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."