Chapter 44: The Right Choice
Baxter taped his two forefingers together in trepidation staring apprehensive at the foreboding sign before him: the New York Zoo. Not usually the place he'd be afraid of, even if it did hold an assortment of dangerous and venomous animals. No, the reason he was standing here outside the zoo was not of fear of the place itself but the people inside, specifically the mutants inside. He was quite confident the counterpart RM would work. Leo's successful re-mutation was proof enough of the device's efficiency and safety. No, he was more worried about the angry possible vengeful Rhino who was about to get all his memories back.
….So yeah, here he stood safely on the outside. Always on the outside. Baxter stared down at his shoes. He didn't regret the choice he made, not really. It was the right thing to do. He was going to lose Leo anyway, he wasn't his to still it stung, being on the outside. He was lucky enough that the brothers hadn't just dismissed him on the spot when he came with his apology and proposal, a result he in do doubt credited to Leo. He should count himself lucky that they 'welcomed' him into their home and that he was allowed to stay, to fix his mistake. Honestly, things hadn't even been as bad as he'd expected. No doubt, honorable Leonardo had probably given some very wise and virtuous speech about forgiveness and stuff, but still actually seeing that in practice… Baxter swallowed, tears coming to his eyes, he wasn't used to that. These brothers were stronger than he'd ever been. To be able to build a new life out of this rouble without taking on all the bitterness, to be able to work with him, actually consider forgiving him after all he'd done!
…there weren't words to express what Baxter was feeling.
It was the same feeling he experienced when Leo explained Easter, explained what Jesus did. What the cross meant.
Tears clouded Baxter's vision. These brothers were strong, they chose forgiveness and grace. Forgiving wasn't forgetting but he didn't expect a second chance. In their shoes, he expected he'd react the same way Rocksteady would if he saw him right now. The ginormous mutant rhino would charge without question, fueled by his anger and vengeance. That was how the world often worked.
Baxter had learned better. He had learned first hand where that life led; how the vicious circle of hatred, anger and vengeance had led only to an empty life of regrets and secrets. No, he was turning over a new leaf. He'd been given a new life, a second chance. He didn't deserve it and yet it was given.
Tears filled Baxter's eyes.
He'd made the right choice.
This was originally part of another chapter; but I thought it deserved to be its own chapter.
Through Jesus, we all can have a second chance at a new life. The gift has already been given, all you need to do is accept it. We are all imperfect, that is something we have in common, but we don't need to be separated from his perfect love by this, he knows you and loves you and only wants the best for you, that is why God sent his one and only Son, for you.
Promise of everlasting life
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)
You are important and valued.
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered." (Luke 12:7)
"For you created my inner being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139: 13-14).
