Fiction

---

For a week Jessica and Susan did not speak to each other. They didn't even sit together at the same lunch table or the same arts and crafts table, and during sports activities, they deliberately chose other partners. They struggled with trying to remember what the Bible says about forgiveness and reconciliation, but they each felt so hurt by the other that they were sure God would understand their feelings and that He wouldn't expect them to reconcile when they had each hurt the other person so much. Maybe they were better off not being friends. After all, neither one of them was willing to give up their crush on Peter for the sake of the other.

Jessica started reading the Book of Ruth and Christian websites about how to get a man to notice you in a Biblical way. She noticed that some websites suggested that it was OK for a woman to tell a man that she liked him, so she decided to do that when Peter was on his lunch break. She knew he always went into his office, so that would be a good place to talk. That way they could be alone, without any of the other kids at camp overhearing her and teasing her.

She put on her best clothes and braided her blonde hair, then went to Peter's office when his lunch break started. Of course, his door was closed, so she knew she needed to knock. She was so excited that her heart was pounding, but she got the courage to knock on the door. "Come in," Peter called.

Jessica went into Peter's office and saw that he was on the phone. "Hi, Jessica, did you need to see me about something?" Peter asked.

Jessica smiled and nodded.

Peter held the receiver away from his ear."OK, hold on. I'll be off the phone in a few minutes, and I'll be right with you. Hang on." He turned back to his phone conversation. "Um, Macy, can I call you back in a few minutes? One of the campers needs to see me about something. ... I can't wait to see you, either, baby. I can't wait to get home and hang out with you and talk about our wedding plans!"

Jessica's heart sank, and she felt tears come to her eyes, but she didn't want Peter to see her cry. "Actually, Peter, I'll go ask Bill instead. I didn't mean to interrupt your phone conversation." She left the office.

Peter held the receiver away from his ear to try to call Jessica back and tell her she wasn't a bother, but she had already left. Jessica went into the girls' bunkhouse, where she let the waterworks come out. Sobbing, she packed her bags and wrote a note. "Dear Peter, Bill, and Fellow Campers, I don't know where I'm going, but I can't go home, and I can't stay here. It seems nobody loves me anywhere I go, or I lose other people's love. I'm going to a place where I can always be loved. I'm sorry for all of the trouble I cause other people. Love, Jessica."

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR