Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father(13)

Me, too.

Thankfully, talk of Roland doesn’t throw me that far off balance. I trained myself in prayer, writing, and meditation to do almost anything besides flinch or falter at his name. I swallow hard before I speak.

“Yeah,” I pretend to agree with Eden. “I thought he was on some mission trip? South America?”

“Africa,” Maggie corrects. I knew that, but have carefully chosen the things about Pastor Abbot that I’ll actually know. “He returned yesterday in time for tomorrow’s service. This is a break from tradition for CU, as you all know. Usually an esteemed faculty is tapped to give the welcome to students. That’s why it’s been kept quiet, to keep the surprise. We were given permission from the university to share the exciting news with you all.” Her impossibly wide smile highlights her excitement and is mirrored throughout the room.

As everyone scatters back to their rooms or wherever they’re allowed to go before curfew, I listen to the chatter. Of course the news is exciting. Roland was carefully selected to lead New Life Church and act as a spiritual liaison for CU. He’s young, attractive, passionate about Jesus, and politically cautious.

The beginning bit sealed the deal for his current job placement. “Most fundamental churches and universities lack the finesse necessary to reach a young and struggling generation,” New Life was quoted as saying upon hiring Roland. Apparently he has this finesse, and that’s why they hired my birth father—after lengthy prayer, of course.

Initially, the faculty and board of CU was skeptical, worried that a “liberal” pastor would come in and attempt to change doctrine and therefore undermine the principles of the university. Roland’s liberal nature, the university was assured, is in his speech and dress alone. He’s often seen preaching in jeans, t-shirts, and Converse sneakers. According to the papers, regardless of his unconventional dress, his focus on the inerrancy of the Bible is fully intact.

Whatever the hell that means.

Crap.

Heck.

Whatever.





CHAPTER FIVE


Courageous


“Are you feeling okay? You fell asleep like right when we got back last night.” Eden fusses over her curls while I carefully apply mascara in the bathroom. Bridgette is in the shower.

I keep my eyes focused on my lashes. “Much better, thanks. Yesterday was crazy busy and I had a long drive.”

Eden smiles, seemingly satisfied with my answer, then hollers over her shoulder, “Hurry up, Bridge, we can’t be late for service! Especially our first one.”

“Don’t worry,” Bridgette calls back. “I didn’t wash my hair. I’ll be out in a sec.”

In truth, I didn’t fall asleep before midnight, but I kept my eyes tightly closed as soon as I crawled under the covers. I didn’t want to pray with my roommates again. I didn’t want to talk about the cute boys from the dining hall, though listening to their appraisals was fun—including speculation of what was under their t-shirts. Fit or Flub? They’d never know unless they happened to catch them at the pool. Moreover, I didn’t want to talk about the excitement over hearing Pastor Roland preach tomorrow.

Which was now today.

I just wanted to sleep. Or try to sleep. I texted my mother around eleven, telling her we were just finishing up with our activities and church would be early, so I’d call her after my first CU service was over the next morning.

I lied to her, which was nothing new for me. Like any teenager—well, any that I knew before yesterday—I’ve told my fair share of half-truths and white lies. But I also lied in a bigger way by not telling her about Roland preaching today.

“You were quiet last night during the floor meeting,” Eden remarks as she dusts the apples of her cheeks with light pink blush. Just enough. Not too much.

“I’ve never been that vocal in prayer,” I admit with a shrug. “In my church at home there are some group prayers we say during the service, but for the most part, Episcopalians are fairly private with that stuff. Corporate prayer—that’s the term, right? It’s new to me.”

Eden smiles at her reflection before turning the sunlight of her grin toward me. Placing one manicured hand on my shoulder, she tilts her head to the side. “I thought that might be it. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it, and before you know it you’ll be adding your voice to the mix.”

Something about the hopeful tone in her voice makes me believe her. Before setting foot on campus, I would have assumed a comment like that would make me want to throw a shoe at her. Instead, I trust her.

“I’ve also never attended a fundamental church service. This will be my first.”

Bridgette slides out of the shower stall fully dressed. “Well, you couldn’t get a finer introduction.” She giggles and squares herself in the mirror.

The color in Eden’s cheeks deepens as she laughs along with Bridgette.

“What do you mean?” I ask, zipping my makeup bag.

“Pastor Roland,” Eden starts, then stops herself as she checks under the bathroom stalls and in the showers. “He’s cute,” she whispers.

My mouth falls open as I shift my gaze between my blushing roommates.

Bridgette bites her lip. “Sorry. Did we offend you? You don’t seem that upti—”

“No, no,” I cut her off, shaking my head. “That’s not it. I just… I wasn’t sure if you were…like…” I allow a soft chuckle before looking down. “He’s a good preacher though, too, right?” I do my best to divert attention away from my birth father’s appearance…and my lack of social grace.