Left Behind: TT Style

Here's the next chapter folks! I'm able to write so much because this is summertime, so NO SCHOOL! WOOT! Anyways, when September comes around, my updates will take longer, as I will have work on schoolwork, have band practices (Youth group band, (I play lead guitar) Sunday worship band (I play keyboard) and school band (I play tuba or saxophone)) and piano lessons (Please don't laugh. I need at least Grade 8 Royal Conservatory to get a music degree).

Now, thanks to reviewers for this story and my songfic, Zero.

Left Behind Reviews

Titansfan45- Nice to know someone will enjoy this! I think 'long story requiring much work' is a bit of an understatement. Heh heh. I will do my best to continue writing.

I'mARockStar- Was it really that confusing? I had put to read BehindmyBlueeyes' story first. But it's good to know you like it! Haha.

SarcasmQueen1- Thanks! I loved the story too and when I saw the A/N at the end of the story, I practically screamed, "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?" I hope that answered my own question! Haha. If you liked this story, look up JesusFreak9. I can't remember the name of the story, but Star's a Christian and converts the others. It was really good!

BehindmyBlueeyes77- Ah, the creator herself! Many thanks for letting me continue this awesome story idea. It's great to know you like my work. Thanks again!

Zero Reviews

Brix- Thanks for the review! But, what if I don't want a cookie, huh?

Anyways, onto the chapter!

Chapter 6

The Unexpected Phone Call

After dinner had finished and the dishes were put away, the group started talking about anything that popped into their heads. Mia grabbed a deck of cards and shuffled the cards, dealing them out for a game of Pass The Ace (A/N: If you haven't played the game before, I'll post the rules next time).

"So, Victor, you going to play the tape you got mailed in from Pastor Bruce tomorrow in the service?" Dick asked, passing his card to Mia, who groaned.

Victor flipped up his King of Hearts when Mia tried to pass to him a two of clubs. "Ya, probably, if I can get that stupid video projector to work." He laughed, seeing the only person who with a high card was Jake, with a Queen of Spades. "Think you can gimme a hand with it Dick?" He scooped up the cards, shuffled them into the deck and passed them out for another round.

"Sure thing, Vic. Any idea what's wrong with it?" He looked at his card, passing it to Mia, who laughed and flipped up her King.

Victor thought for a second. "Not really. I'm beginning to think it needs a new fan. It always overheats, but the repair guy said it was in working order." He peeked at his card and passed to Rachel, who reluctantly gave up her Jack for his ace.

The phone rang out in the living room. Mia pushed back her chair to go answer it. "Back in a sec. Don't start a new hand without me!" She ran out and picked up the phone, saying, "Grayson residence. Mia speaking." She listened for a second, then asked, "Can you hold on for a second? I'll get him." Mia put the phone down and walked to the kitchen door. "Dad, phone call. Someone named Terra. Says you know her."

Dick nodded. "I'll take it. She's an old friend." He smiled, seeing Victor's big grin. Dick pushed back from the table, rising to take the call. He walked over to the phone quickly, picking it up and said, "Terra? Long time no see. Can you hold on another second? I'm going to get Victor and Rachel, I'm sure they will want to talk to you too." He listened for a second, nearly falling over with surprise. "You're where?" Listened for a second. "The pay phone at the homeless shelter? What happened?"

Rachel and Victor came in now, asking, "Homeless shelter?"

Dick held up a finger, signaling for a minute. "Terra, I'm going to put you on speaker phone so everyone can hear. One sec." He hit the speaker button and put the phone back in its cradle.

Terra's voice came out of the speaker, a bit tinny. "Well, my house was destroyed by robbers when I wasn't home and my husband was taken in the Rapture and my nearest relative is my second cousin, who lives in Idaho, but she's in heaven too." She paused for a second and the phone clinked. "Sorry, had to put in another quarter. Anyways, the rest of James' family was taken in the Rapture, so I'm all alone. I don't have any more money when this quarter runs out, so I'm just bumming it here."

"Terra, you're coming to stay with us. No arguments. I'm coming to pick you up now. Stay put." He heard her "OK" him, but he was already grabbing the keys and his jacket, bursting out the door. He yanked the door open and jammed the key into the ignition. The engine turned over and caught. The van roared into reverse, then jammed into gear and sped down the road towards the homeless shelter. Cars and houses whizzed past, some of the drivers honking in protest.

Fifteen reckless minutes later, he pulled into the homeless shelter parking lot, seeing a small blonde figure by the payphone. Terra looked bigger, but you could tell she had lost some weight lately.

Dick jumped out, ran over and gave her a hug. "Why didn't you call sooner? I could have picked you up days ago." He smiled at her and she fidgeted.

"I couldn't find your name in the phone book. The thing is four years old. I finally used the operator and I had to go through, like 20 Richard/Dick Grayson's." She growled and took at deep breath to calm herself down. "I'm okay, just let me grab my stuff." She came out hauling a suitcase, torn and tattered, one of the front storage compartments holding on by a thread.

Dick opened the trunk and put the suitcase in, asking, "How did you get this stuff? I thought your house was burned down." He opened the door for her and went around to climb into the driver seat.

Terra replied, "Yes, it was. I was out of town, visiting some of my college friends in Denver. When I came back, the house was burned down and I couldn't find anyone. The neighbors said James disappeared right off the lawn tractor. It sat on the lawn idling for an hour before someone stole the thing." She looked out the window, her reflection looking back at her. Blonde hair, blue eyes, small mouth, small nose.

"Well, it's nice to know you're okay. You can stay with the others at my place." Dick drove on, staring out the windshield at the oncoming traffic.

"How's Star doing? Haven't heard from you guys in a while."

Dick took a minute before responding. "She left me behind, Terra. She tried to convince me, but I wouldn't listen, me being the stubborn fool I am. Now I just wish I had listened. Maybe if I could go back and rewrite time, I'd be in heaven, singing praises to God, instead of driving you home to my place." He drove on, blinking a few times to clear back tears. "I'm sure Vic and Rae would both agree with me there."

Terra asked, "Vic's left behind? But, he's the pastor of the church for crying out loud! Bee got taken and he's sitting around on his butt?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone there. I'm really sorry about Kori. The kids must be devastated."

"Kid. Mia's here with me and Rae's son, Jake." He cleared his throat. "Bobby's gone." Dick pulled into the driveway and parked the van, opening the trunk so Terra could pull her stuff out. He locked the doors using the auto locker in his key chain and held the door open for her as she carried her stuff in. "Guys, we're back!" he called in, bringing Rachel and Victor out to greet an old friend.

Rachel smiled at Terra. "Long time no see." She hugged Terra and asked, "How you been holding up lately?"

"Fine, I guess. Heard about Gar. I'm so sorry. He was a cool guy and you deserved each other." She smiled sympathetically and moved over to hug Victor. "Wassup Tin Man?"

He laughed. "Who you calling Tin Man, Toothpick?" He playfully punched her in the shoulder.

Terra laughed and asked, "So, I'd love to continue this conversation, but if you haven't noticed, I kinda stink. I'm gonna go grab a shower and I'll meet you downstairs later."

"Sure. Follow me and I'll show you your room and then you can shower. Washer and dryer are downstairs in the basement." Dick began climbing the stairs, Terra carrying her bag behind him. He pushed open the door to Tommy's old room, a tear coming to his eye.

"You can stay in Tommy's room." He wiped his eye and turned to leave when Terra grabbed in and pulled him into a hug.

"It's okay, Dick. He'll be in good hands, after all, he's in heaven!" She smiled at him and plopped her suitcase down on the bed, turning to go to the washroom to freshen up as Dick went back downstairs, smiling to himself.

About ten minutes later, Terra came back downstairs, hair damp and dressed in clean clothes. They moved into the living room, Rachel bringing in a few chairs from the kitchen to accommodate those who didn't get furniture. Terra retold her story and explained that she believed God existed, went to church, even led the youth group, but she hadn't asked the Lord into her heart.

Dick smiled. "Would you like to ask Jesus into your life, Terra? I already have, so I know when I die or the Lord comes back again, I'll be ready."

She replied, "I'm not sure yet. I need some time to think about it, if that's okay."

"No problem. Take your time. Juts so you know, we're all going to church Sunday morning. You're welcome to join us." Juts then, Dick noticed Mia and Jake weren't there. "Where did the kids get to?"

Rachel answered, "I think they're getting 'better acquainted.' No, they're not doing anything inappropriate. I said they could take the van out for a date. They gave me their destination, Jake has his cell phone and I told them be back before 10."

Dick sighed. "I would have preferred you asked me before giving Mia permission to go. She's my daughter."

Vic looked at him and stated, "Dick, she's 14, she can handle herself. Jake's a responsible young man anyways. He knows how to treat women. You should have seen him in the terminal. He was flirting up a storm, but in a good way. He even lead a few girls in the sinner's prayer."

Dick smiled to himself. "Alright, but next time, please ask me first."

The group began chatting about old memories and playing cards on the table.

Well, that's the next chapter. Hope ya'll enjoyed! Next chapter will be Jake and Mia's date. Things will get a bit weird, trust me!

Also, I'm looking for a beta reader. If you are interested, please add me to your MSN.

Again I say, please put something FanFiction related in your name so I know not to block you. We'll have a chat.

For now,

Love, peace and chicken grease!

Dash