Fallen Angel

Wandering Eyes

Doe da Rose

"All things come I've thee oh lord and of thine own have we given thee, amen."

My mama walked up to us signaling us to stand. She gave this short chubby girl the mic. I was little hesitant on having her to sing cause in rehearsal she was always so shy and quiet so I don't know what my mama thought giving her the mic gone do. If she not singing in practice she not finna sing out here.

I love the the Lord, he heard my cry
And pitied every groan, long as I, I live
And troubles rise, I hasten to his throne

The whole church stood as she sung, even I was in awe at her. How can such a big voice come from a person who's so shy. I looked over at my mom who stood there so proud of the girl.

She finished and the church erupted in applause that was just, I'd never expect that to come from her. The runs, riffs, all of it. She sent shivers down my spine and I just had to get to know her.

Service was far from over and I somehow found myself sitting beside her.

She sat quietly being very observant with a opening and listening ear. I sat back watching and listening as time finally passed by and soon enough the church was let out.

Mother had us in the sanctuary talking to us as members from the congregation crowded around Karen

"Karen well well who knew you had that in you." She smiled shyly looking down

"Yea I've always had faith in her." My mother hugged her and looked my way.

"Dorinda, come here." I went to my mother as Karen continued to looks down, twisting her foot as if she was digging in the ground.

"There's too many people crowding around Karen, take her for some air."

"Sure thing mama. Come on." I held my hand out for her to grab she took following behind me saying excuse me to every person we passed.

I took her outside as we sat on the steps at the back of the church.

"Just to make sure I got it right, Karen?"

"Yes, your Dorinda."

"Mhm. Funny how we been on the choir and never formally introduced ourselves to each other."

"Yea."

"You have an amazing voice by the way."

"Thank you, I love yours."

"Thank you. Is it hard to pronounce the words when singing with your lisp? I've noticed you have a thick and flat tongue, also when you talk certain words are more staggered then others?"

"At times it is and I begin to get frustrated with myself. I get bullied for it and it doesn't make it better that my teacher talks about me because of it."

"Oh man, I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I'm gonna get braces later on in my life so I can fix it."

I honestly thought it was cute. Even when she sings it comes out a whole lot stronger.

"I think your lisp works in your favor so don't worry about what people say. Look how the people be standing for you they love you, you really think they caring about your lisp? No. Don't be so hard on yourself about your minor insecurities. You're beautiful and your voice, your lisp is perfect."

"Thank you." She looked at me and smiled. I thought she was extremely pretty, breathtaking actually.

"I'm sorry, you're just really pretty. You don't mind right?" I asked.

"Um, no, not at all. I think you're beautiful too."

I couldn't help but stare, mentally I've been staring since hearing her voice. I could sense there was something more to her and I wanted to find out.

Karen

All I could do was smile internally. Dorinda thought I was beautiful. Nobody has ever told me that. What do I? What do I say?

"Dorinda! You girls come on back here all the church folks done gone."

"Coming." She grabbed my hand and walked inside with me.

"Now Karen you truly blew me away this morning, I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you Ms. Clark."

"You're welcome sweetheart. Make sure to tell your father I'll be by around 7 and I'm bringing Dorinda with me so you won't be alone."

"You're the lady that goes with my daddy?"

"You didn't know?"

"No ma'am?"

"And neither did I?" Dorinda looked at her.

"It wasn't your business to know Dorinda."

"We'll I guess it won't hers either." She looked at me and I immediately looked down.

"Come on and let me drop you home." We got in her car and left going back to my house.

My dad was there surprisingly

"Hello Dad."

"Hello my princess." He hugged me tightly then kissed my cheek.

"How was service?"

"Honey, your daddy blew out the church. I would've never thought she'd do it like that."

"I'm so proud of you princess and I got something for you as soon as myself and Ms.  clarkI took catch up a little. Ok babygirl?"

"Yes sir."

"Take Ms.Clark's daughter upstairs to your room ok?"

"Ok, come on Dorinda." I took Dorinda upstairs with me leaving her mom and my dad to talk.

Dorinda

"You have a beautiful room. This is so cool." I said while admiring the posters on her wall.

"Omg!" I shouted.

"Dorinda, what is it?" Karen looked at me with a concerned face.

"You have Aretha! Look, Betty Nelson! And that's Mahalia Jackson!" I smiled brightly, and felt excitement through my body.

"You like those artist too?! I've never been able to find someone who likes my kind of music." I said in disappointment.

"Like!?? I love! I'm sorry Karen, but, you found someone now. What should we do while mom and dad are "talking"?" I asked.

Time passed by as we laid on the bed and listened to music and converse. I could say I was enjoying myself. I was at peace. I was able to be "'me". I didn't have to hide who I was. I never experienced this before. Myself, Dorinda never felt like I could allow anyone in. I still don't know if I should. I don't know if I can fully trust Karen. But I do know I want to see where things go. I pray this isn't a mistake later on.

I was snapped out of my thoughts to the sounds of my mothers voice.

"Dorinda, Dorinda, it's time to go. It's getting late. Say your goodbyes."

I quickly got up from Karen's bed and fixed my clothes.

Karen

"Can you come back over soon? I had a great time tonight. Thanks for stopping by." I said to Dorinda.

"Sure, I'll be back soon enough. I'll ask mother! Also, I'll see you in church and school, right?"

"Yeah, absolutely. Goodnight Dorinda."

"Goodnight Karen." Dorinda sang softly and walked out the door.

I closed my door and got ready to bed as dreamed when I'll see Dorinda again.