Substitute Heart by Summer Michaels

Author:Summer Michaels [Michaels, Summer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: M/M romance, contemporary
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Published: 2012-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

One minute Lane and I were standing in the home we once shared; the next we were standing in the corner of a dank, smelly church basement. I had been there a few times to drop off coats for the church's annual coat drive. A few Christmas decorations hung on the wall. The artificial tree in the corner had seen better days. Long rectangular tables set up in rows were covered with white and red paper table cloths. Several men and women dressed in blue jeans, t-shirts, and name tags started to form a circle.

"Can they see us," I whispered.

"No one can see or hear us," Lane assured me.

A tall man with sandy blond hair stepped forward, commanding everyone's attention. "I want to thank you all for coming here today. I know each of you have taken the time away from your families on this special day to be here. It means a lot to each and every person you will serve here. Remember, the people we assist today are homeless, but are still human beings. With the economy the way it is, we could easily be in their shoes. So remember to be compassionate. Now, if we could bow our heads for a word of prayer," he said.

I scanned the volunteers' faces as they prayed. I didn't recognize anyone from my current life. If I wasn't a volunteer, what was the point of us being here? "I don't get it, Lane."

"They're praying. What's there to understand?"

Letting out an exasperated sigh and trying not to roll my eyes at Lane, I said, "I don't see me. Surely I didn't change that much. I don't recognize anyone here. How far in the future are we?"

Lane stood with his shoulders squared, hands behind his back, reminding me of the military man he was. "We only traveled one year forward. You haven't arrived yet. Just watch."

I watched as the soup kitchen aides took their positions and the blond man unlocked the doors. Children ran to the front of the line as parents looked around the room. The decorations went unnoticed by the kids. They were more excited about eating. My heart ached seeing them. I walked over to the line to watch them more closely. The children, though smiling, had a guarded look to them. It was easy to see from their faces that life had not been easy on them.

"Lane, why do some of the kids keep putting ketchup in their pockets?"

"It will be their meal later," he replied softly. Catching my questioning look, he added, "It's called Ketchup Soup."

Tears sprang to my eyes. No one should have to worry about their next meal, let alone kids. I walked back to where Lane stood. Soon, every seat was taken. I couldn't believe how many people were here from my community. How could this be happening in my backyard? Homelessness was something I heard of in other cities.

I peeked over to Lane, noticing for the first time that his eyes were trained on the door.

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