Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson Read Free Book Online Page B

Patsy decided, after hearing the angelic voices of the choir and the inspiring message of the pastor, affectionately called Brother Michael.
    “Fine service,” Papa remarked to Mam as they exited the family pew.
    “What did you think, sweetheart?” Mam asked as Patsy stepped into the aisle.
    Patsy looked around the crowded room of strangers. “I think it was marvelous. If I lived here, I can’t imagine ever wanting to attend another church.”
    Lloyd was right behind her. “You do live here, remember?”
    “Lloyd . . .” Mam’s voice held a hint of warning.
    “Yes, ma’am,” he muttered.
    “Now then,” Mam said, wrapping an arm around Patsy’s shoulder. “Let’s get you introduced to Brother Michael and to some of the girls your age. We skipped Sunday school this week—we wanted you to get your bearings—but next week you’ll go with them to your class.”
    A hundred butterflies took flight in Patsy’s stomach. Meeting new friends right now . . . tomorrow a new school . . . next Sunday a new class. She swallowed, then nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
    After being proudly introduced to Brother Michael as “Lloyd’s real sister who has come to live with us too,” Patsy was led over to two girls who appeared to be her age.
    Mam took charge of the pleasantries. “Sandra Bedwell,” she said, pointing to a petite oval-faced brunette, “and Rayette Peachman.” Rayette was a tall, slender redhead who reminded Patsy of a young Lucille Ball. Then to the girls, Mam said, “This is our new daughter, Patsy Sweeny. Now I want you two to help Patsy find her way around for me.”
    Both girls smiled, first at Mam and then at Patsy. “Yes, ma’am,” they said.
    Mam promptly left them to get to know one another on their own.
    Rayette took charge. “How in the world do you get to be a new daughter at . . . how old are you?”
    “Thirteen. You?’
    “Fourteen. But Sandra here is thirteen like you.”
    “So, dish,” Sandra said. “Is this like Anne of Green Gables or . . . what?”
    “Oh, I love that book,” Rayette said before Patsy had a chance to answer.
    “Me too,” Patsy said, unsure as to what to tell and what to keep private. But the look on both girls’ faces told her they wouldn’t be easily put off. “It’s a long story.” She shrugged. “Do you both go to the same school?”
    Rayette laughed. “Honey, everyone goes to the same school. First grade all the way up. But it’s not too bad. Hey, you should try out for our junior basketball team. You’d love it.”
    “Are you on it?”
    “I am, but not our Sandra here. Sandra is a majorette.” She winked. “Ra-ra-sis-boom-bah.”
    Sandra gave her friend a look that read “I can speak for myself.” Instead she said, “There’s a lot more to being a majorette than just that, you know.”
    “All right already,” Rayette joked with a wave of her hand. “I guess you’re coming to school tomorrow,” she said to Patsy.
    Patsy nodded. “I guess so.” She attempted a smile, but she felt empty. Tomorrow her friends back in Georgia would go to school without her, she without them. And she couldn’t help but wonder what rumors would be spread before the day’s end.
    “Hey, I know!” Sandra said, suddenly animated, making it easy for Patsy to see why she chose to be a majorette. She practically cheered, “Why don’t you come to Janice’s with us today?”
    “Janice?”
    “That’s a superb idea,” Rayette added. “Janice Milstrap. Her brother is home on leave from the Air Force and the family is throwing a barbecue for him and some of his friends. Naturally Janice got to invite a few of hers too. We’re going. Why don’t you come with us?”
    Patsy looked over her shoulder, past the small clusters of people who gathered around, to where Mam was speaking hurriedly to a woman Patsy supposed to be one of her friends. “I’d have to ask Mam.”
    “Oh, she’ll say yes,” Sandra said. “I’m just sure of it. Everyone