Chapter 7

Jenny cradled the cat carrier as they rode down the highway.  The kitten howled in protest.  

“Is she fixed?”   Jeff nodded.  "I called Mom while you were in the bathroom."   

“He had to work late a couple nights so he had Mom watch her ‘till she healed up.”   Jenny nodded.  “Do you want to get something to eat?  We can get some drive-through.”  

Jenny pushed her hair back out of her eyes, and looked at the carrier.  She certainly couldn’t cook, not with Charlie so sick.  “Yeah, why not?”  They discussed food preferences.  

“It’s a great little restaurant, right near the house, next to a Vietnamese noodle shop.  God, I love Houston.  We have such a wonderful diversity!”  

He nodded.  “Small towns are great for a lot of people, but I like my choices.”   He gave her a searching look.  “Still riding the bus, right?  I saw the report.”  

Jenny flinched.  “Report?”  They pulled up in front of the restaurant.  

He swallowed.  “Um.  Mom and Dad were worried about you, so they hired someone.  Do you really hand out Bibles on the corner?  He had photos.”  Jenny nodded.  “You know Dad’s a pharmacist.  I’ve never seen him so angry - when he found out what Paul had done to you.  No wonder you left.  Why didn’t you get a divorce?”  

Jenny brushed her hair back, then shifted the cat carrier and undid her ponytail.  “I prayed about it, and I felt as though God were telling me to treat him as the unbelieving spouse in 1 Corinthians 7 ‘Let the unbelieving spouse depart, divorce for adultery.’  He didn’t cheat on me, that I know about... if he wants a divorce he can get it.  I don’t hate him - it’s just sad.  Did you know he sends me money?”   She unfastened the elastic and released her ponytail, as he nodded.   

“Clearly, we have to talk at some point but I don’t hate him; and in his own way he’s always tried to take care of me.  Your parents are great.  I loved the cab card.”  

He grinned.  “That was my idea.  Remember when we had the flooding?  Mom was worried about you on the bus, and I wished we could call you a cab.  Dad did a little poking and found the gift cards online.”   Someone waved at them from inside the restaurant.  “I think it’s ready.”