“OK?” she looked astonished. “About what we discussed?”“Yes,” I whispered. “Teach me, Professor Brianna.”“Now?”“My, aren’t we ...he eager one!” I laughed. “After our last class.”“Where?” she grinned.“Hmm, well, can’t go to my place, I live with my parents, they could come home.”“Same problem here,” Brianna sighed.“Motel 6 is only $30 a night. We could split the bill.”“I can’t stay out all night in a motel with you. I wouldn’t mind at all, but my parents would ground me.”I laughed. “We check in. And remember, Bradley came out as gay, so did cousin Eddie-heeven got married to his partner. They'll all be there. And Justine isa lesbian, she'll be there with her partner. I won't be that far offthe usual." If you're sure honey, I don't want you to be hurt or embarrassed by anyname calling. And you do remember-the girls have to make dinner. Areyou ready for that?" After a little more discussion, the Cummingsladies got into their car with their designated gifts, and began thedrive down. ‘The Pastor is waiting for us.’ she says. Oh shit, I panic, she has told him what she caught me doing! She ushers me into the Pastor’s study, it is full of religious pictures, books and a brass cross. He is wearing his long dark purple robe he wears to preach in, from where I am standing he looks very tall and broad, he has a beard and his piercing eyes look over his glasses at me.His wife, in front of me, tells him what she caught me doing earlier in their bathroom, he stares at me and. The merchant placed the pearl on the ground and waved his hand over it. After a pause, his master shimmered into view. They each bowed reverently to one another."Master, I have a difficulty," said Jollis."I surmised this, Wandering Spirit," said his master. "You would not have contacted me at such an hour for anything else." I beg forgiveness for that." There is no need, unless the difficulty is by your own fault."Jollis paused. "I am unsure, master."The man lifted a hand and shook his head.