The Man I Want To Be
in depth look at story

           He could tell something was wrong when he saw her walking down the hall that mild summer afternoon. Her face was extremely downcast and her eyes were red as if it had only been moments since the tears had run their race down her face. This was a strong difference from her usual smile and cheery personality and it worried Him. Though he said nothing as they passed, inside he said a prayer for her.
           For the rest of the classes that day all he could think about was Julia and what could have happened to cause her such pain. He wondered if there were anything he could've done for her and was angry at himself for not stopping and talking to her earlier. He decided that he would definitely talk to her after class. The only hope in his heart was to see her smile again, it hurt him seeing her in such pain. He prayed that God would give him the words, and that he would help him understand her pain so he could help.
           As the end of the last class began to near it's end he readied himself. He said one last prayer as the bell rang. He didn't run, but was quite near it. He was in such a rush to find out what caused her pain and let her know that he cared.
           He approached her locker and asked her, "what's wrong? You seem so sad. Any way I can help?"
           "No," she said, "I'll be fine."
           "Are you sure?"
           "Yeah."
           "Well, if you decide you need to talk, call me." He smiled as he handed her a piece of paper with his phone number and name on it. "I'll help any way I can." Then he walked off towards his locker to put his books away and get his homework. His heart still heavy about Julia.
           When he got home he sat next to the phone in his room all day hoping she would call and that he could help her. But, it seemed she wasn't going to call, as it was already past 10 and he'd already finished his homework. So, he got ready for bed and went to sleep.
           At about midnight the phone started ringing. He jumped from his bed grabbing the phone quickly so it wouldn't wake his parents. It was her.
           "You said we could talk," she spoke with what seemed a lot of pain and nervousness in her voice.
           "Yeah, anytime. What's up?"
           "I'd feel better if we could talk about this is person. Can you come to the park?"
           "Sure, just let me grab some clothes and I'll be right there."
           He smiled as he put on some clothes, knowing he had a chance to help her. He said a quick prayer before he left that God would help him and give him the words and would guide him.
           When he arrived he saw her sitting on the bench. Her eyes and face were drenched with tears. They reflected off her face from the streetlights.
           He approached her and she spoke, "will you give me a hug," in a barely audible voice; as her voice was cracked from crying. Saying nothing he put his arms around her waist and she put hers around his neck. He squeezed her. She squeezed him.
           They stayed there for a few moments before she let go. "Thank you. You don't know how much I needed that."
           "Anytime." He smiled. "So, I'm here, what did you want to talk about?"
           He could sense the heartache in her voice as she slowly spoke, "it's my parents. They're always fighting and last night they told me they were getting a divorce. Now I feel like I'm being torn apart inside. I don't know what to do."
           His heart dropped. He told her, "I wish I knew what to say to help. I wish I knew what to do to help you. I wish I knew a way to ease your pain. But, the truth is, I know no way. I can't even say I understand, because I don't. But, I am here, and if a listening ear and caring arm will help, I'm here."
           She lowered her head and the tears flowed afresh. He reached over and lifted her head up. His hand slowly wiped the tears from her eyes as he said, "it's ok. You don't have to cry." Her eyes met his. He smiled at her.
           She inched a smile. Then she started to speak her heart, lifting the heavy burdens into words. Occasionally her eyes would turn towards his to find his looking right at her, paying attention to every word.
           After she finished she put her head in her arms in between her arms and started to cry again. He put his hand on her back just to remind her he was there. In his heart he repeated the prayer, "God please help her through the pain." After a few moments she lifted her head to find him still there.
           She smiled. His heart jumped with joy. He was happy that he'd helped her enough for her to smile. She said, "thank you for listening and for caring. You don't know how much it means to me."
           "Anytime." He smiled.
           "I guess I'm feeling well enough to go home now," she said. "Will you walk me home?"
           "sure." He smiled.
           They got up and walked off. When they arrived at her house he hugged her again and reminded her that he'd be willing to talk any time and that she had his number. She smiled. She said goodbye as she opened the door and went in.
           He stood there for a few seconds before leaving. His mind thinking of how beautiful it was to see her smiling again and his heart happy that he could help her as he was able to.
           When he arrived at home he changed his clothes and got ready for bed. Before fading off into sleep he said another prayer for her and smiled.
           The next day at school she was back to herself, smiling and her personality shining brightly as before. His heart was full of joy for her.

Written by:
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