Chapter One - Chuck

I was pretty lonely.

At 18, I should have been hanging around with friends and making mischief while trying to figure what career I wanted...instead, I was homeless and friendless.

Well, almost - I still had God, but a one-way conversation was just as lonely as talking to nobody.

I had ran away from home, because I could not stand the abuse any longer...my father was an aggressive man and often used me as a punchbag...or sex toy.

My mother had died when I was 8, giving birth to my little brother, who also died during the delivery.

I suppose my 'daddy' had taken all his frustrations out on me, in every sense of the word.

So, a week previously, I had gathered my courage and ran away in the middle of the night, swearing to never, ever go back.

Now, I was rummaging around a rubbish bin in the alley next to a take-away, hoping some relatively fresh food would be thrown out.

I waited for a long time, but there was nothing.

Feeling pretty miserable, I closed my eyes.

"Could do with a little help here, big man." I muttered.

"Hello?" a voice asked, startling me.

"Easy!" he said - it was a man around his thirties with a short beard and glasses.

"Hello." I replied, uncertainly...I was a little weary of men, understandably.

"My name is Chuck - mind if I join you?" he asked, holding his hands up and moving slowly to show he wouldn't hurt me.

Though it was risky, I really was desperate for company, so swallowing my fears, I smiled and nodded.

"My name is Rose." I greeted a little shyly.

He smiled and nodded.

"Nice name - so...I guess you're hungry, huh?"

I pulled an innocent face.

"What makes you think that?" I asked.

He cocked his head, seemingly unsure whether to be amused or sympathetic.

"Come on - mud in your hair, dirty clothes, pale face and dry lips - your homeless, aren't you?"

I looked down, giving in and nodded.

I don't know what it was about him, but I warmed to him quickly, and felt like I could trust him.

He smiled at me, getting me to make eye-contact.

"I will help you, if you allow me to - there's a nice diner round the corner...how about we go there and get something to eat and drink, my treat?" he offered.

My heart warmed with gratitude of his kind offered and I accepted.

"Thank you!" I said sincerely, holding his arm in a gentle show of affection for his good deed.

It really did mean the world to me.

Smiling, with a soft look in his eyes, he held my arm in return, and together we walked to the diner.

When we got there, Chuck bought me as much as I could eat, and it took all my strength to stop myself from wolfing it - I hadn't eaten for 3 days, and honestly, I had begun to get very, very shaky and tired - I had been concerned about my sugar levels.

The coca-cola I drank was like heaven in my mouth, and it seemed I couldn't drink it fast enough, my body desperate to boost its energy level.

Chuck was very gracious about it all, and insisted I stopped thanking him - he was just helping someone in need, as everyone should.

I nodded in agreement, just happy I was fed and had found a friend.

When I had finished, I felt a million times better.

"Thank you for sending this man." I prayed in my head, happily sitting back.

Chuck grinned, making me raise my eyebrows in amused question.

He cleared his throat and sat forward on the table, clearly trying to think about how to say something.

"Look Rose - there's something I need to ask of you, and I need you to just trust me on this, ok?"

My eyebrows went even higher.

"For what you have done for me, I will do anything for you." I replied honestly, feeling a tad emotional.

He nodded gratefully and breathed out.

"I need you to go to the edge of the woods tonight, any time after dark...you'll be met by a man called Gabriel and he'll tell you something...and I really, really want you to do as he asks." he explained carefully, his gaze not leaving my own, confused eyes.

I thought about it, trying to figure it out, but I couldn't.

"I'll do it for you, Chuck...whatever is asked of me - uh, unless it's murder…?" I replied, suddenly nervous.

He chuckled.

"No, no-one is asking you to murder anyone. Go tonight, and you will see, ok?"

I nodded, unable to say anything - what could I say?

He breathed out, clearly happy and stood up.

This startled me, and suddenly very needy, I grabbed his hand.

"You're not leaving me, are you?" I begged, weirdly terrified of the idea.

He held my hand firmly in his other and once again looked in my eyes.

"You are never going to be alone - Gabriel will lead you to others who are good. They serve God...in their own way... and I know that if you are with them, you will be both protected and loved, and you will never, ever be taken advantage of." he promised.

I had no idea why, but I knew he was telling the truth - I could see it in his eyes.

Breathing out, I embraced him warmly, which he returned.

So, that was my first meeting with Chuck.

He insisted he pay for a motel for the night, and again made me promise I would go to the woods.

I assured him I would, and when it was time for him to go, I hugged him again.

I felt like I had known him forever, and saw him as a paternal figure - a decent one.

He promised he would see me again, and as I went to sleep for a few hours, I thanked God for him, and asked that it wouldn't be too long.