Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in getting this last part up. There's really no excuse for my delay. But here it is at last! Enjoy!
(And yes, I did put in Mere Christianity out of all the books because of the author hehe. I couldn't help it.)
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I entered the library, where Digory was bent over a book, chuckling softly to himself. "Marvellous!" he was muttering. "What unquestionable logic!"
"Digory," I said softly, standing at the door.
Digory looked up in surprise. "Polly!" he exclaimed happily. "Come see this. He's quite good. Got it exactly right!"
I came over to the desk and looked down at the book he was holding. It was fairly new, the binding not yet cracked. I looked at the title. "Mere Christianity?"
"Go on, take a look!" Digory urged, handing the book to me. I had to put Edmund's bible down on the table to flip through the pages.
"I know you don't like it when I talk about this sort of thing, Polly," Digory apologized quietly when I didn't say anything.
"No," I replied. "It's all right. I don't mind anymore."
Digory beamed. "I don't suppose you'd like to read it?" he asked doubtfully. "It's quite good – explains quite a lot in a way that is quite easy to follow."
I laughed. "My second reading assignment of the day."
Digory glanced over at the book I had set down on the edge of the desk. "A bible?" he asked in surprise. "Who -?"
"Edmund," I answered, understanding Digory's amazement. I set his book down on the table beside the bible and turned to him. "I need to apologize, Digory," I added, in a more serious tone.
Digory looked up at me in surprise. "Apologize?" he repeated. "Whatever for? Did you eat one of Macready's pies?"
"No," I answered, a smile briefly lighting my face. "For before. For not believing you, and getting mad at you for talking about… well, for talking about this sort of thing." I held up the two books.
Digory stood up and gently took my hands. "I forgive you, Polly, as I'm sure He will, if you ask Him."
I didn't need to ask who Digory meant, but still hesitated. "But I don't – I mean, I can't -"
"You need help?" Digory asked, understanding my hesitation.
I nodded silently.
"Well, then," Digory cleared his throat and began to pray. "Father," he began, "Time and again you show your love to us most of all when Your son hung on the cross…"
I closed my eyes, listening to Digory's humble prayer. His age-roughened hands were warm around my own.
"…and we pray, Father, that you forgive Polly of her sins, of which she repents, and shine Your light in her heart. In you, always in you we pray, Amen."
"Amen," I repeated, dropping my hands as Digory let go, and opening my eyes. I took a deep breath as peace filled me – quiet, simple peace. My eyes swept the room, alighting on a painting across from me – the depiction of a lion.
"Thank you, Digory," I murmured, my heart expanding as I thought of all his patience towards my disbelief, patience that had been awarded today.
"Praise the lion," he replied simply, following my gaze.
"Praise the lion."
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So that's the end of this story. I hope you enjoyed it, and reviews are always welcome!