The Tunic (Part 16)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)

  Cato got on his horse and just started riding.  He had no idea where he was going, but he was too angry to stay still.  He tried to replay everything Livia had said.  Had she given the women too much information about them?  She said she didn't, but could he believe that?  Maybe if he was better at controlling his temper, he would have found out more.  Cato shook his head and began arguing with himself.  "No, this is not my fault.  My temper has nothing to do with it.  She is the one who put us in danger this time.  It's not my fault."  Cato remembered how hurt Livia looked just before he stormed out.  "This is not how I wanted things to go tonight."
  Cato remembered his walk with Remus.  Remus was so happy. He had fun today.  He was very excited about Lazarus being raised from the dead.  Suddenly, Cato brought the horse to a stop.  He began realizing something he had overlooked.  Remus knew incredible details about Jesus and Lazarus.  How could he have known so much?  Everything Remus had told him agreed with the information Cato had discovered while investigating.  Cato shook his head.  How could someone rise from death?  This is all crazy.  Day after day, more and more stories were emerging that Jesus had risen.  His dead body had never been found.  It just didn't make sense.  Cato raised his eyes to the sky and screamed, "How can this be?  Please tell me!  Do you want me to believe this could have happened?"
  After a few minutes Cato returned his gaze to the road.  He suddenly felt foolish.  What was he doing? Did he actually think he would he receive an answer?  As he turned his horse around to head back home, he couldn't ignore a strange feeling in his chest.  His chest felt warm and oddly peaceful all of a sudden. His anger had dissipated. 
  When he finally returned home he saw Remus waiting for him again.  "Papa, Papa please don't be mad at us anymore," begged Remus as Cato dismounted from his horse.
  Cato wrapped his arm around Remus' shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.  "I'm not mad at you Remus.  I just was a bit surprised by everything that happened today.  I guess I overreacted."
  Remus smiled, "That's ok."
  "Remus can you give me a few minutes to talk to Mama?"
  "Sure."
  Cato walked inside and saw Livia cleaning.  When she turned to look at him, Cato could tell she had been crying. 
"Livia, I shouldn't have gotten so angry.  I should have given you a chance to explain."
  Livia looked up and stared into Cato's eyes. She longed to tell him what her heart was feeling, but she was afraid. She wasn't the same person anymore. She felt more drawn to Jesus with each passing day.  Talking with Mary and Martha today had been absolutely incredible!  As she listened to them talk about Jesus she yearned to have a similar relationship.  Jesus was their friend.  Their teacher.  He was their Messiah. How could she ever explain these feelings to Cato without angering him?
  Cato stood there staring back at Livia.  He wondered what she was thinking.  As he gazed into her eyes, he was sure that she had never looked more beautiful.  He loved her deeply.  He always had.  He hated that he had allowed his anger to hurt her.  He reached out for her hand.  They both just stood their staring into each other's eyes knowing their relationship was taking a new turn.  They each hoped they would be turning towards each other and not away.

(to be continued...)

-Susan