Daniela walked into the Sunday school class, tossing her long blond hair behind her shoulder. Her new navy-blue, dotted dress was pressed perfectly. She glanced down at her shiny, white patent-leather shoes. Easter was one of her favorite days. She always had the best outfit of any of the girls. Everyone wanted to sit with her, especially the boys.

She glanced at John, the pastor's son, with his sandy-blond hair and brown eyes. He was a straight "A" student at Daniela's school. Sweet and quiet, he was always friendly to her. Bryan came to mind as she strolled to her usual seat on row three. There he was now, smiling, saving her a seat. His family lived on top of the hill; his dad was a lawyer.

Mr. Carson was beginning the lesson. Everyone was settling in for a long hour of parables, or something. She didn't care . . . as long as she was sitting with John and Bryan.

The class door flew open and banged against the wall, startling most of the kids. The boys snickered.

"Girls, please come and have a seat. We've already begun our lesson," Mr. Carson commented.

Daniela rolled her eyes. It was that tacky Rachel with God-knows-who! Bryan glanced her direction. His eyes said the same thing she was thinking.

"Rachel, would you like to introduce your guest?" Mr. Carson was asking.

Rachel blushed as she tried to quickly find a seat. She cleared her throat, and stumbled through, "This is my new friend, Sarah. We live next door to each other."

Daniela and Bryan burst into uncontrollable laughter. So did half the class.

"Students! Quiet down. Let's get back to our lesson. Now, who can tell me who was the only person who stopped to help the injured man on the roadside in our story?"

A few of the kids looked at each other. A few slid down in their seats. There was a long pause. Finally, one hand went up.

"Yes, our guest, Sarah . . . would you like to answer the question?" Mr. Carson beckoned.

"Yes, sir. It was the Good Samaritan!" Sarah said confidently.

"That's right, Sarah," Mr. Carson proudly commented.

Rachel and Sarah smiled at each other. After class was dismissed, John rushed over to greet Rachel and Sarah. Daniela walked on with Bryan, looking rather annoyed.

The Easter service commenced and was fairly uneventful. Rachel, Sarah, and John sat together, singing, smiling, and whispering during most of the service. Daniela and Bryan sat near the back, writing notes. Standing to sing seemed too great an effort for them. Daniela yawned through the sermon, spending most of the time straightening her dress and picking at her nails.

As soon as the service ended, Daniela and Bryan made a beeline for John.

"Come on, John! We're going outside to hang out," Bryan urged.

"Okay . . . in a few minutes," John said, as he turned to Sarah and Rachel. "I want to introduce you to my dad, Sarah."

Sarah shyly stood before the pastor, who was holding out his big hand to shake hers.

"It's very nice to have you visit with us today, Sarah," the pastor was saying. She smiled and nodded, but she was thinking about how brown John's eyes were.

Daniela frowned impatiently and turned to walk away. Bryan followed her like a little puppy.

"Where are we going?" Bryan asked, as Daniela pushed through the side door. "Out!" she said abruptly.

John had forgotten all about his friends, as he chatted happily with Rachel and Sarah.

"So, where do you live?" John asked.

"Right beside Rachel!" Sarah laughed.

As the three new friends pushed open the side door, there stood Caroline.

by Linda Arnold

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