I eagerly arose Easter Sunday; I was restless since four in the morning for sunrise to appear through my window. I quickly showered, making sure my hair was protected. Mom allowed me to wear her good dressing robe. She insisted I eat an English muffin with a little preserve to have something in my tummy. It was good with the hot tea that I sipped. I wiped my face, making sure it was clean, before I started my makeup. My hands were shaking, which was alright for putting on the dots of makeup and smoothing it over my complexion.

Karen saw my trembling fingers and stopped me there. She took over using a makeup triangle to make sure it was smooth and even. She outlined my lips, brushed on some blush, and then did the first color of my eyeshadow. She suggested I wear the silver aspen leaves for my earrings. They were a great choice.

She went back to my lips and asked me to fill in my lips with a glossy red lip-gloss. Good Kaylene, “Now I want you to do the top of your eyelids with a light dose of the silver shadow. Very good, I couldn’t have done better.” A smile came to my face and I began to relax again.

I stepped into my Easter dress with Mom and Karen helping me. Mom buttoned up the back of my dress. I was in front of the mirror as the look all came together. Karen had me purse my lips on a tissue. My lips still glistened. My eyes sparkled, as Karen handed me a small purse with a silver chain.

Mom only allowed me to wear two inch heels. I didn’t remember Mom and Karen getting ready. Time was swirling as soon we were all ready.

The doorbell chimed and Christy and Cathy came into our house. Compliments made their way around, and all were deserving. Christy asked, “Did you see your picture on the front of the social section of the newspaper?”

Mom said, “No time for that.”

We were soon on our way, two vehicles, going to Our Shepherd’s Church. We got there fifteen minutes before worship to be able to find parking and to get seats together.

Going into the church, a girl Marcia said hello to Kalene and Karen complimenting on Kaylene’s Easter dress. Marcia said, “I hope you don’t mind my asking, though you are much prettier today; you look like the girl on TV a little while back that protected the dog that was hurt at the mall a couple of weeks ago. Are you her?”

Kay said, “We’re wanting to focus on getting seats and the Easter service right now. Can we talk after the service?”

Marcia said, “I just wanted to know if the dog is okay?”

“It was a bad wound, but the clinic was able to help her.”

We were barely able to find seats together, we were half way back on the left side several seats in Christy, her mom Cathy, Dad John, and brother Sam were in the row behind us. Grandmother Ava Martin and her neighbor Morgan Fox were closer to the back on the right side.

Karen said, “You know you let her know you’re the girl who was there and was invited to church this Sunday.”

Kaylene responded, “I suspect more than she has figured it out who I am. I just didn’t want students from school to know right away.”

Soon Pastor Ramona came to close to where we were seated; she got our attention and said, “I see you Kalene and Christy were able to come to this service. I wanted you to know there’s a fellowship time after this service in the building to the left of the sanctuary. I hope you will have time to visit a little longer.”

Mom turned to the Ohrts, “How does that sound for you? Kaylene needs to say hello to Grandma Martin after church.”

Christy said, “I’m sure Marcia and others will want to talk more too.”

The service soon began, the music was a mix of traditional and newer Easter songs. During the reading of the Bible some women walked up front, a large stone was rolled away, and from the opening of the tomb Angels had talked to the women.

The message was mixed that Christ Jesus was Risen, and that the hope of Christ was for all people today as well. Ramona emphasized that women were the first to bring the news of Jesus’ resurrection. That they were not women in pretty dresses, but ordinary women who had gone there in grief. The good news often comes and fears diminish when we expect bad news.

On the way out of the Sanctuary at the end of the service. Ramona greeted me with a hand and drew me in for a hug. She whispered, “When people learn, be it today or another time. Don’t worry, you will come through it for the better. Remember that strong person I first met in the mall.” I had to move on, and no Ramona did not seek us out in the fellowship time.

I recognized one student, Tom, from our school. But when our eyes met her turned away. I didn’t see him again.
Marcia and others greeted Christy, myself, and our families. Marcia introduced me to Carrie, Deb, and another girl. Cassie, a daughter of Ramona, introduced herself and her girlfriend Melinda. She saw my surprised look because they looked like they were college age. Cassie explained, “Mom adopted me off the streets when I was 15. Mom walks what she preaches; I’m proof of that. That was six years ago, I’ll make, through college, but I’ve had a lot of help.”

I said hello to Grandma and Morgan, we talked a little bit, and I agreed to meet him tomorrow. I didn’t make any promises.

I sought to find Cassie again, and did. “Cassie,” I said, “I think you know more about me than you’re saying.”

“I’m not to say, but Christy’s best friend was said to be a boy. You don’t present as a boy.”

I sighed, “I’m relieved someone knows. I’m not advertising it to the world, but I know it will become known to more.” Cassie and Melinda embraced me, Cassie handed me contact info.

Marcia giggled as she stuck herself in with us, “I also know who you are. I play against Christy sometimes and I’ve seen you before. You dress up amazingly well, but like all girls, Kaden, you’re not perfect.”

Christy saw Marcia find me and came to be with us; she wrapped her arm around mine. Cathy asked, “Marcia, I see you’ve met Kalene?”

Kalene said, “She called me Kaden and said I wasn’t a perfect girl.” Christy giggled, “None of us are.”

Cassie and Melinda started to back away, Kalene said, “I appreciate you saying hello and thanks for the info.” The crowd dispersed and people were coming for the next Easter service.

When we got back to our vehicle, Cathy Ohrt said, “John has a reservation for all of us at Colby’s.” It is a modest restaurant a mile east of Shepherd's Church.

Once there and sitting down to eat, Cathy gets visits from former players and others who recognize her. Younger people recognize Kalene; one even brought a copy of the newspaper asking for my signature.

The restaurant manager made an announcement, “I would like to ask those eating to refrain from visiting others while they’re eating.” It didn’t stop everyone, but we ate in relative peace until we got back outside. Three girls and a boy followed us out; Christy, “Kalene, we want to say how pretty you are.” We visited a while longer once they confirmed I was also Kaden. Rae said, “Kalene, did you like your salon visit? I can tell your complexion is different.” A worried look must have come on my face, Rae responded, “Don’t worry, it’s a nice change. See you at school Tuesday.” She blew a kiss as she and the others left.

Once back in our car, Mom asked, “Do you want to window shop in the mall?”

“Sorry, but I don’t need any more attention. I vote to go home.”

Karen said, “Maybe we could go home and change. I wouldn’t mind shopping.”

When we got home, I quickly changed to a simple dress, excused myself, saying, “I’m going over to Christy’s.”

Karen teased, “I thought you were just with her?”

Once at Christy’s I had to sit with Christy and her Mom as they were visiting. They were talking to Christy’s sister via an internet connection Connie was at the University of Colorado playing softball. Connie must have seen me as she said “Hi, Kalene, I hope you’re enjoying your Easter experience. I hope you don’t mind sharing my sister with me.”

I took that as a cue to go up to Christy’s room to wait for them. The problem was I fell asleep on Christy’s bed. It was three p.m. before Christy found me sleeping. Christy woke me up and I began to cry about losing her. “We’re forever friends Kay.”

I cried, “Whether it’s at the end of the school year or the end of summer, I’m going to lose you.” Christy hugged me until I settled down. “It will be a two-way event Kay, but we can do it every night and we can each spend a weekend visiting the other. It is what girls do. Or are you going back to just being Kaden...”