Meant To Be

ch. 1 | Life Unexpected

My life was no ordinary one. I wasn't your ordinary girl. I was the complete opposite. I did what I want. I danced to the rhythm to my own drum. I played by own rules. That was until I met the man of my dreams, and things were never the same. As we know when it rains it pours, and life ain't sunshine and roses. Let's tap in. Welcome to Candace Atkins World.
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Candace hummed the melody of the song that was playing from her car studio. She couldn't believe this was happening to her. Everything that could go wrong in her life, was going wrong.

"It's going to be okay, Candy. I promise," my best friend Lashawn whispered as she rubbed my back to console me. I looked up at her and smiled.

"Thank you, Lay," I said as I put the car in drive and sped out the parking lot.

I turned the radio up as Cut It Out by Tink played through my speakers. This song spoke to my soul, and I had no idea why because I aint even have a man, and because of my current destination, but for some reason why I wanted to hear this song.

I don't wanna be with a man, if he ain't gon' have my interest (no, no)
I don't want your love anymore 'cause you don't take this serious (no, no)
I don't wanna talk things out, I've already heard your story
It's the same old lies
You know you niggas ain't right, gotta cut you out of my life

Don't tell me you love me, tell me you love me, cut it out
Don't tell me you need me, tell me you need me, cut it out
Don't tell me you love me, tell me you love me, cut it out
Don't tell me you need me, tell me you need me, yeah

I turned into the driveway and put the car in park.

"Candy, stop worrying. It's gonna be okay." Lay said.

"That's easy for you to say Lay, your life aint the one that's been totally uprooted," I said as I got out the car.

"Candy, wait."

"No, he was my daddy, and I deserve to be at his funeral!"

"Candy, you know I got your back through whatever, but I don't think this a good idea."

"Well, if you not down to crash this funeral with me then bounce because I'm going in," I said as I walked up the stairs of the church.

I turned around and looked at Lashawn as she looked at me with worried eyes.

"Lashawn, I need you. I can't do this without you." I said as I walked down the stairs to meet Lashawn as she walked towards me.

"I love you bitch," Lay said as she grabbed my hand and we walked up the stairs of the church together.

We walked in the church, and as soon as soon as we did, every last eye stared upon us. We gripped each other hands tighter and walked to an empty pew.

The pastor was just about to start the service.

Call to Worship: Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose. Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for His name's sake. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

Opening: My friends, I thank you, and the family of Richard thank you, for coming today to celebrate his life. I especially want to recognize his wife Dawn, and his two kids.