Free My Name Is Chloe by Melody Carlson Page A

seems possible.”
    “And now, what if the two powers were after the exact same thing, do you think there might be a battle going on?”
    “Man, Laura. Have you ever thought about becoming a preacher?”
    She laughed. “But really, do you see what I mean?”
    “I think I’m starting to. It actually makes sense to me.”
    “All right then. So, can you accept that it’s possible that God told me to pray for you because there’s a battle going on for your soul?”
    “Maybe so.” I studied her. “But be honest with me, does this have a lot to do with Allie and her Wicca thing? Because I’m really not into that.”
    “I don’t think that’s the main reason I felt concerned. But if it makes you feel any better, I’m praying for Allie too. And no, I don’t like that she’s experimenting with witchcraft, but I don’t dislike her because of it. In fact, I think she’s pretty cool.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah. I just wish she’d find the real truth.”
    “And that is?”
    “God, of course. And the fact that he sent hisson Jesus to forgive us and give us real life. That’s all you really need to know.”
    “It’s that simple?”
    She nodded. “God knew we humans didn’t need great, complex schemes to get into heaven. I think he just wanted to keep it simple.”
    “So we could wrap our minds around it?”
    “More like our hearts. He says all we need to do is invite Jesus into our hearts, and then he’ll show us what to do next.”
    “Has it really been that simple for you?” I watched her closely, searching for any sign of insincerity.
    “As long as I keep it that way. Sometimes I complicate things with my own problems and selfish choices. But if I hang tight with him and try to do what he’s showing me, life stays pretty simple and good.”
    I frowned. “It sounds almost too good to be true. And you know what they say about that.”
    “Well, you’ll never know how good it is until you believe that it’s true. It’s really all about faith.”
    We talked some more, and then it was time to go to class. I was really thankful when the bell rang too. I’m sure I was freaking out by then, worried that Laura was about to ask me to pray with her. I could just imagine us both kneeling like nuns on the patio as kids headed to fifth period. Yeah, sure! Anyway, I was relieved to getaway from her. All this talk was making me uncomfortable.
    Still, for the rest of the afternoon, I kept thinking about what she’d said. Part of me was starting to believe it could be true, but the rest of me was cynical and skeptical. Then on my way home from school, I remembered what she’d said about the battle. Could that really be what was going on inside of me? I thought about how I feel when I have the flu, and there’s a battle going on inside my body—between the virus germs and my own immune system. In a way, that’s how I feel now. Sort of helpless and achy—but not physically. Does that make sense?
    So I forced myself to read the redlines again tonight (as if they’re my medicine). And what stood out to me was when Jesus said, “Don’t pray out loud in front of everyone just to show off, but when you pray, go into your closet and pray secretly to your father in heaven. And he will hear you in private and reward you in public.” Now, I’m not completely sure what all that means, but I like the idea of praying in a closet. So that’s just what I did.
    IN MY CLOSET
dark and silent, shoes and clothes
quiet words inside me rose
questions with no answers came
who are you and what’s your name?
god, you are mysterious
but you’ve made me curious
riddles run all through my brain
until i fear i’ll go insane
hear me now hear my prayer
answer, god, if you’re there
show me how to give to you
what you want, if this is true
cm

Seven
Friday, October 11
    Oh, what wonders I have to write of tonight. I almost can’t hold this pen in my hand steady, for I want to dance and sing and laugh all at once. And all the time,