Page 38 of Leo and His Love Bunny

I go through the day in a haze. I was well and truly convicted this morning when that girl came in and chatted with Nora. She was so mean, and I wanted to grab her and toss her out on her butt. Or at least seriously check her. In hockey, she would never have gotten away with that. Our enforcer would have taken care of it.

I guess I want to be Nora’s enforcer.

But she was right. And I wasn’t living out my faith.

I don’t always apply that to hockey, since playing a game is different than living life. I play to win, but I don’t play with no character, even though it’s common in the league. That’s just not me.

But what that girl did to Nora. I wouldn’t have thought to apply Christian principles to that. But Nora did. And she did it in such a way that it was obvious, but still so very, very kind.

I was floored. And convicted. And the feelings I was feeling for Nora have deepened considerably. How can they not? But when it got busy in the shop, I couldn’t stay and tell her how I felt, so Cal and I left.

My phone rings. “Mother Knows Best.”

Ugh.

But then I remember how Nora handled things this morning. I remember what she said about knowing that I am going to do the right thing. That even though I know my stepmother is a gold digger and just married my dad to get her boys an “in” with me, I can still be kind. It’s not her boys’ fault. They’re good kids. I guess.

I focus on Nora’s face in my mind as I answer my phone, knowing that I should be thinking about Jesus. That should bethe reason I’m doing right, but at least I have the doing right part down. Or am trying to anyway.

“Yeah?” I answer, trying not to sound too irritated. Happy would be too much of a stretch.

“Leo. Sweetie.” I scrunch up my face at the fake endearment. “Your father said that you might be able to watch the boys for us tomorrow morning while I take him to his doctor’s appointment.”

Oh, he did? I just bet. The boys are more than old enough to be left on their own and not need anyone to “watch” them.

But I remember how sweet Nora is and how she believes in me, and I say, “Sure. Drop them off at my apartment.” I don’t plan to stay there. The last time I talked to her boys, they begged me to take them skating, so that’s what I’m going to do. But I don’t need to tell my stepmom that.

“It’ll be 7:30.”

In the morning? I’ll be done with my workout. I wonder if Nora would be able to go too.

“That’s fine.”

“I’ll pick them up by ten.”

“All right.” That gave us plenty of time. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I had sworn that I wouldn’t have anything to do with her because of her using my dad.

Wait.

“What’s Dad’s appointment for?”

She pauses. “The doctors saw a shadow on his liver. They’re doing a few more tests.” Another pause. “He’s pretty nervous about it.”

I bet. I would be too. I am. Sure, since Mom passed, Dad and I haven’t exactly been on the best of terms, but I still love him.

“All right.” I don’t want to talk about it with my stepmom. “I’ll watch for the boys at 7:30.”

We hang up. Rather than feeling miserable and mean, the two things I usually feel after any conversation with my stepmom, I feel light and almost happy.

Thanks, Nora. Thanks for reminding me of what I’m supposed to do and then modeling it for me. God’s timing doesn’t escape me as well. It was just this morning that Nora showed me how I should be, and God’s test came this afternoon.

I want to tell Nora that I admire the way she handled things this morning and it inspired me. That’s why I think about my next move all day, and it’s why I’m standing here now, in front of her door, just a few minutes after she got home from the shop. Normally she works in the evening, but since the breast cupcake debacle, she’s been home earlier. If she does what I want right now, I’ll ask her why.

Taking a deep breath, feeling like the puck is about to drop, I lift my hand and knock on her door.

It feels like forever before she opens it.

“Leo.” I think her smile is happy, although I can read surprise on her face as well. I know it’s weird that I’m here, but I can’t seem to stay away.

---