Free Bad Juju by Dina Rae

evangelize?
    “Jake, do you know what Awanas is?” Jessica asked on the ride to their church.
    “I think it’s like boy scouts, but for Christians,” he answered.
    “Basically.  Do you go to church?”  He shook his head.  From her conversation with the p rincipal , she was under the impression his aunt and uncle weren’t exactly walking with the Lord.
    “We go every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.  You’re welcome to join us.  We’ll pick you up.  Then we go out to breakfast,” Jessica suggested.
    “Maybe.  To be honest, my mom and I would sometimes go to church, bu t since she died I haven’t gone ,” he answered.
    “I’ll ask you again tomorrow.  Okay, we are here.  Have fun,” Jessica smiled.
    Once home, Jessica began to discuss Henry’s new friend with Tom.
    “They’ve been friends for what?  Three days?  Aren’t you being pushy?  Awanas ?  Church?  Slow down before you scare off his only friend,” Tom responded. 
    Jessica was hurt, but considered his reaction.  Maybe her sudden interest in Jake was a bit too overwhelming.
    ***
    Jake enjoyed the delicious pizza and company of the Awana group.  The time went by quickly.  Not the most exciting night a sixteen year old could have, but he was grateful not to be alone.  Once home, the trailer was quiet.  Without checking to see if anyone was up, he went straight to bed.  He was high with anticipation, counting down the minutes until the spell would take effect.
    The next morning Jake woke up early and slipped out of the trailer.  The place was eerily silent.  He didn’t see T.J. on the couch or his car out front.
    He began his weekly chores with Esther Muddraker .  She was the only neighbor who had him shop for her groceries.  He let himself in her double-wide trailer , started a load of laundry, and joined her for breakfast.  The woman could not drive and could barely walk because of her crippling arthritis .  The grocery store was only a twenty minute hike , and she needed a few bags to last her through the week.
    “Well, you’re here earlier than usual.  It’s only seven.  You usually sleep in.  What’s wrong? ” Esther asked.  Jake turned away as his eyes filled with tears.  “ You know I’m about one step away from calling the police on that S.O.B.  You and that poor little girl don’t deserve this. ”
    “What do you do?  He’ll get what’s coming to him.  Trust me.”
    “ Ain’t that the truth.  God has His own kind of justice,” Esther added.
    God, Bondeye , Papa Legba , Damballah …It didn’t matter anymore.  All Jake knew was a higher force would help him with retribution.
    “Jake, here.  This is my list and here’s some money for the groceries.  You keep whatever is left.”
    Jake looked at the hundred dollar bill.  “Mrs. Muddraker , this is twice of what you normally give me.  I can’t take this.  I know you’re not rich.”
    “Shut up and take the money.  I have more things on my list this time.”
    Jake gladly accepted, but thought the extra cash was given out of pity.
    “Oh, and by the way, not being nosy, but you should be glad you didn’t see what went on last night.  That guy living with you…”
    “T.J.  He’s Leah’s brother.  Didn’t see him on the couch when I left this morning.  Sometimes he spends the night with Mona, his ex-girlfriend , who he’s t rying to get back together with, ” Jake answered.
    “Well, I’m not one to gossip.”  Jake smiled at Mrs. Muddraker .  She loved drama and was known for being in everyone’s business.  “Okay, maybe I’m a little too observant.  But I don’t think that woman , Mona, wants him back.  I think it was her that pulled up to the trailer around seven last night and dumped out a few Hefty bags of his stuff in front of your uncle’s and then honk ed her horn.  I couldn’t hear, but I saw what looked like an argument right through that window.  Then she peeled out of here.  He stayed outside in the cold with