Looks Can Kill

No Longer Black

"No..." Reusa cried softly. But she didn't see darkness in his eyes. Not a single speck of darkness or dirt marred Steve's soul. His gaze was so bright, so full of light that Reusa suddenly wanted to look away. But Steve's fingers were still there, gentle but firm, keeping her gaze pinned to his. As she stared straight into a clean heart, she saw Him.

He lived in Steve's heart, and He was there, looking at Reusa. He smiled at her. Smiled. At her. Sinful, murderer though she was, but the Creator of the universe was smiling at her with a love so deep Reusa couldn't begin to swim in it. She was drowning. Drowning in His love and His light. He held out His hand toward Reusa and she could hear a still, small voice whispering in her heart.

I love you. You are my Beloved Daughter. Please don't run away. I can make your eyes white. I can love that which is trash. I can save the broken.

Reusa began crying. Tears of shame, of fear, of love ran down her face.

How? How can you love me? Reusa's twisted, shriveled heart cried. And He answered.

Because I made you for me. I made you, Daughter, and I love you. Do you want to be saved?

Yes! Reusa cried, unsure of whether she spoke aloud or not. But she knew Jesus heard her regardless. He had heard every word spoken in her dark heart, every word written and then burned, every single thought, and He still loved her. Reusa watched as Jesus' hand stretched further and His arms pulled her close where she was sheltered in His embrace. And she knew nothing mattered anymore except what this Creator thought and knew and loved. And He loved her. She was no longer 'Reusa', guilty. She was Amasia. Loved one.

Amasia blinked, tears running down her face and realized she was staring into Steve's eyes. She gasped and shut her eyes on instinct, knowing her gaze could kill. But...Steve had been cleansed. No more sin resided in his heart that could kill him. She tentatively opened her eyes again and Steve, tears rolling down his face just as much as hers, smiled.

"Your eyes...They're beautiful, Amasia."

Suddenly the computer room was ripped apart with deafening roar and heat blasted her fingers around Steve's shoulder. Steve tightened his arms around her, sheltering her from the explosion with his body, but Amasia could still feel the heat, the fire engulfing her and Steve.

So, She thought ironically before descending into oblivion. I do die by fire.

–––––––––––––––

Amasia paced in front of the hallway to the boy's dorm. Her mother, sitting daintily in a chair against the wall, watched her in concern. Finally, she lifted her hand and drew Amasia's distracted attention with it.

"Why are you so anxious, dear?" She asked softly. Amasia paused in her pacing and stuffed her hands in the pockets of her trench coat.

"The police haven't told me anything about him yet. What if he won't ever move again?" Amasia's voice was tight and her gaze intense. After the explosion, the police hadn't known who to arrest. They had recognized the leader of the rebellion instantly, as he was wanted in five countries. But he was already dead, and everyone else was injured and unconscious.

Amasia had been the first one to wake up and she had quickly told the police about Ethan's plan. Seeing her story match up with the evidence, they arrested Ethan. They wanted, however, to make sure Steve's story matched hers.

But Steve had been badly injured and he had been recovering in his room since the explosion. Amasia had tried to see him, but the police wouldn't let her. They wouldn't even tell her how bad his injuries were. It had practically driven Amasia crazy, and she hardly left the entrance to the hallway.