Angela Falls

All characters are over 18.

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"Wake up, my angel. You don't want to be late for church."

Angela's eyes squinted open, listening to her dad's footsteps recede. Fighting a yawn and the urge to go back to sleep, she stood and began to prepare. Running a brush through her hair after last nights late shower was a familiar challenge, and after choosing a tastefully modest Sunday dress she descended to the kitchen where her parents and older brother, James, waited.

"Good morning, Angela. Another late night at the rink?"

"You know they always are, daddy."

"I still think you should try and find a job with better hours."

"I'm trying, daddy," Angela said cheerily. "But it's not so bad."

"Hush, dear," Angela's mom chimed in, handing her some orange juice. "All in the Lord's time. Besides, it's good for kids these days to have a rink for wholesome fun."

The otherwise silent James rolled his eyes at this.

"I just know how much Angela used to love going to church. That's all."

"I still do, daddy. I'm just tired is all."

Angela carefully gulped her orange juice before declaring herself ready, and without further ado the family went to church.

Walking in as the opening overtures calling the congregation began to wrap up, Angela quickly made her way to the front pew where many of the church youths sat. Her friend, Emily, scooched to make room for her. Meeting the pastor's eyes she gave a sheepish wave, which he acknowledged with a gentle smile before his gaze shifted to the rest of his flock settling in.

While slightly embarrassed by her near tardiness, Angela secretly thrilled at the audience to her piety. To be seen by her elders, unabashedly sitting in the front row, ready and eager to receive the Word. Proving to them that, unlike the other kids these days, she and her fellows remained a bastion of light in a dark and sinful world. Feeling her leg brush up against the boy next to her, she chastely scooched closer to Emily.

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"Amen."

With the sermon concluded, Angela and Emily made their way to the exit, where Pastor Saul stood shaking hands and bidding farewell.

"Thank you for the sermon, Pastor Saul. And I'm sorry for being late."

"I'm glad you could join us. The Lord loves a cheerful heart," came his warm reply. "Will you and your brother be joining us for Sunday School?"

"Of course!"

Angela and Emily continued towards the class.

"When did your brother get back?"

"Oh, just last week."

"How was his first year at college?"

"We haven't had much of a chance to talk much. Conflicting work schedules and all that jazz. He seems different, though."

"How so?"

"I dunno, it's hard to explain," hedged Angela, not wanting to voice aloud her true suspicions.

As if to speak of the devil, upon rounding a corner they saw Angela's brother and parents in hushed yet heated debate. Her mom's eyes flickered over to her and Emily before turning back to James.

"Why do I have to? I came, didn't I?" whined James.

"How are you going to get home?"

"I could -"

"I don't know why this is even a discussion. We're paying your tuition, right? Letting you live rent free?"

Sullen silence from James.

"We're not asking much. This will make us happy, ok? I love you."

Angela's mom leaned in for a quick hug before turning to the two girls.

"Ah, Emily! It's so good to see you."

"Likewise, Mr. and Mrs. Vomhimmel," came the sweet reply.

"Please tell your dad I - we - enjoyed his sermon."

"I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear it."

"Well, best not keep you any longer. Enjoy class!"

With a stern departing look at James, Angela's parents left, leaving an awkward silence to fall over the remaining trio.

Emily broke the silence first. "Hi, James! Long time no see."

"I suppose. It's only been a year."

"You don't think a year's that long? A lot can change in a year."

James regarded her once more.

"I suppose it can."

The lingering tension from the conversation they overheard made Angela uncomfortable.

"Whelp! Time for class!"

She marched inside to take a good seat. The hopeful look of Matthew, the boy who she sat next to during the sermon, turned crestfallen as she choose to leave the chair next to his empty for Emily. Smoothing her dress as she sat, she watched James sat in one of the remaining chairs, petulantly not engaging with his neighbors beyond polite pleasantries.

"Good morning, good morning!" sang Pastor Saul as he strode in. "Yes, indeed, it's a great day the Lord has made. A warm welcome to our newest member of this Young Adult class, Matthew, who turned 18 last week. Happy Birthday, Matthew!"

After the chorus of greetings and happy birthdays quieted, Pastor Saul continued. "And a warm welcome to our prodigal sons and daughters, James and Natasha. Quick reminder that the annual Young Adult summer kick-off bonfire is tonight and you are all most welcome! There'll be food and drinks - non-alcoholic of course - and games."

"Now Matthew, just to be sure you're up to speed on what this class is all about, this class is all about preparing young Christian adults such as yourself about the dangers and pitfalls of young adult life. I've talked with your parents, and they've had the conversation with you? You know, about the birds and the bees? When a man takes his penis and inserts it into a woman's vagina?"

Matthew, his ears crimson as he studied the floor, nodded as a few titters resounded the classroom.

"I understand the embarrassment, but sex within the bounds of a holy marriage - between a man and woman - is a beautiful thing unto the Lord. Otherwise, it's sin."

Pastor Saul turned his attention towards Natasha and James. "I'm so glad the two of you could make it. I was hoping you two would be able to share some of your experiences and how this class prepared you for college. James, would you like to go first? I was just talking to your mother last week about the trials and tribulations in your faith journey last week."

The class turned their full attention to James. To Angela, his face was almost inscrutable. A flicker of annoyance, it seemed? A glint of... mischievous? Something else? she couldn't quite place it as he glanced over to her. Or was it Emily?

In a moment these expressions faded, and his arms uncrossed to lay placidly in his lap as he gave an embarrassed half smile.

"Yes, Sa- Pastor Saul. It's been a rough year, out in the wide world of Omaha."

"I can only imagine. You're studying at Creighton, yes?"

"Yes, sir."

"And how has that been?"

"Well, ahh... I may have joined a fraternity?"

Stunned glances quickly flitted about the audience.

"I know you warned us against those. But I when I first got there, I prayed, and Jesus told me I should. That I go forth and make disciples, so to speak."

Pastor Saul nodded gravely.

"So I joined. Trying to spread the word, as a beggar might tell another about where to find bread, right? But the wanton... lewd... sexuality made it so difficult to make any progress. It was as if the Lord was hardening their hearts for some reason. Like God did to the pharoah in the story of Moses. Some reason I couldn't understand, pray as I might."

Pastor Saul nodded compassionately. "I can see you've taken the Lord's teachings to heart, and that was very brave of you. Now, tell me, James - and let this serve as a reminder to all of you, class - while it's important to go forth as James did, Hebrews 10:24-25 says 'let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' As the world turns to darkness, it is important for us to turn to each other to keep our lights shining. Have you also been seeking the fellowship of other true believers at Creighton?"

"I'm afraid not, Pastor Saul."

"Well, you'll be able to have a summer's worth of reprieve with us, your fellows, and nourish your light. You should come to the bonfire tonight."

"I suppose I should."

Angela's heart went out to her brother as he finished his confession and refolded his arms. He had been on the front lines of the war with Satan. The things he must have seen at a... a frat party. Maybe even multiple parties. Things like underage drinking, and open mouthed kissing, and... cleavage. She shuddered inwardly before casting a sympathetic smile his way.

Natasha didn't comment much on her year at college, giving no indication that she was involved in any form of debauchery or un-Christlike activity. Complimenting her righteousness, Pastor Saul finished the class with a somewhat rambly reiteration of the importance of seeking fellowship with one another before closing with a prayer, expressing his gratitude for His careful watch over Natasha and asking that He heal James soul.

As the class was dismissed, Angela went over to hug her brother.

"I had no idea," she murmured.

"I didn't want you to worry," James soothed. "Please don't tell mom and dad? I don't want them to worry, either."

"Is that why you didn't want to come to Sunday School?"

James nodded gravely. "I felt so... unclean. But Pastor Saul is right, I should seek the fellowship of others." He glanced at Emily.

"I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like," worried Angela.

"I think I could," replied Emily, returning James gaze.

There was a strange undertone to her voice. One that Angela couldn't name or explain, but for some reason made her feel dirty.

"How's that?"

"Oh, I hear a lot of stories from dad," said Emily vaguely, returning her attention to Angela. "Do you want to come with me to my house since we're hosting the bonfire?"

"I think I want to change first, but I don't think my parents would mind if we came early to help set up. You don't mind, do you, James?"

"The Lord loves a cheerful giver."

"You're the best, James! See ya, Emily! We'll be over in two shakes of a lamb's tail."

An hour later James and Angela were trundling down Emily's driveway in James diesel powered scrap heap, a red flannel and mushroom casserole perched on her lap. Angela had changed into a pair of patched jeans and an "I "❤" Jesus" shirt, while James had also changed into a more casual outfits, sans professions of devotion.

As the truck shuddered to a stop and the doors screeched shut, Emily emerged from her house and began bounding towards them.

"Heyyyyyyyy - oh my gosh, outfit sisters!" squealed Emily.

Responding in kind, Angela thrust the casserole onto her brother before reaching out to embrace Emily in a hug. As Emily ran towards her, though, Angela noticed that there was one major difference in their outfits. While Angela's t-shirt was loose, Emily's was not. Quite the opposite in fact.

Emily's shirt left very little to the imagination in terms of the exact shape and volume of her boobs, and Angela couldn't help but stare in shock at her friends heaving chest as she came in for a hug.

"I'm so glad! I would have texted you we should match, but you don't have a phone." Emily exclaimed. "I guess it seemed fitting to you, too, since we got them at last year's bonfire."

"It's so tight, though," disproved Angela. "It wasn't that tight last year."

"Is it? Huh, I didn't notice. Well, like I said earlier, a lot can change in a year, right James?"

There it was again. That undertone Emily's voice took on as she directed her question at James. The one that made her feel dirty. Turning to look at James, Angela could see him unglue his eyes from the slight shadows perched on her chest.

"Clearly," came the noncommital reply.

"I think it's too tight. It's... indecent," said Angela.

"Aww, don't be like that," pouted Emily. "Don't you want to match?"

"If I may," interjected James, "It seems that your concern is that Emily's... womanly shape might lead the thoughts of young men astray. But if you recall that one passage involving David and the bathing woman, the sin wasn't the woman bathing, or even David seeing the woman. The sin was David murdering her husband to take her for his own. The Lord punished David for his quote inquote indecency, not the woman."

"Oh, David and Bathsheba, right? Didn't God kill their baby as punishment? Seems like a bit of punishment to her, too," quipped Emily.

"I would argue that was just collateral trauma, but I don't remember the exact text," shrugged James.

Angela frowned in confusion. She didn't remember the story. God killing a baby? That didn't seem right at all. "If that's what happened, then He must have also been punishing her. She could have refused David. Or just not bathed outside and be decent."

"Cork it about the shirt, Angela. I'm not changing," Emily snapped.

Angela blinked in shock and looked at James, who seemed bemused.

"Want to take the casserole over to the food table?" Emily asked James.

"How long till dinner? Might need refrigerated."

"Right. I'll take it in."

Angela watched as her friend stalked off, conflicted about whether to apologize to her lifelong friend or stand for her beliefs. Surely it couldn't be so wrong? Neither of them seemed to think so. She jogged to catch up.

"I'm sorry, Emily."

"It's ok. Just don't be such a prude, yeah?"

They hugged and took the casserole inside.

Just as they finished setting up an array of corn hole boards, attendees began trickling in and bequeathing their contributions to Emily before fanning out to mingle, and start games of cornhole and volleyball. It turns out that several other girls seemed to have the idea of wearing their Jesus shirts, though none were quite the level of tightness that Emily's was. Angela thought this was queer, but decided not to comment on it.

As light began to fade and some of the boys began to prepare to light the bonfire, Pastor Saul approached from where he and the rest of the chaperones were chatting and called everyone to gather, his gaze lingering on his daughter and before beginning his address.

"Thank you all so much for coming tonight. I feel nights like these really show it's possible for young adults such as yourself to come together and have fun in a way that pleases the Lord. Couldn't ask for a better night, we have a full moon, so if your parents are okay with it I don't mind anyone who wants to stay a little longer than scheduled. I'll just bless this food and then I'll let you enjoy a night of fun and fellowship."

With that, Pastor Saul bowed his head to pray, expressing his ernest gratitude to God for bringing His flock together and asking for his blessing upon them, the food, and the night.

"All right, everyone. Enjoy, have fun. I'll be over here if you need anything. And hey!" he said sternly to the boys by the campfire. "Real men don't need gas. Hand that here."

Sheepishly, they handed him a sloshing gas canister before returning to argue about how best to proceed with bringing forth fire as everyone proceeded to plate their food and gather round to provide unsolicited advice and commentary.

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The fire was dying, and people were beginning to head out. Those that remained huddled around the smoldering remains as the low murmur of several conversations hung in the air.

"Anyone want to play a game?" someone piped up. Angela couldn't tell who.

"Like what? Getting kind of dark for games."

"And late," added Angela.

"It's not that dark. Like Pastor Saul said, got a full moon out. Practically daylight," argued James, his eyes glinting in the firelight.

"Still too dark for games."

"Nah, the game I'm thinking of is made for a night like this. Ever played reverse hide-and-seek?"

"Ooh, that does sound fun," chimed Emily.

"You mean seek-and-hide?"

"Potato, potato," said James. "Should we give it a go."

Someone replied they'd never played.

"Super easy. One person hides, and everyone else seeks. When you find the person hiding, you hide with them. Last person to find, loses."

"What's the point?"

"It's just fun, stumbling around in the dark. Get's a little spooky. Usually someone sprains an ankle. Good old fashioned fun. Though if you want stakes," he added, before anyone could interrupt "We'll say anyone who doesn't find the person, has to bring in desserts for next Sunday School."

"Is this what they do for fun at frat parties?" someone teased.

"I don't hear anyone else pitching ideas."

"Well I think it sounds like a lot of fun!" reiterated Emily. The group decided to go along with it, with a few people taking their leave.

"Who hides?"

"Hmm, good question. Emily shouldn't since she lives here and I shouldn't since I've played here before. Wouldn't be fair. How about you, Matthew?"

Matthew, happy to be included, agreed.

"Probably should set some boundaries. How about anyplace is fair game, as long as it's not in a building and not in a field of crop. Sound fair?" James asked the group.

Hearing no dissent "All right Matthew, you get 5 minutes to hide, starting... now."

Matthew slinked out of the fire's dying light and into the shadows before disappearing around a shed.

James returned to the fire, rubbing his hands before glancing over at Emily. "Wanna team up?"

"Sure," said Emily casually, though to Angela she seemed a bit flush and nervous, shifting her legs back and forth slowly.

"Well that's not fair," someone objected.

"Aww, too bad, so sad," she pouted playfully.

"We could just follow you guys."

"No rules against that," shrugged James.

A few more discussions about strategy broke out and 3 other "teams" emerged, two deciding to search solo and one deciding to follow Emily.

Angela didn't really participate, as she assume no she would be with Emily and James.

"One minute!" bellowed James into the night.

A tense minute passed, the competitive nature of some of the contestants getting the better of them despite the childish nature of the game.

"Time's up!"

The two teams dashed off, and Emily walked calmly off in a separate direction with Angela, James, and the other team in tow.

"Why you walking so slow?" Complained one of their competitors.

"'Cause it's dark and I'm looking," said Emily, venturing into an area littered with farm equipment and shrouded in shadow.

"Not here!" she called loudly, heading back towards James.

"Yeah, like you'd tell us if you found him. Keep an eye on her," he instructed his partner, going to check.

Shrugging, Emily seemed to amble off before grabbing James hand and pulling him around a corner and into the night.

"Ah shit. They ran off." said one.

"You had one job," complained the other. He eyed Angela. "Guessing you weren't in on it?"

Angela shook her head. "Guess not."

"Wanna look with us?"

"I think I'll try and find them again."

"Suit yourself."

Angela wandered off in the direction of the main barn, a sinking feeling in her stomach as she began to suspect the purpose of their subterfuge. Reaching the door, she looked around before slipping quietly inside. Quieting her breath, Angela stayed still as she waited for her eyes to adjust. She thought she heard hushed whispers before the door clicked shut behind her, echoing like a gunshot in the otherwise quiet cavern of a barn. The voices went silent. The seconds seemed to stretch forever. Angela's heart pounded in her chest.

"I must not have shut the door," came a hoarse whisper.

Angela started creeping towards the voices crouching on the ground to try and spot their legs amongst the equipment.

"We don't have much time if we don't want to get caught. Where and what do you want to do?"