I don't need your God

CHAPTER 14: Receiving the gift of speaking in tongues

‘It’s okay sweetheart,’ Ms. Shaw murmured soothingly, as her eyes questioned Josh.

Josh lifted his shoulders helplessly. ‘I’m sorry.  I just extended an invitation to Kaz to the youth meeting tonight,’ he intoned dejectedly.  ‘I guess, I’ll leave,’ he turned and strolled away towards his home.

‘Let me get you back to your bedroom,’ Ms. Shaw’s eyes looked concerned.‘It’s getting a bit chilly.’

‘Thank you,’ Kaz looked over her shoulder at the retreating Josh. His shoulders were slumped. He dragged his feet forward, occasionally kicking at a pebble.

I don’t need your God, Preacher Boy.  Just keep him away from me!

‘Would you like some hot chocolate?’ Ms Shaw offered, tucking Kaz into bed.

‘You’re spoiling me,’ Kaz laughed, ‘just like mummy ___,’ the smile disappeared off her face. ‘No thanks.  I’m okay,’ Kaz turned away.

Ms. Shaw held her breath. She prayed Kaz could open up and talk to her. Not because she was curious about her past. She would like to know, though her primary reason was to help Kaz begin her healing process. She had too much bottled up inside her. Her eye always looked troubled. She was too afraid to smile, or look happy. She seemed to carry a massive burden on her shoulders.

‘I’ll leave you to rest,’ Ms. Shaw touched her wrist gently. ‘Shout if you need anything,’ she added as she walked to the door.

‘Ms. Shaw!’

‘Yes Kaz.’

Kaz inhaled, trying to process her thoughts. ‘Thank you for everything.I appreciate you sticking me.’

Ms. Shaw smiled. She deduced that “sticking me” was some kind of street lingo for a generous gesture. ‘You’re welcome Kaz,’ Ms. Shaw nodded and shut the door.

Ms. Shaw leaned against the door and wished she could gain access to Kaz’s file from Social Services. Then she would know how to help Kaz.
She had tried with Kaz’s assigned social worker, but she refused to divulge any information without Kaz’s consent.

‘Dominic aren’t you becoming too attached to that young lady,’ Lynne Shaw smiled.

‘Mum?’ She thought her mum had already retired.

‘I’ve never seen you so attached to any of your pupils previously, let alone offer them accommodation,’ Lynne smiled.

‘I know mum,’ she sighed. ‘Kaz is ___special, with a unique challenge.

‘You’re still going ahead with that adoption application?’ Lynne enquired in a gentle voice.

‘I want to mum and Ryan’s been so very supportive. He’s offered to counter sign the application.’

‘God bless his heart,’ Lynne smiled. ‘I guess he’ll be popping the question very soon.’

Dominic laughed.‘I’m ready mum. I do love him with all my heart.’

‘And I know he loves you right back,’ Lynne hugged her daughter. ‘I’ve heard him tell you so a million times.’

Dominic laughed again, ‘strange conversation to be having in the corridor,’ she murmured.

‘You won’t make me wait too long for my grandchild, will you?’ Lynne playfully tossed Dominic’s hands up and down.

‘I don’t think so,’ Dominic grinned. ‘Ryan’s impatient to have his son playing football.’

‘I hope he’s gone down on his knees,’ Lynne smiled.‘You know what the Word says.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”