A Friend

There's a blue eyed German girl in Jack's class, with long wavy blond hair, Ingrid. She's not beautiful, or even very pretty, but she's more genuine and human than most of the others. So Jack asks her out, and they start to date. She's a bit shy, and for some reason she wants to keep their relationship secret, especially from other students.

Jack doesn't mind that. He couldn't care less if anyone knows. If she wants it that way, that's fine with him.

After a couple of months of movies, walks, and some family do's, Ingrid starts to talk about her religion. Her folks are Lutheran, but she has found her own way, with some charismatic group. She's quite dedicated, a self motivated convert. Her mom keeps asking her, what is she going to do about this Catholic boy; she cannot just postpone dealing with the situation. Catholics do not mix.

Ingrid says to Jack she tells her mom she and Jack just don't talk about religion; it's not an issue.

But it is, and now Jack understands her wish to keep their relationship quiet; she has no confidence in it.

One afternoon Ingrid asks, "Vick, how would you feel about coming to a meeting with me Thursday night?"

"A meeting? What sort of meeting?"

"Just a gathering, with some of my friends."

"Okay."

Thursday evening they go to a house in town, and the front room is packed with people of all ages, talking very quietly, and there's one young gentleman who seems to be in charge, but not exactly as host, more like a resource person or moderator.