Page 18 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I duck my head, feeling embarrassed. But I know Coach can’t see me. “I haven’t been to church since I left actually. I’ll try and find a church nearby.” And I mean it. I do need to get back into going to church. Back into reading my Bible.
“Iron sharpens iron. We need that fellowship to help us grow.”
“I know.” I nod as I whisper the words. I feel unworthy of God’s love, like I can’t bring my issues to him. I miss having Coach around, having Bible study with the guys. They always knew how to point things back to God.
“So, what’s got you calling me at a late hour? I bet it was to do more than wish me a Happy Thanksgiving.”
Coach knows me too well. And he’s never been one to beat around the bush. “Yeah, you got me there. My dad told me today that he and Virginia aren’t together.”
“Well, that’s an answer to prayer. How are you feeling about it all?”
“I’m shocked. But the reason he broke it off was what really got me.”
“Don’t tell me. God found your dad, didn’t he?”
Coach has this sixth sense about him. Or maybe it’s a God sense? He knows what’s coming, knows what to say. Always.
“How’d you know?” I laugh lightly.
“It’s just another answered prayer. The Lord is in the business of redeeming lives.”
Is He? Cause I’m not feeling redeemed. If anything I’m feeling a little jealous. Jealous that God redeemed my Dad, butnot Raegan and me yet. “Coach,” I clear my throat, “say a person messes up pretty bad. They’ve given their life to God, but then… They mess up, really, really bad. Does God just cast them off? Or are they still His?”
“Digging deep there. I’ve got some good verses to answer those questions. Several times in the Bible God tells us we are eternally secure as His children. Once we’ve repented and accepted Christ’s death and resurrection as the atonement for sin, we are His forever.”
I interrupt. “But why do we still sin, even after salvation? And can a sin be so big that we lose salvation?”
“I wish we could sit down in person, and look through the Word and find all the answers together.” His voice rises in pitch and gets warmer. I can see the look Coach would have on his face as he says this. The way his eyes crinkle at the corners, and this glint enters his eye. It’s not a mischievous glint. In a way it’s a magical glint.
“I miss you too, Coach.” I twist my lips and chew on them. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back. If things are good with Dad, ya know… Maybe I should just stay here.”
“What about Raegan? You wouldn’t want to be back here with her?”
And there’s the kicker. “We’re not… not together anymore, Coach.”
“You haven’t called her at all? Is that something you want to talk to me about?” I can hear compassion and care, and something else, in Coach’s voice. Coach never begs, never pushed me to share details, even when I’d been a grouch, having just moved to Clear Creek.
“Maybe someday. But today isn’t the day.” I let my chin rest on my chest.
“You take it to God, son. Remember that He’s always there to listen to your problems.”
“I know, Coach, I know.” If only I felt worthy of taking this issue to God.
“Well, it’s getting close to my bedtime. But you can always call me at any time. And don’t forget that God is available twenty-four seven, as well.”
“I won’t, Coach. Thanks for being available.”
I find the cord for my charger and plug my phone in for the night. I can’t resist Raegan, and flip through her album one more time before clicking the screen off. I toss and turn, punching my pillow multiple times before finally settling down. Begging sleep to come and turn off my thoughts.
Chapter 9
Austin - The Present
Mostpeoplewouldbeout shopping all the deals since it’s Black Friday, but I have no desire to run into Becca. I’m certain that if I did go out she would somehow manage to find me. It’s like she’s got some sort of tracker on me. So instead of shopping I took an early morning run, and now I’m on the back patio. My phone is pulled up to FaceTime, and I’m waiting for my mom or Izzy to pick up. I should’ve called them yesterday, but Grandma was over and I didn’t want to interrupt. And I was feeling grumpy. Thankfully the early morning run has me in a better mood.
“Austin!” Izzy’s voice blasts from the phone speaker, excitement increasing her pitch. She sounds a little older than the last time we talked. Has it been that long? It’s only been four months since I left Clear Creek, but I haven’t called home as often as I should. I miss the evenings I spent with Izzy playing board games, watching movies, and sipping Freddie’smilkshakes. She bounces in and out of the frame, she’s so excited to see me.
“Hey, Iz.” I laugh at her antics. “How was Thanksgiving in Texas?”
