Chapter 1:

Lauren was sobbing uncontrollably in the passenger seat of her mom Amber’s car. She had just been caught shoplifting again for the second time this month and along with her grades and attendance sharply declining, her mother had enough. She was dropping Lauren off at their Pastor John’s house to stay with him and his devoted wife Sarah until she could get her act together.

Lauren’s father split a year ago with a coworker and relocated out of state when he got a better job offer. Ever since then Lauren had been acting out and her mom didn’t have the time, patience or even know-how to keep her daughter in line if she was honest with herself. She had previously confided in Pastor John months ago her struggles with raising Lauren alone. After months of her still struggling and confiding each time, eventually John recommended that Amber let her daughter live with him and his wife so they could show her the ways of the Lord and also put some structure and discipline in her life. Amber eventually acquiesced after this last fiasco. Lauren is lucky she isn’t in jail or juvee since her mom batted her eyes and sweet talked the officer that aprehended her. She was worried she might have had to do more but she would do anything to keep her daughter out of jail.

217 Maple Street. They had arrived according to Amber’s GPS. Lauren’s sobbing became even more amplified if that was possible. Her mom got out of their modest sedan, grabbed the two suitcases (because who knows how long it will take to straighten out this heathen) and walked around and opened the passenger door. John and Sarah were waiting in the doorway watching the whole dramatic scene unfold. Eventually accepting her fate, Lauren peeled herself off the seat in the car and half-stumbled towards the front door with her mom guiding her, fighting back more sobs.

Sarah met her halfway and put her arm around her and helped usher her to the front door. Amber walked alongside feeling like a part of her was leaving but also simultaneous relief of the unburdening of one major responsibility which she instantly felt guilty for. John held open the door like the gentleman he was, took the bag from Amber, and everyone came inside and got settled. Sarah showed Lauren to her room while John carried her back and Amber followed in tow. It seemed like a great room that Lauren could feel safe and comfortable in.