Witcha'be (22 page)

They walked toward the building and her smile faded. Her face hardened with every step. She was putting on her mask.

Mrs. Piper reached into the leather tote looped over her elbow. “Welcome back, Seth,” she said as he entered the foyer, handing him a shiny black Bible with his name embossed on the cover. He ran his finger across the silver letters. “Welcome, Bianca.” She placed a Bible with a crimson cover and engraved gold letters into Bianca’s hesitant hand. “We are so happy you’re home.”

Seth extended his hand to Mrs. Piper, who embraced him instead. He pulled away with tears in his eyes.

“Thanks,” Bianca said, examining her name.

“You’re welcome.”

Bianca threw her arms around Mrs. Piper’s shoulders. Mrs. Piper stroked her hair. After a moment, Bianca drew away, blotting her face on the sleeve of her peasant blouse.

“Come on,” I said. “I’ll introduce you to the group.”

“Joy.” She dropped her arm, her features toughening.

“They’re not so bad. You already know some of the kids from school, and several live in your neighborhood.”

“Gee, that makes me feel so much better.”

The aroma of buttered popcorn met us as we walked into the youth center. “Here we are.” I pulled the heavy door.

“Yay! Molly.” Amy rushed over, handing each of us a fresh bag of popcorn. “Hi, Bianca,” she said cheerfully. Bianca offered a half wave. “I’ll be right back with sodas.” Amy skipped through plastic chairs to the big, blue ice chest in the corner. Sandy stood nearby, operating the popcorn machine.

I took a deep breath, and then cupped my hands around my mouth. “Excuse me!”

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Don’t bother.” She scanned the florescent-orange
Kneeling Zone
sign. “I’m only here to support my dad.”

“Hey, guys!” I tried again, receiving a huff from Bianca.

I spied Greg onstage, a guitar raised to his ear. He plucked a string, turned a peg, and then plucked again. He caught my gaze, handed the guitar to Saul, and motioned me over.

“That’s Greg, the youth pastor.”

Amy popped up holding two sodas. “Thanks, Amy,” I said, accepting both cans.

“Hey, Molly. How’s it going?” Greg asked as we approached the stage.

“Great. How are you?”

“Blessed.”

Bianca sighed, dropping her head, hair covering her face.

“Don’t I know you?” Greg asked, ignoring her exasperation.

“I used to come to church here when I was a kid,” she said, peering through her hair.

“Bianca?” he asked, his voice uncertain.

“In the flesh.”

“Wow, it’s been a long time. I was about your age last time I saw you,” he said. “That was your dad on the piano last Sunday. I’m putting it together now. Man, he is one talented musician.”

“The man’s a genius, what can I say?” she said flatly.

“Come up. I want to introduce you.” He offered his hand to her.

“I’m cool down here.”

I set our snacks on a plastic chair.

“Well, I’ll come to you, then.” He hopped down from the stage, landing between Bianca and me, microphone in hand. “Listen up!” he boomed. “This is Bianca Ravenwood, and I want you to welcome her to Cornerstone Youth!”

Applause rang as Bianca’s second blush of the evening crept over her porcelain cheeks. Greg thrust the orange-tipped microphone in front of her. “Would you like to testify?”

“
No!
” She glared at Greg and pushed away the microphone as he snickered, eyes sparkling.

Sandy crossed the room and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Bianca. I’m Sandy. I absolutely love your hair.”

“Thanks,” Bianca said, shaking Sandy’s hand.

“Let’s get this Jesus party started!” Greg yelled into the mic, cuing the musicians. Isaac slid behind the drums, and Saul strapped his guitar over his shoulder, while Kim took the microphone from the stand. She gazed around the room, then closed her eyes and sang, low and sweet, without music.

People lifted their voices, some talking aloud to God, thanking him, some singing. Instruments joined in and the music intensified, elevating the energy in the room. The atmosphere was exhilarating, like Dizzy’s show—without the drama. Kim swung her shiny braid and raised a hand into the air while she sang. I stole a glance at Bianca as she grasped her Bible to her chest, pointed-boot tapping in rhythm on the floor.

“Amen!” Greg shouted, jogging to the stage when the song ended. “Thank you, Jesus!” he exclaimed as everyone clapped. I clapped for Jesus this time.

“Okay, folks, let’s continue to worship the Lord by bringing Him our prayer requests.”

“We can sit now,” I whispered to Bianca.

“I want to pray for my mom’s cancer again,” Lance said, his scruffy hair a little shorter than last time.

“We definitely will, my friend. And do you remember what I told you last week?”

“God created her and can heal her, too.”

“Absolutely right,” Greg said, giving Lance a firm nod. “Anybody else have a need?”

“I’d like to pray for my mom and dad. They’ve been fighting a lot and I’m afraid they might get divorced,” a girl with purple-streaked hair said.

“Okay, Lydia. We’ll pray for God to bring peace to your home and also pray for His protection over you and your household. Remember our verse?”

“Greater is the One in me than the one who is in the world.”

“Yes, and Who is
the One
in you?”

“God.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Sandy walked to Lydia and put an arm around her shoulders.

“Anybody else?” Greg asked.

Saul raised his hand. “I need to, uh, apologize to someone and ask God’s forgiveness.”

“Very humble of you, Saul. Sounds like you’re doing it in the right order. The Bible says in Matthew five, the second sentence of verse twenty-four,
First go and be reconciled to your brother; and then come and offer your gift
.’”

“Well, it’s not my brother I betrayed,” Saul said, teasing. “It’s Bianca.”

Bianca snapped her head up and stared at him.

He stood, walked to her chair, and knelt. “I’m the one who told Misty about you coming to church. I kind of like her—
did
kind of like her. She was standing beside me in the hall when you walked by. I was just making conversation.”

“You used me to make conversation?” Bianca’s nostrils flared.

“I know it was a horrible thing to do. I had no idea she would confront you like that, that she was so mean. Anyway, I am extremely sorry. What I did was wrong on so many levels. I hope you will forgive me, but if not, I understand.”

Bianca stared at him.

Saul shifted, still kneeling beside her chair.

Her rigid shoulders melted. “You’re not the only one who’s made a bad decision that hurt someone.” She looked over at me and then returned her gaze to him. “Too-tall Saul, I deem thee forgiven.” She raised her chin and cut her gaze down to him.

“Thank ye, Milady.” Saul rose and bowed low.

Something tugged my heart. “And Bianca, I really am sorry about those terrible things I said at the concert.” The words broke in my throat.

She nodded. “It’s okay.”

“Now, that’s what God likes to see. I’m really proud of you guys,” Greg said. “Let’s hit our knees and take our requests to the Lord.”

Several people moved to the wall and knelt under the
Kneeling Zone
sign as Greg prayed for us aloud. Bianca and I remained in our chairs, heads bowed. I silently prayed along with Greg this time, asking Jesus to come into my heart. Tears of joy washed through me, cleansing my soul before streaming down my face. I knew I’d made the right decision.

Perfect love drives out fear
. Did it ever. I was sitting in church, unafraid, next to Bianca. Only God’s perfect love could pull that one off.

I sat still, enjoying the warm rush of God’s love as it inflated my heart. After a few moments, I raised my head, amazed at how much lighter I felt. I wondered if Bianca felt lighter too.

After prayer, Sandy passed around the
Pray
Doh
can. Bianca snarled her nose at the childish container, her expression priceless. I clinked in fifty cents, plus two quarters for Bianca.

“Okay, I’m pumped to hear some praise reports,” Greg said.

“I made a B plus on that test we prayed about,” Isaac said.

“Fantastic. And did you study?”

“Sure did.”

“High-five, man.” Greg opened his palm to Isaac.

“Derek, how about you and Mr. Franklin?”

“It was hard to think of something nice to say. One day he was glaring at me while I played my game system and I told him—in a loud voice so I wouldn’t have to get close—that I missed how Mrs. Franklin used to bring me cookies. He didn’t say anything, just turned around real slow and went in his house. I felt kind of bad, afraid I’d hurt his feelings.” Derek looked down. “Anyway, I didn’t see him for a couple days. Then yesterday, I was on the porch and he walked to the fence and glared, like always. But this time he called me over. I was scared, but I went anyway. And he…”

“He what?”

“Gave me a box of chocolate chip cookies.”

Greg struggled to speak over the laughter that filled the room. “So, do you think what we talked about is true? Maybe hurt turns into anger and causes people to be unfriendly sometimes, even when they want to be nice?”

“Yeah, I think that’s true. My dad still hates Mr. Franklin’s guts, though.”

“Maybe you can work on him next,” Greg said. “I’m proud of you, Derek.”

A familiar chime rang through the loudspeaker.

“Lenni’s doorbell?” Bianca whispered, looking around.

“One more thing,” Greg said above the noise. “Anybody know last week’s memory verse?” I raised my hand, and he nodded to me.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews, chapter eleven, verse one.”

“Right on, Molly. Good job.”

My face warmed. “Thanks.”

“Youth, have a great week, and I’ll see you Sunday.”

Bianca and I rose and tucked our Bibles under our arms.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“So, what’d you think?” I asked.

Bianca shrugged. “It was okay, I guess.” Her mask was cracking, I could see right through it.

Her father walked into the church foyer, accompanied by several men from the congregation. “You are truly gifted, Seth. We are so pleased you’ve returned,” Mr. Piper said, patting his back.

“Thank you. It feels really good to be back. Amazing, in fact.” Seth’s smile lit his eyes—clear like green glass.

“I was kind of looking forward to the piano smoke effects again, though. Guess you pounded all the dust out last week.”

“I was so nervous, I probably
shook
all of the dust out.”

“Certainly didn’t show. You’re a natural on the keys.” Pastor Jacobs pumped Seth’s hand. “Please, consider joining the Cornerstone men’s ministry. We get together the last Friday evening of each month. Sometimes we go to dinner or bowling instead of gathering here at the church. There’s a meeting this Friday night.”

“Sounds good, but I’ll have to check my schedule. I’m starting a new job tomorrow.”

“Hey, Dad,” Bianca said, pecking his cheek. “You ready?”

“Let’s roll.” He smiled and fished the keys from his pocket. I giggled as he pulled out the ruby slipper key chain. “I really need to get this back to your mom.” He put an arm around Bianca and they walked to the jeep. Seth opened the door for her.

I inhaled the cool, evening air. It was almost dark. Mrs. Piper would want me to ride with her or on Mr. Cecil’s bus.

I jumped at the loud blare of a horn. “Molly, need a ride?” Bianca waved.

“Sure.” I jogged the few steps to the jeep.

“Now it’s your turn to be crammed into the cargo space,” she teased, turning up the radio. We sang with Dizzy on the short ride to my house.

“Thanks, Mr. Ravenwood. See you in the morning, Bianca.”

“Oh, Dad’s going to drive me to school before he goes to work.” Bianca latched onto his arm.

“Okay. See you at school.” I squeezed from behind the seat.

“Scary witch.” Seth gazed at my front porch.

“I’ve seen scarier,” Bianca said.

I waved and bounded up the walkway, light as a feather. Boo met me at the door. I scooped him up and walked through the house calling for Mom and Dad.

“In here.” Mom’s voice carried into the hallway from the bathroom. “I’m just stepping into the shower.”

“Where’s Dad?” I asked, cracking the door an inch.

“Bowling,” she said, her voice lilting. “This time he didn’t even stop to change clothes. He actually went to the bowling alley in his button-down shirt and neck tie.”

“Hope he doesn’t strike out.”

“It’s bowling. Getting a strike is a good thing,” Mom said, peering around the shower curtain.

“Okay, in that case, I hope he does strike out. I’m going upstairs.”

“Aren’t you going to eat something? Leftovers are in the fridge.”

“Nah, I snacked at church. Oh, and Bianca’s dad got the job.”

“Yes, your father told me. He seemed excited for Seth.”

“Me, too,” I said. “Night, Mom.”

I carried Boo through the house and up the stairs before sinking into a honeysuckle bubble bath. I texted Lenni from the tub.

How was the play?
I set the phone on the side of the bathtub and shaved my legs.

Ms. V got roses after. I did okay too. Only forgot one line. LOL.

I bet u rocked. Mom taking us to school tomorrow. Bianca riding with Seth. Pick u up.

K. Nite.

I closed my eyes and soaked until the bubbles dissolved.

* * *

Lenni ran down her porch steps and raced over the walkway toward the van. I slid open the door.

“Hey, Molly, Madeline,” she chirped.

“You’re bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” Mom observed.

Lenni stared blankly.

“She means you seem to have lots of energy this morning,” I translated.

“I feel fantastic.” She wiggled around in the backseat. “Molly, I had the most amazing dream last night. I dreamed that you, Bianca, and me were onstage performing
Toil and Trouble
, but it was different somehow.” She knit her brow. “Anyway, we brought the house down! We were fabulous. We all got flowers and real acting jobs. There were casting directors in the audience, and we became famous!”