00027

“A strike! I'm still the best!" Albert Zoeniga cheered himself, and Jane Ashton seconded the cheers. Osmo frowned, seeing all the fallen pins at the end of the lane.

"You got lucky, is all," grumbled Osmo Martin.

Albert replied, "Isn't it funny how luck always favors me, the talented? But seriously, I am glad you took up my invitation and came bowling with us, Osmo." Albert Zoeniga gave his friend a great big hug.

"He-ey!" his friend protested, squirming, checking around to make sure nobody watched this public display of affection between two men.

"Oh, stop it," scolded Jane Ashton. "Pretend Sheila is hugging you, then you won't complain."

"I can't imagine it. She's a heck of a lot cuter. But you know, guys, I'm glad I came, too. I missed you guys. We should do some things together once in awhile while we are on vacation, before we return to Earth. We never even can get together long enough for you two to come with me for a dinner to meet our host, Gov. Bright."

Jane made a face at the thought of meeting him, despite his generosity toward them because they were Osmo's friends.

Osmo Martin misunderstood and said, "I know, I know, it's my fault, probably, because we all had a chance to get together at the Governor's House, and we stood you up waiting for us at the beach when we first got here. But I must say, I am surprised that, with Sheila's company, I could still miss anyone."

Jane Ashton said, "I hate to admit it, but I missed you, too, Osmo. Believe it or not, I, too, am glad you showed up today." She picked up her ball.

Albert Zoeniga told Osmo, “You and me, we never spent as much time together while here on the World of Hope as we had planned, nor went to as many places as we had talked about. Of course, Sheila kept you occupied. We understand that. No problem there. Jane kept me company, too, anyway, while you disappeared with Sheila most days. And do you know, during my time here, I think I have changed. I wanted to see you at least one last time while we are still together on the World of Hope, before the vacation’s over.”

Osmo Martin wondered if his friend had become kooky somehow. "What are you talking about? We'll still hang out together on Earth when we get back, like before. I know we'll need to, ugh, get jobs and stuff, and that will give us less time. But I am sure we'll still do things together. I have to say, I will certainly miss Sheila, then, when we go back, like I've been missing you two right now. I wish she'd come back with us. Maybe I can talk her into-”

Albert interrupted. "Osmo, I'm not going back. I'm staying here."

"Huh? What?" That caught Osmo Martin off-guard. Usually he did the impulsive, irresponsible thing. "What are you talking about?"

"It's true, buddy. I want to stay and help the people here. They need help. There are many who are squeezed by the hard life here, who need people who can help them with their basic necessities. You probably didn't see that side of the city."

Osmo Martin shrugged. "Those people have ample opportunities to help themselves, provided mostly by Gov. Bright, who is always looking out for them. Gov. Bright sees to their needs as best he can. But they have to help themselves, too. Why stay behind, Al, when there's so much more you can do on Earth to help people? You're not thinking."

"I'm thinking more clearly than ever before. I want to help these people. I know you think Gov. Bright is a good man. I am not so certain. I hesitate to say this, since he is, as you reminded, our host, but I think he is part of the problem, a large part of it. I think his administration does the squeezing. At one time some man named Billy Bob helped the people, until he vanished mysteriously. Nobody knows what happened to him, although there is speculation. The people lost a great helper in him, they say. I want to stay in Sparkle now, and help the oppressed citizens. I'm no Billy Bob, but I think God's calling me to do that."

Osmo Martin rudely laughed. "Now you're beginning to sound a little goofy, frankly. Well, then, if you don't go back home, why should I go, if my friend stays behind here. Maybe I should stay, too, to talk some sense into you, eh? Maybe God wants me to do that, heh? Does He speak in a deep bass voice or what?”

Jane sighed. "It's not like that, Osmo. We didn't hear God's actual voice or anything. But, just the same, sometimes one just knows."

Osmo eyed her skeptically. "Oh? I can't imagine it, Jane. Did God tell you- I mean, did you just know, also that you should stay here with Albert?"

"First I will go take care of business on Earth. There are some things I need to wrap up, say 'bye to my folks and stuff. Then, yes, I'm coming back here to be with and to help Albert."

"Why, Al, why?" demanded Osmo. "Who do you even know here? Where will you live? How will you earn a living?"

"I already have a job lined up. I know I won't be able to live the way I used to live. I will be moving out from the Hope Hotel shortly, once I find a place. I know it won't be as swank, but I don't care. I'll get by, with the Lord's help. And I know lots of people here on this world already. Remember, Jane and I did some volunteering during our time here. We didn't simply sit in our rooms waiting for you, my friend. It may not have been like a vacation of going to the beach and resorts, but it was worthwhile. More like a vacation where someone goes to help out in a disaster area, and gives his time to others."

He saw that Osmo still didn't get it. "Look, Osmo, the bottom line these days is that I try to follow what Jesus wants me to do. He's a good role model, a good leader. I have learned to admire Him, to give Him my life and my allegiance."

"Well, yeah, who doesn't admire Jesus, but-"

"Osmo, I think He's actually the Son of God, as He said. And I think He wants me to stay here and help out. Who's dumb enough to say no to God after all Jesus did for us?”

Osmo Martin grabbed at straws, trying to "talk sense" into Albert Zoeniga. "Oh, you know, you can worship Him on Earth as well as here, even better, since the Holy Land is on Earth. And you can do good things there, too, help people there. He'll understand."

"Osmo, I think He wants me to do it here. I don't know why, but He does. I merely listen."

Osmo groaned. "Oh, brother! I never expected you to become a fanatic!”

Jane said, "Ya never know who'll be next- it can even happen to you one day, Osmo!"

Albert added, "The sooner the better. You won't be directionless anymore, then. Anyway, I'll miss you when you leave. You're a good pal. And I am concerned for you. And I’ll tell you something else- I think you should do something on this planet before you go back. Do it for yourself."

"Oh?" Osmo changed the subject. "Look at that split, Jane! Haha, is that the best you can do? I don't think God's helping your game, that's for sure. Now watch me, and take notes." He rolled his ball down the lane and knocked down all the pins. "Yahoo, now that's how it's done, Jane!"

"Very good, almost as good as me- Almost." Albert Zoeniga loved to brag whenever he beat Osmo's score, which was almost always. "But, getting back to the other thing. I think before you leave you should visit-"

Osmo Martin cut him off in mid-sentence. "I know what you're going to say, Al. You know I don't want to talk about that-"

Albert persisted. "I know that in the long run you'll be glad you did. You'll hate yourself if you don't. Osmo, it's time to face it, time to make peace with the past, no matter how much it hurts.- For crying out loud, Osmo, visit your Mom’s memorial!"

Jane nodded. "He's right, Osmo. This planet's been named in her honor. They made a beautiful memorial for her. I've been there, and so has Albert. Everybody from Earth’s seen it and paid their respects to the memory of a great woman. It's time for her son to visit the site honoring her."

Osmo checked his watch. "Well, will you look at the time! I must go. It was great being with you guys again, even you, Jane, but I'm meeting Sheila at the Governor's House for lunch, so I better get moving. No more time to dawdle. She's picking me up shortly. Take care!" And he left them and the bowling alley without any more talking. And, considering Albert's dislike of the Governor, Osmo Martin declined to invite them to join them at the lunch, although Sheila Bright had been hoping Al and Jane would also be there.

Albert and Jane looked at each other. Jane commented, "Well, he sure took his leave of our company rather quickly. He still can't face the past, and the tragedy of what happened to his Mom. Poor Osmo. I hope our little talk with him doesn't give him indigestion."

"I hope it does; perhaps then he will stop and think about what we said, and consider going there to the Hope Memorial Park finally.”

(c) 2011 drk