The Harper Family: Faithfully Yours (Wattpad Version)

Faithfully yours

Oliver

When Demarco called me and said Melody wanted to see me, I didn't hesitate to go to her. I wanted to apologize to her for what that monster did. No person should feel unsafe in God's house.

Demarco instructed me to knock and announce my arrival. I did as he instructed. He opened the door and let me pass. Then he closed the door and locked it.

Melody sat on a couch. Demarco joined her but kept a gap between them. I took tentative steps to a chair and sat down to face them.

"Thank you for coming," Melody said.

"Of course. I appreciate you wanting to see me," I said.

Melody took a deep breath before releasing it. "I don't blame you for what happened."

"I wouldn't blame you if you did."

"Romans 1:18-19."

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress their truth by their wickedness. Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has it made it plain to them."

Melody nodded in understanding. "You taught us that God would protect his lambs. If he couldn't protect him, he would send his Shepards to protect them."

"I did."

"I don't know why that monster targeted me. But I know God protected me that night."

I leaned forward and clasped my hands. "What do you mean?"

"If God didn't protect me, you wouldn't have heard my screams."

I stared at Melody in stunned silence. She was right. God sent Nixon to me with a warning so I would hear her screams. God is faithfully yours as long as you are faithfully his. My breath caught in my throat as I covered my mouth in realization.

"Please don't punish yourself for others' actions. You're a good man."

I moved my hands to my eyes and wiped the wetness from them. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you have faith in me to overcome this suffering."

I lowered my hands and regarded Melody. "I have complete faith in you, Melody. That monster didn't touch your spirit and heart. Both are still pure."

Melody gave me a slight smile.

"I wanted to talk to you both about something."

Demarco looked at me with knitted brows.

"The community is coming together to counsel and educate people about sexual assault."

"Oliver," Demarco said.

Melody wrapped her hand around Demarco's.

"I don't expect you both to speak. I have people that will talk to the parishioners. But I have someone special to help Melody. Is that okay with you?" I asked Melody.

Melody furrowed her brows. "Do you think it will help?"

"I do. Seeking help after a sexual assault will help you process what happened. The person understands what you've endured. If you need support, you have many people who will help you," I said.

"I don't know what to say."

"Melody, you have many people who care about you. If anyone deserves help, it's you. You wouldn't hesitate to help others. So, let us help you."

Melody tensed but ultimately agreed. It was a step.

******
Melody

After Oliver's visit, I had reservations about seeing more people. Demarco reassured me he would stay with me. I felt safer with D around than without him. He had this calming effect on me.