Restoring the Repentant
In a world just like ours . . . only different.
May the Lord’s love shine upon you, fill you with peace, and overflow with joy as you go forth to help those who hurt, proclaim the good news across the land, and restore to fellowship all who repent. -History 79.146.
Chapter 1: A Dubious Outing
Emma waited for Jennifer by her teacher’s car. They had an unusual relationship, but it worked. At first Jennifer was Emma’s food server, but Emma soon changed that. Now Jennifer was Emma’s instructor at their microschool in the mornings. The rest of the time they interacted as friends, even though Jennifer was ten years older. Overshadowing all this was the reality that Emma was also Jennifer’s boss—actually her boss’s boss. Despite all this, they got along just fine.
Emma groaned. She didn’t want to do this. But she had to. She shifted from her right foot to her left and back again.
She’d only waited a few minutes when David’s sports car roared up. From the passenger seat, Jennifer leaned over and gave her boyfriend a quick kiss. She jumped out and headed to her car as David rumbled away.
“I still can’t believe they arrested the Prime Minister.” Jennifer shook her head. “You and Scarlett were brilliant in uncovering her conspiring to kill you . . . along with all her other crimes.”
“Scarlett did the investigative reporting,” Emma said. “I merely told her what the Sovereign had told me.”
“Your humble spirit is one of the many things that draw people to you,” Jennifer said. “First Barney Clark was arrested for trying to kill you. Then the seven rebellious priests were arrested for receiving stolen Temple funds. And now the Prime Minister.” Jennifer chuckled. “People should realize now that if they get in your way, you’ll take them out.”
“I turn them over to the Sovereign for judgment,” Emma said. “It’s not my job to punish.”
Jennifer unlocked her car and climbed in. Emma walked around to the other side and slid in. Jennifer started the engine and drove toward their destination.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” the teacher asked the student.
Emma considered her answer before speaking. In truth, she didn’t. “Yes.” She confirmed her answer with a decided downward tip of her head.
“So I can’t talk you out of it?”
“Nope.”
“Have you discussed this with anyone?” Jennifer asked.
“Hernandez said it was a bad idea,” Emma replied.
“Given that he’s your head of security, that makes sense. What about Frederick?”
“He said I didn’t have to do it and wouldn’t blame me if I didn’t.”
“That makes sense too. As your executive admin, he’d need to deal with any fallout. What about Joshua?”
“Didn’t ask,” Emma said. “I knew he’d be against it but would insist on tagging along anyway.”
“You should be happy to have a boyfriend who wants to protect you and keep you safe.”
“I am. I really am. But sometimes he’s too protective.”
“Not to be critical,” Jennifer said, “but a failure to communicate has caused problems with you two in the past. Like when he went undercover to find out where the prisoners were being held when you didn’t want him to.”
Emma groaned. “I ordered him not to do it. I can’t believe I played the High Priestess card on him. Then I ignored him for a couple of days.”
Jennifer was right. Every problem in Emma and Joshua’s short relationship was because of a lack of communication—mostly on Emma’s part. She’d need to do better. But now that she’d already committed to this dubious meeting, it was too late to correct her mistake—this time.
Jennifer continued her gentle counsel. “Don’t forget that David and I spent three years away from each other, all because we didn’t communicate. If you hadn’t intervened and gotten us back together, we’d still be apart today.”
“I guess it’s easier to see other people’s problems than my own,” Emma said. “Let me know the next time you see me messing up.”
“You can count on it,” Jennifer said. “One more question. What did Gabe say about all this? He’s your spiritual mentor, after all.”
“At first, he wasn’t in favor of it either,” Emma said. “But once he knew the Sovereign told me to do it, he was completely behind me.”
“Wait just a minute! The Sovereign told you to do this? You should’ve led with that.”
“Gabe’s praying for me right now. That I’ll have the strength to do what the Sovereign told me to do.”
“I’ll also pray for you during your meeting.”
Emma shifted in her seat, not that she was uncomfortable—at least not in a physical sense. She changed the subject. “How have things been going with you and David?”
“We couldn’t be better.” Jennifer let out a happy sigh. “I did as you suggested and proclaimed that the Sovereign’s Divine Spirit fill him. And it happened! I still don’t understand it, but we’re now at the same place spiritually.”
“So you’re ready to get married?”
“Most definitely.” Jennifer’s head bobbed with excitement.
“We really like how you officiated Ashley and Topher’s wedding on Saturday. It was simple yet meaningful. We agree with your focus on marriage as a lifelong commitment made in front of family, friends, and the Sovereign.”
“The Holy Text says the Sovereign hates divorce. The key to a good marriage is to be faithful and commit to push through the hard times together.” Emma grinned, a response that started in her mind and bloomed on her face. “And, of course, good communication.”
“Before we pick a date, we’d like a married couple to do some pre-wedding mentoring with us,” Jennifer said. “Do you have any suggestions?”
“Great idea.” Emma searched her mind, thinking aloud. “None of the priests are married . . . yet. That’s not an option. Olivia has the training, but she’s single too. I suspect some of our married staff would be open to mentoring you, but I’m not sure who to ask. Although . . .”
“Although who?” Jennifer asked.
“Maybe my parents,” Emma said. “They have a great relationship. I’ve learned a lot from watching them. I’ll email them.”
“Wouldn’t a text be quicker?”
“Mom prefers email.”
By the time Emma had sent the message, Jennifer had arrived at their destination. She pulled into the prison parking lot and stopped in front of the visitors’ entrance.
Buoyed by her confidence in the Sovereign, Emma strode through the doors, cleared security, and marched to the counter. “I’m here to see Barney Clark.”
