Rescue Me(12)

Quiet descended, with just the hissing of the automatic blood pressure cuff inflating, then deflating.

Carrie made no move toward her daughter, just stood at the end of her bed, a fragile sentry to the horror.

“What was she doing out there with Quinn Starr?”

The question came quietly, almost a whisper, and Willow nearly didn’t hear it. Except, then Carrie turned, her eyes on Willow, a sharpness in them.

Willow frowned. “Because he was her homecoming date?”

Carrie’s mouth opened, and with it came a huff of something—incredulity, disbelief, horror—Willow couldn’t exactly place. Nor the look she gave Walt.

However, whatever it was, it sent a shiver through Willow. “You did know—”

“No, actually, we didn’t,” Carrie snapped. “Bella isn’t allowed to date yet.”

“But she and Quinn have been going out for about four months. Since they met on the . . . well, this summer.” She suddenly didn’t want to tell them how they’d met.

On the overnight camping trip that turned into a three-night encampment at the Granite Mountain Chalet, thanks to Willow’s bad decision.

The one that stranded them on top of a mountain during the flood of the century.

Carrie’s mouth tightened. “Really. And you knew about this?”

“Yes. I . . . Listen, Quinn’s a good Christian kid—”

“Who nearly got my daughter killed tonight.” Carrie cut her voice low. “Listen, I know Quinn comes from a good family, but he’s a teenage boy, and that says enough. Besides, I think he’s trouble.” She shook her head, her mouth tight. “Did you know that the doctor thinks Belle might have even been doing drugs? He did a blood test. On my daughter!” She shook her head, her jaw tight. “If she was, I’m sure Quinn gave it to her. And who knows what he planned to do to her in the woods!”

“I don’t think—”

“I know exactly what he was up to,” Walt said quietly. “He’s a teenage boy, after all. And clearly one with a problem.”

“That’s not fair. He’s a good kid. I’ve never known Quinn to drink, let alone do drugs—”

“Apparently he’s a good liar, and probably taught my daughter to do the same thing,” Carrie retorted. “What’s worse is that she’s been lying to me all summer long. And you helped her do it!”

What? “I didn’t know that she wasn’t supposed to date.”

“Really. After everything I’ve preached from the pulpit about courtship?” Walt said, and now she saw a spark of blame in his eyes.

“Pastor, listen, these two kids are crazy about each other, in a good way—”

“There is no good way when you’re seventeen,” Carrie said. “And you, as the youth leader, should know that.” She crossed her arms. “At the very least, you should have told us.”

“Told you what?”

“Anything. All of it. I am her parent, and I should know what my daughter is doing. I know there are a lot of kids, Willow, but when we send our children to youth group, we’re trusting you to guide them.” She took a step toward Willow. “And if they’re going astray, we deserve to know about it.”

“But they weren’t—listen, I didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to date yet. But . . .” And apparently Willow hadn’t a smidgen of common sense remaining, because in that moment, she heard herself, wanted to reach out and yank back the words. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t come running to tell on them. These kids need to trust me. And they won’t if I tell their secrets.”

Carrie recoiled as if she’d been slapped. “What are you trying to accomplish here? Being a youth leader is more than just hanging out and being their friend. You have to guide them, Willow. Not just be their buddy. I know that’s more fun, but we’re expecting you to train them up in the ways of the Lord.” She turned to her daughter and pointed. “Does this look like the way of the Lord to you?”

Her voice reverberated in the room, and like a hand, reached in and gave Willow a shake.

She had no words.

“As for being on staff—”

“Honey.” This from Walt, who had stepped up, put his hands on her shoulders. “Not now.”

“Really? Because now feels like exactly the time to tell her that no, she’ll never be on staff at the church, because frankly, she can’t be trusted to make wise decisions. Sure, you love these kids, but there’s more to being a youth leader than just being one of the girls or planning fun events and object lessons. You have to actually know and teach the word of God. Because children’s lives are at stake!”