Breaking Loose [Original]

31

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Thirty One
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THE SUN RAYS AGAINST OREN'S EYELIDS WOKE HIM UP.

That, and an excruciating pain in his neck.

"Snap" he murmured with a wince as he tried to turn his head the other way.

He had fallen asleep again on the chair whilst writing.

It had been like that since the past two weeks; he'd gone from nights in the hospital to spending most of his time meditating and scribbling sentences... Lyrics to a new song he hoped to sing at the Revival gathering-which was now in two days.

He said a prayer when he managed to gain composure and realized the windows had been left open.

He mentally scolded his carelessness and hoped it wasn't too cold to handle.

Pushing up to his feet, he stretched. He took up his notebook and grinned satisfactorily at what he'd been able to put together.

It took so much time and he now understood why, the Lord was really doing a quick work in him.

It hit him instantly to check on Jaden since it was his day off.

When he stalked into the living room, he found the TV still on and turned up to a higher than normal volume and he stared at it with confusion, finding no trace of his friend there.

He got to his room and found the door slightly ajar, which was very unusual.

"Jaden?"

He took careful steps in and the room was empty as well. The sound of running water in the bath however caught his attention and for some minutes he stared at the closed door.

His spirit remained unsettled as he stood there confused, when looked down, water had pooled at his feet, peaking his curiosity.

He pushed the door open with caution and his jaw dropped at the sight of overflowing water.

No Jaden.

"Jaden!"

He shut the door and turned to the backdoor which was unlocked.

He went down the steps onto the grass, the chilly air hitting against his skin.

"Jaden" he peered ahead, finding a hunched up figure in the distance.

He rushed towards it, just when Jaden raised his head.

"Jaden" he called "What..." He trailed off, only then noticing the bottles of alcohol at his friend's feet.

He met his broken gaze, an air of silence blowing over them as the words Oren had to speak remained on his tongue.

"I'm sorry..." Jaden finally spoke, his face saddened by guilt and regret. "...I tried but.."

His heart ached for his friend in that moment. He could feel the pain in his voice, the helplessness in his heart.

Amidst that, he smiled "It's okay"

And he took a seat by him... hating the smell of liquor that lingered. "I would never judge you"

Jaden stared at him for a moment before tearing his gaze, a scoff in his grunt "You now see me as a unrepentant loser"

"Dude..." Oren chuckled "No way"

Jaden frowned, unbelief evident on his face.

"Hey" Oren tried again, in a calmer tone and with a hand to his shoulder "It's okay, don't be hard on yourself. What happened had happened and it certainly doesn't kill God's love for you"

Jaden met his eyes again, quiet for a minute "It's just—I tried, Ren. I tried so hard to fight it. I tried to drown out the thoughts with the television and then I got in the tub, and then I prayed as a last resort...but nothing"

Oren had an apologetic smile on "Why didn't you tell me?"

" I came...but you were asleep and..I really didn't want to bother"

Oren understood "Look, I totally understand you Jaden. I feel your pain, don't forget I battled an addiction too"

Jaden looked away again and clenched his jaw. "You got over it, that's different "

" I didn't get over it in one day, mate. It was a journey"

"Salvation. It's instant, in the moment. But sanctification, it's a whole different ball game, my man. It's a journey, you have to die daily, take one step at a time until you're perfected in the end"

Jaden looked at his friend, slowly, very slowly, starting to accept his words. This made Oren glad.

He truly understood what he was going through and he was more than willing to take him by the hand and guide him to perfection.

" You don't get it, I want to actually get rid of this, in a day. I don't want to follow the Lord and turn back to my past "

" I know" Oren nodded "But like I said, you'll have to start slowly, one step at a time. The Lord is always with you no matter what struggles you face and sometimes fear and guilt make it seem otherwise. Just be patient, and let God lead. Embrace His peace and trust Him, that's all."

Jaden faced him fully, his clothes still stuck to his frame from how wet they were. Oren saw the tear that slipped from his eyes "It's hard, Ren..." He muttered, the agony in his eyes hit hard.

Oren was reminded of those dark days, where he'd stroked out all of what looked like hope for a way out.

"Do I still have a place in God's heart? After all I've done?"

Oren's heart tightened and he had to fight back tears.

"O'course.." he let out in a breath "God has never stopped loving you, He never will"

Jaden let out a sigh and raked his hair with both hands before peering up at the sky with hopeful eyes. "I don't know how I'll live this through, honestly"

Oren shook him lightly "You can. If I could"

Jaden laughed "Okay, let's believe that"

"Good"

"I... really don't know how to appreciate you"

"Oh please, do not start...I am only being my brother's keeper"

Jaden pulled a small smile, truly blessed for the friendship.

"Okay," Oren stood to his feet "We should get ready. We have to see Everest today"

Jaden smiled "I hear he has someone he'd like us to meet"

"Don't you mean, like me to meet?"

Jaden chuckled and got up too...his stance wavering for a second. "Yeah okay"

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