Chapter 9 Counsel
Jeff walked out of the church slowly. He wanted to be alone, but he didn't know where to go. He'd often thought that one of the down sides of traveling with Bogg was the lack of privacy. They were almost always together. As he thought about it, he smiled when he realized that every time they were apart, he didn't feel right until they were back together again. It was ironic that he felt he could have both too much and too little contact with Bogg at the same time.
"I must be crazy," he whispered aloud, shaking his head. It was a wonder Bogg could put up with him. How could Bogg understand him when he couldn't even understand himself?
He sighed and made his way over to a stone bench on the far side of the steps into the church. He sat quietly, listening to the birds and enjoying the fresh air. This was a peaceful place. He was startled when he felt someone sit down beside him. He was annoyed to think that Bogg couldn't give him some time alone, but when he looked, he realized it was Father Ed who was sitting there.
"Phineas told me about your parents," Father Ed began and Jeff again felt annoyed with his partner. This time for sharing his personal information with this stranger.
Phineas opened the front door of the rectory, and walked onto the landing. He stood looking around worriedly, until he spotted Jeff quite a ways up the street, sitting with Father Ed and talking. He paused, trying to decide what to do. Father Ed was a good man, and had experience with children who had undergone hardships. Maybe it would be okay to let them talk. Suddenly he reached a decision. He trusted Father Ed and Jeffrey needed something that he apparently couldn't give him. Maybe it was time to let go just a bit.
So he stood on the step, nervously shifting his weight from side to side, and watched the two of them. It was quite awhile before the priest got up and headed back. He paused at the bottom of the steps and looked up at Phineas. "He'll come in when he's ready," he said as he climbed the stairs and opened the door, motioning Phineas to enter.
Jeff came inside a half-hour later and found Bogg sitting at the kitchen table, peeling potatoes and carrots for the noon meal with Martha.
"Can I help?" Jeff asked.
Phineas looked up, and smiled, "you're three potatoes behind."
Jeff walked in and sat down and together they peeled the rest of the vegetables while Martha checked on a roast she had placed in the oven earlier.
As they worked, Bogg eyed Jeffrey in disbelief. He seemed happy.
"We should check out the town," Jeff said. "We've been here for a few days and all we know is this house and where we worked," then he smiled.
"Great idea. After lunch we'll explore," Phineas answered with a smile.