Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Eighteen•

•Trunk or Treat Showdown•

As they arrived at the church for the trunk-or-treat event, Naomi, her mom Michelle, and her sister Keenly could feel that things weren't right. There was a lot of tension in the air because of the arguments that happened Friday night. Naomi was quiet and upset, still thinking about what happened. Her mom, Michelle, was also silent and seemed angry, just like Naomi.

Inside the church, Naomi picked a seat and sat down, keeping her distance from her mom. Naomi glanced around the church, attempting to distract herself, but the problems at home were still on her mind. Michelle, feeling the weight of the situation, decided to talk about it and went to find Eric

Meanwhile, Keenly joined the group of children playing games and enjoying the trunk-or-treat event.

Michelle knocked on Eric's office door, took a deep breath, and went in. She found Eric focused on his work, looking serious. Michelle wanted to discuss the issues they were facing as a family.

"We need to talk," she said, sounding tired but determined.

Eric looked up, and asked with sadness and frustration in his voice "What's left to say, Michelle?"

Michelle frowned, "So, what!? You're just ready to give up? We owe it to our kids to at least try."

Eric looked away, and said, "I never wanted things to end up like this, Michelle. But we can't keep pretending that everything is okay when it's not."

Michelle, determined, said, "We can't let our family crumble. Not tonight. We have to put on a united front for the sake of the kids."

Eric asked, "What front can we put on!? The kids hear us argue more than they can hear the Television in the living room. I'm tired of pretending Michelle!"

Then unexpectedly, Pamela barged into the room and interrupted their conversation.

Michelle asked, "Whore, don't you know when to knock?"

Pamela scoffed, "Girl please this is my office just as much as it is your husband's."

She approached Eric, ignoring Michelle, and asked "So where is it?"

Eric asked, "Where is what?"

Pamela folded her arms, "The choir's funds!"

Eric replied, "I don't have the money that was never yours from the beginning! I spent it already if you can't tell by the event that's going on tonight."

Pamela replied, "You know what Eric! I didn't wanna do this but I think you left me no choice. I hope you enjoy the last night of your ministry because come next weekend, it won't be yours anymore! Mark my words."

Pamela's threat hung in the air, leaving Eric and Michelle stunned. Michelle, replied "You can't just take away his ministry! We're dealing with our issues, and you're only making it worse."

Pamela, unbothered, responded, "He brought this on himself. Stealing from the choir is unacceptable. The church deserves better leadership."

Eric asked sarcastically, "And what are you going to do take over!?"

Pamela grinned, "Oh I'm going to burn this place to the ground if that means that you won't be able to preach another day again!"