Inspiration 33

http://goo.gl/1eLv66

James 1:21, CEV

You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.

I've often heard that saying you're sorry is just words if there is no change in behavior. Just ask any person who is habitually abused. The abuse frequently apologizes and promises it will never happen again. Yet, it does. True repentance involves heartfelt remorse followed by a 180-degree turn. That does NOT mean a new Christian will be perfect or sinless. NO! There has been only one of those people--Jesus. He was perfect for us so that we don't have to be. We accept HIS work, death, and resurrection. He is our atonement. 

So, how are the characters in Whatever It Takes shaping up? Who will have a change of heart? Who will repent? Who will make that 180-degree turn?

The next week, afternoon sports practices started again. The football team had the football field since it was football season. Other practices took place indoors or on a grassy side area.

Darren was also on the basketball team, but he got little playing time during his sophomore year. He trained hard because he hoped for a scholarship as far away as he could get.

Tuesday at practice he simply said, "Meeting," to Scott who nodded.

At the meeting Derrick seemed relaxed for a change. He clapped his hands gleefully as he began the meeting. "Good news. We have our freshman in place. Keep your ears open to hear how the attractive older principal relates to a hot new stud. Nothing else tonight. Let's go home."

Leaving, Scott snagged Darren. "Wanna burger?"

"A foursome?"

"Not tonight."

"Sure." Darren hollered, "Hey, Derrick, we're gonna get a burger. See you at home."

Derrick waved. Outside, Scott asked, "Who's the freshman?"

"No clue."

"For real?"

"I swear. I know you're worried about Cherie's mom."

"Yeah. She's a good lady."

"I know. I really don't know who it is."

"I believe you. Let's go eat. I'm starved."

Scott and Darren watched every freshman closely. Days passed without incident. Two weeks came and went before a day of torrential rain and indoor soccer practice.

Darren dashed into the gym late for practice. He jogged around the perimeter as he would have to for being late. Coming up on the girls' soccer quadrant, he darted into the drills and behind Cherie. He reached around her and grabbed both her breasts. He whispered, "You need to go tell you mom what I just did right now, and I mean right now."

"Darren McAlpin!" shouted the coach as Cherie fled the gym. Darren ran off to the boys' basketball quadrant as Cherie escaped the scene.

Larkin Reynolds's office door was closed. Cherie barged in without knocking. She saw a blond-haired male freshman with Larkin pinned against the wall saying, "Lucas, what are you doing?"

The boy responded, "I'm not doing anything. You're touching me where you shouldn't behind closed doors." He grabbed Larkin's hand and placed it on his crotch.

"Get your hands off my mother, you freak!" screamed Cherie.

The boy stammered, "What the hell? Where did you come from?"

"So? You thought you could make people believe my mother sexually harassed you? You're insane."

"Look where her hand is."

"I saw where you put it, and I heard what you said. You screwed up!"

"Cherie!" scolded Larkin.

"Get out of here!" shouted Cherie. "Go tell your ringleader you didn't count on me needing my momma."

"Why do you need your momma?" asked the boy.

"My period started in the middle of practice, and I didn't have any tampons in my purse. Now, get out before I kick your ass!"

The boy stomped out. The plot had failed miserably.

"Cherie?" Larkin asked at a complete loss as to what had just transpired.

"Let's go home, Momma. Leave your car for now. We'll come back for it later."

"I have to write this up. I can't just let this slide."

"Do it quick and put his butt in detention for a week, but you can't suspend him, or it'll cause real trouble."

Larkin wrote up the incident and gave it to the assistant principal for action, but with her suggestion of a week's in-school suspension.

In her car, Cherie said, "Darren McAlpin warned me."

"Darren?"

"Yes. Momma, he could be in loads of trouble. He wants out, but he doesn't know what to do. Can Daddy help him?"

"Not if he doesn't come to Daddy, but I'll watch out for him." Larkin sighed. "You know I'll have to put him in ISS too to make it look good."

"I'm sure he expects that."

Cover by Christopher Chambers.

Mother and daughter, Larkin & Cherie, along with a new little troublemaker, Lucas Shotz as I see them.