Chapter 18: Between Grace and Judgement

Charles’ house was quiet, a sharp contrast to the chaos that had filled the church moments ago.

Susan sat on the couch, still trembling from the rush of emotions that had driven her to that public confession. Her hair was slightly messy, her eyes red from crying. She looked lost, fragile, like a flame flickering in the wind.

Charles handed her a glass of water and sat across from her, studying her quietly. He was still stunned by what she had done. Never in his life had he seen someone walk into a crowded church and tear open their own shame like that.

After a few moments of silence, Susan spoke, her voice low and shaky.

“I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way,” she said, clutching the glass. “I only wanted to stop him… to stop Richard from trying to save me. I thought if I scared him off, he’d leave me alone.”

Charles nodded slowly, listening without interruption. She continued, words tumbling out between tears.

“But he didn’t stop. He kept showing me love and patience. And the more he did, the worse I felt. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat. I kept seeing his face every time I closed my eyes. I thought maybe if I told everyone the truth, it would end the torment.”

Charles sighed softly. For once, he didn’t have a teasing remark. He had mocked Richard before for wanting to save her, but now, sitting across from her, he saw something different. Not a seductress, not a “runs girl,” but a broken woman drowning in guilt.

“You’ve been through a lot,” he said gently. “But maybe that confession wasn’t madness. Maybe it was courage.”

Susan wiped her face, forcing a weak smile. “Courage?” she echoed bitterly. “They’ll never see it that way. To them, I’m just another sinner pretending to repent.”

Charles leaned back, thinking for a moment, then pulled out his phone. “I’ve already texted Richard,” he said. “Told him you’re here.”

Meanwhile, back at the church, the atmosphere in the elders’ office was thick with tension.

“Pastor Richard,” one of the elders began, his voice stern, “we cannot overlook what happened today. That young woman caused a scandal in the middle of service. The church’s name is now at risk of ridicule.”

Richard stood by the window, his heart racing as he listened. He wanted to defend Susan, but every word he said would only raise more suspicion.

“With all due respect, sir,” another elder added, “why does this woman keep showing up here? Why does she always involve you? People are beginning to talk.”

Richard turned, his voice calm but firm. “Because she’s lost, and I was sent to help her. I didn’t invite her to make a scene, she acted on her own. But she’s in pain, and right now, she needs compassion, not condemnation.”

The elders exchanged glances, some shaking their heads. “Compassion doesn’t excuse impropriety, Pastor,” one replied. “We need to be careful. The church must not be brought into disrepute.”

Just then, Richard’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Charles: “She’s at my house. She’s not stable. You should come.”

Richard’s chest tightened. He knew he should stay and explain things further, but his heart was already gone. Without another word, he excused himself, ignoring the protests of the elders.

“Where are you going?” one demanded.

Richard paused at the door, his tone soft but unshakable. “To do what God sent me to do.” And with that, he left the room.