Chapter 1
Pov: [empty storybuilding].
Hi, I'm Leah Anderson. I am an influencer, dancer, and also a model. I live in LA (Santa Monica). I live with my family of six. Yes, you are right, that's a big family I have there.
I'm the only girl, I have 5 brothers. My mum and dad are in Virginia for a business trip. I might have gotten myself into trouble, or maybe not. I made a new friend, but the problem is, this new friend of mine is a Christian, and if you know my family, they don't joke about religious stuff. So I just hid it from everyone, except my older brother—the one before me. His name is Daniel. He is so kind, and he understands how I am feeling. That's because his old best friend was a Christian, but when my parents found out, they forced us to relocate from California to LA. Yes, that was a big shift for me, especially with my condition. I simply call it (I get nervous when I meet new people).
I really don't know how to tell them. I feel like I am betraying my family customs by keeping this. The worst thing is, she personally invited me to her church for a crusade. I am so nervous. I haven't driven yet, so I don't know who will drive me there. I could ask Daniel, but he has a basketball game today, so he is out of my option list. I could try Brandon, but he will ask me so many questions. What if I try Moses? No, not him. He is way too honest, he might tell my parents. Um... let's see, what about Simon... no, he hates driving people around, especially as he got a new car. Thinking of David, he is kind and will do anything for my happiness, but he went out for a date with his girlfriend. I cannot be selfish and disturb them. I seriously don't know what to do at this point. And I'm seated here, in this unfinished storybuilding. What should I do?
Should I call or text David to know if he will come early? Maybe I should do that.
(phone)
Um... hi bro, I know you are out for a date, but I made a promise to someone, and I kinda need a ride to see them. If you are done or free, can you please give me a ride?
[Three dots appeared, showing that he is typing.]
David:
Sure. My date with Sierra is over, so I dropped her home. I'm on my way, wait for me.
Leah:
You are a lifesaver.
You see why I love David. Not to be picky, but he is my favorite among all of my brothers. I am not supposed to have favorites with my siblings, but I am being honest. He is always there for me. My other brothers care about me too, but they are just too strict, especially Moses, the firstborn. He doesn't joke.
I remember one time, back in middle school, this boy bullied me. Moses nearly sent him to the hospital. I was scared for that kid's life. He was thoroughly beaten up. It was funny. Till date, that kid is still scared of me, and so are other kids. Moses doesn't play when it comes to my safety.
Oh... I can see David's car from here. Let me go take my bag and leave.
Yes. We need to believe in Him, because He is real.
(Leah continues asking)
Leah:
But what if people have different beliefs? Like Muslims, what about them?
Pastor:
That is their culture. They are known for worshipping the same God, but they likely don't follow all the rules. You need to be Christian to fully know Christ. You need to be born again, and Muslims, they don't do such.
We are Christians. We are not to talk down on people's beliefs, but we are to direct them and lead them to the real way—to Christ.
Leah:
And you think Christianity is the real way?
Wow.
(The whole church looked behind and faced Leah.)
[Leah stays quiet, the preaching continues.]
(Church is over)
[Choir singing]
Leah:
My brother is outside. Bye, Faith.
Faith:
Did you like the service?
Leah:
It gets to a point.
Faith:
What does that mean?
Leah:
Nothing. It was not that bad.
Faith:
See you tomorrow at school.
Leah:
Bye, Faith.
Faith:
Leah... wait.
(Leah stops)
Leah:
What?
[Faith removes a Bible from her bag and gives Leah.]
Faith:
Here you go. It will help you answer all your unspoken questions.
Leah:
And... what is this?
Faith:
We call it a Bible. But I think you guys might have another name for it.
(Leah takes the Bible)
Leah:
Th... thanks.
[Leah walks away, heading towards David's car.]
(Leah enters the car)
David:
Are you okay?
Leah:
I... I'm fine.
David:
You don't look okay to me. Tell me what happened. Did they do anything foolish?
Leah:
No... no. I'm just tired.
David:
If you say so. By the way, Moses asked about you.
Leah:
What did you say?
David:
I told him I brought you to church.
Leah:
You did WHAT?!
David:
Chill, I'm joking. Look at your face.
(laughing)
Leah:
It's not funny.
David:
Yeah, maybe. But your facial expressions definitely were funny.
Leah:
Yeah.
Do you think Allah is mad at me?
David:
Where is this coming from?
He is not mad at you. You are young. You are just 16 years old. It's okay to be curious about other religions. That's how we learn about what we want in life—by trying.
Leah:
I feel like I betrayed the whole family.
David:
Can I trust you with a secret?
Leah:
Yeah.
David:
Simon once dated a Christian... me too.
It was our junior year of high school.
Leah:
It's a lie. No way.
David:
Yes, we did.
So you are not the only one guilty of crossing the lines.
Leah:
Then what happened?
David:
We decided to break up with them because, in the Bible—I really don't know the passage—but it says Christians should not marry outside their faith.
That means a Christian should marry a Christian, and if they want to marry a Muslim, they should be ready to convert.
I wanted to. Then I thought of mum and dad. I don't want to give them a heart attack.
Leah:
Do you still talk to the girl though?
David:
Yeah. Her name is Angel. She is so pretty. We are kind of in a situationship.
Leah:
I get it.
David:
So don't stress that pretty head of yours. If Allah is mad at you, then He is mad at us too.
(Leah smiles)
David:
Home sweet home. We have arrived.
Leah:
Thank you.
David:
Don't mention it.
