I Got Jesus

Facing Challenges

"I just don't get why you can't just fill the answers in with the answers Lavender told you...I mean is that really worth failing this class?" Mackenzie questioned as we walked out of the classroom.

"If standing up for my Savior results in me failing this class I'll take it. It's the least I could do. I mean he died for you, and me and everyone. He shed blood so we could be forgiven and live an eternal life in Heaven after death. He held our burdens on his shoulders."
We walked in silence for a minute, then a boy ran up from behind us.

"Hey, I'm Maxwell by the way." He smiled and held his hand out. I smiled softly and shook it.

"I'm Chloe."

"Yeah I know, I'm pretty sure everyone in the class knows your name by now." He chuckled. Maxwell had jet black hair with bangs that swept to his side. His eyes were a dark brown and he had a soft white smile.

"Yeah probably." I blushed.

"What you're doing is really brave. Standing up for your beliefs, never seen anyone do that before, never seen anyone as brave as you."

"Yeah? Thanks." I blushed even more.

"Where are you from anyway?"

"Texas." I replied.

"That's pretty legit. Well I've got to get to my next class so I'll see you tomorrow!" He smiled and walked down the hall.

"Me too." Mackenzie waved and walked to her next class.

"Chloe Bakers, please come down the the front office. You are getting checked out early." The loud speaker sounded. I felt my heart pound and my hands began to shake, I felt like something was wrong. There was no reason for me to get checked out, not any reason my mom told me. I quickly walked to my locker and packed up my items in my backpack. I threw my light pink backpack on my back and fast walked towards the office. When I walked in, my dad was leaning against the wall talking on his cellphone.

"Chloe you're here. Your dad is checking you out early. I'm sorry to hear the news." The front office lady smiled softly. I looked at her and quickly back at my dad using my emotions to ask him what was going on. He mouthed, 'I'll tell you in the car'.

I followed him outside to the car and hopped in, buckling the seatbelt. He said bye to whoever he was talking to and then started the car.

"I thought you didn't love us anymore? I thought this whole family thing wasn't your "thing" anymore so what are you doing here picking me up?" I snapped.

"Chloe, I do love you. I had to pick you up because your mother is with your brother in the hospital." I opened my mouth to speak but I froze in place staring at him with my eyes open.

"Why's Nathaniel at the hospital?" I stuttered.

"I don't really know. All your mother told me
was, he's having trouble breathing."

"Breathing?"

He nodded. I leaned my head back slowly on the head rest and closed my eyes tight.

Nathaniel lay on the bed with tubes in his nose. I ran to his side and sat down next to my mom. I grabbed his hand and held it in mine and he slowly opened his eyes and smiled at me.

"Hey Nathaniel. You doing okay?"

"Yeah, I know God will make me all better."
I smiled and kissed his forehead. "I'll be praying for you, bud."

"Thanks Chloe." He squeezed my hand tighter.

"Mom, what's he got? Why can't he breathe right?"

"Doctor says he has a water in his lungs. I'm not sure how that happened though."

"He's gonna be okay though, right?" My voice cracked.

"I'm sure of it. Just have faith in God sweetheart."

I laid in my bed with my ceiling light off and my fairy lights on. I stared out the ceiling thinking about Nathaniel. I grabbed my phone and turned on 'We Believe' by Newsboys.
I closed my eyes as tears slid down my cheeks. "We believe in God the father, we believe in Jesus Christ." I sang along whilst my voice cracked and tears slid down my cheeks. There was a knock on my bedroom door, I paused my music and sat up wiping my tears and clearing my throat.

"Hey..." my dad walked in.

"What are you doing here?" I crossed my arms.

"Your mom is staying at the hospital with
Nathaniel so I'm staying here to take care of you and Abigail." He sat down at the edge of my bed. "Listen, maybe this whole family thing isn't my thing anymore and maybe I don't love your mom the way I used to. But I love you and your siblings to death. And I do love your mom, but just not how I used to. You know everything happens for a reason? These challenges will happen in order for us to look to God and trust him. Just pray and have faith in God that he will bring Nathaniel back to full health." He held my hand in his chubby hands. "Your mother and I decided to take a break before we officially divorce. See if these feelings I have towards her are just temporary, maybe I do still love your mother the way I used to. Never forget to have faith in God and know he has a plan for you." He kissed my hand and left the room closing the door.

I looked at my hands, my light pink painted chipping nails. I folded my hands and closed my eyes. Praying that God will heal Nathaniel. Having faith in God. I opened my eyes and my phone got a notification, a text from my mom.
Before I could open my messages my mom called.

"Hello?"

"They got the water out of his lungs. He should be back to full health tomorrow and he can come home tomorrow!! Thank you Jesus! I'll see you tomorrow baby, love you."

"That's amazing! I replied with relief. Love you too. See you tomorrow, bye."