March 20th,
Diary, Cassie, Tony, Lissa, Ray and I went to a cafè with Carl and Jamie tagging along since they were also free that weekend. We spent a nice time together, even though the guys were so busy with whatever research they said they were doing on their laptops.
"So, how's it been so far?" Lissa asked Cassie.
"Well, it's been calm, by God's grace. Although Sam hasn't been talking to me, she hasn't bullied me either. I'm so glad she's keeping her distance now. And I've been praying for my stepfather too...although, I haven't noticed any changes, I'll keep praying for him nevertheless." She said, smiling as Lissa patted her back.
"Now that the spirit!"
"Girl, I love your persistence." I said as we all laughed.
"It's nice to meet you, Cassie." Jamie said calmly, shaking her hand as she nodded.
"Same here Jamie, nice to meet you too." Cassie said, beaming. She was just meeting my cousin today after all.
"I'm so happy for you. Although I may not know the whole story of your own experience, I'm glad you took the big step into becoming a better person and defending yourself." Jamie said as Cassie nodded, smiling.
"You see, I was also a victim of bullying and I was in that bondage for way too long until God made a way for me and I was able to stand strong again even after being the bullies target for long." She explained.
We stayed longer, enjoying the environment because Lissa convinced us to. And the cafè was also homey and lovely. While we were having our small talk, I saw three hefty men walk into the cafè, wearing black, really expensive suits with dark sunglasses. The other girls didn't notice on time but I felt the aura those men carried was oppressive, cold and somewhat sinister. I waved it off, enjoying my drink and Lissa's futile attempts at cracking jokes.
Suddenly, I heard the yelp of a young man and a muffled cry as a waiter was dragged out, through the backdoor by one of the men. A few people noticed, my friends included and fear filled the atmosphere. People began to walk out until it was only myself and my friends left.
"What's happening?" I asked as Lissa stood up and pushed our curious selves outside.
"Let's go. I don't wanna be involved in any issues. "She said as Cassie nodded in agreement.
"I concur." Carl said.
"Don't think too hard. It's probably a personal matter. The waiter has probably gotten into trouble with a rich man who's sent his guards to handle him." Ray said, shrugging as I rubbed my arms and adjusted my jacket. The weather in Brookville was getting colder these days; I guess it's something associated with climate change.
"I guess." I said.
"So where do we go now? I deliberately didn't want to sign up for the seniors outing for out set. I just need some space and enjoy Brrokville's tranquil sites too." Cassie said, breathing in fresh air as I nodded.
"Same here."
"Exactly."
"True." The others commented.
"I suggest we go have a picnic on that beautiful hill where most people go for retreats and prayer." Lissa said animatedly, squealing as we laughed and went home to prepare our picnic and go to the hill.
"So, I wanted to talk about love." Carl started as some of us smiled and the others giggled.
"Oh this is sure gonna be interesting." I said, rubbing my palms together as he rolled his eyes.
"Well, I just wanted to share my experience, being a christian and how much I cherish God's love towards me." He said, getting emotional as the rest of us quietly ate our lunch and nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, anytime I think about it, I just tear up because I know I was never a worthy candidate for His love but He loved me anyway." Jamie said, cleaning her eyes with a napkin.
"And considering how many times we're prone to sinning against Him because of this flesh we carry, it makes me think of His mercies too. God's mercies are so...merciful. if there's another way to describe it, I'd use it but as far as I'm concerned, there's no word capable of describing such. It's only if you've experienced it that you'll be able to relate." Tony said.
"Come to think of it, we've all experienced God's mercies in our lives, in one way or the other, without even knowing it! It's best for us to acknowledge God though. We all know that we wouldn't have come this far without His mercies." Ray said as I started singing a song that reminded me of God's love and mercies and they joined me. With the afternoon breeze blowing, and our voices in harmony, I just thought of how wonderful heaven would be!