A slow fall

Chapter 7 - Caleb

The night of the Church annual lock-in came faster than I would've liked. Thankfully Shane's family often attended Church, so his presence was somewhat expected, and his face familiar amongst the crowd. Marcus was welcomed just like everyone else; it wouldn't be very Christian to send him away, would it?

With my two friends present, the idea of being in a place that I fear wants to chew me up and spit me back out in disgust is easier to face. Painful mingling and small talk conversations should also be easier to avoid.

Mary Culkin was there to greet us at the entrance, a few member of the congregation by her side. Fortunately for me my mother opted not to volunteer this year.

The women sat behind a table in the foyer, a list of names in front of them to record the children in attendance. A donation box sat further along the table, optional contributions encourage – and expected – upon arrival. The ladies sat behind the second table were selling snack, they were of the healthy variety which is why we had stashed junk food in our bag when packing.

"Caleb!" Mary welcomed happily, "It's so lovely to see you. And you boys as well." She shot a smile to Shane and Marcus who offered polite greetings. "Aren't we all excited for a night of fun?"

Mary was overly cheery, her positive disposition almost unbearable, but somehow it was just enough.

"Yeah, it should be good." I responded with a smile. Fun wasn't exactly what I would call it, but if I managed to avoid all the activities planned and the vast majority of people in attendance, a night with my friends wouldn't be terrible.

"We got a lot of things planned. We were planning on watch a film, maybe Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, that's such a good one. Ooh, or maybe a drama, something like Miracles from Heaven, that one was so emotional, it made me cry. There are so many good options."

"Maybe we should put it to a vote?" I suggested when she continued listing films.

"Yes! That's such a brilliant idea. We also have games; everybody loves a good game." Her gaze flickered over to the other boys expectantly.

"Yeah, games are great." Marcus hesitate before says, very awkwardly, "Pictionary. Scrabble. Erm... buckaroo? All great."

"I play scrabble on my phone now you know. We should play together! I think it's just called Scrabble? Something like that. Such good fun."

"I'll look into it." I reassured her, even though I lacked the intent to follow through.

A few other attendees trickled in behind us and Mary took that as her queue to end the conversation. She ticked my name off the list and added Shane and Marcus at the bottom before saying, "Just set yourself up where there is space and there are refreshments in the back room. Feel free to help yourselves."

We all thanked her before placing a donation in the box and carry on into the main area.

The Church was already busy, with children spread out across the place talking and playing games. Everyone was dress in pyjamas with there sleeping bags placed beside their friends on the floor. The three of us scoured through the mass of people for a space to claim for the night. With most people opting to place their sleeping bags somewhat close to each other and in the centre of the room, there was space in one of the far corners for us to settle down.

After last year got a bit too 'rowdy' – nothing untoward happened, but the night became a bit of a free for all – more volunteers were encouraging to chaperone. The ratio of children to adults was now less unevenly matched.

We had no plans to do anything reckless, the most rebellious thing we had planned was binging on sugar filled snacks and avoiding participating in the scheduled activities. Still, having watchful eyes scanning the room at all times was a bit unnerving.