5 Chapter 5: Who loves you in Faith?

Jogli and Mahli had been acting strange since morning. Their conversation and actions were awkward since morning. Usually they would walk together and work side by side within the chief's office. Tirzah cannot define what would the problem be and she is just insensitive when it comes to couple's issues, Tirzah can just spit out sugarless coffee made by Mahli.

Tirzah who can't read the air slammed her hand on the table that startled her co-workers. "I... I am going for a walk..he.. he.. he.." Tirzah stuttered as she forcefully stood up and take action to what she just blurted out due to her irritation watching the couple.

Tirzah is currently surveying the surrounding and can see how virgin is the place she is in. The soil that smelt fresh and the air that refreshes whoever it passes. Tirzah sipped the bitter coffee as she continued to roam around following the narrow pathway on top of the white hill.

This hill was the main reason why the village was called Ligament. It got a perfect spot for viewing the scenery because of it's tissue like texture it reflect whatever is on top of it. Tirzah look at her reflection to the fine lightweight and examined her figure.

Tirzah never thought that her natural facade looks this lovely comparing to herself way back when she was in her rebellious phase.

Her natural black blouse and green military pants. Her black boots made her looked like a descent village captain. She wondered what will her father says when he sees her like this, Will he affirm her or rebuke her? She remembered her parents having some awkward moments sometimes and would see them more passionate and caring for each other at the end of the day.

Tirzah flashback gave her the answer to her question about Jogli and Mahli's issue and she knew that she won't be able to help the two. So she gulped every ounce of the bitter coffee and strode down from the hill. She made her way to the door that she never thought she would willingly knocked unto.

Her fingers rapped at the wooden door and it created a pounden noise. Not long after the footstep paced toward her direction and it swung open and their it revealed a man with wide and knowing smile.

"Yes chief, how can i help you?" Elim said as his smile reach his ears.

"Umm.. Someone needs your help. Since you are considered as the Village's adviser, I am here to.. inform you in their behalf." Trizah said as she looked down and play with the empty cup.

Elim can't help but chuckle at her broken statement and cute gestures. Elim opened the door vast enough to invite Tirzah inside.

Tirzah surveyed Elim's office and it gives off the ambiance that you are home. The wall is well wiped and is designed by scriptures and inspirational quotes. Some are frames with a pencil drawing and sketch. She can see how fine and detail oriented the artist was.

Elim pulled the chair for her in a gentleman way and made her sit down.

"Do you want another cup of coffee?" Elim inquired as he softly glance at her.

Tirzah look at ger cup and saw her face got reflected because of the voidness.

Tirzah requested another cup and Elim excused himself to prepare some.

After quite some time, the scent of brewed almond and soya entices her nostril. Elim came in with cookies and hot coffee. She evaluated how down to earth his frame was. As usual he is wearing a plain long-sleeved with rounded neck. His slacks was gray and his brown locks wave as he walks.

Tirzah averted her eyes because she seems to be imagining things. She can see the pastor walking toward her in slow motion and fireworks effect. He sat in front of her and clasp his hand on top of the table.

"Chief, please state your reason for being here but i would really be flattered if your here to share a snack with me." Elim said as he flicker his eye.

Tirzah just sighed at his side comment and decided to ignore.

"Jogli and Mahli were acting awkward inside the office and I felt irritated, I was pondering what is concerning them and I came to a conclusion that they might have been in a quarrel." Tirzah stated.

Elim just nod at her and asked

"So what do you want me to do chief?"

"I honestly.... don't know but I want to help them, that is why I came here." Tirzah replied as she bowed her head in confusion. Elim just stare with her and calmly stated.

"I got it, But for now all we can do is wait for them to get some help."

Tirzah cannot fathom why would they wait instead of making a move to help them, so she voiced out her curiosity.

"Why?"

Elim made a continous gentle sound and answered her curiousity.

"Because there are times that help must be asked first before you recieve it."

Tirzah suddenly wanted to raise one more question but got interrupted by a knock from the door.

Elim opened it and saw the Mahli and Jogli standing a meter from each other. Tirzah caught a glimpse and smiled, she excused herself and get back at her office. Elim poured the coffee and waited for the two to speak out.

"Pastor, we are here due to our marital concern. Jogli snapped at me for the same reason every time and I as wife would wonder why can't he just accept me as I am." Mahli stated in between sniff and sob as Jogli looked away from her. Elim observed how indifference Jogli's respond. Elim decided to break the ice and asked.

"What can you say about Mahli's words Jogli?"

Jogli was surprised at the sudden confrontation and it took him some minutes before he spoke.

"It was because she would always nag me to a point that it splits my ear drums. She never change! I always asked her to change her attitude but she just kept doing the same thing that exasperated me!" Jogli burst out his complain.

Mahli bit her lower lips as it trembles, her husband's words were breaking her heart. Elim straightened up and directly deliver his advice. If the counselling drags long Mahli might break down in front of her husband and that would be disgraceful on her part. Elim deliver his message as gentle and friendly as possible.

"Jogli, You don't marry a woman to change them, You got married to blend in. You can't demand your wife to change her habbits, life style and quirks, if you as a husband did not make an effort to change for her well being."

Thankfully for Elim the couple apologized at each other and appreciated his advice. Elim can't help but raise a Hallelujah when the message he delivered helped the couple.

Jogli recalled Elim's words that get him back to his senses.

"Loving with faith means owing nothing to someone except to love them."