Glory Be

Chapter Twenty-One

Isaiah stood across from his Father. His eyes were deep with fury, reflected in the moonlight. There was a moment of silence between them. Isaiah held onto it dearly. Even though he couldn't figure out exactly what had caused this to happen again. Why his Father was staring at him like that.

"I spoke to the Sheriff today; do you want to know what he said?" His Father began to walk forward. His boots clicked against the floor.

Isaiah nodded and opened his mouth to answer.

"He said one of his deputies saw you and Sydney leaving Red Hawk."

"What?" Isaiah's jaw dropped. Nausea began to creep up his throat. The air in his lungs dried out, as the blood circulating his body fell to the floor.

"Care to explain?"

"We were... Doing research... For an article," Isaiah murmured.

"Look at me son," The Priest demanded, lightly pushing his son's chin up, "Are you telling me the truth?"

Isaiah's eyes widened, "... Yes."

"Yes, sir," The Priest corrected, flicking his son's chin.

"Yes, sir," Isaiah repeated.

"Where did you go? What did you do?" The Priest continued the interrogation, "Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was just part of work, sir," Isaiah quickly became breathless, "I thought since I was an adult, it was a decision I could make."

"Inform me next time," The Priest said, "Now answer the rest of my questions."

"We went to Castle Rock and the badlands," Isaiah tried not to mutter, "We simply, observed the sentiment and learned about... Some fossils."

"All of this for an article?" The Priest scoffed, "I won't have it. I will not have my son's name under an article about fossils."

Isaiah's head started to shake with nauseating anticipation.

"You're going to write an article about the church instead, okay?" The Priest insisted.

"Oh, um," Isaiah held a cautious stare. Fearing if he blinked, the forming tears would bleed out onto his cheeks, "... Instead of?"

"That's right," The Priest said, "Give me an answer Isaiah."

"Um, yeah, yes. Yes, sir," Isaiah gulped, "I can do that."

"Good boy," The Priest said, his eyes flickering over to the altar. The bible was open. Showcasing the beginning of the story of Revelations in big bold text, "Now, one other thing."

"Yes, sir?" Isaiah nodded.

"Your friend, Sydney, I think you should air on the side of caution with him," The Priests face softened with pity. Isaiah quickly shook his head, not even thinking about his expression of defiance.

"Why?" Isaiah asked, "What did he do?"

"Calm down, son," The Priest put a hand on his son's shoulder, "He didn't do anything. I just believe he may be a bad influence on your goals."

"Um..." Isaiah faltered.

"I understand you two have become close, but remember what's most important," The Priest gestured to the altar, where the cross hung down in front of the window, "God, and your devotion to Him. Think about what He would be planning for you."

Isaiah looked over to the altar. His mind buzzing with senseless thought. Nothing could be made out. It was all just noise.

"He has big plans, more important than any of us could even guess," The Priest's face brightened with a smile, "Do you understand, Isaiah?"

"Yes, sir," Isaiah said, his mind still a mess of thoughts.

"Good, I'm heading off to bed then," The Priest smiled, and removed his hand, "Goodnight Isaiah."

"Goodnight, sir," He held his breath as a deep sorrow overcame his body.

The Priest left the room. Then, and only then Isaiah was alone, alone with God. Isaiah turned towards the altar. His limbs on the borderline of shaking. With wide eyes, he clasped his hands together as he observed the cross. There was nothing. No whispers. No signs. Nothing. Isaiah blinked then, and tears cascaded down his cheeks. His diaphragm lurched upwards, and the nauseousness nearly prevailed. Isaiah clutched his torso. He dug his nails into his side. The sensations held till he wiped his tears with his sleeve.

Isaiah slowly kneeled to the ground. The round grooves in the floorboard held his knees in place. Once more, he wiped his tears against his reddening cheeks.

"Heavenly Father," Isaiah put his hands flat against the other, then lowered his head, "I ask you humbly and with my full heart... Please guide me, please... Please guide me. Show me which path to follow."