15 Chapter 15: Lilies of Forever and Ever.

Eshcol savor the peanut coffee and unwrapped the cookies.

"Here pastor have some, this cookies had a sprinkles of raisins and nuts."

Elim bit one and he felt the sweet melting within his mouth but his chest continued to pound and pulsate bitterly.

Eshcol noticed his sad reaction and made a statement that had Elim gained his composure.

"The best part of pursuing is waiting. It's a serene and calm move but is the most aggressive and effective. Pastor, it's okay to have this bitter moments it will help the blending pacified."

Elim gratefully acknowledge what Eshcol have said. Elim got curious at how he won over his wife.

"How did you pursue your wife?"

Eshcol winked at him and answered.

"I waited and followed her."

Elim roasted the old man.

"Are you a stalker? You can get arrested because of that you know."

Eshcol smirked at the Pastor and proudly said.

"Yes, I persevered. The straight forward the better. Ask her about how she wanted to be courted."

Jogli was relieved after the three days retreat he can now brag his vase to Mahli. He knocked at their door and saw his wife wearing an apron. She just finished cooking and is heating his bath. Jogli shoved his things toward Mahli. Mahli understood that her husband is tired. So she unpacked his things and saw a bag of coins. He even brought a pair of butterfly earing for her.

Tirzah opened her door and her nose led her to the kitchen. Elim was there setting the table. Elim grinned at her and waved as he put on some plates.

"Welcome home Cheif! Go and take a bath."

Tirzah just passed him. When the water hit her skin. She realised what just happened. She started to climb up her bathroom window to survey the surrounding and confirmed that she entered the right house. She suddenly got conscious of her face and posture.

Tirzah applied and lathered her hair with the shampoo he gave her. The older women said that it smelt refreshing. She quickly transported to her room and checked her clothes only to see all of her clothes folded on the bed. She decided to put on a pajama and zoomed in toward Elim.

"Did you wash my clothes?"

Elim admitted, as he pull the chair for her to sit. As he served the food.

"Did you waaaash aaalll offf it?"

Elim replied a nonchalant yes.

Tirzah blushed at his response.

She wanted to shrink right now or get under the table. As she imagine him washing her undergarments.

"Don't worry Chief I did not touch any of your underwears. I had it washed by Mahli's aunt who earn for laundering."

Elim assured her as he tittered at how cute she look liked when she's reddish.

Tirzah thanked Elim, Tirzah bring out the chime she designed. The starfish had some thread and sea shell dangling. It look like a child's work but for Elim it's a masterpiece.

"Here, I crafted during our first day and this is like my payment for your kindness toward me, Thank you pastor." Tirzah shyly said as she bow her head in gratitude. Elim accepted it and he played with his finger. Elim recalled seeing it on the newspaper he compiled about her. Elim smiled down at the chime as it ring.

Tirzah watched Elim's handsome face radiates a certain warmth that she can compare to the cup of coffee she loves. His face suddenly glow in her eyes. It was like a flashlight blinding her eyes. Sudden flashbacks twirl in her mind. A faceless man holding her hand and grinning at her. Elim's voice interrupted her vision.

"Thank you Chief, I really appreciate it." His words were genuine. It was the first gift he ever recieved when he got out of prison.

Eshcol is currently at the peak of the hill before the sunrise. Even if he had watched the same events over and over again. His heart continue to magnify the stroke of beautiful horizon. Not long after Tirzah joined her like the usual. She brought some morning sip and bread. The left over from yesterday's dinner with Elim.

"Chief, welcome back! How was the retreat?" Eshcol inquired as they sat on the same tree and spot.

"It was rejuvenating and fun. I felt like a child once more." Tirzah replied as they watch the sun spread it's invisible wings.

"Did you read the newspaper? Our pastor was gloomy after seeing it yesterday." Eshcol intentionally mentioned.

Tirzah went to her office earlier than expected. She ransack her table just for the newspaper. Mahli arrived and screamed at the dislocated and wrecked office. Tirzah appeared burried by the paper. When Mahli helped her organize the room. Tirzah mentioned the newspaper. Mahli had it secured in her desk just in case. When Tirzah read the article she recalled how worned out and forced Elim's smile. Tirzah realised that she was just the one who enjoyed the meal.

Tirzah purchased a flavoured cream puff and cinnamon. But how will she approach him and why does she need to explain everything to him anyway? After her pacing and brain storming she ended up visiting Eshcol's office.

"Have some of the cinnamon and cream puff Grandpa." Tirzah offered.

"Is this a bribe? Why do I feel like I am being used as bargaining chips?"

Eshcol teased as he check out another set and box in her hands. Tirzah opened up about her concern. Eshcol smirked at her and said.

"Chief, It's okay to clarify things. There is nothing to be bothered about. Just tell him it's your payment for the laundry expenses."

Tirzah made sure that it's after dinner that she knocked in Elim's door.

Elim was wondering who might it be and when he opened the door. Elim concealed his joy to see her at his door step. Tirzah extended both of her hands as she held the box of dessert.

"Uhmm,.. My payment for the laundry expenses. I heared from Mahli that you paid for it on my behalf. So please accept this." Tirzah said as if she is threathining him. Like a predator forcing a hostage to surrender her belongings.