Early Saturday morning the phone rang. Munch rushed to the kitchen and answered. He was afraid it was about Lolly. His hand shook a little as he picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

The voice said, “It’s me.”

For a second Munch didn’t know who me was, then re realized, it was Thahn Ho. His voice squeaked when he said, “Hi.”

“I need to tell you something.” There was something in her tone that put Munch on alert. He hoped it wasn’t something bad. She continued, “Um, I had a talk with my parents last night. After yesterday they were pretty sure we were more than friends.” She let out a slow sigh. The rate of Munch’s heart picked up so fast he felt light headed. His grip tightened on the receiver. He couldn’t speak, all he could do was wait for whatever came next. He was really afraid of what came next. She said, “I told them you were my boyfriend.”

In Munch’s head he heard the sound of a gunshot. He was dead now.

Thanh Ho asked, “Michael, did you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“They said that you are a good, kind person and a Catholic, which is really important to my mom.” Again Thahn Ho paused.

Silently, desperately Munch waited for the but. There would be a but…and it would be the end of them.

Thahn Ho continued, “They said they like you, but it is dangerous for us to be together.”

This was a given. At least they had said they liked him.

“I asked them if I could call you and if you could come over and they said, yes.”

Munch was not sure he heard correctly. “What?”

“I can call you, you can call me. You can come over to see me. I can sit by you in church. Dates will have to be with a group. We don’t have to hide us all the time anymore.”

Relief and confusion flowed through Munch. This was more than he expected and more than ever dreamed.

Thahn ho asked, “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

He was too stunned and happy to speak.

“Michael, did you hear me?”

“Yes, I heard you. I can’t believe it. Did they really say all that?”

“They did. They trust us. I think Ong noi helped convince them.”

Munch had the same suspicion. Ong noi was the best. The first thing Munch asked was, “When can I come over?”

“Ong noi told me it would be best if we give my parents a little time to get used to us. We will start with phone calls and sitting together in church first, okay?”

“I can call you every night if I want to?”

“Yes, and I can call you every night if I want to.” He could hear the smile in her voice.

They talked for a little while longer, then Thahn Ho said, “I better let you go, I have to help my mom with breakfast. Keep me updated about Lolly. I will see you tomorrow in church.”

“I will. See you tomorrow.” Munch hung up the phone. Again, his life had just changed in the most unexpected way. Inside of him happiness and sadness, joy and fear resided. Feeling such mixed emotions hurt. Still, he couldn’t wait to tell Lolly. He really hoped she was feeling better today.

*

What to wear? Munch stood staring into his closet at a total loss. This never happened. He could put together a complete look in less than a minute. According to his digital clock he had been standing and staring for over twenty minutes. This morning was not just any morning. He would get to sit beside Thahn Ho before God and everyone. Now everyone would not know they were dating, but God had known for awhile. He ran his hand along his suit jackets. They were all too loud. Thahn Ho’s parents were reserved. It wasn’t that he intended to change his style for them, it was just that this was the very first step and he didn’t want to bumble it. Finally he decided on black slacks with black vest and a burgundy. He wore black chucks on his feet.

Munch moved to his full length mirror. Critically, he studied himself. He looked good. Not too much, just enough style. He did a quick twirl in front of the mirror. In his head lyrics looped in his head:

Cause we're almost there

Just one more step…*

This morning was one more step for he and Thahn Ho. He and Thahn Ho were almost there. He smiled at his reflection and headed into the kitchen.

The kitchen smelled of freshly baked biscuits and milk gravy. Mama was at the stove stirring the gravy. She turned, smiled at him and said, “Lolly slept well last night and her fever broke.”

“That’s good, when will she get to come home?”

“Maybe Tuesday. Trace said they have a couple more tests to do.”

This was good news of a sort. Not knowing exactly what was going on was hard. At least Lolly had slept, at least her fever had broken. Munch knew he must focus on those things and not give into the fear that gnawed at him. He asked, “How is, um Trace?”

Mama sighed and said, “Worn out. I’m afraid he’s gonna get sick too.”

There was always more to worry about. One thing about Trace Phelps, he was a very devoted father.

After breakfast, they headed for church. Munch had not told Mama about Thahn Ho’s call Saturday morning. It was something too sweet to talk about just yet. The closer they got to church, the more nervous Munch became. He had to do this just right. If only Ong noi was going to be there, but he wasn’t. He was a not a Catholic. He practiced Buddhism. The church appeared. The green Volvo was already parked. Mama pulled the VW Beetle beside it. The car colors reminded Munch of Christmas. It was weird that he had no idea there was a Thahn Ho Duong in the world during his last Christmas break. Now, he couldn’t imagine a world without her.

They got out and walked inside. Munch felt his mouth go dry and his palms begin to sweat. He wiped his hands on the legs of his slacks. If Mr. Duong wanted to shake hands, Munch did not want to put a sweaty palm in his. They entered. Morning light filtered through the stained glass. They headed for their usual pew. Mr. Duong rose to let Mama and Munch enter. Mama went first. Mrs. Duong asked about Lolly as she passed. Before Munch could slip by Mr. Duong, he extended his hand. The hand that closed over Munch’s had a strong grip. Though he was terrified Munch managed to make eye contact and say, “Good Morning Sir.”

Mr. Duong released his hand, “Good Morning Michael.”

Munch skittered passed him and then smiled at Mrs. Duong. The smile she gave his was warm. This eased a little of Munch’s tension. Thahn Ho was on the opposite side of her mother. The smile she gave him, made Munch feel like he was melting. Melting in church…was that allowed? He sat down beside her. They were not touching, but they were side by side. He could smell the sweet honeysuckle of her perfume. In his peripheral vision he could see her long dark hair reflecting the morning light. She was wearing a yellow dress with tiny daisies. She was so pretty. All was bliss until a voice said, “Scoot over Crunchy.” Lee. In all his day dreams about this morning, not once had Munch thought about Le. The little boy tried to worm his way between Munch and Thahn Ho.

Thahn Ho said, “Stop now.”

The little boy whined, “But I want to sit by Crunchy.”

Mr. Duong said, “Stop.”

For a second Le considered his options and then he plopped down on the other side of Munch. He got on his knees and whispered thickly in Munch’s ear, “You’re gonna marry my sister.” Instantly Munch’s stomach dropped. His face felt hot. Had anyone else heard the little brat. Anxiously Munch’s eyes darted back and forth. The music was going so hopefully no one heard the kid. He glanced at Thahn Ho. She was looking straight ahead. Maybe she hadn’t heard either. Le continued, “When you marry her you will be my brother. I’d like that a lot.”

The brat’s sentiment was sweet, but dangerous. Munch had just turned sixteen. Marriage was a long way away for him. Still…

Mama asked Le, “Would you like to color?”

Le sat down and said, “Yes Ma’am.” Mama handed him the box of colors and the bulldozer coloring book. “This is so cool Mrs. Phelps, thank you.”

Munch smiled to himself and thought, crisis averted.

Mass progressed as it did every Sunday morning, but for Munch all that existed was the light that fell through the windows and nearness of Thahn Ho.

.