Like church, they obeyed. Even Angie and Qwan. Like church, I Prayer Peeked.

“Oh Heavenly Father,” Kiera began, “thank you for traveling mercies to and from the university today. Thank you for this time of fellowship. And may your awesome spirit remind us that we are not to lose control of our senses as we break bread and drink wine in your name. This is communion, not a drinking game.”

Jameer coughed loudly. “Wrap it up.”

Kiera huffed. “May we continue to love each other as You love us. And may You remind Jameer that I can still beat him up. Amen.”

The laughter was thick as we brought those cups to our lips.

We cracked open the three pizzas we’d acquired, munching, chatting, drinking. Happy. Together.

The sun sank, throwing golden rays across green, mossy creek water. We told stories. Funny things from school. Funny things from church. Qwan slipped an arm around Angie’s waist, pulling her close, and she let him. The two of them disappeared into the van, and I was concerned the situation might get a little . . . mature. But they kept the door open, and their ongoing mumbling conversation relaxed my fears.

Shanice asked the other girls, “Have y’all looked at any Purity Ball dresses yet? This is the one my mom bought me.” She had her phone out, swiping through photos of the dress she planned to wear when our time in the Pledge was completed and we had our final celebration. The ladies gathered around her oooohhhhed and aaaahhhhed.

Helena said, “I haven’t looked at dresses yet. But I’m thinking I want something blue. That’s my favorite color.”

“I’ve been working extra hours,” said Mya, “because I’m going to need a Purity Ball gown and a prom gown this year. My mom can’t get them both on her own.”

Jameer, who’d refilled his cup, maybe more than once, said, “You could wear the same one.”

Even I knew better than that. While they sizzled him with heat vision, my eyes cut to Kiera. Mya brought up the prom, had me thinking about dresses, too. And tuxedos. Matching corsages and cummerbunds.

I nearly said something bold, feeling some magic in this secret place. Only Angie and Qwan’s conversation got suddenly louder.

“Oh, that’s what you’re worried about?” Angie said, snatching everyone’s attention.

“Chill. I was joking.”

“Well, I ain’t laughing, Qwan.”

I jogged to the van’s passenger window. “Everything okay?”

“I gotta go.” Angie twisted the ignition and revved the van’s engine. Party over.

“Dude?” I said to Qwan.

He had a dejected look, stared straight through the windows toward the dark forest. “She’s right, let’s go.”

What. The Hell. Just Happened? We were doing so good. Me and a bunch of kids shooting for years of chastity, on purpose! Sitting by water that would probably kill us if we drank it, eating mediocre pizza, and sipping stolen wine.

It was awesome. Until it wasn’t.

Kiera said, “Time to pack up, everybody.”