Using the Herbs

Mahonri found the sack of herbs hanging on his door when he returned from work the following morning. Had she used them? Did they help when he had applied them? He opened his door when he heard someone slowly coming up the stairs. Rehabiah was just getting to her feet after scooting up the stairs.

"Reha…," he started.

"Don't talk to me!"

"What's wrong?"

"Just… leave me alone." She limped to her door and unlocked it.

"Did…?"

"Leave me alone!" Rehabiah slammed the door behind her.

He didn't see her all weekend. Marci told him to back off. It was hard. He really, really, really wanted to help her. He took on a few more hours at work, just to keep himself occupied. When Monday came around again, Mahonri met up with the Elder missionaries. They were teaching Cassie about the church. They had set up an appointment for that afternoon, but she wasn't home. They were still talking at the base of the stairs when Rehabiah returned from work. She purposely walked around the building to the other side and climbed those stairs.

"Is that her?" Elder Fisher asked.

"No," Mahonri replied. "That's Rehabiah. Cassie lives in the apartment next door.

"Do you know what church Rehabiah goes to?" Elder Donahue asked.

"None currently," Rehabiah said, leaning against the railing. "Why do you ask?"

"Would you be interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?"

"The Mormons," she said.

"Essentially," Elder Fisher said.

"Maybe a little later, but if you have one of your bibles, I may read it."

"We have one here you can have." Elder Donahue climbed the stairs and handed her a Book of Mormon.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. If you have any questions, or want to learn more, our number is just inside the cover."

"Alright. You three have a good night."

Mahonri turned then, a little surprised that she would acknowledge his presence after yelling at him a few days before. A small smile crossed her lips as she turned away. The Elders left and Mahonri remained on the stairs.

"Cat got your tongue, little brother?" Marci asked, crossing the parking lot.

"No. Rehabiah actually noticed I'm still here."

"It might be hard for her not to notice."

"She can make it seem so. She's been acting like she doesn't see me."

"She's got her own problems to work through, Mahonri. Just because she won't follow you around like a puppy dog doesn't mean she doesn't see you."

"What did you two talk about the other day?"

"She's an independent woman and doesn't want help from you."

"I like that about her."

"Then stop pushing the herbs on her."

"She needed…"

"Mahonri, you feel that way about everyone."

"I do not!"

Marci just looked at him then shook her head. "How was your talk with the Elders?"

"Okay. Cassie wasn't home for our appointment, but Rehabiah did take a Book of Mormon."

"That's great! Do you think she'll come to church?"

"I can ask."

The next day, Mahonri didn't see Rehabiah until she was limping up the stairs the next afternoon.

"Evening, Rehabiah."

"Mahonri."

"How was work?"

"Work. Do you need something from me?"

"I was wondering… Do you want to come to church with Dale, Marci, and I?"

"What time?"

"9 am."

"No thanks." Then she limped to her apartment.

"Rehabiah, wait."

"What is it, Mahonri?"

"How are your wrist and ankle doing?"

"Why, are you planning on entering my apartment again to cover them in herbs?"

"No, I…"

"Goodnight," she said then entered her apartment.

Mahonri was confused. She had been awake? Then why hadn't she told him off? By the way she was limping, he could tell that her ankle still hurt a lot. Entering his apartment, he picked up the bag of herbs then went to Rehabiah's apartment and knocked.

She didn't answer.

Mahonri knocked again and her door opened.

"Yes?" Rehabiah asked, looking displeased.

"How did the herbs work for you?"

"Better than the painkillers."

"Would you like to keep using them?"

"How much?"

"No cost."

Rehabiah shook her head and started to close the door.

"Rehabiah…."

"How much?" she repeated.

"Twenty-five?"

"Didn't it cost you more than that to put it together?"

"No."

She studied his face for a minute then limped down the hall to her bedroom, leaving the door open. She returned a short time later with a wad of bills. "Forty with no argument."

"Fine," he said. They traded money for the sack of herbal ointments.

"Thank you, Mahonri."

"Now that is too much," he replied with a playful smile.

Rehabiah just rolled her eyes and closed her door.

Mahonri stood by her door a little longer. Rehabiah was the first woman not to criticize his work with the herbs and that made him want to know her more.