“She is.” I rub the back of my neck. “Went to her church last week.”
“Yeah? What did you think?”
“I’m interested in learning more but not sure that place is for me.” I shrug, not sure what else to say.
“Did you truly not like it, or were you distracted knowing she was there?”
I frown, considering the question. “A little bit of both, honestly. I think it was the sermon. It didn’t wow me.” I stop. “Is it supposed to wow you?”
“Or at least make you think.”
“Yeah, the worship music made me think, but not the sermon.”
“Come to my church. Maybe it’s more your speed.”
“You think?” Was there a difference in churches?
“Definitely. The best thing you can do for your faith journey is find the place where you click. There’s probably always going to be something that doesn’t wow you, but overall, you should feel like your spirit is getting fed. If it is, if you’re learning from a biblically accurate church, then that’s half the battle.”
“What’s the other half?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“Walking it out.”
28
Val
Normally I enjoy a train ride. You get in, open a book, and get off when you reach your stop. It’s tranquil (or maybe that’s my ability to block out sound when reading), and the motion of the train lulls my body into a peaceful state. However, today, my heart is in overdrive thinking of my upcoming date with Jabari.
Will it be like all the times we’ve voice texted or chatted on the phone? Will it be worse than the blind date fiasco? Because sometimes I’m still shocked I’ve become good friends with Jackie’s ex. Or will all my worry be for naught, and I’ll have the best second date ever?
“Want to talk about what’s got you brooding?” Fran quips with an arched brow. She sets her phone down in her lap.
“If you’ll share why you’ve been doomscrolling for the past hour.”
She huffs out a laugh, then drops her head in her hand.
Uh-oh. Something is definitely bothering Fran. “Okay, speak up. Looks like you need to go first.”
“I’m going to be a mom,” she squeaks. Fran drops her hand, and I’m able to see misty eyes and furrowed brows.
Baby sister is panicking, and I’m not sure I have any wisdom to give. I’m not a mom, and though I adore Ollie with all my heart,all I’ve ever done is give him back to his parents and go home. There are no late-night feedings, no crying with the baby because he won’t stop crying.
Lord,how doI comfort Fran?
You’re never alone.
The words flow through my mind at the gentle reminder that God is always with us. Immanuel. I smile, and Fran’s eyes widen.
“What’s that smile for? Are you enjoying my anxiety? Is this payback for all the times I’ve been a brat since birth?” There’s a slight hysteria to her questions. Girl is spiraling.
“Fran.” I reach for her hand. We’re in our own train car and sitting across from each other. However, it’s not like this space is so spacious that the reach is straining my muscles. “You’re not alone in this. I know Derrick won’t be in the picture, but you have me. And eventually our family will come around and rally beside you. You and the baby won’t do this alone.”
Her misty-eye expression turns into a full-on cry fest. “I hate pregnancy hormones,” she sobs.
I search my purse for tissues and pass her a pack. This past week, Fran’s discovered she has tear ducts like the rest of society. Only she’s not taking it so well. It takes all my strength not to chuckle at her overly emotional display.
After Fran dries her eyes, she lets out a deep sigh. “I don’t think I can do this, Val. I’m too young.”
