 Josiah sat between his nephews and opened the first page of the beautiful gold leaf book he’d purchased. Being an uncle was a new experience but he loved every moment of it. “This is the Christmas story.”
“Is Santa in it?” J.D. asked eagerly, attempting to turn the page to find the man in red.
“No, it is about Baby Jesus, The Virgin Mary and the amazing gift God gave us at the first Christmas.”
Vin looked up at Josiah. “Mary is Jesus’ mother.”
Josiah nodded. “That’s right. Do you know who his father is?”
“Verge,” Vin responded.
Josiah frowned. “Verge? Who told you that?”
Vin’s small face clouded with wariness as he whispered, “You did.”
Josiah glanced up at his babysitting partner on this occasion. Ezra, who was seated on the sofa across the room reading the paper, raised an eyebrow.
Josiah returned his attention to the child. “I told you?”
Vin’s eyes grew wider, fear clearly reflected.
The little one was still adjusting to his new life with a family and people who loved him, Josiah realized and so he lowered and softened his voice. “You’re not in trouble, son. I just want to understand.” When Vin didn’t respond, Josiah picked him up onto his lap. “Don’t be afraid. Uncle Josiah is just a little confused. You see, God is Jesus’ father.”
“I know,” Vin whispered. “And his first name is Verge. I’m not supposed to call people by their first names, am I? Chris said I shouldn’t.”
Again, Josiah glanced at Ezra, who shrugged.
“That’s okay. When did I tell you God’s name is Verge?”
Vin swallowed. Josiah gave the child an encouraging nod. “Every time you talk about Baby Jesus you say his mum and dad too.”
“I do?”
“Verge n’ Mary.”
Josiah blinked and then burst out laughing. Vin watched him nervously. “Oh, Vin. I’m saying Virgin Mary. A virgin is...” Josiah clamped his mouth shut. He shot the look of a dying man at Ezra.
“Good luck,” Ezra chuckled, returning to his paper.
Josiah opened his mouth, but his mind whirled. On his right, J.D. stared up at him with large brown eyes reflecting such innocence... and from his lap Vin’s crystal blue eyes searched his face for understanding.
“Virgin?” Vin prompted softly.
Josiah swallowed. “You’re right, son. God’s first name is Verge.”
© Dec 2009 Aussie Lass. : This relates only to the creative property in this story. The distinctive way the story unfolds, the specific dialogue and unique situations are mine. I acknowledge that some of the characters and settings belong to the owners of "The Magnificent Seven" and I thank them sincerely for turning a blind eye so I can borrow them. (g) No infrigement of copyright was intended and no profit has been made from this story... so, please don't sue me. It wouldn't be worth your while. |
