Author's note: Hey Everyone! I'm still alive! Woohoo! My finger is healed, camps are done, 4-H Fair is over. And now school starts again. I have had the WORST case of writer's block EVER! And I leave on a missions trip for Honduras in a couple weeks. I will try to have another chapter ready to update before I leave. Chapter 8 is almost finished thankfully. But here is chapter 7; in which faith is questioned, doors are slammed and the Pevensies receive a surprise visitor. May I present, Airplanes in the Night Sky: Chapter 7 – Slamming Doors.
Chapter 7 – Slamming Doors
"Susan, you're an educated young lady. What do you think happens when you die?"
Susan froze. She hadn't been expecting that question – especially directed at her. Susan was sitting around a table at a friend's house during her party. Hailey's new beau, Victor, was studying science at Oxford. He had been asking and discussing several topics with the gathered group. Lately, the topic of evolution had come up.
"Go on, Susie," Hailey encouraged. Susan throat felt dry. What did she believe? Did people just die and return to dust as the evolutionists suggested. Or was there more to it? Was there something else?
"What if we don't just die?" Susan finally said. Several people rolled their eyes. One person laughed.
"You don't actually believe that Bible nonsense about heaven, do you?" Victor asked in disbelieve.
"Wouldn't you like to believe that you might see loved ones again?" Susan questioned.
Victor laughed again. "I can't believe it. Of all people, I wouldn't expect that logical Susan Pevensie would believe those tales." Susan stood up, quite red in the face.
"I'd like you to give me one good reason why not to!" she challenged.
"Alright," Victor agreed, rising to his feet as well. His eyes were dangerous. "I'll give you five."
"Susan, Victor, please," Hailey begged. They took no notice.
Lucy skipped cheerfully into the kitchen. She snatched the mail off the counter and plopped down at the table. She flipped through the envelopes. Three for Susan this afternoon. Lucy paused. Susan had been receiving more and more invitations to parties since she returned from America.
Lucy set aside the invitations for Susan and reached for the next letter. It was from Peter. Lucy eagerly opened the letter. She had been hoping that she could have gone with Edmund to see Peter graduate. But she was glad that Edmund and Peter had a good time together.
Hello Everyone! Peter's letter began.
I hope you all are well. This will be my last letter for a bit as we are shipping out tomorrow. This isn't training anymore. But don't worry too much about me. Edmund, thank you so much for coming out. It was such an encouragement to have you there.
As I was reading my Bible the other day, I came across this verse. It's Nehemiah 4:14, which says, 'After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." It reminded me of the reason I am here. I'm fighting for the Lord, for my family and for my country so that other generations can grow up free from this terror we know as Adolf Hitler.
Through these months, I have read my Bible more and more, and grown closer to Him.
Lucy closed her eyes against the tears threatening to fall. "Aslan," she whispered softly. "Keep him safe. Protect my dear, big brother. We love him so much." Blinking to stop the tears, Lucy returned to the letter clutched in her hands.
Here are a few verses I picked out for each of you.
For Lucy: Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For Susan: Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.
For Edmund:Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Finally, Romans 12:12, Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. I love you so much. Keep following in His footprints – or should I say pawprints?
With love,
Peter
Lucy closed the letter with a sigh.
"What is it, Lu?" Edmund asked as he entered the kitchen.
"A wonder letter from Peter," Lucy responded. "I hated to finish it." She handed it to her brother. She studied Edmund's face as he read through the letter.
"It sounds just like Peter," Edmund said wistfully. "He's always so sure and strong."
"Aye," Lucy agreed quietly. "I miss him, Ed."
"We all do, Lu," Edmund replied. The tender moment was interrupted by the backdoor swinging open.
"Hello there!" Lucy called.
"Hello, dear!"
"Mum!" exclaimed Edmund in surprise. Mrs. Pevensie entered the kitchen and smiled at her youngest two.
"Edmund, Lucy, how are- Eww!" she cut herself off and held her nose. "Edmund, please take that trash out. I don't know what is in there, but whatever it is stinks!"
"Sorry, Mum," Edmund apologized. "I was on my way to take it out but stopped because we received a letter from Peter."
"What did he say?" Mrs. Pevensie asked.
Lucy quickly spoke up while Edmund busied himself with the garbage. "Peter wrote a letter to Edmund, Susan and I. But he also wrote a letter to you, Mum."
"Such a good lad," Mrs. Pevensie murmured quietly. Lucy handed it to her.
Dear Mum,
Thank you so much for sending Edmund out to visit. We had a wonderful time. Edmund tells me that you and the girls are doing well. I miss your chicken pot pies and green beans.
I sent a letter to Dad the other in day in hopes that I may find my way to him. But a battle field is such a large place, so the chances are slim.
I won't bother to tell you how I am doing for I am sure Edmund can tell you better than I can myself!
Mum, thank you for being there and raising me up to be a noble young man. I came across this verse and thought of you. Proverbs 31: 28: Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
I love you, Mum.
Your son,
Peter
Mrs. Pevensie had tears in the corners of her eyes when she finished Peter's letter. "My dear boy is all grown up," she said. "He's so brave."
"That he is, Mum," Edmund agreed.
There came a solid knock on the front door.
"Who could that be on a day like this?" Mrs. Pevensie questioned as she glanced at the harsh, grey sky that was unleashing torrents of rain.
"I'll get it," Lucy volunteered. She ran to open the door. "Eustace!" she exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello Lucy," Eustace replied. "Hello Edmund," he added as Edmund appeared in the doorway. "We were on our way to Bristol this evening but our train was delayed. It can't leave until tomorrow morning. So Harold and Alberta went to find a hotel and I came to see you!"
"Oh, wonderful, Eustace!" Lucy laughed. "We haven't seen you in a long while. Do come in, won't you?" Eustace stepped into the house and carefully removed his muddy shoes. Lucy closed the door after making a face at the gray rain. Edmund let them into the living room.
"Good evening, Eustace," Mrs. Pevensie greeted. "How are you?"
"Very well, thank you, ma'am," Eustace replied politely.
"Would you care for some tea?" asked Lucy, who was playing the hostess.
"Oh, yes, please," Eustace nodded.
The backdoor slammed angrily again.
"My goodness!" Mrs. Pevensie exclaimed. "Susan! Is that you?"
"Yes, Mum," Susan called. Susan entered the living room and hurried towards the stairs. She hadn't bothered to even remove her coat. Her face was slightly splotchy.
"Susan!" Lucy exclaimed. "Eustace is here-" But Susan didn't even notice him. She dashed up the stairs to her room and slammed the door.
"Leave her be, Lu," Edmund advised. "Something has her in a flurry."
"Oh Edmund, will you see what is wrong?"
"I'll try my best, Lu," he replied. "But we better give her a bit to calm down."
Author's note: Thanks to all my faithful readers and reviewers! If anyone had any ideas for future chapters, please PM me! I'd love to take them into consideration. And don't forget about Jones – we still don't know how he knows Peter and Edmund are kings. Plus... Peter is now headed for the frontlines. What will happen? Have fun brainstorming!
Under His Banner,
narniagirl11
