Looking Back

Chapter 18: Sunday

The next morning, I went to church with my cheek bruised. My dad was still asleep in his recliner so he didn't hear me over his loud snoring.

"Tamara, we have to do something about this," Felisha said once I was in her car. She was angry.

"We can't. If they take him away, where will that leave me?" I hated talking about taking my father away from me.

"You can stay with me," she suggested. "I don't care. As long as your dad is nowhere near you."

"No. I'll be fine-"

"No you won't. What if you seriously get hurt? He could end up killing you."

"So. I don't care. I'm not dead yet," I said growing angry. I ran my fingers through my thick red hair wishing I never told her anything. I stared out the window.

"Tamara, you don't know what you are asking for-"

"Look, just promise me you won't tell anyone about this. Promise me," I begged her.

"Fine," she said finally giving up."But you need to tell the police, Tamara. This is a situation that needs to be taken seriously. If you end up badly hurt-" she scolded, but I cut her off.

"Felisha, I am fine. You don't need to worry about me."

"I don't think I can just sit back and watch you go through this."

"Try."

When we were seated inside the sanctuary. Tanner spotted me and immediately came over.

I tried to avoid looking at him, but it was hard.

"What happened," he asked protectively. I could tell by the sound of his voice that he wasn't happy.

"Nothing. I don't want to talk about it right now." I glared at him.

He backed off. "Okay." He looked at passed me at Felisha. Then back to me. "Since it's Valentine's Day would you like to spend the night with me?"

"What?!"

"No, I mean would you like to spend the evening with me. I asked my parents. They said it was fine." He looked into my eyes instead of bruise on my cheek.

I smiled appreciating him. "I would love to."

"Great." He smiled back. "Then it's a date."

I laughed. "A date," I agreed.

The service was another good one. The songs that were sung sang peace into my heart and gave promises to my soul. The message that Pastor Frank delivered had my spirit moved.

When the service ended with prayer, and no one came up to get prayed for, Pastor Frank pulled me to the side where no one else was and spoke to me. "Tanner told me you've accepted Jesus into your heart the other night."

"Yes, I did," I answered smiling.

"I'm so proud of you." He said giving me a warm smile. "It's a big step to take, but it's worth it."

I could tell that wasn't all he wanted to talk about. He glanced at my bruised cheek. "I know what you are about to say," I said before he could get his mouth open.

"Tamara-"

"I can't do that to him," I said sternly. "I can't."

The determination in his eyes faded. "I'll be praying for you and your father," he said end the short discussion.

I turned to leave. When I was outside heading for Felisha's car. Tanner stopped me.

"Tamara." I could already hear the concern in his voice.