The Cross Between Us

011.

Azriel Zora Jones

I watched as the woman began speaking in tounges and dropped down to her knees once my dad prayed
Over her.

"Come here Azriel." My dad motioned for me to come in front of the pulpit

I slowly walked up. He didn't normally do this with me so I wasn't sure what to do.

"I need you to understand that I'm not saying this as your father. You know I don't normally do this to you but when God says move I have to move you hear me?" He asked and I nodded "Lift your hands."

"God said what he's about to do in your life will either draw you to him or away from him. He's about to throw some hell into your life at 16 to see if you'll still seek him. Honey we named you Azriel for a reason. Your name means God is my help. God wants you to develop your own relationship with him and not draw off your parents relationship with him." He said and i nodded although I was confused "Lady come here." He said motioning to my mom who laid her hand on my back

My dad Put some oil in his hand putting it on my forehead. My body felt warm as he layed his hand on me. "Father God I ask that you cover this baby right now in your name. Let her never leave out of your grace, cover and guide her and watch over her steps lord..." as he continued to pray I zoned out hearing his voice Mix with my mothers

My mother began to slow her words and she cried hovering over still with her hand on my back. Once they were done my mom turned me around embracing me In a hug. I didn't understand what was going on or what he was talking about.

-
"What are you doing later ?" Kapri asked sitting down beside me

We had gotten sorta close over the past few days and I'd learned a lot about her. My parents keep her and her mom around a lot being that they've went through so much and they don't know anyone here.

Im supposed to be going out with my dad." I smiled

"Really that's good. I'm happy that you two finally get the chance to spend some time together." She nodded

"Me too." I looked down "How's your mom?"

She sighed "She's trying. She's hasn't gone back so far so I mean.. progress."

Kapri and her mother just moved here a few weeks ago from Florida. Her step dad was abusive towards the both of them and her mom finally moved out of state leaving him.

"That's good. I know this won't help but I'm sorry you had to go through that." I said and she weakly smiled

"Azi? You ready to go?" My mom asked

"I'm leaving with daddy. Remember?"

She sighed "He didn't tell you? I'm sorry baby but he has to stay here pretty late so..."

"Again?" I looked down

"I know. I'm sorry."

"He should be apologizing. Not you." I stood walking past her

—
As soon as we got home I went straight into my room not wanting to be bothered.

I picked up my phone checking my messages for the first time today.

Daddy❤️
Hey sweetie. I know your probably upset with me. I promise I really tried to get out of this. I promise I'll make it up to you soon. I love you Az.

I rolled my eyes moving on to the next message

Tk🥷🏾
Wyd Attitude?

Me
I just got home. Wyd?

Shortly after I received an incoming call.

"Get dressed. I'm bout to slide your way."

I shook my head "My parents haven't been really letting me go out. There's been a lot of unsolved shootings. One of the deacons from the church was killed. Actually have you heard about that? His name was Tarif?"

He looked away from his phone gif a second "Nah mama I don't. Just see if you can go to Jaliyahs or Myas and I'll come there."

"Okay." I sighed

—

Adonis Jones

"Knock knock." Teonna said knocking on my office door

I looked up "Ooh, your still here? I thought you left with sister Phyllis." I said

"Yea. I had some paperwork to finish up. I figured I'd go ahead and get that done." She spoke making her way to the chair on the opposite side of my desk "Do you need anything before I go?" She asked leaning over so her breast were exposed

I found myself looking for a brief second before I cleared my Throat.

"I don't know what your trying to do, if your trying to do anything but I love my wife."

"I'm not doing anything." She innocently shook her head "Just being polite." She stood "Have a good night pastor."

"You too." I watched as she slowly walked out, switching her hips as she left

I looked down at my desk sighing as I felt myself growing hard.