The Angel's Calling

Chapter 29

Josephine's POV

Some of the tears got stuck in my throat as I had picked up my things and left the room, where Peyton was lying still. I know this whole experience was dangerous but seeing him there... it just broke my heart.

As I followed my father out to his car, I stopped to look at the sky and closed my eyes, saying in my mind.

"God, this isn't over and I know it! I have given my life, soul.. my heat to you and now Peyton payed the price"

I opened my eyes as I thought back to all that had happened. My heart was sure I was being heard and I felt comfort in that. My dad opened his car doors and I got in. As we were driving back to home, all I could think about was Peyton and how I wasn't going to leave things like this... without a fight.
Even though all of it was over, I knew this was injustice for me.

As we arrived back home, I made my feelings known by my actions. When dad turned the engine off, I opened the door as fast as I could and shut it loudly. I opened the front door with my key and went inside.

As I had  taken off my shoes and was halfway up the stairs, my father called.

Dad: Josephine, stop.

I stopped to look at him.

Me: what?

Dad: you know that I hate when people slam doors.. especially when it comes to cars. What's going on?

Me: did you see Peyton in that hospital? Did you see his state?

I pointed my finger in the direction of the front door, while revealing few tears to him.

Dad: Josephine, he was shut with a gun! Of course he'll need time to recover.

Me: he'll need time to recover because of me!

Dad: what?

I tried to calm down myself.

Me: Dad, there's something you should know.

Dad: okay.

Me: okay (I nodded) Dad, I'm.... I'm a Christian

Silence was in the air for good 20 seconds. I analysed everything my father did at that moment.

Dad: what? A Christian?

Me: yes, I am a Christian.

Dad nodded while avoiding eye contact. He seemed lost.

Me: you do know who is a Christian, right? Because I -

Dad: I know you're a Christian, Jose.

He interrupted suddenly but his look was so I say - fierce.

Me: since when?

Dad: since I noticed the bracelet.

I looked at the bracelet on my left wrist.

Dad: - and your scarf of course..

I looked at one of my scarfs in the basket that had crosses on it. I looked back at my dad.

Me: and you never said or mentioned anything?

Dad: well, how could I? Your mother was also a Christian. It seemed like you felt closer to her.

Me: she was, wasn't she?

Dad: yes she was (nodding)

I started to think about my memories with my mom and dad.

Me: you don't feel closer to her in some way?

Dad seemed to be lost in his thought again, when looking at the ground. He finally raised his head to look at me.

Dad: I do, you remind me of her.

I smiled to his response. I thought it was so sweet and at the same time logical.

Me: wait a minute...

I thought about my presence.

Me: mom had you with me and she was religious.

Dad only shrugged at it.

Me: so that means that you were also a Christian!

He chuckled and rolled his eyes as if I just made sense of something that was logical itself.

Dad: I was.. before.

Me: What? What happened?

Dad: I don't want to talk about it. At least not right now

Me: mhh, it would've been nice to know the real story.

To be honest, it seemed like I needed to know the real story. I was facing the unknown part in my life now.

Dad: maybe some other time , Jose. Right now you had your own problems. By the way... listen to you old man on one thing.

Me: which is what?

Dad: looking back, Peyton was supposed to protect your life. I remember the day I threatened him in that station.

I rolled my eyes at that.

Me: I don't accept it.

Dad: it was his decision to protect you.

Me: no... it wasn't. He got hit in the dark. It should have been us..protecting each other.

Dad shook his head.

Dad: Josephine, are you even listening to yourself? What now? You think you would accept it more if both of you got hit by a bullet?

What dad said made sense. I knew it was unfair of him getting hit and now resting in the hospital but I couldn't blame myself as well.

Dad: he was your friend, Josephine. I know for a fact that he cared for you and he still does. The best you can do is to be there for him and be his friend.

Me: oh I will.

I ran back to the corridor to put on my shoes.

Me: dad! What church was mom a member of ?

Dad was walking in the corridor.

Dad: why do you need to know that? There were few

Me: I want the local one.

Shortly, it turned out that the church I've been going to , was my mother's as well. Was this a coincidence or god's plan? I thought to myself.

I nodded and thanked my dad for being honest. I took a next bus to the city and from there I took the bus to the church.

I entered the doors quickly and found one of the pastors sitting on the bench. He might have been praying about something. He turned around. It was Harry.

Pastor: Josephine! What are you doing here my child?

He stood up and walked into the pathway. I walked up to him with tears in my eyes.

Me: I know this is sudden, .... but I can't wait longer.

I pulled out the ring that me and Peyton had found in the attic of my house. I showed it to him.

Me: Harry..you are going to tell me all that you know about me, my mother, my family and this ring.