Just Have Faith

Epilogue

Roughly two years ago, Nick had given me this ring. As I looked at it, I remembered these past two years. I've been clean for one year, five months, and thirteen days. Because, throughout those two years, I have had relapses. Nothing major. Just small little cuts that I instantly regretted. But now, I am totally finished with that and I will never do it again.

Nick and I are both seniors and are approaching our last month of high school. Obviously, we've had short breaks and small arguments throughout these past two years because, what couple doesn't?

When you're at this point in your high school career, everyone asks you what you are going to do with the rest of your life. And, I mean absolutely everyone. Relatives, friends, peers, teachers, everyone wants to know what I'm majoring in. I can tell them my final answer now.

After thinking long and hard for months, I'd finally decided to major in psychology to become a pediatric counselor. Because of everything I've been through, I want to help kids and teens with things that they're going through and may or may not want to tell their parent(s) or guardian(s). If I can comfort someone and help them figure out healthy alternatives to something they might later regret, I've done something with my life. Even if I just help one kid or teen, I've done something right.

My phone suddenly vibrated on top of my history text book. Final exams are coming up and I'm kind of stressed out. Scratch that, I'm very stressed. Seeing that it was Nick, I picked it up.

"Hey, can you make it quick?" I began. "I'm trying to study for my history exam."

"I'm not sure if this can be a two minute conversation," Nick said.

I dog eared the page of my history book and stood up. "What's up?" I asked.

"I know you and I are both stressed with exams right now, but I need to tell you this." I heard him take a deep breath on the other end of the line. "I want to go into priesthood, Lay."

"You've mentioned that a few times." My face dropped as I remembered what else Nick had also told me about becoming a priest. "But, that also means that you can't get married."

Nick told me that the reason that a priest can't get married is because the church is the priest's family.

"Yeah," he said. "But, I'm leaving this up to you, Layla. I can't decide. I can't decided whether to end us or to follow what I think is my calling."

"Nick, I can't be the one to hold your future in my hands. That's too much pressure."

"I know it is. But, it's now your decision."

I sighed. "Give me some time, okay? I'll call you back later tonight before I go to bed."

"Okay, Layla. And, I'm okay with whatever you decide."

Then, I ended the call, shell shocked. One thing I'm absolutely positive about is that my boyfriend is crazy. I love him, trust him, and all that stuff. But, I'd never let him decide my future for me.

Pulling a piece of notebook paper from my notebook, I bit my bottom lip. This is nerve racking. I'm holding his future in my hands. After I grabbed a pen, I started to make a pros and cons list.

Pros of Nick becoming a priest

1. He would be following his calling

2. He might turn some nonbelievers into believers

3. He might help people like he'd helped me over two years ago

Cons of Nick becoming a priest