Lot's Incestuous Children

Lot's Incestuous Children Part 5

Some nineteen years later...back to present day.

When Iris walked into the vestibule of the church, she was greeted by at least five different people. As all greeted her with smiles, each of them seemed genuinely happy to see her. There was even one who had asked if this was her first time attending their congregation.

"Yes, it is. My son's here with me too, he's parking our car. I told him I'd wait for him just inside this door here."

"Oh, that's fine. We want you both to know how delighted we are that you decided to visit us here at the Creekside Bible Church today. If you like, one of our ushers can help you and your son find a seat, or you can feel free to do it yourself."

Iris was just about bowled over by the hospitality from those she'd talked to. After a few minutes, she was joined by her son Jesse, as he entered through the door where she was waiting for him.

"Honey, they're all so very nice. This is really more than I expected. I figured a few might say hello, but wow, everybody's been really friendly."

"Yeah, mom. I had three people talk to me out in the parking lot, after I'd parked the car. Are you sure they're not some kind of cult here or something. It's almost like they're too nice, Jesus."

"Jesse, come on son, watch your mouth, please."

Just then, they heard a woman's voice calling to them from behind...

"Hello, and thanks for coming to be with us this morning."

Iris, first, and then Jesse, upon hearing her speak, turned around to see a strikingly lovely looking lady approaching them with a younger man who appeared to possibly be a member of her family.

"Hi, my name's Jane Fleming, and this is my son, Connor."

Once Jesse and Connor finally saw one another, they both started laughing.

"Oh wow, Con, is that you? You don't look the same as you do at school, with a suit on, looking spiffy and all."

"Yeah man, every now and then, they dress me up just to see if I'll blow up into flames if I look hot enough to get the girls attention."

Iris spoke up. "It looks like you guys know each other?"

"Oh hell yeah, uh...I mean heck yeah, mom. Connor and I are on the track team together."

"Don't you mean senior track team, Peterson? The coach told us we worked hard enough to win that slot. And I'm dang proud of it."

"Yeah, no shi--...uh, no kidding Fleming. I ran my butt off to get that spot. And I know you did, too."

Seeing what time it was, Jane quickly interjected, "Well, that's great for you guys. But how about right now, we get our friends a seat in the sanctuary before the service starts?"

"I guess I need to introduce myself. I'm Iris Peterson, and it looks like you've already met my son, Jesse."

"I'm glad Connor's got a friend of his here. Is your husband going to be joining us this morning, Iris?"

"Uh, I'm not married. Divorced actually. I'm not sure if that's a problem..."

"Oh, forgive me for asking you that...I just figured...because of the ring on your finger."Despondent because of the awkward situation, Jane's hand covered her face in embarrassment, "Oh, sometimes I can be so stupid."

As both women tried to recover from the unfortunate direction the conversation had suddenly gone, Iris answered, "Ha-ha, no worries Jane. It's from someone I love...given to me a long time ago."

Iris instinctively understood that Jane wasn't happy with herself for probing. Even if it was innocent. She knew she hadn't always been the best judge of people, but from what she'd seen of Jane, and her son Connor, she certainly had no reason to dislike either of them.

As the church service started, Iris and Jesse were seated about half of the way back in the auditorium. The congregation sang three songs and then they had what they called communion. That's when a man got up and spoke about when Jesus gave the meal to His apostles, the unleavened bread, and the wine. It was after that, the whole congregation took of it, as men passed the emblems to all who participated in the communion service.

When they got to Iris and Jesse, neither were sure if they should partake of them or not. But a memory came rushing back to her of the time that she was with her family and they were visiting a church where one of their relatives attended. She and David had been sitting next to each other. It was very similar to what was happening at this service, too. Jesse was sitting to Iris' right, just like David had been years in the past. She remembered her brother telling her they shouldn't do anything offensive to their relatives, and so he encouraged her to take the bread and the wine. Becoming somewhat emotional, Iris looked at her son and could see the strong physical resemblance between him and her brother. And she whispered to him...

"Jesse, we need to take this, too. Please don't ask me why right now, honey, just do as I ask, okay?"

"Sure, mom, okay."

Observing her son partake of the unleavened bread, and then take a sip of the wine...he reminded her so much of when her brother had done it. And being moved by the memory, she began feeling reminiscent of times past. She didn't want to weep, but it was becoming even more than she found she could bear. As the memories of David returned, Iris became more emotional than she had in many years. Without choosing to do it, she began sobbing to the point of openly crying, much to the chagrin of her son who was seated directly next to her.

Almost in a panic, Iris realized that she needed to get out of the sanctuary, before drawing even more unwanted attention to herself. As she walked briskly, and tried to make her way to the exit, she felt a hand reach out and lightly take hold of her arm from behind. In an almost stunned state, she turned around and saw the smiling and solicitous face of Jane Fleming.

"Iris, is everything all right? I couldn't help but see what happened. How can I be of help?"

With all the emotional weight that had suddenly pressed down on her because of the sudden remembrance of her brother, Iris' tears came back, but they turned from raindrops to figuratively speaking, buckets, as the emotions shot through her again. She was faced anew with all the baggage of memories from years in the past.

"Come on, honey, let's go to my office."

Even through her down-pouring of tears, Iris was able to ask, "Office? You've got an office here, Jane?"

As she was taken by the hand, guided by Jane, all Iris heard was the woman telling her..."C'mon, it's right this way."

When she led them to a room and through an open door, they both walked in with Jane closing and then locking the door behind them.

"There, we've no reason to stand out there, while you're going through this...experience, Iris. I promise I will not be as nosy as I was before with my question. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, in whatever way you'd like me to be. Okay? Can I get you some Kleenex, a bottle of water?"

"I guess this is a goofy question, Jane, but why do you have an office here?"

"The preacher is my husband Iris. Noel Fleming and I are married, and the elders of this church, because of my licensed counseling background, offered me this should there be anyone who feels they're in need of my services."

"I'm okay now, Jane. I just had some reminders come back to visit me from years ago, that's all."

"Yeah, I guess I don't look all that convincing as a counselor-therapist do I, Iris? Ha-ha."

"

No

, it's not that. I just don't want people fussing over me, okay? When I look around and see what others have to go through in life. I guess I find my problems aren't really all that bad. But thanks for your concern, Jane. I can tell you're for real, and not just some fake holy roller trying to make a fast buck on people."

As a pained look came across her face, Jane replied, "Iris, there's a real hot place waiting for people like what you just described. And nobody here wants to be 'holy rollers.' Is that how you said it?"

"Your whole church seems to be good people. I've sensed a lot of good feelings here today with everybody I've talked to."

"We try, Iris, we really do. Hey, do you feel like going back out there and listening to the rest of Noel's sermon? I'm thinking he's probably more than halfway through it by now. He's a very powerful speaker, and I'm sure whatever he's got to say will be well worth your time."

"You don't think that people will want to gawk at the crying lady do you? Wow, I'm feeling really embarrassed Jane. I didn't mean for that to happen...squawking like a baby and all that."

"Maybe that was a good reminder that sometimes it's good to have a listening ear to what's bothering you? Like I said, I just want to be a help in any way you think I could be. Tell you what...how would you feel about us exchanging phone numbers and if some time you just want to talk to somebody, then that's what we could do?"

"Oh Jane, I promise you, if you get me talking, it won't be long and you'll want me to shut the hell up. Besides that, the things I've done in my life...and even now some of the shit that I have running through my head...if you knew what they were...I'd be surprised if you'd even let me back through the door into this church."

There was a long pause as Jane looked at Iris and processed what she had just heard her say. And then she said something she always tried to remember herself.

"My dear, all of us are sinners. Every last one of us. If God held all of us to the standard that you seem to be holding yourself to...then none of us would be allowed here. Or even more, to have a personal relationship with Him. John the apostle tells us that God is Love. And He wants us to know how much He loves us. Please don't limit what He can do for you because of what you've done, or are still doing right now."

"Y'know Jane...I'm just going to say it. Even though I've just met you, I think you're a hell of a woman. And if you can help me through my shit, then more power to you."

After they talked a few more minutes, and traded phone numbers, Jane and Iris walked back out as the preacher seemed to be wrapping up his Sunday morning lesson.

"And that's the story of Lot and his daughters. Even though Lot didn't leave the city of Sodom right away, and then had other problems in his life, he was still one of God's children. What we've got to try and remember is that the sin of what the people of Sodom fell prey to, is much like getting caught up in sin today. We can't allow the world to have an overbearing influence on us. We don't want to become one of Lot's incestuous children, like what's happening today in the world.

"If there's any way that we can be a help to you here at Creekside Bible Church, let us know. Call me, or call one of our elders. Or get a hold of my wife Jane, if you seek counseling of any kind. She's a great source of knowledge, too. Let's all stand together and sing as we get ready to be dismissed in prayer after our hymn."

Jane and Iris talked for a few more minutes afterward. And it looked like Jesse and Connor were enjoying their visit together as well, as the two high school seniors had their own little conversation over in the corner, away from being overheard by others.

"Damn, Connor, you never told me what a hot-fucking mom you had. She's a babe in all the truest sense of the word. With that nice rack of hers, I bet you'd love her to show you those pretty tittties of hers, right?"

"Careful, Jesse, don't say that too loud, please. There always seems to be somebody listening to the shit that people say around here. I've had to be extra careful because I don't want to embarrass my parents because I'm not the goody-two-shoes that some people think I am. And you're one to talk too, buddy, your mom looks to be a major cock-tease. How can you stand being at home with her staring at that sweet ass of hers every fucking day? If I had that temptation, I'd want to fuck her all the time."

Both Connor and Jesse definitely found something they could both agree on. And then, as Iris approached them with Jane alongside her, by necessity their topic of conversation immediately changed.

"Yeah, we'll see if Gibraltar High School can beat us like they say they're going to. I think they're just full of hot air, y'know what I mean, Jesse?"

"I sure do, Connor, hey buddy, I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow, right?"

"Be there, or be square's what I always say, dude."

Jane rolled her eyes at what her son had just told Jesse. She wasn't naive enough to believe their conversation was entirely genuine. She just figured that was why they were talking the way they were. Or, she thought, those boys are two of the most boring young men she'd ever met in her thirty-nine years of life.

As Jane Fleming escorted the two guests to the exit doors, she asked, "So, can we expect to see you guys visit with us again, or have we scared you off with our crazy ways?"

"I've really enjoyed being here today, Jane. Thanks for taking care of me when I had my 'weak moment'."

"Hey Iris, everybody has those weak moments. If you want, we should just get together and talk sometime. That is if you'd want to do that. It doesn't have to be about anything in particular. As a matter of fact, I need someone to let my hair down with, that I can talk to. Just because I'm a 'counselor' doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy some good old girl time too. Y'know what I mean?"

"I hear ya, Jane. If you're really serious and haven't had enough of me yet, I

can

tell you that Tuesdays after six, I'm totally clear for the rest of the night. Would that match your schedule at all?"

"It just might. I don't think I've got anything going on then. If you want, you can come by our house. The address is printed on our church bulletin. Or if you're feeling lazy, I'll come by your place. Ha-ha."

"Hey, I like that. Why don't we set a date for your place around seven. I'll come by around then, okay?"

"Sounds good, Iris. It was great meeting you today, and I look forward to our getting together Tuesday night."

As they were getting ready to go their separate ways, Jane wondered if it would seem too forward, but then decided to give her new friend a hug. Whereas, Iris, noting the congenial camaraderie afforded to her by this good woman, went even further, extending a cordial kiss on the cheek.

Releasing each other from their hug, and smiling, Iris told her...

"Thank you for everything today. And I believe I've met a new friend, too. Wow, I hope I can be more like you, if I'm able to get to know you better, Jane."

"Likewise, sister. I want you to know that I'm doing all I can to be better than I was yesterday. And I believe I've met a new friend, as well. I couldn't help but see your true self a little while ago. That spoke volumes to me as to who you really are. God loves you, Iris, and sees your value. Believe me, I see it, too."

As they hugged once more, another kiss was shared by them, as well. And the second time it was a kiss on each cheek. Both of them sensed a comfortable amiability being formed at that moment. And the easy part of it seemed all they had to do, was be themselves.

**********

Later that evening, recalling the day's events, Jane was doing some soul-searching. Due to her nagging self-doubts, she wondered if she even had the right to be called a counselor. After all, because of all her own failings she was trying to deal with, how did she think that she could advise others how to solve their issues, or do better in living their lives?

As she mulled that, and other things over in her mind she tried to remember how long it'd been since she had been intimate with her husband? 'Has it really been five years now?' Yes, it had. Almost to the day, too.

Her husband, Noel, had gone on an out-of-town preaching convention that was being held in Nashville. While he was there, simply by accident, as he had confessed to her afterward...he had run into an old girlfriend of his. And because Jane had a close friend who was also there, accompanying her husband who was also a preacher, on that outing, she noticed that Noel was spending an inordinate amount of time with another woman.

The friend of Jane had discreetly contacted her, informing her how she had noticed Noel's suspicious behavior.

Because of other questionable situations that had happened previously with Jane's husband, she had been suspicious for some time about whether he was keeping their wedding vows or not. So she asked her friend to take some pictures with her phone if she could.

And take pictures she did. The friend had actually on one occasion been able to get a shot of Noel exiting out of the woman's hotel room in the morning.

Once Noel had returned home, and Jane had the photos that were sent by her friend, she confronted her husband about his philandering. Caught red-handed and knowing he had no other choice but to be as truthful as possible, Noel confessed to Jane everything he had done, with not only his former girlfriend, but other women he had carried on affairs with over the last few years.

The preacher's wife was devastated, and she read him the riot act after he made his confession. "How in the name of all that's holy, could you do something like this to mess up our marriage? I trusted you. And then you go and...and

fuck

this woman that you knew before I ever met you!"

When she saw the alarmed look on Noel's face because of her explicit profanity, even she realized how bad it sounded, even if it was due to how angry she felt right then.

"Please give me another chance, Jane. I guess I'm just maybe some kind of sex addict or something, I don't know. I'll get counseling...I promise."

Finding herself completely incensed by her husband's foolish indiscretions, Jane let him have it with both barrels.

"You have a wonderful preaching career going for you. You're invited by other churches to come and speak. You're lucratively paid by them to do that. Your family's devoted to you. Up till now, I've been devoted to you...and then you go and just screw it all up! How do you expect me to stay married to a man who does stupid things like that?"

And because of the intense anger and hurt raging inside her, Jane Fleming wasn't done letting her husband know just how strongly she felt about his adulterous behavior.

"Not to mention I don't want you bringing home some skanky disease from some shit for brains woman that you'd just go sink your cock in and mindlessly fuck!"

"Please, don't do this. I'm begging you, Jane. Don't do this to our family. To both our careers."

"Isn't it a little too late now to mention those things, Noel? And I can't help thinking about Cassidy. That girl, she idolizes you Noel. Our daughter, don't you even care how much she's always looked up to you? What do you think she's going to say once she finds out about this? And like I said before, we're both going to take a hit in our careers because of this. I hope fucking your ex-girlfriend was worth it to you!"

The preacher, not wanting to give up his lucrative speaking profession, tried to appeal to his wife's vanity and fears in one last-ditch effort to not have his sins exposed to the outside world.

"We have a lot of money tied up in our home and what we're doing here with the Creekside Church, Jane. Besides that, if you were to divorce me, it wouldn't work out good for you, either. I'm sorry, but even with the fact that you're as gorgeous as you are, you'd still be a marked woman in the religious world. Nobody would take you seriously anymore. Yes, I'm so sorry I've done this to us. I admit it...it's my fault. But if you're not willing to give me another chance, what do you expect me to do?"

Hearing those concessions from her husband, Jane told him she'd think about what he'd said and would give him her answer the next day.