CHASING ME DOWN [COMPLETED]

Chapter 19

"Myles... I don't want to talk about it."
"Jael... life is short, eternity is lasting."
I turned and looked away. He rested a hand on my shoulder. I battled with the tears that had welled up in my eyes. I didn't want him to see me cry.
"I know you still hold on to what happened but Jael, that happened 12 years ago. Your folks have never ceased trying to make it up to you. Try to understand them and let it go. They went through a lot."
"But I can't... it's hard."
"I agree. You can't do it by your own strength. Let Jesus in your heart. He can take all your pain away. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to 'turn all our worries over to God for He cares for us.' You can't do this alone. Just turn to him. So what do you say?"
"No."
"Jael..."
"Don't push it!"
He sighed.
"It's getting late. Let's go." I remarked
"Fine." He answered as we turned to leave.

Jesus was a chapter in my life that I wasn't ready to revisit. I know Myles was only looking out for me and I know I hurt him by shutting him out but it wasn't easy for me either.

*. *. *. *. *. *. *. *. *.
We got to the Afro Praise Centre. They were just about beginning. Mum and dad met us at the entrance.
"Jael, where have you been? We had to start the prayers without you. Hey there Myles." Mum asked.
"We had some stuff to sort out. Sorry, we're late." I answered.
Dad gave Myles the death stare so hard that he excused himself. Mum noticed what was going on and commented.
"Jay, you've got to stop give that boy the creeps. He's a good lad."
"I'm not letting anyone play with my little princess' emotions."
"Dad, I'm not a little girl anymore. I'll be 18 in a couple of weeks."
"You'll always be my little princess, and that's that" Dad responded quite sternly.
"Oh c'mon Jay. I trust my girl and I know she'll do just fine." Mum stood beside me and I was glad. We hugged.

The Afro Praise Festival was a huge success. I hardly saw much of Jason. He was probably behind the scenes checking on the systems.
I saw Jayla on stage when she sang as dad played his piano. It was beautiful. I couldn't help but smile throughout their performance.
Mum preached on the great commission. It was very practical, for a layman like me.

After the festival, I bid Myles goodnight. Dad refused to let me go back with him. I decided to head back with Jason, just to spite him.

The auditorium was empty as the workers packed the equipment. We prepared to leave. At the car park, some men walked out of the shadows towards us.
I recognised one of them. It was the Latino from the abandoned warehouse; Sir Diego.
"Well, well, well... isn't it the beautiful Carlson Whyte family living their happily ever after." The Latino remarked with a smirk.

Dad and Jason pulled out guns almost simultaneously. Cleopas and Shane appeared from the shadows with guns in their hands as well.
Mum was freaking out.

What the heck was going on?