(And the bells toll)1
Kaleb, instead of deciding to go to the youth group with the other kids that commenced during the services, had snuck away and slipped into the room that the adults used for their own meetings during the week. Everyone was either in the sanctuary listening to the preacher yell at them, or- 2
(hanging like Christ)3
-in the youth room, where they colored pictures of Jesus on the cross and were taught lessons about the stories in the Bible. 4
But Kaleb didn't want to do any of that. He- 5
(was just a toy)6
-wanted to do something useful with his time, which is why he snuck into this very room every Sunday. No one ever missed him, he always came back in time for his mom and “dad” not to miss him at the Youth Room, and there were so many kids in the youth group that the teacher never noticed he was gone.7
In the room there was nothing hanging up on the walls. For furnishings, there was only a table over in the corner of the room with a few metal fold-up chairs for the ladies during their weekly meetings, and on the other side of the room, an altar with a large wooden cross hung-8
(like Christ)9
-on the wall behind it.10
(The bells toll for thee, mom!) 11
Kaleb remembered that song he used to like when he was little. Some little nursery rhyme he'd seen in a morbid movie on television that he probably shouldn't have been watching, but he had been bored and... 12
(Everyone turns towards the unmarked grave! Everyone turns!)13
What was it called? He had no idea. 14
The altar wasn't just a solid block of wood, it was hollow, and there was no back on it, so there was a space for Kaleb to curl up in so that if someone walked in while he prayed, they wouldn't see him. 15
Taking his rosary out of his pocket, he hung it around his neck and closed his eyes. 16
He knew you were supposed to count the beads while you pray, but instead he just fiddled with the cross on the end and sometimes twirled the beads back and forth- 17
(back and forth, back and forth, in and out, in and out, again again again)18
-but he couldn't wear it around his neck except for when he was in church, because his mom and “dad” didn't know he had it, and for some reason, he didn't want them to know about it... 19
Sometimes, though, on days where he was feeling specially unsafe, he would wear a turtle neck shirt and just tuck it under. 20
He liked the way it rested against his heart, making him feel safer in the times he needed it. 21
The beads were a deep, dark red. He had chosen them that color specially. In the store, there had been all different kinds of rosary's, but this one had appealed to him the most. The beads and the cross on the end were made out of wood, so it hadn't been very expensive. 22
It was his secret. 23
He sat on his knees under the altar and bent down at the waist, so that his nose was almost touching the carpeted floor. He folded his hands and held the rosary above his head, playing with it, and after that, the only thing anyone might be able to hear was- 24
(the screams)25
-the extremely quiet murmuring of a prayer from a lost little boy who just wanted to- 26
(find God) 27
-feel safe and- 28
(his head kept hitting the headboard) 29
-learn how to stop screaming. 30
...(they toll for THEE, mom!)31
And the bells toll.
Author notes
Okay, I have to admit, I really really love this chapter. I do.
I just love the "the bells toll" thing.
Heh ^-^
So yeah, I hope you liked it too.
The title roughly translates into "The bells toll for thee"
Here's the link to chapter four.
http://storywrite.com/story/169330
Comments are like food for the starving author *nom nom nom*
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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^-^
I like the "the bells toll for thee" thing too. It's deep and then the story is just so fantastic. It shows not only the hypocrisy is churches but the little boy's faith in everything. It's so goooood! It keeps me going from chapter to chapter...as you can see. XDDDD Well anyways. FANTASTIC! Just FANTASTIC!|Chases butterfly to next story.|
|♥|Mel|♥|
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Interesting!
Nice chapter! I love how you have those marks. ()-those (i have no idea how to spell it) What does those things mean? The words you put in them. Is it like memory text or something? I'm just curious. This is an interesting chapter. I'll read on when I have time and I'll comment them too.
Good chapter^.^ -
Hmm, interesting chapter- it did flow a lot more fluidly than the other ones somehow, and the use of descriptions in this really painted the story. Lines 25 and onwards were great- I really like the pace between the words there, and your ending was good- though it did sound a little cliche... And yes, I think it's about time you appreciate your work, because it's absolutely fantastic, and I'm loving it!
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Wow...I loved the lines 24-31...they were just so full of emotion (or so it seemed like to me). I had my sister read them as well and she agrees with me...this is just so well written.
This story just gets to me. I really do like it.
BTW....you're just so darn adorable, Alex! You always manage to make me smile in your author's notes! Just so cute! -
Your so cute Alex I must admitt *pinches you nose*
I do much love the way you announced subtly, yet also clearly that he does have faith within christ... and I can tell christ and religion Plays a big part in his faith in life.
It is queer that his parents make him Go to this youth group yet his "dad" rapes him... Its pathetic really.. not your writing, but the fact that he does it in god eyes....
I Like this writing, I really do; it makes me smile how you write it in such an intense, but soft way.... with no boundries being crossed..
Love Blair
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This is a good chapter. I feel so sorry for him. I'm glad that he's turning to God to help him, instead of other things like drugs, alcohol or bullying. The poor boy though. He needs someone to help him. He seems so lost. I really really hope he finds peace. He needs it. Keep penning.
Ice
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Almost poetic. Religiously so. An intriguing chapter. It was very moving to hear that all he wants to do is escape. Religion is his escape. Very deep. I agree, though, the bells toll is a wonderful addition to the already great writing. It really gives something extra, I think. Very glad you continued this piece. It flows, and just has a passion to it that's so deep. Keep it up, please. ^_^
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