Sleepover at the Church of Christ – Conclusion

They saw a couple of guys from school as they pulled into the Pizza Hut and parked. Molly checked herself in the rearview mirror to make sure she had enough lip gloss on. She secretly had a crush on Todd Maxwell. She knew that she did not stand a chance this side of heaven, but she always made sure to look her best and smile when she saw him.

As the two exited her car, Trudy immediately walked over and started talking to Todd and his friend, Jay. As Molly approached, she could hear Trudy asking them to join them for a pie. Molly was mortified. She could not eat pizza in front of Todd Maxwell! What was Trudy thinking?

“Yeah, me and Mols here are out and about for a night of fun. You should join us, pizzas on me tonight boys.” Trudy looked over at Molly and winked.

What? Was Trudy crazy enough to think a twenty would cover pizza and drinks for four? Forget the salad bar. She leaned in and whispered to Trudy, “You can have my five dollars.”

Trudy whispered back, ‘We’re good, Mols, trust me.” Turning back to the two boys, Trudy said, “So whaddaya say, boys? Are you in or not?”

Much to Molly’s surprise, both boys nodded, and Todd spoke up. “Wow, thanks Trudy. That’d be great!” He smiled at Molly when he said it. She felt her face instantly turn red.

The next thing Molly knew, she was wedged between Trudy and Todd in one of the circular booths. While she was elated to be sitting by Todd, she was also extremely nervous. She had always struggled with weight issues and eating in front of your crush was an anxiety-causing moment. Trudy, on the other hand, seemed oblivious.

The four decided on a large pan pizza, Super Supreme. When their waitress came to take their order, Molly was shocked when Trudy also ordered the salad bar and a large drink. She nudged Trudy under the table, but she totally ignored Molly. Both boys followed suit and ordered the same. When it came Molly’s turn, she asked for a medium coke and no salad bar.

She wanted to crawl under the table when Trudy said, “What’s up, Mols? Still dieting? Salad is a diet food. Live a little!”

She mumbled, “I’m just not in the mood for salad tonight, Trudy.”

Thankfully, Todd and Jay were talking about football practice and didn’t seem to hear Trudy’s remark. Molly gave Trudy the evil-eye.

At last the pizza arrived and everyone dug in to the hot, cheesy pie. Molly was appalled that Trudy ate with her mouth open and didn’t seem to know what a napkin was for. She noticed that Todd had spread his napkin across his lap, but Jay had as much pizza sauce on his face as Trudy.

At one point, Todd winked at Molly and spoke up, “Uh guys, did you grow up in a barn? You know a napkin does wonders.”

Jay stopped shoveling in pizza long enough to say, “Huh?”

“Dude, you’ve got sauce all over your face, wipe your mouth.” Todd looked at Trudy, who was too busy digging into her salad to respond.

Jay grabbed his napkin which was still lying on the table and brushed it quickly across his mouth. “That better, MOM?”

Todd just shook his head. Glancing at Molly he asked, “So what are you two girls up to this evening. Are you going to see “Chariots of Fire” at the Twin? I hear it’s supposed to be really good.”

Before Molly could respond, Trudy piped up. “Nah, we’re not into a movie. We’ll be hitting the town to see what’s happening, isn’t that right, Mols?”

Given Molly had no clue what they were doing, merely nodded in agreement.

“That’s too bad, we’re headed there after we leave here. We could have sat together.” Molly felt him glance at her when he said this.

The waitress appeared with the check and Trudy grabbed it out of her hands. She opened it and saw the amount and immediately closed the holder and placed it on the table. Molly reached for her purse to give her five to Trudy. As she rummaged through her purse, Trudy started patting the pockets on her jacket.

“OH crap! I cannot find my money. Guys, what am I going to do? Oh no!” Molly was shocked to see tears start pouring down Trudy’s face.

Todd immediately spoke up, “Hey, Trudy. Don’t sweat it.” He pulled out his wallet and motioned for Jay to do the same. By this time, Molly had found her five.

Jay replied, “I have a ten to include. That should leave me enough to get into the movie. Todd?”

“Same, a ten. We need a few more bucks to cover tax and a tip.”

Molly spoke up, “You can have my five, will that cover it?”

“Yes! Thanks, Molly.” She felt a little spark of electricity when Todd reached for her money.

Meanwhile, Trudy’s tears suddenly dried up. “Well guys, it’s been a real blast but me and Mols have got to get a move on.” Everyone was climbing out of the booth and grabbing jackets. Molly kept waiting for Trudy to thank Todd and Jay for covering the bill but Trudy was already headed to the door.

Molly turned back and said, “Guys, thank you so much for helping us cover the check. I do not know what happened, Trudy had her money when we left her house.”

Jay waved as he headed outside but Todd walked out with Molly. “No worries. Trudy is known for her antics. We should have known better.”

Puzzled, Molly responded, “What do you mean?”

Todd laughed. “You mean you don’t know? Trudy is notorious for never having her wallet with her. It’s okay, it’s just her way and we got it covered. Besides, it was great to get a chance to know you better.”

She could not believe that Trudy deliberately lied, but more importantly, she could not believe that Todd Maxwell said he liked getting to know her. She blushed even though she tried not to.

“It has been nice getting to know you as well. Thanks again for bailing us out. I hope you enjoy the movie.” They had reached her car by this point and as she turned to open her door, Todd put his hand on her arm.

“Maybe you’d like to go to a movie sometime with me? Just the two of us?”

She really hoped the expression on her face did not match what she was feeling inside. She vaguely remembers answering, “Sure, that would be great.”

He stepped back and waved as he headed to Jay’s truck. He was already gunning the engine waiting for Todd. She stood there and watched them speed out of the parking lot.

“Mols! Let’s ride, Clyde! Times a wasting!” Trudy called out.

Once in the car, she turned to Trudy. “What happened to the twenty dollar bill you stole from you mother?” She asked.

“Mols, please…gently borrowed.”

She could not believe it when Trudy reached into her side pocket and pulled out the bill. Todd was right, Trudy did deliberately lie.

“See? Told ya, Mols. I got us covered for the entire evening. Are you thirsty? All that salt from the pizza has left me parched. Let’s run by the Quick Mart and I will grab us some drinks.”

Molly sat there stunned, but finally put the car in reverse and pulled out. As they were driving through downtown, she finally spoke.

“Trudy, what exactly did you plan for us to do this evening? I thought we were going to hang out at your house and play Nintendo. Well, that’s not happening, and I know we’re not going to a movie; do you think we’ll just drive around town all evening?”

“Gawd, Mols! Don’t be sure a whiney baby. I thought we’d cruise through town, see what’s up, grab some drinks and head over to Jack’s apartment. I have a key and he is at work. We can watch some movies and listen to his stereo. Sound, okay?”

This whole evening had not gone anything like what she had expected. She wondered what Nina was doing? She’d much rather be with her dancing or playing Parchisi. She finally said, “Okay, whatever.”

Molly decided that while Trudy ran into the store, she’d use the outside restroom. She pulled up near the Ladies door. Trudy asked if she’d like a coke or a root beer.

“Root beer would be great! I’ll be waiting in the car for you.”

Molly was searching through her cassette case for the latest Prince album when Trudy jumped in the car holding a brown paper bag. “Let’s split, NOW!”

“Huh?”

“Molly, let’s get out of here, now!” Trudy barked.

She put the cassette case down and pulled out of the parking lot. Once down the street, she asked, “What was the big hurry?”

Trudy proceeds to pull out a 12-pack of Budweiser. “Looky what I got us? Some brewskies and they are cold. I made sure I got them from the back of the cooler.”

Molly whipped into the A&P parking lot and parked. Turning in her seat she said, “Trudy Tomson, you are not old enough to buy alcohol. How did you get those?”

Trudy laughed, “Let’s just say I have friends in all the places. Being a copper’s daughter comes in real handy.” She immediately pops the top on one of the beers.

“TRUDY! You cannot drink beer in public. We are minors!”

“Ah, Jacky-poo will take care of things. You really worry too much.”

Molly crossed her arms. “I am not driving with you drinking beer in my car. You can either pour it out or we need to go back to your mom’s.”

Trudy rolled her eyes and downed the last bit of beer in the can. She crushed it on her thigh and tossed it in the back seat of Molly’s car. “Okay FINE. We can go to Jack’s but first let’s just do one loop around Sonic, okay?”

Sighing, she cranked up and pulled out into the street. They made a loop around Sonic, and back through downtown. Trudy seemed disappointed that it appeared to be an unusually quiet Friday night in Colony.

“Let’s head to Jack’s. At least I can drink the rest of this cold beer.” Trudy remarked.

“Did you even get me a root beer?” Molly inquired.

“Root beer? I thought that was code for a cold brew.” Trudy replied.

They pulled into the driveway of Jack’s garage apartment. They climbed the stairs and Trudy inserted her key into the lock. Molly immediately noticed that the place was tidy but sparse. Only a small table with a chair, a sofa, and a tv-stand with a small colored TV. There were a few books around and she noticed that they were Westerns.

“Uh, Trudy, you said we would spend the night here? Where will we sleep?” Molly looked at the couch.

“The couch is a pull-out. Relax, have a beer.” Trudy held out a can.

“No thanks, I do not like beer. Think your dad has any sodas?”

Trudy pulled open the frig. “Nope, sorry Molly. No cokes, just some orange juice and milk. Jack eats most of his meals over at the City Diner. They give discounts to coppers and fireman.”

Molly sat down on the sofa. “It’s okay. Water will be fine.”

Trudy plopped down next to her and replied, “Suit yourself, glasses are in the cabinet above the sink.”

Molly was filling a glass when the door opened, and a very tall man entered. She immediately saw where Trudy got her height and red hair. He looked at Molly, surprised to find a stranger in his kitchen. “Hello.” He spoke.

“Hi, Mr. Tomson, I’m Molly Houston, Trudy’s friend from school.” She extended my hand, and he gently shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Molly. I was not aware that Trudy would be visiting tonight.” With that, he turned and looked at Trudy, who of course, was busy ignoring them both.

Molly noticed that the beer had disappeared. Jack turned to Molly and said, “Molly, would you mind waiting outside while I have a quick word with Trudy? It was nice meeting you.”

Moving to pick up her purse, she gave Trudy a puzzled look. She started down the stairs when she heard the two yelling.

“Would you like to explain to me why you and your little friend are in my apartment? And you can pull that beer out from beside the couch, I already saw it. What have I told you about coming over here without talking to me first? Who bought you beer? Let me guess, your mother, right?”

Molly could not make out Trudy’s response, but she got in her car and waited. It wasn’t long before Trudy came flying down the stairs, sans beer, and slammed the door as she piled into the car.

“Well shit!” Was all Trudy said.

Molly looked incredulously at Trudy. “Well shit, is that all you can say? I thought you said your dad was okay with us spending the night here while he was at work?”

“I got my nights mixed up, that’s all. No biggie. We’ll just cruise around, it’ll be fine.”

“What do you mean we’ll cruise around, Trudy, it’s past eleven o’clock and frankly I am tired. Let’s go back to your mom’s and go to sleep.”

Molly had already pulled out of Jack’s driveway at this point and was headed the block over to Trudy’s house.

“Uh, well here’s the thing. We can’t go back to Carol’s. Not until the morning anyway.”

“WHAT? Why not?”

“I can’t tell you why, just understand I cannot go home right now.” Trudy started looking through the cassette case again.

They cruised by Trudy’s house and all the lights were out. She drove down to the end of the street and turned onto one of the main roads. Driving along she could not believe this night. On a whim she turned onto a side street, and into the parking lot of the Colony Church of Christ. She pulled up in the back of the church and parked.

Once the ignition was off, Molly turned in her seat and looked at Trudy. When Trudy continued to ignore her, she punched her arm.

“Oww! What was that for?” Trudy yelled.

“Don’t you think it’s time you come clean?” Molly asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, cut the crap GERTRUDE. You invited me to a sleepover at your house to watch MTV and play video games. We get there only to find out that one, you cannot actually play your video games, which is fine. I get it. But then two, we leave your moms for Pizza Hut. Again, fine. I love pizza, but three, you deliberately lied to Todd and Jay, and THANKS for embarrassing me in front of Todd, by the way.   

Four, you didn’t even have the courtesy to thank them and ME for bailing you out. You knew that a twenty would not cover the entire check, but you did it anyway.

Five, you say you’ll grab us some sodas and come out with a 12-pack of beer, which is illegal. Did you even pay for them, or did you steal those too?” Molly continued before Trudy could reply.

“Six, you then tell me that your dad is okay with us staying at his place. Okay, again, fine. I’m an easy-going person. But seven, we arrive only to find out he knew nothing about it and makes us leave. I’m sure he meant for you to go to the house you LIVE in with your mother and sister.

Number eight, for some reason, we cannot go to that house. And finally, nine, here we sit in the Church of Christ parking lot after midnight. I am cold and ready to go home. To MY home where there is a bed, and everyone knows what they are supposed to do!” Molly finally stops talking and sits there staring at Trudy.

Trudy starts laughing and replies, “You sure are good with numbers, Mols. You crack me up!” Tudy continues laughing and pulls a Budweiser out of her inside pocket and pops the top. “Sure you don’t want a swig? It’s still cold. I was able to confiscate one before I bailed at Jack’s.”

For a split second, Molly thought she saw red. She knew that if she did not step out of the car that Trudy Tomson was going to get pummeled. Molly slung the car door open and quickly began walking around the parking lot.

Trudy got out and began to run after her. Molly began to run so that Trudy could not catch up with her. After a few rounds, both were winded and finally stopped and leaned against the trunk of the car. Within an instant the dirtiest looking man Molly had ever seen or smelt tapped her on the shoulder. She screamed at the top of her lungs.

‘ARRGGHH!”

Instinctively she ran around the side of her car and jumped in and locked all the doors. She was so startled; she didn’t even think about poor Trudy still in the parking lot. Suddenly, she could hear laughing. Peeping in the rear-view mirror she watched Trudy and the man slapping their sides. Trudy started high fiving the man.

Hesitantly, she opened the door and stepped back out of the car. They both stopped laughing but Trudy spoke up.

“Mols, meet Coke Wheeler. Coke, this is Molly. He got you good!”

Blinking, Molly tried to decide if Trudy had the man scare her on purpose or if this was just a coincidence that played in Trudy’s favor.

She did not extend her hand but angrily mumbled, “Hello.”

Coke took a step towards Molly and said, “I’m sorry little lady. Didn’t mean to scare ya like dat. Ole Coke will not harm a soul, well except maybe a mean ole snake or sumpin’ like dat. Pleased to meet ya though. Where you from?”

Molly cleared her throat and replied, “I live outside of town in the Progress community. Trudy and I attend Colony Academy together.” Her heart was beating out of her chest, and she tried to take deep breaths to calm down.

“I knew a few folks from out that way – been a long time ago though. I bet you are a smarty.”

“A smarty?” Molly asked.

“Yeah, one of those dat is really smart and likes to read and all dat. Ole Coke was never much good at school. My pappy needed my hands more than I needed schooling.”

Molly nodded. Trudy had been oddly quiet all this time watching their exchange, but she spoke up, “Yeah, Mols here is on the HONOR roll and all that jazz, but she’s pretty cool. Not like those other girls that cannot see their feet because their noses are too high in the air.”

“Day snooty patooties, ain’t they Trud?” Coke and Trudy began laughing again.

Molly was suddenly exhausted. She wanted to crawl into her cozy bed and sleep for days. “Trudy, I have got to take you home and then I am going home. I’m tired and frankly, I’m over this sleepover.” She turned to get back in the car. Just before she shut the door, she could hear Trudy crying. Looking through the rearview mirror once again, she saw Coke put his arm around Trudy.

He led Trudy around to the passenger door and opened it. Trudy fell into the car and doubled over sobbing. Coke squatted down in the door beside her.

“Now then Truds…. Ole Coke is here. No need to cry.”

This was the last straw. Molly exclaimed, “Trudy, stop crying! I’m game to your tricks. There is no reason you cannot go home or go back to your dad’s. It’s after midnight. Neither one knows where you are. Why can’t you just go home??” Molly was shouting at this point.

Coke was going to speak but Trudy spoke up. Molly could barely make out what she was saying through her sobs, but she began to get the full picture.

“Don’t you understand, Molly? My mom’s a drunk. She’s a mean drunk. If I go home now, she will have one of her fits and act like a freak. I didn’t want you to know, okay? And Jack doesn’t have room and besides that, his GIRLFRIEND was coming over. He doesn’t care. All he cares about is getting laid! Trudy sat there sobbing as though her heart would break.

Instantly, Molly’s heart softened, and she pulled her friend close and gave her a hug. Trudy held on for dear life. Coke just watched and patted Trudy’s arm. After she had cried herself out, she said, “Molly, I know tonight has been a wreck. I’m sorry. I’m not sure what to do, but I am so sleepy. I guess it was those three beers I drank.” Three beers? How in the world did she manage three beers, she thought.

Molly sighed. She wasn’t sure what to do either. She knew she could go home and explain it all to Katharine, but it was so late, and her mom had already been through enough. Losing her son and Molly’s dad, plus Molly’s illness. Nope! They would just hunker down and wait until daylight.

“Trudy, why don’t you get in the backseat and lie down, okay? We’ll just stay right here. Will your mom be better by morning?”

Coke helped Trudy into the backseat. She immediately scrunched down and was almost asleep instantly, but Molly did hear her mutter, “Okay by morning.”

Coke returned to his spot in the door. Molly wasn’t sure what to say to him but asked, “Mr. Coke, do you live near here?”

“Yea, I have a nice little cot over there.’ He pointed towards the shed on the edge of the church grounds.

“You live in the shed?”

“Yeah, Pastor Wilks lets Ole Coke have a spot in exchange for a little work around the church. I like doing things with my hands.” Molly gave a little smile and nodded.

“Say, that was mighty nice of you, what you did for Truds. She has it rough at home you know. Mr. Jack is a good man but he don’t know nuthin’ about raising no girls. Tears him up to see what they go through but well….” Coke throws up his hands. He goes on to say, “Mr. Jack, he keeps Ole Coke out of trouble. Man like me has a hard time and he makes sure I am okay.”

“That’s nice of him. I had no idea.” Molly says. “About how things are at home, I mean. I wished Trudy would have told me.”

“Ah…. she got her daddy in her…too much pride to say anything.” Coke scratched his scraggly beard. “Say, Ms. Molly, tell you what. Lock all these doors and Ole Coke is going to sit right over yonder on that little bench next to the building and keep an eye on you girls while you get a wink of sleep. Sun will be up in a few hours. I know you are tired from all of your goings on this past evening. Ole Coke will make sure no one messes with you. How does that sound?”

Molly glances at the church building and sees a bench. Given the circumstances, she feels this is the best bet. I mean, they are in a CHURCH parking lot. Surely the good Lord will take care of them, right? She looks over at Coke and smiles. “Thank you, Mr. Coke. That would be nice of you. As soon as it’s morning, if I’m not awake, will you mind waking me?”

He leaned back in before he closed the door and replied, “Sure thang, Ms. Molly. Now you lock up, okay?” Molly nodded and hit the lock button after he closed the door.

True enough he sat on the bench and leaned back. Just as she settled in and closed her eyes, she thought she saw the ember of a cigarette.

She was dreaming that she was on a date with Todd Maxwell, and they could not find a seat in the theater. They were both frantic because the movie was starting, and everyone was pointing at them. A loud tapping noise brought her back to the Church of Christ parking lot.

Oh right, she had a sleepover in her car with Trudy Tomson at the Church of Christ with a hobo as watchdog. She sat up and shook her head. Coke was smiling at her through the window. Somehow, he didn’t seem as scary looking in the daylight. She cranked the car and let her window down.

“Sorry to wake you, Ms. Molly, but you asked Ole Coke to get you up by morning. It’s about six a.m. You two girls sure look like you was sleeping mighty fine.” He stood back up and arched his back.

Molly asked, “Did you sleep on the bench all night? You must have been cold. I’m so sorry, but I am ever grateful to you.”

Coke adjusted his old fuzzy hunting jacket and replied, “Don’t you worry one bit. Ole Coke has had rougher nights than sitting on a bench. Besides, I told Mr. Jack I’d always watch out for his girls. A promise is sacred.”

Molly nodded. “Well, thank you again. I think I’m going to take Trudy home to her mother’s. Take care of yourself and God Bless you.”

“You mighty welcome and He already has.”

She watched as he rambled across the parking lot to the little shed. Molly rolled up the window and looked in the backseat. Trudy was still sleeping soundly, in fact, she was snoring. Molly decided to drive her home before waking her up.

As she drove past the Donut Shop, she remembered a few dollars she had stuffed in her ashtray. The decision to stop and get a doughnut and something warm to drink was an easy one to make. She had just started drinking coffee and discovered that with a little milk and sugar, it was delicious.

She got four donuts – one for herself and one each for Trudy, Candy, and Ms. Carol. As she drove onto Trudy’s street, she realized how lucky she was. Even though her dad had died, she still had her mom and sisters. There was never any doubt of their care for her or one another. Sadly, she realized Trudy and Candy could not say the same.

She pulled into the drive and reached over the backseat. She jostled Trudy awake who immediately bolted upright and said, “Huh? Where are we?”

Molly giggled, “We are sitting in your driveway silly. Where did you think we were?”

Trudy rubbed her eyes and looked around. Instantly, the vulnerable Trudy of last night was gone and the spunky Trudy was back. “Thanks, Mols. It’s been real. I think I’m going in to catch a few more Zs. I plan on hanging out with some of the guys tonight and I need to make sure I’m in top form.”

Molly just shook her head. Trudy hopped out and as she walked around the front of the car, Molly rolled her window down and yelled, “Hey, Gertrude!”

Trudy made her way next to Molly’s window. “Uh, about that, Mols, uh I’d greatly appreciate you not mentioning that name to the kids at school.”

Molly considered it a moment and said, “Okay, but on two conditions.”

Trudy furrowed her brow, “Such as….”

“One, thank Todd and Jay for paying for our pizza, and two, be nice to your sister.”

Trudy grimaced, “Consider that first one a wrap, but that second … man that’s a hard one.”

“Well, it would be a real shame for the student body at Colony Academy to know your full name is Gertrude Nanabelle Tomson.”

“Okay, okay, okay…please Mols, I will be nice to the brat, just don’t tell anyone, okay?”

Molly gave a high five and waited. Trudy grudgingly gave one back. “How did you know my full name anyway?”

Laughing, Molly replied, “Coke told me.”

Trudy turned to go. “Oops, wait! Here, take these. I got one for ALL three of you. I will be checking to make sure Candy got hers.” Molly handed the bag of donuts out the window.

Trudy snatched them and said, “Thanks, Mols! You’re the best. I gotta get my beauty rest. See you Monday!”

Molly was never happier to see their house when she pulled into the gravel drive. Their Shepherd, Bullet ran up to the door and greeted her when she got out.

Katharine was in the kitchen having coffee when Molly walked in the back door. “Well, hey there. You’re home awfully early. I thought you’d probably sleep late this morning. Did you and Trudy have a good time together?”

Molly walked over to where her mother was standing and hugged her as tight as she could. “Whoa! What’s all this?” Katharine hugged her and then looked into her face. “That’s a great way to start to my day.”

Her mother was the kindest soul. All she could think about was Carol and Trudy yelling at one another. She smiled back at Katharine. “Oh, I just wanted you to know how grateful I am that you are my mother and that you care and worry over me.”

Molly sat down at the bar while Katharine poured her a cup of coffee. As she set the cup in front of Molly she asked, “How were things at Trudy’s? Did you like her mom? Is she a nice lady? She sounded nice on the phone.”

She took a second to think before she answered. “She is a nice lady, but I think she has a hard time being a single parent. Trudy’s little sister is a sweetheart. She wants to learn to play piano. I think I may share some of my beginner’s piano books with her. They do not have a lot of money for lessons and things like that.” Umm, mom’s coffee was always so good.

Katharine smiled over at her daughter. “That’s very sweet of you. I’m sure they would appreciate that. I know how lost I felt after your father died. It takes a while to adjust to doing things on your own again.”

“Yeah, I can understand that. It’s sad.”

“Do you think you’ll invite Trudy to a sleepover with you and Nina sometime?” Katharine asked.

“Um, not sure. I realized that Trudy and I do not have as much in common as I thought, but I will think about it.” Molly really wasn’t sure she wanted a repeat of last night ever again.

Monday at school, Trudy acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had ever happened. Molly figured that in Trudy’s world, things like Friday night probably happened exactly like that. She had spent Sunday afternoon after church on the phone with Nina telling her the whole sordid tale.

“I told you, Molly. That girl is crazy! Weren’t you scared when the old bum was there?” Nina asked.

“Actually, once I got over the initial fright, I felt comforted. He was a really nice man, just has a hard life.”

Katharine later told Molly that she always prays for the angels to watch over her when she goes out with friends, or anywhere. Every time she drives by the Church of Christ, she smiles and thinks of Coke Wheeler.