Redempton

Copyright © 2018 B.D. Anderson.

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ISBN: 978-0-9979444-9-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-0-9979444-8-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017913569

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WE SHOULD NEVER TRY to put God into the box of our understanding.   He never does things the way we think, or give a second chance only to those we feel deserve it.

³The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.

⁷When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. ⁸Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

⁹At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰Jesus straightened up and asked her, Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?

¹¹No one, sir, she said.

Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.

John 8:3, 7-11 NIV

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Grand Rapids: Zondervan House, 1984.

Chapter 1

Jayden opened his eyes , and for a moment, he wondered where he was.  He quickly realized that he was in his parent’s home in one of the spare bedrooms and Tamaeya was lying next to him.  He smiled to himself, happy that things were finally working out between them.

For ten years, he had been miserable after breaking up with her when the two of them graduated from New Haven University.  He hadn’t known then that she was carrying his babies and because of his parent’s threat to cut him off if he stayed with her, he had ended the relationship.  Months earlier, Bean, his attorney, had called him and told him that his college sweetheart was looking for support for babies that she had claimed were his.  He knew immediately that somehow he had gotten a second chance to reclaim the love of his life and that his desire to be a father would be fulfilled. 

He now pulled her closer to him as she slept.  His fear of germs had plagued him for most of his life and now things were beginning to get better.  The underlying fear was still there and he knew that he wasn’t healed completely, but he felt that with Tamaeya’s love and support and with the twins in his life, he had a chance to be happy.  He had missed a good portion of his children’s lives and he wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.  He’d been diagnosed as being sterile, but with another baby on the way, he knew that despite the bout of smallpox he suffered through years ago, he was indeed virile.  Each time he’d slept with Tamaeya, she’d become pregnant and the thought of it boosted his ego.

Tamaeya stirred in her sleep and he buried his nose in her hair.  He loved her so much!  She had agreed to spend the night, but she would be catching a plane in a few hours.  He hated to see her leave, but she had a wedding to plan.

Tamaeya turned over facing him and gave him a sleepy smile.

Hey you, she whispered, kissing his nose.

You smell good, Jayden mumbled, kissing her shoulder in response.  He didn’t want to waste any time knowing that she and the kids would be leaving in a few hours.

I don’t want you to go, he murmured into her neck as he nipped her there.

It will be fine, she reassured, kissing him.  You just make sure to stay off the steps when you’re arguing with your mother.

Jayden groaned and stretched his arms above his head.  Don’t remind me.

He pulled her on top of him and palmed her backside.

Hey, no hanky panky, she reminded him sleepily, but he ignored her half-hearted protest as he changed positions by rolling her over onto her back.

Jayden then slid down her body leaving a trail of kisses.  He heard her sigh and knew that he would have his way with her.

We have a little time, he whispered in her ear.

He wanted her and knew that it wouldn’t take much to convince her.  He always wanted her and knowing that she was leaving him to return to Richmond filled him with dread.  Still, he reminded himself that it was only a temporary parting as he pushed the thought from his mind and he continued to nibble on her satiny skin.

Jayden-

Shhh

He quickly put his finger on her lips to quiet her and then entered her with one thrust.

It’s not my fault that you sleep without underwear, he chuckled.

TAM SMIRKED AS SHE slid out of bed.  Jayden had immediately fallen back into a sound sleep after their lovemaking.  Men!  She held in a giggle and tiptoed to the bathroom.

She knew that he needed his rest.  He still hadn’t fully recovered, and she hadn’t helped matters by stressing him out with her bad attitude. 

She thought about her children and quickly tried to focus on something else, as she realized that Dana’s gift scared her.  After all, Dana had a direct connection with God.  What mother wouldn’t be intimidated?  She felt that her authority had been compromised.  Jayden wasn’t even a Christian and he had accepted Dana’s gift without a problem.  Where was her faith? Hadn’t she been in the church all her life?

Tam quickly jumped into the shower and pondered all that had happened.  As she mentally assessed her actions, she had to admit that she hadn’t acted like a model Christian.  First, she had sex with Jayden in college when she knew that she had decided to wait for marriage.  It bothered her that she had no willpower when it came to Jayden Winston.  After all, what could she tell her daughter about sex without being a hypocrite?  Then there was the cussing.  Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, was the scripture she remembered Pastor quoting when he talked about the evil that lurked in people’s hearts.  It just seemed that when she got angry the words just came out of her mouth. She ran the water and quickly washed herself, but the guilt she felt over her own shortcomings couldn’t be washed away.  She closed her eyes and leaned against the shower wall and prayed.

"Lord, help me!  I’m so weak," she confessed as the tears ran down her face.  "I know you’re not happy with me right now.  I didn’t believe Dana about her gift, I’m having sex and I’m not married, and I cuss sometimes like a sailor..."

Her silent prayer was interrupted by Jayden opening the shower door.  She opened her eyes to see his shocked expression.

What’s wrong?

Nothing, she said avoiding his gaze and turned the shower off.

Jayden grabbed her by the chin forcing her to look him in the eye.  I asked you what’s wrong.  I want a truthful answer Tam and not a lie.

She quickly wiped off with the towel he handed her and stepped out of the shower. 

You wouldn’t understand, she said shaking her head.  After all, Jayden hadn’t been in church all his life like she had.  He didn’t feel the guilt she felt.  Most likely he would laugh at her.

She felt his arm slide around her waist as he led her back into the bedroom, after wrapping her in the towel she had used. 

Ok, now tell me, Jayden insisted as he sat her on the bed.

Tam sighed.  I just feel bad that I haven’t been a very good Christian.  I don’t expect you to understand.

Why not?  Jayden asked. Dana prayed for me and I said the sinner’s prayer, and according to her, I’m a Christian now.  Is that not true?

Tam looked surprised.  Yeah, you are but you’re a baby Christian.  I’ve been in the church all my life.  I’m supposed to be mature by now, but I had sex outside of marriage, I didn’t believe my own daughter has a gift from God, a part of me is still mad at your mother....need I go on?

She fell back on the bed and put her arm across her face.

Jayden stared down at her.  So you’re not perfect.  I don’t think sex between us is wrong.  We’re in a committed relationship.

Tam quickly sat up.  See, that’s where you’re wrong.  Sex is for marriage and we’re not married yet.  I’m sure God is furious right now.

Jayden laughed and kissed her.  I doubt if He’s furious.  We’re getting married.  What is marriage anyway but a commitment by two people that’s made before God?  There are just other people there to witness it and celebrate with you, a preacher and a piece of paper.

Tam sighed.  If only it were that simple.

I believe it is, Jayden insisted.  He took her hand in his.  You’re wearing my Grammy’s ring.  That ring means a lot to me.  I gave it to you as a token of my commitment to you, to spend the rest of my life with you and to take care of you, right?

Yes Tam nodded.

Now, let’s get on our knees, he insisted pulling her down to the floor with him.

Jayden-

Listen, he said interrupting her.  If you feel so strongly about what we’ve done, we need to clear that up right now!  We need to make the commitment before God now.

It’s not that simple, Tam stammered, surprised at the level of faith he was displaying.

Why not?  Jayden insisted.  We can talk to God ourselves without the preacher, can’t we?  We can tell him we’re getting married, but we feel that we’re already married in our hearts.

Tam didn’t say anything, and Jayden began to pray fervently.

God, I’m new at this and I know that there are rules, but I‘ve been reading the three hundred sixty- five bedtime bible stories and I remember Jonah’s story where you sent him to tell some evil people that broke all the rules and deserved to die, that they needed to repent.  Jonah didn’t want to do it because he felt that the people should die for what they did, but you don’t always give people what they deserve.  When Jonah told them to repent, they did and you didn’t kill them.  Jonah got angry because you forgave them.  Tam and I aren’t as bad as the people in that story, but we’re not perfect.  We want to be married in your eyes, God.  We are already married in our hearts and we plan to have a formal ceremony, but I feel she’s my wife now.  I vow to you, God, that I will be a good husband and father, and that Tam is the only woman I will be with from now on. Please accept our marriage right now; please so that she won’t feel bad because we have sex.  I call Tamaeya Jackson, from this point forward, my wife and declare it to be so.  Amen.

Tam stared at him dumbfounded and he reassured her with a kiss.

Now, we’re married in God’s eyes.  Jayden said confidently.  Feel better?

Tam looked from him to the ring on her finger.  Could it be that simple?  Could they just make a vow to God and He would accept it?

I...I don’t know, Jayden.  It seems too easy. 

Jayden laughed and pulled her to her feet.  Tam, I think you’re over analyzing.  If we’re such bad people, why would God give Dana such a special gift?  In the world’s eyes, she’s illegitimate.  We didn’t follow the rules when she was conceived, yet God did that for her.

Tam laughed, feeling a bit relieved at his logic.  You’ve only been a Christian five minutes and you’re preaching to me?

Jayden kissed her again.  Well God spoke through a donkey, didn’t He? Why not believe he could speak through me also?

Chapter 2

Jay was surprised that Dana was still asleep.  Normally, she was the first one up, but Dana hadn’t been herself lately. 

He sat up in the bed and poked her and Dana grumbled in her sleep.

Wake up sleepyhead, he declared, shoving her some more.

What?  Dana said opening her eyes and looking around.  Where are we?

In Papa’s old bed, Jay announced.  I’m hungry. Don’t you want breakfast?

You’re always hungry, Dana yawned, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

Yeah, well then I’m being consistent, He eyed his sister.  Are you alright?

I’m fine.  She responded.  I think I weirded Mama out though.

Yeah, she didn’t look so happy when Grandma Nancy was getting all worked up about your gift,  Jay pointed out.

I don’t think Mama believes me and is going to make me see a shrink, Dana said sounding worried.

She believes you.  She’s just scared, Jay pointed out.  She’s scared that you’re going to sic God on her.

Dana laughed.  I can’t sic God on her!

Can you sic Him on me?  Jay asked making a face.

I wish, she snapped and fell back on the bed as Jay began to tickle her unmercifully.

ALRIGHT YOU GUYS, Tam said walking into the room.  Time to get up. We have a plane to catch, you know.

She looked at Dana.  I’m glad to see that you’re all chipper this morning, Dana.

Yes ma’am, she said grinning at her mother.

Tam sat on the bed between her children and put her arms around each of them.  They each quickly fell on her shoulder and kissed her cheeks before giving her a hug.

Look, I apologize if I’ve been a little snippy lately, she started and looked at Dana and then at Jay. I’ve had a lot on my mind. 

Do you still hate Grammy Nancy?  Dana asked looking at her mother.

I don’t hate her, Dana.  I just don’t trust her.  She’s the reason your father had his problem and I don’t want her affecting you guys, that’s all, Tam explained.

She don’t scare me none, Jay said.  But I think she’s scared of you, Mama.

Tam scoffed. She’s not afraid of me, Jay.

Yep.  She’s scared cuz you’re going to take her baby boy away from her and then she won’t have nobody except Grandpa Jason, and he’s mad at her, Jay insisted. 

Well that’s her problem, Tam said standing. Now get dressed and come downstairs.

You should make up, Jay said as he watched his mother walk to the door.  You and Grammy Nancy should make up.

Jay it’s not that simple, Tam insisted, not wanting to discuss Nancy.  Yet, she felt a slight tug at her heart to do as her son wanted.

It would make Daddy happy, Jay persisted, grinning You should make up...for Daddy.

Papa would like that so much, Dana said. 

Yep, Jay agreed.

Tam sighed and didn’t reply immediately.  She knew that it was wrong to hold grudges and that she shouldn’t keep the children from Nancy, yet a part of her didn’t want to forgive.

Can I talk to her, Dana inquired quietly, looking at her mother.

Tam sighed at her question. More messages from God?

No. I just want to talk, Dana said getting up. Jay’s right.  We’re a family and we shouldn’t stay-

-mad at each other.  Jay finished the sentence for his sister.  They looked at each other and smiled and then turned back to their mother.

Tam stared at the twins who were standing side by side, both grinning at her expectantly.  She knew that look all too well.  Even though they were different as night and day, there were times that they were in sync and the two seemed to become one mind, thinking alike and finishing each other’s sentences.  Somehow, she just knew that she needed to change her attitude towards Nancy though her mind rebelled at the thought of forgiving her.

Well Jay, you both need to shower and get dressed.  She looked at Dana.  You can use the shower in the room I slept in.  I see you both picked out what you want to wear, so I’ll pack up the rest of the things while you’re in the shower.

OK, Jay said running into the bath room.  I hope we go to Golden Corral for breakfast.

No time for that, Tam insisted as she led Dana across the hall to the other bathroom.

Well, get a move on and let’s get breakfast, then you both can talk to Nancy all you want before we catch that plane. 

NANCY SIGHED AND SIPPED her coffee.  The children would be leaving in a few hours to catch their flight.  She wondered if Tamaeya would even allow her to tell them goodbye.  She had prepared a large breakfast for all of them not knowing if