Chapter Fourteen, Part Three

         Both Aimee and Kristen looked so hopeful.  Elizabeth found it fascinating—she couldn’t help but think that she had been exactly like this when she had first visited.  Now she was far along on her journey to purification and salvation, she could hardly remember those moments of wonderment.  She couldn’t fully remember anymore what it felt to be an outsider looking in, but she was pretty sure that she hadn’t enjoyed it as much as being part of the Children.  How could she not like being in the Children more?  They were saving her, they were her path to Heaven and her path to being a better person.  Back when she was an outsider, she hadn’t known how it could feel to believe so strongly in these things, in the teachings of Pastor Simon.  She hadn’t known how it felt to have such great friends who were so concerned with her entire well-being, with her soul and her safety.  Elizabeth realized with a jolt that she liked this feeling still, the same feeling she had when she was baptized—that she was someone important.  She hadn’t always felt that in her family.  It was hard growing up with six siblings, but suddenly, even as a Level Two, she wasn’t lost in the mix.  Sandra cared, Delia cared, Morgan cared, Jacqueline cared, and now she got the chance to care for Aimee.  What more could a girl want but to be loved by a family that loved her back?

Chapter Fourteen, Part Two

May 11

            Aimee’s been on my mind for the last two days.  I can’t help but think that I was almost exactly like her only five months ago.  Savannah told Sandra that she’s been bringing Aimee to things for the last couple weeks.  She thinks that Aimee only needs a little bit more convincing before she’ll be ready to be baptized.  I can’t wrap my head around the fact that if I’m able to convert Aimee completely I’ll be a Rose Angel.

            “Elizabeth, for the love of all things good in the world, put your journal away!” Sandra cried for at least the third time on the car trip.  Elizabeth had honestly not heard her the first two times, she had been so deep in her own thoughts.

Chapter Fourteen, Part One

         Sandra picked Elizabeth up for worship earlier than usual the Sunday a week after the retreat.  As Elizabeth climbed into the car, adjusting her scarf frantically and trying to pin a few stray strands of hair back into her braid, Sandra gave her a hard look and pulled her hand away from the dark green scarf Elizabeth was picking at.

            “Stop it, Elizabeth, it looks fine,” Sandra ordered.

            Elizabeth nodded and put her hand into her lap.

            “We have more important things to talk about anyway.”

            “Is that why you picked me up so early?” Elizabeth asked.

            “Yes, it is.  Are you going to complain the entire way to the church?”

            Elizabeth shook her head, but didn’t say anything.  Sandra was clearly in a mood and she didn’t want to make her angrier than she already was.

            “Today is a big day for you, Elizabeth,” Sandra began as they backed out of the driveway and started down the street.