chapter 07

On Monday morning, Melissa saw Kamden in the hall. Kamden missed five days of school and she didn't look well at all. Melissa knew that the grief of Susan Stedham's death had taken it's toll on her. She looked pale and emaciated.
Melissa walked up to her and hugged her. Kamden remained stiff as a board.
"It's good to see you. I've been worried."
"I went out of town for a few days and stayed with my dad. The counselor said that it might be best for me to take some time away. I walk in here and it all comes flooding back." Kamden stopped and wiped a tear from her cheek. "I don't think I'll ever be able to come back here without remembering Susan. I'm just not doing that good."
"How's Susan's parents?" Melissa asked.
"They're just shocked. They still don't understand what happened."
"Do you know what happened? I mean, why this happened?" Melissa asked, trying to conceal her knawing curiousity.
Kamden looked away, swallowed and then spoke, "I've got to go."
"What happened?" Melissa said persistantly.
"What difference does it make to you," Kamden said, becoming more angry, "It's not for anyone to know. It's none of your buisiness!"
"I'm not trying to be nosey. I just-"
Kamden interrupted her, "Just leave me alone! And let Susan rest in peace."

Justin had a strategy as he walked on campus. If he ran into Kandi, he'd invite her to the Bible study again. He'd play it cool. He only wished that he had some way of making her feel at ease about coming. He fantasized walking up to her and saying mechanically- "This is not a date. Repeat. This is not a date. Several students will gather at my house to discuss the Bible. Repeat- this is not a date."
Right after lunch the opportunity was there. Justin walked casually by as if he didn't see her (but of course he had) he took a deep nervous breath and prayed silently, sincerely- OK God- don't let me say anything stupid. "Hey Kandi. How's everything going?"
"Going great!" Kandi replied
"I'm Justin."
"Right."
"Are you finding your way around OK?" Justin asked.
"Whew, it's kind of been tough, mid semester and all."
"Hey, I was just wondering if you'd like to come to a Bible Study at my house."
"A what?"
"A Bible Study." Justin said.
"You mean like me and you?" Kandi asked tentatively.
"Yes- I mean no- Actually there are a bunch of us who meet every Monday night around 7:30-"
Kandi interrupted- "well sounds... interesting. I don't know. I don't think I told you- of course I didn't, but maybe you noticed- Troy and I have been-"
"I know Kandi-" Justin's smile calmed her. "He's welcome to come too." Justin couldn't believe what he was saying, but something inside really gave him the desire for Troy to come. "It'd be a great way to meet some more of us."
"Can I call you?" She flinched slightly, "I mean, about directions if I decide to come?"
"You bet. Here's my number." Justin scribbled his number on yellow legal pad paper. "Hope you can make it!"
Justin walked away with a grin on his face and a prayer of thanksgiving on his lips. I don't think I sounded too much like a dork. Thanks God!