Episode 11

The sunlight crept slowly through a gap in they heavy curtains and into Shannon Grady's bedroom.

The sun never usually got her attention this early in the morning, especially on Sundays when she tried to wake up as late as possible.

This morning was different. Her excitement at what had happened last night was still running through her system. She smiled as she snuggled deeper into her pillow, her red curls splayed out, watching the shadows slowly inch across her room.

It had been another late night at her friend, Izzy's house. She and her Church youth group often met up on Saturday nights and went out bowling or to the cinema. Sometimes, as happened, some people brought a friend along who wasn't a Christian.

This was a bit of status symbol amongst her peers. To be friends with someone outside the church was seen as bit edgy. VERY Christ-like! Not like the adults who seemed to frown on contact with other people who didn't share their faith, unless you were trying to convert them.

The guy who came along last night was with another of her friends, Alesha, his name was Callum. He'd asked her out a few weeks earlier during college, following one of the lessons they shared together. There had been much discussion about what she should do, both over the phone and at that week's bible study. In the end she'd said yes on the condition that they 'dated' during the saturday outings with the rest of the group.

Shannon had suggested this, so she felt especially proud and full credit to the guy, he must have really liked Alesha because he did it!

Over the weeks he started coming to the youth group and also to the Sunday Services. Some of the group thought he was just doing it to spend more time with Alesha outside of college, as she still wouldn't go on a 'regular' date. Shannon, however, felt she was a good judge of character and had noticed that his attention was not always on his would-be girlfriend. He seemed to be listening to what was spoken about and also joined in the questioning at the bible study.

Last night it all came out though, as everyone was heading home from a night at the bowling alley. He had been dropped off at the centre by his Dad and after calling home to let them know he was done, he ended the call looking lost and upset. He had already waved goodbye to Alesha and soon it was just Shannon and Izzy left. They were about to head home too, but on saying goodbye Shannon noticed that Callum looked as if he was about to burst into tears. They made their way to Izzy's car but Shannon felt a niggling thought inside her.

She mentioned to Izzy that she thought something was up with Callum. They both stopped by the car and after a quick exchange of words decided they should probably go back in just to make sure he was fine.

As they went back in the place was still busy but Callum wasn't there. They looked around, but no luck. as they were about to head off again Izzy saw him come out of the loo's ahead of them. Catching up to him they tapped him on the shoulder, making him turn and jump.

Immediately, the girls could see that his eyes were raw from crying. Embarrassed, He tried to say a quick goodbye and head out of the door. Shannon and Izzy stayed with him not willing to let him escape now that they knew something was up.

He didn't resist. He wanted to tell someone what was happening. They went and sat in a sheltered corner just outside the brightly lit entrance, giving them a vague sense of privacy. Callum faltered at first, not sure how to start his tale and also how these girls would react to him. Shannon reassured him that this conversation would remain confidential, even from Alesha, if that's what he wanted.

His eyes glistened as fresh tears threatened to flow again and his voice cracked in a few places as he explained some of the problems that had been going on at home. Basically his parent's marriage had been breaking down for a while. Each week brought a fresh row between his Mum and Dad, sometimes in front of him, but always within earshot. He didn't know why they were always fighting as they had never talked to him about it.

He'd tried to find out from them, but they were evasive and never willing to reveal the details. It had never gotten violent, but it often descended into a viscious war of words, insults and accusations.

Callum guessed his Dad had been having an affair and then his Mum had had one too as revenge. When he'd called for his Dad to pick him up his aunt had answered the phone and said his Dad had left, taking the car with him. She was there consoling his Mum. Callum had said he'd make his own way home.

Shannon and Izzy shed a few a sympathetic tears as he relayed his story. A silence fell between them at the end and Izzy, being the more impulsive and emotional of the two girls broke the moment by throwing her arms around Callum, giving him a short, but comforting, hug, that spoke more than words could have right then. Shannon, felt slightly more uncomfortable with it, but did the same as she didn't know what to say either.

Izzy then offered to take Callum home. Even though they all knew it would take him about an hour or more to walk home, at first he said, no. He explained it was because he knew how their parent's would probably feel knowing they were more or less alone with a boy. Shannon rubbished his reasoning, saying that there were two of them so it was totally acceptable. Nothing, untoward could happen if they were both looking out for each other. With relief, he accepted the offer and they headed back to Izzy's car.

In the car Callum continued talking as if a weight had been released from him. He talked about his family situation and how he enjoyed hanging out with Alesha and her friends as they all seemed to have great parents and no problems. The girls were embarrassed by his observations as they thought about some of the selfish arguments they sometimes had with their parents. They seemed to pale into insignificance compared to what was going on in Callum's life.

Upon reaching his house it became quite clear that he didn't really want to go in. The girls were unsure what to do. Shannon, coming straight to the point as ever, asked him what was up. He said that his Mum was probably going to be really upset and he was just angry with both his Mum and his Dad. Shannon was surprised when Izzy volunteered that they go back to her house to give him a breather.

Callum accepted, a big smile now covering his face. It was the best news he'd heard all evening.


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