Okay, well. As I was writing my note saying that I would update after Christmas a little virus decide to slip into my computer and double a bunch of memory guzzling programs. Well, my hard drive was basically shot. Fortunately, I have a computer nerd for a dad and he swooped in and saved my documents and music! YAY DAD! Of course, as you can tell, it took quite awhile. First we has to wait for them to deliver a new hard drive which took up the most time. Then we (we, meaning my dad) had to fix it. Anyway, long devastating story short, I can write and update now! I'm sorry to Olivia. I;m still here, trust me. And I also made this chapter longer for Hollybaby390. Well I hope you like!!!!

Sunday Brunch

"Please, Jeremy. I want you to stop!" I whimpered. Of course, he did not listen. He never did. His whole body was pressing me down. He had my arms pinned above my head as he continued. I let out another whimper.

"Shut up." He demanded menacingly, his hands icy on my skin. The pain in my body was bearable; it was the pain in my heart that was excruciating. We were lying in the middle of a football field and surrounded by fog. I felt utterly alone, even with Jeremy. Suddenly, someone was shouting, calling my name. It was so faint that I thought I had imagined it, but they shouted again. I tried to answer, only to be stopped by Jeremy's hand to my mouth. He swore under his breath. I could see a figure running towards us, still shouting. I could not see his face. It was all blurry like the static on the television. Jeremy rose off me and approached the figure, fists clenched.

I tried to get up, wanted to see who this person was. Whoever it was made the pain go away entirely. I was only filled with hope, and determination. I slowly rose, hobbling on an injured leg, completely forgetting how it got hurt in the first place. I tried to walk forward as I saw the two figures clash, but the second my bad leg touched ground to support my weight, pain blazed my ankle. I yelped and keeled over in pain, returning to the soft grass with a thud.

"Tally!" cried a masculine voice, concern filling every letter. I looked up at the approaching figure. Where had Jeremy gone? Turning my head, I saw a clump on the ground where the figure had come from. The person was above me now still blurry as static. He was holding out his hand to me. I slowly reached up my own to his blurry fingers. Then we touched.

I woke up with a start, my hand still grasping at the empty air above my head. I looked around my bedroom, slowly collecting my thoughts. The dream or nightmare really, started out as it had everyday since Jeremy took me behind that store. It was different this time though. Jeremy usually just finished, and then left me lying on the field until I would wake up, unable to stand the misery.

However, that person came this time; he came and took away the pain. And his hands. His hands literally felt like silk on my skin, with a slightly icy feeling. I felt the way a burn feels, right before it actually hurts. That is what woke me up. I wanted nothing more than to go back and know who my savior was.

I glance at my bedside clock. 8:00 am. Slowly, I got out of bed and trudged my way to the shower. I had to get to church by 9:00 for choir practice. After washing off, I changed into a knee length khaki skirt and a blue cardigan sweater over a light blue tank top. I made my way downstairs and into the kitchen. My father's coffee mug sat on the table empty. He probably already went off to work at one of hid jobs. I regretted not being able to see him a lot, because our schedules completely overlapped each other. One reason why we were slowly drifting apart.

After eating a bowl of cheerios and a glass of orange juice, I gathered my hymnal and started walking towards my church, twenty blocks away. I honestly enjoy walking to church but Rob insists on driving me there every Sunday that he can. He is not in the choir but he still comes to service if he doesn't have work. That's where he is now. I don't think I can count how many times he apologized for not being able to take me. I smiled at the memory.

Jeremy had been especially standoffish the rest of last night after meeting Drew. Drew. I smiled again. What is coming over me?

I finally reached the church, a beautiful stone building made in 1901. I always loved it here. Upon entering the choir room, I was greeted by another choir member Wayne, an incredibly tall bass singer, who had decided with his wife never to have kids. Marianne, a twenty-some year old women, was sitting in another chair right next to mine.

"Tally, so nice to see you so happy!" she exclaimed as some ten other members walked in, "You looked terribly depressed last week." I only answered with a smile, afraid of what I might say. Suddenly, our very short, organist pranced into the room.

"So, so very sorry I'm late. My grandson was in terror mode this morning. Okay now, we will be singing, On Eagle's Wings." He said sitting in front of the piano. "Ready, one, two, three, and." We began singing.

About fifteen minutes later, the fifteen of us walked into the chapel, dressed in flowing red robes. We sat to the right of the altar. I, as usual, sat right next to a stained glass window. Marianne sat next to me with a smile. After the opening confession, we all began to feel the effects of the broken air conditioner. We were already sweating in our robes. Marianne leaned over.

"Why don't you open the window a bit?" she asked. I turned to open it. The window was divided into four, beautifully stained sections. The bottom two could pull open towards me. I decided to only open the one directly next to me just to make sure we didn't start getting cold.

Pastor John finished his sermon about the travels of John the Baptist, an intriguing man. "Now, please listen to our choir, I dare say they have worked hard on this song." He said gesturing to our section. Hard? We sang this song for the first time two weeks ago, and we only practice on Sundays right before church. Everyone got up and sauntered up into formation. They were all used to my insistence on staying in the back where I would get the smallest sensation of stage fright.

When we finished our song, the whole congregation rose to do another hymn. The organ was blaring away, but I could still here a voice calling my name. I was afraid for a moment that this might be a twisted version of my dream at first. But when I turned to the window, I let out a gasp. There, in all his glory, stood Drew, gallantly made up in church wear. I didn't think he could look any better then in his band wear. Boy was I wrong. He motioned me to come closer. I bent down.

"Good morning, Tally." He said smiling.

"WH…What are you doing here?" I asked incredulously. His smile grew wider.

"Well, I figured I needed to make, you know, my confessions to the Lord, and of course, the fact that this is also your church was a very fortuitous surprise."

"How did you know this is my church?"

"A little robin told me." He chuckled.

"Robin?" I asked, thoroughly confused. "Why are you here?" I asked again.

"I already told you, I'm here to con-"

"No, I mean, why are you standing outside the window?"

"Ah, hmm, good question. Well, I give in, I was sitting in the furthest pew but I simply could not wait any longer to talk to you, and you were so conveniently sitting right next to this window." He answered with his dazzling smile.

"Well I hope you enjoy yourself."

"Oh, I am. But, you know what would make this experience even better?" he inquired, a sly expression on his face.

"What would that be?" I returned suspiciously. He leaned in closer as the hymn ended. It was completely silent in the church. We must have started a prayer, I thought. I just looked at Drew the whole time, and he looked right back. His eyes did this shimmering thing that makes people catch their breath, including myself.

"Tally, dear, pay attention." Said Marianne, as she nudged me in the side. I literally jumped out of my seat and squeaked. This made it certain that every single pair of eyes were on me. Luckily, Pastor John saw my distress and quickly continued with the prayer. I looked back at Drew and gave him an accusing look. He only chuckled.

"So, what did you want?" I whispered, making his need to lean, almost into the window.

"Go to brunch with me?" he asked. I was taken aback. Brunch? With him? Was I ever in a sticky situation.

"Drew, I ca- I shouldn't." I said reluctantly.

"Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda." He brushed off. "It's just an innocent short stack of pancakes…or French toast." I was about to rebut but he stopped me. "Pertty, Pertty Please?"

"I…."

"Here, I make this easy. If you say yes right now, I will go back to my pew quietly and wait until the end of the service. If, however, you say no, well, let's just say everyone will be looking at you again."

"That is not fair."

"Is the prospect of going to brunch with me really that terrible?"

"No, it's not that, I want to, it's just…"

"Great! I'll see you after church." He said quickly doing that salute thing he did the first night we met. I guess he took that answer as a yes. I silently prayed that Jeremy would stay home and just stay away. I was doing something that I should not and it could have dire consequences.

Φ

She was just as beautiful as ever. It was so hard to imagine she would hurt herself. I intended to make her feel unbelievably good about herself, so perhaps she wouldn't attempt to do anything again. I made a mental note this morning to never take directions from Rob ever again. 'Just go to the Church on the White Horse Pike,' he said. Little did I know that there are over eight churches along the White Horse Pike, and I looked in three before I found the right one. Map-quest will do just fine next time.

The final hymn began and the choir got up to lead it along. Tally, as she did for the choir's song, stood in back out of view. That's why I went to the window. I actually was standing out there since the beginning of church. She had such a beautiful voice as she seemingly put her heart and soul into the lyrics. I could listen to her sing all day and be perfectly content.

I took my seat again in the farthest pew just as the final hymn ended.

"Go in peace, serve the Lord." chanted the Pastor.

"Thanks be to God." Replied the congregation, before gathering their belongings. Everyone begun their way to the doors, but the choir went through a side door, most likely to the choir room. I slowly made my way up the isle, towards the alter, and then leaned on the front pew, hands in my pockets.

About two minutes later, the side door opened again. I turned and thought I was looking upon an angel. Tally's blue sweater made her blue eyes pop and sparkle in the dim lighting. She was biting her lower lip as she approached.

"Hey, there." I said quietly.

"Hey back."

"Come on." I said starting down the isle.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Out to eat."

"I know that. But where?"

"Well, hmm, you know your way around more than I do. Where is the best place?" I asked.

"Well, I guess, the Black Horse Diner, it's the closest." She said, as we stepped outside into the light. I noticed her glance around nervously.

"Looking for someone?" I asked, startling her.

"Well, yes, but I don't want to see them." She admitted. I didn't have to guess whom she was talking about. We approached my car, a jet black Chevy Cobalt. At first, I considered opening her door, but she was already climbing in.

"So, do you sing in the high school choir?" I asked conversationally as we pulled away.

"God, no. Left up here." She said.

" Okay. Why not, you're a great singer."

"No I'm not." She said looking out the window. "Keep going straight." I could tell that she didn't think highly of herself at all.

"You don't see yourself to clearly at all, you know."

"I know I'm not any good."

"Any good at what?"

"Life." She said, almost in a whisper. I was hoping to steer clear from a conversation like this, to make sure I did not slip and let on that I knew about her wrists. I instinctively looked down at my wrist on the steering wheel, instantly remembering the stinging sensation.

"Take a right there." She stated, breaking the silence.

"Gotcha." I replied as I turned into the parking lot. This was going to be a long brunch if I get to say everything I want to say. But what do you say to an angel with broken wings?

Total and complete mind numbing shock. That's what I felt right now walking into a diner with Drew at my side.

"Hello dears, how many are in your party?" asked the hostess in the front.

"Two, please." Replied Drew. We were ushered over to a small booth near the back. Hardly anyone was here. We sat there for a short moment, an incredibly long short moment, I might add.

"So, how have you been feeling?" he asked suddenly, making me a little wary.

"Um…well fine I guess." I answered.

"You guess?"

"I'm fine." I stated persistently, "How are you?"

"I'm just great." He said with the undeniable edge of sarcasm, making me bite my lip. A woman, who I assumed was our waitress appeared then.

"Would you two like anything to drink?" she asked. Drew turned to me, indicating for me to go first.

"Um, just water, please."

"I'll have an orange juice, large please." Added Drew, with that perfect smile. I was surprised the waitress didn't go into a temporary coma as I usually do. Instead, she just returned the smile and went to fetch out drinks. I looked down at the placemat with the knowledge that Drew was staring at me. You could get a car wash for only ten dollars, did you know?

"How's everything with Jeremy?" he asked softly. I looked up to meet his piercing gaze.

"Why?" I asked.

"I just want to know, friends care about each other. They want to help if their friend is in trouble." He stated smoothly.

"Who said I was in trouble?" I asked. He thought before answering, unsure whether he wanted to help me.

"The same little Robin I told you about before."

"I'm not in trouble." I said looking away. I didn't want this conversation to ruin this moment. He seemed okay with letting the subject to go.

"Fine then. How's school?"

"Fine." I said shortly, still looking away. The waitress set down our drinks and took our order then.

"What's your favorite subject?" he inquired, particularly interested.

"Um, English I guess."

"Really? Me too." He stated.

"Yeah?"

"I have to really. All the poetry stuff really helps me write songs."

"You write songs?" I asked. He nodded. "Would I ever be able to see one?"

"Of course, but, well I'm working on one right now actually. You'll like that one a lot, I hope." He added with a smile.

"Well I'll be waiting for it. What inspired it?" I asked innocently.

"You." He said bluntly.

"Me?" I squeaked. "Wh…What have you written so far?" I asked hesitantly.

"You'll see it soon, don't worry." He said smiling. "You know you can come to me for help right?"

"Yes."

"I'll do everything in my power to help you with anything, or…anyone."

"What do you mean?" I asked meekly. I had temporarily lost my breath. Did Drew know what Jeremy did to me? Just then, our meals arrived. We ate in silence looking at each other. Looking for something that we didn't know yet existed. When the bill came Drew paid and we walked out to the car. The funny thing about this silence, was that it wasn't awkward at all. I could only feel this way with Drew around though, as if he was meant to…..

"I'll take you home now." He said, going to the passenger side to open the door for me. "But, unfortunately, I don't know the way."

"That's fine, it's not that far away." I said getting into the passengers seat. After closing my door, he went to his side and started the car.

"I was wondering. I'm afraid I might not be able to wait until Saturday to see you again. Would you like to hang out on Thursday?" he asked, hope burning out of his grey eyes.

"Um, sure, why not?" I stated, instantly regretting it. What would Jeremy say, more importantly, what would he do? I instinctively gulped. We were heading down the pike. Was it just me, or was he driving purposefully slow?

"Of course, I'll pick you up, like around six-ish. Is it okay if you just hang around for our practice though? It will only be about an hour or so?"

"Sure. I love listening to drums. What else would we do? Turn left up there."

"Kay. Um, well, I want to show you something." He said bluntly.

"What is it?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise then."

"So?"

"So? I want to surprise you, that's so." He said stubbornly.

"Fine. Right. Then go straight for a block. I'm the second house on the left. Right there." I said.

"Well, I believe this is your stop then." He said with a frown. I got out only to see him get out as well.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm walking you to your door. Is that a crime?" he asked. Side by side we shuffled towards my door. At the steps, I went up two steps and looked back. God he was tall.

"Well…" I said uncertain. "I'll see you Thursday?"

"Yeah, Oh here's my number too. Call me to let me know you're ready." He said taking out a folded piece of paper and handing it to me.

"Okay." I stated softly, and then with reluctance, "Goodbye." He just stared at me then, seeming determined to remember this moment. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his hand begin to raise towards my face, but then stop and return to its place.

"Goodbye." He said finally, turning quickly and almost running to his car. I watched from the steps as he rounded the corner and out of sight. I looked down at the folded paper in my hand with apprehension. Slowly I unfolded it and read:

857-947-1114

What can't be hidden where it truly does exist?

I hope you liked it. Please, please review!!! I'll love you. Oh and by the way. I'm horrible at making good poems and things so if anyone has any ideas...you will get credit!! Muah.