Our Love Story, Part XII

[Read Parts I-XI here.]

There was no call when I got home; I didn't expect one, and I wouldn't have answered it if there had been, anyway. I was mad.

After that Summer, I wanted to forget everything about Mr. Amazing and put my silly crush to an end, once and for all. But try as I might to forget, everything reminded me of him. Suddenly I was seeing sage brush everywhere. I saw his name written on websites, in stores, and in books. The low point came when I saw his exact likeness in a plate of mashed potatoes. Something had to be done.

So I did what any good Catholic girl would do. I started a 54 Day Rosary Novena, for guidance and clarity. Nine days, I thought, was child's play; I needed to prove I was serious about this guy.

By this time I had confided in my little sister and a few other close friends. Most of them urged me just to call him or write him and spill my heart out. But I was determined not to do that. If he was worthy, he would approach me. I'd provide ample opportunities for him to do so, of course, but I was adamant that he would have to make the first move.

It was about Day 31 or so, and I'd heard nothing. My prayers were being answered, I thought, and the answer was clearly, "no." I'd hit my nadir, one day, and was about to throw in the towel when I told God, "I know there are 23 days left to go, but I'm fed up with this. If I don't see some movement today, I'll take it that I already have my answer and be done with it. I don't even need clarity -- just let him contact me! Phone, e-mail, letter, carrier pigeon, smoke signals... anything!"

I half expected lightning to strike, or perhaps the phone to ring. But, of course there was silence.

As was my Sunday custom in those days, I was settling in for my long late-morning nap, when the phone rang.

"Hello?" I said at last, a little annoyed by the intrusion.

"Hi," answered a deep rich jovial male voice.

I almost hung up the phone in amazement. It kind of sounded like him. I gulped hard... it's hard to determine anyone's voice by just a "hi." The next line would make or break me.

"How are you?" I asked, feigning recognition and clearing my throat about 3 times in the process.

"Oh, I'm doing fine! But I have a question."

It WAS him!! Yes, of course I'll be your one true love!! Though you could've asked me sooner!

"I teach CCD classes and I'm trying to remember the Greek name for the Holy Spirit. I remember Logos, but that's the Word -- the Son."

Well, that's hardly what I was expecting, but it was something! Of course in that instant I had forgotten everything I'd ever learned about Theology. I stalled.

"You teach CCD?"

"Yes... the 9th grade."

I didn't know that. This was good... keep stalling.

"It's so good to hear from you! How is Miriam?"

"Oh, she's doing very well. How are you?"

I'd be a lot better if you'd tell me how much you missed me, and how you had tried to call me every day but just hadn't been able to reach me.

"Oh, doin' great," I fibbed.

Finally, after all of the formalities of checking up on everyone's health, and after exhausting all possible queries about the weather, and after intense mental strain and powers of concentration, I had remembered something!!

"I know that in Hebrew the term ruah was used, for breath or wind. But in Greek..."

"Ruah?" he said, as though taking notes. Oohh... this was good. Time to lay it on thick.

"Yes, as in... 'Veha'arets hayetah tohu vabohu vechoshech al-peney tehom ve-ruah Elohim merachefet al-peney hamayim.'"

That's the only Hebrew I know (Genesis 1:2), but it sounded good.

"Wow. That's pretty neat. But do you know the Greek word?"

Blast. I was afraid he'd ask that. I closed my eyes and searched hard.

At last, "Oh! Yes! I do remember. It's pneuma or hagion pneuma." I felt as though I'd nailed the final question on Jeopardy.

"Ah! That does sound familiar. You're right! Thank you so much; I thought you might know it."

I could get used to this phone thing. He couldn't see me blushing... or fist pumping and dancing around the room.

"Well, I'd better get back to planning my lesson. Thanks so much!" he said, hurriedly.

WHAT!? That's it!!? Now's the time to proclaim your deep and undying love for me! Gratitude, buddy, gratitude!

Before waiting for me to give much of a reply, I heard the fatal click and the icy cold dial tone. I stared at the phone wondering... what just happened?

To be continued...