Although she was nearly thirty years old Betty-Belle had never been on a date

This saddened her

She had never experienced the passion of wanting to be with a man

This saddened her

She knew that she was married to Jesus Christ

This gladdened her

Heart

In ways she could not describe

Quite often in the short hours before dawn

She would lay in her bed

And watch the night shadows pass through her room

She often wondered if one was Christ

Was he guarding her as she travelled on her nocturnal journeys

Betty-Belle was the only daughter of a very religious family

And her parents sill had a considerable amount of control

Over her every day life

Although she rebelled occasionally

She would whisper profanities under her breath when they passed

And would walk around the house quite naked when her parents were out

Deep down she wanted to be surprised by a handyman or a passing member of the church

But this never happened

This saddened her

She had friends vetted friends but they bored her with their small talk

Most conversations were about the church

The Pastor

And Jesus Christ

Although not necessarily in that order

She loved Jesus

But did not know whether he loved her

And then out of the blue on the day after her birthday

She was invited to travel to Rome as part of an exchange

Betty-Belle had been to Canada and Mexico but had never travelled to Europe

And her mind was full from that moment on with romantic thoughts

She was part of a group of five

Three boys who were junior to her and Darleen who was the daughter of the mayor

She knew them all well and hoped that they would be good travelling companions

But feared that they would be bores in Rome as they were in Augusta

In no time at all Betty-Belle found herself on the plane to Rome

She was trying to sleep but was too excited to close her eyes

It was then that she noticed a tall Englishwoman who appeared to be weeping

At first Betty-Belle took no notice but the woman continued to weep quietly into a small bloodstained silk handkerchief

Excuse me but I notice that you are weeping may I help you 

The tall Englishwoman looked up at Betty-Belle and let a fading smile cross her lips

Thank you my dear I have just learned that they have crucified Jesus 

This has upset me greatly 

He was such a good man 

Would you care to sit next to me for a few minutes 

This will bring me great comfort 

Betty-Belle sat next to the Englishwoman and decided to introduce herself

Hi I am Betty-Belle Randall and I am from Augusta 

That is a pretty name and if I may say so suits you 

Betty-Belle felt herself blushing slightly as she was not used to compliments as she considered herself a little plain

She was against her better nature curious about Jesus and the woman’s comments interested her

Please forgive me as I am very rude 

I ask you to bring me comfort because of my loss and you do not even now my name 

My name is Viola 

Viola Gresham 

And I sometimes live in London

 

 

To be continued