Dreamcatcher

Chapter Thirty-Two: Heaven Hear My Prayers

It was Sunday.

Clark had willingly picked out a decent outfit to wear to mass but it was the disapproval of his girlfriend who decided on a better attire for him to sport.

It was a surprise to have Chloe on board yet she was heavily disapproved of being forced to go ad she had better intentions to remain in her room and smoke weed all day or even go out for a drive in her unlicensed truck and smoke cigarettes.

When it was finally time for the Price family - and the addition of David Madsen and Rachel Amber - to head to church, the group walked their way to church knowing that the two-seater David had was far too insufficient for them all to use. As it was Joyce's decision for them all to walk, Chloe found it to be her time to habitually whine and complain about her complete disinterest in attending mass together for the first time. Rachel, however, was the most compliant of the five of them.

The Arcadia Bay Holy Church of St Sebastian was bustling with many folks both elderly and youth who were fully committed to worshipping their God in the best way they knew how.

People were slowly walking inside through two large wooden doors while others lingered outside and socialised. A priest in his mid forties greeted God's children appropriately and with outward kindness. He had a short trimmed hairstyle with no facial hair whatsoever except his eyebrows that begun to turn grey.

Accompanying the local priest was a girl in a black jacket, buttoned up white shirt with a golden cross that hung from her neck, and a black skirt that went down almost to her knees. When Clark spotted the girl his age, he almost immediately recognised her, up until he and those with him other closer and closer.

Rachel was completely calm and relaxed as they made their way towards the church. Neither was it out of insecurity or caution did Rachel take her boyfriend's hand to squeeze, but simply because she loved him so dearly she wanted to continually express her feelings for him physically. But when her brain comprehended that her boyfriend had struck up a conversation with the girl with dirty-blonde hair, a strange feeling stirred in her stomach.

Even Chloe and Joyce were surprised when Clark called out for the girls' attention, followed by a polite greeting as the two exchanged as if they were old pals finally reunited.

"How are you? I haven't seen you in quite a while," said the dirty-haired blonde girl to Clark sweetly.

"I've been good. Figured it was about time the five of us spent some time together." Clark replied casually, in spite of his tone struggling to hide his nervousness.

Being seen talking to another girl was something Clark had to be wary of as he was completely unaware of his girlfriend's jealous behaviour. And being seen conversing with a girl he met only once didn't at all help him in trying to act calm while his girlfriend was right next to him. It wasn't just the issue of a misinterpretation, but also whether Rachel would firmly express her dominance and insecurity in front of the girl who helped pick out flowers for his beloved girlfriend whilst she was still being hospitalised.

Rachel closely watched Clark's and the girls' interaction unfold which in turn wasted time before they would all have to head inside and occupy seats by the time mass started.

"So, did your girlfriend enjoy the flowers?"

"Oh yes. Certainly. The campanula's were an excellent choice, Kate."

Chloe cleared her throat abruptly and elbowed her brother in the ribs lightly.

"Oh, umm, where are my manners? Everyone, this is my friend, Kate. Kate Marsh. Kate, this is my mom, that's Chloe, David and this is my girlfriend, Rachel." Clark said gruffly, pointing at each person around him.