What’s his name?

Note: I have joined a writing group that is a bunch of fun! Requirements are that the story has to be exactly 300 words. There are also three required words that the moderator of the group chooses – the very first word of the story and two others. I’ll put those words in bold. Enjoy! 

Commm mewn yunnn  meee-ting five thirty … I sounded out the words on the calendar. OH! My lightbulb clicked on. Communion meeting today! Finally! Mom, Dad and I were meeting Father Bolland, our parish priest, for my First Holy Communion test.

An excited second grader, I practiced my prayers with Sister Ruth Mary. I knew the names of each apostle. I prayed the Creed and recited Beatitudes every day as I skipped home from school. I was so ready.

Mom announced, “Time to go!”

Climbing in the car saying my prayers out loud, my parents chuckled. Dad parked the car then turned to me in the back seat. “Ready to go, Kiddo?!” he said excitedly. I never felt anything but confidence from him.

Father Bolland greeted us with a jolly hello. In his office, I climbed onto a big, slippery leather couch. We each had awkward landings on that slick sofa.

Butterflies pounding my stomach; Father Bolland assured me we would have an easy chat. He smiled as he explained that Mom and Dad couldn’t help unless I got stuck; then he winked. Uncomfortable, I scooted closer to Dad, the grown-ups staring at me.

I answered inquiries like a pro. Mom and Dad beamed. Father Bolland asked his last question: name one apostle. I froze. I searched for a name, any name. I looked at each adult. I felt sweat on my upper lip.

In my head, I saw the names, Peter, Paul, James, Andrew … I couldn’t open my mouth. Dad started a pantomime, pointing at himself and nodding his head. Father Bolland coaxed me, “Could a name be someone you know?”

I looked at them. God only knows why my confidence waned then. I squeaked, “Jim?” The three of them burst into laughter!

Test aced! Dad hugged me.