Chapter 16 (church) continues…
[Part 2 of 2] The preacher is at my house. I don’t get to hear much because I have to go to my room. The last thing I hear is, “We’ll see your family at services tonight. Come a little early.” Then he’s gone. The church is special pretty tonight … the sun still shines in the huge windows, but you can’t see through the glass because it’s all kind of colors. I listen to the organ music. Mom made me wear a white slip under my dress. Not sure why, the church isn’t cold. Anyway, I did. We find a spot everybody can sit close, and Dad goes off to find the preacher. We’re waiting for everybody else to get here. Seems like they just keep coming in … a bunch a kids and babies too. Not too many kids come on Sunday nights. The choir loft is full,...
Chapter 16 of ? (church)
I don’t know many folks, just the ones at school, church, and a few neighbors. The new neighborhood high school is beautiful and close to my house, but I do miss the very old junior high. Just one building of bricks and wood felt homey and secure. Our church building is growing too. I guess things change. I’m sitting in an old chair under the huge oak tree waiting for the clothes to dry on the lines in the sun. It’s pretty back here. The drain hose from the washing machine sticks out through a louvered window and soaks the back yard. The grass is thick and lush. In my mind, I’m reliving my miracle day when I was eight years old. It’s Sunday morning, I decide to really listen to every word the preacher says, especially since my dad thumped me on the head...
Chapter 15 of ? (what’s real?)
I think we ought to follow that Sundays are a day of rest and worship, but that’s rare! Now and then, we get to go to the Cafeteria in town after services, but usually it means cookin’ and cleanin!’ Sometimes I think Dad has to make up for lost Grace during the week, so we have to go twice on Sunday! I say that with a smile, because he’s been in a pretty good mood this week – and I take every blessing I can get! The preacher and the Mrs. are coming for dinner that’s got to be ready by one o’clock. They visit a lot of families on Sundays after church. Mom’s already got the beef roast in the oven. Dad and the kids just left for church, so it’s just Mom and me – finally. We need to talk about my so-called date. Mom says, “Get that pan of...
Chapter 14 of ? (dreams and nightmares)
I want to forget this date – it makes no sense to me. Hurry up sleep, and take me to the castle. Ah, safe again and I can relax in my private courtyard garden. The flowers bloom constantly attended by the critters that live and breathe comfort. The big ornate gate opens as if it is expecting me. One of these days, I need to see if there’s another way in. Right now, the huge roses are yellow like a sunny day. I’m walking along the low wide stone fences that separate several gardens. On top of them reside the old forever-cherished guardian pets, each one resting on their soft pillow beds. Their eyes follow me as they wait their turn to be petted and talked to. I love them, and they know it. On the ground, the kittens and puppies romp in play, dashing around my...
Chapter 13 of ? (the date)
[Note to readers: Sorry this chapter is so long - haven't figured out where it should break! It has 1,196 words - maybe you might have a suggestion.] Dad says he’s okay with the double-date and offers to watch the kids for Mom and me to go buy fabric for a new dress. I want something simple and sophisticated looking that I can wear to church too. We find the perfect polished cotton – baby blue that changes shades depending on the lighting. We don’t have jewelry, so Mom picks out a piece of silver velvet ribbon to create a necklace. She thinks these will look good with my dark hair. Mom started to teach me to sew when I was twelve with her machine, but I’m still amazed how many designs she can get out of one dress pattern! With me being a size eight,...
Chapter 12 of ? (first date?)
Oh, my gosh, I love this new living room! Mom finally saved enough money to buy some decent furniture, make new curtains and paint the walls. The most fabulous thing is the carpet! Even the boys are careful to keep it clean! My friend, Carol, came over, “Hey, my boyfriend is coming into town next weekend and he wants to bring a buddy with him.” She’s a year older than me. “I thought maybe you’d like to go on a double date. We’re talking about going to the theater downtown then getting burgers later.” “Oh, I don’t know, Carol, I don’t have anything nice enough to wear. Have you actually met his friend?” “No, but he swears he’s a gentleman around girls, and we’d be together. Come on, it would be fun.” After thinking for a second,...
