Someone Worth Dying For

Coincidence at Church

Celeste met Kyle after school at his big truck and they headed to his house to wait. "Do you often pick church as a first date?" She asked, playfully. 

"Well, not really." He said, and she gave him a look. "I mean, I didn't really see this as a date. Mom and Dad both say we're going to get together, but that's not going to happen. So, I guess the answer is no. how about you? What's your ideal first date?" She thought for a few  seconds before answering. 

"I'm not sure. I think it depends on the guy and the occasion." Kyle was going to reply, but his cell phone rang. He looked at it, and apologized. "I gotta take this. Sorry. Yeah...What? Well, why didn't he tell me...Again? Man, that guy loses his phone more than any teen loses their pencil...I know, I know. Yeah. We're on the way...Dad, she's just a friend, calm down. Okay...Love you too. See you later." He hung up and made a quick turn.

"Is it okay if we go to church a bit early? This week, they're meeting a bit early because of the game. I swear, the only thing that makes them change the schedule is the sports." She nodded, and the rest of the ride was in silence. She watched the suburban scenery go by and thought of how she should act. She was amazed that Kyle okay'd what she was weaing. She was in skinny jeans, and a pink t-shirt. And he ahd siad that was what he normally wore. "Well, except that I don't wear skinny jeans or pink."

Kyle turned off the truck, and climbed out immediately. Celeste just sat there, thinking. Kyle noticed that she wasn't moving, and just watched for a moment. "Are you coming?" He asked, calmly. 

"Will they like me?" she asked, concerned. "Will I fit in?" He smiled and laughed and went to her open window. 

"It's church. You're not meant to. Look at me. I'm...weird. And I'm accepted like family. Come on, you'll be fine. I'll be there. Okay" She nodded, and he opened her door. they made their way inside and Kyle had her sit down in a cold folding chair while he went to greet the musiccians onstage. Celeste watched with amazement as he smiled and shook hands and talked to them like he did thsi every day. He was so...awkward at school, she never would have guessed that he had friends. Other than her, of course. A middle-aged man walked in, and she introduced herself. 

"Young lady," he said with a hint of friendly playfullness. "Did you walk here? We could have sent somebody to pick you up." She tried to smile, but failed. 

"No, my friend Kyle invited me, and drove me here." She pointed to Kyle, and the man looked confused. He pointed to Kyle and looked at her in unbelief. She nodded, and he nodded, then he went over to talk to him. She saw Kyle smile and shake his head, then turn bright red and look at her. For the second they made eye contact, everyone-including the man-smiled to eachother and nodded. Kyle shook everyone's hand again, then excused himself and sat next to her. She was smiling and he looked confused. 

"So, what was all that about?" She asked him. He shook his head and staled for a few more seconds. She nidged him, and he gave in. 

"I'm not entirely social, and this is the first time I've ever invited anyone...they wee just givingme a hard time about it. That's all. Celeste nodded and looked around. For the first time, she saw that the room was full of teenagers of all ages and fashions. She didn't feel so outcatsed. The man who had talkd to her stepped away from the usicians and up to the mic. 

"Let's all bow our heads, please." She watched at least twenty kids bow their heads, but she didn't. She was just there observing. She was intrigued by the manner in which the man prayed. 

"Father, we want to thank you today, for allowing us to gather here in Your presence. We thank you for keeping us safe throughout our day. And, Lord, right now we want to give You all the glory for what You're doing in our lives today. I pray that You would open the hearts of these kids and bless the band as we worship You now. In Jesus name, Amen." Celeste didn't know what Amen meant, but she said it anyway, because that's what you said in a church.