An Exchange

Chapter Forty-One - Baptism

Penny

Ray's baptism was at noon, so until then, Giles invited me over see how he was progressing with his car. To me it looked like a shell still, but he told me he was getting close to done. He pointed out all the different features he had built into the engine, while I smiled politely, having no idea whatsoever what he was talking about.

I asked him why it was at his house instead of at school, and he replied, "I brought it home to do some extra work over the long weekend. I think I can get it done before the end of March if I put in some extra time."

"That'll give you a few months to drive it before you go on your mission."

He grinned and rested his hands on his hips, admiring his work. "I know. It's gonna be great."

"Have you got your papers yet?" I asked.

He glanced at me, a slight smile curling the corners of his mouth. "I got them last weekend."

"That's so exciting!" I leaned over the open hood of the car, grinning.

He walked around the car and stood in front of me. "Wouldn't it be awesome if I went to Australia?"

"Yes! Then you could meet my friends… then again, maybe not."

He tilted his head. "Why not?"

"I would distract you. All I'd ever wanna do is bother you with my problems!" I laughed.

He shook his head, smiling. "You have a point. You would be very distracting." He turned to his car and ran his hand over the door panel. "Is Ryan going with you tonight?"

I rubbing my temple. "No. He called me this morning to tell me he couldn't. His dad flipped out about it, so he decided against going."

"Too bad." He took my hand, removing it from my temple, then spun me around. "I guess I'll have to dance with you then."

I giggled. "I thought you had a date."

He blinked, and his eyes widened. "How'd you know about that?"

"Seriously, you have to ask?"

"Jonas."

"Yes, Jonas." I elbowed him playfully. "So, who is it? Is it that girl?"

"What girl?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"You know, the one you like but won't tell me who she is."

"Oh no, it's Sonya. She asked me."

"Pity." I pouted. "I'm curious to find out who this girl is."

He pulled me against him in a waltz position and bent down to whisper in my ear, "If you dance with me tonight, I might just tell you."

"Really?" I whispered back, smiling eagerly.

His arm tightened around me. "Only if you dance with me first."

"Deal."

He released me and stepped back. "We better get a move on. We have a baptism to go to."

I rushed home and changed, then the Taylor's and I went to the stake centre. A whole bunch of people from school came to support Ray and his mum. I couldn't be prouder and more excited as I watched Giles baptise Ray.

Zoe stood beside me and linked her arm through mine. "This is so great. This time last year, I never would have thought Ray would be here now."

"I know. Isn't it amazing how things change?"

Afterward, Ray found me and hugged me. He glowed with joy as he and his mum talked to me and Zoe about how excited they were, and thanked us for coming to support them. Giles soon joined us with Seth and Jonas, and Ray's mum went with Pat―who she had met at the football games and hit it off with at church―to mingle with some of the sisters.