At Wheeler Homes Chapter 3

                                   Chapter 3

          “Hurry up and get down here or you’ll be late for school!” Jessica’s mother called.

Jessica only half-way heard her as she turned over in bed.  She had been in the middle of a good dream, but her mother’s voice had pushed the dream right out of her head.  Jessica tried to remember the dream, but couldn’t.  Oh well, it wasn’t important anyway.  She let out a big yawn and then threw back the covers.  Her feet touched the cold floor and she was suddenly wide awake.  The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day outside.  Jessica got dressed, made her bed, and came down the stairs and into the kitchen. 

          Jessica’s mother was all in a tizzy.  She had gotten up late and was rushing to get her children out the door.  “Where is James?” she demanded.

          “I don’t know,” Jessica replied.

          Just then James came into the kitchen and whined, “Have you seen my red sneakers?

          Jessica’s mother answered, “Where did you have them last?  Did you leave them out on the back porch?  I hope the neighbor’s dog didn’t carry them off.  Those are expensive shoes, James.  You should keep up with them.

          Jessica offered, “I think I saw them by the front door.”

          James said, “Thanks!” and was off into the front hallway.

          Jessica made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast.  She looked into the refrigerator for some milk, but there wasn’t any.  A glass of water would have to do.  Her mother had just finished starting the coffee pot.  The smell of coffee filled the kitchen.  Jessica started another peanut butter and jelly sandwich for James.  Jessica always looked out for James.  It was as if James had two mothers.

          Jessica had a thought.  She considered her words carefully and then spoke to her mother, “Mother, can James and me go to church next Sunday with Gloria?”

          Jessica’s mother was washing out a coffee cup at the sink and paused.  She turned around with a puzzled look on her face and asked, “Jessica, what made you think of church all of the sudden?”

          Jessica pretended that it was not a big deal and said, “Oh, Gloria just said that she was going to church now, and she asked me if I would like to go.  I said that I would – that is, if you think it would be OK.”  Jessica didn’t want to be too pushy.

          Jessica’s mother thought for a minute.  “I remember going to church with my mother.” She said.  “I used to love those songs that they sang and the stories that the Sunday school teacher told.  I used to love the warm feeling I felt at that church with all of those old people.  They would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it!” she said.  Jessica’s mother paused a moment lost in her memories.  But then she suddenly turned back to the sink and began to wash her coffee cup again.  She said, “But that was so long ago.  So much has changed.”

          Jessica offered, “You could come too, mother.  Actually, I was thinking that all of us could go to church.

          Jessica’s mother interrupted her, “I couldn’t go this Sunday.  Howard has to work and he wouldn’t like it if his supper wasn’t ready when he got home.  You know how he can be sometimes”

          Jessica continued, “But we could leave for church after Daddy has gone to work and we would be back home well before he gets off work.  I could help you get dinner ready really, really fast.  Please, please mother!  I know all of us would like to go to church.  We could all go together.  It would be perfect.”

          Jessica could tell that her mother was thinking about it.  So she decided to quit talking about it and just give her mother time to think about the idea.  She would ask her about it again tomorrow.