Page 95 of My Heart Still Beats
“Father Sam will be here in a minute. He asked me to come and get you.”
“Just me?”
“Just you.”
I shrug. “Okay.”
He takes my hand—his is clammy—and leads me to a small room—it’s one of the Sunday school rooms, but there’s no Sunday school because Mass is about to start.
“That’s a pretty white dress,” he says again.
I swallow. Something doesn’t feel right. “Thank you.”
“What are you wearing underneath it?” he asks.
“Underwear.”
“Can I see your underwear?”
What a weird question. “I’m not supposed to show anyone my underwear.”
“You have to if you want to get your first communion.”
No one said anything about that. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Father Sam would tell you, but he’s not here yet.”
I like Father Sam. He always shakes my hand like I’m one of the grownups.
“Okay.” I lift my dress up, showing him my white panties.
“I have to touch your panties.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s part of what I do as an altar boy. Father Sam tells me I have to check the panties of all the little girls getting their first communion. It’s part of the service.”
My fingers twitch, and my tummy feels funny. I want to pull my dress back down. “No one told me about that part.”
“That’s because it’s a secret. Didn’t your grandmother tell you?”
“Why would she tell me if it’s a secret?”
The altar boy gets a weird look on his face. Like he’s a dog growling or something. “Your grandmother’s a witch, Tessa. You know that, don’t you?”
“She isnot.” I stomp my foot and let go of my dress, letting the satin fall back over me.
“She is. All those candles and incense she uses. It’s part of her witchcraft.”
“Witches are mean and wear pointy hats.” I gulp, and I feel like crying. “Nana’s not a witch. You’re lying.”
“I’m not.” He reaches toward me.
I back away.
“I have to check your panties, Tessa. Father Sam won’t give you first communion if I don’t.”
I bite my lip.
