A FAITH CRISIS

CHAPTER TWO

"When Christ shall come, with shouts if acclamations and take me home, what joy shall fill my soul" Pastor Paul's voice deep and richly toned voice filled the sanctuary with a voice that carried emotion and most especially a knowing, a knowing that the Lord was coming back and he was coming back for Him. Sara admired him so much. He was her mentor and an amazing father figure though her dad was such a good father she had a special spot for her pastor. He had been a key person in her transformation.

After the service, she went to see Daniel and his parents at he church office. "Hello Sweetie" A voice came from behind her. She turned around to see Pastor Rebecca. The sweetest woman she had ever known. She always had a smile on her face and was full of grace and poise and not to mention she was quite stunning for a woman in her late 40's. She was fair and had silky, smooth hair with touches of grey in her temple. "Good evening ma'am, I really enjoyed the service this evening and I am sure it was my favorite person that added a few touches to the programs" "Well it is good to spice things up isn't it? Hope you are getting better at that algebra" "I don't really have a choice do I? I...." She was about to add more when Daniel interrupted. "So what are my two favorite women talking about?" He said putting his arms on both their shoulders as he came in between them. "Oh not much really just how annoying and needy you are" Sara teased. "Oh my God you are so funny" He replied sarcastically while she rolled her eyes. Taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere, Daniel thought now would be the best chance. "Hey mom, emm I'll be going out this evening. I'll be back at ten" Daniel said while giving Sara a sort of 'Help me out' look. "Oh where are you going to?" "Just to hang with some friends probably at the mall" He said rubbing the back of his neck. Sara immediately knew he was lying but why would he? She then remembered the party. Of course the party that Riley had invited him to. Why would he go out of his way to go for a party that she invited him to? "Do I know these friends?" Pastor Rebecca asked. She was a little bit overprotective of him and she had every right to be he was her baby after all. The last of her three children and now he was a senior. Her home would finally be empty she was excited for him after all, his life would really begin after summer but she was so sad as well that the baby boy she held in her arms in the days which felt like yesterday had grown up to be a strong and handsome young man. She just had to hope that all she had taught him would finally pay off. "Not all of them, but Sara will be there, won't you Sara?" He asked her with a desperate look in his eyes. It wasn't like him to lie but he had stuck his neck out for her many times. It was about time she did the same. "Yes I will. Remind me where we are going again?" She teased intentionally putting him in a tight spot. "We talked about this didn't we?" He said pleading with his eyes as he walked over to put his arm around her "Yes but I can't quite remember" She said with a small smile playing on her lips. He trained his eyes down to look at her and she felt a light squeeze on her shoulder as he whispered "Please" "I'm going with him" She assured his mother. "Thank you" He mouthed and her lips pulled up into a small smile.

"We'll be back at 10" "Alright you guys have fun" Sara had a few more minutes with Pastor Rebecca and when she came out the door, Daniel was standing there looking like a lost puppy. "Wow you must really want to go for this party" She said wide eyed at her friend's desperation. "Yeah...Wait how did you know we were going for a party?" He asked shocked. "Because I am not stupid. I saw you talking to Riley today" She admitted boldly pausing only to look at his face. He had guilt in his eyes and then let out a sigh. "Listen I know...." He was saying as Sara interrupted him with worry in her tone. "Listen Daniel I am just trying to look out for you I have been friends with those girls. They are trying to use you isn't it obvious? Who knows what they are up to now? I just...I just don't want you to get hurt" She said now looking up into his eyes. His dark brown eyes were now smiling. Very typical of him to laugh when something serious was happening. He was a child at heart which was why she was warning him because he was probably going to get hurt. She placed her hand on his shoulder. She had to admit he was quite attractive with those broad shoulders. It was weird to think that the boy she used to be taller than was now about six foot tall, she used to be able to lift him now she couldn't even dream about it. He had grown up to be a fine young man with taunt muscles and a handsome face. No wonder Riley was interested in him all of a sudden. "I know" Daniel said. "I know about Riley and her friends. Gosh I really am shocked at how simple minded you think I am. She came into me probably thinking I was some poor, gullible kid. I know what they are doing but why not take the opportunity to walk on the wild side you know, it's about time we have some experiences don't you think?" He said with a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. "Wow I didn't know that brain actually worked" She said laughing. "Come with me though, it will be cool plus I want you to meet someone tonight" He said while pulling her arm. "Umm I don't know" She stammered while trying to release her hand from his grip. "Well you don't have a choice at this point, you promised" He said grabbing her arm again and running toward the church's parking lot. "Unfortunately" She replied with a sigh not resisting.

As they reached the parking lot, she saw Allison standing by Daniel's car. "Wait you're coming too?" "Well of course I wouldn't let you have all the fun without me" She smirked. "I called her. She brought some clothes" Daniel said as Allison waved the little bag she had brought along with her. "I don't know about this guy's I don't really want to. Plus it's a weekend...I deserve rest" Sara said taking a few steps back. "Come on Sara, I'll be there and Victor will too" Allison whined. "Please" Daniel and Allison said simultaneously. "Fine I'll do it" She sighed. Deep down she was actually happy to be going to this party. She missed living like this, having fun and being carefree maybe she really was being hard on herself. The last three years in her life had been turbulent after she lost her brother. Her brother had been her rock. Steven. Each time she thought about him, a familiar pain gripped her chest and she had become so used to it at the time it was impossible to live without it. Though she never wanted to admit it because it would seem like a consolidation, her brother had lived an inspirational life though cut short way too early, cancer was a deadly thing. It changed her strong, cocky, cheerful and lively brother into a shadow of himself and on his hospital bed, he had encouraged her to live to her's fullest. It was just so hard. It had been a downward spiral into depression. She looked for ways to make herself happy and tried everything she could she was just 15 so there weren't a lot of options to ease the pain. She did pull through. Daniel had always been there and well she did have popularity but it became toxic and when she hit her all time low, her parents had tried everything to get her back from doctors to therapy it just didn't work and then one fateful day, Daniel had invited her to church and there her life changed. The pain never went away it was just easier to deal with because now she had hope but she still felt lonely, living with a constant burden in her heart. Her best friend was gone, her brother and for as long as she lived she would never see Steven again. But then there was faith, faith helped her through the tough times, hope made her get up in the morning and love. Love kept her going.

In twenty minutes, she was dressed in a short lacy blue gown that stopped mid thigh showing off her legs and ankle boots she had worn from earlier in the day. Her long hair was let down on her back and face with a leather jacket to finish off the look. Allison had gone the extra mile to apply some makeup which Sara wasn't exactly a fan of. Smokey eyes to highlight her hazels, and a simple lip gloss. "I mean....Wow!" Daniel exclaimed as he felt his blood grow warm. He could barely look away and had to keep himself from looking like a total i***t his throat went dry and his heart beat faster as she took a few steps closer. He couldn't believe how much things had changed between them. A few years ago she was taller than him and quite skinny fast forward down the line and she was now a tall beautiful brunette, he loved her hair he'd always told her that. Wavy and full especially when she let it down like tonight, her hazel eyes causing a perfect contrast to her dark hair not to mention she was quite voluptuous. Sara blushed at the expression on his face. She felt flattered that he thought she was pretty but she felt bad when she saw Allison look down. "Thanks Allison" She said hugging her. Allison saw the exchange between Daniel and Sara and it made her somewhat jealous. If only he could notice her like that, she didn't have bad blood with Sara but it made her feel bad that although boys don't flock around her, the one every girl or at least she wanted was drooling over her she was too caught up in her world to even notice. Of course boys can ask me out except the one I actually like. She thought. It hurt but she didn't want to ruin her evening. "You're welcome" She replied wrapping her arms around Sara. Allison wore a cropped top with a pair of ripped jeans and some sneakers and her hair packed up in a bun.

"I am so nervous" Sara said holding her stomach. "It'll be fine you look awesome thanks to yours truly" Allison said reassuring her. "Yeah girls it'll be fine" Victor said from behind them. "Wow Sara you look hot! Oh I can't wait to see the people drooling over you tonight and Allison you look different you're prettier for some reason" He said inspecting her features intently. "Why I....." Allison said holding up her arm to smack him. Daniel was irritated now because Victor was right. He couldn't stand knowing that she looked beautiful tonight, knowing that all sorts of guys would want to talk to her made him uneasy with rage but he couldn't wrap his head around one thing. Why did he care so much? They were just friends right? It didn't matter though, he had Racheal and he was happy wasn't he? He thought about his girlfriend he had asked her out two months ago. Racheal.

He remembered how they'd met and a small smile formed on his lips.

He was at the froyo store he and his friends so loved. He was standing on the line. The store had been somewhat empty that day it was just two of them ordering. "Two scoops of mint ice cream please" "Mint huh?" "You got a problem with that?" He raised up his arms innocently "No ma'am" He chuckled lightly. "It's just rare to see people like my favorite ice cream flavor" "Ooooh my apologies you know us mint lovers have to stay together it's a cruel world out there" She laughed and he laughed along. It was then he noticed those ocean blue eyes and her straight dirty blonde hair falling like curtains over her face. "Well if you give me your number I'll be sure we stick together you know, as mint lovers" "Oh you're smooth" Daniel couldn't help but laugh. "Well you are cute" She flirted. It had begun there. They'd texted for weeks though they didn't get to see each other often as she went to a fancy prep school on the other side of town called Hearst Academy. The distance between them had contributed to their thin communication. He didn't want to lead them on he had made the first move after all. He was going to have to try so he had invited her to the party tonight.

Even though he really liked Racheal, Daniel couldn't understand why a huge part of him was connected to Sara, they shared something deeper, so deep, so real and almost unfathomable, he couldn't deny it any longer....he loved her. As dumb as it sounded especially when he played it back in his own head seeing as they were just 17, He was in love with her but he couldn't hurt Racheal or bear the rejection from Sara when he finally confessed his feelings to her. He would however need to make the decision sooner or later but sooner would not to be tonight he was going to have fun and lots of it for once without being told to worry about his father. Daniel was tired of trying to live up to his father's reputation. All his life he had been called the preacher's kid and as much as he did love and respect his father it was time to carve out his own path. He loved that about his new 'friends' they didn't judge him and allowed him to experience everything a normal teenager would. "Why do I feel so we nervous?" Sara repeated snapping Daniel out of his thinking state. "You'll be fine I mean what's the worst that could happen?" "Umm guys the party is in there not out here" Victor said already heading towards the door. "Alright let's do this" Daniel said on a shaky breath and placed his finger on the door bell. Sara was shocked to see who was at the door. It was none other than Abigail Wilson her former friend who ditched her because she met Riley as if that was the only reason. She was definitely repulsed by her faith in God and discarded her like a piece of cloth. Quite frankly Sara didn't need her in her life not after all that had been said and done. Abigail and Sara had been friends though out pre school, grade school and even middle school but then they got into high school and everything changed. Abigail wanted be cooler and more popular and in order to maintain it, she had to do something nasty as often as possible just to keep her name in mouths. She was still a virgin but active in so many ways it was as though she had a new boyfriend every month. She acted like she didn't know Sara which strained their relationship. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months and eventually, it turned into two years. They didn't talk anymore and it even stopped being weird when they saw each other. Of all the people Daniel could have been friends with it had to be her. She was so pissed but she couldn't blame him it was a long time ago and he didn't know the full details. "Hey, I'm so glad you could make it" Abigail said hugging Daniel then she waved at Allison and Victor seeing Sara, she looked away. "Well that was awkward" Victor whispered. "Yeah look at her pretending that you don't exist" Allison budded in clearly annoyed. "Maybe I should leave" Sara said clearly backing out. "Come in guys" Daniel said cheerfully. How could he be this insensitive? She thought to herself. Even though she hadn't told him much about what happened she did recall telling him about a friend she had a fight with and she did say the name. How many students in Westfield High could possibly be named Abigail?

As she took a few steps back, she bumped into an arm and nearly tripped and the strong arm held her. She looked up trying to identify the tall figure his face hidden due to the dim lighting. He held her shoulders firmly. "Come on Sara let's go" Then he let go and moved ahead with a girl beside him. "Sara" The voice sounded so familiar, she looked up to see Abigail "Come in" She walked up to where she stood and looked at her. So many things were unsaid and the air was stiff, the tension in between them screamed. "Thank you" Sara replied and walked past her. As she stepped into the house, the smell of alcohol filled her nostrils with a hint of pot. As she moved in, she kept getting stares even from the usual making out couple at a party. "Well so much for not liking attention Sara" Allison said her on the back. "I'm gonna get some soda you want one?" "Yeah sure" She replied. Standing there alone, she looked around for her friends, Daniel was talking to Abigail in a group of some other people and Victor had disappeared long ago. So there she was fading into the background while everyone else was involved in empty conversations. Ugh! I shouldn't have come here She said to herself looking down at her shoes to keep herself from the disgusting sight of a couple going way beyond first base. She let her eyes move around the room once again feeling out of place. She had promised Daniel to stay but she really couldn't though she wasn't one to go back on her word, this party brought back so many memories, memories she so desperately wanted to forget. She shut her eyes tight and made the decision to leave seeing as Daniel was pulled into a conversation from across the room where she stood. He wouldn't notice her gone. She looked around once again for Allison but could find her. I'll just text her

'HEY, I CAN'T SEE YOU AND I'M LEAVING I SHOULDN'T HAVE LET YOU TALK ME INTO THIS. ILL SEE YOU TOMORROW'

She looked up from her phone and saw someone staring from opposite where she stood. A bunch if girls were flocking around him trying to get his attention, shoving their buddies and flexing their cleavages in his face but he couldn't be more unperturbed he looked so bored as though he had been forced there. His brown eyes looked tired but the moment they fixed on her, they became intense with a hint of curiosity. They're eyes locked and when they did, it felt like his glued her feet to the floor. He stood, never once taking his eyes off of her. Standing at six foot and two inches tall with broad shoulders and a perfect dark tanned skin. His black curly locks, Of course they're wet is this a Tv commercial? Her brain racked as she struggled internally not only with the emotions rising in her, but with her conscience. Had she not done good in guarding her heart? He had worn a fitting round neck T-shirt that framed his body making his toned muscles stand out as well as his perfectly sculpted abs. He begun to walk and Sara felt her heart jolt. She breathed faster as he came closer and just then, Allison came in between them Way to go Allison She didn't know whether to be happy or sad as she saw him curve to go up the stairs. "Hey don't leave yet, you promised" Allison whined as Sara gazed up the stairs. Allison snapped her fingers in the air trying to get her attention. "Hello? Earth to Sara. Jeez where do you always drift off to?" Allison said rolling her eyes. "Somewhere far away from you that's for sure" Victor teased as he passed by,. sipping the can if soda in his hand. "That's it" Allison yelled clearly annoyed as she went after him "Don't leave okay?" Another distant yell came from her this time directed to Sara. "I told you...." Sara heard her say to Victor as they disappeared from the room. She looked around once again not being able to spot Daniel. Okay I need to get some fresh air. She went up the stairs and into the balcony. Leaning her head against the wall, she heard a voice say, "Well I was wondering when you would get here"

She started at it and then she took a few breaths and lifted up her head to search from whence the voice came and her eyes widened when she found it's owner.

It was him.....