If you have not already read chapter's one and two of this short story series, check them out here or click the category with series' on my blog:
There was a reason why I tried to dodge Emily after the incident that landed me in the office after she had questioned me about others being afraid of my past. The reason was that I was embarrassed, and I didn’t want anyone to know about my past. I was ready to gain a new reputation in a new school. I thought Revlon High would be my chance, but it turns out I was horribly wrong.
"Julian! You can’t avoid me forever!” Emily yelled from the other side of the hallway. Then, I could hear her running after me, and when I kept walking, she kept running until she had finally caught up. She grabbed my shoulder and forced me to stop. “Julian!”
“What?” I asked, annoyed.
“Stop trying to avoid me. I was the only person who tried to be your friend on your first day at school, and I’m sorry that I made you mad by bringing up the whole thing with everyone being afraid of you. I’m not afraid of you, and I certainly hope no one else is afraid of you.” Emily took a deep breath and let it out slowly, “Please don’t ignore me! I’m sorry!”
I turned to face Emily, and sighed. “I’m sorry for ignoring you. It’s just that I wanted to start over. I wanted to forget everything I had done and start over, but no one will give me the chance too! I feel like that juvenile delinquent handcuffed to a desk. I’m stuck with my life, and I don’t know where else to go without someone getting mad at me, or sending me to the office!” Julian began walking towards the doors to exit the school. Emily followed close behind him.
“I understand. Life is tough sometimes,” Emily said, and Julian noticed she was about to say something else, but he stopped her before she could continue.
“No! Stop asking me about church!” Julian grumbled.
Emily bit back a laugh, “Goodness! You sure are in a bad mood today. Tell you what, let’s go get some ice cream after school today. I want to get to know more about you, and then we’ll talk about whatever you want. Next time someone invites you to church, give them a chance. Please. You could be missing out on something really important.”
An hour later Emily and Julian were sitting in an ice cream shop enjoying a treat. Emily tied her hair back in a ponytail, and Julian watched her curiously.
“Emily? Do you ever get bored with your life? Like going to church, and worshipping God?” he questioned.
Emily pondered over the question for a moment, “Interesting...No, I don’t believe I do. I really enjoy my life, and I know I have a purpose, and so do you. I don’t want you to feel like I’m trying to pull you into going to church with me, and worshipping God. I just really want you to have a chance to get to know your Creator, and sometimes I have to remind people over and over before they actually listen. It’s the same with you. When I first asked you if you want to go to church with me, you said no. Did you even think about my question, or did you just decide right away that you hated anything to do with God?”
I understand that this short story series is going kind of slow. You are probably wondering so many things about both of the main characters. I promise it will get more interesting as you continue reading, and learn the real reason behind everything. While you are waiting for the next chapter, think about the question at the very end. It's a very important question that Julian will answer in the next chapter. ~Ella
cover image made with canva.com
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