“We confess that the life of our student body at Hamilton High has not been pleasing to You, and we ask You to come into our midst now. Your Holy Spirit is welcome here, God. We love You, and we ask for Your changing power in this place. Speak to us through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Cami uttered the quietest gasp. She didn’t believe the words, couldn’t make sense of them. Some kind of holy talk. Still, something had happened inside her while Principal Quinn was praying. Something she hadn’t expected. A shiver ran along Cami’s spine and down her arms. Whatever was happening to her, it continued while Principal Quinn opened his Bible and read Jeremiah 29:11:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Followed by John 3:16:For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
It happened while Principal Quinn assured the students that the words were true. And the strange sensation continued as the Chick-fil-A sandwiches were handed out. Then there was something that hadn’t happened to Cami in forever.
The angry voice beside her didn’t say a word. And another thing. Her notebook was empty. She hadn’t written down a single thing to report about Principal Quinn.
When the meeting was over, Cami felt different. More free somehow. Jordy came up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Glad you were here.” His eyes shone with kindness. “Better than being in the parking lot across the street.”
She nodded, feeling the heat in her cheeks. “I’m... I’m glad I came.”
Which was crazy. Because it wasn’t only something to say to the cutest boy in school. Her words were actually true. Shewasglad she came. Glad anger had stopped yelling at her for a full hour, and glad she’d heard two things today. Whether God was real and the words in the Bible were true or not, she wasn’t ready to turn in Principal Quinn just yet. She couldn’t resist the idea that God had good plans for her.
And God loved her. Because one thing was sure.
That was more than Cami could say for her parents.
4
Alicia showed up at Wendell’s office door just as the sun was setting. At first Wendell’s heart filled with possibility. They hadn’t gotten to talk after school and he could hardly wait to share the news about the success of the first Raise the Bar meeting. Maybe the program wouldn’t cause her additional panic attacks after all. But as soon as Wendell ushered her into his office his enthusiasm died.
Her eyes were red and her makeup was all but worn off.
She shut the door behind her and searched his face. “Hold me, Wendell. Please.”
Wendell’s heart pounded in his chest. He didn’t say a word, just drew her close. Was this the breakup he’d been expecting? He closed his eyes briefly and ran his hand along the back of her head. “I’m here.”
For a while neither of them said anything. Then Alicia drew back and studied him. “You were brilliant. At the meeting today.”
Where was this going? He chose his words carefully. “You only stayed ten minutes.”
“That’s all it took.” Fresh tears filled her eyes. “Every word you said... the students loved it. They loved you.” She smiled, and despite her tears the joy on her face seemed genuine. “It’s going to be a huge success, Wendell.” Her smile dimmed. “Until someone stops you, it’ll make a tremendous impact.”
“But... you didn’t stay.”
“I couldn’t.” Her eyes looked closed off. More of the fear from earlier today. She took a step back, distancing herself. “My heart started racing. I couldn’t catch my breath.” She hesitated. “I thought... I was going to die. For real this time.”
“Alicia...” He hated this. If only he could help her. “You won’t die. Please...”
“No.” She shook her head, her voice as broken as it was tender. “I’m not like you, Wendell. I told you, I’m not strong. And I need my job. As wonderful as this will be for the kids, it’s against the law. You know it is.”
Be gentle,he told himself. He drew a slow breath. “That’s your fear speaking, Alicia. Listen to yourself.” He kept his voice soft, his tone kind. “God will get us through this. Whatever happens. It’s not wrong to hold a voluntary club. I’ve been very careful in my research. Don’t you believe that?”
“Wendell, you’re not a lawyer.” Alicia wiped at her tears and shook her head, her eyes locked on the floor between them. “I need to think about things. About us. I need time.”
Time. There it was. Her way of stepping back. Ending things with him. The actual breakup was just a matter of days now. Wendell drew a slow breath. “Alicia, look at me.”
She lifted her eyes and there it was. Already she was pulling away from him.
Wendell brushed her hair back from her face. “You don’t have to be afraid. We can get through this together.” He hesitated. “Remember? You feel safe with me.”
“I did.” This time her expression told him she had all but made up her mind. “I don’t want to lose you... or the kids. But my doctor told me to avoid triggers.” She paced a few steps and then turned to him again. “Do you know how much it hurts me that you’re atrigger?” Tears spilled onto her cheeks.
“I’m not a trigger, Alicia.” Wendell held his hand out to her. “I love you.”
Her breathing was fast again, the way it was when he first watched her have a panic attack.
“No, baby.” Wendell reached for her hands. “Don’t do this. God’s here. He’s with us.”
