Chapter 41
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Over the next few days Zack noticed a marked improvement in Eve's behavior. She went to every class, came straight home, even returned what she had stolen. Zack worked from home this week. Mr Dole, the main owner of Ravenwood, allowed this because of Zack's family crises. But Zack was expected to return to work next week. Eve's new friend Nadia stopped by the house after schoola few times. She'd saved Eve'slife, so she was always welcome. Nadia invited Zack and Eve to her mosque. Eve agreed to go to friday prayer service, Zack still hesitated. But if reading the Koran or praying towards Mecca helped Eve, kept her from acting out, Zack was all for it. With Nadia's help Eve took a good look at her school. Many had become apathetic because the hope for the future was diminished. They gave into their darker impulses because they figured they wouldn't have to suffer the consequences for very long. The clerk who stole and blamed Eve figured that even if he got caught, it just meant forking on an Ark and having a better chance for survival. Eve if he didn't make it, how long would he have to suffer the consequences? But what if they were wrong?People gave up, cut school, did drugs, had se with multiple partners. Before 2/4 teachers were fired or arrested for having sex with students. Now, they barely hid these acts. The school became dirty with litter and grafitti. There seemed little point in cleaning up the school with ELE coming. Eve was well aware that she'd contributed to this. But now she attended all classes, plus read the Koran. Eve didn't steal and she wore modest clothing. She still smoked, but hoped to be able to quit soon. She still agreed with father Mcnamara about giving to charity. Nadia recommended some charities that her mosque worked with. On friday june 10th Eve went to Nadia' mosque for friday services. Nadia had taught Eve how to pray properly. Eve knew that men and women prayed in seperate areas. The point was to avoid looking at members of the opposite sex in revealing postures, at least during prayer. Eve was suprised that Nadia was leading the prayers for women. This mosque had no formal imam, those who read from the Koran were simply the ones who knew it best. Eve cleaned herself up, washed her face and hands, and went to the women's prayer room. She was worried she'd feel out of place here. Islam was known for having African-American or middle-eastern memers. But it seemed Eve was not the only Caucasian girl here. How many were muslims before 2/4, Eve did not know. As the new girl here she didn't feel comfortable asking, maybe later. Eve felt comfortable praying with these people. Strangers from different races, social classes, all come together in devotion to the one true God. Eve felt strength from this. After the service Eve went up to Nadia. She didn't shout, but didn't whisper either. In front of these witnesses Eve gave Nadia the profession of the faith. She said "There is no god but God, and Mohammed is the messanger of God." With that her conversion was complete. Nadia hugged her, they were both muslims now.