@esther-c
Active 5 days, 8 hours ago- Rank: Chosen One
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Filled it out!
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
i won’t be able to make it this time around 😭
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Oooh! Let’s do this for Hallie first! (And if she were in a real interview, she prolly wouldn’t answer these questions 100% honestly like I’m having her do now. 😉 )
1. What is your full name?
Hallie Grace Woodbury
I just realized I never gave her a name so I had to choose one on the spot XD2. What is the most important thing the average person should know about you?
Hmm… I guess that I like to be included. I don’t like the feeling of being left out.
3. What is your body language right now? [Describe them in the interview, sitting/standing, fidgeting, etc.]
She’s chilling, in a relaxed but engaged posture. Maybe a bit of a polite smile on her face.
4. How would other people describe you?
The red-head 😂 Jk, jk. Umm… well, I’ve had friends call me outgoing or bold, but I don’t really feel like I am all the time. They’ve also described me as a follower rather than a leader. Don’t know if that’s a good thing or not…
5. Where do you live? What is your race/ethnicity?
I live in Rio Rancho, New Mexico in the United States! I’m Caucasian, but I dont’ know much about my ethnicity except that my dad was born in England but moved to the US when he was a baby, so I guess I’m part British!
6. What do you contribute to your world?
I like to think I’m a good friend, but I guess that’s for others to decide. I try to make everyone feel included, but somehow I end up shutting some people out when I’m trying to please everyone…
7. What kind of struggles do you face in your everyday life?
Pleasing the Lord… Fitting in… Trying not to get mad at my siblings… Not acting weird around Antonio… Dodging Javier’s teasing…
8. What motivates you?
Hmm… I feel like that’s a hard one… but when I think about it, I guess people motivate me, if that makes sense.
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Ohhhh wait, it’s on a Saturday! 🤦🏻♀️ Well then I’ll check again and lyk when I find out!
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Aw man! I wish I could make this one, but I really can’t fall behind in school any more so even taking one half-day off isn’t a good idea if I can avoid it 😭 HOpefully next time!!
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
@theduckator
Praying! <33
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Yes!! It’s a dark blue with purple shimmer. I’ll post a pic when I have one (in which I’m not wearing it 😛).
Ah, okay, gotcha.
Yeahhh, tickets are expensiveee. Ours are $65, and that’s just the early-bird pricing😬We live in the southwestern area, closer to Cincinnati.
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Finished history. Going to eat lunch!
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
@hybridlore @whalekeeper @theducktator
Jumping in on this conversation, hehehe…
I’m going to prom this year!! But not a homeschool one. I’m a sophomore, and my school (a hybrid/private school) lets all high schoolers go since our high school isn’t as big as a public school, lol. I’m so excited!!
Also… if any of y’all go to a homeschool prom in Ohio, eastern Indiana, or northern Kentucky…just let me know 👀😁
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
@theducktator @savannah_grace2009 @trailblazer @smiley @grcr @keilah-h @theshadow
Chapter 17
Easton hated the tension that had hung between him and Tyler all throughout church that morning. They didn’t sit with the rest of their friend group like they normally did, which Easton appreciated. Last night had mentally exhausted him and getting up early to make it to church on time left him physically exhausted as well. But a conversation with Tyler couldn’t wait. That morning Easton made sure that Dad was okay with him driving separately so he could talk with Tyler over lunch.
Easton wasn’t sure if Tyler wanted his news to be spread around yet, so he promised Dad that this conversation was important and he would provide an adequate explanation later. Dad had stood there for a second, his brow furrowing as his light blue eyes searched Easton’s.
“I trust you,” he had said with a nod.
And now Easton marched up to Tyler. “We need to talk. Let’s go to lunch.”
Tyler’s brow furrowed and he looked back at his parents.
“Sorry.” Easton loosened up and managed a chuckle. “Let me start over. Hey, Tyler, we need to talk. Wanna go out to lunch?”
Tyler half-smiled. “You paying?”
Easton scoffed. “Never.”
“Sounds great.” He looked back at his parents for confirmation, earning their nods of approval.
And with that, any tension that may have lasted from their argument the night before immediately disappeared. Easton drove them to their favorite sub place downtown, neither of them speaking. But it felt right.
After building their subs through the glass window, they found a table, said grace over the meal, and dug in. After a few bites, Easton put down his sandwich. “Alright.”
“Alright.” Tyler did the same and rested his crossed arms on the table with a shaky sigh.
Easton opened his mouth to speak, but only laughter escaped. “I’m not actually sure what to say.”
Tyler joined his laughter, but as their laughter faded, Easton felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes.
“Is it serious?”
Tyler sighed again. “That’s what the doctor says.”
“What treatment will the doctors give?”
“Probably chemotherapy, but… they aren’t one hundred percent certain it will work.”
Easton hated the sound of that. “Then we’ll just have to make sure it will.”
Tyler’s brow furrowed. “How?”
“One, I’m going to make sure your parents don’t go into debt to pay for your treatment. And two, we’ll flood the gates of heaven with prayers.”
A grin crept onto Tyler’s face. “Good plan.”
“I always have good plans.” He took another bite of his sub sandwich.
“Sure, you’re the one who forced me to ask Miranda out to homecoming.”
Easton met his eyes. “Did you tell her last night?”
Tyler nodded slowly. “We decided it would be best not to go out any more. We agreed we’d stay friends but… we don’t want to get too emotionally attached when… when my future is uncertain.”
“Aren’t all our futures uncertain?”
“You know what I mean.” Tyler gave Easton that tucked-chin, raised-eyebrow look. “Besides, who would want to go out with a—”
“Ah! Don’t you go developing a victim complex on me.”
Tyler’s face twisted into a confused grin. “Victim complex?”
“Yeah, you know, the ‘I’m a loser. Nobody likes me anymore because of my circumstances’ mindset.” Easton shrugged like this was something everyone knew.
Tyler threw his balled-up straw package at Easton, narrowly missing his face.
“Woah, resorting to violence I see?”
Tyler laughed. “Yes, you jerk. You’re supposed to pity me.”
“Nope, no pity from me, you jerk. It will only encourage your victim complex.”
“Victim complex,” Tyler repeated under his breath with a scoff. “You trying to sound smart?”
“Tyler. You know I don’t have to try very hard.”
“Hey, speaking of intelligence, Mr. Know-It-All, how’s that scholarship essay coming along?”
Easton shrugged.
“Okay, I literally pour out my guts to you last night and now all I get is a shrug?”
Easton tossed him a half-grin. “I guess it’s just coming along then.”
“Not great?”
“Not horrible either. I guess I’m just waiting for inspiration to strike or something. Last time I talked to Dr. Adams about it, he said I should try to include a personal story or example to support my reasoning. Apparently the desire to change the world isn’t enough to win a scholarship.” He sighed and took another bite of his sandwich.
Tyler studied him for a moment. “That makes sense though. Everyone wants to change the world in some way or another. You just have to tell them specifically how.”
“Yeah, that’s what Dr. Adams told me.”
“Just wait. I’m sure you’ll find a way to do it. You’re smart, aren’t you?”
Easton chuckled. “Now I have a name to live up to.”
They ate in silence for a moment or two before Tyler finally spoke up again.
“I’m scared…” His voice was small… like a little boy confessing his fear of the dark to a parent.
“Yeah… I kinda am too.”
“I just don’t know what to expect, you know?”
He nodded. “But God is in control. He has a plan.”
“Right.” Tyler nodded a few times, as if trying to convince himself of it.
“You should talk to Autumn. She told me some things that might really encourage you.”
Tyler cocked an eyebrow, but shrugged and nodded when he got used to the idea. “Maybe I will.”
For the next half hour, they talked like they used to, like Tyler hadn’t been told life-changing news this past month. It felt good. It felt right.
But Easton had a feeling this was only a calm before the storm.
***
“How was homecoming?”
“It was fun.” Hallie smiled and slung her backpack over her shoulder. She felt guilty for dancing with Patrick, but she wasn’t sure why. They were just hanging out. Antonio and she weren’t even officially going together, so it wasn’t like she was betraying him or anything.
“How could you have fun when you spent the evening sitting in the corner, all alone?” Antonio pressed his hand to his chest like a dramatic actor, then laughed. But when Hallie only offered a half-hearted laugh, he tilted his head. “Oh, so you did hang out with other people?” He grinned, still playing along with his own joke.
Hallie nodded. “Yeah.”
“Javier was bragging about dancing with five different girls. Don’t tell me you were one of them.” His expression turned faux serious.
Hallie chuckled. “No, I was not.”
“I bet Easton offered you a dance or two.”
She shook her head. “He was… distracted.”
“Oh.” Antonio had a knowing twinkle in his eye, but Hallie knew they weren’t thinking the same thing. It was Monday, but Easton still hadn’t said anything about what had happened at the dance. Hallie saw him talking alone with Dad or Mom a few times, but that was it. And it seemed like everything between him and Tyler had smoothed out.
“So who’d you dance with?”
Hallie knew Antonio wasn’t asking because he was jealous or anything, but she still felt weird telling him. “Um, a guy named Patrick. Lori’s brother.”
“The one on the basketball team?”
“Yeah.”
Antonio just nodded. Hallie searched his face for any indication that he might be jealous or concerned, but his expression gave her no sign whatsoever.
“Well I’m glad you had fun.” He offered a friendly smile. Maybe Hallie was seeing something that wasn’t actually there, but Antonio’s smile didn’t seem quite as warm. She shook her doubts out of her head. What was she thinking? They were just pals. Friends. Buddies. Nothing more. …Right?
Yeah. Right.
A few hours later, Hallie walked into the lunchroom, feeling much better after letting her emotions settle during her past few classes.
“Hallie girl!”
She winced at the nickname but pasted on a smile. “Hey, Katrina.”
“So… did you go out with Patrick yesterday?”
Her smile faltered. “No… why?”
“And he hasn’t asked you out at all?” Katrina acted like this was the end of the world, detrimental to Hallie’s high school years.
“Um, no.”
“Oh no, well, Hallie girl, you better sit with him during lunch all week.”
“But my friends—”
“He is your friend now. We’re your friends now. We’ll all sit together. Besides, my boyfriend is friends with him.”
Hallie didn’t like the sound of this, especially as she spotted most of their regular group grabbing seats at their table. “Katrina, maybe not today.”
“Hallie! Are you crazy?”
Hallie just shrugged sheepishly. Was she?
“Patrick is one of the most popular guys in school. You can tell he likes you at least a little bit. So capitalize on that. You can’t let him go, Hallie girl.”
“Katrina, I don’t need a guy. Okay?”
Katrina stepped back, offense twisting her perfect features. “You’re in high school. You’re a sophomore. You’ve got two more homecoming dances and two proms before you. You can’t just go around dateless.”
Hallie just wanted to be dateless for the rest of high school just to spite Katrina. Right now she couldn’t deal with Katrina’s plan to “help her out.” But instead of speaking her mind, she forced a smile and managed a somewhat polite tone. “I appreciate the advice, Katrina. And I might think it over. But I have lunch to eat. So if you’ll excuse me.” She pushed past Katrina and her duo and started toward her table, taking a deep breath.
“Hallie!”
She paused and turned around, not too quickly she hoped. “Patrick! Hi.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Are you sitting with us today?” He pointed a thumb behind him.
“Um…” she stood on her tiptoes, pretending to see who he was talking about, although she knew very well who he was pointing to. “I don’t know…”
“Aw, come on, please?”
That boyish, crooked grin got her this time. “Alright,” she gave in with a half-smile.
He led her over to their table, introducing her to two of his buddies who also joined their group.
Once they all took a seat, Hallie sandwiched in between Katrina and Patrick, Katrina unwrapped her sandwich and started the conversation. “I don’t know about you guys, but I definitely slept in yesterday morning.” She gave that little giggle of hers.
The others agreed with a laugh or a ‘yeah.’
“What about you Hallie?”
Hallie knew Katrina was purposely putting the attention on her. “I um, couldn’t, really. I had church in the morning.”
A horrified look clouded Katrina’s eyes, but Hallie only caught a glimpse of it before Katrina laughed. “I would have just skipped if I were you.”
Hallie started to get the feeling that Katrina wouldn’t be seen anywhere near a church building to begin with.
The others laughed with her, like she had just told a joke, but Patrick gently nudged her arm to get her attention. He gave her a soft, encouraging smile that made Hallie’s cheeks warm. She looked away and took a bite of her sandwich before he noticed her pink face.
Hallie managed to survive the rest of the lunch hour and somehow avoided joining in on the conversation except to provide a nod or laugh where appropriate. She guessed that Katrina was just too scared to include her again in case she gave another answer like she had earlier.
As soon as Hallie walked to her locker and away from that group, it felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Maybe she shouldn’t hang out with them. Did they really care about her like Jennifer or Javier or Autumn did?
As Hallie closed her locker, she decided right then and there that she’d stop hanging out with them. No more associating with them as their friends. Yes, completely opposite of what she had decided only a few days ago when she was on the phone with Katrina, but Katrina had been getting on her nerves.
Yet as Hallie walked down the hall, she noticed people that had ignored her completely last year and the beginning of this year saying hi, acknowledging her with a nod, or waving. There was only one reason for that.
Katrina.
“Hallie, wait up.”
Hallie slowed and let Patrick fall in step beside her. “What’s up?”
“So, um, what you said at lunch about church…”
Hallie’s heart rate picked up. Would he make fun of her for that too? Maybe he’d say he couldn’t hang out with her if she went to church. Then what? Patrick was a nice guy, she didn’t want to never hang out with him. But if he agreed with Katrina, then… “Yeah, what about it?” She hoped her tone sounded unassuming.
“Well…” He pushed a hand through his hair and his sandy locks fell perfectly back into place. “You know, Katrina and them, well they—”
“Patrick, could you excuse us for a moment?” Katrina butted in with a smile and dragged Hallie a few yards away.
“What were you thinking back there?” She hissed.
“You mean when I answered you question?”
“Yes! If you’re going to be cool, don’t talk about church.”
What if I don’t want to be cool? But if Hallie really was to admit it, then she’d say that yes, she did want to be cool. More than she realized. “Well…” she sighed.
Katrina sighed as well. “Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that, but I want you to be in all the important circles in this high school. And that’s definitely going to happen if you get people’s attention, specifically Patrick’s.” She nodded behind her with a tiny smirk. “Now listen, I can either help you get in all these circles, or I can leave you on your own. I’ve been trying to help you, but you’re not listening.”
I don’t know if you’re really helping. Hallie bit down on her lower lip, slowly tapping her foot.
“You know how I’ve been trying to get Antonio’s attention?”
Hallie’s gaze snapped up and she nodded.
“Like I said, he’s not good enough for you. My plan was to get his attention, then drop him once you had, you know, upgraded.” She motioned with her eyes towards Patrick. “Then if he really wanted you, Antonio would have to catch up and drop all the Jesus stuff.”
Hallie wasn’t sure what had just pierced her heart after hearing that confession, but it wasn’t comfortable. “Katrina…”
She rolled her blue eyes. “Ok, so you don’t have to drop all the Jesus stuff, but keep quiet about it. You can worry about all that later. Right now your focus should be on other things. I don’t care if you still go to church, but don’t make a big deal about it, okay?” She cocked her head, her hoop earring dangling just above her shoulder.
Hallie tried to silence her conflicted thoughts and feelings. But before she could make any decision, the bell rang signaling three minutes before the next class. “Thanks, Kratrina, but I have to go.” She turned on her heel and marched down the hall before Katrina could say anything else. Hallie wasn’t thinking straight. Right now was not a good time to make decisions.
“Hey Antonio.” She fell into the seat behind him with a huff.
“Where were you at lunch today?” He didn’t ask in an accusatory tone, but as if he were simply asking her how her day had gone.
“Katrina invited me to sit with their group.” She pretended to dig through her backpack for a pencil to avoid any other questions.
Antonio gave a little “hm” sound and faced the front of the room.
“What?”
“What what?” He tilted his head back, cocking an eyebrow.
“You just… never mind.”
There was no room for further conversation as the teacher stood up to begin the lesson, but the conversations from earlier in the day kept floating through her head. Was it wrong to hide her Christianity? It wouldn’t hurt anybody after all. In fact, Katrina made hiding it sound like a good thing. Besides, if she was able to become popular like Katrina, then when she had a lot of influence, she could tell others about Jesus. Nothing wrong in that. But something still felt off.
For the moment, she pushed the worries out of her mind and forced herself to focus on conjugating verbs. Right now, that seemed a lot more simple than trying to figure out all her other problems.
Chapter 18
Easton set down his fork, not feeling up to eating. It was Friday evening at dinner and Tyler had given him the go ahead to tell his family about Tyler’s diagnosis. It had been somewhat easy to tell Autumn, having just heard the news, and he knew that he could trust Autumn to keep the news private. But having to tell his family meant that this was real. This was reality. And at this moment, Easton really wished it wasn’t.
“Dad?”
“What’s up?”
“I have something to tell you…all of you.”
It must have been Easton’s expression or tone of voice, because Dad slowly set down his fork and leaned back in his seat, resting his folded hands on his midsection. The others caught on and stopped eating, all their gazes cast his direction.
Easton played with the end of his sleeve with his right hand, rubbing it in between his fingers and his palm. He swallowed a choke in his throat. “You know how I said Tyler’s been missing a few days of school?”
“I didn’t—” Cody started, but Dad silenced him, giving Easton a nod.
“Well… those were doctor’s appointments.” He took a deep, shaky breath. “Tyler’s been diagnosed with stage four cancer.”
A silence deeper than Easton had ever heard clouded the room. No one made eye contact, all of them suddenly fascinated with their half-empty plates.
Dad cleared his throat. “How long has he known?”
Easton regained his strength now that the hardest part was over. “I’m not sure. But he says the doctors are going to try chemotherapy.”
Dad nodded slowly. The way his gaze shifted to the table, Easton knew he was deep in thought.
“How are his parents?” Mom asked.
Easton had to give a little smile. Of course Mom would ask. “I’m not sure either, but I’m sure Mrs. Bailey would love a visit from you.”
“Of course. Did Tyler tell you any way we can support him?”
“Prayer. Number one, definitely. He mentioned something about his parents starting a campaign to raise money for his treatments. Though I don’t think he’s the biggest fan of that.”
Mom nodded. She set her napkin down and hurried to the upstairs phone. “I’m going to call Caroline.”
Easton let out a sigh as the table fell silent again. He looked up at Hallie just as she looked up at him.
“Was that what… at homecoming?”
Easton nodded, still regretful of the way he had pushed Tyler into telling him. He was in a bit of daze the rest of dinner, the bad news finally sinking in. He vaguely remembered Dad saying something about praying for Tyler and his family. Easton went to his room after dinner, answering Hallie in a mumble when she offered to do the dishes for him.
He laid on his back in his bed, trying not to think too hard or too far ahead in the future. His mind kept going to the worst case scenario and how he could prevent it. Except in this case, he couldn’t prevent this worst case scenario.
A soft knock sounded on his door.
“Come in.”
“Wanna go for a quick hike?” Hallie asked, Canyon’s leash in her hand.
Easton sighed as he sat up. “That’s a good idea.”
In the past, the two of them went on hikes all the time through the desert and cliffs surrounding their little town. Sometimes they talked about everything and anything, other times, they simply walked in silence.
Easton thought this was one of those times, but apparently Hallie needed to talk. As soon as they made it to their self-made trailhead, Hallie let out a sigh and said, “Can I ask you what happened at the dance the other night?”
Easton pushed a hand through his hair. “I had known something was going on with Tyler, but he wouldn’t tell me. So when I saw him zoning out at the dance, I got frustrated. I pushed him into telling me what was wrong and that was when I found it.”
Hallie nodded, her eyes fixed on Canyon’s blonde, swooshing tail. She stayed that way for so long that after a few minutes, Easton nudged her, a smirk on his face. “You find Canyon’s tail fascinating?”
She shot him a confused look, then it made sense and she shook her head with a small smile. “No… I was just thinking…”
“Thinking about what?”
Typically Hallie wouldn’t hesitate to answer that question, but this time it took her a second.
“I… well, people. Conversations.”
Easton cocked an eyebrow. “Is it something I can help with?”
“The whole, ‘my friend is going through this thing, what should she do’ scheme won’t work here, right?”
“Ah, Dr. Woodbury can see right through those.” He tilted his glasses down, pretending to search her eyes.
She laughed. “Is that what you’ve decided? You gonna be a mind reader?”
“Psychiatrist. But no, I don’t think I’ll do that. Even if I was, it doesn’t matter because you’re trying to change the subject. What’s up?”
She started at Canyon again, opening her mouth to speak, but changing her mind.
“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I understand.” He smiled softly.
Hallie wasn’t sure if she wanted to, but she needed to tell someone. “No, it’s just… Well… Do you know Katrina? Katrina Matthews?”
“Maybe. Blonde hair? The one you’ve been hanging out with lately?”
“Yeah that’s her.” Hallie didn’t like how heavy her sigh sounded.
“What about her?”
“She’s just been giving me some advice that… I don’t know… I’m not sure if it’s good advice.”
“Like what?” Easton tried to catch her eye.
“She thinks… She wants me to be popular and apparently I’m doing the wrong things.”
“Hm…” Easton looked straight ahead.
“Great.” Hallie huffed. “You sound like Antonio.”
“Oh, you’re going to him for advice now? Is Dr. Woodbury not good enough? You falling for the Mexican ones?”
“No!” Hallie laughed and pushed him with her shoulder, temporarily knocking him off the trail.
Easton grinned. “I’m just kidding.”
Hallie fixed her gaze on the ground again, but this time to give her face a chance to return to its normal shade.
“Hallie, think about what Katrina’s telling you. First of all, does it line up with your values and goals? Actually, before that, does it line up with what God says?”
Hallie thought about those the rest of the hike and the rest of the evening. Well, God never said it was wrong to be popular, right? No verse saying you had to be unpopular to be a Christian. God wanted what was best for her. Being popular wasn’t bad in any way… At least that’s what Hallie made sure to convince herself of. And just because she didn’t tell everyone about her faith didn’t mean she was no longer a Christian or anything.
Alright, the second question… Did Katrina’s advice line up with Hallie’s values and goals? Well, what were her goals? Being popular and well-liked wasn’t a bad one. Everyone wanted to have lots of friends in high school. Nobody wanted to be unpopular, so why should she be the one to want the opposite or not want it at all? Maybe Katrina’s advice wouldn’t be that bad after all. Patrick seemed like a nice guy, so hanging out with him wouldn’t do her any harm.
And Katrina didn’t have any bad intentions. In fact she wanted to make Hallie’s life better. So being friends with her wouldn’t hurt. Renee didn’t talk to Hallie much and Lori was sweet. Hallie didn’t know about the other people Katrina hung out with, but by the end of Hallie’s little self-searching session, she was convinced that following Katrina’s advice wasn’t a bad idea. In the end, she’d be more popular. Nothing wrong with that. And maybe that would give her a foothold to invite some of these people to church. Yeah. She had everything figured out.
Until Monday morning at school.
Antonio approached Hallie with a question she wasn’t expecting. “Do you like Patrick?”
Hallie didn’t mean to physically take a step back, but she did. She pasted on a smile and hoped her cheeks didn’t turn too red. “Why do you ask?”
Antonio tilted his head, his dark eyes searching her gray ones. “Just wondering. You’ve been talking with him a lot.”
“He’s just friends with my friends, that’s all.” She shrugged, hoping he’d drop the topic.
Antonio followed her down the hall, even though their next classes weren’t the same. “What friends? Katrina doesn’t really seem like a true friend, does she?”
Hallie hated how deep that question cut. “Leave her alone.”
This time Antonio took a step back and the two stopped walking. Hallie’s sharp tone immediately melted. “Antonio, I’m sorry, I just—”
He held up a hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, Antonio—”
“It’s okay. You know her better than I do.” He shrugged and offered a small smile.
Hallie didn’t feel like smiling, even just a little bit. She didn’t know what to say and just stood there, staring at her shoes. Great, she had worn her high-top Converse today. Katrina had suggested Nikes with this outfit. Hallie wouldn’t be surprised if this day got any worse.
Antonio cleared his throat. “Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I can’t study with you at all this week.”
No. This was because of her snappy reply. What had she done? “Oh… Antonio, I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no.” He shook his head, giving her a smile that meant everything that had happened in the last minute was cleared up. Hallie wasn’t quite sure of that. “It’s not because of that, Hallie. Never because of that. My abuelita is staying another week and Mamá wants me to be able to spend more time with her.”
Hallie took a silent deep breath, managing a smile. “Okay. I hope you have a great time.”
Antonio nodded and started to walk away.
“Oh, wait.”
Antonio turned.
“I just have one question.” Hallie smirked. “Can your abuela bake me up some Mexican dessert?”
Antonio laughed. “Yes, of course! She’d love to. Maybe your family can come over for dinner.”
“That would be great.” Although Hallie smiled as she walked away, she still felt a little bit of uncertainty lingering. There was no way that hanging out with her new friends would separate her from her old friends, right? No way.
Now if she could only convince herself of that.
Chapter 19
Hallie felt like a robot the rest of the week, doing this and that according to Katrina’s advice. Sometimes Hallie started to regret agreeing to listen to her, but when the compliments showered over her and people she wished she could hang with had conversations with her, not an ink of regret blotted her happiness. This was perfect. She felt happy and, with the influence she was gaining, she could witness to others.
And she still had her other friends. Since Antonio wasn’t available to study with her all week, she managed to find some studying time with Katrina, Renee, and Lori, even Patrick a few times, and Jennifer came along with her a few days. But by the end of the week, she didn’t quite feel fulfilled. She hadn’t had a long conversation with Jennifer all week, Antonio and she didn’t talk as much, and Javier treated Katrina like a disease, even after all of Hallie’s explanations why she wasn’t.
Her life felt so unbalanced. Yeah, she hadn’t exactly lost her old friend, yet something was still wrong. But she had no idea what it was or how to fix it. It was way past time to talk to Mom. She found a chance to bring up the topic as she helped Mom fold linens Wednesday afternoon.
“Mom, do you know Katrina?”
“The girl you’ve been hanging out with lately?”
“Yeah…”
“What about her?”
“She’s… Well, she’s been trying to help me make more friends.”
“Oh? I thought you were content with your circle of friends.”
“I am, I am. Katrina just thought that I needed to get to know other people.”
Mom set down a folded sheet and rested a hand on her hip, studying Hallie’s face. “Is this about a boy?”
Hallie’s cheeks immediately warmed. “No, no. Well, yes, but no. Not really.”
Mom cocked an eyebrow.
“Okay, sort of yes.”
“Alright.” Mom pushed the folded linens out of the way and sat cross-legged on the bed, like a best friend waiting to hear a secret. “Let’s talk about it.”
Hallie scooted herself onto the bed, sighing. “Antonio and I haven’t been talking a lot lately.”
“Hallie—”
“No, what I mean is, I think I did something that he doesn’t like.”
Mom tilted her head, her graying-red bangs falling across her forehead.
“We’re just—” she sighed again, uncertain how to phrase her thoughts. “Hold on, I’m gonna rewind.” After a deep breath, she continued, the awkwardness slowly fading when she met Mom’s open expression. “Homecoming. Antonio wasn’t there.”
“Right. And you danced with some guy named Patrick.”
“Yeah. Well, Katrina said I shouldn’t ‘let him go.’ She said I should capitalize on the opportunity to be with one of the most popular guys in school.”
“Ah.” Mom leaned back, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Katrina’s been trying to help me get into her circles, but apparently I haven’t been cooperating. Until… now.” She sighed again, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
“Okay… What do you mean?”
“I finally feel like I’ve been accepted into her inner circle, Mom. I’ve been able to spend time with people I only wished I could a year or two ago. And Patrick seems to like hanging out with me and I like—” Her cheeks burned and a small smile crept onto her lips. “I do like hanging out with him. But…” Her smile disappeared. “I feel like my other friends are… I don’t know. Slipping away. And it wasn’t supposed to be like that.” She dropped her hands into her lap, hoping her jumbled words managed to make some sense.
Mom rested her hands—much more gently—into her own lap, a gentle smile crossing her face that calmed Hallie’s confused emotions. “It seems like you’re at a crossroads.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you can go down one path and get one thing, but you can go down another and get something else.”
Hallie wasn’t quite following and her expression must have shown it.
“Let’s say one path is going along with Katrina and her friends, but the other path is continuing to invest in your already established relationships.”
“So it’s one or the other?”
“Not necessarily.”
“I’m a little confused.” She half-smiled.
Mom’s eyes roamed around the room for a moment, like she was looking for the right words to say. “Think of it this way… You still have the two roads to choose from and they lead to different destinations, but—” she held up a finger, “another difference is in who you take with you on that path.”
The pieces were slowly falling in place in Hallie’s head. So it was either popularity or unpopularity? That didn’t seem fair.
“What are you thinking?”
She hesitated a moment. “What are the two roads?”
“What do you think?”
“Popularity and unpopularity?”
“Well, is that what that’s really about?”
“Antonio or Patrick?” She joked, smirking.
Mom chuckled. “No, I don’t think that’s the main issue here either.”
Hallie let out another deep sigh. “I… I’m not sure.”
“I’ll tell you what. Give it some thought.” Mom stood, extending a hand to gently pull Hallie off the bed. “I’m glad you talked to me about it though. That’s what I’m here for.”
Hallie melted into her mother’s embrace, wishing she could stay there forever, because in her mom’s arms it felt like all her problems just disappeared. She suddenly felt like crying and she wasn’t sure why. As she pulled away from the hug, she swallowed the choke in her throat and willed her tears away. “Thanks Mom.”
“Anytime, Hallie. Be wise.” She playfully tugged at a strand of Hallie’s hair. “Now get going or you’ll be late for youth group.”
Although Hallie still had a lot to think about, her heart and mind felt much lighter as she, Easton, and Blake drove to church for their weekly youth meeting. After a competitive game—which the rules of said game Hallie was sure changed each round— and everyone had found a snack and comfortable seat, their youth pastor, Greg, started his lesson. He was a young adult only a few years out of college, with too many gray hairs for his age, and who still dressed like everyone two decades ago. But despite his quirks, Hallie appreciated him and wouldn’t have traded him for any other youth leader.
Tonight, he was teaching out of Matthew, the book of the Bible they had been going through for the past few months.
“Enter by the narrow gate,” he read from Matthew 7. “For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Hallie’s mind was immediately filled with a vivid picture of the two paths that she had been talking about with Mom less than an hour ago.
“Imagine a fork in the road,” Greg said, setting his Bible down on the table next to him. “On one side, you’ve got a wide path lined with a blooming meadow and filled with lots of sunshine. But on the other side, you’ve got a real narrow path that’s overgrown with weeds and blocked with fallen trees. You can barely even see where that path starts because there’s a fog that kind of covers the start. You dig?”
Hallie nodded along with the rest of them.
“Most people would choose that easier path right? The one with flowers and sunshine? Okay, but here’s the thing that travelers don’t see. That easy path leads right off a cliff. And you can’t tell until you’re there. Once you’re off that cliff, there’s no going back.”
That earned a little chuckle, but everyone seemed to understand that Greg was serious.
“But that other path—the one that doesn’t seem very appealing—is difficult. Real difficult. But…” He made sure he had all of their attention. “It leads to the greatest place you’ve ever seen. You picking up what I’m putting down?
“At the beginning, one path looks like the better option. It’s easier, more comfortable, and seems a lot safer. But the other path is uncertain, uncomfortable, and even dangerous. So which do you choose? According to this verse, Jesus says to choose that harder path. Why? Because it leads to life.
“Throughout your life, you’re going to come to many crossroads like this where you either choose the easy path, or choose the hard path and follow Jesus. Only one will bring you life and true fulfillment. When you come to these decisions, you have to ask yourself what’s really worth your life. What to you is worth the world? Following Jesus? Or satisfying your own worldly, temporary desires?
“Guys, get this, okay. The easy path is not always the right path. Following Jesus isn’t always going to be sunshine and roses. And if there are roses, there are going to be thorns.”
Hallie adjusted in her seat, feeling guilty, but trying to ignore her convictions.
“But every moment of your life spent following Jesus and striving to serve Him is one hundred percent worth it.” A smile spread across Greg’s face. “It may not make sense. His way may not seem like the best way to go, but trust me guys, it is. Besides, you know that fog, overgrowth, and fallen trees in the narrow path? God put those there on purpose. If you follow Him through that path and let Him lead you, you will make it through.
“So this calls for a decision, doesn’t it? Which do you choose? The wide gate, the wide path, that leads to destruction? Or the narrow path that’s not always easy, but leads to life?”
Hallie wasn’t sure she could honestly answer that question.
Chapter 20
The days went by too quickly. Easton felt like he was running out of time. As soon as he was able, he started a campaign to raise money for Tyler’s treatments. The school rallied around Tyler and his family, promising their support during this time. Autumn started a before-school prayer time dedicated specifically to Tyler. It grew so big that instead of meeting in a classroom, they chose to meet around the flagpole in front of the school.
Easton had never felt more fulfilled as he worked hard to make sure Tyler’s family was supported, taken care of, and shown more love than they had ever known. In all the rush, he had almost forgotten about the scholarship essay he was supposed to be working on. Somehow he managed to fit that in his busy schedule which was already full of school, work, and family.
The month of October breezed by in a flurry of homework, quizzes, family, and campfires in the desert on chilly nights. Despite the looming cloud of darkness as Tyler began his fight against cancer, Easton could honestly say that life was good. Tyler’s health hadn’t dropped dramatically and he consistently went to the hospital for his treatments. Although he wasn’t able to attend school as much, Easton made sure to visit him often.
School proved to be more difficult now that many other things vied for Easton’s attention and brain power. But studying at least an hour each night before bed proved to help him keep his grades as steady A’s. His job at the diner down the road understood where he was at and was flexible with his hours as long as he proved to be a diligent worker.
Finally Easton felt like he was making a difference, doing the world some good. Sure he wasn’t changing the world, but he was helping Tyler fight something that seemed impossible to overcome. They both fought on their knees, understanding that this battle couldn’t be won by mere human strength. Working towards a goal like this made Easton feel fulfilled and purposeful.
November came and went as quickly as October, Tyler’s health steady and nothing changing with Easton’s workload or schedule. He felt more tired in the mornings when he woke, but a little tiredness wouldn’t stop him from reaching his goals. Waking up early was worth it to pray with fellow students about Tyler and a myriad of other subjects that came up during their prayer times. School became more difficult as midterms approached, but Easton continued to study consistently and made sure he never got behind on his homework.
Thanksgiving break gave Easton a chance to catch his breath, but he didn’t stop spreading the word about Tyler’s campaign and coming up with new ways to raise money. As soon as Thanksgiving break had started, it ended, shoving Easton into the final sprint before midterms and Christmas break. He had never felt so tired in his life. It felt like crossing a finish line when he got his semester report card, saw the straight A’s, and collapsed into the couch at home, feeling his shoulders lighten.
“And he finally stops moving,” Dad said, walking into the family room. “It feels like you haven’t taken a chance to rest since before October.”
Easton let out a deep sigh. “Yeah.”
“Take it easy over Christmas break, okay?”
“But Dad.” He sat up. “I need to keep raising money for Tyler’s treatments. Christmas is when people are feeling most generous anyway.”
Dad sat beside Easton and gave him that look he always had whenever he was about to say something wise. “God will provide.”
“I know. But… what if His way to provide is through me, and other people. I can’t just stop.”
“But you need to rest. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’re going to burn yourself out. If you haven’t already.”
Easton sighed again, running a hand over his face. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Start with the physical rest. Dinner’s going to be a little later tonight.”
“How come?” Easton stood and slung his backpack over his shoulder.
“I’m making dinner.”
“Where’s Mom?” He headed towards the stairs.
“She’s at the hospital with Caroline.”
“Did she remember the check I wrote with the money raised last week?”
“Yeah…”
Easton paused with one foot on the landing. He turned back to look over at his father. “What is it?”
“The Baileys appreciate all you’re doing for them, they really do, but…”
“But what?”
Dad leaned back on the counter, folding his arms over his chest. “Just remember that there are other ways to help them besides the financial aspect.”
Easton slowly walked up the stairs, biting into the apple he had grabbed from the kitchen, letting Dad’s words roll around in his head. How else could Easton help them? He was no doctor… yet. And women from their church had meals covered.
But before Easton could ponder it any further, he flopped onto his bed and fell asleep within the minute.
***
Easton woke up on Christmas morning to the sound of the doorbell ringing. He glanced at his clock as he rolled out of bed. Seven o’clock. Who would be visiting this early?
Easton hurried down the stairs as quietly as possible and peered through the peephole. The widest smile stretched across his face and he fumbled to unlock the door fast enough. He whipped the door open, letting in a stream of cold air. A laugh fell from his lips as the visitors let out a cheery, “Merry Christmas!”
Easton pulled Tyler into a tight hug. “You’re home!”
“If those nurses made me stay in the hospital on Christmas I would have rolled my own hospital bed back home.”
Easton stepped back, his hands still on Tyler’s shoulders. He looked past him and his parents as if looking for someone. “Did you bring one of them back?”
“One of who?”
“A nurse. You know, getting extra attention from the ladies now that you’re an invalid.”
Tyler grinned. “Even that doesn’t work.”
Ruby popped out from behind his leg. “But I’m here!” She clung tightly to Tyler’s hand, a beaming smile on her face.
Easton looked Tyler over, certain his own expression matched Ruby’s. Tyler wore a beanie over what little hair he had left, he was bundled up against the winter chill, and he seemed a little thinner, but the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face was unmistakable.
Easton led Tyler and his parents into the house as Mom and Dad came down the stairs. They greeted the Baileys with as much enthusiasm and excitement. Mom made sure the Baileys stayed for breakfast and even for the present opening since she had some presents for them in the closet that she had planned to bring to the hospital later that day.
The Baileys ended up staying the whole day and enjoying Christmas dinner with them and the Woodbury grandparents. Easton was sure this day couldn’t have been more perfect. More than once, Tyler’s parents expressed their gratitude to the Lord for bringing Tyler healing. He wasn’t at the finish line yet, but the doctors were giving more and more positive reports.
Easton was sure he didn’t stop smiling all day. This present was better than any under the tree that morning. As he and Tyler sat in Easton’s room later that day, Tyler’s happy mood seemed to disappear. Easton sensed it as soon as their conversation came to a lull. His smile faded and a heavy sigh escaped his lips.
“You good, Tyler?”
“No.” He shook his head, his gaze dropping to the floor.
“What’s wrong?”
“Easton…” Tyler leaned back in his chair. “I’m scared.” His voice was practically a whisper.
Easton felt his brow furrow. “But… but everything’s going well. What do you mean?”
“What if it goes downhill?”
“Tyler, what are you talking about? This doesn’t sound like you.”
Tyler dropped his hands into his lap. “There was a sermon from a couple months ago that stuck in my mind. Pastor was talking about how following God wouldn’t be easy and that the Christian life will have trials.”
“Yeah…”
“Well, I had thought that getting cancer would be a trial.”
“It was though, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, I guess so. But Pastor also said something about still serving the Lord within the trials. I felt like I haven’t been doing that.” He hung his head.
“And why should that worry you?”
“I prayed that because of my cancer, I would be able to change somebody’s life. That hasn’t happened yet.”
“You may not know that.” Easton tilted his head as he sighed. “You’ve had a good attitude this whole time. I’ve literally never heard you complain. Surely someone has taken notice.”
“Yeah but I want people to see the Lord through me. I want to be able to change someone’s life through my example.”
Easton stood and offered Tyler a hand to pull him up out of the chair. “Stop beating yourself up.”
Tyler grabbed his hand and stood, letting out another sigh. “That’s not a request, is it?”
“Nope.” Easton grinned and pulled Tyler into a hug. “God’s going to do something great through this, if He hasn’t already.” He stepped back. “Trust me. Actually, don’t. Trust Him. Don’t worry about the future. He’s already seen it. Just keep following Him.”
Tyler nodded, a smile forming on his face again. “Alright.”
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
I’m glad I could help!!
Yes! Lmk when you flesh out the ideas more, I’d love to hear what you come up with!
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Pretty much all the public schoolers have phones and are preoccupied with boys and drama at school
😣 I wish schools didn’t have to be that way. It’s crazy that when I hear of a 12 or 13 year old dating or whatever, I’m not surprised. I don’t agree with it! but it doesn’t shock me. 🙁 I mean, y’all should be enjoying your childhood and early teenage-hood with friends. There’s nothing wrong with having a crush, but just because you like a guy doesn’t mean you have to suddenly make your life all about him!! You’re probably not going to get married for another ten years, so don’t waste your emotions on a guy you’ll forget about eventually. (I understand some middle-school relationships work out, but most of the time…they don’t.)
Anywayy…. Don’t mind my little rant there 🤭
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
@whalekeeper @koshka @hybridlore @elishavet-pidyon @trailblazer @theducktator @grcr @theshadow
Y’all are so so so helpful!!! I wish I could reply to each individual response, but that would take a while. 🤪
The theme I’m getting from most of the responses though is that MG needs more wholesomeness, or at least that was what you enjoyed the most. Also that parents need to be involved. I totally get that and agree 100%.
And that it needs less romance, but if there is going to be any inkling of that, it needs to be handled well and age-appropriately (according to higher standards).
I agree though, some topics just need to be taken out of that level of fiction, or at least handled well. With all the agendas being thrown at kids that age, I feel like they need something that’s there simply to entertain them. Maybe include a gentle theme, but not another opinion being shoved down their throat, ya know?
Wow y’all have given me a lot of ideas and a ton of help! Thank you so much!!! <33
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
