CHAPTER ONE

Walking through the garden, Bade hardly noticed the scenic beauty he had always taken time to admire anytime he
was in the Olive Resort. Tears blurred his vision as he absentmindedly
bent over to pluck a flower along his path. He put the
flower to his nose and the sweet smell brought with it more
memories. The tears stung his eyes some more and forced their
way down in a steady flow.

It was one week since his mother died of breast cancer.
The week had seemed like a long, painful, never-ending year to
Bade. He had cried every night. Putting the flower to his nose
again, he remembered a moment, the previous year, when he
had come to the park with his mother. They had lain on the
damp grass with Bade resting his head on his mother’s chest.
Fourteen years of age at that time, he was still his mother’s
baby. They always spent time together.

In school, he was called all kinds of derogatory names.
The school’s tabloid, which made it a duty to gossip about
students’ private lives, had even done an article on Bade when
he turned thirteen. It was titled “Bade still mummy’s baby at
thirteen”. The article featured a picture of Bade crying in his
mother’s arms in the school playground the day he broke his leg
in a soccer match. He didn’t mind however because he loved his
mother, was close to her and had no apologies about it.

That day, a year ago, at the park, he had excused himself
to use the gents. On his way back, he had plucked the same
type of flower he was holding at the moment and given it to his
mother. He could still remember every bit of the ensuing
minutes.

His mother had taken the flower and smelled it. She kept
it close to her nose and closed her eyes for such a long time that
Bade had been agitated. Lowering her hand and opening her
eyes, her eyes glistered with tears. Fighting them back, she
stretched out her hands to Bade and he eased himself into her
embrace: it was so natural for them. She held on to him for a
while and then whispered into his ears. ‘The last time someone
gave me a flower was about fifteen years ago. Thank you dear. I
love you’ she had said.

She then pulled back and wiped her tears. That was a year
ago but it seemed like yesterday to Bade. He knew it would
have been his father that gave his mother the flower. He died
when Bade was three months in his mother’s womb.

Thinking back at that day, he was glad he had made his mother happy. He only wished she had stayed. ‘Did you have to
go, mum?’ He looked up; expecting an answer, any answer, but
nothing came.

He had attempted suicide twice in the last week but had
not been successful. Living without his mother was punishment
– simply unbearable. His life had been tied to her for the fifteen
years of his existence. They had talked, laughed and cried
together since he knew himself. Life was indeed crazy and God
was definitely very cruel and heartless to have tormented him
this much. That was his conclusion.

Human beings were not any better as far as he was
concerned. All those he had expected to rally round him were
nowhere near. He had been disappointed by the turnout at his
mother’s burial. Family and few friends were around but
seemed rather in a hurry to leave. He had wanted to scream,

‘Don’t you people care that this woman loved you and worked out her life for you! Is this the best you can do?’ The words never got out of his mouth though.

Mrs. Thomas, Bade’s mother, was a committed member of the Strait Gate Assembly. She served in the welfare department and was the backbone of the department. She was always visiting folks in the hospital, prison, and in their homes depending on the situation. She was a selfless Christian, mother and friend.

Bade remembered the day his mother missed his soccer match and he was mad at her. That was the first time she had disappointed him. When he got home, he saw a note she had written to him.

Sweetheart, I’m so sorry I disappointed you. I heard Amina was ill and I had to attend to her because her family is out of town. I hate to hurt you but you know I always teach you to love all as Christ would; that’s what I’m doing. Would be home at 8pm tonight and would take you out to Tantalizers – just you and I. I love you. Mum

That was just one of the many sacrifices his mother made for people. When she was diagnosed with cancer, one of the few things she was bothered about was that there’ll be many needy people without anyone who’ll care for them when she was gone.

How could humans be so callous? There were still few good ones however, he conceded. He had been living with Miss Akpuru, one of his mother’s friends for the past one week. She was one of the few who he knew really appreciated his late mother. She had taken him in immediately his mother passed on but her show of love was like a drop in the ocean compared to what he had enjoyed with his mother.

There had been only one highlight so far in the week, but not strong enough to keep him indoors. Miss Florence Akpuru, his present hostess, had a beautiful daughter, Chioma: Chioma Akpuru.

Bade had exchanged pleasantries with Chioma at different times but their conversations had been rather succinct. He had excused himself over and again from the house so as to spend quiet moments alone. He did not have close friends to visit with; his mum had been his world. He had dreamt on different nights about his mother, basking in the euphoria, only to wake up to the reality that he was never going to see her again.

He put the flower aside and considered his options. His previous attempts at suicide had been futile. He could use a knife to cut himself but quickly discarded it; he wasn’t use to physical pain. His mum had never beaten him. Another option was to take an overdose of valium but he worried about what the side effects would be if he didn’t die eventually. I don’t know how it’ll happen but I know I’ll kill myself somehow.

---------------------

Chioma was tidying her room when her mother came in.

“Still sorting things out?”

“Yes mum. I would want to have a decent and organized room when school resumes next month. I know I won’t have much time to clear up often then.”

Florence sat on the bed and watched as her only daughter worked through her wardrobe. Chioma was fourteen. She could not help admiring her daughter. She looked more beautiful with every passing day. Florence noticed Chioma was developing an impressive figure. She was proud of her but worried-sick at the same time. She hoped her daughter would turn out better then she did at that age.

She had gotten pregnant with Chioma at age seventeen and her parents, very religious people, had insisted she have the baby. Unfortunately, she did not know who owned the baby because she had lived on the edge. Many boys had a field day with her; she was as good as public property. Now thirty-two, and still a single mother, she hoped and prayed her daughter would turn out far better than she did.

Florence Akpuru gave her life to Christ in her first year in college. Then, Chioma was three years and attending daycare.

She finished her part-time college programme and earned a diploma in secretarial studies, which qualified her for the job she had. She had risen through the ranks in Micropost Ltd and was now the secretary to the CEO.

Her growth in Christ, on the other hand, had been slow but steady. She was now firmly rooted in him and so was her daughter, Chioma. Florence was in charge of the ‘Y4C’, Youths for Christ, interdenominational youth group of which Chioma was an active member. She had noticed a couple of well meaning guys stealing glances at her daughter and some out rightly staring but it seemed Chioma never noticed.

She had sat Chioma down and talked about it one rainy Saturday. Florence had learnt, by personal experience and via years of counseling teenagers, never to make assumptions.

During the tête-à-tête, she discovered that Chioma was aware of her pull on guys and mentioned the names of some guys who had asked her out. But Chioma told her mother that she wasn’t going to get involved with anybody yet and gave her reasons. It was that day that she decided she could trust her daughter’s emotions. Chioma seemed to know what she was doing.

In her own words, she had said ‘Mum, frankly speaking, the pressure is much. But I have God, you, my books and the Y4C choir to be bothered about. I cannot afford any unnecessary distractions right now. I can take care of myself without any guy’s help.’ Florence had been so impressed with Chioma that day. But there was something else on Florence’s mind this time.

“Chioma”

“Yes mum”, she replied while folding her blue camisole.

“Do you remember what we learnt at the Y4C camp last month?”

“We learnt so many things, mum” she smiled.

“Oh…” Florence got the message. That was something else Miss Akpuru loved about her daughter. She was always so specific when talking and expected others to be; a sign of intelligence.

“I’m referring to the Thursday night when we had the bonfire, remember?”

“Yeah! We talked about being instruments of God’s love to those around us who feel no one cares or understands them.”

“Honey”, she said to catch Chioma’s attention, and patted the bed. Chioma took the cue, dropped what she was folding and sat next to her mother. Florence wrapped her arm around her daughter’s waist and Chioma rested her head on her shoulder.

“I think there’s someone God wants you to show love to”, she said slowly and deliberately.

“And who might that be, mum?”

“Bade”

Chioma immediately raised her head and looked at her mother. The expression on her face showed she was serious.

“But we’ve hardly spoken to each other in the past few days. I don’t see that being feasible. He seems unreachable – so unresponsive.”

“That’s my point. He’s hurting badly. It would be your responsibility to break through his shell and reach out to him”

Thinking a while, Chioma said, “Why are you asking me to do this? You are better at this than I am.”

A smile curved Florence’s lips. “I was once as naïve in helping and encouraging people but I started from somewhere. I started someday and I guess you’ll have to start somewhere and someday too.”

“Then, I am not ready now, and obviously not starting with someone that looks like he’s tired of living – not Bade Thomas.”

Understanding dawn on Florence and she could imagine how Chioma felt. Bade had hardly eaten in the few days he had spent with them. He said very little and was in the room prepared for him most of the time when he was indoors.

Otherwise, he was out of the house. It could be so hard loving someone that didn’t seem to need or appreciate your love. But that was what Christ did and He expects the same from His children. He expects us to love the unlovable.

Florence stroked her daughter’s hair. “I would have taken up the responsibility but I have to begin preparing for the company’s AGM from tomorrow and I’ll be so occupied with typing letters and stacking files.”

“Like last year when you became an absentee mother?” Chioma said, smiling.

“Exactly”

“I would try my best, mum but I’m making no promises.”

“That would do because I know my sweetie has what this young man needs to get his life back.”

“Thanks mum. I appreciate the compliment. I trust God to help me.” In affirming her daughter’s statement, Florence squeezed Chioma’s hand gently. Little did they know that things were not going to work out as they had hoped.

INVITATION You are all Welcome D9ty7, Tiffanyj, helenbee, teebashy, fatalveli, Divepen, Ali1king, kingphilip, onemansquad, tecno4life, bluestarry, jefferyjamez, slap1, supermartin, ishilove, jeanfortune, vibra, almacherich, marynneka, trusted, Shadowbean Abimbawealth, emarkson, jhimmy, UnknownT, laykorn, kenwins, iceberylin, Ollyfad, AnnbabyHot, debonairprinx, rondo235, MzNelly, Champele, Meel unique27, MrsGoodness, Lionize, MhizTemmie, AlienStar, Theorbiter, Ionprince, Susrite, Glowstone, bigwig97, Missmossy, ruffhandu, may3 Tomkhalifa52, okeyfineboy, kechywillz, folake25, tescoleps, teamplayey, ethereal, unlimitedbosco, PrinceGozie, Yudeeaikay, pelontus, justicesky24, mariamferanmi, qloreal, onosj, Rahma26, Kayleb37, Mutaino7, lawrenzo007, Tobilastik, yettielicious, eunisam, Athanatos, usmanspihn, hassan85, princesa, kiddyking, moshood1993, handmaid, missterious, kingphilip, kenwins, SexySapphire, Princesschi, Niwdog, Suspect33, Visionaire, Bunsky, laykorn, emitheo, alabig, marioking, elhafeez, OlufemiWhit, hassan85, davefieldpop, Ridens, sade1, Jayson4a Rahma26, Jeez2, ritzeluv, romzey pryd, sentaljohn, marcusagrippa, sommyqueen, omah1, adegwurulez, missstella, olusegunbob, scopiicaar, Flowtry, simiolu1, Crownfullhouse, tescoleps, alleazardous, whalesbanks, dare0834, Olasultan, stillchris, Bowaley17, dokilolo, teamplayey, Omolsdare, Calmdove, eremy, alizenbohr, atilla, tsodjete, folake25, ritababe, ruffhandu, mozele, Sprintson, trevolady, teemanbastos, ruffhandu, Demlad99, Cestmoi1, sammyomotola, kingphilip, simonhabby, tfabu, Elparaiso,Tandullceblog, Hameenat94, martin98, kenwins, Emmyk, urchbarbie, princesa, Divepen, obumsway, kusibe77, Twaci, viktohmarkz, Activity77, VigorousV, nnapo, Beesluv, edogho, keeper1, ogrin12, curvyschlong, anasbeaut, ncChigo, hottadiva, janeso, olashas, grandx88, joliematt, dodobytes, scribespad, kodylicky, lajaja, kenwins, suxxman, babie78, elemagoon, henryozil, hillsnite, Thermythorpe, goldenone, donephi, Kedam, DrJulian, stalicia, awwal339, typompy234, Skimpledawg, Kennedymac, RotrEmmanuel, sweetstuff20, eagleeye2, OLADO, festwiz, kingzpen,Seun, Lenmafon, kajemjay, hayoronke, temitopedaniel, amenbaby, dopevick, Abbey2580, nisotzoe, haibeehae, wemmieslim, Sheanoel, marioking, lordgalore, Ikeano92, chuks000, monatim, Omololamide, olarafiat, JigsawKillah, xtremelygifted, godsonchikelue, Georgry, Kflorencek, Xtarxhyne, Onyi42, ayomi23, Rounakid, Olusharp, Silkmoth33, harmlessphil, mariamferanmi, ninja4life, Jennimma, whisper2esi, unilever, Babe2sure,bookhy, kingphilip, Chrisx1x, adeniyi00, Skyfornia, Darus05, Flakkydagirl, Ggee, MuniratAbolanl, Zeinymira, OVI75, Sirdy48, bayulll01, Anelk50, missterious, Chibueze90, Diamondamsel, MosesIgb, Fantasywrita, boladex1, Abuklaw, Omortolah, snowprince07, Kingso23, Bertadayz, Timothy3113, BestInDeeWorld, mattiechris, tunb, soulminister, ProfDee26, Hammenat24, Bloomingbud, seunviju, TiffanyJ, moseph, wizkris, Epaul, ProfDee26, babyboom, Inyanga, Grace, Ezeh, olarafiat, Komzzy1, candy, Odward, uchebest2006, Babyjoker, PrinceAdepoju,Suspect33, NeuroBoss, jaki006, light57,jubileesmith,stuff56, onemansquad, ritababe, selinabrown, icebrylin, tecno4life, ogbarmey, adeh37, adewealth027, fatalveli, repogirl, tiffanyj, koolwilly, standd, davidflo, onihaxy, emzypaz, oma4u, stuff56, dastancypayne, Niftyrules, Bluestarry, ishilove, hfinest, iphekitan,

present!
hope it will be an interesting read. Kingphilip where are you? come check this one out

handmaid:
present!
hope it will be an interesting read. King philip where are you? come check this one out

thanks dearie

BTW where have you been

CHAPTER TWO

‘What was that on her face when I walked in?’ Bade was taken aback by the warm and broad smile Chioma used to usher him in. He was both surprised and embarrassed. He couldn’t deny that he had almost wanted to stay and just watch her smile; her smile was beautiful. He wondered why he hadn’t noticed that earlier.

While still musing over Chioma’s sudden and unexpected pleasant attitude, he heard a knock. It was Miss Akpuru. She came in and looked impressed at what she saw. “You’ve done a pretty good job on this room.”

“Thanks. Mum taught me”

“Really?” she asked, happy that Bade had mentioned his mother for the first time in her presence since her death.

“Yeah, she taught me how to decorate a room and make it cozy with affordable things”

“She must be proud of you”

Bade nodded and lowered his head but not before Florence saw tears fill his eyes. “Come here”, she said and extended her arms to him. He reluctantly did but gradually eased into the embrace and sobbed quietly.

“It’s going to be okay, Bade. God will take good care of you, and we’ll do our best too.” She assured him.

When he was comforted, he wiped his tears and pulled back from her embrace. “Thanks; I’ve needed that for a long time now”, he said rather shyly.

“I’ve wanted to since you came but I guessed you needed time to sort things out.” She patted his shoulder, smiled, and then added “we would like to speak with you” Bade looked up confused.

“Who’s ‘we’?” His mind raced and he thought he had been betrayed and handed over to a welfare organization. How would I ever cope in a teenage orphanage? He looked at Florence with fear in his eyes, and she understood what his fear was.

“Easy boy, it’s just me and Chioma. We want to have a family kind of chat with you, is that okay with you?”

He heaved a sigh of relief. He didn’t even know he had been holding his breath until he exhaled. “That’s fine, thanks!”

“You’re welcome”

She led the way, and joined Chioma who was sitting on the rug, watching TV. Florence started up the conversation as soon as they were seated. “Bade, we want you to feel a part of this family. You’re like a son to me, and a big brother to Chioma…”

Bade felt nervous with all the attention on him in the little living room, and stole a quick glance at Chioma when her mother mentioned the ‘big brother’ part. He saw a combination of amusement and mischief on her face. He couldn’t help letting loose a smile. He noticed he had been distracted, smiling at Chioma’s expression and tried to catch up on what Florence was saying. “… or have you felt neglected so far?” she had asked as he recovered from his sidetracked thoughts.

“No”

“Then, I hope we’ll be able to become family”, she pressed.

“I hope so too” he said, optimistic but still doubtful.

“Chioma, do you have anything to say?” Miss Akpuru asked, facing her daughter.

“It would be my pleasure for us to become close and be like family, Bade”, she said smiling at him and in turn smiling at her mother. Florence smiled back, and with years of experience, she knew what her mother’s smile meant – thank you!

Chioma sounded so confident and intelligent all at once that Bade had suddenly felt insecure and intimidated but the moment she smiled, his fears were allayed and he knew she did not despise him in anyway. Florence rose, signaling the end of the family tête-à-tête, praying silently and desperately that things would work out fine.

----------------------------------

“Dad, I have a huge crush on Chioma Akpuru.”

“Uh-uh”

“Every time I hear her sing in church, I get lost in her voice”

“Is that all, son?” Dr. Makun asked, keeping his eyes on his fishing pole.

“No dad” he smiled shyly, looking at his now sweaty palms.

“She’s pretty, sweet, and very intelligent. I’ve never met a girl as pleasant as she is”

“Aren’t you forgetting something, Femi?” Knowing his dad, he knew what was missing.

“She loves God and is passionate about Him too”.

“Now, we’re talking, and do you know what, son?”

“What?”

“I’m proud of you”

“Thanks dad.” Femi said, delighted to hear that.

As a psychologist, Dr. Shola Makun had learnt the power of affirmation before counsel. “I’m glad you know what counts when you say you admire someone. But there’s still something you need to know.”

“I’m listening”

“The best things in life don’t always come when we want them to. We often have to be patient like…” At that, there was a sudden thug at the string. They both stood as Dr. Makun pulled in the line to see their catch.

“Wow!” Femi exclaimed.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” his dad said, almost out of breath.

“Really is! This is the largest fish I’ve seen us catch since we started fishing here last summer. I had wondered if there was potential in this lake at all.”

After unhooking the fish, Shola Makun looked his son in the eye. “I believe God planned that as a sign of affirmation to the lesson I was teaching you. Patience helps you get the best out of circumstances. Take your time with Chioma, son. There’s no rush; none at all.”

Femi was disappointed but knew that his dad was right.

“Thanks dad. But it’s really hard, I confess. I don’t want to lose her to some fast guy.”

“I understand your plight boy,” he said and tousled his son’s hair

“but you’ll learn with time that love is indeed patient like the bible says.”

“So, what should I do now?” He sounded desperate.

“Build friendship; be real with her – no trying to impress her.”

“I’ll try dad and if I get stuck, I’ll let you know.”

“It’ll be my pleasure to help you”

“Thanks dad. I love you”

“I love you too” Dr Makun replied but couldn’t shake away the guilt he felt that he never followed the counsel his own father gave him when he was in secondary school. Looking at Femi, he said “Son, I have a confession to make!”

Femi looked perplexed. What on earth did his father have to confess, but looking at his father, he knew he really had something to let out. “I’m listening, dad”

“What I’m about to tell you is a secret that only your mum and I know about.”

“Are you sure you want to add me to the list, dad?” Femi asked, rather frightened. Dr. Makun seemed pensive a while and finally said, “Yes. Your mum and I had decided that we would tell you someday, and I guess this is the best time to”

“If you say so, dad.” Femi conceded.

They stacked the fish in the basket and sat back down. “I wasn’t close to my parents. My mother died prematurely in a car wreck, leaving my dad to fend for their seven children alone.

My father was so busy trying to make ends meet after her demise that he hardly spoke a word to us except when it came to paying our school fees and miscellaneous bills.

“I lived quite wild; partied and had many girlfriends. I once even dated three girls on the same night. I was good at it”

a sad smile curved his lips. “It was in one of my partying sprees that I met your mum.”

“Mum!” Femi felt like he had been slapped on the face.

“You’re surprised, right?”

“It’s hard to believe”, Femi said still trying so hard to imagine his mother in a club house or a similar setting. It just didn’t fit.

“Yes son, I know. We gave our lives to Christ one year after we met but not before we messed things up.”

“You… I mean, did you…?”

“Yes, we did. We weren’t Christians then, okay? Sleeping with your girlfriend was no issue in our circles then. But around that time, it also happened that papa, as we often called my father, was very sick and he called me into his room one day. It was so strange to be called into his room for a talk that I couldn’t even look him in the face through the monologue”

“You mean he talked all the way?”

“Yes. I couldn’t even get a word to come out of my mouth.

Moreover, he was instructing me on many things, he really did not need any comment from me. And can you guess what his last instruction was to me?”

“That you should marry mum?”

“No, it wasn’t – nice try.” Shola Makun looked into the lake, reliving the day again. “He told me never to cover up a sin by committing another. He asked me to own up to my sins, repent of them, and not try to make them disappear by committing more. I listened to him but I couldn’t make much sense of the instruction at that time until something happened that redefined my life.”

“What was that, dad?” Femi asked both curious and afraid of what he might hear.

“Your mum got pregnant.” Femi was too dazed to ask any questions. He just listened. “So, I just recommended an abortion as quickly as I had to my many other girlfriends, but as I did, the words of my father kept eating at me. ‘…never cover up a sin by committing another…’ but I was too stupid and selfish then to heed.”

“So, mum aborted?”

“Yes she did.” Shola Makun felt the pain freshly cruise through his body. He could barely breath, remembering the day.

“It must have been awful for her” Femi said with tears welling up in his eyes.

“Yes it was but that wasn’t the worst part. There is a part that made me regret my decision with a passion… the abortion was poorly done and your mum’s womb was damaged.”

Dr. Makun couldn’t bear to talk anymore and Femi wasn’t ready for more bad news. Silence hung in between them for a couple of minutes. Then, as light begin to dawn on Femi; he looked up at his dad, with tears streaming down his face. “So, how did I come about?”

“We prayed so hard for a kid afterwards. We had accepted Christ and married shortly after. We trusted God but eventually, we discovered that it was a problem we would have to deal with for the rest of our lives, so we-”

“You adopted me?” Femi couldn’t even believe he had just said the words. The tears now came flowing faster as he turned away from his father and sobbed.

Dr. Makun knew better than to begin with any apologies immediately. Instead, he reached out and pulled Femi into his embrace, crying himself. They stayed cuddled for some minutes before Dr. Makun broke the silence. “We have loved you since we held you in our hands. You were just two months when you became ours.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Femi said in-between sobs that seemed would never end.

“We’re sorry son. We wanted to tell you when we were sure you knew we loved you as our own son. We didn’t want the information to create doubts in your heart about how we feel about you.”

“Are you sure I have no doubts now?” Femi asked, through his tears.

Shola Makun stroked his son’s hair as he gave space for the question to take root in both their hearts. “Even if you have doubts son, I’m convinced that the love we share as family will kill the doubts easily. And for the record, Femi, your mother and I love you so much and couldn’t have asked for a better child.”

Still stroking Femi’s hair, he added, “We still wish every now and then that we didn’t abort our child. We still imagine how beautiful he or she would have been. We calculate how old our child would have been. We still wish we hadn’t and regret the decision we made but anytime we remember you, we thank God that in His great mercies He comforted us with the best child we could have ever asked for.”

Another moment of silence passed. “Did mummy know you were going to tell me this today?”

“Yes she did. She said she couldn’t bear to see the pain and hurt she would see in your eyes when you found out. We’re sorry, son but we hope you understand.”

“I do, dad but it would take some time to get used to the fact.”

“I know but please know that we’re still family.”

“Thanks dad. I still love you so much”

“I’ve always loved you and always will, and so does your mum.

Now, do you understand what I said about patience with
Chioma?”

“Yes dad. But whatever the case, I still can’t wait to see her
again tomorrow; I’m still in love”

“I bet you are” Dr. Makun said and pulled his son in for one
more hug and silently committed Femi’s feelings for Chioma
into God’s hands.

CHAPTER THREE

Three weeks went by. It had been quite clumsy initially but Chioma and Bade had started bonding. Bade was a happier boy. He still had mood swings when the thoughts of his late mother weighed him down but things had started looking up for him.

Florence Akpuru was preparing for her company’s annual general meeting. She had being home late and tired everyday.

Chioma was left with most of the household chores, and it was quite tedious.

Washing dishes early in the morning, Chioma looked over her shoulders at her mum who was taking a hurried breakfast.

“Mum, school would begin this time next week”. Understanding what her daughter was trying to say, Florence nodded.

“The AGM would have been over then and I would be back to help with the chores. I’m sorry we haven’t had time to talk in the past week.”

“That’s what I’ve missed the most”, Chioma said frankly.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“I know you will”

Clearing up her dishes, she dropped them in the dish washer and gave her daughter a side hug.

“I love you” Chioma smiled back. “I love you too, mum”

Florence was about to leave the kitchen when she remembered. “And, thanks for taking care of Bade. I’m proud of you”.

“It’s been fun mum” she said, wondering whether or not it was a good time to talk about her recent concerns about Bade. She dismissed the thought.

“I hope to catch up on some of the gist next week when I’m less busy.”

“You sure will. Have a beautiful day, mum.”

“I will. Be good”, Miss Akpuru said as she made her way out of the house.

After doing the dishes, Chioma had a bath, took herb breakfast and sat on the sofa to read her favourite story website - www.dopepopz.com. Not too long after, Bade walked in. “Hello sister!” he said with a mischievous grin.

“Hi brother! What are you up to this morning?”

“Nothing to be worried about. Just want to see my buddies down the street.” He noticed the expression on her face and smiled. “They are nice guys. I wouldn’t have given them a second thought if I didn’t think they were”

“I just don’t like their way of life and I don’t want you joining them.”

Bade studied Chioma for a while, and then said, “I promise I won’t let them have a negative influence on me. I just need to be around some lively guys not some bunch of boring Christian folks that you move with.”

She frowned. “Guess you take me for a boring girl too, then?”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that. Let’s just say I want to have some wild-safe fun, okay?”

“Just be careful”

“I will. See you later in the day.”

“Won’t you even eat breakfast; I made some sandwich for you.”

“Nah, thanks. We already have breakfast figured out. Some chicken and chips”

“Really?”

“Yep. I have to go now. See you soon” he said walking away from her in a Lakers jersey, a Tommy jean that was half way down his behind, and a new Timberland boot.

Chioma’s heart sank at what Bade was gradually becoming but she was grateful he hadn’t pierced his ear or done anything stupid yet. She knew her mother would have known what to do if not for her very busy schedule. She bent her head and said a prayer for her new friend and brother, and continued reading her story.

-----------------------------

Bade felt both elated and scared at the same time. Elated that he was fast joining the popular guys but scared at the direction his life could turn. Chioma’s words kept coming to his mind as he made his way to ‘The Den’.

‘The Den’ was a fairly large garage where a couple of teenagers met to party, drink, and hook up with girls for sex.

They called themselves ‘Yahoozites’. Visitors were allowed to come have fun but to become a yahoozite involved some more commitments that Bade wasn’t ready for. All he wanted was to have to good time.

He had been invited to The Den a week ago by a neighbour next door who met him while he was dumping refuse outside the gate. He hadn’t picked a stick or bottle yet but had made many friends in the past week. He only wondered how long he would last before giving-in to the pressure he was faced with.

He had met a few girls that caught his attention; some had actually made passes at him. ‘What am I doing to myself; fraternizing with this kind of people?’ Somewhere deep within, he respected and admired Chioma’s circle of friends; the love, care, simplicity and modesty that characterized them was irresistible. Yet, a part of him felt he would be missing out on life if he went that way.

Getting to The Den, he nearly turned back. There was a very obscene atmosphere in the garage. He walked in and saw couples together in different corners looking at the big TV screen. He found a spot near a guy who was alone and watched.

The film had just started and he saw the title; “A long night”. He wondered what direction the movie director intended to take.

Possibly a suspense-filled night of murder or theft or something similar, he thought.

He looked round and saw that all eyes were fixed on the screen. Couples weren’t doing anything improper; they were just cuddled up and engrossed in what was about to show on the life-size plasma screen TV. Bade had always wondered how the yahoozites got so much money to equip The Den and afford all the parties they organized. He assumed the yahoozites had rich parents.

He took a look at the far end and saw the leader of the yahoozites; Dayo, known as D-one, with two girls. There was a smug expression on his face as he awaited the film to begin. Just then Bade felt like running out. He was sure D-one would have already watched the film before playing it in The Den, and a film that would interest D-one was definitely not going to be good.

He was about to stand when he heard loud hooting from guys and girls alike. He followed their gaze to the TV screen and what he saw took his breath away. And at that moment, he knew his life would never remain the same again.

------------------

Chioma was about taking a nap when she heard the door shut. She guessed Bade was back from his time with his new found friends. She wanted to go out of her room to tell him lunch was ready but decided he would be able to help himself out if he was hungry. With that, she closed her eyes and slept.

Shutting the door, Bade couldn’t stop the rush of hormones in his body. He could feel himself shaking. For the past two hours, he had experienced the most emotionally draining time of his life. It had been so draining because the good and the bad in him had been fighting, and he was in between. The film shown at The Den was a pornographic film; not soft porn but hard porn. He had wanted to leave but he just couldn't get up. For two good hours, he had seen, heard and imagined so much that his entire being had been consumed with lust and passion. Before the film even ended, couples had helped each other out to satisfying the appetite they had whet.

He had no partner and was already nauseated with so much perversion that he couldn’t wait to get out. But before he could leave, the boy sitting next to him told him something that was even more disturbing.

He had said ‘you know Chioma looks like Claire. You saw how good Claire was right? I’m sure Chioma would be sweeter in bed.’ With that, Bade got up and left the garage and decided never to go back to The Den, but not before the seeds of lust had been sown in his heart.

He tried to push the sights of the film and the words of the boy out of his mind but it was impossible. Walking back to the house, he kept remembering the scenes he had watched and at unguarded moments, imagined Chioma doing the same with him.

He was both relieved and glad that Chioma was nowhere in sight when he entered. He couldn’t stand seeing her with what he had just done. Guilt was eating him up. Moreover, he couldn’t trust himself with her anymore. He remembered that some days back, Chioma and her friends had discussed on how to overcome lust. He had been so cynical and judgmental that he had gone to his room. Now, he wished he had heard them.

He really wanted to get the thoughts out and the feelings removed but he had no power to do so. He recalled them saying only God, by the Holy Spirit could help, but he didn’t understand how God could help or how he was even supposed to ask for help in the first place.
Bade decided to handle it himself. ‘It would go with time.

I’m sure I can handle this.’ After a few minutes, he was settled and decided to sleep. After about three hours, he was woken up by hunger pangs. It was then he realized he hadn’t eaten. The yahoozites had been too preoccupied with the movie they wanted to watch that they had not made food available.

He made his way to the kitchen and saw that Chioma had made food. At the thought of Chioma, his heart beat quickened.

‘What on earth is this about?’ Focusing on his food, he ate, enjoying every bit of the meal. As soon as he was done, he washed his plate, put it in the dish drainer and headed for the living room. He put on the TV and watched NBA. His team, the Lakers, was playing against Chicago Bulls. He was glad to have a distraction.

Barely five minutes into the game, he heard footsteps and knew it was Chioma. She walked in and sat next to him. “How’s the game going, Badez?”

“Great” he replied without looking at her. Chioma had started calling him Badez one day at dinner and the name had stuck; he liked it.

“How was your time out with your buddies?”

“It was fun” he said. She was wearing her perfume and was all dressed; he wondered where she was going.

“Everything okay? You don’t look too pleased to see me.”

‘Only if you knew what is going on in my mind.’ He thought. But to pacify her, he smiled and said, “I’m good and seeing you is always a pleasure. Thanks for asking.”

“Anyway, I thought I could invite you for a luncheon. I was invited to sing there.”

“What is being launched?”

“A book”

“And who is launching this book?”

“Femi Makun. He’s such a talented writer.” She placed her hand on his.

“You need to meet him”. It was an ordinary touch as they had had before, but it affected Bade differently this time.

She was so close, Bade wanted to pull her close and … but he controlled himself.

“I suppose he is” Chioma wondered if it was jealousy or a complex she read in Bade’s words and expressions. “Why the attitude?”

“You like him, right?” he said, ignoring her question.

Chioma blushed. “I guess I do, I’m not sure. We’re just friends and I’m just getting to know him.”

“He invited you to sing?”

“Yes, he did”, she said, smiling.

Pushing the warring feelings aside, he decided to be nice and be a good friend.

“I bet you’ll be the highlight of the luncheon. I hope you don’t steal the day from him” he teased.
Chioma was obviously relieved.

“You really scared me with your being uptight. I sure won’t steal the attention. Thanks Badez. It’s for 2pm; I want to rehearse my lines”.

“What song are you singing?”

“Jesus, giver of all good things”

“I’ve heard you sing that twice already. Why are you singing that again?”

“Femi specifically requested that I sing it”

“Okay then. But do you have to rehearse again; you should be use to it. Sit with me and watch TV till it’s time to leave.”

“I can’t.” she said as patted Bade’s hand and rose to leave.

“The more I practice, the better I get. If I want to be a remarkable singer, I’ve got to rehearse more than ordinary singers would deem necessary. And do you know what I was doing in the last one hour?”

“What?” Bade asked, wondering.

“I was praying; asking that the song would be a blessing to those who listen”. He was too amused to respond. “Please be ready in an hour’s time”. She said and walked to her room, leaving Bade to sort out all his conflicting thoughts.

CHAPTER FOUR
Bade was seated far back in the church’s multipurpose
hall. It was full to capacity. Many teenagers and some parents
were in attendance. On the stage was Femi, his parents, Dr. and
Mrs. Makun, and the chief launcher, Pastor John Iweze.
Bade, in a few minutes of observing Femi began to admire
him. He was calm, collected and most remarkably humble. He
wasn’t full of himself but was quick to smile. Femi had a
confident gait. He was what all the yahoozites weren’t. No
wonder he had so many admirers and well wishers. Bade
wished he were in Femi’s shoes.
Chioma had been ushered to the front row; a seat already
reserved for her. When she was called up stage, Bade was so
proud of her. She sang gracefully. Her voice filled the hall and
everyone was transfixed. She seemed to create an atmosphere
of love, peace, hope and joy as she sang. Bade guessed it was
the effect of the prayers she had prayed but wondered if
prayers could be that potent. His mother’s prayers for healing
seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.
He took a quick scan of the audience. They were plainly
lost in worship as some sang along with Chioma. When his eyes
settled on Femi up front, he stopped cold. He saw in Femi’s eyes
what he saw in his own mother’s eyes when he won a prize in
elementary school. He saw love and admiration in its truest
form. It wasn’t the look guys in the porn film had when they saw
a mate or the look the yahoozites had when they saw a
beautiful girl. This was a pure look. It made Bade feel angry and
guilty at the same time for the mess he had gotten himself into
in the past week.
Femi was obviously lost in Chioma’s voice and in her
beauty. Bade suddenly felt jealous and couldn’t explain why. He
looked back at Chioma and saw her through Femi’s eyes. It
seemed like a veil had been pulled off his face. She looked so
beautiful in her blue skirt suit. Her dark and full hair fell against
her neck. She smiled as she sang and she was simply irresistible.
Just as he began admiring her in this way, another vile
thought started creeping through his mind. ‘Chioma looks just
like Claire’ he remembered the boy’s words and started
imagining what Chioma would look like in a more revealing
outfit. He blinked severally, bit his tongue and had to pinch
himself in a struggle to discard the thoughts – they were
unwelcome thoughts at the moment.
Bade couldn’t get them away and he finally gave-in to the
thoughts. His hands began to shake at the thought of actually
experiencing the thoughts he was harboring. He then looked at
Femi and the jealously he felt was heightened and he became
possessive. ‘Chioma is mine and I will have her to myself.’
Thoughts to justify his inordinate affection began to creep up.
‘Chioma is the only person, about my age, that seems to care
about me and spends time with me. She even said she loved me
as she would a big brother. What would happen if Femi has her
and she begins to ignore me? D-one told me the other day that
when I have sex with any girl, she’ll become mine and won’t
ever leave me. I have to keep Chioma to myself.’
Bade could hardly think of anything else but he managed
to get involved in a few activities that took place. The luncheon
was a success. A lot of money was raised and many praised
Femi’s creativity. The book was titled “True Love”. The review
was brief but the summary was that love originates from God
and only God, through His word, can teach humans how to truly
love each other. That seemed rather unrealistic to Bade but
others seemed very excited at that seemingly new revelation.
Chioma walked over towards him and they were about
leaving when Chioma heard her name. She turned to see Femi
running towards them.
“Chioma, you made my day. Thank you so much”, he said and
gave her a quick hug.
“It was my pleasure” she said.
He shifted his attention to Bade. “I’m Femi.”
“I know” Bade said, managing a polite smile. “I’m Bade. Great
work you have here”. He said honestly fingering through the
copy he had bought.
“Thanks. I’ll see you around. I have to appreciate other folks;
you were my priority.”
Chioma blushed and she nodded. Bade nodded too.
“Thanks again, Chioma”, he said and hurried off.
Bade could see the excitement in Chioma’s eyes and
wondered if he would still have a chance with her but he
decided to try anyway. I would prefer to lose the fight than not
to fight at all.
“Thanks for coming. Bade, it was very good having you around”
Chioma said, interrupting Bade’s thoughts.
“You’re welcome” he said flatly.
-------------------------------
They had just finished dinner. It was going to be about
two hours before Chioma’s mum returned home. Chioma had
rented a romantic comedy for them to watch. They both sat on
the sofa facing the TV. Bade was all too aware of Chioma’s
closeness. He had never been this conscious but the events of
the day had changed all of that. She wore shorts and her
favorite pink T-shirt.
He stole glances at her legs and wondered why he hadn’t
noticed how smooth they were. Sometimes during the movie,
Chioma leaned her head on his shoulder. It was not unusual for
her. She trusted him. It had been nothing to him before too but
now it meant the world to him. He responded by putting his
arm around her shoulder. But while Chioma took it for a
brotherly gesture, Bade hoped to get more from it.
The phone rang and Chioma stood up to get it. Bade
watched her as she walked to the phone, watching every
movement of her body, his desire mounting. She picked the
phone and sat opposite him, unwittingly giving him a better
view of her legs. It was Femi! Bade was mad and couldn’t bear
the glee he could see consume Chioma as she spoke with him.
He turned away and half-heartedly watched the movie.
A scene in the movie however caught his attention. A
leading actor, who was a big time player wanted to sleep with a
decent girl. Seeing she won’t budge, he went into self pity,
saying that nobody loved him and she too was rejecting him. In
an attempt to comfort him and make him know she cared about
him, she gave in to his desires. Bade decided he would do the
same with Chioma. He was glad she missed that part of the
movie, so she won’t know what his real intentions were.
When she was through she smiled at him on her way back
to the sofa but he looked rather sad. “What’s the matter,
Badez?” she said, poking him.
“Nobody loves me”
Chioma was perplexed. “Where is this coming from? But you
know mum does and I do too.”
“You don’t love me Chioma. If you did, you’ll prove it”
“Badez don’t be silly. I love you and would do anything to let
you know that. Name your price and I’ll do it” Chioma said, not
knowing she was asking for trouble.
Bade decided to go slow. “If you love me, you won’t be hurting
me.”
“Hurting you? I’m lost, Badez”
“You are drifting away from me.”
“Now this is getting weird”, Chioma said, shaking her head,
frustrated. “You’re being ridiculous. What do you mean?”
“You’re getting too close to Femi and shifting your attention to
him”
She smiled, relieved. “Oh that. I thought I told you we are just
friends.”
Looking rather serious, Bade looked at her. “That’s how it all
starts. You say he’s just a friend, and next thing I know, you two
will be dating.”
“Are you being jealous, Badez?”
“Yes I am” Bade said rather too loud. “I am in love with you
Chioma”
Chioma was stunned. “What?”
“I said I am in love with you. I’ve grown attached to you, loving
you more and more with each passing day. And now, you’re
about to kill me with what you’re doing to me.”
“Badez, stop your jokes!” she laughed nervously. Looking at
him, she saw he was serious. “But we are supposed to be
family.”
It wasn’t going the way Bade had expected but he couldn’t give
up now. “Yes, but we are not blood related and I have fallen
hard for you.”
Chioma was dumbfounded. This must be a cruel joke. She
had enjoyed Bade’s company in the last three weeks and hoped
they would grow closer. But thinking of him on a romantic basis
was not just in the picture at all.
“I’m sorry Badez but it can’t work. I don’t want to hurt you-”
“You already have!” he said, cutting her short. He stood to leave
the living room.
“Wait!” Chioma said. She ached for him. He had really come up
in the last three weeks that she didn’t want to see him
withdraw into his shell again, not with the new set of fellows he
was meeting regularly with. “But… do you know what you are
asking?”
Bade was impressed at his ability to play the role well. He
sincerely cared for her but he couldn’t think straight with the
hormones cruising through this body. He had to exaggerate his
feelings or do whatever else was needful to have her in bed
with him. He knew Chioma was proper and he would have to
work on her emotions through sentimental statements. “I said I
love you. Have I lied to you before?”
Chioma was beginning to lose the fight. “No” she said.
“Do you doubt me now?”
“No, I don’t. But-”
“You don’t love me?” Bade asked, his eyes filling with tears. He
was surprised at himself.
“I do. But-”
“You have so many but’s today. I want to leave your house. I’ll
die if you and Femi date while I’m here. It’s better I forget I ever
met you and your mum.”
“Badez, I didn’t mean to-”
“You don’t have to pacify me. I’m not good or smart enough for
you. Leave me to my miserable life” he said wiping at stray
tears.
Chioma was short of words. ‘Mum, I wish you were here
now.’ If her mother was around, Chioma was sure she would
have been able to handle this ugly situation. ‘Lord, I need
wisdom here. I don’t want Bade to recoil but I don’t want to lose
my head or heart wrongly instead.’ She hoped and prayed God
will show her the way somehow. “I’m sorry Badez. I promise not
to date Femi” she said and saw him ease up. She decided to
quickly add. “But can I still be friends with him?”
He nodded.
“Thanks. Come, sit down.”
“What about us?” he asked, as he lowered himself to the sofa.
“We stay as before and keep loving each other.” Chioma meant
love in a brother-sister way but knew Bade would take it to
mean romantic love. But if the statement seemed to please him
then she was fine with it. She hoped that her mum would come
home a little early to end this ordeal. She couldn’t wait to spill
the whole story to her.
They resumed their position on the sofa when after a few
minutes, Bade said something unintelligible.
“What did you say?” she said with her head on his shoulder.
“Kiss me”
She looked up at him and laughed but she saw that he
meant it. ‘This is getting crazy.’ She weighed her options. A kiss
wasn’t going to hurt. She assented and moved her face towards
his. He immediately took the lead and kissed her passionately, a
little longer than she had hoped. It all felt silly and awkward to
Chioma because the kiss meant nothing to her but there was a
look of satisfaction on his face.
Bade felt he needed to continue with the script and say
something that would justify what had just happened. “Thanks
for proving to me that you love me”
Chioma was speechless.
“I love you Chioma; please never leave me.” She nodded. “If you
ever leave me, I’ll kill myself. You have given me a reason to
live.”
His words sent chills down Chioma’s spine. ‘Where is this
leading? Can I continue this way? Do I have the strength to
refuse his requests and hurt him instead?’ It was as though he
was reading her thoughts; he bent towards her again,
demanding another kiss and she felt helpless to refuse him.
Even as she did, she couldn’t get her mind off the nagging
thoughts that filled her heart. ‘I want to love Bade like Christ
would; that’s what mum and I decided to do. But would Christ
approve of my going this far in the bid to show love?’ She
decided she would talk to her mother about it when she got
home. When Bade seemed satisfied, she rested her head on his
shoulders as they finished the movie. Chioma couldn’t
concentrate; she just stared blankly at the screen.
Chioma was however unaware that the satisfaction on
Bade’s face owed only to the fact that he felt he had kissed her
as passionately as the guy in the film kissed his co-star, Claire.
All his thoughts and actions were directed by what he had
watched many hours back in the day. He was acting what he
had watched and Chioma was the victim. That was just the
beginning.

COMMENTS PLEASE

Na wah oh

wow ! wow ! I'm loving this..more please

CHAPTER FIVE
The ensuing days had been eventful. Chioma hadn’t been
able to tell her mother about the new developments with Bade.
Every time she wanted to, Florence had been either too tired or
too busy in her room with office files.
Every new day brought new experiences with Bade. It had
been six days since the day she kissed him. It seemed they were
progressing but at the slow pace. She had done her best to stay
away from home as often as possible, seeking reasons to be
away from him. The last time they had been alone, the previous
day, he had asked her for more than kissing. She had assented.
She couldn’t believe she was doing all that but could not think
of a way out. She dreaded the day he would ask her to go all the
way. Taking a tour of her body was debasing enough; she
couldn’t imagine allowing him go any further.
Chioma knew all of it was wrong but felt Bade’s
happiness was her responsibility. He always baited her with
questions like, ‘you would allow me if you love me’, ‘you would
let me do it if you trust me’, ‘I’ll never become a Christian if you
don’t let me. It will prove you don’t love me and God doesn’t
love me too.’
And all in the bid to speak for God, to defend herself and
her mum, and to show him love, she would give in to his
demands. But deep within, she began to feel dirty and guilty.
Her commitment to the Y4C choir waned. She wasn’t a happy
and confident girl like she had always being. She couldn’t even
look Femi in the eye again whenever they met. She couldn’t
have her quiet time again; she felt unworthy to come before
God. She didn’t know how to quench the fire she had kindled.
Chioma felt helpless but she had no idea that her worst
fear was just around the corner. She walked into the living room
when she heard the phone ring. Still standing, she picked up the
receiver. It was Femi. She felt unworthy of his friendship. She
was glad however that she still had him as a friend.
“Have you read my book?” he asked
“No. I haven’t. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay. I was praying for you a few minutes back
and God asked me to tell you to read it”
“You prayed for me?” Chioma couldn’t believe her ears as
tears filled her eyes.
“I always do. Now was just different. There was urgency
in God’s instruction that I had to call you immediately.
Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am”, she lied.
“Are you crying?”
“Why?” she said, trying to sound as composed as
possible.
“You’re sniffing.”
“Oh that! I have a cold” she lied again, hoping he
wouldn’t press further.
“Please be good and read the book as soon as you can,
okay?”
“I will. Thanks.”
“Hey! I nearly forgot to ask. I hope I gave you an
autographed copy.”
“Yes you did; Femi, the celebrity.” She heard him laugh
over the phone when she said that – the sound was
pleasant to her ears and she responded with a smile.
“Bye then.”
“Bye” Chioma said and dropped the receiver, glad to still
see light amidst all the seeming darkness around her. She
turned only to see Bade staring at her with arms crossed.
“Who was that?” he snarled.
“A friend”, she said, irritated at his possessiveness.
“You think I’m so dumb not to know it was Femi. Why were you
talking with him?”
“I thought we agreed I could still have him as a friend.”
“Okay then, I’m changing the rules. You don’t talk to Femi
again”
“That is impossible.” She was visibly shaking. “Get that into your
head, Bade. I won’t stop talking with Femi. Leave me alone; I’m
sick and tired of your childish pouting.”
Spontaneously, Bade hit her across the face so hard she
fell against the phone stand and ended up on the rug. She was
too shocked to speak; tears spilled out of her eyes. Bade was
surprised at himself and dropped to his knees, apologizing. He
touched her face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart”
She didn’t stop crying and didn’t jerk her face away from his
touch either. “You hit me”
“I’m sorry. I’m so scared of losing you. I get very angry
whenever I feel you drifting away from me”, he said, tears filing
his own eyes.
“What else do you want me to do to prove to you that you have
me?” she said amidst sobs.
He wiped her face with his hand and touched her face
tenderly, in a futile bid to ease the throbbing caused by his slap.
“There’s one more thing that you would do that would
leave me with no doubts about your commitment to me. I’ll
never doubt you again if you do this, I promise.” As he said that
he remembered D-one’s words ‘when you have sex with a girl,
she’ll become yours and won’t ever leave you.’
Chioma feared that the moment she had dreaded the
most had come. “And what might that be?” she asked.
“You know what I want Chioma, I don’t have to spell it all out. It
would assure me that you will never leave me. We would
become inseparable; amalgamated.”
Bade had said it at last. She couldn’t believe they had gotten to
this point. She couldn’t contain her anger and frustration. “You
must be out of your mind”, she said and ran to her room,
locking the door behind her.
She needed to think things through. Except a miracle
occurred, she knew she would still give in to him. She didn’t
want to accept the fact, but the truth remained that her giving
her body to Bade so far had made her more vulnerable to him.
They hadn’t had sex yet but the desires had been kindled. She
knew they were sinful desires. He had prematurely awoken a
human passion in her. She knew she would eventually cave in.
As usual, she knew that in no more than an hour, he
would come knocking on her door, and this time to have what
she had hoped would be for her husband. She desperately
hoped Femi was praying for her. ‘Mum, where are you when I
need you the most? Please come home.’ It was 7pm and it would
still be at least two hours before her mother was home while
she was at most, one hour from losing her virginity.
-------------------------
After the conversation with Chioma, Femi still felt a
burden for her. He wanted to call her and probe further and ask
if there was anyway he could help her. But as he picked the
phone to dial her, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart and asked
him not to call her. ‘This battle is not yours, but mine to fight for
her. Pray for her.’ That was the simple instruction he received.
Right there and then, he got on his knees and began
praying for Chioma. When he had exhausted what he could ask
for her in understanding, he started praying in the Spirit,
interceding fervently for this girl he cared dearly for.
--------------------------
Still in despair, Chioma picked her pillow, intending to hug
it. As she picked it, a bright covered book caught her attention.
Femi’s book! She had forgotten her conversation with him
already. He had asked her to read the book. She picked it and
flipped through the pages. She got to a page and was drawn to
the subtitle. ‘What true love is and what it isn’t.’ She started
reading.
True love isn’t what many take it to be. It is not
just about making someone else happy at your own
expense. It is not about sex or physical intimacy. It’s
not about buying or receiving expensive gifts from
your ‘lover’. There is so much to true love that the
world is missing out on.
True love is first and foremost found in God. 1
John 4:8 says that God is love. There’s no love
outside of God. No God, no love. This reveals that
we can only show true love if we know God and
love Him. God gave up His son for us even while we
were sinners; that’s true, unconditional love.
True love is discovered in obeying God and living
like Him. If we claim to love God or others, and we
flout His rules, we’re deceiving ourselves. That’s
why it is wrong to claim to love someone and to
have sex with him/her to prove it.
Chioma couldn’t read any further. Her heart soared with both
regret and hope. ‘…it is wrong to claim to love someone and to
have sex with him/her to prove it.’ Her heart was beating faster
now. She looked back at the book.
I would discuss this a little more. Many teenage
girls have been victims of this lie. ‘If you love me,
you’ll sleep with me’ has been the bane of many.
Hey! You don’t owe anyone a proof of your love. If
he cannot wait for you, let him take a very long
hike. Don’t get worried, God would provide a better
guy for you.
Only God can make a human feel truly loved.
Guess what? Even after sleeping with you, he’ll not
trust you and would probably jilt you, still feeling
unloved. It is not your responsibility to make him
feel loved, only God, through His Spirit can do that
for any man.
‘Why didn’t I read this earlier?’, she asked herself. Further down,
she discovered that it was wrong to try to prove God’s love to a
person by compromising your stand.
It’s only the Holy Spirit that can convict a man of
sin and bring him to God. Never think you can do it
by your human strength. You have a part to play in
living a godly life that the world admires and is
attracted to. You should also pray for their
conversion and talk to them when possible, but
that’s where your work ends.
You can never love anyone more than God does.
Leave Him to do what you cannot. Remember, it is
God who will judge our love walk. Please don’t
compromise in a bid to show love. True love trusts
God to do His thing at His own time. True love isn’t
impatient or compromising.
Chioma closed the book and fell to the floor, tears of relief,
pain, and hope flowing out. ‘Father, I’m so sorry for messing up
so far, trying to substitute for you in Bade’s life. Please forgive
me, wash me clean and restore my joy. Thank you for sending
help to me when I needed it most. Thank you for people like
Femi, who pray for others. Thank you too for proving to me that
even when my mother is not there, you are always there for me.
You kept me from losing it all tonight; thank you so much
Father. I receive strength to do what I need to do now. It’s in
Jesus name I’ve prayed, Amen.’
She rose to her feet and was setting the book back when
she heard a knock on the door. Her heart flipped but she
remembered God’s word that He would be with her and would
never leave her. She was sure of His support. She also
remembered the bible verse that says she should never fear
because fear is not of God. ‘How come I haven’t remembered
God’s words through this last week and now, they are all
coming back? I guess that’s what sin does to a man – blocks you
from communing with God.’
She was going to stand her ground and refuse Bade. She
owed him nothing.
She walked to the door and opened it, expecting to see
Bade, only to see her mother. She immediately fell into
Florence’s arms and started crying again.
“I’m home honey. I’m sorry for not being around for you
this past week.” Florence Akpuru said, stroking her daughter’s
back.
“How come you’re home so early?” Chioma managed to say.
“I felt a nudging to come home and I decided the extra work
could wait till tomorrow. So, I left immediately my boss closed.”
“God is so kind”, Chioma said, beginning to sob.
“What’s wrong dear?” she said lifting her daughter’s face.
“It’s a long story mum. But God found me and you are back!”
Relief flooded Chioma’s heart and she clung to her mother, not
wanting to let go.
“Why don’t we start from the beginning dear?” Miss Akpuru
said as she led Chioma back to her bed. “I have all the time in
the world to hear you out”.

THE END


Epilogue
-Bade was reprimanded and enrolled in a Christian boarding
school, to create a gap between him and Chioma, where he
eventually received Christ as Savior.
-Chioma found her footing back with help from her mother,
Femi and the Y4C group.
-Femi and Chioma became very good friends and started dating
in their third year in the university.
-The Makun family adopted one more kid, giving Femi a baby
sister.
-The Den was shut down by the community police when they
heard about the yahoozites’ activities.


Please your comments, please!!

Thank God it ended well.
@ Op: more grace

Twas an enjoyable read loaded with lessons to learn and keep tight

Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece and I hope this won't be the last of you

Lalasticlala consider this please

sooooooooooooooooo superb. short and lesson packed

kingphilip:
Twas an enjoyable read loaded with lessons to learn and keep tight

Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece and I hope this won't be the last of you

Lalasticlala consider this please

Thanks

waoh,nice piece,you really tried,more ink to your pen

a beautiful piece with a strong message. God bless you RonnyG