For gorgeous eyes, seek out out the good in people. For a beautiful smile, speak words of kindness. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone. (Audrey Hepburn)

Christian stayed with me as though it was his duty. I felt guilty but I appreciated his effort to mitigate my nervousness. It seems silly to be nervous. I had a steady hand when my fourteen year old hand pulled a trigger and ended a life but I was stumbling over my words with Pastor Higgins. Nonetheless I was starting to belong with them. I was even becoming one of them.

When we had mingled long enough and had each consumed half of a warm soggy sandwich, we left. Bidding adieu all the way to my car I felt like I was leaving a group of friends rather than the group of strangers that had been looming when I arrived.

Christian hadn’t left the parking lot when he asked if I was hungry. I nodded.

“Let’s grab a bite. I know a great little place nearby.”

“Sounds good.”

“Would it still sound good if I told you it wasn’t nearby?”

I laughed as he drove to the beach.