A CAST OF PAIN (Closed For Editing)

Chapter Twenty Three

"No!" Jojo screamed, her lungs releasing a piercing cry that jolted her awake. Her entire body jerked, shaking with an intense force. Beads of perspiration clung to her, and in an instant, she broke down in tears. A whirlwind of confusion engulfed her mind and heart, and she clutched her tightened chest for solace.

******
The incessant knocking persisted, filling the room with curiosity.

My eyes slowly opened and shut again, accompanied by mumbled complaints from others, Larry being the first.

"Oh, come on! It's the holidays, for God's sake."

The knocking continued, the knocking activity seemingly enjoyed by the persistent knocker.

"Alright, who is it?" David followed, half-seated, half-awake, and half-asleep.

"It's my wife," Paul answered, face creased in a frown as he sauntered to the door groggily.

"Arrrgh!" Larry exclaimed again, shooting up from the bed.

"She seems to enjoy it," Lawrence mumbled. "Tell her her knuckles might turn sore later, will you?" I added with a yawn.

"Copy," Paul replied simply with a wave of his hands as he dragged himself towards the door

"Guys! Time to wake up," the knocker finally spoke from without. Paul was right, it was Martha.

The door opened.

"Morning, hon," Martha greeted with rapid cheerfulness, planting a kiss on his lips that sent the frown on his face flying out the window.

"Morning," he still mumbled.

"Awwn! Did I wake you?"

"Hmm," he answered, "you woke us all up."

"Dad says to come downstairs for morning prayers. He apologizes for the inconveniences as he is aware of the long and tiring journey we all had yesterday."

Several grunts followed the announcement.

"Toodles," she said, planted another quick kiss on his lips again and left.

Paul slammed the door shut after her and began, "Come on, guys! You heard the lady, up we go."

"Hey, the house is big enough for some hiding. Can I sit this one out?" Larry said.

"No, bro. This is one of the most important meetings in the house, prayer, and no one's missing it."

By now, everyone except Larry was throwing on a shirt.

"Larry, come on," Paul urged him.

*****

Rising slowly from bed, her hands widened for a stretch and came to her mouth to shield her from the yawn threatening to come out loud. Then came the knock.

"Kore, Jojo, it's time for prayers. Are you up?"

"Ye, yes I'm up," Kore answered.

"Okay, we'll be downstairs."

"Sure." And she was gone.

"Jojo," Kore called, feeling for her as she reached for the other side of the bed to tap her.

"Hmm? Nothing?"

And that was when she looked and found out the side of her bed where Jojo was supposed to be was empty.

She shrugged; maybe she was already downstairs. Martha must have missed her. She thought. Quickly grabbing her Bible, she walked out of the room in hurried steps.

*****

David's POV

We had all gone to bed at 11:30 sharp last night, and I had a lot of fun, no lie. But I just wanted to sleep in. I mean, we are on holidays, like Larry said. But then, new environment, new rules. I don't call the shots here... Like I even called shots in my own father's house.

Speaking of my Dad, he's probably boiling with anger. He had stopped calling, but I'll be expecting his call today. I just hope I'll be ready for his insults. I really wish he would speak to me for once without being so harsh and insulting.

"Don't wish, pray for him instead."

"Huh? What... Who was that?"

I looked behind me, and there was Jessica. The voice wasn't female, so I looked around again.

"What? Am I hallucinating now?"

I quickened my pace forward.

"Whoever it was... well...

Prayer? Prayer for him? For a man like my dad? I don't even know how to pray.

Florence's POV

Arrrrrgh! Could this holiday be any worse?

As we sauntered downstairs from the corridors for... prayers, I couldn't help but frown. Didn't people on vacation sleep in? Who does prayers, by the way? It's all religion, for God's sake.

How on earth did I ever get entangled with these people? I should have known. I should have known that when they spoke of Jesus, they meant it. And to sum it up, that wench is here. Ugh! I wonder if she still remembers me, though. Ugh! What do I care? Let's get this over and done with.

We joined the rest of the crowd, and I began to look for Martha. I didn't feel like talking with the other girl.

Just then, the guys began to descend, and I couldn't help but stare at him.

As I observed Lawrence descending the stairs, a subtle warmth crept into my cheeks. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, though he appeared oblivious to my gaze. Unbeknownst to Lawrence, I harbored a crush, and every casual interaction fueled the budding affection. I yearned for a moment to bridge the gap, yet the uncertainty lingered, hidden behind stolen glances and silent hopes.

Lawrence's POV

I knew my face betrayed no emotion, but then, wow! So many people.

Finding space in the crowd, I heaved. I hadn't had my quiet time, and I made a mental note to do that immediately after the prayer meeting.

I found my way into the multitude and stood beside David.

"Quite a family, huh?"

"Yep."