Be Still

FriYay?

It was currently Friday evening, and I had a lot of time to think about what happened last week. My mind was a constant war zone. Battling back and forth with Jack and apologizing to Kara. Right now l just really want to escape the war zone, and find some source of peace.

I was now getting ready for this, ' FriYay' service at church. Such a cheery name compared to the week I've had. The only word to describe it was hectic. The guys told me that it was like a small group Bible study, and that I don't need to be dressy. So, I quickly threw on a dark blue button down and some jeans.

I quickly grab my crutches, the perfect accompaniment of any outfit.
Earlier that day I had a doctor's appointment, and I've been officially declared chariot free. Since my ribs have healed enough I get to walk around on crutches now.

After coming back from the doctors, I was able to discuss going to church with my parents, and they readily agreed. It's been around nine days since I visited Jack, and I've been a mess. Images of his pale and broken self haunt me, pictures of his blood-covered face flash through my mind. Sleep begins to evade me, and whenever I seem to catch it, it escapes from my grasp. Almost like it's a wild animal refusing to be tamed. It's gotten to a point where my mother stays in my room to comfort me from nightmares.

It made me feel embarrassed each time it occurred, as if I was back in my seven year old both asking my parents if I can sleep with them for they'll keep the bad dreams away. When I was younger I would snuggle deep in between my mother's chest sneaking any and all comfort. Yet, embarrassment replaced comfort.

I figured this past week they were like I need all the Jesus I can get.

Letting the experiences of the past week fade, I crutch my way to the kitchen.

After stuffing about half of a turkey sandwich in my mouth, I look at the clock on my phone. My period of punishment was over and now I was able to have my phone back. It was now 7:15.

My ride should be here. I think to myself, only for my thoughts to be confirmed by a loud horn honking outside.
" Bye Everyone," I shout over all the noise. The November cold laps at my cheek as I button up my favorite navy coat, and crutch to the car.

"Oh look the prisoner has been set free," Jake proclaims as I open the back door to see that the back seat was full. Little did Jake know that I would be set free from so much more bondage that night.

"Oh we saved you the seat upfront," Lily says pointing to the passenger seat in front of her. Her fingers doing a little tap dance in the passenger headrest. A new book was sitting in her lap.

" Thanks," I mumble before getting in the front seat. Once I get settled, I placed my crutches in the backseat under everyone's feet, and we go.

" Sorry we're late, someone had to go back and retrieve her book," Blake explains, while staring pointedly at Lily.

" Hey, I was on the best part, and no offense these car rides tend to get boring," Lily says in her defense.

" It's alright you guys," I assure them.

" Hello, Joshua," Sheila says. Which I respond with a smile and a slight wave as Blake pulls off.

"Not much for words tonight are we," she asks seemingly innocent.

"Hello Sheila," I say fake annoyance rising in my tone.

"Thank you," she says before sitting back in her seat and scrolling through her phone. Petty.

" Where's Kara," I ask in confusion. She said she would come.

"Oh someone has a crush," Jake says with a singsongy voice.