She Dances to Drums

By Jessica Goyette

When Carney discovers he is in the same class as Milana-Macayle, he must overcome his awkwardness, win the girl, convince her to be his, while not standing in the way of her dreams. An impossible feat.

Is the girl who can barely give him the time of day even worth it?

Flawed characters growing from teenagers to adulthood by the grace of God.

The perfect pairing of adventure, love, hope, and dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Goyette
• Release date: Aug 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393951810

Jessica Goyette

Author of She Dances to Drums, and To Catch a Glimpse, Jessica Goyette lives with her husband in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was hard to say the exact reason why Neil pulled their van into the church parking lot of Nazarene Assembly- a church they'd never heard about before. His daughters were growing up whether he liked it or not, and the least he could do was try to find them more date-able-court able-marriageable men.

Milana-Macayle and Courtney elbowed each other in the ribs as the engine shut off, even Giselle eyeballing her husband. Didn't he realize this was likely not a Baptist or Presbyterian church? It wasn't like they'd never been in a Pentecostal church, but it had been ages since either of them had attended a Pentecostal service.

Neil didn't gratify any of his family members with an explanation, simply opening his door and waiting, Bible in hand for his family to disembark, Courtney and Giselle helping the young boys out of the van, Milana-Macayle taking up the rear.

She balked listening to the music and singing- so much different then from what she'd ever heard in her entire life. But what made it worse was the eyes peering at them as they walked in. Fashionably late. Her face flushed close to the shade of the large screen that showed the song that they sang. Pitiable, really. Settled in the seat after trying pathetically to keep up with the lively song they'd never seen nor heard of before, Courtney wasted no time in scoping out the congregants for eligible bachelors. She barely saw or heard the preacher approach the microphone, asking the congregants to rise again for another song before the sermon would commence.

Neil gruffed looking over at his wife quickly, trying not to be too appalled at her hand automatically lifting in the presence of the Holy. Too hippy dippy for his liking. He sang off key, looking over at her again, his eyes falling on the dark man loitering nearby.

Milana-Macayle had seen him at the same time as her dad, her face lit up instantly, hissing Brother Ezekiel! before she thought better. He didn't judge her actions, his face lighting up instantly as he jerked his head towards her. Look! It's Brother Ezekiel! She hissed towards Courtney who elbowed her mother. They were forever the hicks in the city.

Brother Ezekiel had the common knowledge to wait until after the sermon to speak to the family he hadn't seen in ages, albeit opting to leave his wife sitting solo so he could sit beside Neil. Milana-Macayle smiled over at him, twirling her pen in her fingers, listening to the sermon, crossing her legs, the only part of her bottom half in public view was the tan diamond pattern cut out zippered wedge heels she wore.

Set a fire in my soul that I can't contain! That I can't control! The obese pastor thundered from the podium followed by a large spattering of Amen's and Hallelujahs.

Even Neil managed to grunt. Milana-Macayle looking up at him more surprised than anything else.

IF I SAW YOU ON THE street, I would keep driving, I wouldn't even recognize you, Milana-Macayle, Brother Ezekiel chuckled against her ear as the two embraced. It was not forgotten anytime soon that she was his adopted child. Look at how you've grown.

Milana-Macayle flushed, her eyes sparkling as he let go of her, but continued to hold her hands. Neil creased his brow, the man was his age, married with sons older than his oldest, but if only she could find a love like his- he'd be guaranteed not to have another Loryn.

Do they have something for the kids here? Giselle seemed to read his mind at long last. Courtney was too old for it now, hopefully, some late life bachelor would see her and marry her, but until then they still had Milana-Macayle to worry about.

Milana-Macayle bit her lip. She was shy without Courtney's shadow and from the sounds of it, it was for her and her alone.

Yes, we sure do. Brother Ezekiel wasted no time in telling them all about it. She pasted on a smile at the sound of it, turning towards Courtney who resumed man-shopping.

Lovely.

Chapter 2

Milana-Macayle's heart thundered- not audibly, she hoped, as she descended the flights of stairs looking aimlessly for the supposed youth group. For being such a lively church she was surprised to not hear a sound coming. There was nothing like roaming an empty church alone, she bemused, hoping she was in the right place, sitting midway in the chairs scattered in the basement. It was painfully silent. She looked behind her, hoping someone would come in and tell her what was up. Nobody. She wound her braid around her finger, it falling heavily to her chest. She scrutinized her nails, jumping when his voice broke the silence.

Hi. How are you?

She looked up, startled to the boy on her left, one chair between them. Purity's sake she gathered. He looked just as flustered, his pale skin reddened. It could have been a sunburn though. Good. You?

Can't complain.

Several moments ticked by as they sat in awkward silence before she spoke again, Is youth group always late, or are we just terribly early?

Early-

I'll keep that in mind for next time. If there was a next time.

First time?

Yeah. You?

No.

I see, she swallowed hard looking over at him before dropping her gaze to her red and white striped skirt. Sorry, I'm painfully shy.

And I'm Carney.

I think all Christian kids are a little corny...

Carney grimaced. It wasn't like he could blame her. He'd had it out at his parent enough times for giving him an easily mix-upped name. No. I'm Carney. Carney Drew.

Oh! Her face flushed, I'm so sorry.

My parent's fault.

She bit her lip. Truly sorry. I'm Milana-Macayle Adele and I stink at small talk. Yet she still talked. At least, she assumed, it beat sitting there in rude, awkward silence. They say it's easier to talk about deep things then make small talk- She looked over at him then quickly looked away again. Course it probably didn't help mom homeschooled-

You're homeschooled?

Was. I'm going to public school next week.

Which one?

Green Slopes Academy. Just the name made her feel impressed with her feat.

Me too.

Really? What grade are you in? What teachers? She hoped he didn't ask her, she'd barely finished the school tour with her mom, like as if she had her teachers memorized as well as her classrooms."

Nine, I have a Mrs. Didke, Mrs. York and a Mr. Kyle-

I have a Mr. Kyle! She spun in her seat, leaning her knee on the chair separating them, crossing her other leg over her foot that jutted out. The conveniences of wearing long skirts was the added bonus of still being able to sit like a man. Which period?

I don't know...

Maybe we'll be in the same class.

That would be fantastic. I don't know anyone there at all.

Me neither. He looked over his shoulder as the youth began straggling in, his face flushing again. It was hard to tell if it was from being caught conversing with a young lady, or his shyness.

Milana-Macayle smiled