Searching for Anna By Jenifer Carll-Tong
Chapter 6 - Decoration Day
It appeared as if the entire town had come out for the Decoration Day picnic.
Phoebe loved Decoration Day. Already, there had been a parade and a moving service at the ceremony, reminding Phoebe of the great sacrifice so many had made for their country. Seeing the Michigan State constables among them had reminded Phoebe that Will was among their number and had shamed her a bit. She regretted not respecting his position as an officer more.
But there was no time for regrets, now. Now it was time to eat. The church grounds were packed with townspeople, and tables covered in food went on for miles. Phoebe's favorite table was the one filled with desserts. There was something about a potluck that brought out the competitor in every baker. Each and every delicacy you could imagine was on display, from blackberry pie to layered cakes to pastries of all kinds. Several women stood nearby, trying to appear engaged in conversation or observation of the children playing nearby, but Phoebe knew their real intent was campaigning. They each wanted validation that their confection was superior to the others. When an unsuspecting person would happen by, just to take a look at what the table had to offer, of course, the women would descend like vultures. While this often took them by surprise, Phoebe and Sarah relished it.
"Oh girls, you must certainly try my strawberry rhubarb pie. The ingredients are fresh from my garden!"
"Of course, Mrs. Talbot!"
"Have a slice of my lemon cake…it's my secret recipe!"
"If you insist, Mrs. Shaffer!"
"How about some bread pudding?"
"Certainly, Mrs. Lemont!"
Before long, the girls had plates piled high with every imaginable sweet.
They walked away, laughing and stuffing their faces.
"Phoebe? Phoebe Albright? Is that you?" came a voice from behind.
Phoebe turned, mouth full of cake, to find Stella Franklin, one of her old classmates and the last person Phoebe would want to see her stuffing an entire plate of sweets in her face, quickly approaching.
"Oh, it is you!" she exclaimed, hugging Phoebe dramatically.
"Well, Stella, this is a surprise," Phoebe responded, wiping her mouth. Of all the people who could have caught her stuffing her face in such a manner, Stella Franklin would have been at the bottom of Phoebe's list. Swallowing the remaining cake, Phoebe mustered as genuine a smile as possible for the young busybody. "I'd heard that your parents had moved to Detroit."
"Oh, they did, but I moved back home when I married Billy Bowen. Did you know that I married Billy Bowen? Oh, you probably didn't know that, with you being away at college and all. Yep, we got married last month after a whirlwind romance. It was something, Phoebe. Billy is such a romantic. I bet you never thought of Billy as a romantic, did you? Well he is, and I'll tell you…"
She spoke a million words a minute, and Phoebe's head started to spin. Stella had always been a talker, and her favorite subject had always been herself – and this conversation was no different. She went on and on about her courtship to Billy Bowen, about their wedding and their new house. She transitioned from one topic to another so quickly, that Phoebe couldn't keep up. So, when her conversation turned to a question, Phoebe wasn't prepared.
"Phoebe, dear, did you hear me?"
"I'm sorry Stella, I got distracted. What did you ask me?"
"Silly girl, I asked what you are doing now – now that you are finished with Bible College?"
Phoebe didn't know what to say. She'd had to answer this question a few times, but most people were too polite to ask. Phoebe knew people felt sorry for her, being 22 and still not married.
"Phoebe's been asked to pastor a church in the U.P.! Isn't that exciting?" Sarah exclaimed.
"A pastor? An unmarried woman? Are you serious?" Stella laughed. That's about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!"
"Ridiculous?" Phoebe could feel her face growing warm. "What exactly is ridiculous about it?"
"Well… everything, I suppose. I mean, the thought of you being a pastor…"
"I have the same exact schooling as all the men that graduated from Bible College, so I am certainly qualified for the position."
"You might have the schooling, but you are a woman. You went off to Bible College to marry yourself a preacher, not become one! Besides, you would never last a week in the Upper Peninsula. You are far too delicate."
"Now you listen to me, Stella Franklin, or Bowen, or whatever your name is now. Not only am I trained and capable of the work, but I am called of God, so He will provide all I need. Was David strong enough to face the giant? No, but God provided the stone, didn't he? Did Moses have the voice of a leader? No, but God provided Aaron. Was Sarah at an age to bear children? No, she wasn't, but you know how that story turned out as well, don't you? God doesn't ask for us to be strong in our own strength. All he asks is that we respond like Isaiah – 'Here I am. Send me.' So, you'll excuse me if I don't listen to your lunacy that I can't do what God is calling me to do, and instead listen to Paul when he tells us in Hebrews that God will make me perfect in every good work to do his will. Good day, Mrs. Bowen!"
Phoebe turned and stormed off leaving Stella standing, mouth agape, and Sarah chasing after her, mouth full of strawberry cake, laughing all the way.
And with that, Phoebe's decision was made.
