L.M.I. My Second Tenderness

Chapter 25: New Friends

Chapter 25: New Friends

Lian is in school not for studies, it's vacation. But she's in school, for a singing competition in November 26. She was the one chosen for the section's representative in a singing competition. She's quite nervous that time so she asked for Rhea and Abi to accompany her in their practice with Sir Commers and Mrs. Prelaya.

"Ok Lian, you have to make your voice solemn and you have to practice the tone of your voice. It's your first day of practice." Sir Commers straightly said to Lian.

Then they continued practicing until Lian can perfectly do the pitches of the song she's about to sing.

The two, Rhea and Abi are at a corridor, outside the room where the practice of Lian is held, just watching, from a big window. But they also got bored enough to stay that long. So they decided to walk around and explore the school.

Prayer of John:

I noticed of Lian's absence in social media. I guess or, perhaps she's busy. It's been 2 hours since Lian isn't active. Then, Zac chatted me if I'm available today. I guess so because I'm just waiting for nothing. So I asked him, "Why?" then he replied immediately, "Brother Eddie wants you to join the group sharing or gospel sharing and for you to introduce yourself. Can you?" He wants me to join their group sharing but I was in the state of being shy because I'm afraid to meet other people, I might frustrate them or I even don't know what to say. But still, I replied "Ok" to Zac because I still think it's interesting. And besides, Zac is there.

For my worries to Lian to diminish, I decided to attend with Zac in the church for my time not be wasted. It's already 1:40 PM so I decided to take a bath first to get prepared. And then, I wore a white shirt and gray pants to look even presentable.

At 2:50 PM, I reached the church while I'm confident that I look handsome while walking towards the altar. Then I searched for a seat to pray. I sat on a pew chair just in the first row and besides, no one's in here. I prayed quietly.

"Dear God, I pray that you keep my family safe from any danger and may you be the light that will help me to be inspired in improving myself. May you be the truth to whisper in my heart, so that I may purify myself from all sins I've done. Bless me God, my family, my friends and love ones and always protect us from your righteous hand and please forgive us from our sins. I also pray that through you, I may pass the upcoming exam I'll be taking. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. I'll praise and exalt you in everyday of my life. Amen!"

The Worries:

When I was in the end of my prayer, I was looking at the kneeler of the pew chair then made the sign of the cross. After that, Zac sat beside me and I got surprised. I was about to reflect about my prayer but he came.

"What bothers you." He asked. "I'm not bothered, I'm just worried Lian does not answer my messages." I replied with sad feelings. "I think she is busy today and maybe you might exert the time here to shatter about that." Zac said.

After Zac said that to me, I gazed at him and winked as if I processed what he said, then I fastly looked at the kneeler and looked at the altar. "I respect how much she gets busy but I can't accept one day, from too much busyness, she'll shun me. I admit I'm already captivated of her beauty and I won't love again another woman and I'll fight what is right! I'll fight for her in the midst of sacrifices." I said to Zac for him to know my situation. I try to persuade him about my love towards Lian and I know he can understand me. Because he's my friend. Afterwards, Zac touched my right shoulder as if he's concerned to me. "Don't worry, if God's will, it'll be given to you." He strengthened me through his powerful words! Doubts were instantly removed in my mind.

Group Sharing:

Meanwhile, Brother Eddie, who found us sitting in the pew chair called us. "John and Zac, meet me in the choir loft." We followed him but I don't know what's a choir loft. So I just followed where Zac is going. "We'll begin now in the group sharing." Zac whispered to me. When we went upstairs, me, Zac and Brother Eddie saw all of them. There were boys and girls aged like maybe 14-19 who formed a circle and are just waiting for us for the sharing to already start.

There are 4 vacant sits so I sat beside Zac while Brother Eddie is in the middle. Subsequently, when we already arrived, the group started the sharing. Brother Eddie asked to all, "What is the most sad thing you've ever experienced?" Then he added, "It's just on your own sharing on how you're gonna express the thing that broke you a lot."

I looked at Zac as if I'm shy to share a story. Why would I narrate such kind of experience of mine if I still don't know them. What if they might bash or make fun of me?

The others are already thinking of what to narrate to all as I've observed.

After about 1 minute, someone raised his hand and said, "Brother? Let me share!" Then Brother Eddie gave him the floor to talk while I looked straight at that guy as like I judge that person.

Then Zac whispered to me about that guy. "His name is Rommel, the music operator here in this church."

"So Rommel?" I asked to myself.

Rommel narrated or shared a story he had. "I had this one story that really gave me the insecurities, the pain and the trust to fade. I had a girlfriend, Hellen was her name. I loved her so much like she became my world. Because she's the only one who rotates in my mind. So I gave everything, everything to treat her as my very love. Then the day came she left without any reason and I even didn't know the cause. I coudn't determine what made her think of abolishing the love we've constructed. But if ever she'll come back, I want to know why she left me with no reasons."

Everybody were listening attentively. And Brother Eddie asked, "But do you still love that girl?" It was like a trick question to Rommel. Rommel sighed and replied, "Actually..... Yes! But I can't force myself because Hellen already has a boyfriend whom she replaced at my side. It hurts in a way I am the first, yet I'm not the last. I was just her temporary happiness. So I used the church to move on from the pain she gave. And because I came near to God, he gave me all of you. Thanks to Kyle who encouraged me to be here. And everytime I remember that time, I'll just say that maybe God has a better plan to me. From Paul's letter to the Romans (8:18), 'The pain we are feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming.'"

And everyone applaused to show that they've listened to the story of Rommel. Everyone got touched to his story and they admired Rommel more, for seeing him as a strong guy. I even admired Rommel and the words that he said made me to be more strong to continue my love for Lian. If only Lian is here right now.

And Brother Eddie added "Let's all admit, sometimes, we'll be loosing in love, especially if that person is not the right one for us. It's better to admit that he or she is not your fate than being blind to the fact, that guy isn't really yours. Don't let it scourge you. You'll be dying in great loss and we sacrifice for nothing. From Psalms 147:3, 'God is close to the brokenhearted' and he will hear you, just pray to him. That's what I can only say." Then Brother Eddie asked for another one to share an experience in life.

I processed all the words which Brothe Eddie spoke and it regained in my mind and promised to fulfill I learned at this sharing. I whispered to Zac who is beside me, "Brother Eddie is a good speaker." Zac answered, "Yes indeed! We all do know that but you'll more know his true heart once you stay."

While I am understanding the words of Brother Eddie, someone volunteered to share an experience. She was a beautiful woman, wearing a yellow shirt, about 5'5 ft. tall and wearing a maong skirt as her bottom outfit and white rubber shoes. She's white in skin color, with eyeglasses and pinkish cheeks and lips. I asked to Zac, "Who is she?" Zac answered as I notice him began to smile, "That's my crush, Samantha!" I didn't believe on what Zac said but he still insisted it's his crush. "In my whole life, I thought Keishley or Hasley was your crush!" I said joking Zac and chuckled. Then he replied, "Curse you!" For the joke became funny for him and chuckled.

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