Corn Stalked 2: Converted (Children Of The Corn)

Chapter #12: The Seventeenth Year

Sunlight beat down on everything as I left Sarah and Job's house to head for the church. There was a gentle breeze that dried the remaining wetness in my hair and it ruffled my dress as I walked. An odd feeling had settled itself it the pit of my stomach, I couldn't tell if it was butterflies or anxiety.

One thing was for sure though; I had no idea how this was about to go....

No one was outside when I approached the church steps, but I could hear the sound of lively chatter beyond the big wooden doors. As I stood alone on the third step of the building, my hands began to shake a bit. I breathed in deeply, allowing some of the anxiety to subside, either that or I was just going numb.

*DING**DING**DING**DING*

The sound of the church bell startled me at first, causing me to snap all of my attention at the church doors. I breathed in one last time before climbing the last few steps to the doors, which opened as I approached them. Eli and Zane, a tall blonde boy I barely talked to were the ones who opened them for me, both of the boys offering me nice smiles as I entered.

I could feel every pair of eyes on me as I walked down the red carpeted aisle in the middle of the church. My gaze remained cemented to the back wall of the building, not even looking for a comforting look from Katherine or Mary. There was one gaze that made itself known regardless if I looked or not, and I could feel that particular pair of green eyes cooking me from behind as I climbed up to the altar.

Issac stood up at the front of the altar, smiling warmly at me, with his hands folded together over his chest. He gave a nod when I walked up to him, signaling for me to sit down next to him. Right after I did he began to speak, leading the children in the opening prayer.

    "In the presence of He Who Walks Behind the Rows we gather here tonight. We would be nothing here if it were not for the Lord and his guiding hand. For it is He who allows us all to be here every day to do His work. As His children, we celebrate another year of life given to one of our sisters on this day. Let us praise Him for giving all of us, but especially our sister, this day." Issac preached.

    "Praise God! Praise the Lord!" Everyone chanted.

Issac turned his gaze onto me now, I didn't return it, but stayed staring out at the kids. Every pair of eyes was on me as the young preacher smiled, the grin looking much more devious than it normally did.

    "Rise, Sister Samantha." He instructed.

I did as he said, slowly standing to my feet. At this point, the knot in my stomach had returned and I could feel a sheen of sweat begin to appear on my palms.

    "It is Sister Samantha's 17th year today. Now, as we all know the age where we choose one to love and bare children is 16, but Samantha was not with us last year. So, to make up for the missed year, she will today choose her one to have and to hold, as is the command of He Who Walks Behind the Rows." Issac preached.

I listened to Issac's words, but my main attention was still focused on the others. My eyes scanned the room and landed on Malachai standing in the back of the church like always. His arms were crossed over his chest and he stared right at me, his expression hard.

    "Sister Samantha. Do you come forth today with a decision? Do you know whom you want to choose? Who you wish to have and to hold, and bare his children?" Issac questioned.

I swallowed some of my anxiety before speaking.

    "Y-yes...I do." I stammered in reply, my voice coming out shakily.

Issac's grin widened, sending an invisible shiver up my spine.

   "Then tell us, my child. Tell your brothers and sisters who you choose. Tell your Lord who you wish to recieve his blessing with." He coaxed.