The Right Choice, Part 1 of 2

Focus on the Family: And now, Adventures in Odyssey.
Jason Whittaker: Dad!
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, Jason, Jason, hello. Hi. It’s great to see you.
Jason Whittaker: I was beginning to wonder about you. Listen, I'm sorry I’m late. My flight was delayed coming up from Odyssey. I had trouble with the hotel reservation, and traffic was—never mind. How was your trip?
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, long but painless. Immigration in New York asked me a lot of questions. You know, why was I in the Middle East so long, that sort of thing? I guess they thought I was a smuggler. Oh, there’s my suitcase.
Jason Whittaker: I'll get it. What’s in here? The whole archaeological dig?
John Avery Whittaker: Just the lost city of Nineveh. Jonah and the whale, huh?
Jason Whittaker: I'll just put it on the luggage cart.
John Avery Whittaker: Sure.
Jason Whittaker: So, where’s Eugene?
John Avery Whittaker: Well, his luggage came through first, so he ran off to surprise Katrina with a call.
Jason Whittaker: That’s sweet.
John Avery Whittaker: He thought since we’re staying in Chicago for a couple of days to meet with the board, he’d visit her. We are set to meet with the board, right?
Jason Whittaker: First thing tomorrow morning, after we get you back to the hotel for some rest.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, that sounds wonderful. That’s my last suitcase there.
Jason Whittaker: I got it. Wow. We’re going to need a forklift to get these back to the car. But Eugene went that way. I wonder what’s taking him so long.
John Avery Whittaker: Are you kidding? If he’s talking to Katrina, he’s probably regaling her with the soil content he found in the Israeli desert.
Jason Whittaker: So did he call her at all while he was with you?
John Avery Whittaker: No. We were pretty busy, and he didn’t want to spend the money on the long-distance charges. He sent postcards every day.
Jason Whittaker: Really? Eugene went two weeks without actual verbal contact with Katrina? He must have broken out in hives.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, he had a rash or two, but I blame that on his camel ride. Oh, there he is.
Jason Whittaker: Where?
John Avery Whittaker: There, on the phone, there to the right.
Jason Whittaker: That’s Eugene?
John Avery Whittaker: He got a lot of sun, didn’t he?
Jason Whittaker: I’ll say. Did he mean to travel in his bathrobe?
John Avery Whittaker: It’s a kaftan he bought from one of the street merchants right before we left.
Jason Whittaker: Went native, huh?
John Avery Whittaker: You know Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, thank you for your help. I suppose I’ll have to try again later. Oh, hello, Mr. Whittaker. Greetings, Jason. I’m sorry, I’ll only be another moment or two.
John Avery Whittaker: Is something wrong?
Eugene Meltsner: I’m not entirely sure. I’ve been trying to phone Katrina at her usual numbers but have thus far been unsuccessful. I’m now going to try a roommate’s work number at the university. So much for my surprise.
Jason Whittaker: She had no idea you were coming back to America today?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, I sent a postcard with my return date but didn’t specify that we were returning through Chicago.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, the way the mail works, she probably hasn't even gotten most of the cards you sent.
Guest (Male): University Bookstore.
Eugene Meltsner: Hello. Yes, may I speak with Janice Mitchell, please?
Guest (Male): Yeah, sure. Janice, pick up line one.
Eugene Meltsner: They’re getting her.
John Avery Whittaker: We’ll wait over in the lounge, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: No, please, you don’t have to go. I’m sure this will only take—
Janice Mitchell: Hello, this is Janice.
Eugene Meltsner: Greetings, Ms. Mitchell. Eugene Meltsner here. You may remember me; I’m a friend of Katrina’s.
Janice Mitchell: Yeah, sure, I remember. But why are you calling me here? Something wrong?
Eugene Meltsner: Actually, I was going to ask you that very question. I’ve been trying to reach Katrina, but she doesn’t seem to be at her usual numbers. Is she away for the day?
Janice Mitchell: Oh, yeah, she left this morning to go up to Lake Shore Lodge.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I missed her then. Do you know when she’ll be back?
Janice Mitchell: I think Brandon said they’d be back in a couple of days.
Eugene Meltsner: Brandon? Well, wait. She went up to Lake Shore Lodge with Brandon?
Janice Mitchell: Oh, yeah. What’s wrong with going alone? If I were engaged, I’d want to go alone too.
Eugene Meltsner: Engaged? Are you engaged?
Janice Mitchell: No, not me. Katrina and Brandon.
Eugene Meltsner: What? Would you please repeat that, lest I misunderstand and succumb to an aneurysm?
Janice Mitchell: Look, all I know is that something big’s been going on between them for the past couple of weeks and they went to Lake Shore Lodge. Katrina said something about an engagement.
Eugene Meltsner: It’s not possible! Hello? Hello?
John Avery Whittaker: Eugene, is everything all right?
Eugene Meltsner: Katrina and Brandon are getting engaged!
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Janice Mitchell: Hello?
Jason Whittaker: I don’t believe it. Engaged. Katrina and Brandon?
Eugene Meltsner: My senses have gone beyond the capacity to function. I can feel my pores fibrillating even as we speak.
Jason Whittaker: It’s a mistake. Katrina told me herself that she loved you.
John Avery Whittaker: She said as much to me as well, but—
Janice Mitchell: Hello?
John Avery Whittaker: The phone, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes, right. Phone. Hello, Janice? I’m sorry I dropped the phone. Thank you for the information. You’ve been most helpful. Goodbye.
Janice Mitchell: Hey, wait a minute, I want to know—
Eugene Meltsner: Katrina got engaged without me.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, I don’t believe it. There must be a sensible explanation for this.
Eugene Meltsner: There is. Brandon gets to see Katrina 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the university, while I’m far away in Odyssey or in the Middle East.
Jason Whittaker: This can’t be right. Katrina wouldn’t do something like that.
John Avery Whittaker: No, not without talking to you first.
Eugene Meltsner: Right! But she obviously has done it. Why else would she go to a quaint romantic resort like Lake Shore Lodge? It’s the Niagara Falls of Chicago.
John Avery Whittaker: Maybe the roommate misunderstood. Look, why don’t you call the Lake Shore Lodge and see if Katrina’s there?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, of course. An excellent idea.
Guest (Male): Lake Shore Lodge.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, greetings. I was wondering if, by chance, Katrina Shanks has checked into your hotel.
Guest (Male): Yes, she has. May I connect you?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes. No, no. That is, I’m not sure exactly how to proceed.
Guest (Male): Proceed? Are you a member of the wedding party?
Eugene Meltsner: Wedding party!
John Avery Whittaker: Eugene!
Jason Whittaker: I need air.
John Avery Whittaker: Take it easy, Eugene. Just breathe slowly and deeply. Jason, grab the phone there.
Jason Whittaker: Right. Hello?
Guest (Male): Is everything all right, sir?
Jason Whittaker: Well, not really. Listen, I’m sorry, but did you say that there’s a wedding party with Katrina Shanks in it?
Guest (Male): Yes, sir. Her parents have booked our scenic Wellington Courtyard for later this afternoon. I can transfer you to the minister in charge. He’s in his room, I believe.
Jason Whittaker: No, thanks, that won't be necessary. Appreciate the help, though. Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Tell me I’m hallucinating. This is an extreme form of jet lag.
Jason Whittaker: Stand up, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I think so. Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. I’m calm now.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, good, good.
Eugene Meltsner: But what am I going to do? It’s unbelievable! She’s not only engaged, she’s getting married! How could she do this to me? Oh, why did I ever go to Israel?
John Avery Whittaker: Stay calm, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: But what am I going to do?
Jason Whittaker: What do you mean, what are you going to do? I believe my question was as precise as it could be under the circumstances. Look, she’s not married yet, is she?
Eugene Meltsner: No!
Jason Whittaker: Then it's not too late for you to rent a car and drive up to Lake Shore Lodge and bring her back to her senses, provided you love her enough to do it.
Eugene Meltsner: Of course I love her!
Jason Whittaker: Then fight for her!
John Avery Whittaker: Jason.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I must fight for her! What else is there to do? By fight, you mean slap Brandon on the face with a glove and challenge him to a duel?
Jason Whittaker: Eugene, don’t be silly. You need to get up to that lodge and show her that you’re not willing to let her go so easily. Show her that you love her.
John Avery Whittaker: We may want to talk about this first.
Eugene Meltsner: Talk, Mr. Whittaker, talk? It seems as if that’s all Katrina and I have ever done. Jason, you’re absolutely right. What kind of man would I be if I sat back and lost the woman I love without a fight? Gentlemen, if you’ll forgive me, I must make a hasty departure for the rental car desk. Farewell!
John Avery Whittaker: See you, Eugene.
Jason Whittaker: Knock ‘em dead, Eugene.
John Avery Whittaker: Do you think that was wise, Jason?
Jason Whittaker: What do you mean?
John Avery Whittaker: Basically, you just sent Eugene on a mission to storm someone else’s wedding. That sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
Jason Whittaker: You could be right. I just wish I could be there to see it.
Eugene Meltsner: Excuse me, pardon me. I’m so sorry. Hey, do you mind? Hello, may I have some assistance? Hello?
Guest (Male): The bell works, sir. But thank you for testing it. Nice robe, by the way.
Eugene Meltsner: It’s a kaftan. I’ve recently returned from the Middle East.
Guest (Male): Delaware? Maryland?
Eugene Meltsner: The wedding! I’m here for the wedding!
Guest (Male): You must mean the Shanks wedding in the Wellington Courtyard.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, yes! Where is the Wellington Courtyard?
Guest (Male): Down the hall to the left.
Eugene Meltsner: Thank you!
Guest (Male): But it’s already in progress, sir.
Eugene Meltsner: I don’t care! The bell works, sir. I’d like to work his bell. Down the hall to the left. Trafalgar Room, Nelson Room... Ha! Wellington Courtyard!
Guest (Male): Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep only to him as long as you both shall live?
Guest (Female): I will.
Eugene Meltsner: No, she won’t! Stop, Katrina! You’re making a big mistake!
Katrina Shanks: Eugene? What are you doing here?
Eugene Meltsner: Don’t do it, Katrina. I beg you!
Katrina Shanks: What? Eugene, I didn’t even know you were—
Armitage Shanks: What’s the meaning of this, Eugene? What’s the big idea of interrupting my wedding?
Eugene Meltsner: Because you’re making a terrible mistake, Mr. Shanks. You can’t let this marriage happen.
Armitage Shanks: I can’t? You disapprove of me marrying my wife?
Eugene Meltsner: I’m not talking about your wife, although I must say, Mrs. Shanks, you do look quite lovely in a wedding dress. I’m talking about Katrina. Wait. Why are you wearing a wedding dress for Katrina’s wedding, Mrs. Shanks?
Katrina Shanks: My wedding? Oh, Eugene. I think I’m slightly confused.
Armitage Shanks: You sure are, young man. And it looks like you forgot to get dressed this morning.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, this is a—never mind.
Katrina Shanks: Into the hall, Eugene. Mom, Dad, finish the ceremony. I’ll be right back.
Eugene Meltsner: Katrina!
Katrina Shanks: In the hall, please.
Armitage Shanks: Brandon, do you want to go over that last section again?
Brandon Teller: Sure, Mr. Shanks. Now where were we? Yes. Will you take Armitage Shanks to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony?
Katrina Shanks: Eugene, we're here to celebrate my parents' wedding anniversary. Did you honestly believe that I would run off and marry Brandon after all we've been through together?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, as I said, it was—
Katrina Shanks: Frankly, I'm startled. Do you sincerely have such a low opinion of my integrity?
Eugene Meltsner: Low opinion? No, that isn't what—
Katrina Shanks: Well, how else can I interpret your behavior? You honestly believed I would heartlessly discard you for Brandon without discussion, without the benefit of consideration?
Eugene Meltsner: Please, Katrina. I'm the victim of a jet-lagged imagination. I simply drew the wrong conclusions based on faulty information and reasoning. Imagine me. That is to say, I never see you. I’ve been away, and I thought that perhaps Brandon had somehow persuaded you to—
Katrina Shanks: Persuaded me to marry him? As if I were so fickle and insensitive that I could be persuaded to do such a thing in only the two weeks since you left? It sounds ridiculous even as you say it. I'm sorry.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Katrina.
Katrina Shanks: Eugene, I have to go back in before I miss my parents' ceremony completely.
Eugene Meltsner: When can we talk?
Katrina Shanks: I don't know. Later, maybe. I don't know. When we can both think more clearly and formulate a proper response to the significance of this moment.
Eugene Meltsner: It doesn't have to be so significant, does it?
Katrina Shanks: It does. Whether you realize it or not, it does.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, that couldn’t have gone worse.
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Eugene Meltsner: Yes, Mr. Whittaker, I guess not. I burst in and shouted that it would be a big mistake for Mrs. Shanks to marry Mr. Shanks. Who is that laughing in the background? Well, tell Jason that I don’t share his sense of humor. Big help he turned out to be. As I was saying, I’ve checked into the lodge and, providing I can reconcile with Katrina in time, may return to Chicago tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. I appreciate your prayers. Goodbye. Please enter.
Brandon Teller: Hello, Eugene. I’m Brandon Teller. It’s nice to finally meet you.
Eugene Meltsner: Greetings, Brandon. I’m sorry I interrupted your ceremony today. It was most embarrassing.
Brandon Teller: Well, you gave us all something to talk about, that’s for sure. Look, this is awkward, so I won’t bother with small talk. I’m here on behalf of Katrina.
Eugene Meltsner: On behalf of Katrina? She sent you as some sort of personal emissary?
Brandon Teller: Something like that. She’s pretty confused right now. I’m sure you can imagine.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, I’m certain that if we had a chance to discuss what happened—
Brandon Teller: She understands what happened, Eugene. That isn’t the problem.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, what is the problem?
Brandon Teller: The problem is she’s upset by... how did she say it... the deeper meaning of what you did.
Eugene Meltsner: What?
Brandon Teller: To put it bluntly, she feels a little betrayed.
Eugene Meltsner: Betrayed?
Brandon Teller: She thinks you assumed the worst about her.
Eugene Meltsner: But I didn’t!
Brandon Teller: Katrina doesn’t agree. She thought your relationship was based on a mature trust, and what you did today showed her that it wasn’t.
Eugene Meltsner: But it is!
Brandon Teller: Excuse me for saying so, but there was nothing mature or especially trustful about your dramatic entrance today. You did assume the worst. Eugene, I care a great deal about Katrina. Over the past several months, I've watched her grow as a Christian and strengthen her faith in some remarkable ways. I would just hate to see that threatened by a relationship that... well, that...
Eugene Meltsner: Well?
Brandon Teller: A relationship that interfered with that growth.
Eugene Meltsner: Are you saying that you believe me to be spiritually immature?
Brandon Teller: I don’t know you well enough to say one way or the other.
Eugene Meltsner: Right!
Brandon Teller: But if you were in my shoes and you saw someone do what you did today, what would you think?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, fortunately, I’m not in your shoes, so to speak.
Brandon Teller: True. True, you're not. Look, I only came to deliver a message. Katrina isn’t ready to talk to you yet. She feels confused. She suggests you go back to Odyssey, and then maybe later the two of you can discuss where you are in your relationship, after she's had time to think and pray about it.
Eugene Meltsner: No doubt she'll be thinking and praying with you.
Brandon Teller: Eugene, I know you think of me as a rival for Katrina's heart, but that's not my intention. Over and above my feelings, I want what's best for her. And I'm prepared for the possibility that it isn't me. Maybe it's you. The question is, are you prepared to let go of your feelings enough so that she could be with whoever's best for her?
Eugene Meltsner: These questions are all academic until Katrina and I can talk alone.
Brandon Teller: Well, you're going to have to wait for that. She doesn't want to talk to you today. Well, I guess I'll see you around.
Eugene Meltsner: Thank you for conveying Katrina's message... if it was her message. Well, Brandon, it’ll take more than your dubious message to keep me away from the woman I love. Pardon me, excuse me, Mr. Desk Clerk. I know you're there. Be patient.
Guest (Male): I see you’ve changed out of your robe.
Eugene Meltsner: Kaftan.
Guest (Male): I’m so sorry. I'll miss it.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes. Well, I’d like the number to Katrina Shanks’ room, please.
Guest (Male): I can’t give out our guest' room numbers. However, if you’d like to use the lobby phone, I can transfer you to— Oh, I’m so sorry. I can’t. She has placed a do-not-disturb notice on her phone.
Eugene Meltsner: Do not disturb?
Guest (Male): Yes, do not disturb.
Eugene Meltsner: But I have to talk to her. Can't you give out room numbers in an emergency?
Guest (Male): If it were a real emergency, then maybe. But in the absence of any blood or lost limbs—
Eugene Meltsner: Please, you have to help me quickly.
Guest (Male): I’m sorry, sir. It would be a serious breach of policy, and I need this job.
Eugene Meltsner: Precisely how do you know that she doesn't want to be disturbed? Did she tell you herself or—
Guest (Male): It’s here on the computer. She indicated from the phone in her room. If you look at the phone in your room, you’ll see it has the same option.
Eugene Meltsner: So it’s a computerized phone system?
Guest (Male): Yes, sir. State of the art.
Eugene Meltsner: Now, does the phone have a computer port? Just in case I want to connect with my computer at home.
Guest (Male): It’s on the side. Now if you’ll excuse me—
Eugene Meltsner: Certainly, certainly. Where did I pack my laptop computer? I’d forgotten how easy it is to manipulate certain computer systems. Now, let’s see. Lake Shore Lodge financial data? No, thank you. Ah, Room Occupancies and Related Data. Cross-reference to Shanks... No, not Armitage. I'm looking for... Oh, there we are. K. Shanks. Do not disturb indeed. She's in room 202. 200... here it is, 202. Please be here, Ms. Shanks. Katrina, are you awake? It’s Eugene. Katrina, allow me to reiterate my profuse apologies for my behavior today. It was inexcusable. Katrina, I would hope that you would at least open the door long enough for us to discuss this unpleasant turn. I'm sure you'll see that we need not draw long-term conclusions based on this single foolish misadventure. Please, Katrina, open the door and tell me you forgive me.
Armitage Shanks: Okay, Eugene, I forgive you.
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Shanks! But this is supposed to be Katrina’s room.
Armitage Shanks: It was, but they gave her the bigger bed, so we switched rooms. She was in room 204.
Eugene Meltsner: I’m so very sorry to disturb you. And again, let me say how badly I feel for ruining your ceremony earlier and... Katrina was in room 204?
Armitage Shanks: She was. She and Brandon left a little while ago for the university. They have a meeting there tomorrow and decided to get ready for it tonight. Eugene, are you all right? You look pale.
Eugene Meltsner: I’m not having a very good day today.
Guest (Male): Oh, it’s you again. Would you like to have another bang at the bell, or shall we discuss hotel phone policy some more?
Eugene Meltsner: No, thank you. I’d like to check out of my room, please.
Guest (Male): Certainly. What room? 124? Oh, yes, Mr. Meltsner. I should have known.
Eugene Meltsner: Known what?
Guest (Male): That you were the one who had hacked into the hotel's computer system.
Eugene Meltsner: Huh?
Guest (Male): Did you really think you could get away with it? We have security tracers for criminals like you.
Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?
Guest (Male): What happened? Busting up weddings wasn't exciting enough?
Eugene Meltsner: I can explain everything.
Guest (Male): We're looking forward to hearing all about it. Please step this way, Mr. Meltsner. Our manager and the hotel detective would like to have a word with you.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, no.
Brandon Teller: Katrina. Katrina. Okay, that’s it. I’m pulling over.
Katrina Shanks: What? What are you doing? Why are you getting off here?
Brandon Teller: Look, are you sure you want to do this?
Katrina Shanks: Do what?
Brandon Teller: Go home early. I mean, are you sure you don’t want to go back to the lodge and talk to Eugene?
Katrina Shanks: Yes, that I’m sure about.
Brandon Teller: He didn’t mean any harm. It was a foolish thing to do. He knows that.
Katrina Shanks: Look, Brandon, you're really sweet to take his side, but you don't have to. I realize that Eugene simply drew the wrong conclusions and acted impetuously. I have no doubt that he acknowledges now how immature he was being. But it's not enough. At the heart of it, he distrusted me so much that he was certain I had run off to marry you. He didn't give me the benefit of the doubt at all. It hurts that he thinks so little of me.
Brandon Teller: Are you sure you're not overreacting, just a tiny bit?
Katrina Shanks: Oh, Brandon. You know better than anyone how long I've been praying about my relationship with Eugene. It’s just, from the very beginning, we've been plagued by one miscommunication after another. It's as if no matter how hard we try, we can't get beyond a wall of doubt. You know, I sometimes wonder if we have these conflicts because we're not right for each other.
Brandon Teller: Okay, all right. Let's go back to square one. The fundamentals of dating. Now, if you were looking for someone as a future mate, hypothetically speaking—
Katrina Shanks: Yes?
Brandon Teller: What would he be like?
Katrina Shanks: I think you know the answer to that.
Brandon Teller: No, I don't.
Katrina Shanks: Brandon, if I relied strictly on what my heart told me, I would look for someone just like Eugene for his gentleness and kindness and quirkiness and intelligence, and of course, his faith.
Brandon Teller: All right, that's what your heart tells you. Meaning that your head says something different?
Katrina Shanks: Well, yes. If I went strictly by what my head told me, then I would hope to date someone like you.
Brandon Teller: Really?
Katrina Shanks: Oh, come on, you know that already. You're wise and balanced and mature, and perhaps one of the strongest Christians I've ever known. You've meant a lot to me. Have I never told you that before?
Brandon Teller: Maybe you have. Maybe I'm just fishing for compliments.
Katrina Shanks: As if you need to.
Brandon Teller: Katrina, I value our friendship. I've been very careful not to let anything spoil it. But this little incident with Eugene has made me realize that... well, that I care deeply about you.
Katrina Shanks: Thanks, Brandon. You're so sweet.
Brandon Teller: Well, you know, we've been close for quite a while now, and well, you know me better than just about anyone.
Katrina Shanks: Mm-hm.
Brandon Teller: It's like we've been dating without really dating. See, maybe Eugene wasn't so far off. Maybe he suspected something that we should have been thinking about.
Katrina Shanks: Brandon.
Brandon Teller: Making a mess of this. I’d like you to prayerfully consider—look, what I mean is, I would be honored—
Katrina Shanks: Wait, wait. Brandon, what are you trying to say here?
Brandon Teller: I am trying to say... Katrina, will you marry me?
Focus on the Family: Well, I give up. I can’t imagine what’s going to happen between Eugene and Katrina now. Do you think she’ll say yes to Brandon? What’ll happen to Eugene and the hotel detective? The only way to find out is to keep listening. Until then, if you’d like to write to me, I’d love to hear from you. The address is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It’s called "The Right Choice". Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "The Right Choice" was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Mark Drury. Music by John Campbell. And I’m Chris, hoping you’ll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.