Chapter 23: The Hot Parking Lot

Abigail’s POV

I paced around the church parking lot to keep my ideas flowing. I needed an exit plan, and I didn't have a car.

Momma's heels clicked on the pavement, and I heard her darting through the parking lot after me. I didn't want to hide from her anymore.

“What is it, Momma?" I had my back turned to her.

"Do you have any idea what you've done, Abigail?" She grabbed my arm and turned me to face her.

I snatched my arm from her. "What?" I said. "I stood up for myself, and you didn't like that!"

"Abigail, you do not go to church," she pointed to emphasize "you," reminding me I should be honored to be a guest in their club. "You do not know a single thing about our practices, and you clearly don't remember your manners!"

I dug my heels into the pavement, firm on standing my defenses against the battle she insisted on continuing.

"I know what I said, Momma," I replied. "I don't want to be around such awful people."