Dear Beloved,

12| Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Now that I'm fuckboy free honey I'm back on my author sh*t! Ya heard? 😂

R A Y N E

~ Chapter Twelve ~

"To know the blessings of forgiveness we need to FEEL the burden of guilt." Wiping the sweat from his forehead my father paces the floor. "Now I know some of y'all are turning to your neighbor saying well where is Pastor going with this one?" Laughter fills the room already knowing this'll add another hour onto church. "I won't be long, I promise." He laughs waving us off. Sighing I unintentionally stare at the clock completely zoned out, my mind wanders to the last time I saw Lexus and how our conversation completely turned left. He hasn't been to church two Sunday's in a row nor has Ms. Maylene. If I was brave enough I'd call to ask if everything was fine but to be honest I couldn't care less if things were okay in his life at the moment.

I tried, I really tried with him but maybe it was never my place to try despite me feeling from the moment I met him that I could help him, help him in a way unimaginable. I guess that "feeling" was just me trying to be like my mom in a way I'll never be. I snap out of my daze realizing I'm literally the only one left in the pews. Looking around I quickly gather my bible and purse. "Lord Jesus, for far too long I kept you outta my life. I'm ah sinner, I can't save myself." Frowning to myself I walk towards the front to only see someone kneeling down praying. " I come to you lost, broken, and open God." He looks up. "I know I haven't did this in a minute and I ask fa forgiveness but I need ah favor man." Hearing his voice crack I grip onto my bible saying a quick prayer for the gentleman.  "I need you ta spare her please, don't take my grandmother away from me. I wouldn't be able to take it. Please." Watching him completely unravel still kneeled I jump feeling a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, can we talk?"

"Geez you scared me!" I smile hugging Mr. Dubois, Jacob's father. "How have you been?"

"Great, Debra and I just got back from the Bahamas. We were just talking about you with Jacob actually."

"With Jacob?" I ask finding it odd they've heard from him and I haven't. "Yes! You know that boy can run his mouth about you all day." He laughs. "That's funny because I haven't heard from him." I mumble shaking my head.

"Oh?" He looks displeased at the news. "Last time we talked he got a little upset with me actually but I'm glad to hear all is well with him."  Seeing the boy finally stand he kisses what I'm assuming is a rosary bead then looks across the church. Meeting Lexus' eyes I stare as if I see a ghost while he stares right back red eyes, tear stained cheeks, and all. He goes through the doors of the church and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in.

"Is everything okay Rayne? I know how Jacob can get sometimes, what if I talk to him for you?" Biting on the corner of my lip I try to decide if it's my own stupidity or if it's really God trying to tell me something. "No, No I completely understand, he's busy. Uh Mr. Dubois is it okay if we catch up later? I have this thing.." I look over at the doors again hoping he hasn't left yet. "Sure. It was good to see you Rayne."

"Good to see you too." I give him a quick hug then I practically run out of the doors as fast as my heels will let me. Once I get outside I jog down the stairs seeing Lexus standing there. As soon as I approach him he embraces me in a hug catching me off  guard. "Lexus..."

"I'm sorry." He mumbles still hugging me. Sadness washes over me as tears endlessly falls from his eyes. "No, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you're going through this. C'mon." I pull away grabbing my car keys.

"Huh?"

"Let me take you away." Hesitating for a second he looks at his phone then locks it following me to my car.

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Just a lil transition chapter. What's your thoughts?

Excuse any mistakes!!

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