Her Purpose - Soulmates - Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11 - THE STORM

Michael Redson

Michael couldn't get Melinne out of his mind. He was helping his stepdad and thinking about her. Her beautiful face, her embrace, her warm kiss. The peace he felt with her. He wanted that again. "Are you okay, Michael? David asked. You look like you are somewhere else."

"I'm sorry, dad, just thinking." His dad's eyes went up his brows.

"Is that so? I thought that you were sleeping," his stepdad teased. "I bet I know who is the beautiful, gorgeous lady that is captivating your mind."

"Dad, please!" He smiled. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"Yes, she is, but right now we must move quickly and finish covering all the windows before the storm gets really bad. No more daydreaming for now."

"Sorry, dad." He knew he had to focus on what he was doing, but it was really difficult.

His stepdad David was an awesome man. For him, he was his real dad. He taught them, nurtured them, provided for him and his siblings, and protected them, but more than that, he loved them and taught them about God. He showed them by example what a real relationship with God was. God was first in his life, then his wife and children before anything else. He served at church and helped his community every time he was able to do it. Michael had a great childhood and he always felt secure around his father, both emotionally and physically. He loved his dad.

They closed all the storm shutters; they secured all the porch furniture and went back inside the house. His sister Liz and Melinne were preparing dinner. "It's going to be a few more minutes before we are done," Liz said.

"We are going to go take a shower, and then we will eat dinner," his dad said. After showering, they all sat around the table. They took each other's hands and bowed their heads in reverence to God. David prayed, "Father, we thank you for your love and mercy. We give thanks for the bounty of food you always provide for us. Prepare our bodies to receive it. Also protect us and everybody that is in the path of this storm; in Jesus Name we pray, Amen."

Liz and Melinne made grilled Montreal steak with blackened shrimps, white rice, beans, salad, bread pudding, and cheesecake. "Can I help with something?" Michael asked.

"You can pour the drinks," Liz said.

He asked everybody what they wanted to drink, and all of them decided they wanted water. They started eating, and the food was delicious. They were all chattering and having a great time together as a family.

The weather outside was getting rough. The wind was picking up speed and growing stronger and stronger. It was howling like the world was going to end. They looked through the door; the sky was upsettingly dark. Ceilings from other houses were flying. They heard the walls rattling. It was a frightening and disconcerting scene.

"Michael, we have to go down to the basement," his dad said. David and Liz took his mom's hands and walked to the basement. Michael took Melinne's hand and followed them. The basement was big and had everything they needed for the storm. There was plenty of water and food. There were beds for everyone. They had flashlights, candles, and oil lamps. They didn't have to worry about supplies because they were prepared, but the situation outside was apprehensive.

They hunker down and tried to get some rest, but it was very difficult. Michael and Melinne were sitting on a sofa. The lights went out, and Melinne got scared and sat closer to Michael. It felt so good to have her so close. He put his arms around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder. This is what love feels like, he thought. Why am I thinking like this? I really don't know Melinne; how can my heart be saying love?

They couldn't sleep. They were hearing a great deal of noise out there. The thunder was booming. They could hear the trees snapping, branches hitting the windows. Their minds were all over the place, thinking what they were going to find in the morning.