Three

She got halfway through an Our Father, but had to stop because she couldn't remember all the words. An awful feeling flooded over her and she realized not everything about her Catholic upbringing was lost. Guilt was still very much an instinct. She tried to push the feeling aside and start over again in her own words when she heard a noise behind her. Guilt gave way to embarrassment and she felt silly for trying to talk to a god she hadn't called on in so many years. She heard the main door creak open and shut quietly. A triangle of light illuminated briefly a row of pews on the opposite side of the church, but a large column kept her from seeing who had walked in. She realized she was holding her breath and had to make a conscious effort to fill her lungs again. Footsteps echoed in the empty church and came in her direction. Her heart beat faster in her chest as she looked over her left shoulder and whispered under her breath "Please, don't let it be Caleb. Anyone but Caleb. Please. I'm not ready..."
"Look who's back in town." said Caleb. Sandy looked up at the ceiling and said:
"Thanks again." Caleb stopped at her row, blocking the exit, but did not venture in.
"I see your sarcasm is strong as ever. Still blaming God for all the trouble you get into?"
"No, Caleb, I still blame a lot of it on you" she hoped her voice wasn't as shaky as she felt.
"Well, I'd feel bad, Sandy. But I just don't"
"You never cared about anyone but yourself, Caleb. Why change now?"
"You haven't changed much, either. You look as good as the day you left."
"Fuck you, Caleb."
"Whoa, now. I know you'd want to, but not in the only church in town, baby."
Sandy got up and pushed past him and was almost to the door when he called back.
"Don't forget your bag, sweetie."
"Fuck." Sandy muttered under her breath. She turned around and walked back to where he stood with a grin on his face. She reached for the bag and yanked on it, but he held firm and pulled her within inches of his face. She wanted to let go and step back, but held her ground.
"Now remember, Sandy. You may be a big shot in New York City, but you ain't shit here. Don't come in here, digging up the past, kicking up dust like you're gonna change the world. Don't think you're bigger than you are." His grin disappeared and his eyes stared at hers like lasers. "Nothing's changed, you hear? Nothing ever changes around here."
"Are you done?" she said and yanked on the handle again. She felt tears welling up and fought hard to keep her face dry.
"Not yet. Not by a long shot" he said and shoved her as she tugged on the bag again. She wasn't expecting it and fell tumbling to the floor. He chuckled and walked by her on his way out. His footsteps echoed away and she heard the door creak open again. "I'll see you around, baby." He slammed the door and once again Sandy found herself on the church floor, her face covered in tears.