Hope and Faith

ELEVEN: FAITH

It was only twelve-thirty and Faith was already feeling the effects of the day. She stared at the clouds, wondering whether she could get out of church camp early if she slit her wrists.

That morning her mother had barged into her bedroom, waking her up early to ensure that she made it on time to her first day of camp.

"But why doesn't Mike have to go?" Faith wined as she shoved another pillow over her face.
"Your brother has his own responsibilities for the summer," Claudia said. "He's getting a job."
"Yeah right,"
"He is. And since Michael will be making his own money, he can therefore do whatever he wants."
"So if I get a job, I can quit church camp?"
"You're not quitting church camp. You're going," Claudia said. "This will be good for you, Faith."

Good for you. That's what her mother had said. As though she were trying out a new mattress, or recommending a new vitamin. Church camp wasn't good for anyone. It was draining. And exhausting. She could feel herself losing grip of reality already.

The day had begun with mass and prayers, the two things that Faith despised the most. She wondered what horrible thing she must have done in a past life to end up in a Protestant church reciting prayers. The idea of a blade to her wrist was becoming more tempting by the minute.

Lunch was worse – which was even more shocking, as she truly believed that nothing could be worse than mass. There was nothing to eat! Just leafy-fucking-greens and vegetables. Faith wanted a burger. And fries. Perhaps she could sneak off the premises and go to Frenchie's...

She wondered what Sebastian was doing at that very moment. Probably in bed, still sleeping. What a luxury. Faith promised herself to never take sleep for granted again. When Friday was over, she'd walk to the nearest bus stop – if there even was a bus stop – and go home to Sebastian's place. There, they could spend the weekend tucked away, watching movies and cuddling under the blankets. She smiled to herself. This would be her only motivation to getting through this week from hell.

"Excuse me," she heard a voice say, breaking her from her thoughts. "Do you have a partner?"
Faith turned around. There, standing before her, was a girl. An ordinary girl. Nothing special or remarkable about her whatsoever. At first glance, that would be all Faith would see: a girl. Petite, light brown hair, pin straight, that sat just above her shoulders. Hazel coloured eyes that looked both cautious and inviting simultaneously. This same girl that would eventually be described by Faith as: angelic; wonderful; a blessing.
Faith stared at the girl, not saying a word. She was wearing that shirt, the same one that everyone else around here was wearing.
"Hello?" the girl said.
"What?"
"Do you have a partner? For the activity?"
Faith looked around. "No. Do I need one?"
The girl laughed. "Yes. Of course." She stared at her again. "I can help you find one?"
"No thanks," Faith began to turn around.
"But you need a partner!"
"Do I?" Faith said, eyeing her. "Because last time I checked, this is a free country and I don't have to do anything."
The girl shuddered backwards and Faith froze. Shit. Her mother would kill her if she made someone cry on the first day.
"I'm sorry," Faith said quickly. "I'm PMS'ing." She wasn't, of course, but it was the first excuse that came to her head. Being a bitch due to hormones rather than inherent nature seemed like a much better approach.
The girl visibly relaxed and forced a small smile. "I can be your partner if you'd like."
Faith stared at her and considered this. "I guess I don't really have a choice."
"Don't be silly. It will be fun. Come on." The girl looped her arm through Faith's and began to pull her along. Faith stared at their arms linked together in horror.
"I'm Hope, by the way."
Faith stopped walking and stared at her.
"What is it?" Hope asked.
Faith hesitated a moment, then she laughed. She actually laughed. "I'm Faith."
Hope grinned widely. "No way. Really?"
Faith nodded.
"Would you look at that," Hope said. "Hope and Faith."

______

They did the two-legged race together and lost. At first Faith was not bothered by this. But as the races continued, she grew more competitive. She wanted to win. She wanted to beat the others. So she forced Hope into the rope again and again, hobbling to the finish line, only to lose once more.

"This thing is stupid," Faith said as she sat on the grass, ripping the rope off of her leg.
"It's just a game," Hope laughed. "All in good spirits."
"Easy for you to say."
"Why's that?"
Faith shrugged.
"I don't recognize you," Hope said. "You're new here, aren't you?"
"What gave me away, my accent? My charming demeanor?"
"No," Hope laughed again. "I know everyone in Meadow. But not you."
"Oh trust me," Faith said. "You don't want to know me."
"Why's that?"
Faith looked over at Hope. Studied her eager face, her bewildered eyes and soft spoken voice. "Let's just say we wouldn't quite get along."
"I get along with everyone," Hope said confidently.
"I bet you do," Faith rolled her eyes and picked at the grass. "Why do you do this?"
"Do what?"
"This," she gestured to the field, the children running around laughing.
"Camp counseling?"
"Yeah."
Hope shrugged. "It's what makes me happy. I'd enjoy nothing more to run a camp and see people radiate energy and happiness."
"You're weird."
Hope laughed. "You'll get used to it eventually. So, what do you think of Meadow so far?"
"You want my honest opinion?"
"Of course."
Faith took in a breath. "I mean, I don't want to offend you or anything. This place is like your breeding ground. But I'm just not feeling it."
"It's because you're new," Hope said matter-of-fact. "You'll adjust."
"That's what my boyfriend keeps saying."
"You have a boyfriend?"
"Mhm."
"What's his name?"
"Sebastian."
"Let me guess, he's back at home. Wherever home is for you."
"You got it."
"You miss him."
"I do."
Hope nodded. "My boyfriend's name is Matthew. We're going to get married as soon as we turn eighteen."
"You don't say."
Hope held up her hand, showing off her finger. "This is my promise ring."
Faith took Hope's hand in hers and studied it. "That's a pretty rad rock. Your boyfriend gave that to you?"
Hope nodded. "It's a promise to each other. Until we get wedding rings."
"Sounds serious."
"Well, yes," Hope said. "We're soulmates."
Faith nodded, unsure of what to say next.
"Did you come from a big town?" Hope asked.
"Decent size. Definitely bigger than this place."
"Yeah, it is pretty small, I guess."
"You guess? This place is fucking minuscule. It's not even on a map."
"Yes it is."
"Really?"
Hope nodded. "You just have to look."
"I see."
It was quiet for a moment. Then Hope said, "So, are you Catholic or Protestant?"
"Neither."
"Oh. Orthodox?"
"I'm actually Islamic," Faith replied.
Hope stared at her, blinked once.
"I'm kidding," Faith said. "I'm Buddhist."
"I'm confused,"
"Don't be. I'm just messing with you."
"Your lack of belief isn't comical," Hope said.
"Who said I lacked belief?"
"Well what is your religion then?"
"Why do I have to define myself to one religion? Why can't I just believe in what I choose? Who says I have to put a label on it?"
"Well, you're at a Protestant church right now."
"So? I don't consider myself Protestant. Or Catholic. I don't consider myself anything."
Hope nodded, trying to follow. "What are your parents, then?"
Faith laughed. "Oh, my parents. Well, they're practicing Catholics. Although they just got divorced and that was the catalyst to my move here, so, there's that."
"I'm so sorry," Hope said, putting her hand on top of Faith's. "I can't imagine how difficult that was for you."
Faith pulled her hand away and brought it back into her lap. "Whatever."
"Was it difficult for your parents to admit their sins?"
Faith snorted. "You should talk to my mother. She'd love you."
"Oh," Hope smiled, clearly not picking up on Faith's sarcasm. "That's good. I'd love to talk with her."
It was quiet again. Faith was picking at the grass around her. "What's with this town anyways? Everyone's religious here?"
"We pride ourselves in our faith to God."
"There's a shit ton of churches."
Hope laughed. "There is indeed."
"And I'm assuming you're Protestant, then?"
"Yes."
"Is everyone here Protestant?"
"Not everyone. We do have a Baptist Church and a Methodist Church, but we also have a Catholic Church and an Orthodox Church. We're very diverse, you see."
"Oh, I imagine so."