The Church Girl

1.

Tania

"Tania." my mom said as she tapped my shoulder repeatedly

"Yes?" I mumbled into my pillow

"Girl, you better get up to go to church, you know you will make your father upset. Now get ready." she said before walking out of my room door

" I dont even feel like going to church today." I mumbled to my self

" You said something?" my mom asked before opening the door

" No ma'am." I quickly responded

" Oh ok. Hurry up before breakfast is finished honey" she said

" Ok mom" I replied

She left, and I went to take my closet and looked for something decent to wear. I pick a red floral dress, and put it on my bed. Took my pjs off, and went to take a shower.

---

After coming out of the shower, I wiped my self with my towel. Lotioned my body and just put my hair in a bun, put my dress on, and my black ballet flats. Took my bag, and made my way down to the kitchen.

" Good morning Honey." my dad said

" Good morning dad." I replied

" Did you sleep well?" he asked

" Very well. You?" I replied and asked

" Did not get much sleep, I had to prepare for today's sermon." he smiled after he replied

"Hopefully you don't fall asleep in church." I said

" Never honey." he simply replied

" Where is Mike?" I asked

" Oh, he had to work a late shift last night, and he has to work all day today." my mom said coming with the plates from the kitchen.

"Oh okay, and thank you mom, the breakfast looks good" I said

" You welcome baby, eat up." She replied as she went to take the juice

" Tania, I know you hate this subject...but when are you going to get married honey. We don't allow you to do what you want at your age because we don't want you to lose your self and become like the non believers. We do want some grandchildren from you and Mike you know." my dad said

" Dad, I just have not found anyone special yet. All the men in the church are either taken or just not of my liking." I simply said while looking at him

He just shook his head, as he took the last bite of his eggs.

" Well we will talk some other time, lets go before we are late." he said

We all finished eating our breakfast, and made our way to the car to go to church.

---

" God is good all the time." my father said to the church assembly

"And all the time God is good." they all replied to him

" Today our sermon will be about... the importance of marriage" my father said

I just shook my head, knowing he is going to throw shots at me. He started preaching, I just ignored it, until I heard..

" For instance, my 25 year old daughter has yet to find a husband. Now I know love should not be forced or rushed. However, you are not getting any younger honey. He said looking at me.

My mom was right next to me, and she squeezed my arm knowing that I was upset. I just stood up and went to the bathroom to get away from all of that mess.

"Tania." I heard someone say as they knocked on the bathroom door

" Yes, I am coming." i said

I opened the door, and it was my mom.

" Are you ok honey?" my mom asked

" I'm good mom, I'm just tired of him forcing me to get married and stuff, no men in here appeals to me and he just can't understand that." I say with frustration

" Don't worry honey, I went through the same thing so I know what you're going through. Just please relax and do not let him get to you. Let go back inside, the service is ending now." she said

" Ok mom." I said as we walked back inside the church.

After my father and mother greeted everyone, everyone made their way home. We stayed until everyone was out the church so we can lock up.

---

This ride home was very silent and uncomfortable.

" Did you hear my sermon today?" my father asked me

" Yes." I replied clearly annoyed

" What did you think?" He asked

" Dad, I don't know what to say, it just amazes me how we were having this converstaion in the morning, and then you preach about it." I reply nonchalantly

" I did not mean to offend you in anyway, I just spoke what God told me to say." he says confidently

" Wow." I said in disbelief

" What? You don't believe me?" He asked a bit offened

"It's your words dad, not mine." I said

"I am realy tired of your little attitude, I did not do anything to offend you, right honey?" he asked my mom

My mom simply stayed silent.

"Wow, it's very crazy that my daughter and wife thinks that i just say what ever is on my mind instead of following Gods word while I am preaching." He says a bit upset

"I don't care anymore, I am honeslty fed up with the pressure you put on me dad. I am a lawyer at 25 years old, I HAVE to live with you guys because i am not married. I AM FE-

I get slapped in my face by my father. That is the first time he ever put his hands on me.

" YOU WILL RESPECT ME, I AM STILL YOUR FATHER. IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE AND BECOME A WHORE JUST LIKE YOUR OTHER FRIENDS, THEN DO AS YOU PLEASE. I AM JUST WATCHING OUT FOR YOU, AND YOU THINK I AM PRESSURING YOU. WHEN WE GET TO THE HOUSE, PACK ALL YOUR STUFF AND LEAVE!" he yells at me

I just hold my face and cry silently, I cant believe he just said that to me. I will leave and get married and have kids. I will never become what he thinks I may become. I am determined to prove him wrong.