Free Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray

know we are.”
    â€œNo, we’re not. If we were, then all you would want is for me to be happy.”
    â€œCome on, Em. I do want that. But we also said we would always be honest with one another, right?”
    That was the truth. That was our promise. “Yes. Honesty.” I turned back to the door. “Thanks for being honest,” I told her, barely glancing over my shoulder.
    â€œEmily!”
    I grabbed the door, swung it open, and then slammed it shut.
    â€œEmily!”
    I heard her calling me until I got up to my room. Then I slammed my door for good measure.
    If anyone had ever told me I’d have this conversation with the woman I thought of as my sister, I would’ve called them a liar . . .

    Jamal’s reaction had been even more unbelievable than Miriam’s. I’d gotten his number, thanks to Michellelee and her budding investigative reporter skills. But when I called Jamal, his response had been much the same as Miriam’s.
    â€œUh, Emily, I think you’re cool and everything, but . . .” He didn’t even have to finish. After talking to Miriam, I knew what he meant. But he went on anyway. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings or anything, but I’m not into—”
    â€œWhite girls,” I had finished for him and then slammed down the phone.
    I smiled a little now as I remembered the way I had called him and Miriam every single name listed in the Book of Curses. I had paced in my room, ranting to myself about how it wasn’t just white people who were prejudiced. I’d made a commitment that day that I would never have anything to do with Jamal.
    But God had different plans. Me and Jamal, Miriam and Chauncey. The four of us had grown into a happy family.
    Now, though, we were three, and I prayed that we would be able to find a new happiness among us. But we’d need help with that.
    I put my car back into drive and once I reached the traffic light, I pressed the button on the console to activate the Bluetooth feature.
    â€œCall Pastor Ford,” I said.
    Three seconds passed, then the ringing of the phone. Five rings and I was just about to hang up when my pastor answered.
    â€œGood morning!” Pastor Ford’s groggy voice came through the car speakers.
    I glanced at the clock on the dashboard and cursed inside. I was so unfocused, I hadn’t even remembered the time; it wasn’t even eight o’clock.
    â€œPastor, this is Emily; did I wake you?” And before she could respond, I added, “I’m so sorry to be calling this early.”
    â€œNo, no, it’s all right. I was just up late last night. So much going on.”
    â€œI know.” I sniffed back my emotions and said, “I should’ve called you last night, but . . .” Another breath. “Pastor, Chauncey Williams died.”
    â€œOh no!” she exclaimed. “In the fire?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œI was going to call you and Miriam this morning to make sure everyone was all right. Yesterday was crazy. Quite a few of our children went to that school; so many were hurt and we lost one.”
    â€œOh,” I groaned.
    â€œYeah, I know. I was with the Millers all last night; they lost one of their six-year-old twins and it was all that I could do to comfort them.” There was silence and I could imagine the pastor shaking her head. “Now, Chauncey. How’re Miriam and the boys?”
    â€œI’m worried about her, Pastor. I talked to her this morning and she’s really upset with God.” I repeated the conversation Miriam and I’d had. “She won’t even pray,” I said, finishing up. “And that scares me.”
    The slight chuckle from Pastor Ford sounded more bitter than sweet; still it surprised me. “You don’t have to worry. Miriam has enough in her, believe me. She’s been praying to God for so long, she might stop, but her heart