Bastian Scott would have to learn to swallow his arguments. To tamp down his anger. It was the only way he’d be able to stay.
Bastian hesitated for a moment. “I left my things back in my car at the bottom of the hill—”
“Someone will go and fetch them tomorrow,” Pastor snapped, frowning.
“I can’t leave my car there. And I don’t really see anywhere to park the thing.” Bastian looked around at the open fields. The thick forest.
“We all must make sacrifices to join God. This must be yours,” Pastor intoned solemnly, though his mouth twitched, as though trying not to smile.
Bastian seemed confused. “My sacrifice? You mean my car?”
Pastor steepled his hands together beneath his chin, bowing his head. “We all must give if we are to receive.”
I had no idea what he was talking about. Another of Pastor’s riddles. Bastian looked as though he wanted to demand an explanation, but I knew he wouldn’t get one. Not until Pastor Carter was ready to give it.
“You’ll get your things, Bastian. Don’t worry about it tonight,” I said, jumping in before he angered Pastor.
“Yeah, okay. Thanks.” Bastian gave me a stiff smile and then followed the Pastor to the truck. After a heartbeat, I joined him.
David got out as we approached and held the door open. “I can sit in the back,” he insisted.
“Sara will be all right, David,” Pastor Carter assured him. “It’s important we have this time to talk before we reach The Retreat.” Pastor gave me a piercing look. Why did I get the sense he blamed me for something?
My heart quivered slightly.
My skin went frigid. It had nothing to do with the cold rain.
This had gone upside down very quickly. I wondered if all arrivals were this unnerving.
“I’ll be fine back here, David. You need to be with Pastor,” I said.
I hopped in the bed of the truck before anyone else could say anything.
Bastian joined me, sitting on the opposite side. He looked at me a little too long. I tried to ignore him. I turned my face away. But I felt his eyes on me like a physical thing.
I pulled my sleeves down over my hands, trying not to give any indication of how chilly I was. I ducked my chin into my chest, attempting to shelter my face from the rain as much as possible.
Bastian unzipped his coat and handed it to me. “Here,” he said gruffly.
I looked at him in confusion.
Bastian sighed and shook the coat. “Put it on. You look like you’re going to freeze.”
I shook my head. “I’m fine. I’m used to the rain and cold,” I remarked haughtily.
This time Bastian did roll his eyes. “Fine, suit yourself.” He put the coat back on and pulled the hood up over his head. A few minutes later the sky opened up and the rain poured down. I was soaked in seconds.
I berated myself for not accepting the coat when it was offered.
We bounced along the poorly graveled path. I could barely see anything and that was just as well. It felt good to be hidden. I was too busy being wet and miserable anyway.
“You sure you don’t want my coat?” Bastian asked.
“I’m fine,” I all but shouted, trying to stop my teeth from chattering.
“Hmm,” I heard Bastian say.
“What?” I asked, finding his presence grating, particularly with rain running down the back of my too thin shirt.
