Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Author:Theresa Linden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Catholic contemporary, Catholic fiction, Catholic series, Catholic young adult fiction, vocational discernment, vocational discernment fiction, Brown Scapular, Franciscan fiction, Catholic young adult contemporary, West Brothers
Publisher: Silver Fire Publishing
Published: 2017-10-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Tuesday after school, Jarret sat back on his bed, writing in his journal. Mid-sentence, an image appeared in his mind and he glanced up. Long blond hair, aqua blue eyes, and a pretty face. Clothes that drew attention to her figure. Chantelle.

Once Monday had rolled around, she’d found him at school between classes three times. And four today, never seeming uncomfortable around him. In fact, she seemed to understand him. And not judge.

Where did he want their friendship to go? Was he ready for more?

Taking a long breath, he leaned his head on pillows behind him and gazed at the ceiling fan. He’d changed since Zoe. He knew now where to draw the line. And he wanted to stay on the right road. Why shouldn’t they see each other? He’d need to make sure their relationship stayed more like friendship than lovers. They’d need to avoid hanging out alone.

With the journal and pen in hand, Jarret scooted off the bed and shuffled to his open bedroom window. He gazed down at the sprawling front yard and the trees behind it, admiring the shades of green created by the late afternoon sunlight. A strong breeze blew, bringing fresh air into his room and making leaves shimmer and show their silvery undersides. They wouldn’t turn gold and orange for a couple of weeks yet, though the melancholy mood of autumn had already found his spirit.

He hated letting go of summer, but this one would stand out in his mind forever... because of the night in the canyon. Soon all the trees would let go of their leaves. After a long cold winter of barren branches and frozen ground, spring would bring the green leaves and grass back.

He never wanted back the things he’d let go—his cold heart, total selfishness, and lack of faith—though it still caused a bit of sorrow to leave his old ways behind.

Jarret returned to his bed and sank into the mound of pillows he’d arranged a few minutes earlier, when he’d first sat down to write in his journal. Father Carston had wanted him to write something every day, but he’d only made a few pathetic entries in the past two-and-a-half weeks. Which reminded him...

He should’ve rescheduled his appointment with Father. Father had wanted to see him once a week. Jarret had thought about at least calling last Saturday. All day long. But he couldn’t get himself to do it. Then at Mass Sunday morning, he felt like Father kept looking at him during the homily. Jarret had avoided making eye contact with Father and even skipped out through a side door at the end of Mass.

Maybe he’d schedule for this upcoming Saturday. He should at least make a few more attempts at writing in his journal before then.

Jarret wrote the first thoughts that came to mind:

Finally went back to school after a week of suspension. Got some pretty wild looks from kids and a lot more space in the halls. Everyone probably thinks I’ve got a short fuse, or that I’m a time bomb, and now they’re more afraid of me than ever.

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