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He worked hard for his redemption, and right now, it's all just speculation about us anyways.
People want to believe Holly, but it’s so absurd that they think she’s just looking for attention since King broke up with her. Ugh, another thing I fucked up. I never wanted to get between him and his father. This is why I need to leave.
Once I'm out of this town, people will move on and forget about me. I'll just be another wayward girl who tried to seduce the good pastor, and Roman can work on fixing his relationship with his son. They need each other. I wipe my eyes as the tears keep running down my face.
I have to do this, but why does it feel like my heart is shattering?
I grab my duffle and cram it full of as much as I can fit. I leave some of the new clothes behind, and the necklace Roman surprised me with the other night. It makes me nauseous to look at. I was so happy when he held me in his bed and we talked about the future. I fell in love with him, and I think he was close to falling for me too.
But things have changed now. I need him to move on and forget about me. Same with King. I left before and he was fine. He will be okay again. A little broken and bruised, but not irreparable.
As for me. I’m done trying to find love and acceptance. I found it here in this bigoted small town, and I won’t ever replace that. Love like this is once in a lifetime.
ROMAN
I walk into the church, ignoring the brigade of ladies standing outside my office door, waiting to berate me some more. It’s been a week of this nonsense. I knew Holly was a hidden serpent, and she has the nerve to cast stones at Tempest. I unlock the door and drop my briefcase onto the desk then rub my temples and take a seat. Holly’s mother is the first to storm through the door. This time she holds a packet of papers and a pen with a nasty smirk on her face.
Her eyes flash with glee as she thinks she won, but I have a surprise for her and the rest of the congregation.
Before she can open her mouth to speak, I stand and start walking towards the chapel. She storms after me, huffing and puffing like a blowfish. I roll my eyes and take my place in front of the pulpit, ignoring how my dick twitches at the memory of Tempest hiding underneath giving me the best blow job of my life.
I have been through hell and back this last week. Tempest is pulling away. King stormed out and hasn’t returned. He packed a bag and I don’t know if he will ever come home. Tempest hasn’t been eating, and I’ve heard her making herself sick from crying. I wish she would come to me. All I want to do is reassure her, but she says she needs some space, and I can give it to her. I’d give her anything.
“Good morning, Ladies. Please have a seat. I think it’s time we all had a chat,” I start.
Whispers fill the church, and I swallow hard. It's time to bring this relationship out into the light, and make this official. I don’t care how young she is. I love her.
“I know the rumors are flying, Ladies, so I wanted to clear the air. Tempest and I are in a relationship,” I begin, waving off the disgusted gasps from the women in front of me. I swear, church life is worse than a group of high school girls. “I know everyone is trying to make this something dark and dirty, but you can end all of that now. She is going to be my wife. Also…”
I grunt, glancing over at Candace, Holly’s mother. “Your husband went to the board, to try to have me removed from the pulpit, but they all agreed I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Waiting, I let them lose their minds before clearing my throat. “I am in a very public position, but some things should be done in private, and that’s what Tempest and my relationship was,” I lecture.
“Someone decided to take the decision away from me, to announce how serious Tempest and I are, so while I didn’t expect to do this yet, I am no less intent on marrying her. Our church is a wonderful place, but the rumors, bickering, and bullying needs to stop. It’s not very Christian-like,” I bark, enjoying as they cower and look away. I didn’t expect to preach today, but I will take life’s small mercies. “I encourage you to live in God’s light, Ladies, and to turn away from the temptation of tearing another human being down.”
Stepping down from the pulpit, I walk confidently out of the church. Every woman, including Candace, looks embarrassed by their actions, and they should be.
How can they call themselves women of the Lord when they act the way they do?
Hurrying home, I’m excited to speak to Tempest. I want to tell her we’ll fix things with King. We’ll figure everything out, but I want to marry her. I’m going to make sure she knows how loved she is, and propose to her. The day I bought her that necklace, I saw a matching ring and it’s perfect. I knew I wanted to make things official weeks ago.
Opening the front door, I immediately know there’s something wrong. The air feels too still, the house empty. Tempest should be here. Walking inside, I slam the door closed in panic, praying I’m wrong.
“Tempest!” I yell. “Are you here?”
Walking into the kitchen, where so much of our time has been spent together, I see a note. My heart pounds as I move closer.
Roman,
I never wanted things to go this way.
My stay was always supposed to be temporary, though for a minute there, I thought maybe…
It doesn’t matter any more. Truth of the matter is, I don’t deserve you. I’m a fuck up, just like my mother has always said. I refuse to be the ruin of you or King. You deserve to find someone worthy of you and the life you live.
I’m destined to fall into the path of sin, and I won’t take you with me.
Thank you for showing me what love is.
