Triumphant Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 4) Read online

  “All right, then, let’s go.”

  Angie took his hand as they strolled towards the church hall. It actually felt kind of good, almost normal. But his life was anything but normal. Would he fit in? Would they accept him?

  Chapter 3

  Laughter and music flowed from the church’s meeting room as Jayden and Angela entered the building. Pausing outside the door, Jayden drew a steadying breath. Despite feeling nervous, in some ways he was interested to see what it was all about. Angie had told him they were starting a series entitled ‘How can you know if God exists?’ After his experience in that church on Christmas Eve, where Jayden thought he’d heard from God, this was a topic that actually interested him. Was God real, or was He just a figment of everyone’s imagination?

  “You okay, Jayden?” Angie smiled as she squeezed his hand.

  Jayden nodded. “Yep. And you?”

  “Yes, I’m good. Let’s go.”

  She led him into a room where about twenty young people stood around talking and laughing in small groups, but Jayden’s attention was drawn to the three boys sitting at the far end. One had a guitar strapped around his shoulder, another perched in front of a keyboard, and the third boy sat behind a set of drums.

  “Join them if you want. There’s a spare guitar over there.” Angie nodded towards the wall nearest them.

  “I don’t know what they’re playing.”

  Angie shook her head and laughed. “Let me introduce you, at least.”

  “If you have to.”

  Angie dragged him to where the boys were sitting. “Hey Gareth, this is Jayden.” Gareth was the guitar player, and with his friendly face, he reminded Jayden a little of Neil. “Jayden plays the guitar really well.”

  “Yeah? Grab this one and join us.” Gareth leaned over and picked up the spare guitar and handed it to Jayden. "It’s Johnno’s, but he’s away.”

  “Cool, as long as you don’t mind.” A grin grew on Jayden’s face as he took the guitar and sat beside Gareth.

  “What do you normally play, Jayden?”

  Jayden stiffened. Would Gareth think he was boasting if he told him he played a Gibson? He let out a breath. Best to play it safe. “Just an acoustic.”

  “Cool. Hey, this is Matt on the keyboard, and Dave on the drums.”

  Jayden gave them both a quick nod. The boys, who seemed a little older than him, leaned forward and held out their hands. Jayden shook both in turn.

  “We’re just having a bit of a jam. Wanna follow along?”

  “Yeah.” Jayden settled himself onto the chair and tested the guitar, a basic acoustic that sounded tinny and hollow compared to his, but it didn’t matter. It’d been too long since he’d played with someone else. As the boys began to play, he followed along. He had no idea what they were playing, but it sounded pretty cool, just a lot lighter than he was used to.

  Angie stood nearby, her face angled so she could see him. She was talking with an older man who was balding on top. Jayden recognized him as the pastor. There was only one thing they’d be talking about. Jessica.

  Before long, a few of the young people stopped talking and pulled up chairs in front of the music team and began singing along. Jayden hadn't been aware that they'd been playing songs that had words to them. He thought they were just jamming, which was what he and Neil had always done. It was kind of strange, but also kind of cool.

  The pastor left Angie and walked to the front. The band stopped playing at the end of the song, and those who’d still been talking finished their conversations and pulled up chairs in a semi-circle.

  Angie sat on a seat beside Jayden and slipped her hand into his, flashing him a warm smile.

  The pastor cleared his voice. “Well, hello everyone. Great to see you all here tonight. For those who are new, I’m Pastor Graham Simpson, and tonight we’re starting a series entitled ‘How can you know if God exists?' But first, let’s open in prayer.”

  Angie squeezed Jayden’s hand. He caught her eye again before bowing his head. It seemed a little strange to be sitting here holding his girlfriend’s hand when they were about to pray, but if she was okay with it, well, Jayden guessed it must be all right, and tried to focus on the prayer.

  “Dear God, we pray You’ll be with us as we study Your word, and we ask that You’ll open our hearts and minds as we seek to know the truth about You and how we can be sure that You actually are real in a world that believes You’re not. Bless our time together, Lord God. Amen.”

  Pastor Graham looked up, his gaze traveling around the group. “I’d like to start this series by reading from Romans chapter 1, verse 20. You can read along or just listen.” He flicked to the verse in his Bible and then began. “‘For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.’

  “Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look into this passage and others more deeply, but before we do, here are the questions we’re going to investigate. This verse claims that God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly visible in creation, but is there any way of finding out how it all came into being, or do we just have to take a giant leap of faith and believe that God created it because He said He did? If there is evidence, why don’t more people believe in Him, or if they do, why do so many live like they don’t? Assuming there is proof that God exists, what does it take to turn someone from non-belief in God to belief?

  “These are huge questions. Questions that as young people I’m sure you’ve asked yourselves many a time.” He shrugged. “Or maybe not. I hope that by the time we reach the end of the series, those of you who’ve been brought up in Christian homes and in the church, and have made a commitment to live for Jesus, will have a better understanding of why you believe, because it’s far too easy just to accept what you’ve been told without really knowing why you do. And for those who haven’t made a commitment yet but are searching for the truth, I hope and pray that you’ll find what you’re looking for, and that once you do, you’ll be willing to commit your life to God, knowing that your belief isn’t just a leap of faith, but is backed with solid proof.”

  The pastor's gaze traveled around the group again. “Your generation is very fortunate because there’s more verification for the truth now than at any previous time in history, and I’m excited to be doing this study with you.”

  Jayden’s mind raced. This was so different from what he’d expected. He’d never really thought there was any proof for God’s existence, so if there was, he was interested in finding out about it. Strange, really, because even less than a year ago, he couldn’t have cared less about God, but something had been stirring inside him, and he wanted to know what it was, but he wasn’t about to jump blindly into believing.

  Angie nudged him. Everyone was opening their study guides.

  Jayden opened his to Chapter One: ‘Is Truth Absolute or Relative?’ He was ready for this. He’d study the information and then make a decision.

  At the end of the study, the band was asked to play a few songs. Gareth nodded to Jayden to join them.

  Jayden stiffened. It was all right playing earlier when they were only jamming, but now everyone would see him.

  Angie leaned closer and squeezed his arm. “Go on, you’ll be fine.”

  Jayden took a breath and followed Gareth to the front. He picked up the spare guitar and took the lead from the others, and before long he was enjoying playing songs that although weren’t familiar, held words that spoke of God’s love and grace, whatever that was.

  After the singing they entered into a prayer time. Jayden closed his eyes and listened. He’d never heard such heartfelt prayers before, even back home at Dad and Tessa’s church. But then, he hadn’t gone to the youth group meetings. And he wouldn’t have listened even if he had. But these kids seemed genuine, but maybe it was just emotion, and he didn’t want to get caught up in that, because what if that’s
all it was? He’d heard about that happening to people. No, it had to be real and true if he was going to believe and follow. He’d do lots of study before making up his mind.

  At the end of the prayer time, Gareth placed his guitar into its case. Jayden followed suit.

  “Coming to supper?” Gareth asked.

  Jayden glanced at Angie, but she was talking with another girl. He shrugged. “Guess so. I’ll see what Angie says.”

  “She normally comes.”

  “Guess we’ll be coming, then.” Jayden’s secret hopes of spending time just with Angie flew out the window, but maybe it was time he made some new friends, and Gareth seemed like a cool dude.

  The ice-cream parlor was about a mile away, and during the short drive there, Angie asked Jayden what he thought of the study.

  “Not what I expected, but I’m glad I went.”

  Angie turned her head and gave him a smile. “I am too, Jayden.”

  “That pastor seems pretty smart.”

  “Yeah, he is. We all like him a lot.”

  “So what did he say about Jess?”

  The smile slipped from Angie’s face.

  “Sorry, Ange, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’d just forgotten about it for a moment.” She glanced at him as she turned a corner. “He just asked how I was handling it. Said he was surprised, but that he’d support her and us in whatever way he could.”

  Jayden shifted in his seat. “It’s going to be tough on her, isn’t it?”

  Angie nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Sorry, Jayden. Just every time I think about it, I get sad for her, and I try to think what it’d be like to be in her situation.” Angie wiped her cheek with her hand before changing down a gear and pulling up outside the ice-cream parlor. “Here we are. No more talk of Jess, okay? I don’t want to cry in front of everyone.”

  “Sorry, Ange. I won’t bring it up again.” He leaned over and popped a kiss on her cheek.

  “Thanks.” She gave him a watery smile and dabbed her eyes again before opening the door.

  Jayden draped his arm lightly across Angie’s shoulder as they entered the parlor.

  Gareth called them over and introduced Jayden to his girlfriend, Rachel, the girl Angie had been talking to at the end of the study.

  “Haven’t I seen you at the grocery store?” Gareth asked as he handed out menus.

  “Yeah, I work there.” Jayden lifted his chin. “Just until I find something better.”

  “You don’t go to school?”

  Here we go… “No, I had to leave.” Jayden picked up his menu. “Maybe one day I’ll go back.”

  Angie leaned into him. “Leave Jayden alone, Gareth.”

  Gareth held his hands up. “I was just being polite.”

  “I know. Anyway, you two played well together tonight.”

  Jayden breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t want Gareth or any of the others to know about his mother and why he’d left both home and school. Maybe he should make up some kind of story to tell them. But as soon as that thought popped into his head, he decided it would be a bad move. He already had too many lies in his life, like lying to Angie about his age. He gulped. One day he’d have to confess to her that he was only turning sixteen, not seventeen, like he’d told her he was.

  “Yeah, you should come to my house one day and we can jam.”

  Jayden smiled. “I’d like that, thanks.”

  A short while later, after they’d eaten their ice-creams and sundaes, Angie dropped Jayden back at his apartment. He sat with his hand resting on the door handle. He didn’t want to get out. Angie would be going back home to a family who loved her. He’d be going back to a cold, empty apartment. He took his hand from the handle and slipped it behind her neck, pulling her close. He ran his hand through her hair. Soft, silky, bouncy hair. His heart beat faster. He wanted to kiss her so much. He lifted her head slowly until her lips were so close he could almost taste them. He lowered his head until their lips touched. Cradling her head in his hands, he pressed his lips harder. How he’d love to kiss her properly. Jayden’s chest heaved.

  Angie pulled away. Her face was flushed. She held a hand to his cheek. “I’m sorry, Jayden. I can’t do this.” Her voice was soft, breathless.

  Jayden’s heart plummeted. He slowly straightened, drawing a deep breath to steady himself. He’d acted rashly. This was how Jessica had gotten into trouble. He’d lose Angie if he wasn’t careful, and no way did he want that to happen.

  He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Ange. I got carried away. I didn’t think.”

  “It’s okay, Jayden. I shouldn’t have encouraged you.”

  Their eyes met and his heart pounded. How would he find the strength not to kiss her like that again? But it was wrong, and somehow he’d have to.

  “You’re so beautiful, Ange, I just wanted to hold you.”

  “Oh Jayden, don’t be silly.” She let out a small chuckle before her expression sobered. “But seriously, as much as I want to kiss you too, we need to do this right. I want to do things God’s way, and I don’t think I could trust myself if we got too close. Know what I mean?”

  Unfortunately he did. “You take this God thing seriously, don’t you?”

  Angie nodded as she relaxed in her seat. She inspected her fingernails before looking up. “I gave my heart to Jesus when I was ten, and I try to live my life as He’d want me to. It’s not always easy. Like now.” She rolled her eyes and let out another small chuckle. “But He gives me strength, even though I often let him down.”

  “I’d have thought you’d only date a Christian, then. Not someone like me.”

  Angie hung her head. “Mom and Dad talked to me about that. They told me to be careful, but left it up to me to decide whether I should go out with you or not.” She paused for a second before raising her head and meeting his gaze. “I prayed about it, and I believe God’s working in your heart, Jayden, so I’m comfortable with our relationship.”

  Jayden pressed his lips together. Would Angie pressure him to become a Christian? He didn’t like being manipulated. He’d had enough of that with Mom. “Maybe we just need to be friends for now, then.”

  Angie’s face fell. “Don’t be like that, Jayden. You asked.”

  Jayden sighed. He didn’t want to be ‘just friends’ anyway. What was he thinking?

  “I really like you, Jayden, and I want to be your girlfriend, but we can’t kiss like that. Okay?”

  Jayden gulped. If that’s what she wanted, that’s what he’d have to do. Somehow. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. “Okay.”

  “How about we pray before I go?”

  Jayden’s eyes widened. He’d do almost anything to make her happy. But pray? He drew a breath and shrugged. “Okay.”

  Angie took his hand and bowed her head. Her voice was so sweet. “Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, and for bringing Jayden into my life. I pray that You’ll reveal Yourself to him over the next few weeks and months, and that he might come to know Your peace and love in his life, and that You’ll wipe away all the hurts he’s had with his family. And please bless our relationship. Help us to keep it pure and honorable in Your sight, dear Lord, even though it might be difficult at times. And Lord, please be with Jess and give her strength.” Angie’s voice caught. “Let her feel Your loving arms around her, dear Lord, and bless the little baby she’s carrying. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  Something stirred deep inside Jayden. But was it just emotion, or was it God?

  Jayden knew he’d have trouble sleeping. The apartment was so quiet, and to be honest, he was lonely. After Angie left, he’d picked up his guitar and started strumming some of the music they’d played at the study, even though he couldn’t remember all the words. After a short while, he put the guitar down and slumped back onto his bed. A myriad of thoughts whirled in his head. Angie, Jess, Mom, Dad, Tessa. And God. He let out a resigned sigh and sat up. He wasn’t going to sleep any time soon, so h
e pulled the Bible and study guide off the bedside table. He may as well do some study. Opening the guide, he began reading through the notes again….Truth has to be backed up by fact, it can’t just be opinion. Nobody can invent truth, it gets discovered. It doesn’t matter how genuinely someone believes something, if it’s true, it’s true, if it’s false, it’s false. Something can’t be true for one person and false for another. Either Santa Claus is real, or he’s not, despite what thousands of parents tell their children each Christmas. And God’s either real, or he’s not. Jayden closed his book and leaned back against his pillow and yawned. So why do so many people disagree? He yawned again. That would have to wait until tomorrow night. He drifted off to sleep with images of Angie floating through his mind.

  Chapter 4

  Brisbane, Australia

  Tessa always knew that Jayden’s sixteenth birthday would be a difficult day for her and Ben, even though since returning from their mission trip to Ecuador, Ben had been more relaxed, and even confident that Jayden would one day come home.

  Only last week they’d received another letter from Jayden, and in it he’d told them he had a girlfriend. A girlfriend! How bitter sweet, not being part of such a major milestone in his life, but at least knowing he had someone special in his life gave them some comfort.

  Tessa woke that morning and slipped out of bed quietly so as not to disturb Ben. Five months into her pregnancy, Tessa was unable to stay in bed much past six o’clock. She threw on her robe, opened the door carefully, and tip-toed down the stairs. All her efforts at being quiet were ruined when Bindy and Sparky eyed her—their yaps were enough to waken the whole neighbourhood. “Shh… you’ll wake Ben up.” Tessa bent down and gave them a pat before heading to the bathroom. When she came back out, both dogs sat in front of the door with eager faces and tails wagging. How could she deny them? She quickly changed into the light blue track suit she kept downstairs, put on her Nikes, and grabbed the dogs’ leads. They followed her eagerly into the backyard where she clipped their leads onto their collars before slipping through the side gate.