It was all normal, until...

He followed his mother down the aisle and slid into their usual pew near the middle. Elena sat beside him, smoothing her dress over her thick thighs, the fabric riding up just enough to show a hint of skin. Zachery shifted uncomfortably, trying not to stare at his own mother’s body while also failing miserably. The church felt quieter than usual, the low murmur of conversation mixing with the soft organ music playing in the background.

He leaned back against the hard wooden pew, already bored, wondering what kind of lame “entertainment” Margaret and Jax had cooked up. A choir performance? Some youth group skit? Whatever it was, he just wanted it to be over quickly so he could go home and play video games in peace.

Soon Sister Claire came into the room from the side door near the altar. She looked as composed and holy as ever in her black nun’s habit, the white veil framing her face neatly. The entire congregation quieted down as she stepped up to the podium, offering a gentle smile to everyone.

“Shall we begin?” she said softly.

The service started like it always did. Prayers, hymns, readings from the Bible. Zachery sat there slouched in the pew, arms crossed, trying not to yawn too obviously. He wondered to himself why all these people had nothing better to do than come to this place every single week just to hear the same old stuff over and over again. The same stories, the same messages about sin and forgiveness and ‘love thy neighbor’. He could probably recite half the words from memory by now and he was not even a regular. His eyes kept drifting to the stained glass windows, then to his mother’s face, then to the clock on the far wall. Time felt like it was moving extra slow.

Elena sat perfectly straight beside him, hands folded in her lap, nodding along to every word. Her wine-colored sundress had ridden up her thick thighs again, the soft flesh pressing against the wooden pew. Zachery quickly looked away, annoyed at himself for noticing.

After what felt like forever, Sister Claire finally closed her Bible and gave the final blessing. “Go in peace,” she said. “And may the Lord be with you.”

The congregation murmured the response. The service was over.

For a few moments Zachery felt relieved. Still no sign of Jax anywhere. Maybe the stupid idiot had forgotten to make the proper arrangements. Maybe the whole “entertainment” thing had fallen through and he could finally get the hell out of here early. He was already planning how he’d spend the rest of his Sunday, probably in his room while his mom cooked lunch.

He started looking around the room, scanning faces, when his eyes landed on her.

Lila Moreau.

She was sitting three pews ahead on the right side and at almost the exact same moment, she turned and spotted him too. A bright smile spread across her face as she gave him a small wave. Zachery felt his stomach do that stupid flip it always did around her. He smiled back, trying not to look like a complete loser.

If there was one thing Zachery actually loved about coming to church, it was getting to see Lila. She had perfectly styled curly locks of auburn hair that fell beautifully around her shoulders and those light blue eyes that always seemed warm and kind. She was petite, maybe 5’4”, with a toned body that looked incredible even in the modest yellow sundress she was wearing today. The dress hugged her perky chest and slim waist just enough to make Zachery’s imagination run wild. He’d had a massive crush on her for over a year now. She helped out with the youth group sometimes and every time she smiled at him it felt like a small victory.

He noticed she had come to church alone today. No parents, no friends sitting with her. Zachery thought about getting up right then, walking over casually and trying to talk to her. Maybe ask how her week went. Maybe finally work up the nerve to say something that wasn’t completely awkward. He shifted in his seat, ready to stand–

A loud popping sound suddenly cracked through the church near the altar.

Everyone jumped.