Praying
Martha's cries for help aren't answered. Drabble.
A/n: Keeping this short and angsty. This was loosely inspired by a church service. Martha pre-'The Dark I Know Well'. If you miss my rambling author notes, then go check my author biography. ;)
Disclaimer: I don't have to call; everyone knows I don't own Spring Awakening.
Dressed in her nicest dress, she kept unfolding and folding her hands as Father Robert continued his sermon. It was that day again, and Father Robert didn't let her forget it.
Let it be known that a father an irreplaceable figure in a child's life.
Oh, she could replace him. Glancing around the room, she found plenty of other fathers she'd rather have. They all sat beside their daughters in a paternal way; loving, protective, genuine. She felt like hers sat next to her in a powerful, fearful way. With a pang of jealousy, she watched as her best friend's father gave his daughter a pat on the shoulder and a smile.
A father provides unconditional love to a child.
She questioned both 'unconditional' and 'love'.
A father is a child's protector.
Then why was she wishing for one night after night?
A father is always there to pick a child up when they're down.
Then why was she bearing bruises?
The best thing a good father could do is teach their child to pray.
Oh, her father taught her to pray all right.
As her shoulders tensed, her eyes went from her lap to Father Robert. She prayed nightly. Before… during… after…
She would always do it again, and again, she prayed and prayed. Yet he would find a way. He always did. Some day the prayers would have to be answered; she was calling. In Sunday school, she had been instructed to pray to the Lord for something that was needed. It shouldn't be for yourself unless it you are in need of help. If it's powerful enough, the prayer will be answered.
As time went by, she wondered maybe if the Lord really didn't mind; her father was so keen on saying that. If He didn't mind… then who could? Who would?
People watched her, and she was calling, but no one knew.
Just like they never saw her.
And now if we have any fathers in the crowd today, we'd like them to rise and pray for a blessing.
Her fists clenched as the man beside her stood up.
Lord, please protect these fathers...
Lord, please, please, please, by your grace, protect me tonight…
Pass them your wisdom…
Let him forget tonight, please, please let him forget…
Guide them in their times of need…
If he doesn't forget, guide me tonight for I am in need of your guidance…
Help them when they are in the dark…
I know the dark only too well, please, please, please help me…
Show them the way…
Show me the way, please…
In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit…
In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit…
Amen.
...please.