Redemption

Chapter Six

Elijah POV

Pauline's Kitchen was thirty minutes away located in a neighboring city. I'd be lying if I said I didn't pick it for its further destination. Getting alone time to figure out this enigma of a woman beside me was exactly what I planned on doing.

Glancing over, her curls slightly blowing in the breeze, she had her eyes closed and head leaned back. Her lips were pouty in a way that I craved to see if they were as soft as they looked. If she only knew how she set me on edge. It's as if her soul called to me. The innate urge to constantly protect and cover her from every ailment, backwards glance or people like the twins, unsettled me. Days had passed and still the urge never ceased.

"You draw beautifully, Layla. When did you find out you had such a talent for it?" My hands gripping the steering wheel, relaxing in the leather seat.

"When I was young I would draw. I found it an outlet and something I could put my heart and soul into. I haven't seen many of your drawings though." Her smile melted through me. Her brow held the question but did I want to share the real reason.

"I actually draw horribly. I've just had the advantage of art being everyone's individual interpretation and used it to my advantage. Why do you think Ms. Stone uses me as her model?" Laughter filled the small space. I notice the imperfect way her teeth were set, the way her curls frizzed a little with the wind whipping through them, the way she tried to cover her mouth when she laughed, the glistening in her eyes when she laughed. She was endearing.

"So what are you majoring in?" She turned slightly in the seat facing me.

"I'm not sure yet to be honest. College just sounded like the thing to do. Honestly I want to become a pastor and go on missions speaking Gods word to all of those that have never had the opportunity to hear His word. To change not only peoples life's but their eternity. If everyone only knew the peace and hope he brought us and continues to provide."

We sat in the parking lot in silence for a few minutes before my hands practically itched to touch her, hold her and tell her how I really feel. The sun was setting low and gave her an ethereal glow. For a moment she opened her mouth to say something but instead chewed on the corner of her lip. "Ready for some good food?"

Layla POV

The steakhouse was known for their specialty cuts and homey vibe and that's exactly what we got. The waitress was friendly and removed the plates on the table, politely asking if we needed anything else before heading back to the kitchen.

After finishing two appetizers, dinner then sharing an apple pie, Elijah leans back in the booth and holds his stomach with both of his hands. Groaning out loud, his grin spreading wide, eyes half shut. "Three things, First, the food was too good. Second, my eyes were bigger than my stomach..." Leaning over the table he whispers the last, his eyes connecting with mine. "Third, your singing is angelic."

"You said you've been to several services, I didn't see you there any other time." The question plagued my mind since we left the church earlier.

"I don't usually sit up front like you do. But I've seen you singing up there in front of God and everyone else. Layla, why don't you ever stick up for yourself and stand proudly like you do when you're up there?"

His words took me back. Singing for God, worshipping him and standing up for myself are two different things. "Elijah, when I sing to God, I don't hold back. He means everything to me... I'd be lost without. When people like Sam, Tori or anyone else choose to bully, it's different. I don't want to become like them, or anyone like that for that matter."

It was hard to explain. I was so afraid I'd end up like my Dad. Going too far, unable to control emotions, lashing out for personal failures or the child that never had the opportunity to just be a kid. I chose silence because I knew what blowing up looked like. I saw what I didn't want to be. I felt that hatred, resentment, anger and sadness. It turned me into a bitter, self hated human being. Choosing silence didn't mean laying down but rather knowing what I was capable of and never touching that spot again. I used it against myself all the time after all those years. Of course it hurt to have horrible things said about you, but those demons always threatened to resurface.