Don't Write Me Off (Christian Romance)

Chapter One

Caroline couldn't think straight. She drove slowly, fighting to keep her attention on the road as she headed to Shalom Youth Ministry. It was Thursday; that meant counseling was ongoing. She would wait as long as it took. She needed to talk to him in person, even if it meant waiting for hours. This wasn't the kind of conversation to be had over the phone.

She turned on the radio; perhaps, it would calm her racing heart. Music by Don Moen filled the air.

God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

He works in ways we cannot see.

He will make a way for me.

He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side.

With love and strength for each new day.

He will make a way

He will make a way.

Certainly, this song wasn't referring to her. God wouldn't make a way out of her predicament. It was probably referring to the righteous. She was a sinner; she'd done something very terrible, something beyond forgiveness. The disgrace was bound to come. All the curses; the hatred from everyone especially Jack's family members. Songs like this never edified her. They rather made her feel guilt and regret.

She wanted to change the radio station but couldn't bring herself to do it. Something about the singer's voice kept her listening. He sounded so peaceful. Wasn't that the peace she craved? The peace she might have been capable of having until two months ago when she did the unforgivable. She sighed as she took a left turn.

Caroline thought about Jack Albert, Pastor of Shalom Youth Ministry. He'd be counseling people with marital issues by now. If only he knew the news that awaited him. What would become of his marriage and family? What would become of his congregation? She dreaded becoming the reason for the downfall of the church. God must detest her. She was surprised she was still alive. She'd expected to have been struck dead two months ago.

'It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' Wasn't that what her late father, Paul Williams had always told her? He was a man of integrity. He would be so disappointed in her had he been alive. She hadn't been privileged to know her mother who had died of cancer when she was still a baby; no mother would be proud to Identify with a daughter like her. She was a disgrace. She sighed as she pulled into the driveway leading to the church. She was shivering, finding it difficult to hold on to the steering wheel.

She hadn't spoken to Jack since their hookup, two months ago. He called several times, but she didn't answer his calls. He didn't come back to Maddie's Diner and she was thankful for that. He texted her once begging her to keep everything a secret between them. How could someone be such a hypocrite? How could he feed the Lord's sheep when he was a goat. How could he even stand on the Lord's Holy alter when he was dripping with sin.

Caroline drove into the church compound and parked under a tree. She stepped out of her car and surveyed the environment. Only three vehicles were parked. It was either the counseling sessions were almost over or only a few people came for counseling. She wouldn't be surprised if it were the latter. A blind man wasn't supposed to guide the blind. She felt pity for Jack's congregation. They probably loved the Lord. If only they knew their pastor was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

No one was inside the sanctuary except for a woman sitting on a chair in the front row. She walked up to the woman and greeted her.

"Good afternoon ma'am." She seemed to be in her mid-forties. "Say, are you also here for counseling?"