Page 65 of Shadow and Skulls

The sun shifts in the sky, piercing a piece of broken stained glass. It scatters little rainbows across the room. She runs her hand through one, letting the colors play over the dark ink on her skin.

“The universe has a way of taking us full circle, doesn’t it?”

I nod, watching a tear run down her cheek.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kelsie

My mom wipes at her eyes as she stands in the middle of my little church. Jesse’s already had the roof repaired, and Petey is here, looking at the windows.

“You know, we could leave the stained glass to the south. This side is in the best shape, too. Then, we can take out these broken ones and replace them with regular windows so you can see out. It will give you a great view,” he says.

I clap my hands excitedly. “Yes! That would be perfect.”

He walks around the room, his finger tapping over his mouth. Charlotte dances around him, happily hugging her new kitten to her chest.

“What do you think, Mom?” I ask her.

She fans her face. “I think it’s going to be amazing.”

JD steps inside, clapping his hands. “All righty, partner. I’ve got the truck. Let’s get some of this stuff out of here.”

My mom walks around. “Now I don’t want any of this going to the trash. I’ll find a use for it.”

He salutes her. “Yes, ma’am.”

Days turn into weeks as club members come and go. Everyone in the club is using their skill set to make my dream become a reality.

“I think I’m going to stay here tonight,” I tell my dad as he lies under my new sink, making sure there are no leaks.

My mom makes a little squeak.

“You don’t even have a bed,” Jesse chimes in.

She and my mom exchange a look.

“That’s okay. I’ll sleep on the floor or the bench.” I point to the pew my mom refurbished with bright multi-colored pillows.

“My daughter is not sleeping on the floor!” my dad hollers, still under the sink.

Jesse rolls her eyes. “Is Jackson finished with her bed?” she asks my mom.

My mother nods, unable to speak. Jesse pulls her phone to her ear. “Hey, I need you to go pick up that bed over at the farm.” She snaps her gum between her teeth. “Oh really?” She looks at her nails lazily. “Well, I guess I could call Jeremy and see if he has the time to help me out.”

My mom barks out a laugh as she takes my dad’s hand and helps him to his feet.

Jesse’s smile widens. “See you in a bit.” She makes a kissy sound into the phone before hanging up.

Dad waves for me to follow him and begins to go through a list of things he doesn’t want me to forget.

“Oh my god. I’ll be fine,” I say on a groan after thirty minutes of following him around.

He ignores me, continuing his lecture. “Now don’t be doing the dishes and then walk off with the water running. No one is going to be here to go behind you.” He wags his finger at me. “The new fuse box is right here. I’ve labeled everything.”

I’m trying to listen, but Jackson and Dirk are bringing in my new bed. Oh my god. It’s beautiful.

My dad ruffles my hair. “Go on. You’re not listening to me anyway.”

---