UNTIL GRACE

Chapter 6

Sarah's POV

I reached home and closed the door behind me. I took a look at the mess on the table.

Alcohol bottles were lying around and so were empty boxes of pizza.

Of course he was enjoying himself with his buddies and making a mess.
Anyway, who am I to care about what he does? He could always clean after himself, he's a grown man.

I ran up to my room and threw myself on my bed.

The song was still ringing in my head. Maybe it was right. I couldn't earn it and I didn't deserve it, maybe that's why He took her away from me.

After long procrastination, I got up and took a hot bath.

I wore my culottes dungarees and a back shirt.

Walking to the kitchen, I already knew that there's no food, but at least let me try my luck today.

Nothing in the fridge, nothing in the cabinets. Nothing, as usual.
Then I heard the front door open and slam closed.

I walked into the sitting and saw my monster of a dad struggling to walk.

"What you doing over there? Won't you come help me?" He said in a commanding tone.

"You reek of alcohol."

"How dare you say that to me?" He tried to walk towards me but ended up falling on the couch.

"Get this mess cleaned up."

"You made the mess. You clean it. I don't clean up after you."

He kept cursing and shouting at me and I walked back to my room and locked the door.

What he said couldn't be right. It wasn't true. Christian boy was definitely wrong. God doesn't love me.

I pick up the picture of my mom and smile with teary eyes. It's not been so long since she died. Or is two years a long time?

It was his, my dad's fault she died. And His fault, God's fault, I'm in this position right now.

My stomach growled and I got up to get my bag.

I retrieved a twenty dollar note and then went out.

He was sleeping on the couch and I rolled my eyes.

He doesn't care, he never cared, not even to put some food on the table for me.

I rush out into the cold streets and walk towards my favorite store.

It's a little coffee shop where most teens spend their afternoons.

I enter and walk to the counter. At least I'll still have change after eating.

"How are you my regular customer?" My friend, the waitress asks me.

"I'm good, Alvira. Just here for some dinner."

"Nothing at home?"

I nod my head in embarrassment.

"Don't worry about paying, I'll pay for this one."

"But, I have money on me."

"Don't worry, just think of it as my treat."

"Thanks, what would I do without you?"

"Simple, nothing!"

She's like my best friend. Yeah, I got Queen, but Queen's more like a boss and a gang leader, even though we're not really a gang.

Anyone who sees me outside school and dressed in other colours usually gets surprised.

She sat with me and we ate together.

"Thanks allot, Alvira."

"Anything for a friend."

After having a short talk and all, I decided to take a stroll in the nearby park.

I walked around and saw people gathered near the lake.

I walked towards them and heard singing. A cute and yet marvelous voice and an all too familiar voice as well.

The melody was something that was intriguing and inviting.

They were singing Oceans by Hillsong.

I stood and listened to it as it went on and then they stopped and spoke a little.

When they turned around, I saw Christian boy and a little girl who might be his sister.

They rushed away and I just stood there wondering what was going on exactly.

I know that he was one of the richest people in the school before his parents died. Well, at least his parents were. But he'd always been like this, loved God. Loves God.

Anyway, I went back home and noted my dad wasn't on the couch anymore.

Ignoring the fact, I went upstairs and heard noises from my mom's old room.

He was rummaging through the place and breaking things.

"What are you doing in here!" I asked and he paid no attention to me.

As he was about to throw her picture, I grabbed a hold of him.

"Let me go!" He pushed me and then gave me a slap landing me on the ground.

"Both you and your mom were worthless."

I started crying at the burning sensation in my cheek and got up and locked the door.

I picked up the picture frame which dropped and placed it in a drawer.

I just lay on her bed, hoping that tomorrow will be a better day for me.

****
I woke up to a pain in my cheek and walk to the mirror. It's swollen, of course.

I groom myself and wear my uniform, but putting a hoodie on top and pulling the hood over my head.

Afterwards, I run out of the room and walk to school.

I know I'm gonna be in trouble with the principal for ditching school, but that's the least of my problems. I'm just glad there's someone sponsoring my education, or else I'd be out of school by now.

I entered my class early and sat down.

But unfortunately, soon enough it got fuller and soon class started.

Mr Xavier came in. I could see the test papers in hand. Of course he already marked them.

He started announcing the results.

To my surprise, Queen did better than me, in chemistry! And that means I came last.

"The highest, this time, is James with a seventy eight percent. Good try James, keep it up. The rest of you should do better than that."

The lecture went on until it was over, "James, Sarah. Please remain, I need to speak with you."

After everyone left for music class, we remained. "I'm not happy with your math grades, Sarah. I think you need extra help."

"I'll pick up, sir."

"I know you will, that's why I want James to tutor you from now on."

"But sir, I don't think I need a tutor."

"Well, lucky you, you get one anyway."

I just can't believe this, can this day get any worse?

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.