Grace Alive: a Christian Romance by Natasha House Page B

people knew
that Jacob and I were ugh…courting! The thought still made me want
to puke. I headed home to get some sleep for the night. Tomorrow
was Sunday finally.

Chapter 12

    The sunlight shone through my window blinding
me awake. “I’m up, gosh…” I mumbled as I put my hand up to block
the warm rays. What was today? Oh yeah it was Sunday! I was going
to get to see Branson this afternoon after church. Had I told Mom
and Dad about my plans? I couldn’t think this early. I stumbled out
of bed, showered, and put on a pair of black stretchy pants, and a
light pink sparkly sweater dress that hung to my knees. I added a
small heart shaped necklace and curled my hair into soft curls. I
applied my makeup carefully and then looked at myself. I looked
pretty good. I headed downstairs. I was going to drive today again,
since I was meeting Branson after church, and Mom and Dad were
going somewhere else. My mom was putting dishes away when I
descended from the stairs.
    “Hi, sweetie, you look really nice. Me and
your dad are going to the Whitmens after church if you’d like to
join us.” She was hinting at something. They wanted me to get to
know my future in-laws. This was not going to end well.
    “I’ve got plans today, Mom, but thanks
anyways,” I said and headed toward the fridge. I pulled out the
orange juice and poured myself a glass.
    “Me and your father really wanted you to be
there today, Zoe, we are going to talk about the courting
arrangements for you two.” She poured herself a cup of coffee.
    I turned around with what I hoped wasn’t a
sneer.
    “Did Dad tell you that I haven’t even said
yes to this courtship? He’s shoving it in my face! I haven’t heard
God speak to my heart about Jacob,” I said the words harsher than I
meant to. My mom flinched a little bit. Then her mouth went into a
grim line.
    “Your father told me you were okay with it.
You went out with Jacob Friday night.”
    “Yes. Because Dad set it up. Mom, I have to
pray more about this…I don’t want to make a mistake.”
    “Are you doubting your father, then?” Her
voice came out critical and sharp. She slammed a notebook down on
the counter and started furiously scribbling something down. What
the heck.
    “No…I just don’t have peace about it all yet.
I need time. Can’t you two understand that?” I tried to get her to
look at me, but she ignored me.
    “You are running out of time, Zoe Grace.
Jacob is the perfect match for you.” She poured creamer in her
coffee and splashed some on the counter.
    “I gotta get going; I’ll talk to you later.”
I couldn’t deal with this right now. I headed out the door, my
orange juice left untouched. I was so furious that I could barely
shove my key in the lock of my car. I finally did and let out a
long slow breath. It was going to be okay. I was not going to the
Whitmens today. No way. I was going to see Branson. I’d already
canceled once with him for Jacob, I was not doing it again. I
climbed into my car and threw my purse on the seat. I started up
the engine and headed toward the church. I would just go into the
private prayer room and have a little bit of a talk with God.
    ***
    When I got to church, Jacob was already
there. I moaned and headed toward one of the prayer rooms the
intercessors used all the time. He spotted me and waved. I kept
walking. Was that rude? I really didn’t care right now. I walked
right into the prayer room, and he followed me in.
    “I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed
our date Friday night. I’m excited to hang out with you today after
church.” He closed the door as I set my purse down on a chair.
    “Jacob, I came in here to pray for awhile. Do
you mind?” I said and tried to keep the anger out of my voice. It
wasn’t working very well. I was practically biting my cheek to keep
from screaming at him.
    “Oh, sorry, Zoe, I just wanted to tell you
that really quick.” He flashed me a smile.
    “I’m not coming to lunch today. I have