Firsts

First Church Service

Julia sits across from me in the car. She elected not to abandon me in the back seat. I'm in a dark blue dress, leather jacket, and blue pumps. Although I've elected to keep my makeup simple, Julia decided that she would attempt to do a smokey eye. It's strange. She's paired the new makeup look with curled hair, a sparkly pink dress, and pink heels. 

When we pull up in front of the church, Julia sees someone.

"Act cool," she hisses as we step out of the car.

It takes me a minute to recognize the guy opening the door. Then it hits me. He's the dude who saved us from those annoying meathead jocks. That's also the same guy Julia called cute. Once I've taken that day and Julia's reaction to seeing him into account, I'm able to put two and two together. 

"Oh my gosh, you like him!" I practically squeal. 

Julia really hasn't shown any interest in anyone after Brandon, except that one day. Julia grabs my hand and pulls me along, trying to inconspicuously catch up with the boy in front of us. I have to stifle a laugh as we rush forward when his back is turned. After lots of secretive running, we catch up to the boy we're following.

"Hey, Mitchell," she says, twirling her hair.

"Hey," he says. "Who's your friend?"

"This is Skylar."

"She's dating Ashton, right?"

Julia nods.

"After church, the four of us should go get some fro-yo. I was gonna go to talk about the final bracket of March Madness with Ashton, but it would be much more fun if you two came. You know what they say: 'The more the merrier.'

Julia nods again. She looks like she's about to faint. I interject before she can screw up.

"Sounds great! We'll meet up with you then. Julia, your mom's probably waiting for us in the chapel."

I drag a stunned Julia to the front doors of the narthex. She seems to regain our composure as we enter. We sit down next to her mother and listen to the opening organ music. I'm kind of nervous. It's the first time I've ever been in a church. 

First off, we sing. Then we say some stuff. Then we pray. Then we listen to a scripture from a short, cheery, optimist with a high-pitched voice, bald head, and white mustache who waves his hands erratically that's all about how to be a better Christian. It's actually pretty entertaining. When the congregation laughs at one of his jokes, he gets so excited that he almost falls from his stool on the pulpit. 

Then, we have silent prayer. I pray for courage to face Mrs. Barnes. I pray for my mother's soul, since she used to be religious when she was with my father, but didn't set a foot inside a church after he left her. Last but not least, I pray for the strength to face my dad. I actually feel a lot better. After the service, I ask Julia if I can come to church more often. 

Before she can answer, her mom gives me a warm smile and says, "Of course! We'd be glad to take you!"

When Julia and I catch up with Mitchell, we find out that his dad had to work, so Ashton gave him a ride to church this morning. We yell a quick goodbye to Julia's mother over our shoulders. We interrupt Ashton telling Mitchell to move to the back seat, so that he can sit next to me. He sees us standing there and blushes, shoving Mitchell to the back. Mitchell grins, elbowing Ashton in the ribs. 

We pull out of the church parking lot. There isn't much traffic because most of the members are still standing around the chapel, socializing. It only takes about five minutes to get to the frozen yogurt shop down the street. Ashton opens my door, prompting snickers from Mitchell, but Julia gives him a look, and he does the same for her. 

It's not very busy. There's only one other customer. That's probably because most people are going out to lunch on Sunday. The cashier beams when we walk through the door, and he seems genuinely happy to see us. Everyone orders quickly. Except me. I have no idea what to order. I've actually never had frozen yogurt before. Ashton sees my confusion and grins.

"She'll have what I'm having."

I can't decide if I should be annoyed that he ordered for me or relieved that I don't have to make a decision now. I take one bite of what he ordered and settle for relieved. It's delicious! He ordered chocolate fro-yo with whipped cream and oreos and a cherry on top. I shovel another bite into my already stuffed mouth. Julia smirks. Ashton eyes her expression, and comes to my defense, announcing that he thinks it's adorable. I feel the color rise in my cheeks. 

After everyone's finished, Ashton drives Julia and I home. Julia takes out her house key and unlocks the door. There's a note on the table from her mom:

I went out to lunch with your grandmother. I'll be back at around one thirty. Help yourself to anything in the fridge!

Love, 

Mom

After a delicious lunch of fruit salad that Julia and I made, I go upstairs to get my things together. 

"Are you leaving already?" Julia asks. 

"Yeah. I figure Mrs. Barnes is probably worried sick. I haven't answered any of her calls or texts since the one in the restaurant, so I might as well get this over with."

Julia shrugs. 

"I get it. See you tomorrow."

I nod. After everything is packed, Julia helps me load it into her car. We drive in silence on the way back to my house, both thinking the same thing: How much trouble am I in right now? 

I walk slowly towards the door, my footsteps falling evenly, but my hands tremble ever so slightly, giving me away. I don't know why I'm nervous. I'm not the one who called in a surprise visit with someone's long lost father. 

It helps to remember that. It helps to be angry as I open the door. With a single click, I'm in. Mrs. Barnes is sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in her hands.