Drama in the Church Saga Read Free

why should Olivia?” Val replied with a smirk on her face.
    â€œYou always have to have the last word, don’t you?”
    Val smiled brighter.
    Suddenly, the church doors swung open and Julian Pennington, Val’s boyfriend, strolled down the church aisle flashing his pearly whites.
    Val and Julian had been together since their freshman year in high school. They had endured their share of ups and downs like every couple, but their love for one another always pulled them through.
    Most of the girls at Philly High School described Julian as a pretty boy with a baby face. He was often told he resembled the R&B singer, Usher. Julian was considered a good catch, not just because of his handsome good looks, but also because of his determination to be successful.
    Obsessed with the dream of one day becoming a basketball star, Julian perfected his basketball skills by spending all his spare time in the gym. Ultimately, it paid off, securing him a spot on the varsity team. The coach recognized his talent and appointed him co-captain of the team his freshman year.
    Despite Julian’s arrogant attitude and boastful behavior, Val’s love for Julian was rare. He was her first love and she dedicated her life to making him happy. She would do just about anything he asked. Whether she had to stay up all night writing a paper for him or finishing his homework before her next class, Val was the kind of woman who stood by her man through the good and the bad.
    Julian’s feelings were mutual for her. He knew how lucky he was to have Val in his life. The love they shared was special and hard to describe. Their bond was strong and they refused to let outsiders interfere with their love. Their decision to wait until after marriage to have sex seemed to strengthen their relationship.
    Julian finished his sophomore year at the University of Kentucky, and after several debates with his parents, he decided to forfeit the remaining two years of his scholarship and enter the National Basketball Association.
    With his six feet, two inch, 210-pound frame, Julian bent down to kiss Val on her lips. “Valencia, I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.” Julian always used Val’s full name. He loved the way her name rolled off his lips.
    Elise shot Val a look that asked the question, “Were we finished?”
    â€œNo, honey you didn’t interrupt anything,” Val responded. “Where have you been?”
    â€œI went to get a haircut and then I went to the gym.” He thrust his arms into the air and bulged his biceps, mimicking Popeye. “I’m trying to get in shape. Is it working?”
    â€œYeah, baby, it’s working,” Val replied sarcastically.
    The next person to arrive for Bible Study was Montrese Cox, whom they called Tressie.
    â€œHey, Tressie.” Elise greeted her with open arms. “We missed you in church on Sunday. Where were you?”
    â€œI overslept,” Tressie responded. She took a seat in the pew directly in front of Val and Julian.
    Elise stood up. “While we wait on Danyelle and Olivia, I thought maybe—”
    â€œDanyelle is outside,” Tressie said, interrupting Elise mid-sentence. “She’s outside smoking a joint.” Tressie made a loud cracking sound with her gum.
    Elise walked to the church doors and stuck her head outside. “Danyelle, what did I tell you about smoking marijuana in front of the church? If the police catch you they’re going to arrest you.”
    Danyelle took one long last drag of her joint and threw it on the ground. She walked up the church steps. “I’ll just tell them that it’s a European cigarette.”
    â€œI’m sure they can tell the difference,” Elise said.
    â€œJesus loves me,” Danyelle sang as she entered the church. Her high-pitched voice went to a screeching high that made everyone in the church stop and look at her.
    â€œYes, Jesus loves me,” she sang