The Oracle Rebounds by Allison van Diepen

Harlem,” Zink says. “The choir is fantastic.”
    Wearing a crisp dress shirt and dark gray slacks, Zink looks like he’s just come from Sunday services. Amy brings him up to date on the main storylines of the show—the love triangles, the sex tape, the drunken orgy—as Zink’s eyes get wider and wider. Ryan and I exchange a suspicious look. Is Zink just putting on an act or does he really not watch this stuff? Heart transplant recipient or not, he’s still a teenager.
    Zink turns to Sharese. “I thought you said Glamour Girl was a coming-of-age show.”
    “I said it was a typical teen show.” I catch a prickle of annoyance in her voice. “That means the characters all have some growing up to do.”
    “It certainly sounds that way.” He crosses his legs, resting his hands on his knee. “I suppose it’ll be entertaining to watch them find their way.”
    When the show’s first scene shows a couple making out in a lavish hotel room, Zink gasps. I can’t be sure, but I think I hear him mumble, “Trash.” Which, I suppose, is right on the mark. Still, it’s fun trash.
    Zink and Sharese are sitting on the love seat, though I don’t see much lovin’ going on. Their legs aren’t touching and they aren’t holding hands. But then, they only started dating recently, and they’re pretty religious. I wonder if they’re going to end up wearing virgin promise rings. Amy would have a field day with that.
    As much as my friends and I enjoy the show, we’re enjoying Zink’s reaction to it—or overreaction—even more. His nostrils flare whenever something outrageous happens, and he turns to Sharese to mutter comments. She nods and nods and finally shushes him. We all glance at each other, trying not to laugh.
    On the commercial, Ryan dares to ask, “Whaddaya think, Zink?”
    “I think it’s appalling! You can see Satan in every scene!”
    We all burst out laughing. We can’t help it. Sharese’s hands tighten in her lap, and I know she’s pissed off. I just can’t tell if she’s pissed off at Zink or at us for laughing at him.
    Zink rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Come to think of it, we could study this show in youth group. The whole gamut of sin is covered.”
    Ryan laughs. “You could have a quiz—spot the sin!”
    Viv raises her brows. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. Even if everyone can spot them, the show still makes sinning look like a lot of fun.”
    “Good point.” Zink gives a solemn nod. “That may be what Satan wants. I’ll have to talk to Reverend Fielding about this.”
    Sharese puts a hand on his arm. “Please don’t. I don’t want Reverend Fielding to know that I watch this every week.”
    Zink looks shocked. “You want to hide this from Reverend Fielding?”
    “It’s not hiding if we don’t tell him everything.”
    “I’m not sure Satan would agree,” Amy says, managing to keep a straight face.
    Sharese and Zink are still bickering when the show comes on again, so we have to crank up the volume. Hmm. Bickering this early in a relationship isn’t a good sign. Maybe they’re not the match made in heaven we’d all hoped for.
     
    The next morning at our lockers, I ask Sharese for the real deal. “How are things going with you and Zink? There were some fireworks last night.” Though not of the romantic kind, I don’t add.
    She eyes me like she knows where I’m going with this. “They’re fine.”
    “I didn’t exactly get the lovey-dovey vibe from you guys.”
    “I know, but it’s still early. Reverend Fielding says it could take weeks before I feel the spark. Sometimes you have to get to know the person first.”
    “You were talking to your pastor about this?”
    “Friday night after youth group he asked me how things were going with us. I told him they’re okay.”
    “Isn’t it weird that your pastor’s asking about your relationship?”
    “A little.”
    “I hope he’s not trying to marry you off or something.”
    “I’m sure he’d love to