THIS HAD TO BE ONE OF KENDRA’S HARDEST WEEKS YET. Nausea and vomiting had become the morning and evening ritual. Her upper left side was stiff, arm and chest muscles perpetually fatigued, likely from hauling a heavy cancerous tumor that once was her left breast. Bruises like tattoos covered her arms from the needle sticks and IVs. Her gums were sore. Fingernails discolored. And to match her bald head, her eyebrows were almost gone.
Still, she’d ventured down for Bible study, thankful it was right here at home. She was learning that when her body felt the worst, her soul gained the most from this time. From the lesson to the inevitable laughter, she didn’t want to miss it.
The meal had concluded, and everyone had found a spot in the living room, many on the floor. Kendra felt bad taking up the sofa, so she curled up while others shared the space with her. It had gotten more crowded now that classes had started and students were back. Kendra wouldn’t be surprised if Molly had been passing out flyers for the study in the student union.
“Welcome, everyone, to The Shadow.” Lance sat in a folding chair on the perimeter of a makeshift circle. “For those who don’t know why we have such a mysterious-sounding name, it’s about coming out of the dark shadows that imprison us and into the shadow of the Almighty, through His Son, Jesus.”
Kendra always thought someone might get up and walk out when they found out the study revolved around Jesus, but so far, people at least took time to listen.
“We’ve talked about God’s shadow in various ways,” Lance continued. “As a place of truth, light, and protection, for example, always incorporating Jesus and who He is. In our discussion groups, Cyd and I have had enough questions that I want to spend our time tonight just talking about salvation.” He took in their faces. “Some of you have questions like ‘How can Jesus be the only way to heaven?’ and those are good questions. We welcome those—”
The doorbell rang, and Molly jumped up from the floor.
“Sorry we’re late,” a voice said.
“Oh, you’re cool,” Molly said. “Come on in.”
Kendra glanced up—and her evening tanked. What are Adrienne and her roommate doing here?
A couple of people scooted over, making room on the floor, which happened to be by Lance’s chair. Adrienne took the floor space beside him—of course—and set her Bible in her lap like a dutiful student.
“Hey, you two,” Lance said. “So first,” he continued, looking around the room, “let’s look at who we are before we’re saved. Turn to Ephesians chapter 2.”
Kendra could see Adrienne turning, head angled down, with a full mane of thick, gorgeous hair. Eyebrows perfectly plucked. Two healthy, same-size breasts. And a bundle of energy.
Kendra shifted, searching out a comfortable position, touching the scarf that now seemed poorly tied. She’d forgotten what passage Lance said to turn to. Tonight even her soul couldn’t find relief.
Most everyone had cleared out except Darla, who’d cornered Lance with more questions; Timmy, who seemed to be in line behind Darla, if there were a line; and Adrienne and her roommate—obviously angling for last in line. Trey and Molly had just mentioned going to clean the kitchen.
“Molly,” Kendra whispered.
Molly bopped over. “What’s up?”
Kendra motioned for her to sit next to her. “Don’t leave me in here by myself.”
Molly raised a confused brow, glancing around the room. “How would you be by yourself?”
“Take my word for it.”
“Want me to help you upstairs?” Molly asked.
“Not yet.”
Molly leaned in. “You trying to see what Adrienne is up to?”
Kendra cocked her head. “How’d you know?”
“Girl . . .” She gave Kendra a look. “Is there such a thing as pastor groupies? Because she’s one.”
Monday night, Adrienne had stayed late at the cookout, dancing and playing Spades in a card tourney. Kendra, too sick to come down, had missed it all. She was tired of sickness driving her from the fun, or in this case, from plain curiosity.
“Molly, where’d you put the trash bags I bought?” Trey called.
“Be right back,” Molly said, heading to the kitchen.
Darla waved at her. “Bye, Kendra, I’ll see you next time.”
“See you, Darla,” Kendra said.
Timmy engaged Lance next. And seconds later, Adrienne hopped over and sat on the floor beside Kendra.
“I haven’t had a chance to really talk to you,” Adrienne said, “other than that time I brought Maggiano’s.”
“How’ve you been, Adrienne?”
“I’ve been good, but . . . I didn’t realize you were sick when we first met.” She paused. “You still had all your hair.”
“Oh. Yeah. I guess I did.”
“I’m so sorry.” Adrienne looked sincere. “Is it breast cancer?”
“It is,” Kendra said, preferring to leave out specifics.
“I’ll definitely be praying for you,” Adrienne said. “Now I understand why Lance said it was complicated.”
“What do you mean?”
She looked a little embarrassed. “I kind of asked if the two of you were in a relationship, since you lived here together, and he said no, but it was complicated.”
Kendra’s arms twitched. They’d apparently had time for a late-night convo in the midst of everything else on Labor Day. And this was what he said? “Yes, complicated is . . . a fair assessment.”
Molly returned, stopping midstride at the view.
“Can you help me up now, Molly?” Kendra’s nighttime nausea was coming on strong. “I’m not feeling well.”