To Break Loose [Original]

Chapter Nineteen

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Nineteen
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"Excuse me young man"  an elderly woman approached Oren and Jaden's table with the sweetest smile he'd seen all day.  "Are you the one who plays?" She asked kindly, her finger shaky as she pointed

"Yes ma'am" he beamed

"Oh..." She placed her hand on her chest with a sigh  "Bless the Lord. You have been a blessing to my family," she confessed

Oren was touched by that  "I'm honored, but it's all Him"

She chuckled  "Amen, it is. My grandson, he's fourteen and he was having serious temper problems. He's healed now from hearing your songs" she testified joyously

Oren grinned, praising God internally.  "That's great news, God really did"

She nodded and offered to get them anything but they humbly declined.

"That was something" Jaden remarked when she left

Oren hummed  "I am mind blown"

"I wonder what my superpower is?" Jaden went

"Super power?" Oren had a raised brow

"Yeah. Like you sing and play, I should have something I'm good at"

"Oh," he laughed  "I honestly don't think we have special powers. Its mostly—often than not—something you're passionate about "

"How does dancing glorify God?"

" It does"

"Until I figure that out, I don't believe you" Jaden said and ate another nugget.

Everest walked into the place, eyes narrowed as he searched. Oren had to hold a hand up before the fella found them.

"Hey" he joined them, hand into Jaden's plate in that second. 

His eyes looked bloodshot

"Bro!" Jaden frowned but he shrugged

"This is good," he said

Oren cleared his throat and Everest looked at him,  "Ren"

"Everest" both acknowledged each other.

It was a momentary gaze that ended with Everest sighing in defeat  "Just two, I swear"

Jaden shook his head.

"I had to clear my head," he continued to explain  "Now why am I here? And tell me it's not what I'm thinking"

" It actually is"  Oren started  "What's up with Colton?"

Everest cut Jaden a glare  "bloody loudmouth" he muttered

"What? He got it out of me" Jaden said in his defence

"It's not important that I found out"  Oren interrupted them  "Dude, we talked about this" he looked Everest in the eyes

He sighed  "I know. I'm mindful,"

"Another frat house frenzy? That's not so mindful of you —"

Everest cursed  "To hell with what you think! I don't just start fires, some idiots pour fuel!"

Oren swallowed his anger. It wasn't in his place to judge him and he didn't want to make it feel so. He simply remained quiet and let his friend calm down.

"Sorry I yelled" his friend finally grumbled

Oren nodded  "You told me you'd stop going"

"I did. Honestly. It's just...one thing led to another and I messed up big time so I had to fix things and then Colton from Heaven knows where shows up, like he never takes a break on booze and crack"

At this, Jaden lowered his gaze.

Oren thought.

How would he say things without being to harsh.

"You should sort out whatever beef you've got with the guy"

Everest clenched his jaw and looked out for a second  "I can't do that" he admitted

"Then simply stop frat houses" Oren shrugged

"It's not that easy you know, I was born in one, half of my life is there"

The other guys exchanged sorry looks. It was just sad.

Sadder for Oren because they go a long way back. Having been friends for over sixteen years.

"I will stop eventually" Everest finally sighed.  "I mean, party life has been crazy. Made mistakes, learned lessons, had my share of heartbreaks. I think I actually am ready to be on the good side of life. The one with Jesus and rainbows"

This made Oren laugh.

It was indeed great a choice to make, and no one ever said the journey would be smooth.

Being where Everest was, the life of the party, it was the toughest thing to do but if the Lord indeed began something in his heart, who was Oren to stop or question it?

Pray for your friends y'all.

"That's good" Jaden finally said  "Your transformation would be the best after Oren of course."

Everest rolled his eyes  " And yours? Don't forget we did stuff too"

Jaden flipped him off  "It's in the past now"

The boys cheered over a drink and it was time for Oren to entertain his friends and the rest of the small crowd that formed later that evening.

It filled him with joy to bless people's hearts. When he thought back to where he began, then through his journey to present, it filled him with awe just how loving and patient God is.

He waited until he got to the end of himself, then He manifested.

Everest smiled when he glanced his way. Both of them did too.

And it was a happy moment because it was genuine, like they were honestly proud of how far he'd come.

It felt right, almost.

Even with his two favourite people he felt like it was and always would be incomplete.

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