Esmeralda shifted uncomfortably in the pew as she listened to the preacher talk about temptation and sins of the body. She knew premarital sex went against what the church taught, but it wasn't her church. Her parents dragged her to church every Sunday, but she didn't believe in what they taught. Sure, she believed in God, but she believed He loved everyone no matter what. Of course, her parents found out she was sleeping around and a few months ago started making her get "help". Every Sunday, after church, Esmeralda had to go talk to Minister Frollo. They were hoping he could "cure" her.

After the service, Esmeralda's mother firmly gripped Esmeralda's hand and pulled her towards the counseling office.

"Mom, you're hurting me," Esmeralda said as she pulled her hand away.

"Essie, this is for your own good. Please let Minister Frollo help you."

"I don't need help, mom. I'm fine," Esmeralda stated.

Esmeralda's mother narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "No you're not. You're a tramp, Esmeralda."

Esmeralda's mother called her that a lot, but it still stung every time. Just then, Frollo opened the door. He greeted Esmeralda's parents, then turned to her.

"Come in, Esmeralda," Frollo said.

Esmeralda walked quietly into the office and sat down as he closed the door. Frollo took a seat behind the desk. He folded his hands on the desk and leaned forward.

"Esmeralda, when are you going to stop this?" Frollo asked.

"Stop what?"

Frollo frowned at her. "Giving in to temptations of the flesh."

Esmeralda tried not to laugh. "You mean sex?"

"Esmeralda, this is not appropriate behavior. Sex is a sacred bond between a husband and his wife. It is not a tool you use to gain popularity or a pastime when you're bored after school," Frollo said.

"Hey, I'm actually good friends with most of those boys and I care about them."

"No, Esmeralda. You're a whore, and you need to own up to it and change your ways." Frollo stood up and walked around the desk. Esmeralda looked up at him as he stopped in front of her. "You're going to Hell, Esmeralda."

"At least I won't be judged in Hell."

Frollo sat in the edge of his desk. "You're looking at this the wrong way. You need to repent, and save your soul. You say you care about these boys, but it's not true. When you sleep with them, you're causing them to sin as well. You're staining their souls-"

"It's their choice. I don't-"

Frollo leaned forward and put his hand on Esmeralda's leg. "It's not their choice. You cloud their judgment and bewitch them. How can any man resist you?"

Frollo slowly started sliding his hand up her leg. Esmeralda shoved his hand off her and stood up.

Frollo's eyes grew wide. "You see? You even seduced me."

"What?" Esmeralda swung open the door. "You're disgusting." She stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her.

XXX

Aurora met Belle at the stables Sunday morning. When Belle was little, her grandparents bought her a pony (every girl's dream) and since then she went every Sunday morning to ride him. She named him Philippe after her grandfather. After Aurora and Belle became friends in kindergarten, Aurora started going with Belle to the stables. The summer before freshman year, Aurora met Philip at the stables. He had a horse there as well, named Samson.

Aurora and Philip became fast friends. Freshman year Philip asked Aurora to the Homecoming dance, and they've been together ever since. Last semester Philip was elected student council president and suddenly became very busy. He no longer had time to go to the stables, so he let Aurora ride Samson on Sundays when she went with Belle.

The girls mounted their horses, and began heading down the trail.

"How was babysitting last night?" Belle asked Aurora.

"Good," Aurora replied. "Alice is a sweet girl. She's full of energy, so sometimes it's hard to keep up with her, but she listens well. I never have any problems with her."

"Glad to hear it."

"What did you do last night?"

Belle blushed. "Homework. I got out of work late, so I had to cram everything in last night."

"You party animal."

Belle laughed. "Yeah. Speaking of which, do you know how the party went last night?"

Aurora nodded. "Philip said it was just like every other party, so we didn't miss much."

"Was Adam there?" Belle asked.

"That I don't know," Aurora said. "You really like him, don't you?"

"Yes. But, I don't understand it. I don't really know anything about him."

"I understand it," Aurora said. "He's good-looking and mysterious."

Aurora didn't really think Adam was good-looking, but Belle did so she humored her.

"You think that's all there is to it?" Belle asked.

Aurora shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, how well do you two get along?"

"Really well, actually," Belle said. "He's very kind, and smart. He's kinda awkward, but it's cute. When other people are around he's more withdrawn, but when we spend time together one-on-one, he's a lot more relaxed. We're comfortable around each other, ya know. We always have something to talk about and the conversation just flows."

Aurora smiled at her best friend. "I'm so glad you finally found someone you like, Belle. I really hope it works out."

"So, how are things with you and Philip?" Belle asked.

Aurora's face lit up. "Great! Philip is so amazing! I mean, it's been over two years since we started dating and I still feel like I'm in that honeymoon phase. I think he feels the same way. He calls me any chance he gets, and sends me the sweetest texts."

"I'm glad you're happy," Belle said.

"I really am. I can't wait for you to feel like this. I want to be able to share it with you," Aurora said.

Aurora had been friends with Belle almost her whole life and Belle has never found anyone she really liked. Philip was the first man Aurora had been serious about, but she knew he was the one. She loved him so much she thought her heart was going to burst, and it was the best feeling in the world.