Saving Grace | ✓

Chapter Twelve

{ Chapter Twelve }

The next day after I prayed with the pastor, Alexis's health started to improve. She ate a whole sandwich and a few chips for lunch. She only puked once, and her nap only lasted for about two hours. She watched TV for a while after lunch. Her small frame was wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.

Our "family" is barely two minutes into dinner when someone knocks on the door. Michael moves to stand, but I hold my hand up at him. "I got it."

"Are you sure?" He watches me as I push my chair back and get up.

I nod. "Yeah. You guys keep eating." I ruffle Alexis's already messed-up hair before going to the door.

When I pull it open, I was not expecting the visitor. "Pastor."

"Grace." His smile seems friendly. "Nice to see you again."

"Can I help you?" I lean against the doorjamb.

"If I have your permission, I would like to talk to you and your family for a while." He explains.

I nod, moving away from the door so he can enter. "Sure. Dining room's in there."

We go into the dining room and Eliza gasps. "What a nice surprise! Good evening, Pastor."

"To you too, Eliza." He smiles at her.

"Preacher, don't hesitate to have a seat. You're always welcome at our dining table." She says, motioning to the chair at the end.

"Thank you, dear." He nods in her direction before sitting. He smiles at Alexis. "And how are you feeling?"

Alexis nods slowly, crossing her arms tightly across her chest. "I'm okay."

"Good to hear, good to hear. And you are sleeping alright?"

She shrugs. "Pretty good."

"Very good." Pastor Miles grins. "I've been praying for you over the past few days."

My sister's eyes light up. "Really?"

"Absolutely. Every day, every night. I want you to be back to your normal self." He says.

Alexis smiles widely. "Thank you. I think it's working."

He chuckles. "Looks like it."

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The next morning, I wake up to a gentle shaking of my shoulder. "Grace, wake up, dear."

I groan, rolling over. "What?"

"If you don't get up now, you'll be late for church."

I bolt out of bed, my eyes wide open, fully awake. "What do you mean, church?"

"Church, Sunday school, Pastor Miles? We usually go every Sunday, but we took a few weeks off to take care of you two. Now you are both better, so get going. Wake your sister up, okay?" She calls, closing the bedroom door behind her.

I let out a low growl, sliding my legs out from under the thick blankets. "Come on, Alexis. I know you're awake. Get moving."

"Can't we stay here?" She moans, rolling over to face the wall.

"I don't think Eliza would let us. Come on." I pull on her arm, tugging the quilts off of her.

She groans loudly and sits up. "Fine!"

We get dressed quickly in jeans and tees and meet our makeshift family downstairs. After a nice breakfast, we pile into the cars and drive to church.