on bended knee, tags Raven & Rev. Manning

[Isaiah Kingsley]

Isaiah gave Reverend Manning a crooked smile. "There is something about Raven that grows on you. She is a hurt child looking for love and approval. I know what she did was wrong, but we have a child on the way that does not deserve to suffer for the wrongs of his or her parents. I want to be sure our child has everything it needs to grow up healthy and happy. I want to marry Raven. We can make each other happy I think. We just need to get used to each other. Raven cannot believe I am for real because I don't want to punish her. I do love her or at least I will love her eventually. Raven is creative and beautiful. I feel I am a lucky man.

[Raven Manning]

Reverend Manning sat back in his chair as Isaiah spoke. "You speak very well for such a young man." He told Isaiah. "I have never heard anyone speak so favorably of Raven." He admitted. HE heard stories about Raven from people at his parish. Everyone had ears and mouths and people talked.

Not to mention his daughter was not exactly subtle about what she did. He was aware ever since her mother left that his daughter had become prone to tantrums. However this kind of tantrums was far beyond what he expected. Apparently his teachings were not strict enough.

"Although I am against the notion of premarital relations, I also do believe life begins at conception. Raven may no longer live in my home, but I will still have the wedding at my church. I may not be able to control my daughter, but her wedding shall be done in the proper manor. Besides I have no doubt the effect the wedding will have on her." In other words Reverend Manning was being a tad petty because by Raven having the wedding in his church it would add salt to her wounds, since its the same church her parents got married in.

"Just a word of warning young man. Raven's mother is no longer around....and be careful when they say like mother...like daughter..I assume she has not told you about her mother...No surprise there...." Reverend Manning left it at that.

"However, if you insist then I give you my blessing. May god look out for you, because you have no idea what you may be dealing with." Reverend Manning was always critical of his daughter since his wife left. He stood and sighed. "Good day to you, but I must be getting ready. Raven's room is the first door on the left...I expect that door open until you both leave. Good luck son."

Raven was busy packing up most of her clothes and bathroom items. She would sneak back in for the rest since she still had a house key. She wipped her eyes. No one would know about her break down...no one.

[Isaiah Kingsley]

Isaiah sighed and stood, now understanding why Reverend Manning was so hard on his daughter. Raven was bearing the punishment her mother deserved. He stood slowly and made his way down the hall and knocked on the door frame. "Hey Raven, it's Isaiah. Can I come in?" he asked, not letting his voice show he was upset. Raven would find any chink in his armor and tear it apart. "Need any help?"

[Raven Manning]

Raven heard the knock, of course she missed anything said between her father and Isaiah the moment she left. Raven walked over and opened the door to see him standing there. Raven sighed, "You really are asking for it you know that." She told him. Sure Isaiah had not ruined things. Who ever called and told her father about the brunch had ruined everything.

Of course it was always easier to blame someone else. Raven walked away from the door to continue to pack. "You wanna help and be my husband, then you get to carry these to the car, while I watch." Raven said with a smile and her armor back up. She could not afford to have him see her weak in anyway. Nor would she ever admit to having her little break down.

There was two suitcases and a travel bag. Plus her book bag. "I have more things, but I thought I would come back and get them. For I now I wanna see just how strong you are cause I might end up needing a strong man when i come get the rest." She told him, a devilish hint in her voice. She told him she would not make this easy. However the ring was on her finger and she had not taken it off.

[Isaiah Kingsley]

Isaiah grinned and gave Raven a mocking bow. The suitcases were no problem. He lifted more doing landscaping work. Isaiah didn't look like a weightlifter, but he was strong and more than capable of doing whatever lifting she had in mind. He backed out of the bedroom and took the cases out to the van. Then he went back inside and lifted her up almost as easily. "You ready to go sweetheart," he asked as he kissed her cheek gently. "Nana's ring looks beautiful on you. Do you like it?" He felt at that moment that he really could grow to love her. He just wished she felt the same about him. She kept fighting getting close to him and he didn't know how they would ever become truly married if they didn't at least accept each other. into their lives. Would you like to get something to eat on the way home. My mother is not such a good cook. Ezra and I do better than she does. She doesn't like to eat either. I think people shouldn't cook if they don't like to eat." He liked to eat and cook, it was relaxing to him and it made him feel good to make something yummy for people he cared about. "I will make sure you eat right for the baby though so you don't need to worry. I ordered a book from Amazon."
He had also gotten several books from the library that afternoon when he had to escape his mother's crying and whining.

[Raven Manning]

Raven just smirked and raised a perfectly arched eye brow as Isaiah bow. "Good slave." She told him. Raven gave one last look into the house as Isaiah took the bags out to the car. She sighed praying her father would come back and tell her she could stay. "Bye dad." No answer. Raven use to enjoy flaunting her evil, but now she regretted it. She had done it for a reason, but she always thought no matter how mean her dad was that he would never turn her away. She was wrong...and she had no one to blame but herself.

All the sudden Raven felt her body being picked up as Isaiah appeared out of no where to carry her out. "I am as ready as I will ever be..." She looked at the ring, "I think it looks good for now..I do love jewelry. Might as well add a ring to my collection." She would never let on more then that. All though he was shocking her more and more these days and that was causing Raven to feel emotions she would rather keep hidden.

"OH a man who cooks. Do I need to get you an apron thats says kiss the cook, followed by a cute little house dress. I have a feeling you will be the mom and me the dad...after all you got a book." Raven winked. She gave him a small smile. One that said she might get use to this...maybe..but it was something. Of course she would never admit it out loud.