(a/n)Hey Y'all this is my first story on this site. With so much going on, I really felt the Lord move me to put up a story of hope.

Feel free to leave some constructive criticism, I only ask for no flames. Enjoy

Prologue

4 years earlier:

Our feet hit the murky puddles as we tore through the darkened streets of our cities. I glanced over to my partner in crime, and noticed that she had the same fear-laced determination that I possessed. Adjusting the bulging duffel bag on my shoulder I pushed my body harder as we rounded a corner.

Ducking into a familiar alley we both skitted to a stop, before collapsing against the dark wall of a building. Turning to look at my friends stony, sweat covered face I heaved a sigh before speaking." Man Kate, that was cutting it close; Even for us" I said taking another long breath." No duh, c'mon let's get back to the house before someone calls the cops." She said with a sigh, and once more sprinting away. Taking another shaky breath I ran to catch up.

Around 20 minutes later we finally arived back at my house, where Katie would be sleeping over. Using a spare key I let us in through the back door, and we quietly headed upstairs. By the sounds of the arguing going on downstairs I had a feeling we hadn't been missed. 'Like we ever are' I thought bitterly. Quietly entering my bedroom, and turning on the light I noticed my 10 year old brother sitting on my bed." Clear out brat, and learn to mind your own buisness." I said letting out an annoyed huff, ever since Katie and I started sneaking out he'd had insisted on coming. Sticking out his tongue he leveled me with an annoyed glare." Look I busted you again, let me come on the next run or I tell our folks." Confident in the knowledge that even if he did rat us out, our parents could care less, I met his glare." Not happening, you can come when you convince me you can survive Juvie if we're caught." I told him, while helping Katie move our paint cans to put down a sleeping bag." Your only 2 years older Joy, why can you sneak out, and I can't?" I gave him a look that said I was done talking before pushing off my bed, and toward the door.

Closing the door, and quickly locking it I turned to Katie and gave her a tired look." Sorry about that" I said while getting ready to crash." Brat doesn't know when to quit does he?" She said angrily while getting in the sleeping bag. I hummed my agreement while pulling back the covers on my bed." Sure your cool with the noise?" I asked already knowing the answer." You've been to my place you know how it is" She stated while looking distantly out my window." Has it gotten any better?" I asked tiredly, she gave me a shrug before looking away. Sighing I turned out the light while listening to the shouting match my parents were in. While neither of us had abusive parents, and we knew they tried their best with us. We also knew that neither of our families would ever find peace with each other. As I lay down, and closed my eyes I once again held back a bitter chuckle. My friend and I had always found irony in the fact my name was Joy

My life was one that had always been devoid of anything close to joy.

As much as I could complain about my life, I knew Katie had it worse. While my parents often fought they still did their best to raise my brother Daniel, and I. Katie on the other hand was an only child, with a career military Dad, who was never around. Her mother, and mine had met working at a Diner and became quick friends. While life was hard for both our families, I had always believed it was because something was missing. It caused me to wonder often if there was more out there than this. 2 months later Katie's family left town.

As a side note, if anyone knows any beta readers who work with Christian stories please leave some suggestions in the review section. Also any other suggestions, till next time God bless3