Daisy rocked back on her heels, then forward, to her toes. The hallways of Edgedale were full of bodies and noise, but as Daisy locked eyes on the poster, she felt the presence of God. This, she thought, was perfect.
*
She had been nervous, of course, about coming to a new school. It had taken a *lot* of convincing on her part, and what if, after all that, she hated it? She could hardly go back on months of campaigning. Her father -- she could see it now -- would sigh, and give her that look that meant “You’ve disappointed me, Daisy” and go and get the re-enrollment papers for her old school. And, okay, it wasn’t that she hated St. Mary’s. It was just... it was too easy. She’d been reading the Bible a *lot* recently, and being a Christian was supposed mean so much more than what she was experiencing! She’d never, that she could remember, been discriminated against because of her beliefs. She’d never really had a chance to be what the disciples talked about -- to be a light, a beacon, shining in the darkness for all to see, to know.
So, while she was nervous, she knew what to do. After Daisy set out her outfit for the first day -- one of her favorites, though she knew she wasn’t supposed to take joy in that of the physical realm: a black skirt with polka dots that hit mid-calf, the *cutest* clunky shoes, knee socks with little black bows, and a white blouse with black buttons -- Daisy hopped into bed and made herself relax with what she called “calming breaths.” Then, when her heartbeat was calm, and Daisy felt she was on *just* this side of sleep, she was ready to pray.
It was awesome. God was good! She got this immediate feeling of peace even before she started to speak (aloud, in whispers so she wouldn’t disturb her father) and ask God for calm. He always knew what she needed, and provided in abundance. Suddenly, she knew: she wasn’t just going to be a light in the darkness, she was going to walk the walk on the craggiest of paths. Her dad might disapprove, but when he saw the fruits of the Lord, he would totally come around.
*
The poster advertised a meeting of the GSA: Thursdays! Room 300! Bring snacks and an open mind! Daisy wasn’t *totally* ignorant of the world. She knew that GSAs were tools that the gays used to make their lifestyle seem more acceptable to the world. Gay/Straight Alliance. Alliance against *what*?, Daisy wondered. She shivered.
But there, anointing the flyer, was a full-color rainbow. God’s promise that he would never forsake his chosen people. It was a sign, straight from God to her. She wouldn’t be going alone.
It was perfect.
*
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