Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Just Another Day ❯ Volume Thirteen, Chapter Seventy-Four: Church Help ( Chapter 74 )

Church Help

Suddenly, the phone rang in the kitchen. Mai-Pai jumped to her feet.

“I've got it!” she shouted. The woman ran to the phone.

“Hello?” she asked. The call didn't take long but it was enough. Mai-Pai nodded.

“I understand,” she said. “We'll be there in ten.” Mai-Pai hung up the phone.

“What?” Pumpkin asked. Mai-Pai didn't turn around.

“That was some friends from the church,” she said. “We're supposed to help clean up today.” She tried not to smile to herself.

“Oh,” her sister-in-law said. “Can I come?” Mai-Pai froze.

“No,” she said. “It's okay, really.” She prayed that would be enough. Sadly, she already knew what was coming next.

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It wasn't enough. But let's back up first.

There was an old church in the city. It's seen better says. No, it's falling apart. Maybe it should be torn down?

No.

The project started last year. A middle-aged couple led the charge. The team has grown since then. It's a community project now. The couple funded all of it. The church needed work too.

Mai-Pai pulled up into the parking lot. This was supposed to be an escape. She took a breath.

“Ready to do this?” Mai-Pai asked.

“Yes!” Soon, Be, Jin, and Steven said.

“Right,” Mai-Pai said. She got out of the car. Everyone followed behind. Pumpkin would be coming later. Might as well get this over with now.

They walked up to the church. An old lady stood at the doorway.

“Good afternoon,” she said.

“How are you?” Mai-Pai asked. The old woman bowed her head.

“I've been better,” she said. “A little bit sore.”

“Aw,” Mai-Pai said. The old lady waved her off.

“Don't worry. I'll be fine,” she said. Everyone followed her into the church.

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They were cleaning the church. The kids took care of the inside. Mai-Pai made her way to the garden. The peace outside eased her mind. She closed her eyes and took in the warm spring air.

“Mmm,” she said to herself.

“Gok-san?” she heard. The woman opened her eyes and turned her head. Chiko was smiling and waving at her.

“Oh, hey there,” Mai-Pai said. She jogged over to her employee.

“How have you been?” she asked. The smile on Chiko's face kind of died.

“Not good,” she said.

“Aw, what's wrong?” Mai-Pai asked. Chiko shook her head.

“I'm sorry to hear that,” the older woman said. They got to work in the garden. Mai-Pai kept her eyes behind her.

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They worked all day. The church was halfway better. It's going to take more work. Mai-Pai took a step back and breathed out.

“Whew!” she said. She looked around the garden. No flowers yet. They would be coming soon. The inside looked better. Everyone couldn't wait to see the end result. Mai-Pai started to picture it. She couldn't help but smile.

“Mai-Pai!” Pumpkin shouted. The other woman about jumped.

“Gah!” Mai-Pai shouted. Oh yeah. She was still here, wasn't she? Well time to deal with her, again.

Community Service