(Tyler's pov)

It was almost 1:00 in the morning and we were still at the parish. For Midnight Mass, it wasn't unusual for us to be out this late. I didn't want to go home until Ella had a place to go. Josh continued to stay by my side.

When we walked into the parish, Father Thaddeus was stepping out of the confessional. It's unknown on why he goes there, but based on conversations I've had with Miss Byrne, he tends to spend time in prayer in the confessional rather than in his office.

Quietly making our way down the aisle, Father Thaddeus sensed our arrival and approached us.

"Ah, Tyler Joseph, you're still here." He said.

"Yes, Father." I replied.

We met him at the center of the parish.

"It's quite late, my son."

"We wanted your help." Josh said.

"That is why I'm here." Father Thaddeus said.

He sounded quite entitled, but we moved on.

"What may I help you with?"

Josh and I turned to Ella, who was hiding her little face from Father Thaddeus. She was very shy.

"It's alright, dear." I told her. "You can trust him."

Hearing the calmness in my voice, Ella gathered enough courage to talk to Father Thaddeus. But before she could speak, the priest instantly recognized her.

"Miss Ellaria D'Angelo, you found Mr. Joseph and Mr. Dun!"

Father Thaddeus smiled.

"How wonderful!"

Josh and I knew Father Thaddeus had brought Ella into the parish, but we didn't think he would expect us to find her. It was a surprise to both of us.

"We met her in the garden." Josh said. "She needs your help."

"That is why you're here." Father Thaddeus said. "Ella is with you, and you will help her."

Josh and I were confused.

"We thought you would offer her a place to stay." I said. "Doesn't St. Mary's still have the shelter for the orphaned children?"

"We did at one time, but we disbanded that a few months ago."

When I heard that, I was stunned. Our parish shelter always thrived for those who needed it. I didn't understand why Father Thaddeus shut that down.

"What else can you do?" I asked.

"Tyler, you have a home." Father Thaddeus replied. "Let her stay with you."

"I'm not sure. My mother probably won't allow it."

"Oh, come now, my dear Tyler. You cared for Josh for years. Surely your mother won't mind letting you have Ellaria in your home."

When I heard this, I was astounded. How did Father Thaddeus know about my close friendship with Josh? Is he suspecting our secret relationship?

Aside from that, I took in the idea of taking Ella into my care, just like what I did for Josh when he was learning to become Catholic, but I still had my doubts.

Josh sensed my feelings and quietly took my hand and hid it behind his back; hiding the affectionate gesture away from Ella and Father Thaddeus.

"We should do this." He said. "Let Ella go with you and we'll help her together."

After hearing Josh's words, I began to realize that this was the best thing for Ella and maybe something will come from doing this. I took the girl's hand and agreed to Father Thaddeus's offer.

"I'll take her into my home."

"Excellent!" Father Thaddeus cried.

He ran over to me and kissed my head. It was a bit awkward. Even Josh felt a bit disturbed.

"Bring Ella back after the holiday so we can get her started." Father Thaddeus said.

Ella turned to me.

"Started on what?"

"I don't know, honey." I replied.

Repeating the statement again, it seemed like Father Thaddeus is wanting Ella to become a member of the parish. And by becoming a member, she would have to become Catholic.

It was too early to tell, but I am going to do this young girl a favor and give her a new life, just like what I did for Josh.

~

Later that night, Josh dropped me off at home. I sent Ella outside for a few minutes so I could share a kiss with my boyfriend. It was going to be a tough road for the both of us, but we swore to stay together.

After Josh left to go home, I walked Ella into my house. When we got inside, I immediately noticed that the house was dark and quiet. I checked the time and saw that it was 2:00am and everyone was asleep.

Ella, seeing my home for the first time, became very concerned and frightened. She clung on to me in fear.

"Tyler?" She whispered. "I don't know if I should be here."

"Don't worry." I whispered back. "Everyone has gone to bed. I'll just tell my mother in the morning."

"But, where am I going to sleep?"

"We have a guest room upstairs. I'll take you up there and get it set up for you."

Ella agreed and I took her upstairs.

We walked down the long hallway till we reached the guest room, which is between my room and my brothers' room. Across from the guest room was Madison's room. My parents' bedroom is downstairs.

Turning on the light, I walked Ella into the guest room. She had never seen a room so large and glamorous. In my mind, Ella was not used to this sort of thing.

I sat Ella down on the bed.

"Alright, just sit tight and I'll find you some pajamas to wear."

Ella looked at me weird.

"You'll gonna leave me in here?"

"Yes, just to quickly find some clothes for you."

"I can sleep in what I'm wearing."

"Won't it be uncomfortable?"

Ella looked down at herself and the tattered dress she was wearing.

"I don't mind."

I wasn't opposed to Ella wanting to sleep in her church dress. If that was what she wanted to do, she has the right to do it. However, before I could tell her, there was a light knock at the guest room door.

It was my mother.

"Tyler, are you in there?"

For a split second, I was worried. I had just brought a young girl into my home because she had no place to go and now my mother was about to find out. However, I remembered what Father Thaddeus told me. My mother is a kind soul who welcomes anyone who needs help.

So, I answered my mother's call.

"Yes, mother. I'm in here."

She opened the door to see me.

"What are you doing in here?"

Before I could tell her the reason I was in the guest room, my mother saw Ella sitting on the bed. Instantly, she was curious about her.

"Tyler, who is this?"

Ella became very scared. I came over to her side and wrapped my arm around her.

"Ella, it's okay." I told her.

I looked up to my mother.

"This is Ellaria."

My mother came over and greeted her with kindness.

"Hello, my dear. I'm Mrs. Joseph."

"Josh and I found Ella and Mary's garden." I said. "Father Thaddeus took her in, but she has nowhere else to go. I offered to bring her here so she would be safe."

My mother kneeled right in front of Ella, who was shaking nervously.

"Ella, Tyler did the right thing. You are welcome to stay with us for as long as you need."

Based on Ella's feelings, this was the first time she was shown real love and kindness. Josh and I made the right decision, and we're going to help her."

The young girl looked at my mother and hugged her.

"Thank you."

My mother hugged her back; showing her the love of a mother Ella never had. After letting go, my mother looked up to me.

"Get her settled in and I will talk to your father in the morning."

"Before you go back to bed, can you check and see if Madison has any spare pajamas Ella can wear for the night?" I asked.

"I can see."

While mother went out to look, I sat next to Ella on the bed.

"Like I said earlier, we had only met, but I want to help you. Josh and I will do everything we can to make you feel safe and secure."

Ella looked at me and I knew she trusted me. I knew in my heart that God entrusted me with Ella's life and I was willing to take on the role of teaching her to become a strong faithful Catholic.

God was giving me another opportunity, just like what I did for Josh 3 years ago.

~

hi all! it's hannah!

thank you so much for reading this chapter! i felt like it was a bit boring but i hope y'all enjoyed it!

the next chapter will be out soon! might take a while because of college stuff, but make sure to check out my other fics in the meantime!

thank you again! love yall!