Glory Be

Chapter Two

Isaiah trekked home a few paces behind his brother, the two only stopping a few times to make conversation with locals. Their family had become like celebrities in the town, which was becoming of their Father's creation. His plan was to make Red Hawk the safest town on this side of the Mississippi river. People would come up and ask them about the church, they'd ask for blessings, and for prophecies. David never skipped a beat, he'd hold their hand with ease and grace, and make them feel secure. Isaiah would watch with yearning, he just couldn't do it like David, and no matter how much he practices, never could he do it as smoothly. 

Sometimes people would ask about their father's plans for the town, as if he was the mayor. People wanted him to be the mayor with every fiber of their being, but their Father was humble, and held back, saying he would lose time for the Church and his family if he took on that responsibility. This made people love him even more.

Eventually the two made it back to the Church. A sensible establishment, with white painted wood and a cross on top. Their house hung off the side, a small place with a big kitchen and huge dining room for community dinners. David entered through the front door of the Church, and Isaiah nervously followed.

The entrance to the church was dim, only lit from the sunlight which shone through the stained-glass windows.

"Come help me light the candles," David beckoned, heading to the altar. Isaiah murmured an okay. These tasks were routine duties inherent in belonging to this family, so deeply embedded in him that they felt as natural as breathing. He'd been lighting these candles since he was old enough to reach them.

His brother would take to the chandeliers, lighting them with a long stick. Isaiah would light the torches along the walls, and the candle holders up by the altar. It was a task which would always take longer than expected, a stray breeze always ruining their hard work.

"Isaiah." Their father strolled into the room, and the air seemed to thicken. Isaiah quickly straightened up and turned towards his father.

"Father," He quickly acknowledged.

His father ignored this, and turned to look at his eldest, "David may we have a moment?"

"Of course," David quickly let out the flame on his matchstick and left the room.

Isaiah stood like a statue, unsure of what was going to become of this conversation. His Father's eye contact slowly fell back on him. He quickly took a step forward and back handed him across the cheek.

"Wandering off again? We've spoke about this over a million times now, Isaiah." The Priest said, and Isaiah held his cheek, trying to catch his breath.

"Father, I, I only left near the end. I promise I was participating." Isaiah replied.

Priest Merrick took in the sight of his son, and took in a deep breath, "That's not what I saw." He shook his head and began to pace, "I sometimes wonder why God is testing me with you." Isaiah's heart dropped, "You either can't pay attention to a task, or I can't tear you away from a useless one." The Priest continued, "I've allocated so much energy to you Isaiah, but you've just continued to disappoint me." He adjusted his sleeve, "I have too much pride in this town, for the public to look upon my family and see failure."

Isaiah's shoulders slumped under the weight of his father's disappointment. His father was right, it had been years of this. As a child his disposition was considered to be a phase, once he became a preteen it became less amusing to his family. As a teen his unconscious behavior was infuriating to a Father who wanted picture perfect children. Evenings full of praying and training had filled the previous years. Isaiah had continuously tried to act like David, but his mind would always collapse under the weight and relapse him to his previous habits.