Andrew woke up early to have a quick breakfast and to prepare for Mass. As he finished eating and went upstairs to get dressed, Angela came out of her room wearing a modest dress.
As he looked in confusion, Angela gave a timid smile, “Is it okay if I go to Mass with you?”
Andrew grinned, clearly elated. “Yes, of course. Counselor Robertson will be here shortly to pick us up.”
Angela smiled and waited downstairs as her brother got ready. Soon, they went outside and stepped into the counselor’s car.
“Hello Angela!” Counselor Robertson beamed at her and welcomed her with a warm handshake. “I’m so glad you could join us today.”
“I appreciate the invitation.” Angela immediately felt at ease with the counselor. He almost reminds me of dad, she thought tenderly.
During the drive to the church, the counselor had the radio on a Christian station which played upbeat as well as soothing spiritual songs.
“Is this a CD?” Angela asked.
“No,” the counselor replied, “This is a local station.”
Angela raised a brow. “I didn’t think they had music like this out here.”
“Yes,” Andrew turned toward her. “I just started listening to this station at home. Its way better than the other music I listened too.”
Angela nodded with a gleam in her eye. “Same here.”
Counselor Robertson then pulled onto the church’s parking lot and they all went inside. Angela followed her brother and the counselor to an empty pew and they all kneeled down and prayed. As the Mass began, Angela felt a little strange, as if she was an outsider observing something beautiful. But, at the same time, everything felt familiar and comforting.
During the songs, Angela sung along with her brother, which made them both smile. They used to love singing together when they had gone to Mass with their parents. She did not realize how much she missed that until she sang with him again.
As the Mass concluded, Angela turned to Andrew. “Can you wait here for a few minutes while I talk to your counselor?”
“Sure, is everything alright?”
“Yeah, I won’t be long.”
Angela followed the counselor out of the pew and asked him if they could talk. He nodded and they went outside to a small courtyard where they could talk alone.
“I know how much Andrew enjoys talking with you,” she said softly. “I think he looks up to you like a father. I miss being able to talk with my parents about things.”
“In some ways,” Counselor Robertson admitted, “Andrew is like a son to me. My wife died of cancer and we were not blessed with any children. The way I get to help Andrew is what I imaged it would be like if I had my own children. God works in mysterious ways.”
Angela then said, “I miss my parents so much. When we came to Grove High, I was so excited to have new friends, people who accepted me. I didn’t have to feel alone anymore. I always loved dancing, and used to do ballet. My friends here are cheerleaders and got me to join the team. But, that’s when things started falling apart.”
Counselor Robertson nodded sympathetically, “Sometimes when we are lost we start to follow the wrong path.”
“So I’ve realized. My friends encouraged me to date, so I started going out with someone, but it turned out to be a huge mistake.” She shook her head and continued, “Andrew warned me about the guy, but I didn’t listen. When things went wrong, I turned to my friends, only to find out that they weren’t really there for me. They also tried to get me to drink alcohol at a few parties, and last night… last night they got Melissa to drink… she…”
Angela trailed off and started to cry. “She got really sick and she’s in the hospital now. I don’t know what to do about anything anymore.”
“The best thing we can do when we feel lost is to pray.” Robertson gently put a hand on Angela’s shoulder and looked her in the eye. “When we speak to God, He answers. Andrew has been feeling lost, and through prayer he has discovered what God is calling him to do. I have seen so much change in your brother, and I know that if you speak to God, He will help you find your way as well.”
She wiped away tears and impulsively gave him a hug. “Thank you for listening. I just didn’t know who to talk to. My uncle, well, he’s not supportive of us, of… our faith.”
“I know.” Robertson looked moved by her action. “But, don’t worry about that right now. I appreciate that you came to me. I want you and your brother to know that you are both very special and that God is with you. If you ever need help, as a Catholic and as a friend I will be there for you both.”
“Thank you so much.” Angela turned towards the church door. “I’ll get Andrew and we can meet you at the car.”
Counselor Robertson nodded and she went back inside the church. As she reached her brother, he finished a prayer and then followed her to the parking lot.
“So,” he said, trying not to sound as curious as he was, “did you guys have a good talk?”
“Yes,” Angela replied. “Your counselor is really kind.”
“What did you talk about?” he asked, unable to contain himself.
Angela shook her head and smiled. “Oh, just things. It’s confidential, you know.”
He smiled as they reached the car. After the drive back home, Angela asked her brother for the counselor’s phone number. Then she asked Andrew if he wanted to play any games. He took the opportunity to bond with his sister and they spent many hours laughing and playing like they used to long ago.
The next morning at school went by quickly. Before Angela and Andrew knew it, they were sitting together having lunch, when suddenly two girls walked up to them.
When Angela looked up and saw Jessica and Kayla there, she quickly asked, “Have you heard anything about how Melissa is doing?”
“Coach Swanson called the hospital and they said that she’s stable.” Jessica said shortly.
“That’s good.”
“Yeah,” Kayla waved her hands dismissively, “but her parents took her off the team. We have to go to State with one less cheerleader.”
“That’s too bad.” Angela slightly glared at Kayla. “I just hope she feels better soon.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “That sophomore just jeopardized our chances of winning. We’re going to have to rework some of our routine to compensate for that.”
“It’s not Melissa’s fault,” Angela stated with reproach.
“She should have been more careful,” Kayla growled.
Jessica shrugged, “Anyways, we need you at our table so we can discuss the changes in our routine.”
“I’ll be at practice today,” Angela replied. “We can talk about it then.”
Jessica then stared hard at Andrew. “Hey, aren’t you that guy who talked badly about us cheerleaders after that first football game?”
“I’m sorry,” Andrew said sincerely, “I made a mistake and I’ve learned from it. I’m a new person now. Can you please forgive me?”
“Whatever.” Jessica glanced away from him awkwardly. “Now, are you going to sit with us Angela or what?”
Angela snapped, “I’m busy talking with my brother.”
Both Jessica and Kayla were caught off guard with that comment and they just shook their heads in disbelief and then left.
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