Note: First, thanks for all the reviews! : ) Secondly, I'm not sure how long this story is going to be. I may add another chapter or another five chapters. I have new inspiration for this story so I pretty sure this will not be the last chapter! : ) Thanks for being so supportive! By the was this has only been edited once, and I wrote half of the story today! Apologies if there are mistakes! : )

Breaking Free

The next morning I thought about all that had happened in the past week.

I lost my family, cousin, best friend, and boyfriend. What else could I lose? I thought, sitting in the big soft chair. Is there any hope?

No, no there is no hope. A voice whispered to my mind.

Yes! There is hope, dear Susan! Another voice screamed.

Help! Someone help me! Who will help me? My mind cried.

Aslan…Aslan. The word echoed in my thoughts throughout the morning.

I somehow remembered that Elisabeth had called. Maybe she could help me and could answer some of my questions.

I picked up the phone and dialed her number.

"Hello?" A sweet female voice said.

"Elisabeth? It's Susan." I answered uneasily.

"Oh hey! I just got back from church. What do you need?"

"I have some questions. Could you come over for a bit?" I asked.

"Sure. I will be there in about fifteen minutes. See you soon." She replied and hung up.

I straightened up the living room until I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door to see Elisabeth. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold and she had a bright smile. She came in and we sat in the living room. Suddenly, the story just spilled out of my mouth.

She kept quiet until I asked her, "Does God really love me, and did Jesus really die for me?"

"Yes, He died for you to show how much He loves you." She replied calmly.

"Then how could he let my family die?"

"I am not sure. All I know is that He planned how He is going to use this in your life."

"How does He forgive you and how do you get to heaven?" I questioned, considering what she had told me.

"Well, you have to pray and ask Him to forgive you for all your mistakes and wrong doings. You also have to trust in Him, and believe in Him."

Those were just the beginning of my questions. We talked for hours. She explained what Jesus did with his life on earth, and she also told me what God had promised His people.

"It is late, you should probably go home." I finally said glancing at the clock.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'll call you if I have any more questions."

"Alright. Good-night, Susan." She said as she got on her brown dress coat and black high heels. After she left I got in bed and tried to sleep. I slept fitfully all night, and my dreams were disturbed.

For weeks, I pondered what she had said. Could this really be true? Could my life be changed? Will I feel better, and live a different life? Do I want to take this drastic step?

My heart ached, and I longed for someone to love me. I didn't want to buy into Christianity because I was afraid that I would be tied down to the religion.

Why couldn't my family be here to help me? Why did I lose everything I loved?

Over the next month, Elisabeth was a true friend to me. We went out to dinner, and got to know each other fairly well. I often called her for encouragement, and she always gave me hope.

--

"So what did you think about the play?" Elisabeth asked as we walked out of the theater one night.

"The play was incredible! I just love Rose Ashland. She is such a great actress." I replied.

"I know. She is excellent! Do you want to walk down to the Tea Table Café?"

"Sure. I would love a cup of tea right now. It's pretty chilly." I answered rubbing my arms as the cool air nipped at them.

We walked into the small café, and sat down at a round table near the window. The café was cozy, and was a frilly place. White lace curtains were draped over the silver curtain rods, and the walls were painted a pale pink. A lace tablecloth, fresh flowers, and a few candles added a nice touch to each table. We placed our order, and started discussing the play.

"The little boy who played Thomas was so cute! His dark brown hair was perfect, and he had an adorable smile!" I sigh happily.

"I agree, he was charming, and so funny. The plot was so intense! I thought Gloria was going to die; until the Prince ran into save her." She replied, sipping her black tea.

"That scene was quite exciting, and romantic."

"Are you doing anything Sunday?" Elisabeth inquired, changing the subject.

"I don't think so. Why?"

"I was just wondering if you wanted to come to church with me, and have a picnic in the park after the service." She asked cautiously.

"Uh… what time does the service start?"

"Ten."

"Well…don't count on me coming. I like to sleep in on Sundays." I said ineptly.

"That's fine. I was just thought..." She said her voice fading. We finished our tea silently, said farewell, and went home.

--

Sunday morning I woke up at Eleven O'clock, and thought about Elisabeth. Maybe I should have gone. I think I kind of disappointed her. I just don't want all those people looking down on me because I don't believe like they do. Why did things have to go like this?

I sigh as I lit my favorite candle in the kitchen. The vanilla fragrance filled the room, but my heart was still restless. Why don't I feel at peace? Why do I still feel lonely even though I have a friend? I've never felt this way before! It's not a good feeling. Oh, how I wish my family was here! Why did this happen? If only Aslan were here. He would help me, and comfort me. Maybe...hmm...I guess I'll take the chance. I decided to change my life. I picked up the phone and called Elisabeth.

She probably won't answer, she's probably at church.

"Hello?" Elisabeth's pleasant voice said.

"Hey. This is Susan. I thought you were going to be at church." I replied, tapping my fingernails on the countertop.

"Oh. I just got home. Why did you call?"

"Listen, I'm sorry I didn't go with you to church this morning." I paused.

"No problem."

"Can you come over? I need to talk to you." I said awkwardly.

"I'd love to! I will be there in a bit." She said, and hung up the phone.

I sat tensely on the sofa. Should I do this? Will I be a different person? I started sweating, and shaking. What is wrong with me? How hard is this going to get?

I jumped, startled, at the knock on the door. Show time…

Elisabeth came in, and we both went into the living room. We sat there in silence. She's probably waiting for me to say something.

My thoughts raced, and I argued with myself. What should I do? I asked myself over and over again.

Finally, I decided to cross the bridge.

"Elisabeth? I would like to ask Asla... I mean God's forgiveness… how do I go about it?" I said clumsily.

She just stared in shock at me for a moment. Then she seemed to recover, and said, "You pray and Jesus to come into your life and heart. Do you want me to help you?"

"No, no. I would like to do this myself.' I took a deep breath and started, 'Dear Jesus, I've been putting this off for a long time. Please forgive me for everything. Come into my heart. Please…love me. Help me. I miss my family so much! Heal my broken heart…uh…thanks. Amen." I prayed tears dripping into my lap.

I looked up at Elisabeth. Tears glistened in her eyes.

"Thanks for everything." I said and burst into fresh tears.

"Are you alright?" She asked, concerned.

"Yes! Yes! My heart has never felt like this before! I feel loved, at peace, and my heart is as light as a feather!" I exclaimed. All my burdens are gone!

Suddenly, I started laughing like I had never laughed in the nine-teen years that I lived. Is this joy possible? I wondered.

"I'm so glad! I have been praying for you for such a long time!" Elisabeth replied with a giggle escaping her lips. Soon, her giggles turned into a pure joyful laugh.

I was on my feet in a moment, and embraced her warmly. Laughing and crying at the same time. I'm free... my chains are gone.