A year as a Narnian || 365 Narnia one shots (Part two)

254: Never hide

September 11th - Prompt: A thousand reasons

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Peter frowned over the recipe book, not exactly sure what he was supposed to be doing.

He'd decided to cook dinner for his family before he went back to University tomorrow, but was currently unsure where to start.

His Mum was out, Lucy had finished school and gone with her, Susan had gone off to University yesterday, and Edmund was at college... although he should be back soon.

As if on que, Peter heard the door open, and he glanced up, waiting for the usual "Hello!" From his brother.

He frowned though when the front door slammed, and Edmund walked passed the kitchen door and up the stairs, his bare feet thudding before Peter heard the bedroom door upstairs slam too.

Placing down the kitchen knife he had, Peter made his way up the stairs, pausing outside his and his brother's room, and knocking on the door. "Ed?" He asked.

"Go away Peter."

Peter become concerned by this, and only shook his head and opened the door, spotting Edmund emptying his bag. "I said go away." He repeated as he pulled out his water bottle.

"What's up?" Peter asked. "Good first day?"

Edmund snorted. "Not exactly." He muttered.

Peter frowned. "How come?" He asked, sitting down on the end of his bed.

Edmund took a deep breath, before sighing, dropping his bag. "You know that friend I had last year at school?" He said slowly.

Peter thought for a moment, before nodding. "I think so." He said. "You were just starting to get close weren't you? I'd see you hanging around together a lot."

"Yeah." Edmund breathed. "I was actually, for once in my life, making a friend."

Peter stared at him for a second. "Is he at college with you?" He asked.

Edmund nodded. "He is indeed." He muttered, picking up his bag again and reaching inside. "And let's just say he's not exactly my friend anymore."

Peter frowned deeply. "How come?' He asked.

Edmund sighed sadly, bringing a book out of his bag. "He found out I was a Christian." He said.

Peter stared at the Bible, his heart breaking. "He didn't like that, I guess." He mumbled.

Edmund placed his Bible on his bedside table, before walking over to sit beside Peter. "No." He whispered. "Just because I have different opinions, I'm the evil one, I'm the one people can make fun of, I'm the horrible person, I'm the bad friend, I'm the one who's wrong. My opinions are different to everyone elses so they don't matter, they're wrong, they're awful..."

"Ed, Ed stop." Peter cut in, turning to face his brother and placing his hands on his shoulders. "Stop, don't work yourself up."

Edmund swallowed hard before sighing. "It's the truth though." He whispered. "Lots of people don't share our opinions, and those people who don't, they don't show us an ounce of respect."

"I know Ed, I know." Peter breathed, nodding a little. "Trust me I do. It sucks I know, it really, truly sucks, but you can't - can't turn your back on God Edmund-"

"I'm not going to." Edmund interrupted. "I'd never do that."

"I know you wouldn't." Peter said with a gentle smile. "But you also have to show kindness to everyone, you need to love and respect everyone, that's what the Bible teaches us."

"I do love everyone!" Edmund choked. "I respect other people's opinions, even if I don't share them. I respect other people's way of life, even if I don't agree with it. I love everyone, even when people make it hard for me to do so. It just hurts so much when I'm not shown any respect in return."

Peter nodded. "It does." He breathed. "But that's just what we have to face as Christians. Never forget, the world hated God/Jesus first, and we're told we will be rewarded in heaven, aren't we?"

Edmund licked his lips and nodded slowly, taking a deep breath.

"Even if the world isn't on our side, God is." Peter said softly. "And He's really the only person we need."

Edmund smiled weakly, nodding.

"If people can't show you the respect that you deserve, the respect that you have a right to, then stay away from them." Peter told him. "They're clearly going to stay away from you, so just don't get upset over it."

"It's hard not to." Edmund sighed.

Peter nodded in agreement. "You'll always have me and Lucy." He reminded him. "Me, Lucy, and God."

Edmund glanced up at him, before swallowing hard and smiling weakly.

To Peter's surprise, Edmund wrapped his arms around his waist, burying his face agaisnt his neck and hugging him tightly.

Peter hugged him back instantly, squeezing tightly. "I love you Ed." He whispered. "And I am so proud of you for sticking by your beliefs, even when so many people in your life don't share them..."

Edmund was quiet for a minute. "You reckon Susan will ever believe?" He whispered, voice sad.

Peter sighed, shaking his head. "Only God knows." He breathed. "I hope she will one day."

"So do I." Edmund agreed, his voice barely above a whisper, and slightly muffled against Peter's skin.

Peter took a deep breath. "There are a thousand reasons to believe that God is real." He murmured. "And I hate that people don't see the truth, or won't see the truth, but all we can do is set a good example, be a good Christian, show love, give respect, and never, ever hide."

Edmund nodded immediately. "Never hide." He agreed. "Never hide our beliefs."

"Ever." Peter whispered. "Im proud of you Ed," He breathed after a while. "So very, very proud."

Edmund smiled, tears filling his eyes. "I'm proud of you too Pete." He whispered. "And I love you."

Peter chuckled softly, placing a kiss to the top of his little brother's head. "I love you more." He replied.

Edmund shook his head, smirking. "Sorry," He breathed. "But that's just not possible."

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I know I wrote it, but this hits hard right now, but whether you agree with my opinions or not, I'll never hide my beliefs, OR change my mind ✨️