Giving up Loving on

Ch. 1 Going to Church

Author's Note: I hope you'll give this story a shot. The religious information is mainly my own knowledge. Millie is based off my Sunday school teacher as a kid. This story won't really be focused around church more around Lent and the team. The main idea for this story came from my own giving something up for lent. This story will only be 15 chapters. I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading.

Cindy

(Penelope's point of view)

My friend Annabeth had asked me to attend church with her. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. She finally suggested I come to a Christian Rap and Rock concert they were having. It was amazing. I loved hearing some of my favorite songs redone and some hymns made into Rap and Rock songs.

I went to church with Annabeth the following Sunday. I found myself feeling at home. The church was St. Paul United Methodist Church. I became part of a new family. I now had a church family as well.

My team was quickly added to the prayer list. They also had a special prayer chain for when the team had a case. It felt good to have another support well two actually. I felt close to these people and to God. I knew this was a safe place.

I wasn't sure how the team would respond. I didn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable. I especially wasn't sure about telling Derek. He had struggled with his own faith. I finally decided to keep it quite for now. Even though I was suppose to Reach Up, Reach In, Reach Out.

"Millie it's Penelope." I said calling the church's activity director.

"Hello Dear. How are you?" She asked.

"I won't be able to make the pot luck or bible study tonight." I said.

"Oh no." She said.

"My team is on a new case in New Jersey." I responded.

"I'll add you and your team to the prayer chain and we'll say a special prayer for their safety tonight." Milie said.

"Thank you Millie." I said.

"God Bless and I'll hopefully see you Sunday." Millie said.

"Same to you and yes I'll be there." I responded before hanging up.

I was exhausted on Sunday when I arrived. Brother Joe noticed how tired I was. He commented that the team and I were in his prayers. He also said thank you to me and my team for making the country a safer place. Then he said that the two missing children were in his prayers. I was glad he has seen the press conference that Hotch had.

The music durign the service helped lift me up. It made me feel relaxed and happy. I headed into work after church. I was full of energy. I quickly found some information to help the team.

Derek called to give me good news. Both kids were found alive. I was so happy I cried. The team arrived in the evening. I had ordered pizza's. Everyone happily ate together. Then everyone started to leave for the night. Derek gave me a huge hug and thanked me for being light into the darkness.

The following Sunday J.J. wanted to meet up for breakfast. I polietly declined. Then she asked about lunch. I suggested dinner.

I wasn't sure why I didn't just tell her I was going to church and we were having a brunch right after. Church was as fulling as always. The brunch was so much fun. I loved spending time with everyone especially the kids.

Dinner at JJ's was awkward. JJ was very curious why I couldn't come over for breakfast or lunch. I didn't want to lie. I just said nothing. Then JJ and Will got into a argument. I felt strange being there. I noticed Henry in the doorway. I felt bad for my Godson who had his hands over his ears.

"Hey Henry." I said.

"Aunt P I'm sad." Henry said.

"It's okay sometimes adults disagree." I said.

"They yell at eachother all the time." Henry said trying not to cry.

"How about we go play?" I asked him.

"I want to play cars." Henry answered.

"I love cars I want the Mercedes." I said.

"I'll get my car track." Henry said.

Henry and I played for about 45 mintues. I could still hear Will and JJ in the distance. Henry was distracted by playign cars. The door slamed loduly. Henry jumped a little. I heard someone on the stairs. JJ was sobbing.

I told Henry I was going to go check on his Mommy. He said okay. He kept playing. I checked on JJ. JJ was so embrassed. She said that she and Will had been aruging a lot about work. He felt she was working too much. He said he had to do everything. JJ felt she was the one doing too much. She had her job Will didn't want to help with Henry at all when she was home. And JJ was responsible for all the laundry and housework.

JJ had went to talk to Henry. Derek text me he had ran into Will. Derek said Will was pissed and ran out of the bar. I told Derek a little bit of what happened. I could tell he was worried about JJ. JJ was like his little sister.

I helped JJ clean up. Then we got Henry ready for bed. I stayed until late. Will still wasn't home when I left. The next morning JJ said Will didn't come home. I was sad for her and Will. I added them to my prayers.