Blue Dreams (Larina)

Chapter 52

Lana's POV:

I opened the big wooden gates of the church with a refreshed smile. Church always made me feel refreshed. The idea of having my soul saved felt very reassuring. Plus, it helped me through everything. The church did help me get through my addictions before.

"Hey, Lizzy," Charlie said. "I'm not sure I'd go in there today,"

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Take my word for it," he said.

⚠️TW: SLURS AND HOMOPHOBIA⚠️

I didn't care. I squeezed Marina's hand to reassure her everything would be fine and continued going into the church. I smiled as I waved to everyone. Whispers erupted from everywhere. Parents covered their children's eyes. I looked at my outfit and then at Marina's. No malfunctions happened. People were acting like my boobs were flying.

"Carol," some lady said. "Those d*kes do go here,"

"Our church became infested with sinners," Carol (I would assume) replied.

Some new lady joined their gossip circle. I know they were trying to keep quiet, but they were still loud.

"Maybe they can pray the gay away," they said.

I dropped Marina's hand for a second as I dipped my hand in the holy water and did the sign of the cross. Immediately after, I took her hand back. Before we got to a pew, Father Judah came up to us.

"Hi, Father," I said.

"Hey, Lana," he replied. "You know, confession is coming up soon,"

"Oh yeah!" I replied. "I need to go. Hopefully, it'll help with the forgiveness of my biggest sin,"

"Well, you need it," he sighed, looking at Marina and my locked hands. "I just want to warn you, God will have a hard time forgiving some sins,"

"Well," I said. "If I pray enough, God will forgive my sins,"

Father Judah walked away, and Marina turned to me. Her eyes were large with tears. I hugged her, hoping that would help her.

"What's up, Mar?" I said softly.

"Lizzy," she said. "I'm sorry I wanted to come to something you were passionate about, but I don't feel safe here,"

"I honestly agree with you," I replied. "Father never said something like that to me before,"

"Lizzy," Mar asked. "Could we go home?"

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," I replied.

I held her hand as we walked out. Charlie and Dad stayed. They told me they would record the sermon for me. However, I didn't even care. They hurt my love.

"You're going to hell," an old man said.

"Sinners," another woman replied.

⚠️TW OVER⚠️

We went back to the truck, and I gave Marina the aux. She decided to play Girl In Red. The entire way home, I had my hand holding hers. I should have known better when Charlie warned us. He wants everyone to go to Church. His telling us not to should have been a red flag.

When we finally got home, Marina hugged me and sobbed. I shouldn't have taken her to church. Marina has been struggling all day. I should have stayed home with her.

"Why do people have to be like that?" she asked. "All we wanted to do was live our lives,"

"Baby," I said, lifting Marina's head with my finger. "I don't know. All I can think of is that they are jealous,"