Wednesday, October 31, 2012:

Sunbeams were making their way through the window as Zachary and Tiffany woke up in each others’ arms to the ringing of her phone.

She saw it was her dad’s number on the caller ID and refused to answer it. Tiffany opened her eyes but lie awake whilst ignoring the loud ringer and instead was taking in all the joys of being held by a good man who was so sweet to her.

A few minutes later, Zack opened his eyes and then kissed Tiffany on top of her head

The phone finally stopped ringing. Minutes later, Tiffany was notified of a new voicemail.

She checked it and played the message through the speakerphone feature, “Tiffany Anne Taylor, I don’t know who in the **** you think you are leaving when you have these blank damn chores to do. If I don’t hear from you by the end of the day, I’m selling all that blank damn junk that is in your room and I am cutting off your ****ing phone service. You are probably laying out with some *blank* damn loser. When he gets you pregnant, then dumps you, don’t come crying to me. I spent the past nineteen years raising your fat ***, and I’m not about to raise your kids. You will have made your filthy ****ing bed now sleep in it. I fed, clothed, and sheltered you for nineteen years and this is how you repay me, well now I wash my ****ing hands of you.”

A few minutes later, her mom called and again, Tiffany didn’t answer. About two minutes later, she received another voicemail, “You need to quit carrying on like an ungrateful whore, Tiffany, and come back. Your father and I work way too hard to have you mooching off of us and playing house with some lazy bum. We need you to keep the house clean for us, that’s the least you could do after all we did for you. There will indeed be severe consequences for your bratty behavior, little girl. Your father is going to beat your hiney to a pulp and if you press charges on him, then you are no longer welcome in our house again!”

Tiffany became filled with anxiety once again.

Zachary put his arms around her and asked, “What’s the matter sweetheart?”

“I’m afraid that my parents are going to make trouble with me and at the same time that you will get me pregnant and then dump me then I’ll have nowhere to go.”

“How can I relieve those fears?”

“I don’t know. Just hold me.”

Zack held Tiffany close to him and played with her long curly hair.

He then spoke, “I meant what I said when I told you how I shall forego intimate relations with you until we are married. I’m way too scared of losing you.”

“Thank you.” Tiffany softly said.

Zachary began to caress her face and kissed her.

“And if we are married, then I am legally obligated to support any child I produce with you if that makes you feel any better.”

“Yes. It does, but I want you for much more than just child support.”

“Remember when I asked you out and I made all those promises?”

“Yes.

“I meant what I said when I made those promises.”

“I know. It’s just no one has ever been so sweet to me.”

“Well get used to it, as long as you’re mine!”

“I want to be yours forever!”

“I as well.”

“I want to be sure of that.”

“Why don’t I make us some breakfast? I’ll allow my actions to confirm my words.”

“Yes. I’m hungry.”

“Then come on, I’ll feed you.”

Tiffany smiled and then said, “You just want to see my butt get bigger!”

Zachary patted Tiffany’s panty-covered buttocks and replied, “Well you do have a lovely bottom, but in reality everything about you is lovely!” Zachary paused then kissed her on the back of her neck as he said, “Your sweet personality is the loveliest of all and, because of that, I would want you in any size!”

Tiffany smiled and blushed as she said, “I wish we were married right now, Zack!”

“Me as well Tiffany. I want you by my side for the rest of my life!”

“You’re making me smile again.”

“I know how to make you smile even more!” Zachary said as he began to tickle Tiffany’s soft thick belly.

She began to giggle uncontrollably until she said, “Okay. Okay. Okay. Zack, please stop it or I will wet you and your bed!”

Zack immediately stopped tickling her.

Tiffany continued, “Sorry, bae, I just have to pee so badly.” Zack replied,

“I have to relieve my bladder as well, but ladies first,” as he kissed her.

Tiffany kissed Zachary in return, then pranced to the bathroom, as her panty-covered buttocks and hips swiveled from side to side. Zack enjoyed the view with a mixture of admiration and lust.

Tiffany stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. She then pulled down her panty and sat on the toilet, emptying her bladder. Afterward, she wiped her genital area, flushed the toilet then washed her hands.

Tiffany then walked back to the bedroom where Zack was waiting.

She climbed into the bed and covered up

Zachary then went into the bathroom and relieved his bladder as well.

After finishing up, he washed his hands, walked back to the bedroom, and kissed Tiffany as he said, “I missed you.”

He saw Tiffany sitting on his bed in distress. She was now on the brink of a panic attack as she assumed the fetal position and began to rock herself. so he asked her, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Tiffany collected herself and replied, “You know how I almost wet you and your bed just now?” Zack nodded. Tiffany continued, “I had a traumatic flashback from my childhood.” Tiffany paused, then continued, “I frequently wet the bed as a child and my parents would beat me and taunt me for it.” Zack hugged her gently, planted a kiss on her forehead, then replied,

“I think children wet the bed because they are under a lot of stress and it’s usually brought on by their parents.”

“That makes sense.” Zack held Tiffany in his arms and said, “Let me know whenever you have another one of those horrible flashbacks and I’ll do whatever it takes to comfort you. “Thank you for being so sweet, Zack! I won’t lie, I’m falling very hard for you so, please, don’t ever break my heart.”

Zachary replied, as he caressed Tiffany’s love handles and looked into her eyes, “I’m falling for you as well, and dare I say equally hard! Don’t ever worry about me breaking your heart, because I know a good lady when I see one! And just so you know I intend to do everything in my power to keep by my side you forever!”

Tiffany tightly hugged Zachary as she said, “I hope and pray you truly mean that, Zack!”

“I do mean every single word of it. I am immensely blessed by you coming into my life!”

Tiffany grabbed Zachary and pelted his face with a volley of kisses until her stomach began to growl.

The growling became louder.

Zachary heard and said, “Now, I think it’s time I make us some breakfast. I know that stomach of yours sounds very cute, but I equally know that you require some nourishment! I will make us some biscuits with raspberry preserves.”

“All those sugars and carbs are going to make my butt get even bigger!”

Zachary kissed Tiffany on top of her head and told her with a blush and a smile, “Well, then, that is just more for me to admire and enjoy. I will say that it was nothing but pure bliss and unadulterated excitement to have your lovely fanny pressed against me all night!” He paused and then said, “I just hope we haven’t offended my God with such sleeping arrangements.”

“And I had never felt so content until I slept with your sexy arms around my waist and your sweet lips on the back of my neck. I hope it doesn’t offend God either, because nothing ever felt so right to me!”

“Wow! You have brought a special kind of joy to my heart with those words! I am ever so grateful that our paths crossed and I promise to honor and cherish you forever!”

Zachary then checked the expiration date on the gallon jug of milk and said, “Drink all the milk you want because it expires in two days.”

“My parents always rationed the milk I could drink.”

“Well here, drink all you want!” Zachary said as he held Tiffany by her waist.

Tiffany sipped a glass of milk, then began to rub her buttocks on Zachary.

At first, he began to rub her buttocks in return until his hand accidentally moved the back of her panty and exposed the bare left cheek of her pale buttocks.

Tiffany giggled and said, “Oooh, someone is being very naughty, but I like it!”

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to move your panty like that, my hand just slipped.”

Tiffany turned around and said, “It’s quite all right. Did you see anything?”

Zachary blushed brightly and nodded.

“Did you like what you saw?” Tiffany asked.

“I did like it but I don’t want God to punish me and cause us to break up though.”

“I don’t want that either.”

Zachary then said, “As beautiful as you are in those panties, how about you go get dressed, so the urge for us to do something sinful isn’t as strong? I’ll get breakfast ready for us.”

Tiffany gave him a playful pout and then said, “Okay. I’ll get dressed, but only because I want us to be together forever as well!”

“Are you still coming to church with me this evening?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I believe with all my heart that coming to church with me will help you a lot.”

Tiffany then kissed Zachary, then retrieved her clothes, and got dressed.

Zachary began preparing breakfast for himself and Tiffany.

Tiffany came out in her tee shirt and jeans and Zachary was placing the biscuits in the oven.

He then timed them with the timer feature on his Casio G-Shock.

“Don’t you look cute!” Zachary said as he beheld her.

“I feel fat,” Tiffany replied with a long face.

Zachary gently rubbed Tiffany’s belly, then kissed it and said, “It’s all mine! You’re very sexy and I don’t want anyone else!”

“I’m falling even harder and faster for you, Zack Moore!”

“Just know this, sweetheart, my feelings for you are mutual!”

They then shared a passionate kiss, followed by many more until their tongues were wrestling each other.

Zachary and Tiffany continued kissing and petting each other with exceeding passion until the timer on Zachary’s G-Shock went off indicating that the biscuits were ready.

Zachary then served Tiffany and himself.

He then said grace, “Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us with this meal and we thank You for putting us together. Please keep us together forever and prevent us from doing anything that may offend you. Bless our relationship, allow us to marry, and have many years together. Allow, equip, and compel us to live for you. Please meet all of our earthly needs and use this food to nourish our bodies. In Jesus’ Name, we make these prayers, Amen, and thank You, Lord!”

“It’s so nice hearing you pray, Zack. I want to marry you, but I know my parents will fight it tooth and nail once they see that you’re disabled.”

“I hope you would still marry me, though.”

“Oh, yes. Of course. I see how sweet and cute you are, so I want no one else!”

“Do you still want to get a restraining order against your dad for the threats he made?”

“Yes. Especially after all those years that he and my mom beat me while growing up.”

“Then after we eat, how about we go to the Justice of the Peace and show him those recordings?”

“Yes. Definitely.”

Zachary and Tiffany enjoyed their breakfast but knew their day would be a busy one…

Later that morning

Zachary changed into some going-out clothes and Tiffany freshened up a bit.

They then walked out of his apartment, locked the door behind them, and down to his car.

Zachary opened the passenger door for Tiffany to which she planted a kiss on his face, then sat down in the seat.

Afterward, Zachary opened the driver-side door sat down, and started the engine. He put his car in gear and they headed to the Justice of the Peace.

As they were riding, Zachary asked, “Are you sure you want to go through with this, sweetheart?”

Tiffany replied, “I am sure as I will ever be. Not only am I fed up with his constant abusing me and getting away with it, but I also fear for your safety, even your life.” She paused, then said, “He has multiple guns not to mention he is possessive of my virginity. And while I think you’re wonderful, I know he won’t approve of you, because you get a disability check.”

“Have you ever attempted to report him to the authorities before?”

“I did when I was fifteen. I had just finished a wonderful painting that I was going to try and sell to have some spending money. It was a picture of two young lovers having a picnic. He claimed it was sexually vulgar, I’m not exactly not sure how, so he threw it into the fireplace and burned it. I cursed him lower than a dog, so he began to lash me with a belt. I called the cops on him but when they arrived and found out that my parents were sending me to parochial school, they assumed I was just a spoiled brat. When I explained why I cursed him out, the officer said that because the art supplies were bought with an allowance from my parents that they have the right to destroy the painting if they so choose. My dad then said how the painting I drew was sexually inappropriate. I told the cop it was not. My dad then accused me of calling him a liar. The cop then said I’m lucky my dad doesn’t beat me for that as well because he would have if I was his daughter.” Tiffany paused, then continued, “My dad said that because I attempted to have him arrested, I was forbidden from ever getting a driver’s license as long as I was under his roof. And I was also only allowed to go to school and mass. I tried talking to the priest about all of it during confession, but he simply commanded that I need to honor my father and mother, no ifs and or buts, even if it kills me. My catholic school counselors wouldn’t report it either, because they all claimed I needed discipline and should be less controversial about what I draw and paint. In reality, I think it is because my dad’s company is a major donor to the school.”

Zachary held Tiffany’s hand and said, “I wanted to make sure you were absolutely in agreement with taking legal action against him before we actually did so, but now I know that justice must needs be served. I am immensely sorry that no one came to your aid before, but I pray that now it will be made right. This is a parent-child relationship that has been flagrantly violated and unless your dad acknowledges and repents for all his wrongdoings, then the relationship is not worth being restored.”

Tiffany replied, “I just hope that we will be taken seriously.”

“We should just come clean about everything. And we will play all of those voicemail recordings.”

“Yes. Let’s do this thing.”

Zachary drove a short distance more, then pulled up to the Justice of the Peace. He parked his car, then stepped out and opened the passenger door for Tiffany. She stepped out and they exchanged a brief kiss.

Tiffany knocked on the door and was greeted by an older lady.

“May I help you?” She asked.

“I need to put a restraining order on my dad,” Tiffany replied.

“Oh, Merciful Heavens, why on earth do you want to do that?”

“Because he is abusive and controlling. Furthermore, he made some serious threats to my boyfriend’s life.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“My boyfriend recorded it on his phone,” Tiffany looked at Zachary and said, “Bae, show her the evidence.”

Zachary pulled out his phone and played the recordings that he had copied from her phone.

The old lady placed her hand on her heart and said, “My gosh, what a brute of a man!” She paused and then asked, “How old are you, though, because if you’re not yet eighteen your boyfriend can get in a world of trouble.”

“I’m nineteen actually and my dad still treats me like a child. I want to be an artist and he destroys my painting because he wants me to get a ‘real job.’ He doesn’t allow me out of his house except to go to mass. So I ran away and met this wonderful young man.”

“Let me see some ID.”

Tiffany pulled out her ID card.

The old lady examined it, then said, “All right, I just need you to fill out the paperwork, then we will get it done for you.”

As Tiffany filled out the papers, the old lady looked at Zachary and asked, “Now you’re not taking advantage of this girl are you?”

Zachary replied with commanding sobriety, “No ma’am, perish the very thought! I am a God-fearing man and I have tremendous reverence for her as well. She may be staying with me, but I am solemnly committed to forgoing intimacy with her until we are wed.”

The old lady looked at Tiffany and said, “What a gentleman you have here! I can tell he’s nothing like your father. You both better always be good to each other.”

“Yes, ma’am, I shall do exactly so with every fiber of my being!”

“So well spoken! That is unheard of for someone your age.” The old lady said to Zachary.

Tiffany added in, “I love how he talks. Like I said yesterday, he sounds like the Puritan Ministers I learned about in American English class but my dad sounds like he is possessed by a legion of demons.”

Zachary looked at the old lady and said, “Thank you, ma’am. I sustained a debilitating back injury six years ago. I have always been an aspiring writer and receiving a disability pension now permits me the time and resources to pursue my passion. I deeply regret not being able to view any of her paintings, because I just know they would have inspired me to create some wonderful literature.”

“When he reads those stories to me, he makes me want to paint the scenes and make them come alive.”

“You’re such a lovely couple and I wish we could have met under better circumstances. But I wish you both the best.”

Zachary said to the old lady, “I am a Christian, and being such has changed my eternal destiny totally for the better and vastly improved this current life of mine as well. I would like you to have what I have, so I am inviting you to come to church. I am taking Tiffany to the alternative to Halloween celebration we are having tonight. But we have services every Wednesday and Sunday and I would be honored if you joined us.” He then wrote down the church name and address.

“Thank you, young man. I will seriously consider it.” She paused, then looked at Tiffany as she said, “The papers will be served either later today or first thing tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much!” Tiffany said as she cried tears of relief.

They then walked to Zachary’s car to which he opened the passenger door for Tiffany. They shared a kiss then she sat down. Zachary entered on the driver’s side, started his engine then asked, “What would you like to do now?”

“Go back to your place and have some of that spaghetti and meatballs we made last night. I need to eat something.”

“Say no more, sweetheart.”

“I am just going to get even fatter if you keep feeding me like this.”

“Oh, that doesn’t worry me in the least. All it means to me is there will be more of you for me to cherish and adore.”

“I am falling even more for you, Zack!”

“The feeling is mutual, Tiffany. I thank God that you came into my life!”

With that, they rode back to Zachary’s apartment and finished off their homemade spaghetti and meatballs, then snuggled on the futon until it was time for the church festival.

That afternoon:

Zachary and Tiffany sat on the futon and alternated between soap operas and tabloid talk shows. Because it was a fair and mild Autumn day, most of the television channels were coming in on Zachary’s television legibly.

They kept on watching until Tiffany asked, “What time do we need to be at the church tonight?”

“Between half past five and six,” Zachary replied.

“What time is it now?” Tiffany asked.

Zachary glanced at his G-Shock and replied, “One-forty-eight.”

“At three o’clock or so, I would like to take a bath to freshen up, if that’s all right.”

“Of course, sweetheart. And as if you have to even ask. I know you’re a lady and you desire to be fresh. I sincerely apologize for not being able to immediately get you a more feminine soap, shampoo, deodorant, and other items you need. But I promise that I shall get you those.”

“It’s okay, Zack. I know you have a very good heart and you will take care of me, in the best way you can. Honestly, I’d rather be with you and not always have the grooming products of my choice instead of being with my parents under their total control and oppression.”

“Thank you for your patience and understanding, Tiffany. I promise that I will do my utmost and see to it that you will not regret your choices. I plan to pay you back in every way possible.”

Tiffany looked at Zachary with passion, landed several kisses on his face as she rubbed his hairy chest, and said, “I wish you could pay me back right now!” She paused then said, “But it would be a sin.”

Zachary held Tiffany as she lay on his chest and he played with her long curly hair and spoke, lovingly, “That is just one of the many ways I intend to pay you back, but only after we are wed. The other ways I intend to carry out more sooner and perpetually.”

“I know you will, Zack.” She paused, then sweetly smiled, looked at Zachary with puppy dog eyes, and asked, “When we are married, what will you be willing to do, I mean besides plain intercourse?”

“What do you have in mind?”

Tiffany blushed and then asked, “Are you sure you want to know?”

Zachary kissed her and replied, “I certainly do. After all, it will prepare us better for our wedding night.”

Tiffany slightly giggled and spoke, “Well, I had a friend and she said how she sits on her boyfriend’s face and he pleasures her with his tongue. I don’t know if I would actually sit on your face, but the thought of you pleasuring me with your tongue brings out all sorts of wild passions in me.” She then blushed, and said, “Oh my gosh I can’t believe I just told you that, and you probably now think I’m a total slut.” Tiffany then buried her face into the cushion on the futon.”

Zachary rubbed Tiffany’s lower back and gently patted her buttocks as he said, “You are by no means, whatsoever a slut. You are a lady and I am filled with pure joy that you are my lady. Furthermore, there is absolutely nothing wrong with those desires you have. And just so you know, I would be greatly honored by performing cunnilingus on you as I see it as an act of great reverence and powerful love.”

Tiffany then rested herself on Zachary’s arms as he repeatedly kissed her.

She then spoke, “I always thought that men hate going down on women and they only did so so there could be peace and harmony in the relationship. We were also taught in catholic school that oral sex was a mortal sin, even in marriage, because it doesn’t result in conception.”

Zachary smiled and said, “Maybe some guys are like that, but I’m not. I tell you the truth, not only do I see it as an act of reverence and love towards you, I would cherish every moment of it and after I am finished pleasuring you with my tongue, I would be so immensely aroused that I would make unforgettable love to you. And just so you know, any safe and consensual sex act between a husband and wife is wholly permissible by God Almighty. The catholic church teaches otherwise because wicked people in their high places want to keep the adherents to catholicism in all sorts of bondage.”

“Well, I feel as if some of my burdens have been lifted.” She paused, then asked in distress, “But, what if I squirt and spray all over you?”

“Even better so. My passions would be even more strongly provoked resulting in us experiencing days and nights of endless pleasure! And not only that, I have read quite extensively that a woman’s orgasmic fluids help prevent cancer in men when ingesting them. So you will potentially be keeping me alive if you squirt and spray on me!”

“Now I know I have found the right one. As far as I can see, we are compatible in every way. I only wish we were married at this very moment, but I know it will be worth the wait.” Tiffany paused then said, “However, I think I will go bathe right now instead of at three o’clock, only to prevent me from crossing the line with you and us being punished by God.”

“Enjoy your bath, sweetheart. I’ll be waiting here in the living room. In these past moments, you have inspired me to write so much that I cannot wait to transcribe into text and subsequently present it to you!”

“I know it will be beautiful,” Tiffany said as she gave Zachary a strong kiss, then pranced into the bathroom. First, she used the toilet, then sat in the bathtub and drew the water as she took a relaxing warm bath.

Zachary wrote in his composition book until it was time for him to get ready for the event at church.

That evening:

Tiffany stepped out of the bathroom and was ready to go.

Zachary had just finished taking notes for his latest story when she stepped out.

“Good Lord, Tiffany, you’re beautiful!”

“Thanks, Zack. Hearing you say that makes me feel better since I have been wearing the same tee shirt and jeans for the past few days.”

“No matter what you wear, you would still be beautiful!”

Tiffany sweetly kissed Zachary and then asked, “Do you need to get ready at all?”

“Honestly, all I need to do is scrub myself in the washbasin and shave.”

“Okay. Go ahead and do that. I feel a strong need to go to church with you this evening and not just because there is a party tonight.”

Zachary nodded, then went to wash up and shave.

Tiffany sat on the futon and waited.

Zachary came out, fresh and clean-shaven.

“Your baby face is so cute, Zack!” Tiffany said with affection.

“Thank you, sweetheart. Most see it and think I am younger than what I actually am and they don’t take me seriously.”

“Well there is one thing I want to do with your face, but will have to wait until we are married.”

“What is that?”

Tiffany giggled and said, “Sit on it!”

“Oh, Tiffany, that would bring me immense happiness, but once you get up off of my face, I am going to lay you like there is no tomorrow!”

“That’s the whole idea, bae!” Tiffany said giggling even more.

“I wish we were married now, but we must needs get to church before we give in to our urges and provoke the chastening rod of God.”

“You’re right. Let’s go”

“We will arrive about half an hour early, but there is a pressing matter that you and I need to talk with my pastor about. You need to settle a certain account with God Almighty. Everyone does, whether they admit it or not. I settled my account with God a little over six years and as a result, I am saved eternally. I desire that for you as well!”

“I want that too. I realize that catholicism is phony and I also know that I am a sinner and there is a hell that is for sinners. I don’t want to go there.”

“Then let us go speak with my pastor at once.”

“Lead the way.”

With that, Zachary and Tiffany walked out of the front door, with Zachary locking it behind them. They then walked down the steps to the Cobalt, where Zachary opened the passenger door for Tiffany and she stepped in, kissing him. Zachary then entered on the driver’s side. They fastened their seatbelts, and Zachary started his engine.

Subsequently, he prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you grant us safe travels wherever we may go this evening. I also ask that you keep Tiffany and me together for life and that we honor, revere, and cherish each other. Compel us to honor You with our relationship, not only because we want You to bless it, but also because it is what You desire. Please also allow my pastor to present Your Precious Gospel to Tiffany and equally allow her to submit and surrender to it. Lord may we both love You above all and as we grow closer to You, bring us closer together likewise. In Jesus’ Name, I present these petitions, amen!”

Zachary then put his Cobalt in gear and backed out of his parking spot.

“I always love hearing you pray, Zack,” Tiffany said.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I hope I accurately set an example of what a Christ-follower is like and that you become one as well.”

“I want Jesus. Even though I know catholicism is phony, I know that Jesus is real and I want Him in my life.”

“Well, we are but a mere few hundred feet away from my church. My pastor is better at presenting The Gospel than I am.”

There was a peaceful silence as Zachary pulled into the church parking lot.

He saw Pastor Timmy’s vintage Mustang parked there, so he parked next to it, then stepped out of his Cobalt, then walked around, and opened the passenger door for Tiffany. She kissed him and stepped out then they locked the doors and entered the church.

A motion sensor made a ringing sound alerting Pastor Timmy that there were people there to see him.

He walked out of his office, down the corridor, and saw Zachary and Tiffany.

He greeted them, “Good to see you, Zachary. And I see you have a lovely young lady with you.” He looked at Tiffany and asked, “What is your name?”

“Tiffany Taylor.”

“And who are you to Zachary?”

“I’m his girlfriend.”

Pastor Timmy smiled and then said, “Well that is wonderful. I have been praying for quite a while that The Good Lord would send a special someone to Zachary.”

He then looked at Zachary and said, “I know the party is not for about a half-hour, so what brings y’all here?”

Tiffany looked at Zachary and said, “I’m nervous, so you tell him.”

“Tiffany is interested in getting it right with The Lord and I know that you are better at presenting the Gospel than I ever will be,” Zachary replied.

Pastor Timmy looked at Tiffany and said, “There is nothing to be nervous about, but I do want to hear directly from you that you are indeed interested in getting it right with God.”

Tiffany then opened up and said, “I know catholicism is phony. I witnessed so much corruption in attending catholic school all my life, plus my parents are both catholic and they act horribly. I met Zack at the mall yesterday and then there was a tornado. He shielded my body with his. I started to recite the rosary, but the storm only got worse. Zack then prayed out loud and he prayed in Jesus’ Name that the storm stifle and moments later it did. Therefore, while I now know that catholicism is phony, I equally know that Jesus is real and I want Him in my life. I see what Zack has and I want it too.”

Pastor Timmy looked at Zachary and said, “There was a rumor going around about a young man’s prayers stopping that tornado at the mall. I didn’t realize it was you. Good job, I am proud of you in The Lord!”

Zachary smiled and blushed slightly.

Pastor Timmy then looked at Tiffany and said, “In order to come to Jesus and have Him in your life, you must first realize and acknowledge to God that you are a sinner and have offended Him and, therefore, deserve to go to hell for all eternity.”

Tiffany nodded.

Pastor Timmy continued, “Gospel means ‘Good News’ because there is some very Good News indeed to your condition: You don’t have to go to hell at all. God Almighty sacrificed His Son Jesus Christ on behalf of all humanity. He knew that all of our sins must be dealt with and severely dealt with. We are made in His image and He loves us, more so than can ever be fathomed. So His Son, Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh and took our punishment on Himself that we may be eternally reconciled to God the Father. What would take us eternity in hell to pay for, took Him three hours on that awful cross and three days in the grave. But then God raised Him from the dead and He is forever victorious over sin death and hell. Despite what the catholic church teaches, there is no way for anyone to earn the right to go to Heaven. We must simply put all of our trust in Jesus Christ and follow Him.” Pastor Timmy then asked Tiffany, “Do you agree with anything I am telling you?”

“Yes sir. I agree with all of it!” Tiffany replied with great sobriety, then asked, “How do I receive Jesus into my life?”

“Well, you already agree with and believe what has been presented to you. Now I want you to, in your own words, earnestly pray to God and tell him that you know you have sinned against Him and that you deserve hell, but you now know that Jesus took your punishment and the debt you owe is paid in full. Then ask Jesus to save you from all your sins and to rule your life from this point forward. Finally, ask God to adopt you as his child. He surely will if you are indeed sincere. Then praise Him and conclude your prayer in Jesus’ Name. If you are at a loss for words, I can guide you further.”

Tiffany began to pray, with tears rolling down her face, “Lord I believe all that was said to me just now. I am completely aware that I have offended You and I am sorry. Thank you Jesus for taking my punishment and paying for my sins. I do want You to rule my life from this point forward and help me to live for You from now on. Please do come into my life and save me from my sins. God, I do ask You to adopt me as Your child and I make this prayer in Jesus’ Name, amen!”

Pastor Timmy then said, “Congratulations little sister! I believe you have passed from death to life.”

Tiffany then said, “I started staying with Zack. We didn’t have sex but we are living together and I now feel this is wrong. But my parents are abusive and I have nowhere else to go.”

Pastor Timmy said, “I’ll see if I can get you to stay with one of the widows, at least until you and Zachary are wed, assuming y’all would want to be wed.”

“I definitely would want to marry him. No one has ever been so sweet to me.” Tiffany said.

Pastor Timmy looked at Zachary and asked, “What do you think, Zachary?”

“I think she is absolutely beautiful and so sweet. And I have been praying to The Lord that He sends me someone to love, as you know. I also have standards but she meets them perfectly. So, yes I do eventually want to marry her. It’s just we only met yesterday, so I want to make sure she is right for me and I am right for her. In reality, though, I believe she is the one. I just don’t want others to think we’ve moved too fast.”

Tiffany looked at Zachary with pure happiness and admiration.

Pastor Timmy then asked Tiffany, “I believe God has given you certain gifts and He wants you to use them for His Glory. What do you do for enjoyment?”

Tiffany replied, “I always wanted to be an artist. I love to draw and paint but my parents always tried to discourage my creativity. They would frequently burn my paintings because they want me to get a ‘real job.’”

Pastor Timmy smiled and said, “I know the Lord sent you to Zachary and this church for a reason. I’ve been wanting to hire someone to paint several murals in the church with scenes from the Bible. Would you be up to it?”

Tiffany replied, “I would be honored. Actually, my dream job is painting murals for public places, so it would be perfect for me.”

“Awesome. Then get with me this Sunday and we will arrange it so you can get started possibly as early as next week.” Pastor Timmy then looked at Zachary and said, “And I haven’t forgotten about making you the church website administrator, I know you are gifted with writing and computers.”

Tiffany then asked, “Are you sure there is someone who would take me in? If it wasn’t a sin, I would just stay with Zack, but I don’t want God to punish us. I don’t want to stay with my parents either because they are abusive, physically and verbally.”

Pastor Timmy replied, “We have a woman whose husband was killed in Vietnam and she never had kids with him nor did she remarry. She is now getting old and could use someone to help her around the house. She will be cooking for the party tonight so I can talk to her then.” He looked at his Swatch wristwatch and then said, “Now it’s almost time for the party to begin, so y’all enjoy yourselves.”

That night:

Several church members had arrived and were readying the fellowship hall for the Alternative to Halloween celebration. It was known as the “Hallelujah Celebration.” Several men were manning the barbecue pits just outside the fellowship hall where they were grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Some ladies were in the kitchen of the fellowship hall baking cakes and cookies. One lady was preparing some homemade chili.

Several children were running around as their parents kept their eyes on them.

There was youth sitting around a table and playing with their tablets.

Young adults were sitting at another table with their laptops. There was a young married couple and another equally young engaged couple. Zachary held Tiffany’s hand and walked her over to the table of the young adults, introducing her to them. First, he looked at the young married couple and said “Anthony and Kandice,” paused, then looked at the engaged couple and continued, “Damian and Juniper, this is my girlfriend, Tiffany Taylor.”

“Well hello, Tiffany,” Kandice said, then continued, “Zachary is such a sweet guy and he has been praying for quite a while that God will send him someone to love. I’m sure he will make you very happy.”

“He definitely does make me happy.”

Anthony then asked, semi-jokingly “Are you sure you want to be with him?”

“Yes. I am wholeheartedly sure. I’ve never met anyone like him!” Tiffany replied with confidence.

“Y’all do make a very cute couple,” Juniper added in.

“Thank you!” Tiffany said as she blushed.

“Yes, now I know there is someone for everyone after all,” Damian concluded.

Anthony looked at Damian and said, “So, with that being said, when are you and Juniper going to tie the knot?”

“Really, Anthony?” Kandice said.

Juniper replied, “When we can find a minister who will perform the ceremony without making us sign a marriage license.”

“Y’all wrong for that!” Anthony remarked.

“Well, it’s none of your business anyway, Anthony! You think that because you screwed up your life, everyone else’s life should also be screwed up.”

Anthony replied, “I’m glad my life was messed up because it made me realize my need for Jesus. You need Him as well, whether you like it or not.”

Tiffany became very uneasy and began to show a look of nervousness.

Zachary hugged her and whispered in her ear, “I apologize for what you just saw sweetheart. Sadly even in a wholesome church, there is the potential for conflict to still arise if we are not careful.”

Kandice added in, “Excuse my husband. He means well but he puts everything out the wrong way. I hope you would still want to come to our church.”

“Yes. I would.” Tiffany said, then continued, “I recently came to Christ and I need to be in church. So, since Zachary goes here and Pastor Timmy is so nice, I still want to come here.”

“What do you do for fun?” Kandice asked.

“I’m an aspiring artist,” Tiffany replied.

“Did you tell that to Pastor Timmy? He’s been looking for someone to paint some Biblical scenes around the church.”

“Yes. He said he would hire me to do it.”

“That’s awesome. I work in the nursery a lot and I cannot wait to see what you will paint for it.”

“You’re really nice, Kandice. I hope we can be friends.”

“Of course, we can. Would you like my phone number?”

“My phone is turned off at the moment and will be off indefinitely. I ran away from my abusive parents and my phone service is in their name.”

Zachary then said to Tiffany, “I intend to purchase a new phone for you this Friday. I had reconciled my budget and I shall have more than enough to get you a decent model and make your monthly payment as well.”

“How old are you, because if you’re not yet eighteen, you can get Zack in a lot of trouble.”

“I’m nineteen and will be twenty this April.”

“Where are you staying?” Kandice asked.

“With Zack, but I was told an older widow at the church might take me in, at least until Zack and I could marry.”

“Yes, that’s Mrs. Judy. She’s such a sweet lady.”

“Why can’t you stay with your parents?” Anthony asked.

“Because they beat me and they burn my paintings. One time my dad burned my paintings because they depicted a young couple on a picnic and so much in love.”

“If your paintings are anything like the stuff that Zack writes, I can’t say I blame your dad.”

Zachary grew irritated and asked, “What exactly is wrong with my writing?”

“You know exactly what is wrong with it and I refuse to discuss it at church.”

“Anthony, don’t start that drama again.” Kandice sharply barked.

Tiffany looked at Zachary and said, “Bae, your stories are beautiful. I know the message that you’re conveying through them and it is one of the reasons why I am falling for you so much! And just so you know, it’s not the only reason!”

“Thank you, sweetheart! What you said means the world, the moon, and the stars to me! Furthermore, you do remind me of the good female characters in the stories I write. That’s likely the reason why I was so captivated by you the moment we met. And just know that I am falling equally for you! “

“Y’all are so sweet!” Juniper added in.

Pastor Timmy then stood in front of everyone with a microphone in hand and began to speak, “I want to welcome everyone to our Hallelujah Celebration, especially Miss Tiffany Taylor. I am well pleased to announce that she put her trust in Jesus Christ earlier today and she has now passed from death to life! We have some gifts for her. Everyone now please bow your heads and join me in prayer,” Everyone bowed and Pastor Timmy continued, “Dear Heavenly Father we ask that you bless tonight’s gathering and all the people here. We thank you for the time to fellowship with the Saints of God instead of doing what the world is doing at this very moment. We thank You for the food that we are about to eat and ask that You bless all who prepared it and bless it for the nourishment of our bodies for Your service and glory! In Jesus’ Name, we make these prayers to You. Amen and Thank You, Lord!” Pastor Timmy finally said, “Ladies and children eat first, then the men.”

Tiffany, then asked Kandice, “Can you come with me while I make my plate?”

Kandice replied, “Sure thing, Tiffany.”

They both stood in the food line.

Tiffany continued, “Thanks. I feel awkward serving myself because of the weight I struggle with.”

“I struggle with my weight too, but I know they won’t judge me in church.”

“My dad always made comments about my weight and it made me feel awful.”

“Well, in case you didn’t know, Zachary always liked bigger ladies. I know I am married, but I thought he was so sweet when he said how much he wanted to be with a bigger lady.”

“Why he never asked you then?”

“Because he respects my marriage, even though I’ll admit it’s not the best. But don’t worry it’s more than that. I’ve never seen him look at me or anyone else the way he looks at you. He’s crazy about you and he is really sweet, so I hope you only have good intentions with him.”

“Wow! I’m glad you told me that because I am just as crazy about him. He’s cute as can be. He’s sweet. And he’s very generous with his affection towards me. He just makes me so happy and I know I just met him, but I can’t wait to marry him!”

“That’s wonderful. I will pray for you and Zack because I believe y’all are meant to be!”

“Thank you, Kandice! You’re a true friend.”

“Don’t let my husband intimidate you. He gets over zealous at times, but he was once so worldly that he could never make Heaven, now he’s so heavenly-minded that he’s no earthly good.”

Kandice and Tiffany served their plates and then went to sit down. Juniper wasn’t far behind them.

Afterward, Zachary, Anthony, and, Damian all served themselves.

They all sat at the table and ate.

The children and youth later performed while everyone else watched.

After the Hallelujah Celebration concluded, Pastor Timmy met with Zachary and Tiffany.

He spoke, “I’m sorry that I was so busy this evening will call Mrs. Judy tomorrow and see if she will be willing to take you in Tiffany but I am sure she will.” He then looked at Zachary and said, “It is admirable that you want to honor God with your relationship and as long as you continue, He will honor you as well.”

Zachary then said, “Can you please pray over us that we don’t give in to any temptations tonight? I know it is not God’s ideal, but it is better than her being with her parents.”

“Most certainly, let’s hold hands,” Pastor Timmy said, then continued, “Heavenly Father, we know it isn’t your ideal that Zachary and Tiffany are spending the night under the same roof tonight, but we ask that you give them the grace not to give in to their fleshly desires tonight. Please enable and compel them to present their members as living sacrifices and to forgo any sinful behavior between them tonight. Please bless their relationship and allow it to continue. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Pastor Timmy then hugged both of them and presented Tiffany with a gift basket.

“We will be here Sunday, Pastor Timmy!” Zachary said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing both of you,” Pastor Timmy replied.

Zachary and Tiffany then walked to the Cobalt. Zachary opened the passenger door for Tiffany, to which she kissed him and stepped in.

Zachary then entered on the driver’s side.

He started his engine, then prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us safe as travels, and just as Pastor Timmy also petitioned you please give us the grace to not give in to our fleshly desires, to present our members as living sacrifices and to forgo any sinful behavior tonight. Please keep us together and compel us to treat each other with kindness loyalty fidelity and reverence. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen!”

Zachary then drove home.

Tiffany said, “My body wants to snuggle with you all night long, but I don’t think it would be right.”

Zachary replied, “Then you take my bed and I’ll take my futon.”

“You’re such a gentleman, Zack.”

“You’re making me blush.”

“I am tired, so I’ll go right to sleep. We did plenty today and I am a big girl.”

“That is probably an escape route to prevent us from sinning.”

“Wow. You’re probably right.”

Zachary and Tiffany pulled into the parking spot then Zachary stepped out and opened the passenger door for Tiffany. She kissed him then they walked up to his unit, locking the door behind them.

Zachary extended out the bedding portion of his futon then Tiffany walked to the bedroom.

“Can you at least tuck me in, bae?”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Zachary and Tiffany stood by the bed as they exchanged several hugs and kisses. Then Tiffany climbed into the bed and Zachary planted, even more, kisses on her face.

She smiled up at Zachary and said, “I thank God for you, Zack.”

“Likewise, I thank God for you as well Tiffany. I pray that he keeps us together forever.”

“That is my prayer as well!”

They kissed once more and then Zachary retired to the futon in his living room…

PART THREE

Back to “The New Generation Gap”