*A couple minutes before church ends*
“Ok well this song is called Keep the Candle Burning. It’s one that I wrote awhile back. Um, I do have to give credit to Brian for helping me write the music even though he probably doesn’t remember doing it.” I smiled at the dumbfounded look on his face while the people in the congregation laughed a little. “I hope that you start to remember it when you hear it, you should. You gave me the best advice that I could apply to my everyday life I’ve ever heard. I don’t know whether or not you remember but you told me that no matter what happens in my life that I shouldn’t let anybody or anything drown out the flame of hope inside and that I had to always listen to my heart, it wouldn’t steer me wrong. You also said that the Lord would always see me through as long as I didn’t lose hope. So thank you for always being there and for giving me the best advice I’ve ever gotten.” I stated as the music started.
Katie:
You think you’re alone there in your silent storm
But I’ve seen the tears you’ve cried
Falling down and trying to drown
The flame of hope inside
Let me tell you now, tell you now
All:
When you’re walking in the dead of night
When your soul is churning
When your hope seems out of sight
Keep the candle burning
All it takes is one steady heart
In a world that’s turning
Shine a light and pierce the dark
Keep the candle burning
Keep the candle burning
Haylie:
When you’re down and you’re discouraged
When the darkness clouds your view
You've got to gather up your courage
You know the Lord is gonna see you through
Let me tell you know, tell you know
All:
When you’re walking in the dead of night
When your soul is churning
When your hope seems out of sight
Keep the candle burning
All it takes is one steady heart
In a world that’s turning
Shine a light and pierce the dark
Keep the candle burning
Keep the candle burning
Sarah:
One ray of light always breaks through
Follow wherever he takes you (holds last note)
Katie:
Wherever he takes you
All:
When you’re walking in the dead of night
When your soul is churning
When your hope seems out of sight
Keep the candle burning
All it takes is one steady heart
In a world that’s turning
Shine a light and pierce the dark
Keep the candle burning
Keep the candle burning
All:
When you’re walking in the dead of night
When your soul is churning
When your hope seems out of sight
Keep the candle burning
All it takes is one steady heart
In a world that’s turning
Shine a light and pierce the dark
Keep the candle burning
Keep the candle burning
Katie:
Keep the candle burning
Just one steady heart
In a world that’s turning
I finished the last lines as the music ended. Everybody clapped and then got up to leave. A couple people came up to us telling us we did a good job. We continued standing there talking waiting for most of the people other than like family to leave the sanctuary so we could clean up the extra mikes and stuff that were out.
“That’s was very beautiful song and very beautiful speech.” Mrs. Williamson said. She had known me all my life. She was a very wonderful lady kinda like another grandma to me.
“Thanks Mrs. Williamson.” I smiled.
“You welcome sweetheart. You two did a great job also of course you three are always amazing.” She stated.
“Thanks.” We stated.
“Your welcome. Now Katie you’re ok? He hasn’t bothered you since he got out of jail?” She asked.
“Yea he hasn’t bothered me but he’s only been out of jail about 2 days. I’ve got that restraining order on him too I just hope it works. Of course it never did before.” I stated.
“Well that’s good that he’s left you alone. You make sure you call the police if he tries to break it.” She said.
“Oh I will don’t worry.” I replied.
“That’s good. Now don’t work too hard and I’ll see you later.” She said.
“Bye Mrs. Williamson.” I said as she turned around and left.
“So Brady really hasn’t bothered you yet huh?” Haylie asked.
“No he hasn’t thank God, but I can’t help but worry. He’s only been out of jail two days. He’s probably just trying to figure out what’s going on so he can get to me.” I said.
“Don’t think like that Katie. You’ll be fine I’m sure. I mean I’m sure he won’t bother you, you did put him in jail for 10 months.” Sarah said.
“Yea but he should still be in there I just can’t prove the letters and phone calls are from him. He only got put in there for, well you know.” I said not really wanting to say what had happened.
“It’s good to know he hasn’t bugged you yet.” I heard Harry say from behind me. I whirled around to find him, Mom, Dad, Grandma & Grandpa Littrell, Tim, Jerry, Aunt Ann, and Grandma & Grandpa Richardson along with the shocked and confused faces of Brian, Leigh, Kevin, Kristin, Nick, Howie, and Aj.
“Uh, how long have you guys been standing there?” I asked.
“Long enough.” Brian said.
“Katie?” Kevin questioned I knew he wanted an explanation but I didn’t know what to tell him.
“I, uh…” I stumbled.
“Katie you better go it’s 11 you have to work at 11:30. Don’t worry we’ll finish cleaning up and I’ll see you at 1.” Sarah said trying to change the subject and get me out of there.
“Ok see ya.” I stated quickly and started to walk down the stairs.
“Katelene.” Kevin said. His voice was very stern making me stop dead in my tracks.
“Can this wait please I don’t have time to explain?” I asked.
“Fine.” Kevin said.
“If any of you want a ride back you better come on.” I stated. Kev, Leigh, Brian, and Nick all quickly followed me. *Great just what I need* I thought walking out the doors and to my car. I quickly unlocked the doors with the remote and got in. I started the car waiting for everybody to get in. Once they were all in I pulled out of the parking lot heading home.
“Katie?” Brian said quietly a couple minutes later.
“Just don’t Brian. Ok, just don’t. I get off at 6 I’ll explain then” I stated my voice cracking just a little. There wasn’t another word said the whole way home. I quickly ran up the stairs and into my room as soon as we had gotten home. I grabbed a pair of somewhat tight dark blue jeans. I took my dress off and slid my jeans on leaving the midnight blue tank top on. I took my hair out of the butterflies and pulled it up into a ponytail and then put on my black sandals I’d worn the night before.
I worked at a place called The Hangout. It definitely held up to its name cause it was the local teen hang out but other people also ate their cause we served awesome food. It normally got pretty busy about 11:30-2:00 then from 5:00-9:00. Except it was a Sunday so it wouldn’t be really busy which was good. I had to open along with Angie who was the only other waitress till 1:00 when Sarah came in. I quickly wrote mom a note telling her I had my cell phone if she needed anything, I’d be home around 6 and not to tell them about Brady because I wanted to do it on my own. I ran back down the stairs with the note in my hand.
“Bye.” I told everybody I had brought home and walked out the door. I heard the door open and shut as I put the note on the freezer that was in the garage.
“Katie?” Nick said softly.
“What?” I asked not turning around. He gently grabbed my arm and turned me around.
“No matter what happened, what that guy did, I love you I always will. I’ll be here no matter what. I can wait to know what happened and I won’t pressure you to tell me if you don’t want to.” He stated. I nodded my head and smiled gently. He smiled back and quickly kissed me. “You better get going I don’t want you to be late.” He stated. I nodded my head and went to the car.
“Hey Nick?” I said right before I got in the car and he opened the door to go back inside.
“Yea?” He asked.
“I love you too and thanks.” I stated. He smiled and nodded his head then walked back inside. I got in the car and headed to work. “Hey Andy.” I greeted the owner and head manager. I was assistant manager.
“Hey Katie.” He replied. Andy was in his early 50’s with a wife and two teenagers. He was really cool to work for he always made sure that the waitresses were safe and that we weren’t harassed. That seemed to happen a lot when perverted guys came in looking for a little fun. I clocked in and put my apron type thing on and my nametag then went out into the main part of the restaurant.
“Hey girl.” Angie greeted me.
“Hey.” I replied grabbing the key from under the counter and unlocking the front door and turning on the light on that said open. “Thank God it’s Sunday” I stated sitting down.
“Yea I agree. I don’t think I could handle it if it was a weekday and especially not a Saturday.” She said.
“Tell me about it.” I stated. About that time the first customers walked in. Some people from school and then a family of 5. “Well I’ll take this half you take that half. I’ll take the family you take the people from school.” I stated.
“Ok.” She replied as we got up walking towards the front door.
“If you four will follow me.” Angie said grabbing four menus and leading them to a table.
I looked at the family to see there was a boy that looked to be about 14, a little boy that looked about 7, and a little girl that was about 3. “If you guys want to follow me I’ll show you to a table.” I stated grabbing 3 menus and 2 kid’s menus.
*Back at the house*
Brian’s POV*
“Katie must have been pretty upset huh?” Mom asked coming in from the garage.
“How could you tell?” I asked sarcastically. I wasn’t mad Katie hadn’t told me about all of this yet. I was upset she felt she couldn’t tell me that but I was more worried about her than anything.
“Brian cut the attitude.” Dad said.
“Sorry.” I apologized to Mom.
“It’s ok. I could tell because all of you were here yet she left a note on the freezer out in the garage instead of just telling you.” She stated.
“Oh. I guess we were probably a little pushy.” I said.
“A little Brian?” Grandpa Richardson said.
“Ok so we were a lot pushy!” I exclaimed.
“Brian Thomas what did I tell you about the attitude. You may be 23 but when you are in this house you will live by our rules. One of them is treating people with respect. Especially your grandparents.” Dad scolded. He was right though I just, I thought Katie had always told me everything and I was glad she always did that way I could always protect her.
“I know. I’m sorry Grandpa Richardson. It’s just I worry about her probably a little too much.” I said.
“It’s ok Brian. I understand. You worry about her and you want to be able to protect her but sometimes you have to let her go and let her make her own mistakes and learn from ‘em.” He said. I nodded my head and stood there.
“You know what? I think we should let Katie tell us when she wants to and if that means she doesn’t want to tell us tonight I think we should except it.” Nick said. *Ok when did he get so smart?*
“I agree.” Kevin, Kristin, Aj, Howie, and Leigh all said.
“Me too.” I sighed.
“Well I don’t know about you guys but I am starving.” He said. That was Grandpa Richardson for you. We all laughed and Nick spoke up.
“You know I’m hungry too. I say we go out to eat.” He stated.
“I think that’s a great idea. Lunch is on me for being such a jerk.” I said. Everybody laughed and agreed. We all went upstairs to change and the grandparents, Kevin, Kris, and Aunt Ann went back to her house to change. About 20 minutes later we were all standing in the kitchen trying to decide where to go.
“I know!” Kevin exclaimed.
“What?” I asked.
“Aunt Jackie is The Hangout still around?” He asked.
“Yea it is.” She replied. I knew what he was getting at now.
“Do they still have as good of food as they used to?” He asked.
“Yea they do but you don’t really want to go there. I mean taking your grandparents and stuff?” She stated. *Man what’s up with her?* I thought.
“Oh Jackie we’ve been there before. That’ll work perfect. It’s somewhere casual and they have great food. It’s perfect.” Grandpa Littrell said.
“Ok.” She stated wearily. I had an idea as to why she didn’t want us to go. It normally didn’t bother her, so I decided to see if I was right.
“Hey Mom where does Katie work?” I asked with a knowing she smile. She just kinda stood there while Harry was cracking up. “She works there doesn’t she?” I asked.
“I’m sworn to secrecy.” She stated with a smile.
“Ahha I knew it! Let’s go!” I exclaimed. Everybody laughed and we were on our way.
*Katie’s POV*
“How many?” I heard Angie ask as I gave Haylie and Josh their food.
“Thanks Katie.” They stated
“No problem.” I stated.
“20” was the woman’s answer to Angie’s question. * I know that voice* I thought turning around. Sure enough I was right, there stood the rest of my family along with the other 3 boys. I started laughing and shook my head.
“I’ll take this one Angie.” I stated walking up to her.
“I figured you would.” She laughed. “Ok next group?” She asked as a family of 4 came up.
“You guys wait right here. I’ve got to go push a couple tables together.” I stated. They were the only ones standing there until the door opened. I looked behind them and seen Cody and Liz. “Perfect timing Cody.” I smiled.
“Oh no.” He whined.
“Could you help me move a couple tables together and I’ll seat you guys while I’m at?” I asked.
“Ok come on.” He stated. I grabbed to menus and told everybody I’d be right back and took Cody and Liz to where I was going to seat them and the rest of my family. Cody and I quickly moved tables then the three of us put chairs up to the table.
“Thanks guys and here you go.” I said seating them at a table for two and putting menus in front of them. “I’ll be right back.” I stated. They nodded their head s and I turned around going back to the front of the restraunt. “Come on you guys.” I stated grabbing 15 menus figuring Brian and Leigh; Harry and Tracy; Kevin and Kris; Tim and Marie; and Jerry and Kathy could each share one. I let them all take seats and then laid menus in front of them.
“Thanks Katie.” Brian chuckled.
“Very funny Brian. I’m sure this was your idea. Figure out what you want to drink and I’ll be right back.” I giggled and turned around to where Cody and Liz were sitting. They were trying to cover up their laughter when I turned around. “Go ahead and laugh.” I stated. The started laughing while I stood they’re giggling waiting for them to finish.
“Sorry Katie.” They both stated after they were done.
“Yea I’m sure. Now what do you guys want to drink?” I asked.
“A diet Pepsi.” Liz said.
“A Pepsi.” Cody said and I wrote it down. “Ok.” I smiled. I looked at the front to see there was a guy I needed to seat. I quickly went and got there Pepsis then gave them to them and hurried to the front telling my family I’d be right back. Thanks god they were family.
“Hello Mr. Thompson.” I smiled grabbing a menu. Mr. Thompson came in every weekend at 12:30 and sure enough it was 12:30. None of the waitresses liked him though because everything had to be perfect and he was never satisfied. I started to walking back to where I had seated everybody else and put him at a two-person table. “What can I get you to drink?” I asked.
“Just an ice tea and make sure it’s fresh with a slice a lemon. Oh and make it snappy” He stated. Now you know why none of the waitresses liked him.
“Yes sir I’ll be right back with that.” I stated. I quickly got his ice tea and then sat it in front of him going back to my family. “Sorry you guys would have been first but uh,” I stated before lowering my voice, “Mr., Thompson is very… picky will work for lack of vocabulary at the moment.” I said quietly. “Now what can I get you to drink.” I was almost done with the drink orders when Mr. Thompson called my name.
“Miss Littrell.” He stated. I tried to ignore him and continued with the drink orders. “Miss Littrell.” He stated a little more agitated and stern this time.
“Sorry hold on a sec.” I told everybody then turned to Mr. Thompson. “Yes Mr. Thompson?” I asked surgery sweet. I seen Nick and Brian trying to hold in their laughter from the corner of my eye.
“There is a spot on my glass.” He stated. I kept the fake smile on my face even though he was pissing me off.
“Mr. Thompson you need to stop harassing my waitresses.” Andy said coming up behind him.
“Oh Mr. Black.” Mr. Thompson said surprised. I tried not to laugh as I turned back to everybody.
“Nick, Brian what do you two want to drink?” I asked.
“A mountain dew.” Nick said.
“A Pepsi.” Brian said. I nodded and wrote it down.
Chapter 25
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