“It just is.” Pastor Gray wiggled under the weight of her scrutiny.
“Because an egg hunt reaches more people?”
“Well, there is that.”
Mrs. Graff raised her eyebrows. “But didn’t Jesus leave the ninety-nine for one?”
“That’s not fair.” Pastor Gray’s shoulders sagged in defeat.
Elijah continued to observe, mesmerized by the interaction. Somewhere in the midst of this, there were lessons to learn and unpack, but they were hidden from his understanding.
“Life’s not fair, George. We all know that.” Mrs. Graff loosened her aggressive stance. “Trixie might not even agree. All I’m asking is for the opportunity to invite her participation. She’s hurting and needs our love.”
Pastor Gray released another sigh. “I’ve seen how you and Ray have suffered in Trixie’s absence and Hunter’s incarceration. We don’t always understand why our children make the decisions they do, especially when they were raised by great parents, but if you think this will bring Trixie back to church, then you have my okay to ask her to play Mary.”
“Thank you.” A bittersweet smile didn’t display the victory on Mrs. Graff that Elijah had expected after her fierce offense. “If anyone gives you grief, I’ll take the blame.”
“No, this is my church, and I’ll stand behind my decisions.” Pastor Gray stood. “You focus on your daughter and being her support.”
“If Trixie plays Mary, who will play Joseph?” Elijah looked to Pastor Gray. “It would hardly be appropriate to have a teen paired with a grown woman.”
“That’s easy.” Pastor winked at Mrs. Graff then smiled at Elijah. “You’ll be Joseph.”
“But…” The sharp jerk of the pastor’s eyes cut off any protest, but Elijah had lots of thoughts he’d need forgiveness for later. “Okay, I’ll be Joseph.”
Chapter Four
“I can’t do this, Mom.” Trixie stood in the bathroom at church, staring at herself in full costume. Anxiety had taken root in her spirit earlier that day and wouldn’t let go. “How can I go in front of all these people pretending to be a virginal teen about to give birth to the Savior of the world? I’m the last person He’d want to take this role.”
“Or maybe you’re the exact person to play Mary.” Mom slid an arm around her shoulder, and they looked in the mirror together. “What do you see?”
“A young woman who looks older than she is, who’s hurt her family because of her own selfishness, and messed up royally in life.”
Mom squeezed her close. “Do you know what I see? My beautiful daughter who is trying hard to give her own daughter the best life possible. A woman who has made mistakes like every other person in this world, and one whom God loves. If we were all perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus, would we?”
“No, but—”
“But nothing. Sins have different consequences, but they’re all equal in that they separate us from God. And when you look at it that way, there’s no difference between you running off or me putting too much pressure on you.”
“I’m still not convinced. But thank you.” She looked again in the mirror. In the two weeks since she’d come home, her appearance had changed for the better. Her rich brown hair shined once again, and her hazel eyes sparked with life. She’d gained a few pounds which filled out her cheeks, and she no longer looked sickly.
Life had improved greatly, but the emotional and spiritual trauma would take longer to heal.
“One day at a time, that’s all you can do.” Mom let go of her and stepped back. “I have to get everyone into position. Will you be okay?”
“I guess.”
After her mom left, Trixie went outside. She leaned against the exterior brick wall and breathed in the freezing air. Most of the people who’d be in attendance tonight had known her since she was a baby, and they also knew her story. They knew she’d run off and disappeared, then recently returned with a baby in tow.
She could only imagine the gossip flying around. Where had she gone? Who was the dad? Why was she back?
How had Mom even convinced the pastor to have her play Mary? First Community Church had never been known for lenient policies. Many members still wore suits and Sunday best dresses, unlike Jasper Lake Bible which was known for its more laidback atmosphere. To be honest, that’s where she’d thought she’d try attending church, once she decided to step foot in one again.
As fate, or a higher power, would have it, here she was, playing Mary at her childhood church where everyone’s eyes would be on her. So much for an inconspicuous return. However, she knew if she had Pastor Gray’s acceptance, no one would say anything. Not to her face at least. As long as they didn’t treat Alice any different. They could ignore her or be false friends or whatever to her, but she wouldn’t have her daughter slighted.
She hadn’t needed to worry about that so far. When she’d dropped Alice off at the nursery earlier, Mrs. Whitman had fussed over her like she would her own grandchild. Her prodigal return had been too easy thus far. It should make her happy, but she couldn’t shake the feeling the anvil would fall soon.
Three cars pulled into the parking lot, letting her know it was time to go inside. Mom and Elijah Brewer wanted every cast member in place before the church members arrived, otherwise it would “break the magic of theatre”.
