Meadow Valley book series- Everything's changed

Chapter 10: A strange new way of life

     Later that evening Mrs. Grant called for everyone to come downstairs and join them for a family homecooked dinner. Ana managed to make her way downstairs and find the dining room. Where everyone else was already seated and waiting for her before they started to eat. Even the food was going to take some time to get used to. There was some sort of breaded fried chicken, chopped up fried potatoes, greens and homemade cornbread. The only thing to drink at the table was sweet tea. Ana thought the tea was kind of weird tasting as well. She had wondered if this was the typical kind of food that was served in this part of the country. She was really missing home right about now. She missed her Abuela's arroz con pollo. As they were all eating dinner Ana's grandmother spoke with them.

"Tomorrow morning is church and I would like you all to be ready and waiting downstairs no later than 8:30a.m."

Her country twang was going to take some time for all of them to understand and get used to.

"I know that it may not be the same as what yawl are used to but different can be good too."

     She tried convincing the kids that everything was going to work out. The look on all of their faces must have told her what they were all thinking. Ana wasn't as convinced that this kind of different was going to be any good for her life. The truth was that none of them have ever spent much time in any other church other than their fathers' church. It was going to be different alright. Not because they talked funny in this part of the country. It would be difficult to hear anyone other than their father preaching the sermon on Sunday mornings.

     All those times Ana was bored or wanted to play around in church when she was kid. She would give anything right now just to hear her father preach one more sermon. The truth is Ana didn't know what she believed in anymore. Her faith in God has kind of shifted. She was beginning to question anything and everyone. The last thing she wanted to do was go to some new church. She was just so angry with God for doing this to her family.

     Jess showed a bit more enthusiasm. She had asked if there was a worship team at the church that she could be a part of. She has always been very musical since she was little. It came naturally to her like dance did to Ana. She played the guitar, keyboard and had the voice of an angel. It was only natural that Jess would want to get involved in music once again. Ana just rolled her eyes as she heard her sister excitedly ask questions about their new church.

     David was also very musical and played several musical instruments. He still plays for their church back in Miami. When he's not too busy with college. He is studying Music Business at the University of Miami. He hoped to eventually pursue a career in the music industry. Both Jess and David got the genetic musical blessing from Lisa. Their mother was a very talented musician and singer. That is probably why their father and she got along so well. Lisa always helped out and led the church worship team. It was only natural that her talent would be passed on to her children. The musical genes skipped over Ana. She was so NOT musical. She couldn't carry a tune if she wanted to. Let alone play a musical instrument.

"Can I please be excused from the table? I am feeling kind of tired and I just want to go to bed." 

     She tried to be convincing. Not to certain if any of them actually believed her. She looked at her mother for approval. It was part of their family rules. They had to ask to be excused from the table when their family was eating. Her parents always used dinner time to catch on the daily events in everyones lives. Family dinners fell a little short the past few weeks since the death of Carlos.

     Lisa nodded yes. Ana got up quickly and rushed into the kitchen to put away her dishes. Then she headed directly to her room. She laid there in her bed as she cried softly on her side.

"God if you really are real, please help this horrible pain in my heart to go away. Help me find my way through this dark place."

     She whispered into the darkness as she closed her eyes. Ana laid there thinking over all the events and changes that had taken place the past month. The sadness in her heart was almost unbearable. She eventually cried herself to sleep.