He Chose Me

chapter three

The days were going by fairly quickly. Wednesday came before I knew it and thankfully, I didn't have many assignments that I needed to catch up on. As I placed the last of my books inside of my bag and headed toward the door, my teacher, Ms. Gallagher, stopped me, "Ruth? A moment?"

I wearily stopped myself in my tracks and slowly approached her, "Yes, Ms. Gallagher?"

She clasped her hands together and did a deep sigh, so I had mentally prepared for bad news. She scanned her grading book and then made eye contact with me, "Ruth, as you know, I've spoken with you before about your grades in my class. I understand that it has been difficult for you to grasp the learning concepts. That's why I've provided additional help. But it's already been a couple of weeks and unfortunately you're still in danger of failing my class. You know that if you don't pass calculus, you won't-"

"Won't graduate...I know. I'm trying, I really am. I don't know what more you want from me. I need the most help on the tests and quizzes, but those are the only assignments we can't get any help on," I interrupted.

She nodded, "Yes, I understand. Unfortunately, I cannot change the learning curriculum for just one student. I suggest you change your studying methods or get with another group of students who aren't struggling and use their methods. You know that I want to see you succeed. Maybe free up your schedule a bit? I know you're at your church often and I wonder if that could be something that's getting in the way of your learning."

I rapidly shook my head, "No! Church doesn't get in the way of school. If anything, it's the other way around. Look, I'll...try harder, I guess. Was that all?"

She nodded softly, "Yes, Ruth. That was all. And Ruth? I didn't mean any harm by my comment. I respect your beliefs."

I readjusted my backpack's straps and exhaled through my nose, "See you tomorrow, Ms. Gallagher."

I quickly left without waiting for a reply back from her. I knew that she was only trying to help me, but it always frustrated me when people suggested that my church life was somehow getting in the way of everything else. With school and my job taking most of my time, I barely had time for church and all of the events they held. I just wish I didn't have to work or worry about money so I could devote all of my time to God. Was that too much to ask for?

Like clockwork, my phone buzzed in my pocket, causing me to pull it out and check that I had gotten a text from one of my co-workers, Ian.

[12:52pm] Ian: hey ruth!!😁
[12:52pm] Ruth: wassup Ian
[12:54pm] Ian: so i know this is super last min, but is there any way i could pick up ur shift tonight? i know you need the hours but i crashed my car recently and i need to pay for repairs and don't have a lot of money rn. i would ask kylie but she has a kid so i didn't want to bother her
[12:59pm] Ruth: oh my gosh, that's terrible. I'll def be praying for you. and yeah, I'm okay with you picking up my shift for tonight. i would talk with Irene to see if she'd be willing to give you more hours since she's in charge of scheduling
[1:03pm] Ian: ok thanks so much!! ur a lifesaver! enjoy ur day off :)

After our conversation, I remembered now that I was available for the rest of the day, I could go to the young adults event at my church that Jonah had mentioned on Sunday. I searched for his name in my phone and decided to let him know.

[1:06pm] Ruth: JONAH!
[1:06pm] Jonah: RUTH! 🙂
[1:07pm] Ruth: you're a dork lol. guess what?? :)))))
[1:07pm] Jonah: Could be anything. Just tell me lol
[1:10pm] Ruth: no fun. anyway, i can go to YA tonight! 😆
[1:10pm] Jonah: I'm lots of fun...you'll see. And really?? They let you have the day off? Praise God!!
[1:14pm] Ruth: one of my coworkers took my shift so i'm FREEEEEE
[1:14pm] Jonah: Best news I've heard all day. I'll pick you up at 5pm.
[1:20pm] Ruth: yes sir 🫡