Looking Back

Chapter 14: Sunday

The next morning as I got ready for church, I thought of the wonderful week I had. Getting to know Mackenzie and hear about Felisha's faith was the best part. Being able to tell Tanner about my dad's drinking problem and him not getting mad or wanting to break up with me was another. The most amazing part was my dad not getting angry when I asked him could I go to church. He didn't raise his voice or lay a finger on me. I assumed Felisha's prayer really worked.

The people at school began to talk to me instead of look passed me like I didn't exist. I actually felt like a somebody.

The unusual part of the week was me coming home and having frequent thoughts of God. Hearing Felisha and Tanner talk about their faith made God seem real to me. But I still was indecisive in myself to believe in something that didn't seem so real to me.

Hearing a car horn honk outside, I grabbed my jacket that lay across my bed and went outside to Felisha's little car after telling my Father bye.

"How are things going at your house," asked Felisha looking out for me.

"Okay, I guess."

"You look pretty."

"Thanks. You do too." I said taking in the pretty white, green, and red dress she wore.

"Thank you."

A few minutes later, we pulled up at this small church. Knots clenched inside my stomach. I never been to a church and had no clue what to expect. "Come on," beckoned Felisha as she opened her door. "I bet you are going to love it."

I crawled out of the car after her. Once we stepped foot inside the church, Felisha immediately started introducing me to people. They were all loving and kind. It surprised me. There wasn't that many kids, mainly 3 year olds or younger.

"Here's Pastor Frank. Pastor Frank this is Tamara Adams, the girl I was telling you about," said Felisha making introductions.

"Hi, Tamara. I heard so many good things about you," he said with a gentle smile on his face.

Another thing that surprised me was the pastor. I expected to see an old man in his mid forties or fifties; he looked like about twenty something. Blond hair and electrifying blue eyes that would capture the people's gazes. And if I was Felisha, I would be happy to get to know Pastor Frank, because he was FINE!!!

"Come on, "said Felisha leading me into the sanctuary that was full of chairs instead of pews. A piano sat on the left of a stage that had three microphones at the back behind three music stands. On the other side of the stage was a set a drum. The place was very welcoming and comforting.

Once we found a spot on the second row from the front, everyone else came inside and took their seats. Pastor Frank sat in the front row on the right and nodded at an older black man.

The black man got on stage and began making announcements and asked anyone if they had a pray request. After opening the service in prayer, the man asked for the praise and worship team to come up.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone walk down the aisle toward the drums. Before I even looked, I knew who it was. I could feel his presence anywhere. I didn't know this was the church he went to. Tanner sat at the drums. Three older women went to the stage behind the microphones. Felisha stood in front of the other three with a microphone in one hand. An older woman went to the piano and Pastor Frank pulled out a guitar strap over his head and strummed a tune.

"Everyone to your feet," said Felisha beaming.

Once everyone was standing including me, Pastor Frank gave the que that he was ready, Tanner tapped his drums sticks together three times and immediately on beat, there was music.