Who You Say I Am (A Jai Courtney Fanfic)

Chapter 12-Jai

'Lights Shine Bright'—Toby Mac (feat. Hollyn)

Jai

I can't help but steal glimpses at her as we walk side by side together.  There's still the city folk around but nobody accompanying us.  I'm really enjoying our one on one time.  I've never met anyone like her before.  I honestly can't wait to see her with people here in person like I did on that recording earlier.  I feel as if she's a little nervous to be alone with me, though.  It's like there's this bit of unease at being around me.  I normally have people flock to me.  I'm not accustomed to the avoiding, awkward and shy fans.  This is definitely a first for me.  Perhaps in the future she can become more at ease the more time we spend together and I hope that's a lot.  Maybe we should spend more time with the group until she comes to know me better—to become more relaxed and at ease. 
We approach the beach and I can see a decent sized group around a small fire.  I notice Megan's smile grow as we approach. 
"There you guys are.  We were beginning to think you weren't coming," one of the girls says. 
"Sorry.  Pastor Ben asked if I'd lead worship tomorrow.  I needed to freshen up on the songs," Megan apologizes. 
"You're leading worship?" Gale says excitedly. 
"I am," she smiles bashfully. 
"I love it when you lead worship, not that I don't like Dominique or anything but you've got some talent," Izaak says. 
She laughs in embarrassment looking to the ground.  She mumbles a quiet response to him. 
"Come join us," Valentina says making some room beside her for the both of us.  I'm grateful since I didn't really want to separate from her. 
I sit down between Megan and a bloke I'm unfamiliar with.  "I'm Javier," he says reaching out to shake my hand.  He's of Latino descent and has a slight accent—not American.  He's got several tattoos on his arms and hands with lots of swirling letters.  It's kind of busy and hard to focus on.  I think the words are in Spanish.  He's fairly built but not to the excess I have which takes some decent dedication.  He's got a strong, square jaw—kind of bony—and his eye shape just make him look continuously sad.  He's wearing his cap backwards. 
"Jai," I respond meeting his hand with mine.  "Nice to meet you, mate."
He smiles at me and his eyes still give off the same first impression.  He seems friendly though. 
"So what brought you to join our mission?" he asks me. 
I'm actually shocked that this guy is a church goer.  He appears like someone who might be in a gang or a bit rough but he seems so friendly and down to earth.  I guess perceptions may be deceiving.  I think about his question though and saying I came here to meet Megan would sound kind of bad.  I think back to this morning, how I needed to get away, a different set of pace. 
"I guess I just wanted to do something different.  I was tired of the old mundane.  Everyone I was around was kind of interested in what I could give them or they could get out of me.  I guess I'm curious to see what your group is doing—to be a part of something bigger than me," I tell him. 
"That's deep," he nods grinning.  "I love it."
I laugh and ask him the same. 
"The church has done so much for me.  I used to be in a gang," he says motioning to the tattoos.  "They got me out, got me clean, fed me when I couldn't find work.  Pastor Ben let me crash at his place for a while.  They've done so much for me, I thought I should do something to give back.  I mean, Megan's church," he motions to her.  "They donated most of the money to fund us all to come here.  I have the strength and skills to do the work many of those middle class business men can't do.  I figured they paid for my food and housing for a while, this is just a way to say thanks.  Also, to show some kids how much kindness there actually is in the world."
I grin at that.  They do sound wonderful. 
"So... who's got some music devices?  The reggae guys just packed it up for the night," Gale asks everyone. 
"I've got some," Megan says.  Of course she does.  She really does fill in the need for anything like everyone has been telling me.  She pulls her phone out of her pocket.  "What are you up for?"
"Anything but silence," Izaak says and we all laugh.  He's a bit of a larrikin and I love it. 
Megan chuckles and plays something.