Being Adalyne (Sequel)

Moira

It took all of two minutes to cancel on Moira's party. Leslie called me insane and was angry with me for a solid 24 hours because I didn't tell her about the event. She was even angrier when I told her I backed out. I'm a wuss, I know, but I can't face those people and more importantly, I can't risk my career. Jazmin paid good money for my education and it was a longshot that I was even going to get as far as I have.

It may have been the dumbest decision of my life, but it also may be the smartest thing I've ever done.

I'm glad it's Sunday.

I barely got any sleep last night and even my dreams were haunted by the look in Emily's eyes as she poured her heart out to me in front of Leslie. That took courage. Somewhere inside of me, I know I messed up, but there's also a bit of relief. Emily deserves better than what I can give her; which isn't much anyway. I gave all of it to the woman that used to dance with me in our garden and tried to pretend that she loved eggplant to rescue me from having to eat that filthy vegetable.

This is what I need. Sitting in the pew, surrounded by a congregation of people that need God just as much as I do.

"We are imperfect in our beings. To be human is to err. We are only human."

"My friends, we are told over and over again that as humans, we will sin and make mistakes. That is true and we will go through life constantly feeling guilty for those mistakes, but perhaps we're too hard on ourselves. The Bible gives us many lessons in sin, but even in those lessons; Jesus always forgives. As a matter of fact, I believe that Jesus preferred the company of those that proved to be the most human of all. The leper; the whore; the thief; Jesus loved and forgave them the same as any other. I know there are days you stand at a crossroads and have no idea which direction to go, but know you're not alone. Put your faith in God and let Him guide you on the journey of life He has given you with freewill. You will be tested and you will be hurt, but all things will pass and in the end, no matter what choices you have made, know that God has stood beside you through it all and loved you unconditionally."

.....

The gallery was busy for a Monday and I was stuck with Gwen today. She hasn't said two words to me since we got here this morning and if it were anyone else, I would think she's mad at me, but this is just her. I don't let Gwen get to me and I ignored any dirty looks she gave as I sold the more expensive pieces of mine and my colleagues artwork. This is not a competition, it's a job and my electric bill is due.

Gwen left about an hour before closing, but she made sure to tell me that I singled out the wealthier customers for myself and left her the window shoppers on purpose. I denied it, but it was obvious she already made up her mind and said the owners would hear about this. I bit my tongue and didn't try to change her mind. There's no point and I wouldn't win an argument with her anyway. It was a relief to watch her storm out the door and it made closing up a lot easier.

I looked at my watch before shutting off the lights, then headed for the door. Once outside, I locked up, then turned to my right to see Moira with her back against the wall and looking right at me.

"Ms. Kearns!" I all but shouted in shock.

"Hello, Adalyne."

I calmed myself and asked, "What are you doing out here?"

Moira pushed herself off the wall and answered, "Waiting for you."

"If this is about your event, I'm sorry, I can't make it."

"Why not?"

I looked away and said, "I just can't."

Moira moved closer to me and I clenched my jaw once she was more in my personal space than I like. "That's not a very good excuse. Tell me the real reason."