Raising Faith (4 page)

“But while we’re here,” said Mrs. Landers, “Why don’t I just make out a check for the ski trip. Then it will be all taken care of.”

“Works for me,” said Chelsea. “I’ll go in with Morgan and get the form while you write the check.”

“I’ll go in too,” said Emily.

So the three of them went into the church office together, where Chelsea and Emily each picked up their
own forms and Morgan got three.

“I’m going to take this out to my mom to fill out,” said Chelsea after Morgan introduced her to the church secretary.

“At this rate, it looks like you’re going to fill up the whole ski trip, Morgan,” said Mrs. Albert. “Cory and Janna should be pleased.”

Morgan folded the papers and slipped them into her backpack. “I don’t think I can fill up the whole ski trip, Mrs. Albert. Just five spots … for me and my friends.”

“Well, good for you.” Mrs. Albert smiled. “And you’re going too, Emily?”

“I hope so,” said Emily.

Morgan was about to ask if Pastor George was around, but then realized that it could pose a problem to her escape plan if he wasn’t there right now. So she decided to just chat with Mrs. Albert. “We’re going to be making things for the bazaar,” she said. “And our friend Carlie’s dad is going to help us cut down Christmas trees, and we’ll make wreaths and things to sell so that we can earn our way for the ski trip.”

“Sounds like you girls have a busy month ahead.”

Just then Chelsea reappeared with her completed form and check. “Here you go,” she told Mrs. Albert. “All set.”

“Well, we’ve had a few deposits, but you’re the first one to be paid in full, Chelsea. Thank you.”

“No problem,” said Chelsea. “Ready to roll, Em?”

“See ya later, Morgan,” called Emily.

“Yeah,” said Chelsea. “Later.”

Then Morgan was alone in the office with Mrs. Albert. She felt embarrassed and slightly abandoned, and wasn’t even sure that she really wanted to talk to Pastor George now.

“Was there something else you needed, dear?” asked Mrs. Albert.

“No,” said Morgan. She felt a lump growing in her throat.

“Why didn’t you leave with your friends?”

“I … uh … I wanted to walk home,” she said, blinking back tears.

“Oh …”

Then Morgan said good-bye and turned and slowly made her way to the front door. She wanted to be sure that the Mercedes was completely out of sight. It was. So she went out and began walking back toward home. Alone. The lump in her throat was growing bigger, and the breeze off the ocean was picking up. And, before long, the wind began to chill the tears that had sneaked down her cheeks.

“Are you mad at me?” Emily asked Morgan on Wednesday.

“No, of course not,” said Morgan. The two of them were in the clubhouse, getting ready for the others to arrive for a quick Thanksgiving party that Amy had insisted they needed to have. Although Amy, at the moment, was nowhere to be seen.

“But you’ve been acting different,” said Emily.

“Different than what?” asked Morgan as she set out napkins and paper cups.

“Different like you’re mad or something.”

Morgan turned to face Emily now. Maybe it was time to be honest. “I guess I’m hurt,” she said.

“Because I’m going with Chelsea?”

Morgan shrugged. “I’d been looking forward to you coming over for Thanksgiving … I thought we were going to work on the polar socks.”

“But we can do that next week,” said Emily.

“I know, but …”

Just then Amy walked in carrying a pink box. “Happy Thanksgiving,” she said as she set the box on the table. “I made these myself.”

“Ooh, those are pretty,” said Emily as Amy opened the box to display cupcakes frosted in shades of yellow, orange, and gold and topped with candy corn.

“Chocolate,” said Amy. “And see how I tinted the frosting different colors?”

“These are really nice,” said Morgan.

“Here come Chelsea and Carlie,” said Emily, pointing out the window.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” said Chelsea as she set down a grocery bag. “I brought chips and soda.”

“I’ll put some music on,” offered Emily, going over to the old-fashioned record player and selecting a vinyl record.

Soon the five of them were eating and laughing and talking, and Morgan began to feel a little bit better, telling herself that it was just like old times. She knew she shouldn’t be so bummed about the fact that Emily was going to do something with Chelsea. All five of them were friends. And it was okay to do things with different people. Maybe she’d invite Carlie and Amy over during the weekend to work on socks. Morgan knew that jealousy was a sin. And she was going to do everything she could to get over it.

“The elf costumes for the Christmas parade arrived,” said Chelsea. “And I hate to admit it, but they’re pretty geeky looking.” She made a face. “I thought maybe we could rework them somehow since we don’t want to look
like freaks up there on the float.” She pointed at Morgan. “You’re pretty good at that sort of thing. Maybe you can think of a way to make them look cool.”

“Sure,” said Morgan.

“Let’s plan on getting together next week then.” Chelsea looked at her watch and then at Emily. “Uh-oh, Em, we gotta go. My mom is probably already at your house by now.”

“But it’s not even five,” said Morgan.

“I know. We’re supposed to be on the road at five,” said Chelsea. “They have this big dinner at the lodge tonight, with live music and everything. We don’t wanna be late.”

“Sorry we can’t stay to clean up,” said Emily as Chelsea tugged her by the arm. “You guys have a good Thanksgiving.”

“You too,” called Amy.

“Don’t break any bones,” added Carlie.

“Have fun,” said Morgan, although her heart was not in it.

“I have to go too,” said Amy. “The restaurant is calling …”

“Me too,” said Carlie. “I told Mom I’d watch the boys tonight while she’s making Mexican wedding cakes.”

“Who’s getting married?” asked Amy as she pulled on her parka.

“No one,” said Carlie. “They’re actually just cookies, but Mom likes to make them for holidays.”

“I’ll clean up,” said Morgan as she picked up the paper plates and napkins and tossed them into a bag.

“Thanks!” called Carlie and Amy in unison. “See ya.”

Morgan took her time cleaning up the bus. She put all the garbage away, then put the leftover sodas in the fridge and the chips in the cupboard. She wiped down the table and the counter and sink. Then she even went around and fluffed the pillows and things before she finally unplugged the strings of lights and turned off the heater. “Good-bye, old faithful bus,” she said as she turned off the last light. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Back at her house, Morgan retreated to her bedroom. She knew that her mom was going out tonight with some single girlfriends who got together occasionally. She also knew that since it was Wednesday, Grandma would expect her to go to midweek service with her. The problem was that Morgan did not feel like going. She knew she should probably go anyway. Pastor George often said that the best time to go to church was when you felt the least like going, but somehow she didn’t think she could force herself tonight.

Morgan’s plan was to lie low. She would keep the light off in her room and pretend to be napping. Maybe Grandma would lose track of the time and forget all about
going to church. After all, she was pretty wrapped up with getting things ready for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving feast. Because, as it turned out, Emily’s family and Mr. Greeley were still coming over. Just another reminder for Morgan that her best friend was off having fun with someone else.

At quarter past seven, it was late enough that Morgan knew they wouldn’t be going to church. But now she felt a little concerned too — as well as hungry. Grandma would usually have called Morgan to dinner by now. Maybe she actually went to church without her. Morgan went out into the living room and looked around. No Grandma. The kitchen was dark too. Then Morgan checked out the kitchen window, peeking into the carport, but Grandma’s car was there. Was it possible that Grandma had gone out with someone else tonight? Morgan looked around to see if there was a note. No note.

Finally Morgan decided to peek into Grandma’s room, although it seemed unlikely that she’d be in here. And there, with only a bedside lamp on, Grandma was stretched out on top of her bed with her Bible still open in her lap. Morgan felt a jolt of panic, like something was seriously wrong — was Grandma dead? Then she walked closer and saw that Grandma was breathing. She was simply asleep. Morgan tiptoed out of the bedroom and went to the kitchen to find something to eat. It looked like Grandma had been busy today. Lots of things, including several
yummy-looking pies, were all ready to go for tomorrow. A big turkey occupied most of the refrigerator. No wonder Grandma was so tired.

Morgan fixed herself a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk, which she took to the living room to eat in front of the TV. Normally, this wasn’t allowed, but since Mom was gone and Grandma was asleep, who would know? She turned on the TV, going to the Disney channel, but the show playing, of course, was about a ski trip. Morgan turned off the TV and ate her sandwich in silence. All she could think was that, right now, Emily was with Chelsea, having the time of her life. She was enjoying a fancy dinner in a ski lodge, complete with live music — how could Morgan ever compete with something like that?

“What are you doing, Morgan?” asked Grandma as she came out of her bedroom.

“Oh …” Morgan looked up with a guilty expression. “I was all alone and hungry … and I just thought —”

“I’m sorry,” said Grandma as she looked at the clock on the wall. “I had no idea it was so late. I thought I’d take a little rest. Goodness, what happened to the time?”

“It looks like you were busy today,” said Morgan as she polished off the last of her milk. “Sorry I wasn’t around to help.”

“Oh, that’s all right.”

Morgan followed Grandma into the kitchen. But it seemed like Grandma was moving slower than usual. “Are you okay?” Morgan asked her.

Grandma turned and looked at her. “Well, yes … just tired, I guess …” She smiled. “Getting old.”

“Anything I can help you with?” offered Morgan.

“Not tonight … but I might take you up on that tomorrow. Did you get enough to eat, dear?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Then Morgan sat on the kitchen stool and watched as Grandma put a bowl of soup into the microwave.

“Are you still feeling badly about Emily not being here for Thanksgiving?”

Morgan shrugged. “I’m okay.” She’d already confessed some of her sadness to Grandma, but now she wanted to pretend like it wasn’t such a big deal.

“Have you tried out the sock pattern with the tiger stripes yet?” Grandma sat down on the stool opposite Morgan and dipped her spoon into the soup she’d just heated. “I found some other nice remnants of polar fleece the other day. I think there might be enough for several pairs of socks.”

“I haven’t tried the pattern yet,” admitted Morgan. “I’d been hoping that Emily and I could work on it tomorrow and into the weekend … but that’s not going to happen.”

“Maybe you and I could work on it together,” offered Grandma.

“Sure,” said Morgan. And she knew it was nice of Grandma to want to help and she didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but it just wouldn’t be the same as having Emily here.

The next morning, Morgan did what she could to help Grandma in the kitchen. But with Mom home, it seemed more like Morgan was in the way. And then when Mr. Greeley and Emily’s family came, all Morgan could think was that it wasn’t fair that Emily wasn’t here. She tried to be polite during dinner, but all she wanted to do was to get away from these people. It was all wrong. Finally, as everyone was taking a break before dessert, Morgan excused herself.

“I think I’ll take a walk,” she said.

“Right now?” said Mom with a creased brow. “It’s raining like the dickens out there.”

“I’ll wear my rain slicker.” And then Morgan made a quick exit. But Mom was right; it was really coming down hard. Soon Morgan found herself unlocking the door to the clubhouse. She turned on the heater and the string of lights and proceeded to make herself at home. She tried not to think about what Emily and Chelsea were doing right now. But it was like telling herself not to think about pink elephants — the more she tried to push it from her mind, the more obsessed she became. Since it was raining down here, it was probably snowing up there. Snow
sure seemed a lot nicer than rain. She wondered if Emily was wearing Chelsea’s Tommy Hilfiger outfit. Were they having a great time riding down the mountain together? Was Emily as good as Chelsea? Or maybe she was better. Morgan remembered Emily’s promise to give Morgan lessons on Kyle’s skateboard, but that hadn’t happened yet. Finally, Morgan was sick and tired of thinking about Emily and Chelsea. Maybe being stuck at home with her family and Emily’s and even Mr. Greeley would be better than this!

Besides, Morgan told herself as she jogged back through the rain, she could start making polar socks. If she set her mind to it, she might even have several pairs finished by the end of the day. She wondered how many pairs it would take to make fifty dollars — five pairs if she charged ten for each pair, but that seemed a little steep.

“You’re back,” said Mom as Morgan burst in out of the rain.

“Yeah, it’s pretty wet out there.”

“Well, Mr. Greeley and Lisa and Kyle just left.”

“Did they already have dessert?”

“Yes, and everyone was starting to act sleepy. I think they all went home to take a nap.”

“That sounds good to me,” said Grandma.

“Yes,” said Mom. “You go and have a rest. Morgan and I will clean up in here.”

Morgan wanted to protest this idea, but knew that would be selfish … especially since she hadn’t helped much to get things ready. So she rolled up her sleeves and helped Mom to put the kitchen back in order.

“Grandma said that you were missing Emily,” said Mom as she handed Morgan a pan to dry.

Morgan just shrugged. “I guess …”

“Lisa said that Emily had been so thrilled to go, Morgan. You know life hasn’t been exactly easy for them this past year. Emily has been through a lot. Really, you should be happy for her.”

Morgan forced a smile. “Okay, I am happy for her. I guess I’m just sad for me.”

Mom laughed and gave Morgan a little hug. “Well, at least that’s honest.”

“And I’m worried,” confessed Morgan.

“About what?”

“Well, what if Emily and Chelsea become best friends?”

“I suppose that could happen …” Mom handed Morgan a pie tin to dry. “At least you have several good friends, Morgan. There’s Carlie and Amy still.”

“I know … but Emily is my best friend.”

“Then my guess is that she will continue to be your best friend.”

“I hope so.”

“Morgan …” Mom had a slightly worried expression now.

“What?”

“Well, I’m concerned about your grandma.”

“Why?”

“She hasn’t been feeling well lately. She’s very tired and … and it seems like she’s just not herself.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. I’m encouraging her to see the doctor, but she thinks it’s just old age.”

“How old is Grandma anyway?”

“Not that old. She’s not even seventy yet.”

“Oh.” Morgan didn’t want to admit it, but that seemed pretty old.

“Anyway, until we can get her to go to the doctor, I want both of us to help out more around here. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course.”

“Maybe we can take turns fixing dinner,” said Mom.

Morgan made a face. “But we’re not as good at cooking as Grandma.”

“I know. But that might be because we never get the chance to practice.”

“But Grandma loves to cook.”

“Well, we can help with other things too. You’re old enough to do your own laundry. And I can start doing
some of the grocery shopping.”

Morgan studied Mom for a moment. “Do you really think she’s sick?”

Mom just shook her head. “I don’t know.”

So when Morgan went to bed on Thanksgiving night, she had two things to worry about — losing her best friend, and her grandmother’s health. But instead of worrying, Morgan did something better. She prayed.