In a time when the world seems to going to shambles, how can one find solace or rest in the world?

Remember the Song's Story that I had on like forever ago? Yeah, I took that down for a certain reason. I'm sure it'll be back up eventually, but I need to wait a certain amount of time. I'm trying to get it published. So then, to fill that hole, I made another Song Story; however it's just part 1. There's more to come for Ben and Lisa here. I think it's very sweet right now...but life isn't always sweet...I think I might have given away what I might do next! :o

Characters are owned by me. I do not own the song that inspires this story.

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A Song's Story: Pie Jesu-Part 1

The wind fills the vacuum. It bounces around, searching for a place to escape. It longs to get back out. The wind should never be contained, either-wise it dies. An opening. The pressured air rushes and expands into the open space along with the vibrations of its prison. The organ produces its mellow and harmonious tune.



It's Sunday. The Beagle sits in the office of the church, his paws folded across his muzzle in prayer. "Lord, please, grant me clarity. Grant me peace. May your Word be heard." The organ catches his ear as he finishes. He smiles to himself, "Heh, Mrs. Thornapple is nothing if not punctual."

It was 11:00AM, time to start the morning service. The normal congregation of the small Baptist church had been dwindling as of late. A lot of the newer generation was out fulfilling their educational goals, and the modern middle-aged couples and families were busy trying to make ends meet or move further on in the world. What were left were the older families and the newer families, those who have been with the congregation for a long time and those seeking guidance to start their lives the right way for the time being.

The 30-year old Beagle could not say for sure how many were genuinely wanting to further their relationship with the Creator. He prayed that his church body would rally together and spark change in their community by sharing the love of Christ to all. It would help inspire the mostly vacant pews to be filled. The church would be kept alive, and the doors would not have to be barred from those needing to hear God's Word. It wasn't his place to decide what their intentions were though. All he could do was talk and share the knowledge and wisdom that he was given.

Over the past few months, so many problems had flooded the television sets of the city. Earthquakes, floods, storms, political unrest, riots. So many things were wrong with the world. It seemed as if chaos was taking control. It was no wonder to the Christian preacher, Benjamin Saxton, that the seats were not as empty as they usually were. He was pleased. 'Any opportunity to share,' he thought to himself.

He saw what was written across the muzzles of the faces that he greeted and felt the unrest in the paws that he shook, whether old or new. He wasn't blind to the outside world. What these anthros wanted was peace. Peace of mind, piece of heart. But he hoped above all else that they would find peace in their souls through the Savior.



The red vixen shifts in her pew. 'Maybe I shouldn't have come here,' she thinks to herself. 'I don't belong in a place like this. Everyone seems friendly enough, but…'

Her train of thought was interrupted by the Beagle, who she had heard was the pastor, standing above her. "Good morning to you," he says genially, extending a paw.

The female Red fox suddenly stands as if being called to attention and clumsily offers her paw to shake. "Hi. Good morning," she says weakly.

"It's good to see you here this morning," the Beagle politely continues.

"Oh, well…it's nice to be here, I guess," she says brushing some of her hair behind her.

Benjamin smiles to himself. "There's no need to be nervous here, Mrs…"

"Bush," the vixen finishes, "Lisa Bush."

"Well, I'm the pastor, Benjamin Saxton, but you can call me Ben if it makes you feel at ease."

"I'm…not sure I can do that, Pastor Saxton."

"Please," he says holding up a paw. "Either Pastor or Ben. I respond to both timely." He smiles at the Red Fox.

"Okay. 'Pastor' it is then." Lisa giggles slightly at Pastor's kindness. It was something she wasn't expecting to get from the "man-in-charge". She took note of the Beagle and marked that he was quite nice to look at and was even close to her age. 'What am I thinking?' she rebukes herself. 'You're in a church, Lisa. Control yourself.'

"Something the matter, Lisa?" Ben asks. He saw Lisa suddenly shake her head. It looked as if something was bothering her, other than her nervousness. Ben then saw that she had a lovely looking muzzle. Her orange and red fur covered most of her face, but patches of white stood out at the end areas of her nose and mouth. When she shook her head, Ben saw streaks of gold dance in the light.

Regaining her decorum, or what sense of decorum she thought she had, she says, "I'm fine. I had, um, an itch."

"Well by all means, go ahead and scratch. We don't look down on natural responses."

"Aheh, thanks," she breathes out. She scratches her nose a little just to save face. 'Great. Now I'm lying to a pastor,' she thinks.

"So are you here by yourself?" Ben asks with interest.

Lisa nods in response.

"Well, I hope you enjoy yourself. Don't be shy around us," Ben says.

"Oh, of course. Thank you."

"Feel free to talk to me afterwards," Ben adds. He walks toward the front of the sanctuary. 'Did I just say that?' he thinks to himself.

The Beagle arrives at his podium and turns to face the congregation. The mole at the organ stops playing to call attention. A clearing of the throat, and the pastor speaks, "Good morning."



Ben waits at the front door of the church foyer. As far as he can tell, his sermon was received well. He received the usual thanks for his work and was able to chat with some of the church's regulars on how their loved ones were doing, any further reports on someone in the hospital, and had the usual questions from the prying but well-meaning Mrs. Tessle, an aging Bloodhound who took upon the task of getting Ben set-up with a female. "Thank you, Mrs. Tessle, but I'm not sure I have the time this week to meet another one of your acquaintances."

"Oh, come now, Ben," urged the Bloodhound. She used his first name whenever she was trying to persuade him. She continued, "You're a good man. You deserve to be happy."

"I am happy. I love doing what I'm doing."

"Yes, but aren't you lonely in that parsonage? It was really intended to house a family."

"It's a bit of a waste of space, I understand. But trust me, I'm fine." Ben took Mrs. Tessle's paw in both of his and gently shook it. He was telling her to move on or wait until later to discuss this. They were currently blocking the exit out of the building and he had a few more door meetings to get through before he could "close-up shop."

Mrs. Tessle could smell that something was not quite right with his statement; however, she got his message. "Alright, Pastor. Thank you again for today."

Their paws broke apart. Mrs. Tessle turned back to Ben at the door, "But don't think I'm done with you yet."

Ben chuckled lightly, "Wouldn't imagine it, Mrs. Tessle. I'll see you later."

Ben's attentions returned to the few who were still filing out the door. Near the end of the line was the Red Fox, Lisa, from before the service. 'I'm a little surprised she's still here," he thought. 'Usually the newcomers are among the first to leave.'

The Red Fox smiled at the Beagle as she was approaching him. Ben smiled in return towards LIsa and turned his attention to the bull next to him. As he filed past, the Red Fox stepped out of line. The Beagle was curious as to her whereabouts, but the last two anthros demanded his attention. Warm thanks and well wishes for the week were exchanged, but the fox still hadn't returned.

Ben stepped back into the sanctuary. Lisa was hunched over in the pew she was at during the service. He approached her, and he felt a tightening in his stomach. Lisa's shoulders were slumped and her head low. This was a situation Ben was familiar with, and it had to be approached delicately.

"Mrs. Bush?" he said near her.

Her ears perked, and she turned to see the pastor over her again. Again she stands at attention, "Oh, Pastor. I'm sorry. I remembered that I had left my purse at my seat."

"Oh, no worries Mrs. Bush."

"Actually…it's 'Ms.' Bush," she blurts. She bites her lip as if she had revealed a secret.

"'Ms.' Bush. My apologies," he says lowering his head in a respectful manner. A slight smile appears on his muzzle after hearing her say, "Miss."

"Oh, no need to. I took no offense. Besides, you'd be surprised how many people don't really call me by the right name."

"Really?" he asks puzzled. "That doesn't seem right. Your name is who you are. If people change your name, it shows a lack of respect for who you are. You have the right to be called a certain way.

Lisa looks at Ben with widened eyes, "You know, I never thought of that." She puts a finger to her lips and adds, "You're right. I suppose it can go along with what you were talking about. If you can't decide on what you are to be called, you can't be at peace with yourself."

Ben slightly chuckles, "It's good to hear you were paying attention. World peace starts with peace with yourself: physically, emotionally, and spiritually."

Lisa nervously laughs, "Yes. I was paying attention. How could I not? You're quite a dynamic speaker."

Another chuckle and Ben says, "Thank you, but actually I'm not. You should see me outside of here. I always trip over my phra…I mean my…I, gah! The things that I talk with."

"Words?"

"Yes! My words. You see?"

Lisa laughs at the sudden change of manner in the pastor and Ben laughs with her.

"So are sure that's all that was wrong, Ms. Bush?" Ben asks. "You just forgot your bag?"

Lisa tenses slightly and nods while saying, "Yeah…uh, that's all it was." She adds, "And please, call me Lisa. Ms. Bush just sounds too…"

"Old?" he suggests.

"Yeah."

She exits the pew and begins to walk to the front door, and Ben follows close behind.

As they walk together, Ben says, "There really isn't a need to feel embarrassed about age, Lisa. If you don't mind my saying, you look very lovely."

Lisa turns her head slightly to the Beagle then snaps away just as suddenly. Ben thinks, 'Did I just say that? That's twice in one day.' He notices her sudden movements and tries to apologize, "I…I'm very sorry. I…uh, guess I stepped out of line."

"No," she quickly says, still not looking at him. "That was fine. Thank you for the compliment. It was very sweet of you." She holds her purse in front of her, her eyes gazing at the floor.

Ben noticed a small smile on her muzzle, and one creeped along his in response. "Well," he says somewhat returning to his duties, "if you feel the need to talk, don't be afraid to call. "Counselor" or "Open Ear" is one of my "implied" duties. That's why my number is in the bulletin."

"Thank you," she says stopping at the door, "but I don't want to be a bother since I'm completely new here."

"Nonsense. There's no bother at all. I like to make people feel better. One of the joys of my service."

"Well, thank you again," she says offering her paw.

Ben takes her paw and gives it a polite shake. His fingers unconsciously curve around her paw. Lisa's paw stays extended as both slide away from each other, and the two share warm smiles.

"You enjoy the rest of your day, Lisa."

"Thank you. You do as well." The phrase, "I'll see you next week, Ben," pours out of her mouth.

Lisa exits the church and looks back with a smile to see the Beagle smiling after her. Her eyes look into her open purse to see the bulletin sticking out. She pulls her keys out to start her car. 'Did I just call him 'Ben'?'



Lisa just couldn't sit still in her seat. She had only been in the restaurant for a minute, and she already wanted to skitter away. It had been a long time since she had been on a real date. Her bushy tail flicked side-to-side as she pulled at the hem of her blue-green dress. The strapless dress clinged to her concave form with ease, but she thought it was too short. When she stood, it rested slightly above her knees.

'Oh god, I wish I had the time to find something more sensible,' she thought to herself. She cringed and scolded herself, 'Dang it, Lisa. You gotta stop that. You've been going to church for a few weeks now. You gotta stop taking the Lord's name in vain.' She sighed and thought to herself, 'Old habits die hard. I just hope this guy shows up soon.'

Lisa Bush was finally becoming comfortable at the Baptist church she had first visited a few weeks ago. All of the people there were nice and extremely friendly. She was expecting a bunch of stuck up, snooty anthros who'd turn their nose up at her at first glance. That wasn't the case at all. The Beagle pastor of the church made her feel especially welcome and at ease in the unfamiliar environment.

She was even becoming friends with an elderly female Bloodhound in the church. In fact, it was because of her that she was currently sitting at a table for two, anxiously awaiting a special friend of hers. 'She did say 6:30,' she thought. Lisa wanted to run. 'I'm not ready for this….I should probably go.'

Her paw reached into her purse to pull out her cell phone. She simply hit the redial button, and the empty ring of a connecting call echoed in her ear. "Please pick up," she whispered. She was hunched over, her heart racing. A second ring. 'Maybe he's busy,' she thought. 'I mean, he is the pastor. There's many other critters that need him.' A third ring. 'Who am I to waste his time? I should just hang up now while I still…'

"Hello, Ben Saxton."

"Pastor?" she said with a quiver.

A slight pause. "Lisa, hi! How are you doing?"

A small laugh came out of her nose in the form of expelled air and a smile broke across her muzzle. 'He sounds happy,' she thought. "Hi! Uh, I'm a little anxious," she admitted. The Red Fox felt relaxed whenever she talked to the Beagle.

"Everything's going to be fine, Lisa," she heard Pastor say calmly. "Mrs. Tessle really knows the critters she sets up. I'm sure this guy won't be a weirdo of any sort."

"Oh, I know. It's just…"

"…You're not sure if you should be dating at your age?"

A laugh of resignation, "Yeah."

"Listen, Lisa. You're a very pretty, bright, and charming female. Any male would be lucky to spend time with you." There was a slight pause over the line as the Red Fox was silenced by the Beagle's candor. Ben came back over the phone with some hesitancy, "I mean, I've really enjoyed being able to talk to you over the last few weeks…and…it's always great to see you during Sunday morning and evening service…I'm sorry, I really shouldn't be talking like this."

Lisa uncontrollably blushed. "No! Don't! Uh, thank you…for the compliment." she replied while fidgeting with her tail in her free paw.

Before she could reply further, the pastor said over the phone, "Uh, listen, Lisa. I'd love to continue talking, but I have a special meeting I have to get to myself."

Lisa's ears flattened, "Oh, I'm sorry to have pulled you away. I didn't know…"

"Don't worry," came the voice of understanding. "I needed a momentary distraction myself."

"Is it that kind of a meeting?" she asked, wanting to keep him on a little longer.

"Well, sort of." Lisa heard a clink of keys over the phone. "I'm about to meet someone new myself."

"Another one of Mrs. Tessle's set ups?" She giggled a little after saying that.

A chuckle in reply. "You could say that."

"Well, I hope your's turns out well, too."

"Thanks. You want to talk later, so we can compare our 'scars?'"

Another giggle, "I'd like that."

"Good. I'll call you later tonight then." Lisa smiled at the thought of the relaxing company that awaited her later. "Alright. I'm about to walk in. I'll pray for your evening."

"Thanks…uh, I hope it goes well for you, too."

"Bye, then."

"Bye. I'll talk to you later."

She flipped her cell phone closed. The display on the front read, "6:35PM." The waiter--a small, young male coon--approached her table. "Hi, my name's Tony. I'll be your waiter this evening. Can I start you off with anything to drink?"

"Oh, no thank you. I'm currently waiting for someone."

Tony, trying to be polite and relatable, said, "Ah, a blind date, huh?"

"Pretty obvious, right?"

"Well, don't worry, Miss. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead."

Lisa saw the coon's eyes wander over her. She was used to this attention, so she straightened herself up and turned her attention to the menu folded on the table. "Thank you," she said politely but with a bit of stiffness. "I'll wait until he arrives, so thank you."

"Alright. If you need anything else, Miss, just let me know." Then the coon walked away.

Lisa kept her nose in the menu to ward off his attention. Further ogling was the last thing that she needed tonight. She just wanted to have a normal date, and hopefully meet a nice guy. Ben had given her his assurance that Mrs. Tessle's blind dates were highly respectable. The thing was that Ben said that he didn't really know how to go about forming a romantic relationship with someone else. Lisa hadn't had to do that for at least 10 years. She was out of practice, and her anxiety about the situation started to surface again as she perused the menu.

30 seconds later, she heard a hesitant and mellow voice, "Hi, I'm sorry I'm late. I had a friend who was having trouble."

'That voice,' she thought. She lowered her menu and saw the Beagle pastor standing in front of the table! His head was turned around to set his jacket on the chair, but it was definitely him.'

'Holy crap!' she thought. She quickly returned the menu over her muzzle. Her mind raced, 'Is he my date?! What should I do? Crap! Did I just swear again?!' She looked down at her dress. 'Ah! This is no way to meet your pastor!'

Her flight instinct was about to take hold until she heard him say, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."

Something in his melodic voice made her cooly respond despite her unrest, "Oh, no trouble at all." She cringed after realizing she just spoke, giving herself away.

There was a pause. "Lisa?"

'No point in trying to hide now,' she thought. She slowly lowered the menu to only reveal her face. The fear lining her face melted away when she saw the surprised joy on Ben's muzzle. He started to chuckle, and it grew into a boisterous laugh. Lisa quickly followed Ben's attitude with a burst of laughter. Anyone else in the restaurant would have thought the two mad, but the Red Fox and Beagle could not have been more at ease.

All of Lisa's tension had disappeared. In the middle of their laughing tirade, she had set the menu down and buried her head in her arm while giving the table a few pounds. Ben had laughed so hard that his eyes had watered. Both were short of breath near the end of the episode.

The male and female stared and smiled at each other when they had finished. Ben rested his cheek on his paw, elbow in the table. Lisa straightened herself and put her chin on top of her crossed hands, elbows on the table as well. 'Who'd have thought?' she wondered to herself. She no longer cared if she looked "presentable" or not. "I guess Mrs. Tessle knows how to pick them," she thought out loud.

Ben slightly blushed and started to chuckle again. He was relieved to hear Lisa doing the same. "Who'd have thought?" he said.

Lisa giggled once more, "I was thinking the same thing."

The coon waiter approached the table again. "Can I start you two off with something to drink?"

Both turned to look at Tony, then back to each other. They smiled again.

**Part 2 Coming Soon**