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Chapter 3: The Times, They Are A-Changing

"So, how was that?" Jordan asked on the ride back to the church.

"Well, for someone who hates speaking in front of people I'd say you did an okay job," I nudged him with my elbow and we both laughed.

He had a certain charm about him that made anyone feel like they were talking to an old friend. I was comfortable joking around with him.

"Are you gonna be at small group this week?"

"I have no idea. I can't drive so it all depends on if I can get a ride there or not."

"Oh, pssshhhh, I'm sure we can figure out a way to get you there if you really wanna be there. Here, I'll give you my number, and then you can just text me on Tuesday if you need a ride."

"Aw, you don't have to do that! I live way out in the middle of nowhere. But, if I can get a ride there, can you take me home?"

"Sure thing!"

~ ~ ~

Jordan's dad dropped him off for small group around six-thirty that Tuesday. Jordan charmed everyone with his politeness, jokes, and his constant references to B grade movies that were made in the early 2000s. He had the spotlight through the whole evening. After, I took him home.

"I think they like you," I said when we were close to his house.

"You really think so?"

"Yeah, I do. Hey we're probably all going to hang out this weekend, do you wanna join?"

"Yeah! For sure! Thanks for the ride home buddy!"

"No problem! Let me know if you need a ride next week."

Jordan gave me a fist bump and got out of my car. I drove home smiling at the possibility of a new friendship

~ ~ ~

When the weekend came, I shot Jordan a text to invite him to hang out with everyone. We were having a small camp out in my front yard and were stringing up hammocks in the trees to sleep in. He had sounded excited to hang out with everyone but again, he never messaged back. I pushed it to the back of my mind and focused on roasting marshmallows over the crackling fire with my friends.

"You know what would make this even better?" Adrian whispered to me as he was hanging up his hammock. "Beer."

I agreed and laughed as I jumped up into my hammock. Miles, Katherine, Gabbi, Adrian, and I were all swinging in our hammocks and pouring out our hopes, dreams, and fears until the sun started peeking up over the trees. It wasn't unusual for us to stay up to watch the sunrise. It was comforting and it gave us all hope. We all had our own things to deal with but in those moments as the dark blue was pushed out by the light, we felt invincible.