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Pure bliss. That’s the only way I can think to describe this moment.
***
“Thanks for letting me come to church with you,” I say once I’m sitting in Genesis’s car the next day.
“I was so happy that you asked.” Her smile is sincere just like every other part of her. It makes me wonder how there was ever a time I didn’t really like her.
Church starts out with what Genesis calls “worship time.” That’s when we sing from songs in the hymnal or ones that they project onto a screen at the front of the room. I use this time to pray over what to do about the possible Lydia situation. I’m still not exactly sure what I believe, but I hope throwing all of this out into the universe will help me in one way or another.
When the pastor comes to the front, she gives a sermon about taking a step back from things. She talks about how sometimes when we are too close to a situation or too invested, we can’t see it for what it really is. She says that it’s best to step away and let God take over. I’m not sure how much God will actually take over on this, but taking a step back might be a good idea. The thought of not passing notes back and forth with my mystery girl makes me so sad I can barely breathe, but if it is Lydia, I need more time to think about what to do. I need to figure out what it means to have certain reactions to her written words, but not to her. As the pastor said, I just need time.
After church, Genesis asks if I want to get lunch and I’m happy to oblige. Without my letters from maybe-not-so-mystery girl, I’m going to need something to fill the void. Lunch with Genesis seems like a good place to start.
We choose a little cafe that is a few minutes away from the church and both get wraps. The conversation is so good, I almost let myself forget about all of my confusion. Almost.
When we’re almost done, Genesis points down at her plate. “Do you want my pickle? I hate pickles. Everything about them grosses me out.”
I accept, and as I eat the pickle, my mind immediately goes to the note I found at my locker after Christmas break. My mystery girl loves pickles. I’ve seen Lydia eat pickles but I’ve never heard her obsess over them. Wouldn’t I know if my best friend since childhood was that obsessed with pickles? How could I miss that? Probably the same way I could miss that she’s gay and has a crush on me. Once again, my head is spinning.
“Everything okay?” Genesis asks.
“Great. Sorry. Just got caught up in my own thoughts for a second.”
“I get it. I’m the same way, especially after church.” She looks down at her phone. “I didn’t realize how long we’ve been here. I actually have to be somewhere soon. You okay if we head out?”
We get back into the car and I let my mind drift away as Genesis drives me back to my house. As soon as I’m inside, my phone vibrates inside my pocket. I pull it out to see a text from a number I don’t have saved.
Hey! This is Jocelyn. Your sister gave me your number. Do you think we could get together sometime to talk? Just the two of us?
I smile at my phone. Maybe there is a God. This is another great way to distract myself. Just tell me when and where.
Chapter 21
*Love Interest*
Two weeks. It’s been two full weeks since I’ve gotten a letter from Marjorie. I have no idea what I did wrong. All I can think of is that I gave myself away and now that she knows it’s me, she doesn’t want to talk to me. The confusing part is that nothing has changed between us in real life. If anything, we’ve only gotten closer.
“What do you think I did wrong?” I ask Bug for the millionth time.
Bug sighs. I know he’s so sick of this question. “Like I’ve told you every other time you’ve asked, I don’t think you did anything wrong. I think you’re overthinking it. It’s playoff time. Marjorie is probably just really busy.”
“That’s true.” I look over at the clock on my nightstand to check the time. “Speaking of which, I better get to her game.”
“Have fun!” Bug yells after me. “Stop overthinking everything.”
Believe it or not, being at Marjorie’s game actually keeps me from overthinking the lack of notes. Right now, all of my focus is on how amazing she is at basketball. Watching her on the court is like watching a professional dancer up on stage. She’s so smooth. So focused. She moves to the rhythm of a beat that’s deep within her heart. She loves this sport and I can see that in every single pass, shot, and dribble. It’s actually extremely beautiful.
I don’t notice that as I’m watching the game, Delilah is watching me. “You like her, don’t you?” she finally asks.
“Wh-what?” Her question takes me by complete surprise.
“You like Marjorie. I can tell by the way you’re watching her. I think you should go for it.”
“Wh-what?” Apparently, I’m in so much shock, that’s the only word I can form.
“I won’t tell anyone, obviously. You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve seen you two together though, and I think it works. You should consider being honest with her about it. I don’t think it will go the way you’ve convinced yourself it would.”
“Do you think our parents are getting to the point that they might want to move in together soon?” I ask the question to change the subject but also because I’m truly curious.
