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Chapter 76

The only time we could really hang out was in the creative writing class or during First Priority. First Priority was a group that met once a week. It was a group of about fifteen kids. I only knew two of my friends. We would all talk and sometimes the teachers would bring us breakfast.

Going to First Priority made me miss my old church, Little Hurricane Baptist Church. It was the church that I went to back in eighth grade, but I loved going. Brother was adored by all the youth. He was a very good man. He drove a bus to come get the kids and take them to church every Sunday and Wednesday night.

I know that deep down, God has blessed that man everywhere he has went. The preacher was a good man too. He normally ended up in tears after every sermon. I really liked him. After the service, there would be a luncheon. They always had very good food.

I loved the time I spent there. Eventually, I wasn't able to go anymore. It made me very sad. Later, I heard that Brother had left the church. The youth followed him. The church was kind of split. I was sad to hear that. After I learned the news, I didn't try to go there anymore.

Back when I went to the church, I would try and go every Sunday. The other youth that went were great. They welcomed me the first time I went. The lessons were interesting and the other youth stayed active in the lessons and added their input.

Most of the youth came because they actually wanted to come, not because their parents made them come. Thinking back about it, almost all of the youth rode the church bus together. Their parents didn't even go. There were little children, middle school kids, and even high school kids.

When we all got together, it was great. For the most part, we all got along great. With Brother leading us, we worked together. At the after church luncheons, we all ran around crazy, playing, talking, and enjoying being together. The church was a social gathering for everyone.

On Wednesdays, the church was always packed. The service would sometimes last until nine thirty. I only went on Wednesday on time. Although, I had a wonderful time, when I got home they told I could never go on Wednesday again.

On the church ride home, I already knew that I would not be allowed to go again. It was too late when I got home, but I really enjoyed it. I said to myself: why worry?

A few of the girls and I talked on the bus for a while. We sang songs with Brother and played around. The bus ride was nice and happy. It was dark outside and there were only four of us. I liked it. It was peaceful and joyous.

When we got to my house, I said goodbye to everybody and went inside. Momma was in the kitchen and Matt had just walked out of their bedroom and sat down in his chair. He said I was gone to long and that I couldn't go on Wednesdays. I sat down on the couch and told him I know.

Momma came into the living room as well. I told them a little how church went. After that, I got up and went to bed.