EMMA
WOMEN’S CHURCH
The chairs were set in a large circle in the center of the room. In the middle of the chairs, a mat sat on the floor. The kind that you used when you were little in gym class, when you did tumbles and cartwheels.
Dear God, what have I gotten myself into?
Patty took my arm and walked us into the room. “Don’t be put off by the mat. You won’t have to sit on it your first time.”
I came to an abrupt halt. “What? Why would I have to sit on it in the first place?”
“It’s the sharing mat,” she answered.
“The sharing mat?” I echoed with uncertainty.
She smiled. “Yep. When you’re ready to share, you sit on the mat.”
“Share what?”
With a wink, she replied, “God will let you know.”
Plopping onto a chair, Patty went to the middle of the circle and clapped her hands. “Okay, ladies, it’s time to start the women’s church circle. We have a new member!”
A hush came over the room, and the women milling about turned to look at me, each clearly making her own assessment. One of them even pulled out a camera and took a picture…I’m pretty sure of me! The instant photo popped out of the front and the pretty blonde set it to the side, then opened what looked like a journal. She wrote something inside, occasionally looking back up at me.
Glancing around, I scouted out the nearest exits. A door across the room to the left. The door behind me, which I’d just walked through with Patty. Then there was one, two…three windows. I could easily escape through any of them if need be.
Tammy sat down next to me. “Don’t worry, you’re going to fall in love with these women.”
As each woman sat down, I took them in before leaning toward Tammy. “Did that one make a note about me after she took my picture?” I asked in a hushed tone.
“Shannon? Yes. She likes to journal everything, especially the first time she meets you. She’s also our resident photographer. Shannon captures all the important moments in the group. Especially if you break down and curl up into a fetal position on the mat. Those are one of her favorite shots to get. She’ll poke the beast if she thinks you’re on the edge, just to get a good shot.”
My hand flew up to my mouth. “Oh my gosh! Who curled up in a fetal position?”
“Me, for starters. When I found out I was pregnant for the second time. A few others have found themselves in a similar position for one reason or another.”
I couldn’t help but giggle.
More women sat down around the circle. One of them happened to be Rose. I breathed a little easier. Even with Tammy and Patty here, it was nice to see another face I knew.
Patty cleared her throat. “Ladies of the circle, this is Emma Middleton.”
They all smiled at me. Lifting my hand, I gave them my best grin. “Hello, ladies. It’s a pleasure.”
Patty walked up to Shannon. She was for sure the youngest of the group. She was also stunningly beautiful. Her blonde hair was up in the most adorable ponytail. “This is Shannon.”
Shannon nodded and flashed me a wide grin. It was the type of smile that forced you to smile back, even if you were in the worst possible mood.
“Then you have Landy here.”
Landy looked to be my age and she waved very enthusiastically. She had light brown hair that was pulled into a messy bun. Her warm blue eyes made me feel comfortable at once.
I waved back.
“This is Erin. She’s quiet, but don’t let that fool you.”
Erin’s cheeks turned red. She was also very pregnant. Another beautiful woman, with brown hair and eyes the color of fall. I couldn’t tell if they were brown, hazel, or a mix of both.
