Things were quiet for a couple of weeks. Richard's proximity kept Donald at bay. Not only that, the Spiritists' pressure in the school brought to an end a lot of things that had been going on that many of the students didn't like. When one of the seniors tried to harrass one of the Spiritist juniors as he had harrassed all the other younger students, he found himself pinned to the floor! His parents complained bitterly that The Spiritists were interfering with traditions that had gone on in the school for generations. Seniors had ALWAYS hazed the juniors. It was a traditional part of the high school experience.
"It no longer will be, while OUR children are going there!" The Spiritists announced. "We do not believe in abuse in the name of tradition. The senior students will show our children all respect and dignity!"
The parents' complaints were overridden by the school, and The Spiritist children were left alone. Soon they had groups of friends and enemies. Cheryl kept her family advised of all that was happening.
"They're weird people," her father commented, "you can't reason a bit with them! They won't compromise on a damned thing!"
"Yes, I know," Cheryl answered. "Catherine came up the other day while I was talking to Richard and Andrea. They excused themselves and walked away. They wouldn't stay there and talk to her. She said they were just total asses!"
"Well, perhaps that's the one good thing about The Spir!" her mother commented. "They won't associate with those people, and I wish YOU wouldn't, dear! You associate with that girl so much people are hinting you do what she does. I wish you'd stay away from her!"
Her brother spoke up. "If there's anybody that hates The Spir," he joked, "it's the homosexuals. They were making tremendous gains towards acceptance, then The Spir showed up and said 'No compromise! Don't even debate with them! That legitimizes them, only continue to speak out against their evil!' Ever seen a gay pride function in the last couple of years? They know the minute they announce one there'll be thousands there protesting."
"I wish they weren't like that," Cheryl put in, "it's just not right. I know they mean well, but other people have feelings."
"Oh, have you heard the latest?" her brother added. "That big kid that calls himself Roy...one of the teachers found out he's actually Raymond Phipps, the guy who was playing quarterback for The Capitol Raiders two years. They tried to keep it a secret. When the coach found out he went up to his house, asked his parents if he could play in his senior year. They said no. His grades suffered the last time he played and they won't let him play again.
The principle tried to go up and reason with them, but they won't budge. We could have a winning team next year, but nope! Education is more important than sports. That is what their children need to concentrate on. Won't bend an inch!"
"See how stupid they are?" Victor snorted. "I heard about that. The kid could get a college scholarship, go to a really good school. Instead he's going to train in their seminary. Remember the story last year that kid in California finished college all star, one of the best line backers the state has ever seen...offered three million dollars a year to play with The Raiders and he said no! Can you imagine three million dollars a year and the idiot turns it down to go to Africa and do missionary work? These people are nuts! They're totally nuts!"
"They have different priorities, daddy," Cheryl argued. "They don't value material wealth the way we do, the good they can do for others is far more important to them."
"Cheryl!" her mother snapped, "I'm getting really disturbed by how much you defend these people. I really must insist you stop associating with them so much! Rev. Ware has become aware of it, and has spoken to me twice. I assured him you're just being polite and courteous. These people are not our kind. We're good Christians. Please stay away from them!"
"I WILL NOT, mother!" Cheryl snapped. I won't be prejudice. They're decent people. Look how much good they're doing in the community! I will not shun them simply because they share a different view! I'm really surprised you ask me to!"
Her mother stared at her, opened mouthed. "That's quite enough, young lady!" her father put in. "That very nearly borders on disrespect! I understand your feelings, but respect your mother's wishes while you're in this house! "No!" Cheryl snapped, throwing down her fork, rising and leaving the table. Victor was taken back. His daughter had never said no to him, never! What were these people doing to his family? How could this be happening?
He later went to her room. Even before he spoke she did. "I'm sorry daddy! I know you and mother mean well, but I can't...I can't be rude to decent people just because they're different and I'm really surprised either one of you ask me to be!"
"Your mother's concerned, princess," her father answered. "the church is her life, and when people in it begin to criticize her children it upsets her. Try to understand. Just back off from these people a little bit. Don't be quite so suportive of them. You don't have to speak out against them, just don't come to their side on every issue. Remember, the people in this community are your friends. They have been your friends a lot longer than these strangers have."

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