Road Trip (17 page)

Caleb just shrugs. “Good meal, Mom.”

My mom smiles. “Thanks.”

“I'm not trying to pressure you,” my dad continues. “I'm just curious.”

“You know, Dad,” begins Josh, “It might be premature to ask Caleb about his future right now. Sometimes you just have to figure out the day in front of you.”

Caleb nods. “Yeah, that's kinda how I feel.”

“So, Caleb,” continues Josh. “Do you feel as though you'd like to be clean today?”

Caleb seems to seriously consider this. “You know, thatfs not a question I want to answer lightly. And I don't want to give an answer just because I know thatfs what you're hoping to hear. But the truth is, I'm sick of my life. And even though it seems impossible—since I've tried before—I'd still like to change.”

My dad brightens. “So, do you want to go back to school?”

Caleb holds up his hands. “I don't know about that.”

“See,” said Josh. “I think that's moving too far ahead again, Dad.”

My dad frowns now. “But if you want to change your life, shouldn't you plan for your future? What better way to change than to go back to school?”

“I think there's a better way,”I say quietly. “I think Caleb needs to surrender his life to God first.”

“I agree,” says Josh in a firm but gentle voice.

“Man, this is really something,” Caleb says with a funny grin. “When did this family get so doggoned religious?”

“We used to take you kids to church.” Mom's voice is slightly defensive.

“That's right,” says Dad. “In fact, your mother and I met in a church youth group back in high school.”

“NO way,” I say. Ky parents have never exactly struck me as the church youth group types.

“It's the truth,” continues my mom with a slightly guilty expression. “I used to consider myself a strong Christian. Sort of like you, Chloe.”

“Seriously?” This comes from Josh, and I can tell he's as confused as I am.

“We used to go to church three times a week,” adds Dad as if his memory is suddenly kicking in. “Unfortunately, it wasn't the best church.”

Mom nods. “It was a little, well, I guess you'd say overly fundamental. They were good people, but the rules could be almost overwhelming.”

My dad holds up his finger to make a point. “In fact, one of their rules was that all children must be named from the Bible.”

“Caleb and Josh,”I say since I'm familiar with that part of the Old Testament.

“But we left the church before having Chloe,” says Mom proudly. “Her name was part of our rebellion.”

Josh laughs now. “Sorry, Mom, but there's a Chloe in the Bible too.”

“Really?” She looks disappointed. But I feel pleased and decide I'll have to look it up later.

So on we go for more than an hour, just talking around the table like an almost normal family (although I'm not sure that such a thing really exists). Still, it was kind of fun. Kot to mention eye-opening.

Finally, Mom begs us to lighten up on the “religious conversation” as she calls it. “Remember, it's Christmas Eve,” she says in a cheerful voice. “And the Millers usually open presents on Christmas Eve. Josh, why don't you put on some Christmas music? I've even made some treats and things.”

“Want some help in the kitchen?” I manage to offer as I control myself from saying what's
really on my mind. Like, “Yeah, it IS Christmas Eve and when's a better time to talk about Religious things'?” But, somehow, I keep this to myself. Maybe it's a God-thing.

Mom grins. “If the successful rock star isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.”

I force a smile and bite my tongue, amazing myself once again at my restraint and self-control. However, to say I'm getting a little tired of her “rock star” routine would be a huge understatement. But this is Christmas, and I think I can handle it for another day or two.

Then we gather around the tree and prepare to exchange presents, ibrtunately, I had time to pick something up for Caleb today—a dark blue North 1'ace parka, which I have a feeling he could use after seeing his thin denim jacket. But suddenly I feel a little concerned over my somewhat over-the-top gifts. I don't want anyone to feel bad.

“If my gifts seem more extravagant than usual,” I carefully explain, “It's only because the head of Omega was so pleased with our Christmas concert that he gave us bonuses and sent us off to New York City for a shopping spree.”

“Cool,” says Caleb. “I still can't believe how my baby sister has already hit the big time.”

“Yeah,” says Josh. “It kind of makes you feel like a loser.”

“You're NOT a loser,” I say indignantly. “See, this is just the reason I felt like I had to make a disclaimer about ray gifts in the first place.”

“Hey, don't apologize, baby sister,” Josh says with a teasing grin. “I'm way open to getting a cool present from you. Bring it on!”

And so we begin exchanging gifts. Ky dad loves his cashmere sweater and pen set, and Mom surprises me by going on and on about her designer bag and scarf. I'm sure she can't believe her “unfashionable” daughter actually picked them out, but I knew it was her favorite designer. Josh loves his PalmPilot, and even Caleb seems pleased as he immediately tries on his new parka.

And I got some cool gifts too, but the one that means the most to me, the one I will treasure forever, is from Caleb. It's simply a wooden cross, carved out of a single piece of wood, with a leather string that makes it into a necklace. But it is more precious to me that gold and diamonds, and I plan to wear it during concerts.

“Thanks, Caleb,”I tell him as I slip it over ray head. “I really, really love it.”

He smiles. “Cool. Itar some reason I'd started making it a long time ago, then sort of set it aside. But after I saw your concert, I decided to finish it up. I thought you might like it.”

He was right. I do like it. I only hope and pray that the cross will one day mean as rauch to Caleb
as it does to me. I know that he and Josh stayed up late tonight talking, I'm sure, about God's plan for salvation. And knowing Josh, Caleb will have heard the entire gospel before he goes to bed tonight. But that's great by me. I may have the gift of songwriting and singing, but Josh is definitely the preacher. Thank God!.

I got up early this morning, feeling glad to be home and excited about spending more time with Caleb. But my hopes were quickly dashed when I discovered Josh sitting in the kitchen looking glum.

“What's up, Josh?”

He sighed. “Dad and Caleb kind of got into it last night.”

I frowned. “Are they okay now?”

He shrugged. “Caleb took off.”

I slumped into a bar stool and leaned my elbow on the counter. “What happened?” I asked in a flat voice.

“Well, Caleb and I talked until after midnight, and it was going pretty good. I think God is really nailing him, Chloe. He seems as if he's truly considering making a commitment.”

“Cool.” I sat up straighter. “So what went wrong?”

“Apparently Caleb wanted to smoke a joint before bed. ‘To help him relax,’ he said, naturally Dad caught him and they got into it.”

I groaned and let my head fall onto the granite countertop with a slightly painful thud.

Josh patted me on the shoulder. “Hey, don't take it so hard. You know as well as anyone that stuff like this just happens. And God can use it to remind Caleb that he really needs to change.”

“Yeah, from the inside out.” I sat up and rubbed my forehead. “I wish Dad could just love Caleb unconditionally.”

“I think he does,” said Josh. “It's just that he feels responsible for his family, you know? And he doesn't want any of us doing anything stupid or illegal under his roof. It's pretty understandable.”

“I guess. But I'm still bummed. I was looking forward to staying in contact with Caleb.”

“That's no problem. I've got his address and phone number. I told him that you and I will both want to be in touch.”

I brightened. “Really? Did that cheer him up at all?”

Josh nodded. “Yeah, I think it meant a lot to him. I also gave him my old Bible and told him that we'll be praying for him.”

I reached over and hugged Josh. “I love you so much, bro!”

He grinned. “Cool. I want my rich rock star sister to think I'm the greatest.”

I frowned and punched him in the arm. “You know, I'm getting a little sick of that 'rock star'
stupidity. You know that I'm still just Chloe, your bratty little sister who used to drive you nuts not so many years ago.”

“0h, yeah, her.”

Suddenly I noticed that Josh was fully dressed and actually looked pretty nice. “What are you all dressed up for? Is there a Christmas service today?”

He shook his head, then glanced at his watch. “Ito. Tve just got a little errand to run this morning. I'll be back in time for Kom's famous brunch though.”

I nodded. “I see. Does this little errand involve a certain pretty blond friend of mine?”

He grinned. “Maybe.”

“Did you get Caitlin a Christmas present?”

“Maybe.”

“Come on, Josh. Please tell me you didn't do anything like get her a ring. You know how badly that went last year.”

He firmly shook his head. “I definitely didn't get her a ring. Believe me, I learned my lesson. I just got her a friendship gift. No big deal.”

I laughed. “Yeah, no big deal.”

Then he smiled sheepishly. “Hey, Chloe, I can't help how I feel about her. But I'm trusting you to keep your mouth shut, okay? Ifo sense in rocking her boat.”

“Well, tell her hi for me and that I'd like to
meet her for coffee and a catch-up chat.”

He stood. “I'm sure she'll want to hear all about the little rock star's latest adventures.” Then he laughed as he dashed out the door before I could properly punch him. Oh, brother!

(HANGIN' AT THE PARADISO)

Gaitlin and I planned to meet for coffee at the Paradiso this morning. But I want to get there before her so I can check out my old digs without any distraction. And I must admit it is cool being back in our friendly little town. I think I forgot how much I like it here as I ride my bike down Main Street.

So I walk into the coffee shop and just drink in that rich smell of coffee and pastry and sigh. I spy Kike and Jill Trapp behind the counter, but they don't see me until I'm halfway through the nearly empty room.

“Hey, there she is!” Mike springs out from behind the counter and grabs me into a big bear hug. “Our local celebrity!”

“How you doing, Chloe,” calls Jill from her position on the big steamer.

“Okay,” I say as I recover from Mike's exuberance. “At least I was before your husband accosted me.”

“Sorry.” Kike backs off with a big smile. “It's just so great to see you. How long are you gonna be sticking around this time?”

“Long enough for everyone to get totally sick of us. We're going back to school and are supposed to be here until spring break.”

“Cool. Say, Chloe, I don't suppose you remember how I'm the one who first discovered you and all…”

I nod. “0f course I remember. But, man, that seems like such a long time ago now.”

“And sooo…” He adjusts his dark green apron, then gets this funny little grin.

I lift my brows. “And so?” Suddenly I'm thinking how it sometimes feels as if everyone wants a piece of me. But then I remind myself, this is just Kike. He's cool.

“Well, I was thinking, Chloe… Since I kinda helped discover you and all…maybe your band would consider doing a gig here.”

I laugh. “Of course, we'd do a gig here.”

He sighs in mock relief. “When?”

“When do you want?”

“Anytime between now and March. You name the date.”

“How about New Year's Eve?” calls Jill from behind the counter.

“Sure. Well, I'll have to check with Allie and Laura.”

“How's Laura doing anyway?” asks Kike in a quieter voice.

“You saw the Christmas special?”

He nods and I fill him in on the latest.

“Hey, Chloe,” calls Caitlin as she comes in. We hug and get our coffees before we find a corner table.

“You look good,” she says as she takes off her jacket.

“Thanks. So do you.” I take a quick jewelry inventory and control myself from asking her what Josh gave her for Christmas. Then I hand her a small blue box.

“What's this?”.

I grin. “Just something I picked up in New York.” Then I tell her about Omega's shopping spree and how fun it was as she opens the box to discover the charm bracelet with a golden angel charm on it.

“Chloe, this is so sweet.” She puts the bracelet right onto her wrist and holds it up.

“Sorry there's only one charm. But the angel reminded me of you. God kind of used you as my angel, you know.”

She smiles. “And now He's using you for so many people.”

“I figured you could add other charms too, you know, for whatever.” Then I tell her how I got ones just like it for Laura and Allie.

“How are they doing,” she asks with a concerned expression.

“I haven't talked to Allie since we got home. They went to visit her grandma for the holidays. But I spoke to Laura last night, and she's doing okay, all things considered. Her mom's having a hard time though.”

“I've been praying for Laura. I know it can't be easy.” Caitlin takes a sip of her coffee.