He's All I Have

•18•

I still couldn't believe it. I had no home, nowhere to sleep, eat, or just talk to my family. I had been cast out and I could not think of one good reason why. The months were definitely colder and I was happy I had gotten a jersey from Rachel's house. It saddened me to find out that after years of friendship, her family could not even house me for one night. Her mother particularly told me that I was a bad child and I should never bother them again. Rachel had sneaked me a jacket behind their backs as she could see I was freezing. If she was older, she could have done more but she was just a child in the house and she had done the most she could.

Now I was wandering the streets aimlessly. When I left home, I thought I would find somewhere to sleep amongst my friends and family. It was clear that I had to rethink because my family had called Rachel's parents even before I got there. I already knew that they had done the same with any relatives I had around and I didn't want to embarrass myself further. No one around here would listen to anything I had to say. The parents were always right according to them. I laughed at myself. How life changes so drastically. One day you are have a home and the next you are wondering where you are going to sleep.

I got to a park, right at the very edge of town and I sat on a park bench. If I kept walking I would be on my way to the next town surrounded by thick woods. I felt my legs ache when I sat down. I had not realised that I had been walking for that long. My stomach grumbled as if on cue and I laughed. I needed a plan as it was already late afternoon. I wouldn't want to be caught in the dark. I wondered if any shelter would take me but I had heard many stories of horrific shelter nights.

I could just leave town, leave all this behind me. I could walk to the next town.  Sure it was long and dangerous but I would be there in a few days. I could find a job and stay at a shelter until I was on my feet. Maybe they had better shelters over there. I knew I was fooling myself so I chucked that thought out. I was out of any safe ideas.

"Heavenly father, in the name of Jesus Christ, you said you would never leave nor forsake me. I have been trying to do my part best I can. I am tired. I need your help. Please show me what to do." was the short prayer I could let out. Just by praying alone, half the weight on my shoulders fell away.

I sat there for a while before I thought back to Zachariah.  I smiled not because of just him but because of who he reminded me of, Abigail. I remembered the time we met Abigail's family, well, more like the time I hid away from them. I remembered how they were praying at the restaurant. Since they were all Christians maybe they could lend a hand. Of all the places I had thought of getting help from, I hadn't thought of church. I realized it would take getting used to my new life. Not wasting a moment, I headed there.

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When I got there, the same security guard I had met all that while ago was there. I had seen him once or twice during services but not more than that.

"Good afternoon." He heard my voice and turned.

"Afternoon miss TC if I remember correctly?" He said and I nodded. "How can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Abigail. Is she around?" I asked.

"Unfortunately not. She went to camp yesterday. Do you want to leave a message for her?"

I felt defeated. Why couldn't one thing go right today? This was by far the worst birthday ever. I can't seem to win at anything at all.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" He could see how devastated I was.

"Can I sleep here tonight?" The question was out before I could stop it.

He looked at me for a second and he had questions written all over him.

"Of course you can. You would have to lock yourself inside, just for security purposes. You will be the only one here so just be careful alright?"

"Alright." I answered, relieved that I had found somewhere safe to lay my head that night.

He then walked away and came back carrying a blanket.

"This is all I could find. Please don't freeze tonight." He joked but I could also tell he was serious.

"I'll try not to." I smiled.

"There's a phone inside if you need it anytime during the night." He took a bag that was hanging on the wall and fished out a plastic in it and handed it over. It was a sandwich. My stomach growled at the sight and he smiled. He directed me to a kitchen where I could make tea to eat with the sandwich. I finally ate and I felt so much better.

"Hey TC, I'm leaving." He said as he poked his head through the door.

"Okay. Thank you, uhm, I never got your name."

"Kwame."

"Thank you Mr Kwame."

"It's a pleasure. I'll see you in the morning. Lock the door behind me."

"Okay bye."

"Cheers."

He had locked all doors except one. After locking up I took the blanket and walked over to the front of the church. The carpet made it a better place to sleep. I snuggled  behind some speakers where it was warmer. I pulled the blanket over me and read from the Bible I had picked up from one of the chairs. I prayed and tired me closed my eyes. It wasn't long before sleep washed over me.

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ThatChristianKid

28/07/2020