"Hi, Simone," Samantha said as she made her way to her familiar seat during lunch.
"Hey," Simone said roughly. However, she made no objection when Samantha sat beside her at 'Simone's Table.'
Samantha's plan of writhing friendly notes to Simone--most days--seemed to be paying off.
"Simone, what is your favorite part of our school?"
For the first time, Samantha experienced Simone's laugh. It was similar to an old man's laugh.
"Huh. Huh. Huh. Good one Samantha."
Samantha had no clue she made a joke (until she figured it out later). So, she played along.
"Hee Hee. Thanks!"
"You going eat your green peas?"
"No, Simone. Be my guest."
"Do you go to church, Samantha?"
Although Samantha had been praying for an opportunity to share with Simone, she was caught off guard. However, Samantha said a quick prayer and responded. "Yes, I do, Simone. Why do you ask?"
"You always sign your notes, 'In Christ.' I appreciate the notes, by the way."
"Oh, I'm glad you like the notes. Christ is the reason I am able to write them."
"Huh, what da ya mean?"
"Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He changed my life from despair to hope. From guilty to forgiven. From lost to found."
Simone just looked at Samantha for a long time. Finally, she said, "Oh."
"Have you ever been to church, Simone?"
"Nu uhh."
"Would you like to go with me?"
"I don't know."
"What's stopping you?"
"Clothes for one thing."
"I see. What if I solved that problem?"
"Yea, I'd go. I need some a dat hope."
"Great. For starters, we are the same size. We can share. Later, we can go shopping."
"Sharing sounds good. But, I don't shop."
"Why not?"
"Got no money, Girl."
"Oh. I see. We will figure something out."
Simone just grunted.
"Would you like to start this Sunday?"
"I think. Better check with my ma first."
"OK. Well, I am headed to class. Maybe we can talk at lunch tomorrow."
Simone grunted, but after Samantha got three steps away, Simone said, "Hey Samantha. Thanks."
"Sure thing, Simone."
Samantha sent up a prayer of thanksgiving as she walked to class.
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