After the prayer groups broke up, the youth joined in their regular activities—playing basketball, socializing, or taking advantage of the tutoring assistance available to them at the center. While the youth gravitated toward their own cliques or activities, Jaidon took the opportunity to introduce Catherine to the staff. “This is Josephina’s husband, Roberto.”
Roberto shook hands with Catherine. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Catherine’s genuine smile captivated Jaidon.
“He’s also the youth pastor at the church several of us attend.” Jaidon directed his attention to the other three people standing around in the circle with them. “This is Nathan and Ariannah. They are both youth sponsors at our church. You may remember seeing Kacey at the hospital. He is the director of the youth center.”
Ariannah tilted her head and studied Catherine. “So what brings you to the center?” Jaidon thought her tone of voice and pursed lips belied a teenaged attitude. But why? Maybe Ariannah was tired or had a paper due the next day. He knew college demanded a lot of effort, especially if students like Ariannah wanted to keep up their grades and maintain their honors scholarships.
Catherine’s eyes glimmered when she smiled wider. She didn’t seem the least bit taken aback by Ariannah’s straightforwardness. “Daryl told me great things about the program and all the people that have been helped through peer mentoring. It sounds like an organization that I want to be part of.”
Roberto and Kacey’s eyes lit up as smiles creased their faces. Jaidon couldn’t deny part of him was equally happy, if not happier, as the others were to have another woman come to help at the center. Ariannah had recently turned twenty, and while she was a sponsor, she served as a peer mentor since she wasn’t much older than the girls or youth at the center. She wasn’t someone who’d yet garnished enough life lessons to counsel teens on a deeper level. This left Josephina as the only experienced woman who could offer sound advice. As much as he wanted Catherine there, one thought plagued him. “You do realize this is…um, not as safe an area as it should be? Perhaps on days you are available, you could ride with me—or our church group?”
Way to go, Taylor, he mentally chastised himself. Now scuff your sneaker tip across the floor while you talk, and you could be back in high school again asking Suzie out on a date. Jaidon had dated several women since then, but none, other than Catherine, made him feel like an awkward teenager with a crush. Although his stomach skittered with excitement, he liked feeling the heady emotions.
“Jaidon?” Roberto backslapped his arm playfully. “You listening?”
“Huh?” Jaidon looked at Roberto and then the others. He hadn’t realized he’d been staring at Catherine, lost in his thoughts. His cheeks warmed. “I’m sorry.”
Roberto chuckled. “I said at first I thought you were trying to discourage Catherine from coming to help. We didn’t want you to run her off.”
Catherine laughed. “I don’t scare that easily. And yes, I would like to ride with your group if it isn’t an inconvenience.”
“No inconvenience at all.” Jaidon would gladly bring her himself if they didn’t have room in the car. That way they’d have time alone together and could get to know each other.
“What church do you go to?” Ariannah asked.
Catherine’s eyes narrowed momentarily. Was she hesitant to answer? Maybe she didn’t go to church. His heart sank.
“I go to…New Garden Fellowship.” Catherine’s chin jutted up a fraction.
“So you’re a Christian?” Relief flooded Jaidon.
“A Quaker,” Catherine said. “As was my father, and his father before him, and so forth. Dating back a couple hundred years.”
Jaidon perused her attire. She didn’t dress weird. Although the only clothes he’d seen her in were hospital or medical- office-type attire. Maybe she dressed differently in her free time. Her wavy brunette hair flowed just beneath her shoulders. She didn’t wear it in a bun. “Aren’t Quakers Christians?”
Catherine shrugged. “That depends on who you ask. Not all Quakers consider themselves Christians.”
Weren’t Quakers up there with the Amish? More devout, didn’t have TVs and such, focused more on spirituality and less on worldly things? Jaidon could deal with that. Catherine would be less likely to want to rush home to watch her favorite sitcoms— or expect him to watch them with her—like Kaeli. Chick flicks and reality shows hadn’t ruined their relationship. Kaeli didn’t share in his desire to help others. Her outlook on doing things for the needy or reaching out to underprivileged children could be summed up: God helps those who help themselves.
Catherine possessed a giving and caring heart, which was evident by the profession she’d chosen and by the fact that she showed up at the youth center to volunteer all because a patient had told her about their work.
“We’re very fortunate to have you,” Jaidon said.
While the other volunteers mingled with the youth, Josephina talked with Catherine longer and explained more about the center and when their church group came together to the center to volunteer. She liked the thought of riding with them, if for nothing else, for the companionship.
Catherine wanted to get to know some of the youth at the center. After all, she was there to help. So far she’d interacted most with the sponsors, though she’d had some insight into a few of the teens during prayer-group time. She’d felt their angst, fear, and frustration at having a friend shot. She wanted to help them find peace and an alternative to a violent lifestyle.
Catherine drew closer to a group gathered on the bleachers next to the basketball court and overheard Rosie say, “I had Quaker cereal for breakfast this morning.”
She hadn’t told Rosie she was a Quaker. Why would a teen be discussing their breakfast when it was way past dinnertime? Ariannah had obviously said something. What was it with youth and drama? Was Ariannah trying to get under Catherine’s skin on purpose? She learned a long time ago that getting upset or offended at the jokes people made didn’t help. Catherine took offhanded comments in stride and tried to use the opportunity to her advantage. “That’s funny. I’m a Quaker and ate cereal this morning, too.”
All except Ariannah laughed; her cheeks flushed. Catherine sighed. Ariannah was a Christian. Why would she talk about her, and obviously in an unflattering way? Didn’t Christians profess to show the love of God?
“Exactly what is a Quaker?” Rosie asked. “The only thing I’ve ever seen was the guy in the funny hat on the box.” Rosie gave her a quick once-over glance. “You don’t dress like him, do you?”
Catherine couldn’t help but smile. “No, but his clothing was fashioned after early Quaker attire. Some Quakers still dress that way. But the reason the company decided to use the Quaker garb and name was because it symbolized good quality and honest value.”
More youth began to gather around them. One of the guys said, “I still don’t understand what a Quaker is.”
“Do you ride in a horse and buggy?” another guy asked.
A girl standing next to him jabbed him in the side with her elbow and rolled her eyes at him. “You got here after she did? Did you see a horse and buggy outside when you came in?”
He rubbed his side and shook his head.
“You’re thinking of the Amish,” she said.
“Oh,” he replied.
Their inquisitiveness was refreshing. It was definitely a better alternative to the raised eyebrows and standoffish behavior she normally encountered when she shared her beliefs with others. “Maybe this will help you. Think of different denominations of religions. For example, you have Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or even other faiths.” Catherine could tell they were following along by the nods of heads. It was hard for her to explain how different their beliefs were. It was part of her heritage. Not something she could ever deny. Thus far she’d only found one way to explain it to non-Quakers to help them to somewhat understand. “A Quaker is more like a different denomination or belief. Ours is more of a spiritual search in order to connect with God and follow His leading.”
“So you felt led to come here?” Ariannah frowned.
“Yes.” Catherine didn’t know why, but she sensed the young woman didn’t like her by her tone and the way she’d looked at her all evening. “We believe all humans are inherently good.” Catherine reminded herself that included Ariannah, no matter what ill feelings Ariannah harbored toward her.
Ariannah glanced over at Rosie, rolled her eyes, and flipped a couple strands of long blond hair over her shoulder.
“Therefore everyone should be given a chance.” If lucky, Ariannah would give her a chance as well. Catherine took a deep breath to relax. She would never reach the youth if she let frustration get the best of her. She continued, “William Penn wrote, ‘True godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it.’ We can do that by reaching out and helping others.”
Somehow she would find a way to help Ariannah as well. Whatever the reason the younger youth sponsor didn’t like her, she’d try and make a friend of her.
“You don’t have to be a Quaker to help others,” Ariannah said. “This center is here because of Christians reaching out to help youth find alternatives to gang violence.”
“Yeah, thanks for giving your time,” one of the guys said to Ariannah. “If you really want to help, you could go out with me Friday night.”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.” Ariannah crossed her arms in front of her. The movement effectively blocked the text on her black T-shirt that reflected, REACHING THE LOST.
Catherine debated telling Ariannah that Christianity wasn’t the only religion to want to bring about peace. Quakers had won the Nobel Peace Prize, but chances were that telling her would only lead to more confrontation.
“We’re very thankful to have all the volunteers we can get,” Kacey said.
Catherine almost jumped. She hadn’t realized Kacey and Jaidon had joined their group, or that they were standing so close behind her. How much of the conversation had they heard? If the scrunched eyebrows and frown on Jaidon’s face were any indication, he’d heard enough. Hopefully he hadn’t misinterpreted her comments. She in no way meant to sound like Quakers were better. The youth were inquisitive, and her only desire was to enlighten them.
“It’s getting late. Time for us to wrap things up for the night. How about you guys put away the gym equipment, and you girls can help Josephina.” Jaidon motioned Catherine in the direction away from the others. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.” Catherine swallowed the lump in her throat as she walked outside with Jaidon. Did this mean they didn’t need her help? Kasey had said they were thankful for all the volunteers they could get, so maybe they weren’t dismissing her. Maybe they were giving her a warning. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“What are you sorry for?” The street light barely illuminated Jaidon’s face. She couldn’t read his expression. “Ariannah is…a zealous youth. She means well.” Jaidon sighed. “Don’t let her get under your skin.”
“I won’t.” Which was a lie. She already had. Catherine wished she knew how to convince Ariannah they were on the same side. They both wanted to help at the center and make a difference in other people’s lives.
“So—you’ll be back?”
Catherine thought about it a moment. Spending her evenings with her Siamese cat held some appeal, but not on a routine basis. She liked helping others. The youth seemed interested in hearing what she had to say. Giving up before she really got started wouldn’t help anyone. “Yes. I’ll be back.”
“Excellent. How about I pick you up Thursday evening, if you’re available, and we can ride together,” Jaidon said. “That way I make sure you get home safely.”
“Sounds good.” Catherine smiled. “What about the rest of the group?”
“They’ll ride together in another car.” Jaidon had a welcoming air about him. Perhaps it was his sincere blue eyes, his easygoing attitude, or maybe even his reassuring smile. It was nice that he was considerate enough to want to look out for her.
She gave Jaidon her phone number. When she started toward her car, he reached for her arm to stop her. “Did you need something else?”
“About earlier tonight.” Jaidon let go of her arm. “I just wanted to say thank you again, and tell you not to mind Ariannah. It doesn’t matter that you’re a Quaker. Actually if you think about it, we’re a lot alike.”
Catherine shook her head. “Not really.”
Jaidon frowned. “What do you mean?”
“We both come from very different upbringings. My beliefs are an integral part of my life and a big determinant in the decisions I make for my future.” Catherine sighed. “But aside from our religious beliefs, yes, I guess we are a lot alike. We both want to help youth stay out of trouble and make better decisions for their lives.”