Page 78 of A Taste of Grace

“Anybody ever gone through hard times?” she asked.

“Yep!” several people shouted.

I was ready to throw my shoes at those traitors. Why were they encouraging her? And why was Caleb standing up there like a bump on a log?

Madeline paused and looked up to the heavens, wiping what I thought were fake tears from her eyes.

“Take your time!” A female voice shouted encouragement.

“I went through hard times and left the city to get myself together. There’s no better day to seek forgiveness than right now.” Madeline clapped with the mic in her hand, eating up the attention from those who gave it to her.

“Happy Mother’s Day, everyone.” She lifted the mic as if it were a trophy then placed it back in its cradle.

Madeline ended her little performance by leaning toward a stunned Caleb and hugging him tightly as a smattering of people applauded.

I wanted to run to the platform and snatch her hair off her head. Instead, I folded my arms over my chest and waited for Caleb to set her straight. He swayed from side to side with a wild-eyed look on his face. I tried to catch his attention, but he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Why is he just standing there?” I spoke directly to my mother-in-law, whose mouth hung open. “Should I go to him?”

“Child, he’s in shock. And we’re live streaming, so he probably doesn’t want to go viral for cussing her out. Let him be the shepherd and do what he should. This is his demon to conquer.” Ms. Denise held my arm.

Madeline released Caleb and smiled at everyone as if she deserved a pat on the back. She exited the platform and walked back down the aisle to her seat.

Caleb finally moved and motioned to the people around him.

“Praise God for redemption. Sister Taylor, please come with our church announcements.” Caleb dragged his words and then moved to the back of the stage.

He stood in the darkness as the light shone on Taylor. His eyes were shut. He held his wrists with his hand. At the end of the service, he offered a generic benediction and then slowly moved off the stage toward his office.

“Go, Grace. I’ll get the girls.” Ms. Denise pushed me as Nita nodded and wrung her hands.

I picked up my belongings and hurried toward Caleb’s office. I tapped on his closed door with my knuckles.

“It’s me,” I spoke through the door.

He cracked the door and peered out. I tried to push the door open with my hands, but Caleb didn’t budge. His eyes were red. I’d never seen Caleb in tears.

“Let me in.”

“I need a minute.”

“I’m here for you.”

“Give me time, Grace.” He closed the door in my face.

I stumbled back into the hall, my breathing shallow. I wanted to knock the door down but didn’t want to force myself on Caleb after he pushed me away. I rushed toward the annex where Hannah and Esther were. When I reached them, the lead teacher gave me a huge smile.

“The girls were so excited today. Your mother-in-law picked them up, and their mother greeted them.”

My heart sank.

“Where’d they go?”

“Mother Stallings took them to Pastor C’s office.”

I stepped back as my mind raced. I didn’t pass them on the way, so they must have gone out of the building and around the church. I power walked back to Caleb’s office in time to see his door cracked. This time, I barged in.

Madeline beamed at her girls, who had a confused look on their faces. Ms. Denise frowned with her arms folded, and Caleb stood as stiff as a board.

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