Running into love

Chapter 4: Southport Beach

*Tyler*

The night air is cool, but the atmosphere around the bonfire makes up for the weather. I haven't seen Lyla since she left the diner this morning. I was used to singing and playing guitar around a fire, but worshiping around the fire had a whole different feel to it. If I were to stay in Port Shepstone, I would definitely join the weekly B.W. My cell phone vibrated in my pocket, it was my brother calling me. "Hi Xavier, how are you?" We spoke on the phone for about 10 minutes catching up. This made me realize how much I miss my family. He told me about Cheryl's new house project that's driving him crazy, but dad taught us to always support our spouses no matter what. Cheryl loved taking on new projects around the house and she believed in doing everything yourself. My brother wasn't very good with his hands, but between the two of them the projects always ended in a success. I told him about Luke's family and for some crazy reason spoke more about Lyla then I should have and since he is such a good listener he picked up on it. I noticed Lyla walking on the beach just as he started questioning me about Lyla. "Listen Xav, I hate to cut this short, but I have to go." "Yeah, no worries, but you're not off the hook yet. I want to know more about this girl. Talk soon."

"Lyla, glad you could make it." I said noticing how stupid I sounded as if I invited her while it was the other way around. She responded with a smile and even though she was here her mind seemed to be elsewhere. We walked in silence on our way to the bonfire. She took a seat next to Jenny after greeting everyone. "So Sus, any song requests?" Luke asked his sister, but she just shook her head. Luke knew that something was going on with Lyla, but knew better than to ask with everyone around. Luke tried to lift her mood "Alright, since we are twins I am legally allowed to take her turn in requesting a song." Everyone laughed before Luke requested Diago to play "My Jesus" original sung by Anne Wilson;

"Are you past the point of weary?

Is your burden weighin' heavy?

Is it all too much to carry?

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

Do you feel that empty feeling?

'Cause shame's done all its stealin'

And you're desperate for some healin'

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

He makes a way where there ain't no way

Rises up from an empty grave

Ain't no sinner that He can't save

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

His love is strong and His grace is free

And the good news is I know that He

Can do for you what He's done for me

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

And let my Jesus change your life

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Amen

Amen

Who can wipe away the tears

From broken dreams and wasted years

And tell the past to disappear? Oh

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

And all the wrong turns that you would

Go and undo if you could

Who can work it all for your good

Let me tell you about my Jesus

He makes a way where there ain't no way

Rises up from an empty grave

Ain't no sinner that He can't save

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

His love is strong and His grace is free

And the good news is I know that He

Can do for you what He's done for me

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

And let my Jesus change your life

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Amen

Amen, Amen

Who would take my cross to Calvary?

Pay the price for all my guilty?

Who would care that much about me?

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus, oh

He makes a way where there ain't no way

Rises up from an empty grave

Ain't no sinner that He can't save

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

His love is strong and His grace is free

And the good news is I know that He

Can do for you what He's done for me

Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

And let my Jesus change your life

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah, amen

Amen

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Let my Jesus change your life"

Lyla joined in after the first chores and I was amazed at her voice. At the end of B.W. James asked if there were any prayer requests. Lyla briefly explained that she was working in a new case and would like for the group to pray that God would provide her with the wisdom needed in this case. James took the lead praying, while he was praying and sneaked a peak at Lyla. I noticed her whipping tears away. I didn't like seeing her hurt. She and Luke took a walk while on the beach. Most of the young adults left, leaving only the people from breakfast. Diago and James gave us a short version of their stand up comedian performance for Thursday night's Talent competition at the church. Luke and Lyla returned to the group. Luke took a seat next to me putting his hand over my shoulder "Alright Ty, B.W. is over, how about you play us some country songs? Lyla, you up for giving Ty a run for his money." Lyla looked my way. Jenny got excited saying a little bit to load "Please do a duet!" Luke laughed at Jenny's excitement, the way he looked at Jenny was mesmerizing. "Not tonight Jen, maybe next time." Lyla said. I decided to try and lift her mood so I started playing on the guitar "There's a new wind blowin' like I've never known

I'm breathin' deeper than I've ever done

And it sure feels good

To finally feel the way I do

Now I wanna love somebody, love somebody like you

An' I'm lettin' go of all my lonely yesterdays

I've forgiven myself for the mistakes I've made

Now there's just one thing

The only thing I wanna do, mmhmm

Everyone joined in singing along.

"I wanna love somebody, love somebody like you

Yeah, I wanna feel the sunshine

Shinin' down on me and you

When you put your arms around me

You let me know there's nothing in this world I can't do….."

On our way back to the cars Luke asked if I would mind driving home with Lyla. Apparently she got threatened by some guy and she'a pretty shaken up about it. She handed me the keys and we followed Luke home. On our way home Lyly tried her best to start a conversation with me but her mind wandered off until she stopped talking to me and we drove in silence.

******

*Lyla*

I really didn't want Tyler to think I couldn't handle my job, but I was pretty shaken up about the threat. This case just started and I couldn't help but feel frightened over it. When we arrived home I greeted mom and dad and went up to the toy room. I took a long shower trying to turn my mind. At two I still haven't gotten any sleep so I decided to go sit outside on the patio. "Couldn't sleep?"

A voice came from a manly silhouette sitting on the bench. "Nope, why are you up?" I asked Tyler. "I couldn't sleep either. There was a moment of comfortable silence between us. It was nice having someone out here with me. I wasn't alone, but it felt okay sharing my night time with him. "I like watching the stars. It reminds me of how big God is and how small we are." Tyler said, breaking the silence. "Coming out here at night helps me think. Putting things in perspective." I replied. I think Tyler could pick up that I was stressed. "Tell you what. Why don't you go make us some of your famous coffee. Then you could tell me all about your day. Seems to me that some talking will do you good and I have two working ears. Which means I will be a good listener." We got up and went down to the kitchen. Tyler took a seat by the pool while making coffee. I told him what I was allowed to say without breaking any ethical laws. He listened to the whole story before he spoke. "Lyla, it seems to me you have a tough case you're working on. Just remember that God will let everything work out for the best of you." "I know, thank you for reminding me." I said before taking his empty cup and placing it in the sink with mine. "We better get some rest. Are you joining me on my morning run later?" "Sure, but only if I am allowed to join in the swimming afterwards. I have to admit the pool was pretty tempting last time." "Sure, see you at 6." I said before heading up to my room.