Chapter One

      The Book

    ''Look, the first snow!'' eight-year-old Talia squealed. 

    The date was November 2nd, 1921.

    Ten-year-old Matthew Gordon gazed out of the window. ''Chase, maybe we should cut some wood,'' he told his older brother.

    Fourteen-year-old Chase Gordon looked up from his book. ''Perhaps,'' he said quietly.

    ''Please, start now,'' Mother said impatiently, coming into the room hurriedly. ''I have friends coming over, and we need the house in ship-shape.''

    ''I made cookies!'' twelve-year-old Violet said, entering the room. ''Who wants some?''

    Mother frowned. ''Just do your chores first.'' Eyeing Chase reading, she added, ''Now.''

    Chase put his book down. ''I just wanted to finish this chapter,'' he groaned.

    ''What are you reading?'' Violet asked curiously.

    Chase turned red. ''What?''

    ''What are you reading?'' Violet repeated.

    Chase opened his mouth to speak, but he changed his mind.

    ''Come on, Matthew,'' he said in a rush, ''Let's get some wood.''

    ''But-'' Violet began.

    ''We'll... talk later,'' Chase promised. He had an edge to his voice.

    ''I wonder why he's acting like that,'' Talia said quizzically.

    ''He has his reasons,'' Violet said dismissal. But she knew something was up.

    After their 'extra' chores were done, Violet glared at Chase. ''Please tell me what's going on,'' she said. ''I know-''

    ''SHH!!!'' Chase shushed her loudly. 

    He looked around the room. He looked under the bed, the chairs, and anything large in sight. Finally, he sat on a chair and sighed deeply.

    Violet looked at him worriedly. ''What's going on? You're worrying me.''

    ''It's THIS! This BOOK is driving me crazy!'' Chase whisper-shouted.

    ''What book?'' Violet asked, wondering if her brother WAS going crazy.

    Chase placed a large book in her lap. ''It all started that day I went to town. There was this guy

selling books and- well, I don't know. I just asked what kind of books he sold and he said he sells bibles. Well, of course I went away, because-'' Chase looked at Violet meaningfully. Violet understood. Their parents were not religious people, and refused to partake in anything of that sort.

    ''Anyways, when I went home, I found a bible in my duffel bag. I was a little upset at first, but when I opened the golden pages, I couldn't help but take a little look.''

    ''Except it wasn't a, 'little' look,'' Violet said steadily.

    ''True. I've been reading the Bible, Violet. And...''

    ''And?'' Violet asked.

    Chase had tears in his eyes. ''I believe Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, and he died for my sins.''

    ''What?!'' Violet whisper-shouted. It was one thing to READ the bible, but to believe it?! 

    Their eldest sister, sixteen-year-old Rose Gordon, came into the room. ''What what?'' she asked.

    ''Um... nothing. Has Jack come back yet?'' Chase asked, referring to his eldest brother.

    ''Yes,'' Rose sniffed. ''Brought back game to last a month.'' 

    Speaking directly to Violet, she said, ''Come on, Mother said to start on dinner.''

    Violet reluctantly stood up. ''Coming...''

    After the two girls left, Chase realized he wanted someone to talk to. About... his newfound faith. So, he went to find his older brother, Jack Gordon.

Chapter Two

  A heated discussion

    Chase and his brother, Jack, had been best friends since birth. They were close and often went hunting together.

    Now, Chase was eager to share with him what he had learned... but he didn't realize Jack's reaction would be so swift.

    Chase found his 16-year-old brother in the barn. ''Hey, Jack, how was hunting?'' he spoke directly to him.

    Jack led the horse into the barn. ''It was good! Father said we have enough game for a month!''

    ''Yeah, I know... Rose told me.'' Shifting his feet,

Chase avoided his brother's eye. "What do you think on... religion?''

    ''Religion?'' Jack said. ''Nothing, of course. Religion are for those people who are WEAK. Who put such an idea in your head?''

    ''Ju-Just asking. But, Jack... what happens when we die?''

    Jack had a sorrowful look on his face.

    ''Nothin'. We just don't exist anymore.''

    ''Then... how were we created?''

    ''The big bang? Stardust? Whatever it is, I really don't care.''

    ''But...''

    ''No buts. It doesn't matter.''

    ''How about Christianity?'' Chase asked desperately.

    Jack's face hardened. ''Chase Gordon! What are you thinking of?!''

    ''J-just some research...''

    ''I can tell in your face that you are lying.''

    ''Jack-''

    ''If this goes on, asking such stupid questions-'' Jack hung up the saddle- ''then I will tell Father.''

    With that, he stalked out of the barn.

    ''Jack! Wait!'' Chase called his brother.

    Jack turned. ''What?'' he snapped.

    ''Wh-why is religion so bad?''

    Jack frowned. ''Why are you asking so many questions?''

    ''I- I-''

    ''Religion is for fools. As for the Christianity you were talking about-'' Jack leaned closer to Chase, ''It's not worth it.''

    ''Why?''

    ''Chase Gordon,'' Jack said, ''if you ask any more questions, I'm telling Father!''

    ''What's wrong with questions?''

    ''Nothing, except it's the questions you're askin'. Christians have a hard life. Their god isn't real. Now, be quiet. I gave you your answer.''

    ''Yes, Jack,'' Chase said quietly.

    That night, Chase read a little more of the bible. No one knew but himself that he read the bible every night for six months now.

    ''All of my family hates Christians,'' he said to himself. But he corrected himself.

    ''You must not judge others.''

    Chase reached out to turn off the light when he heard a creak from behind him. Chase gasped and hurried to hide his Bible.

    But Jack was quicker...

    ''Now I know what you've been doing,'' he said angrily. ''You're a Christian! No wonder you've been asking all of those questions!''

    Chase tried to calm his brother. ''Jack, I...''

Chapter Three

  A solemn promise...             broken.

    ‘’No!’’ Jack growled. ‘’I must tell-’’

    ‘’Jack, PLEASE?’’ Chase pleaded. ‘’I promise I will not read it anymore! Oh, I can’t promise that! Please, just for the sake of our friendship?’’

    Jack’s fists unclenched. ‘’Maybe.’’

    ‘’Promise me,’’ Chase said.

    ‘’I. Promise,’’ Jack said with an edge to his voice.

    Once his bedroom door was closed, Chase wondered how long he could keep the secret. He sighed and buried his head into his hands.

    The next day, Chase went to town to buy flour for Mother. As he handed the money to the young cashier, she looked at him, puzzled. ‘’Do I know you?’’ she asked.

    ‘’No, I don’t think so,’’ Chase replied.

    The girl’s eyes flickered, and Chase thought he saw her smile. The expression quickly vanished, and the girl handed the flour to Chase. ‘’I must’ve mixed you up with someone else.’’

    Chase smiled at her and left the store. Walking on the dusty road, he began to think about his dilemma again.

    ‘’E-excuse me! Wait!’’

    It was the cashier girl again. She stopped running, out of breath.

    ‘’Y-you forgot your money bag,’’ she panted.

    ‘’Oh, thank you… what’s your name?’’ Chase asked.

    ‘’Annabeth. What’s yours?’’

    ‘’Chase.’’

    They stood there in an uncomfortable silence.