LOST IN THE RAIN( CHRISTIAN ROMANCE)

Chapter 3 (Part II)

Leo and Darlene chatted as they walked out of the school library.
"You sure you won't be able to make it? " Leo asked, hoping for a positive answer.
"I'm sorry Leo but dad's travelling tomorrow and I have to spend the weekend keeping grandma company."
"Hmm" He exhaled. "Alright then. I guess another time." He smiled faintly.
"I promise, one day I'll make it." She pocked him.
"Alright. Until then. Where's dad going this time?"
"He has a business conference at Houston."
"Dad and business" Leo chucked. Darlene smiled. They both walked over to the parking lot where Darlene's driver was waiting for her. Classes were over already. Leo hadn't succeeded once again in making her come to church. But he still believed that she would someday. He felt funny, kind of bad. Not just because she wasn't coming but because somehow he felt she was making up excuses so she wouldn't come. But whatever the case, he couldn't force her to come. It had to be her choice.
"Lord do you really want me to marry an unbeliever?" He silently asked God as he watched her car drive away. But who said anything about marriage? After all, he hadn't actually gotten enough convictions that she was the wife God wanted for him.
But he had feelings for her. Or were they just mere infatuations? Was it because she was tender and astonishingly beautiful? She was kind and friendly, really nice and fun to be with. She had a certain charisma that drew people to her and he'd been drawn too. And to add more shimmer to her glimmer, her dad was madly rich. Were those actually the things that drew him to her? So far as he knew, he was a christian and didn't have his mind on such things. He didn't think they were capable of pulling him to any woman. What he was more concerned with was marrying a virtuous lady, a christian for a wife and that was the reason he hadn't asked her out yet.
He looked at the time. It was half past the hour of two. His job at Frosty Lake Meals was scheduled to begin at 3:00pm. He scrambled to the class where his bag was, packed up and left for work.
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Charlie and Jimmy played chess as they waited for their parents to come fetch them. Charlie was an expert when it came to chess. It was Charlotte's favorite game. They'd played it so many times.
"Checkmate!" Jimmy said, all smiles as he trapped Charlie's king. Jimmy was a fast learner, Charlie his teacher.
"Oh boy! You're growing real fast." Charlie said, surprised.
"I know right. But Charlie, what's the problem? You looked a bit distracted. Hope there's no ish"
"Nah. You were just lucky to win me. But a master's always a master. So you'd better get your sleeves up if you still wanna win the next time we play." He said, packing the chess pieces and board into the small carton.
"Well many times, disciples turn out to be greater than their masters."
"Yeah I think, but in very rare cases though."
"Charlie!" He heard his mom call from the doorway.
"Mum's here." Jimmy said. "So do we have a game tomorrow?"
"You're on." Charlie lifted his thumb at Jimmy.
"Alright." He chuckled. "Love the sound of that" The two boys shook hands and Charlie followed his mom to the car.
"How was school today honey?"
"Not so bad." He said, tilting his head on the headrest of the passenger's seat.
"Does that mean it was a little bad?"
"Wouldn't exactly say that."
"Kay." Jocelyn slowed down the car trying to examine her son to see if there was anything she could pick from his expression. It was blank. "Oh come on honey. Please don't be like that." She pleaded, signs of sadness suddenly filling her face
"Really it's nothing. I'm just not in a jolly mood today. I'm an adolescent mom, mood swings." He smiled. Somehow his smile always hid whatever sad emotions that he felt. She really wished he was telling the truth. He always liked to give her hope. Didn't like to bother her with his problems, even to his hurt. He believed she was already going through a lot with Charlotte and bringing up his own problems would just kill her totally. He was such a considerate son and she thanked God for that but she didn't want him dying in silence cause that would hurt her more.
"Alright honey." She checked the time. "Will you accompany me to the market? I want to get some stuff for the seminar"
"Sure. It's Thursday. No assignment work today. I could use some outdoor activities instead of staying at home"
That almost brought joy to her heart but again she noticed him get lost. Her heart ached. But she was thankful she wouldn't have to beg and persuade him to come with her. She loved having him around, and most definitely didn't want him languishing in his thoughts about whatever was troubling his mind.