There is Light at the End of the Tunnel by Natasha Stockman

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

By Natasha Stockman

 

 

Wow, I can't believe my parents have me on lockdown. All I can do is stay in my room and do my homework and then go to sleep. Are you kidding me? Lynee thought angrily. Then they want me to go to this stupid youth group. I can still hear their voices…"well, honey I think you'll like it and the teens there are nice. Maybe you can start to make new friends. Your father and I like this church so we want you to try and get involved and meet others your age."

"Yeah right." Lynee mumbled to herself. I am just going to sit in the back and not talk to anyone. It's better that way. No one talks to me and I won't talk to anybody.

Wednesday came too fast. Tonight she had to go to this youth group. She's half nervous and she can't believe she's admitting: half excited. I mean every new experience is exciting. The adrenaline rush of not knowing what you're getting into and the satisfaction when you have fun and get a kick out of it. But meeting new people eventually or people coming up to talk to her was something she wasn't ready for. As her dad was driving her to the church she began to imagine what this new youth group might be like. I hope there are a disco ball, heavy metal worship music, and a free drink and snack bar. Who am I kidding? I know I'm dreaming. But I hope it's awesome.

When Lynee entered the Y building it was way less than she expected but it was nice. The huge room had a cozy and warm atmosphere feel to it and the youth she saw around her seemed really down to earth. Everyone was laughing and socializing. The crisp sound of loud chatter and whispers, she only heard at a distance. It was something she wished she could be a part of but she felt like she was fading out crawling back into her hole where the light can't touch. Lynee felt lost and dead inside. She didn't know who she really was anymore. Lynee took the sixth seat in the far back.

The music started and the lights were dimmed until the teams on stage leading worship were aglow. Lynee began to envelop in the strumming sounds of the guitar and the piano and the touching words being sung and she closed her eyes to take more of it in. This was exactly what she needed. The melody of the music was soothing, relaxing, and uplifting.

Lynee was so engrossed in the music that she barely registered the movement that she heard a minute ago. She opened her eyes and to her surprise, a guy was sitting next to her. Um, I don't know you…why are you sitting next to me? Wow he's really good looking but still he's a stranger. There are a bunch of other gray chairs empty. This is awkward. I hope he talks to me. No I hope he doesn't. What would I say?

The song playing finished and the guy sitting next to her reached out his hand for her to shake it.

"Hi, I'm Brenden. I haven't seen you before and I figured you were probably new so I decided to come over here to welcome you. I hope you like this youth group. I've been going to this church for 12 years. And my gosh, please stop me when I start babbling like an idiot."

"Hi, I'm Lynee and yes I'm new here. And I don't think you're babbling. But I'll let you know," she replied in a flirtatious tone. Lynee still felt a little uncomfortable but she liked having someone sit next to her especially this being her first time here.

"I can move somewhere else if you don't want the company or you feel uncomfortable."

To her shock her brain processed her reply way faster than she could get to think through it.

"Oh no, you can stay here. I like the company since I really don't know anyone here."

"Ok I'll stay," he said with a grin.

After the worship team got off the stage, the youth pastor came up and announced it was time for the offering. Then after two guys came around with their hats to collect money, the sermon began. Lynee liked the sermon and the guy sitting next to her. I mean she just met him but he was really handsome, had a great smile, and knew how to turn on that instant charm. At least I know I have one good reason to come back next Wednesday…I really want to get to know him more….

Meanwhile, Brenden was moving into another position in his chair. Why was he so fidgety around this new girl? I mean he just met her 20 minutes ago. He couldn't help glancing at her without her noticing. She was very attractive and he hoped she would come to the youth group again. He wanted to talk to her and get to know her. Deep down he hoped she felt the same way. Both their wishes came true. Lynee came back the next week and the one after that. Brenden and Lynee became really good friends but it came to a point when they both realized they wanted to take their relationship to the next level. So Brenden asked Lynee "Do you want to go out with me?" and Lynee responded, "Of course, I would love to!"

So Lynee and Brenden started dating. When they weren't spending time at youth group together and hanging out with friends, they went to the movies, the zoo, romantic walks on the beach as the sun set, bike riding, hiking, and going swimming with friends or family. Everything was perfect. They held hands enjoying the warmth and touch of each other's grasp. Everyone who saw them knew Lynee and Brenden had something special. There was definite chemistry between the two. Lynee's parents loved Brenden. They saw him as a proper gentleman who had good morals, values, manners, and etiquette. Brenden's parents also adored Lynee. They saw her as a very nice and kindhearted girl and they could see that she and Brenden were very taken with each other. Their relationship was blossoming fast and the future seemed bright.

While laying together in a hammock in Lynee's backyard on a warm sunny day Lynee said to Brenden, " you know what? I have an idea. I'm going to invite my best friend Andrea to youth group. She's going through some difficult times right now and I think the youth group would be a positive and supportive influence. What do you think? I mean I'd love for you to meet her."

"Yeah I think that's a terrific idea and I'd love to meet her. Any friend of my girl's is my friend. I love you babe."

"I love you too." Lynee said before their lips met for a kiss.

 Later on, Lynee called up Andrea and invited her. Andrea agreed to go to the youth group and check it out.

"Wow, aren't you excited, Lynee asked.

"Um, I guess replied Andrea.

Lynee and Andrea were in the car on their way to the youth group. Andrea seemed a little nervous Lynee noticed but she remembered that's how she was the first time she was on her way to the church. But Lynee knew why she invited her best friend. She knew it was time for Andrea to get out, meet people her age, and have fun. Life shouldn't be taken so seriously. My gosh now she sounded like her parents and the exact thing they said to her. But now Lynee realized it was true. Now she understood those words. Besides, maybe when Andrea got better eventually she'll meet a sweet, handsome, nice, Christian guy that would love her the way Lynee knew that Brenden loved her.

Lynee and Andrea entered the Y building. Brenden spotted Lynee and came over.

"Brenden, I'd like you to meet my best friend Andrea. It's her first time here."

Hi, pleasure to meet you Andrea. I'm Brenden. And welcome. I hope you have a very good time tonight."

"Brenden is part of the welcome committee in the youth group," Lynee added.

"Yeah, so try not to give a bad report on me. I don't want the youth pastors to get rid of me, ok.." Brenden said with a smirk.

Lynee and Andrea laughed. Later on after the worship time before the sermon started Lynee, Andrea, and Brenden found seats together with other friends.

Wow, this is a really nice place. Everyone I've met has been so kind. And they seem definitely down to earth. Maybe I'll come again with Lynee. I feel bad for betraying her ten months ago by going out with a guy I knew she had a crush on then ignoring her but she still cares about me. I want to make things up to her and be the loyal and caring best friend I once was and know I can still be, Andrea thought.

When the youth group ended, Lynee and Brenden introduced Andrea to a few other people. After that night, Andrea kept coming back every Wednesday night to the youth group. She eventually got closer to God again and mended her friendship completely with Lynee. They were now best friends forever again. And Lynee and Brenden still stayed together throughout high school and Lynee, Andrea, and Brenden will be starting college in the coming months.