One Silly Little Mistake

18

Chapter 1

Sacramento, California. This was where it all began—in a nice upscale neighborhood; a quiet community in the suburbs of the city. On first impression, one saw a community, which clearly exhibited that generally perceivable ambience of good, affluent, middle class, sub-urban American living. A more intimate observation, however, revealed nothing really spectacular about this suburb; there were no white picket fences anywhere around, neither were there any sparking-blue backyard swimming pools. But what caught one’s immediate attention, were the well-manicured lawns, the beautiful two-story white houses—each costing half a million and upwards, and each sitting on at least a quarter-acre of land, but all competing with each other for the greater glory. Beautiful and enviable homes indeed they were, but they weren’t mansions by any stretch of the imagination, and naturally, it had to be the dream of the average working person, to live in a home similar to one of these someday. Most knew, however, that actualizing this dream wouldn’t be possible in their lifetime; one had to belong to a certain strata of society these days, to experience the American dream even at this basic level.

The fact that Sacramento was the capital city of the state of California has always been a surprise to many people, because folks usually tend to see Los Angeles or San Francisco as being the capital of the Golden State. So, as amazing as it may seem, Sacramento is indeed the capital of California, and the seat of government of Sacramento County. Situated at the convergence of the Sacramento River and American River, Sacramento is a city of contrast, which defied expectations that the capital of a state should be a bustling metropolis.

With an estimated population of almost half a million, Sacramento, which was once described as America’s most diverse city, is the sixth largest city in California, and the thirty-fifth largest city in the United States. In contrast to most capital cities across the nation, California’s capital city has tree-shaded streets lined with elegant Victorian homes. Unlike most major metropolitan areas that grew from a civic center, Sacramento started from several small communities that grew together.

Located in the middle of a cul-de-sac, was the Rochester’s residence. As was typical of this neighborhood, the Rochester’s residence was a beautiful two-story white house, with a two-car garage. Two cars were parked in the spacious driveway in front of the house—a black Mercedes Benz, and a red Honda Accord.

It was Sunday morning, and the Rochester family was preparing for church. Being a very religious family, the Rochesters, who were devoted Baptists, were completely dedicated to their church, and they rarely ever missed a Sunday morning service.

It was ten minutes to ten. Natalie Rochester came running down the stairs, and into the living room. Natalie was a Caucasian teenager, seventeen years old, extraordinarily good looking, and with tall flowing brown hair. She was an honor roll senior in high school, and was currently in college search mode. Conservatively adorned in a beautiful, well styled, knee length dress, Natalie made a beeline across to a large mirror on the wall, where she placed her earrings into her ears, and made a quick adjustment to her well groomed hair. She turned around, examined herself in the mirror, and apparently satisfied with what she saw, she walked across to the other side of the spacious living room and picked up a Bible from off the top of the bookshelf. She then sat down on the couch, crosses her legs, and waited for the remainder of the family to make their appearance.

A few moments later, Justin Rochester came running down the stairs with his Bible in his hand. Justin was in his early fifties, with slightly balding brown hair. By profession, Justin was a software engineer who worked as a government contractor, but he was also a deacon in his church, and was well respected by everyone in his immediate neighborhood. Smartly dressed in a stylish black suit, he walked across to the mirror, peeped briefly at himself and quickly adjusted his tie.

Ready, Natalie? he asked, an air of urgency in his voice.

Yes, Daddy, she replied.

Where’s your mother? he asked.

In the powder room, she informed him.

Come on, Deborah, we’re gonna be late! Justin shouted.

I’m coming…just give me one sec! Deborah shouted back.

Deborah Rochester soon came charging out of the powder room. She was in her mid-forties, good-looking with tall blonde hair, and she was elegantly adorned in a purple dress suit. Deborah was your typical sub-urban housewife, and her main obligation was seeing to the physical needs of her family. She was also very active with church outreach programs, and regularly volunteered her services to a couple of charities in her community.

Deborah grabbed up a Bible from off the center table, but headed for the kitchen instead. I’m coming, honey…just have one more minor detail to take care of, she announced.

We’re almost late, Deborah. It’s almost ten o’clock! Justin shouted at her again, now sounding frustrated.

Deborah ran into the kitchen, banged around a bit, then came running back out. Okay, Justin, we’re good to go, she announced breathlessly.

It’s about time, replied Justin. Come on, Natalie, let’s get going. We’re late again…thanks to your mother.

We’re not yet late, Justin, protested Deborah.

Natalie jumped up to her feet, but walked across to the mirror once more and made another quick adjustment to her hair.

Come on, Natalie, Justin shouted at her. Are you trying to take a leaf out of your mother’s book?

I hope you’ll be in this same kind of rush to go to heaven, commented Deborah.

Cognizant that they were now going against time, the Rochesters rushed out of the house and quickly scuttled across to the Mercedes Benz, where Justin jumped in behind the steering wheel. Deborah got in beside him, and Natalie climbed into the back. With a sense of urgency, Justin quickly gunned the engine into life and backed the car out onto the street.

I’ve never had to rush you when you’re going shopping, commented Justin, addressing his wife. So why do I have to fight so hard to get you out of the house every single Sunday morning?

Oh, just shut up and drive, Justin, scoffed Deborah.

As they drove through the neighborhood, they encountered practically no traffic at all, and all was tranquil and quiet until a convertible BMW with four young men inside, flew past them thumping loud Hip Hop music.

So disgusting! exclaimed Deborah. They have the music so loud.

These kids now-a-days have absolutely no respect at all for the Lord’s Day, Justin declared angrily.

And they don’t even live around here, commented Natalie.

They traveled for another couple of blocks, turned onto the main thoroughfare, traveled for about another half a mile, and then arrived at their destination. The sign at the entrance read: First Baptist Church.

They pulled up inside the churchyard, which was already packed with cars, so Justin had to drive around for a while, until he eventually located parking on the far side of the parking lot. He quickly backed up the vehicle into the close space, and they all exited from the car. Trailing behind a fast walking Justin, Deborah and Natalie walked quickly through the churchyard, and then up the steps leading into the building. Many people were also making their way up the steps.

A pleasant faced, elderly Caucasian gentleman waited for them at the top of the steps, smiling broadly. Good morning, deacon, he greeted Justin, stretching out his hand. You and the family are sure looking real smart today.

Good morning, Frank, replied Justin, shaking his hand vigorously. Thanks.

Hi, Frank, greeted Deborah.

Hi, echoed Natalie.

God bless you all, replied Frank.

The sanctuary was just about half filled as they walked in. Justin loftily led his family all the way up to the second pew from the front, where they took their seat.

The preacher was already sitting on the platform. He was African American, in his mid-fifties, balding, and was dressed in a purple and yellow preacher’s gown. He glanced at his watch, then got up to his feet and took his place at the podium. The entire sanctuary quickly fell silent, as the congregation prepared for worship.

Good morning, saints, declared the pastor in a loud voice. I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Let us pray. Lord, it is indeed so good for us to be here in your house on yet another Lord’s Day. Lord, we thank you for your goodness and your mercies toward us your children. We thank you for sustaining us and blessing us through the past week, and we pray that you will continue to let your face shine upon us during this present week. Please accept our worship this morning, Lord, as we seek to worship you in spirit and in truth. This we ask in the name of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The congregation responded with a resounding Amen, and then proceeded to recite the Lord’s Prayer.

After a few brief moments of silence, the pastor said, Please rise to your feet and let us begin our morning worship by singing this wonderful hymn to the glory of God. Hymn number three hundred and thirty in your Baptist hymnal.

The organist vigorously strummed up the keys, and the congregation began to sing the popular hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

When the hymn came to an end, and everyone had sat back down, the pastor announced, And now we’ll have the first reading of the Holy Scriptures. This will be done by Deacon Rochester.

Justin stood up to his feet, looked around the congregation with a distinct air of sophistication and arrogance about him, and then walked confidently up to the podium. He shook hands with the preacher, adjusted his glasses, and opened the Bible.

The first lesson will be taken from the Gospel of St. John, Chapter seventeen, he announced authoritatively. I’ll be reading from verse one to the end.

Justin then proceeded to read the Scripture in a loud, clear, and commanding voice. When he had finished reading, he closed the Bible and walked back down to his seat, surrounded by an aura of pride.

The pastor stepped back up to the podium. And now the youth choir will bless us with a song, he announced.

Natalie got up from her seat and walked across to a group of youngsters who were sitting nearby. She beckoned to them with her hand, and they all stood to their feet in unison and marched up behind her to the front of the sanctuary. The group turned around and faced the congregation, but Natalie stood facing the group with her back turned to the congregation. The pianist strummed up a lively key, and Natalie raised her hands, giving them the signal to begin. The group then proceeded to deliver a popular gospel contemporary, under Natalie’s flawless direction.

Justin smiled and nodded his approval with an air of profound pride, as he watched his daughter conducting her choir. Natalie was his pride and joy; the apple of his eyes. Being his only child, he had done his very best to bring her up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. He’d watched her like a hawk as she grew into puberty, and had spent many sleepless nights worrying about the negative influences that she’d be exposed to in high school. But thanks be to God, she’d kept herself pure, and had not disappointed him so far. He’d always been very protective of her, and it wasn’t that he was being paranoid or anything like that, but it was just that he knew how cruel a place this world could be, and based on Natalie’s sheltered upbringing, she had to be extremely vulnerable. But now she had passed the worst; she was almost out of high school, and was preparing for college, and he was as proud as any father could be.

The youth choir completed their rendition, and received a resounding applause for their effort. After they had settled back into their seats, Natalie walked back across to her seat beside her parents. The service proceeded in accordance with the pre-planned program, and culminated with the pastor delivering his sermon. The sermon was from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter twelve, wherein the wise man, Solomon, admonished the youth of his time just how wise it was to remember their Creator while they were still young.

After the service was over, and everyone was making their way out of the sanctuary, Justin stopped at the door to greet the pastor. Powerful sermon, Reverend Taylor, he commended him. These are the messages that the young people need to hear more of now-a-days.

Thanks, deacon, replied Reverend Taylor. Natalie’s been doing a wonderful job with the youth choir.

Yes, indeed, she is, agreed Justin, beaming with pride.

After exchanging pleasantries with a number of their fellow parishioners, the Rochester family got into their black Mercedes, and headed back home.

Justin had always believed in keeping the Sabbath Day holy; consequently, this was what a typical Sunday in the life of the Rochesters was like: After attending the morning worship service, the family would enjoy a quiet day at home. Deborah was an excellent cook, and at around mid-afternoon, they would enjoy a sumptuous family dinner around the large mahogany dining table. After dinner, Justin would normally spend the afternoon reading the Sunday papers, while Deborah would sometimes enjoy an afternoon snooze on the sofa, and Natalie would retreat to the privacy of her bedroom. Later, they would then prepare for the evening service.

Later that evening, as Natalie sat on her bed looking over her homework, her cell phone rang. Grateful for a break from the boredom, she jumped up from off the bed and grabbed up her phone. She was delighted to see that it was her best friend, Crystal, on the line. Crystal Smith was just a few months older than Natalie, and she lived just two houses down from the Rochesters.

Hi, Crystal, answered Natalie, excited to hear from her friend.

Hey, what’s up, Nat? greeted Crystal, sounding all excited. Wanna come to my eighteenth birthday party?

It all depends. When and where?

Friday night, at Morgan’s house, girl. Her parents will be out of town for the entire weekend, so we’ll have the place entirely to ourselves…free to do whatever we wanna do, girl.

If Morgan’s parents won’t be there, my father would never allow me to go. You know that, Crystal.

Natalie, you’re almost eighteen! reprimanded Crystal. Are you going to allow your parents to coop you up for the remainder of your life? It’s going to be so much fun, girl…college boys…drinks…dancing—

No, no, Crystal! interrupted Natalie. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to come. You know very well that isn’t my crowd. I’m a Christian.

There we go again, sighed Crystal, you and your boring life of Christianity. You’re really missing out on life, girl. Don’t you know that?

Quite on the contrary, Crystal, I’m not missing out on life. I’m actually looking forward to life—life eternal.

Seriously? scoffed Crystal.

Yes, seriously, affirmed Natalie.

Well, I’m not so sure about that one, Natalie, Crystal scoffed at her again. I’ll settle for this one on earth—this one, which I know about, and which I intend to live to the fullest.

And when you die, what happens?

How the hell am I supposed to know that? Crystal asked mockingly. I’m not God! Furthermore, I’m just turning eighteen, so I’m only thinking about life…not death. Why should I be looking forward to something…something that you have to die before you can receive it? Doesn’t make any sense to me. You talk so crazy all the time.

If you die in your sins, you’ll be spending eternity in hell, warned Natalie. Death is no respecter of age. Do you really want to risk going to hell and burning for all of eternity…for millions and millions of years?

Listen, Natalie, I didn’t call you for one of your sermons, sneered Crystal. If I wanted to hear a freaking sermon, I would’ve followed you to church this morning! I just simply called you to invite you to my birthday party.

Well, I can’t come! retorted Natalie.

Okay, fine! So you can’t freaking come! Crystal shouted angrily at her. Well, I gotta go! Don’t know why I called you in the first freaking place!

Crystal then hung up the phone before Natalie could say another word. Natalie sighed deeply as she removed the phone from her ear; Crystal had always been such a tough nut to crack.

Crystal Smith was also in her senior year in high school; she was a cute blond, and she was enjoying a lifestyle that was the direct opposite to that of Natalie’s. The girls had met in the seventh grade, and had been best friends since then. Natalie had always been trying to get Crystal to see things her way; trying to get her to attend church with her, because she was really concerned about her friend’s spiritual wellbeing.

Crystal, however, was from a completely different world. As a teenager growing up, she enjoyed an immense amount of freedom, and could do pretty much whatever she wanted to do. The fact of the matter was that Crystal was subject to very little parental control; her parents were away from home regularly, and neither were they religious. Crystal didn’t get along very well with her mother, but had an excellent relationship with her dad; she was his princess, and in his eyes, she could do nothing wrong.

Crystal’s mother was a very hardworking woman. She was a nurse, and she worked at the local hospital, doing double shift most of the time. Her father, on the other hand, didn’t believe in eating bread by the sweat of the brows. He called himself a building contractor, but he spent more time in the bars and casinos, than he spent on the roofs of buildings. His father, who was a real building contractor, had left him a substantial inheritance, which he was in the process of squandering. So, with her mother at work most nights, and her father away from home having fun, Crystal was pretty much on her own.

It was quite understandable, then, that Crystal’s mother had to be a very frustrated woman, and as a consequence, she was constantly involved in loud, heated arguments with her husband, who just continued to party on, and refused to see the light of day. Measured by the Rochesters’ standards, the Smith family could quite easily be labeled as a very dysfunctional family.

It would appear that Crystal had inherited quite a decent portion of her dad’s partying DNA. Even as a high school student, she frequented nightclubs, smoked in public, frequently consumed more alcohol than she could handle, and used foul language constantly. She was always adorned in very revealing clothes, usually had large earrings dangling from her ears, and was always surrounded by boys, thus fuelling the rumors that she was a very sexually promiscuous teenager. Consequently, she was actually seen as a misfit by most of the neighbors in her middle-class, upscale community. It was quite justifiably, then, that the good deacon on many occasions, would make his dissenting voice heard, as he expressed his strong disapproval of his pristine child’s friendship with someone of such lascivious character.

But surprisingly, even with Crystal’s reveling lifestyle, she was also a very brilliant student. Although she wasn’t on the honor roll like Natalie was, she did very well in high school, and even with the minimum amount of time spent in the books, she still managed to bring home reasonably good grades at the end of each semester.

Upset over her discussion on the phone with her best friend, Natalie decided to go downstairs to grab a bite. As she walked into the living room, she saw her father sitting on the couch, going through her school report from the last semester. Natalie sat down beside him, and he placed his arm around her shoulder.

Natalie, I know that you’re going to do excellently again this final semester, announced Justin, beaming from ear to ear with pride. Straight A’s as usual; that’s what I’m looking for. I’m really proud of you.

Thanks, Daddy, replied Natalie, smiling broadly.

Can’t see no reason why you shouldn’t easily make it into St. Gabriel University.

I’ll just have to wait and see if they’ll accept me, Dad.

Ah, you’re too modest, Natalie. You’re an honor roll student; universities are always looking for the best.

You’ll make it in all right, honey, Deborah shouted from the kitchen.

You guys seem to have more faith in me than I have in myself, laughed Natalie.

The following afternoon, as Natalie and Crystal were walking home from school, they happened to walk by a couple of teenaged boys sitting on bikes. The boys began to whistle at them, but the girls ignored them and kept on walking.

What’s up with those idiots, Natalie? Why can’t they understand that I’m not interested in high school boys anymore?

So who are you interested in?

Men.

Really?

Of course, affirmed Crystal I’ll be in college soon, so why should I be messing around with high school boys?

Oh, I see.

I can’t believe that we’re down to our final month in high school, declared Crystal. The years just flew by so quickly.

Yes, that’s true, agreed Natalie. Imagine, next semester we’ll be in college.

I applied to St. Gabriel also, Natalie, Crystal informed her. I would really like to get into that college, but I don’t know if they’ll accept me…I don’t know if my grades will be good enough.

Trust in the Lord, Natalie advised her.

Natalie, going to college will be a real game changer for you, announced Crystal.

What exactly do you mean by that? questioned Natalie.

You’ll see exactly what I mean when you get there, Crystal assured her. All those crazy parties…the boys…and all that fun. You’ll be finally out of your parents reach for the very first time in your life. You can pretty much do whatever you want to do then.

Crystal! Stop! Natalie reprimanded her. You already know where I stand!

College is gonna change all that, laughed Crystal. You just wait and see.

You need to turn your life around, and start going to church, implored Natalie. I’ve invited you to church so many times, and you just simply refuse to come.

I’m not yet ready to be like you, Natalie, Crystal laughed again. I’m no schoolmarm. Probably when I’m in my late thirties or so, I might give it some thought, but right now, I’m gonna live life to the fullest, and have as much fun as I can. The world’s passing you by, girl. You don’t go to parties, you have no boyfriend, and to top it all, you’re still a freaking virgin. You need to get yourself a life, Natalie!

I already have a life! retorted Natalie. You wouldn’t understand that anyway, Crystal. But you can’t go around having sex with every Tom, Dick, or Harry who happens to come along. That isn’t right in God’s sight.

I might not be a Bible freak like you, Natalie, Crystal replied sarcastically. But I do know that it was God who designed male and female to have sex. So if God gave mankind the gift of sex, why would he not want us to enjoy it? Why do you see it as being so sinful?

It’s sinful when it’s indulged in outside of marriage, advised Natalie.

Well, I have no plans on getting married anytime soon, so what am I supposed to do then?

Wait on the Lord.

There you go again, always talking crazy, scoffed Crystal. So tell me, Natalie, are you planning to remain a virgin for the remainder of your life?

If that’s what the Lord wants.

Natalie, allow me to give you a little education about the facts of life, offered Crystal, now really enjoying ridiculing her friend. Do you realize that there’s no other experience in life that can surpass the experience of sex? You have absolutely no idea what you’re missing out on, girl. You should try it one day…if even for just one time in your boring little life. Know what, I could hook you up with Michael from the football team—he’s cute, and he’s always asking about you.

No thanks, Crystal! Not interested! Natalie snapped at her, now becoming quite flustered by Crystal’s mocking.

Okay, Miss Natalie, but just wait until you get into college, and I guarantee you that you’ll be seeing things from a whole different perspective, declared Crystal.

We’ll see about that, countered Natalie.

Time will tell, said Crystal.

Of course, it will, agreed Natalie.

They were now on the outside of Crystal’s house, so the girls said goodbye to each other. Natalie continued on her way, but was very concerned about her friend; the girl needed spiritual help, and it was bothering her deeply.

Crystal was her best friend; in fact, she was the only real friend she’d ever had. Natalie’s sheltered upbringing had never afforded her much interaction with other people her own age, and her father was always skeptical of any teenager she came in contact with. The only reason why she was allowed to remain friends with Crystal was because she lived just two houses down; from where he perceived he could always keep an eye on her.

When Natalie walked into her living room, she was surprised to see her father at home, browsing through the newspaper. Good evening, Dad, she greeted him. Didn’t expect to see you home from work so early this evening.

We had an early conclusion to our seminar today, he informed her, and I didn’t quite feel like going back to the office.

It’s nice to have you home early for a change, she told him.

By the way, Natalie, he said to her, tossing down the newspaper on the center table. Have you ever considered getting into medicine? You’ve received straight A’s in all your science courses, so I don’t see why you should have a problem getting into med school.

I don’t want to be a doctor, Daddy.

Why not? That’s a very prestigious profession.

I know it is, but I don’t like the sciences.

You have the ability, Natalie.

I want to study business, Daddy. I want to go into banking.

Banking? he scoffed at her. Anyone can do that. Even that Smith girl could get a degree in banking.

What do you have against, Crystal? She’s my best friend. As a matter of fact, she’s the only friend I have.

That girl’s been nothing but a bad influence, asserted Justin. Look at the way she dresses, and she has all those boys constantly hanging around her. That’s a very loose girl, Natalie, and you know that I’ve never approved of your friendship with her.

How can you say that, Father? Natalie shouted angrily at him. What has she ever done to you?

Natalie, this conversation is not about your friend, asserted Justin. This is about your future, and I’m prepared to spend the last cent I have, to put you through med school.

But I’ve already told you, Daddy, I do not want to be a doctor, Natalie reiterated.

You don’t know what you want, Natalie.

Of course I know what I want, I’m almost eighteen years old! asserted Natalie, now getting really annoyed.

What you think you want might not be best for you, countered Justin. I’m your father, and I know what’s best for you—and that’s going to med school. Look at your grades, you can easily get into medicine. You need to think about this seriously, Natalie.

There’s nothing to think about, Dad, Natalie replied angrily. I’m not going to med school, and that’s final!

Watch your tone of voice, young lady, warned Justin.

At that point, Deborah came running out of the kitchen, wiping her hands in her apron. Justin, you can’t force her to do what she doesn’t want to do, she said to him.

It’s not a matter of what she wants to do, Justin assured her. It’s what’s best for her.

But you can’t decide for her, Justin, Deborah insisted.

Of course, I can, affirmed Justin. I’m her father, and it’s my responsibility to determine what’s best for her.

Or, what’s best for you, Justin, sneered Deborah.

Oh, just shut up, woman, you always make these silly comments, Justin scoffed at her.

A few days later, Natalie came rushing in through the front door, all excited. She dropped her bag on the floor and rushed into the kitchen, where her mother was busy fixing dinner.

Mom! Mom! Guess what, Mom! she shouted enthusiastically.

What is it, honey? asked Deborah, quickly getting excited herself, discerning that this had to be something big.

You’d never believe it, Mom! she exclaimed, beaming with exhilaration. I’ve been selected to be the valedictorian at this year’s graduation ceremony!

Deborah dropped everything she was doing and grabbed Natalie tightly in her arms. That’s awesome! she shouted euphorically. That’s fantastic, honey! Your father’s going to be so very proud of you.

Proud of me—or of himself? sneered Natalie.

Okay, okay, Natalie, no need to be sarcastic. You know that your dad’s only looking out for your good.

And there was even more excitement to come to Natalie’s world. Exactly one month later, she came barging into her living room again, all excited, and waving a letter in her hand. Mom! Dad! she yelled ecstatically. I just don’t believe this! I got a scholarship to St. Gabriel University!

But the living room was empty; neither Justin nor Deborah was in sight, so she screamed for her parents again, Mom! Dad! Where are you?

Within seconds, Deborah came running out into the living room. What is it, Natalie? she inquired breathlessly.

Look at this, Mom! screamed Natalie, waving the letter in her mother’s face. I got a full academic scholarship to St. Gabriel!

Deborah grabbed the letter out of Natalie’s hand, read it quickly, then grabbed her in her arms, and almost smothered her to death. This is unbelievable! she screamed. Justin! Justin! Get in here at once! Natalie’s got a scholarship to St. Gabriel!

Justin came charging in from the back porch! He grabbed Natalie from out of her mother’s arms, and proceeded to crush the life out of her. That’s wonderful! he roared. Didn’t I tell you, Natalie? I knew you’d do it!

Thank God. Thank God. said Deborah, lifting up her face to the heavens.

I still can’t believe it! exclaimed Natalie.

The Lord’s been so good to you, Natalie, declared Deborah.

I know, Mom, that’s why I must keep serving him, replied Natalie

Come on, both of you, get dressed immediately! ordered Justin. We’re going out to celebrate.

Chapter 2

It was her first day of on campus, and Natalie was feeling a bit exhausted, as she walked into her dorm room, dragging in yet another suitcase behind her. The two beds in the room were already laden with clothes and other miscellaneous feminine paraphernalia, and there were unpacked bags and boxes scattered all around. Natalie sat down on the bed for a couple of minutes, just to take a brief breather, and was about to resume unpacking more stuff, when Crystal came barging into the room.

It’s just absolutely amazing, Nat, that we’re sharing the same room in college! declared Crystal, beaming with exhilaration.

That’s true, Crystal, agreed Natalie. It’s gonna take me the entire night to just get my stuff in order.

Natalie, I just can’t believe that I actually made it into St. Gabriel, stated Crystal, unable to contain her excitement.

Me neither. Well, I mean, I didn’t know I’d get that scholarship.

Come on, Nat, you had this all sewn up, you were on honor roll all the way. My parents had to fork out a lot of money for my tuition.

I’m just giving God thanks, Natalie replied modestly.

Natalie, there’s a beginning of semester party on tonight over at the dorm next to us, announced Crystal, unable to keep her heels.

Take it easy, Crystal, Natalie advised. We just got here.

Are you coming to the party with me? asked Crystal, ignoring Natalie’s calm demeanor.

Crystal! Natalie shouted at her. You know I don’t go to parties!

Cut the crap Natalie! Crystal shouted back at her. This is college, and your parents aren’t around. You need to start living, girl. You’re young only once.

I’ve made a commitment to the Lord, Crystal, and I’m going to serve him whether my parents are around or not.

It’s going to be very interesting to see just how long you’re going to keep this up in college, Crystal scoffed at her, as she grabbed up her purse and walked out of the room.

The weeks passed by, and both girls gradually got settled into college life, with Crystal continuing to have the time of her life, attending dorm parties almost every weekend. Natalie, on the other hand, was quite contented to remain in her dorm room, chat with her parents on the phone, and read her Bible, while at the same time, trying her best to withstand Crystal’s daily ridicule, without getting angry at her.

As was expected, Natalie carried over her excellent academic performance from high school right into college, and was a straight A student from the get go. Crystal wasn’t too dusty either, and even with her partying ways, she was also bringing home fairly decent grades; and although nowhere as impressive as Natalie, she was basically holding her own.

Not missing a single beat, Crystal, being true to form, quickly became involved with a number of fellows in college. One of them was a popular football player by the name of Ambrose Littlejohn, and she was soon spending an awful lot of time with this fellow, even sleeping out with him sometimes. But regardless of the different paths they’d chosen in life, the girls remained very close friends, and they loved and respected each other.

When Justin Rochester eventually discovered who Natalie’s roommate was, he literally hit the roof. "This