The New Kid

Chapter 37

Getting smoothies at one of the local cafes isn't as much fun as we anticipated. Now we're all worried about Monty and Brock and probably a bunch of other things too. Joey's the most excited about the smoothies, "This hits the spot," he says contentedly, taking another big slurp. 

"What should we do about Brock?" I ask, tossing the topic out there. Sylvia responds first, "We could just get the principal to expel him?" she asks hopefully. "Maybe, but we'd have to have proof, maybe a video," I say. The boys start chattering about all the things we could do to Brock, among the funniest is stealing all his clothes after he hops in the showers after football practice.

...........................

Christian and I are now at dinner with my family. Mom and dad have really outdone themselves. They whipped up garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, corn-on-the-cob, a honeyed-ham, buttered bread, and a garden salad. Christian compliments my parents, "This all looks and tastes fantastic Mr. and Mrs. Mercier, thank you for letting me join you all tonight." My mom smiles at him and my dad says, "That's nice of you to say, Christian."

Reagan, of course, has to do some brotherly interrogating even though he's a fifth-grader. "Christian, why do you like my sister?" he straight-shoots, forking a quartered tomato in his salad bowl. Christian chuckles and answers very crisply, "Reagan, I like your sister because she's smart, determined, beautiful, and all-around the most amazing girl I've ever met." I blush, a lot. I look over at him and say, "Thanks." 

Dad looks somewhat uncomfortable but Mom smiles at him, encouraging him to say something with based from her expression. "Good answer, Chris." 

Apparently Reagan isn't done asking questions, he giggles uncontrollably, "Have you guys kissed?" he asks. "Reagan!" I say, "We're not talking about that right now." Christian just smirks at Reagan and my dad doesn't look thrilled. Reagan whispers, "That doesn't mean no." I shoot him a look of disapproval before mom offers to get the dessert. 

Mom goes to the kitchen to bring out an apple pie she baked earlier, not forgetting the vanilla ice cream to pair. She comes back with enthusiasm, "This pie is a new recipe, I hope you guys like it!" Christian's eyes get big, "That looks great Mrs. Mercier!" She smiles at him, then me, and encourages us to try it. "Yum, this is great mom," I concur. 

Dad rests his arms on the table when we're finished. "So, we need to talk rules." 

.........................

After Dad gave us a list of what we can and can't do together, reminding us that we're sixteen, and told 'Chris' about my curfew and how he expects me to stay on top of my studies, I excuse us to go to do the dishes in the kitchen, alone. Christian helps me wash and I dry them. What a gentleman, I think.

We go upstairs to my room, but I have to leave my door open. Mom and dad's first rule out of like, ten. 

"I love your room, Avalon," Christian says, looking around and checking out my book shelf and randomly hung portraits. Some were completed, some were half-done, but I liked to see them for the inspiration. 

Christian slumps down onto my bean bag and I bring over some pillows and join him on the floor. I've also brought over my sketchbook, and we're going through it now. I really want Christian to see his portrait. I finally completed it. 

I flip to it and he grins. He leans over to kiss me on the forehead, "You're so talented!" he says. I smile really big at him, "Thanks, I try," I joke.

"Can I ask you something more serious?" I ask, after we're done commenting on and looking at my drawings.

"Shoot," he says.

"What did you mean when you told Brock in the lot that you were 'done with that scene?'"

Christian pauses, remembering his words.

He sighs and takes my hand in his.

"You know how I always tell you that vengeance isn't worth it and stuff?"

"Yes," I say, "I've been pretty impressed with your ability to have self-control around Brock and Clara drama," I admit.

"Basically," he says, "I'm not Mr. Perfect. I'm really not."

"Being raised as an only-kid with work-a-holic parents hasn't been heavenly."

He continues, "I got into a lot of trouble and fights in middle-school and then until last year. This year I came back with the resolution to be a better version of myself. No fights. No drama."

I smirked at him, "Doesn't seem to be going terribly well," I half-joke. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

He pauses to choose his words carefully.

"I don't want to weird you out. But I got saved this summer, at a youth group." 

"Huh. Well, tell about it. I don't know what that means, I guess. Jesus stuff, right?"

Christian spends a good twenty minutes telling me about how he started volunteering once a month at this church to donate food and clothes to the less-fortunate in the community. He's a saint, I thought to myself. But then he went on to explain he was initially forced to "go do good" by his parents and "stay out of trouble," but then he ended up really enjoying it and stayed long-term. He told me how he still goes every month. 

He continues to share, "So after showing up a few times, the pastor invited me to a Sunday service. At first, I was reluctant and skeptical, but then a few months in, I was like, why not, everyone is so caring and nice here. It felt like . . . family.

I keep listening to him share his story, but I'm a little disconcerted that I didn't know much about his faith. 

"After attending church, one thing led to another, and I started going to Wednesday youth meetings with kids aged anywhere from 13-18. It really opened my eyes to learn about sin and Jesus and how there is more hope in this world than I ever thought."

He keeps going, "I feel weird saying this, but I prayed. And I accepted Jesus. And life hasn't been any more perfect, but I do know I have a friend in God now, someone I can always, always rely on." 

He continues, "You've seen me lose my cool, right?"

I nod my head slowly.

"I haven't been perfect, I still 'sin.' But God is changing my life for the better, Avalon."

I take in everything he says and feel pretty overwhelmed, "Wow, that is a lot to take in during one sitting," I say honestly.

"Yeah, I know. Thanks for listening, Avalon. It's a big part of my life now and I wanted you to know about it."

So, my boyfriend's a Christian. Pun intended.

I have a lot of thinking to do.