Well this is Chapter 2 of my story. I am just starting to get into the main plot. Actually most of this story will take place when Nika is older but the first couple of chapters are basically background information on the characters. I will try to keep writing as fast as I can. With work and siblings who hog the computer, I don't often get a chance to do much writing. Let me know if you like this chapter. I know I kind of leave you hanging at the end but it's only because I was pressed for time. I will try to get the third chapter up later this week. R&R

Nika watched from her perch on the window seat overlooking the long winding driveway that led from the main road to her grandfather's mansion. Cars paraded up the paved path to a private parking lot behind the main house. Never before, had Nika seen so many cars at her the house at one time. She was curious to find out why they were there, but that would not be possible because she had been banished to her room. "This is a very important meeting, Nika," her mother had said before she escorted the rambunctious six-year old to her room earlier that evening. "We don't need another outburst like we had the last time your Grandfather had a meeting."

Nika hadn't meant to be disruptive that night, but Mrs. Anderson was talking so softly that she could barely hear her from the closet she had been hiding in that night. The noise wasn't entirely her fault either. Grandma Winston had piled empty shoeboxes in the closet and Nika had accidentally bumped into them. After all it was hard to see when the only light you had was coming through the cracks in the door. Her parents were not quite as understanding when she explained to them that it wasn't her fault. From that night on, Nika was personally escorted to her room every time her Grandfather hosted one of his meetings. Little did her parents know that she had found another way to eavesdrop on their plans.
Nika sat quietly on her bed until she could no longer hear her mother's footsteps. It was still light outside and no self-respecting six year old would be in bed at this hour. There was a meeting going on downstairs and she had to find out what it was about. She slid off the bed and slowly tiptoed to the door. Nika looked both ways before shooting across the hall and into another bedroom.

Guests were mingling in the spacious dining room at the Winston mansion. Geoffrey Winston was well-known for his elegant parties but tonight the mood was not one of merriment.. No one but Geoffrey's daughter and son-in-law really knew why they were there. When Geoffrey had made the invitations he had purposely withheld the reason for the get-together so that word wouldn't accidentally get back to a member of the government. Spies were everywhere.
When Geoffrey and Joseph Wheeling entered, a hush fell over the room. Two of Geoffrey's assistants wheeled a table laden with pamphlets into the center of the room. All eyes were fixed on the host of this emergency meeting. He met their worried glances with a short speech.
"I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice. Joseph and I would greatly appreciate your help in what we are about to do. As you all know Christians will soon be forced to renounce their beliefs or be killed. I don't doubt that some of us here tonight will become martyrs for our faith but until then we must protect ourselves and our families. I believe that it is time for us to go into hiding."
"Do you really think this is necessary Geoffrey?" asked Brian Fairchild one of the younger men in the group. "We can just meet in secret without having to change our whole lives."
"I don't think you understand the magnitude of this new law," Alaina Blackwood interjected before her father had a chance to reply. "Just the mention of any deity will be grounds for imprisonment. We can't take that risk."
"You won't have to go into hiding, Brian. The choice is up to you. All I ask is that you consider the well-being of your family before you make your decision." Geoffrey spoke with sincere concern for his dear friends. He hadn't counted on there being opposition to his plan but he took on the situation with the same dignity that had made him a well- respected member of the community. "You need to make your decision within the next couple of days. My sources have warned me that there isn't much time left. Those who are in favor of this plan will meet back in here in two days time to discuss final arrangements. Thank you all for coming."
Geoffrey left his guest to filter out of the room and headed for his office. He needed some time to sort out his thoughts.