Chapter 4 by Yinx
I watched her through the window on my door. She was at the blackboard writing. Then she would turn around and explain it.
The alarm on my phone went off. "Okay time is up Crazy Five Minute Quiz is over, pass them up". I saw Vivi raise her hand "Yes Miss Harrison"
"What if you didn't finish" her hazel had a very sad look almost like her mother. Mercedes could get me to do anything what that look.
"It's okay if you didn't finish class I just seeing where we are so I can judge what to put on next weeks' test" I smiled at her. I gathered the papers. "Okay time for oral speaking. Tell me what you are doing tonight after school." I wait patiently for Vivi turn.
"My mom and I are going to church I usually go to children's church".
"What church is this" I asked. I had made sure that I had at least asked each child one question as to not to draw attention to her.
"ST. Phillip over by the McDonalds cause mom always buys me a happy meal after" she smiled brightly.
I sucked in my breath. St. Phillip. When Mercedes and I had our pregnancy scare in high school we had made vows to each other; one was to go to church, St Phillip was the one we decide to go to. After the scare we still went; Mercedes had sung in the choir and I had played guitar in the band on Wednesday. We weren't very religious since we still made love on a regular bases, but I had planned on marrying her after college and then none of the babies we had would be scares.
I knock on her door during lunch again. This time Kurt and Blaine were there. I sat beside her this time.
"Okay Sam, you must come with us tonight" Blaine said to me.
"Come where"
"To church Mercedes is singing" he was beaming at her.
I looked at her.
"You can come if you want" she smiled at me. It was a real smile this time.
"I'd be honored to come" I said to her. I watched her as she turned back to her food. I watched her through the corner of my eyes while we finish our lunch.
Kurt Blaine and I walked out of her classroom. Blaine said goodbye as he had a piano lesson. I walked into my classroom and Kurt followed.
"Thank you for saying yes to go with us tonight Sam" he said to me
"No problem I had planned on going anyway" I smiled laying out papers on my students' desks.
"Oh really"
"I tricked my kids into revealing what was going on tonight" I said guilty
"And innocent Vivi told you."
I nodded
"Well played, I'm impressed".
We laughed and he said goodbye.
I arrived at the church after Kurt, Blaine, and their son, Mason, they wave me down. I saw that they had seats saved. Mercedes and Vivi arrived five minutes before service started; Kurt waved her over. She had changed from her school attire to a black dress, and a dark purple sweater, with matching pumps. Vivi was also dressed but more casual than her mother in jeans and green sweater which made her hazel eyes turn bright green. Mercedes smiled at us when she approached. Vivi sat next to Mason and began to talk animatedly to him; Kurt moved over so Mercedes could sit between us. Service started announcement were give prayer was held. Mercedes and I shared a hymn book. I could barely hear her sing. It was time to children church and Vivi came over and gave her mother a kiss.
"Bye Mr. Evans, Kurt, and Blaine" she practically sung it.
She and Mason left along with the rest of the children. The preacher asked for the choir to come up. I stood to let Mercedes out.
"I won't be preaching to night instead Ms. Jones and the choir have a message for all of us" he said giving the mic to Mercedes.
"In 1Corinthains 10:13 it says 'No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.' It has been a while since I've sang so bear with me".
She gave a small smile. Someone said 'Take your time, Baby'. Our eyes met I gave her a reassuring smile. She nodded her head and closed her eyes as the music started.
"As I lay me down
Heaven hear me now
After giving it my all
I'm lost without a cause
After giving it my all
Winter's storm has come
And darkened my sun
After all that I've been through
Who on earth can I turn to
I look to you
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a song
I look to you"
Her voice started off wobbly but grew strong with word. I watched her as she opened her eyes and stare at the stain glass as she continued singing. She sang it like a prayer.
"About to lose my breathe
There's no more fighting left
Sinking to rise no more
Searching for that open door
And every road that I've taken
Lead my regret
And I don't know if I'm going to make it
Nothing to do but lift my head
I look to you
I look to you
And when my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a song
I look to you"
I watched as people stood in reverence, some knelt at their chairs other walked to the front alter. Mercedes voice cut through me like a knife; I could feel her pain her sorrow her guilt as it washed over me. Before I knew it I was walking down the aisle.
"My levees are broken
My walls have come
Tumbling down on me
The rain is falling
Defeat is calling
I need you to set me free
Take me far away from the battle
I need you
Shine on me"
I noticed that Kurt and Blaine were already there in deep prayer session with one of the deacons. I knelt down and asked God to forgive me for not been as close to HIM as I once was. I asked for strength to be patient and good hearted. I asked for strength for Mercedes and for HIM to take away her pain, sorrow, and guilt away and replace it with happiness, love, and joy. I asked for him to give her blessings in abundance and protection for her and Vivi.
"I look to you
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a song
I look to you
I look to you
I look to you"
I got up and looked at her she smiled at me with her eyes. I smiled back at her hoping that God would answer her prayers and mine too.