The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting warm patches of light on the hardwood floor of our cramped living room. The smell of breakfast wafts in from the kitchen—Mom’s famous scrambled eggs and bacon sizzling on the stovetop. I sit cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by colorful hair ties and brushes, while my youngest sister, Eve, squirms in front of me, her golden curls bouncing with every movement.
“Zig, you’re not pulling my hair, are you?” Eve glances back over her shoulder, her wide eyes filled with playful suspicion.
“Of course not, Eve! Just trust me,” I say with a grin, grabbing a small section of her hair. “I’m a professional braider, remember?”
She giggles, settling down a bit as I weave the strands together, concentrating on making it neat. “You’re a pretty good brother too. I like it when you do my hair. You always make it look pretty!”
“Just wait until everyone sees you at church. They’ll be so jealous of your fabulous hairstyle!” I say, trying to keep my voice light, even as my mind drifts to the weight of everything happening in my life right now. Sloane. The baby. All of it. But for now, I push those thoughts aside.
“Do you think I’ll get to see Sloane?” Eve asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
“Yeah, I think she’ll be there,” I reply, my hands working quickly as I braid her hair, trying to make it as perfect as possible. “She’s been really busy with stuff lately.”
“Like what?” Eve twists around again, her little face scrunching up in confusion. “I thought she was just your girlfriend.”
“She is, but she’s also going to be a mom,” I remind her gently. “You know, having a baby is a big deal.”
“Oh,” she replies, her eyes widening in understanding. “So she has to be busy getting ready for the baby? Does that mean I get to be an aunt?”
I chuckle, the innocence of her question. “That’s exactly right, Eve. You’re going to be the best aunt ever.”
“Can I help pick out baby clothes?” she asks eagerly, her enthusiasm contagious.
“Definitely! But I think Sloane will want to pick out a lot of it herself,” I say, pulling the braid tighter as I finish. “There you go! All done!”
Eve spins around to face me, her braid hanging neatly down her back, adorned with a pink ribbon I tied at the end. “Wow! I look like a princess! Thanks, Zig!”
“You’re welcome, princess,” I say, standing up and brushing off my jeans. I take a step back to admire my work. “Now go show Mom. I bet she’ll love it.”
Eve darts toward the kitchen, her bare feet pattering against the floor. “Mom! Zig made my hair look super pretty!” she calls out, her voice bright and cheerful.
I follow her, the kitchen coming into view as the delicious scent of breakfast fills my senses. Mom stands by the stove, flipping the eggs and humming to herself. She turns around just as Eve reaches her.
“Look, Mom! Look what Zig did!” Eve exclaims, twirling around like a little dancer.
Mom’s face lights up with a smile, her green eyes sparkling. “Oh, Eve, you look beautiful! Zig, you did such a wonderful job!”
“Thanks, Mom,” I reply.
“Breakfast is almost ready. Can you set the table, Zig?” Mom asks, her hands moving expertly as she serves the eggs onto plates.
“Sure thing.” I head to the cupboard, grabbing plates and silverware while Eve continues to admire herself in the reflection of the microwave, running her fingers over the braid like it’s the most precious treasure in the world.
“Zig, when I grow up, I want to do hair just like you!” she announces, a huge smile plastered on her face.
“Yeah? You’ll be the best hair stylist in all of Georgia!” I laugh, enjoying the lightness of the moment.
Mom chuckles too, her gaze softening as she watches us. “I think she might just have a future in it, Zig.”
“Maybe I should start charging her,” I tease, throwing a playful wink at Eve.
“Hey! I’m your sister! You can’t charge me!” Eve gasps, her eyes wide with mock horror, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Alright, alright. Family discount,” I say, holding my hands up in surrender. “Now hurry up and eat so we can get ready for church. I don’t want to be late.”
“Okay!” she sings, hopping into a seat at the table, her excitement infectious.
As I finish setting the table, I feel a sense of calm wash over me.
“Zig,” Mom says as she brings the plates to the table, “you’re doing great. I want you to remember that.”
I glance at her, feeling the weight of her encouragement. “Thanks, Mom,” I reply, hoping she can see the gratitude in my eyes.
And we gather around the table, laughter and chatter filling the room.
The familiar sound of gravel crunches under our feet as we step out of the car and make our way toward the church. The white clapboard building stands tall against the deep blue sky, its steeple reaching up like a finger pointing toward heaven. The faint smell of flowers from the garden beside the entrance drifts through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation from the congregation gathering outside.
“C’mon, Zig! Race you to the door!” Eve squeals, her little feet already sprinting ahead of me.
“Hey! No fair!” I call out, laughing as I jog after her.
“Zig! Eve! Slow down!” Mom’s voice carries from behind us, but her tone is playful.
As we reach the front steps, I glance back and see my siblings, Eden and Elijah, already engaged in a lively debate over who gets to sit where in church. Elizabeth and Ester trail behind, giggling as they catch up with Eve and me.
The wooden doors creak open as we enter the sanctuary, the air inside cool and fragrant with polished wood and a hint of lemon-scented cleaner. I take a moment to soak it all in—the rows of pews filled with familiar faces, the stained glass windows casting colorful patterns on the floor, and the faint smell of fresh coffee brewing in the fellowship hall.
Dad steps up to the pulpit, his tall frame commanding attention as he adjusts his glasses. He looks calm, even as the weight of responsibility sits heavy on his shoulders. I can see the little crease forming between his brows, a sign he’s about to start his sermon.
“Good morning, everyone!” he calls out, his voice booming through the church like a warm embrace. The chatter quiets, and all eyes turn toward him. “It’s wonderful to see so many of you here today.”
I take a seat toward the back with Eve nestled between me and Elizabeth. I notice Sloane entering the church, her blonde hair catching the light. Our eyes meet, but I quickly look away, focusing instead on Dad.
“Today, I want to talk about faith,” Dad continues, his tone earnest. “Faith is what keeps us grounded, especially in times of uncertainty. Many of us face struggles in our lives—struggles that make us question our paths.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, my mind drifting to the whirlwind of emotions surrounding Sloane’s pregnancy..
“Sometimes, faith means believing in ourselves when no one else does,” Dad says, his gaze sweeping across the congregation. “It means leaning on each other and trusting that God has a plan for us, even if we can’t see it right now.”
I feel Eve nudge me, her little hand slipping into mine. “Zig, what’s a plan?” she whispers, her face a mixture of curiosity and innocence.
“It’s like… a roadmap for life,” I whisper back, trying to keep my voice low enough not to disturb anyone. “You know how we go to the park sometimes and I plan out where we’ll play?”
“Oh! I get it!” she grins, squeezing my hand tightly.
“Exactly.” I smile back at her, grateful for her simple way of understanding things.
Dad’s voice rises, filled with conviction. “We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can hold on to our faith and trust that we are not alone. Our community is here to support one another, to lift each other up in times of trouble.”
I glance at Sloane again, who is sitting with her parents a few rows ahead.
“And remember, it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to doubt sometimes,” Dad continues, his voice softening. “What matters is that we keep moving forward, together, as a family.”
I can feel the weight of his words settle over me, wrapping me in a sense of comfort. As I look around the church, I see familiar faces nodding, some whispering to each other, sharing in the moment.
After a moment of silence, Dad shifts gears. “Now, let us bow our heads for prayer.”
As we all close our eyes, I take a deep breath, letting the warmth of my family and faith wash over me. I can feel Eve’s small fingers still gripping my hand, and it grounds me. I’m not alone in this. I have my family, my siblings, and even Sloane, who has been by my side through everything.
“Lord,” Dad begins, his voice steady and soothing, “we thank you for this community, for the love we share, and for the strength you provide us in our lives. Help us to lean on each other and trust in Your plan, especially during times of uncertainty.”
A wave of calm washes over me, and for the first time in a while, I feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe everything will turn out okay. Maybe I can be a good brother, a good son, and even a good dad.
As we finish the prayer and the congregation murmurs “Amen,” I open my eyes, feeling a little lighter. I look at Sloane again, and this time, she smiles back at me, her expression warm and reassuring.
After the sermon, the air buzzes with conversation, the rich aroma of coffee mingling with the sweet scent of baked goods wafting from the fellowship hall. I sit back in the pew for a moment, watching as families embrace and friends catch up. It’s a comforting scene, the kind that feels like home.
“Zig! Did you see the way Dad was talking about faith?” Eve chimes in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I think he’s really good at it!”
“Yeah, he is,” I reply, ruffling her hair as she leans against me. “He always knows what to say.”
Just then, I spot my best friend, Levi, weaving through the crowd. He’s usually covered in grease and oil from working with his dad and older brother at the family mechanic shop, but on Sundays, he shows up scrubbed clean, the dark brown curls of his hair neatly combed back. Today, he’s wearing a plaid button-up shirt that looks like it barely fits him, and he’s got a mischievous grin plastered across his face.
“Hey, Zig!” Levi calls out, making his way toward us, his voice cutting through the chatter. “You look… presentable. Did you finally figure out how to dress yourself?”
I roll my eyes, a grin creeping onto my face. “Very funny, Levi. At least I don’t smell like motor oil.”
He laughs, leaning against the pew beside me. “Fair point! But hey, I can’t help it if my life revolves around fixing cars.” He glances at Eve, who’s watching us with wide, curious eyes. “What’s up, little Wilde?”
“Nothing!” she beams, standing up straighter. “Zig did my hair all pretty for church!”
“Did he? Well, Zig’s a real artist then,” Levi says, pretending to examine my handiwork with exaggerated seriousness. “What’s the secret? Is it the special hair potion?”
“It’s just a braid!” I protest, chuckling at his antics. “Nothing special.”
“But it is special,” Eve insists, her small voice firm. “Zig makes me look like a princess!”
Levi laughs, nudging me with his elbow. “If Zig’s the stylist, then I’m definitely the mechanic. So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day? You got any exciting baby preparations on the agenda?”
The question hits me like a cold wave. I swallow hard, trying to shake off the sudden tension that creeps in. “Uh, just… you know, more talking and stuff. Sloane’s parents are meeting us later.”
He nods, his expression turning serious for a moment. “You okay, man? I know things are a bit crazy right now.”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I say, but the lie feels heavy on my tongue. “Just… trying to figure it all out, I guess.”
“I get that,” he replies, his voice low and understanding. “It’s a lot for anyone to handle. But you’ve got me, right? And your family. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, thanks,” I say, feeling a bit of the weight lift. “It’s just… I worry about how I’m going to manage everything.”
“Worrying is my specialty,” he jokes, lightening the mood again. “But seriously, just take it one step at a time. You’ve been handling things better than most.”
Eve tugs at my shirt, her eyes wide. “Zig, what are you worried about? Is it because of the baby?”
“Kind of, yeah,” I reply, ruffling her hair again. “I just want to make sure I’m a good brother and maybe a good dad someday too.”
“You’ll be great!” Eve chirps, her small voice filled with unwavering confidence. “You’re already the best brother ever!”
“Thanks, Eve,” I say, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I hope so.”
Just then, my mom appears from the kitchen, holding a plate piled high with cookies. “Zig! Eve! Come on, let’s grab some refreshments before we head out. Levi, are you joining us?”
“Sure am! I can never say no to cookies,” Levi replies, his eyes lighting up.
As we head toward the fellowship hall, the laughter and chatter envelop us like a warm blanket. I watch as people gather, exchanging stories and catching up.
“Zig, what do you think about this whole dad thing?” Levi asks quietly as we walk.
I take a breath, glancing around at the families gathered around the tables, children laughing and parents chatting. “I think it’s terrifying,” I admit, my voice low. “But also kind of exciting.”
He nods, his expression serious. “It is. But you’ll figure it out together.”
“Yeah, together,” I echo.
As we enter the fellowship hall, the smell of cookies and coffee mingles in the air, pulling me back to the present. I grab a cookie from the plate Mom holds out. And for the first time today, I can feel a flicker of hope in my chest.
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