“You’re going, Bella. End of discussion,” Ethic stated. Ethic knew that his daughter needed female mentorship, and participating in the church’s debutante pageant would give her that opportunity. He was a man. There were certain things he couldn’t help her with; and with Mo out the house, he didn’t want Bella to have to figure it out on her own. He had to provide connections to women he could trust. If that meant going to church, then so be it.

“We don’t even go to church,” she moaned.

“It won’t be that bad, Bella. Just give it a chance,” he said.

She didn’t speak with him the entire ride, but it didn’t change his mind. As a single father, his worst fear was to have Bella be lead astray due to his lack of guidance, so he felt this was necessary. He climbed out the car and then walked around to open the door for her, before leading her inside.

“I’m not even going to know anyone here. All the girls probably go to this church and already know one another,” she mumbled.

They followed the sounds of voices into the sanctuary and Ethic grabbed Bella’s hand to lead her over to a woman that looked like she was in charge.

“Good morning. How can I help you?” the woman asked, as she smiled. “I’m Alicia White.”

“Ezra Okafor, and this is my daughter, Bella,” he introduced. Bella gave a tight-lipped smile.

“Nice to meet you both. We’re happy to have you participating this year, Bella,” the woman said. She grabbed a piece of paper off the front pew and handed it to Ethic. “This is the list of rehearsal dates. There are only two. You’ll be required to wear an all-black suit for the father and daughter dance. Bella is required to wear a white, floor-length gown. Bella’s mother will need to also wear white for the mother-daughter portion of the ceremony.”

“I don’t want to be in this pageant!” Bella said, as tears filled her eyes. “Can we just go, already?” Bella was emotional and turned to storm off, but Ethic grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into his chest.

“Did I say something wrong?” the woman asked.

“We lost her mother when Bella was younger,” Ethic stated, in a low tone, as he kissed the top of Bella’s head.

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” the older woman said. “But, baby, you have to participate. You are in God’s house and his angels are watching. I’m sure your mother would love to see you dressed up and taking this passage into womanhood. We have mentors who volunteer to participate with the girls who don’t have their mother’s in the picture.”