Heaven On Earth

One|Church

Daniel James Howell wasn't an atheist, nor a religious personnel. He was but a believer in science, and possibly a greater power; just not one that was alike to man, and should be praised. It wasn't as if he came to this conclusion by negative influences in his life, or childhood home-he was simply just a realist.

He was skeptical, sarcastic, and always focused on things that could never happen rather on things that didn't exist.

Did that make him a bad person? Of course not. It made him a reasonable, and quite relatable person. Though his family did not agree to that opinion, for they were convinced it was the Devils work that made him this way.

Really, it was his own mind.

Why believe in something you can't prove, or defies your own reality? Especially when it can be thoroughly nonsensical at most times. His thinking was practical, and followed the lines of: 'Could you sit here, and tell me that the bible is always 100% logical? That it's basis isn't merely hypothetical? Yeah, didn't think so. Even some religious people disagree with some of the shit it says.'

His opinions weren't easily changed, and that's exactly why he was the churches challenge.

Dan shifted in the uncomfortable wooden pew in the front of the service, pulling his tie loose a bit. It was strangling him, along with all of the words the preacher was saying. It felt like all eyes were staring at him today. Everyone seemed to know he didn't belong here with his secular beliefs, and ungodly ways.

What ever happened to: "All are welcome in a House of God?"

It was as if they were expecting him to suddenly drop to his knees, and pray for forgiveness. That was kind of ironic, actually. Daniel was the type of boy to get on his knees a lot, but for other purposes.

Another reason he was an outcast in this holy environment.

Most people would find some sort of comfort within the walls, and glass stained windows of a church. But Dan just felt guilty.

It seemed that the sad, wooden crucifix in the middle of the church was staring at him with blank, and sorrowful eyes. Begging for his belief. If Jesus really did suffer this horrible fate for Dan's sins he didn't want to be reminded of it.

Dan was nothing but a sinner since he had his first kiss.

With a boy.

Ooh, how that riled his relatives up like wild bulls. Dan's a faggot, God bless his soul. Really, the whole thing made him laugh hysterically.

And right now he was a cock sucker in the midst of his ultra-orthodox family, listening to a sweaty man yell about what's right, and what isn't.

"Our Father has blessed us with the gift of life. It is our job to use that life to praise him, and create more life!" He shouted.

"Amen," The church replied.

"If men are with men and women with women, how are we expected to repopulate as God put us on this fine earth to do?"

"Amen!"

Dan rolled his eyes. Fine earth his gay asshole. Of course this is the sermon his parents practically dragged him to. Why did he actually show up this time? He was so done with this shit.

"Being gay is a sin. A filthy doing in the eyes of God!"

The pastor's own beady eyes shifted towards Dan for a second, but he quickly looked away.

"Amen!"

Dan again felt like everyone was staring at him. Trying to get him to understand the message that the preacher was sending, but Dan just felt sick.

His mother was drilling holes into the side of his head; he knew, but he refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing him effected by this. Instead he sat stone faced throughout the rest of the service, not once glancing at her, or saying a word.

His precious family was famous within the church. They never missed a Sunday, always participated in church events, and attended bible studies regularly. So when news got out that the Howell family had a faggot for a son it was the talk of the century.

What a waste of a handsome boy.

Of course, all the good ones are queer.

Dan kind of liked the attention for a while. What could he say? He was a whore.

Now, it was almost suffocating. It never seemed to leave peoples mouths. Everyone knew, and everyone gossips the minute he turns away. His family hates him for ruining their name, but that was the best part about it.

He knew how much it annoyed them, and while he wishes it didn't, he was glad they finally knew what it was like to be considered imperfect. He loved his family, but fuck their homophobic ways.

Dan liked it up the ass, was that such an issue?

When church finally ended, Dan got up quickly, and tried to avoid all eye contact with everyone. His family always stayed a little longer to chat with the church people, so maybe he could leave now without their notice. He started to scramble for the exit, and had almost escaped when the pastor caught his arm.

"Daniel! How nice it is to see you again. It's been forever," he chirped. It was so fake Dan wanted to roll his eyes and sneer. He knew the pastor was secretly calling him out for not showing up to church in months, but this was just a place he didn't fit in.

"It's nice to see you too, Pastor James," Dan lied.

He kind of hated that his mother had chose to name him after this guy because they adored him so much. It was only his middle name, but Dan still found it rather annoying how far up the churches ass his parents were.

"Daniel," Pastor James starts, "I just wanted you to know that today's sermon wasn't in any way directed towards you if that's what it seemed like."

Oh, bullshit.

"Oh no, I didn't think that at all, Pastor," Dan replies.

"Good, because this is a church, and I wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable here," Pastor James says.

Dan nods as if he understands, and actually gives a fuck. If lying is a sin this guy is worse than me.

The pastor takes an inward breath, and here's the criticism, "But I do hope you know that if you pray hard enough for God to take the gay from you he will. Gay is a sickness that can be cured. With God; all things are possible."

Dan tried his best to restrain from laughing, but he can't help it as he breaks into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. He starts to laugh louder getting the attention of the whole church. The pastor frowns. Dan can't breathe as he lays his hand on Pastor James's shoulder, rubbing a tear from his eye with the other one.

"Fuck, Pastor James you should have became a comedian. While the common lying, loud- mouthed, propaganda shouting preacher fits you very well, I have to say--such wasted talent."

Pastor James opens his mouth to probably yell at him for his language and lack of faith, but Dan has already started to walk away.

I can't believe I just got asked to pray the gay away, Dan chuckles at that thought. He isn't even mad anymore. Sort of disappointed in humanity, but not angry.

"The Angels are watching, Daniel!" The pastor shouts as Dan starts to move faster out of the church. Was that supposed to be some type of warning? Dan feels like laughing again.

Angels aren't real.

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AN: Yo, I'm excited for this hbu