Crossing kingdoms las ve.., p.13
Crossing Kingdoms--Las Vegas, page 13
Quick flashbacks of the assaults he and Beth had both experienced rattled his nerves. “Plus, she would lose her job because who would want to hire a pregnant escort? So yes, I supported her choice for an abortion, and I helped her to and from the appointment, and took care of her when she was recovering.”
Dante had never told anyone about this. As soon as his mom came out from the procedure, neither of them spoke of it again. It felt like there was no part of his life that wasn’t infiltrated by consequences of his mom’s work. He never could have imagined it might prevent him from joining a church!
“I see,” President Thompson replied deep in thought. “I apologize for my misunderstanding of your situation. I will need some time to pray about this. Please wait in the foyer and ask Elder Hansen to join me in here.”
Without a word, Dante left the room. Elder Hansen asked if the President wanted to talk to him and Dante just nodded as he sat down beside Beth. He leaned forward, arms resting on his legs, head down, staring yet seeing nothing. Beth put her arms around him and asked what was happening.
“I may not be able to get baptized,” Dante said hollowly.
“Why?” she was shocked.
Taking a deep breath, he said, “Because I was supportive of or involved in an abortion.” A touch of disdain rang in his voice.
Beth stiffened and could only reply with, “Oh.” Her mind was racing as she tried to sort out what she was feeling. She hadn’t previously considered whether Dante had had sex before. The possibility of it upset her more than she was expecting.
Dante watched her for a moment before explaining, “I wasn’t the father; you can relax. My mom got pregnant a year-and-a-half ago and I went with her when she had an abortion. It was obviously her decision, but I agree with her choice. Can you imagine the disaster if she chose to keep it? But apparently that is a big problem in the Church and President Thompson wants to pray about what to do and whether he will let me be baptized.”
Shaking his head at the mess he found himself in, Dante added, “He thought I was the father and started lecturing me on the failure of my responsibility. He looked disgusted with me when I said she got herself into her own mess before he knew it was my mom.” He laughed at that, but it wasn’t funny. “What a great first impression, for both of us.”
Beth hugged him tighter. “I’m so sorry. I know this will work out. I know you will be baptized. I just feel it.” They sat in silence until Elder Hansen and President Thompson came out.
The Mission president and Elder Hansen had been secluded for ten minutes discussing the situation. President Thompson retold his conversation with Dante and expressed his concern about the young man’s attitude about abortion. Even though he wasn’t responsible for the pregnancy, he was still supportive of that procedure. This was a concern to the president because abortion is a major sin in God’s eyes, except for a few rare circumstances. And if Dante was supportive of it then he may not be ready to make the commitment to baptism.
Elder Hansen didn’t agree. He knew Dante was ready, and he knew God wanted him. When he gave Dante the blessing after he had been beaten, and saw the miraculous healing that took place, he knew God had big plans for Dante.
“President, Dante has had a hard life, and he has a good heart. He has experienced some incredible miracles that have led him to want to join the Church. I know abortion is a serious issue, but it wasn’t his choice. He was a young teen supporting his mother, who is responsible for her own choices. He was being a good son. I truly believe he is ready, and worthy, for baptism.”
President Thompson thought in silence for a few moments and then asked Elder Hansen to kneel with him in prayer. The president spoke the prayer, expressing his conflict as to whether Dante should be allowed to be baptized. At the end of the prayer they remained kneeling, listening for a while. At the same time, the missionary and president opened their eyes wide in astonishment. It was as though they had both been shown the same vision. And though the details were not specific, it was clear God had big plans for this young man. They both rose and left to tell Dante and Beth the good news.
President Thompson still looked stern, but he smiled at the young couple and said, “Young man, the Lord has made it very clear to us that He has big plans for your life, and He wants you to be baptized as soon as possible.”
Dante and Beth were thrilled with the outcome. Hugging each other in joy, they thanked President Thompson and Elder Hansen, then left for Beth’s house. The arrangements for the baptism taking place the next day were all prepared, and now that they had the official okay, they could relax and enjoy the rest of the day together.
THE BLACK FAMILY DECIDED a beach day sounded like the best plan. Packing a large picnic and beach gear, they spent the afternoon and evening at Lake Mead, one of the family’s favorite places. Laughing and playing in the water was exactly what Dante needed to distance himself from the stress he experienced in his interview. Appeasing Lillian’s endless attempts to capture his attention, Dante spent at least the first hour with her. They played pass with a beachball, splashed and teased Beth and Jacob, and he even took her out on one of the paddleboards. Eventually Beth intervened and said it was her turn for a ride with Dante. With a dramatic pout, Lillian left the water, finding comfort and distraction in some snacks.
Dante and Beth thoroughly enjoyed their time alone as he paddled them away from the main beach and found a semi-secluded nook, far enough to be out of her family’s sight. Beth sat with her legs crossed and Dante carefully straddled the board, facing her. They didn’t speak much. Instead, they would dip their hands in the water then drizzle drops on each other. Dante lightly ran his wet fingers along her legs, creating shimmering designs on her warm skin, giving her chills in the hot sun. Beth returned the sensations across his collar bones, along his shoulders, and down his arms which were painting her legs.
Eventually Dante captured her hands as they stroked across the top of his, linking their fingers together, and raised them both to his lips where he kissed each of the remaining droplets. Working his way past her wrists, he draped her arms around his neck, and she gently pulled him in to kiss the droplets that were invisible on her lips. They almost tipped over a few times, interrupting their romance with laughter, but managed to stay upright.
After a significant amount of time had passed, Beth finally admitted, “We should head back before they send out a search party.” Dante tried to delay the inevitable with a few more kisses, then reluctantly agreed. Beth spun herself around on the board, scooting forward for balance, and for the sake of appearance once they were in her parent’s line of vision again. Dante slid his legs under him, kneeling as he slowly paddled them back toward the beach.
Lillian spotted them first and yelled, “I see them! I see them!”
As they glided toward the shore, Beth waved back at Lillian. Her movement rocked the board, and instead of trying to recover balance, Dante decided to go with it and surprise Beth by dumping them both into the water. As they came to the surface they could hear Lillian’s squealing giggles. Dante was laughing at Beth’s expression, which revealed to her that she hadn’t landed in the lake by accident.
“You!” she pointed accusingly at her boyfriend. As Dante faked innocence she leaped at him, trying to push him under. He dodged her direct attack and grabbed her around the waist before she faceplanted into the water. Flailing her arms and legs to try and escape, Beth became weak with laughter. Unable to wrestle him, she just held on as he pulled her through the lake, until he tripped, causing her to land on his lap as he ungracefully was forced to sit in the shallow water. They rolled separate directions, still laughing, and entertaining many beachgoers who were watching them. Beth used all her strength to splash an enormous wave at Dante’s head.
Sputtering and wiping his face, he then held up his hands. “Ok, ok. Truce?”
She looked at him suspiciously, not sure if he meant it or was trying to trick her. His expression was genuine. Beth smiled at him with a sweet sassiness, “Truce ... for now,” and walked out of the water, sensing his eyes on her as she sauntered to her towel on the beach. Her parents were laughing at the scene they had just witnessed, showing no sympathy for their drenched daughter.
Dante retrieved the paddleboard that had floated away when they tipped over, then joined the others, stretching out on his towel to dry off in the sun. Beth and Dante were both laying face down, resting their heads on their folded arms, looking at each other in silence. Dante winked at Beth, igniting a sparkle in her eyes as she smiled back at him. Their day had gone from almost disastrous to borderline perfect. Tomorrow would bring a whole new level of joy. Hopefully.
CHAPTER 16
Sunday morning was warm. The heat radiating through his bedroom curtains warned the day was going to be a hot one. Waking earlier than usual, Dante had the luxury of relaxing in bed before he needed to get ready for church. Stretching his arms behind his head, he stared at the white ceiling which provided the blank canvas for his wandering mind.
The previous day at the lake took front stage bringing calming satisfaction at the memories of playing with Beth and her siblings in the water. It had been such a stress-free time together; family fun was something he’d missed out on his whole life. Would he ever get used to the blended feelings of loss and current fulfillment?
Dante’s mind returned to his recipe of remembrance, adding the most delicious ingredient - Beth on the paddleboard. It felt like they could have stayed there forever. His fingers twitched as he remembered the feel of Beth’s warm skin when he painted her legs with water. Ripples of goosebumps reemerged across his arms at the memory of her fingers skimming his shoulders and neck, creating the most incredible sensations. Would he ever get used to the blended feelings of intense desire for Beth and the determination to live how God wants him to?
Today was the day he was officially committing to follow God and he knew he had to keep that as his top priority. Climbing out of bed, he prepared for church, which would be his last time there as a non-member. Dante was very excited, feeling more than ready for the new journey. He didn’t see his mom before he left for church, leaving him with a slow simmer of disappointment; he’d hoped she would at least acknowledge this special occasion for him. Determined to not let that taint his day, he instead focused on the anticipation of what he was going to experience later that afternoon, allowing the peace to infiltrate his heart and mind again.
The Blacks picked him up for church as always, exuding a palpable enthusiasm for his special day and brightening his mood substantially. Dante’s upcoming baptism was announced in sacrament meeting, and he received an abundance of support and excitement from the congregation members; a new family for him.
After church they went to the Black’s to eat and wait for the baptismal service; their home buzzed with energy. When it was time to leave for the church again, Kim said they needed to make one stop first. They drove to a nearby shopping centre, which confused the family since they don’t shop on Sundays. Parking the car, Kim said she would be right back. The kids were so distracted speculating about why their mom would stop there, they didn’t notice her return a few minutes later.
The side of the van door slid open, revealing Ella who had a huge smile on her face. She was in a long floral dress, fully appropriate for church, and asked, “Is this the way to the dunk tank?” Everyone laughed, except Dante. He could only stare at his mom in disbelief.
“Surprise!” Kim cheered. “Beth, can you move to the back with Jake and Lil so Ella can sit with her son?” Beth leaped out of her seat and Dante reached out his hand, helping his mom in the van.
“You’re coming to my baptism?” Dante asked incredulously.
“Yes, my boy. You know church isn’t my brand of beer, but I wouldn’t miss your special day for all the world. I’m so glad Kim asked me to surprise you!”
“Um, Ella?” Lil interrupted. “We don’t drink beer at church. Or anywhere.”
The van erupted in laughter at Lillian’s innocent directness.
“I know, sweetie. It was just a silly thing to say,” Ella replied with a warm smile at the little girl.
“You are silly” Lillian replied, bringing more laughter.
“Let’s go. We don’t want them to start without us,” Eric joked.
Dante was still struggling to believe his eyes, staring at his mom the entire way to the church, holding her hand. “Thank you for coming, Mom. It means so much to me! You look beautiful,” he said quietly to her, melting the hearts of all the girls in the car and impressing Beth’s dad.
When they arrived at the church, Dante and Elder Hansen changed into their white clothing and they all spent some time taking pictures in the gardens outside. The service was held in the chapel, rather than one of the usual classrooms, because of the number of people who came to support Dante. He was surprised that so many cared.
Programs for baptisms are all similar – opening song, prayer, greeting from a ward leader, then a talk about baptism. Dante had asked Lillian if she would talk about that since she was so recently baptized; she was thrilled, never shying away from a chance to have special attention paid to her. Kim helped her a bit, but she did most of it on her own.
Then it was time for the baptism. Dante and Elder Hansen left first, closely followed by Beth who was holding the white towel Dante had given her when he told her he was going to be baptized. There were two sets of stairs on each side of the font leading from the men’s and women’s change rooms. Beth stood on the stairs from the women’s side, hugging the towel tight, hoping to keep her heart from beating out of her chest. Everyone else stood behind the glass partition to watch.
Dante and Elder Hansen stepped down into the warm water. Soft ripples could be heard as they walked through the font; everyone else was quiet. Dante winked at Beth and kept his eyes on her as Elder Hansen took his arm and offered the prayer. “Dante Richard Karsten, having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” He put his right arm behind Dante’s back and lowered him completely under the water.
Although it was a matter of seconds, Dante felt like he was weighted down in the water and had to exert quite a bit of effort to surface. As his head, shoulders and body emerged, he felt that weight remain in the water. It felt like he had shed himself and was much lighter. His head was spinning slightly, but as soon as he regained focus on Beth’s tear-filled eyes, he could feel his feet solid on the ground again. Elder Hansen stepped back as he saw something pass through Dante’s eyes.
With a radiant smile, Dante moved to Beth in two steps, climbed two of the stairs and wrapped his dripping arms around her, lifting her into the air as she let out a screech of surprise. Thankfully, the towel she was holding absorbed most of the water from his hug instead of her clothes, but she would not escape completely dry.
Holding her off the ground, Dante kissed Beth with an electric excitement, almost falling back into the water. Carefully putting her down on the stairs again, he whispered, “I love you. Thank you!” and pulled the towel from her arms, heading to his own change room. Beth and some others were laughing at his goofy exuberance, but there were some who had let out scandalous gasps, which made it all the funnier to Dante.
Beth waited in the hall while Dante and Elder Hansen changed into dry clothes, very aware that hers were still wet. The three of them returned to the chapel where the congregation was watching a video about temples. Dante noticed his mom was intently listening to the message and looked peaceful. Thank you, God, he silently prayed. Beth and Lillian performed a musical number, A Child’s Prayer, accompanied on the piano by Kim, and Beth spoke after the song about the Holy Ghost. Dante loved hearing her voice.
It was then time for him to be confirmed a member of the Church and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Dante sat on a chair at the front and was surrounded by the missionaries, Eric, and the bishop of the congregation, who laid their hands on his head for the blessing. Elder Hansen spoke, “Dante Richard Karsten, by the power of the holy Melchizedek priesthood, which we hold, we confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and say unto you, receive the Holy Ghost.”
Elder Hansen paused, and Dante felt heat at the top of his head flow down through his body, like a lava wave, similar to what he experienced in the shower after he received the miraculous healing. It was refreshing and solidifying all at once.
Continuing with the blessing, Elder Hansen said, “Dante, your Heavenly Father wants you to know He knows you, knows your heart, and knows it is good. He knows the plans and goals you have for your future, and He wants you to know He has even greater plans for you, beyond what you can imagine. God hopes to utilize you as a warrior in His work throughout the world. You will be particularly powerful as a missionary, and with your future family.
“Study the scripture heroes who were called to fulfill His work in unconventional ways. Their faith in God, their effort to know His will, and their willingness to follow even when it was hard or dangerous is an example to you as you journey through life. Stay close to God. Honor your covenants and continue to be a champion of virtue. In God’s timing, you will have the opportunity to be sealed in the temple to a woman God is also preparing for great things.”
Dante’s heart was almost bursting. Elder Hansen paused for a moment, straining to understand what the Holy Ghost was trying to tell him. He could sense the importance of the message and wanted to ensure he communicated it properly.
“Dante, you have had a trying life. Your trials are not over; you will face extraordinary challenges. Do not fear them; do not try to hide from them. God uses our challenges and heartaches as a means to purify us and direct us where He wants us. He has done this with His Son, Jesus Christ, and He will do it with you, as you are also His son. He loves you and will not leave you without the love and support you need. He knows how to heal us and how to help us become like Him.
