“What are those people doing?" Jenna whispered to me. "I don't know," I replied through a frozen grin, "but I'm afraid a musical number might be involved.”

“They have statues," Jenna said. "In a hallway." Sure enough, two bronze statues of veiled women guarded the massive staircase, where even more people were now lining up. They were all wearing black uniforms, and had nearly identical smiles plastered on their faces."What are those people doing?" Jenna whispered to me."I don't know," I replied through a frozen grin, "but I'm afraid a musical number might be involved.""This is our household staff," Dad said, sweeping his arm toward the group. "Anything you need, they'll be happy to help you with.""Oh," I said weakly, feeling like my voice echoed in the cavernous room. "Great.”

“I'm afraid to have a boyfriend. I don't know how to do that and not lose who I want to be. And I'm afraid of what it means to be close to a guy, a guy I might really like."There it was: the truth.”

“There are so many other people in this school-you don't have to know me." "But I want to," he replied with a grin.”

“But then what do you do?""I pray for strength."The words were simple, straightforward. Josef pushed against the floor with one foot and the swing moved back and forth, cradling us."And then you're not afraid anymore?""No," he replied. "Then I am still afraid. But then I know that God knows I'm afraid, and that is what makes the difference.”

“I also try to weigh my motives. Am I doing what I'm doing because it's what God desires, or because I'm afraid people will be disappointed if I don't?”