Are you there ?

chapter 1

"mom" I screamed "we're gonna be late for church"

"Faith" my mom yelled

"yes, mom"

"go eat something, hurry"

My name is Faith, I am 12 years old in the 7th grade and I live with my mom Jocelyne and dad David. I have been blessed with being the middle child with two brothers. My oldest brother's name is Elijah, he's 17 years old and a junior in high school, my other brother's name is Daniel, he is 9 years old and is in the 5th grade. Together we live in a not so big house in a little town west of the city. Our house has two floors with four bedrooms, all four bedrooms are upstairs leaving the living room, kitchen, dining room and my dad's office downstairs. We have family pictures plastered on our beige walls along the stair way, our fridge is filled with notes that serves as reminders for my mom, as she seems to forget things easily these days. All in all we are you average christian family living in Washington and note that we are always in a hurry on Sundays. Its either we woke up late, or we woke up late. Despite living no more than 10 mins from church, we somehow always manage to get there late.

I hurry down the stairs and make my way to the kitchen to eat something like my mom told me. As I got there Elijah and Daniel were already there eating.

"hey" I said to the both of them.

"hey, Lil sis" Elijah said smiling "I made you breakfast" he said motioning me to sit next to him.

Elijah and I were very close, dare I say my favorite brother even, though I would never say that out loud. He just understood me, we were closest in age and he was just super nice, sweet and always there when I needed him.

I sat next to him, and looked at the plate, it was pancakes and syrup.

"did you actually made it, or did the microwave do your job" I said joking.

"I put the already made frozen pancakes in the microwave, but that still counts as me making them"he said chuckling, as I followed but then stopped turning to Daniel as I realized he wasn't laughing.

"Daniel" I said "are you okay, you haven't said a word since I got here, come to think of it you didn't even say 'hey' back"

"I thought you wouldn't notice since you so hung up on Elijah" he said getting up and walking away.

"really, Daniel" I said about to get up, Elijah stopped me and said "let him be"

As I adjust myself to finish my food, mom and dad was making their way downstairs all dressed up and ready to roll. Mom gave Elijah and I the look before yelling out loud

"let's go, let's go" motioning with her head and hands for us to get out of the house quick, as we're about to be late to church, go figure. We all ran outside to the car, and quickly got in, making sure to fasten our seatbelt.

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After 10 mins of driving, we were in front of this white square building with big double brown doors, with a cross at the top, indicating that we had arrived at church. Dad parked and we got out the car as quickly as possible and made our way inside the church. We decided to sit in the second row, upfront so we could see and hear much better. Today was a Sunday like no other, it was a special Sunday for me, as I was meant to sing for the church at any minute now. I was sitting in my seat dreading every second that passed by, it wasn't like this was about to be my first time singing, but it sure was the first time I was going to sing alone. As each act unfolded on stage in front of my eyes, I felt my heart sink in, as I knew my turn was coming up soon, very soon. And, 1, 2, 3 more acts and finally it was my turn, "Faith Innocent" The pastor called out as I momentarily froze into my seat.

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Jocelyne's POV

"Faith Innocent" the pastor called out, as I looked to the side. She was spaced out, wide eyed and just very nervous. I took a hold of her hand and tapped her shoulder lightly whispering "go" she got up slowly making her way up there, and with shaking hands held the microphone. She started singing and I was taken a back. I forgot how beautiful her voice was, o started smiling ear to ear as she sand at the cross by Chris Tomlin

Her voice was mesmerizing, heavenly, she was my daughter and yet I was so amazed by her talent and felt blessed and thankful for God had given such a perfect daughter. I listened to her as she sang with my eyes closed, enjoying her voice.

At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of you, I'm in awe of you
When your love went red
And my sins washed white
I owe all to you, I owe all to you
Jesus

Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down, here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here you saved my life
Here I bow down, here I bow down

At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of you, I'm in awe of you
When your love went red
And my sins washed white
I owe all to you, I owe all to you
Jesus

I opened my eyes back up slowly still smiling as she finished her act, joining in the applaud, my gaze followed her as she walked back to her seat. As she reached I quickly reached out and hugged her tightly. "you did good" I whispered to her as she sat down.

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Faith POV

I sighed quietly as I sat down next to my mom, relieved that I was done.  I don't know how I got through it, I thought my voice was going to be shaking from how much my body was shaking as I was up there, but God willing everything went great. I smiled to myself at the thought, breathing in and out as I redirect my attention to the pastor to listen to the sermon.

Church was over now and as always we need to spend at least 20 to 30 mins on church grounds just socializing and greeting other church members. Daniel and I were standing in a corner waiting to go home as mom, dad and even Elijah were holding conversations with other church members. After what felt like hours we were finally on our way home and I just couldn't wait to jump on my bed and take a big nap before we had dinner.

"Home sweet Home" I said as I walked into the house, doing my happy dance in my bed. "See y'all at dinner" I continued making my way upstairs to my room to do exactly what I had planned to do, take a nap. Elijah and Daniel follows me upstairs as well making their way to their room. As I reach the door to my bedroom, I go inside instantly jumping in the bed with church clothes on, sighing loudly while closing my eyes. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

I woke up to A knock on my door and Elijah voice asking me if I was awake, because it was already time for us to eat dinner. "I'm up" i yell as I prompted myself up, looking around my room before getting up completely. quickly freshen up and made my way downstairs and into the dining room. I sat down bowing my head immediately as they were in the middle of blessing the food. As dad finished praying, we all raised our heads digging into the food, too busy to eat to talk. The bold Elijah broke the silence in my honor.

"you did good, Faith" he said smiling at me.

"thanks" I said smiling back feeling a little proud, and looking at Daniel waiting for him to compliment me as well .

"I guess you did alright" Daniel said.

"Just alright, are you sure" I said teasing him as he kicked my foot shaking his head at me "thanks, Lil bro" I said laughing.

Elijah smiled at the sight of us teasing each other 'I told you he would come around' Elijah mouthed to me as I smiled looking in Daniel's direction.

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A/N - Edited
Hey guys I'm picking this book up again, and will be editing and updating the chapters that are already out rn and then continue on with the story, I hope you guys can support me and continue to read or read again.

Ps. I know it's been years and I'm sorry 😭