Changing Faces by Kimberla Lawson Roby

said. “And Charisse, just for the record, I do know that fornicating is wrong, and it’s not like I’m proud about doing it. But I’m not perfect either. I wish I could be, but I’m not. I have to pray about the sins I commit just like everyone else does.”
    “Charisse isn’t perfect either, are you, Charisse?” Whitney said.
    “Taylor, I’ll tell Brianna to call you and I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Charisse said.
    “Fine,” I said, and Charisse hung up.
    “Can you believe that witch?” Whitney said. “I’m getting to the point where I can’t stand her.”
    “I can see that, but what’s really going on with you guys?”
    “Nothing. I’m just sick of Charisse talking down to you and me like we’re children. She does that crap to Marvin all the time, right in front of everybody, but I’m not putting up with it anymore.”
    “Yeah, but what did you and she argue about yesterday, because things seem a lot worse than usual.”
    “I wasn’t planning on telling you this, and that’s why I didn’t bring it up when I called you two nights ago. But Charisse was saying how crazy and irresponsible you were for not taking your medicine and that Cameron wasn’t worth a thing if he wasn’t making sure you took care of yourself. And then when I wouldn’t discuss anything about you, she started ragging on me about my weight.”
    “Oh really?”
    Maybe I shouldn’t have been shocked, but it really bothered me that Charisse had spoken so rudely about me behind my back. Especially when I had always defended her to people who didn’t like her or who thought she had mental issues.
    “That’s why I let her know that she hasn’t always been the saint she claims to be now,” Whitney said.
    “Meaning what?”
    “Meaning that I know things about Charisse.”
    “Like?”
    “Like things you won’t want to believe.”
    “Is it that bad?”
    “Trust me, you won’t ever look at her the same again.”

Chapter 10
    C HARISSE
    B RANDON? Brianna? Let’s go.”
    It was already eight-thirty, and for as long as Charisse could remember she had never been late for Sunday school. Even as a small child, she’d never arrived at church even once after nine o’clock, and these children of hers would not change her tradition. Sunday school, like her pastor’s sermon, was nourishment for the soul and she didn’t want to miss any of it. As a matter of fact, she was considering the idea of teaching the adult women’s class herself. The superintendent had asked her about it just a few weeks ago, but now it was time to think more seriously about it. She loved reading the Bible, she loved being in church, and she loved discussing God’s Word. So, it was only fitting that she would take on this type of responsibility. As far as she was concerned, she was the perfect person for the job.
    Charisse grabbed her keys and saw Brandon hurrying down the stairs. But Brianna walked slowly, practically dragging her feet. It was almost as if she did it just to irritate Charisse, and Charisse wanted to yank her by her throat. And she just might have done it if today hadn’t been the Sabbath. Like the fourth commandment outlined, she remembered the Sabbath and kept it holy. But tomorrow would be different. Tomorrow would be Monday and Charisse wouldn’t be so lenient. Instead, she would chastise Brianna the way Proverbs 22:15 had instructed her to. “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
    It was one of her favorite scriptures and it was unfortunate that thousands of parents were ignoring it. There were far too many who were sparing the rod and spoiling the child, and Charisse refused to be one of them. She would not go to hell for that or any other reason.
    “See you guys later,” Marvin said when they all walked into the kitchen. He was sitting at the table reading his stupid newspaper.
    “I don’t know why you can’t come with us,” Charisse said.
    “I’m