Forever Remember: The Rose Code

Chapter 22: Vengeance

On Sunday, I sat in church beside Melaney, pretending to listen to the sermon, but actually replaying the events of the charity ball in my mind. After the fireworks, Tyler kissed me so fervently my knees wobbled and I saw stars. I would've collapsed into a heap of fluffy tulle if Tyler hadn't been holding me up. The stars in my eyes might've been the aftereffects of the fireworks, but I preferred to blame them on Tyler's expertise.

"That was your goodbye kiss, since I doubt your stepfather would let me kiss you goodbye at your door," Tyler explained, grinning, probably at my dazzled expression.

"Thank you for a memorable evening. I'll never forget it." I meant every word.

Tyler led me back through the dark bedroom (which, due to its large size, must be his parent's room) and down the hallway and the stairs. No blindfold needed this time, since I already saw my surprise. Most of the other guests had left. I didn't see Dean or Mrs. Price anywhere, but I didn't care because the night was too perfect to mar with revenge.

Pastor Bob's microphone shrieked and ripped me out of my reverie. I jumped up off the pew about an inch above the mauve cushion. Pastor Bob scowled and Melaney smirked. I bowed my head in embarrassment and examined the mauve carpet, realizing how well the ugly mauve mums on each side of the podium matched the carpet and the seat cushions and how much I disliked mauve and all shades of pink. I wrinkled my nose at the overpowering odor of the mums. They made my eyes water.

I hoped The Rents hadn't noticed my minor disturbance, or I'd get a lecture about paying attention to the sermon because the Pastor's words were "food for the soul" or something like that. At the thought of food, my stomach grumbled so loudly that Megan, who was on the other side of Melaney, giggled, and Mrs. Kline turned around and shushed us.

Pastor Paul stared straight at me and continued his preaching, "In Romans 12 verses 17 to 19, Saint Paul tells us, 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.' Here Saint Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 32:35. 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near, and their doom rushes upon them.'"

The whole time Pastor Bob recited those Bible verses, he never took his eyes off me. I wondered if he could see the evil in my soul. I wanted to slide under the pew and hide from his penetrating gaze. "Let me end this week's sermon with the last verses of Romans 12, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if your enemy is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.' Let's stand and pray the Lord's Prayer together."

The congregation stood and recited the Lord's Prayer, words I had memorized before I could even read. Daddy taught them to me. But I couldn't say the part, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. You are dismissed," Pastor Paul declared.

I couldn't escape from the sanctuary fast enough. Needing fresh air, I rushed down the aisle before anyone blocked it and out the glass doors without greeting a single person. Fortunately, the congregation was used to my rude behavior.

I stood in the grass at the side of the church, taking deep, cleansing breaths of the crisp, fall breeze, and waited for Melaney, while she politely said goodbye to everyone around her. When she finally reached me outside, she asked, "Where's the fire?"