St. George...7, The Final Chapter

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St. George, Part 7...The Final Chapter

Here is the final chapter of this little story. The other chapters, 1-6 are on my blog beginning 16 November 2011. It was fun to write and hopefully, fun to read as well. Thanks for checking it out.

            Blanch exited the stage and Natalie stepped to the microphone.

            “Thank you for having us here,” she said, her smile brightening the park as the sun slowly set in the west. “You are such a beautiful audience. In fact, my father was commenting as we drove up just how attractive everyone is.” Clarence hit his high hat cymbal and a low mummer could be heard from the crowd.

            “We hope you enjoy our gift to you.” Natalie stepped back and the song begun.

            “It’s Not Their Fault” lyrics   

            There are times when mistakes are made,

            And judgments of others descend

            But we’re hear today to tell you all,

            Our mistakes we all must tend

           

            In life we can’t always understand,

            Why some do the things they do,

            Their actions are there for all to see  

            But judge not; it could happen to you

            As the chorus began all the children rushed the stage and started singing. The performance was awe-inspiring. Some women in the audience let out a gasp.

            Please don’t blame the children—it’s not their fault,

            They wouldn’t do this in their youth…

            When you see the children, take a look inside yourself,

            God’s the only one who knows the truth.

           

            The Fredricksens and other children continued their song. As they sang two men in hunting attire climbed out of a newly arrived truck. The men walked into the crowd as they watched their children sing. Their eyes never left the stage. A confused look crossed the hunter’s faces. The men made their way to where MarLinda and MarLisa watched the families perform.

            “Dan!” MarLinda yelled as she hugged her unwashed husband. Dan hugged her back but the look of bewilderment never left his face. "You made it!" Rodger joined MarLisa and the couple turned their attention to the song.

            “MarLinda?” Dan asked his wife as she watched the performance.

            “Yes, dear?” MarLinda responded, her eyes still glued to the stage.

            “Hun…why are our children dressed as polygamists?”

            MarLinda froze and looked straight ahead. The song continued and a look of horror crossed MarLinda’s face as she realized why Blanch acted so odd when introduced to the Fredericksens, and why she thought the family hailed from Colorado City, not Salt Lake City.

            When she could move MarLinda looked around at her neighbors and friends. The audience still watched the talented family sing, but she could almost read their minds—especially the women as they looked upon Clarence and wondered if he could really be the father to all those kids. The song continued.

            So give all the kids you see a break

            The sin is not theirs to bear

            God works in mysterious ways

            If you love the kids, you’ll care

            Please don’t blame the children—it’s not their fault,

            They wouldn’t do this in their youth…

            When you see the children, take a look inside yourself,

            God’s the only one who knows the truth.

            The song ended and the audience respectfully applauded the obvious talent reflected on stage. All MarLinda could do was try and disappear in the center of the crowd. She lowered her head and whispered so no one to hear, “Oh, dear Lord…”

            Natalie returned to the microphone and again showed the people, the park, and the beautiful red rock mountains her blinding smile. “Thank you, thank you all,” Natalie said through that smile. “Your kindness reassures our fundamental belief in mankind.”

The End

*Scene from "The Three Amigos" used w/o permission