CHAPTER 13: LANA

BERTIE AND THE GEORGIAN FELLOWSHIP

A friend of Jay told him about a pastor by the name of Bertie from the country of Georgia. His church was close by in Deira, so Jay started to attend. Even from the very first Primus Script study, he loved it. He made lots of Georgian friends, and the church accepted him as their own.

When Jay walked into the weekend church service for the first time, he was moved in his heart at all that he saw. He was surprised to see that services were not run like a structured program. Pastor Bertie and his wife Jenny were not there to give the emperor a clock and tell him what to do. The church service had very long worship sessions in which a gifted singer named Patrick led the congregation in singing. He seemed to take them into the very throne room of Blue primus. Jay remembered that Brother Earnest's house meetings were something like this. People at this church would be kneeling down and praying for hours, desiring to have a deep relationship with the Prince. Jay was shocked that even young people wept and did not leave till they were touched by the Wise One. It was here that Jay began to sense the Wise One's presence once again.

Pastor Bertie taught the Primus Script without watering down its message. He worked in a Primus Script college as a lecturer and was a well-read man. He was also full of knowledge about world events and politics. In fact, he was well-versed on almost any topic. He would watch documentaries and read biographies and loved to spend his day studying.

Pastor Bertie did not care about what the outside world would think of him and his youth. He recognized their potential, and many who had been believers in God for just a year were becoming leaders because of how quickly they were maturing.

Guys and girls predominantly of Georgian ethnicity came to this church from all backgrounds of life. Some were hardcore druggies, some musicians, some chased skirts, while others were brawlers, but no matter who they were, they were accepted. Pastor Bertie scouted the colleges and picked many of the youth who were misfits and had lost their sense of purpose in life.

His wife Jenny would prepare food for dozens of young people at their home on the weekends and even financially supported some of them. Some of the youth had full-sleeve tattoos, long hair, earrings, and the like, but Pastor Bertie was not pressured by society, nor did he ask them to change their physical appearance. It was the heart and its condition that mattered to him.

Under the loving leadership of Pastor Bertie, Jay was healed from the abuse of judgment. The previous church had a problem with the way he looked and also the explosive music of Route No. 7, but here the pastor seemed to understand Jay's calling in life. Here, Jay was able to forgive the church that had hurt him. He found the Wise One's presence here, though he hadn't fully surrendered his heart back to him.

Jay had good vibes with the pastor. But one day, Jay attended a metal concert with his friends, where he was showing the corna—the devil horns sign—with his hand for a photo. The photo was posted on his social media account.

Pastor Bertie noticed it, and after church was over, he called Jay and had a talk. "Do you know what the corna sign means?"

Jay answered, "I know what it means, but it was just a pose for the picture."

Pastor Bertie disciplined him. "It's wrong to show that, when you knew what it meant. So for now, please don't step on any stage till I tell you," the pastor said. "You're a public figure. You cannot have an allegiance with the enemy and show that to the world."

Jay could tell that the pastor was very hurt. He knew that Pastor Bertie loved him and his vision so much, so he trusted his judgment. Jay bowed his head low in shame, and he obeyed his pastor. For a few weeks, he was not on any stage until people forgot about the picture.

One day, as Jay was sitting in one of the services, Pastor Bertie called him up front and told him to get back onstage and also to be a part of the mentoring team for the worship band. Jay was shocked, and he knew that the pastor was restoring him gently. It was a lesson he learned for life, and from that point on, Jay would never do the "corna" sign in any concert again.

Pastor Bertie and his wife Jenny were like a father and mother to the young people in the church, none of whom had their own parents living with them in the UAE. He and his wife took the responsibility of nurturing them and advising them not to get into relationships until they finished their college studies and had a job. Most of the youth found their marriage partners in the church under the accountability of their leaders.

Jay was not keen on finding another girl immediately anyway, as he was focused on his work, especially after his last two failed relationships.

Almost a year had passed since Jay and Anya had broken up. Jay was working hard on his work projects during the week and loved unwinding with his friends on weekends. He had recently reconnected with an old friend named Lucas .

Years ago, Jay and Lucas had met in a group session for corporate life coaching led by a man named Lorenzo. The two of them got to know that Lorenzo was also a believer of the Prince with a deep knowledge of the Primus Script and who would apply the right principles to business. Over time, the three became good friends, and Jay and Lucas would often stay over at Lorenzo's house. They shared a lot of personal stories with him, and he helped them navigate through life like the captain of a ship through stormy weather.

When Jay and Lucas started hanging out again, they would go to play Tekken at a café downtown. Every week, they would order their club sandwiches and then play Tekken for an hour. Then they would move on to another café to have intense conversations about life and play chess over cinnamon cookies and tea for the rest of the evening. Even when rain would be pouring, Jay and Lucas kept going until late night. The owner of this café knew how much they loved the game and allowed them to play past closing time until they were finished. Jay would win a few, and Ron would win the next evening. The results always fluctuated, and they would laugh about the mistakes they had made that cost them a queen or a rook.

Life was slow inside the café. The owner would read a newspaper. Couples would come and have their grub. Some Boyzone music would be playing. These times helped Jay relax, and he was very happy. This was their routine on Saturdays for a few months.

One late evening, Jay was about to meet someone whom neither he nor his best friends would ever be able to forget. Jay and his friend Lucas sat in a coffee shop down the Deira Road where traffic had slowed and was very less. They were sipping on their hot chocolate and biting into their cinnamon cookies. Jay was relaxed, playing his chess game when he suddenly got a call from his friend Fred from the United States, whom he had known for two years.

"Hey, Fred, wassup?" Jay listened for some time and responded, "I'm in Deira at Baristo Georgia, playing my game."

Fred was excited. "I got a surprise for you."

"A surprise for me? Like French chocolates?" Jay laughed while Ron concentrated on his move.

"It's more than French chocolates, dude. Coming in twenty," Fred said.

Cupping the phone, Jay asked Lucas, "Hey, buds, is it okay if Fred joins us?"

"Sure, let him come." Replied Lucas

"Okay, see you here," Jay said to Fred and ended the call.

The game went on, and there was a gridlock. While they were concentrating, Jay got a call again.

It was Fred. "Hey, Jay. Come outside, man."

Jay wondered what the surprise was as he got off the chair and turned around. The glass door opened, and in walked a tall, pretty, blonde girl with light amber-colored eyes.

Fred walked in after her and introduced her to him. "Bro, this is Lana, my sister, and I want her to meet you. I've talked a lot about you," Fred stammered excitedly.

Jay was taken aback. He shook her hand and said, "Nice to meet you. I'm Jay."

She smiled and said, "I'm Lana."

Then Fred told him in front of Lana, "I want you to mentor her. She's going to be here for a few months."

Jay's eyes popped. He didn't know what to say. "Wow! Okay!"

Fred asked them to continue their game and let Lana sit with them as he had to pick up some groceries. So Lana sat next to Jay as they played.

Jay was head over heels for Lana instantly . Jay was losing concentration in the game until finally he lost to Lucas. The losing didn't affect him as he was not really in the game at all. Whenever someone lost, Lucas would usually initiate another game, but Jay couldn't concentrate at all anymore.

Fireball was excited for Jay .

Jay tried to initiate a fun conversation with Lana. "So, are you taller than me?" Jay asked.

"I don't know," Lana replied. "Am I? I'm like five feet ten. How tall are you?"

"I'm five feet nine," Jay said. He smiled as they stood up to check.

They kept talking with Lucas for some time. Jay asked about life in the States. She said she loved it. She had traveled to a few European countries, too. Jay had only been to Oman and the UAE; he hadn't been out of the Middle East.

Fred came in after some time with a bag full of groceries and talked with everyone. Soon it was already 12:30 a.m., closing time.

When they were outside, a thunderstorm seemed to be approaching. The city was getting cold winds.

Jay said, "Looks like a storm is on the way. Hit the crib, everyone!"

They said their goodbyes, and Fred took his sister on his Harley and left for home while Jay and Lucas drove away as fast as they could.

Jay entered his apartment. As he lay on the bed, he talked to the Emperor "That girl Lana. Wow! She is gorgeous! Is she the one for me? I have never felt this way about a girl." He felt a strange feeling in his heart, but he smiled. He was still thinking about her as he slept.

Jay didn't call Fred for a few days because he didn't want Fred to suspect that he was in love with his sister. He told himself, "If the Emperor wills it, it will come to me as an invitation to visit them." So he waited.

Meanwhile, Jay was planning to open up a private business of being a production house doing documentaries and music, so he had some work with his colleague. A few days later, he was at her house, working on a project when he got a call from Fred.

Fred was inviting him to come over to his apartment that night. "Just come over by 5:00 p.m., and we will hang out, have dinner, and have a great time together."

Jay could hardly control his excitement. He was so happy. His heart was beating faster than a double pedal on a Route No. 7 song.

When the project was finally completed, Jay started his bike. He rode to Fred's apartment. He was so excited he could hardly contain it.

Jay reached the building and rang the bell. In less than a minute, Fred opened the door, wearing an apron.

"Wow! What are you doing, Fred?" Jay asked.

"I'm helping my sister prepare dinner. Come check it out."

Just then, Lana appeared from out of the kitchen. She smiled at him.

It took his breath away.

She said, "Hi, Jay."

It took his breath away a second time.

"Hi, Lana." Jay tried to sound composed, but what he was really thinking was, "Oh my gosh! Lana, you are so dashing!"

Fireball stood behind Lana facing Jay as he smiled at Jay. Fireball gave Fred a little nudge, and Fred suddenly blurted out, "Hey, Jay, come help us in the kitchen, man. I want you to get to know my sister, and I want you guys to be really close... I mean close friends." He giggled.

Jay laughed, and so did Lana.

Fireball high-fived the angels who were watching.

Fireball nudged Lana, and she spoke to Jay. "Come join me if that's okay. By the way, I've heard your music, and I love it."

That was all the prodding Jay needed. He walked into the kitchen and began a conversation with Lana as she got out the stock for the soup. She was prepping some beefsteak, and it smelled so good. Jay looked at her flawless skin and her blonde hair tied up in a bun. He thought that even her apron made her look so beautiful. Instantly, he felt in his heart that this was the girl he wanted to marry. He was peaceful, excited, and nervous at the same time. He felt a definite chemistry with Lana as she often smiled at him while stirring the soup. It was pure, and there were no wierd vibes. They felt like they were little children.

Fred was happy, and he left them alone as he went to his room to do some work. After some time, he came out dressed up and said, "Hey, guys, I need to pick up Dixie, who's here from England. She'll be coming to hang out with us, but she's not sure of the way here."

Dixie was another old friend of Jay and Fred.

"You guys help out with the kitchen work, and I'll be back in say, half an hour or even less."

As soon as Fred left, Lana relaxed. She asked Jay to help by passing her utensils while she cooked. "Can you cut these up?" she asked as she handed him a few carrots and tomatoes.

He tried, but he was messy.

Lana watched him out of the corner of her eye. She smiled. "Let me help you," she said and started to cut them up herself.

Jay felt so bad. He had never tried cutting veggies before.

"I can teach you," she said. "It's not hard."

As she was showing him, he saw that her hands were so clean and well maintained. She was so gentle and innocent.

He asked her, "So, do you have a boyfriend?"

She answered, "No. I've never had a boyfriend."

Jay wanted to run around the apartment and scream at the top of his lungs. He perspired in excitement.

"It's hot in here," Lana said as she proceeded to open the windows.

Jay thought that the heat was probably coming from the excitement in him.

Fireball stood outside the kitchen as per his instructions. He smiled to himself as he heard the conversation, taking notes on the preparations that were necessary according to how the conversation went.

Lana asked Jay, "What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"

He said, "No, I don't." But what he said in his mind was, "I may in a few minutes."

Lana spoke very little, but she initiated and engaged in conversation with Jay.

Fireball got a message from Blue primus: "How's Jay doing?"

Fireball gave a thumbs-up. "Everything looks A-Okay, just as planned."

The doorbell rang as Fred arrived with Dixie. Jay greeted her, and then Fred introduced her to his sister.

"Fred, we need some Heinz ketchup and vinegar, and you need to get some ice cream for dessert," Lana said.

"What flavor should I get? Butterscotch, chocolate, vanilla, raisin and nuts?" Fred asked the group.

Raisin and nuts flavor was the winning vote.

"Jay, would you come with me?" Fred asked. "We'll let the girls chill out."

"Sure, man. Let's go," Jay said as he put on his shoes. He looked at Lana and Lana looked at him. They could almost imagine the words in their minds.

"Come back soon, Jay," were the words in Lana's head.

"I wish we could go out together," were the words in Jay's head.

Jay walked out to the parking lot with Fred. Fred started his Harley and Jay sat on the back. Fred ripped his bike, and they went to shop for groceries.

At the grocery store, Fred pulled out a wine bottle. "Do you drink?" Fred asked.

"Nope, man. I don't drink alcohol," Jay replied.

"Well, I do a bit to lose weight," Fred said, pointing to his bulging belly.

Jay's eyes popped. "You've got to go for jogs, man," Jay said as he imagined the layers of unhealthy fat accumulated in Fred's belly. "Do some heavy cardio and cut back the junk food. Just drinking wine ain't gonna help you lose weight."

Fred smiled and sighed, "Yeah, I'll run soon, bro, someday soon." He packed the wine in brown paper.

Jay carried the groceries in shopping bags, sat on the back of Fred's bike, and they left for Fred's home.

When Jay and Fred got back, Lana was in the shower, so they started chatting away with Dixie in the living room. They talked a lot about different countries. Fred spoke about the US and the culture there. They had a great time listening and engaging in the conversation.

Then Fred turned on the television, but it was all boring sitcoms. "Shall we play some game for the night?" Fred asked.

"Sure," Dixie and Jay replied as they high-fived each other.

"Let me see what we got. Scrabble, Monopoly... hey, who's in for Monopoly?"

A voice came from the bathroom. "Me!"

Jay and Dixie agreed, so Fred pulled out the set. He set up the board, and Dixie began to hand out the Monopoly money.

Then Lana came out of her room. Her hair was washed and still wet with a towel wrapped around it. Her skin was glowing, and she was dressed in a white tee shirt and blue jean shorts. She smiled at Jay.

He almost gasped before smiling back at her. He quickly looked to see if Fred and Dixie had noticed his reaction, but they hadn't. They picked up their fake paper cash and their choice of tokens.

Fireball couldn't help it anymore. He was smiling and dancing by himself in the hall.

The Guardian Angels outside Fred's apartment were watching Fireball and singing.

Fireball pointed to Jay and Lana and gave the angels an okay hand gesture.

Jay, Fred, Dixie, and Lana started playing the game. After some time, Jay was suddenly in the lead because Fred was too distracted and fell for bad bargains. Lana was last, competing with Dixie for third position.

Jay wanted to team up with Lana, so using his cunning, he whispered an idea to Fred.

Fred said, "Okay, me and Jay are gonna team up so it's the boys versus the girls, alright?"

"Come on," said Dixie in her thick English accent. "That's not fair. Let's do a mix."

Then Jay said, "Okay, fine. Then me and Lana versus Fred and Dixie."

"Okay, now we're even," Fred said.

"Yes, and now we are the power couple," Jay said.

Lana smiled, covered her mouth with her hand and looked down at the board, blushing.

Fred and Dixie didn't say anything as they did not notice and kept on playing.

Jay and Lana won the game after two and a half hours. They had depleted the bank and bought all the houses and railroads. They also owned Park Place and Broadway, the most expensive properties.

Dixie and Fred had no choice but to surrender. They loved it, though, and were good sports about it.

"Okay, Lana, is dinner ready?" Fred asked.

"Dinner was ready hours ago," Lana replied.

"Oh! Let's hit the table. I'm hungry enough to swallow a whale," Fred said, and the other three laughed.

Jay laid the plates out on the round table and sat down. Lana and Dixie brought out the mashed potatoes and well-done steaks to the table and lit a candle. Fred laid out the utensils. Then Dixie and Fred sat down, leaving an empty chair next to Jay. Lana served everyone and then sat next to Jay.

Jay felt she had given him a bigger portion than everyone else.

"Let's pray," Fred said. He began giving thanks for the meal as everyone closed their eyes.

Jay's hand touched Lana's under the table. They held hands.

Fireball was watching he was smiling as he began to stand on his head to entertain the other angels.

"Calm down, Raid," said one of the Guardian Angels standing outside. The group of angels laughed, watching Fireball's antics.

When Fred was done, Jay and Lana's hands were still locked. Jay loved Lana that moment and Lana loved Jay. It was a beautiful moment. Since they had to use their forks and knives, they had to let go.

Dixie spoke about London, its weather, and the people as they dug into the food.

Taking a bite, Jay said, "Oh my goodness, it's awesome, Lana!"

"I totally agree," Dixie said as she put a piece of steak in her mouth.

Lana smiled. "Thank you. There is more, so enjoy."

Jay looked at Lana and smiled. He paused from eating.

Lana dropped her hand and touched his knee. "Eat, mister."

Jay snapped out of his love bubble,He ate while Dixie continued blabbering, and Fred was totally in the conversation. Jay thought the dinner was one of the best he had ever had.

Nobody noticed the strong chemistry except the Trinity, Fireball, and the few angels who were present.

The conversation had gone into worldviews and other related topics when Lana brought out the ice cream for dessert, much to the excitement of the others. She had placed the perfectly formed scoops neatly into glass bowls for everyone.

"Awesome. Let's go to the living room," Fred said.

They moved to the living room right where the Monopoly board was laid and sat down to enjoy their dessert.

They talked and talked till everyone was tired and drowsy. As they all were sitting on the carpet, Jay laid his head down on a cushion next to Lana. Fred also lay down and fell asleep, starting to snore. Dixie kept talking, but she was also drowsy and lay down.

Lana's hand was next to Jay's head. He held her hand, and she smiled. He dozed off, holding her hand.

The night was cool. Soon, the only sound in the living room was the loud snoring from Fred. They were all fast asleep. Jay and Lana had fallen asleep with their fingers interlocked.

As the angels stood guard, Fireball stood in the room worshipping the Emperor because two beautiful people were about to get into a whole new level of relationship.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

When Jay woke up, his vision was blurry. He saw Fred's fat belly exposed as he lay across the carpet. The girls were not there, and someone had switched the lights off. He turned around, as his vision got clearer, he looked at the wall clock. It was 10:00 a.m. They had slept at 3:00 a.m., and now it was past breakfast time. Jay got off the carpet and realized he didn't have a toothbrush.

Luckily, Fred woke up suddenly and looked around to see Jay standing.

"Hey, dude, you got a fresh toothbrush on you?" Jay asked.

"Yes, it's in my cupboard, second shelf on the right. And you can use a towel, which is on the third shelf," Fred replied. "Just wake me up in fifteen, Jay," he said as he went back to sleep.

Jay brushed his teeth and freshened up with a shower. When Jay got out of the bathroom, Dixie was trying to wake sleepy Fred.

"Just ten minutes more," he almost begged.

Dixie left him alone.

Jay said to Dixie, "Hi. You guys went to sleep in the room. When did you do that?"

"About half an hour after we all fell asleep, I had to get to the bed, and Lana also left as soon as you curled into a ball," Dixie said, smiling.

Jay realized he would have dislodged his hand from hers as he fell asleep, and Lana would have wanted him to sleep comfortably but did Dixie notice?.

"Good morning," Lana said to everyone as she entered the room. She looked fresh, still in her jeans shorts but with a purple tee shirt on.

Jay tried not to react. He wanted to say out loud, "Babe, you look wonderful," but he didn't .

"Let's have breakfast, guys, and then we go out after we Pray," Fred said.

Lana and Fred's family was in the habit of praying together in the mornings. Lana loved those times.

The four of them had breakfast. Jay listened to Lana as she said the prayer for the meal. She prayed beautifully, and he could tell by her words that she loved the Emperor. Then they all read from the Primus Script.

Fred needed a lot of support as his wife had left him due to domestic abuse. Fred was a hot-tempered man, and he had raised his hands against her. The complications of the relationship led her to flee, and the constant abuse was a confirmation to her that she should not go back. Fred was lonely. He tried to be friendly with Dixie, but Dixie was not interested. She was lost in her own world of traveling and wanting to live the good life.

Fred suddenly came up with the plan to hang out at a mall and then drop Dixie off after that.

Fred booked a cab, and the four of them got in. Fred sat in the front seat, and Dixie sat in between Jay and Lana.

Lana was just staring at Jay the entire trip. When he looked at her, he found her looking at him.

Dixie saw them looking at each other. She smiled a naughty smile and asked, "What's going on, Jay?"

Jay just shrugged it off and said he was looking outside.

Lana didn't really care what Dixie thought, but since Jay had not said anything, she started fiddling on her phone.

They reached the huge mall, and the four of them went in to have fun. Fred and Dixie noticed the way they looked and smiled at each other. Fireball and the Guardian Angels were right behind them, and Blue primus was watching over them.

They were walking around inside a clothing store, and Jay and Lana were looking at some jackets when Fred pulled Dixie in between some clothing racks. He asked, "What do you think about Lana and Jay?"

Dixie smiled, "I think they like each other."

Fred smiled too.

They hung out at the mall the whole day. When it was getting dark, they decided to drop Dixie off at her home. Dixie lived with her parents, and Jay knew her parents very well.

When they arrived at her house, Dixie's mum came to the door. Seeing Jay and the others, she called out to them, "Hey, why don't you all come inside for a home-cooked meal? I just cooked some pot roast and gravy."

Dixie wouldn't have it any other way, so they all stayed for dinner.

After dinner, Fred and Lana asked Dixie to stay a few more days at Fred's home.

Dixie had been in the country for two weeks and had spent almost the entire time in the house with her mum. Her mum was alone in the house because her father had just flown to Europe on a business trip for those weeks. She had only gone out to meet friends for a few hours on weekends, Jay being one of them. Dixie knew she would spend the remaining weeks of her vacation with her mum, so this would be the only time she would spend with just her friends.

"Okay," Dixie said to Fred and Lana. She packed her bags for a week's stay.

"Dude, you too, Jay. Stay over for a week," Dixie said.

Jay thought for a second. Then Lana held his hand and gave him a puppy face, and he instantly agreed.

Fred, Dixie, and Lana cheered. Jay laughed as they walked down Dixie's stairwell to the front door of the house.

The gang stopped by Jay's house so he could pick up a few clothes and his toiletries. Then they went back to Fred's.

During their week together, Jay took the opportunity to run his branding ideas for his new company by his friends. Jay and another friend of his had just started this company—a media production house—on a very small scale. They didn't have the capital to make it really grow, so they were doing small, freelance projects around the city. Dixie was a budding entrepreneur herself, so Jay thought it would be a good idea for them to brainstorm and help each other.

Dixie was planning to start her own company harvesting truffles in Europe with her dad's help on capital, so she was doing some research during her vacation time. She needed help with a soft launch of her company in Dubai, so Jay offered to help her with any launch-related events as his band had helped friends to advertise their brands in the past.

Since Lana liked cooking, she was interested in Dixie's truffle harvesting. She was also interested in learning about Jay's media projects. Back in the United States, she had tried to get into a college to study theater and production, but it didn't work out. She had bounced back out of it and was looking for other possibilities.

The four hung out outside the home in the mornings, and in the evenings, they would just go for drives and be back for dinner, which all four helped to cook. Jay and Lana would always sit together, and it was very obvious to everyone by now that they liked each other.

After a week passed, they dropped off Dixie at her house. Fred asked Jay to stay back for the night as it was too late for them to drop him off. Jay agreed.

Fred was tired, but they sat and talked for an hour, and then Fred was dozing off while Jay was speaking and Lana was cleaning the kitchen.

Fred suddenly woke up with a start and said, "Guys, I'm very tired and I'm going to sleep. I'll talk to you all tomorrow." He got into his room and shut the door. They could hear him snore. He was out.

In a few moments, Lana finished her work and came over to the couch. Jay and Lana sat facing each other on the couch.

Fireball knew something beautiful was going to take place. The angels of the Emperor were around.

The Trinity watched from above.

Jay looked at Lana's face. She was like an angel. Her blonde hair fell in locks. The look in her eyes was so much like a little child's. Jay and Lana were sitting close, but they never thought of each other in any dirty, lustful manner; it was in total purity. It was beautiful.

Jay held her hands. "Lana, there is something I've been waiting to tell you."

Lana looked into his eyes. "Tell me, Jay," she said as she held his hands gently.

He lowered his voice so that only she could hear it. He said almost in a whisper, "Lana, since the day I met you, I just sensed Goodness in you, and there is so much about you that makes me so happy. It's been just a week, but I have to admit I am in love with you, Lana."

Lana looked into his eyes. It was as if time stood still until she said, "Jay, I love you. Everything you said—I feel it too." Jay and Lana hugged.

Fireball was doing back flips. He jumped on the other Guardian Angels, and they carried him outside to calm him down. There was so much joy, and they knew the Trinity wanted this for Jay.

Jay said to Lana, "I'havent slept with anyone, Lana, and I hope you are the same."

She nodded. "Yes, me too."

They hugged again as Jay planted a kiss on her forehead. As they hugged, Jay prayed, "oh emperor, I surrender our relationship to you."

A gentle breeze flowed through the room, sent by the Emperor. He approved of the relationship.

Jay and Lana did not notice the breeze, but both felt peaceful in their hearts.

Jay asked Lana, "Do we tell Fred?"

"In time," she replied.

They spent the rest of the night talking. Suddenly Jay's eyes saw the clock. "Oh my goodness, it's 3:00 in the morning." He was drowsy, and he wanted Lana to get rest too. "Babe, let's go get some sleep."

Lana walked into her room as Jay slept on the living room carpet. As they slept, the Guardian Angels looked on, and the Trinity smiled over them.

At the same time, danger was lurking. In Fred's room, there was a portal open through his prayerlessness and the secret life he led.

LOVE KILLER

Jay woke up the next morning. He blinked a lot as he saw Fred reclining on the couch, staring at him.

"Did you sleep well, Jay?" he asked.

"Yeah, man," Jay said in a groggy voice. "You up so early?"

Fred laughed and said, "Look at the time, buddy. It's 11:30—time for breakfast."

Jay got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. He saw that Lana's door was shut.

Jay said, "I have to go home today. Got work tomorrow."

Fred looked at him intently. Jay wondered why Fred was looking at him weirdly.

"Jay, I need to talk to you," Fred began.

Just then, they heard the door of the bathroom inside Lana's room opening.

"I need to speak to you privately, so can we go to my room?" Fred asked.

"Oh sure. What is it?" Jay asked, surprised. He sensed that Fred was hiding something from him.

As Fred opened the door to his room, Fireball's face tightened. He was starting to see something. The Guardian Angels were not able to enter Fred's room. There was something evil that was blocking the presence of the Trinity from the room.

Jay finished brushing his teeth and walked in to Fred's room he saw many DVDs and videocassette tapes all over the floor and clothes strewn all over Fred's bed. Fred gestured for him to come to the balcony overlooking the street below. The cars looked tiny from that height.

"What is he going to talk about?" Jay wondered.

As soon as Jay reached the balcony, he saw Fred staring into the city buildings. He seemed to be thinking hard. Jay waited as Fred was silent, his face tightening. Then he turned around slowly and faced Jay.

"What is going on with you and Lana?" Fred asked in a low tone of voice.

Jay felt like there was an invisible barrier between them, like an evil presence around him, but he stood his ground and looked at Fred. Paused for a few seconds and said "Well, we like each other."

"Like each other?" Fred asked in a slightly harsher tone. "You're telling me you like my sister?"

Jay prepared himself and then replied firmly, "Yeah, I like your sister, and she likes me too."

"I don't like that, bro. I don't like this bull! My parents are not going to approve of this, and I don't approve, either." Fred's voice was shaking.

Fireball looked through the door. He saw that General Fear stood behind Fred while Spirit Division and Spirit Jealousy sat on the balcony, grinning and watching the whole thing.

Jay could tell that Fred was angry and didn't know what to say. He felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave, but he wanted to see Lana before leaving.

Fred said authoritatively, "I want to speak to Lana about this. Go to the living room. I'll meet you guys in a bit."

Jay walked out of the door, right through Fireball, and went to the living room.

After a few minutes, Lana came into the room. She smiled and said in a low whisper, "Hey, babe."

Jay smiled back. Then his face fell as he pointed to Fred's door, pointed to himself, and then gestured the cutting of his neck with his hand.

Lana was surprised.

Suddenly, Fred opened the door. His shirt was still unbuttoned over his jeans as he came out. "Lana, please come sit down. I need to talk to both of you."

"Okay," Lana said as she walked into the living room.

Lana and Jay sat on the couch, and Fred walked over and sat on the La-Z-Boy facing them.

He shot a question at Lana. "What's going on between you and Jay?"

She replied, "We like each other." She paused and asked, "What's the problem?"

Fred stared at Lana. "Mum and Dad did not send you down here for this. They are not going to like this, and I don't, either."

Lana looked at Fred firmly in the eye. "I will speak to them."

Fred looked at Jay. "I did not want you to get into a relationship with my sister. I just wanted you to, like, mentor her. You've disappointed me, bro." His voice was shaking a bit.

"Fred, we haven't done anything wrong. What's wrong with love? And besides, we didn't get married or anything. If your parents and my parents approve, we will take this forward," Jay replied.

"Take this forward? No way!" Fred said, raising his voice. "Please get the hell out of my house. You have crossed the boundary. I never knew you would do this to me! You betrayed my trust!"

Jay was beginning to get angry. Words were coming to his mouth, but he controlled himself.

General Fear and General Deception had entered the room.

Fireball and the angels stood braced for a fight. They were ready for action.

Jay got off the couch, walked to his bag and opened it. "I need to get my toothbrush and my shower gel. Give me a minute, and I'll be out of here."

After Jay walked into the bathroom, he overheard Fred speaking to Lana.

"What is wrong with you?" he said. "You're just rushing things. You don't even know him. Mum and Dad are gonna hold me responsible."

"He is a nice guy I don't see anything wrong with him, and I love him."

Before anyone could say another word, Fred walked off to into his room, fuming.

Just at that moment, Jay came back into the living room and smiled at Lana. He rolled up a piece of paper and gave it to her. "Here is my number," he whispered. He blew a kiss to her as he waited, bags packed and ready to leave.

Fred came out. "You can leave, Jay, and please don't come back to this apartment."

Jay nodded gave him a thumbs-up with his face tight. "Goodbye Fred he said ,he smiled at Lana and walked out.

Fireball and the angels escorted him down. Their faces had fallen.

Somewhere in the distance Cupid licked his lips.

The Trinity had seen what had happened.

Jay started his bike and left for his house. He replayed everything that happened the past days in his mind.On the way, he picked up some lunch. After he walked into his apartment, he sat down and ate his lunch as he reflected on his time with Lana. "I'm gonna pursue her, no matter what that Fred says."

Later that day, Jay had some work to do for a friend. He went to meet his friend at his house to help him with a project. While he was riding back home later, he got a text message.

"Is this Jay's number?" It was Lana.

"Yes, , it is I," Jay texted back.

Immediately, Lana called him. "Babe, where are you? I miss you," she said.

"I too miss you so bad," Jay said. "I wanna see you today."

"Guess what?" Lana asked. "I spoke to Mum and Dad, and... are you ready to hear this?"

"Yes, what did they say? Tell me." Jay's heart was beating so fast.

"Well, they approved of us! My mum even said, 'I like dreadlocks!'" Lana laughed. "And this is the best part: they asked Fred to make sure I'm allowed to meet you every day and spend as much time as I want with you. They just need me to be back home by seven."

"Oh, my goodness gracious! Lana, sweetheart, this is the best news ever!" he was over the moon.

Fireball was happy too. He saw the evil spirits staring at him as Jay jumped around.

"I'll , call later. Fred just came back. He will start yelling if he sees me talking to you," said Lana.

"Just hang on, babe. I'm gonna get you soon," Jay replied but the call was cut off abruptly.

Suddenly, he got another call. It was Fred. Jay answered. "Hello, yes, Fred. Tell me."

"Where are you?" Fred asked in a low tone.

"I'm at Mirdif City Centre," Jay replied.

"Meet me in the café that has the chess game by 7:00 p.m.," Fred said.

"Okay, will do," Jay said, and they hung up. Jay wondered to himself, "Why is he sounding like a gangster?"

Jay rode home and had a shower. He left at six o'clock, and by then the traffic was hectic, but he managed to arrive on time.

Fred was sitting inside the café with Lana. He motioned to Jay to come and sit with them.

Jay walked in and greeted them.

Lana smiled sweetly at Jay, and he reciprocated with a quick hi and a smile to Lana.

Fred stared at Jay. "How was your day?" he asked.

"Good, just finished some work," Jay replied.

"Okay, so I had a talk with my parents about both of you, and they have told me to let you guys be together. So in the mornings, you can come over and pick her up and hang out in some public place where I can check on you guys. Now the rules: no touching, no sitting together on the same couch—sit opposite, no kissing, absolutely no sex. No taking her to your bedroom, no taking her to lonely places, and don't do anything behind my back."

"Yes... yes... yes... yes... yes," Jay replied patiently.

Lana was rolling her eyes.

"You guys can be with each other. I need to get me some wine," Fred said and left.

They watched him through the glass door. As soon as they saw him leaving on his bike, Jay hugged Lana tightly and said, "Babe, I missed you."

Lana buried her face on Jay's shoulder.

"I'm going to speak to my parents. I was just waiting for your parents' approval," Jay said as he held her hands.

They had some hot chocolate as they spent time with each other. They were so deeply in love they did not realize that it was raining heavily or that Fred got delayed by the rain and took more than two hours.

Then all of a sudden, Fred came into the café. "Shall we go get some dinner?" he asked Lana.

"Yes, and can Jay join us," she said.

Fred had to accept. "Yes, of course. He's going to be my brother-in-law," he said with a weird smile.

They could read his mind. What he really meant was, "I don't want you guys together, and you will never be my brother-in-law." They ignored it.

They all moved to an Italian restaurant and had dinner. When Jay tried to pay for Fred and Lana, Fred stopped him, saying, "I'll take care of all of us."

Lana just blinked slowly, as if to say, "Let Fred do it." It was Lana's way of saying, "Let him pay a fine for making a scene earlier today."

After dinner, as Fred was about to take Lana home, she gestured to Jay that she would call him.

Jay went back home. It was a cool ride. The breeze was great after the rain.

Jay called his mother that night. "Mum, how are you?" he asked.

"Jay, I'm good. How are you? How's it going? When are you coming home, son?"

"Well, Mum, I may come home soon this year, but with someone else."

"What? What's that again?" Shelly asked, completely unaware of what he was about to say.

"Mum, I found an amazing girl! She is an American, she loves the Trinity and we love each other, her parents approved of us, and this is the girl for me, Mum!" Jay said excitedly.

"You found a girl! Wow! I'm so happy for you. I'm going to call your dad. Hang on. Don! Don! Where are you?"

A voice came from the bathroom. "In the shower, Shell. What is it?" Don asked.

"Please come out. You've got to hear this from Jay himself," Shelly said excitedly.

Don came out dripping with water. He took the phone at the threshold of the bathroom door, holding the cordless receiver with just two fingers. "Jay, did you get a promotion, son?"

"Dad, it's more than that! I found a girl, we've been dating for just a week, I feel she is the one!"

Don replied, "Our blessings are with you, Jay. So proud of you, and so happy for you!"

They spoke for many minutes before Jay ended the call and crashed onto his bed.

The next morning, Jay woke up after a good seven hours of sleep. As soon as he woke up, he prayed, and then he gave Lana a phone call. She asked him to come over in an hour.

Jay had a shower and put on his best clothes. It was their first real date, and it had to be special. He put on his best cologne and his favorite clothes.

It took him half an hour to reach her home, and when he arrived, he called her from outside.

Lana picked up and answered, "I'm coming, babe."

Jay walked up to the front door of their apartment to meet Fred. He rang the bell, and Fred appeared at the door without a shirt on. He looked like he was going to have a shower or had done some kind of workout. "Hey, Jay I'm busy. Please be back home at seven. Also, remember the rules. I'll be checking on you guys. I got spies everywhere."

"Sure, Fred, see ya then," said Jay.

Lana appeared, and they smiled at each other as they walked down the steps. Lana turned to say goodbye to her brother, and he showed a sign with his fingers that meant, "My eyes are on both of you." She turned back to continue down the steps. As soon as they heard the door shut, they fell into each other's arms and hugged for a few seconds.

"Missed you, babe," Jay said.

"I missed you too," Lana said.

"Okay, let's get outta here," Jay said as he held her hand and walked with her down the stairs.

As soon as they reached the apartment parking lot, Jay turned to Lana. "When I pull the bike out and we leave the building, Fred will be looking from the window, so be careful."

"Okay, darling" Lana said.

Jay started his bike, and Lana sat on it. They rode out, and just as he predicted, Fred was standing at his window, watching them like a hawk. As soon as Jay saw Fred through the rearview mirror, he said to Lana, "Told ya." When they rode out to the street and away from Fred's sight, Lana embraced Jay as they rode to a l restaurant.

As soon as they got in and sat down, Jay got a call from Fred. "Where are you guys? Send me the location. I'll just drop in later to say hi," Fred said.

"Sure," Jay said, and he ended the call. He was irritated.

"Was it Fred?" Lana asked.

"Yeah, it was him," Jay said.

"Why does he do this? Can't he leave us alone?" she asked, irritated.

"Same thoughts here. Anyway, if he needs to come, let him come, but let's have a great time," Jay replied.

Jay and Lana talked a lot about their lives and the things they liked to do as hobbies. Lana loved dancing, acting, and modeling. She also loved cooking and baking. She wasn't very good with spelling, but was good at math. She was a super dancer, and she was ambitious.

She was able to relate to some of Jay's academic struggles during her school days. She told him that because she was overweight in high school, she was looked down on by everyone. Nobody even wanted to date her.

Jay cut in and said, "But look at you now! You look gorgeous now!"

She showed him her younger pictures.

Jay said, "I'd go after you either way because I love everything about you, Lana."

Lana hugged him and said, "Aww, Jay, I love you. You make me so happy."

Lana played with Jay's dreads. She had never liked dreads until she met Jay.

As Lana continued to share her life.

All of a sudden, Fred walked in and sat down at their table. "Did you guys have breakfast?"

"We ordered, and it's on the way," Jay said.

"Okay, cool. If you need any cash, let me know. I've got to bounce because I'm getting late," Fred said as he left.

"He is sometimes nice and sometimes so totally weird. Why is that?" Jay asked.

"He's like that. Maybe he's trying to be protective of me. What he doesn't realize is that he's stifling me," Lana replied.

Jay and Lana talked about their families. Lana's dad was a scientist, and her mum had a business dealing with probiotic dairy products. They were very wealthy and lived in Boston.

Then Lana told Jay the story of Fred's background. Fred had a brother named Phil, and their biological parents were illegal immigrants in the United States from Europe. They were involved in selling drugs and robbery. They constantly beat Fred and Phil physically. The boys were abused very badly, and the police rescued them. Their parents were put in prison, and the boys were placed in foster care with Lana's family. Lana's parents had compassion on the two boys and adopted them. Lana and her biological brother Ryan grew up with the boys and embraced them as their own. But Fred was not great in school. He was also very rebellious, ran with bad company, and loved getting into fights.

Lana continued to reveal some darker secrets about her adopted brother. Fred had a violent streak in him, and as a teenager, he was always found beating up somebody in Boston, or he would vandalize the neighborhood. There were police cars coming up to their house every now and then asking for Lana's dad because their son was caught doing mischief. Her parents had to constantly bail him out of trouble.

The situation was getting really bad until one night when it became the worst. Fred had a big problem with alcohol and his behavior with girls. When he came home drunk one night as he often did, his parents confronted him on these things, and Fred attacked his dad. He pummeled him onto the floor and beat the daylights out of him. He even attacked Lana and her mum. Her brother Ryan had been out, but thankfully, he happened to return home early. Hearing the noise, he rushed in and took Fred down. He knocked him out cold and called the cops, as instructed by his bloodied dad. The cops took him to juvenile detention, and his parents had no choice but to file a case against him. He had always been very mischievous, but with such an attack, they knew it wasn't safe for him to be in the house with them anymore.

By that time, Fred's biological brother Phil had found a job and moved out of the house, so the rest of Lana's family sat together and made a collective decision to send him to Dubai. They visited him in juvenile detention a few times and then talked to him about leaving the country and going to Dubai. He was only seventeen years old at the time. Lana's dad had an old friend who had moved to Dubai with his family and was working as a martial arts instructor for an army personnel. He was a strict man and also ran a dojo. So when Fred was out of juvenile detention, his father sent Fred to Dubai and put him under his friend's custody.

Fred had a rough life at his father's friend's house. The arrangement was that Fred would have to wake up early every morning, be homeschooled, and work at the dojo. The martial arts instructor beat him hard and punished him for his mischievous ways. He never hesitated to use the rod or belt. When Fred would complain, he would answer, "You have two options: go to prison in America, or obey me, do good in your studies, and have a life of your own. You choose." The latter seemed a better option to Fred.

Fred finally began to work as a consultant for wooden cabinets for offices and made some good cash. He met a Lebanese woman at an office. After dating for a few months, he married her, and he seemed to have turned over a new leaf in his life. He had a girl and a boy with her, and he even went back home to visit his parents with his new family. They were happy for him, and his parents liked his wife. Then they went back to Dubai after two weeks because Fred had a job, and so did his wife.

A year later, Lana's family came to know that Fred had abused and beaten up his wife. His wife had filed for divorce and lived separately. Afterwards, he was very sad and remorseful. He would talk with his parents and cry on the phone. He convinced his parents that his wife had attacked him first and that he had only defended himself. So Lana's parents took pity on him and sent Lana to cheer him up for a few months. They thought the company of his sister would get him to be okay.

Ever since Lana had said she liked Jay, Fred was very protective of Lana—sometimes over possessive—and had been trying his utmost to poison her mind, saying evil things about Jay.

Fred seemed to have a split personality. He seemed to be a nice person at first, but he would suddenly change and become someone totally the opposite. This was fearful for Lana. She told Jay that she was still scared of his fierce temper.

Jay couldn't believe that Lana was in the apartment with a literal maniac. "Babe, call me any time of the night if anything happens when you are home, and I will rescue you," Jay said.

After breakfast, Jay and Lana spent the rest of the day together having fun. In the evening, he introduced her to the video game Tekken, and they spent hours playing it.

Later that evening, he took her back to her home at seven sharp. Jay asked if she would like to hang around at his workspace the next day. Jay had some work to do with shooting a movie with a few friends, and he had decided it would be a good idea to take Lana along with him.

"Anywhere with you, babe," Lana said.

Fred was back on the balcony, watching both of them. Instead of coming down to meet Jay, Fred just called him on the phone from the balcony and said he would meet them tomorrow when Jay came to pick her up.

The next day, Jay went to pick up Lana, and the scenario was the same, with Fred looking down from his balcony.

Jay took her to the venue where he was working for a movie shoot. They had a great time working on the set. She helped with some parts of the production, including giving some ideas for the script and directing. She was really happy that she was able to contribute to a project in the field that she was so passionate about, and it was even better working with Jay.

Days passed to weeks and weeks turned into a month, and then it was three months. Jay and Lana were very close and loved each other so much.

One day, Lana pulled out a silver ring and put it on Jay's finger. She said, "This is a promise ring, and it should never come off."

Jay asked Lana with surprise, "What is a promise ring?"

Lana replied, "This is a ring of promise from me to you that I will never be with anybody physically until marriage."

At the time, Fred wasn't in Dubai because he had gone to Al Ain for several days and had asked Jay's friend who had a family to house Lana.

Later that week, Jay asked Lana to get dressed up because he was taking her to a special place, but since that was what he would always say and do, she just thought it was a regular date.

Jay rode with her to the Rock Fortress Café. He had ordered a diamond ring for Lana and had it in a little box. As soon as she sat on the red couch, Jay got down on his knee, opened the box with the ring, and asked Lana, "Will you marry me?"

She was shocked and said, "Yes." She allowed him to put the ring on her finger.

Jay and Lana hugged tight. Then they sat down to eat some burgers. Jay said a prayer.

The Trinity was pleased, and Fireball and the angels rejoiced as they witnessed it.

Even as Jay and Lana were so excited with the fact that they were engaged, things were about to get rough. They came home and spoke to both sets of parents. Then Lana's dad had a talk with Jay's dad on the phone, and it went well.

Jay's friends began to notice the rings, and that's when they told each other, "Okay, so Jay and Lana are engaged. They are off the market, everyone."

While Fred was still in Al Ain, he found out from Jay's friends that Jay and Lana had gotten engaged. He was furious. He called their mum and began to bad-mouth Jay. He started to tell her things that weren't true, even though Lana had already spoken to her mum and dad about Jay proposing to her. When Fred was on his way back to Dubai, he was still furious and was contemplating a plan as he sat in his friend's car.

FRED ON THE RAMPAGE

Jay and Lana continued praying together, even after Jay had proposed. One day, they were in a restaurant when suddenly, Fred stormed in. Fred saw Jay and Lana sitting at a table.

"Why the heck are you guys going around telling everyone that you're engaged?" a red-faced Fred asked. "I don't like the sound of this. We gave you the freedom to hang out, and you're taking advantage of that. It doesn't mean you guys can just go and get engaged."

General Fear and Spirit Division were behind this. Fireball shot through the tables in the restaurant and stood in front of Jay and Lana's table in a position ready to strike the demons.

"Take it easy, Fred! We told your parents, and they know," Jay said.

"My mum is not happy, and she's gonna call you, so be ready. She is not gonna be nice to you. Please drop Lana off at home by five because I have to go out somewhere with her," Fred said as he turned around and moved toward the door.

"This is my life, Fred, and you don't need to interfere in it." Lana said.

Fred turned around and yelled at her. "You can shut your mouth and do as I say in Dubai, or I'm going to put you on the next airplane and send you back to America, and you can kiss his ass goodbye!"

Lana stood up, and her face tightened. She was angry. Fred just looked at her. They were oblivious of the fact that they were in a restaurant. Thankfully, there was nobody else there except the cashier, who didn't say a thing.

Fireball pushed Spirit Division, making him stumble backwards.

General Fear looked at Fireball and gritted his teeth. He pulled Disunity, and they disappeared into Fred.

Fred glared at Lana and walked out.

"Calm down, sweetheart," Jay said to Lana.

Lana's eyes were filled with tears. Jay sat next to her and comforted her as she gently wept on his shoulder.

Jay kept his word and dropped Lana off at 5:00 p.m.

Fred didn't say a word. He didn't even look at Jay.

That night, Jay got a call.

"Hello, am I speaking to Jay?" a middle-aged American woman asked.

"Yes, this is Jay," he answered as he stared at the number. It looked like an international call. He had totally forgotten that he was supposed to get this call. "This is Jay. Who is this?"

"Hi, Jay. This is Lana's mother. How are you?"

"I am doing very well," Jay said. "How about you?"

"I'm good, thank you. Okay, so I know that you both got engaged, but I was unhappy that this news has been the talk of the town. I don't want that anymore, so please keep this quiet. My husband and I haven't even met you and your family yet."

He said to her, "Okay, sure ma'am. Will do as you said."

This was just the beginning of the troubles for the next few weeks. Jay would either get threatening calls from Fred or nagging calls from Lana's mother. Fred was devious. He would call Jay during the night, saying things like, "Dude, it's a bad idea for you to be in a relationship with Lana. Give it up. My parents will not support it." He would finish the call with Jay and then call their mother and tell her even more made-up stories and rumors about Jay, including that he was a player and that he was not yet financially established. Then afterwards, Lana's mother would call Jay and ask him if he was keeping all the rules and boundaries he had been given. This cycle kept continuing because Fred was on the rampage.

FIRST SIGN

Spirit Division and Spirit Deception were weaving the lies into a web of deceit under the guidance of Spirit Cupid. As the days rolled by, Fred was talking behind Jay's back to Lana. Lana was not buying it. Then her mother began to call her to talk negatively about their relationship. Her mother had begun to question Jay's integrity. Lana didn't believe what she was hearing from her mother, either, but she would just cry all night. She would call Jay and cry on the phone, saying, "My mum talks bad about you. Fred talks bad about you. My dad loves you, and Ryan supports me, but Fred doesn't."

Lana's dad would sometimes call Jay and talk with him. They had a great connection. But after a while, her mother would never talk to Jay unless Lana asked her to.

Lana would never fight with Jay, but sometimes when they hung out, she would just sit very quietly with her coffee.

While all this was going on, Lana and Jay would receive some surprising confirmation that this relationship was from the Trinity. From time to time, someone who had a reputation of accurately hearing the Emperor speak but knew nothing about their situation would walk into the café and randomly tell them, "You are meant for each other."

In her heart, Lana knew for sure that this was the right relationship for her, but something was wrong in the spirit realm. She was trying to fight it with her own strength, instead of depending on the Trinity for help.

Jay started getting information from his friends around the area that Fred was asking about Jay's private life in the past. Fred was practically going door to door, trying to find negative history so that he could spill it over to his parents. Fred continued spending his time filling Lana's head with rubbish, so Lana began to believe certain things.

One day when Jay and Lana were sitting in a café for breakfast, two random Iranian girls walked in. They were very beautiful, and they had never seen Jay or Lana before. When the girls saw them sitting together, one of them started smiling at Jay. Jay looked at her and wondered who she was. Jay looked away.

"Who is that girl, Jay?" Lana asked in a slightly annoyed tone of voice.

"I don't know, darling," Jay said.

"Then why is she looking at you and smiling?" Lana asked, putting pressure on him.

"I promise you, my dear, I don't know who they are," Jay said.

Lana stared daggers at them, and they just moved away to another table.

Jay said to her, "You've got to believe me when I tell you I have only one girl I choose to love as my girl. It's you, Lana."

Lana knew this was the truth and that he would not chase after other women. However, Fred continued to poison her mind, so Lana slowly began to doubt Jay's character.

After a few weeks had passed, Lana and Jay went to a house meeting. While they were there, Lana wept, so Jay embraced her. Fred started making a scene when he saw Jay hugging Lana. He tried to pull her out of his embrace. Then Jay's friend pushed Fred on his chest, and Fred lost it. He began to yell and claimed that Jay used his friends to try to beat him up.

The next day, Lana's mother grilled Jay and Lana for public display of affection.

There was absolutely no freedom for Jay and Lana. Fred and Lana's mother were interfering in every little part of their lives.

As Lana was slowing believing the lies, she also began to interrogate Jay about his life. She began to question his integrity. Sometimes she would just fly off the handle for no reason.

It was not the Lana he knew, but Jay remained cool.

Lucifer stood on top of Fred's apartment building and smiled as he patted Cupid on the head.

LANA LEAVES FOR AMERICA

A few months later, it was Lana's last few weeks in Dubai. As she and Jay had continued to spend time together over the past few months, Lana began to see more of Jay's life with her own eyes, and it didn't match up with what her brother had seen saying. Jay and Lana began to love each other even more, and they prayed even more. They realized that what they were fighting against was not something that could be seen, but it was a spiritual struggle, and they had to draw their swords and fight together. They decided to fight for the relationship, no matter what. They believed nothing could come between them.

Fred had shaved his head, and he looked like a thug. He would not talk nicely to Jay and Lana at all anymore. He was very disturbed about his own marriage and would often burst onto the scene when Jay and Lana were trying to spend time with each other and request prayers with tears welled up in his eyes. Jay and Lana would then pray for him, but whenever he prayed for them, he was insincere and never truly meant the words he spoke.

Lana and Jay began to dream about starting life together from scratch with a small apartment. They would talk about keeping dogs and moving Lana out of Boston. They talked about things like getting some cutlery for the kitchen.

Lana took a piece of paper and showed him a design of what their house should look like.

"Hey, let me also design something," Jay said jokingly.

"Yes, yes of course," Lana said. "You design one part of the house, and I'll do the other." They laughed together.

Jay also spoke about how he would love to have a farmhouse. Since Lana and Jay both loved animals, he was happy to see they shared the same base here.

Lana wanted to go to Chicago, but Jay wanted to go either to California or Washington.

"Whichever way, only time will tell," he said.

Lana loved to dance, and one day while in a friend's home, Lana danced for Jay.

Jay was thrilled. He thought she was gorgeous and that her moves were so beautiful.

Because of his experience in working with people, Jay was good at gauging people's abilities, so he encouraged Lana to open up from her shyness. He told her that she had a talent to cook and to do corporate event planning. He said to her, "I think you've lived enough in the shadow of your parents, and you must cut your own channel. You must make your own path."

Lana listened, absorbing every word Jay said.

Jay was a leader, and he knew exactly how to go about his business. He had not yet become financially well-established because he was just starting his own business, and Lana also knew this. He did not have a lot of money, but he had completely cut off any financial support from home and was self-financed in whatever he did. Lana noticed his financial circumstances, but she believed in him and did not discuss them with Jay at the time.

Toward the last days of Lana's stay in Dubai, she was very attached to Jay and vice versa. Jay and Lana never talked about her going back, but they talked about how they would start a family, serve the Trinity, and travel the world with Jay's concerts. It was a beautiful dream.

Two days before her flight, Lana began to pack her bags. Jay asked her if she would like anything to take back. She asked for one of his tee shirts with his cologne on it so she could sleep with it to remember him. He found that so cute. He took one of his favorite tee shirts and washed it, dried it, and spent time ironing it neatly. Then he took his favorite cologne, which he had worn for their first date, and sprayed it all over the tee shirt. The tee shirt smelled so good, so he finally packed it in a plastic bag and gave it to Lana. He also gifted her a beautiful, expensive, purple dress. Lana loved the gifts, and she packed them up in her bag.

Then the day had come for Lana to leave. While Fred and the cab driver were outside, loading the luggage into the cab and discussing something, Jay and Lana had a moment to themselves. They stood behind the front door of Fred's apartment and hugged each other. Jay looked into her amber eyes and planted his lips on hers. She hugged him tighter and locked lips. She buried her head into his chest, and he held her tight.

Jay whispered, "Babe, I'm gonna miss you."

"Me too," Lana said.

Then Jay said, "Hey, I think he's still talking to the cab driver. Let's do a fun thing. Let's do a hundred kisses before he comes!"

Lana laughed as she grabbed him, and they did a hundred kisses, almost laughing. They stopped right before they heard Fred walking up the steps. Then Fred came back up to the apartment, and they were ready to leave for the airport.

When they reached the airport, Jay asked Fred to pray at the terminal. When they all closed their eyes to pray, Jay and Lana quickly held each other's hand. After the prayer was over, Jay and Fred loaded the luggage onto a cart for Lana to check in. Lana hugged Fred. Then she and Jay hugged each other tightly, and Lana gave him a peck on his cheek, and he did the same. She said goodbye.

Lana took some time to check in, and Jay watched her every move while he and Fred waited. She appeared again behind the glass window, waved a last goodbye, and blew a kiss to Jay, and he did the same.

Jay already felt lonely, but he assured himself he would meet her again soon. He got back into the cab with Fred, and they went home.

LONG DISTANCE

It was morning, and Jay had just woken up when Lana reached home. He saw the few missed calls. "Oh, dang! Lana!" Jay said as he jumped out of bed. Just then, his phone rang again.

It was Lana. "Jayyy, I've been trying to call you like forever!"

"Babe, I'm so sorry! I had been asleep. I got back home very late after we dropped you off at the airport. I miss you already," Jay said.

"Oh, I just arrived, and I'm just missing you, Jay."

They spoke for a bit. Lana knew the time difference between Massachusetts and Dubai, so she gave Jay a schedule that she had made for their call times.

Every day, Lana and Jay would talk. They would share pictures of the things they ate, the places where they went, and their prayer requests.

Lana loved the gifts from Jay. She especially loved the tee shirt and would wear it every night when she went to bed. She would look at all the special letters he had written to her during their time dating in Dubai. Everything was so precious to her.

Jay would think about her every minute. Jay would go for work, and when he checked his phone at break time, he would see missed calls from Lana. He would call her back and tell her that he had not been able to pick up because he was at work. Lana was understanding. Jay began to call her on Skype, and they would see each other and talk. They would blow kisses to each other. Every single phone call of theirs ended with prayers.

Jay would at times speak with her dad and mum. Her dad still liked Jay, and they had great conversations, but Jay was always on his guard while he spoke to Lana's mum.

One day, Lana called Jay while he was riding his motorcycle. When he stopped, he was shocked to see about forty missed calls. He called her back and said, "I'm so sorry, Lana. I was riding when you called me."

She was a bit upset because she wanted to talk about something very important, but she couldn't even think of arguing with Jay because they simply never argued. "Jay, I know you're busy, but I could come to Dubai and live there for a few years and then come back to the US I don't want to be without you."

Jay said he would be calling her regarding this the next day as he had been thinking the same for the past two weeks. He had already told the band that he wanted to finish the album recording and then go to the States.

Jay called her the next day, and they had a long talk. He said that Route No. 7 had been going for many years and wanted to put out their album and possibly do some touring before eventually going into hiatus. They had not played anywhere since Lana had come because Jay was busy with Lana and work. He also mentioned that after this album release, he wanted to leave Dubai and come to the States for good.

"It'll just be one more year before all this is done, and I'll be free to come," he said. "But I would suggest that if you are game, you can get ready by next week to leave for Dubai, and I'll take care of the tickets. You can come down, and we can get married and live here in Dubai for a year, like you said. And then after that, we can come back to the States."

Lana had to think about it, so she was going to talk to her parents about the idea. She said if the wedding happened in Dubai, only her dad and mum would come, but not her brother Ryan and his wife.

"That's okay, Lana. We could always do a wedding later, even in the States," said Jay.

"Sounds great! Let me talk to my parents slowly about this," she said.

The following week, the idea was rejected. Lana's mother told her to ask Jay to come and live with them in the same house for a few years and then think about marriage. Lana's mother still wanted to check out Jay's credibility as a possible groom. The idea didn't seem wise to Jay. He stood his ground and said that only after they get married would they move in.

Still, the long distance did not stop them. Jay and Lana were calling each other every day, though on any day, it was not as great as meeting in person. However, unlike most couples, Jay and Lana never really fought with each other. It was unusual. Jay and Lana just knew each other very well and how to handle disagreements.

November came, and it was Jay's birthday. As he was celebrating with his friends, Jay got a surprise Skype call from Lana. She had gifted him a lot of goodies by mailing them to his friends, who hid the gifts from him until the right moment. When Jay opened his box of goodies from Lana, he was taken aback by the love Lana had for him. She had sent him a pillowcase on which she had painted a picture of Jay and herself .She had written many beautiful words in a birthday card. She had also sent him a necklace with a small vial of perfume hanging from the chain, and she wanted him to wear it all the time so he could smell her perfume. She also had sent him many tee shirts, and she asked him to send her pictures of himself wearing them.

Jay missed her so badly that he cried that night as he spoke to Lana. She also cried because she missed him so badly.

The next month, it was Lana's birthday. Jay called her and wished her a happy birthday and prayed for her. They spoke for a very long time that day. He had also surprised her by mailing her a package from Dubai that arrived that day. When she opened it, she couldn't contain her happiness. There was an exquisite, expensive scarf, earrings, another diamond ring, and several photographs that they had taken together. They both wished that Jay could come to meet Lana, but it was impossible at the time.

A few weeks went by, and it was New Year's Eve. Jay tried to call Lana, but she was busy and couldn't take the call, so he sent a message to her inbox on Facebook.