Uncaged

By Wes Leigh featuring the contributions of Rob the Scribe

 

This is a work of fiction intended solely for the entertainment of our readers; any resemblance to any real people or places is purely coincidental. Readers who would like to chat are encouraged to contact us at weston.leigh@protonmail.com and robthescribe@protonmail.com.

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Chapter Four

 

Roderyk woke in middle of the night, startled by that unsettling feeling that he wasn't in his own bed. He sat up, looked around the dark bedroom and glanced out the window, finally realizing where he was. His body was still struggling to adapt to living half a world away from Germany. He fell back down and tried to go to sleep, but it did no good.

Climbing out of bed, he sorted through his clothes and found a pair of black jeans and a black tee-shirt that wasn't terribly wrinkled. He put them on and tiptoed into the front room, where he sat on the piano bench and looked around. Was he really living on a small chicken farm in rural Georgia? It was deathly quiet outside. He was accustomed to the sounds of traffic, sirens, and alarms, even in the middle of the night. Bamberg never slept, not near the apartment where he had lived. Having the Hainpark across the street helped some, but it was still a vibrant and noisy place. He wondered how his little songbird was doing. He'd hated leaving it behind, but there was no way he could have brought it with him.

He heard a shuffling noise in the kitchen. Auntie peeked around the corner and saw him sitting there. She smiled and trundled over, sitting down next to him on the piano bench. "Couldn't sleep?" she asked with a gentle smile.

He shook his head. "Still getting used to the time difference, Auntie."

She patted his knee. "It'll get better, my boy. Would you like some coffee?"

"I'd love that," he replied, grinning.

She stood and took his hand, pulling him after her into the kitchen. As she puttered around, boiling water and setting out cups, she said, "Sunday's our day of rest. A couple of the workers do everything on Sunday so I can take the day off to worship the good Lord. I give them a day off during the week. They ain't much for church, which I understand, and I don't hold it against `em. Every soul has a right to believe what it wants, but this old soul loves to tell the Lord how grateful she is for all he's done to bless me." She poured hot water into the cups, added instant coffee and stirred. "You're most welcome to go with me, my boy. I don't insist, but I would be mighty grateful if you joined me for church this morning."

She carried the cups to the table and set one in front of Roderyk. He added cream and sugar and stirred. Then took a sip and sighed. It was just what he needed to wake up completely.

He placed the cup back on the table and said, "I don't have anything to wear to church."

"Them'll do fine," Auntie mumbled, gesturing at the black jeans and tee-shirt he was wearing. "We ain't high-falootin' at my church. Simple folk lovin' Jesus. That's all we are. You could come in suspenders and overalls, and you'd be welcome as Christmas mornin'."

And that's how, after a large breakfast of sliced ham, fried eggs, hash browns, toast, and several more cups of coffee, Roderyk found himself back in Auntie's old pickup, holding a basket of food in his lap as she cranked up the old vehicle.

The sun was well up in the sky, so the heat was beginning to build. With both windows down and Auntie's high-speed driving style, the breezes rushing through the truck kept them reasonably cool.

She retraced their journey down the rutted farm lane, back onto the unpaved county roads, and then onto a two-lane highway headed for a few trees and buildings just ahead. As they hurtled down the road, Roderyk saw a cluster of buildings at the intersection of two paved highways. There were large towns no more than 10 miles away, but this village had survived the passing of time without noticeable upgrading. There was a country store, a few houses, and a white clapboard church.

Auntie spun the wheel and slid to a stop next to an old Pontiac station wagon. There were quite a few cars parked outside the old church, surprisingly.

Auntie came around the truck and hooked Roderyk's arm with her own. "They're gonna love you, my boy, and you're gonna love them. Good folk. Every one of `em. Come on, boy. Let's get inside now."

Roderyk had to walk quickly to keep up with Auntie as she tugged him up the front steps to the open doors of the church. It was a bit cooler inside, with ceiling fans humming above at full speed, sending cool draughts of air down onto their heads. They were standing in a narrow alcove, with a small table along one wall underneath a bulletin board covered with notices of upcoming meetings, pictures drawn by little kids, and a lost cat poster.

"This way, my boy," Auntie urged, pulling Roderyk into the next room, where a large woman took the basket out of his hands with a booming thank you. Auntie led him to the other end of the room and into an auditorium with a wide aisle down the middle and a dozen pews along each side. At the front was a raised dais with a simple wooden pulpit in the middle, an organ on one side, an upright piano on the other, and a large cross hanging on the back wall.

"We ain't got a baptistry," Auntie whispered, noticing where Roderyk was looking.

"What's a baptistry?" he whispered back.

She looked at him with a hint of surprise. "It's for baptizin' new believers," she explained. "It's like a big bathtub, big enough for you and the preacher to stand in `fore he dips you down in the water, showin' you've become a new creation." She leaned in closer. "We's a bit more old-fashioned here. If anyone wants to be dunked, we take `em down to the river behind the church." She giggled when she said that.

Roderyk gulped. This certainly wasn't like the cathedrals he'd spent his youth in back in Bamberg.

An old man, slightly balding, with an enormous grin, dimples in each cheek, and smile wrinkles in his eyes hurried down the aisle to greet them.

"Pastor James, this is my nephew, Roderyk Meyer," Auntie said with pride.

The pastor's hand was soft and warm in Roderyk's as he shook, obviously delighted to meet him. "Welcome to our church, Roderyk. Your auntie's been telling us all about you. We're so glad you're finally here." His voice was gentle and sincere, and Roderyk felt his own nervousness easing.

Other people slowly approached and introduced themselves. A young couple with three children. A pair of elderly sisters. A thin woman and her teenage son. A man with twin daughters, probably in their late teens. Roderyk couldn't remember all the names and didn't even try, but he did remember their smiles. They made him feel warm. Loved. Wanted. It was quite a strange and amazing feeling.

͠ ͠ ͠

RJ peeked around his mom to get another look at the new man in the black jeans and black tee-shirt. The guy was very handsome and muscular. Someday, RJ hoped he would look like the man ... what was his name? Rodrick or something like that. Like the name in his story for school. How odd! The man was standing next to the Chicken Lady, old Miss Meyer. RJ knew the guy in black was her nephew and he was from Germany. He had really nice arms, with bulging biceps and large forearms. And his chest was broad, but his stomach was tight. RJ glanced down, noticing the man had thick, powerful thighs. He must work out a lot, RJ decided. I wish I looked like him.

͠ ͠ ͠

Roderyk tried not to stare, but he'd noticed one particular boy in the mass of people there in the church. Not a boy, but a young teen. Probably thirteen or fourteen. Slightly overweight, much like Roderyk had been at that age. But that wasn't what caught his attention. The youth had incredible pale blue eyes, just like Roderyk's, and dark curly hair, also like Roderyk's. They both wore wire-framed glasses. They both had shy smiles, and though they pretended not to look, they kept studying each other, discretely. Roderyk couldn't help himself. Everything about the young man reminded him of himself when he was that age. Who was he? What was his name? He couldn't remember now, not with all the names tossed out at him as he was being introduced.

͠ ͠ ͠

The pastor invited everyone to take a seat. RJ sat next to his mom. He didn't mind her dragging him out of the city to attend church way out here in the country. He really enjoyed listening to Pastor James. He was kind and didn't yell at you like some preachers. And the other kids at the church were nice too. Jasmine and April were wonderful. They were twins. Seniors next year, so they were oldest kids in the youth group. Timothy and Jared were nice too. Brothers who lived on a nearby farm and were about the same age as RJ. Timothy and Jared loved baseball, and they were looking forward to playing in summer leagues. RJ tried to play softball with the other kids when they started up a game in the grass behind the church on Sunday afternoons, but he couldn't hit or throw. The other kids never made fun of him. Jasmine and April made sure everyone played nice.

͠ ͠ ͠

Roderyk sat next to Auntie on the hard wooden pew. It was surprisingly comfortable, and the air blowing down from the ceiling fans above kept everyone cool. The pastor's wife played the piano. Another woman played the organ. They sang a few songs from tattered hymnals, songs Roderyk had never heard before, but he was able to pick up them up quickly and join in.

Next, the pastor stood up to preach. His voice was soothing. He talked about a woman who lost a coin and searched for it everywhere. He said Jesus treated us the same way, not worrying about how we got lost or where we ended up, but simply searching and searching until he found us, because we were too precious to leave us alone and missing.

Roderyk felt his heart melting when he heard those words. A tear escaped one eye and rolled down his cheek. He wiped it away with one finger.

͠ ͠ ͠

From the next pew over, RJ noticed Roderyk wiping away a tear. Why was the man crying? Did he miss someone, someone he loved back in Germany, someone he'd left behind? Or was he all alone and wishing he had someone to love? The man was certainly handsome with all those big muscles. He should have no trouble finding someone to love.

RJ's mom tapped him on the knee. He blushed. He'd been caught staring at the man. RJ turned back to look at Pastor James. He tried to listen to what Pastor James was saying, but he couldn't pay attention. The new man was all he could think about. Did he like movies? He looked like a movie star. Did he like to read? He wore glasses like RJ. Maybe he wasn't into sports, although with a body like that, he probably played football or ... if he was from Germany, he probably played something else, like rugby or soccer, although RJ remembered that they called it football in Germany, even though football was something totally different here in America.

None of that explained why the man was crying.

͠ ͠ ͠

Roderyk couldn't describe the emotions welling up inside him. Fear and anxiety he could explain. Pain and rejection he understood. But this was all foreign to him. He had never felt ... loved.

He saw the preacher talking and heard his voice, but it was all fading away. He felt Auntie's hand holding his own as she sat next to him in the pew. Her hand was warm, accepting. He knew there were other people all around him, but his vision began to cloud and the room disappeared. He started to panic. Not here. Not now. Not another of his visions. But he was helpless to stop it. He was alone now, surrounded by light. Bright, piercing light. He heard a voice say, "Alone no more. Searching no more. You are found and needed."

Roderyk blinked. He was back in the church. Pastor James was praying, his eyes closed, his head bowed. Next to Roderyk, Auntie was also praying. Her hand still held his own, gently embracing him. He sighed with relief. He hadn't done anything to draw attention to himself.

He blew out his breath and turned to look around. The boy was looking at him. Their eyes connected.

͠ ͠ ͠

RJ was supposed to be praying, but he couldn't help himself. He opened his eyes and looked at the man in the black clothes, the man with the lovely muscles and the gorgeous blue eyes. The man wasn't praying like everyone else. He was staring up at the cross at the front of the church, his eyes filled with tears, his brow furrowed as if he was hearing something that confused him. Then the man's features softened and he relaxed. He took a deep breath and blew it out. He looked around and his eyes locked on RJ's. RJ was embarrassed to have been caught staring, but he couldn't look away. He met the man's gaze, and he smiled. The man smiled back.

Then something really bizarre happened. RJ saw colored lights all around the man, rippling, like some kind of an aura. RJ wasn't scared. The aura was warm and inviting. It told him the man was someone he could trust, someone who would help him and protect him.

RJ quickly bowed his head and closed his eyes. The man seemed to like him. He hoped that was true, because he liked the man.

͠ ͠ ͠

Pastor James finished his prayer. He whispered, "Amen." The congregation said, "Amen." The organ and piano began playing a hymn, but Auntie didn't sing along. Instead, she turned to Roderyk and studied him carefully for a moment. Then she smiled gently and said, "You're found now, my boy, and you're needed."

Roderyk gasped. Those were the same words he'd heard in his vision.

She smiled even bigger. "Don't be surprised, Roderyk, my dear. Jesus shows me things too. He showed me what he has in mind for you, and it's not what you're thinkin'. No. I don't always understand why God does what he does, but I always trust him to know what he's doin'. You're goin' to be a blessing to many young people in the days to come."

"What?"

"Oh, don't'cha worry none," Auntie said, patting Roderyk's leg. "It'll all work out just fine, though there will be times when you wonder just what God's gotten you into, but you're needed, and you can't turn your back on God's callin'."

The hymn ended and the people stood up and began shaking hands with one another. Auntie took Roderyk's arm and pulled him out into the center aisle. The pastor was shaking hands and thanking people for coming. Auntie waited until he finished talking to a young couple, then pulled Roderyk forward.

"Pastor James, God's hand is on my nephew."

The preacher smiled and looked from Auntie to Roderyk. "Oh?"

"He's gonna be our new youth leader," she announced with a smile.

"Really?" Pastor James said. "Did your aunt tell you about our dilemma?"

"What? Ummm, no ... uhhh, Auntie?"

Auntie patted his arm. "We lost our last youth leader a few weeks back. He had to go to Ohio to take care of his mom when she was in a bad car accident. I've been fillin' in for him, but these old bones just can't keep up with these wild kids." She giggled. "They're not wild, really, just full of joy and energy, like young people ought to be, but God told me to do my best until he provided someone else, and now you're here, nephew. Isn't that wonderful? You're going to be a blessing to these kids!"

Roderyk stared at her in shock. What was she suggesting? He couldn't work with kids. No. Girls maybe, but not boys. It would be too hard. Too dangerous.

Auntie hugged Roderyk. "God showed us both, Pastor James. While you was preachin'. Told me Roderyk is the one. Then God told Roderyk he was needed. God found him and brought him to us. Isn't that wonderful?"

Wonderful? That was not the word Roderyk had in mind.

͠ ͠ ͠

No one left after the preaching was over. They moved to the other room, where tables were now covered with food. Meats and side dishes. Desserts and drinks. The congregation filled their plates, then found seats around the edges of the room where they sat, ate, and chatted.

Auntie and Pastor James sat with Roderyk, explaining what was expected of him as their new youth leader. Roderyk's head was spinning. How had he been roped into this so quickly? Didn't they want to check on his background? Make sure he was safe to leave in charge of kids? But Pastor James didn't seem at all concerned that a complete stranger had just flown in from Germany and would be given responsibility for the dozen or so teenagers that attended the church, including teaching them spiritual lessons. With Auntie's endorsement, Pastor James needed no other recommendation.

Roderyk wasn't worried about teaching the teens. He'd spent years in church schools and attending church services. He knew what the Church taught about God and felt comfortable teaching others. That wasn't what worried him. What concerned him was getting too close to the kids. It always happened. They were drawn to him. They loved being near him, talking to him, spending time with him. And that worried him, because he couldn't afford to get close to kids. The danger was too great. The cost would be too high.

Auntie and Pastor James either didn't notice or didn't concern themselves with Roderyk's apprehensions. They rattled off the plans for the coming months ... youth services every Sunday afternoon with softball games or any other physical activity Roderyk wanted to try ... Wednesday night studies with a snack Auntie would provide ... a lock-in coming up in two weeks there at the church from Friday night until Saturday morning ... and a week-long summer camp in July at Lake Hatchabee. Auntie promised to go too, as a chaperone for the girls, and Roderyk, of course, would be the chaperone for the boys. It was the only vacation she took from the farm, and she went every year, loving the break and the opportunity to spend time with young people. Roderyk would love it too, she promised him.

Roderyk sighed. While he was chaperoning the boys, who would be chaperoning him?

͠ ͠ ͠

They finished eating and Pastor James called all the youth to come over. He introduced them to Roderyk. There were the twins Jasmine and April, who offered to assist with anything needed (Auntie put in a good word for the girls, saying they were both dolls). Two brothers, Timothy and Jared, promised to help run softball games. Michael, Kitty, and Rebecca were siblings. Anthony was only ten, but he was allowed to participate in youth activities as long as he behaved. Sarah and Aaron were away that weekend, but would be back the following week. And last, there was RJ.

RJ offered his hand to Roderyk. Roderyk reached out. When their hands touched, they both felt a tingle from deep inside. Their eyes met, and once again they wondered why there was such a curious connection between them.

"Nice to meet you, RJ," Roderyk said, breaking the handshake, but continuing to study the teen.

RJ bowed his head, suddenly feeling bashful. "Nice to meet you, too, sir."

Auntie stepped up and pulled RJ and Roderyk into a hug. "You know, RJ, the two of you have the same initials."

RJ looked up, smiling. "We do?"

Auntie nodded. "Yes, indeed ... Roderyk Jan Meyer and RJ MacMahon. But you've never told me what your initials stand for," she teased.

"I'd rather not say," RJ replied, blushing.

"That's okay, dear," Auntie said. "You don't have to tell us, but my RJ is going to be watchin' out for you now. Big RJ and little RJ. Isn't that wonderful?"

Roderyk smiled tentatively. If only he had some way of knowing that it would indeed be wonderful.

͠ ͠ ͠

After finishing up the meal with a healthy slice of chocolate cake, Roderyk was practically dragged out of the church by Timothy and Jared. They took him into an open field behind the church where a simple baseball diamond had been set up in the grass.

"We play softball after church every Sunday," Timothy explained.

"You any good?" Jared asked.

Roderyk shook his head. "I've never played."

The teens stared at him in shock and shook their heads sadly. "Them Germans don't know what they're missin'," Timothy said, sadly.

"They sure don't," Jared agreed.

The rest of the youth trickled out of the church along with a few of the younger parents. Timothy and Jared ran back inside and came out with a large canvas bag that they opened and dumped on the ground, spilling out bats, softballs, and gloves. Jasmine quickly divided everyone up into two teams, pulling some of the parents in to fill out teams of seven each. Roderyk, having no clue what to do, was taken under April's wing, who showed him where to stand and explained how the game worked.

Auntie stood in the shade of a nearby tree, laughing softly.

Roderyk looked at her, frowning, but she only laughed more and motioned for him to pay attention to the game.

He was awkward at first, but he picked up the rules quickly and even made a catch at one point. He couldn't hit the ball very well when he was up at bat, but he tried, and the kids laughed and encouraged him.

He had fun. Even when they hugged him and held onto him. It was no different than back in Germany, where he led a group of scouts. Once again, Roderyk found himself in the middle of a group of kids who yearned for his attention and love.

͠ ͠ ͠

As the game wrapped up, Auntie walked over with a stack of papers. She handed one to each of the youth. "The lock-in is comin' up soon. Here's what y'all need to bring. And at the bottom, there's a place for your momma or poppa to sign. Tear it off and bring it back next Sunday."

With eager smiles, they each took a sheet and ran off, showing their parents.

Auntie looked around. "Where did RJ go? He forgot his paper." She shrugged. "I suppose his momma had to work this afternoon. That poor girl works too hard and gets paid too little. Well, we'll have to take it to `em ourselves, I suppose."

Auntie hooked Roderyk's arm in her own and led him back into the church to pick up her now empty basket. She smiled at Roderyk and said, "Them kids love you, my boy. You did fine today, and this is gonna be good for you too. Mark my words."

 

The end of UNCAGED, Chapter Four