Guilty as Sin?

Throwing My Life to the Wolves

Mary pulled into her mother's driveway, resting her head against the steering wheel in exasperation. She sat there, contemplating how her choices had led her to this point, until a sharp tap on the window drew her attention. She turned her head to see her mother standing there, and she cranked the window down.

"So, how was work?" Connie asked. Mary just sighed in response. "That good, huh?" She grinned.

"Oh, it was quite pleasant." Mary said sarcastically. "We got a new youth pastor to work with the girls, and, so it would happen, we've already met! Just last night." She said bitterly.

Connie bit her lip attempting to stifle her laugh. Sure, Mary's situation was upsetting, but it was also the beginning to every romance novel that had ever been written.

"It's not funny, mom." Mary said, noticing her mother's expression.

"I never said it was." Connie said.

Later that afternoon, Connie brewed a pot of tea while Mary sat at the table.

"So... how was your first day of work with your new... 'acquaintance'?" She asked. Mary gave her a dirty look. "Look, I can't help you if you don't want to talk."

Mary sighed, and raised her gaze to the heavens. "Lord, I need better friends." She said quickly. "Well, Pastor Jeff "introduced" us." At this, she formed air quotes with her hands. "And he told me she was gonna be the new youth pastor for the girls, and he asked me to show her to the Sunday school classroom."

"Okay..." Connie said cautiously.

"And of course, I told her that it would be inappropriate for her to be working with the girls, becau-"

"What do you mean, "of course"?" Connie asked.

"I mean, if she's a..." Mary lowered her voice. "Lesbian... she shouldn't be putting those thoughts into the girls minds. I mean, Missy would be in that class!" She said.

"Let me get this straight.... you think Missy bein' in that class would be putting these "sinful thoughts" in her head?"

"Exactly."

"Because you slept with the pastor?"

"I... no! Because it's wrong! I had a bad night, that's all it was, but this woman?" Mary said, her temper rising. "She's a homosexual!"

"And you know that because..."

"Because she slept with me!"

"Right." Connie said. "And that's all you know?" She asked.

Mary paused, and nodded hesitantly.

"If she's a sinner because she slept with you, then what would that make you for sleepin' with her?" Connie asked.

"Someone who made a mistake, one that will never happen again!" Mary said.

"Right..." Connie said, not convinced, but also not concerned enough to push it. "And how do you know that she's not feelin' the exact same way?"

"Well... I suppose I don't." Mary said.

"Mhm... and, if you're really not ready to face this, I'll stop pushin'." Connie said. "But are you really sure it was just a "one time mistake"?"

Mary's blood ran cold.

"I'm not a sinner." She stated, devoid of emotion.

"Right, and you're also not answerin' my question."

"I..." Mary trailed off.

"You know I wouldn't judge you for that." Connie said.

"Right, well I'll be sure to remember that my mom wouldn't judge me when I get kicked out of the church." Mary said, her voice gaining a frustrated edge.

"Mary, I'm serious. Maybe, now that you and George are... well... whatever, it might be time for some introspection."