Free The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes

question.
    Paris solved the last problem on the page, slammed the workbook on her desk, and grabbed her jacket.
    •    •    •
    Easter was less than two weeks away, and Star of Bethlehem’s choirs were getting ready. The youth choir had two songs to sing: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” which they’d sing together with the adult choir, and a punched-up version of “Because He Lives,” which wouldshow off all their hard work on three-part harmony. Paris couldn’t wait.
    “What’re you wearing?” asked the girl standing to her right.
    “What?”
    “On Easter. Did you get your new dress yet?”
    Paris shook her head, suddenly concerned.
    Briana’s right. What am I gonna wear?
    Half the kids in the choir had been buzzing about the new clothes their moms had bought them for Easter. New hats, too. Not everyday boots and sweaters like Viola had bought Paris, but patent-leather Mary Janes with bows on them, flouncy taffeta dresses with poofy sleeves for the girls, and navy blue suits with crisp white shirts for the boys. Nobody had taken Paris shopping for those kinds of clothes.
    I’m gonna be the only one wearing old clothes
, thought Paris.
I’m gonna stick out. Shoot! Why can’t we wear robes like the grown-up choir?
    “Good evening!”
    The youth choir director tapped the music stand with her baton to get everyone’s attention.
    “All right, kids. Time to focus. Let’s get serious, now. Remember: God is watching.” Paris looked up, as if to catch a glimpse of him.
    The director led the choir in scales, as a warm-up. Then she tapped the music stand a second time.
    “Good! Now turn to ‘Because He Lives,’ page two hundred thirteen. Although most of you should know the words, by now.”
    Good thing the music arrangement was up-tempo. Otherwise, Paris would have rocked herself to sleep in its rhythm. As it was, she closed her eyes while she sang so that the words could sink into her.
    Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because he lives, all fear is gone…
    Paris sang the words and they became true for her. She wasn’t afraid anymore. Not of being beaten, or being locked in a closet. Not of the dark, or of never seeing Malcolm again, or of nobody wanting her. And she wasn’t even afraid of sticking out on Easter. Paris could hardly recognize the fearless person she was turning into.
    Because I know he holds the future…
    She was learning to keep God in her pocket, and because she had him to talk to, she was beginning to have faith that she’d be all right.

Chapter 24
SATURDAY SURPRISE
    S aturday morning found Paris playing hide-and-seek with David and Jordan. Jordan was It, which meant that he was hiding in the shed. David and Paris both knew that because it was where Jordan always hid. Either he didn’t quite get the game, or he liked being in the shed, they couldn’t figure out which. Either way, they took their time “finding” him to stretch the game out.
    “I wonder if Jordan’s behind this bush,” said Paris, loudly. “Nope. Not here.”
    “Hey! I know,” said David. “I’ll bet he’s in Jet’s doghouse!” A giggle came from the shed. That was when Paris pushed the door open.
    “Gotcha!” she cried. Still giggling, Jordan stepped out onto the grass. Now, it was Paris’ turn. She loved thegame. She was better than anyone at hiding. That was the main reason David agreed to play. Paris made it a challenge.
    The boys both covered their eyes and started counting to ten.
    “One.” Paris sprinted toward the house. There were more places to hide inside than there were in the yard.
    “Two. Three.” Paris opened the screen door gingerly, careful not to let it bang behind her.
    “Four. Five—”
    “Kids!” called their mother from the living room. “Get in here.”
    Paris groaned. So much for hide-and-seek.
    “David! Jordan! Now!”
    The boys joined Paris, wondering how their mom was going to ruin their Saturday fun.
    “Wash your hands and get in the car.