Part 26: Of what is and what is yet to come

She looked beautiful but different; it wasn't her usual style.

"Probably not. I should change," Carrie's voice broke the silence, snapping us out of our reverie.

"No, no, no," I protested. "You look absolutely stunning!" Carrie sighed in relief.

"What are you wearing?" Lizzy asked, finally managing to speak after her coughing fit.

"What happened to Mini-Sato?" she inquired, referring to Carrie's usual edgy and bold fashion choices. I nodded in agreement. Carrie often embraced a theme of short, daring outfits every weekend.

"I guess I'll have to change that theme starting today," Carrie said, taking a seat at the table.

All the while, I observed her in silence. This wasn't the Carrie I knew. It wasn't just her outfit; her entire demeanor had shifted. She appeared subdued, without her usual makeup or drawn-on eyebrows. Her long, natural black hair was tied in a neat ponytail, giving her a demure, almost "church girl" look.

Yes, a church girl—definitely!

I couldn't help but recall Lizzy's concern from the other night. Carrie had indeed changed a lot.

Was she doing all of this because of that 'predator'?

"Do you like the food? I prepared it how you like it," Carrie said after a while, glancing at us nervously. Her anxiety was evident as she waited for our response, clearly eager to make amends for the morning's chaos.

When neither of us responded immediately, she stood up and performed an exaggerated bow. It was almost comical, given her petite stature and the formal gesture.

"I'm really sorry for everything. For being irresponsible and disturbing your sleep," Carrie apologized, her exaggerated bow making me chuckle. Lizzy, however, sighed and spoke up.

"Just get to the point already," she said, clearly irritated. It was obvious Carrie wanted to say something and was hoping for a response from us.

"First, I want to apologize for my behavior this morning. I was in panic mode and reacted without thinking... But whatever the reason, it doesn't justify what I did. It was childish, rude, discourteous, insolent, and—"

"Okay, okay, enough. Just tell us what you want," I interrupted before she could list every synonym for rudeness in the dictionary. Lizzy, meanwhile, was quietly eating, seemingly indifferent to Carrie's lengthy apology.

Carrie sighed and continued.

"I am really sorry, guys. I've had time to reflect on my mistake. No matter what the issue was, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I promise I won't bang on your door when you're sleeping again."

"Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. Carrie gave a sheepish smile. "Well, only if you guys oversleep." At this, I saw Lizzy lift her head and shoot a sharp glare at Carrie.

"Um... well, not so loud," Carrie stammered, correcting herself. I shook my head and returned to my food, having nothing more to add.

"Am I forgiven, or should I cry to show my sincerity?" Carrie pouted, her eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears. I muttered under my breath, recognizing her attempt at playing the pity card.

"You're forgiven." I gave up on playing hard to get. Lizzy added, "Thank you for the breakfast," and Carrie's face lit up with a Cheshire grin.

The pitiful look was gone, replaced by her usual exuberance.

"Great! Oh my gosh, thank you girls so much. You have no idea how stressed I've been since you two lashed out at me this morning. I cried the entire morning."

"Oh, cut the drama and just tell us what got you so fired up," Lizzy said. "Wait! You didn't spend the night somewhere else, did you?" She trailed off, her eyes widening with realization. "Did something happen between you and Dave?"

"What? No way! I wish," Carrie rolled her eyes and let out a sarcastic laugh. "It's actually something much worse. After the date, he invited me to choir practice. It was fun, and I enjoyed the songs, but when I thought he might ask me to crash at his place, he sent me with that woman." Carrie's voice carried a tinge of disappointment.

"What?"

"Wait, you mean that woman? You stayed at her place?"

"Yep. The more annoying part is that she was really nice to me, making me feel like the actual bitch for disliking her. But then she started talking about how close she is with Geo and how they go way back." Carrie sighed.

"Anyway, moving on to more important stuff," Carrie said, straightening up. "We need to go to church ASAP."

The room fell silent for a moment, and I had to rub my ears to make sure I heard correctly. "Church?" I asked, confused.

Carrie nodded firmly. "Yeah, church." Another moment of silence followed until Lizzy spoke up.

"But it's Saturday, and you don't go to church," she said, clearly puzzled by Carrie's sudden change.

"You can go to church on a Saturday, Mandy. I want to try it. We can't just live our lives without dedicating even one day to God, right?" Carrie shrugged and took a bite of her food.

"Okay, this is crazy. You never go to church; you don't even like it," Lizzy said, placing her cup on the table.

"That was before. Past tense. Now I'm focusing on today and the future," Carrie replied.

Carrie's sudden eagerness to attend church was perplexing, and her motivations only added to our confusion. We exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to make sense of her unexpected zeal.

"What's going on with you?" I asked, my disbelief evident.

"How long have you known this guy?" Lizzy's question was blunt and to the point.

"Wait," I interjected before Carrie could answer, "Are you doing this because you want to, or is it to impress him?"

Carrie's guilty look was answer enough. "Both?"

Unbelievable.

It was clear that understanding Carrie's logic was a lost cause. She was attending church not for spiritual reasons but for someone else.

"Alright then, have a happy Sabbath," I said, turning back to my meal, deciding it was better to let her be.

"Happy Sabbath to you too, Mandy. But I really want both of you to come with me," Carrie said, her gaze pleading.

"No, thank you," Lizzy replied promptly.

"Why do you want us there?" I asked, curious about her reasoning.

"For status," Carrie began. "Mandy, you're a Seventh-Day Adventist, and it's been a while since you've gone to church. Also, it's Youth's Day, and Dave invited me. I need to invite others too… please, pretty please."

"You said it's Youth's Day, right?" Lizzy asked, her curiosity piqued. Carrie nodded.

"So, they're going to preach mostly about youth issues?" Lizzy clarified. Carrie nodded again.

"Well, if that's the case," Lizzy said, glancing at me, "maybe we should consider it."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by Lizzy's change of heart. "Are you serious?"

Lizzy shrugged. "I'm just trying to understand if this is something more than just a gimmick."

Carrie's face lit up with hope. "Yes, please! It would mean a lot to me."

I sighed, weighing the options. It was clear that Carrie's reasons were not entirely genuine, but perhaps it was worth going for the experience, if not for the right reasons.

"Fine, we'll come," I said reluctantly. "But only because you asked nicely."

Carrie's face brightened, and she clapped her hands in delight. "Great! You won't regret it. I promise!"

Lizzy and I exchanged another glance, both of us resigned but curious about what the day would bring.

Carrie's excitement was palpable, and it was clear that having Lizzy and me join her meant a lot to her.

"Oh my gosh, thank you both!" Carrie exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. "This is going to be amazing. I know it."

Lizzy and I exchanged looks, a mix of resignation and reluctant curiosity on our faces.

"Well, I guess this will be an interesting change of pace," Lizzy said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

I nodded in agreement, still processing the sudden turn of events. "Yeah, let's see how it goes. It's been a while since I've been to church, so maybe it'll be good to reconnect."

Carrie was practically glowing with gratitude, and she immediately began updating her plans, excitedly detailing what she had in mind for the day.

"We need to get ready then," she said, glancing at her watch. "The service starts at 11 a.m. sharp. We have a bit of time, but let's make sure we're all set."

I couldn't help but smile at Carrie's enthusiasm, even if the whole situation was a bit unusual.

"Alright, let's get ready," I agreed, pushing my plate away and heading towards my room.

Lizzy followed suit, and as we went our separate ways to prepare, I couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be a day full of surprises.

As I got dressed, I thought about how different this day would be from what I had initially planned. It wasn't just about attending a church service; it was about supporting a friend and exploring a new facet of her life. It might turn out to be exactly what we all needed—a chance to reflect, connect, and maybe even gain some new perspectives.

With a deep breath, I finished getting ready and joined Carrie and Lizzy in the living room. Carrie was practically vibrating with excitement, while Lizzy looked calm and composed, ready to face whatever the day had in store.

As we headed out, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. No matter what happened, I was glad we were doing this together.

...

One hour later, two cars pulled up in front of the church: a rugged Jeep and a sleek black sedan. Moments later, the doors opened, and out stepped three women and two men. The women were clearly me and my friends, while the men were Nick and Liam.

To keep it simple, I invited Nick because it seemed only fair to have someone accompany me.

"This church is stunning," Lizzy remarked, her eyes tracing the impressive architecture and intricate stained glass windows. The church's grandeur was truly captivating.

"It really is," I agreed. The church exuded elegance and reverence, commanding both respect and awe.

Carrie, standing beside me, was a nervous wreck. She fidgeted with her hands and kept glancing around anxiously, clearly overwhelmed by the church's opulence. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or feel sorry for her.

"Someone might think you're here to be crucified with how you're acting," I joked, hoping to lighten the mood. Carrie let out a small giggle, but her nerves still seemed to linger.

"I don't know, but I suddenly feel like a sinner who's about to get burned as soon as I step inside," she said with a nervous chuckle.

"Don't worry, Carrie. We're just here to admire the beauty and history of this place, not to face any trials." My comment drew a laugh from the group, and I noticed Carrie beginning to relax as she adjusted her bow.

"By the way, you look hot, lover boy," Lizzy said suddenly, turning to her boyfriend and giving him a playful nudge.

"So do you, my lady," Liam replied with a wink, pulling her closer. Lizzy blushed, clearly caught off guard by his affectionate gesture.

The affectionate exchange between Lizzy and Liam drew the attention of other churchgoers. Some whispered disapprovingly, while others simply looked away, choosing not to judge. The couple, however, remained blissfully unaware of the scrutiny, lost in their own world of love and affection. They were, after all, an attractive pair. Lizzy wore a knee-length, denim casual dress with half-sleeves, a high round neck, and a belt at the waist. She completed the look with beige pointed heels.

It was a simple outfit, but she wore it effortlessly.

Liam, with his princely charm, had a tall stature, a chiseled jawline, and neatly styled dreadlocks. He sported a denim shirt with rolled-up sleeves to match Lizzy's dress, paired with black jeans and white sneakers. The couple's complementary appearance made them even more striking to those passing by.

"Can you please stop being so in love? It's making everyone uncomfortable," I said with a scowl.

"Oh, shut it. You're just jealous; I'm beautiful," Lizzy retorted, rolling her eyes and causing me to scoff.

"You're more beautiful," Nick whispered softly in my ear, momentarily distracting me from our playful exchange. His words sent a rush of warmth through me.

I wasn't dressed extravagantly—just a simple knee-length, blue summer dress with a floral pattern and a pair of sandals. Yet, at that moment, Nick's compliment made me feel like the most stunning person in the world.

"Oh, now you're the ones being all mushy," Lizzy teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

"Should we go inside? I think the service is about to begin," Nick suggested, glancing around as he scanned the crowd. I nodded in agreement, grateful for the distraction from my blushing cheeks.

The church compound was bustling with activity, indicating that it was a special day for the youth. Many attendees were dressed in coordinated outfits, signaling their participation in the day's events.

"We're still waiting for Dave," Carrie said, peering around. We also looked around but had no clue who he was. We were eagerly anticipating finally putting a face to the "butt guy" Carrie had been talking about. Suddenly, Carrie's eyes lit up with recognition.

"Ah, there he is!" she exclaimed, pointing towards the entrance of the church. We all turned to follow her gaze. Seeing the mysterious figure—whom Carrie had dubbed 'Predator,' 'Pastor Guy,' or simply 'the man with a fine butt'—it was clear why she was so taken with him.

Honestly, when Carrie spoke so highly of Dave, I expected someone who was handsome but otherwise ordinary. But as soon as I laid eyes on him, I understood her infatuation.

Dave's tall, commanding presence and chiseled features were definitely head-turning. While Nick could be described as a black knight and Liam as prince charming, Dave was the embodiment of a brooding, lycanthropic hero.

His confidence was palpable as he strode in, standing at an impressive 6′11″. He wore an all-black ensemble that complemented his tan skin.

His short, shaved hair featured a distinctive faded cut with a thick, shaved part running from his forehead. It was both cool and stylish, without being over the top. It was no wonder Carrie couldn't stop talking about him—he was indeed a striking figure.

"Happy Sabbath, David— I mean Dave," Carrie said, flustered, extending her hand to him. Dave chuckled, his deep voice resonating. "No worries, Carriander. You can call me whatever you like," he replied, flashing a charming smile that made Carrie blush even more.

"And happy Sabbath to you too. I'm glad you came," Dave continued, shaking her hand. Carrie seemed in no hurry to pull hers back.

"Of course, I had to. God is our father and protector, after all," Carrie replied, causing me to gape in surprise. Lizzy snorted, which finally drew Dave's attention. Even Liam looked taken aback by Carrie's behavior.

"Oh, I want you to meet my friends." Carrie finally withdrew her hand and began introducing us.

"Dave, this is Mandy, Nick, Lizzy, and Liam. Guys, meet my friend, Dave." I had to suppress an eye roll when she introduced him as just a "friend," knowing she was probably dying to call him "her man."

"Well, I'm glad to finally put a face to the fine b—"

"Lizzy means she's pleased to finally meet you, right, Lizzy?" Carrie interjected with a forced smile, cutting Lizzy off before she could say something inappropriate.

"Yeah, definitely, and I surely approve." It seemed Lizzy was determined to tease Carrie at every opportunity. Carrie's cheeks turned crimson as she struggled to maintain her composure, while Dave chuckled, clearly finding the situation amusing.

Lizzy's comment clearly caught Dave off guard, but he quickly composed himself and responded, "I'm glad to finally meet you too, Lizzy. I've heard a lot about you and Mandy." He tilted his head slightly in my direction.

"You don't say. I hope it's all good things because I've heard quite a bit about you too. How about we hang out sometime so Lizzy and I can fill you in on all the little details about our Carrie?" I suggested with a sly grin.

Wow, who would have thought I'd get the chance to tease Carrie like this? Usually, I'm the one on the receiving end of her playful jabs. But now, it was my turn, and I was thoroughly enjoying the role reversal.

"Come on, we're here to worship and—" Carrie began, her expression a mix of embarrassment and irritation, but she was cut off by Dave.

"Oh, I'd love that," he said, clearly surprising Carrie. Lizzy was about to respond when someone cleared their throat beside Dave. That's when we noticed another person.

It was the woman I couldn't quite remember the name of—the one who was always a bit of a biatch. She waved at us with a tight smile.

"Hi, it's me! Nice to see you again," she said, her voice oozing with insincerity. I narrowed my eyes and chose to ignore her.

"Yeah, it's you," Lizzy muttered under her breath, clearly unimpressed. The three men with us exchanged glances, sensing the tension.

"You don't like her?" Nick whispered in my ear, curiosity evident in his voice. I nodded silently, not needing to say more.

"Why?" Nick asked again, his curiosity piqued. I couldn't help but start to giggle, though not because of his question. It was the sensation of his breath on my skin every time he whispered near my ear that made my heart flutter.

"Sorry, it's ticklish," I managed to say, still laughing. Nick's playful grin widened as he responded, "Ah, so she's Carrie's rival."

"Well, that explains a lot," Nick said, his grin growing. I joined in on the teasing, adding, "Oh, you have no idea."

"I'm sorry, but I need to steal David for a while. We need to get the program moving. The ushers will assist you to your seats, and I hope you enjoy the service." The woman spoke with her usual self-entitled attitude.

Seriously, why did she always act like she was the host?

"Oh, I wish I could join you guys to your seats, but—"

"No need, Dave; we totally understand. It's not like this is the first time we've been to church," Carrie cut him off before he could finish.

"We'll find our way just fine. Don't worry about us," she assured him.

I was still adjusting to this more submissive side of Carrie. It was such a contrast to her usual assertiveness.

"Is that the guy you have a crush on, Miss Champagne?" Ethan asked, pointing towards Dave's retreating figure. Carrie looked at Ethan in surprise, her cheeks flushing, and then glared at Lizzy, who simply lifted her hands in surrender.

"It wasn't my Barbie doll. You couldn't be more obvious with your reactions to him. The Miss Champagne I know would have made a fuss when he said he couldn't accompany us inside," Liam remarked.

Carrie, flustered, quickly retorted, "Well, people change, Liam. Maybe I've learned to be more understanding and accepting." Her statement was met with a scoff from both Lizzy and me.

"Yeah, right," I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

"Just quit it, and let's focus on worshiping for today," Carrie muttered. We exchanged glances and then burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the moment.