Page 52 of The Hunt
“How’s the club progressing?” I asked, needing to change the subject.
“Very well. Yesterday’s meeting motivated the crew. I’m confident they’ll meet the deadlines I’ve set because they want the daily bonuses I’ve promised. Speaking of, I need to leave soon. Did you want to join me today?”
“No thank you.”
She took a bite of her crepe and complimented Dad.
“So what else do you do to keep busy here, Dad?” I asked.
“Answer appropriately, Jason,” Mom said quickly then turned toward me with an apologetic smile. “I’ve warned him that you don’t want to hear intimate details regarding your father’s virility.”
“Please don’t use that word,” I whispered in a choked voice.
“I cook,” Dad said, saving me. “After your mother and I complete our daily worship, she goes to work. Sometimes, I nap when she leaves me. But mostly, I spend the time planning recipes that I know your mother will enjoy when she returns. When she’s with me, I’ll prepare her food while she tells me about her day. We eat together then watch a movie.”
There was so much wrong with his explanation I didn’t even know where to start.
“Don’t you miss your prayer time? Or reading the Bible?”
Mother made a dismissive noise, and I turned to her, my annoyance clearly displayed in my eyes.
“He doesn’t belittle your beliefs. Respect him enough to do the same.”
“Of course,” she said quickly. “I apologize to both of you. I promise to be more respectful of your father in the future.” She reached out and took my hand in hers. “This is new to me. I’m trying to adapt and learn. Please have patience with me when I make mistakes.”
My throat tightened, and I nodded.
“I know you’re protective of your father and love him dearly. I swear to you, I feel the same. But, the two of us are very different people, trying to meet in the middle. It’s not always easy.”
“I know it’s not. I’m sorry I got angry.”
“Think nothing of it. I love seeing your eyes change like that. I’m so proud of you and the way you fear nothing when it comes to protecting those you love. It’s an admirable quality.”
She gave my hand a last squeeze and excused herself.
“I need to go change. I promised your father I’d only wear his wonderful gift at home.”
As soon as she left the kitchen, Dad stood abruptly and motioned to me.
“Kneel, Eliana. I need to lay hands on you.”
I cringed.
“Dad, please do we need—”
“Now, Eliana.” He got on his knees, and I reluctantly did the same. He set his hands on my shoulders and closed his eyes.
“Oh great Creator, the one and true God of all people, cleanse my daughter’s flesh of the demon seed she received yesterday. Let her body be a receptacle of Your mercy, not for the nectar of any ungodly man’s loins. Let her mind be a temple for Your word, so she knows and receives the sanctity of Your holy love. The only kind of love she should be receiving until she’s married. Re-purify her body and cleanse her of her sexual sins. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.”
“Dad,” I whispered, my face hot with shame. “I didn’t have sex. I’m still pure.”
“You fed. I heard your mother say it.”
“I swear I didn’t. I danced; that was all.”
“Amen, Eliana.”
“Amen,” I croaked miserably.
