Book Excerpt from "Devoted Belief"

Book Excerpt from "Devoted Belief" (ISBN: 978-1-304-87783-3)

EXT. - BEHIND JASE'S HOUSE - FOUR HOURS LATER

Ty is standing with his back to the house. He is crying.

John James walks over.

JOHN JAMES

What's wrong?

Ty wipes the tears off his face.

JOHN JAMES

I didn't say it was wrong to cry. I just want to know why you are crying.

Ty looks at John James.

JOHN JAMES

There is nothing you can't talk to me about.

TY

I know. There is nothing you can't talk to me about.

JOHN JAMES

I know. Tell me what's going on.

TY

Nothing.

JOHN JAMES

Something has you upset.

TY

Nothing is going on with me.

JOHN JAMES

Is this about Gabriel?

TY

It must be so hard to find out his father isn't his father.

JOHN JAMES

This is about Gabriel.

TY

He's so kind. He is hurting.

JOHN JAMES

You're an empath and.

TY

I'm not an empath.

JOHN JAMES

You are. You react to people's pain. You have always felt things deeply.

TY

We're twins.

JOHN JAMES

Yes. That doesn't mean we are exactly alike. We look a little different and think a little differently. You are a genius.

TY

I just learn fast.

JOHN JAMES

So fast that you graduated high school at 8. You also feel things deeper than I do.

TY

You're a Pastor at 18. You care a lot.

JOHN JAMES

No one cares as much as you care.

TY

I.

JOHN JAMES

You and Gabriel are the kindest and deepest people.

Gabriel walks over. They look at him.

GABRIEL

I don't want you to worry about me.

JOHN JAMES

That’s exactly what Ty would say.

GABRIEL

It is a shock but I'll be all right.

TY

Shouldn't you be resting?

GABRIEL

I was overwhelmed but I'll be all right.

JOHN JAMES

You can talk to me about anything.

TY

You can talk to me about anything too.

GABRIEL

I appreciate that. You both can talk to me about anything too.

Jye walks over. They turn to face him.

JYE

I like the idea of having a brother.

JOHN JAMES

The DNA results haven't come back yet.

JYE

Father has already claimed Gabriel as his son.

GABRIEL

He has?

JYE

Yes. Your parents were never around. Now that he knows he was with your mother. He is going to be protective of you.

Chris walks over.

CHRIS

Get back in bed.

JYE

I told you.

CHRIS

Go.

Gabriel walks off.

JOHN JAMES

If Gabriel is your son don't go overboard.

Jase walks over.

JASE

I could not have said it any better.

Chris looks at Ty.

CHRIS

You should get in bed too.

JASE

Ty is my son. You are his uncle.

CHRIS

You feel things deeply. Get in bed.

Ty walks off. Jase follows Ty.

JASE

You do not have to go to bed.

TY

It's okay.

Ty walks off.