Chapter 76

       I woke up an hour before it was time for church. I didn't want to miss the service today. I missed going to church and just woke up feeling the need to go.

       I wouldn't relate it to how I felt after that night but I dressed up and got ready for church. Dad made us attend The Trinity Church whenever he was around. We stopped going for a while when The Trinity Wall street decided to start a three-year revival project to reinforce the worship experience. As a result of the project, the nave of the church was closed.

       While I was scrolling on my phone I checked on the update and saw there was going to be a joint service at St. John's Chapel.  I looked at the time of the services and decided to go by 8am.

      The rest services looked strange because I never attended anything other than the normal sunday service. I had no idea what it felt like to attend the prayer weekdays, Eucharist weekdays and the rest. Just maybe I was going to give a try sometime but at this point, I got dressed in a bardot off shoulder top and a skirt. I thought of wearing heels so I slid my legs into the peep toes heel. It was six inches long and I brushed off the thought of changing it.

     The new chapel for the service was only a stone throw away so I went alone. I didn't want to face Xavier or have him drive me to church. He already made me feel guilty enough.

      As I walked to the church, my ankles began hurting. "Damn, this is harder than I imagined."

      Walking on heels wasn't a pleasant experience and I reminded myself not to make such mistakes next time. My mind wandered as a means of escaping the pain my ankles felt. I found myself thinking of everything James said.

      I was afraid to admit he was right. Xavier lusted after me and he made it obvious with the way he was obsessed with looking at my body. I remembered catching him stare at me when I got out of the bathroom and when I frowned he said he had no idea I was dressing up.

      James was right just this once and it pricked my soul. I made my way inside the church and took a seat at the back. The church had a gothic revival architecture style and it was beautiful.

      I felt relieved at the end of the service and walked my way back home. A sudden sound made me turn back to the direction of the gate. I got outside and it was Devin knocking.

      "Hey."

      My brows raised. "Hey," I replied. "What are you doing here?"

     I looked at his hands and he was holding a flower. It was a single flower and it looked like he plucked it from somewhere.

     "I just wanted to say hi so I thought of visiting," he explained, handing the flower to me.

      I gave a quick appreciative smile. He was being thoughtful and I liked the idea.

     "Can I come in?"

    I didn't realize I hadn't asked him in yet. "Of course, come in."

      I gestured him in and he sat on the couch. He seemed to like that particular couch because the last time he came, he slept there.

      "Uh, can I get you something?" I asked.

     "A glass of water."

     I gave a quick nod and left to get water. I had no idea where Xavier went but I was glad he wasn't here and I could get a peaceful moment with Devin. I returned shortly with the glass of water. I already tossed my heels away and was bare footed.

      "Here," I offered and he smiled. His grin was the most perfect in the world, he didn't have to show so much to appear captivating.

      I lowered on the next couch and grabbed a pack of my crunchy chips. I stuffed some into my moth and Devin decided to ask a question.

       "Isn't this like a continuation of Naruto?"

     I turned to him and a smile crept on my lips, he had no idea how happy I was that he enjoyed anime too.

     "You watch Anime?"

     "Who doesn't?" He asked smirking.

     "Well, some people including my Mom and Dad."

    "Must be because they are old."

     "---And my brother too."

      I said that without thinking and regretted bringing Xavier into the conversation.

    "Must be tough," He responded and turned his gaze to the TV.

     I looked at him for a second and turned away, I couldn't forget how his kiss made me feel. Devin makes me feel some kind of way but what if he was only lusting after me like James said?

      My lips twitched at the thought. I should probably cut ties with them and just be on my own if I didn't want to complicate things. James was right, I deserve so much better.

      Unlike Xavier who actually said he was in love with me, Devin was yet to say anything. We've kissed a couple of times and I wondered if he saw me as a random girl or his girlfriend.  I felt the butterflies in my tummy as I thought of what it would be like to be Devin's girlfriend.

        If I was his girlfriend, it would earn me an automatic respect and everyone would fear me because no one would want to mess with a fighter's girl. I would no longer get bullied and Gabby would try so hard to be my friend and stop picking on me. I smiled at the thought till I realized I could also be a target. Since anyone could hardly get Devin and he was a good fighter, there was a possibility they would come for me when they didn't get him.

       I stood up from where I sat and walked to Devin. I turned my back to him and stood in front of him. He got really confused and kept asking what I was doing. I had no idea why I wanted to try it but I just wanted to know if he would lust after me.

     "What are you doing Emily?"

     "Zip my top down."

   "Why should I ?" He asked again and I just heaved.

     "Devin zip the damn top down."

     He was reluctant and I just rolled my eyes.

     "Tell me why I have to zip down your cloth."

    "I need to change," I lied and he stretched his hands to my top. He zipped the cloth down and I remained there standing in front of him.

     When he saw I wasn't wearing any bra inside the cloth, he stood up and turned away. "I'm so sorry, I think I should go."