

    Seraphina bid Lisa not to speak. “As before, Father knows your questions, and has given me the answers to only certain ones. It is not for you to know when you will give birth, or how many children you will have. What knowledge I have given you is more than sufficient. The only two that I can answer is; I will be healthy, and the name is very important - I will explain. What parents name their children are very significant, you see, names have meanings.”

    “God has in the Bible, in Proverbs 22:1 that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. This verse has a dual meaning: to be of good character, and reputation - to give a child a name, that will hopefully, guide, and direct the child through life, while also honoring God. The Bible gives many accounts of how important names are, and how in some instances God changed names, to better please, and honor him.

    “Your parents gave you an honorable name that praises God. Lisa means - oath of God. Diane means - divine, goddess of the hunt, moon, and fertility.”

    “My name will mean; Ariel - lioness of God. Moriah - God is my teacher. For me to do Gods will on earth, it is important that I be named this, per his instructions.” Seraphina ever so slightly squeezed Lisa’s hands, as she bid her to remember everything that she had seen, and been told. Moreover, to guard her tongue with whom she would divulge this vision.

    Seraphina released Lisa’s hands, and hugged her. “Its time for you to return,” she said, as they lovingly locked joyous eyes. “Let me give you this warning though; you will know from where I come, and that when I grow up, I will be doing God’s work. However, as I grow, I will be a handful, and your football records may be in jeopardy. The game that you play looks interesting, and I will be a big girl, but that‘s all I can say,” They both laughed, and then said their goodbyes. Seraphina held Lisa until she drifted off into sleep, and vanished.

    As soon as Lisa woke, she got up, grabbed pen and pad, and then started writing. With every word she wrote, joyful tears rolled down her cheeks. When she had finished writing, she did something that she had not done in years. She took her big stuffed Scoobydoo off the shelf, and cuddled up with it when she went back to bed.

CHAPTER 19

St. Agnes

    Lisa could not sleep, so she got up early, and made breakfast for everyone. She cooked pancakes, sausages, and scrambled eggs (dad was the cook and a good one, but she was a close second.) She knew that he would be up early to cook breakfast, and this would give her plenty of time with him, before mom, and Kenny woke up. 

    Dad walked in, as she was setting the table. “I need to talk,” she said, softly, then handed him a glass of orange juice.

    “You have my full attention,” he replied, then sipped the orange juice. Lisa then proceeded to tell him of her vision/dream from the night.

    Dad listened closely to every detail. He then read everything that she had written. “Hmm, so in seven days something will happen that will allow you out of your promise. This vision you had seems to be real enough, and the best part is that we will know for sure in a week,” he remarked, then finished his orange juice. ”I am going to make mom’s coffee now (mom was the only one that drank coffee.) Then you, and I, are going to dig in to this wonderful breakfast. Mom and Kenny will just have to forgive us for starting without them. The aroma is driving me mad with hunger, and we can go over your encounter again, as we eat.”

    They talked, and ate (each having large double helpings.) “For now, I don’t think you should speak of this to anyone,” dad suggested, then finished off the last piece of pancake from his plate.

    “I agree, but what about Steve? It does kinda involve him too,” she asked, as she watched dad swirling his scrambled eggs in the syrup.

    “Yes, indeed, and he does have a good understanding of the Bible. And according to Seraphina, he’s supposed to be part of your counsel.” Dad then ate the, syrupy, scrambled eggs.

    They continued talking, until the two zombies; mom and Kenny came dragging in for breakfast. Kenny would come to life, fairly, quickly, after his shower. But it would take mom at least three cups of strong coffee, a shower, then maybe one more cup, before she was awake enough to function (she was not a morning person, and was usually late to her own office.)

    Steve picked Lisa up, as usual for school. She slid over to the middle of the seat, next to him, and buckled up, as usual. They kissed briefly, as usual. She then revealed to him her night’s revelation. She informed him that they were going to have a daughter. In addition, what they were going to name her. She then went into detail about the entire vision/dream.

    Speechlessly, he looked at Leese, wide eyed, as an opossum caught in headlights. Finally, he regained his voice, and composure, and then started asking questions. He drove to school slowly, while Lisa answered his questions.

    Steve pulled into the school parking lot. There they talked until it was almost time for class. “If the first sign happens in seven days, and you’re allowed to complete your promise, then that would mean that the rest of what you were told would come to pass too,” Steve ascertained, then looked at his watch. “We need to be going in.”

    “Leese, are you ever gonna tell me why you made this promise, to your grandmother, Monica, and your mom, in the first place?”

    “All I can say for now, is what I’ve already told you. It is something offered to me for just competing, which is very dear, and precious to me. I will tell you the whole story, someday, and this vision stays between, you, me, and dad, ok?”

    “You have my word. I’ll see you at lunch.”

    Lisa then gave him a quick kiss; they then went their separate ways.

    The entire day turned out to be very hectic for Lisa. Everyone, the principal, coaches, teachers, and students, all congratulated her, and had many questions to ask. During lunch, she had to beg her friends to give her, and Steve a chance to eat.

    Before football practice, she and Steve cashed her voucher check, and divided it up between two families that were in the most need.

    When she got home, mom gave her dozens of messages, from TV stations, radio stations, talk shows, and a couple of churches. Some wanted to interview her, others wanted her on their show, and the churches wanted her to speak and sing.

    It seemed that every exploit that Lisa had done over the weekend had made its way into the news. Videos of her fight, of her being sexually molested and defending herself, of her preaching, and her A.R.S. performance, all had circumnavigated around the country, and parts of the world. Most headlines read in one way, or another, as; sixteen-year-old girl from Georgia performs feats of heroism. Lisa had become renown (a somewhat celebrity) for her courage, and her attributes.

    Lisa gathered Steve, mom, dad, and Kenny, together, and discussed how best to deal with each message. Mom happily volunteered herself, and her office to be Lisa’s go-between, after she made her decisions. Some she just could not do due to logistics, school vs. travel. The rest she would do, either by phone, or in person. One (a nighttime talk show in Los Angeles) she agreed to because they wanted her this coming Friday night (they would be staying at St. Agnes then, and it wouldn‘t be a problem.) The churches that wanted her were close by, so she told mom to give them tentative dates, and to have them get back with her. Mom was absolutely thrilled to be Lisa‘s liaison. Steve and dad just hung back, and listened, as they talked amongst themselves. (Lisa needed no help. She was handling everything, as if she had done this kind of thing many times before.) Kenny was happy just sitting on Lisa’s lap, and listening to her and mom discuss strategy.

    On Tuesday at practice, the team learned that their opponent for the play off game would be the Brooks County Rams, a very formidable double-A team. (Brooks County was a school that would go triple-A in the near future, what with the expansion of the school - due to increase in the county’s population.)

    The rest of the week Lisa fit interviews before, and after football practice. Thursday morning she made a guest appearance, on a local radio talk show. Thursday evening she and Steve hung out until it was time for her to leave for the airport, and after a long kiss, she bid him goodbye, until Sunday morning.



    When they arrived in Los Angeles, Sister Camille, (their driver from St. Agnes) immediately found them, as they entered the terminal. A few news reporters were there waiting to talk to Lisa too. She spent well over an hour answering questions, and doing a photo shoot, before they were content, and went on their way. Afterward, everyone then followed Sister Camille to the 1989 Ford van that she had driven for transport to St. Agnes.

    Mom had said very little during the week about missing the chance to stay at the Hanson Manor, in Beverly Hills, and using a, chauffeured driven, Limousine. However, Lisa and dad could see the disappointment in her face, as she got into the old van. All the same, a lively conversation ensued between dad, and Sister Camille, as they made their way to St. Agnes. Sister Camille, with a hint of a Spanish accent, was a history teacher same as dad, and when they got started, well, there was no stopping them. Lisa, Kenny, and mom just listened, as she and dad laughed, and talked, as if they had always known each other.

    As the sunset and twilight approached, it was easy to tell that they were now driving through the poorer side of the city. As they got nearer to St. Agnes, Lisa saw people on the street in rags, and old dirty clothes. She saw people begging at stoplights. She saw people holding signs, pleading for work. She saw large cardboard boxes, down alleyways, that housed people. She saw signs that indicated homeless shelters, signs for soup kitchens. Last of all, she saw a sign for an abortion clinic - sponsored by the government - free to the poor, and homeless. She heard dad, and Sister Camille talking about the condition of these poor people that she was seeing. Lisa felt sick to her stomach, her soul ached, her blood was boiling, she was angry with God, and wondered to herself, how many missions has Seraphina made just to this clinic alone?

    Upon arriving at St. Agnes, the Raynors received, humble, and gracious, welcomes from Father O’Gara, Mother Superior, and some of the Sisters. (Father O‘Gara reminded her somewhat of Santa Clause, with his short grayish white hair, medium length, grayish, beard, and short round body. Mother Superior, on the other hand reminded her of a tall Velma, from Scoobydoo.) After the introductions, Sister Camille then escorted the Raynors to their rooms, and bid them all a good night. Mom helped Kenny unpack, and get ready for bed. Lisa and dad discussed the poverty, and distress that they had seen.

    “I’ll tell you this right now, no matter what my fate may be. I will never forget what I saw. This is happening in America now! Imagine what it is like for the poor, in the rest of the world. God should really come back soon, and take care of this mess. You have the rich, and famous, on one side of this city. Then you have the poor, homeless, and downtrodden, on the other side. Why does God continually let this go on, I want to know, I want to see the big picture that he sees. I want God to explain why this is his will. I want to know why he must allow this injustice to continue.” Lisa was furious, she was fuming, she was flushed with anger, and she stood with hands on hips, scowling at dad.         

    Dad walked up to her, and put his hands on her muscular shoulders, then looked deep into her, ruby, eyes. “What can I say, you’ve heard me teach and preach on this, you know the same bible verses that I know. You know that Jesus chose to be born poor, as oppose to being born into a rich family - that in itself has meaning. You know that God gave over the earth to Satan. You know that the bible reads - Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. That it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go to heaven, and it also reads: That to whom much is given, much is required. It makes me mad too, and it is good that this makes you angry. You won’t simply ignore people’s needs, and go blindly through life thinking only of yourself - me, me, me, mine, mine, mine,” dad replied, in a soft, low, voice.

    Lisa lightened up just a little, softening her eyes, relaxing her muscles, moving her hands behind her back, but not speaking.

    Dad kept his eyes on hers, and smiled. “You know, there’s something that I haven’t done in a long time, I don’t even know if it still works, or if I even remember how to do it.”

    “What’s that?” Lisa asked, in a melancholy voice.

    “Well, I’ll just have to show you, if I remember correctly, it goes something like this,” he answered. He then took his hands off her shoulders, and quickly started tickling her, on her sides.

    Lisa, quickly, backed away, howling with laughter, as she grabbed both of his hands, and, gently, held them.

    “I still remember, and you’re still ticklish.”

    “Yep, I wasn’t quite expecting you to use that method of counseling on me,” Lisa replied, smiling. “I think that worked, for now.” She raised her dad’s hands up, and kissed them. “I love you, good night.” She then went to mom, and Kenny, and bid them both a good night.                       

    After crawling into bed, Lisa could not sleep. Thoughts of how unjust God had allowed this world to become, burned deep inside her. She concentrated on St. Agnes, she could not wait to take a tour of this grand old church, and meet everyone. These people had given their very lives to God. They had made vows to God, vows that most of humanity could not, or would not make. Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, they seek to serve God, build up the church, and work for the salvation of the world. She feared that people like these when gone, would not be replaced. An evil darkness would gradually consume the world, as God’s people departed for home, the injustice would grow worse.

    She thought back to her younger years, when she played with Steve. He would have his G.I. Joe’s, and she would have her Barbie’s, all dressed up like knights with sword and shield (A tribute to Grace and Bill’s ability for making the knight clothes, and weapons for the Barbie’s.) She remembered the “code of honor” that she and Steve had come up with for their warriors, as they role-played, and pretended to save the world.

    I will protect the weak and innocent.

    I will live as an example to others.

    I will not value wealth and riches.

    I will fight evil and disorder.

    I will be generous and kind.

    I will keep my speech clean.

    I will be faithful to my word.

    I will not fear death.

    I will obey good and holy laws.

    I will respect all races and genders.

    I will value a good persons company.

    I will keep my body pure, as a temple to God.

    With modified Barbie’s, and G.I. Joes, they had spent many hours of fun protecting, and saving their mountain kingdom of Blue Ridge from all sorts of enemies. As she remembered, she smiled, and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

CHAPTER 20

“Father O’Gara”

    The next morning after a hearty breakfast, Father O’Gara, Mother Superior, and several of the Sisters gave the Raynors a grand tour of St. Agnes, the chapel, the small school, the living quarters, and the orphanage. Lisa fell in love with the, old, large, Cathedral. It seemed to say; come in, come in, all are welcome. And inside it was simply beautiful, it could almost hold three of her church, and like Cornerstone, it had no fancy large screen TV hanging over the pulpit. At the end of the tour, they split up into groups. Kenny and mom went with Sister Alanna, to visit the school, and the orphanage. Dad went with Sister Camille, for a more in-depth, historical, tour of St. Agnes. Lisa accompanied Father O’Gara, and Mother Superior.

    Lisa found out that most of the sisters were busy, cooking, and preparing for a bake sale, for later on that day, to raise money for the community.

    “My dear, I am so happy to finally meet you. I have prayed my whole life that God would send someone like you, actually God needs many like you,” Father O’Gara stated, as he looked up at Lisa, with a big grin on his face.

    “You have prayed for me, or someone like me?” Lisa reiterated, with a quizzical look on her face.

    “Yes, believers pray for different things, as you know. I pray for the needy, the sick, the poor, I try to pray for the needs of everyone. However, my own personal prayer was for God to bring forth a faith, filled, youth. An individual that is far superior to anything in this world’s entertainment industry. Moreover, have that youth fully devoted, that he or she would refuse the world, and use their talents for God’s work here on earth. I know that others have tried, but they were overcome by worldly affluences. And there are those who pursue fame and fortune in the name of God, which is wrong.”

    “You, my lass, have not only stood up to the world, but also have defied it, making it clear that you do not pursue fame and fortune. What I have seen, and heard of you, has made my prayers more vigorous, and my faith more complete. Not only has my prayer been answered, but also answered ten fold. You have the voice of an Angel, you are attractive, you are as fearsome, and as strong, as an Archangel is. You are also a hero, and you have already preached the word of God. I know this because your entire service was played on a small Christian cable station Tuesday night. I recorded it, and have watched it several times since.” Father O’Gara, then enthusiastically, took hold of Lisa’s hands, and held them. “I wonder how many actually believe, and live the faith these days. Most just, put on a front. And, as we get closer to the end there will be fewer, and fewer, that will believe.” 

    “How do you know that I won’t turn out like the others?” Lisa said, with a smile, playing devil’s advocate.

    “I know, I know. You see the bible says in Acts 2:17 - That in the last days God will pour out his spirit on all flesh; sons and daughters shall prophesy, young men shall see visions, and old men shall dream dreams. I have had such dreams; at first, I thought that they were nonsense. But when I first saw you on American Rock Star, which by the way is a favorite show of mine, and they announced you as Ice, it all made sense.”

    “How does my nick name fit into your dreams?” Lisa asked, in a soft voice.

    “You may think that I’m just a foolish doddering old man, but in my dreams I heard, and saw a teenage girl, she was referred to by many, as the Ice Angel. She sang with the voice of an Angel, she had snow-white hair, with the physique of an Amazon, and was very formidable. My dreams never revealed that you are a weightlifter, or played football. Anyway, I dreamed that you volunteered to go on a journey, a journey to help someone close, a journey that you really did not want to go on. I dreamed that, as you traveled, you sang, and fought evil. Then whenever you returned home, you fought various types of ferocious beasts with a pride of Panthers by your side. Some of it still does not make sense, but a lot of it has become clear. After you went on stage, in New York, dressed all in white. The announcer, either accidentally, or on purpose, called you Ice Angel. I knew then that you were the one in my dreams, and I just had to meet you. By the way, the announcers slip, has now caused most of the media around here, to refer to you as, Ice Angel.”

    What she had just heard astonished her. His dream revealed the promise that she had made, she knew what she had to do. “Father O’Gara, I have something to say that will clear up everything.” Lisa then went into detail about her A.R.S competition, and about her own vision/dream.

    Father O’Gara was speechless, but his mouth was open, he looked up at Lisa with, wide-eyed, astonishment.

    “My dear, Seraphina could well be on her way to becoming a Seraphim,” Mother Superior replied.

    “Isn’t Seraphim the highest order, of the nine ranks of Angels?” Lisa asked.

    “Yes, the highest, and the most powerful,” Father O’Gara answered, as he was finally able speak. “It seems that God has revealed certain truths to you, that you are to be one of his advocates here on earth.”

    Lisa told how angry she was at God, with what she had seen. Father O’Gara and Mother Superior agreed. “Remember, my dear, that the love of money is the root of all that is evil. In Ephesians 5:5 God had written - For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. It is ok to be angry, this world is not fair, just remember that Satan runs this world for a little while longer, and then God will make all things right. We help all that we can, and we pray endlessly,” Mother Superior said, then patted Lisa on the shoulder.

    Afterward, they all met up around noon, and had a delightful lunch. After lunch, they went to the cathedral, and listened to the children, as they did choir practice. (The Raynors by then had bonded with the residence of St. Agnes.) Kenny had especially befriended a boy, Tony, who was a couple of years older. (An accident paralyzed him from the waist down, and he had to use a wheel chair to get around.) Kenny sat with Tony, and the other children, who chose not to be part of the choir. 

    As the children were singing, Kenny crept up on the pew behind Lisa, and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned toward Kenny, and asked, “What’s up?”

    Using his best church manners, he whispered into her ear. “Leese, Tony wants to know if you’ll sign his book.”

    “You mean he wants my autograph!” Lisa asked, with a quizzical look.

    “Yeah, I have the book. Will you au-to-graph it for him, please, I told him you would.”

    Lisa took the book, and looked at it, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” from the Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. It had been a long time since she had read all of the books from the Narnia collection, she thought to herself.

    “Will you au-to-graph it?”

    “I will, but not quite yet. As Aslan would say - now then son of Adam, first, you have a task to complete.”

    “What task, O great lion of Narnia?” Kenny asked, smiling, as he played along.

    “You, son of Adam, shall take me to this other son of Adam, and then after I have met with him, I shall autograph this book.” Lisa then borrowed a pen from dad, and excused herself. 

    Kenny held Lisa’s hand, as he led her to where Tony sat in his wheelchair. His face lit up like a light bulb, as he watched Ice (his hero) sit down right next to him, he didn‘t take his eyes off her. Kenney kept standing next to the pew in front.

    Lisa gave him a, big, warm, smile, as she spoke, “Kenny tells me that you would like my autograph.” She then reached for his left hand, and held it.

    “Yes ma’am, if you would?”

    “I would be happy to write anything you like, but I’m really no one special.”

    “You’re my hero, you’re strong, you fight bad guys, you play football, you sing good, and you’re pretty. Some of the talk shows around here have even been calling you Ice Angel, because of what you did last week.”

    “And you see I played pee-wee football when I was six, and I had a pretty older sister too, that I loved. She played basketball, and she gave me this book, it used to be hers. She, mom, and dad, died in a car accident, and I became paralyzed. We came from Brazil, so there is no family here for me. I was sent here after I left the hospital.” Tony then looked down, as tears rolled down his cheek.

    Lisa closed her eyes, as they welled up with tears too. When she opened them, the first thing that she saw, hanging on the wall, was a large, very graphic painting of the crucifixion. She regained control of herself, patted his hand, and with a loving voice said, “I am so sorry. Tell me, what do you want me to write?”

    Tony raised his head, and looked at her. Lisa wiped away his tears, as he proceeded to tell her what he wanted her to write.

    After she finished, she handed him the book. “Is there anything else that I might be able to do for you?” She asked softly. Now all of the children in the pews had her surrounded.

    “Can I whisper it to you?”

    “Sure,” she then leaned over, and he whispered into her ear.

    “Mmm, easy enough to do, but I’ll have to ask permission from Father O’Gara.”

    As choir practice finished, Lisa stood up to go see the Father. The children around her then started asking all sorts of questions, and wanting autographs. The children in the choir were now running down to meet her, as several Sisters, and older teens were trying to control the ruckus. She waited until all were around her, and then held up her right hand to quiet them down. She then spoke, “I will give autographs, answer questions, and talk to each, and everyone of you, but first, I must speak to Father O’Gara.” She smiled, and then looked down at Tony, and winked.”

    Father O’Gara and Mother Superior both apologized for the children. “You are very popular with them. They were all so excited when they found out that you were coming,” Father O’Gara remarked.

    “They’re no problem, but they do have several requests, that they want me to do.” Lisa then relayed the wishes of Tony, and the children. “What would you have me do?” She asked, looking from Father O’Gara, to Mother Superior, then to dad and mom.

    “I think that I will do as your pastor did. I will turn this old Cathedral over to you for as long as you like. However, as for the other requests, well my dear, that is entirely up to you,” Father O’Gara answered, and the others agreed.

    Lisa did a small bow, and then went back to the children. She looked down at Tony, and with a big smile, nodded her head. “Ok everyone, please make me a pathway, and follow me to the dais. Now then Tony, just sit back, and enjoy the ride.” She then pushed his wheel chair down the aisle, and up the ramp, to the stage. Lisa took the piano bench, and placed it in the middle of the stage. She asked the children to gather round, Kenny, and Tony were by her side.

    “Now then, several requests have been made of me, and Father O’Gara has given me permission to fulfill each,” Lisa replied. She then rolled up her sleeve on her right arm (she was wearing a modest navy blue dress, that had three quarter length sleeves.) She flexed her bicep until all had seen, and touched, even the Sisters moved in a little closer to have a look. She then spent time answering questions, and signing autographs.

    “There is one more request left to do,” Lisa stated, then moved the bench back to the piano, and had a seat. Every one gathered round (including the Sisters, Mother Superior, Father O’Gara, mom and dad.) Lisa waited for Tony and Kenny to sidle up next to her, before she started playing. She played, and sang, “Streets of Gold, Movin’ On, and Washed by The Water,” all from one of her favorite groups, “Needtobreathe.”

    Unexpectedly, people from the bake sale started venturing into the Cathedral, as they heard the music. Some were on phones, and others looked to be recording, as they came in eating, and enjoying the songs. This was a complete surprise, Lisa, quizzically, looked at Father O’Gara, when she had finished her last song.

    The Father looked at her with a big smile on his face, as he rubbed his hands together. He then addressed the gathering audience (the Cathedral was now at least a third full.) “Thank you all for coming and partaking of the bake sale, the money we take in will all be used in the community, for the poor, and needy. There will be a small break before we continue, and thank you again for coming.” He then pointed to five of the Sisters, and motioned for them to follow him, as he went to Lisa. The children were asked to go to the choir loft. Tony wheeled up next to the front choir pew, and Kenny sat next to him.

    “Lisa, lass, my dear, will you please keep singing? This may turn out to be a big money raising event,” Father O’Gara pleaded, as he looked at Lisa.

    “Sure, I’ll sing every song that I know, if it will help.”

    “How about I give you a band to help out?”

    “Ok,” she then started to laugh (this was going to be incredible, no rehearsal or practice of any kind.) The five Sisters approached, and introduced themselves. This was her first time meeting these nuns, who taught music to the children.

    “Hey, my name is Sister Cora - I play the drums,” she said, smiling, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    “Hi, my name is Sister Elizabeth - I play tambourine, and sing,” she stated, with a big grin, then also shook Lisa’s hand.

    “Hello, my name is Sister Irene - I’m the bandleader, and play lead guitar. Anything that you can sing, we can play,” she implied, smiling, as she shook Lisa’s hand.

    “A pleasure to meet you, Ice, my name is Sister Emily - I play bass guitar,” she greeted, as she too shook Lisa’s hand.

    “This is an honor indeed, my name is Sister Rose - I play keyboard, organ, and piano. I can free you up to stand, and face the congregation, if you like,” she said, then shook Lisa’s hand.

    They huddled together for a few minutes. Lisa told them the songs that she knew, and was going to sing. Some of the older songs the Sisters knew, but the newer songs they did not. Irene asked Lisa to name the song before she started to sing, and then give the tempo. If they knew it they would start playing, if they didn’t, they would let Lisa sing the first verse, catch the beat, then join in. After the quick huddle, the Sisters acquired their instruments, and then gave Lisa the thumbs up.

    Lisa used a, cordless, hand held microphone, and addressed the audience. “Hello, my name is Lisa Raynor, I hope you enjoy this unrehearsed concert, if you do, please go above, and beyond, buying the bake goods, and please make a love offering. Thank you.” She then told the band her first song.

    Everything went extremely well, with only a few hiccups. The Sisters were every bit as good as Crossfire, and Sister’s Emily and Irene even got a bit wild with their guitars. Lisa sang at least fifteen old and new songs, of different varieties (from old hymns to contemporary Christian rock.) Father O’Gara looked to be having the time of his life too. Everyone tried to sing along if they knew the song, or clap along if they did not. Lisa’s last song was, “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” This was a song that the Sisters knew, a song that Lisa sang slowly, and darkly, using it for a different purpose than it was written for. By the time she finished, the Cathedral was over three quarters full of people teary eyed, and making extra donations to the church.

    After the impromptu concert, and much socializing, Lisa and the Sisters politely broke away to the kitchen for much needed food, drinks, and rest. In the kitchen, they talked, laughed, and became good friends. Irene escorted Lisa back to her room, it was getting late, and she had to get ready for her, TV, talk show appearance. Irene asked Lisa if she would stop by her room when she got back.

    “Sure,” Lisa replied.

    “I have something to show you, and I would really like to talk some more,” Irene said, and then bid her goodbye, until later.

CHAPTER 21

“Irene”

    The drive to the TV studio brought back her feelings of anger, as they once again passed through the poor community. This time dad was sitting next to her, and mom was in front next to Sister Camille. Lisa sat staring out the window with her hands balled into clenched fists, veins showed all up, and down her arms from tense muscles. Dad reached over, and gently unclenched one fist, and put his hand in her hand gently squeezing it. Lisa turned, and looked at him, red faced, and with angry eyes.

    “Never forget what you see here, never try to avoid seeing such as this, and never get immune to this sight. Let this always make you angry, but try to channel your anger away from God, and toward the ways of the world, which Satan has control of. Remember, from the beginning of time we have failed God, he didn’t fail us.” Dad spoke in a soft voice, as he looked deep into Lisa’s ruby, livid, eyes. “You did great today helping bring in all of those extra donations. I am very proud of you.”

    Lisa solemnly nodded her head, but said nothing.

    “Hmm, maybe I need to resort to more drastic measures to get you to smile.” He then took his free hand, and started wiggling his fingers, as he, slowly, moved his hand toward her side.

    She quickly grabbed his hand. “No more of that,” she said, smiling. “I will heed your advice, oh great, and wise counselor, and try to channel my anger elsewhere.”

    All the while Kenny stayed quiet, as he watched and listened, thinking to himself. He knew that Lisa was upset because of the poor people that she saw. He also knew that Leese hardly ever got upset over anything. Why do people have to be poor, or homeless, or crippled, or sick, he thought, as he listened to dad talk to Leese.

    Upon arriving at the studio, Lisa noticed a colorful, brightly lit, billboard, with the names of the guests that were going to be on the show. They used her nickname, “Ice,” and she was last.

    Sister Camille had permission to stay with the Raynors during the show (since she was their driver.) After exiting the van, Lisa bid goodbye to all as they parted ways. She went to the guest lounge, while the rest went to stand in line until the doors opened.

    After Lisa checked in, a handsome attendant, who introduced himself as “Sloan,” escorted her to a plush room. He asked her several questions. She agreed to do several routines that involved weight lifting, measuring her biceps, some football talk, and doing play-by-play of her incidents from the previous week. She had already agreed, by phone, to wear her gym clothes. After the Q & A, Sloan escorted her to her dressing room. While on the way he tried flirting with her, but got nowhere quick, she immediately, bucked up, putting an end to it. When they arrived at her room, he simply bid her goodbye, then left.

    She turned to enter the room, and then stopped dead in her tracks. She saw her name in two-inch gold letters mounted above a large gold star. Her eyes flashed red with anger. Her hands quickly went up to the star, and pried it away from its sticky backing. She held the five pointed gold piece of plastic in her hand with disgust. I am no star, and have no intention, or desire to be one, she thought to herself. She then opened the door, and went in, laying the plastic item on the counter.     

    The room was plush, and large. Sitting on the counter was a platter of sliced fruit, and different types of cheeses. Next to the counter, was a small refrigerator filled with everything from bottled water, to mini bottles of beer, and alcohol. Lisa grabbed a bottle of water, and nibbled at the cheese, as she dressed. She then popped a peppermint tic-tac in her mouth, while she waited to go on stage.

    The show went well, she noticed Monica and Russell (this was his first excursion to one of her ordeals, he was after all, a busy man,) sitting close to mom and dad.

    Lisa exceeded her best lifts (she had been working out harder.) When the host measured her biceps they measured 18 ¼, to her mild surprise. “Oohs, aahs and wows” came from the audience, and the two other celebrities. Lisa then went through her Q&A from the host, and even the other guests asked questions.

    After the show, Lisa met up with mom, dad, and Kenny in the parking lot; they were talking to Monica and Russell, in a non-to-pleasant conversation. Sister Camille had already, politely, excused herself, and returned to the van.

    Monica and Russell severely criticized Lisa for turning down her invitation to stay at the Hanson Estate, for St. Agnes. She had anticipated this battle when she first saw them in the audience. She kept her cool, not saying a word. She then squatted down, and asked Kenny if he would like to ride on her back (piggyback style,) much to his delight. She then looked from one to the other with a forced smile. “We have made a lot of new friends today. I enjoyed singing with the nuns, and helping them raise money for their community. A person cannot do any better than that. Now, if you will please excuse us, Kenny and I will be going to the van, it has been a long day. See you later.” Lisa then looked over her shoulder at Kenny. “Son of Adam, are you ready to go in search of the magical chariot?”

    Kenny laughed, and nodded his head, “Yes, O great Aslan, I am ready.”

    Lisa then trotted off with Kenny at a fast pace, not giving Monica, Russell, or mom, a chance to respond.

    Susan told Jim that she was going with her parents out on the town, and would see him back at St. Agnes, later on.

    Jim was relieved that this ordeal with Monica and Russell was now over. So with a big smile, he replied, “I’ll see you all later, have fun, and Susan I’ll tell Father O’Gara to keep the lights on for you.” Jim then left for the van, whistling “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” as he walked off, smiling, with hands behind his back.

    Upon arrival at St. Agnes, dad and Kenny said their goodnights, and went to their room. Lisa went to Irene’s room, and knocked on the door.

    Irene answered the door in normal clothing (cut off blue jeans, and a pink tank top.) “Come in,” she said, as she motioned Lisa into her modest living quarters. Without her habit (religious clothing,) Lisa now saw that she had long brown hair. A gold cross tattoo resided on her chest. A, colorful, unicorn was tattooed on her right shoulder. Also a, beautiful, tattoo of an angel dwelt on her left shoulder. She was pretty, but looked to be about twenty pounds overweight, for her medium stature.

    For the longest they talked, laughed, and discussed ways to solve the world’s problems. They talked about their dreams, their desires, their futures, and a lot of just regular girl talk. Finally, as it was getting late, Irene spoke, in a somber voice, “I have something to show you.” She pulled out a storage box, and opened it, in it were hundreds of songs that she had written, and just stored away.

    Lisa looked through the songs, and gasped, “these are good, you should sing these, or have someone sing them. Why write them, and just put them away?”

    “I have a story to tell you. You see, over thirty-five years ago I was a young country singer, not a major celebrity, but good enough that I did many opening acts for the big timers. I made good money, got some decent fame, and sold a few albums. I then changed my name, and gravitated toward rock, and all the fringe stuff. I had no boundaries. I was willing to do, or sing anything, for fame and money.”

    “At an early age I got caught up into alcohol, all kinds of drugs, sex, and the occult. I got pregnant by my then live in boyfriend, and producer. I was so happy, but my boyfriend was not, he wanted me to have an abortion, but I would not, so he left me. I was still happy, but I was not smart enough to quit the smoking, the drinking, the drugs, and the partying. I carried the baby for over twenty weeks without any problems. During the twenty-ninth week, I started having severe problems, and my then friends rushed me to the hospital. The…baby…had…died…stillborn…the…doctor…said,” Irene could barely speak, she was crying so intensely.

    Lisa went over to her, put her arm around her shoulder, and comforted her. Lisa spoke softly, and kindly, using everything of comfort, and strength, that she knew.

    Finally, Irene was able to continue. “I’m a little nervous talking to you, and my story is not in the proper sequence. I want to tell you a little about myself, before I started singing.  I had grown up a Christian. My dad was a deacon, but he died of heart problems when I was eight, so my mother raised me.”

    “At school, I was tested, and told that I was gifted in music, that I had a high IQ. I already knew how to play the piano, and I could sing quite well. My mother had me do an audition for a commercial. After passing the audition, an agent caused Mom and me both to freak out. He told us that I could be the next superstar. You see, we both wanted fame, and fortune.” 

    “Because of that, I only attended the eighth grade. My agent started finding me work in all parts of the country. Mom ended up pulling me out of school. She then hired a tutor to travel with us, but that was a joke, and mainly for show. I spent my time taking singing lessons, guitar lessons, dancing lessons, rehearsing, and performing. I started writing some of my own music, but nothing ever made a big hit. There was no time, or desire, for higher learning, mom simply paid off the tutor to keep us in-line with the government.” 

      “Anyway, back to my baby, I had two names already picked out that I liked. If it was a boy, I was going to call him Peter. If it was a girl, I was going to call her Seraphina. At the hospital I found out that, it was a girl. So I buried her in our family plot, with the name of Seraphina on her headstone,” Irene said, then started sobbing again.

    Lisa was mesmerized, did the heavenly spirit of her vision, inhabit Irene’s stillborn?

    Irene calmed down enough to finish her story. “After the burial, I stayed on a constant high. I blew my money on drugs, alcohol, and all the posh creature comforts, that I could afford, until I ran out of money. Nothing was important to me any more, I quit singing, and I went into a state of deep depression, and withdrawal. I tried suicide by cutting my wrist, but before I died, the housekeeper, found me, and called 911.”

    “As I was under going psychiatric treatment, and recovering from my slit wrist, I would listen to a nun play the harp, and sing every day. Her name I came to find out was Sister Nadine. We would talk for hours at a time. She helped me far more than any of the doctors, or psychiatrist did.”

    Irene continued, “To make a long story short, after many nightmares, and days of treatment, they released me from the hospital. However, after one glorious dream, I had these tattoos put on to signify a new beginning, and then I became a nun. For about twenty years now I have been working with the kids in the orphanage, and the school, teaching them God’s music.”

    “I now have pleasant, sweet, dreams when I sleep. However, there is one reoccurring dream in particular that I first had sixteen years ago. I was to write music, and save it for one that I would meet someday. I dreamed that I would meet a girl that would be strong in spirit, and in body. I would meet a girl that would fill the old Cathedral just with her singing. I would meet one that would not be tempted by the world.” Irene smiled, as she looked at Lisa, and squeezed her right bicep. “You are 18¼ inches now, huh. I watched you on TV tonight. You, my dear, are a very impressive young woman. I think that all of the signs in my dreams point to you - Ice.”

    Lisa showed no emotion, but looked deep into Irene’s blue eyes. “What happened to your mother?” Lisa, softly, asked.

    “She died of cancer about a year after we buried the baby.”

    “If I may ask, what did you change your name to?” 

    “I swore to God that I would never utter that name again, but I will write it down for you. I don’t think that you would have ever heard of me though.” Irene wrote down the name, and then handed over the paper.

    Lisa’s left eyebrow raised, as she looked at the name. “You’re right; I don’t know that name, as any singer. However, in a dream of my own, I was to meet a person that had changed to, and from that name. I kinda thought that this would be an unpleasant experience meeting with you,” Lisa replied, then smiled.

    Irene laughed. “Unpleasant huh, I hope that all of your future uncertain meetings are this unpleasant.”

    “Amen.”

    “I don’t know your destiny, or future, but the songs are yours whenever you want them, and I will continue to write songs praising God.” 

    “Right now I’ll leave them with you, I’m not certain of what’s gonna happen next either. But I am certain of one thing, I think that you, and I are going to be good friends,” Lisa softly answered, then hugged Irene.

    “Amen and I say again amen,” Irene agreed, with tears in her eyes.



    That night all slept well, all dreamed peaceful dreams, all that is except Kenny. Kenny dreamed an adventure, an adventure of heroics, of good against evil.







                                                             

CONTINUED ON

                                                 

To Whom Much Is Given,  Part 2