Author's Note: Thank you Princess Pinky for your review. It made my day to be honest and I really appreciate that someone agrees with me on the way that they changed Grace. In every chapter there will be some words in italic, it's mostly hinting at the important meanings in the chapter, if that makes sense. Anyway, enjoy.
Just know that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and that God has a plan for everything.
Inspiring: Chapter 2
The hour long trip to Bible Camp is the worst for Grace. Her grandpa keeps going on and on about how he used to go to Bible Camp and how he's now a preacher at a great Christian church. Grace just rolls her eyes as she continues to text Adrian.
So are you guys back together? - Grace
NO! He still insist that me kissing you meant something. This guy's ridiculous...but I think I might really like him and I just want this to keep going. - Adrian
I'm sorry I ruined it for you. But you should fight for him. - Grace
Maybe I should...I don't know, it's all so irritating. Are you at your little Bible Camp yet LOL? - Adrian.
Grace lets out a chuckle.
No, not yet. You know, idk why I even have to go. I'm NOT a Christian. I mean if anything Jack should go to freaking Bible Camp. - Grace
Speaking of Jack...are you two official? - Adrian
It's...complicated. I want to be with him, but at the same time isn't that when my life spiraled out of control? - Grace
The car pulls to a stop and Grace's grandpa smiles at her, "I hope you have a good time cupcake."
Grace cringes at her old nickname, "One can only hope...bye grandpa, I love you."
She grabs her bags and with that he drives off, leaving Grace to take a look at the Bible Camp she used to go to almost every summer up until high-school. She almost feels a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she walks over to the tall green grass where the rest of the people are seated. She takes a look at her old Bible Camp teacher. She looks the same, with snow white hair, tan skin, and tiny wrinkles on her cheeks. She smiles when she sees Grace, "Well if it isn't Grace Bowman! I thought you'd never come back." she laughs.
"It's good to see you again Ms. Torres." she gives her a half smile as she takes a seat next to a random girl.
"Ok well today we're going to start off with talking a little bit about ourselves, and what goals we want to accomplish to grow spiritually and connect more with God. So everyone make a circle and take a seat." she smiles.
Grace groans inside her head. This is so immature. As everyone gathers around in a circle, she notices that she doesn't know any of the girls there. Or rather she doesn't remember them.
"Hey Grace!" a girl with fiery red hair and pale skin waves at her excitedly.
Grace waves at her with a confused look on her face as the teacher begins talking again, "Do I have any volunteers."
The group falls silent until a young boy raises his hand slowly. He's tall with dark brown hair, and his skin tone is only a little darker than Grace's. His nose points outward, and his teeth are sparkling white. His smile is genuine, and you can tell by the look on his face that he wants to be there.
"Ok young man, go right ahead." the teacher says, taking a seat on the floor herself.
He clears his throat, his voice sounds like a song, "Hey everyone. Um, my name's Nick Cruz. I'm 17 years old and I came here to find a better way to cope with my little sisters death-"
Interrupting him are some of the awes of the group and shocked faces of others. He gives a sad smile, "Yeah uh, my sister died in a fire at her school and I thought I would never be able to go on without her. I was like her dad because my dad was too busy to take care of her. He was always at work, or at clubs. When she died I was really angry with God. I kept trying to figure out why he would take away my sister. I tried to deal with the pain by cutting myself, but nothing ever worked. So now I'm here, and I'm giving it all to God."
Grace can't help but feel sorry for him. She knows what it's like to have someone you're so close to die. She suddenly feels inspired by him.
"It must suck to lose someone you care about." she mutters, but everyone hears it.
He nods, "Yeah...it really is."
"I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my dad and I haven't been the same since. That's why I just can't believe in God anymore." she bites her lip, thinking she's said too much already. Tears start to run down her eyes. She wants to say that she's angry with him, but she doesn't. She keeps that part to herself.
He gives her a sad smile, "Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes...it's just part of God's plan. I'm learning that now."
Grace wipes the tears from her eyes, hoping that no one has seen this. She wants to believe what this guy is saying, but something just won't allow it, "I need to be excused." Without waiting for a response, she takes off, looking for the nearest restroom that she can just lock herself in.
