Episode 21: Save A Prayer
March 20th – 26th
Lisa Simpson once said, "Prayer; the last refuge for a scoundrel." I have been thinking about that a lot lately, being raised areligious and having been through some trying times. It seems that when things get rough, even the reluctant seek comfort in prayer. Is it something hardwired into us? Is it looking for help elsewhere? Maybe Simon LeBon sang it best, "Don't save a prayer for me now; save it for the morning after." I don't know; I wonder sometimes does prayer help; I mean, really help? What are your thoughts? Comment below.
RavenHussar
T3 Collective
Chapter 721: Chase Adams Residence
Monday, March 20th, Morning
He stood at the bottom of the stairs looking down the hallway to the ex-dining room. He was told to wait here as things were being sorted out in that room. He was told he wasn't to go to school alone. Also, all his electronics have been reclaimed and looked away.
Noah Adams sighed as he watched his mom leave the room. Kristen Adams was dressed for work and kept her hair styled for her job, but he could see she hadn't removed her extra piercings yet. He sighed as he looked at his mom.
"Grab your bag and let's go; we don't want to be late," Kristen said.
"Yes," Noah said.
"Yes, what?" Kristen asked.
"Yes, Ma'am," Noah said.
"Remember that, Mister," Kristen said, "Be glad your grandad didn't find out about this stunt."
"What would happen?" Noah asked.
"Walk and talk," Kristen said.
They left the house and headed to Kristen's veteran car. Money was tight with Chase's, Noah's dad, and Kristen's husband's care. New cars were a luxury they couldn't afford. Noah got into the passenger's seat, and Kristen got behind the driver's wheel. After the usual prayer, they were off.
"Your granddad would make us get a switch if we pulled stuff like you did," Kristen said.
"Seriously?" Noah asked.
"Yes, the greener, the better. That was then and not uncommon. I've tried to prevent the generational violence from being passed down," Kristen said.
"Didn't succeed in that," Noah said.
Kristen nodded, "I know, and for that, I'm sorry; I know it means shit, but I have to say that," she said.
"It still happened, Mom," Noah said.
"It did; I could say that emotions were running high, but it's still no excuse," Kristen said.
"So, what is going to happen?" Noah asked.
"Counseling," Kristen said.
"For who?" Noah asked.
"Us, me, and you," Kristen said.
"What?" Noah asked.
"I'm going to counseling, something I've needed for a long time, probably since your dad's accident," Kristen said.
"You also said I was going," Noah said.
"Yes, it gives you someplace to talk; I know it hasn't been easy," Kristen said.
"Okay, I guess," Noah said.
"We're also doing a group session," Kristen said.
"Group session?" Noah asked.
"Yes, me and you, so we can talk and get everything out in the open," Kristen said.
"If I don't want to?" Noah asked.
"I think we need this," Kristen said, "Not just for ourselves, but for our family."
"Maybe for you," Noah said.
Kristen sighed, "Please give it a try," she said.
"Why couldn't I just live with Cash?" Noah asked.
"That's hiding, Noah," Kristen said, "Hiding doesn't solve your problems."
"You're hiding," Noah said.
"Hiding? From what?" Kristen asked.
"From your stepdaughters, you know my sisters," Noah said.
"That bridge was nuked years ago," Kristen said.
"What?" Noah asked.
"You were in diapers then; they were still in New York. Your dad wanted y'all to have a relationship. So, we all met somewhere, and your oldest sister pitched a bitch, and it just went downhill from there," Kristen said.
"What about the other two?" Noah asked.
Kristen shrugged, "Izzy always followed Chase. As for Trin, there was a chance when they first moved down here. Your dad and Trin got together a few times. That was your dad's fault. He always had issues remembering Trin's name and called her Izzy, I believe. Trin got pissed and never talked to him again," Kristen said.
"How much of it has to do with their mom?" Noah asked.
"I don't know, and I'm not going to assume," Kristen said.
Noah nodded, "So, why don't you try now?" he asked.
Kristen sighed, "Honestly, your sister Chase scares me," she said.
"I have two other sisters; you have two other daughters," Noah said.
"Trin is in New York, so chances of that happening are very slight," Kristen said.
"Izzy?" Noah asked.
"The busiest of the three and hardly in Tree Hill," Kristen said.
"You could try," Noah said.
"For your sake or mine?" Noah asked.
Kristen nodded and pulled into the school. She parked and looked at Noah. She sighed.
"I've arranged to pick you up, and after homework, you're to help with your dad," Kristen said.
Noah sighed, "Yes, Ma'am," he said.
"It's part of being grounded. Actions have consequences, Noah," Kristen said.
"Yes, Ma'am," Noah said.
"Now go before you're late," Kristen said.
Noah nodded, left the car, grabbed his books, and headed to the school. Kristen sat and watched him go to school. She shook her head and left; she still had to work after all.