Adele's Stories

I sat on the porch watching the rose bushes sway softly in the wind. My mind had gone numb and the tears had finally dried on my cheeks. I didn’t know how long I had been sitting out here for but I knew I had nowhere else to go. I just couldn’t catch a break. It was one thing after another. 

First Connor left me. We’d been together nearly five years. But suddenly he was in love with someone else. Then Aisha left me. Apparently being best friends since we were six meant nothing next to some foreign boy who knew the right words to use. And finally, after years of screaming and threatening, mama finally left. I was completely and utterly alone. 

The breeze stirred up the roses again and the petals swished against each other. A car pulled up the dirt driveway and parked. It was still for a moment before a man got out. I resisted rolling my eyes. Pastor Matthew made his way slowly towards me and sat on the porch step below me. I hadn’t been to church since Connor left. I’m surprised it took the pastor this long to come and find me. 

He didn’t speak at first and we sat in silence for a minute. “Your roses bloomed nicely this year.” I didn’t bother to answer.  “You know, I think wild roses like these are prettier than the ones you can buy at the store. These ones still have their thorns.” I finally looked at him. 

“Most people think the thorns are a hindrance to the beauty of the roses but those of us who know, know that the roses are only made stronger for it. The thorns protect the flowers and while they may draw blood on occasion the rose remains unharmed. Roses are resilient flowers. Their thorns help them fight back and stay upright. And you know, you can still hold a rose without getting pricked by a thorn. God knew what he was doing when he made them. He doesn’t make mistakes.” Before I could react he turned and met my eye. I couldn’t seem to look away. 

Finally he stood. “Should I arrange for you to have a ride to church tomorrow?” 

I looked away from him and shrugged. “Sure.” 

“Well then. I’ll see you tomorrow Rose.”