Staring down at the bible, I can’t help but to notice that the pages are well worn and highlighted, written in small, neat handwriting on the pages.A very well used and beloved bible no doubt.
“Ms. Mitchell, can you read Revelations chapter twenty-two, verse eleven aloud please.”
I swallow hard and have to flip through a couple of pages of the Holy Word before I locate the passage of Scripture. “‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still’.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Daniels give the barest of nods when I look up at him. I’m feeling hot all over and it’s not just his voice alone. But everything about him seems mysterious, alluring, as if he’s not from this world. “Now, who can tell me what John was writing about in this particular passage? There’s no right or wrong answer here. This is merely a discussion after all.”
Faith is the one that speaks up first. “Filthy could mean filthy rich. It doesn’t say dirty or stinky.”
“Why do you suppose that is Faith?”
Faith shrugs her shoulders at Mr. Daniels question. “I’m not sure. Filthy can be interpreted in different days.”
Gertrude raises her hand. “Unjust and just could be talking about those that have been put in prison for doing wrongful things. And those that haven’t been sent to jail for their crimes need to be brought to justice.”
“Interesting theory, Ms. Plains.” Mr. Daniels gives the redhead a smile and she all but sighs loudly.
Some other students suggest different things, but I only lean back into my chair.
I’m not sure what I think of the passage. I’ve never read the bible before, and I feel like no matter the answer it won’t live up to the teacher’s expectations.
“Ms. Mitchell, care to comment?”
Turning my head, I stare at the teacher.
I guess I didn’t realize I’d made a noise under my breath and somehow he’d heard it.What does he have, bat ears?
“Um…” I look down at the passage once more and read the verse over. “Maybe the guy is talking about how we’re all going to be divided.”
“Divided? Care to elaborate on that thought?” Mr. Daniels has inched closer to me.
My heartrate increases a tad; he’s making me nervous. Palms on my thighs, I rub them against the uniform skirt I have to wear as part of the dress-code.
“Well…” I trail off as I try to think. “I’m under the impression that what he’s telling is that everyone is divided like in sections or departments. The holy remain pure and innocent. The just and unjust?—”
“So, you feel that those that are not pure are evil?” Mr. Daniels comment makes me frown immediately.
“No! I didn’t say that.”
“You implied it nonetheless,” Mr. Daniels said and then the bell signaled for second period.
I sit back in my seat even as students gather up their things and head out. Faith and Gertrude stop in the doorway to the classroom, glancing over their shoulders even as I give them a brief wave to go on without me.
“Ms. Mitchell,”
I’m clambering slowly to my feet, shoving the notebook and pen into my bag, leaving the bible untouched and open on the desk.
“You did well today, during the discussion.”
“Not much of a discussion,” I mutter under my breath.
“Participation often is the key to success.” Mr. Daniels says as he comes to stand beside me, grabbing the bible carefully within his grasp. I turn to look up at him, my pulse flutters when I catch him staring down at me. A smile curves his lips. “I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”
“Only somewhat uncomfortable. Nothing I can’t handle,” I say, although for whatever reason I can’t seem to breathe properly with how close he’s standing. His dark eyes seem to be overlooking me. We’re the only two in the classroom and somehow I find it makes it worse for us to be this close in proximity to one another.
“I can see that. In any case, I’ll try not to make you uncomfortable in the near future.” He turns to set the bible on his desk. With his back to me, I have to shake my head and clear away any unbidden thoughts I might be experiencing.
“Mr. Daniels…” I trail off, the dream coming to my mind. “There’s something I have to tell you.”