sorry, that film just totally freaks me. I actually closed my eyes during a couple of scenes. I cannot believe I signed on for this. I’m wondering if there’s any way to back out. Oh, I probably won’t. Not really. But I’m not looking forward to this. Not one little bit.
Friday, December 22
Christmas (or winter) break officially began today. And not a moment too soon either. As much as I like school, I am so ready for some downtime. All this stuff with Nat, combined with writing my column, helping out at the Paradiso, and keeping up with homework, not to mention violin practice, is starting to wear on me. I was looking forward to just hanging out on the home front. And maybe I’d even put up some Christmas decorations or try out some of Mom’s Christmas recipes.
I tried to talk Nat into going to the youth group’s annual Christmas party with me last night, but she wouldn’t even consider it.
“It’ll be fun, Nat. And you’ve been stuck in the house all day.”
“Yeah, like I want to show up looking big as a cow so that everyone can get a good laugh at my expense. Think again, Kim.”
“They wouldn’t do that. They’re Christians and they—”
“Christians can be some of the meanest,” she says, shaking her head. “Trust me, I know this to be true.”
I have a feeling she’s talking about her mom. But I also remember a time when Nat was pretty vicious to me for dating Matt last year. Of course, I know better than to remind her. She’s miserable enough as it is.
Finally, I’m about to leave, and Nat, looking frighteningly like a beached whale, is flopped out on the leather couch, remote in hand, and staring glassy-eyed at the TV. It’s a good thing my dad’s at his grief group tonight, because I’m pretty sure he would not appreciate this image in his family room.
“Sure you won’t change your mind?”
She just rolls her eyes. “Forget it, Kim. I’m not moving.”
Okay, I do feel a little guilty as I leave, especially since I’m leaving her all alone, but not guilty enough to stay home. And it’s not that I can’t see her point. I’m sure if I were in her shoes—or pink bunny slippers, as is the case tonight—I’d be keeping a low profile too. (Although that metaphor doesn’t work so well for someone in Nat’s condition.)
Also, I realize as I drive to church, it’s possible that. Ben could be there tonight. Okay, it’s not likely. But I saw Chloe today at the Paradiso, and she told me that Josh is keeping pretty close tabs on Ben, making sure that boy sticks to his rehab agreement as well as going to churchregularly. Even so, I seriously doubt that Ben will be showing his face around youth group anytime soon.
I’m surprised at how many cars are in the parking lot. And the party looks pretty packed. When I go in I notice some new faces, which I think might have to do with our clandestine outreach ministry at the Paradiso. Allie and I made sure to invite Marissa and Spencer tonight, although I would be shocked to see either of them. Redemption is going to do some music, and Spencer admitted that their little “girl band” is pretty impressive. So who knows?
I mix and mingle with friends and am having a pretty good time, when my cell phone rings. I didn’t even know it was on. I answer it but can hardly hear over the noise. Finally, I go outside to hear better.
“Kim!” Nat is screaming. “It’s time! I’m in labor! Get home now!”
My hands are shaking, and I’m trying to think. “But that’ll take too long,” I say. “Why don’t I just meet you at the hospital?”
“You want me to drive?” she yells.
“Call your mom. Have her drive you.”
Now the line is so quiet that I think I’ve lost my connection or maybe she’s passed out from the pain. “NAT! Are you there?”
“I can’t call my mom,” she sobs. “You’re my coach, Kim. Please, I need you.”
“Fine. Just be ready, okay. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Hopefully I won’t get
Friday, December 22
Christmas (or winter) break officially began today. And not a moment too soon either. As much as I like school, I am so ready for some downtime. All this stuff with Nat, combined with writing my column, helping out at the Paradiso, and keeping up with homework, not to mention violin practice, is starting to wear on me. I was looking forward to just hanging out on the home front. And maybe I’d even put up some Christmas decorations or try out some of Mom’s Christmas recipes.
I tried to talk Nat into going to the youth group’s annual Christmas party with me last night, but she wouldn’t even consider it.
“It’ll be fun, Nat. And you’ve been stuck in the house all day.”
“Yeah, like I want to show up looking big as a cow so that everyone can get a good laugh at my expense. Think again, Kim.”
“They wouldn’t do that. They’re Christians and they—”
“Christians can be some of the meanest,” she says, shaking her head. “Trust me, I know this to be true.”
I have a feeling she’s talking about her mom. But I also remember a time when Nat was pretty vicious to me for dating Matt last year. Of course, I know better than to remind her. She’s miserable enough as it is.
Finally, I’m about to leave, and Nat, looking frighteningly like a beached whale, is flopped out on the leather couch, remote in hand, and staring glassy-eyed at the TV. It’s a good thing my dad’s at his grief group tonight, because I’m pretty sure he would not appreciate this image in his family room.
“Sure you won’t change your mind?”
She just rolls her eyes. “Forget it, Kim. I’m not moving.”
Okay, I do feel a little guilty as I leave, especially since I’m leaving her all alone, but not guilty enough to stay home. And it’s not that I can’t see her point. I’m sure if I were in her shoes—or pink bunny slippers, as is the case tonight—I’d be keeping a low profile too. (Although that metaphor doesn’t work so well for someone in Nat’s condition.)
Also, I realize as I drive to church, it’s possible that. Ben could be there tonight. Okay, it’s not likely. But I saw Chloe today at the Paradiso, and she told me that Josh is keeping pretty close tabs on Ben, making sure that boy sticks to his rehab agreement as well as going to churchregularly. Even so, I seriously doubt that Ben will be showing his face around youth group anytime soon.
I’m surprised at how many cars are in the parking lot. And the party looks pretty packed. When I go in I notice some new faces, which I think might have to do with our clandestine outreach ministry at the Paradiso. Allie and I made sure to invite Marissa and Spencer tonight, although I would be shocked to see either of them. Redemption is going to do some music, and Spencer admitted that their little “girl band” is pretty impressive. So who knows?
I mix and mingle with friends and am having a pretty good time, when my cell phone rings. I didn’t even know it was on. I answer it but can hardly hear over the noise. Finally, I go outside to hear better.
“Kim!” Nat is screaming. “It’s time! I’m in labor! Get home now!”
My hands are shaking, and I’m trying to think. “But that’ll take too long,” I say. “Why don’t I just meet you at the hospital?”
“You want me to drive?” she yells.
“Call your mom. Have her drive you.”
Now the line is so quiet that I think I’ve lost my connection or maybe she’s passed out from the pain. “NAT! Are you there?”
“I can’t call my mom,” she sobs. “You’re my coach, Kim. Please, I need you.”
“Fine. Just be ready, okay. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Hopefully I won’t get
Similar Books
