SAVE ME

Morgan Smith

The day was getting dark and we were saying our goodbyes to the children with the promise that we would come for the end-of-month birthday celebration. I had fun, honestly and I hope that I will come again.

Meeting these kids and knowing their stories was really beautiful. Although Ann would say this I have to say it ‘GOD is Great’ he indeed is great. Awesome!

Coming here made me realize just how lucky I am, yes, I know… I know that I have been through hell… my parents and little sister’s sudden death… everything that happened in the past but still, I am so lucky I could feel my heart so full of so many emotions that are there and I just want to burst into tears with just feeling this way.

Maybe I believe Ann when she said that GOD did me well and that I was still on the lucky side. I do have a lot of questions but I need this to settle in fully.

“Morgan? Are you okay?” I heard Ann ask beside me and I turned to look at her with a smile on my face.

“I’m fine, thank you” I replied then looked back to the window.

We were leaving for the church because it was already evening, thirty minutes past five, I guess. From there we head home, although, some people are leaving for home from the orphanage.

“You’re sure?” she asked “Because you… err… don’t really seem to be yourself lately,” she said and I smiled.

She notices everything about me.

“Oh, I am fine” I looked at her with a forced smile on my face and I could see that she didn’t look convinced “Honestly” I assured and she let out a sigh and then nodded her head.

“Okay, if you say so” she still didn’t look convinced but I was glad that she dropped it “How was your today?” she handed me a burger that she and Ricardo picked up at the nearest burger spot for everyone. We are exhausted no doubt.

“Thank you,” I said then took a bite and chewed for some time before downing it with the cappuccino that accompanied my meal “For me, it was great… meeting new people, kids, and…” I paused and then thought for some minutes “GOD is great” I say after a while and saw Ann pause from taking another bite from her burger.

She faced me and surprise and excitement were written over her face. I know she wasn’t expecting me to admit that but I couldn’t resist, he is really great like come on. A huge grin made its way to her lips before she engulfs me in a hug I returned.

“Yes, he is. GOD is truly great” she said still hugging me.

We leaned away from the hug and I could see how happy she looked, her eyes gathered unshed tears and they were happy ones if you look at them. I was happy too.

“What happened?” I asked when she kept looking at me like that and she chuckled and then continued eating.

“Nothing, I… I am just happy to hear that from you” she gave my hand a little squeeze and I smiled and then continued eating.

We stayed in silence as we ate our food and when I was almost done eating, I felt someone tap my shoulder so I turned to see a smiling Ricardo, he handed me another paper bag with more food I am guessing.

“I got more, just in case,” he said and I grinned.

“Thank you” I smiled and brought out the burger inside the bag after I was done with the one Ann gave me then took a bite from it and closed my eyes as I enjoyed it.

I leaned my head on the headrest of the chair then I spoke.

“Seems like you knew I was going to disturb you or Ann for some more”

“Glad that you have a really sensitive and quick-acting boyfriend,” Ann said and I grinned, I heard Ricardo chuckle then felt him pat my head.

“I am still your little sister,” I said leaning my head on her shoulder, she just smiled and took a sip from her lemon juice.

“Yeah, you are” she pats my head and I sighed.

We talked about anything till we got to church and got out of the bus then assembled outside the church to thank GOD for an awesome day and successful outreach.

After almost ten minutes of thanksgiving, we all said our goodbyes then walked over to Pastor Dan whom we chatted for a while… Ricardo and Ann though. He thanked us for being a part of the program and said he would be expecting us for the next one they would be hosting next month.

When they were done talking, we said our goodbyes and parted ways as we all settled in Ricardo’s car.

Today is so tiring for every one of us, I could see Ann in the back seat trying to catch some sleep before we get home, Ricardo was also rubbing his eyes as he drove and I was thinking maybe we should take a cab instead but we are almost home and I am sure Ricardo wouldn’t drive if he is so tired.

I just sat in the front seat as I reminisced on today’s event… I was even looking forward to attending mass next Sunday maybe. I was lost in my thought that I didn’t know when I fell asleep.

“Babe” I felt someone shake me “Babe, wake up,” he said and I stirred then opened my eyes.

I looked around and saw that we were already in front of my and Ann’s house, I could see Ann walking towards our door in slow steps, ‘She must be so tired’ I thought to myself then my gaze settled on a tired-looking Ricardo who was looking down at me.

“Do you want me to carry you?” he asked and I shook my head then placed one of my legs on the floor and then the other and he helped me to stand up properly.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

I yawned and he chuckled then he walked me to the door and made sure I was inside before he smiled and leaned on the doorframe.

“See you tomorrow,” he said and kissed my cheek then turned to leave but I stopped him by grabbing his arm.

“You are tired, it’s not safe to drive in your state,” I pulled him “Come stay for the night, you can leave very early so that you can prepare for school” I suggested I nod then told me that he wanted to make sure his car was properly locked so I released my hold on his arm and waited by the door for him.

When I saw him approaching me, I turned and entered the house then went to the kitchen to see Ann who was now in her night dress as she ate some samosas, I went towards her and picked one from her plate, and she took a sip from her juice before passing me two cups to fetch some orange juice.

I looked at her and she nodded behind me, I turned my neck to see Ricardo removing his shoes and he dropped his keys on the counter when he was closer to us.

“You’re staying over?” Ann asked Ricardo and he nodded then took two samosas from her plate, he put a whole samosa in his mouth and I shook my head at him “Good, you look really tired” Ann replied and drank from her juice.

After we were done snacking, Ann went upstairs to retire for the day while Ricardo half-lay on the couch as he stretched his long legs.

I went upstairs too and entered Ann’s room to see her arranging the bed covers on the bed properly, I walked up to her and stood behind her.

“Ricardo can’t sleep on the couch, it will be bad for his back,” she said and I nod my head and sat on the bed when she was done “He will stay in your room, do you want to stay with him tonight?” she asked and I nod my head then she chuckled then put a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Okay, I don’t want any funny business between you both, am I clear?” she warned and I salute her then stood up from the bed “Now get going and tell him to come up to your room to sleep, we have to get our strength for tomorrow,” she said and I grinned.

“Yes ma’am, good night” we hugged then I went to take a bath then wore my nightwear when I was done before leaving her room and wishing her goodnight again.

I went inside my room and prepared the bed for both of us to sleep in, it has been a while since I stepped in here but I do make sure to clean it when I come in. When I was done, I went downstairs to call Ricardo to come sleep.

When I came downstairs, he was already sprawled on the couch, sleeping. His lips were slightly agape and small snores came from him. I smiled and tap his shoulder, he stirred and continued sleeping, I tap his shoulder some more and shook him a bit and he waved me off.

“Ricardo?” I shook him again but this time a bit aggressively, he grunted and pushed my hands away “Get up sleepy head” o poked his cheeks and he slapped my hand away then adjust his position and continued sleeping. I think I heard him mumble ‘Leave me alone’. If that’s what he said then no, I am not having him complain to me about a sick backache in the morning, I don’t want him having that.

I sighed and placed my hands on both hips as I looked at his sleeping form, he is half asleep, I just need to make him get up so that he can comfortably sleep on a bed.

“You know that you’re going to have a terrible backache when you wake up in the morning?” I asked but he didn’t answer. I crouched and shook his shoulder again and he suddenly grabbed my wrist then sat up and rubbed his eye with his other hand. I stood to my feet as I looked down at him.

‘Such a baby’ I shook my head and he looked up at me with a frown on his face.

“Are you ready to get up now?” I asked and released his hold on my wrist then crossed my arms.

“I was having a nice sleep” he grumbled then stood up and yawned “Until you ruined it,” he completed still frowning and half-glaring at me.

I turned around and walked to the stairs with him following behind.

“More like I ruined your chances of having a terrible backache,” I say and he grunts in reply.

We got inside my room and I went to the dresser to wear a scarf over my head while he took a pillow and began walking to the couch but I stopped him before he could get to the couch.

“Uh… no boy, I didn’t bring you all the way for you to sleep on the couch, to bed now” I pushed him lightly to the bed and he sighed then walked back to the bed without protest.

He took off his socks and went into the bathroom after putting the pillow down on the bed. he can be sometimes difficult when he is half-asleep and so tired. I shook my head and spread the comforter properly then sat on the bed and rest my back on the headboard.

He came back from the bathroom after some minutes wearing the sweatshirt and pants, I put beside the door for him. I sometimes take his clothes from his home when I go visit and now, it’s so useful for him.

He was using a towel to dry his hair then threw it on my dresser chair before coming to sit on the bed. we sat there in silence and he faced me with a small smile on his face, I returned the smile and he leaned closer to me then kissed my cheek saying ‘Goodnight’, he laid down and was humming something.

I didn’t know how to say this but it came to my mind when we came back from the outreach, it might be my first time but at least I could try it out. There’s really no harm in trying it since it settles well with me.

“Ric?” I called and he opened his eyes slightly to look at me. “Can… can we… er… pray?” I asked and he sat up with his eyes fully opened.

“Really?” he asked looking at me and I nod in reply “Ann didn’t convin-”

“No, no, no, I just want to err… I don’t know… connect with the man you pray to” I say and he chuckled.

“GOD is no man,” he corrects me “He is a Supreme Being… He is GOD” he held my hands and kissed my knuckles.

I closed my eyes and took deep breaths in then let them out slowly before I opened my eyes to look at him.

“Let us pray,” he said and closed his eyes, I did as he, and he started praying.

I really don’t know how I am feeling now but I do know that I feel… different, a good kind of different.