Church

“No I’m not okay, what kind of dumb question is that?” Chloe moaned.  She could feel the bile rising in her mouth, but she doubted she would really throw up.  

“I know, I was just thinking that.  What’s going on?” Jessica asked as she reached for a paper towel.

“I don’t know!  I was happy, you know?  Just for an instant.  I knew everything was going to be okay.  But then…but then it felt like someone was ripping out my soul.  I’m so angry Jess.  And I don’t know why.  Everything just pisses me off and irritates the shit out of me.  And listen to me!  I like never swear and I’ve been using all kinds of bad words for days now.”  Chloe sobbed as the words poured out of her. 

“I know- I’ve been edgy too.  But who knows, maybe this place can help.  Maybe that thing in your apartment is giving us, bad energy or something,” Jessica ventured.  Jessica began to pat Chloe’s face with a moistened paper towel and she noticed that Chloe was trying to smile, “did you just say ‘bad energy’?”  Jessica also smiled and pulled her friend to her feet. 

“Sue me.  All this hocus pocus lingo had to rub off on me at some time, now come on- before the army of concerned and bored housewives attack us.”

“No, I need a minute more.”  Chloe’s eyes filled with tears and before Jessica knew what was happening she was holding Chloe and feeling the tears run down her face and onto her shirt. 

            Chloe took a deep breath as they made their way back to their seats.  She noticed a new person in their row and gave a friendly nod.  She tried her best to pay attention, but couldn’t.  She didn’t pray; she didn’t close her eyes again; instead she focused her attention on counting all the corners a stained glass window.  After she had counted all the corners, she went on to count all the line segments.  It wasn’t until she felt herself being spoken to that she finally blinked and looked around to see Perfect Big Brother talking to her.

“I’m sorry, what?” she asked.  She fidgeted with her earring as spoke, “are you okay?  I saw you leave.”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine.  I- uh- had some bad coffee I think.”

“So, what did you think of the sermon?  Pretty powerful huh?  I could listen to Pastor Jeff talk all day.  And-”

“yes, it was great.  Do you know where he is?  I mean, I’d like to talk to him,” Chloe cut in.  He was standing so close to her that she could smell his expensive cologne, she felt his eyes studying her and she wished more than ever that she had put on some eyeliner.  He stepped back as he pointed to the line of people waiting to speak to the man in the tan suit.  She frowned.

“It looks like he may be a while.  My parents are going to talk with him too, so I can wait here with you if you’d like?”  She was startled and didn’t hide her surprise.

“Your parents?  Wait, why would you do that?” she asked.  She turned to look at Jessica but realized that she wasn’t there.  Great.  Now I’m going to stuck talking to jailbait for at least another ten minutes or so, but wow, I guess it’s not so bad.  He is really cute. 

“I think you’re interesting is all.  If you don’t want me to, that’s cool.”  He seemed honestly hurt as he turned away.  Chloe softened and reached out to touch his arm, “I’m sorry, I haven’t been myself lately.  That was rude-” she began; as her hand reached his bare arm an image entered her mind- an image of snake eyes.  It happened so fast that she didn’t know if had actually happened.  She blinked again.  She felt her heart beat faster.  Eyes.  Have I seen those before?  Was that real?  She looked to meet his eyes again.  The clear blue eyes were expressing concern.  Nothing about him appeared threatening or suspicious.  What had he asked her? 

“I-uh- huh?” she stammered.  He laughed.

“Let’s try that again.  You must have ADD more than I do.  I said my name is Brett.”

“Oh, I’m Chloe.  I’m sorry.  Like I said, I’m just not myself.  Um, do you mind if we join the others to talk with, uh, Pastor Jeff?  It’s important that I speak with him.” She directed.  She was a little disappointed that Perfect Big Brother had a name as boring as Brett.

“So, Chloe…that’s a pretty name.  Do you live around here?”

“No. I live up north.  And I hate to be rude, but I’m too old for you.  And I’m sure that you’re just being polite to the new stranger here, and I do appreciate it…” she began.  She tried to ignore the argument going on in her head as she scanned the crowd for Jessica.  She heard him laugh as they walked to join the line of people. 

“You flatter me, I’m older than I look.  You worry too much, you know that?”

“Oh I know!  I tell her that all the time!” Jessica said as she slid her arm through Chloe’s.  Chloe nodded as new flood of emotions swept over her.  Jessica smiled sweetly as she introduced herself to Brett.  An uneasy silence settled over the trio.  After another thirty second pause Brett broke the silence by saying that they were next.

“So, what did you want to talk to him about anyway?” he asked.  Chloe shrugged and wondered herself how they were going to ask for advice.  Before either girl would answer they were shaking hands with Pastor Jeff.  His hand felt warm and strong in Chloe’s hand, and she continued to hold his hand long past the social introductions. 

“It’s so nice to meet you!  And I see that you already know Brett.  Brett’s been coming here for years!  He even helps organize the single retreats.” The pastor explained in a gush of words.  Chloe noticed that Brett seemed to blush.    

“I-uh, listen, I know you don’t know me, but would it be possible to speak with you?  Privately?”  Chloe asked in a low voice.  She continued to squeeze his hand and held his gaze for several awkward moments. 

“Well, let me see now, I may be able to spare you a few minutes now, let me just say hello to these folks here.  Brett, why don’t you show these young ladies to my office.  Feel free to grab a donut and some coffee,” he offered as he quickly walked toward another well- dressed family.  Chloe smiled weakly at Brett as he welcomed her to walk with him. 

“Wow, you two are quite mysterious, I don’t think he’s ever met with perfect strangers before.” He said as they exited out the inner sanctuary and into the lobby.  The lobby was still filled with families and people exchanging the week’s news and gossip.  The air was filled with chatter and coffee and everyone was happy about the prospect of free donuts.  Donuts in hand, they followed Brett down a wide hallway as the noise quickly dissipated behind them.  They entered an enormous office filled with books and inspirational images.  The office was unexpectedly cluttered and cozy.  Chloe smiled despite the nagging in the back in her head, and smiled at Jessica as well.  The three continued to talk about nothing when Pastor Jeff finally entered.  He and Brett exchanged another warm handshake and Brett politely left. 

            Chloe felt a sudden pang of loneliness when Brett left. 

“So, what can I do for you?”  He asked as rocked back in his chair.  Chloe and Jessica exchange looks, neither knew where to begin.

“Uh, okay, so here’s the thing.  I, uh, think I have a ghost or a demon thing in my apartment.  And, I- uh, don’t know what to do about it.” Chloe stammered.  She tried to hold his eye contact but broke as soon as she reached the word ‘demon’.  Another silence settled over the office.  Jessica stared at the wall. 

“Well, aren’t you going to say something?” Jessica finally asked.  He scratched his head and stood up.

“Well, I think that’s a great story.  And I’m sorry that I allowed myself to give my precious time to ladies who think that church is a game.  Now if you’ll excuse me,” he snapped.  At this Chloe jumped up which startled everyone in the room. 

“No, listen please!  There’s something in my apartment.  It’s…it’s evil I think.  Nah, I’m pretty sure it’s evil.  It’s making me crazy!  I can’t sleep.  The growling, the noise, please, you have to believe me.”   She held his eyes this time as she tried to plead her case.  He glanced at Jessica and saw that she hadn’t moved.  He straightened up again. 

“Look, I’m sure you think that it’s a demon, but you have to realize that demons don’t bother people.  That’s Hollywood.  Now, if you’d like I can give you the number-”

“Wait, just so we’re clear, God exists but demons don’t.  That doesn’t make any sense.  You can’t have one without the other.” Jessica cut in.  She was now glaring at him.  And since when did I start believing about this crap?  He nodded and slowly sat down, she continued, “we’re not crazy.  Not fanatics.  We aren’t cool enough be psychic and see the future.  Chloe has tried the psychic thing and it didn’t work too well.  All we need is some spiritual help.  Chloe is the victim here.  I didn’t believe her at first either, but it’s very real.  And it’s very evil.  So please, can you help her?” Jessica said.  Her voice became flat and serious.  Chloe refused to believe that this man who claimed to be a speaker for a creator could refuse them.  She watched and marveled how Jessica could snap and make demands of people without her voice shaking.  Jessica and the Pastor continued to exchange fearsome looks and violent glances.  He finally sighed and motioned Jessica to relax.  Chloe smiled.  Jessica had won. 

“Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot.  What’s your name?” he offered as he stood up and turned on a small coffee pot in the corner of the room. 

“Chloe.  Chloe Summers.  This is Jessica.  So, where do we begin?”  She saw him shrug as he leaned against an overcrowded bookshelf.