She wanted her cry to reach heaven, and God’s ears. Hopefully this time he would listen to this prayer.

Tears streaked down her face and neck. Sliding down onto and under her tee shirt. "Pwease.” She begged. “Pwease.”

Curling up into a fetal position she started crying even more. The slamming of fists grew louder. It wasn’t flesh on flesh, but flesh on wood and the wall. She knew the sound well… She grew up with it.

But even though she grew up with it, every fight, every scream, every shout, and every pounding still made her cry. Still made her wish for the “better” life. The “perfect” one.

Sniffling loudly, Journey grabbed her ball cap and stuck it on her head. Locking her door she went to her window and opened it. It was chilly out, but she needed the fresh air. Grasping onto the tree limb, she climbed down the three feet. Heights made her too nervous to jump. Even if it was a short distance to the ground.

She wandered the streets for a few miles. It was a long distance to her neighbor’s house. Tulsa had always been pretty spaced apart with it’s housing. Lot’s of farms prevented close houses.

Crossing the Baker’s field, she climbed the fence to the Hanson’s back yard. She hadn’t seen Mackie in a few days. It was time she did again.

Mrs. Hanson noticed the tiny girl almost instantly. “Journey!” She exclaimed happily as she hugged the small body tightly. “What brings you out so late?” She asked worriedly.

Journey shook her head. “Nuffin,’ ma’am.” She said shyly. Still unsure of how to act in front of the nice lady.

Grinning, Mrs. Hanson pointed to the staircase in the corner of the kitchen. “Take the back stairs up.” She said gently. “Mack is up with his brothers.”

Nodding her head roughly, Journey ran for the staircase. Her feet pounded on the wooden steps as she raced to see her friend.

Mackie was sitting, surrounded by his brothers, when Journey rushed into the room. Her face was flushed from the exercise, and her hair was coming out from under the old cap on her head.

Isaac, Taylor, and Zac all grinned at her.

“Jouwnee!” Mackie squealed in delight as he ran to hug his best friend.

Journey opened her arms to him and returned his big hug. “Mackie!” She squealed in response.

Zac stood up form his bed. “Hey, Journey.” He said, pecking her cheek.

Taylor smiled and pecked her cheek too. She was basically a younger sister to them all. “Hey, Journey, how are you doing?” He asked as his attention focused on the two kids.

She smiled shyly up at him. Her cheeks staining a light pink from the attention of an older boy. “Fine.” She murmured.

He smiled at her innocence and childish manner. It was sweet and comforting in a way.

Isaac smiled over at her too. He removed her cap, and also pecked her on the cheek. “So what are you up to tonight, Journ?” He asked still smiling at her.

She had sat down when Mackie tugged slightly on her arm after he resumed his seat before she had come. “Nuffin.’ ” She murmured. Her cheeks keeping the small blush on her cheeks.

Mackie leaned over and pecked her cheek as well. “Ya know, someday I’m gonna mawwe you.” He stated smiling happily at his confession.

Journey grinned at him. “Weally?” She asked in complete hopefulness.

He nodded his head to confirm it.

“Yea!” Journey shouted. Then she leaned over and pecked his cheek, and gave him a big hug.

The three older brothers chuckled to themselves at the sweet site that was playing out before them. The tiny lisps and slurs that the two four year olds had made the site even cuter to watch.

That night, Journey and Mackie were asleep in the front room. Both were laying on the floor in their sleeping bags.

“Hey, Mackie?” Journey called.

“Hmmm?” Mackie asked sleepily.

“You weally gonna mawwe me?” She asked quietly.

“Uh huh.” He answered as he rolled over. “I wuv you.” He told her.

Journey smiled to herself and snuggled deeper into her sleeping bag. “I wuv you too.” She replied.