“So you’re still chasing after poor Cesar?”
Marissa stood up straighter, adjusting the top of her black strapless dress, which in my opinion exposed more cleavage than necessary. I’m guessing this was intended more for Cesar than Jake.
“Hey, he can’t give up women forever.”
I started to say that it was more than that, but I realized she’d probably already heard this dozens of times. Sometimes people just believe what they want to believe.
Well, our group of six really worked that prom. We mixed it up with just about everyone, which I must say was rather cool. Another big surprise of the evening was when Jessie Oldfield (my old best friend from middle school, before I turned into a rebel) came over to talk to me. I didn’t even know that she’d moved back.
“You look great, Chloe.”
“Thanks, Jess. So do you.”
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to write you or something.” Jessie looked down, fiddling with her wrist corsage. “I know I wasn’t very nice to you in middle school, and I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.”
I put my hand on her shoulder. “No problem. Really. I just needed to go through some hard stuff back then. But ultimately it led me to God, and that’s what truly matters.”
“I know.”
I blinked. “Really? You know about God?”
She nodded. “And it has a lot to do with what you’re doing. I got your CD, which I think is awesome by the way, and I listened to it over and over, and I read all the lyrics and really thought about what it all meant. I guess it just started making me hungry for God too. I asked Jesus into my heart a couple of months ago.”
“That is so cool, Jessie!”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “It is, isn’t it? Anyway, I hope we can be friends again, but I wouldn’t blame you if you—”
“Hey, if you’re a Christian you should know about forgiveness by now.”
“I do. But I also know that you can’t force other people to forgive you.”
“Well, I totally forgive you, Jess. I did that a long time ago.”
We talked some more and agreed to stay in touch through e-mail. Now that was something I never would’ve expected to happen—ever. So to say this day was full of surprises is absolutely the truth.
SURPRISES
unexpected
unsuspected
life with God
is a wild ride
it’s exciting
and delighting
when you’re standing
on His side
it’s worth living
and forgiving
what’s the risk
so take a chance
on believing
and receiving
love and joy
begin the dance
cm
Ten
Tuesday, May 17
We have two more concerts (Friday and Saturday), both with Iron Cross, but after that we come back home for the two weeks of school preceding graduation. Then Laura can participate in all her senior activities that Mrs. Mitchell feels are so important. This was agreed upon before we went back on tour this spring. At the time I felt a little resentful, but after going to the prom on Saturday, I understand better how these times really are important. And I wouldn’t want to take that away from Laura.
Speaking of Laura, she did “break it off” with Ryan. Not that they were exactly going together, but Laura said that he seemed pretty surprised and slightly hurt when she told him she didn’t have the time or energy to have a boyfriend in her life right now.
“It was weird,” she told us the next day. “I mean, I didn’t really think Ryan was all that interested in me since James had said how Ryan was all bummed about this other girl. But when he realized that I wasn’t interested, well, it was like he was really interested in me and practically begged me to reconsider.”
Allie laughed. “Now, what is up with that?”
“Maybe it’s the old hard-to-get routine,” I suggested. “You act like you’re all uninterested, and suddenly the guy is totally nuts for you.”
“Too bad more girls don’t understand this concept,” said Allie.
“Or not,” I said.
“What about guys?” asked Laura. “Don’t they play hard to get?”
“Yeah, and I think guys are better at it than girls,” I said. “Think about it. They don’t usually throw their hearts down onto the table for everyone to look at. Not the way girls do anyway.”
“Maybe that’s why the girls are usually chasing the guys,” said Allie.
And I do think we’re onto something. I mean, I’m trying not to think about the way Jeremy acted on prom night. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then Caitlin noticed it too. And so there’s this little part of me that thinks Jeremy may have gotten just the teensiest bit interested in me because he saw me going out with his brother. Now that’s all I’m going to say about that because I want to honor my pact with Laura and Allie, and I do not want to start falling all over myself in love with Jeremy Baxter again. Phew.
SURRENDER
my heart is Yours
it’s in Your hand
my life is Yours
i’ll make my stand
all i am, Lord
all i will be
i give to You
like You give to me
i lay it down
before Your feet
i give my all
Lord, it is sweet
to trust in You
to live in grace
to know Your love
to see Your face
amen
Sunday, May 22
Our concerts both went fine this week. Without a hitch, as Willy would say, although I thought they lacked a little something in energy. It was hard to tell whether it was due to the musicians or the crowd. But I must say that even Iron Cross didn’t seem as hot as usual. Maybe it was just something in the air.
But now we’re on our way home again (only four hours away). And we three girls are all very glad. I think we’re a little worn out. A couple of weeks at home sounds like just the break we need. But now let me write down the most exciting thing to happen this week. In fact, I would call it breaking news!
Without letting on to any of us girls, Willy proposed to Elise last night and she has accepted. We were all pretty shocked when they told us today. Talk about your clandestine romance. I mean, we sort of knew that Willy had it bad for Elise. But none of us, not even Allie, had the slightest inclination that Elise felt the same way about him. That woman should get an Oscar for her performance.
“How did you keep it to yourselves this whole time?” demanded Allie at breakfast this morning, after the happy couple shared the news. Allie wasn’t really mad about the engagement but simply irritated that she hadn’t seen it coming better.
“I was only trying to set a good example for you girls,” Elise explained. “I thought maybe, since I’m supposed to be the chaperone, well, it was better if you didn’t see Willy and me acting all mushy and goofy.”
Willy grinned. “We’ll be saving that for later.”
Elise winked at him. “But there is a little problem now.”
“I called Eric Green this morning,” said Willy. “I explained our situation and expressed our concern about having Redemption’s chaperone be engaged to the manager while we’re on tour. I know it probably sounds a little old-fashioned on my part, but I was concerned about how it might appear to the public, you know?”
“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” said Allie.
“I don’t know,” said Laura. “I don’t mean to be a wet blanket here, but I can’t help wondering what my mom would say about the whole thing. You know how she can be.”
“And she’s not totally wrong,” said Willy. “If we err here, I would rather we err on the side of prudence. You know a lot of people are watching Redemption and following your every move. We don’t want to do anything with the least bit of impropriety that
might harm your reputation.”
“But who will we get for our chaperone?” Allie glanced over to where Rosy was at the counter refilling her coffee cup. “Hey, maybe Rosy can do it.”
“She could, and we all know she’s a great help. But she needs to focus her attention on the driving end of things,” said Willy. “That in itself is a pretty big responsibility.”
“I have an idea,” I said suddenly. “It was something we’d joked about a while back, but now that this has happened, well, who knows? Maybe this could be a real God-thing.”
“What is it?” asked Elise as she helped Davie open his milk carton.
“What about having Caitlin O’Conner for a chaperone?”
Willy nodded. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. Do you think she’d be interested?”
“Yes! Yes!” shrieked Allie. “That is totally perfect.”
“And how about Beanie too?” asked Laura eagerly. “She could be our wardrobe designer on the road.”
“I think you girls may be onto something,” said Willy.
“Caitlin and Beanie will both be done with school by the time we leave for tour again,” I said. “The timing is perfect.”
“What about in the fall?” asked Elise. “When it’s time for Caitlin and Beanie to return to school?”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “But remember, Jesus said we only need to worry about one day at a time.”
“God will take care of the rest,” said Allie happily.
So we e-mailed Caitlin and Beanie right after breakfast. And Willy discussed it with Eric Green. And by the end of the day, it was settled. Not only would we have Caitlin as chaperone, but we’d have Beanie as wardrobe designer. Both on salary.
Man, this is so totally cool. Not that we don’t love Elise—we definitely do. And she’s been a great chaperone. But having Caitlin and Beanie will be so awesome. And as far as keeping us in line (like we’re such a problem—okay, maybe sometimes), I have no doubt whatsoever that the level-headed Caitlin O’Conner will have no trouble keeping us on track. Not only that, but she said in her e-mail that she has a new devotional book that she wants to take us through during our summer tour. This is going to be so cool!
MY PSALM OF PRAISE
Your plans are greater than the seas
Your ways are higher than the mountains
Your thoughts are vaster than the deserts
Your mercy is wider than the sky
Your joy is deeper than the ocean
Your love is bigger than the universe
Awesome God, You are mighty!
amen
Eleven
Wednesday, May 25
If you have to be in school, and I’m not complaining because there are definitely some things that I miss, you might do it during the last two weeks of the school year. I suppose there’s not a lot of quality schoolwork going on this time of year, but everyone seems to be in a happy mood and the social life is great. Of course, I didn’t think this way a couple of years ago. Man, how life can change when you let God into it. I was reminded of this in a major way when I got a note from Mrs. King (school counselor) this afternoon.
Now the last time I got a note from Mrs. King was when I was in deep doo-doo for smacking Kerry Fraley in the face with my backpack and consequently breaking her nose. Okay, it was self-defense, but at the same time it was getting ugly with criminal charges threatening to be pressed and whatnot. Anyway, that all flashed back on me as I walked to her office. Of course, I knew that I wasn’t really in trouble today. I mean, I’ve done nothing wrong. But just the same it felt pretty weird, and I even experienced a serious wave of guilt as I walked into her office.
“Hi, Chloe,” she said with a bright smile. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah, it’s been a crazy year.”
“Have a seat.”
I sat down, still trying to repress these misplaced feelings of guilt. “What’s up?”
“Well, I’ve been talking to some of your teachers …”
I frowned. “But my grades have been okay. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, Chloe.” She tapped her fingers on her desk as if she was thinking. “And I’m not even sure that I should suggest this, but I think I would be wrong not to at least mention it.”
“What?”
“Well, your grades are great, Chloe, but more than that, your teachers feel your work is far above your grade level. Some of your papers would have earned A’s at college level.”
“Really?” Now I was stunned.
“Really. In fact, that’s why you’re here. I wouldn’t normally suggest this to a student, but you’re an exception. Since your band is doing so well and you seem to have your life going down this amazing track that other kids only dream of, I’d like to recommend that you graduate early, Chloe. But I fully realize this is your decision and you may not even want to.”
“How?” I asked eagerly. “How can I do that?”
“Oh, it’s not too difficult. You’ll have to take certain classes in the fall, and there are some tests to take. But I’m sure you’ll have no problem with it. That is, if you choose to do this. And it’s up to you, and your parents, of course.”
“I’d like to think about it.” I paused. “And I need to pray about it and talk to my parents and stuff.”
“I have a letter here.” She held up an official-looking envelope. “There’s a permission slip for your parents and some other things. You don’t have to make up your mind until fall.”
“Thanks.” I grinned at her. “You know, when I was walking to the office I was thinking about how I got into so much trouble during my freshman year. Do you remember?”
She laughed. “Yeah. You were something else. But I could tell, even then, that you had something pretty special going on.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “You’re quite a girl, Chloe.”
“Thanks. But I have to give the credit to God. Without Him, I am a complete mess.”
She smiled. “I figured you’d say something like that. Well, keep up the good work and good luck with your band. My thirteen-year-old loves your CD, and she’s even taken up the guitar in hopes that she can grow up to be like you. In fact …” Mrs. King looked slightly embarrassed now. “She’d love it if I brought home your autograph. Do you mind?”
I laughed. “Not at all.” And so I signed a piece of notepaper “To Becky, with love, Chloe Miller.”
“Thanks. I’ll be her hero tonight.”
I told my parents about Mrs. King’s idea as we were cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. And for some reason I thought my mom was going to balk. Maybe it was a flashback to the old days or perhaps it’s because Laura’s mom has reacted to so many things in an overprotective way. But my mom totally surprised me by saying that she felt it was my decision and was completely comfortable with whatever I chose.
“I’m with your mom,” agreed Dad as he hung up the dish towel. “And I’m not even surprised that they’re offering this to you, Chloe. We’ve always known you were a smart girl.”
“Sometimes you were too smart for your own good,” Mom said with a sly smile. “But it looks like you’ve grown into it. By the way, honey, have I told you that I’m really proud of you?”
I had to laugh because that’s becoming one of her favorite lines of late. But then I’m not tired of hearing it either. In fact, coming from her, it means more than almost anything to me. I can’t believe how much she’s changed since she and Dad started going to church regularly. Anyway, I hugged her and told her I loved her, and we both got a little teary eyed. I’m not even sure why we cried exactly. I guess it was over all the things we’ve been through in the past, all the times I thought she hated me or was embarrassed by me or just didn’t care. Now I know I was wrong. Thank God.
GROWING
growing up
and growing old
learn to do
the things we’re told
growing up
a
nd growing wise
learn to see through
others’ eyes
growing up
and growing fast
hope the good times
don’t zip past
growing up
and growing smart
i know i won’t
outgrow God’s heart
cm
Friday, May 27
I reintroduced myself to an old friend today. I’m sure she thought that I’d completely forgotten her. But I didn’t. Okay, here is what I remember about Kim Peterson. When I was in eighth grade and going through my little rebellious streak, and consequently losing my old friends left and right, I was on my way to orchestra one day (believe it or not, I used to play the violin—and not all that well) when Kim spoke to me.
“You know, you could be a much better musician if you took the violin more seriously,” she said as we reached the door.
“Huh?” I stopped and looked at her as if she were an alien.
“I know you probably think I’m a geek because I actually care about school and grades and orchestra and all that.”
“Aren’t you that brainy chick who has some big record for winning the mental math contest for like about twenty consecutive years?”
“Four, actually.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“But, really, Chloe, I’ve watched you play violin and you’re good, but you just don’t take it seriously. I’ll bet you never even practice.”
I nodded. “You got that right.”
“And I know that you’re having a hard time this year …”
Now this made me mad. I didn’t need little Miss Perfect telling me how to live my life right then. “It’s none of your business,” I snapped at her.
“Fine.” She held her head up high, and I could tell that I’d offended her, but I still didn’t care. “I just wanted to let you know that I think you could be a good musician if you worked harder.”
And believe it or not, those words of hers stuck with me. But instead of practicing my violin (and honestly I never thought I’d have a chance of bumping her out of first chair because I was certain that she practiced for at least six hours each day), I decided to take up the guitar. And thinking about what she’d said about music, I decided to take my guitar seriously, and I actually began practicing for several hours a day too. Of course, I never told her any of this back then. But in some ways, I’ve always felt that Kim Peterson had a little to do with my success in music.
Face the Music Page 6