Page 32 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
“Well, you start with going to God.” Dad pauses. “You’ve got to confess your sin, and ask His forgiveness.”
“But, it doesn’t mean you’ll instantly feel the guilt and shame lift.” Dave squeezes my shoulder. “It takes time for that to happen. Healing takes time. And, obviously in cases where another person is involved, you’ll need to ask for their forgiveness as well. I know the struggle, the burden of guilt. Take it to God.”
Dad leans over and pulls me into a hug. “You know if you ever want to share more, I’ll always listen. There won’t be judgment, and if I can, I’ll give you advice. We’re both on the same spiritual journey, growing together.”
I cling to Dad, wrapping my arms around him. It’s so strange. He’s such a different man now. “Thanks, Dad. I’m glad we’re doing this together. It’s good to have you back.”
Dad pulls away, a tear in his eye. “I’m sorry I was ever gone. But maybe God can use this journey somehow.”
“Amen,” Dave agrees.
We ride the cable car back down and take a leisurely ride on the bikes home. We pick up a cake and Dad lights the candles and tells me to make a wish. I don’t want a wish. I want an answered prayer. Wishes are for people who don’t know God, and I know God.
God, I need a miracle.
Chapter 15
Austin - The Past
Thearomaoftomatoes,basil, and mozzarella tease my nose as I step inside the café to the sound of my friends talking along with quiet music playing. Blue and white balloons float over the counter in the café, and streamers are strung from the exposed beams on the ceiling. It’s warm and cozy inside, a stark difference to the uncharacteristically cold day outside. I’ve heard that there could even be some snow flurries today.
“It’s the birthday boy!” Raegan’s smile has my heart thumping out of my chest. Her voice is one of my favorite sounds. I might’ve seen her not long ago at school, but I could look at her all day. Talk with her all day. Kiss her all day.
If my heart was thumping earlier, it’s galloping now. She wraps one arm around my torso in a quick side hug and awareness skitters through my veins. Our cheeks have a matching pink tint in them thanks to this little public display of affection.
Coach gives me the customary slap on the shoulder followed by a squeeze. It’s just his thing, he does it every time he sees me. Carson offers me a bro-hug greeting while Brantley and Jesse offer fist bumps.
Izzy squeezes me while also pinching me and shoving her head into my stomach. “You old man, you.”
“Don’t rush it, you goose.” I smooth a hand over her brown braid and disentangle her arms from my waist. “Let’s find some drinks.” Izzy sticks like glue to my side as we make our way toward the café counter where drink canisters sit. I pick the sweet tea and Izzy takes some Kool-Aid. In the center of all the tables and chairs is a specially decorated spot just for me.
Mom pulls out pictures of me as a baby and starts passing them around. Some of them I don’t even remember, especially the one of me with a bare backside. Heat fills my face as they finally reach Raegan. She’s sitting right next to me, and she giggles over my naked picture. The rest sheoohsandawesover. Holding up one of me at my first birthday party, she leans in close until our shoulders touch. “Oh, my gosh. Weren’t you the cutest baby ever?”
Coconut and vanilla tease my nose as her head nearly brushes my cheek. My head tilts of its own accord and I take a deeper sniff. I want to bury my nose in her hair. In her neck. I tell my heart to calm down and back up just a centimeter. “I don’t remember too much about that party.”
“It’s a good thing that your mom got these pictures then.” She winks at me, sending my heart whirling again. Our laughter dances together and for a second it’s just the two of us in the room.
“Pizza will be out of the oven in just a minute,” Ms. Rosa announces, wiping flour dusted hands on her apron covered front. “Y’all get started with some drinks and plates. Coach will pray and you can dig in.”
Along with the pizza there’s also salad and chips. Ms. Rosa is making sure we get the full food pyramid.
Coach prays over the pizza, then thanks God for bringing me and my family to Clear Creek. I revel in the sense of belonging that comes over me when I’m with these people who feel more like family than friends. It wasn’t long ago that I didn’t want to be here. Thanks to God, Coach, the guys, and a special girl, I almost dread the thought of leaving Clear Creek someday.
Everyone settles in with their pizza, and the sound of chewing mingles with continued chatter. When I thank Ms. Rosa, she turns it around and thanks me for having a birthday, and God for giving her the ability to bake and cook. I’ve never known anyone like her, someone who turns everything around to somehow praise God.
“Before we can have cake, we need to play a few games.” Raegan stands at the counter and makes the announcement. Her mom appears with a bag and begins to pull tissue boxes out of it, each one with a ribbon attached to it. Robert and Riley shoot their fists into the air while shouting, “I love this game.”
“What kind of game can you play with tissue boxes?” I suspiciously make my way towards Raegan. I’ve got no clue what she has planned, and now I’m pretty curious.
“It’s called ‘junk in the trunk’. I couldn’t have us all playing spin the bottle, could I?” She giggles. “I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
Raegan explains all of the rules and instructions and Izzy props her hands on her hips. “Oh, I’m so going to win this,” she taunts me. We’ll see, little sister, we’ll see.
Camilla, Raegan's mom, hands out the tissue boxes and instructs us all to tie the ribbons on our waists, tissue boxes in the back. Once my box is secure I bounce on my toes and roll my shoulders as I shake out my hands.
“You’ll be using your hips, not your shoulders, silly.” Raegan bumps her hip playfully against mine.
I waggle my eyebrows at her. “I’m making sure all of me is ready. Prepare to be beat.” Her chin comes up and she attempts to look down her nose at me. But she can’t, I’ve got a few inches on her. And I like it that way.
