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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 21, 2022 18:28:52 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- A metallic white Mercedes AMG E-Class Coupe pulled up to Temple Beth Israel, pulling up to the curb and parking in front of the Star of David iron gates. Ana Wilkes stepped out of her vehicle, looking around and down the street in her large framed sunglasses, thankful that it was Thursday, otherwise she might have needed to park farther down the street, seeing as the building did not have an actual parking lot. But this was okay. She'd walk up to the sidewalk and enter through the gates, walking to the white and blue building and making her way inside. It was a small shul with a homey feeling and Ana could feel the love as soon as she stepped foot into the doorway and made her way into the sanctuary. Slender fingertips would touch each of the wooden pews as she passed, the sound of her heels muted upon the carpet of the isle, until she'd pause nearly dead center. Blue eyes would lift to observe the ner tamid as it hung above the lectern. She could not help the smile that touched her face and she'd close her eyes as she allowed a moment of serenity to pass over her. She would be unable to admit it, but places like this filled her with a peace she could never find at Northside Emmanuel Baptist Church. She would stand in solitude for a few moments until a member of the Synagogue would catch sight of her. The older man would quietly approach the woman he didn't recognize, pausing to clear his throat a few feet away from her almost as if he hated to break her almost meditative composure. Her eyes would flutter open and look down at the shorter man, offering him a serene smile. "May I help you young lady?" He'd ask. Ana would chuckle, a slight shade of pink touching her cheeks as he had caught her living a moment in her own head as well as catching the youthful compliment. "My apologies. I suppose I should have entered closer to the offices but I could not resist a quiet moment in this beautiful sanctuary. My name is Ana Wilkes. I do have an appointment with Michael Engelsman and his parents Rabbi Joseph and Rachel." The elder man would smile, stepping to the side politely so that she could walk beside him. "Ah. I did see the Rabbi and his wife. I can take you to them. I haven't seen Michael yet. But I understand he stays so busy with work he can sometimes run a little late. To have a fraction of that energy again." Ana would nod and move up along side the man, keeping that same soft smile upon her lips. "But the young need that energy, for they lack the wisdom that age provides. I do not think I would trade youthful exhuberance for the knowledge the years have provided me."The man would nod with a light chuckle, giving her a look and just reaching over and patting her hand for trying to placate an old man. Especially when she only looked about 10 years Michael's senior. "You are still pretty young. Wait until you reach my age and your thoughts might differ." Ana would just smile humorously, but keep her thoughts to herself. After a moment, the elder would motion towards the office door that he led her to and carry on his way. Gently, she would rap her knuckles against the wood.
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Post by jsmith506 on Jan 21, 2022 21:26:03 GMT -5
As Ana knocked at the door, Michael skidded around the corner clutching his yamaka to keep it from falling off the back of his head as he hastily hustled trying not to be late. He tugged at his shirt and composed himself, his cheeks flushed red. "Hello Mrs Wilkes, glad to see you here today!"
And then the office door would open and a woman with long curly red hair would be standing there with a smile. She wasn't very tall, with a petite figure. "Hello Mrs. Wilkes, I am Rachel Engelsman and my husband Joseph is just at his desk here, please do come in... Ahh I see you've found our son Michael. So good of you to be on time."
Michael's blushing would deepen and he would look down. "Sorry Eema, traffic..." He would walk into the office behind Ana. Joseph sat at his desk, his glasses slid down his nose a bit. He was dressed in traditional rabbi's robe and hat. He was reading the scriptures when he would look up and smile. "Hello Mrs. Wilkes, thank you for visiting our temple today."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 22, 2022 12:10:10 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- Ana would turn sharply, a surprised look crossing over her pristine features as the young Michael skidded into view. He'd greet her and a very amused look crossed over her face. Her light British accent coming through with a tone that sounded like it held back a laugh. "Good morning Michael. Thank you for meeting with me."The office door would open as she spoke to the young man, and her gaze would turn to catch the flaming locks of Mrs. Engelsman. She had of course met them once before. It had helped with recognition when she met Michael Enelsman at the gallery opening all those nights ago. "Rabbi Joseph. Rachel. Thank you for seeing me and allowing me to steal your Son for lunch. I do not intend to keep him too long. Just enough to share some ideas about young adult programs." She'd smile, taking a seat in one of the office chairs, smoothing out her pressed pants and crossing her heeled feet at the ankles. "As I mentioned on the phone, I've seen a decline in engagement amongst our young adults where our social programs are concerned. Too wrapped up in their phones to look another in the eye much less have discussions on the word. I think perhaps both of our congregations could benefit from this meeting of the minds."
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Post by jsmith506 on Feb 22, 2022 1:24:21 GMT -5
Joseph nodded to Ana, "Yes, children get far too much screen time these days. It's much harder to reach them and keep them engaged. They're all too worried about recording stupid videos of each other and having a following in a virtual world." Rachel chimed in, "Yes, interpersonal interactions are becoming less common. We always encouraged our Michael to be outgoing and get involved in as many school activities as he could."
"I'm actually greatful for that. All too often at a social gathering or when I'm out and about I notice I'm the only one that doesn't have their head down looking at their phone."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Feb 26, 2022 1:10:30 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- Ana would smile, looking over to Michael with a look of appreciation as his Mother explained they tried to keep him outgoing. "I would like to compliment you both then on your Son's upbringing. Meeting him and his friends at the gallery opening was wonderful. They all were very well behaved and socialized well. Which I would hope to expect given some of the families these young adults come from but more often than not is simply not the case." She'd look back to the Rabbi and his Wife then, simply shaking her head in slight disappointment, certain they would understand how disrespectful many children that came out of high society could be. "But your Michael here keeps good company. He and his girlfriend were lovely to meet and it gave me the idea to try and share ideas on how we can reach the youth and get them more in touch with God."Her smile would only grow brighter at the mention of God's name, only giving the impression there was nothing phoney about her faith. She truly was excited to sit down and talk to the young Jewish kid and share ideas, despite the differences in how they worshiped. "I don't want to keep Michael out for too long. I promised him Hikari Japanese BBQ for his time. Our reservation is soon." She'd stand from her seat, extending her hand out to the Rabbi and his wife to shake before gently touching Michael upon the arm. That same, tingle he experienced at the gallery would slide up his skin. Similar to static electricity though not unpleasant. "If you are ready Michael, I can drive. My car is parked in front."
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 16, 2022 23:35:01 GMT -5
Rachel put her hand over Joseph's and smiled. "Thank you very much, though, consider yourself lucky. We have yet to meet this Jennifer we've been hearing so much about. We are just dying to meet her. You will bring her over for dinner soon won't you dear? "
"Of course Mom, this is all pretty new... Just don't want to rush things. I really like her..."
Then Mrs. Wilkes took his hand, he felt the same feeling as the gallery. But this time it had context. He could tell there was something about her, he just wasn't sure exactly what. Maybe she knew something was up with him... He looked into her eyes for a moment before responding. "O...okay Mrs. Wilkes, sounds good. Bye Mom, bye Dad, love you both, I'll ask Jennifer when a good time to do dinner would be..." He spoke softly as he followed Ana as if in a bit of a trance.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Mar 17, 2022 18:02:22 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- Ana would smile genuinely, having said her goodbyes she would exit the office with Michael left to follow behind. They'd approach the Mercedes and she would press the button to have the doors open. "I do not mean to pry. I am not a parent save for those few I try to help from my congregation as if they were my own children... But I do find budding, young love kind of... adorable."She'd slide herself into the car, buckling her seat belt and starting the car. "Tell me Michael, does she share your faith? I can tell it is an important aspect of your life and that you have a strong connection to God or HaShem. Not to try and Mother you... Just a word of advice if you'll allow it. It is a subject best brought up sooner rather than later."She'd chuckle lightly as she pulled the car out onto the street, having already plugged in the directions to Hikari into her GPS.
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 17, 2022 23:41:07 GMT -5
Michael took in Ana's sweet ride, he had never ridden in a Mercedes before. Then she brought up the old religious debate and it was something that he had not talked about with Jennifer before or really even thought about for that matter.
"I'm a little embarrassed, I haven't actually talked about that subject with her before. I've told her about my upbringing and my parents but she's never really had anything to say about that or shared any opinions. I mean, at the very least she doesn't have a problem with it I would say or I'm sure she wouldn't have stuck around... Oh my goodness.... what if she's an atheist!?" His eyes widened and he shuddered.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Mar 18, 2022 13:01:29 GMT -5
Ana chuckled lightly. Michael’s kind hearted nature was heartwarming. Especially since what she expected from a young man of his age was an eye roll and a bottling up.
”Oh no. What if she is?”
The chuckle would continue lightly as she turned the car onto an adjoining street, following the directions her GPS would lead her.
”I would not worry my dear. In my experience Atheists are very quick to tell you their beliefs once you mention yours. But if she is…”
She’d hum a couple notes, just as an interruption to her thoughts and yet still they were pleasing to the ear, even in their brevity.
”I’m sorry. I almost began to speak on leading her to know the glory of the Lord but… I do not believe Judaism to be a missionary faith as Christianity. So I will refrain from preaching it to you. I will however say it is good to have a partner in life with like minded ideas. Could you two still maintain a loving relationship, yes. But I would think your path to Faith would suffer. I have met a young man or two with a fervent desire to go into the ministry. They met a young lady who did not support that decision and in the end, that path was closed off to them. Not to discourage you my dear. She is a lovely girl with a pure heart from what I can tell, but if your life goals do not align and you think this may be more than a fling, then it is best to have the conversation early.”
She’d glance over with a kind smile before turning her eyes back to the road and continue driving. After a moment she’d reach and turn off the GPS. The turn by turn being unnecessary since it seemed she was more familiar with the area. After a moment of silence, she’d speak again with perhaps a more thoughtful tone. ”I hope you do not think I am prying by asking about your girlfriend. It is not my intention to offend but I would like to know more about you. I spoke on going into the ministry but I use it only as an example and wish not to assume. Tell me, what plans do you have for your future? Do you already have a career path in mind that you are working towards?”
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 18, 2022 17:15:12 GMT -5
"Even if she would be, if she can respect my beliefs and tolerate them, I will definitely continue my journey with her. I don't think my faith will suffer..." Michael looked down at his hands then, he was more connected to his faith now than ever before...
"As far as the future goes, I'm actually apprenticed under a private investigator. I'm really enjoying it thus far, the pay is good and it's a small business with flexible hours and a great benefit package, as well as lots of training opportunities. I've been through first aid, various types of self defense courses, firearms safety courses. The latter of which I pray I'll never wind up needing to use of course."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Mar 18, 2022 19:50:53 GMT -5
-=Ana Wilkes=- Ana smiled brightly at his affirmation. "Good to hear." She'd listen as he briefly explained about his apprenticeship. Eyebrows would raise, perhaps somewhat surprised. "A private investigator? How surprising. I apologize. It was a career path I had not pictured for you. If not taking over your family's line of work I pictured something more... administrative? Doctor. Lawyer. Accountant."She'd chuckle. "A private investigator with good benefits and flexible hours. Perhaps Jackson LLC, Bantan Sango, or Bateman and Blake? Those are the most well known and highly respected in LA that I am aware of. Where do you work?"
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 18, 2022 21:28:22 GMT -5
"Believe me, it's not the future or career path I had in mind for myself either, it just kind of happened. I was working as a chauffeur here in LA. I was sent out on a job and ended up working for a very affluent family. They bought the company I worked for, and my current employer then asked me to be his assistant/apprentice. Talk about being in the right place at the right time hey? Everything happened so perfectly, and then I met Jennifer shortly after... " He reached inside his wallet and passed Ana a copy of "Heaven Can Wait"'s business card when it was safe to do so, as she was still driving.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Mar 18, 2022 21:50:59 GMT -5
Ana took hold of the business card at a stop light and glanced at it. Dark brows furrowed curiously before sliding it into the console.
"I do not believe I have heard of this firm. Even still, as long as you are being treated fairly then that is all that matters. It can be dangerous work. God forbid you do end up in a dangerous position. I am certain your Mother doesn't approve."
The phrase would be said with a lilt of humor to her voice. What Mother would approve of her child in potential danger, yet they must live with their choices once they are grown.
It wouldn't be but a few turns later and they were at the restaurant. Hikari was upscale and Ana would greet the manager on duty who came out to see her in Japanese. They would be taken to a table not so near the rest of the crowd so that they could speak over the coal fueled grill between them. She would encourage Michael to order what he wanted as it was her treat. She herself would spare no expense, ordering the Wagyu Beef and Sake. Their dinner was not at all quick since they cooked it themselves, but it almost forced the person to have a conversation since the diners were actively involved in preparing the meal. Ana found it the perfect environment to joyfully strike up the conversation about the youth programs her church was currently running to get Michael's feedback as well as to share ideas with him for their temple.
When all was said and done, the check would be delivered and she'd immediately hand the credit card over without looking at it.
"There we go. I am certainly stuffed. Did you have a good time? I wasn't sure if you had been here before."
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 18, 2022 22:09:55 GMT -5
"This was a new experience to me. I really enjoyed myself, it's definitely made me want to bring Jennifer here... Mayne to have the talk about our faiths. Though, I have a strong feeling she must believe in some kind of higher power after everything we've been through recently." Michael rubbed his tummy and dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, he was fully satisfied with the meal.
"Anyway, like I was saying, from my experience, kids are inherently good natured and if you can give them fun activities that also benefit the community at large, help the environment, feed the homeless... Try to enrich their lives, give them some social skills, create positive experience and make the world a better place. Not to mention getting them off their bloody phones..." He chuckled then circling back to an issue Ana had mentioned earlier.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Mar 18, 2022 23:15:23 GMT -5
"Yes. Those bloody phones." She'd chuckle in light amusement. No doubt the phrase sounding more appropriate given her British accent. A moment later the receipt and her credit card would be returned to her. She'd sign it and place the card back in her purse, standing to her feet.
Ana had caught his comment about Jennifer and the fact she had to believe in a higher power with all they've been through. He had not mentioned anything like that. She'd stand from her seat and make a motion, inviting him to walk ahead of her towards the door. Once in the parking lot and walking towards the Mercedes she'd comment.
"I wish you well in your conversation with Jennifer. I cannot help but be curious though. Did something happen that brought you together? Your mentioned she had to believe in something since you had been through things. Perhaps I am just a romantic. But you do not have to tell me if it is too personal."
She'd say as she unlocked the door.
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