Pride In The Pews Novels & Stories

“He does. But even the strongest men must rest in prayer.” The Mayor nodded in agreement. “That’s actually why we came. There will be a private prayer council tomorrow at the old diocesan hall. The archbishop and I would like you to attend. We believe it will help renew your spirit.” I forced a small smile. “Of course. I’ll be there.” But something about the way they stood unsettled me for some reason. “Good,” Malrick said softly. “It’s time the shepherd found peace again.” When they finally turned to leave, I felt the tension in my chest ease. Until something caught my eye.

I wake up every Sunday, wash off the sin, and sit beside Daddy in the front pew like the Holy Spirit’s personal assistant. But today is different. Today, Jayden came to church. --- It’s the “Annual Youth Revival”—Daddy’s most dramatic event of the year. The theme is “Purity in a Polluted World.” Of course it is. The choir’s in white. The ushers are praying with open eyes. Daddy’s wearing his long robe and his preacher voice. And me? I’m in a soft pink gown with a bow at the collar, looking like a virgin sacrifice.

The church hall was filled to the brim. Folding chairs squeaked and shuffled as neighbors, former colleagues, and curious strangers crowded into the space. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed like a warning. Banners with phrases like "Protect Our Children" and "Preserve Family Values" hung in smug pride. Mrs. Caldwell stood at the podium, her spine straight, lips pressed into a thin smile, a stack of note cards gripped in her manicured hands. Ethan stood just outside the double doors, staring in.

Trigger Warnings: Taboo themes (religious sacrilege), power imbalance, rough sexual play, choking, spanking, facial abuse, and explicit language. Selene The air in the Cedar Creek Chapel was thick with the scent of floor wax and old hymnals, a smell that had defined the nineteen years of my life. My father, Preacher Miller, saw this place as a sanctuary. I saw it as a cage. Every Sunday, I stood on the altar in my white lace dresses, the living embodiment of "purity" for the congregation to admire. But as the summer sun beat down on the stained glass, casting long, crimson shadows across the pews, I knew my holiness was a hollow shell.

"Still under God's grace, Victor." Zion nodded. "Indeed, we are justified by grace alone." They first sang some praise hymns and then prayed. Gideon was silent as he listened to Zion's prayer. It was full of love, gratefulness, and hope. So much different from his own that's full of constant self-blame and selfishness. Then they all shouted together, "Amen!"

“Pastor Alozie would sanction you…reading a newspaper while praise and worship is going on…” She lacked the words to say at that moment as she folded the newspaper and pulled Deaconess Amadi out of impulse into the church with a forced smile. Fifty metres from where the two women talked about newspapers and sanctions, I sat in my Ferrari waiting for her Utmost Prosperity to ‘arrive.’

Papa wore a black, single-breasted, satin tuxedo with a white-wing collar shirt. We locked eyes and I instantly fell in love with her again. I took my hand out for her and she winningly took it. All eyes were on us but my eyes where on her. The music faded, and the clergyman stepped up to the microphone, Bible in hand. He smiled at the assembly. "Cherished family members and honored guests, I would like to thank each of you for coming out this morning," he said. The sound carried well from the small speakers to either side of the podium. The pastor placed the Bible down before him. "Let us begin by offering thanks to the Lord on this wonderful day." We all bowed our heads and he prayed.

Their hearty laughter and confidence really made it look like the world was really a bed of roses; devoid of problems. St. Pirans Anglican Church was known throughout the city for the calibre of men and women who worshipped there. Most of the highly-placed inhabitants of the coal city worshipped there. The Academia, the Army Generals, the Business Moguls, Captains of Industries, Politicians and Entertainment Stars. It was more of a star-studded church in the entire city.

Although she would always, ALWAYS stand out. “Angeles” Cole coughed behind me, indicating that it was time to go inside. “Coming” I grumbled, sinking my hands into my pockets. Hide them shaking. Hide the pain. The church is full. Fuller than I would have imagined. Every pew is filled with people holding tissues, people clutching each other in order to not drown in their own tears. I ignore their stares as I make my way to my own seat. I know it’s my fault.

All those times, holding her hand as they sang the Lord’s Prayer. It irked the two to no end. Now, on the third time that Keenan joined the Salcedo family, Giancarlo and Claire dragged their other friends to sit right behind the Salcedo family’s pew. They came especially early so the usual church goers who would sit behind the Salcedo family would be forced to scoot to the side. These people may have been annoyed by these teenagers who suddenly snatched their usual pew, but they didn’t dare to make a scene inside the Church.