IN LOVE'S EMBRACE

CHAPTER 57: A JOURNEY OF HEALING AND RECONCILATION

"The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions"— Thich Nhat Hanh

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JOHN PIERCE

I strolled through the hallway, making pleasantries with the few students who approached me. Many of them curiously bombarded me with questions about my whereabouts and health. I brushed off their inquiries with a smile or a simple shake of my head.

From the looks in their eyes, I knew a certain rumor had been circulating about me, and they were itching to fish out more details.

I rolled my eyes at most of them. I was too familiar with controversies to care what anyone thought of me.

The closer I got to the lecture hall, the louder the voices and laughter of rambunctious students could be heard. I took in a breath, preparing myself, before walking in.

The class fell silent as soon as I entered, all eyes turning to me. Being popular, the class erupted in a cheer as I smiled and waved at them.

The noise quickly died down at the stern gaze of Miss Joyce, whom I had just noticed. She faced me with folded arms, silently demanding an explanation.

"Good Morning Miss Joyce" I greeted sheepishly, rubbing the base of my neck

Taking a glance at her, I couldn't help but notice her beauty. Skin as brown as chocolate, her lips plum and full, her eyes the darkest shade of black, with round spectacles accentuating their allure.

Despite her being dressed in a flared dress, that should have been modest, her curves still managed to stand out.

I gulped and reined in my thoughts before they wandered too far.

Lord, please help me.

I used to think I had control over my body and senses, but now I was beginning to my error in thinking so.

Deciding to go celibate was easy when I was doing it for the wrong reasons, but now, with a change in focus, it was a constant battle.

My thoughts were all over the place, and the slightest detail of a woman's body could trigger me. It was frustrating, but the holy spirit reminded me that the only remedy was constant fellowship with him, prayer, and immersing myself in the word of God.

Micheal had also been a big help. I confided in him about everything I was going through, and he called daily to pray, encourage, and advise me. He constantly reminded me to aggressively guard my heart; being cautious of the things I saw, heard, or thoughts I dwelled on.

"John?!" A finger was snapped in my face, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I blinked and looked to find Miss Joyce observing me with concern.

"Hmm?" I pursed my lips, trying to recollect what she had just said.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine"

"This is the first time you are attending my class this semester." She stated a hint of question in her tone.

"Um... Yes" I nodded, my lips still pursed. I knew she wanted an explanation, but I had none to give. Well, not one that she would easily believe anyway.

She tapped her feet against the tiled ground urging me to continue. When she realized I had nothing else to add, she dropped her arms.

"John," She said disapprovingly, shaking her head at me.

If it were anyone else, I knew she would have either chased them out of the class, threatened to fail them, or reported them to the dean. However, after that night at the party, she treated me with more gentleness and would barely raise her voice.