My Redhead Redneck

While the Cat's Away the Mice Shall Play

Chapter two: While the Cat's Away the Mice Shall Play

The ride to Anya's house is silent except for the song Call It Grace by Unspoken coming from the speakers. The song gets me thinking. Maybe Finn was just letting loose for a minute when he shoved my head in the sink.

I glance back and see him staring out the window watching the trees go by. His large frame is too big for the back seat and his legs look like pretzels. He's not relaxed and has a look of guilt on his face. I get the feeling he doesn't get the opportunity to have fun very often.

I turn around and stare out the window. I'll be the one to provide some fun for him I think just as we pull up to Anya's house. My dad kills the engine as I get out.

"Come up to the door with me," I say to my dad.

He gets out and I turn to Finn who hasn't moved,"Stay in the car we'll be right back."

We walk up to the door and I ring the bell. The door opens almost automatically. Standing there is Anya wearing shorts and a tank top. Her brown skin is smooth and soft looking and her black hair reaches down to the middle of her back, in other words she's beautiful. She is also wicked smart and leaves everyone else eating her dust.

"Let's go," I say and turn towards the car. They follow me and my dad gets in as I open the passenger door. I turn to Anya. "Do you want to sit in the back or should I?" I ask her.

"Who is he?" She asks.

"That doesn't answer my question," I tease. Honestly I'm just trying to avoid the topic, but I know she'll just make me talk about it later anyway.

"You can sit in the back," she says. Of course I have to sit next to Finn. I tip the seat forward and awkwardly start to climb in. By this time my dad has started the car.

He revs the engine which of course startles me. I scream and trip. I land awkwardly on Finn's lap. Quickly I scramble off him and sit on my side.

I turn to him,"Sorry," I mutter.

"It's okay," he whispers.

The way I'm sitting is very uncomfortable but there is no way I'm moving. By the time we get to the church my leg is in a lot of pain and as we turn corners I have to bite my lip to hold back a grimace.

Finally we pull up the door and Anya gets out. I tip the seat forward and like a walrus, climb out. I hit the ground and almost collapse. My leg fell asleep on the way here due to my awkward position. I limp quickly into the youth room and claim a spot on the couch. Anya sits next to me.

"So you never told me who he was," she says with a smirk on her face.

I sigh and tell her the story. We are uninterrupted until Sara shows up with a bag of take out. Sara is a really sweet junior who talks with anyone. She has a great personality.

She sits on the floor and we make small talk until the leaders come out from their meeting.

"Killin it,"Michael says to Sara. He's our youth group Pastor so he's in charge. At least as much as we let him be. He almost never gets to choose what game we play. Normally it's something that doesn't involve too much physical activity.

"Hey Michael did you notice the kid over by the basketball hoops?" Andy asks. That's when I remember I have the rat with me.

"Does the boy happen to have red hair?" I ask.

"Yeah," he replies. He's one of the leaders. He has huge muscles that look very intimidating but in reality he couldn't kill a fly even if he wanted to.