Free Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray Page A

won’t.”
    I shook my head even though my pastor couldn’t see me. “I’m just afraid because now is when she needs Him the most.”
    â€œYou’re right about that, but just because she’s mad doesn’t mean God’s going to turn His back on her. We might do that to people when we get mad at them, but He doesn’t do that to us.
    â€œShe’s all right, Emily, and it’s okay that she’s upset. She serves a big God and she has big expectations, so right now, it’s understandable. But there are two things I know: she’ll get over it and God is fine with it.”
    â€œOkay,” I said, feeling just a bit better.
    â€œI need to get over there,” Pastor said. “Are you there now?”
    â€œNo, I’m on my way to First Baptist. Some of the parents are bringing their children over for some counseling. I was called in to help.”
    â€œGood. So, who’s with Miriam? Her mother-in-law?”
    â€œNot yet. She’s on her way; right now, only Jamal is there.”
    My pastor paused for so long that I called out her name to make sure that the call hadn’t disconnected.
    Finally Pastor said, “So, how’s Jamal? I know how close he and Chauncey were.”
    I sighed. “He’s doing well. We’ve both shed quite a few tears.”
    â€œI know you’re concerned about Miriam, but make sure you take care of him, too.”
    â€œOh, I definitely will, Pastor.”
    â€œAnd just keep praying around Miriam. Soon, she’ll open up her mouth, too. I’ll give her a call now and I’ll see you over there later.”
    â€œThanks, Pastor.”
    I clicked off the phone, but then hit the call button again.
    â€œCall Red,” I said into the speaker.
    I could barely understand Michellelee when she mumbled, “Hey, girl.”
    â€œYou just getting up?”
    â€œYeah, a long, long night. Are you with Miriam?”
    â€œI was, but I just left. I was called in by the school district.”
    â€œGirl, there’s so much tragedy behind that fire. Chauncey and nine kids.”
    â€œWow! I didn’t know it was that many.”
    â€œYeah, and now they’re pretty sure it was arson.”
    â€œAre you kidding?”
    â€œYup, and because it was September 11, Homeland Security is all up on it.”
    â€œI cannot believe this. Well, I just spoke to Pastor and she’s on her way over to Miriam’s.”
    Michellelee groaned. “I cry every time I think about her.”
    â€œI just had my own breakdown; I couldn’t even drive. But we’re gonna make it. All we have to do is stay close to Miriam. Between you, me, and Jamal, we’re going to have to keep her covered twenty-four-seven. Are you in?”
    â€œYou know I am. What do you want me to do?”
    I smiled, though I wasn’t surprised. This was just how the three of us were with one another.
    We were the Red, White, and Blue, and would get through this tragedy together.

7
    Emily
    T here was no other way to say it: I was just sad.
    And this was only the first day. As I sped from the church, I prayed that the crying that was still in my ears would fade. The entire sanctuary of First Baptist had been filled with parents and teachers . . . and the children, who were still traumatized and would be suffering for a long time. All of those children had been in the building when the fire started. More than half had been rushed out when the smoke alarms first sounded, but the fire had been aggressive. Dozens had been trapped, and those children had had to experience the abject fear that came with being on the edge of death. They’d seen the flames, inhaled the smoke, felt the smothering heat, and some may even have seen their classmates die.
    I’d explained to the parents that this was going to be a long road to recovery, and though I’d given them tips about not leaving their children alone, and