A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (Love Conquers All series) ORIGINAL VERSION

Chapter 65: "In God's Hands"

NOTE: I had a brief moment of writer's block with the M/F story, so I figured I'd spend some time with these boys and see if it helped. They always help *sigh* :) I think I might be addicted to this story :) I can't stay away.

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"Did you break but never mend?

Did it hurt so much you thought it was the end?

Lose your heart but don't know when

And no one cares, there's no one there

Well did you see the flares in the sky?

Were you blinded by the light?

Did you feel the smoke in your eyes?

Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone

'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares."

- Flares, The Script

For a moment, Uriah detected an unexpected peace in Josh...something akin to hope in his eyes. Uriah didn't know where it came from, but his brother's words—everything is going to be okay—wielded strength and power, gripping Uriah. It all wavered, though, when their father's behavior shifted and he turned his full attention to Josh.

"I believe that you are sincere, Josh," Abraham said. "Now. But so was your brother the many times he promised to never wallow in his lust ever again. He is proof that this vile temptation is nearly impossible to resist. Nearly. But God is greater, and with the proper guidance, I am positive you can avoid making the same mistakes. I was too lenient on him at the beginning. I thought a little reproof would be enough. Clearly, it wasn't. By the time I realized my mistake, it was too late; the sickness had taken root, resistant to even the most severe correction." He sighed. "I won't make the same mistake with you."

Fear burrowed deeper into Uriah's heart, eradicating the momentary peace he had started to feel. Whatever had sprouted inside Josh wavered as well, his anxious, fearful eyes locked on their father.

"To this very day," their father went on, "he continues to turn himself over to his disgusting lusts, and now..." he shifted his piercing stare to Uriah. "...he is beginning to lie about it. His one redeeming quality had always been his honesty with me concerning his sins. But no more. The disease is eroding his soul, submerging him deeper and deeper into the muck and mire of this filthy world. He is becoming deceived into believing that what he feels maybe isn't so wrong after all. He used to understand the error of his ways, which instigated his honesty. But he is slipping away, Joshua. I will lose him if I don't renew my efforts to save him." He looked at Josh. "I have to try harder. Give him an incentive that is stronger than his lusts. And I think I've found it."

Uriah swallowed hard, his fear escalating. "Father...I don't need an incentive." His voice shook as he stood to his feet. "I will obey the law of God. I will learn from your reproof. I will do whatever you ask of me, whatever the Lord asks of me. Don't punish Josh for my mistakes. He won't make the same mistakes."

Abraham gazed at him thoughtfully. "As always, I believe you are sincere, Uriah. Problem is, you are weak. You've proven this to me far too many times. I believe you do wish to overcome this sinful nature, but you just aren't capable of doing so on your own." He addressed Josh. "Do you love your brother, Joshua?"

"Y-Yes," Josh whispered thickly.

"Is there anything you wouldn't do to save his soul from eternal damnation?"