James found me in my old bedroom, sobbing so hard it hurt.

He silently sat next to me and pulled my tear-stained face to his chest.

I was supposed to be the strong one.

He had just lost his father and here he was, holding me.

Comforting me.

"I'm sorry..." I murmured into his shoulder.

He rubbed my back soothingly and kissed the top of my head. 

"I miss him, James..." I continued. "I've always missed him, but now more than ever. With nothing to distract me, I--"

"You can't run and fight the pain forever, Lily," he interrupted quietly. "I know you started fighting crime to help with awful feeling of loosing your father, but it's a dangerous way to forget the pain. I'm here for you during these times that you break down and feel completely hopeless--"

"You don't understand!" I exclaimed suddenly, pulling away from him. "I don't feel him. I don't feel him at all!" I put my hands over the left side of my chest. "It's like he isn't here!"

I started breathing heavily and stared at his golden eyes that glowed in the fading light. "I don't understand, James. Is there something wrong with me? Is God...mad at me?" 

"Of course not, Lily!" James exclaimed. "Listen, I don't know why you don't feel him, but it's not because God is mad at you."

"Do you ever feel your father?" 

"Sometimes," he admitted. 

"What is it like?" I asked.

"Lily--"

"Please," I begged softly. "I want to know."

He nodded and wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close.

For once, I didn't protest.  He was warm and held a comforting feel.

"Well, it's not really like he's here," James began. "It's like when I'm talking to God, I know they're in the same place. Like God is writing a letter, and my father is with him, but not dipping the ink...You know what I mean? I know God is always with me, and my earthly father is with him in heaven. I like to imagine they are best friends."

"That sounds...wonderful," I murmured. 

James closed his eyes and the only sound in the room was his deep breathing.

"Do you think you could help me?" I asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "Help me pray like you do?"

He smiled down at me and nodded. "Of course, Lily," he replied.  He gently grabbed my small hands in his larger one's and bowed his head.  Then we prayed together.

And I finally felt something in my heart.

A/N Bit of a short chapter, but a sweet one. Don't forget to comment! Thanks!

Ciao,

SiSi