James' POV

Sometimes it feels like our prayers take forever to be answered. Maybe it's just human impatience though. I don't know I've just been thinking a lot lately. My mind keeps going in circles. Back and forth, then forth and back again.

There are a few truths that I just can't overlook.

I like L.A. Rose. I think even a blind man could see that.

And then there's the fact that she isn't a Christian. I've been praying for her every night and day, but she seems to close up.

God please save her. She's my friend, and I care so much for her.

Kevin's POV

I just called L.A., I really need to talk to her. There's something that I just can't hide anymore.

~a few minutes later~

We meet by the river, our place we always used to dance. She spots me and waves. We have a seat on the bank and she tilts her head at me. "So, what's up?"

I take a deep breath. "There's this girl I like. I can't get her off my mind. I'm not sure if she likes me, but we hang out a lot, she's pretty cool. I just don't know how to tell her."

L.A.'s eyes are big and round as she looks at me. "Does she go to our school?"

"Yeah. Of course, " I respond.

"Oh. I see..." She says slowly. Then she jumps to her feet. "I have to go. I have practice!" She shouts and with that she's gone. Well that was odd....

Susanna's POV

This was one of those times that I feel "lower than a snake' s belly". I wish I knew why, but I just really have no clue.

As I'm cleaning up in the apartment, I grab my tablet and switch on Spotify. I tap "shuffle play", the way I've found is usually the best. That way God can pick just for me what I need to hear in this moment. It's worked every time so far. Why not now?

A beautiful piano intro spills through the speakers and I feel it washing over me. Comforting me and filling the empty spots. The female singer starts with the words and I can't stop the tears from flowing. I slump into a sitting position in the middle of the hardwood kitchen floor as Holly Starr sings, "Be Her Guide".

"She says she sins too much // The look on her face screams rejection // The depth in her eyes cry for love // She knows her hand is reaching // She's obsessed with finding // and she's obsessed with knowing this new hope // Yet I know she is here // so much closer than she thinks // Lord bridge the gap in her life // Do You really need to wait for her // The craving in her eyes is more intense than words can describe // Please just come and be her guide for the rest of this life // Please just come and be her guide"

The only thing I can picture is L.A., she's become like a little sister to me. I love her to pieces. Already she's come so very far. She no longer lives on the streets. She has more spark in her eyes. So much talent in her, that she practically sparkles. She is such a kind girl, but everything I do she turns me down about when it comes to God. Why, Lord? Why can't she just see you?

Looking heavenward, I whisper a prayer, "Do You have to wait for her, God?" I know the answer as soon as it escapes my lips. "Please just come and be her Guide. Let her finally see You, God. She can do so much for you." I pray the words, urgent and straight from the start. I can't bare the thoughts of her ending up in Hell.

L.A.'s POV

Spin. Twirl. Piroutte. Dip.

I dance to the gentle beat of the music, spilling out through my phone. I haven't felt this open as when I am doing ballet. Madison has been showing me what she knows, it's actually pretty soothing.

Everything starts spilling through my mind again. Is it possible that Kevin is crushing on me? How would I break it to him, that he's just a friend? Then there's the fact that I'm surrounded by Christians. My mind pictures my parents. I suddenly realize that I've stopped dancing.

Another song starts to play, one I don't recognize. Some girl named, Holly Starr is singing it.

I listen to the words. I desperately try clicking the stop button. Then it somehow opens to a YouTube video. A girl with a look in her eyes, like I feel in my heart stares through the screen at me. Then of all things she slips ballet shoes on. Susanna would call this a God thing. Maybe she's right....

I listen to words and watch the video. I hit repeat and listen again. I start crying. "God, why! Why did you take my parents away? They were serving You!" I lean down, lying on the floor. Sobs wrack my body. "Why did You leave me alone?" The words crack out.

My heart stills. "Because I'm not done with you yet. You have a purpose on this earth. Please come to Me, child."

I set up a little. "God?" The words maybe weren't audible, but I felt them in my spirit. If that makes sense. Something in me is changing, and I'm not afraid of it anymore."

I clasp my hands together, then look heavenward. "But God I don't know how to pray."

Suddenly something Susanna had said to the man at the book store yesterday comes back to me. "You don't have to pray with fancy words. Just ask God to forgive you and come inside your heart."

When I start, the words just start flowing like the most beautiful and peaceful river, "Jesus, it's me. I know we haven't talked in a long time. I'm sorry I was so angry with You. Forgive me for my sins, God. Please come dwell and make my heart Your Home. I can't live another day without You in my life." I breath out the last words and my face is soaking wet with tears. Yet, I feel the most amazing feeling I have ever felt in my whole life. I feel at peace and like... well that I'm not alone. God is with me all the way, even when I feel alone. He's carrying me through the rough times.

I write a quick note to Madison and Max. And literally run all the way home. I forgot my key back at the dance studio in my rush to get here. But I don't care. I bang on the apartment door and Susanna opens a scared look in her eyes. "L.A.? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's better than okay!" I say as I attack her with a Madison-style bear hug. "I'm saved, Sus. I let Jesus into my heart."

"Oh baby girl..." Is all she can say.

"I want to tell you all about. My whole story. And my whole name!" I shout, I want the world to know what has happened to me. Jesus has changed my life!!!!!

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Author's Note: I can't believe it! This is the next to last chapter for "Shake It Off". AHHH! Sorry got a little excited there :)

Anyways, I had to give you guys one last little cliff hanger on L.A. Rose and her full name.

I included two songs in this chapter by one of my favorite, lesser known, Christian singers, Holly Starr. I love her songs!!!! These are two that I just had to include in this chapter, the one in Susanna's POV is called "Be Her Guide" and the one in L.A.'s POV is called "Through My Father's Eyes" of which the video for it is included in this chapter. Fun FACT: I had this chapter written out mostly (including the ballet scene) before I saw the video for this song! Isn't that amazing! God is so awesome like that!!!!

I hope you have enjoyed the series so far. I know I've enjoyed writing it and watching along with you guys as the characters grew.

So stay tuned for one more chapter after this and then the first chapter of #3 will be out before you know it!!!! :D

Thanks for taking the time to read my work lovelies!!! You are AWESOME!!!!