Prison Games

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

"We're leaving, Sophia. We're leaving soon," Red told his wife.

Sophia's heart skipped at his words. "Are you sure, James? Lord Wilson didn't tell me anything."

"I got the news from Flores. He's one of the gaolers here. He was on the docks the day before last. The ships are here and being loaded up with provisions." "But are you sure one of them is our ship?"

"Best as I can tell, yes. We've been waiting all winter long. Now a fleet has arrived

and anchored in. Why wouldn't it be for us?" Sophia was torn between excitement and dread. They had waited for so long that she often forgot they would be leaving at all.

"Flores also said there are two naval vessels set to sail with the transports," James added. "He said they are fine-looking ships, sturdy too. He is going to try to find out if we're being shipped out. He said he would let me know by tomorrow, if possible."

"James, I'm afraid. Knowing we would leave at some point in the future is so much different than knowing we're going to be leaving soon."

"I know, Sophia, but God knows all about it. He is our refuge and strength. We need to put our trust in him. Remember what I told you? Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord. "Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." As long as we trust Him, whatever happens to us will be for our good." "James, you know I believe in God,

but I've never felt the assurance you talk about. Many of the other women in my women's group have that same assurance, but I'm not sure how to get it." "Sophia, I've told you that you only need to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Confess that you are a sinner; that only through Him is there hope for our salvation. We've talked about this many times."

"Yes, I know, James, but I don't feel any different."

"Feelings have nothing to do with salvation, Sophia. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for you? Do you believe He rose again and lives?"

"I guess so."

"Pray, Sophia, that He will reveal himself to you. I cannot convince you, and your friends cannot talk you into salvation. It has to be between you and the Lord. He loves you so much that He died for you, so I know if you ask Him to reveal himself to you in a very real way, He will."

"All right, James. I'll start to pray that He speaks to me, and that I will know it is

Him."

Soon it was time for Sophia to once again leave her husband behind. Before heading home, there was one more stop to make. Sophia instructed her driver to go to the cathedral. As she stepped through the door, the quietness of the place wrapped itself around her. It was nothing like Christmas, when it had been filled with people singing. The echo of her steps vibrated off the walls.

Easing into one of the pews, Sophia knelt, then bent her head in prayer. Lord, I've been talking to You more and more, but I don't feel like You are there or that

You hear me. James says I can't go on feelings, but I need to know You are there. I never felt close to You like Gran and James. I want to, but I don't. James said I should ask you to reveal Yourself to me. Part of me is afraid You won't, and part of me is afraid You will. I'm afraid, Lord. Afraid of the unknown, afraid of my future in the far-away place, and afraid Lord, I want You to tell me that. If You are real, and I do believe You are, then tell me of You. How can you love me enough to have died for me? Everyone says You love me, but yourself that you love me. I need to know. I need to hear. I need You. I know I'm a sinner,

and only You can save me. Please, Lord. Before Sophia could lift her head, a comforting sensation ran from the top of her head to her feet, as if warm oil was being poured over her. Every fiber of her being knew, really knew that God loved her. He loved her! He knew her, and loved her! Sophia couldn't move. The beating of her heart sounded in her ears. She took a deep breath when she realized she had been holding it. Sophia started to laugh and cry at the same time. Her heart spilled over with joy.

A man standing off to the side stared at her. By his robes she could tell he was a priest. Wiping her eyes, she smiled at him.

Uncertainty crossed his face, but he stepped closer to her. "Are you all right, miss?" Sophia laughed again. "Oh, yes, yes, I'm fine! I was praying, asking God to tell me if

He really loved me, and He did! He did! He loves me! Isn't that amazing?" The priest nodded in bewilderment while backing up a little. "Yes, He does love us.

He loves us all." "I know, but He told me himself! He loves me!" Laughing again, Sophia couldn't help but jump around in her excitement.

The priest stepped back even further.

After a few moments, Sophia turned to pick up her cloak. She needed to go home to tell Alice and Maggie. They had to know, to find out the truth. He loved them too, and she needed to tell them. "Thank you, Father," Sophia called back to the priest as she ran down the aisle. "Thank you so much!"

The priest scratched his head, wondering whether it was rum or if the Lord truly did speak to the young woman. He decided it must be rum for he was a priest, and God never told him. He knew God loved him, but still he wondered why he never felt the excitement of it as the woman did. Surely must be the drink. He turned back toward the altar. He had work to do.

Tess yawned, stretching out her long legs. It was late morning, time to get up. She rang for the maid. Once she arrived, Tess instructed her to ready a bath and bring breakfast. She then set about the most arduous task of the day, picking out what she would wear. Once she finished eating, she stepped into the hot tub, sank back, and let her mind wander. Of late she found herself thinking more and more of her husband-to-be instead of Peter.