Soul Quest

Chapter 8

Brayan

Time - Fourteen years later; September 3, 2014

Place - Forest Hills High School

Queens, New York

"Notice that the stiffest

tree is most easily cracked,

while the bamboo or willow

survives by bending

with the wind."

- Bruce Lee

"Katrina, where is your book bag?" I asked as I helped my little sister with her jacket and shoes. "Today is the first day of school Kat. Are you ready for your first day of third grade?" ICONTINUED.

Katrina smiled brightly. She is shy but she loves school. My parents were down stairsALREADY. My Mom was getting breakfast ready and my Dad was busy at work on next week's sermon. Wendy Akin, my Mom, is a homemaker and preacher's wife. Her life is dedicated to her children, her husband and the church. Pastor Mark Akin, my Dad, is a preacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills. Last week's sermon had been an inspiration for family and future. His sermon was about getting ready toGO BACK to school. It was about how children will grow into adults one day and make a significant mark on the world.

"Brayan, Katrina! Breakfast is ready!" called my Mom.

"That's our cue, Kat. Are you ready?" I asked and she nodded yes anxiously. We clomped down the stairs.

"There they are Wendy, looking as smart and eager to learn as ever." my Dad boasted.

He looked proud. I had already put on my sweat jacket and zipped up the front. The pastor would not approve of the humor on my tee shirt. I love my parents but it isn't always easy being a preacher's son. It makes me feel like I have to be perfect, which is an expectation no one could live up to. I admire my Dad for his humble attitude and religious pursuits. I hope that one day I will make him proud of the choices I make with my life. The kitchen table was set for four as usual. Each plate piled high with bacon, eggs and toast.

"Do we have any OJ?" Katrina asked my Mom.

"No sweetie. You'll have to drink milk today." Mom replied.

"Yes Mommy." Katrina replied politely, but I could see the disgust in her face.

My Mom smiled at her sympathetically.

"Milk is good for you Kat." I offered. "Here, put this syrup in it. You'll love it." ICONTINUED as I handed her a bottle of Hershey's syrup.

"Thanks Brayan!" Katrina exclaimed with her eyes wide.

My Mom smiled at me as if to give thanks. My Dad was caught up in his newspaper.

"What's the matter, dear?" My Mom asked. Dad looked frustrated.

"Oh it's this darn custody case. The poor Spencer child is getting put through the ringer in the court room and in the media. Why can't her parents just resolve this issue peacefully for the sake of their child?" he answered with a harrumph.