Entry #521201, added on 06-28-08 @ 7:43 pm EDT
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| Part One - Chapter Five: I'll Always Be Your Friend | Entry #521201 |
Chapter Five
The bus turned into a parking lot filled with more cars than I had ever seen. Towering over it stood a huge white brick building, several stories tall: The First Baptist Church in downtown Fort Worth. We went to Sunday school class, then attended the services. A man in a dark gray suit pointed to the back of the church for all those who lived in the projects to sit.
I asked him, “Why do we have to sit in the back? I don’t think I can see.”
He was nice, but said, “That’s where y’all always sit.”
The preacher talked of giving yourself to Christ and becoming a true Christian. He spoke of all the things God would do to make your life better if you would just give yourself over to him. He would protect you. I remember the word “protect.” At the end of the services several people lined up at the front of the audience.
The choir sang, “Just As I Am.”
I thought for a moment. “Come on Benji, let’s go to the front.”
Several people walked by, and I grabbed Benji by the hand. “Come on,” I said again. “Let’s go become God’s children.”
She protested, “No!”
I yanked her hand and demanded she go with me. We got up, entered the aisle, and walked to the front where a woman stood with a bible in her hand. She asked us to return to our seats.
I held Benji’s hand tightly and told the woman, “No, we want to be saved.”
Benji stood there white-faced, but I was determined.
The woman knelt down and said gently, “Do you understand what this means?”
I replied, “Yes, we will be God’s children and he will protect us.”
She asked, “Do you want to dedicate your life to Christ?”
I said, “Yes, I do.”
She then asked Benji the same thing. Benji nodded.
We knelt with her and recited a prayer.
The woman stood up and said, “You are saved. God has heard your prayers today.”
A warmth spread over me as we walked back up the aisle. I happily looked everyone we passed in the eye . Suddenly they all seemed friendlier. Their smiles, broad and heartfelt, told me I had done something special. Even Benji lightened up and smiled.
The whole bus ride home I thought of telling David, Les and Kathy about getting saved. Mom was at work. She worked Sundays to get the extra money needed to feed us. I hoped to tell her when she came home that night.
I looked over at Benji and she stared out the bus window as she did before. In my mind I felt like it was all going to be okay for her now. I held her hand.
We stepped off the bus at the entrance to the projects.
Benji turned to me and asked, “Can I come to your house for a while, Lisa?”
I said, “Yes, but I have to get my things from your place first. If I don't, I'll get in trouble.”
“My sister will let you in. I’ll just wait at the playground for you."
When I knocked on the door Kay opened it as she was leaving.
“Kay, I left my toothbrush and PJ’s. I need to get them.”
She pushed me aside and said, “I don’t care.” She left through the door and I realized she didn't even bother to ask where Benji might be.
I went in and up the stairs. I grabbed my bag and headed back down still thinking of telling everyone about church. Brian walked in the door. I froze for a second, then tried to ignore him and ease past him. He grabbed my arm and spun me around. I trembled as he looked down at me for a long moment. I struggled to find my breath and began to pant heavily. I felt like passing out. He gripped my arm so tightly it numbed my hand.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” he asked with a leer on his face.
I stared at him. “Home.”
I looked around to see if anyone else was in the room. We were alone.
“Sit down,” he said and pulled me to the sofa with him.
My blood raced and I could feel my heart beating faster. He leaned over and put his hand on my thigh.
“You’re really pretty. How old are you?” he asked.
I pulled away, and scooted back from him.
“I’m nine, and I have two big brothers that can beat you up. So, you better leave me alone.”
He leaned forward, grabbed the back of my hair and pulled me toward him. The room seemed to spin as I tried to pull free. He smelled like an ashtray; something dead emanated from his mouth as he placed it over mine.
I turned my head and cried out, “Leave me alone.”
I kicked furiously, hit him between the legs, and he let go. I ran to the door and out as fast as I could. He yelled, “You little bitch.”
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© Copyright 2008 L. A. Powell (UN: lisapowell at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
L. A. Powell has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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Content Rating Notice: Recommended for Readers 18 Years and Older Only
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