“What is it you said you did in Long Beach?”
Bekah hadn’t said. She’d tried to avoid that particular conversation. It didn’t matter much now. “I sing ... in a nightclub.”
“Oh?” Mrs. Gaines took a nibble of her toast. “I sing in the shower, but I have to admit, if I ever tried my hand at it in public, I’d be laughed off the stage.”
Bekah remembered the guitar that sat just inside her apartment door and her heart wilted a little more. “It was hard to get my first gig, but singing and acting are all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“An actress, too? You’ve got quite a repertoire, don’t you? I once met Julie Andrews!” I about died when she signed an autographed copy of The Sound of Music for me. It’s my all-time favorite movie ever!” Mrs. Gaines clasped her hands together like an excited child.
“That must have been amazing.” Bekah smiled. “The Sound of Music is one of my favorites too.”
“Well, you go right on and fulfill your dream, sweet lady. I’m sure God has big plans for you. No use staying around a small town such as ours.”
If only. “I’ve tried. Didn’t pan out.” Bekah had been to Hollywood, tried out for all the leading roles she could, she’d even tried some small-town gigs, worked as a stagehand for a couple of years, but never got a starring role in anything since she’d been in high school and played the lead as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. “Maybe someday.”
“I’m sure of it. You just follow your dreams.”
Bekah was amazed that the woman hadn’t frowned on her even once after admitting she’d sang in sinful night clubs and bars. She’d never met a kinder person. Guilt that she’d tried to rob the woman blind settled in the pit of her stomach and she was no longer hungry.
“I think I’ll head over to the church and get that yard work done for Pastor Gaines. Thank you for the wonderful breakfast.”
Chapter 10 — Ezekiel
The sky darkened outside as Ezekiel got his students settled in for their religious studies lesson. After staying up most of the night, he was exhausted, and the forming clouds outside were doing nothing to keep him awake.
“Open your books to page sixty-eight, and we’ll start where we left off yesterday.” Ezekiel yawned.
Everyone opened their books except for Jack. Instead, he stared zombie-like out the window. The boy had made it through English without a single disturbance, but it looked like his resolve to behave had been short-lived. Either that or he hadn't gotten much sleep either.
“Jack? Open your book to page sixty-eight please.”
“Yeah, but look,” Jack said, pointing out the window.
Ezekiel squeezed his eyes closed to ward away the tired burning. “Yep. The wind is picking up out there. We’re going to get a good rain any minute.”
“No not that, Mr. Gaines. There’s a lady out there, and she looks like―”
Ezekiel opened his eyes and glanced out the window. Bekah was running around, chasing a candy wrapper that was flying across the playground. Each time she got close to it, the wind would pick up and blow it out of her reach. “Well, I’ll be. What is she doing out there?”
“I think she’s trying to pick up trash.” Georgia giggled. "But the wind keeps blowing it away."
“Never mind what she’s doing. Let’s get back to our lesson. Tia, would you please read first?”
“Yes, Mr. Gaines.” Tia began to read.
Why would his father have her out there, picking up trash with a storm on its way in? He couldn’t find anything inside for her to do?
Tia continued to read, but not a single soul was listening. Each of them was staring out the window at the lady in his mother’s flowered dress, chasing trash around the school grounds while the wind whipped up around her, making her short hair stand on end.
A flash of lightning lit the sky, followed closely by a boom of thunder. Tia’s voice jerked as she looked up from the page.
“Thank you, Tia. Hold off on reading for a moment.”
Ezekiel picked up the phone on his desk and dialed the internal number for the office. “Yes, Mr. Gaines.” Bonnie’s voice came through the speaker.
“Ms. Bonnie, could you put me through to Pastor Gaines if he’s not busy.”
“He’s not here right now. He’s meeting with the men’s group at uh ... Denny’s.”
A couple of kids snickered.
“Ms. Bonnie, would you happen to have a moment to take over my class for a few minutes?”
Another flash of lightning lit up the sky. Bekah jumped and squealed but continued to press on.
“Sure, Mr. Gaines. Do you need a potty break?”
The class broke out in chuckles.
“Something like that. Thank you, Ms. Bonnie.” Ezekiel hung up and directed his attention to the students. “I want you to finish your reading with Ms. Bonnie. Don’t give her any trouble. If I hear anyone has acted out, you will all have a pop quiz when I return.”
They groaned.
Soon Bonnie arrived, and Ezekiel rushed out the door before Bekah was struck down by God with a lightning bolt to the heart. The thought made him chuckle, but being outside in a lightning storm was no laughing matter.
As he reached the outside awning, the patter of sprinkles pelted the metal top making it hard to hear anything but the rain.
“What’s she doing out there?” Garrett called from behind.
“I have no earthly idea.” Ezekiel looked at the dark clouds covering the sky. The rain came down harder, and he turned to Garrett. “You wanna go get her?”
“You saw her first, man. The honor is all yours.”
Ezekiel gazed back out into the pouring rain and then back to his friend. Slipping his suit jacket over his head, he ran out to where Bekah was bending down to grab a piece of paper before it flew away.
“You need to come inside. It’s not safe out here,” Ezekiel called over the downpour.
“I’m from California!” Bekah yelled back. “I’ve seen rain before.”
The wind picked up, ruffling her dress, nearly making her lose her balance.
“Not like this, you haven’t.” The rain came down in gusts, soaking them both. “Come on. Or are you trying to become a human lightning rod?"
Bekah glared at him. “If I don’t finish, I’ll never get out of this town!”
“Bekah, please. I’ll give you the money myself.”
“Your dad won't approve of that."
"Why do you care?"
She shrugged and their eyes met for a long moment. If Ezekiel hadn’t been already drenched in the rain, he’d have thought he just might drown in her eyes. “Come on. You can finish when it passes.”
Before she could answer, a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, hitting a desert palm tree only a hundred feet away. Bekah let out a scream that was muffled by the boom of thunder.
Picking her up with one swift motion, he ran back through the rain. Hail pelted his back, and Bekah let out another yip.
Once he got back under the awning, she wriggled out of his arms. “Put me down, you beast!”
“A lot of thanks I get for saving you twice in one day!” He set her on her feet.
“Twice?” She glared at him as recognition met her eyes. “Oh, you think not telling your parents that I tried to steal from them was saving me? Well, I’m no criminal, Ezekiel Gaines! I just ―” Bekah wiped away the wet hair that was matted to her forehead. “I’m sorry about that. I ―”
“It’s fine. Just don’t go doing anything else stupid like playing in a monsoon. You’ve reached your limit of saving for one day.” Anger coursed through him so fiercely that he could spit lightning himself. “Inside! This storm isn’t going away anytime soon!” he ground out through tightly gritted teeth.
Bekah stood her ground, staring at him. Her eyes filled with something. Hurt, regret? Whatever it was, it smothered his anger like a blanket over a match.
“Please?”
Bekah marched past him, water dripping from her
hair and clothes leaving small puddles in her path. She was a ball of fire for sure. He followed her inside. He’d saved her twice, he only hoped he could save her from herself.
Passing Garrett on his way in, the man was grinning from ear to ear.
“Don’t you have a class to teach?” Ezekiel grumbled.
“They’re at PE.”
They watched as Bekah stormed down the hall, no idea where she was heading. “She’s a stubborn one, huh?”
“As a mule.” Ezekiel shook his head, sending water flying in all directions.
Garrett put his hands up to ward off the shower. “Doesn’t look like she’ll be leaving anytime soon.”
“So, it would seem,” Ezekiel grumbled, taking off his wet jacket. “So, it would seem.”
Garrett slapped him on the back. “You got your hands full, buddy. Better you than me. Gotta go. Class will be back in five.”
Ezekiel watched Bekah walk to the end of the hall and out the door that led to the church office building. He wasn’t worried about her safety. There was an awning that extended the length of the two buildings, and he was quite sure Bekah had gotten soaked enough for one day, she wouldn’t go trying to traipse around in the rain anymore.
Ezekiel headed back into his classroom. As soon as he opened the door, the entire class shuffled back to their seats. They had seen the whole ordeal. He gave Bonnie a look.
“What? They wanted to see the hail!”
“Right. Thank you, Ms. Bonnie.”
She winked knowingly.
“Back to the books, kids. Where did we leave off?”
Jack raised his hand.
“Yes, Jack?”
“You sure are strong, Mr. Gaines. Picking up that girl like that.”
Ezekiel lifted his chin and gave Jack a stern stare. “You’re the next to read, Jack.”
“Aw, man!”
Chapter 11 — Bekah
Thoroughly embarrassed and utterly soaked, Bekah sat in the office and waited for Pastor Gaines to return. The cool breeze from the vent above her sent chills up and down her body. As she rubbed her arms, the same side door she’d entered from opened, and she looked up hopefully. It was the secretary, her hands up around her head, shielding herself from the wind and rain.
“Woah! That’s some storm out there, huh?” the woman said as a gust of wind carried the door, slamming it closed. The phone rang, and the secretary rushed to the desk to answer it. Bekah stared out the window at the hail that plummeted to the sidewalk below.
“Do you know when Pastor Gaines will be back?” Bekah asked as soon as the secretary ended her phone conversation.
“Probably not until around noon. I would suggest you wait out the storm anyway. The roads around here get flooded quickly.”
“Maybe I could do something inside the building to finish earning my gas money?” She wasn’t taking any chances of Pastor Gaines informing her that she hadn’t finished her job and refusing to give her the money he had promised.
“We could use a hand in the lunchroom. Gloria just called and said her street is already flooded. She's not going to make it in.”
“Okay. What do I do?” She’d never worked in food service, but how hard could it be?”
“I’ll take you over there now. Follow me.”
Bekah followed the woman back out the door as they rushed across the sidewalk to the entrance of the school. Wind and rain whipped up around them as they dashed inside the building.
“My goodness!” The woman rubbed her arms. “I’m Bonnie, by the way.”
“Bekah. It’s nice to meet you.” She’d spoken to Bonnie when she first got there, but the woman had not formally introduced herself.
“Good to meet you, Bekah. Cute name.”
“Thanks.”
“Follow me.” Bonnie walked down the hallway. “Basically, all you have to do is hand out milk and snacks to the kids who come up with a lunch card. They’re allowed one of each. Once they redeem their items, you punch their card, and that’s it.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes. The kids are pretty honest. There are a few that might try to swindle you out of a milk or a snack being that you’re a new face, but mostly I think Gloria just lets it go. Many of our kids are here on scholarships, so if they didn’t bring a lunch, we’re pretty easy on them. Just make sure the kids who have a card get theirs first.”
“Sounds easy enough.” Bekah had once been one of the underprivileged kids. Her mother had been too proud to get her on the free lunch program, and her lunch lady wasn’t quite as kind. Many times, she’d come home starving only to raid the fridge and find nothing to eat. It was what it was, though. Those were the breaks.
They reached the cafeteria doors, and Bonnie went inside. “There’s a stool for you to sit on over there.” She pointed to the end of a counter at the front of the room. “Lunch starts for the younger kids in about ten minutes. Just take a seat, and they’ll bring their items to you. Punch their cards, and they’ll be on their way. Three groups come in. Kindergarten through second grade eats first. Next, our third through fifth graders and last, the junior high group will eat. There are extras behind the counter if you need to restock.” Bonnie brought her back behind the counter to show her the crates full of more supplies. “And that’s it.”
“Thanks.” Bekah was genuinely grateful for the easier position. It beat picking up trash in a monsoon any day.
“Sure. No problem. And it looks like you’re drying already. Do you need a towel or anything?”
“No. I’m fine. Thanks.” Bekah ran her fingers through her hair. It was almost completely dry. Her dress was still quite wet, and with the air conditioner hitting her skin, she had to force herself not to show how cold she actually was.
“Let me see what I can round up for you,” Bonnie said, noticing her chills. She left before Bekah could decline.
Did everyone know she had no clothes? Of course, they did. Why else would she be wearing an old lady’s muumuu?
Taking a seat, she waited for the kids to arrive. As she sat, staring out at the empty tables all over the small cafeteria room, she contemplated her life. Her talk with Mrs. Gaines had made her want to try harder to land an acting career, or at least continue on with her singing. She had talent, and she had experience. What she lacked was confidence. Something her mother had never ― no, she was an adult now. It was time to put away the anger she harbored for her mother. Whatever actions Bekah did or didn’t take was entirely up to her.
Why was adulting so hard? At twenty-five, she should have gotten her act together by now, and yet she was still finding her way, lost in a stream of bad choices that had led to even worse circumstances. It was time she stopped chasing stardom and settled into a real job. But where?
The kids came piling in, and Bekah concentrated on her task — handing out milk and avoiding Ezekiel at all costs. The thought of him snatching her up in the pouring rain and carrying her to safety made her face heat. She’d had no idea he had muscles hidden underneath that suit and tie, but as he’d lifted her with ease, she’d realized his strength. Not only that, but for the first time in a long time, she experienced warmth. Even out there in the elements, with the wind and the rain pelting down on her, lightning striking all around her, hail bombarding her, Bekah delighted in the safety of his arms.
Ugh! Concentrate on passing out the milk!
Catching feelings for Ezekiel Gaines would get her nowhere. As much as she enjoyed staying there, it was time to move on.
A line formed around the countertop as each child grabbed a milk and a snack, and made their way toward her. Bekah looked for the hole punch she was supposed to use for punching their cards. She'd forgotten to ask, and Bonnie hadn't said.
“It’s in there.” A young girl with red hair and freckles pointed to a drawer behind her, her sweet smile showed she was missing her two front teeth.
Bekah opened the drawer. “Thank you, sweetie.” She pulled the punch out. “How are you doing today?”
“Fine, thank you.” The little girl gave her a curious look. “Who are you?”
“My name’s Bekah.” She punched the girl’s card, admiring her curiosity. “I love your dress.”
The girl gave her a toothless grin and moved on as the next child handed Bekah his card.
Bonnie came back within minutes with a granny-looking sweater in hand. “This is the best I could do on such short notice. I hope it helps.”
Bekah took the offering and gratefully, she pulled it on, warming instantly. “This is perfect. Thank you, Bonnie.”
Chapter 12 — Ezekiel
Ezekiel stood at the back of the cafeteria, watching Bekah hand out items to each child. The woman had a natural charm with the kids. Even soaking wet, in an old lady’s dress, she pressed on with a smile. And that sweater - Ezekiel let out a chuckle. It looked cute on her.
As hard as he tried, he couldn’t dislike the woman. She had spirit, attitude, and guts. Even her penchant for stealing didn’t worry him much. Deciding not to make her suffer any longer, he picked up the bag at his feet. It wasn’t much, but at least it would get her out of her wet clothes.
He approached her, and as their eyes connected, she rolled hers dramatically. “Don’t you have a class to teach?”
Ezekiel shrugged his shoulder as if attempting to rid himself of the sound of her voice. “It’s lunchtime.”
“Yeah, but you teach the older kids, right? These are the younger ones.”
“Okay, you got me. Bonnie is watching my class for a moment. She went all the way home to grab some items for you and thought you would receive them better from me than her.”
Bekah stared at him, wide-eyed. “What? I thought the roads were closed.” She glanced down at the bag.
“Not every street in the city is closed. Besides, Bonnie only lives a couple of houses down from us.”
“What’s in the bag?” She stared at it warily as she punched another student card.
“Just a few clothes. Something to get you out of that ―” Ezekiel glanced down at her get up and couldn’t help the grin that tugged at his lips.
The Act of Falling Page 5