Corn Stalked 2: Converted (Children Of The Corn)

Chapter #14: Cat & Mouse

It was time to talk to Issac. I had let this go unanswered for too long, but now it was time to make the church mouse squeak.

Malachai and I woke up the next morning, took showers and dressed for the day ahead. I made the two of us breakfast and fed Sapphira as well before it was time to head out for Isaac's morning sermon.

The early day was cool and damp. A sprinkling of dew was on the grass that wet our boots as we walked to the church.

Most of the kids were already inside when we arrived. I took my normal spot in the very back pew, Malachai stood behind me, his hand on my shoulder. Issac, who was in his normal place at the altar, smiled our way when he saw us together. I acknowledged him with a curt nod.

Before long, Issac began his sermon - I mostly just tuned it out, picking up a few words here and there about the corn or He Who Walks Behind the Rows.

"But now my brothers and sisters, we rejoice. For news has come to me that the Lord has blessed young Katherine with Ezekiel's child. Praise be unto Him!" Issac preached.

WHAT?! Katherine was pregnant?!

"Praise God! Praise the Lord!" The kids cheered joyfully.

I don't know why this news hit me so hard, this was the desired result when the new pairs concieved. Guess I just wasn't expecting it...

After the announcement of Katherine's pregnancy, Issac wrapped up his sermon. The children began to leave - Malachai and I stayed put, waiting for them to go. Once the church was empty, we shared a look and I stood up from my seat, making my way up to the altar then.

Issac, who's back was to me, turned at the sound of our footsteps coming towards him. He smiled at the two of us.

"Samantha, Malachai. Just the two people I wanted to see." He greeted.

I raised my eyebrows at him.

"What for?" I pondered.

"I simply wanted to see how your relationship is. I undestand the two of you left here yesterday with some unresolved problems." Issac stated.

"We took care of them, made up. We care for each other and that's what's important." I assured.

Now it was Issac's turn to raise his eyebrows - the smile that followed sent a chill through my body.

"Really? Well, I must say that is relieving to hear." He grinned.

"Yes, I think we're both pretty happy that all of our hard feelings are in the past as well." I nodded, offering a small smile to the preacher.

"Good." Issac said. He regarded me thoughtfully now, half-smiling.
"Well, you two obviously stayed behind to speak to me about something. What is it you need?" He asked.

As soon as the question left his lips, a swarm of butterflies invaded my stomach. I looked to Malachai for reassurance and he gave me an encouraging nod, as if to say "I've got you". This eased some of the gnawing anxiety and allowed me to speak.

"Last week after Mary's ceremony, you told me to go finish her work for her on the far side of the replanted field. But soon after that I found out that Malachai had already finished it earlier that morning. And you knew that. So why did you send me all the way out there for nothing?" I questioned.

Issac's mouth curled up into an amused smirk as he listened to my words. He even began to snicker. If there wouldn't have been consequences, I would've asked what the hell was so damn funny. But I suppose his next words answered that enough.

"Oh, Samantha. So naive. It's quite entertaining." He giggled.

He was beginning to piss me off - Malachai too, because now he stepped forward wearing a stony expression.